News Archives - 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...

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...

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...

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...

Concerns regarding accountability and transparency are reinforced by a state audit of the Orange County Electric Authority

A recent state audit of Orange County Power Authority (OCPA), a problematic sustainable energy business, revealed opaque marketing and financial services contracts. The agency's financial stability was also thrown into doubt by the audit. California's state auditor, Grant Parks, wrote to the governor and leaders of the state legislature that "OCPA demonstrated a pattern of...

Orange County Has Been Named The 16th Consecutive Tree City USA

In honour of State Arbor Day, Orange County is announcing that it has been named a Tree City USA for the 16th year in a row by the National Arbor Day Foundation. The Tree City USA initiative honours local governments' increased dedication to expanding their urban tree canopy and exhibiting improved standards of tree...

Hall Of Administration, An Unappreciated Building In Orange County, Is Closing

Santa Ana's Orange County Hall of Administration deserved better. The County of Orange's long-time headquarters, which cost $8.1 million to build and was inaugurated in 1978, is now being demolished. The County of Orange is the administrative body in charge of the unincorporated parts of Orange County. It was the most recent building to fall...