Local Orange County News

Someone Cares Soup Kitchen names new leader, after 3 generations in same family

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 19:41:24 +0000

Since 1986, the nonprofit has been run by founder Merle Hatleberg, her daughters and granddaughter. But after the death of its executive director Shannon Santos in June, the group found a sucessor not too far outside the family circle.

Sound decibels to be measured when Irvine Bowl hosts concerts during Coast Film & Music Festival

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 19:22:58 +0000

The Irvine Bowl noise policy will be suspended Nov. 7-9, as the city of Laguna Beach will use the concerts to provide data to inform potential policy changes to allow for more events at the venue.

Newport Beach City Council seeks 'real-time' campus camera access for school police

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 18:47:39 +0000

Councilmembers approved a new school resource officer program contract but await an agreement with the Newport-Mesa Unified School district on a campus camera system.

Shohei Ohtani has top-selling MLB jersey so far this season. Two other Dodgers rank in top four

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 17:50:29 +0000

Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani has the top-selling MLB jersey for the first half of 2025 season. Teammates Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman are also in top four.

L.A. will provide cash assistance to immigrants affected by raids

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 17:48:00 +0000

Mayor Karen Bass announced a plan Friday to provide direct cash assistance to people who have been affected by the Trump administration’s sweeping immigration raids.

Immigration raids at Anaheim car washes prompts a family's fight for their father

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 17:45:12 +0000

Gilberto Gomez-Garcia, an Anaheim resident and car wash worker was detained on July 3 during an immigration raid at his workplace. His family is fighting to free him from custody.

Like father, like son: Why so many MLB draft prospects follow in dad's footsteps

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 16:58:44 +0000

The Major League Baseball draft takes place Sunday and several top prospects are the sons of former stars. Are the scions worth the hype?

At 80, he's the oldest to ever complete hot, harrowing Badwater ultramarathon

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 13:30:00 +0000

Your morning catch-up: 80-year-old completes Death Valley race, immigration action in Ventura sparks protest and more big stories ...

Three men arrested in Irvine for burglary possibly connected to bank-jugging

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 09:38:26 +0000

Three men have been arrested in a burglary that may be connected to a nationwide trend known as “bank-jugging.”

Bank-jugging is a trending crime where suspects wait for customers to withdraw cash at the bank and follow their victims to their next locations to rob them.

On July 2, officers with the Irvine Police Department were investigating two vehicle burglaries in the area where the victims had just withdrawn money.

According to police, they identified the suspect’s vehicle as a black Ford Expedition with a fake license plate.

On Tuesday July 8, officers spotted the Expedition with the fake license plates visiting banks across Orange County, believing they were looking for victims.

The suspects were then seen burglarizing a car in Seal Beach, stealing a banker’s bag after the owner had just conducted a banking transaction, police said. Detectives stopped them and arrested three men.

When detectives searched the suspect’s vehicle, they found the stolen banker’s bag, a fake license plate, burglary tools, a ski mask, and cash.

Maurice James, 24, Samuel Marcus Polite, 20, and Ja Vion Marcell La Shang Mathews, 22, from Texas were arrested and booked at Orange County Jail.

They all face charges including conspiracy, vehicle burglary, felony vandalism, possession of burglary tools, and possession of stolen property.

Detectives are also looking into whether or not the three men were involved in the burglaries on July 2.

“We urge banking customers to be discreet when making cash withdrawals and to be aware of their surroundings. If you withdraw cash, proceed directly to a safe drop-off destination,” Irvine police said.

Anyone with information on this case is urged to contact Detective Mahmood at mmahmood@cityofirvine.org.

Real estate news: 18-unit apartment complex in Surf City fetches $7.4 million

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 09:05:04 +0000

The 18-unit Yorktown Apartments in Huntington Beach sold recently for $7.4 million or $411,111 per unit.

It was the first time the property at 7701 Yorktown Ave. has been on the market in more than 30 years, according to CBRE, which represented the seller and the all-cash buyer from Newport Beach.

Completed in 1973 and 1974, the two-building complex includes one studio and 17 two-bedroom units in 15,903 square feet.

