Audit finds more OC pandemic contracting issues

A new audit found additional problems in Orange County’s pandemic-era contracting, including deals steered by former county Health Care Agency Director Dr. Clayton Chau to a nonprofit where former Supervisor Andrew Do’s daughter worked, according to Voice of OC.

The findings add to scrutiny of county contracting after Do received a five-year prison sentence for bribery and come as local officials face broader questions on public services, labor protections and development across Orange County.

Voice of OC reported that auditors found Chau disregarded internal conflict-of-interest concerns raised by county staff before steering contracts to the nonprofit tied to Do’s daughter.

The article said the audit is part of a broader review of Orange County’s pandemic-era contracting practices. It centers on how public money was awarded during an emergency period and whether county safeguards were followed.

Voice of OC also reported that at least 12% of Orange County’s roughly 3.2 million residents struggle to feed themselves, underscoring the continuing pressure on households across the county.

Other civic issues remain unsettled. Supervisors could not agree on a Dana Point Harbor lease focused on two new hotels, leaving the redevelopment unresolved, according to Voice of OC.

In Irvine, city council members voted to begin work on an ordinance that would require grocers to retain employees for 90 days when store ownership changes. Voice of OC also reported that Orange County’s only indoor roller rink is now in Fountain Valley after the Orange rink closed earlier this month.

The audit findings and the roundup of city actions show how pandemic oversight questions continue to intersect with everyday issues facing Orange County residents.