Where to Stay Cool in Orange County Amid Extreme Heat
Residents can seek relief from the hot weather at a host of public buildings throughout Orange County as heat continues to beat down on the region.

“I appreciate your high-quality reporting with an emphasis on local issues. Without Voice of OC, I believe many city governments would operate without accountability and the watchful eye of the 4th estate.” –Jason C., Donor
Costa Mesa Bumps Pay for Police and Staff
City officials signed off last week on upping pay for several employee unions, looking to spend about $3 million this fiscal year amid a grim budget forecast.
Santana: Could Ladera Ranch Lead The Way on Organic HOA Landscaping?
In the wake of child cancer concerns, residents tonight are scheduled to get an update at the Ladera Ranch HOA board meeting on cancer study updates as well as adopting new landscaping policies moving away from toxics and toward more healthy landscaping practices.
Can Democrats Retake Huntington Beach City Council Using Republicans’ Strategy?
Huntington Beach’s Democrats are running as a slate this year, while the Republican Party’s candidates are a little more fractured over what direction to go.
La Habra Shelter in Place Order Lifted After Orange Plume Hovers Above City Hall Neighborhood
It remains unclear what caused the chemical leak, which sent up a large orange plume above the city for several hours.
San Clemente Train Line Closed Indefinitely After High Tide Damage
A portion of the Pacific Surfliner rail line running through San Clemente will remain closed for longer than expected after crews identified additional damage from high tides in the area.
Voluntary Breathalyzer Tests to Return to Costa Mesa Bars
City council members accepted a state grant to curb intoxicated driving – part of that is police officers asking bar patrons if they want voluntary breathalyzers, with officials stating it’s not an enforcement action.
A Park Without Parking: Anaheim Sets up Open Space on Santa Ana River
City staff say there is no parking planned for the new open space but that could change in the future with development at Angel Stadium – something officials have repeatedly denied any long term talks about.
Election 2026: OC Cities Ask for Tax Increases, Term Limits and More
Over a dozen local ballot initiatives qualified for the November ballot this year, with most of them aimed at increasing local taxes to help patch budget problems.
Recognizing OC’s Workers this Labor Day
Meet some of the workers who make up the backbone of OC’s workforce and union members who are currently organizing for better pay.
San Clemente Rail Line Closed After Rainfall, High Surf Hit Orange County Coast
Rain from nearby hurricane Marie is battering the Southern California coast, shutting down a portion of the train line between Orange County and San Diego County.
OC Animal Care Still Filled With Cats As Orange County Starts Cooling Down
As of Sept. 3, there are 91 dogs and 160 cats at OC Animal Care in Tustin waiting to be adopted.
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.

Making noise where it matters.
We’re cranking up the volume on what’s happening behind the scenes in Orange County. Stay ahead with the free Morning Report newsletter.
Community Involvement
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Join our Facebook, and Instagram discussions, or mention us on Twitter or Reddit.
CONTACT US
Message us via our website contact form, send us an email or contact someone on staff. Send us a secure tip.
SHARE YOUR VOICE
Send in a civic press release. Share your thoughts in a community opinion piece.
Civic News
Arts & Culture
Columns

Thank you for your heartfelt support.
Your tax-deductible donation empowers Voice of OC to pursue fearless, in-depth reporting to hold power to account and protect public interest in Orange County.
Featured Stories

