Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer is facing more harassment lawsuits, with a second female prosecutor winning a case against the county. She claimed she experienced harassment from a senior prosecutor hired by Spitzer, which went unnoticed. Initially, she accused Spitzer and his executive staff of retaliation for reporting the harassment, but later withdrew the claim. Spitzer, speaking through a spokesperson, blamed the former employee for the situation and criticized the county lawyers for mishandling the investigation.
The Santa Ana Police Chief publicly rejected claims from the Department of Homeland Security about federal officials being attacked at an ICE protest. City police refused a request to assist federal agents at the downtown federal building. Meanwhile, Fullerton and San Clemente are reducing subsidized transportation services for older residents due to financial constraints.
As Westminster gears up for the Tet Parade this Saturday to celebrate the Year of the Horse, the Lent and Ramadan observances begin, ushering in a time of fasting for Christians and Muslims. This month also commemorates the centennial of Black History Month.
Several Orange County cities are considering banning Kratom, with Garden Grove and Dana Point contemplating restrictions on the substance. Residents advocate targeting the synthetic form rather than the natural version that provides energy. Irvine successfully closed an asphalt factory due to pollution complaints and plans to construct a new neighborhood near the Bowerman Landfill, which has received violation notices for air quality issues.
Irvine city officials are exploring the establishment of a bicycle transportation hub at the train station, featuring storage and repair services. Huntington Beach officials are working on replacing the old Ruby’s Diner at the pier, with concerns raised about the slow progress of securing a new restaurant.
The civic editor, Spencer Custodio, can be reached at scustodio@voiceofoc.org and followed on Twitter @SpencerCustodio.
