School districts across California are limiting phone use under a new state law, Irvine faces questions over the shooting death of an autistic man – these are some of this week’s biggest civic headlines.
Yearly Archives: 2026
Posted inCommunity Opinion
Grindle and Galasso: The Rink on the Brink of Destruction
The Holiday Skate Center in Orange has been operating over 50 years under a lease with the landowners who now want to achieve the “highest and best use” by seeking a rezoning from Commercial to Residential. To grant this request, the Orange City Council would be violating the City’s Vision for Orange 2030 goals and policies, including preserving successful commercial businesses and protecting recreational opportunities.
Posted inOrange
Orange Moves to Ban Smoking in Public Parks
Orange city council is looking to clamp down on smoking and vaping in public parks, a move that city officials have previously looked to as an option to curb homelessness.
Posted inSanta Ana
Santa Ana Community Gardens’ Future Shrouded in Confusion, Transparency Concerns
Questions are mounting over the future of the city’s beloved community gardens after conflicting information from city staff and city management about the program in the wake of budget cuts.
Posted inInvestigative
Does Orange County’s Animal Care Director Live in California?
The head of Orange County’s embattled animal shelter is facing questions over remote work, with questions about how much time she spends between Texas and California.
Posted inState
Santana: OC Water District Called Out For Illegally Bulldozing Bird Nest in Santa Ana River
State regulators say the Orange County Water District illegally bulldozed a migratory bird nest in the Santa Ana River – a claim the district denies – as state and water district officials are expected to meet on the issue.
Posted inALL TOP STORIES
Irvine Moves to Ban Synthetic Kratom and Whippets
City leaders are looking to ban the sale of the substances in the city, following the lead of several other Orange County cities that have already made the move.
Posted inAnaheim
Anaheim Backs Off Asking Voters to Tax Ubers & Lyfts to Disneyland
Officials will not move forward with a proposed ballot measure that if approved would tax certain ridesharing trips to local city attractions like Disneyland.
Posted inNEWS
Yorba Linda Moves to Get Approved Housing Plan to Avoid State Legal Threat
City officials updated the city’s zoning code to ensure that their 2021-29 housing plan is compliant with state law after the state sued Costa Mesa lawsuit over lack of a compliant housing plan.
Posted inCommunity Opinion
Kriz: Fifteen People Died “Without Fixed Abode” in OC in June 2026, the Lowest Monthly Total Since 2019, and Much Else May be Going Better
Another 15 people died without fixed abode in OC in June 2026. However, that is the lowest monthly total since 2019 (before Covid-19), and many other things seem to be going better on the homeless front here. Is it a trend, or is it just luck? The coming months, year or two will help us to see.
