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Handpicked stories from our editorial team. The best satire, commentary, and humor we've published.

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OC Supervisors Approve $128M Legal Settlements
Policy

Orange County Supervisors Approve Over $128 Million in Legal Settlements This Past Year

The Significant Payouts Address Damages From the 2024 Airport Fire, Alongside Various Claims Involving the Orange County Sheriff's Department and District Attorney Todd Spitzer.

14h ago

Dana Point Seawall Emergency Permits Issued OC
Infrastructure

Emergency Permits Issued for Dana Point Seawalls as Coastal Rail Protection Advances in San Clemente

Amid Warnings of a Strengthening El Niño, Orange County Coastal Communities Are Implementing Immediate Protection Measures, Sparking Debate Over Long-Term Beach Preservation.

14h ago

Laguna Beach OC Power Line Undergrounding Advances
Infrastructure

Southern California Edison Advances Power Line Undergrounding in Laguna Beach

The Utility's Targeted Undergrounding Program Aims to Bury 11 Miles of Electrical Lines Across Five Projects in High Fire Risk Areas, with Completion Anticipated by the End of 2028.

14h ago

Stanton OC Approves New Business License Rules
Policy

Stanton City Council Approves New Business License Rules to Target Problem Locations

The Unanimous Decision Establishes a Three-Year Cooling-Off Period for Locations Where Business Licenses Have Been Denied or Revoked, Aiming to Prevent the Recurrence of Illegal Activity.

14h ago

OC Dev: Water, Transit, Sewer Projects Underway
Infrastructure

Orange County Infrastructure Developments Span Water, Transit, and Sewer Projects

Santa Ana Appoints New MWD Representative, OC Streetcar Testing Intensifies, and Critical Sewer Rehabilitation Projects Necessitate Road and Rail Closures Across the County.

1d ago

OC: San Clemente Approves Federal Surveillance Tower
Planning

San Clemente City Council Approves Federal Surveillance Tower at Reservoir Site

The U.s. Customs and Border Protection System, Valued at $1 Million, Is Intended to Monitor the Coastline for Vessels Suspected of Human Smuggling.

2d ago

OC Coastal Erosion: Kelvin Wave Threatens Cities
Infrastructure

Orange County Coastal Cities Brace for Incoming Kelvin Wave Amidst Existing Erosion Damage

The "Coastally Trapped" Phenomenon, an Effect of El Niño, Is Expected to Elevate Sea Levels Further, Following Recent Declarations of Emergency in Laguna Beach and Dana Point.

2d ago

OC Power Outages Disrupt Traffic Signals
Infrastructure

Power Outages Disrupt Traffic Signals at Key Orange County Intersections

Southern California Edison Is Working to Restore Power and Functionality to Signals at Main and Macarthur, and Newhope and 1st Street, with Expected Resolutions by September 9 and 10.

3d ago

Irvine City Council Directs Budget Refinement | Orange
Policy

Irvine City Council Directs Staff to Refine Budget Deficit Plan

The 'Target '28' Initiative Seeks to Eliminate a Projected $47 Million Structural Deficit by 2030 Through Spending Reductions and Increased Cost Recovery, Drawing Varied Council Reactions.

3d ago

OC Surfliner Erosion: Remedial Work Delayed by Permits
Infrastructure

Coastal Erosion, El Niño Threaten Pacific Surfliner in Orange County; Permit Delays Cited for Remedial Work

The Orange County Transportation Authority Has Secured $308 Million for Coastal Protection, but Critical Permits Remain Pending, Delaying Efforts to Secure the Vital Rail Link.

3d ago

OC Cities Push New Development Initiatives | Orange County
Policy

Orange County Cities Navigate Policy, Safety, and Redevelopment Initiatives

Municipalities Across Orange County Are Addressing Diverse Challenges, From Proposed Housing Redevelopment and New Tenant Protections to Public Safety Concerns and Program Funding Adjustments.

3d ago

The provided headline, "Orange County Sheriff's
Policy

Orange County Sheriff's Department Reports Multi-Million Dollar Budget Overruns, Citing Underfunding Strategy

The Department's Significant Annual Spending Beyond Its Initial Allocation Is Described by Officials as a Deliberate County Budgeting Mechanism Aimed at Cost Control.

