After California voters overwhelmingly approved redrawing congressional districts under Prop. 50, two prominent Republican Congress members are eying the same U.S. House seat to represent eastern Orange County and Riverside County.
The sudden change in Congressional districts also means Huntington Beach – a MAGA stronghold – will be represented by Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Long Beach), an outspoken progressive who’s pledged to help Democrats get elected to local offices.
It all comes as county officials are grappling with the sudden loss of food and housing benefits as the federal shutdown drags on, with food bank leaders warning OC Supervisors that demand for food is surging ahead of the winter holiday season.
One county supervisor raised major concerns that a proposed federal cap on funding for permanent supportive housing money could force many residents who recently got into housing to go back on the street.
A homeless encampment outside of a vacant building in Stanton, Calif., on Nov. 26, 2024. Credit: ERIKA TAYLOR, Voice of OC
At the same time, OC Supervisors are cracking down on homeless encampments on county property – following suit of major cities like Anaheim and Santa Ana.
Huntington Beach’s voter ID law was struck down by a state appellate court this week after a three-judge panel ruled cities don’t have the authority to implement such voting requirements.
Irvine officials are considering rolling out a resource center for the LGTQIA+ community, with some council members saying the center can offer a space space, health services and peer support groups – especially for younger people.
After years of legal battles fighting the switch to district elections, Mission Viejo City Council members voted to stagger term limits after next year’s election by giving some council members two-year terms in the 2026 elections – but some raised concerns about the selection process not being randomized.
Spencer Custodio is the civic editor. You can reach him at scustodio@voiceofoc.org. Follow him on Twitter @SpencerCustodio.
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