OC Watchdog

Orange County Reopens Housing Voucher Program Waitlist After 12 Years

In a significant move, the Orange County Housing Authority (OCHA) is reopening its doors to new applications for its esteemed housing voucher program after a lengthy 12-year break. This initiative, designed to provide rental assistance, will be open for applications from September 18 through September 29, offering a lifeline to very low-income families, the...

Taco Bell Introduces Vegan Option of Iconic Item at Limited Locations

A Crunchwrap for the Vegan Community In a move that's sure to delight vegans and vegetarians, Taco Bell has unveiled the Vegan Crunchwrap. This new menu item is a plant-based take on the chain's popular Crunchwrap and features Taco Bell's proprietary vegan beef along with vegan blanco and nacho cheese sauces. Learn more about the...

Orange County Task Force Concludes Deliberations on Tourist Development Tax Funding

white and gray building under white sky during daytime

Evaluation Criteria and Funding Source The Orange County Development Tax Citizen Advisory Task Force is in the final stages of its comprehensive review for the allocation of the vital Tourist Development Tax (TDT) funds. The TDT, accruing from a 6% levy on short-term lodging including hotels and rentals, amassed an impressive over $330 million in...

OC Officials Call for Chilean Action to Combat ‘Burglary Tourism’

McCarthy's Visit to Santa Ana House Speaker Kevin McCarthy visited Santa Ana on Friday to discuss the pressing issue of "burglary tourism" with Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer and several local congressional representatives. McCarthy conveyed his intention to hold back funds for Homeland Security unless the department takes firm actions against the misuse of...

Efforts to Preserve California’s Vanishing Beaches: A Collaborative Approach

a large rock sitting on top of a sandy beach

Coastal leaders and planners from all over the state gathered at the Smart Coast California Policy Summit in Newport Beach in an effort to address the urgent problem of severe erosion and climate change impacts on California's coast. The summit, spanning two days, served as a platform for sharing ideas and strategies to combat...

Irvine Once Again Supports Controversial Green Power Agency Ahead of Dissolution Vote

aerial photography of grass field with blue solar panels

After a lengthy and intense discussion on Tuesday night, Irvine's city leaders made the decision to remain part of the green power agency they had established. This choice keeps intact the agency's largest customer, at least for now. The city council members engaged in hours of deadlock, with each side accusing the other and...

Youngest Graduate of Fullerton College Receives 5 Degrees

Introducing the Youngest Graduate of Fullerton College: A Remarkable Achievement Get ready to meet an extraordinary individual at Fullerton College's graduation ceremony this Saturday. Clovis Hung, a 12-year-old prodigy, will proudly walk across the stage to receive not just one, but five degrees. Clovis began his journey at Fullerton College when he was only nine years...

Santa Ana Tavern: OC Residents Witnessing the US Senate Race Up Close

At a tavern in Santa Ana, about 20 people watched a town hall on Thursday, May 11. The town hall was held by the California Working Families Party and the two candidates for California’s open U.S. Senate seat, Reps. Katie Porter and Barbara Lee spoke during it. Many attendees at the tavern waved green...

A Bigger, Better Disneyland: Expansion Plans Unveiled

Disneyland is presenting proposals for the development of the theme park, retail outlets and car parks over a long period of time to the people of Anaheim as Disney keeps on collaborating with the city to thoroughly reconceptualize what the resort area will be like in the upcoming decades. Disneyland is organizing a series of...

Orange County Is Helping Refugees And Immigrants Access Essential Services

Refugees and immigrants living in Orange County may soon get help from county officials to get into social safety nets and schemes. It happened after 500 Afghans who ran away from the Taliban in 2021 forced Orange County officials to move quickly to help refugees get health care, benefits, and jobs. On Tuesday, OC Supervisors voted...