Local Orange County News

The man who drew California’s Prop. 50 maps has nothing to hide

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 13:29:20 +0000

Your morning catch up: The not-a-secret secret about who drew Prop 50 maps, L.A.’s most epic family-run haunted house and more big stories.

Drugged women, secret photos: Horrific details emerge as USC grad student confesses to police

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 10:00:00 +0000

After his arrest on Aug. 28, Sizhe Weng described the assaults on the three victims “at length and in detail” to LAPD detectives.

Halloween's over, but a haunt with year-round ambitions is at Anaheim GardenWalk

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:10:34 +0000

Eulogy Collective in Anaheim, started by the owner of Santa Ana Haunt, will close temporarily in late November and reopen in December for a horror-filled Christmas-themed experience.

$2.5M expansion of Costa Mesa's Ketchum-Libolt Park could be done by summer

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 23:44:35 +0000

City Council members approved a contract with Irvine-based Elegant Construction, which could begin work in December.

Corona del Mar goes the distance again, falls to Foothill

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 23:34:24 +0000

Corona del Mar lost to Foothill on Wednesday in the quarterfinals of the CIF Southern Section Division 3 girls’ volleyball playoffs. The Sea Kings went to a fifth set in each of their three postseason matches.

Shakespeare meets the Zoot Suit Riots in new Huntington Beach production

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 23:25:06 +0000

The familiar tale of "Romeo and Juliet" is given a twist by the Huntington Beach Academy for the Performing Arts, as it is set in 1943 Los Angeles.

Laguna Beach to welcome Coast Film Festival, Art + Nature celebration

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 23:03:51 +0000

The Coast Film and Music Festival and Laguna Art Museum's Art + Nature celebration are two big events coming to town beginning this weekend.

SoCal cop was among Hollywood producer's rape victims. She died days before his sentencing

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 22:26:43 +0000

La Mesa Police Officer Lauren Craven was one of the victims of convicted rapist David Pearce, prosecutors confirmed this week. She was fatally struck by a driver while on duty days before Pearce was sentenced.

Newport Harbor boys' water polo opens title defense with win over Laguna Beach

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 22:17:22 +0000

Senior attacker Connor Ohl scored five goals for the Sailors on Wednesday night in a 14-4 victory over Laguna Beach High.

Man killed in Costa Mesa crash, after being ejected from vehicle

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 22:05:32 +0000

First responders called to an intersection near John Wayne Airport early Thursday found a 45-year-old man unresponsive in the roadway. The other driver stayed at the scene and cooperated with police.

Once a mayor, always a mover and shaker, 91-year-old keeps her curiosity nimble

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 21:57:10 +0000

Former Midewestern mayor and current Newport Beach volunteer Ginger Hayter is living proof that dedication and a cheerful spirit do not retire.

Deputy arrested in alleged sexual assault of Orange County jail inmate

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 17:51:50 +0000

An Orange County Sheriff’s Deputy was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault of a county jail inmate, officials announced Thursday.

Leobardo Martinez Garcia, 29, was arrested Wednesday after investigators say he allegedly assaulted the female inmate while she was receiving medical care at a local hospital.

The department says they first learned of the incident on Oct. 14 after the woman reported the assault that happened in March. The woman was in custody on a separate charge, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

The investigators served multiple search warrants and gathered digital evidence that led to the arrest of Martinez Garcia. He was booked into Santa Ana Jail on suspicion of felony sexual battery and assault.

Martinez Garcia was also placed on administrative leave, pending the outcome of both investigations, according to authorities.

“The alleged criminal conduct of this deputy is a violation of the oath to serve and protect our community, particularly those entrusted to our care in the Orange County Jail,” said Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes. “I could not be more disappointed in the actions of Mr. Martinez Garcia.”

Martinez Garcia was released on Oct. 30 after posting bail, police said.

The case will be forwarded to either the Orange County District Attorney’s Office or the United States Attorney’s Office for criminal prosecution, the department said.

Fryer: What we’re likely to see in the CIF-SS football playoff pairings

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 16:52:26 +0000

The CIF Southern Section football playoff brackets will be released Sunday morning.

The first thing to know is that teams are placed into one the Southern Section’s 14 playoff divisions according to how the teams are ranked by HSratings.com.

Much of the older rules for playoff participation remain – like guaranteed playoff berths for finishing among the top two teams in four-team leagues, or the top three in five- and six-team leagues. Some at-large berths for non-automatic qualifiers will be available, the number of which will vary by division.

Those HSratings.com rankings, based solely on current-season results, will be used by CIF-SS to place teams into playoff divisions and seed them.

There could be first-round games putting two league champions together. Last year, Bravo League champion San Juan Hills played Citrus Belt League champ Beaumont in the first round.

Let’s take a look at what we likely will see. Keep in mind that the following was written Thursday afternoon, before any games were played this week, the final week of the regular season. That’s a great excuse if anything published here is wrong, and you best believe I am not above using it.

• Division 1 is shaping up to be an eight-team division. There is a large gap from the section’s No. 8 team, which will be either Servite or Orange Lutheran (they play each other Friday), to the section’s No. 9 team — likely Murrieta Valley, Chaparral or Vista Murrieta.

• Division 1 would have a first-round bye, then play its first games Nov. 14. Those games look to be Orange Lutheran or Servite at St. John Bosco, Orange Lutheran or Servite at Sierra Canyon, Santa Margarita at Corona Centennial and Mission Viejo vs. Mater Dei at Santa Ana Stadium.

Chaparral’s Trevor Schneider (22) gets stopped by Mission Viejo’s defense in a game against Mission Viejo at Chaparral High School in Temecula on Friday, Sept. 26, 2025. (Photo by Nick Koon, Contributing Photographer)

• The other 13 divisions will have 16-team brackets.

• Division 2’s Orange County teams will likely be Corona del Mar, Crean Lutheran, JSerra, Los Alamitos, San Clemente, San Juan Hills and Tustin. JSerra seems a sure thing to finish sixth in the six-team Trinity League with a 0-5 league record, which is not terrible given that the Trinity League is regarded as the best football league in the U.S. JSerra could be shut out if Division 2 has an abundance of automatic qualifiers filling the 16-team bracket, leaving only a couple of at-large berths that would go to at-large candidates with overall records better than what probably will be JSerra’s 3-7 overall record.

• JSerra’s at-large candidacy was boosted by Norco having to forfeit six games this week. Norco at best is going to be 1-9, and a 1-9 team is not going to be ahead of a 3-7 team in the at-large selection process.

• In Division 3, it will be interesting to see if Edison gets in as an at-large team. An Edison win over San Clemente on Friday would help.

• Even without Edison, some very good Orange County teams will be in Division 3, including Capistrano Valley, Dana Hills, Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach and Yorba Linda.

• La Habra is going to be in Division 4 and should do well there. Same for Troy in Division 5. Western should get into the Division 5 group as an at-large team.

La Habra quarterback DJ Mitchell (1) celebrates his first touchdown in the second quarter against Huntington Beach during a Friday night football game, Oct. 10, 2025, at La Habra. (Photo by Steven Georges, Contributing Photographer)

• Also interesting to monitor Sunday: the first-round matchups for Pacifica in Division 10 and Saddleback in Division 13. A Rancho Alamitos-Saddleback game in Division 13 would be a good one.

