Voice of OC
@voiceofoc.bsky.social
Reporting the decisions shaping OC — in real time.
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Nonprofit. No ads. Just the truth, funded by readers like you.
✍️ Give today: https://bit.ly/4pioa8T
📰 Get our free newsletter: http://bit.ly/4nnA2V9
After the state Supreme Court declined to review the case, it’s unclear what options the city has left to implement voter ID.
Is Huntington Beach’s Voter ID Law Finished?
After the state Supreme Court declined to review the case, it’s unclear what options the city has left to implement voter ID.
voiceofoc.org
January 28, 2026 at 9:26 PM
After the state Supreme Court declined to review the case, it’s unclear what options the city has left to implement voter ID.
City council members approved short-term rentals in an attempt to bring in more tax revenue ahead of major tourist events in neighboring cities.
Brea Rolls Out Airbnb Program Ahead of 2028 Olympics
City council members approved short-term rentals in an attempt to bring in more tax revenue ahead of major tourist events in neighboring cities.
voiceofoc.org
January 28, 2026 at 9:00 PM
City council members approved short-term rentals in an attempt to bring in more tax revenue ahead of major tourist events in neighboring cities.
Newport Beach officials rescinded a previous approval for a wave pool project after enough residents signatures pressured the council to take another look.
Newport Beach Reverses Course on Contentious Surf Park Proposal
Newport Beach officials rescinded a previous approval for a wave pool project after enough residents signatures pressured the council to take another look.
voiceofoc.org
January 28, 2026 at 8:08 PM
Newport Beach officials rescinded a previous approval for a wave pool project after enough residents signatures pressured the council to take another look.
The new program will double trash disposal costs for local cities by 2030, which will likely be passed on to residents.
Orange County Supervisors Hike Trash Rates
The new program will double trash disposal costs for local cities by 2030, which will likely be passed on to residents.
voiceofoc.org
January 28, 2026 at 7:00 PM
The new program will double trash disposal costs for local cities by 2030, which will likely be passed on to residents.
Mayor Ashleigh Aitken is calling for a more public facing ethics officer after the city manager faced questions for attending an undisclosed resort interest paid trip ahead of a vote for a…
https://voiceofoc.org/2026/01/wheres-anaheims-ethics-officer/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social
https://voiceofoc.org/2026/01/wheres-anaheims-ethics-officer/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social
January 28, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Mayor Ashleigh Aitken is calling for a more public facing ethics officer after the city manager faced questions for attending an undisclosed resort interest paid trip ahead of a vote for a…
https://voiceofoc.org/2026/01/wheres-anaheims-ethics-officer/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social
https://voiceofoc.org/2026/01/wheres-anaheims-ethics-officer/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social
California State Lands Commissioners approved a report that found the long-held practice of transferring offshore mooring permits in Newport Beach might violate state law.
State Officials Recommend Nixing Mooring Permit Transfers in Newport Harbor
California State Lands Commissioners approved a report that found the long-held practice of transferring offshore mooring permits in Newport Beach might violate state law.
voiceofoc.org
January 28, 2026 at 1:58 PM
California State Lands Commissioners approved a report that found the long-held practice of transferring offshore mooring permits in Newport Beach might violate state law.
City Councilwoman Rachel Strong Carnahan’s proposed resolution to reaffirm civil rights and condemn “excessive force” used by federal immigration agents failed to gain traction among her colleagues.
Cypress Resolution Reaffirming Civil Rights Fizzles Out Amid ICE Raid Backlash
City Councilwoman Rachel Strong Carnahan’s proposed resolution to reaffirm civil rights and condemn “excessive force” used by federal immigration agents failed to gain traction among her colleagues.
voiceofoc.org
January 27, 2026 at 9:00 PM
City Councilwoman Rachel Strong Carnahan’s proposed resolution to reaffirm civil rights and condemn “excessive force” used by federal immigration agents failed to gain traction among her colleagues.
An intense debate over whether or not Fountain Valley should become a charter city led to a pause on the proposal so city officials can survey residents on the idea.
Fountain Valley Pauses Charter City Proposal, Residents to be Surveyed
An intense debate over whether or not Fountain Valley should become a charter city led to a pause on the proposal so city officials can survey residents on the idea.
voiceofoc.org
January 27, 2026 at 6:00 PM
An intense debate over whether or not Fountain Valley should become a charter city led to a pause on the proposal so city officials can survey residents on the idea.
Residents and mountain bikers are split in a heated debate over a pump track proposal that would provide bicyclists the space to practice their skills; critics voice concerns about safety, parking and noise.
Laguna Beach Considers Pump Track for Bicyclists, Skaters
Residents and mountain bikers are split in a heated debate over a pump track proposal that would provide bicyclists the space to practice their skills; critics voice concerns about safety, parking and noise.
voiceofoc.org
January 27, 2026 at 1:58 PM
Residents and mountain bikers are split in a heated debate over a pump track proposal that would provide bicyclists the space to practice their skills; critics voice concerns about safety, parking and noise.
