Category: Local News

California Braces for Next Series of Storms

State emergency officials are preparing for the likely possibility that California’s Monterey Peninsula will become an island as more storms hit the rain-soaked region this weekend. Crews were moving ambulances, firefighters, and first responders to the areas around Monterey, Carmel, Pacific Grove, and Pebble Beach Jan. 12 as they anticipated rivers in the area to…


The Loss of a Young Talent: Tustin High Water Polo Coach Francisco ‘Paco’ Gonzalez

Soon after the new year began, a family lost its father and husband, Tustin High School lost its beloved coach, and the Orange County water polo world lost a young talent. Tustin High School and the North Irvine Water Polo Club and families are mourning the loss of their coach, Francisco “Paco” Gonzalez, after he…


Family Events in Orange County This Weekend

‘Family Musical Encounters’ at Concordia University Enjoy the Concordia Wind Orchestra performing the family-friendly concert “A Tail of Two Tunes.” The concert will include familiar cartoon themes and toy-inspired music. Following the performance, walk to the Music Building where children of all ages can enjoy interactive musical demonstrations from various stations including brass tryouts, percussion…


Amazon to Appeal US Labor Board’s Certification of Union Victory in New York

Amazon said it plans to appeal the official certification of its workers attempts at unionization in New York by the federal government’s labor relations board. Regional director Cornele Overstreet of the National Labor Relations Board (NRLB) upheld an Amazon warehouse union’s victory in New York City in her decision on Jan. 11. The Amazon Labor Union…


Record Rental Evictions: Florida Lawmaker Blames Corporations, Economy Expert Blames Government Policy

As eviction rates climb across the United States, one Florida lawmaker blames corporate buy-ups of homes in low-income housing areas. However, an economist with the Heritage Foundation blames government policy. Data collected through a 2022 U.S. Census Bureau survey from March 30 to April 11 showed that about 35 percent of respondents were “very” or “somewhat” likely…


Missing Boy’s Mother: ‘I Could Feel His Fingers Slipping’ Away

LOS ANGELES—Lindsy Doan didn’t think the water flowing over the creek crossing on San Marcos Road was deeper than normal when she tried navigating it in her SUV while driving her 5-year-old son to school. But the creek, swollen with rain from California’s epic winter storms, was much higher and flowing stronger than she anticipated….


‘A Free Speech Victory’ in a ‘Very Dark World’: Loudoun County Father Arrested at 2021 School Board Meeting Reacts to Acquittal

Jon Tigges, the Loudoun County father arrested at a heated school board meeting in June 2021, was found not guilty of trespassing. On Jan. 4, a judge at the Loudoun County Circuit Court ruled so, overturning a guilty determination by a lower court. Tigges was arrested and charged with trespassing for refusing to leave the…


LA Seeks Permanent Tenant Protections by End of January

LOS ANGELES—A day after a bid to keep the city’s COVID-19 state of emergency in place until permanent tenant protections are implemented failed by one vote, some councilors are pressing their colleagues to move quickly to enact protections for renters who could face eviction after the end of the month. Temporary tenant protections are set…


Los Angeles Captures 10.6 Billion Gallons of Storm Water: Officials

As Southern Californians continue to weather winter rainstorms, water officials in Los Angeles say they have captured enough storm water to serve thousands of households across the county. Officials statewide have long been divided on what to do with storm water. Gov. Gavin Newsom declared an emergency drought order last April for the third year…


Texas Governor Backs Market Overhaul for Power Grid; Lawmakers and Experts Push Back

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has thrown his support behind the Texas Public Utility Commission’s (PUC) proposal to overhaul the market design of the state’s power grid. On Tuesday, Abbott sent a letter to the PUC commissioners (pdf) expressing his support and urging them to adopt the grid’s redesign plan that was introduced in November. The PUC…