Headline News Archive

World AIDS Day is December 1. In recognition of World AIDS Day and the 2020 campaign theme, "Ending the HIV/AIDS Epidemic: Resilience and Impact," the OC Health Care Agency (HCA) recognizes the key role that our local communities have in the AIDS response.

Pursuant to California Elections Code section 15628 the Orange County Registrar of Voters will be conducting a recount of the ballots cast in the Brea Olinda Unified School District, Governing Board Member, Trustee Area 5 Election at the request of candidate Gail Lyons.

Holidays usually mean gathering with friends and extended family, attending parties, hosting dinners, traveling, and celebrating time-honored customs. But some holiday activities promote congregating and mixing of households, which increase the risk of transmitting COVID-19.

With Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other seasonal holidays upon us, the OC Health Care Agency (HCA) is reminding Orange County residents to avoid usual large family gatherings this year in order to protect themselves, their loved ones, and their neighbors from the spread of COVID-19.

Airline passenger traffic at John Wayne Airport decreased in October 2020 as compared with October 2019. In October 2020, the Airport served 307,865 passengers, a decrease of 65.7% when compared with the October 2019 passenger traffic count of 897,873.

In response to expiring state waivers, the CaliforniaDepartment of Toxic Substances Control will no longer allow the landfill disposal of treated wood waste(TWW), effective January 1, 2021. This means OC’s landfills cannot accept TWW for disposal.

Holiday travel may look different this year, and airports across the country are implementing safe travel measures for what is traditionally a busy travel season. Passengers traveling through John Wayne Airport during the Thanksgiving holiday between November 20 through November 30, 2020, can expect to experience a number of measures designed to keep Airport guests safe.

In response to the State's action to place additional restrictions on Orange County related to COVID-19, the Orange County Board of Supervisors took immediate action and is launching the Orange County (OC) Restaurant Outdoor Dining Grant Program to support local restaurants providing outdoor dining as required by the State’s purple tier guidelines.

Effective immediately under order of Governor Newsom and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), the County of Orange was moved into the Purple Tier, the state's most restrictive tier. Impacted industries and activities in Orange County will have 24 hours in which to comply with this action and make necessary modifications.

With the holiday season rapidly approaching, the Orange County Board of Supervisors is calling on residents to safely connect with their elderly neighbors amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Orange County will conduct a risk-limiting audit beginning Friday, November 13, 2020. The ballot comparison audit is not required under California law, and is being conducted in addition to the one percent manual tally of precincts.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) recently approved a request by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) that allows current CalFresh households to purchase hot, prepared foods using their California Golden State electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card through November 22, 2020.

Recognizing the stresses that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is having on OC residents, the OC Health Care Agency (HCA) is launching three new mental health awareness campaigns in the coming weeks – the first is aimed at reducing the stigma in support of wellness and recovery and the other two are focused on suicide prevention.

The 26th Annual Report on the Conditions of Children in Orange County is now available, offering a comprehensive assessment of the health, economic well-being, education and safety of the County's children.

Frank R. Bowerman (FRB) Landfill, located in the city of Irvine and owned and operated by OC Waste & Recycling (OCWR) has experienced damage from the ongoing Silverado Fire in Orange County.

In response to the recent Silverado and Blue Ridge Fires, the Orange County Registrar of Voters is scheduling additional pop-up mobile voting days to support those impacted by evacuation orders and needing voting assistance.

Several Vote Center locations were impacted by the recent mandatory evacuations in the Silverado and Blue Ridge Fire zones. Despite the recent impacts, the Registrar of Voters will be opening all locations as previously scheduled tomorrow, October 30, 2020 at 8:00 a.m. and include:

The American Red Cross has set up TEP's at the listed location in Orange County in order to provide assistance for those individuals affected by this morning’s severe storm front.

Testing a representative sample of Orange County residents for a wide range of coronavirus antibodies, University of California, Irvine researchers found that 11.5 percent of them have antibodies for COVID-19, in contrast to previous estimates of less than 2 percent.