• Some good teams are going to be placed into divisions without enough at-large berths to get those teams into the playoffs. That happens every year, regardless of what system is being used for the CIF-SS football playoffs.

NOTES

• The football stadiums at Saddleback College and Mt. San Antonio College would seem to be ideal venues for CIF-SS football finals. But because of a CIF-SS requirement that the same number of seats be located on both sides of the field, the football finals cannot be played there. The Rose Bowl is the site of this season’s Division 1 final. …

• Orange Lutheran and JSerra played against each other in two outstanding Trinity League flag football games, including JSerra’s 21-20 win over the Lancers on Oct. 9 that gave the Lions the league championship. They could meet again in the CIF-SS Division 1 final on Nov. 8 at El Modena High if JSerra beats Dos Pueblos and Orange Lutheran beats Huntington Beach in the semifinals Saturday. …

• The CIF-SS girls golf championships Monday and Tuesday has at-large teams seeded No. 1 in three divisions – Orange Lutheran in Division 1, Aliso Niguel in Division 2 and JSerra in Division 3. Last spring, Servite’s golf team could not play in the CIF-SS boys golf team championships because at the time no division’s top team could be on top of a division. The CIF-SS golf advisory committee deleted that rule before this school year. …

• The CIF-SS girls volleyball semifinals are Saturday, including Mater Dei at San Juan Hills in Division 1. Four CIF-SS division finals will be played at Cerritos College on Nov. 8. …

• Another CIF-SS girls volleyball semifinal Saturday that has two Orange County teams playing is Cypress at St. Margaret’s in Division 3. Cypress beat St. Margaret’s in five sets in August. …

• Mission Viejo’s football team added two transfers to its football roster this week, linemen Amaziah Siale (6-7, 330), a junior from Kapa’a in Hawaii, and freshman Hansen Makaafi (6-0, 250) from Bishop Montgomery. Bishop Montgomery had to shut down its varsity team earlier this season because of many problems with ineligible transfers and more. It’s great that athletes from Bishop Montgomery are given the opportunity to play if what happened at Bishop Montgomery was not their doing, but it could be rough for a player who might lose his position to the late arrival.

The five worst parking offenses drivers commit every damn day

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 13:30:00 +0000

Your morning catch-up: The great L.A. parking nightmare, Dodgers lose Game 5 and more big stories.

The great EV retreat of 2025

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 13:00:00 +0000

Thanks to federal policy changes, the U.S. electric vehicle market is in disarray. Whether it is facing an existential threat, however, remains to be seen.

Days before Palisades inferno, firefighters were ordered to leave smoldering burn site

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Texts between three firefighters and a third party reveal previously undisclosed details about the Los Angeles Fire Department's handling of a Pacific Palisades burn site.

Wave of RSV, particularly dangerous for babies, sweeping across U.S.; doctors urge vaccination

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 10:00:00 +0000

A wave of the highly contagious respiratory syncytial virus is beginning to wash over the United States, sending greater numbers of babies and toddlers to the hospital for professional care.

Masseur convicted of molesting 2 clients in Huntington Beach

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 01:30:26 +0000

Sentencing is schedule for Dec. 15 for 33-year-old Mathew Wase Langmos, convicted of sexually assaulting two women at a Huntington Beach spa in 2021.

Controversial wave park in coastal Newport Beach greenlit by City Council

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 00:44:29 +0000

After receiving 2,000 letters on the project and listening to two hours of public comment, the Newport Beach City Council Tuesday approved plans for the Snug Harbor surf wave resort.

Huntington Beach Council approves Jamboree senior housing request on split vote

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 23:59:43 +0000

Tuesday night's special meeting was called so that Jamboree Housing Corp. could meet a Friday deadline for its construction loan.

Unclaimed money? Orange County launches site to help residents find it

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 22:08:38 +0000

An Orange County Sheriff’s Deputy was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault of a county jail inmate, officials announced Thursday.

Leobardo Martinez Garcia, 29, was arrested Wednesday after investigators say he allegedly assaulted the female inmate while she was receiving medical care at a local hospital.

Martinez Garcia was also placed on administrative leave, pending the outcome of both investigations, according to authorities.

Martinez Garcia was released on Oct. 30 after posting bail, police said.

The case will be forwarded to either the Orange County District Attorney’s Office or the United States Attorney’s Office for criminal prosecution, the department said.

SoCal residents anxious to hear from loved ones impacted by Hurricane Melissa

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 21:42:19 +0000

An Orange County Sheriff’s Deputy was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault of a county jail inmate, officials announced Thursday.

Leobardo Martinez Garcia, 29, was arrested Wednesday after investigators say he allegedly assaulted the female inmate while she was receiving medical care at a local hospital.

Martinez Garcia was also placed on administrative leave, pending the outcome of both investigations, according to authorities.

Martinez Garcia was released on Oct. 30 after posting bail, police said.

The case will be forwarded to either the Orange County District Attorney’s Office or the United States Attorney’s Office for criminal prosecution, the department said.

Orange taps well project to also add a small park

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 16:19:24 +0000

Paul Guzman, third from left, president of the Orange Barrio Historical Society, and Orange Councilmember Ana Gutierrez are joined by members of the city council and others in cutting the ribbon to celebrate the opening of Antepasado Park and Well 28 in Orange on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

1 of 7

Expand

The city of Orange has carved out a pocket of space to offer community members a place to enjoy the open air, while also improving the water they drink.

On Wednesday, Oct. 29, city leaders celebrated the opening of Antepasado Park at Lemon Street and Maple Avenue.

Also celebrated is a new well on the property that will add to the city’s water supply, but also has a new treatment system for removing “forever chemicals” known as PFAS.

The Orange County Water District helped with funding for the project.

The park, a pocket of green space on a corner among businesses, homes and Chapman University near Old Towne Orange, is named the Spanish word for ancestor, officials said, in honor of the Mexican-American community’s history in the Cypress Street Barrio.

Fryer on Football: Previews and predictions for Week 10’s top games

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 15:50:58 +0000

A preview and prediction for each of the top football games in Orange County this week. The teams are listed by their ranking in the Orange County Top 25.

GAME OF THE WEEK

Capistrano Valley quarterback Talon Spencer throws the ball during a nonleague game against Crean Lutheran on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025. (Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)

NO. 8 TUSTIN (8-1, 4-0) VS. NO. 16 CAPISTRANO VALLEY (8-1, 4-0)

Where, when: Saddleback College, Thursday, 7 p.m.

Analysis: The championship of the Delta League will be decided in this game at Saddleback College. Tustin throws the football far more than it did when Myron Miller was famously employing the double-wing running attack. Last week was sort of close to old times. Tustin rushed for 247 yards led by Eli Robinson’s 187 yards on 14 carries. Tillers sophomore quarterback Ayden Edwards put the ball in the air 17 times and had two touchdown passes. Tustin opened the season with a win over San Clemente, which beat previously undefeated Los Alamitos last week. Capistrano Valley’s offense is charged by junior quarterback Talon Spencer. Spencer completes 66 percent of his passes for an average of 142 passing yards a game with 21 touchdowns and rushes for 64 yards a game with nine rushing touchdowns. The Cougars’ only loss was to undefeated Crean Lutheran. Tustin’s defense, led by linebackers Taven Epps and Tim Ioane and linemen Jon Ioane and Jeremiah Williams, has the speed and size to limit Spencer’s effectiveness.