The property includes a courtyard, picnic area and private patios or balconies in certain units. Recent improvements, CBRE noted, include new exterior paint, garage roofs, stairs, upper-level walkways, and washers and dryers.

“For the buyer, this acquisition presented an opportunity to capitalize on the property’s all-electric buildings and the potential for rental upside in a desirable Huntington Beach location, less than 2 miles from the beach,” said Mike O’Neill, a senior vice president at CBRE.

Neither the buyer nor the seller were identified by CBRE.

This 9,982-square-foot industrial property in Fullerton sold June 11 for $3,380,000. The new owner has a plan to repurpose the building as a dental laboratory. (Photo courtesy of Lee & Associates Orange)

Industrial building in Fullerton fetches $3.4M

An industrial property in Fullerton sold June 11 for $3,380,000, and the new owner has a plan to convert the building to a dental laboratory.

The property at 1041 S Placentia Ave. includes 9,982 square feet of industrial space.

Lee & Associates in Orange represented the buyer, who acquired the facility with plans to repurpose it.

This 1,690-square-foot office building in Orange sold June 12 for $1,025,000. (Photo courtesy of Lee & Associates)

Medical office in Orange sells for $1M

A medical office building in Orange sold June 6 for $1,025,000, according to Lee & Associates in Orange.

The property at 555 N. Tustin St. includes a 1,690-square-foot building on a 0.16-acre lot, originally built in 1956.

Lee & Associates represented the seller. The buyer had been the property’s tenant for a number of years.

JLL Property Management’s mixed-use management team, The Mixx, will be managing OCVibe when it’s completed in Anaheim. (Photo courtesy of OCVibe)

JLL’s new team to manage OCVibe

JLL Property Management’s new team, The Mixx, will be managing OCVibe when it’s completed in Anaheim.

The 100-acre mixed-use development is under construction next to Honda Center and will include 20 acres of parks and plazas, four parking garages, restaurants, the office building The Weave, and retail plazas around the arena.

JLL’s team will oversee operations, management and maintenance of OCVIBE’s commercial and common areas.

The brokerage noted that OC Sports and Entertainment, owned by the Samueli family, will continue to manage Honda Center and future entertainment venues at OCVIBE.

Henry Samueli, the billionaire owner of the Ducks, and his company are the primary investors in the the $4 billion development in Anaheim.

When completed, the complex in Anaheim’s Platinum Triangle will have four performance venues, 28 restaurants and six bars, two hotels, green space and around 2,000 apartments.

The first phase of construction was estimated to be complete in late 2026, with the entire complex finished by 2029.

Leah Wimberly, a principal at Pacific Wall Systems Inc., a woman-owned union drywall contractor in Anaheim, is the first woman to be appointed to the executive board of the Western Wall and Ceiling Contractors Association. (Photo courtesy of Alex Kemp)

Wimberly first woman tapped to industry exec board

Leah Wimberly, a principal at the woman-owned union drywall contractor Pacific Wall Systems based in Anaheim, recently was appointed to the executive board of the Western Wall and Ceiling Contractors Association.

She is the first woman in the association’s 124-year history to join the board.

“I look forward to working collaboratively with fellow members and labor partners to advance education, promote best practices, expand training and technology use, and ensure that office and field teams remain aligned in delivering top-tier projects — safely and efficiently,” Wimberly said.

She has spent her 17-year career at Pacific Wall Systems where she began as an estimator and project manager before becoming principal in 2022.

Wimberly’s father, Daryl Wimberly, served on the WWCCA Board of Directors and now is on its advisory board.

Formed in 2007, Pacific Wall Systems and its CEO Konny Knecht work from two manufacturing facilities serving California, Oregon, and Washington state.

The real estate roundup is compiled from news releases and written by Business Editor Samantha Gowen. Submit items and high-resolution photos via email to sgowen@scng.com . Please allow at least a week for publication. All items are subject to editing for clarity and length.

Angels pitchers get rocked in blowout loss to Texas Rangers

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 04:57:11 +0000

Marcus Semien goes four for five and Corey Seager hits a two-run single in a seven-run third inning to lift the Texas Rangers to an 11-4 rout of the Angels.

