Update

Follow-up on the news

IRVINE

Pedestrian Bridge to Eventually Go Up

Issue: A proposed bicycle and pedestrian bridge.

Background: In September, the City Council voted 3 to 2 to approve the first reading of an ordinance allowing the Irvine Co. to postpone construction of a bridge that would have linked the Crossroads and Westpark Plaza shopping centers. Irvine Co. officials and major retailers argued that the bridge would compound parking problems and increase the cost of doing business. The Irvine Co. had agreed to build the bridge several years ago as part of the development agreement for Westpark.

Development: The City Council recently formally approved the ordinance. The ordinance requires the Irvine Co. to post a 15-year, $200,000 bond for the eventual construction of the bridge. Councilwomen Christina L. Shea and Paula Werner again voted against the ordinance. Bridge supporters said the structure would encourage shoppers to use their cars less and walk between the shopping centers.

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DANA POINT / SAN CLEMENTE

Work to Unblock Road Makes Headway

Issue: Cleanup of a section of Pacific Coast Highway.

Background: Part of the scenic highway has been closed since February, 1993, when a bluff collapsed, sending 44,000 tons of dirt and debris onto the road. A $3.1-million project to shore up the bluff and clear the highway began in late July. Four San Clemente houses on La Ventana street were lost in the landslide. Traffic on the highway has been detoured. Before the landslide, an average of 15,000 to 20,000 vehicles passed there daily.

Development: Work to shore up the bluff remains on schedule. Dana Point city officials predict they will finish the job by January, 1995. “It’s progressing well,” said Morton August, director of public works for the city of Dana Point.

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COSTA MESA

Television Talk Show to Debut This Fall

Issue: Cable talk show in Costa Mesa.

Background: The Costa Mesa City Council this summer voted to start a cable television talk show for residents. Officials said the talk show would foster better communications in the city, especially among ethnic groups. Officials hoped that the talk show would “foster a good attitude” among residents, said Karen McGlinn, chairwoman for the city’s Human Relations Committee.

Development: The talk show is to debut sometime this fall. It will be run by volunteers, mostly college students interested in broadcasting. The show will be broadcast on Channel 61, a public-access channel. Residents will be able to call City Hall during the week with questions about city affairs. The show’s host will respond to the questions on the air. Also, prominent citizens and public officials will be interviewed.

-- COMPILED BY RUSS LOAR, JEFF BEAN AND TOM RAGAN