Irvine City Council members are grappling with a projected budget shortfall of $6 million by the end of this fiscal year – a deficit that could expand to $47 million by the end of the decade.
Yet half of the city council mostly dismissed concerns and voted against immediately cutting Irvine’s spending through measures like hiring freezes, stating they would like to gather more information on the matter at next month’s meeting.
Officials in nearby Santa Ana are preparing for a series of spending cuts and potential new fees as they aim to address a projected $19 million budget shortfall – a significant deficit that could impact city finances before the sales tax increase expires.
City council members in Orange transferred $17 million from other funds to help cover the general fund’s projected deficit – including moving $10 million from the capital fund. Officials are also delaying tasks such as repairing city hall’s roof and renovating a couple of fire stations due to the deficit.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is launching an investigation into herbicide use in San Juan and Trabuco creeks following concerns raised by local residents about the chemical, while also pointing out the challenges in oversight due to a complex network of agencies.
Fullerton city officials are seeking to strengthen their enforcement against illegal cannabis shops by revising city laws that could result in fines of $10,000 per day and up to six months in jail for operating illegal cannabis shops.
Laguna Beach is set to be the next OC town to prohibit EZ-UPs on the coastline, as well as tables larger than six feet by six feet.
New affordable housing is on the way to Lake Forest after city council members approved a development plan for a vacant 6.5-acre site in Whispering Hills.
Vehicles with disabled placards and disabled veterans’ license plates will be exempt from Brea’s revamped street sweeping regulations after officials reintroduced parking restriction enforcement and increased fines.
Costa Mesa is preparing for multiple park renovations across the city as a parks and playground assessment plan progresses through city commissions.
Officials in Orange are also working towards cleaning up and preserving Santiago Creek after facing years of delays.
Spencer Custodio is the civic editor. You can reach him at scustodio@voiceofoc.org. Follow him on Twitter @SpencerCustodio.
