Orange · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Orange public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Visual clutter and street banners in Old Town
Two sign projects in the Old Towne Historic District are before the Committee — one continued from October and one new illuminated wall sign request. These decisions shape the look and character of Orange's historic downtown storefronts.
Cybersecurity and police technology grants
The council accepted over $490,000 in police grants for drug trafficking enforcement, alcohol policing, and traffic enforcement — after debate over federal data-sharing and immigration enforcement safeguards.
Safety concerns at Hart Park
A resident described escalating homeless activity around Hart Park, including serious incidents near his HOA, and said families no longer feel safe using the park. He praised Orange PD's response but urged the Council to be proactive.
Orange and Maple two-way stop safety
Cut-through drivers treat Maple like a racetrack — one resident's husband was knocked off his mobility scooter. Speed cushions get a six-month trial with data collected before and after.
Library Rules of Conduct Policy
The library updated its rules for using public computers and the internet. It affects anyone who uses library computers or Wi-Fi.
Speeding and drag racing on East Walnut Avenue
A resident near Grijalva Park reported ongoing drag racing endangering senior neighbors and requested speed bumps; she opened a police case with photos.
Flock license plate reader concerns
The police chief wants more camera and surveillance technology, but two councilmembers pressed for privacy policies first — record retention, data sharing, and public records questions — before prioritizing expansion.
Overnight parking and vehicle storage in industrial area
Business owners on Poplar and Sequoia say the streets have become free long-term parking lots — with abandoned vehicles, RVs, and unhoused camping creating sanitation and safety problems. A 2–6 a.m. parking ban was approved to give police an enforcement tool.
School traffic safety at Esplanade Elementary
Neighbors say school pickup and drop-off traffic has made Esplanade Street unsafe, with U-turns, speeding, and accidents. The commission approved red curbs for visibility but neighbors wanted more police enforcement; staff will work with the school on traffic operations.
2026 Fourth of July fireworks enforcement results
The city's first full drone-assisted enforcement year went well: 386 calls, $240,000 in fines under the social host ordinance, and costs down 40% from 2025. Councilmembers floated bringing back the July 3rd event and buying GPS-equipped drones.
Fireworks enforcement report coming July 28
Mayor Slater announced staff will present results of this year's July 4th and fireworks enforcement — including drone enforcement — at the July 28 meeting.
Massage establishment moratorium and permanent regulations
The city has about 90 massage businesses, and residents say many are fronts for illegal activity, including possible human trafficking. The extended moratorium freezes new parlors and expansions while staff writes tougher permanent rules — potentially including uncovered windows, lighting requirements, and easier license suspensions.
Abandoned and vacant property standards ordinance
New rules — with fees and fines — for maintaining and securing unoccupied or abandoned properties were continued to June 23 while staff works with the apartment association on clarifications.
Old Towne traffic safety and homelessness concerns
Cars keep crashing into the historic Plaza park — 43 incursions since 2018, mostly drunk drivers at night. The council approved new bollards and turning off misleading park lights, but held off on pricier splitter islands and raised crosswalks pending feasibility and funding study.
Illegal fireworks social host liability
A new ordinance would hold party hosts strictly liable for illegal fireworks discharged at their gatherings, with administrative fines — aimed at curbing July 4 chaos.
Ambulance Operator Program Enhancement
The Fire Department wants to staff all ambulances with non-sworn ambulance operators instead of sworn firefighters, freeing 12 firefighters to restore four-person engine staffing for the first time since 1995. It costs about $1 million a year to add 18 AOs but is projected to earn $2.6 million more over five years and could lower residents' insurance premiums via a better ISO rating.
Mobile vehicle barriers for public events
The city bought 50 anti-vehicle barriers for $398,599 to protect big downtown events, cutting nonprofit event organizers' rental costs roughly in half — but only after a 4-3 fight over whether to pause and consult the organizers first.
Federal immigration enforcement and local police cooperation
Multiple speakers urged the council to adopt a resolution stating Orange police will not assist ICE, citing due process concerns and fear in the community. The council took no action on the off-agenda topic, but one speaker demanded a town hall on police-ICE interactions.
Pedestrian beacons at White Oak Ridge trail crossing
A busy mid-block crossing linking Santiago Hills Park and open-space trails will get flashing beacons to make drivers yield to pedestrians.
Fire station relocation and staffing
Fire station relocations identified back in 2015 have stalled over funding and land. The council kept the item alive, and the ambulance operator program — which frees firefighters to staff four-person engines — drew strong support.
Kratom sales ban (Ordinance No. 01-26)
Orange is moving to ban kratom sales outright, including potent synthetic 7-OH products tied to deaths. Advocates pushed back, asking the city to ban only synthetic 7-OH and protect natural kratom users — the council will hear more before the final vote.
Drone program for illegal fireworks enforcement
Barrios wants staff to study drones that track illegal fireworks launchers — Brea's program reportedly generated $120,000 in fines from one homeowner.
New urban search and rescue fire apparatus
Orange's 24-year-old USAR truck is finally being replaced — but don't expect it for three to four years.