Fire Flares up in San Clemente near Prima Deschecha Landfill
Evacuation orders went out shortly after noon on Friday, with firefighters asking people to avoid the area.
Man Violently Arrested by Santa Ana Police Speaks Up
Santa Ana resident Florentino Lopez recounts for the first time his violent arrest earlier this month by police officers that was captured on a viral video.
2026 Election
Orange County’s Biggest Headlines as Strike Impacts Public Services
Over 400 county workers are striking, impacting services like landfills and the animal shelter. Meanwhile, charges were dropped against a man violently arrested in Santa Ana – these are some of this week’s top headlines.
Newport Beach Looks to Bolster Flood Protection After Balboa Island Flooding
After Balboa Island flooded last weekend, Newport Beach officials are looking to bolster flood protections along the coast as an expected super El Niño is headed to the region – which could bring heavy rains, high tides and flooding.
Lawsuit Accusing OC Board of Education Member of Road Rage Induced Assault, Battery Dismissed
The lawsuit against Orange County Board of Education trustee Ken Williams Jr. was dismissed in court earlier this year.
Santa Ana Police Arrest Immigrant Advocates Observing ICE Agents in OC’s Only Sanctuary City
Two residents were arrested by Santa Ana police officers while they were tracking and observing ICE agents Wednesday raising renewed concerns about the department’s attitude towards cooperating with federal agents.
Huntington Beach Police Union Spends Big Against City Council Incumbents
The race is heating up as the police officers association looks to bounce out the mayor and one councilman who voted against the new contracts that include an 18% raise over three years.
Orange County Teamsters Strike Impacts South County Landfill and Animal Shelter
Orange County Animal Care kennel attendants are among the 400 county workers striking over stalled labor negotiations as the Prima Deseche Landfill is closed to the public.
OC District Attorney Drops Charges Against Man Violently Arrested by Santa Ana Police
The district attorney has dismissed charges of resisting arrest, blocking the roadway and smoking marijuana near a school against a man who was violently punched and arrested by Santa Ana police officers.
Anaheim Police Get $45 Million Raise Ahead of $120 Million in Freed Up Bond Money
Officials approved a nearly 17% raise for police officers over the next three years that will cost $45 million as half of the incoming $120 million in freed up bond repayment money is expected to buoy the city’s deficit.
Coastal Erosion Partially Shuts Down PCH in Laguna Beach
Following high tides and flooding in coastal cities this weekend, a Southbound lane of the PCH has closed near Laguna Beach, with no estimated reopening date.
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Columns
Santana: Why Is a Free Press Not Welcome in Santa Ana?
This year’s election debates are surfacing a dangerous tendency among the majority of council members to avoid press questions.
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Community Opinion
Perspectives from Orange County residents, leaders and community groups.
Rynerson: Orange County Power Authority Offers Both More Choice and More Transparency than Southern California Edison
Orange County Power Authority is actually more transparent than Southern California Edison, but it takes a little research to make…
Szabo: Orange County’s Climate Wake-Up Call
For years, climate change was someone else’s problem: melting glaciers, stranded polar bears and disasters scheduled for 2050. Now rising…
Mavrovouniotis: Orange County Has a Retroactive Contract Habit; Are Supervisors Rubber-Stamping the Bureaucracy’s Promises?
Twenty-two times this year, Orange County supervisors approved contracts, payments, and grants after the fact, but the County’s own rules…
Duran: Housing First, A Proven Solution That Orange County Can No Longer Afford to Ignore
Public funds should be invested in policies that save lives and strengthen communities—not in advancing political image, self-promotion, or reelection…
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Special report
Our eroding coast
High tides, emergency declarations and a super El Niño on the way.
How Orange County’s beach cities are bracing.
