Jan Vandersloot dies at 64; leading Orange County environmental activist

He was a founder of the Bolsa Chica Land Trust and a founder and board member of the Ocean Outfall Group, which pushed to clean up waste water pumped offshore in Huntington Beach.

Ground to be broken on 91 Freeway widening project

The $59.5-million plan to widen the eastbound side of the freeway for six miles is expected to ease the commute between Orange and Riverside counties.

FBI clears former Assemblyman Duvall

Mike Duvall, a Yorba Linda Republican, will not face federal charges after he made comments about having a sexual relationship with a woman believed to be a Sempra Energy lobbyist, officials said.

O.C. shouldn't accept Irvine Co. land now, environmentalists say

The 20,000 acres of nature costs money to maintain -- money the county doesn't have, activists argue. The parks department disagrees, and the donation is moving forward.

Two O.C. toll road operators to forgive fines

As part of a pending settlement, the agencies will forgo $40 million in penalties and pay $1.4 million to drivers who alleged in a lawsuit that they were fined excessively for unpaid tolls.

Laguna Niguel couple's yard is used as testing ground

The landscape architects experiment with plants, stone and decor before using similar techniques for their clients.

Despite safeguards, peril of night flying is noted in midair collision

Searchers scour a 644-square-mile area off the Southern California coast after a Coast Guard plane and Marine helicopter collide, apparently killing all nine crew members.

Sitrick, Brincko are sold to Resources Connection

Irvine consulting firm Resources Connection is buying the high-profile Century City PR firm and the Riverside consulting shop that advises companies in bankruptcy.

Two aircraft collide off Southern California coast

The crash may have involved a Coast Guard plane and a Marine helicopter carrying nine crew members total. A search is launched and debris is spotted about 15 miles off San Clemente Island.

It could be a dark day for Newport Beach fire pits

The city is considering removing them after complaints of late-night partying and leftover mess. But opponents of that plan are fighting to hold on to their bonfire tradition.

O.C. supervisors approve resolution restricting labor agreements on county projects

Supervisor John Moorlach's proposal would prohibit the requirement of the agreements unless mandated by U.S. and federal law. The board has not favored such deals in the past.

Fisker Automotive may reopen idled GM plant

The Irvine carmaker, which received a U.S. loan, reportedly will make plug-in hybrids at a factory in Delaware, Vice President Joe Biden's home state.

Cal State Fullerton ghost town is its own lesson

A three-day state-mandated class furlough at the campus graphically illustrates the effects of California's budget crisis on higher education.

Los Angeles and Anaheim slug it out over the convention floor

A Freeway World Series between the Dodgers and Angels is looking iffy. But a titanic struggle over trade shows and conventions is being waged.

O.C. board seeks review of DNA crime lab, databases

One goal is to determine if having law enforcement involved in running the operations creates a conflict of interest.

Huntington Beach dog ban a bone of contention

The welcome mat has been pulled in for canines at Surf City Nights, a popular outdoor food event on Main Street. Dog owners yelp.

A Freeway Series could be a ratings strikeout

Few outside L.A. area want the Angels and Dodgers in the World Series. For top ratings -- and reviving an old rivalry -- a Yankees-Dodgers matchup is the dream outside the Southland.