November 4, 2021 Media Brief
Orange County
OC Register: OC fairgrounds vaccination site now open
In a few months, people may be lining up at the OC Fair and Event Center for live music, corn dogs and the giant Ferris wheel. But first they are lining up there for COVID-19 vaccinations – which could help make the in-person fair planned this summer a reality.
Voice of OC: Huntington Beach city manager moves to Irvine, ending city’s year-long search for the top spot
Oliver Chi is set to be the next Irvine City Manager, taking over the wheel of one of Orange County’s largest cities and leaving Huntington Beach behind after just over two years.
OC Register: Coronavirus: 64% of Orange County is fully vaccinated with 292 new cases reported Nov. 4
The OC Health Care Agency reported 292 new cases of the coronavirus on Thursday, Nov. 4, increasing the cumulative total since tracking began in the county to 306,274.
Voice of OC: Opponents of Santa Ana’s new rent control law now working to have voters repeal it
Santa Ana entered a new era when its elected leaders last month enacted the first citywide rent control ordinance in Orange County, sparking immediate opposition from a statewide landlord interest group.
Voice of OC: Costa Mesa continues ban on short term rentals; city council vows to come back with regulations
The debate over short term rentals continues to be a flashpoint of community concern throughout Orange County, with Costa Mesa taking a strong stance against the rentals following a series of resident complaints.
OC Register: 6 years after disastrous Aliso Canyon gas leak, officials vote unanimously to expand facility
The proposals, officials said, were part of the agency’s plan to eventually close the facility in the most effective way. Nonetheless, nearly 40 residents and activists called the agency, urging lawmakers not to increase the size of the field.
Labor
Labor 411: Ford becomes first U.S. car manufacturer to mandate vaccine for workers
At this time, employees who refuse to get vaccinated and do not have an approved medical or religious accommodation may be put on unpaid leave with job protection for up to 30 days, the company said.
California
KTLA: California AG Rob Bonta puts focus on affordable housing
California’s attorney general said Wednesday he is putting a new emphasis on trying to alleviate the state’s seemingly intractable affordable housing problem, including by creating a “strike force” to focus on tenant protections.
Nation
OC Register: Justice department sues Texas over new voting restrictions
The law, which bans 24-hour and drive-thru voting, imposes new hurdles on mail-in ballots and empowers partisan poll watchers, was signed by Texas’ Republican Gov. Greg Abbott in September.
Publication Date: November 4, 2021
