ByLeague of Women Voters of North Orange CountyonNovember 10, 2026•
On September 29, at the Orange County Board of Supervisors, after lengthy discussion approved (3-2, Yes, Nguyen, Wagner, and Chaffee; No, Sarmiento and Foley) the following response to the Grand Jury report titled “California Housing Mandates: the UnintendedReshaping of Orange County Neighborhoods.”
“The County notes that the findings of this report appear to be based on an incorrect assumption about the land use jurisdiction of the County. The County’s authority over housing extends to unincorporated areas onlyandcities have land use authority within their jurisdiction. The County has no authority over the land use decisions of cities.”
The Grand Jury report noted that the cost in California of constructing a single affordable housing unit typically ranges from approximately $500K to $800K per unit when fully complying with current state regulations. New low-income housing is generally not financially feasible without public subsidy.
Exciting news is the Board’s October 13 approval
Exciting news is the Board’s October 13 approval of a contract ($2.2 million) with Tetra Tech BAS, Inc. for Prima Deshecha Landfill Renewable Energy Preliminary Design. Landfill gas may be used to generate electricity and produce renewable natural gas. Simultaneously, this company will look at greenhouse gas reduction.
On October 6, Fullerton City Council voted unanimously to continue solid waste management services with Republic Services after much deliberation.
With public concern about “mass surveillance,” the City Council agreed to “press pause” by turning off FLOCK cameras for 6 months. A town hall will be hosted due to high public interest, following which the next steps will be decided.
On October 20, the Fullerton City Plan was amended
On October 20, the Fullerton City Plan was amended to include an Environmental Justice Element. Nine disadvantaged communities were identified using CalEPA criteria in Southeast, Southwest, and Harbor/Imperial Industrial areas of Fullerton. Environmental exposure to fine particulate matter, toxic releases from industry, and drinking water contamination, as well as income, age, housing and transportation social vulnerabilities, impact these communities. Community engagement showed top concerns to be air and water pollution, noise, land use, and health risks. Community priorities were affordable housing, safer/cleaner public spaces, more green areas and trees, improved sidewalks and transportation and support for vulnerable groups. Eight Goals were included in the proposed Element, addressing: Air, Noise and Odor; Water Quality; Climate Resilience; Public Facilities; Parks and Active Transport; Healthy Food Access; Safe and Sanitary Homes; and Civic Engagement. Policies and programs to meet the Goals in each area will be monitored and reported.
The council passed an ordinance renaming the Administrative Services Department as the Finance Department and establishing Director and Deputy Director of Finance classifications in response to last year’s audit questions and the recommendation of financial consultants.
On October 6, Brea City Council public commenters also expressed privacy concerns with FLOCK cameras.
On October 20, the Brea Council reported that 100 people attended the 10/15 Open House regarding a proposed new “largest in California” Costco facility on Kraemer and Birch and raised concerns about traffic/safety around the location. Staff is providing an opportunity for public input on the city’s webpage until November 5.
From the Coast League, we learned
From the Coast League, we learned that at the Orange City Council meeting, on October 13, the Revised 2025-2030 Citywide Strategic Plan was presented, including progress toward addressing homelessness. Assemblymember Valencia assisted in securing $1.3 million to expand the HUB Resource Center network to help underserved community members; the OPD Orange Heart Team connected 59 people with shelters and detox centers in Orange; the Heart Team expanded its involvement with the Carnegie Center in Santa Ana and Health Right 360.
Two issues brought many public speakers to the meeting:
1) The Rexford 28-bay, 24-hour, 7-days-a-week big-rig trucking distribution center proposed at the corner of Glassell and Fletcher (within close proximity to Fletcher Elementary School)
2) The Mills Act Program Review. The Mills Act provides incentives for owners of historic properties to make improvements within State guidelines and under contract with the city. City staff is proposing that a complete review of the Program is conducted before the council makes policy changes. Issues with the Program have been broached numerous times over several years without resolution. Council member Gyllenhammar acknowledged that this Program has improved the appearance and tax base of neighborhoods where contracts have been established, but he listed several items needed to improve the Program’s operation.
A special closed Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District (PYLUSD) meeting
A special closed Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District (PYLUSD) meeting was held on September 29, to evaluate the performance of during her first year of Superintendent Kym LeBlanc-Esparza. At the regular PYLUSD meeting onOctober 13, her ongoing contract was unanimously approved.
Public comments and Board Report have, for some, become a place for an ongoing conversation where negative remarks made on social media and current/prior public comment sessions are responded to by some Board members. Perhaps this conversation will be less important to its participants following election day.
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Tagged as: League of Women Voters of North Orange County, OBSERVER CORPS REPORTS: Local Government Updates September and October 2026