3d ago

Santa Ana Zoning Update Approval Recommended | OC Dev
Policy

Santa Ana Planning Commission Recommends Approval of Comprehensive Zoning Code Update

The Proposed Update Aims to Modernize City Regulations Last Revised in the 1960s, Aligning Them with the Recently Adopted General Plan Vision for Orange County's Second-Largest City.

3d ago

Irvine OC Adopts New Hazmat Zoning Rules
Policy

Irvine City Council Adopts New Hazardous Chemical Disclosure and Zoning Rules

The Unanimous Decision Expands Public Notification for Facilities Handling Acutely Dangerous Chemicals and Requires Planning Commission Review for New Operators.

4d ago

OC Fire Authority to Review $1.8M El Niño Grant
Infrastructure

OC Fire Authority Board to Review $1.8 Million Federal Grant for El Niño Search and Rescue

The Funding Aims to Bolster California Task Force 5's Preparedness for Potential Heavy Rains and Surf Impacts Across the Region.

4d ago

OC: Anaheim Launches Tenant Rent Hike Reporting Pilot
Policy

Anaheim Set to Launch Pilot Program for Tenant Reporting of Illegal Rent Hikes and Evictions

The Initiative Aims to Gather Data on State Law Violations, with City Intervention Contingent on Resources and Case-By-Case Review.

4d ago

OC E-Bike Safety: Policy Review Amid Rising Injuries
Policy

Orange County Navigates E-Bike Safety Concerns Amid Rising Injuries

Officials and Residents Debate the Effectiveness of Education, Enforcement, and Infrastructure Improvements in Addressing a Growing Trend of E-Bike Related Incidents.

5d ago

Buena Park OC: Council Directs E-Bike Sidewalk Rules Draft
Policy

Buena Park City Council Directs Staff to Draft E-Bike Sidewalk Rules for Youth

The Proposed Ordinance Aims to Establish a 10-Mile-Per-Hour Speed Limit for Electric Mobility Devices on City Sidewalks for Riders Under 18, While Prioritizing Pedestrian Right-Of-Way.

5d ago

OCPA Faces Scrutiny: Energy Transparency & Financial Risks
Policy

Orange County Power Authority Faces Scrutiny Over Energy Transparency and Financial Risks for Member Cities

Questions Arise Regarding Ocpa's Claims of Renewable Energy Delivery and the Clarity Provided to Member Municipalities About Financial Obligations.

5d ago

Santa Ana OC: Historic, School, Public Space Developments
Policy

Santa Ana Advances Historic Preservation Measures, Modernizes School Campus, and Opens New Public Space

The City Processed Code Updates and Broke Ground on Significant Educational Infrastructure While Opening a New Community Amenity in August.

6d ago

San Juan Capistrano Council Advances LPR Camera Proposal
Planning

San Juan Capistrano Council Advances License Plate Reader Camera Proposal for Downtown Parking Enforcement

The System, Which Faces Privacy Scrutiny Countywide, Aims to Enforce Time Limits and Paid Parking Requirements Using Vehicle-Mounted Cameras.

6d ago

Costa Mesa Approves 2,300 Homes at Fairview Site OC
Housing

Costa Mesa City Council Approves 2,300-Unit Housing Plan for Former Fairview Developmental Center Site

The Master Plan for the Former State Hospital Campus Includes 920 Affordable Units and 25 Acres of Public Open Space.

6d ago

Garden Grove Council OKs $1.5M OC Healthcare Contract
Planning

Garden Grove Council Approves $1.5 Million Contract with Healthcare in Action, Phasing Out Be Well OC Services

The Unanimous Vote Followed Mind Oc's Notification That It Could No Longer Financially Uphold Its Existing Contract, Amidst a Broader Legal Dispute with the County of Orange.

Sep 21

OC: Fullerton Council Reviews ALPR Policy
Policy

Fullerton City Council to Review Automated License Plate Reader Policy Amid Privacy Concerns

The Upcoming Discussion Follows a Police Presentation on the System's Use and Calls for an Expanded Review of the City's Approach to the Technology.

