First Time Candidate Takes Lead in Tight Santa Ana Mayoral Race
By Saturday evening’s election results update, Santa Ana’s police-union backed four year incumbent Valerie Amezcua lost the lead in the mayoral race to a first time candidate.
Lead Flips in Tight State Assembly Race to Represent the Heart of OC
Progressive backed Santa Ana City Councilwoman Jessie Lopez took the lead in the 68th State Assembly district for the first time since election night, after Saturday evening’s result update.
2026 Election
Brea Residents Sue City Leaders Over Public Records From Costco Tax-Sharing Deal
The lawsuit alleges incomplete text message disclosures, inadequate record searches and a lack of transparency surrounding the city’s controversial 50-year agreement with a local developer.
Adoption Fees Discounted For Senior Pets at Orange County Animal Care
In honor of National Adopt a Senior Pet Month, cats and dogs ages 5 and up have special discounts for November.
Lead Flips in the Tight Race for Irvine’s District One Seat
Incumbent Melinda Liu narrowly took the lead from opponent John Park in the race for District 1 with 43 votes after Thursday’s election update.
Lead Flips Again in Tight Mayoral Race in Tustin as Ballots Continue to be Counted
In one of the closest races in OC, Incumbent Austin Lumbard is on track to be reelected as Tustin’s mayor.
What Could a Progressive City Council Majority Mean for Santa Ana?
A new progressive majority could soon form on the Santa Ana City Council – toppling a former majority held mainly by police union backed politicians
Is the Blue Tsunami Reaching Orange County’s Coastline?
Republicans are caught in a series of tight races along Orange County’s coast in seats they’ve traditionally easily won.
What Are the Next County Supervisors Going to Inherit?
While Democrats are maintaining their leads to take over the board of supervisors, they’re coming into a county with systemic budget problems amid a hunt for a new CEO.
Trash Pickups Delayed Throughout Orange County Amid Teamsters Strike at Landfills
While it remains unclear when and where delays are taking place, one of the county’s largest trash haulers says they’re running behind due to stoppages at landfills.
Is Irvine About to Get A New Voting System?
Irvine could see an election overhaul as residents consider using a different voting method — while leaders also grapple with a projected budget deficit.
Join 23,000 OC residents who rely on the Morning Report.
Making noise where it matters.
We’re cranking up the volume on what’s happening behind the scenes in Orange County in our free newsletter. Delivered Monday-Saturday.
Columns
Santana: So Who Really Saved South OC’s Creeks?
The reality is local activists, not politicians, changed the county approach.
“Keep up the great reporting. Reliable journalism is a pillar of any democratic institution.”
— Michael C., Donor
Join more than 1,400 supporters
Community Opinion
Perspectives from Orange County residents, leaders and community groups.
Crane: Metrolink Trains Will Be Cut, the Surfliner Won’t Help You
Metrolink cuts facing Orange County will negatively impact commuters across the SoCal area, reducing options for transportation needs. The Pacific…
Kriz: Another 30 People “Without Fixed Abode” Died in OC in September
Another 30 people “without fixed abode” died on our streets in September, and while the main news was not main…
Resnick: School Bonds, Public Money, Private Insurance and the Three OC School Administrators in the Middle
As Orange County school districts prepare to spend more than $2 billion in recent voter-approved construction bonds, questions emerge over…
Guess: Orange County Needs Common Sense E-Bike Safety Reform
E-bikes are now part of daily life in Orange County, but our safety rules have not kept up. My petition…
Want to weigh in? Submit a community opinion piece
News by region
Powered by more than 1,400 supporters
Your tax-deductible donation empowers Voice of OC to pursue fearless, in-depth reporting to hold power to account and protect public interest in Orange County.
Special report
Our eroding coast
High tides, emergency declarations and a super El Niño on the way.
How Orange County’s beach cities are bracing.
