Voice of OC | Voice of OC

OC Deputy Sheriff Inmate Shackling Policy Draws Public Protests

Public Safety

By Voice of OC | November 25, 2019

On Sunday, a host of community members came out to the Theo Lacy jail facility in Orange to support judicial restraint of a new policy by Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes to shackle inmates while they are transported to court and while they await court hearings in holding cells. Sheriff Barnes appealed the decision, arguing restraints are safer for inmates being transported to court. An appellate court decision is expected next month.

Newport Beach Developing Plans for Homeless Shelter; Residents Express Concerns About Locations

Youth Media

By Breeana Greenberg | October 23, 2019

In the face of growing concern over the rising homeless population in Newport Beach officials are trying to establish a new homeless shelter. Dozens of residents protested outside City Hall during a council meeting earlier this month, expressing concerns about the locations under consideration.

Irvine to Enact Stricter Smoking Regulations

Irvine

By Noah Biesiada and Alya Hijazi | October 22, 2019

Irvine City Council members are expected to tighten smoking laws to prohibit smoking in all public areas and regulate e-cigarettes, vaporizers, and marijuana products.

San Clemente Officials Move to Block New Smoke Shops from Opening Near Schools, Parks

News Briefs

By Riley Glenn | October 9, 2019

Other cities such as Dana Point and Laguna Beach have passed smoking laws in the last two years that prevent smoking and vaping in public places.

OC Disaster Alert System Lags

By NOAH BIESIADA | October 7, 2019

An Orange County grand jury took a look at how OC disaster alert systems work earlier this year. They weren’t impressed. County and city officials are falling behind in making the recommended improvements.

Podcast: The Complicated Detention System of Orange County Jails

Youth Media

By Alexis Allen | October 2, 2019

An inside look at the jails that housed detainees in Orange County, one man’s story of trying to get home, and the policies that got us here.

Journalists Discuss Reporting on Border, Immigration Issues in Chapman University Panel

Immigration

By Maria Kachulis-Moriarty | September 24, 2019

The speakers visited Chapman University as part of the “La Frontera/The Border” series presented by the Peace Studies Department, aimed at engaging students and faculty in an ongoing discussion and analysis of the events happening at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Orange County’s Busiest Landfill

Youth Media

By MZ CHARLET | September 3, 2019

From falconry to a gas-fueled mini power plant, Frank R. Bowerman landfill offers more than just piles of waste.

Declaration of Independence

Politics

By Voice of OC | July 4, 2017

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

Bolsavik: Cupping OK for Olympians Now, But Once Triggered Prosecution of Vietnamese

Countywide

By Hao-Nhien Vu | August 22, 2016

If you’re Vietnamese and you’re doing cupping or coining, there is often risk of prosecution. But if you’re Olympic Champion Michael Phelps, it lands you on the front page.