La Habra Shelter in Place Order Lifted After Orange Plume Hovers Above City Hall Neighborhood
It remains unclear what caused the chemical leak, which sent up a large orange plume above the city for several hours.
“I appreciate your high-quality reporting with an emphasis on local issues. Without Voice of OC, I believe many city governments would operate without accountability and the watchful eye of the 4th estate.” –Jason C., Donor
San Clemente Train Line Closed Indefinitely After High Tide Damage
A portion of the Pacific Surfliner rail line running through San Clemente will remain closed for longer than expected after crews identified additional damage from high tides in the area.
Voluntary Breathalyzer Tests to Return to Costa Mesa Bars
City council members accepted a state grant to curb intoxicated driving – part of that is police officers asking bar patrons if they want voluntary breathalyzers, with officials stating it’s not an enforcement action.
A Park Without Parking: Anaheim Sets up Open Space on Santa Ana River
City staff say there is no parking planned for the new open space but that could change in the future with development at Angel Stadium – something officials have repeatedly denied any long term talks about.
Election 2026: OC Cities Ask for Tax Increases, Term Limits and More
Over a dozen local ballot initiatives qualified for the November ballot this year, with most of them aimed at increasing local taxes to help patch budget problems.
Recognizing OC’s Workers this Labor Day
Meet some of the workers who make up the backbone of OC’s workforce and union members who are currently organizing for better pay.
San Clemente Rail Line Closed After Rainfall, High Surf Hit Orange County Coast
Rain from nearby hurricane Marie is battering the Southern California coast, shutting down a portion of the train line between Orange County and San Diego County.
OC Animal Care Still Filled With Cats As Orange County Starts Cooling Down
As of Sept. 3, there are 91 dogs and 160 cats at OC Animal Care in Tustin waiting to be adopted.
Rancho Santiago Chancellor Suspended Amid Investigation
It’s unclear why Chancellor Marvin Martinez is being put on leave, but it comes after board members repeatedly discussed firing him earlier this year.
OC’s Biggest Civic News as Arte Moreno Moves to Sell Angels to Rams Owner
Angels owner Arte Moreno is moving to sell the team to the Rams owner, thousands of people were stuck in the Great Park traffic jam after an Olivia Rodrigo music festival – these are just some of this week’s biggest stories.
Dana Point Moves to Prevent Invasive Palm Beetle Infestation
An invasive weevil has made its way to Dana Point after taking over parts of Southern California, with an estimated 20,000 palm trees killed throughout the region.
Museum vs Bullet Train: Anaheim Swaps Land With OC Vibe Eyed by High Speed Rail Officials
Anaheim officials are swapping land with developers who promise to build a museum on the lot by 2032. State high speed rail officials say the swap will interfere with their plans for a bullet train that won’t be done till 2040.
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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