Orange County

Health

Mask fines vary widely throughout California

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.

By Barbara Feder Ostrov • August 17, 2020

Health

So you think your California county is tracing contacts of sick people? Maybe not.

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.

By Rebecca Sohn, Ana B. Ibarra and Manuela Tobias • July 29, 2020

WhatMatters

Newsom vs. Orange County — again

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 […]

By Emily Hoeven • July 15, 2020

Coronavirus

Not an option: Governor orders statewide mask use amid scattered pushback

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.

By Ana B. Ibarra • June 18, 2020

Coronavirus

‘Things have gotten ugly’ — pandemic pushback drives health directors to quit

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.

By Barbara Feder Ostrov • June 16, 2020

Politics

As protesters demand “Reopen California!” here’s whom Newsom can’t afford to alienate

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.

By Laurel Rosenhall • May 1, 2020

WhatMatters

Tension rising: Governor vs. The OC

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

By Emily Hoeven • May 1, 2020

Coronavirus

Line in the sand: Newsom closes all beaches in the OC but not elsewhere — sparking legal fight

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 […]

By Laurel Rosenhall • April 30, 2020

Coronavirus

Who is ‘essential’ now that Californians have to stay home?

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

By Ben Christopher • March 20, 2020

Elections

Republican tug-of-war: Election raises a familiar GOP dilemma in California

How to be conservative enough for a conservative party but liberal enough for a liberal state? Primary election results in Orange County pose the question anew for California Republicans.

By Ben Christopher • March 13, 2020