Winner: Tustin

NO. 8 CORONA DEL MAR (10-0, 4-0) VS. NO. 13 YORBA LINDA (7-2, 3-1)

Where, when: Yorba Linda High, Thursday, 7 p.m.

Analysis: Corona del Mar is one of four undefeated Orange County football teams. (The others are Calvary Chapel, Crean Lutheran and Laguna Beach.) The Sea Kings kept a zero in the loss column last week with a 47-8 win over Tesoro in the Bravo League. Corona del Mar senior quarterback Brady Annett threw seven touchdown passes, four of them to Garrett James, who had 178 receiving yards. Yorba Linda is tied with San Juan Hills for second place in the Bravo League. (San Juan Hills beat Yorba Linda in their league game.) Yorba Linda is not as good as last year’s team that went 11-2, but it still is a formidable group. The Mustangs beat Edison and their other loss was to Tustin 21-7. Their defense, which includes Vaughn Sharp and Isaiah Trujillo at linebacker, is outstanding. Yorba Linda’s offense might have trouble matching Corona del Mar’s propensity to score touchdown after touchdown.

Winner: Corona del Mar

Mater Dei’s Justin Lewis (33) gets down to the 2-yardline during a Trinity league football game between Servite and Mater Dei at Santa Ana Stadium Saturday Oct. 18, 2025. (Photo by Michael Goulding, Contributing Photographer)

NO. 3 MATER DEI (6-2, 3-1) VS. ST. JOHN BOSCO (9-0, 4-0)

Where, when: St. John Bosco High, Friday, 7 p.m.

Live coverage: Spectrum Sports 1

Analysis: Usually this is the Game of the Week, and even the Game of the Year. Mater Dei is having an “off” year by its mountain-high standards, so this is not that level of a football game but does remain a big game. The MaxPreps.com national rankings say so, with St. John Bosco at No. 1 and Mater Dei at No. 12. Mater Dei can grab a share of the Trinity League championship if it can beat the Braves. The Monarchs lost to Corona Centennial 43-36 in a nonleague game and to Santa Margarita 7-6 in a league game. St. John Bosco beat Santa Margarita 27-14. St. John Bosco sophomore quarterback Koa Malau’ulu threw three touchdown passes last week in a 42-0 league win over Servite. Mater Dei last week beat JSerra 40-7. The Monarchs rushed for 205 yards, including 64 yards each by Justin Lewis and Aser Nembhard. Standout tight end Mark Bowman did not play, having been banged up in the previous week’s win over Servite. He would be a great offensive asset if able to play against the Braves. Even with Bowman on hand, from the way Mater Dei’s offensive has been out of sync for much of this season, it’s hard to imagine that the Monarchs can keep up with St. John Bosco’s offense that is averaging 44 points a game.

Winner: St. John Bosco

Ethan Mundt (5) of Troy runs for 55 yards before he’s brought down at the 3-yard line in a game against Troy at Fred Kelly Stadium in Orange on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

EL TORO (6-3, 4-0) VS. NO. 21 TROY (8-1, 4-0)

Where, when: Fullerton High, Friday, 7 p.m.

Analysis: This is the Iota League championship game. Troy has won seven in a row since a 24-21 loss to La Mirada on Aug. 28. El Toro’s losses are to Nevada’s Foothill, Aliso Niguel and Tesoro. El Toro’s offense is led by junior quarterback Wyatt Nucci and senior running back Makya Chee. Nucci has completed 66 percent of his attempts for an average of 224 yards a game with 20 touchdowns. Chee averages 109 rushing yards a game and has 16 rushing touchdowns. Troy’s offense goes as senior running back Ethan Mundt goes. Mundt missed a couple of games because of injury. When he has played, Mundt averages 171 rushing yards a game and has rushed for 18 touchdowns in his seven games. He ran for 185 yards and three touchdowns in last week’s 21-20 win over Irvine. Troy’s defense is good enough to keep the El Toro offense in check. The Warriors’ offense, with Mundt collecting yardage and first downs, will put time of possession very much in Troy’s favor.

Winner: Troy

NO. 5 ORANGE LUTHERAN (2-7, 1-3) VS. NO. 4 SERVITE (5-4, 1-3)

Where, when: Orange Coast College, Friday, 7 p.m.

Analysis: With the HSratings.com data and rankings so important to placing teams into CIF Southern Section playoff divisions, it is very likely that both of these teams will be in CIF-SS Division 1 when the playoff brackets are released Sunday morning. Orange Lutheran actually is 4-5 on the field. The Lancers last week had to forfeit two nonleague wins because they used an ineligible player in those games. Their league win is over JSerra. They lost to St. John Bosco, Mater Dei and Santa Margarita. Servite’s league win is over JSerra, too, and it also lost to St. John Bosco, Mater Dei and Santa Margarita. Servite lost to St. John Bosco 42-0 last week but the good news for the Friars was their offense moving the ball well for much of the game and the return of running back Gavin Gutierrez, who rushed for 67 yards on 18 carries. Servite must be sure to expend as many offensive players as possible to keep Orange Lutheran’s star sophomore defensive end Marcus Fukatou from getting to Friars quarterback Kale Murphy. Servite’s defense, led by Saxon Churchwell, Cinco Kennett and Brando Mosqueda, might have more ways to disrupt its opposing offense.

Winner: Servite

Fryer last week: 5-0

Fryer for the season: 36-14

Former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, at Chapman University, rebukes Prop. 50

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 13:46:00 +0000

Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, during a talk with Chapman University students, sharply criticized Proposition 50, the congressional redistricting measure before voters in the state’s special election.

Should voters pass the measure, California’s congressional maps would be redrawn in a way meant to boost Democrats with five extra seats. Gov. Gavin Newsom and supporters of Prop. 50 have touted it as an effort to counter similar gerrymandering in Republican-led states at the behest of President Donald Trump.

Schwarzenegger railed against what he saw as tit-for-tat tactics in the redistricting battle.

“They’re trying to tell the people they have to out-cheat the Republicans in order to fight fire with fire, to preserve democracy in America,” Schwarzenegger said about the proponents of Prop. 50. “In the meantime, they’re destroying and tearing up the constitution in California.”

Arnold Schwarzenegger is interviewed by Stephen Galloway, right, dean of Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts during the Argyros Distinguished Lecture series at the Musco Center in Orange on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025. (Photo by Paul Rodriguez, Contributing Photographer)

1 of 9

Expand

It used to be up to the California Legislature to determine district boundaries for congressional and legislative seats, but voters changed that in 2008 when they narrowly passed a proposition giving that responsibility to a group of independent commissioners.

The 14-member California Citizens Redistricting Commission is made up of five Republicans, five Democrats and four who are not affiliated with the two major parties.

The former Republican governor encouraged students to vote in the special election and form their own opinions about the ballot initiative.

“I’m not going to tell you how you should vote,” Schwarzenegger said Tuesday evening, Oct. 28, to a crowd of roughly 1,000 people. “Just go out and vote; let your voices be heard.”

Before a captivated audience at Chapman’s Musco Center for the Arts, Schwarzenegger reflected on his illustrious, decades-long career as a professional bodybuilder, actor, businessman and politician.

