November 2, 2021 Media Brief
Orange County
Voice of OC: County of Orange lawyers up over offshore oil spill
Orange County officials are gearing up for a potential lawsuit against oil pipeline operator Amplify Energy to cover costs for cleanup and response to last month’s oil spill, if the county isn’t reimbursed through the normal spill claims process.
Voice of OC: Pipeline operator had problems with shut-down valves, pressure sensors for years
The documents, obtained by Voice of OC through a Freedom of Information Act request, come as federal authorities probe why it apparently took hours to shut down the pipeline after sensors indicated a drop in pressure.
Voice of OC: Placentia joins OC cities” homeless shuffle: City cracks down on people sleeping in cars
As Fullerton loses funding to use the regional shelter in its own city, residents there are being shuffled to others across north county. In South County, people are still on the streets months after being pushed off an encampment below San Clemente, despite assurances of services by officials that would not be the case.
OC Register: Irvine plans how to spend $56 million in coronavirus relief funds
The largest chunk of money allocated falls under the city’s quality of life theme: more than $25 million, which includes $5 million from the pot for vulnerable residents and small businesses.
OC Register: OC judge rules in favor of former opioid makers in $50 billion lawsuit
It’s the first time a judge or jury has rejected claims by states or local governments that ex-opioid makers should be held liable for the fallout from the U.S. opioid epidemic, which has claimed the lives of almost 500,000 Americans over the last two decades.
OC Register: Vaccine mandates at universities and colleges could mean thousands of dollars of GI Bill benefits are lost
Military veterans eligible for GI Bill benefits at state and community colleges and universities with COVID-19 vaccination mandates may have to drop classes and would likely lose out on thousands of dollars in monthly housing allowances if they choose not to get the shot.
Labor
Labor 411: U.S. reaches deal with European Union to undo Trump tariffs
The agreement will put an end to retaliatory tariffs that the European Union had imposed on American products including orange juice, bourbon and motorcycles. It will also avert additional tariffs on American products that were set to go into effect on Dec. 1.”
California
KTLA: Tiny seedlings of giant sequoias rise from ashes of wildfire at Sequoia Crest
The bright green seedling that barely reached a child’s knees is part of an unusual project to plant offspring from some of the largest and oldest trees on the planet to see if genes that allowed the parent to survive so long will protect new growth from the perils of climate change
Publication Date: November 2, 2021
