Category: Southern California

Every School District in OC Improved Its Fiscal Health in 2022—Except for 2

Orange County, California has 28 school districts, and they all share the fiscal year end of June 30. The timely release of their annual financial statements is usually before the end of the year. However, only 22 of them had their auditors field work completed before Dec. 31, 2022. Huntington Beach Union High School District…


California One Step Closer to Ban TikTok, Other Apps From Government Devices

A bill to ban the use of China-based social media app TikTok and some other social media apps on state-issued or owned devices unanimously passed the California Senate on May 30. Senate Bill 74, authored by Sen. Bill Dodd (D-Napa), would prohibit social media applications to be downloaded or installed on such devices if the…


California Legislature Passes Revised $312 Billion Budget Proposal, Awaits Newsom’s Response

Democratic supermajorities in both the Assembly and Senate approved a revised version of the state’s budget on June 15, the final day of the deadline based on constitutional obligation, with the proposal now on the way to the governor’s desk for review. Votes were split by party line, with all senators present and voting 32…


Golden Globes Change Ownership; Hollywood Foreign Press to Dissolve

The Hollywood Foreign Press Association has sold the rights, assets, and properties of its Golden Globe Awards to new owners, closing a chapter for the struggling nonprofit. Dick Clark Productions and Eldridge Industries, a holding company owned by investor Todd Boehly, announced their purchase of the awards show June 12. The Foreign Press Association will…


Pride Video Shown in Huntington Beach High School Classroom Sparks Debate

A high school in Huntington Beach, California has found itself in the spotlight after a video has gone viral of students reacting to a Pride video shown during a math class. Students at Edison High School were threatened with detention for shouting and objecting to the video which showed two girls intimately touching. “Wow! Ms….


Fun Things to Do in Orange County This Father’s Day Weekend

Fountain Valley Summerfest Want to find a family-friendly event to spend time on this Father’s Day? The Summerfest features carnival rides, games, live concerts, and lots of delicious eats, as well as fireworks and a drone light show at night. 16400 Brookhurst St., Fountain Valley. Thursday & Friday 5­ to11 p.m., Saturday 2 to 11…


Mountain Lion P-22 Had Severe Injuries, Chronic Illnesses: Necropsy

LOS ANGELES—A final necropsy conducted on famed Southland mountain lion P-22 determined the cat was suffering from “multiple severe injuries” and chronic conditions that limited his ability to function in the wild, state wildlife officials said June 14. P-22, known as the “Hollywood Cat,” was euthanized Dec. 17 after being examined by wildlife officials who…


Irvine Looks to Ban Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers, Lawn Mowers

Irvine leaders plan to revise the city’s noise code to ban gas-powered gardening equipment, voting unanimously on June 13 to move forward with the change. The issue was brought forward by Councilwoman Kathleen Treseder, due to resident complaints. “Especially during the pandemic, I think a lot of us experienced the noise from gas-powered leaf blowers….


Lawmaker Tells Californians to Flee State Over Bill Favoring ‘Gender-Affirming’ Parents in Child Custody Disputes

A California state senator suggested at a packed senate judiciary committee hearing on a pro-transgender bill that fighting to preserve parental rights in the state is a lost cause and advised California parents to leave if they know what’s best for their children and families. State Sen. Scott Wilk (R-Santa Clarita) made the remark at…


Former Los Angeles High School Dean Arrested in Alleged Sexual Assault

WATTS, Calif.—A 43-year-old man was arrested for allegedly pursuing a sexual relationship with an underage female student at a Watts high school where he once worked as a dean, and police June 15 urged other potential victims to come forward. Roger Scott was arrested and booked last Thursday on suspicion of contacting a minor with…