Whereas, in accordance with Government Code Section 8630, a local emergency may be proclaimed by the Board of Supervisors of the County of Orange or by an official so designated by ordinance adopted by the Board of Supervisors

OC Animal Care is open to house dogs, cats and small pets for Orange County residents relocated as a result of the Silverado and Blue Ridge Fire evacuations.

OC Animal Care is open to house dogs, cats, and small pets for Orange County residents relocated as a result of the Silverado Fire evacuations.

Today's pop-up mobile voting event, scheduled for 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 9801 Newport Ave., Santa Ana, has been cancelled as a result of the Silverado Fire evacuations.

Four ballot drop boxes have been closed as a result of the Silverado Fire and Blue Ridge Fire evacuation orders.

The County of Orange activated and staffed the Emergency Operations Center with County agency representatives on October 26, 2020. The Public Information Hotline has been staffed and is ready to accept calls of inquiry in regard to the fire in Silverado Canyon. The Public Information Hotline phone number is (714) 628-7085.

Smoke from the Santiago Fire may pose a health danger to some Orange County residents, especially those in certain high-risk groups.

Mandatory evacuations have been issued in Yorba Linda for the following areas:

Mandatory evacuations have been issued in Lake Forest for the following areas:

With many teachers, parents and students struggling with changing school re-opening models, the OC Health Care Agency is offering a fun, creative contest for Orange County students to enter with the chance to win needed technology supplies for their schools. The contest opens today and the deadline for submissions is 11:59 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 19.

Airline passenger traffic at John Wayne Airport decreased in September 2020 as compared with September 2019. In September 2020, the Airport served 274,813 passengers, a decrease of 68.0% when compared with the September 2019 passenger traffic count of 859,174.

As COVID-related discrimination and xenophobia reach an all-time high, Orange County Human Relations Commission (OCHRC) has responded by launching an exciting anti-hate initiative. The "To Know Better" multimedia campaign contest is designed to promote cultural acceptance through the voices of Orange County middle and high schoolers.

The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) encourages community members to drop-off expired, unused or unwanted prescription medications from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on "National Take Back Day" Saturday, October 24 at numerous locations throughout Orange County.

Today the County Service Center (CSC) proudly served its 100,000th customer since opening its doors on September 3, 2019. To commemorate this milestone, Chairwoman Michelle Steel and Vice Chairman Andrew Do presented the 100,000th customer with a basket containing promotional items from the CSC departments.

There have been recent reports of groups promoting unofficial ballot drop boxes that are not affiliated with Orange County, CA Elections. In some instances, they are promoting these ballot drop boxes as "official" or “secure.” The use of unauthorized, non-official ballot drop boxes is prohibited by state law.

Accuracy testing of Orange County's voting system will commence on October 13, 2020, and will continue until all devices have been included in the test.

October 15 marks National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD), which helps promote testing and early diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

In direct response to the digital divide augmented by the COVID-19 pandemic, OC Public Libraries is launching WiFi on Wheels, a new mobile internet pilot program that will increase internet access across Orange County communities.

The County of Orange and Jamboree Housing Corporation were awarded a total of approximately $23.1 million in funding as co-applicants and in partnership with the City of Stanton under the State Homekey program for The Tahiti Motel and Stanton Inn and Suites applications.

With everyone searching for good news and ways to make 2020 better, here is an event to look forward to! 2020 is going to improve for couples who refuse to put their marriage plans on ice. On Tuesday, October 20, 2020, Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen will host "Get Hitched Under the Stars" at Honda Center in Anaheim.

OC Waste & Recycling (OCWR) and the Mattress Recycling Council (MRC) today announced a new service at OC's landfills: free commercial and residential mattress recycling through the Bye Bye Mattress program.

