Voice of OC (https://voiceofoc.org/author/voiceofoc/)
Active voters receiving vote-by-mail ballots by default was planned before the pandemic in Orange County, but voting by mail or drop off is expanding up and down the state.
Today, as we as prepare to celebrate the birth of our nation and the defense of the freedoms that bring us all together, please take a moment to read the greatest story ever written, the Declaration of Independence.
Costa Mesa has approved an ordinance loosening restrictions on sidewalk vending, becoming the latest Orange County city to regulate merchants in alignment with a state law that went into effect last year.
Planning officials are considering a proposal to build high-density workforce apartments in an industrial zone in downtown Brea, reserving a portion of those units for those who work in the city and offering more affordable housing.
Nowruz, the Persian New Year, is celebrated by a variety of organizations in Orange County.
Voice of OC Publisher Norberto Santana, Jr., talks with Orange County election experts Fred Smoller and Mike Moodian from the national seats down to the local level.
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.
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 City Council members are expected to tighten smoking laws to prohibit smoking in all public areas and regulate e-cigarettes, vaporizers, and marijuana products.
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.