Sep 21

Irvine Council Reviews HazMat Amendments, Orange County
Policy

Irvine City Council to Review Proposed Hazardous Materials Oversight and Disclosure Amendments

The Program Seeks to Expand Public Notification and Require Planning Commission Approval for Facilities Handling Acutely Hazardous Materials Citywide.

Sep 21

OC: Newport Beach Special Election Ballots Sent
Policy

Newport Beach Mails Special Election Ballots Despite Legality Questions

The City Proceeds Under a Court Order, as the County Registrar Withholds Voter Information and the California Secretary of State Reviews the Election's Legitimacy.

Sep 19

Newport Beach Special Election Moves Forward | OC
Policy

Newport Beach Navigates Administrative Hurdles for Court-Ordered Special Election

The City Must Conduct Its Own Mail-In Ballot Process for Three Initiatives After a Judge's Order and the County's Refusal to Provide Assistance.

Sep 19

OC Streetcar Nears Launch in Orange County
Infrastructure

OC Streetcar Progresses Towards Service Amidst Extensive Orange County Infrastructure Works

Ongoing Testing for Santa Ana's Light Rail System Continues as Critical Sewer Rehabilitation, Regional Rail Maintenance, and Innovative Stormwater Projects Advance Across Orange County.

Sep 19

Anaheim OC Council Schedules Closed Sessions for City Mgr.
Planning

Anaheim City Council Schedules Closed-Door Sessions for City Manager Selection

Deliberations for the City's Top Executive Position Will Occur Roughly Seven Months After the Previous City Manager's Resignation.

Sep 19

Orange County Composting Approved | OC Dev Permits
Infrastructure

Orange County Secures Permit Approvals for Advanced Composting, Projects $5 Million Taxpayer Savings

Nine Permits for a Hyper-Speed Composting System Were Approved by South Coast Aqmd, Eliminating a Potential Regulatory Penalty and Boosting Waste Processing Capacity.

Sep 18

Orange County Coastal Erosion Solutions & Dev't Policy
Planning

Orange County Cities Address Coastal Erosion, Advance Key Development and Policy Discussions

From Beach Protection Efforts to Proposed Data Center Bans and Stadium Repair Negotiations, Localities Across Orange County Address a Range of Pressing Issues.

Sep 18

OC Cities Grapple Police Salary Demands Amid Budget
Policy

Orange County Cities Grapple with Police and Sheriff Salary Demands Amid Budget Deficits

Municipalities and the County Are Facing Increasing Financial Strain as Law Enforcement Contracts Expire, Prompting Debates Over Sustainable Compensation in a Competitive Environment.

Sep 18

OC: Santa Ana Zoning Code Update Recommended Approval
Policy

Santa Ana Planning Commission Recommends Approval of Comprehensive Zoning Code Update

The Proposed Update, Designed to Align the City's Growth Regulations with Its 2022 General Plan, Now Awaits Consideration by the City Council.

Sep 18

OC Supervisors Weigh Subpoena Power for Corruption.
Policy

Orange County Supervisors Consider Subpoena Power Amid Calls for Broader Corruption Investigations

Supervisors Janet Nguyen and Vicente Sarmiento Are Pressing the Board to Grant Itself Subpoena Authority to Investigate Public Contract Mismanagement Following Recent Audits.

Sep 17

Seal Beach OC: El Niño Prep Accelerated
Infrastructure

Seal Beach Accelerates Coastal Preparedness for Anticipated Strong El Niño

City Officials Briefed the City Council in September on Potential Record Coastal Inundation and Detailed Proactive Measures, Including a Winter Sand Berm and Resident Flood Mitigation Programs.

Sep 17

Santa Ana OC Council to Consider Data Center Ban
Policy

Santa Ana City Council to Consider New Data Center Ban

The Proposed Prohibition Is Part of an Upcoming Comprehensive Zoning Code Update, with Council Members Split on the Measure.

Sep 17

Orange County ALPR Contracts Under Privacy Review
Policy

Orange County Cities Review Automated License Plate Reader Contracts Amid Privacy Concerns

Officials in Santa Ana and Fullerton Are Set to Address Resident Concerns Regarding Flock Camera Technology, Its Data Collection, and Sharing Practices.

