Gary Nguyen, left, co-founder of 360 Clinic, along with 360 Clinic Dr. Dung Trinh, center and 360 Clinic CEO Dr. Venessa Ho attend the opening of the new COVID-19 testing clinic at the Anaheim Convention Center in July 2020.
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Carolyn Cole
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Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
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Topline:
A string of businesses owned or backed by brothers with extensive real estate and health care holdings earned millions through contracts with government entities in Orange County, including some approved by disgraced former Supervisor Andrew Do. Those business transactions, now under scrutiny, include lucrative contracts to run the county’s mass COVID-19 testing during the pandemic and a $29.5 million Tustin property deal that fell apart in 2023.
Where things stand: CalOptima, the county’s Medi-Cal system, is investigating its share of these dealings even as it distances itself from companies owned by the brothers. A pending whistleblower lawsuit also alleges that the brothers’ business interests engaged in billing fraud while carrying out the COVID-19 testing.
Why this matters: Records obtained by LAist through a Public Records Act request underscore continuing concerns by various government agencies and private entities about how taxpayer money was spent under Do's watch.
What is Andrew Do’s status? Do pleaded guilty to a federal bribery charge and is currently awaiting sentencing — potentially up to five years in prison. In his plea, he admitted to getting more than half a million dollars intended to feed seniors during the pandemic, and using it for personal gain. Some members of the Board of Supervisors are urging authorities to consider harsher punishment.
Read on ... for details about ongoing probes
A string of businesses owned or backed by brothers with extensive real estate and healthcare holdings earned millions through contracts with government entities in Orange County under the supervision of disgraced former Supervisor Andrew Do. Those government contracts with Larry and Gary Nguyen’s businesses have raised questions and concerns from a range of public and private entities — including the Board of Supervisors, the county’s health plan for the poor, an insurance company and a whistleblower — an LAist investigation has learned.
One multimillion dollar contract — with the firm 360 Clinic to carry out COVID-19 testing during the pandemic — is the focus of a former employee’s whistleblower lawsuit that alleges executives engaged in billing fraud.
Another concerns a property deal in Tustin between the county’s low-income health plan, CalOptima, and one of the Nguyen brother’s companies, Yorba Myrtle LLC. Under an agreement signed by Do as CalOptima’s chair, the agency had been set to buy the property for $29.5 million — 60% more than the company paid less than a year earlier — when the deal fell apart.
There are at least two probes underway into these and more than a thousand of other contracts handled by Do at county agencies over the years:
CalOptima has hired an outside firm to audit transactions approved while Do was on their board, including the Tustin property deal.
The Orange County Board of Supervisors is also preparing to conduct a widespread forensic audit focused on contracts that awarded pandemic relief funds, including the COVID-19 testing contract with 360 Clinic. They expect to release a request for proposals by the end of May, the first step in hiring an outside firm to do the work.
Do pleaded guilty to a federal bribery charge and is currently awaiting sentencing for accepting kickbacks from contracts intended to feed seniors during the pandemic.
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Stuart Pfeifer, a spokesperson for several of the Nguyen brothers’ businesses, declined to discuss LAist’s questions in detail but said there has been “full compliance” in 360 Clinic’s business interactions with the county.
David Tang, Gary Nguyen’s business partner in Yorba Myrtle LLC, did not respond to LAist’s requests for comment left at his office and by email. Pfeifer did not respond to LAist’s questions about the Tustin property deal.
Paul Meyer, a lawyer for former Supervisor Do, told LAist “it’s inappropriate to comment at this time.”
Here’s what LAist has learned about the transactions through interviews and public records:
The COVID-19 testing supersites
In-mid 2020, politically polarized Orange County was engulfed in a fierce debate over how serious of a risk the pandemic posed and how to address it.
At a Board of Supervisors meeting that summer, Do — one of two supervisors on an ad hoc committee formed to try to ramp up COVID-19 testing — announced a public-private partnership with a brand new company. The partnership would provide free, drive-through COVID-19 testing at the Anaheim Convention Center and the OC Fairgrounds. The plan was to test up to 5,000 people per day, which health officials said was a key step to reduce the virus’s spread and get back to normal life.
