Olivia Rodrigo’s Charity Music Festival in Irvine Leaves Thousands Stranded For Hours
Thousands of attendees at the inaugural Daisy Chain Fields music festival were stuck at the Irvine Great Park in gridlock traffic or waiting for rideshares; leaders are also in discussion to bring the festival back next year.
“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
Newport Beach Greenlights HOA Cameras in Public Streets
City officials approved to permanently incorporate a pilot program that allows homeowner associations to apply to install security cameras within public rights-of-ways.
OC Cities Increasingly Embracing Homeland Security Grants For Cooperation With Border Patrol
Newport Beach and Orange officials are the latest in OC to accept grant funds from the Department of Homeland Security. Local officials say the grants are to combat drug trafficking but others worry it could co-op police for immigration enforcement.
Orange County’s Cold War on Labor: Frozen Vacancies and Limited Raises
While county unions generally receive raises from county supervisors, this year they’re facing more limited raises amid a shrinking work force and a 25% raise for supervisors.
OC Election’s Chief Rejects Newport Beach Initiatives Ordered by Judge
It’s now unclear when Newport Beach voters could vote on a series of initiatives aimed at expanding transparency, establishing term limits and shifting the city to district elections.
These Orange County Pets Need Homes As ‘Clear The Shelters’ Month Ends
As of Aug. 27, there are 94 dogs and 203 cats at OC Animal Care in Tustin waiting to be adopted as “Clear the Shelters” month comes to an end.
Orange Looks to Bring in El Modena neighborhoods, Olive Heights and Santiago Creek
City officials voted on Tuesday to look into annexing four unincorporated county pockets into the city, coming off the heels of a budget deficit earlier this year.
Orange County’s Top Civic Headlines as Mountain Lion Population Dwindles
OC mountain lions are on the brink of extinction and Anaheim residents still don’t know the condition of Angel Stadium – these are some of this week’s top civic headlines.
OC Judge Forces Newport Beach Leaders to Put Charter Reforms On November Ballot
Newport Beach voters now could vote on four initiatives that would reshape the city charter to expand transparency, throw out the housing plan and limit city council members terms this November.
Buena Park Eyes AI-Assisted Police Calls
Amid public concern over artificial intelligence, Buena Park is entering a one-year contract that will let AI assist and answer police calls.
Former OC Superior Court Judge Sentenced to Probation for Fraud
Former OC Superior Court Judge Israel Claustro will not go to prison after he pleaded guilty to a yearslong fraud scheme from before he was elected to a judgeship.
Anaheim Implements Program Aimed at Protecting Autistic Drivers During Police Stops
Anaheim police department is launching an initiative intended to facilitate interactions with deaf or autistic drivers during traffic stops – a program elected leaders say will prevent police killings.
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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