Sep 17

OC San Clemente: $1M Coastal Emergency Plan Approved
Infrastructure

San Clemente City Council Declares Coastal Emergency, Approves $1 Million for Beach Protection

The Unanimous Decision by the City Council Follows Recent High Tide Damage and Forecasts for a Strong El Niño Winter.

Sep 16

Anaheim Angel Stadium Repair Responsibility Undetermined
Planning

Angel Stadium Repair Responsibility Undetermined Amid Team Sale and Ongoing Assessment

As the Angels Baseball Team Nears a Sale to Stan Kroenke, Questions Remain Regarding Who Will Be Financially Responsible for Any Needed Repairs to Angel Stadium, Pending the Completion of a City-Commissioned Condition Assessment.

Sep 16

OC Budget Lacks Detail Amid Public Input Calls
Policy

Orange County Budget Lacks Granular Detail Despite Call for Public Input

An Analysis Suggests That Despite a Call for Public Input, the County's Published Financial Plan Omits Critical Specifics Available in Its Own Accounting Systems, Hindering Citizen Understanding.

Sep 16

OC Registrar Denies Newport Beach Election Order; City
Policy

Newport Beach Seeks to Amend Judge's Election Order After Registrar Rejection

Newport Beach City Leaders Are Set to Ask an Orange County Superior Court Judge to Modify an Order Concerning Three Ballot Initiatives, Following the Orange County Registrar of Voters' Refusal to Administer a Special Election This November.

Sep 16

Laguna Hills Approves Parking Permits Near Beckenham Park
Policy

Laguna Hills City Council Approves Neighborhood Parking Permits Near Beckenham Park

The Decision Formalizes Resident-Supported Permit Parking Areas While Also Advancing Plans for Unrestricted Spots on Laguna Hills Drive.

Sep 16

Stanton, OC: 4-Plex Demolition Approved
Planning

Stanton Council Approves Demolition of Vacant Four-Plex in Tina Pacific Neighborhood

The Action Follows Escalating Resident Complaints Regarding Public Safety Concerns and Unauthorized Occupation of the Property.

Sep 15

Santa Ana Sets 2.87% Rent Cap 2026-27 | OC Dev
Policy

Santa Ana Establishes 2.87% Rent Increase Cap for 2026-2027 Program Year

The New Maximum Allowable Increase, Effective September 1, 2026, Is Set by the City's Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance, Which Also Details Registration Compliance and Continued Tenant Support Programs.

Sep 15

OC Train Service Restored: San Clemente Back Online
Infrastructure

San Clemente Train Services Fully Restore Following Hurricane Marie Damage

The Resumption of Services Comes as Orange County Coastal Cities Address Significant Storm Impacts and Prepare for a Strong El Niño Forecast.

Sep 15

Costa Mesa Approved: State DUI Grant for OC Programs
Policy

Costa Mesa Council Accepts State Grant for Expanded DUI Prevention Programs

The Unanimous Vote Funds Voluntary Breathalyzer Tests at Bars and Increased Saturation Patrols to Address the City's High Prevalence of Driving Under the Influence.

Sep 13

Newport Beach, Oc: Minor Curfew Approved
Policy

Newport Beach Unanimously Approves Curfew for Minors on Holiday Weekends

The City Council Adopted an Overhauled Ordinance on Tuesday to Implement a Teen Curfew and Enhance Traffic Control Measures During Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day Weekends.

Sep 13

Orange County Activates Cooling Centers for Extreme Heat
Planning

Orange County Activates Cooling Centers Amid Inland Extreme Heat Warning

Community Centers, Libraries, and Senior Centers Across Orange County Are Open to Help Residents Escape Elevated Temperatures and High Humidity.

Sep 13

OC RSCCD Trustees Renew Costlier Health Contract
Policy

RSCCD Trustees Renew Health Insurance Contract with Higher-Cost Vendor

The Rancho Santiago Community College District Board Approved an Approximate $1.7 Million Higher-Cost Plan with Alliance of Schools for Cooperative Insurance Programs (Ascip) for Employee Health Benefits.

Sep 13

santa Ana Zoning Code Update Recommended Approval
Policy

Santa Ana Planning Commission Recommends Approval of Comprehensive Zoning Code Update

The Proposed Update, Designed to Modernize Development Standards From the 1960s, May See Santa Ana City Council Consideration as Early as October.

Sep 12