The company chosen to carry out the testing, 360 Clinic, had been formed just five days before that announcement, according to state business records.
There was no competitive bidding for the work, the full Board of Supervisors never voted on it, and the payment details were never revealed in a public meeting. Instead, the company’s contract was rushed through under a pandemic-era emergency rule.
The true cost to taxpayers
The COVID-19 testing contract with 360 Clinic was supposed to cost Orange County taxpayers nothing. State and federal rules required private insurance companies to cover COVID-19 testing. And the cost for testing uninsured people was covered under a federal program to reimburse testing providers.
Two months after the initial agreement between the county and 360 Clinic, the parties agreed to change the contract — and put the county on the hook for uncollectible claims.
Tamarra Jones, who managed the county Health Care Agency’s Health Promotion and Community Planning division at the time, oversaw the 360 Clinic testing operation for the county. She said the contract change making the county the “payer of last resort” was one of many details of the testing contract that concerned her.
“It seemed as if they were getting paid lots of money for services I could not verify,” Jones told LAist.
She added, referring to the 360 Clinic contract and others granted to private firms during the pandemic: ”It seemed as if friends of friends were getting contracts,” bypassing normal channels.
Jones, who is now director of public health for San Mateo County, said when she raised concerns about payments to 360 Clinic, she was told by Health Care Agency leaders to “just pay it.”
Internal emails obtained by LAist through a Public Records Act request show that the insurance company Blue Shield of California also had concerns.
In 2021, the health insurance giant was investigating billing by 360 Clinic, records show. O.C. Health Care Agency spokesperson Ellen Guevara confirmed that Blue Shield was investigating, but said her agency wasn’t informed of an outcome despite efforts to follow up. Mark Seelig, a spokesperson for the insurer, wrote in a statement to LAist: “Blue Shield of California does not comment on investigations or litigation.”
Guevara told LAist in an email that Blue Shield denied payment on claims submitted by 360 Clinic and that “the County ultimately stepped in as the payer of last resort to ensure continued access to testing and vaccination services for our communities during the public health emergency.”
While the investigation was ongoing, emails between Health Care Agency leaders show that the question of whether to pay 360 Clinic for claims Blue Shield had denied got kicked up to the highest level — Supervisor Do.
“Just talked to Sup Do,” Clayton Chau, then the Health Care Agency director, texted to Margaret Bredehoft, the chief of public health services at the time, in October 2021. “We should pay 360 to fulfill our contractual obligation.”
The final bill
In the end, the county paid 360 Clinic just over $3.4 million to cover testing the company said it couldn’t collect insurance on, according to Guevara, the Health Care Agency spokesperson. Public records obtained by LAist show that among the reasons 360 Clinic leaders claimed for being unable to collect insurance was that a high number of uninsured people were showing up at testing sites, and that employees were often unable to verify their basic information to receive reimbursement from the federal government’s COVID-19 fund for uninsured individuals.
The county’s multimillion dollar payout stands in contrast to another large COVID-19 testing contract in Orange County that LAist reported on last year. That contract, for weekly testing of students and staff at the Santa Ana Unified School District during the pandemic, cost the school district nothing because the firm directly billed private insurance or the federal government for all costs of the testing.
Pfeifer, the spokesperson for the Nguyen brothers’ firms, wrote in a statement that 360 Clinic had undergone a “comprehensive, independent audit” over the past three months “ordered by legal counsel and led by a former FBI Special Agent.” He said the audit included insurance claims submitted by the company and had “found full compliance across all areas.” Pfeifer did not respond to LAist’s request for a copy of the audit.
County audit and whistleblower lawsuit
A former senior employee at 360 Clinic filed a whistleblower lawsuit alleging she was abruptly fired after voicing opposition to what she claims was billing fraud by top executives at 360 Clinic. Those allegations helped derail a deal for another of the Nguyen brothers’ businesses: CalOptima’s board unanimously voted this past February to back away from a plan to run a senior health center for Vietnamese-speaking elders in Little Saigon.
The curious case of the state health regulator who intervened in county affairs to further the Nguyen brothers’ businesses
Documents obtained by LAist through a Public Records Act show a top regulator of health care facilities in Orange County repeatedly urged a local hospital executive on CalOptima’s board of directors to discount a whistleblower’s fraud allegations against a Nguyen brother company. Officials at CalOptima told LAist they considered at least one of the messages threatening and said they had referred the incident to law enforcement.