Federal judge signals a halt to indiscriminate immigration stops

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 01:56:45 +0000

A U.S. District judge shared tentative ruling that suggests she plans to order federal agents to stop questioning and arresting people without reasonable cause that they have violated immigration laws. Her final ruling is expected Friday.

Laguna Beach hopes to spur residents to get behind undergrounding utility lines

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 23:33:33 +0000

The Laguna Beach City Council approved changes to its policy regarding the formation of underground utility assessment districts to entice residents to support such projects as wildfire mitigation efforts.

Costa Mesa explores code of ethics, conduct for officials and top City Hall staff

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 22:52:02 +0000

Tuesday's discussion comes two months after the firing of City Manager Lori Ann Farrell Harrison, which prompted a new request by a council member.

Miracles for Kids provides beach respite for critically ill children, their families

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 22:43:26 +0000

The Irvine-based nonprofit hosted its 14th annual surf and paddle summer camp on Thursday morning at Newport Aquatic Center and the Newport Dunes.

About 200 arrested in chaotic immigration raid at cannabis farm, one worker gravely injured in fall

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 21:38:24 +0000

Protesters blocked the roads in and out of one of the farms, and at one point federal agents drove their vehicles through the fields.

Armed man arrested after freeway chase ends in a Newport Beach front yard

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 21:22:37 +0000

A man whose name has not yet been released, was arrested early Thursday morning at the end of a pursuit that began in the West Valley section of Los Angeles and ended in O.C.

Homelessness in California used to be much worse. Here's how L.A. turned it around

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 13:32:48 +0000

Your morning catch up: When California's homeless problem was much worse, why L.A. fire victims may be feeling worse now and more big stories.

The real story of how L.A. became the epicenter of America's homeless crisis

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 13:00:31 +0000

The surprising story, in words and pictures, behind the homeless crisis in Los Angeles — a tale of law enforcement, housing and economic crosswinds.

Climate justice, ICE raids and the Dodgers

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 13:00:00 +0000

The team's failure to serve its Latino fan base is painful for climate and immigration activists alike.

Amtrak says take the Surfliner to these Southern California events

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 23:18:35 +0000

There's only so much time left in summer, and with no shortage of high-profile events taking place across Southern California, Amtrak wants you to spend less time driving and more time relaxing.

Amtrak and the LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency are urging Californians to utilize the Pacific Surfliner to get to and from summer events throughout the region.

The Surfliner serves 29 stations across a 351-mile scenic corridor, connecting San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. Each train includes reclining seats, power outlets, complimentary WiFi and an on-board cafe that features food and drinks, including local craft beer and California wines.

Earlier this year, Amtrak re-introduced an 11th and 12th daily trip between Los Angeles and San Diego, giving more options for passengers who want to explore Southern California by train this summer.

Amtrak and LOSSAN say there are several big name events taking place in the coming weeks that are easily accessible along the Surfliner route, including beachside wine festivals, sporting events and theme parks.

"Riders can skip the congestion and enjoy a scenic rail experience while en route to the season’s most memorable moments," LOSSAN officials wrote in a news release.

Below is a list of events happening in the region in areas serviced by Amtrak:

Del Mar Race Season: July 18 - Sept. 7

Happening at Del Mar Racetrack in San Diego County, race season at the iconic venue includes weekend races and trackside festivities. Opening day takes place on July 18.

This file photo shows a horse race at Del Mar Racetrack. (Credit: Tim DeFrisco / Getty Images)

To get there, you can take the Surfliner to the Solana Beach Station and hop on a complimentary shuttle on race days.

California Wine Festival: July 18-19

Happening at Chase Palm Park in Santa Barbara, it's the 20th year of the California Wine Festival, which is a two-day celebration of all things wine in the vineyard capital of Southern California. Adjacent to the beach, the festival includes wine tastings and culinary experiences.

To get there, travel to the Santa Barbara Station and take a short three-minute walk to Chase Palm Park.

