September 27, 2021 Media Brief
Orange County
Voice of OC: Conflict concerns as OC’s health chief recommends $600,000 no-bid contract with vendor he advises
Orange County’s health director is drawing conflict of interest questions, as he recommends hiring a contractor he advises on the side, for over half a million dollars in county work – all without competitive bidding.
Voice of OC: Stanton City Council to consider making COVID vaccine mandatory for employees
If approved, employees could lose their jobs if they don’t comply with the policy and volunteers, as well as contractors who don’t follow the mandate will not be allowed to work at city facilities.
Voice of OC: How did Angel Stadium sell for $150 million? A judge’s ruling could help answer that
On Monday, Orange County Superior Court Judge David Hoffer decided the city hasn’t produced enough records in a lawsuit filed by the People’s Homeless Task Force and has ordered the city to conduct another records search.
OC Register: Suit to block tear-down of San Onofre nuclear plant fails
A Los Angeles judge has thrown out a lawsuit seeking to halt the tear-down of the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, clearing the way for demolition of the spent fuel pools — and most everything else — at the shuttered plant.
Voice of OC: Irvine City Council to vote on new commercial truck restrictions
The discussions come after years of resident complaints about the All American Asphalt factory in the northern part of the city, where homeowners say the factory’s emissions have ruined their quality of life and they fear for the long term health effects of living near the plant.
Voice of OC: Huntington Beach extends date for short-term rental homeowner permits
The City Council voted unanimously last Tuesday in favor of a three-month extension with some members saying it was a modest accommodation. Short-term rental owners told council members that the extension was much needed and would help them avoid financial pain.
California
OC Register: Unprecedented drought, heat mark start of fire season for Southern California
The Western United States is in its second year of drought. Most of California, 88%, is experiencing extreme or exceptional drought and parts of the Sierra Nevada and Northern California are experiencing the worst drought on record.
Nation
OC Register: Hospitals fear staffing shortages as vaccine deadlines loom
Hospitals and nursing homes around the U.S. are bracing for worsening staff shortages as state deadlines arrive for health care workers to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
Associated Press: Legislation to keep federal government operating blocked
Republican senators blocked a bill Monday night to keep the government operating and allow federal borrowing, but Democrats aiming to avert a shutdown are likely to try again — at the same time pressing ahead on President Joe Biden’s big plans to reshape government.
Publication Date: September 27, 2021