When those officials looked into previous communications between CalOptima and the regulator, Hang Nguyen, they found that she had also emailed a CalOptima official concerning the Nguyen brothers’ property deal in Tustin with CalOptima. In that email, Hang Nguyen offered to join a meeting with Tustin city officials to “explain further on the benefits of the proposed program.”
Hang Nguyen’s employer, the California Department of Public Health, told LAist she had no official role in either of the proposed projects. In a statement to LAist, a spokesperson said the department is reviewing the allegations against Nguyen “and will take all necessary and appropriate actions.”
It’s unclear whether there’s a familial relationship between Hang Nguyen and the Nguyen brothers, Gary and Larry — Nguyen is a very common Vietnamese surname. Property records do show that one of the Nguyen brothers sold a home in Westminster to Hang Nguyen in 2010.
A second business deal being scrutinized, by CalOptima, involves a property in Irvine.
One of the Nguyen brothers, Gary, formed Yorba Myrtle LLC and purchased a former rehabilitation hospital in Tustin for $18 million in November 2021.
The exterior of the Tustin property that was almost purchased by CalOptima.
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Yusra Farzan
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LAist
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Five months later, in March 2022, the county’s chief real estate officer signed a letter of intent to buy it for $22.5 million. Ultimately, the county was unable to secure the state funding it would have needed to purchase the building, and the deal collapsed.
That’s when CalOptima stepped in with an even higher offer — at first, $27 million, and then a few days later, $29.5 million, a 60% increase in the property value compared to when Yorba Myrtle bought it less than a year prior. No permits for improving the property were filed with the city of Tustin between the time Yorba Myrtle LLC bought the property and then struck a deal with CalOptima to purchase it, according to the Tustin city clerk’s office.
An appraisal report prepared for CalOptima later that year concluded that the steep price increase was justified because it “reflects a willing buyer and seller. Considering these conditions, the current purchase price is a strong indicator of market value,” the report, which was prepared by the prominent commercial real estate firm CBRE Inc., states. A spokesperson for CBRE said they could not discuss the appraisal.
Do, then CalOptima’s board chair, signed the purchase agreement on Aug. 2, 2022. It’s unclear whether CalOptima’s board approved the purchase agreement, which is legally binding, and the price was never reported in a public meeting. Two days after Do signed the agreement, materials for the board’s Aug. 4, 2022 meeting state that “the price and terms of purchase” of the Tustin property “will be considered by the Board at a future meeting contingent on receiving the necessary approvals from the City of Tustin.”
In response to LAist’s emailed questions about whether and how board members voted on the purchase agreement, Deanne Thompson, a spokesperson for CalOptima, wrote that the agreement “was never final and included diligence and zoning contingencies that could have impacted price and terms. Had the purchase agreement become final it would have required a public vote.”
In response to further questions about the purchase price and price change from $27 million to $29.5 million, Thompson wrote that she couldn’t discuss the issue because the property deal is part of “an active internal investigation.”
Ultimately, the city rejected the proposed facility and the property deal fell through.
Still, Yorba Myrtle LLC collected $450,000 in forfeited funds that CalOptima had put into escrow, according to figures provided by Thompson.
What became of the Tustin building?
The Tustin hospital property ultimately sold earlier this year to another health care company. The price was $19 million — $10.5 million less than CalOptima had offered. LAist spoke with Tom Jurbala, director of business development for Generations Healthcare, which bought the property and plans to open a skilled nursing facility there. Jurbala said his company had considered bidding on the property when Nguyen first put it up for sale, but decided it wasn’t the right time for the company.
Asked whether he thought it was unusual that CalOptima had planned to buy it for so much more than he paid for it, Jurbala said “no.”
“They have their own parameters, I’m sure,” he said before adding: “I wouldn’t buy it for $29 million, I can tell you that.”
