Page 3 Foothills Sentry DECEMBER 2025 New Students Apply Online: sccollege.edu/apply Returning Students Register Online: sccollege.edu/register Register for 2026 Intercession and Spring Semester at SCC IntercessionandSpring Ranked #1 Community College in Orange County* Military Friendly® School** *2026 Rankings - www.niche.com \ ** Military Friendly® Schools 2025-2026 - www.militaryfriendly.com Flexible Schedule: Classes available in-person, online or hybrid! INTERSESSION CLASSES BEGIN JAN. 9, 2026 SPRING CLASSES BEGIN FEB. 9, 2026 M erry C h ris tmas , O range! dan@ D anS l ater. com 7 14 - 7 4 4 - 2 2 19 1537 E. Chapman Ave. Orange, CA 92866 DAN SLATER "Design" continued from page 1 been done. “We can’t negate their work,” she said. “Limiting the DRC first is putting the cart before the horse. It’s better to work on both (DRC role, preservation ordinance) together.” But wait, there’s more Mayor Dan Slater said while he appreciates the efforts of the community, but “we are going to get this done. The preservation ordinance is taking too long.” To residents of the city’s historic districts, the role of the DRC and need for a preservation ordinance are intertwined. Most agree that creating a Heritage Committee is a suitable alternative to the DRC. But that leaves development in the rest of the city without an independent reviewing body. Residents making public comments during that night’s hearing suggested that the ordinance eliminated public noticing and oversight of new projects; that it moves things out of the public eye; that city staff is not required to have design or landscaping expertise; and that the ordinance completely changes the way projects are approved. “This is personal,” Laurie Sandoval told the council. “I live next door to a project that’s been ongoing for six years under a conditional use permit. The city has done nothing. What criteria will staff use to evaluate size and neighborhood compatibility, who will evaluate privacy issues?” One for all “This may hurt Orange in the future,” Laura Thomas said. “The rest of Orange neighborhoods are excluded. You’re going to end up with a hodgepodge. All neighborhoods deserve the same consideration as Old Towne. All neighborhoods deserve to have their character and identity preserved. Staff has limited knowledge in these areas. The DRC knows its stuff.” Adrianne Gladson, a DRC member, noted that the council received 44 comment letters opposing the ordinance and just four in favor of it. "This ordinance needs work,” she said, “we should get this right.” Mayor Slater assured the audience that work on the preservation ordinance would continue, Arianna Barrios was not so sure. She asked that a “sunset” clause be inserted that would take effect when the preservation ordinance was approved. That was rejected. “We are racing to do this, she said. “It assumes no CEQA liability, language about public notice and does not include the Eichlers. What criteria will the community development manager use for administrative review? Without specifics, this opens up a nightmare.” The vote to approve was 5-2 with Barrios and Gutierrez opposed. Orange hires preservation consultant The Orange City Council approved an agreement with historic preservation consultants Chattel, Inc., Nov. 12, to draft a comprehensive historic preservation ordinance. The agreement follows assurances from city officials that the recent rescoping of the Design Review Committee will not compromise work on a preservation ordinance. A draft preservation ordinance was completed earlier this year by a committee comprised of Old Towne Preservation Association (OTPA) and Orange Legacy Alliance (OLA) members, but it was not considered for adoption by the city council. Concerned that “We are starting from scratch,” Arianna Barrios wanted to make sure that the committee’s work has not ignored and that Chattel will confer with OTPA and OLA and update her on their progress. Outreach with those organizations is part of the agreement. Under the $66,317 contract, Chattel will provide tools for the city’s effective management of historic and cultural resources. Those tools include establishing a local historic register; criteria for listing and de-listing historic resources; processes to establish historic districts and local landmarks; a Heritage Commission; guidance for historic resources outside of historic districts; refined Mills Act program requirements; criteria for cultural heritage and neighborhood character districts; and applicability to archaeological and tribal resources. Say it again, "sunset" With that contract approved by unanimous vote, Barrios took the opportunity to revisit her request for a sunset clause on the ordinance restricting the scope of the Design Review Committee passed in October. That ordinance was agendized for a second reading during the current meeting. Before approving the second reading straightaway, she noted that the historic preservation ordinance should be finished by June and that the DRC ordinance should end at that time as well. Ana Gutierrez agreed. Jon Dumitru offered an alternative. Noting that things change and “something could pop out that says pump the brakes,” he suggested benchmarking the ordinance in June rather than just ending it. A review of its effectiveness would be in order, he explained. “We want to reach a conclusion that works.” It took three separate motions and three separate votes, but the council ultimately voted to approve the second reading of the ordinance, with the proviso that it be revisited in June. The vote was 5-1, with Ana Gutierrez registering a “no.” Checking out the books in the Elks' Little Library are, left to right, Kevin Wagner, Mike Cash, Megan and JC Cortez. Orange Elks open "Little Free Library" The Orange Elks "Little Free Library" has been installed next to the lodge parking lot, off Grand Street. The Library provides books for people of all ages to read and share. An entire shelf is devoted to younger readers. The Little Free Library is part of the Orange Elks Reading Promise. The Reading Promise provides a new book for young students to keep, and, hopefully, inspire them to read more. The Little Free Library is accepting book donations.
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