NEWPORT BEACH
O.C. Republican backs away from rehab home situation
Top Orange County Republican official Scott Baugh announced Thursday he has cut ties with Newport Beach drug and alcohol rehabilitation home operators.
Baugh, chairman of the Republican Party of Orange County has been criticized for his work as an advisor for two of the largest drug and alcohol rehabilitation home operators in Newport Beach.
Baugh once acted as an advisor for Morningside Recovery and CRC Health Group, which owns Sober Living by the Sea. Morningside is one of two companies in Newport Beach the city is suing for violating a moratorium to keep new rehab homes from opening. The center houses its clients in numerous places on Balboa Peninsula. Sober Living by the Sea is the largest operator of rehab homes citywide, with about 40 houses.
COSTA MESA
Eric Bever elected mayor of Costa Mesa; few surprised
Mayor Pro Tem Eric Bever — a close political ally of Mayor Allan Mansoor — was elected to take over the outgoing mayor’s responsibilities.
Councilwoman Linda Dixon said the council should have waited until the vacationing Councilwoman Katrina Foley could be on hand to vote, but she joined the 4-0 vote for Bever.
Mansoor was also voted mayor pro tem in a 3-1 vote, with Dixon as the sole dissenter.
Some observers suggested the mayor’s premature departure from his second term may be an effort to improve Bever’s chances of reelection in 2008.
Bever, Leece and Mansoor frequently compose a 3-2 majority on controversial issues, and an electoral loss for any of them could mean the reversal of many of the council’s initiatives.
Mansoor seemed to downplay the significance of the shuffling, however, saying the move did not necessitate full attendance of the council.
The move also prompted observers to wonder whether the council violated the state’s Brown Act, a law intended to promote transparency in local governments. Council members Bever and Foley both said they had spoken to Mansoor when he called about Bever’s candidacy prior to the vote.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Deja vu all over again for father, son in public safety
Costa Mesa Firefighter Mike Kreeza participated in a life-saving effort at a Bethel Towers fire in March — a story equal to one told by his father, Owen.