PANDEMIC CONTRACTS — AND QUESTIONS
LAist reporting has unearthed multiple problems with contracts awarded under Orange County’s pandemic-era rules. These include:
More than $13 million in contracts that were supposed to feed the elderly and hungry during the pandemic were awarded to a nonprofit associated with former Supervisor Do’s adult daughter, Rhiannon Do. Law enforcement authorities later said just 15% of the money was used for its intended purpose. The nonprofit was unable to document where the money went, and Andrew Do later admitted to receiving kickbacks in exchange for the lucrative contracts. Do is awaiting sentencing in June.
A $1 million awarded to Do’s daughter’s nonprofit to build a Vietnam War memorial, which remains unfinished. A civil lawsuit filed by the county against the nonprofit and affiliated businesses seeks to recoup the taxpayer money.
A contract awarded to the wife of a top aide to Andrew Do for mental health care work that was never completed. The organization that received that contract gave the $275,000 back last year after a demand from county health officials spurred by LAist reporting.
Senior Reporter Ted Rohrlich contributed to this report.
Caption on lead photo:Gary Nguyen, left, co-founder of 360 Clinic, along with 360 Clinic Dr. Dung Trinh, center and 360 Clinic CEO Dr. Venessa Ho attend the opening of the new COVID-19 testing clinic at Anaheim Convention Center, in July 2020
David Wagner
covers housing in Southern California, a place where the lack of affordable housing contributes to homelessness.
Published June 1, 2026 9:00 AM
The L.A. Metro's Wilshire/La Brea stop on the D Line is one of the stations listed on the SB 79 map.
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Kayla Bartkowski
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Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
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Topline:
Starting July 1, a new state law will push cities to increase housing development in neighborhoods located near major transit stops. When the law was signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom last year, cities began taking their best guess at where exactly those sites would be.
What’s new: Now, the list is out. On Monday, the Southern California Association of Governments published its official map showing where new housing density will be allowed under Senate Bill 79.
Why it matters: The law’s impact on L.A. neighborhoods near transit lines — including those zoned only for single-family homes — has been heavily debated, especially in the race for Los Angeles mayor. The tallest buildings allowed under SB 79 will be nine stories, as long as they are located within 200 feet of a Metro B or D-line stop. More common will be the “Tier 2” zones around light rail and dedicated bus lane stops, which will allow buildings up to eight stories tall within 200 feet of the stop.
Read on… to learn why Orange County is excluded for now, but will be added to the map soon.
Starting July 1, a new state law will push cities to increase housing development in neighborhoods located near major transit stops.
When the law was signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom last year, Southern California cities began taking their best guess at where exactly those sites would be.
Now, the list is out. On Monday, the Southern California Association of Governments, known as SCAG, published its official map showing where new housing density will be allowed under Senate Bill 79.
Elizabeth Carbajal, SCAG’s deputy director of land use, said local officials sought many clarifications from state leaders in order to be sure that the map would accurately reflect the Legislature’s intent.
“There were a lot of questions after the statute was signed,” Carbajal said. “The clarifications helped further define bus service, as well as pedestrian access points.”
SB 79 has become a political lightning rod
The law’s impact on neighborhoods near transit lines — including those zoned only for single-family homes — has been heavily debated, especially in the race for Los Angeles mayor.
Mayor Karen Bass asked Newsom to veto SB 79, and she continues to oppose adding apartments within the nearly three-quarters of city land reserved for single-family homes.
City councilmember Nithya Raman, who is challenging Bass in the upcoming election, declined to oppose SB 79 and has said some single-family neighborhoods will need to accept more density.
Spencer Pratt, the former reality TV star running for mayor, made waves on social media when he falsely claimed last year that SB 79 would bring high-rises to the Pacific Palisades, where his home burned down. The official SCAG map confirms that SB 79 will have no impact on the neighborhood.
In response to SB 79, housing opponents in some areas have started focusing their efforts on killing plans for expanded public transit. Responding to public pressure, Burbank officials have stalled construction plans for local portions of a rapid bus line from North Hollywood to Pasadena. L.A. Metro is now suing Burbank over that move.
Where will new housing go? And how much will be allowed?
The rules of SB 79 are complex.
The tallest buildings allowed under SB 79 will be nine stories, as long as they are located within 200 feet of a Metro B or D-line stop. These stations qualify as “Tier 1” stops under SB 79, which puts the tallest buildings near heavy rail lines, which in L.A. only applies to the B and D-line subways.
