Tag: Southern California OC News

Irvine to Purchase and Close Odor-Emitting Asphalt Plant

Irvine officials announced Feb. 28 the purchase and future closure of the All American Asphalt Plant in north Irvine, which has been the source of complaints among nearby residents who say odors from it are harming their quality of life. City officials have not released the terms of the deal, but said the purchase will…


UC Applications for Fall Admission Down Slightly From Last Year

New student applications to University of California (UC) schools are down slightly this year, according to data released by UC last week. Nearly 246,000 students applied to its 10 campuses for fall 2023—a 2 percent decrease from fall 2022, according to the data. Despite the slight drop, UC President Michael Drake said interest in UC…


Least Expensive Orange County Cities to Purchase a Home

With inflation showing no signs of stopping any time soon, many looking to purchase a home in Orange County, California, face heightened obstacles in the already pricey market to do so. According to the California Association of Realtors, the average median home price in the region is just under $1.2 million, according to their January…


Orange County Sheriff’s Deputies Foil Attempted Escape

SANTA ANA, Calif.—An Orange County jail inmate attempted to escape from the Central Men’s Jail in Santa Ana Jan. 28, but quick-thinking deputies foiled the plan, authorities said. The inmate was dressed in civilian clothes in what’s called a “control area” of the jail, where visitors enter and exit, at about 6 a.m. or 7…


Irvine Teacher Accused of Hiding Recording Device In High School Restroom

IRVINE, Calif.—A teacher at Beckman High School in Irvine was arrested Feb. 27 on suspicion of hiding recording devices in a bathroom at the school. Siu Kong Sit was arrested for possession of or manufacturing child pornography, burglary, and on two misdemeanor charges and was booked at the Orange County Jail, said Irvine Police Department…


Irvine Unified Students ‘Snowed In’ at San Bernardino Mountain Camps

Hundreds of Irvine Unified students were snowed in at science camps in the San Bernardino mountains this weekend—but some are now beginning to return home, according to district officials. About 500 students from Irvine Unified’s Cadence Park, Oak Creek, and Stone Creek schools were expected to return from Running Springs’s Camp Pali Feb. 24—but heavy…


OC Department of Education Equips Educators to Support Homeless Students

The Orange County Department of Education last month unveiled an online training program for district educators to support homeless students. The department’s homeless outreach program seeks to remove barriers for homeless students to attend school and to give them the educational and physical support they need to succeed. Jeanne Awrey, coordinator of the program, said…


Orange County Education Department Equips Educators to Support Homeless Students

The Orange County Department of Education last month unveiled an online training program for district educators to support homeless students. The department’s homeless outreach program seeks to remove barriers for homeless students to attend school and to give them the educational and physical support they need to succeed. Jeanne Awrey, coordinator of the program, said…


Former Santa Ana Church Youth Pastor Sentenced to 12 Years for Molesting Girl

SANTA ANA, Calif.—A 60-year-old former Santa Ana church youth pastor pleaded guilty and was immediately sentenced Feb. 24 to 12 years in prison for sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl. The victim came forward to police in October 2018 and said Jonathan Lamont Jenkins started making “sexual advances toward her” in January 2018, according to police….


Irvine Pushes Forward With Plans for Large Amphitheater

The Irvine City Council voted Feb. 21 to continue forward with a 14,000-seat amphitheater for its Great Park rather than a scaled-down version. The decision was finalized in a 3–2 vote in a special meeting after the city briefly considered an 8,000 city-controlled seat venue, when its partner, concert promoter Live Nation, requested it provide…