After an email blast to OC Superior Court judges last week – featuring a You Tube video of Todd Spitzer’s bizarre police interview following his erroneous citizens’ arrest of an evangelist – a Voice of OC open records lawsuit against the County of Orange was delayed until today.
Tag: Ralph M. Brown Act
Posted inCountywide, Government, Top Stories
ACLU Threatens to Sue OC Supervisors Over Alleged Free Speech Violations
In recent months, Orange County supervisors put tighter and tighter restrictions on speakers who try to address them at public board meetings. The ACLU’s letter is prompting county officials to consider possible policy changes.
Posted inNorberto Santana Jr.
Santana: Can Local Government Operate in Total Secrecy?
This week, the nation celebrates Sunshine Week, an annual event recognizing the need for more open government and access to public records. Here in Orange County, Voice of OC marks the holiday in court. On Tuesday, a yearlong battle to get public records about a bizarre incident – involving a county supervisor, an evangelist, a gun and handcuffs – goes to trial.
Posted inCountywide, Government, Top Stories, Transportation
Transportation Authority Kept Secret Cyber Attack That Cost $600,000
A February cyber attack on Orange County Transportation Authority servers resulted in the total shutdown of email, voicemail and numerous other services. Officials kept the attack secret, which could be a violation of the state’s open meetings law.
Posted inCountywide, Government, Top Stories, Water, Power & Waste
Water District’s Secretive Committees Likely Violate Open Meetings Law
The Orange County Water District’s Board of Directors has several committees that meet outside of public view. And several of them appear to be doing so illegally, according to open government expert Terry Francke.
Posted inGarden Grove, News Briefs
After Public Outcry, Garden Grove Council Supports Audit of Former Fire Chief’s Job
The Garden Grove City Council is likely to approve an audit of a controversial job created for its former fire chief David Barlag, after an abrupt change of heart by two council members who had opposed the audit.
Posted inSeal Beach
CalAware: Seal Beach Council Broke Open Meetings Law
Council members violated the law by meeting secretly to approve a costly lobbying contract, according to open government advocates. While not admitting wrongdoing, the council promised Monday to not break the law in the future.
Posted inCommunity Opinion, Countywide
Cook: Are Special Districts Shadow Governments? Consider our own OC Water District
Shadowy ghost governments, operating with little oversight and unknown to the public, exist right here in Orange County. The Orange County Water District is the poster child.
Posted inSanta Ana
Santa Ana Extends City Manager’s Contract, Publicly Approves Bonus
The public vote on a $17,000 bonus for City Manager David Cavazos came after questions were raised about a closed-session vote on the bonus last month.
Posted inCountywide, News Briefs, Santa Ana, Top Stories
Expert: Vote on Santa Ana City Manager’s Bonus Violated State Law
City officials didn’t properly notify the public that the city council would be considering a $17,000 performance bonus for City Manager David Cavazos, according to the state’s leading open government expert.
