Update

Follow-up on the news

IRVINE

18-Hole Golf Course May Be Developed

Issue: Planned development of an 18-hole golf course.

Background: The Irvine Ranch Water District has been negotiating with the county to lease land to the Sand Canyon Partners, an investment group headed by former major league baseball player Doug DeCinces. The group wants to create an 18-hole golf course on 197 acres of land in Mason Regional Park near Sand Canyon Reservoir. The land is owned by the county and the water district.

Development: The Water District gave preliminary approval to the development in December. The county and district would share in profits of the course under the terms of a 45-year lease. The proposed agreement calls for an initial $150,000 payment to be shared by the county and water district. The county would subsequently be paid $3,333 a month by golf course developers. A lease rate has not yet been negotiated between developers and the water district. After the course is opened, the Sand Canyon Partners would pay a minimum annual rent of $250,000.

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BREA

Law to Curb Panhandlers

Issue: New city law aimed at panhandlers, vendors and others who loiter on street medians.

Background: City Manager Frank Benest said the measure was drafted in response to a “proliferation of vendors and panhandlers” occupying center medians and creating safety hazards for pedestrians and motorists.

Development: The law went into effect Jan. 5. Violators are subject to a $100 fine for the first offense within one year. A second offense will be punishable by a $200 fine, and a $500 fine could be levied for the third and any subsequent violations.

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IRVINE

Relocation for Nonprofit Groups

Issue: Relocation of nonprofit organizations from the city’s Multiservice Center.

Background: The city is attempting to sell the Multiservice Center on the southeast corner of Jamboree Road and McGaw Avenue, which formerly housed City Hall. The decision to sell the 19-year-old building was prompted by annual operating losses of $65,000 and potential costs of $500,000 for earthquake retrofitting and air-conditioning repairs. City officials were concerned that some nonprofit agencies may have difficulty finding equivalent low-rent facilities.

Development: Most of the 30 tenants have moved to the city’s Operations Support Facility and other locations, including City Hall and Heritage Park facilities. The City Council agreed to waive the rent for 90 days for tenants moving to other city facilities.

--COMPILED BY ALAN EYERLY AND RUSS LOAR