Mundekis: Orange Becoming a Charter City Distracts from Fixing Financial Problems
Orange City Council must fix the City’s finances but is creating distractions from financial survival with discussions to become a charter city to take on the State in court. Legal battles will drain money from an…
Orange City Council must fix the City’s finances but is creating distractions from financial survival with discussions to become a charter city to take on the State in court. Legal battles will drain money from an…
Mundekis: Orange Becoming a Charter City Distracts from Fixing Financial Problems
Orange City Council must fix the City’s finances but is creating distractions from financial survival with discussions to become a charter city to take on the State in court. Legal battles will drain money from an already cash strapped city.
voiceofoc.org
January 26, 2026 at 9:43 PM
Mundekis: Orange Becoming a Charter City Distracts from Fixing Financial Problems
Orange City Council must fix the City’s finances but is creating distractions from financial survival with discussions to become a charter city to take on the State in court. Legal battles will drain money from an…
Orange City Council must fix the City’s finances but is creating distractions from financial survival with discussions to become a charter city to take on the State in court. Legal battles will drain money from an…
Anaheim City Manager Jim Vanderpool is slated to face questions behind closed doors Tuesday on why he didn’t disclose going on a Chamber of Commerce paid retreat amid renewed…
https://voiceofoc.org/2026/01/is-anaheims-city-manager-on-the-chopping-block/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social
https://voiceofoc.org/2026/01/is-anaheims-city-manager-on-the-chopping-block/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social
January 26, 2026 at 9:00 PM
Anaheim City Manager Jim Vanderpool is slated to face questions behind closed doors Tuesday on why he didn’t disclose going on a Chamber of Commerce paid retreat amid renewed…
https://voiceofoc.org/2026/01/is-anaheims-city-manager-on-the-chopping-block/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social
https://voiceofoc.org/2026/01/is-anaheims-city-manager-on-the-chopping-block/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social
Over 30,000 healthcare workers throughout California and Hawaii went on strike Monday morning, speaking out against alleged unsafe staffing levels and unfair wages.
Orange County Healthcare Workers Again Strike For Higher Pay, More Staffing
Over 30,000 healthcare workers throughout California and Hawaii went on strike Monday morning, speaking out against alleged unsafe staffing levels and unfair wages.
voiceofoc.org
January 26, 2026 at 8:11 PM
Over 30,000 healthcare workers throughout California and Hawaii went on strike Monday morning, speaking out against alleged unsafe staffing levels and unfair wages.
Laguna Hills and Rancho Santa Margarita join Mission Viejo to tackle homelessness in the region by funding housing placement, mental health resources, rehabilitation services and one-on-one assistance.
South OC Steps Up To Address Homelessness
Laguna Hills and Rancho Santa Margarita join Mission Viejo to tackle homelessness in the region by funding housing placement, mental health resources, rehabilitation services and one-on-one assistance.
voiceofoc.org
January 26, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Laguna Hills and Rancho Santa Margarita join Mission Viejo to tackle homelessness in the region by funding housing placement, mental health resources, rehabilitation services and one-on-one assistance.
Two OC Superior Court Judges have faced criminal charges in the last two years, while a host of others have quietly sidestepped questions or lawsuits around their ethics.
What Happens When Orange County Judges Face Judgement?
Two OC Superior Court Judges have faced criminal charges in the last two years, while a host of others have quietly sidestepped questions or lawsuits around their ethics.
voiceofoc.org
January 26, 2026 at 1:58 PM
Two OC Superior Court Judges have faced criminal charges in the last two years, while a host of others have quietly sidestepped questions or lawsuits around their ethics.
San Clemente allows federal agents to install cameras overlooking the coastline, Irvine cancels its Fourth of July celebration ahead of USA’s 250th birthday – these are some of OC’s biggest headlines.
A Look at OC’s Civic News as Border Patrol Cameras Come to San Clemente
San Clemente allows federal agents to install cameras overlooking the coastline, Irvine cancels its Fourth of July celebration ahead of USA’s 250th birthday – these are some of OC’s biggest headlines.
voiceofoc.org
January 23, 2026 at 7:00 PM
San Clemente allows federal agents to install cameras overlooking the coastline, Irvine cancels its Fourth of July celebration ahead of USA’s 250th birthday – these are some of OC’s biggest headlines.
City leaders back away from restrictions on the event after an outpouring of positive public support.
The Show Goes On for South OC Cars and Coffee
City leaders back away from restrictions on the event after an outpouring of positive public support.
voiceofoc.org
January 23, 2026 at 6:00 PM
City leaders back away from restrictions on the event after an outpouring of positive public support.
As of Jan. 22, there are 127 dogs and seven cats at OC Animal Care in Tustin waiting to be adopted.
These Dogs and Puppies at OC Animal Care Are Looking for a Home
As of Jan. 22, there are 127 dogs and seven cats at OC Animal Care in Tustin waiting to be adopted.
voiceofoc.org
January 23, 2026 at 1:58 PM
As of Jan. 22, there are 127 dogs and seven cats at OC Animal Care in Tustin waiting to be adopted.
