Tag: City Council

Deputy Council Leader Resigns After Marble Arch Mound Cost Blows out to £6 Million

The deputy leader of a London council has resigned after the total costs for a 25-metre man-made mountain in the middle of one of the capital’s busiest tourist areas nearly doubled to £6 million ($8.3 million). Refunds were offered to the Marble Arch Mound, created by Westminster City Council, the day after it opened to…


Costa Mesa to Allow Non-U.S. Citizens to Serve on Planning Commissions

During an Aug. 3 city council meeting, the City of Costa Mesa passed a motion 4-3 to allow non-U.S. citizens to serve on the city’s Planning Commission. The measure will also no longer require commissioners to reside in the districts they represent.   Costa Mesa Councilmember Arlis Reynolds said she supported the motion because she wants the…


Mayor’s Spin on Crime is Confusing, Contradictory, and Misleading

Commentary SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.—San Francisco’s mayor and police chief held a joint press conference July 12 to share mid-year crime statistics for the city by the bay. Having worked as an administrator with the city during six different mayoral administrations, I can attest to the fact that each and every mayor used such an occasion…


Cypress Mayor Pro Tem Steps Down

Cypress Mayor Pro Tem Stacy Berry has stepped down from city council, marking the third time in recent months an Orange County, Calif. city has been faced with replacing a councilmember. Berry, citing personal reasons, submitted her resignation June 28 and will effectively resign from her position July 5. “I would like to thank Mayor Pro Tem Berry for her years of…


Meet the Politician: Newport Beach Councilmember Talks Leadership

Newport Beach Councilmember William O’Neill still remembers the pride he had for his father, Lawrence O’Neill, when he was sworn in as the Fresno Superior Court judge. Even at age six, he recognized the significance of the event. Thirty years later, in December 2019, O’Neill was in a similar position when he was appointed Newport…


More than 100 People Vie For Vacant Huntington Beach Council Seat

More than 110 people submitted applications to join Huntington Beach city council following the resignation of former mayor pro tem Tito Ortiz. “I was stunned when we had 110 applications … I find it almost hard to believe,” Councilmember Mike Posey told The Epoch Times on June 16. “I did not envision that we would have 110…


Mission Viejo’s Redevelopment Plans Too Secretive, Residents Say 

The City of Mission Viejo, Calif., is in negotiations with the owner of a former Stein Mart building to purchase the property and upgrade the shopping center. However, critics of the initiative are concerned that the negotiations are taking place without enough input from the public. “They have not been transparent with this project, especially with this…


Rancho Santa Margarita Boosts City Manager’s Salary, Funds PhD

A South Orange County city plans to increase its city manager’s base salary by five percent, and provide her with an annual tuition allowance to fund her PhD. Jennifer Cervantez’s salary will grow from $243,052 to $255,205, after city council approved the salary boost during an April 28 vote. She will also receive an education…


Fullerton Advances Proposed Ban on Unoccupied Short-Term Rentals 

Fullerton city council is moving to tighten its existing short term rental (STR) rules by forbidding the practice in cases where the homeowner is not present during the rental period. During its April 20 meeting, council moved to prohibit whole-house STRs with a 3-2 vote. It will conduct a second reading of the amended ordinance during its next meeting. “It’s…


Santa Ana Zoo Hits the Road 

The Santa Ana Zoo is bringing its creatures into the community. Its city council on April 20 unanimously approved the purchase of a Ford Transit Crew T-350 van that will serve as a mobile zoo. It will be used to provide offsite youth educational programs by transporting ambassador zoo animals to designated locations. “I think it’s fantastic: An opportunity to take our…