San Diego Comic-Con International: July 24-27

The world-famous San Diego Comic-Con is a bucket-list event for comic lovers, superhero aficionados and film buffs, with exclusive activations, star-studded panels and never-before-seen sneak peeks into the future of the entertainment industry.

General view of the San Diego Convention Center outside of Comic-Con International 2023 on July 23, 2023, in San Diego, California. (Getty Images)

To get to Comic-Con, take the Surfliner to the Santa Fe Depot in downtown San Diego, located about a mile from the San Diego Convention Center. From there, you can walk or hop on the San Diego Trolley system to your destination.

Ventura County Fair: July 30-Aug. 10

The Ventura County Fairgrounds will host the annual county fair, offering a full carnival, interactive and educational booths, and big name performers at the Grandstand Arena, as well as all the beloved county fair fried foods a person can eat.

An Amtrak Surfliner passenger train runs along track parallel to Highway 101 between Ventura and Santa Barbara. (Getty Images)

The Pacific Surfliner will drop you off just steps from the fairgrounds at the Ventura Station.

Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration: Through Summer 2026

Many Disney fans might be surprised to know that the "Happiest Place on Earth" is actually quite easy to get to by train.

Riders can travel to the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center station and then transfer to a free bus shuttle to the resort.

The Disneyland 70th Anniversary Amtrak car is unveiled in Orange County on June 25, 2025. (LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency)

Amtrak has partnered with Disneyland on a special 70th Anniversary custom train wrap, as well as exclusive offers like discounted park admission and free train fare.

To learn more, click here.

Amtrak encourages riders to book their trips early to secure their preferred travel dates, particularly when attending busy events like Comic-Con and opening day at Del Mar.

"Passengers with Unreserved Coach tickets have the flexibility to board any train between their selected origin and destination, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis," officials said.

Travelers can also upgrade to business class which includes a guaranteed seat, complimentary snack and beverage and priority boarding.

To plan your trip, visit PacificSurfliner.com.

Man charged after 3-year-old relative tests positive for fentanyl after July 4 trip in Orange County

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 21:02:18 +0000

A Las Vegas man faces felony charges for child abuse and endangerment after his young relative was rushed to an Orange County hospital after overdosing on fentanyl.

Eric Duane Bird, 41, is accused of keeping potentially deadly narcotics in his bag during a family trip to Newport Beach over the Fourth of July weekend.

Those drugs, according to the Orange County District Attorney's Office, ended up in the hands of a 3-year-old relative who was staying at the same short-term rental property as Bird and his wife and children.

It's alleged that the boy found and ingested some of the drugs and overdosed on fentanyl, struggling to breathe and turning blue as his frantic parents dialed 911. The boy was taken by ambulance to the Children's Hospital of Orange County and needed to be revived with the emergency anti-overdose drug naloxone, commonly known as Narcan.

FILE - A container of Narcan, a brand name version of the opioid overdose-reversal drug naloxone, is shown on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File)

The boy was also suffering from extreme itching, which led to medical crews administering epinephrine in an attempt to stop a potentially deadly allergic reaction. But it wasn't until naloxone was administered that the boy's condition improved, at which point he positively tested for fentanyl.

Officers from the Newport Beach Police Department searched the rental property and found a backpack in Bird's room that contained burned foil, a device for smoking and a container of fentanyl.

"The backpack, which was on the floor in the bedroom with the door open, was accessible to the three-year-old and other children in the home throughout the holiday weekend," the D.A.'s Office said.

Bird was arrested and has since pleaded not guilty to felony counts of child abuse and child endangerment, as well as a misdemeanor count for possession of a controlled substance.

If convicted as charged, he could face up to six years in state prison. He is currently being held on $100,000 bail.

Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer said his office will aggressively prosecute fentanyl dealers and users to crack down on the potentially deadly consequences of the illegal narcotic.

“Childhood memories of Fourth of July should include fireworks shows, parades, and backyard barbecues, not near-death experiences because a family member cared more about their addiction than the safety of a child,” Spitzer said.

We're squealing over the OC Fair's free fun (and there's plenty of it)

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 12:48:18 +0000