More common will be the “Tier 2” zones around light rail and dedicated bus lane stops, which will allow buildings up to eight stories tall within 200 feet of those stops.
Height limits step down in areas further out from the station. In “Tier 2” zones, buildings up to six stories tall will be allowed within a quarter-mile of the stop, and buildings up to five stories will be allowed within a half-mile.
Neighborhoods near two Metrolink commuter rail stations, in Burbank and Glendale, will also qualify as “Tier 2” zones.
Change won’t necessarily come overnight
New housing won’t necessarily be coming to those zones immediately. Under SB 79, cities have the ability to put off full implementation until 2030 by making their own choices about where to allow more housing.
“Cities can develop alternative plans and delay implementation,” said Philip Law, a SCAG deputy planning director. “The map is not intended to reflect those situations.”
The city of L.A. has taken the delay approach, with the City Council recently voting to allow buildings up to four stories tall around 55 targeted transit stops. This would let the city put off full implementation of SB 79.
The new SCAG map shows no impact in Orange County. The region does not yet qualify as an “urban transit county” under the state law. However, the impending completion of the OC Streetcar through Santa Ana and Garden Grove, expected later this year, will make Orange County eligible for SB 79.
Once the OC Streetcar opens, SCAG plans to update their map to include Orange County, Carbajal said.
Check out Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures to celebrate the movie star's 100th birthday.
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Emily Shur
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Academy Museum Foundation
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In this edition:
Pride Night at Angel Stadium, Marilyn Monroe at 100, Stop Making Sense and more of the best things to do this week.
Highlights:
Celebrate the biggest Hollywood star of all time, Marilyn Monroe, on what would be her 100th birthday: June 1. The special exhibit Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon just opened at the Academy Museum and includes memorabilia, film clips and costumes that explore Monroe’s impact on the studio system, her iconic style and much more.
The Righteous Gemstones actress Edi Patterson brings her bold improv to the Largo for her new show, Playgirl — a full-length play completely improvised right on the spot. Yes, she’s playing all the characters.
Kick off Pride Month with Pride Night at Angel Stadiumas the Angels take on the Colorado Rockies. You’ll score an Angels Pride jersey and can enjoy the pregame Pride Village.
What, you think I’d let you miss an opportunity to see Stop Making Sense on the big screen? And lose all my indie cool cred? Never. Talking Heads’ classic 1984 music film (directed by the late, great Jonathan Demme) will be shown at Vidiots in 4K digital to celebrate 40 years of everyone’s favorite film nerd superstore.
Tuesday is Election Day, so get ready to drop off your ballot or head to your polling place — but not before consulting the LAist Voter Game Plan if you still have some research to do about the most competitive races in your area, whether that’s city council, mayor or even the state-wide governor’s primary.
And happy Pride! We’ll be featuring tons of LGBTQ+ events this month, so stay tuned.
Licorice Pizza’s Lyndsey Parker has your music picks for the week, including: Monday, Las Vegas rockers the Cab will be at the Fonda Theatre, and Scottish indie-pop darlings Camera Obscura will play their first of two shows at Pacific Electric.
Tuesday, new-wave legend Joe Jackson will be looking sharp at the Orpheum Theatre, British-Sudanese R&B artist Elmiene will play the Wiltern and Australian buzz band Vacations will begin their three-night run at the Troubadour.
On Wednesday, alt-country harpist Mikaela Davis is at Sid The Cat Auditorium, and the Grammy Museum hosts a “Reelin’ in the Early Years of Steely Dan” panel featuring Licorice Pizza’s Jeff “Skunk” Baxter.
Thursday’s a big night for new-wave fans with the triple-bill of the Human League, Soft Cell and Alison Moyet at the Hollywood Bowl, while Vince Staples is at the El Rey. Plus, at 4 p.m. Licorice Pizza is hosting a Q&A with legendary rock photographer Henry Diltz at the record store.
Wednesday, June 3, 6:30 p.m. Angel Stadium 2000 E. Gene Autry Way, Anaheim COST: FROM $35; MORE INFO
Catch the Angels as they take on the Rockies for Pride Night.
