Anaheim City Manager James Vanderpool can now approve more contracts without the City Council’s consent. Council members Avelino Valencia and Jose Moreno opposed giving the increased power to Vanderpool, who has been the city manager since September. Santa Ana City Manager Kristine Ridge has a signature authority of $50,000, though she currently has broader authority due to COVID-19, said city spokesman Paul Eakins. Assistant City Manager Greg Garcia said he didn’t have a specific example. “The mayor unilaterally and unexpectedly agendized removing previous City Manager Chris Zapata, who was I believe, the first Latino city manager the city’s ever had,” Moreno said.

Source: Los Angeles Times April 16, 2021 00:08 UTC