The 38th — and last Republican — governor of California shared humorous anecdotes about making it in Hollywood as an Austrian with thick muscles and a thicker accent; the real estate investments that made him a millionaire before 25; and the many ventures that keep him busy these days.

Schwarzenegger, 78, also lamented the deepening polarization that has hamstrung politics since his time in office.

“I think America is going through a very difficult time,” Schwarzenegger told moderator Stephen Galloway, the dean of Chapman’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts. “Politicians think first about their parties, then they think about the people.”

Still, Schwarzenegger said he remains hopeful, telling the audience that political crises are hardly rare. After all, he said, the U.S. has “turned it around and come back” from the riots and assassinations of 1968, the year he immigrated from Austria, and the ensuing trauma of the Vietnam War and Watergate scandal.

“The important thing is we protect democracy no matter the cost,” Schwarzenegger said to loud applause.

When asked by Galloway, Schwarzenegger said Tuesday that he’ll never again run for governor. (He would not be able to, as California has a lifetime term limit of two four-year terms for governors.)

“I have the greatest life now,” he said. “I’m doing movies, addressing homeless issues, health care issues, infrastructure issues.”

For the past couple of months, Schwarzenegger has been focused on urging voters to reject Prop. 50. During his tenure as governor from 2003 to 2011, he backed ballot measures that established the independent redistricting commission that Prop. 50 would temporarily suspend through 2030.

Schwarzenegger’s talk at Chapman was part of the Argyros Distinguished Lecture series, a program that invites business leaders to share career insights with students.

Steve Fryer’s Orange County football Top 40 rankings, Oct. 28

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 15:07:00 +0000

Here is how I voted this week in the Orange County Top 25, plus teams I consider to be in the Nos. 26-40 range.

1. Mission Viejo 8-1 overall record

2. Santa Margarita 6-3

3. Mater Dei 6-2

4. Servite 5-4

5. Orange Lutheran 2-7

6. Crean Lutheran 9-0

7. JSerra 3-6

8. Tustin 7-2

9. Corona del Mar 9-0

10. San Clemente 5-4

11. Los Alamitos 8-1

12. San Juan Hills 7-2

13. Yorba Linda 7-2

14. Edison 5-4

15. Huntington Beach 7-2

16. Capistrano Valley 8-1

17. La Habra 6-3

18. Laguna Beach 9-0

19. Dana Hills 8-1

20. Villa Park 4-5

21. El Modena 4-5

22. Troy 8-1

23. Western 5-4

24. Aliso Niguel 6-3

25. Tesoro 3-6

26. El Toro 6-3

27. Trabuco Hills 4-5

28. Newport Harbor 2-7

29. Orange 5-4.

30. Foothill 3-6

31. Beckman 6-3

32. Irvine 6-3

33. Fullerton 7-2

34. Sunny Hills 6-3

35. El Dorado 4-5

36. Marina 6-3

37. Segerstrom 7-2

38. Pacifica 6-3

39. Portola 5-3

40. Calvary Chapel 9-0

Culinary Dropout opening first Orange County location

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 13:04:17 +0000

Casual-dining gastropub Culinary Dropout, the popular casual-dining spot from restaurateur Sam Fox, is opening its second California spot. Fox, an 11-time James Beard Award semifinalist for Restaurateur of the Year, and founder of Arizona’s Fox Restaurant Concepts, is bringing the first Orange County location to the heart of Old Towne Orange on Wednesday, Oct. 29.

What can you expect? Look forward to laidback vibes and a menu that leans heavily on comfort fare. The menu lineup includes soft pretzels and provolone fondue, barbecue pork belly nachos, pork ribs, a grown-up sloppy joe, white truffle deviled eggs, banana-bread french toast, chicken katsu, sushi and more. Culinary Dropout describes its grub as “damn good food for damn good people,” boasting a “scratch kitchen.”

Hungry? Sign up for The Eat Index, our weekly food newsletter, and find out where to eat and get the latest restaurant happenings in Orange County. Subscribe here.

The beverage list includes cocktails galore (with such libations as a Paloma Spritz, featuring blanco tequila, grapefruit, Combier Pamplemousse, sparkling wine and Himalayan pink salt, or the Campfire Vibes, with 100-proof Kentucky whiskey, apple cider, spanish vanilla and roasted five spice) and a mocktails section. Plus, there will be a selection of wines and both tap and canned beers.

The original Culinary Dropout first opened its doors in Arizona in 2012. The Orange location marks the company’s 16th spot overall and second in California (the first Golden State spot opened in Del Mar in April of this year).

A sample of menu items at Culinary Dropout in Orange. (Photo courtesy of Culinary Dropout/Fox Restaurant Concepts)

If you’re wondering about the “Dropout” part, it’s a nod to founder Sam Fox himself: Fox opened his first restaurant, Gilligan’s Bar and Grill, in Tucson, Arizona, back in 1992 after he dropped out of college to start his new venture.

ALSO READ: The ultimate guide to eating at Westminster’s Asian Garden Mall

Today, Culinary Dropout is just one part of the Fox Restaurant Concepts (FRC) brand, which includes such other restaurants as Blanco, the Henry, Dough Bird, Flower Child, Fly Bye, the Arrogant Butcher, the Green House, Zinburger, Wildflower, Olive and Ivy, Pushing Daisies and Society Swan.

FRC itself was acquired in a multimillion-dollar deal by the Cheesecake Factory, Inc. in 2019; however, it continues to operate as an independent subsidiary. FRC has grown into a team of upwards of 5,000 employees in more than 60 locations across the United States.

Culinary Dropout is open daily for lunch and dinner and on weekends for brunch, lunch and dinner.

Find it: 191 N. Orange St., Orange, 714-439-5566

Orange County girls athlete of the week: Jude Lee, Orange Lutheran

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 08:01:14 +0000

Support our high school sports coverage by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribe now

The Orange County girls athlete of the week:

Name: Jude Lee

School: Orange Lutheran

Sport: Golf

Year: Senior

Noteworthy: Lee, who is the reigning O.C. player of the year, claimed the Trinity League individual title by one stroke by carding rounds of 69 and 68 for an 11-under-par score of 137 at Los Serranos Golf Club. The Stanford commit recorded three eagles and seven birdies in the two-day finals.

Please send nominees for girls athlete of the week to dalbano@scng.com or @ocvarsityguy

Animals, kids enjoy treats at Halloween Zoo-Tacular

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 16:44:12 +0000

Poppy, a mountain lion at the OC Zoo in Irvine Regional Park, explores her enclosure and the Halloween-themed “enrichments,” including pumpkins, ground meat, and blood popsicles, left by zookeepers during the annual Halloween Zoo-Tacular on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025. (Photo by Jeff Antenore, Contributing Photographer)

Orange County football Top 25: San Clemente’s win shakes up rankings

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 16:21:42 +0000

ORANGE COUNTY FOOTBALL TOP 25 POLL

Notable this week: San Clemente’s 28-9 win over previously-undefeated Los Alamitos caused several changes in this week’s county rankings. … San Clemente returns to the Top 10, Crean Lutheran scoots up, as does JSerra, Corona del Mar and Tustin. … Los Alamitos drops from No. 6 to No. 11 … Servite leapfrogs Orange Lutheran in the Nos. 4-5 positions.

