OC’s Biggest Headlines as Controversy Brews Over Herbicides in Creeks
South county residents forced a pause on herbicide use in local waterways, another city may require staffed self-checkout stands – these are some of OC’s biggest civic headlines.

“Only been following for a few months, but I’ve seen honest, well-written articles on meaningful local events that don’t seem to be influenced by bias and emotion.” -Joe S., Donor
A Look at More Homeless Pets at Orange County Animal Care
As of March 5, there are 100 dogs and 26 cats at OC Animal Care in Tustin waiting to be adopted.
Santana: Herbicide Spraying of South OC Waterways Halted, For Now
OC Supervisor Katrina Foley said spraying has been halted during a heated town hall in Dana Point, where local residents posed tough questions to government bureaucrats.
Anaheim Might Require Staffing at Self-Checkout Stands
Orange County’s largest city could soon follow in Costa Mesa’s footsteps and mandate staffed self-checkout stations as industry groups say the move could increase prices.
Free Things to Do: Family-Friendly Outdoor Activities
A scavenger hunt in Newport Beach and a mountain bike ride are among many free events offered through public libraries, OC Parks and museums this weekend.
Irvine Partners with Costa Mesa for Homeless Shelter Beds
Irvine residents will have access to beds, as available, at Costa Mesa’s homeless shelter.
450 Apartments Slated for Anaheim Hills Amid Fire Evacuation Concerns
Anaheim officials approved a new apartment complex at the Festival Shopping Plaza despite intense pushback from residents who say it will increase evacuation times in a fire prone area.
Will Irvine’s Great Park Run Out of Cash Before It’s Completed?
City staff announced last week the park is losing millions of dollars a year under its current spending plans as projects struggle to break ground.
Six-Story Apartment Proposal Sparks Community Uproar in Mission Viejo
Mission Viejo leaders are weighing a high-density housing project that would add hundreds of new units to a pre-existing apartment complex.
Another Orange County City May Require Staffed Self-Checkout Stands
Anaheim might become the latest Southern California city regulating self-checkout stands on the heels of ordinances being adopted in Costa Mesa and Long Beach.
Another Orange County City Dials Back Senior Transportation
City officials in Mission Viejo are limiting the number of rides allowed per month for its senior mobility program after other cities made similar cuts.
Garden Grove Moves to Ban Whippets
While city officials originally moved to crackdown on kratom and whippets, they instead banned nitrous oxide for recreational use – more commonly known as whippets.
INSIDE THE NEWSROOM
Voice of OC Joins LAist and OC Register on Grantmakers Journalism Panel
Local Publishers gathered to discuss the crisis facing local journalism and its impact on public policy.
Voice of OC Speaks at Laguna Beach LitFest
Voice of OC publisher and editor in chief, Norberto Santana, Jr., joined authors Rosanna Xia and Margaret Garcia at the inaugural Laguna Beach Literary Festival to speak on the importance of the “California Story” and encourage residents to share their own stories.

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