Newsletter: TimesOC: O.C.’s only needle-exchange program closes after permit is denied

Good morning. It’s Wednesday, Feb. 7. Here’s what’s been happening around O.C.

Top story

O.C.’s only needle-exchange program closes after Santa Ana denies permit

Orange County’s first and only needle exchange program has shut down after Santa Ana city officials denied its permit application, a move some local advocacy groups and the state’s leading public health agency say could negatively affect public welfare. The city contends the move was necessary because of numerous discarded syringes in the Santa Ana Civic Center. TimesOC

Around the county

Demonstrators gather in Laguna Beach to oppose new offshore drilling

Demonstrators, including actor Ted Danson, filled Laguna’s Main Beach for a rally opposing President Trump’s proposal to open California’s coastline to offshore drilling. Daily Pilot

Politics

By the numbers, Democrats look strong in O.C. races they must win to flip the House

Democrats have a few problems to sweat over in this year’s midterm elections: winnowing their vast fields of candidates and navigating California’s top-two primary system, to name a couple. But in Orange County, a key battleground as they attempt to take back the House, money doesn’t seem to be one of them. Los Angeles Times

Woman’s Club of Laguna Beach honors five-term Councilwoman Toni Iseman

The Woman’s Club of Laguna Beach honored Councilwoman Toni Iseman, whose 20 consecutive years in office is a record in a city that incorporated in 1927. Daily Pilot

Recall group outspent Newport Councilman Peotter in failed bid to oust him

Critics of Newport Beach City Councilman Scott Peotter raised close to $100,000 and racked up more than $130,000 in bills in their unsuccessful attempt to recall him last year, spending more than $2.50 for every dollar Peotter and his supporters spent in his defense. Daily Pilot

Business & real estate

Something old, something used at Newport Beach vintage showroom

To add a new dose of inspired interior design to Newport Beach, JoAnn Sarvak opened American Vintage House, a shop stocked with art, accessories and new and old furnishings that represent a mix of her interests and one-of-a-kind objects. TimesOC

Life & arts

Soka’s ‘Votive’ and ‘100 Women’ exhibits seek to illuminate and inspire

Art enthusiasts have an opportunity to view two disparate, yet equally compelling exhibits currently on display at Soka University’s Founders Hall Art Gallery. TimesOC

Singer-actress Linda Eder will showcase standards and Broadway tunes in Irvine

When singer Linda Eder won a then-unprecedented 12 consecutive weeks on “Star Search” in 1987, it was the only competition of its kind. Her current tour brings her to the Irvine Barclay Theatre Saturday, where she will perform cuts from her latest disc, “Retro,” mixed in with the show tunes her fans have come to expect. TimesOC

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