Category: Southern California

Marine Pleads Guilty for Fatally Punching Man in Dana Point

NEWPORT BEACH—A 21-year-old San Diego former Marine reached a plea deal agreement with prosecutors on July 14 in connection with a St. Patrick’s Day fight that killed a man in a Dana Point restaurant. Jack Griffin Isaacson—who was facing a felony count of involuntary manslaughter—pleaded guilty to a felony count of battery with serious bodily…


Hollywood Strikes Could Open Up Opportunities for More Conservative Content to Thrive

Now that Hollywood’s actors have joined its writers on the picket line, new content creation from studios and streamers has effectively been cut-off for the time being. There will be no red carpet walking or promotional events for actors to attend, which seems especially out of the ordinary during the summer blockbuster season. To belabor…


Irvine Surgeon Gets Nearly 3 Years in Prison for Hospital Bribery Case

An orthopedic surgeon was sentenced on July 14 to 33 months in federal prison for accepting more than $315,000 in bribes and kickbacks for performing spinal surgeries at a now-defunct Long Beach hospital whose owner was imprisoned for committing workers’ compensation insurance fraud. David Payne, 65, of Irvine, was also fined $20,000 and ordered to…


Equestrian Therapy Helps Formerly Homeless and Veterans With PTSD in Orange County

The Double R Ranch is relocating from northern San Diego County to a new 30-acre home in Silverado Canyon, in the mountains east of Tustin, where veterans and the formerly homeless can live with their families and rehabilitate from drug usage and homelessness, thanks to the Christian-based nonprofit Orange County Rescue Mission. The ranch is…


Great White Sharks Spotted Off California Beach, Sparking Advisory

Authorities in Southern California are sounding the alarm after lifeguards patrolling in the area reported seeing three juvenile great white sharks in the water. In a statement on July 14, the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department said the sharks were feeding on the carcass of a sea lion and did not exhibit any aggressive behavior. The…


Homeless RV Sewage Is Going Into the Ocean in Southern California: Insider

“Nine thousand gallons [of sewage] a month are going into the wastewater system. That’s the storm drain system, not the sewer. The storm drain carries it straight to Santa Monica Bay,” said Barry Coe, regarding the monthly wastewater of the 600 recreational vehicles (RV) that are being used by homeless persons in the Harbor Gateway…


OC Fair Opens with Several New Treats and Attractions

COSTA MESA, Calif.—The Orange County Fair kicked off July 14 with a ceremonial American flag-raising ceremony. Soon after, families and teens on summer vacation made their way to the event’s novelty food stands, while screams of excitement from those riding the fair’s small roller-coasters could be heard. “There’s always crazy food at the fair, but…


Former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer to Run for County Board of Supervisors

Kevin Faulconer—a Republican and the former mayor of San Diego—announced his candidacy July 11 for the San Diego Board of Supervisors District 3 seat in the upcoming 2024 election. The district covers Coronado to Carlsbad and is currently represented by Democratic Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer, who is seeking reelection. Mr. Faulconer was a San Diego councilman…


Irvine Set to Impose Regulations on Electric Bikes

The Irvine City Council moved forward July 11 with plans to impose regulations on e-bikes, fearing that with their increasing popularity, e-bike riders have a higher risk of accidents and pose safety issues for residents. During the meeting, Vice Mayor Tammy Kim said she recently encountered a group of teenagers on e-bikes riding through the…


California Legislature Considers Pilot Program to Use Cameras for Traffic Enforcement

A proposed five-year pilot program that calls for using traffic cameras to issue automatic tickets to speeding drivers traveling more than 10 miles per hour over the limit in California is close to approval in the state’s Legislature. Assembly Bill 645 passed a second Senate hearing in the Judiciary Committee July 11 after clearing the…