Orange County News

A close-up of a clear glass front door in a long, tan walkway. The door has the text "VAS Viet-America Society" displayed, with an additional sign that says "available for lease" below it.

Civics & Democracy

OC waived key oversight of contracts during COVID, opening the way for fraud, audit finds

Auditors have referred two contracts to the Orange County district attorney and county counsel for further investigation.

A man in a jacket that reads "Sheriff" and a beige dog walk through the gray rubble of a burned down beachfront property. There's a stark contrast between the gray rubble and the blue ocean that is up against the destruction.

Climate & Environment

Will LA fire victims join the crowded OC housing market?

Real estate experts say they’re not seeing a huge effect yet, except for high-end rentals.

A blue-tinted Metro train arrives to a transit platform near downtown Los Angeles as an out-of-focus man in a blue shirt walks away from the train.

Transportation & Mobility

Many buses and trains are free today. Here's why transit officials are so worried

A celebration of public transit is held on Feb. 4, to honor the birthday of pioneering civil rights leader Rosa Parks. The mood among transit officials should be upbeat. But it's not.

A welcome sign for Santa Ana, with palm trees in the background

Education

Santa Ana Unified to lay off hundreds of educators

Morale at the district is low because of the impending layoffs and fear of immigration raids.

A man in a suit jacket and tie looks off to the side, as the name "Andrew Do" appears on a name tag next to the official seal of County of Orange, California. "Vice Chairman, District 1," is written underneath the name.

Civics & Democracy

State Bar orders suspension of former OC Supervisor Andrew Do's law license

Step 1 is suspending Andrew Do's law license, which goes into effect Feb. 10 and is a precursor to potential disbarment.

The setting is a courtroom: A man wearing a dark suit is sitting and looking at a man, also wearing a dark suit, as the man is speaking in reference to some papers in his hand.

Criminal Justice

Is the OC snitch scandal over? Why there’s no easy answer

The federal government recently settled with Orange County over reforms. But a pending ruling could call into question their effectiveness. A decision is expected soon.