1. Mission Viejo 8-1 (75 points)

Diablos senior quarterback Luke Fahey had another great game, completing 23 of 33 passes for 374 yards and two touchdowns in a 37-20 win over Edison in the Alpha League. Mission Viejo’s loss was in Tennessee to McCallie 25-14. The Diablos are the only team to beat Central Valley power Folsom and also defeated Santa Margarita. They conclude the regular season Thursday against Los Alamitos at Artesia High before a likely berth in the CIF Southern Section Division 1 playoffs.

Previous ranking: 1

2. Santa Margarita 6-3 (72)

The Eagles improved to 3-1 in the Trinity League with a 28-7 win over Orange Lutheran. Siua Holani had a team-high 11 tackles and blocked a punt for Santa Margarita, Logan Hirou had nine tackles and Dash Fifita returned a fumble 36 yards for a touchdown. Trent Mosley had 10 receptions for 100 yards and two rushing touchdowns. The Eagles play at JSerra on Friday.

Previous ranking: 2

3. Mater Dei 6-2 (69)

The Monarchs rushed for 205 yards and Justin Lewis had three rushing touchdowns in a 40-7 win over JSerra. Gavin Honore had his best receiving game for Mater Dei with eight receptions for 92 yards. Mater Dei plays at St. John Bosco on Friday, the final regular-game season game for both teams.

Previous ranking: 3

4. Servite 5-4 (65)

The Friars could not get into the end zone against St. John Bosco in a 42-0 loss. A good development for Servite was the return of running back Gavin Gutierrez, who rushed for 67 yards on 18 carries. Saxon Churchwell had eight solo tackles. Servite plays Orange Lutheran on Friday at Orange Coast College.

Previous ranking: 5

5. Orange Lutheran 2-7 (64)

It was a rough week for the Lancers. On Tuesday the school announced it had to forfeit two early-season wins when it discovered it used an ineligible player in those games. Then Orange Lutheran lost to Santa Margarita 28-7. Orange Lutheran is 1-3 in the Trinity League, as is Servite. They play each other Friday at Orange Coast College.

Previous ranking: 4

Crean Lutheran’s Taiga Takada is pushed out of bounds by Huntington Beach’s Nikko Lashelle during a game at Cream Lutheran High School in Irvine on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025. (Photo by Scott Smeltzer/Contributing Photographer)

6T. Crean Lutheran 9-0 (57)

The Saints put together a great second half to beat Huntington Beach 31-28. They trailed 21-0 in the first half. Caleb Bey rushed for 203 yards and two touchdowns on 27 carries. He also had four receptions for 34 yards and a touchdown. The Saints finish the regular season Thursday with an Epsilon League game at Laguna Hills

Previous ranking: 7

6T. JSerra 3-6 (57)

The Lions fell to 0-4 in the Trinity League with a 40-7 loss to Mater Dei. Their defense had difficulty containing the Monarchs offense. JSerra concludes the regular season with a home game against Santa Margarita on Friday. The Lions have a chance to get into the CIF-SS Division 2 playoffs as an at-large team.

Previous ranking: 8

8T. Tustin 7-2 (54)

The Tillers looked great in a 42-21 win over Western. Eli Robinson rushed for 187 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries. Khalil Terry had six solo tackles and rushed for 55 yards and a touchdown. Taven Epps had caught two touchdown passes from Ayden Edwards and Jeremiah Williams rushed for two touchdowns. Tustin (4-0 in the Delta League) plays Capistrano Valley (4-0 in legaue) on Thursday at Saddleback College.

Previous ranking: 10

8T. Corona del Mar 9-0 (54)

Brady Annett threw for 318 yards with seven touchdowns in a 48-7 win over Tesoro in a Bravo League. Garrett James had five receptions for 177 yards and four touchdowns and Dorsett Stecker had 85 yards receiving with two touchdowns. Corona del Mar, 4-0 in league, plays at Yorba Linda (3-1 in league) on Thursday.

Previous ranking: 9

10. San Clemente 5-4 (48)

The Tritons produced one of the bigger upsets of the season with a 28-9 win over then-undefeated Los Alamitos. Jaxson Rex had eight receptions for 107 yards and three touchdowns from sophomore quarterback Preston Beck, who got his first start. Cade Hogan had 10 solo tackles. The Tritons (1-1 in the Alpha League) plays Edison (0-2 in league) at Huntington Beach High on Friday.

Previous ranking: 12

11. Los Alamitos 8-1 (45)

Previous ranking: 6

12. San Juan Hills 7-2 (42)

Previous ranking: 11

13. Yorba Linda 7-2 (39)

Previous ranking: 13

14. Edison 5-4 (36)

Previous ranking: 14

15. Huntington Beach 7-2 (32)

Previous ranking: 16

16. Capistrano Valley 8-1 (31)

Previous ranking: 15

Jack Norman (6) of Dana Hills tries unsuccessfully to hold onto the ball as Brady Stringham (2) of Laguna Beach reaches in the forth quarter, Oct. 24, 2025, during a Friday night football game at Dana Point. (Photo by Steven Georges, Contributing Photographer)

17T. Laguna Beach 9-0 (25)

Previous ranking: 19

17T. La Habra 6-3 (25)

Previous ranking: 17

19. Dana Hills 8-1 (22)

Previous ranking: 17

20. Villa Park 4-5 (15)

Previous ranking: 20

21. Troy 8-1 (14)

Previous ranking: 22

22. El Modena 4-5 (13)

Previous ranking: 20

23T. Aliso NIguel 6-3 (9)

Previous ranking: 23

23T. Western 5-4 (9)

Previous ranking: 24

25. Tesoro 3-6 (3)

Previous ranking: 25

Southern California pastor, father of 4, killed by hit-and-run driver

Sat, 25 Oct 2025 06:13:47 +0000

Loved ones are devastated after a beloved pastor and father of four children was killed by a hit-and-run driver while riding his bicycle in Huntington Beach.

On Oct. 20, Eric Williams, 45, was cycling with two friends along Pacific Coast Highway when, shortly before 7 a.m., they were struck by a driver in a sedan.

Huntington Beach police said the suspect, Amber Calderon, 43, of Long Beach, reportedly drove onto the shoulder of the road where the bicyclists were traveling.

Eric was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other two victims suffered severe injuries including spinal fractures, broken ribs and a broken ankle, along with cuts and bruises.

Eric Williams, 45, is seen with his wife and four young children in a family photo. (Community Church of West Garden Grove)
Eric Williams, 45, is seen with his wife and children in a family photo. (Community Church of West Garden Grove)
Eric Williams, 45, is seen with his wife and four young children in a family photo. (Community Church of West Garden Grove)
One cyclist was killed and two others were severely injured in a hit-and-run crash on Oct. 20, 2025 in Huntington Beach, Calif. (KTLA)
One cyclist was killed and two others were severely injured in a hit-and-run crash on Oct. 20, 2025 in Huntington Beach, Calif. (KTLA)
A vigil was held at a park next to the Community Church of West Garden Grove to honor pastor Eric Williams on Oct. 24, 2025. (KTLA)
Eric Williams' father, Ted Willams, and his sister, Alli Joy Vasquez, speak to KTLA at a candlelight vigil on Oct. 24, 2025. (KTLA)
Eric Williams was a beloved pastor in Orange County. (Community Church of West Garden Grove)
A vigil was held at a park next to the Community Church of West Garden Grove to honor pastor Eric Williams on Oct. 24, 2025. (KTLA)
arrested in 2021 and convicted of the crimes in August 2025 for assaults that occurred between 2012 and 2019, according to the Orange County District Attorney's Office.

