Cox backs funding reforms

Alicia Robinson

Rep. Chris Cox this week took a second shot at changing the way

emergency responders get federal funding, introducing a bill

reworking the funding formula to give states money based on their

risk of terrorist attacks.

He first introduced the bill in 2004 as part of a package of

post-Sept. 11 reforms, but it was nixed in order to get Senate

approval of the overall reforms. Besides giving more funding to

California, the bill also would clear up bureaucratic red tape to get

emergency responders federal money faster. A Cox spokesman said the

congressman’s bill has support from President Bush.

Builder eyes 5-acre slice of California pie

Home builder Richmond American Homes is in talks with the state of

California to buy a 5-acre parcel at the Fairview Developmental

Center on Harbor Boulevard, state Department of General Services

spokesman Matt Bender confirmed Wednesday. Richmond American operates

in 14 states and has built two developments in Irvine.

The Costa Mesa City Council will soon consider slightly reducing

the zoning of the state-owned property to medium-density, which would

allow a developer to build up to 60 units rather than the 100 units

that are now permitted.

A spokeswoman for Richmond American Homes declined to comment on

the property before the company owns it but added, “we anticipate

that should be soon.”

No information was available on the purchase price, but city

officials have said the state offered them the property for $15

million.

Security bill could close

door on open meetings

City governments could discuss the security of private property

behind closed doors if the state Senate approves a bill by Costa Mesa

Assemblyman Van Tran. The Assembly last week unanimously passed a

bill amending the Brown Act to include security issues on private

property -- such as shopping centers and amusement parks -- among

topics officials can talk about in secret.

“Places such as Disneyland clearly present unique security

requirements local government must consider, and the freedom to

deliberate in private is necessary to effectively handle these

issues,” Tran said in a statement. “This is a concern with public

attractions all over California and must be addressed to provide the

best protection for the public.”

Rose hopes to take

5th in OC district race

Former Laguna Niguel City Councilman Eddie Rose has said he’ll run

for the 5th district Orange County Supervisor seat, and he made it

official Wednesday by filing papers with the Orange County Registrar

of Voters. The seat represents Newport Coast as well as Laguna Beach

and more southerly parts of the county.

Rose will compete with former Assemblywoman Patricia Bates and

former Laguna Niguel Councilwoman Cassie DeYoung for the 5th district

seat, which is now held by Tom Wilson. Wilson will be termed out in

2006.