In a surprising turn of events, Costa Mesa voters, along with others in Orange County, have largely approved various local tax measures in the recent election. This shift marks a departure from the county’s historically fiscally conservative stance.

Several school bond measures across the county received the necessary 55% majority to pass. These include bonds for the Brea Olinda, Santa Ana, and Tustin unified school districts, among others. Only the Rancho Santiago Community College District bond was falling short of the required majority.

In addition to school bonds, some cities saw success with sales tax increases. Buena Park and La Habra voters overwhelmingly approved their respective sales tax hikes. However, not all tax measures were successful. Orange’s proposed sales tax increase and Mission Viejo’s transit occupancy tax were both trailing in the vote count.

The approval of these measures indicates a changing attitude among Orange County voters towards local taxation and investment in public services and infrastructure. However, critics argue that these tax increases will place an additional burden on residents already struggling with California’s high cost of living.

As the final votes are tallied, local officials are preparing to implement these newly approved measures and address the concerns of both supporters and opponents.