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Julio Aguilar
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Getty Images
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Kick off Pride Month with Pride Night at Angel Stadium, as the Angels take on the Colorado Rockies. You’ll score an Angels Pride jersey and can enjoy the pregame Pride Village.
Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon
Ongoing Academy Museum 6067 Wilshire Blvd., Miracle Mile COST: INCLUDED WITH GENERAL ADMISSION, $25; MORE INFO
Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon is at the Academy Museum.
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Emily Shur
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Academy Museum Foundation
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She may have sung happy birthday to Mr. President, but it’s Marilyn’s turn now. Celebrate the biggest Hollywood star of all time, Marilyn Monroe, on what would be her 100th birthday: June 1. The special exhibit Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon just opened at the Academy Museum, and it includes memorabilia, film clips and costumes that explore Monroe’s impact on the studio system, her iconic style and much more. From her costumes in Some Like It Hot to the pink dress by William Travilla in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes to letters and personal materials, the exhibit takes a complete look at Norma Jeane’s legacy.
Stop Making Sense
Monday June 1, 7:30 p.m. Vidiots 4884 N. Eagle Rock Blvd., Eagle Rock COST: WALK-UP TICKETS AVAILABLE; MORE INFO
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A24
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FilmGrab
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What, you think I’d let you miss an opportunity to see Stop Making Sense on the big screen? And lose all my indie cool cred? Never. Talking Heads’ classic 1984 music film (directed by the late, great Jonathan Demme) will be shown at Vidiots in 4K digital to celebrate 40 years of everyone’s favorite film nerd superstore.
The Drop: Dogstar
Tuesday, June 2, 7:30 p.m. Grammy Museum 800 W Olympic Blvd., Downtown L.A. COST: SOLD OUT BUT WAITLIST AVAILABLE; MORE INFO
Keanu Reeves will perform with his band, Dogstar, this week.
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Francesco Prandoni
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Getty Images
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Keanu Reeves’s other career — as the rockstar lead singer of Dogstar — has taken shape and developed a loyal fanbase over the years. Join the band for an evening of stories, music and conversation on the Grammy Museum rooftop as they release their latest album, All in Now.
Edi Patterson: Playgirl
Wednesday, June 3, 8 p.m. Largo at the Coronet 366 N. La Cienega Blvd.,Melrose COST: $50; MORE INFO
Edi Patterson will be improvising an entire play.
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Marcus Ingram
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Getty Images
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The Righteous Gemstones actress Edi Patterson brings her bold improv to the Largo for her new show, Playgirl. No, she’s not improvising a pinup; rather, she’s doing something so much bolder — performing a full-length play completely improvised right on the spot. Yes, she’s playing all the characters.
Wet Hot Amusical Summer
Thursday, June 4, and various dates through June, 7:30 p.m. Three Clubs 1123 Vine Street, Hollywood COST: $33; MORE INFO
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Cherry Poppins
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Eventbrite
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A cult film if there ever was one, the 2001 David Wain film Wet Hot American Summer (starring Paul Rudd, Amy Poehler and many, many more) is ripe for a send-up stage treatment — and the folks at Cherry Poppins have delivered with Wet Hot Amusical Summer. The spoof of a spoof is sure to be an over-the-top send-up of what’s already a comedy legend; the show continues through the Hollywood Fringe Festival.
The Big Run
Wednesday, June 3, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Johnny Carson Park 400 S. Bob Hope Drive, Burbank COST: $22.50; MORE INFO
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Miguel A. Amutio
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Unsplash
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Celebrate Global Running Day with friends in Burbank as The Big Run takes over Johnny Carson Park. Hosted by Fleet Feet Burbank in partnership with the Burbank Parks and Recreation Department, run the .4 mile loop as many times as you can in 30 minutes to compete!
Keep up with LAist.
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Jill Replogle
covers public corruption, debates over our voting system, culture war battles — and more.
Published June 1, 2026 5:00 AM
The state wants Huntington Beach to make room for more homes, and the city has balked at being told how to do that.
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Allen J. Schaben
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Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
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Huntington Beach will consider a citywide plan for more housing at its Tuesday meeting after a years-long battle against the state that resulted in a court order.
