Assemblyman’s Harbor Patrol bill shelved

An Orange County coastal security bill was shelved Thursday by its author after assurances the coastline was adequately protected by Orange County Harbor Patrol, officials said.

Assemblyman Jose Solorio (D-Anaheim) announced that AB 2873 would be put on the inactive bill file.

Solorio added once a new Orange County Sheriff is chosen, that official can help determine if the bill is needed.

The bill intended to keep coastal security levels at the current strength in order to maintain safety.

Newport Beach had concerns about the bill and Solorio stated that he intends to continue working with the city and Huntington Beach on keeping local harbor’s safe.

“In this era of budgetary crisis, all levels of government are motivated to find ways to save taxpayer money, and public safety is costly,” Silva said in a news release. “So duplication in costs is unjustified, and a breach in national security is unacceptable.”

— Daniel Tedford