Editor’s note: Sacramento Snapshot is a weekly series during the legislative session detailing what Orange County’s representatives in the Assembly and Senate are working on — from committee work to bill passages and more.
A pair of bills related to transparency and the sale of public property in Orange County could see renewed attention when legislators reconvene next week.
While the proposals have been before the legislature for a few years, the recent investigation into alleged corruption in Anaheim — examining questions of city dealings, including the sale of Angel Stadium, council decisions, campaign contributions, contracts, potential Brown Act violations and more — could put increased pressure on legislators, said Sen. Tom Umberg, a Santa Ana Democrat who authored both bills.
Related: After Anaheim investigation, legislator requests audit of ‘potential funneling of tax dollars’
“Much of this is a consequence of a lack of transparency. When the public knows what land is being sold for or what land is being leased for, it gives them an opportunity to weigh in,” said Umberg. “There’s got to be a continuing effort to make sure the sale of public property is a transparent process.”
One measure would allow the Department of Housing and Community Development to pause or halt an Orange County city or the county from selling or leasing surplus land if it’s in violation of the Surplus Land Act, which dictates how unneeded property can be disposed of.
That means the state department could quash a sale or lease agreement if the local entity isn’t properly putting the property out to bid or ensuring it meets the affordable housing requirements, said Umberg. The agency in violation of the law would have time to correct its violations, the bill states.
The other measure would require an entity that potentially violated the Surplus Land Act to hold an open review session, with at least 14 days’ notice, so residents could give…
Read the full article here
