Controversial O.C. politician loses local GOP leadership post

Villa Park Councilwoman Deborah Pauly is removed as first vice chair of the county's Republican Party. She sparked outrage last year over her protest outside an Islamic charity event.

Orange County again declines to officially recognize Harvey Milk Day

Supervisors ignore speakers' calls to issue a proclamation honoring the slain gay rights advocate. Activists began a letter, postcard and phone campaign about two months ago.

Medical pot not protected by disabilities act, 9th Circuit rules

Lawyer for medical marijuana patients in the cases against Costa Mesa and Lake Forest plans to seek larger court panel's review.

D.A. to seek death penalty in killings of homeless men, two others

O.C. prosecutor says former Marine Itzcoatl Ocampo deserves capital punishment because of the planning involved in the deaths and the violence inflicted on the victims.

Tom Fuentes dies at 63; longtime O.C. Republican Party leader

Tom Fuentes was chairman of the Orange County Republican Party from 1985 to 2004. He helped maintain its powerhouse status and is remembered as 'the godfather of every idealistic person in the party, young and old.'

Disney raises ticket prices for both Anaheim theme parks

A day at Disneyland or California Adventure for visitors 10 and older will cost $87, a 9% increase. The premium annual pass that includes parking rises 30%.

Goldenvoice ready to roar in Orange County

But a planned festival in Great Park won't be a Coachella replica — no booze?

Newport Beach woman gets life in prison in 1994 murder plot

But sentencing for Nanette Packard-McNeal's accomplice, former New England Patriot Eric Naposki, was continued because he refused to leave his holding cell.

Mystery of beachgoer's flaming rocks remains unsolved

Tests turn up 'phosphorous substance' on stones that ignited in an O.C. woman's pocket, but experts are stumped about the science.

New alternative fuels station opens in Fullerton

The Propel Clean Mobility Center on Chapman Avenue offers gasoline as well as E85 ethanol and biodiesel.

Homeless man's mother settles with Fullerton over his death

Cathy Thomas will receive $1 million from the city. Her son Kelly died after a violent confrontation with six police officers. The agreement does not resolve a claim filed by the victim's father, Ron.

Mailer with George Wallace image backs O.C. supervisor hopeful

The letter to American Independent Party members supports Villa Park Councilwoman Deborah Pauly's campaign. It was written by a man who says he was chairman of Wallace's bid for president in 1967.

New Trestles bridge opens

Much of the original, 1941 wooden structure near the famed San Diego County surf spot has been replaced — under budget and six months ahead of schedule — with reinforced concrete.

Bringing back San Juan Capistrano's swallows is one tough mission

The tiny bird that put San Juan Capistrano on the map has snubbed the mission in recent years. A recording of a mating call is a last-ditch effort to lure them back.

Old California and good grub in San Juan Capistrano

The Orange County town boasts a famous mission and the returning swallows (sometimes). It also has great restaurants, a heritage museum and more.

Contingency plan for Southern California power back on track

Two retired generators at a Huntington Beach power plant are back online, ready to kick in this summer to replace electricity from the shuttered San Onofre plant.

U-T San Diego in talks to buy Orange County Register

U-T San Diego's chief executive confirms that officials at his newspaper have 'had discussions' with the Orange County Register's owner. But 'nothing is certain,' he says.

Two Fullerton officers to stand trial in death of Kelly Thomas

Judge orders the trial for Officer Manuel Ramos, charged with second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter, and Cpl. Jay Cicinelli, accused of involuntary manslaughter and excessive use of force.