A guided hike in one of Orange County’s rugged nature preserves and a movie screening at the library are among many free, family-friendly events offered through public libraries and OC Parks this weekend.
Author Archives: Erika Taylor
Erika Taylor was a Tracy A. Wood reporting fellow and photojournalist at Voice of OC, covering transportation, libraries, culture and open space across the county.
Taylor started reporting for Voice of OC through Chapman University’s Collegiate News Service in August 2022, working closely with Director of Photography Julie Leopo to produce news images and photo essays. Through her impactful work with photo essays she received a grant through the university’s Marshutz Endowed Journalism Award to begin as an intern in May 2023.
She joined the Tracy A. Wood Fellowship in November 2023 – a memorial fellowship honoring the newsroom’s legendary Civic Editor.
As part of her senior capstone, she investigated online meeting accessibility across public agencies, leading to a series on the Orange County Transportation Authority’s video live streaming practices. Her reporting prompted OCTA to implement video live streaming at board meetings in December 2024. She also started “Free Things to Do This Weekend Across OC” in November 2023, a weekly series featuring free public events from libraries, museums and other public agencies.
Posted inCountywide
Where to Honor the Fallen This Memorial Day
Here’s a rundown of flag raising ceremonies, remembrance events and other programs to honor fallen veterans in Orange County this Memorial Day.
Posted inALL TOP STORIES
Rancho Santa Margarita Officials Resist Livestreaming City Council Meeting Video
After a newly-elected city council member tried to add a video livestreaming option for public meetings, the council majority continues to resist.
Posted inInside the Newsroom
Meet Our Collegiate News Service Editor
Angelina Hicks was named the Collegiate News Service Editor after being hired to a professorship at Chapman University that fuels student reporting on Voice of OC.
Posted inTop Stories
Training Service Dogs to Ride the Bus
While as many as half a million service dogs help disabled Americans get around every day, training sessions for interactions on public transit are rare.
Posted inCountywide
Free Things to Do in OC: History Talks and Creative Makerspaces
A talk on Mexican-American Baseball history at the Anaheim Central Library and open hours at the Huntington Beach Public Library’s makerspace are among many free, family-friendly events offered through public libraries and OC Parks this weekend.
Posted inInside the Newsroom
Shaping Tomorrow’s Visual Storytellers
Voice of OC offers hands-on learning and mentorship opportunities to students at the high school and collegiate level.
Posted inCountywide
Free Things to Do: Family Art, Fitness Hikes and Gardening Workshops in OC
Two gardening talks at public library branches and a family art program at the Laguna Beach Library are among many free, family-friendly events offered through public libraries and OC Parks this weekend.
Posted inGovernment
La Palma Residents Push for City Council Meeting Video Livestreams
Despite calls from residents for a video option to watch city council meetings from home, La Palma remains one of the last cities in Orange County with audio-only access for public meetings.
Posted inEducation
Fear of Protests: Is Chapman University Trying to Silence Student Demonstrators?
In OC and across the country, students are raising concerns that their first amendment rights on college campuses are under attack amid deportations, arrests and disciplinary action.
