Update

Follow-up on the news

City Seeks to Upgrade Flood Control System

Issue: Flooding in the downtown, Marina Hill and Leisure World communities.

Background: January rainstorms caused about $5 million in damage to the city, including $3 million in damage to the Leisure World retirement community after a nearby flood control channel overflowed. Residents of the city’s downtown areas complain of flooding whenever rainfall is heavy.

Development: City officials will meet with concerned community members this month to review proposals for the upgrade of the city’s flood control system. The city is proposing to equip downtown areas with portable pumps, install drain markers to help workers find and clear out storm drains that are under water, and replace drain screens that may be contributing to blockage. Councilman George Brown said the county has applied for federal hazard mitigation funding for a major upgrade of the city’s flood control system.

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Council Unanimously Opposes Measure R

Issue: Measure R, the proposed half-cent increase in Orange County’s sales tax.

Background: Orange County officials have placed Measure R on a June 27 ballot. The measure would increase the sales tax for 10 years to help the county through the financial crisis precipitated by the failure of its investment pool and subsequent bankruptcy filing.

Development: The Garden Grove City Council has unanimously passed a resolution opposing Measure R. Officials said the tax would elevate Orange County’s sales tax to among the highest in the state. “It’s important for city leaders to make the statement that there are other solutions, such as asset sales, besides higher taxes to solve the problem,” said Councilman Mark Leyes, who introduced the measure.

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Expansion of Hooters Restaurant Gets OK

Issue: Hooters restaurant expansion

Background: Hooters general partner Ken Poole won Planning Commission approval earlier this year to add a 670-square-foot patio to the entryway at his Balboa Peninsula restaurant, a plan some nearby residents feared would generate unwanted noise. The commission conditioned its approval on Poole’s agreement to improve the landscaping of his parking area, which will also be expanded. A committee reviewing peninsula business trends asked the City Council to increase the landscaping requirement.

Development: Poole instructed the project’s architect, John Loomis, to design the deck to help shield homes from noise. The council recently approved the addition and Poole’s landscaping plan. The city retains the right to review Poole’s permit if residents are disturbed by noise.

--COMPILED BY RUSS LOAR WITH JOHN POPE AND HOLLY J. WAGNER