Orange County’s Biggest Civic News as the OC Fair Opens
The Orange County Fair opens with higher prices that officials say are from increased costs, more Airbnb regulations could be coming to Newport Beach after the Fourth of July chaos – these are some of OC’s biggest civic headlines.
“Local investigative journalism is critical and in short supply. It’s important and needs to be supported.” -Diana M., Donor
Santana: Is OC Public Works Declaring War on the San Juan and Trabuco Creeks?
After creek team activists convinced OC officials earlier this summer to authorize a year-long pilot studying how the creek thrives without herbicides, officials announced they’re going to start cutting back vegetation July 21.
OC Animal Care’s Dogs and Cats Are Looking For Homes This Summer
As of July 16, there are 73 dogs and 220 cats at OC Animal Care in Tustin waiting to be adopted.
Orange Turns to Voters on Charter City Proposal
Another OC city could be joining the ranks of charter cities in the county, seeking increased local control and revenue as officials in Orange stare down a structural budget deficit.
California Sues Costa Mesa Over Lack of ‘Compliant’ Housing Plan
Attorney General Rob Bonta filed a lawsuit Thursday, alleging Costa Mesa still hasn’t filed a “compliant” housing plan – but some city elected officials say the lawsuit is unnecessary and they’re working to get a plan approved.
Newport Beach Decreases Affordable Housing Requirements Near Airport
Newport Beach leaders voted to decrease affordable housing requirements near John Wayne Airport despite pushback from the Airport Land Use Commissioners and CalTrans.
Two More Orange County Cities Eye Police Drones
Stanton and Cypress are latest in OC to move forward with drones – a move officials say will keep officers safe and improve response times amid privacy concerns.
Orange County Fair Opens This Week As Prices Increase Again
Parking and admission prices at the OC Fair remain high as executive staff enjoy $25 million worth of expansions and upgrades to their administrative building.
An Orange County City Finally Publicly Discusses Crime Trends
Buena Park officials publicly gave a run down of the crime trends this year so far in the city – a report that is rarely given at council meetings in other parts of the county.
Newport Beach Looks to Take Down ‘Teen Takeovers’
After the city’s Fourth of July weekend saw 400 people arrested, city leaders are looking to crack down on social media-driven beach parties.
Struggling to Get Home: Another OC City Grapples With Parking Woes
Santa Ana residents continue to struggle to find parking by their homes as officials say they’re waiting on study that’s been taking years to finish to overhaul their parking permit system.
Two OC Cities Look to Block Takeover Parties After Newport Beach Chaos
Buena Park and Huntington Beach are looking to block social media-fueled teen takeovers following a chaotic gathering in Newport Beach over the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
INSIDE THE NEWSROOM
Voice of OC Wins Six First-Place Awards from State Publishers and Four Second-Place Awards from LA Press Club
News staff was recognized more than 50 times in 29 categories including Photojournalism, Public Service, Breaking News, and Local Government.
Voice of OC: A Pioneer in Nonprofit News
Voice of OC Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Norberto Santana Jr. selected as winner of the 2026 INN Service to Nonprofit News award.
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