Orange County

Two of the three largest fires in California history are raging across the state alongside about 600 others, burning more than 1.3 million acres — an area about the size of Delaware — and forcing more than 100,000 people to evacuate. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Dry lightning storms and gusty winds […]

Despite a statewide order to wear masks, there’s no statewide penalty for not doing so. Local governments have instituted their own fines for violations, but critics worry that enforcement will disproportionately affect people of color.

Most counties, even those with thousands of COVID-19 cases, attempt to notify everyone exposed. But seven inform only high-risk people — and another isn’t even doing that.

Good morning, California. It’s Wednesday, July 15. What happens if districts defy state? Orange County isn’t making things easy for Gov. Gavin Newsom. The county’s board of education recommended Monday that students return to school without face masks or physical distancing, contradicting guidelines from the state Department of Education and testing Newsom’s avowed commitment to […]

After weeks of mixed messaging and leaving the decision to counties, the state today said face coverings will be required in many places to stem the spread of coronavirus.

Local public health officers haven’t been this important in a century. They’re also being second-guessed, harassed and threatened by residents angry about pandemic precautions.

Angry demonstrators, many unmasked, crammed toward the state Capitol demanding Gov. Gavin Newsom loosen or lift restrictions designed to contain the coronavirus pandemic. The bigger risk for Newsom: Losing buy-in from local officials to make his edicts relevant up and down this diverse state.

Newsom closes Orange County beaches. OES becomes governor's new headquarters. Most jobless claims made by younger, less-educated workers.

Updated May 1, 2020 As reports that Gov. Gavin Newsom planned to close all California beaches whipped around the state on Wednesday evening, local officials pushed back. From the foggy north end of the state to the sun-soaked south, several said closing every beach on the state’s 800-mile coastline would be a draconian way to […]

Newsom's stay-at-home directive initially had fewer details than many local bans already in place. Bit by bit, details are trickling in.