Airline passenger traffic at John Wayne Airport decreased in August 2020 as compared with August 2019. In August 2020, the Airport served 266,986 passengers, a decrease of 71.7% when compared with the August 2019 passenger traffic count of 942,385.

A bat found along a brick wall in between 1500 and 1600 E. Santa Ana Canyon Road in the City of Orange, on Tuesday, September 22, 2020 at around 4 p.m., has tested positive for rabies.

John Wayne Airport (JWA) ranked #2 among large airports in North America by J.D. Power's 2020 North America Airport Satisfaction Study, continuing its record of top rankings since it was elevated to the large airport category in 2017. The Airport was ranked #1 among large airports in 2017 and 2018.

Photographic artwork depicting the diversity, dignity, and realities of the aging experience, as seen through the eyes of professional and amateur photographers, is on display at John Wayne Airport through March 2021. Selected winning entries from the juried exhibit by the Council on Aging can be viewed in the Vi Smith Concourse Gallery located post-security.

Neal Kelley, Orange County, CA Registrar of Voters, has released an important message for all Orange County voters.

With school looking different this year, OC Public Libraries' literacy program, OC READ / Families for Literacy (OC READ), will be launching a series of Back-to-School events to support distance learning.

On October 6, 2020, the County of Orange and Orange County (OC) Human Relations Commission are inviting the public to participate in Understanding Our Implicit Biases & Community Experiences, a virtual listening session focused on fear-driven hate.

OC Public Libraries is excited to announce the next stage in reopening and providing modified service in accordance with the State of California's Blueprint for a Safer Economy, with Orange County now in the red tier, libraries can reopen with modifications and capacity limited to 50%.

With flu season now upon us, the OC Health Care Agency is already anticipating the potentially devastating effects of a double whammy of influenza and COVID-19 cases hitting in the fall and winter months and urges everyone to get a flu shot.

The Orange County (OC) Human Relations Commission is hosting the "Good Will" program for the second year to spotlight the good works of numerous Orange County enterprises – from one-person operations to large corporations.

The first human death associated with West Nile virus (WNV) infection in Orange County has been confirmed this week by OC Health Care Agency officials. The case is an elderly male resident of Garden Grove who died with WNV infection complications.

A media preview is scheduled for Wednesday, September 16, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. to showcase how the "Super Vote Center Site" will work at Orange County's Honda Center. The Registrar of Voters is excited to announce a new partnership with the Honda Center and the Anaheim Ducks organization to expand access to voting in the upcoming November 3, 2020 Presidential General Election. For the first time in history, Honda Center will serve as a Vote Center, which will provide a full-service voting experience to Orange County voters.

John Wayne Airport's K-9 Ambassadors and their handlers in the AirPAWS Therapy Dog Program are excited to be back in the Terminal, welcoming guests and making travel a lot less "ruff" and a lot more “PAWs-itive.”

Today, the County of Orange moved from the Purple Tier to the Red Tier as a part of the Governor Newsom's Blue Print for a Safer Economy. This allows certain business sectors to re-open immediately and businesses to expand their operations with certain restrictions. Additionally, County Health Officer Dr. Clayton Chau has issued related new Orders and Strong Recommendations, which also include seasonal flu vaccination for certain county residents and visitors. Access the document in its entirely here.

The National Weather Service is forecasting elevated temperatures for Orange County over the next few days, increasing the risk of heat related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke for those who are more sensitive to heat.

With the upcoming Labor Day weekend, we understand that many Orange County residents and visitors alike will be visiting our beaches, parks and will be with their friends and loved ones.

The County of Orange and Jamboree Housing Corporation submitted three applications as co-applicants and in partnership with the City of Stanton under the State Homekey program, all located in the City of Stanton, for a total request of $28.1 million in funding. The County recently received word that the State reserved funding for both The Tahiti Motel and Stanton Inn and Suites applications. Although this does not yet represent an award from the State, it is one step closer to securing funding.

