Events in the news this week.

Tuesday is Election Day. Although there are no federal or statewide races on the ballot, there are many local issues to be decided. Measure M is a countywide initiative in which voters will decide if the sales tax in the county should be increased by a half cent to fund transportation improvements throughout the county. Measure N is an initiative in Irvine that would remove gays from protection under the city’s Human Rights Ordinance.

If Measure O is approved by voters, Laguna Niguel would become the county’s 29th city. The new city would be bounded by Laguna Hills to the north, Dana Point to the south, San Juan Capistrano and Mission Viejo to the east, and Laguna Beach and Aliso Viejo to the west. With Measure P, voters will decide whether future city council members should be elected by district or at large.

Measure Q would establish a 4% utility user tax in La Habra. Voters in Newport Beach will consider Measures R and S. The first will extend the term of the City/County Dock Property Lease for a period of up to 10 years if approved, and the latter would allow the council to sell the property at 4210 River Ave., with the proceeds to fund a public improvement project.

Also, Fountain Valley voters will decide whether Councilman Fred Voss should be removed from office and, if he is, whether the city should fill the vacancy by appointment or by special election.