During the assaults, Valdez was a church leader at Iglesia De Dios Ebenezer Church in Santa Ana from 2014 to 2017. When he was arrested in 2021, he was a pastor at International Mission Church USA in Santa Ana.

Beginning when she was 4 years old, one girl was sexually assaulted by Valdez over a seven-year period, prosecutors said. He would lure the girl either into the church’s basement or into a van that was parked in the church parking lot, where he would molest her.

The girl eventually reported the abuse to a school counselor. Two more child victims were identified in January 2020.

The first girl told Garden Grove police that between 2014 to 2015, Valdez molested her after giving her a ride home from church. She was 9 years old at the time.

Southern California school counselor charged with molesting 15 children

The second girl told Riverside police that in 2017, Valdez had repeatedly molested her in a backyard shed over an eight-month period. She was 7 and 8 years old at the time of the assaults.

In August 2025, he was convicted of 11 felony counts of lewd or lascivious acts with a minor under the age of 14 and three felony counts of oral copulation or sexual penetration of a child 10 or younger.

On Oct. 24, the DA’s office announced Valdez was sentenced to 45 years to life in prison for the crimes.

“Churches should be safe sanctuaries, not hunting grounds for child molesters,” said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. “These young girls were subjected to unimaginable abuse by someone in a position of trust. The sexual exploitation of children will never be acceptable, and predators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Orange County church leader sentenced to 45 years to life for sexually assaulting 3 girls

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 18:04:55 +0000

An Orange County Sheriff’s Deputy was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault of a county jail inmate, officials announced Thursday.

Leobardo Martinez Garcia, 29, was arrested Wednesday after investigators say he allegedly assaulted the female inmate while she was receiving medical care at a local hospital.

Martinez Garcia was also placed on administrative leave, pending the outcome of both investigations, according to authorities.

Martinez Garcia was released on Oct. 30 after posting bail, police said.

The case will be forwarded to either the Orange County District Attorney’s Office or the United States Attorney’s Office for criminal prosecution, the department said.

Talon Spencer leads Capistrano Valley football past El Modena for key win

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 11:56:31 +0000

Support our high school sports coverage by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribe now

ORANGE — Capistrano Valley’s football team took the field Thursday motivated by its “under-the-radar” status and immediate opportunity in the Delta League.

El Modena stood in the way as a spoiler that has reloaded faster than expected.

The Cougars seized their chance and set up an even bigger game next week.

Talon Spencer threw a touchdown and ran for another to highlight a 21-point outburst in the second quarter as Capistrano Valley collected a 30-14 victory at El Modena High.

The junior dual-threat quarterback ran for a second touchdown in fourth quarter and finished with 171 yards passing for the Cougars (8-1, 4-0), ranked No. 15 in Orange County.

With the victory, Capistrano Valley remained tied for first place in the Delta League with Tustin (8-1, 4-0) and did its part to set up a showdown for the championship next week against the Tillers.

The Cougars broke their final huddle Thursday to “Tustin!”, which beat Western 42-21 in another Delta League game.

“Now, that we got a good win here against a great team, we can look forward to a game against Tustin for a league championship,” Spencer said. “Pregame, we were definitely focused on El Mo. … They played us hard last year and they played us hard this year again.”

Capistrano Valley will ride a six-game winning streak into its clash against defending champion Tustin on Thursday, Oct. 30 at Saddleback College.

“I think we’re a little under-the-radar but I like it that way,” said Capistrano Valley coach Sean Curtis, whose team lost to No. 7 Crean Lutheran 23-6. “(The Delta League) goes through (Tustin).”

Freshman running back Abel Gherasim sparked the Cougars’ second quarter by breaking a 58-yard touchdown run two plays after No. 20 El Modena took a 7-0 lead on a 3-yard TD run by sophomore Aiden Sullivan.

It was Gherasim’s fifth rushing touchdown while Sullivan scored his first.

Spencer, a first-year starter, then guided consecutive scoring drive as Capistrano Valley took control.

He capped a 76-yard march with a 1-yard TD run on third-and-goal and fired a 15-yard scoring strike to Brody Saavedra to punctuate a short drive.

Capistrano Valley’s defense made two plays in the first half that loomed significant as the Cougars led 21-7 at intermission.

The unit held on a fourth-and-goal from its 1 on the opening possession of the first quarter. Linebacker Brady Hassett helped make the tackle.

Capistrano Valley also received an interception in the end zone from freshman defensive back Chris Fields with one second left in the second quarter.

Both plays became into focus after El Modena running back Nathan De La Vega scored on a 3-yard run 1:02 into the fourth quarter to trim the Cougars lead to 21-14.

But Spencer answered with a 61-yard scoring drive. He scored on a 9-yard TD run but sparked the possession with a 32-yard completion to Saavedra.

“His vision and decision making are really top notch, and so is his ball velocity,” Curtis said of Spencer, who plays shortstop, center fielder and occasionally pitches in baseball.

Linebacker Jake Beisel recorded consecutive tackles for loss in the third quarter to held anchor the Capistrano Valley defense. Trey Schild had a sack while Mauricio Linares added a safety.

El Modena (4-5, 2-2) graduated 18 starters after last season but appears in contention to finish third in the league.

The Vanguards close against Cypress (3-5, 0-3) at Western High on Oct. 30.

“It’s been a good season,” said El Modena coach Matt Mitchell, whose team received 126 yards rushing from QB Ethan Sorenson.

Man wanted for allegedly stealing from Target stores across Orange County

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 04:47:32 +0000

Police are searching for a theft suspect accused of repeatedly stealing from Target stores across Orange County.

The suspect was identified as Fabian Munoz, 43, of Santa Ana, according to the Santa Ana Police Department.

Munoz was recently captured on surveillance footage exiting a Target store with a stolen tech item. Police said the man has reportedly stolen from several Target stores in the area and often leaves with “high-value items.”

Fabian Munoz, 43, of Santa Ana, is wanted for allegedly stealing from Target stores across the Orange County area. (Santa Ana Police Department)

He is described as a man who is 5 feet 9 inches tall and about 200 pounds. He has gray/brown hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to call Detective J. Guidry at 714-245-8530 or email jguidry@santa-ana.org. The public can also call the SAPD Watch Commander at 714-245-8700.

Loved ones search for missing Cal State Fullerton student

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 03:14:55 +0000

Loved ones are searching for a Southern California student who has been missing for over a week.

Nicholas Adunagow was reported missing on Oct. 20, according to the Cal State Fullerton Police Department. His family last spoke with him on Oct. 13 and at the time, everything seemed fine, they said.

On Oct. 14, Adunagow, who is a student at Cal State Fullerton, was last seen leaving a campus housing complex at around 2 a.m. on a skateboard.

Surveillance cameras captured him at the intersection of Chapman and Commonwealth avenues, shortly after leaving the school. That was the last time he was seen in the area, authorities said. It’s unclear where he may have been headed.

From left: Nicholas Adunagow is seen in a recent photo / An elevator picture captured what Nicholas Adunagow was wearing shortly before he disappeared on Oct. 14, 2025. (Cal State Fullerton Police)

Since that day, Adunagow’s cell phone has been turned off and he has not responded to any calls, text messages or emails, his family said.

