Laguna Beach Moves to Bury Power Lines
City officials reviewed five proposed areas to move power lines underground in an effort to mitigate wildfires.
Stanton Looks to Curb Crime Hot Spots With New Business License Rules
Stanton officials are introducing changes to their business license rules aimed at preventing illegal activity from repeatedly popping up at commercial locations around town.
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2026 Election
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Anaheim Mayor Denies Calling Chief of Staff a Racist Slur
Mayor Ashleigh Aitken is for the first time explicitly denying calling her top aide a racial slur amid calls for her resignation after allegations she said a racist remark and questioned her chief of staff about her sexuality.
Irvine Scrambles to Curb Budget Shortfall
City leaders are grappling with how to decrease spending and increase revenue to dodge an estimated structural deficit of $47 million by 2030.
OC’s Biggest Headlines as Anaheim Mayor Faces Accusations of Racism
Anaheim Mayor Ashleigh Aitken’s chief of staff is alleging she hurled racial and sexual slurs at her, the sheriff’s department overspent its budget by nearly $30 million – these are just some of OC’s civic headlines this week.
Irvine Moves Forward on Regulating Toxic Chemicals
After a mass hazmat evacuation happened in Garden Grove earlier this year, Irvine city leaders are asking facilities handling dangerous chemicals to notify their neighbors.
Anaheim Launches Program to Report Illegal Rent Hikes & Evictions
Anaheim officials are rolling out a new webpage where tenants can report illegal rent raises and no-fault evictions under state law after years of local calls for rent control.
OC Fire Authority to Get Federal Money for Search and Rescue Ahead of El Niño
The OC Fire Authority is gearing up to fund a dedicated search and rescue task force with over $1.8 million from the federal government.
Buena Park Reconsiders E-bike Sidewalk Ban
After creating an initial ban of e-bikes on sidewalks earlier this year, Buena Park officials could allow e-bikes on sidewalks, but only going certain speeds.
Anaheim Councilwoman Calls For Probe into Mayor’s Alleged Racist Remarks
In the wake of Anaheim’s latest scandal, one councilwoman is calling for an expedited investigation less than two months before an election into allegations the Mayor made racist remarks to her chief of staff.
Education, Buybacks, Infrastructure: Can OC Curb E-bike Deaths and Injuries?
After the OC District Attorney hosted a buyback program, an ongoing debate remains over how to best curb the worsening trend of e-bike injuries and crashes.

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Columns
Santana: Is The County of Orange Ready to Investigate Itself?
OC Supervisors might give themselves subpoena power to look further into the 2024 corruption scandal that saw former Supervisor Andrew Do plead guilty to a bribery scheme, landing him in prison for five years.
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How we work, and the work others have recognized.
Community Opinion
Perspectives from Orange County residents, leaders and community groups.
Farias: San Clemente Deserves Answers About Federal Surveillance
San Clemente can take public safety seriously without giving up local oversight. When federal surveillance technology is placed on city-owned…
Phelps: OCPA’s Energy Claims, Where’s the Evidence?
Orange County Power Authority faces growing scrutiny over what energy it actually delivers, the evidence supporting its claims, and its…
Nguyen and Rodriguez: How Fixing AQMD Red Tape Saved OC Taxpayers $5M in Landfill Fees
Orange County is the national blueprint for smart waste management. Thanks to a new partnership with AQMD, hyper-speed composting technology…
Mavrovouniotis: County Government Wants Your Input on a Budget It Won’t Show You
Orange County has opened a public comment period on its next five-year financial plan. But it has not opened its…
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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.

