Dana Point, San Clemente and Yorba Linda officials are preparing for flooding from a “Super El Niño” season after a recent tropical storm and hurricane wreaked havoc on the coast.
Author Archives: Lauren Contreras
Lauren Contreras joined Voice of OC as a summer intern in 2026 from Chapman University, where she had already reported for Voice of OC on school board issues and nonprofit animal organizations as part of her coursework.
Contreras has worked on student publications since joining her school’s yearbook program in seventh grade. She hopes to use her reporting to give community members a voice and to push for transparency in local government, especially at city councils.
Posted inEmergencies & Disasters
Newport Beach Looks to Bolster Flood Protection After Balboa Island Flooding
After Balboa Island flooded last weekend, Newport Beach officials are looking to bolster flood protections along the coast as an expected super El Niño is headed to the region – which could bring heavy rains, high tides and flooding.
Posted inSeal Beach
Seal Beach Scrambles for Sand
Seal Beach officials approved a local emergency due to expected impacts from El Niño in an effort to speed up sand replenishment and brace for flooding.
Posted inLaguna Beach
Laguna Beach Moves to Bury Power Lines
City officials reviewed five proposed areas to move power lines underground in an effort to mitigate wildfires.
Posted inFullerton
Fullerton Officials Latest in OC to Review Flock Cameras Policy
Fullerton officials are expected to join a growing list of OC cities discussing and reviewing their Flock cameras amid rising concerns over privacy, misuse and data leaks in the region over automated license plate readers.
Posted inLaguna Hills
A South OC City Rolls Out Parking Permits
Laguna Hills officials implemented permit parking in specific areas on several streets near Beckenham Park.
Posted inALL TOP STORIES
Who Should Take the Lead on Saving OC’s Disappearing Beaches?
With a potential funding source to widen the city’s beaches on the horizon, San Clemente leaders focus their attention on the dwindling coastline while county transportation officials prioritize protecting the nearby train tracks.
Posted inNewport Beach
Newport Beach Greenlights HOA Cameras in Public Streets
City officials approved to permanently incorporate a pilot program that allows homeowner associations to apply to install security cameras within public rights-of-ways.
Posted inSafety, Security & Justice
OC Cities Increasingly Embracing Homeland Security Grants For Cooperation With Border Patrol
Newport Beach and Orange officials are the latest in OC to accept grant funds from the Department of Homeland Security. Local officials say the grants are to combat drug trafficking but others worry it could co-op police for immigration enforcement.
Posted inSafety, Security & Justice
The Aftermath of 4th of July Fireworks in Cities Across OC
Cities across the county, like Orange, Anaheim, Garden Grove, Santa Ana and Stanton, reveal Fourth of July weekend-related citations.