At this time, investigators do not suspect foul play and have not noted any suspicious details surrounding his campus departure. His family said he has no known medical or mental health conditions that would contribute to his disappearance.

His loved ones have not heard from him since and are concerned for his well-being.

Adunagow is described as a Black man who stands 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs 160 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes and was last seen wearing a dark green hoodie, gray pants, dark sneakers and a black beanie.

Anyone who may know his whereabouts or has information on the case can call Detective Sergeant Brown at 657-278-2903 or email chrbrown@fullerton.edu.

Bat in Orange tests positive for rabies; residents asked to report contact

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 08:42:57 +0000

An Orange County Sheriff’s Deputy was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault of a county jail inmate, officials announced Thursday.

Leobardo Martinez Garcia, 29, was arrested Wednesday after investigators say he allegedly assaulted the female inmate while she was receiving medical care at a local hospital.

Martinez Garcia was also placed on administrative leave, pending the outcome of both investigations, according to authorities.

Martinez Garcia was released on Oct. 30 after posting bail, police said.

The case will be forwarded to either the Orange County District Attorney’s Office or the United States Attorney’s Office for criminal prosecution, the department said.

2 women wanted for distraction burglaries targeting victims in Orange County

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 04:32:02 +0000

Police are searching for two women wanted in connection with distraction burglaries targeting victims in Orange County.

The suspects were identified as Scumpina Ciuraru, 33, and Portocala Stanescu, 21, both Norwalk residents, according to the Fullerton Police Department.

The pair was last seen in two separate distraction burglaries that occurred in the Fullerton area.

Authorities advise residents to always be wary of strangers suddenly approaching them. Distraction thefts typically involve suspects creating a scenario to divert a victim’s attention, allowing their accomplices to steal the victim’s belongings.

The suspects, Portocala Stanescu, 21, (on left) and Scumpina Ciuraru, 33, are wanted in connection with distraction burglaries targeting victims in Fullerton. (Fullerton Police Department)

Common strategies could involve asking the victim for directions, making small talk, complimenting them on their jewelry or creating a scene that requires the victim’s help.

Anyone who recognizes the women in the Fullerton burglaries or has information on their whereabouts is asked to call Detective N. Curtis at 714-738-5327 or email ncurtis@fullertonpd.org.

Anonymous tips can be provided to OC Crime Stoppers at 1-855-847-6227 or online at occrimestoppers.org.

Malibu residents flee as international buyers snap up burned-out lots

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Nearly a year after the Palisades fire, Malibu has issued only four rebuilding permits. The slow pace has led to declining home values as frustrated locals abandon plans to rebuild and list their lots for cheap.

Storm leaves La Habra homes littered with debris from nearby homeless encampment

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 15:05:26 +0000

An Orange County Sheriff’s Deputy was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault of a county jail inmate, officials announced Thursday.

Leobardo Martinez Garcia, 29, was arrested Wednesday after investigators say he allegedly assaulted the female inmate while she was receiving medical care at a local hospital.

Martinez Garcia was also placed on administrative leave, pending the outcome of both investigations, according to authorities.

Martinez Garcia was released on Oct. 30 after posting bail, police said.

The case will be forwarded to either the Orange County District Attorney’s Office or the United States Attorney’s Office for criminal prosecution, the department said.

Police search for hit-and run driver who killed pedestrian in Santa Ana

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 01:42:24 +0000

Police are searching for a hit-and-run driver who struck and killed a man as he was walking in Santa Ana.

On Oct. 10, Santa Ana police responded to reports of a crash near Bristol Street and McFadden Avenue shortly before 9:30 p.m.

Investigators said the victim, Ivan Frausto, 50, of Santa Ana, was walking across the southbound lanes of McFadden Avenue when he was struck by a vehicle.

The suspect continued speeding away and did not stop to check on the victim.

Officers found Frausto lying unresponsive on the road. Despite lifesaving measures, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police do not have a description of the suspect or their vehicle at this time. The deadly incident remains under investigation.

Anyone with information on the crash is urged to call Detective K. Briley at 714-245-8215 or the Santa Ana Police Department’s Traffic Division at 714-245-8200.

Homicide suspect arrested after woman found bleeding, unresponsive in Orange County motel room

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 00:11:01 +0000

A suspect was arrested for homicide after a woman was found bleeding and unresponsive in a motel room in Orange County.

On Oct. 13, Costa Mesa police responded to a motel room in the 1500 block of South Coast Drive around 6 a.m.

Inside, police found the victim unresponsive. She was rushed to a nearby hospital where she later died from her injuries. She was identified as Yu Wang, 32, of Laguna Niguel.

The suspect, Max Blumencranz, 31, of Costa Mesa, was arrested at the scene for homicide.

Further details, including the victim’s cause of death and how the suspect and victim knew each other, remain under investigation.

“Detectives are diligently investigating this case and to protect its integrity, CMPD will not release any further details,” police said. “CMPD will submit their case file to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration.”

Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact Sergeant Jacobi at 714-754-5352 or jjacobi@costamesaca.gov or Detective Jones at 714-754-4873 or cjones@costamesaca.gov.

Police investigate murder-suicide at La Habra Korean barbecue restaurant

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 23:16:27 +0000

An Orange County Sheriff’s Deputy was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault of a county jail inmate, officials announced Thursday.

Leobardo Martinez Garcia, 29, was arrested Wednesday after investigators say he allegedly assaulted the female inmate while she was receiving medical care at a local hospital.

Martinez Garcia was also placed on administrative leave, pending the outcome of both investigations, according to authorities.

Martinez Garcia was released on Oct. 30 after posting bail, police said.

The case will be forwarded to either the Orange County District Attorney’s Office or the United States Attorney’s Office for criminal prosecution, the department said.

Nearly half of Metrolink's lines will be temporarily shut down later this month

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 20:33:58 +0000

Many weekend riders who rely on Metrolink service will need to make alternate travel plans later this month as the passenger rail system will completely suspend service on nearly half of its long-distance lines.

Beginning Saturday, Oct. 25, Metrolink and San Diego's North County Transit District will work to complete "multiple track projects" between San Diego and Ventura counties.

The completion of the projects will necessitate the full weekend closure of Metrolink's Ventura County, Orange County and Inland Empire-OC lines, three of Metrolink's seven long-distance lines.

Alternate transportation will not be directly available for Metrolink during the closure.

A Metrolink train is shown at the Fullerton station in this undated promotional image. (Metrolink)

Because of the vast area where work is taking place, both the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner and North County Transit will also be affected, officials said. There will be no Surfliner service from San Luis Obispo to San Diego as part of the closure. Amtrak will not have bus bridges provided for riders, but its Thruway Bus routes will continue to operate.

The closure, according to Amtrak, is part of a "coordinated effort" between railroads that operate along the LOSSAN corridor between San Luis Obispo and San Diego, including Metrolink and NCTD and Union Pacific freight rail.

During the closure, crews will attempt to advance "critical track infrastructure projects," which include:

Santa Barbara: Track bed and crossing work
Ventura: Track work and switch upgrades
Orange County: Track bed, crossing, and signal work, power pole replacements, as well as construction activities in support of the Orange County Coastal Rail Resiliency improvements
San Diego: Del Mar Bluff stabilization, capacity enhancements, and signal work.

