Grand jurors called out an increase in kill rates, the suspension of catch-neuter-release programs along with the closed-off kennel areas as three critical issues affecting the shelter today.
Author Archives: Angelina Hicks
Angelina Hicks is Voice of OC’s Collegiate News Service editor, leading the newsroom’s partnership with Chapman University that gives students the chance to report on civic news across Orange County.
Hicks was named the inaugural Tracy A. Wood Fellow in 2022, but she has been filing stories and mentoring students with the newsroom since her freshman year at Chapman in 2020. She reports on south county news and civics, including issues along the coast, the county-run animal shelter in Tustin and the OC Fair & Event Center. Her “Pets of the Week” series, published each Friday, highlights dogs and cats available for adoption at local shelters.
Hicks graduated from Chapman in 2023, where she was editor-in-chief of The Panther, the university’s student-run newspaper. She earned a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Southern California in 2024, where she was managing editor of Annenberg Media. She is an assistant professor of journalism and interim director of the journalism program at Chapman’s Wilkinson College.
Since she became Collegiate News Service editor, the number of student stories published on Voice of OC each year has nearly doubled.
Posted inTop Stories
Head of OC Animal Care Steps Down as Activists Fight for Open Shelter Policies
Before Memorial Day Weekend, OC officials announced Andi Bernard is leaving her role as OC Animal Care director. It comes as activists are fighting to reopen kennels to the general public.
Posted inCountywide
Memorial Day Events Across Orange County to Honor Fallen Military Personnel
While Orange County awaits the groundbreaking for a veteran’s cemetery, other ceremonies, observances and celebrations are planned across the county for Memorial Day.
Posted inPolitics & Elections
Laguna Niguel Looks to Appoint Another Council Member in Second Vacancy This Year
Officials are looking to appoint a replacement after Councilmember Sandy Rains abruptly resigned on May 10, citing safety concerns.
Posted inHousing & Homelessness
Buena Park Looks to Regulate Sober Living Homes
Sober living homes in Buena Park with six or more people would now require a permit to operate, while also making sure the on-site manager is in contact with city officials to address local concerns.
Posted inLaguna Niguel
Another Laguna Niguel City Council Member Abruptly Resigns
A couple months after Sandy Rains stepped down from the mayoral role, the former councilwoman is leaving office altogether. It’s the second resignation since April.
Posted inCountywide
Are Appointment-Only Policies in Animal Shelters Across America Driving Up Kill Rates?
COVID-19 policies have made it more difficult for people to surrender and adopt animals at local shelters, something that activists say is killing more animals.
Posted inGovernment
The Deepest and Darkest Pockets At Your Local City Hall
Orange County city managers can oftentimes approve contracts without little to no public oversight, with the limits ranging from city to city but reaching as high as $200,000.
Posted inTop Stories
Buena Park Officials Expected to Study Allowing Cannabis Shops
The city is slated to apply for state funding, which would be used for developing a plan to bring cannabis businesses to Buena Park.
Posted inTop Stories
Laguna Niguel Looks to Fill City Council Seat by Appointment
Officials are looking to appoint a replacement after Councilmember Rischi Paul Sharma resigned on April 6.
