Political Landscape: New endorsements in state Senate race

Two candidates for the 37th state Senate district race have received new endorsements.

State Assemblyman Don Wagner (R-Irvine) has been endorsed by Anaheim Mayor Pro Tem Lucille Kring, Councilwoman Kris Murray and former council members Harry Sidhu and Gail Eastman.

“There are few in Sacramento who have been as attentive to the needs of Orange County as Don Wagner,” Murray said in a statement.

Former county Supervisor John Moorlach, a Republican and Costa Mesa resident, was endorsed by the California Republican Assembly and U.S. Rep. Tom McClintock (R-Elk Grove).

“John Moorlach has consistently been one of the most correct, most level-headed forecasters of California’s budget and fiscal situation,” McClintock said in a statement. “John is one of California’s most reliable taxpayer advocates. And, his reforms that pulled Orange County out of debt and onto a solid fiscal platform demonstrate that he has the right answers to California’s budget woes.”

Congressional aide and Laguna Niguel resident Naz Namazi is the third candidate. She has not announced any endorsements.

The special election is scheduled for March 17.

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OCC expansion meeting

Orange Coast College officials are hosting a community forum Thursday to discuss the school’s expansion plans.

The meeting starts at 6 p.m. in OCC’s student center, 2701 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa.

The Costa Mesa campus has proposed adding new buildings, as well as an on-site hotel and retail center. A parking structure across Fairview Road at the Orange County Fairgrounds is also proposed.

The plans have caused some concern from Costa Mesa residents and city officials for their potential to add more traffic onto city streets, among other qualms.