Orange County Corruption Scandal
Is Anaheim’s Controversial City Manager Going to Get Fired?
Anaheim officials are expected to question City Manager Jim Vanderpool behind closed doors amid renewed calls to fire him years after a corruption scandal first rocked city hall.
“Keep up the great work of covering local OC news and events in 2026! You provide a very valuable service to the community of Orange County.” -Raymond D., Donor
OTHER NEWS
A Look at OC’s Civic News as Border Patrol Cameras Come to San Clemente
San Clemente allows federal agents to install cameras overlooking the coastline, Irvine cancels its Fourth of July celebration ahead of USA’s 250th birthday – these are some of OC’s biggest headlines.
The Show Goes On for South OC Cars and Coffee
City leaders back away from restrictions on the event after an outpouring of positive public support.
These Dogs and Puppies at OC Animal Care Are Looking for a Home
As of Jan. 22, there are 127 dogs and seven cats at OC Animal Care in Tustin waiting to be adopted.
Placentia Library To Take Books to the Streets
The district will host a ribbon cutting ceremony this weekend for their first bookmobile offering mobile library services.
Border Patrol Cameras Coming to an Iconic Coastal OC Town
Border Patrol cameras are expected to watch San Clemente’s shoreline in an effort to crack down on panga boat landings after council members narrowly approved the move, despite privacy concerns.
Free Things to Do: Movie Screenings and Wilderness Access
A screening of “Arthur” at the Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Library and access to the Saddleback Wilderness are among many free events offered through public libraries, OC Parks and museums this weekend.
Costa Mesa to Require Staffed Self-Checkout Stands
Costa Mesa becomes the second city in the state to adopt a law requiring manned self checkout stations despite concerns from grocery and drug store operators.
Irvine Leaders Nix Fourth of July Celebration Ahead of USA’s 250th Birthday
Irvine city staff members say there isn’t enough time to secure the vendors needed to host the celebration in the Great Park.
OC Treasurer Tries to Fire Deputy After She Pulls Papers to Run For Her Seat
Longtime Treasurer and Tax Collector Shari Freidenrich moved to fire her top deputy as she geared up to run for her seat.
South OC Battery Storage Project Halted For Now
After criticism from residents and officials, the applicant who proposed creating a battery energy storage facility in San Juan Capistrano has suspended state applications for the project.
COROVONAVIRUS OC
DAILY: As of Thursday, Jan. 19: 1,515 new weekly cases, a 10.4% 7-day positivity rate, 23 new deaths (7,765 total) and 248 hospitalizations with 28 in ICU, per OC Health Care Agency data.
VACCINES: As of the most recent vaccine data through Monday, Jan. 23, 2,365,942 people are fully vaccinated and 225,350 people have at least one dose, according to the OC Health Care Agency. The agency shows 1,445,113 residents have a booster dose.
INSIDE THE NEWSROOM
Voice of OC Speaks at Laguna Beach LitFest
Voice of OC publisher and editor in chief, Norberto Santana, Jr., joined authors Rosanna Xia and Margaret Garcia at the inaugural Laguna Beach Literary Festival to speak on the importance of the “California Story” and encourage residents to share their own stories.
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Civic News
Arts & Culture
Columnists
NORBERTO SANTANA, JR.
A pioneering leader in the nation’s rising nonprofit news movement and an award-winning journalist. Santana has established Voice of OC as the county’s civic news leader, uncovered the truths across Southern California governments for more than two decades and reported on Congress and Latin America.
ANNE MARIE PANORINGAN
Voice of OC’s food columnist — reporting on industry news, current events and trends. Panoringan has been writing about food for 8 years — interviewing more than 330 chefs and industry professionals. She has been recognized by the OC Press Club and is a recurring guest on AM 830’s SoCal Restaurant Show.
JULIE LEOPO
An award-winning photojournalist and visuals director. Leopo has captured a wide array of photographs visually documenting the news and soul of Orange County local government and community. Her work has also appeared in Vice, KCET, Ed Source, The California Endowment and OC Weekly.
PAUL HODGINS
An award-winning arts journalist, co-founder of Voice of OC’s Arts & Culture section and a USC professor. He was previously, an arts writer and critic at the OC Register and San Diego Union-Tribune. He holds degrees from USC, the University of Michigan and the Royal Conservatory of Music.
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