Imported Article – 2026-05-09 01:18:47

Brea and Placentia are updating local regulations on short-term rentals like Airbnb to address issues such as noisy parties, parking congestion, and noise complaints from residents in Orange County.

Placentia officials are now requiring permits, limiting the number of guests in short-term rentals, and implementing buffer zones to control the number of Airbnb properties in neighborhoods.

In neighboring Brea, fines for violating short-term rental laws have been increased from $100 to $1,500 for the first offense. This change aims to encourage Airbnb owners to comply with local regulations under a pilot program launched earlier this year.

The political spending is intensifying in the OC Board of Supervisors race leading up to the June 2 primary election. The outcome of this election could determine whether Democrats maintain control of the board or if Republicans regain the majority.

A local congressman and veteran leader are establishing an advisory panel to focus on clinical psychedelic therapy for veterans with PTSD. This initiative follows a presidential executive order that has opened the door for such treatments and the introduction of federal legislation to formalize them.

Santa Ana is set to become the second city in Orange County to mandate employee monitoring of self-checkout stands at major retailers. Retail union officials view this as a safety measure for workers and a way to reduce theft, while the grocery industry predicts it will result in higher consumer prices.

At Cal State Fullerton, various student programs are facing funding shortages for the upcoming fall semester due to a surge in funding requests. This could jeopardize longstanding programs like the speech and debate team and music programs.

Despite calls from residents for a new traffic signal at a busy intersection in Fullerton, city council members rejected the $650,000 proposal as they anticipate a $13.7 million deficit in the city’s upcoming budget year.

Irvine officials are also dealing with budget deficits as they work to cut spending and increase revenue to address a projected $6 million spending gap this year, which could grow to a $47 million deficit in five years.

Irvine City Council members are considering revamping the city council election process by exploring ranked choice voting, similar to that used in other cities like San Francisco, Oakland, and Berkeley.

OC Animal Care officials have released a report outlining progress in implementing the county’s animal shelter strategic plan, although former volunteers and animal advocates question its effectiveness.

Seal Beach residents may soon have easier access to parking permits as local officials consider streamlining the application process to alleviate overflow parking in the coastal town.