Category: Orange County Community

Teen Suicide Victim’s Unintended Legacy Lives on ‘With Hope’

In the early stages of navigating the unimaginable pain and grief that followed the 2005 suicide of her 14-year-old daughter, Amber, Annette Craig was not looking to create a legacy. She just knew she had to do something to help other people avoid the same misery. More than 18 years later, “With Hope, The Amber…


Orange County Leaders Discuss How Farm Bill Can Boost Agriculture, Food Programs

U.S. House Rep. Lou Correa (D-Calif.) met with local leaders July 6 to discuss the upcoming Farm Reauthorization bill where parties sounded off on what they wish to see in the updated legislation, which determines how the nation’s agriculture and food programs are run and funded. The legislation, which has been around since the 1930s…


Senator Nguyen Announces Candidacy for Orange County Board of Supervisors

Sen. Janet Nguyen announced on July 10 that she will run for the Orange County Board of Supervisors in an attempt to succeed her former chief of staff, board Vice Chairman Andrew Do, who is termed out next year. If elected, Ms. Nguyen, who was elected to the state Senate last year, would be giving…


Summer College Baseball League Offers Fans a Steal in California’s Orange County

A summer baseball team composed of players from collegiate programs across the country plays its home games at Great Park in Irvine, California, and bills itself as Orange County’s best-kept secret. Relatively few people, indeed, are aware of the Orange County Riptide. With the Angels based in Anaheim, despite what the team’s official name suggests,…


Santa Ana Enlists Community to Name 2 New Parks

Officials in Santa Ana, California, are calling on locals to name two new parks coming to the city. The deadline for submissions is July 14. Residents can submit their name ideas online. Submissions will be reviewed at the next Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission July 27. One of the parks being built and in…


It’s Never Too Late to Show Police Appreciation, Says 94-Year-Old

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.—For the past eight years, local resident Dotty McDonald has made it her mission to raise funds to purchase gift cards from local eateries and donate them to the officers and staff of the Newport Beach Police Department (NBPD). The spry 94-year-old says it’s her way of giving back to those who give…


Laguna Beach Animal Shelter Receives $30,000 Donation From Deceased Animal Lover

The Laguna Beach Animal Shelter has received a nearly $30,000 donation from the now-finalized estate of a former resident, according to city officials. Edward Burkart, who was also an aerospace computer engineer before retiring, bequeathed the amount to the facility before his death in 2015 at the age of 86, officials said. The donation will…


7 Fun Things to Do in Orange County This Weekend

Festival of Arts Laguna Beach’s two-month-long art festival has begun featuring 140 artists showcasing acrylic and oil paintings, ceramics, jewelry, wood crafts, and much more. Live music and special events are available on weekends. 650 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach. July 5–Sept. 1, Monday–Thursday, 4 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Friday–Sunday, 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m….


Rebuilding Ducks Excited About Future Prospects

During the same week millions of Americans celebrated Independence Day, 32 young hockey players gathered at Irvine’s Great Park Ice looking to take the next step in their quests for long and fruitful NHL careers. The Anaheim Ducks’ annual summer development camp, which opened there July 3 and runs through July 7, offers youngsters who…


Hundreds of Thousands Celebrate America’s 247th Birthday at Huntington Beach Parade

With countless Star-Spangled Banners flying everywhere from eaves and bikes to hats, Huntington Beach welcomed back its 119th Fourth of July Parade celebrating the country’s independence, freedom, and people from all walks of life. Debuted in 1904, the parade has been the longest-running July Fourth parade west of the Mississippi and a cherished tradition among…