LA HABRA, Calif.—An Orange County city’s councilors voted 5–0 on May 16 for residents and businesses to cut up to 20 percent of their water usage amid three consecutive years of drought. The council enacted what’s known as a Level 2 Water Supply Shortage under an executive order by California Gov. Gavin Newsom, which mandates…

Cynthia Esparza knows nothing of the Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF), even though it may have saved her and her children’s lives. The 32-year-old mother of three had found herself on the verge of homelessness after a series of events that started in January 2020 when she walked out of her home—her children in tow—…

COSTA MESA, Calif.—Orange County Board of Education Trustee Tim Shaw announced his resignation Nov. 3 after facing a lawsuit for simultaneously serving as a city council member, despite his colleague doing the same. Trustee Rebecca “Beckie” Gomez, who also serves on the Tustin City Council, has not received a legal challenge despite also holding two…

Southern California cities are preparing for battle against bloodsucking pests this summer as mosquito season picks up. The City of La Habra—which has historically had high mosquito and West Nile virus activity—is conducting its first of many large-scale mosquito sprays June 30. Mosquitoes are responsible for more human deaths than any other creature in the world, killing…

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.—On July 8, 1776, the first public readings the Declaration of Independence were held in Philadelphia’s Independence Square heralded by the ringing of bells and band music. One year later, on July 4, 1777, Philadelphia marked Independence Day by adjourning Congress and celebrating with bonfires, bells and fireworks. The annual custom eventually made…

For the past 25 years, Susan Papiri of La Habra Heights, Los Angeles County, has dedicated herself to caring for seniors. Her passion for this calling started with regular chats she had as a child with an elderly, bedridden man in her neighborhood. For the past 10 years, she has orchestrated the Senior Care Hero Awards, which she describes as a sort of Academy…