Officials said work will take place simultaneously at various location to reduce future track closures and minimize impact to passengers.

Metrolink expects that the work will be completed Sunday, Oct. 26, with normal weekday service resuming the following day.

"We apologize that necessary infrastructure enhancements sometimes result in track closures that we know may be inconvenient for our riders," Metrolink said in a statement.

Metrolink's Antelope Valley, Riverside and San Bernardino lines will be unaffected by the closures, although they could experience an increase in riders. Metrolink Arrow, which connects downtown San Bernardino to the University of Redlands campus, operates in its own right-of-way and will not be affected.

3 arrested after police find over $4,000 worth of stolen merchandise in Orange County

Sun, 12 Oct 2025 00:38:54 +0000

Three suspects were arrested after police found over $4,000 worth of stolen merchandise in Irvine.

The suspects were identified as Dayana Rosa Hernandez, 55, of Los Angeles, Luz Dary Soto, 52, of Los Angeles, and Michel Rivera Taborda, 20, of Anaheim, according to the Irvine Police Department.

On Oct. 6, security personnel spotted a suspicious van with expired license plates from another state at the parking lot of the Irvine Spectrum Center.

They continued monitoring the suspects and watched them enter several stores where they were seen stealing merchandise, police said.

Police provided blurred photos of the three suspects who were arrested after officers found over $4,000 worth of stolen merchandise in Irvine on Oct. 6, 2025. (Irvine Police Department)
Inside the suspects' van, police found stolen clothing and merchandise from Lululemon, Sephora, Ralph Lauren and Victoria's Secret. (Irvine Police Department)
Inside the suspects' van, police found stolen clothing and merchandise from Lululemon, Sephora, Ralph Lauren and Victoria's Secret. (Irvine Police Department)

Irvine police was notified and as the thieves tried to leave the area, they were stopped by officers. While searching their van, police found a large amount of stolen clothing and goods from Lululemon, Sephora, Ralph Lauren and Victoria's Secret.

The total amount was valued at over $4,000.

All three suspects were taken into custody for organized retail theft and booked at the Orange County Jail.

5 hospitalized after helicopter crashes in Huntington Beach

Sat, 11 Oct 2025 14:54:59 +0000

An Orange County Sheriff’s Deputy was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault of a county jail inmate, officials announced Thursday.

Leobardo Martinez Garcia, 29, was arrested Wednesday after investigators say he allegedly assaulted the female inmate while she was receiving medical care at a local hospital.

Martinez Garcia was also placed on administrative leave, pending the outcome of both investigations, according to authorities.

Martinez Garcia was released on Oct. 30 after posting bail, police said.

The case will be forwarded to either the Orange County District Attorney’s Office or the United States Attorney’s Office for criminal prosecution, the department said.

FBI renews call for public's help solving deadly bombing of Arab American activist in Orange County

Sat, 11 Oct 2025 02:01:21 +0000

The FBI on Friday renewed its call for the public's help to solve the case of a 40-year-old assassination of a prominent Arab American activist and organizer in Orange County.

Alexander Michel Odeh was killed in a "targeted bombing" on Oct. 11, 1985, involving a booby-trapped explosive device that detonated when he unlocked the door to his Santa Ana office.

Odeh was transported to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead. He was 41 years old at the time and was survived by his wife and three daughters. Several other people near the explosion were injured and the building on East 17th street sustained "massive damage," the FBI said.

At the time of his killing, the Palestine-born Odeh was the western regional director of the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), a grassroots civil rights organization comprised of Arab Americans.

Members of a bomb squad prepare to examine the wrecked offices of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee offices in Santa Ana, California, where Alex Odeh was killed on Oct. 11, 1985. (Getty Images)

"After joining the [ADC] in 1982, Alex quickly rose to the forefront of combatting stereotyping of Arabs and biased reporting," the organization wrote on the 36th anniversary of his killing. "He fought tirelessly to build unity between Jews, Muslims and Christians in Southern California."

Investigators believe that Odeh was likely targeted for his activism and views, which he discussed publicly. He had made several televised appearances in the days leading up to his killing, and was scheduled to speak at a synagogue in Fountain Valley on the day of his death.

According to the ADC, Odeh had been a regular target of death threats, and his killing came during a period of targeted attacks on its offices, including in Boston and Washington D.C. The group alleges that the attacks were perpetrated by Israeli terrorist organizations, potentially the Jewish Defense League, a far-right political organization responsible for several domestic terror attacks in North America.

The FBI says there are "working theories" related to a motive for the killing, but no person of interest has been named, nor have any charges been filed.

Alexander Michel Odeh is shown in this undated image provided by the FBI. Odeh was killed in a targeted bombing in Santa Ana on Oct. 11, 1985.

In 1996, the U.S. Department of Justice offered a reward of up to $1 million for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. That reward, FBI officials said, remains in place to this day.

“The investigation into the murder of Alex Odeh has spanned generations, but the FBI has never given up and will continue to investigate new leads on this case until it is solved,” said Akil Davis, assistant director in charge of the FBI’s field office in L.A. “I’m confident that we will find the answers to solve this case for Alex Odeh’s family, including his widow and his daughters.”

Robert Rodriguez, chief of the Santa Ana Police Department, said his department continues to investigate alongside its federal partners and remains committed to bringing the perpetrators to justice.

“This case represents a reminder that acts of violence motivated by hate have no place in our society, and we stand ready to assist in any way necessary to bring accountability to those responsible," Rodriguez said.

The FBI urges anyone with information to contact their nearest FBI office, U.S. embassy or consulate around the world. In the U.S., the FBI can be reached at any time of day by calling 1-800-225-5324.

The ADC is holding a memorial banquet in Odeh's honor this weekend in Anaheim.

Man wanted for committing lewd acts near Orange County high schools

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 23:31:21 +0000

Police are searching for a suspect wanted for committing lewd acts near high schools in Anaheim.

The male suspect was recently spotted near Magnolia High School on Oct. 6 as students were leaving campus, police said.

Anaheim police believe he also committed a similar lewd act near Anaheim High School in early September.

The suspect is described as a white or Hispanic man who was last seen wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, a facemask and gray/blue leggings. His bicycle appears to have purple handlebars.

Police are searching for a male suspect wanted for committing lewd acts near high schools in Anaheim. (Anaheim Police Department)
Police are searching for a male suspect wanted for committing lewd acts near high schools in Anaheim. (Anaheim Police Department)

Anyone who recognizes the man or has information on the case is asked to call the Anaheim Police Department at 714-765-1900.

Anonymous tips can be provided to OC Crime Stoppers at 1-855-847-6227 or online at occrimestoppers.org.

Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach targeted in swatting call

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 10:53:50 +0000

An Orange County Sheriff’s Deputy was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault of a county jail inmate, officials announced Thursday.

Leobardo Martinez Garcia, 29, was arrested Wednesday after investigators say he allegedly assaulted the female inmate while she was receiving medical care at a local hospital.

Martinez Garcia was also placed on administrative leave, pending the outcome of both investigations, according to authorities.

Martinez Garcia was released on Oct. 30 after posting bail, police said.

The case will be forwarded to either the Orange County District Attorney’s Office or the United States Attorney’s Office for criminal prosecution, the department said.