June 1, 2018
Honoring Veterans
OCEA Column in the OC Register: Honor veterans by voting yes on Irvine’s Measure B
So many of our neighbors put out their American flags in honor of the fallen on Memorial Day. Maybe this June, voters in Irvine will draw from that same patriotic place and give veterans what they’ve been working to accomplish for nearly 20 years — a veterans cemetery in Orange County.
Labor
UC Berkeley Labor City: The Union Effect in California #1: Wages, Benefits, and Use of Public Safety Net Programs
A groundbreaking report by UC Berkeley shows that by organizing and bargaining collectively, union workers are able to significantly improve their wages, benefits, and working conditions. For many Californians, unions are an important pathway to the middle class.
Orange County
Voice of OC: Grand Jury to Cities & County: Stop fighting, form regional homelessness board
The Grand Jury identified numerous “roadblocks” to efforts to alleviate homelessness, singling out a lack of “political will” as the most significant. Other roadblocks include the need for better collaboration to obtain funding, identification of sites to build the homes, and residents’ fear of attracting more homeless people.
Daily Pilot: Costa Mesa’s proposed $163.7-million budget brings calls for caution about spending and fees
The call for fiscal conservatism was one of the more common refrains during hearings Tuesday and Wednesday about the city’s initial $163.7-million spending plan for the next fiscal year, which begins July 1.
OC Register: Mortgage rates see first decline in a month
From Freddie Mac’s weekly survey: Seeing its first decline in four weeks, the 30-year fixed rate averaged 4.66 percent, dropping 10 basis points from last week’s 4.66 percent. The 15-year fixed averaged 4.06 percent, better by nine basis points over last week’s 4.15 percent.
OC Register: County fairs: It’s summer — time for carnival rides, deep-fried Twinkies and blue-ribbon fun
OC fair entertainment at the adjacent Pacific Amphitheatre includes the Steve Miller Band on their 50th anniversary tour, Willie Nelson, Steve Martin, and rising country star Brett Eldredge, among others.
Publication Date: June 1, 2018