Orange County

A poster with information for students on using ChatGPT, an AI platform, in English teacher Jen Roberts' class at Point Loma High School in San Diego on May 3, 2024. Photo by Adriana Heldiz, CalMatters

Education

A handful of California schools embraced Trump’s AI challenge. Many haven’t heard of it

California schools that are already running artificial intelligence programs have a head start in the Trump administration's AI challenge, but many campuses just aren't participating.

By

Z. Waite

• March 4, 2026

A sleek, modern kitchen with light wood flooring, white cabinetry, and a large stainless-steel French-door refrigerator. An island with a stovetop and a pot sits to the left, while a clean countertop with a cutting board and backsplash tiles runs along the right side. The space is bright and minimal with built-in appliances.

Housing

A new California law requires a working fridge in all apartments. LA landlords fought it

Fridge-less apartments dotting the pricey California rental market will soon be a head-scratching relic. Beginning Jan. 1, landlords will be required to provide all apartments with a working stove and refrigerator thanks to a new state law. It marks the end of an unusual, decades-long phenomenon mostly in the Los Angeles area where some tenants […]

By

Nadia Lathan

• December 30, 2025

A close-up of a person — with slick-back dark hair and wearing a black suit — as they stand near the corner of a hallway and look towards their left side.

Politics

After Prop. 50, San Diego may lose its only Republican in Congress as Democrats target Issa

If Proposition 50 survives the legal challenges, the new voting map could lead to the lone Republican seat in San Diego - the 48th Congressional District represented by Darrell Issa - flipping to the Democrats.

By

Deborah Brennan

• November 21, 2025

Person smiling outdoors, standing in front of leafy green plants.

Politics

California Rep. Young Kim’s newest challenger: An Orange County immigration lawyer

An immigration attorney who represented an ICE-detained Orange County father of three military sons is the latest Democrat to challenge Republican Rep. Young Kim in a district that could be drawn redder by Gov. Gavin Newsom’s gerrymander.

By

Maya C. Miller

• August 20, 2025

A nail technician, with black hair tied up in a ponytail and wearing a face mask, uses pink nail polish to paint a customers fingernails.

Politics

California nail salon owners say AB5 changes target Vietnamese workers

California’s landmark labor law aims to make nail salon workers, predominantly Vietnamese women, full employees rather than contractors in an industry known for labor violations.

By

Jeanne Kuang

• July 8, 2025

A stylized digital collage shows two people talking on phones, facing each other across the image. On the left, a person with short hair, glasses, and a patterned shirt speaks with a concerned expression. On the right, a person with curly hair pulled back looks thoughtful while holding a phone to their ear. Scribbled white lines near each head symbolize confusion or emotional distress. The background features rough textures and warm-toned graphic shapes in orange and pink.

Mental Health

Mental health support centers are reeling from California budget cuts, with layoffs expected

Operators of mental health support lines are laying off staff and ceasing or curtailing services due to California budget cuts and a 2024 ballot measure.

By

Jocelyn Wiener

• July 3, 2025

A children’s book titled “The Hips of a Drag Queen Go Swish, Swish, Swish” sits on the top of a plastic table with a no on Measure A&B sign put behind it. In the background is a group of people standing around the table and rows of palm trees around.

Politics

Is it sex education or porn? Huntington Beach comes to blows over library books

Huntington Beach will decide next week on whether to repeal a community review board for library material. It’s a test of the conservative city council’s growing clout and the national movement to restrict access to sexual content in children’s books.

By

Alexei Koseff

• June 3, 2025

Four young people, wearing business attire, stand in the front row of the audience section at an event.

Politics

Young Democrats offer lessons for their leaders at party convention

Young Californians were disillusioned with Democrats last November. The solution? A simple message, a focus on cost-of-living and progressive causes, and a reckoning with the party’s age problem, say young Democrats.

By

Yue Stella Yu

• June 2, 2025

A person with long dark hair stands among trees, partially obscured by green branches and soft sunlight filtering through the foliage. The individual faces away from the camera, wearing a light-colored textured top, blending into the tranquil forest setting.

Mental Health

They called for urgent help with a mentally ill loved one. Why California police refused

Police agencies — under scrutiny and worried about their own liability — increasingly won't respond to someone in a mental health crisis unless that person is committing a crime. So who will transport people in psychosis to get help? And who will keep those around them safe?

By

Lee Romney

• April 28, 2025

A sidewalk and accessibility ramp lead toward a modern building with large windows, while in the background, a red and white building with a sign reading 'Taboo Gentlemen’s Club' is visible. The scene is framed by green shrubs and a metal railing, with a setting sun casting warm light on the structures.

Commentary

When I lived in a California homeless shelter, my hope turned into despair

An unhoused man who lives in Orange explains why he and many other Californians who lack a permanent home are so reluctant to stay in shelters.

By Patrick Hogan • February 25, 2025