Category: Orange County

Former Physician Assistant Who Sold Opioid Prescriptions to Dealers Sentenced Nearly 4 Years

SANTA ANA, Calif.—A former physician assistant at a Fountain Valley medical clinic was sentenced May 16 in a federal court for illegally selling prescriptions for oxycodone, a highly addictive opioid painkiller, to dealers, knowing the drugs would be sold on the street. Raif Wadie Iskander, 56, formerly of Ladera Ranch, but who now resides in…


Westminster Police Sgt. Phuong Pham: Local Hero

As an immigrant who narrowly escaped South Vietnam after the war, Sgt. Phuong Pham has served the City of Westminster, California, for over 22 years, mediating between police and the city’s robust Vietnamese community. Over the years, he has been this bridge despite budget cuts to the city’s police force and rapid crime rate increases….


California Senator Advises Firearm-Related Bills in Response to Recent Shootings

Brady, an organization that fights against gun violence, held a meeting with Orange County Sen. Dave Min (D-Irvine) May 17 to discuss different California state bills that could deter future gun violence. The event, called the “Spotlight on Crime Guns in California,” was held following a number of shootings across the country over the weekend,…


Dr. John Cheng Remembered by Friends and Patients as ‘Best Doctor’ and ‘Hero’

ALISO VIEJO, Calif.—Residents and patients are mourning Dr. John Cheng outside of his office in Aliso Viejo, California, with flowers and hand-written letters commemorating the compassion and selflessness he embodied throughout his life, which was cut short by a May 15 mass shooting at a church in the neighboring city of Laguna Woods. “What inspired…


Community Mourns Heroic Death of John Cheng in California Church Shooting

John Cheng, 52, a family practice physician with South Bay Medical Group in Aliso Viejo, was shot to death after—what all are calling—a selfless, heroic act at a mass shooting on Sunday, May 15, at Geneva Presbyterian Church in Laguna Woods, California. The shooting, which killed one and injured five during a lunch gathering after…


Laguna Niguel Coastal Fire at 80 Percent Containment

LAGUNA NIGUEL, Calif.—After a wildfire scorched approximately 200 acres in Aliso Wood Canyon, destroyed 20 homes, and damaged 11 more last week, fire authorities said they had reached 80 percent containment—citing favorable weather conditions. “Our crews are continuing to check for hotspots and then will repair any fire suppression out on the hillside,” Orange County…


Suspect ID’d in Laguna Woods Church Shooting That Killed 1, Injured 5

LAGUNA WOODS, Calif.—An investigation continued Monday, May 16, to determine the reason an Asian man allegedly shot one man to death and wounded five others at a predominantly Taiwanese Laguna Woods church Sunday, May 15, before congregants tackled and hogtied him with an extension cord. David Wenwei Chou, 68, of Las Vegas, Nevada was booked…


Mission Viejo: Election Lawsuit Has ‘No Merit’

The city of Mission Viejo said May 12 it is prepared to defend its recent move toward district-based elections in court, saying a lawsuit filed against the city regarding the change has “no merit.” Last month, Mission Viejo resident Michael Schlesinger filed the suit alleging all five of its city council seats should be up…


Cypress Doubles Down Amid Voting Controversy

CYPRESS, Calif.—Cypress now faces two potential lawsuits after privately voting to reject new citywide election methods, and for refusing to release information from these private sessions on May 9. Despite hundreds of cities in California agreeing to switch their city election methods to districts—voters choosing only one member who lives within their area—Cyress voted March…


Orange County Cities Proclaim National Police Week

Orange County cities are proclaiming May 15 through May 21 as National Police Week, when officers will be honored nationwide for their sacrifice in keeping America’s communities safe. The week, which is designated annually by the U.S. President and Congress, aligns with Peace Officers Memorial Day on May 15, when law enforcement officers who were…