Chapman University Law Professor and former Orange County supervisor chief of staff Mario Mainero discusses the controversies enveloping the county District Attorney’s office. The discord has fueled an election challenge to incumbent Tony Rackauckas from Supervisor Todd Spitzer. But many observers are pushing for an “outsider” to enter the race. Is Mainero the answer? He discusses the state of justice in OC and whether he’ll run for DA.
Tag: Todd Spitzer
Posted inNorberto Santana Jr.
Santana: Public Wins, Politicians Lose on Secrecy in OC
Publisher Norberto Santana Jr. writes that Orange County supervisors should reimburse local taxpayers for the more than $120,000 in legal fees they just had to pay Voice of OC after losing a public records lawsuit. It likely won’t be the last time the courts are needed to pry public records loose and Santana says Voice of OC will stay on the case.
Posted inGovernment, Top Stories
County Supervisors Vote to Pay Voice of OC $121,396 in Legal Costs After Losing Public Records Case
County Supervisors Tuesday unanimously voted to pay Voice of OC $121,396 in legal fees after losing a Superior Court case for refusing to release public records about Supervisor Todd Spitzer’s handcuffing a preacher at a Wahoo’s restaurant.
Posted inEconomy, Government, Top Stories
Helicopter Rescue Dispute Escalates Between Sheriff and Fire Officials
Fire Authority officials say they’ve been performing air rescues for over 20 years and are well-equipped for the job, but that in recent years sheriff’s helicopter crews have been racing to the scene and taking control.
Posted inCountywide, Politics & Elections, Top Stories
Spitzer Leads in County Campaign Fundraising, According to Latest Disclosures
The latest campaign finance disclosures filed with the county Registrar of Voters show Supervisor Todd Spitzer, who is challenging District Attorney Tony Rackauckas for his seat in 2018, leading in fundraising with more than $1.29 million in his campaign coffers at the end of June.
Posted inGovernment, Safety, Security & Justice, Top Stories
Despite Spending $100 Million, County Hasn’t Audited Motorola Radio Costs in 15 Years
Over $100 million in taxpayer money has been spent since the most recent audit, which was in 2002. The aging system is proprietary, and no bids have been sought from other companies for its $140 million overhaul.
Posted inGovernment, Investigative, Politics & Elections, Safety, Security & Justice, Top Stories
Spitzer Joins Closed Session After Being Assured DA Wrong About Conflict of Interest
County Counsel Leon Page said the conflict of interest claims were “simply not true.”
Posted inGovernment, Health & Wellness, Top Stories
OC Supervisors’ Attempted Takeover of CalOptima Health Plan Appears Dead
In a public rebuke, one of Supervisor Andrew Do’s colleagues said Do has been pushing for the takeover because the health plan’s board refused to elect him chairman.
Posted inGovernment, Investigative, Safety, Security & Justice, Top Stories
Rackauckas and Spitzer Clash Over Settlement Talks on DA Investigators’ Claims
It’s up to county supervisors to decide whether to settle the claims, which would prevent lawsuits. A settlement discussion is scheduled for Tuesday.
Posted inGovernment, Health & Wellness, News Briefs, Top Stories
Spitzer Says Heroin Addicts Should Get Help, Not Life-Saving Antidote Kits
As a growing opioid epidemic claims hundreds of lives across Orange County, Supervisor Todd Spitzer said heroin addicts should be given help for their addiction, not antidote kits to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses.