The backstory: State law requires California cities and counties to plan for enough housing to meet the expected demand over an eight-year time period, including for low-income housing. They don’t have to actually build the housing, they just have to make sure their local zoning can accommodate it. Huntington Beach was told to make room for some 13,000 new homes. The city fought the allocation all the way up to the U.S. Supreme Court — but lost.
The current status: A San Diego court recently told Huntington Beach it needed to come into compliance, or pay $50,000 for each month it fails to do so.
What’s next? The city council is scheduled to vote on the housing plan at its June 2 meeting.
Huntington Beach will consider a citywide plan for more housing at its June 2 (Tuesday) meeting after a yearslong battle against the state that resulted in a court order.
The backstory
State law requires California cities and counties to plan for enough housing to meet the expected demand over an eight-year period, including for low-income housing. They don’t have to actually build the housing, they just have to make sure their local zoning can accommodate it.
Huntington Beach was told to make room for some 13,000 new homes. The city fought the allocation all the way up to the U.S. Supreme Court, which declined to review the case last year.
Mayor Casey McKeon estimates the city would actually have to plan for close to 40,000 new units to meet the state mandate, since most new developments include only a small percentage of affordable homes.
Where things stand now
A San Diego court recently told Huntington Beach it must come into compliance, or pay $50,000 for each month it fails to do so. The city responded by posting a revised housing plan on its website and asking residents for comment.
Wider pushback
The Orange County Grand Jury dropped a new report last week that is highly critical of the state’s methods of forcing cities to plan for housing at all income levels. The report said the state’s efforts have led to “growing tension between state directives and local realities” and had “led to minimal housing being built.”
What’s next?
The City Council is scheduled to vote on the housing plan at its Tuesday meeting. The state could still order the city to make revisions to its current plan. "We await their adopted plan next week," Alicia Murillo, a spokesperson for the California Department of Housing and Community Development, said in an email to LAist.
How to attend Huntington Beach City Council meetings
Huntington Beach holds City Council meetings on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 2000 Main St.
You can also watch City Council meetings remotely on HBTV via Channel 3 or online, or via the city’s website. (You can also find videos of previous council meetings there.)
The public comment period happens toward the beginning of meetings.
The city generally posts agendas for City Council meetings on the previous Friday. You can find the agenda on the city’s calendar or sign up there to have agendas sent to your inbox.
A bald eagle couple has been spotted in Los Angeles County this past week.
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Courtesy L.A. County Dept. of Parks and Recreation
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Topline:
A pair of nesting bald eagles was spotted in Los Angeles County this past week, according to a social media post from the Department of Parks and Recreation.
Why it matters: Nesting bald eagles are a fairly rare sight in Southern California, since they typically nest along the California-Oregon border.
The backstory: The Department of Parks and Recreation did not disclose the location of the birds, and reminded L.A. residents in their post that bald eagles are a federally protected species and disturbing their nests could “disrupt breeding and impact their success.”
What's next: It takes about 35 days for bald eagle eggs to incubate. If the new visitors lay eggs, Los Angeles could have our very own eaglets as early as next month.
A pair of nesting bald eagles was spotted in Los Angeles County this past week, according to a social media post from the Department of Parks and Recreation. (You can check out the full post and video on Instagram.)
The Department of Parks and Recreation did not disclose the exact location of the birds.
Nesting bald eagles are a fairly rare sight in Southern California, since they're more commonly found close to the California-Oregon border.
A look at where bald eagles typically nest.
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Courtesy California Department of Fish and Wildlife
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Of course, there are notable exceptions, including Southern California's most famous bald eagles: Big Bear's Jackie and Shadow, whose yearly attempts at parenthood have become big national news on occasion.
Park officials are reminding everyone that bald eagles are a federally protected species and disturbing their nests could “disrupt breeding and impact their success.”
The history
Bald eagles were once close to extinction in the lower 48 U.S. states. By the early 1970s, there were fewer than 30 pairs in California, all in the northern part of the state. The species has rebounded since being protected under federal and state laws.
What's next
It takes about 35 days for bald eagle eggs to incubate. If the L.A.'s new eagle residents lay eggs, Los Angeles could have our very own eaglets as early as next month.
