Update

Follow-up on the news

STANTON

Legion Agrees to Improvements

Issue: American Legion building

Background: The American Legion post was closed for five months because the city denied it a conditional-use permit. The city demanded massive landscaping improvements and lights be added to the parking area. But property owner Dilip Parikh balked, saying he did not have the money. The American Legion got caught in the middle. Veterans, whose fund-raising activities were put on hold, felt that the city did not appreciate their work.

Development: A compromise was reached last month. The post agreed to beautify about 2% of the parking lot that faces its headquarters; the city originally called for 5%. Under the agreement, the American Legion will also replace lights on a pole in the parking lot, will stripe portions of the blacktop for compact cars and will plant bushes.

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HUNTINGTON BEACH

Residents Pleased With City Services

Issue: Community outreach program

Background: A year ago, city officials began a program to elicit residents’ feedback by visiting neighborhoods. “It’s just a reality check to get out of our ivory tower to talk to people and see what they think,” said Deputy City Administrator Richard Barnard. Residents were asked to fill out surveys.

Development: Residents who responded to the city survey said that they were generally satisfied with the quality of city services. Police, fire, paramedic and library services were rated at the top of the list of city services. When asked what they liked least about the city, residents cited overcrowding, traffic and redevelopment.

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IRVINE

Council’s Wish-List Projects on Hold

Issue: Excess city funds

Background: City Council members have a long list of favorite projects that are in limbo, waiting for funding. At a recent council meeting, Irvine officials said the city closed out the 1993-94 fiscal year with a $1.7-million surplus that can be spent on miscellaneous projects. Among the items on council members’ wish lists were proposals for a community roller-hockey rink, community youth arts programs and $1.5 million in funding for the Narrows park project in Northwood Village.

Development: City Manager Paul O. Brady Jr. said Irvine is in the enviable position of having a budget surplus due to higher sales tax and developer fee revenues combined with tightened city cost controls. But he advised council members to take a conservative approach to the excess money and delay spending decisions until January. “We’re still in recessionary times,” Brady said. The council agreed, postponing its consideration of proposed expenditures.

--COMPILED BY DEBRA CANO, RUSS LOAR and TOM RAGAN