Category: Orange County

Newport Beach Officials Host Operation Christmas Gift Giveaway for 17th Year

For the 17th year, uniformed officers in decorated military vehicles will receive thousands of donated gifts Dec. 23 from Newport Beach’s “Operation Christmas”—which supports families of active duty and reserve military members. The gifts are intended to show support for service members’ sacrifices—since many are separated from family at Christmas in service of the country….


Man Admits to Killing 4 Women in Anaheim, Gets Life in Prison

SANTA ANA, Calif—A California sex offender who with his best friend kidnapped, raped, and killed four women, some of them while wearing a GPS tracker, was sentenced Dec. 15 to life in prison without parole. Franc Cano, 36, entered murder pleas in Orange County and was immediately sentenced. Cano, who has been in custody since…


California Man Faces Life in Prison for Killing Girlfriend and 2 Sons

SANTA ANA, Calif.—A 42-year-old man was convicted Dec. 14 of stabbing his girlfriend to death and killing their two young sons in the city of Orange about a decade ago. Shazer Fernando Limas, who was scheduled to be sentenced Feb. 3, was convicted of three counts of murder with special circumstances allegations of committing more…


Where to Watch Newport Beach’s Christmas Boat Parade

The City of Newport Beach kicks off its annual Christmas Boat Parade Dec. 14—now in its 114th year—continuing its tradition as the longest-running boat parade in the United States. Starting from the Eastern tip of Lido Island at 6:30 p.m., over 100 vessels will caravan through the harbor, displaying brilliant arrangements of Christmas lights and…


California Students Lose 5 Months Progress in Math Over Pandemic: Study

California students lost nearly half a year’s worth of math progress from 2019 to 2022, according to a recent study measuring pandemic learning loss by researchers at Stanford and Harvard universities. The “Education Recovery Scorecard” study, published in October, used previous compared pre-pandemic academic progress to that made over the pandemic. The study found that…


Westminster City Officials Approve Restarting Car Rebate Program

The Westminster City Council voted 4–1 in October, with Vice Mayor Carlos Manzo opposing, to restart a program in April, reimbursing $500 to city residents and businesses for vehicles purchased and leased in the city. The program—which was requested to be renewed by a handful of car dealerships—is meant to incentivize residents to shop locally….


Westminster City Officials to Restart Car Rebate Program

The Westminster City Council recently voted 4–1, with Vice Mayor Carlos Manzo opposing, to restart a program in April that reimburses $500 to city residents and businesses for vehicles purchased and leased in the city. The program—which was requested to be renewed by a handful of car dealerships—is meant to incentivize residents to shop locally….


Costa Mesa’s Controversial Measure K Passes by 22 Votes

Costa Mesa’s controversial Measure K passed by 22 votes in the Nov. 8 election, allowing high-density developments to skirt a public vote for approval in some areas in the city. The measure won 50.03 to 49.97 percent—or 16,483 to 16,461 votes, according to Dec. 2 certified results from the county registrar. The city council put…


Controversial Development Below Former Landslide Site Approved in Laguna Niguel

After hours of discussion, the Laguna Niguel City Council voted 3–2 to approve a development project which will be below a former landslide site during a special meeting Dec. 5, with councilors Rischi Paul Sharma and Fred Minagar opposing. The Cove at El Niguel will consist of 22 townhomes off of Crown Valley Parkway below…


Orange County Gives Local Control of Certain Beaches to Laguna Beach

The Orange County Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a resolution Dec. 6 to pay $22 million and transfer ownership of some coastline property to the City of Laguna Beach. The 1.2-mile strip of coastline in question includes Aliso, Camel Point, Laguna Royale, Table Rock, Thousand Steps, and West Street beaches, all within the city’s limits….