The district will host a ribbon cutting ceremony this weekend for their first bookmobile offering mobile library services.
Placentia Library To Take Books to the Streets
The district will host a ribbon cutting ceremony this weekend for their first bookmobile offering mobile library services.
voiceofoc.org
January 22, 2026 at 9:00 PM
The district will host a ribbon cutting ceremony this weekend for their first bookmobile offering mobile library services.
Border Patrol cameras are expected to watch San Clemente’s shoreline in an effort to crack down on panga boat landings after council members narrowly approved the move, despite privacy concerns.
Border Patrol Cameras Coming to an Iconic Coastal OC Town
Border Patrol cameras are expected to watch San Clemente’s shoreline in an effort to crack down on panga boat landings after council members narrowly approved the move, despite privacy concerns.
voiceofoc.org
January 22, 2026 at 7:18 PM
Border Patrol cameras are expected to watch San Clemente’s shoreline in an effort to crack down on panga boat landings after council members narrowly approved the move, despite privacy concerns.
A screening of “Arthur” at the Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Library and access to the Saddleback Wilderness are among many free events offered through public libraries, OC Parks and museums this weekend.
Free Things to Do: Movie Screenings and Wilderness Access
A screening of “Arthur” at the Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Library and access to the Saddleback Wilderness are among many free events offered through public libraries, OC Parks and museums this weekend.
voiceofoc.org
January 22, 2026 at 1:58 PM
A screening of “Arthur” at the Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Library and access to the Saddleback Wilderness are among many free events offered through public libraries, OC Parks and museums this weekend.
Costa: Huntington Beach Rejects Political Interference to Save Its Local Library
Huntington Beach residents across political lines united to defeat city council efforts to restrict library books and privatize library services, passing Measures A and B with nearly 60 percent of the vote in a…
Huntington Beach residents across political lines united to defeat city council efforts to restrict library books and privatize library services, passing Measures A and B with nearly 60 percent of the vote in a…
Costa: Huntington Beach Rejects Political Interference to Save Its Local Library
Huntington Beach residents across political lines united to defeat city council efforts to restrict library books and privatize library services, passing Measures A and B with nearly 60 percent of the vote in a remarkable show of community solidarity against censorship in a politically divided city.
voiceofoc.org
January 22, 2026 at 6:22 AM
Costa: Huntington Beach Rejects Political Interference to Save Its Local Library
Huntington Beach residents across political lines united to defeat city council efforts to restrict library books and privatize library services, passing Measures A and B with nearly 60 percent of the vote in a…
Huntington Beach residents across political lines united to defeat city council efforts to restrict library books and privatize library services, passing Measures A and B with nearly 60 percent of the vote in a…
Costa Mesa becomes the second city in the state to adopt a law requiring manned self checkout stations despite concerns from grocery and drug store operators.
Costa Mesa to Require Staffed Self-Checkout Stands
Costa Mesa becomes the second city in the state to adopt a law requiring manned self checkout stations despite concerns from grocery and drug store operators.
voiceofoc.org
January 21, 2026 at 9:00 PM
Costa Mesa becomes the second city in the state to adopt a law requiring manned self checkout stations despite concerns from grocery and drug store operators.
Irvine city staff members say there isn’t enough time to secure the vendors needed to host the celebration in the Great Park.
Irvine Leaders Nix Fourth of July Celebration Ahead of USA’s 250th Birthday
Irvine city staff members say there isn’t enough time to secure the vendors needed to host the celebration in the Great Park.
voiceofoc.org
January 21, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Irvine city staff members say there isn’t enough time to secure the vendors needed to host the celebration in the Great Park.
OC Treasurer Tries to Fire Deputy After She Pulls Papers to Run For Her Seat
Longtime Treasurer and Tax Collector Shari Freidenrich moved to fire her top deputy as she geared up to run for her seat.
Longtime Treasurer and Tax Collector Shari Freidenrich moved to fire her top deputy as she geared up to run for her seat.
OC Treasurer Tries to Fire Deputy After She Pulls Papers to Run For Her Seat
Longtime Treasurer and Tax Collector Shari Freidenrich moved to fire her top deputy as she geared up to run for her seat.
voiceofoc.org
January 21, 2026 at 5:00 PM
OC Treasurer Tries to Fire Deputy After She Pulls Papers to Run For Her Seat
Longtime Treasurer and Tax Collector Shari Freidenrich moved to fire her top deputy as she geared up to run for her seat.
Longtime Treasurer and Tax Collector Shari Freidenrich moved to fire her top deputy as she geared up to run for her seat.
After criticism from residents and officials, the applicant who proposed creating a battery energy storage facility in San Juan Capistrano has suspended state applications for the project.
South OC Battery Storage Project Halted For Now
After criticism from residents and officials, the applicant who proposed creating a battery energy storage facility in San Juan Capistrano has suspended state applications for the project.
voiceofoc.org
January 21, 2026 at 1:58 PM
After criticism from residents and officials, the applicant who proposed creating a battery energy storage facility in San Juan Capistrano has suspended state applications for the project.