Orange County approves $2.15 million in closed‑session settlements

The Orange County board on Monday reported that it unanimously approved two closed‑session settlements totaling $2.15 million and authorized officials to take steps to finalize the agreements.

County counsel told the board that, pursuant to Government Code sections 54957.6 and 54956.9, the panel met in closed session and approved a proposed $2,000,000 settlement in OC Flood Control District v. Richard T. Van Loon and Diane Van Loon, Riverside case number RIC1815731, to resolve tenant Cibolo’s claim for loss of goodwill after the relocation of its business. "The Board unanimously approves settlement of $2,000,000 for Cibolo's claim for loss of goodwill and authorizes and directs payment of compensation in the amount of $2,000,000," County counsel said.

Counsel said the board also authorized county counsel and outside counsel to file and execute all necessary documents, including a settlement agreement or stipulation for judgment and any proposed final order or condemnation documents required to effectuate the settlement, and directed the auditor‑controller to encumber up to $2,000,000 from the Fund 404 reserve account to satisfy the payment.

In a separate readout, counsel said the board unanimously approved a $150,000 settlement in the matter of Claudia Revilar v. County of Orange. Revilar, who served as a custodial employee with OC Public Works, had raised claims under the Fair Employment and Housing Act. "The settlement remains subject to the final approval of others," counsel said, adding that once finalized copies will be available through the office of risk management to anyone who inquires.

Counsel stated the board took no other reportable action in closed session, and the chair closed the meeting.

Documents to implement the approved settlements were authorized to be prepared and executed by county counsel and outside counsel; the readouts did not include further details about vote tallies, dates of execution, or the identities of the outside counsel involved. The auditor‑controller was authorized to encumber funds from Fund 404 to satisfy the $2,000,000 payment for the Cibolo matter.