Tag: Anaheim City Council

Orange County Panel Discusses Local Government Corruption Amid FBI Probe Into Anaheim

TUSTIN, Calif.—Former and current Orange County officials took part in a panel discussion Aug. 11 to talk about the history of alleged corruption in Anaheim and discuss solutions to government problems caused by major business interests in California. Concerned locals and officials filled up the event hosted by the California Policy Center—a Tustin-based public policy…


Orange County Panel Discusses Local Government Corruption Amid FBI Probe in Anaheim

TUSTIN, Calif.—Former and current Orange County officials took part in a panel discussion Aug. 11 to talk about the history of alleged corruption in Anaheim and potential solutions to government problems caused by major business interests in California. Concerned locals and officials filled up the event hosted by the California Policy Center—a Tustin-based public policy…


Anaheim Rejects 2 Percent Gate Tax for Disneyland

A proposal to charge a 2 percent gate tax at Disneyland and sporting venues failed to get enough support from Anaheim city councilors on July 19. The measure, proposed by Councilman Jose Moreno, would have gone to voters on the Nov. 8 ballot—but it died without the support of any of his colleagues. “This is…


Anaheim to Consider 2 Percent Gate Tax for Disneyland, Other Parks

Visiting Disneyland could soon cost more under a proposed plan to add 2 percent gate tax to each park ticket. The Anaheim City Council on Tuesday, July 19, will consider asking voters to impose the gate tax plan offered by Councilman Jose Moreno. If passed, park goers would pay an extra $1.60 to visit Disneyland…


Anaheim Campaign Finance Reform Law on Hold

The Anaheim City Council withdrew July 12 an ordinance that would have prohibited councilors from voting on matters with which they have a financial conflict of interest—after discussing it for the third time. The campaign reform ordinance was introduced after the city’s mayor, Harry Sidhu, resigned May 24 following the release of an FBI investigation report…


Anaheim Adopts New Budget With $600 Million Spending Increase

Anaheim’s city council passed a $2 billion budget June 21, spending $600 million more than last year as the city expects revenue to exceed pre-pandemic levels. “The proposed budget represents our commitment to providing resources aimed at improving the quality of life of residents in Anaheim,” City Manager Jim Vanderpool told the city council. The…


How the City of Anaheim Gives In to Special Interests | Tom Tait

Special interests are becoming more bold in California and are helping people get elected into city governments while demanding favors in return. My guest is Tom Tait, former mayor of Anaheim. He explains how a group of special interests have been controlling the city council, and he gives us his behind-the-scenes experience facing these special…


Angel Stadium Sale May Face New Hurdles With Proposed Legislation

ANAHEIM, Calif.—New legislation filed by California State Sen. Tom Umberg (D-Santa Ana) could create another hurdle for Anaheim’s sale of Angel Stadium. Senate Bill (SB) 361 would prohibit the sale of a parcel of land if it is not in compliance with the state’s Surplus Land Act, a law that requires all public land sales…


Former Anaheim Chamber of Commerce CEO Agrees to Plead Guilty

SANTA ANA, Calif.—The former president and CEO of the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce has agreed to plead guilty to wire fraud and pay back taxes for three years for unreported income, federal prosecutors said Thursday. Todd Ament signed the plea agreement June 1. He is scheduled to be arraigned June 21, but no date has…


Anaheim Delays Appointing New Mayor

ANAHEIM, Calif.—Left without a mayor following corruption allegations last month, the Anaheim City Council struggled June 7 to fill the vacant position. The city’s mayor, Harry Sidhu, resigned May 24 following the release of an FBI investigation report detailing his possible involvement in corruption during negotiations for the sale of Angel Stadium. Sidhu has not…