Update

Follow-up on the news

IRVINE

County Challenged on Marine Base Reuse

Issue: Reuse plan for the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station after its closure in 1999.

Background: The Irvine City Council is suing the County Board of Supervisors for its decision to take over planning for the air station. Irvine and Lake Forest had a prominent role in the El Toro Reuse Planning Authority, an organization that was disbanded by county supervisors Jan. 31.

Development: Irvine and Lake Forest are opposed to an airport at the Marine base and have formed a new El Toro Reuse Planning Authority. The two cities are inviting representatives from other South County cities to participate. Both city councils recently voted to modify the bylaws of the planning authority to reflect the absence of the county as a participant.

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COUNTYWIDE

Fire Authority Will Get Off the Ground

Issue: A joint powers authority to govern the Orange County Fire Department.

Background: Cities that contract for service from the Orange County Fire Department have long sought a stronger voice in how the agency is run by forming a joint powers authority, which would include a governing board made up of city and county officials.

Development: After much debate, the county and cities agreed that the new agency will take over the department Wednesday.

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HUNTINGTON BEACH

New Park Resolves Artwork Dilemma

Issue: Opening the Norma Brandel Gibbs Park.

Background: The city couldn’t open the park late last year as scheduled because of a problem with tile artwork of a Monarch butterfly, which would cover a portion of the park grounds. The first design--of a single butterfly with a 35-foot wingspan--was rejected because the surface would be too slippery when wet.

Development: A new design has been approved that will depict tile artwork of a swarm of butterflies. The park’s opening and dedication are tentatively planned for early May.

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HUNTINGTON BEACH

Bucks Raised for No-Leash Dog Park

Issue: Creating a “dog park.”

Background: Residents have asked the city to dedicate a portion of Huntington Central Park for a dog park where pets can play off their leashes. Residents have begun raising money to pay for equipment needed for such a park.

Development: A fund-raiser was recently held at Petland in Huntington Beach, in which $500 was raised. To date, residents have donated about $2,000 for the park. Their goal is to raise $2,500 by March.

--COMPILED BY DEBRA CANO and RUSS LOAR