Orange Moves to Ban Smoking in Public Parks
Orange city council is looking to clamp down on smoking and vaping in public parks, a move that city officials have previously looked to as an option to curb homelessness.
“Local investigative journalism is critical and in short supply. It’s important and needs to be supported.” -Diana M., Donor
Santa Ana Community Gardens’ Future Shrouded in Confusion, Transparency Concerns
Questions are mounting over the future of the city’s beloved community gardens after conflicting information from city staff and city management about the program in the wake of budget cuts.
Does Orange County’s Animal Care Director Live in California?
The head of Orange County’s embattled animal shelter is facing questions over remote work, with questions about how much time she spends between Texas and California.
Santana: OC Water District Called Out For Illegally Bulldozing Bird Nest in Santa Ana River
State regulators say the Orange County Water District illegally bulldozed a migratory bird nest in the Santa Ana River – a claim the district denies – as state and water district officials are expected to meet on the issue.
Irvine Moves to Ban Synthetic Kratom and Whippets
City leaders are looking to ban the sale of the substances in the city, following the lead of several other Orange County cities that have already made the move.
Anaheim Backs Off Asking Voters to Tax Ubers & Lyfts to Disneyland
Officials will not move forward with a proposed ballot measure that if approved would tax certain ridesharing trips to local city attractions like Disneyland.
Yorba Linda Moves to Get Approved Housing Plan to Avoid State Legal Threat
City officials updated the city’s zoning code to ensure that their 2021-29 housing plan is compliant with state law after the state sued Costa Mesa lawsuit over lack of a compliant housing plan.
Anaheim May Ask Voters to Tax Disneyland Ubers & Lyfts
Voters may decide in November if they want to tax ridesharing apps when they pick up and drop off visitors at the city’s most popular attractions including the Disneyland Resort.
Family of Autistic Man Killed by Irvine Police Question What Went Wrong in Fatal Encounter
The shooting came after police had been called to the house multiple times, but family members say Daniel Meltvedt could have been talked down.
Santana: Ladera Ranch Sparks National Debate on Tackling Toxics
Facing mounting concerns about kids getting rare cancers, Ladera Ranch residents are asking tough questions about the health impacts from herbicides and pesticides used in landscaping as well as other environmental factors like power lines.
Orange County Mosquito Control Warns of West Nile Virus
West Nile Virus is spreading across Orange County as the season’s temperatures rise.
Voters Across OC to Decide on Tax Hikes in November Amid Budget Woes
Costa Mesa officials are joining a host of other cities asking voters to consider raising taxes in November as elected officials across the region grapple with budget gaps.
INSIDE THE NEWSROOM
Voice of OC Wins Six First-Place Awards from State Publishers and Four Second-Place Awards from LA Press Club
News staff was recognized more than 50 times in 29 categories including Photojournalism, Public Service, Breaking News, and Local Government.
Voice of OC: A Pioneer in Nonprofit News
Voice of OC Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Norberto Santana Jr. selected as winner of the 2026 INN Service to Nonprofit News award.
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