Tag: Southern California OC News

Officials Declare Local State of Emergency Over Coastal Fire

LAGUNA NIGUEL, Calif.—Orange County officials have declared a local state of emergency after a fire destroyed more than 20 homes, injured one firefighter, and spread at least 200 acres in Aliso Canyon. No containment percentage was available as of 12 p.m. Thursday. “It’s been a long night for the people living in Laguna Niguel, and…


California Bill Allowing Minors to Get Vaccinated Without Parent Consent Passes Senate

SACRAMENTO—A California bill allowing minors to receive any vaccine without parental consent passed through the state Senate May 12 in a 21–7 vote and is on its way to the state Assembly. Senate Bill (SB) 866, authored by Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), would allow minors 12 years and older to sidestep parental consent and…


Huntington Beach Desalination Plant Prepares for Coastal Commission Review

COSTA MESA, Calif.—As planes flew in for lunchtime landings at John Wayne airport, environmentalists gathered May 11 in the offices of Orange County Coastkeeper to discuss one of Huntington Beach’s most sensitive topics—a $1.4 billion desalination plant that has been on the discussion table for 22 years. “When you’re going to spend $1.4 billion, it…


Ongoing Southern California Fire Rips Through Neighborhoods

LAGUNA NIGUEL, Calif.—A wildfire scorched over 200 acres in Aliso Wood Canyon May 11, chewing through suburbs with multi-million-dollar homes, destroying at least 20 homes. “This is a mandatory evacuation; all residents must leave, now,” an Orange County Sheriff’s deputy shouted over an intercom from his cruiser as firefighting vehicles drove past. “Ma’am, you must…


Westminster ‘Slap House’ Raid Busts 21 Suspects

WESTMINSTER, Calif.—Westminster Police May 10 detained 21 people and arrested two in a surprise raid on a so-called “slap house”—or gambling house—that uncovered illegal gambling drugs, weapons, and stacks of cash. At 5:30 a.m. over 30 SWAT and police detectives surrounded the small three-bedroom house—located in the 9300 block of Mirror Circle—immediately shooting down roof…