Orange · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Orange public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
No revenue activities at West Orange park site
A councilmember pitched hard for the long-delayed riverbed park, noting nothing recreational has been built west of the railroad tracks since 1975. The county's levee project is the holdup; the council agreed to keep it prioritized and monitored.
Future of the July 3rd celebration
The July 3 USA250 event is canceled after the fundraising subcommittee raised over $15,000 but fell short of what was needed to safely stage it. The council had ruled out general fund money, so donors will be refunded and staff are planning alternate celebrations.
Proposed renaming of the Orange Public Library
The council pulled the plan to rename the library after the late Mayor Mark Murphy after strong public opposition over cost and the principle that the library belongs to everyone. It could return at a future meeting.
Prohibition of smoking in city parks (Ordinance No. 13-26)
The Council debated banning smoking in all city parks. Supporters cited secondhand smoke health risks and enforcement benefits against vagrancy; opponents warned of a slippery slope and enforcement costs. The item goes to the Parks Commission next.
FY 2027 park capital projects and sponsorship policy
Hart Park's pickleball and fitness circuit should wrap up in mid-April, Serrano Park's anti-vandalism fencing is done, the Grijalva skatepark goes to construction award in April with work starting this summer, and the Rampart Street Park lease with the county is moving forward.
West Side Park design and funding
The new park along the Santa Ana River Trail now includes a ninja course, nature-themed play areas, a skate plaza, and a mural wall — but the price tag rose from $3.3 million to $3.9 million. Construction can't start until the county finishes its levee work, with bidding expected around the end of the year.
USA250 Celebration in the Park fundraising
The Council approved a scaled-back July 3 celebration at Hart Park with a $35,000 fundraising goal — no fireworks. A push to move it to Grijalva Park with fireworks failed on cost and logistics concerns.
Library lot overcrowding from paid parking spillover
Downtown workers and plaza visitors are filling the free library lot, squeezing out library patrons. The commission approved 2-hour limits on the west side and told staff to plan enforcement hours and possible expansion to the whole lot.
Summer aquatics and day camp programs
After budget cuts killed city-run summer camps, The HUB OC will run youth and teen day camps at Schaefer Park at zero cost to the city — saving roughly $400,000 a year.