The County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA) announced that beginning Saturday, September 5, 2020, the Agency's Saturday drive through benefits issuance services will be consolidated at SSA’s Santa Ana Regional Center (SARC), by appointment only.

OC Animal Care will host the Fur-ever Family event aimed at assisting pet lovers in the community with a pet food giveaway and low-cost adoptions sponsored by Fourth District Supervisor Doug Chaffee of the Orange County Board of Supervisors.

A new blueprint for business sector re-opening was unveiled by Governor Newsom on August 28, 2020, which includes a color-coded, tiered system that will use two metrics to measure the novel coronavirus: spread rate and test positivity percentage.

In unanimous vote by the Orange County Board of Supervisors yesterday, Clayton Chau, M.D., Ph.D., was selected as County Health Officer.

Just six weeks after opening the Anaheim Supersite, the County of Orange announced today a second supersite opening at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa on August 26.

Airline passenger traffic at John Wayne Airport decreased in July 2020 as compared with July 2019. In July 2020, the Airport served 239,120 passengers, a decrease of 74.7% when compared with the July 2019 passenger traffic count of 945,962.

The County of Orange announced today the launch of a new "Earn and Learn" program, an innovative workforce model offered to prepare Orange County's youth for future business and life skills while earning wages.

The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) is launching a new public service campaign designed to save lives by spreading positive vibes – not COVID-19 throughout the community.

OC Health Care Agency (HCA) officials have recently confirmed Orange County, California's first pediatric death related to COVID-19 — a female in her teens with significant underlying medical conditions.

The County of Orange's Fiscal Year (FY) 2020-21 Recommended Budget has been released for review by the Board of Supervisors and the public. It is available online at http://www.ocgov.com/gov/ceo/deputy/finance/budget.

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning, increasing the risk of heat related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke for those who are more sensitive to heat.

Following the success of the JetStream Music Festival earlier this year, John Wayne Airport will once again come together with 12 airports across North America via Facebook Live on August 19 at 3 p.m. for JetStream Summer Fest, celebrating "Live Music at a Safe Distance."

In partnership with 3D Event Designer, the County of Orange is launching the Back2Business Initiative: Outdoor Edition, an expansion of the original Back2Business Initiative program, to help local small businesses impacted by COVID-19 safely reopen by meeting local, state and federal social distancing guidelines.

The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) today announced a new advertising and community outreach campaign encouraging Orange County residents impacted by COVID-19 to care for their mental health by reaching out and seeking support. Specifically, the campaign directs residents to free County of Orange resources available to the community including those listed on www.ocgov.com/covid and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Warmline (877-910-9276) for immediate mental health support.

A child under the age of 18 years was diagnosed last week with West Nile Virus (WNV) infection, and was hospitalized but is recovering. This is the first human WNV infection identified in Orange County this season. As of Friday, the California Department of Public Health has reported 10 cases of human West Nile Virus infection statewide.

The Registrar of Voters announced today that the nomination period has been extended until 5:00 p.m. on August 12, 2020 for the office(s) listed below because the incumbent(s) failed to file Nomination Papers by the August 7, 2020 deadline.

The County of Orange today announced the launch of a new SafeDineOC COVID-Safe Restaurant Campaign to incentivize Orange County restaurants to follow California Department of Public Health (CDPH) guidance to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA) announced that it will modify some of its limited functionality operations beginning Monday, August 10, 2020.

The California Department of Public Health released guidance for youth sports activities to re-open including school-based, club and recreational programs. The guidance document may be found at COVID-19 Industry Guidance: Youth Sports.

In partnership with the Orange County Workforce Development Board (OCWDB), the County of Orange is launching the second round of funding for the OCWDB COVID-19 Layoff Aversion Support Program.

The Registrar of Voters is announcing the opening of its 1,125 square foot Vote Center Lab. $0

The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) today announced a new advertising and community outreach campaign to encourage Orange County residents to be vigilant in helping to slow the spread of COVID-19 by protecting themselves and others.

In efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19, effective Monday, August 3, 2020, Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen will be moving his department’s marriage services to Honda Center in Anaheim for a second time this year.

John Wayne Airport is ready to reconnect guests with family, friends, and business associates, and welcome everyone back to a cleaner, safer, and more secure environment.

July 28, 2020 – In consideration of the challenges posed by COVID-19, the Registrar of Voters has released a report on what changes and procedures will be implemented for the November 3, 2020 Presidential General Election. These changes will be put in place as a result of COVID-19 so that in-person voting can be conducted safely and securely. California law requires that in-person voting be provided for the Presidential General Election.

The Orange County Clerk-Recorder Department has been recognized with an Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo). The awards honor innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents.

A bat found on the entrance of the AT&T store at 131 E. Katella Ave. Suite #20 in the City of Anaheim on Sunday, July 19, 2020 at around 11:15 a.m. has tested positive for rabies.

Airline passenger traffic at John Wayne Airport decreased in June 2020 as compared with June 2019. In June 2020, the Airport served 181,486 passengers, a decrease of 80.2% when compared with the June 2019 passenger traffic count of 918,810.

Aviation memorabilia and historical artifacts from the early 1900s procured by the Ninety-Nines® Museum of Women Pilots are on display at John Wayne Airport.

Avid surfer, free diver, and ocean swimmer, Melissa Murphy combines her love for art, ocean wildlife, and coastal waters by creating vibrant paintings and murals that depict the beach scenes of her hometown in Huntington Beach and Orange County's coastline. Murphy’s artwork is on display in the John Wayne Airport Community Focus Space from July 16 – August 18, 2020.

En una alianza modelo entre el sector público y privado, el condado de Orange anunció hoy que gracias a la colaboración entre 360 Clinic y la ciudad de Anaheim, el condado podrá aumentar significativamente la capacidad de pruebas para diagnosticar la COVID-19. La realización de pruebas a gran escala con toma de muestras a través de la ventanilla del automóvil tendrá lugar en el Centro de Convenciones de Anaheim a partir del 15 de julio.

In a model private-public partnership, the County of Orange announced today that thanks to a collaboration with 360 Clinic and the City of Anaheim, the County will be able to significantly increase COVID-19 testing capacity with the opening of large scale drive-through testing at Anaheim Convention Center starting July 15. (Click for Vietnamese version)

In advance of the November 3, 2020 Presidential General Election, the Registrar of Voters has released a report showing data from several quality control surveys conducted following the March 3, 2020 Presidential Primary Election.

In a model private-public partnership, the County of Orange announced today that thanks to a collaboration with 360 Clinic and the City of Anaheim, the County will be able to significantly increase COVID-19 testing capacity with the opening of large scale drive-through testing at Anaheim Convention Center starting July 15.

At today's Orange County Board of Supervisor’s meeting, the Board gave approval for the Probation Department to cease collection of juvenile fees previously incurred prior to the January 1, 2018 implementation of Senate Bill (SB) 190.

In efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19, effective Monday, July 20, 2020, the Orange County ClerkRecorder Department will be closing its branch offices in Anaheim, Laguna Hills, and at the Old County Courthouse in Santa Ana to the public until further notice.

The State of California has recently amended its guidance regarding youth sports practices, team drills and training and will no longer allow them to occur throughout the state.

Acting County Health Officer Dr. Clayton Chau issued new Amended Orders and Strong Recommendations, effective immediately today in support of directives made earlier this week by the California Department of Public Health and the Governor's Office.

The County of Orange will close all County-operated beaches and beach parking lots on July 4 and 5 following a State recommendation meant to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Effective immediately, job seekers can now borrow laptops and hotspots for free at the Orange County (OC) One-Stop Center in Garden Grove. The County of Orange Community Investment Division has 25 laptops and hotspots available to increase job seekers' access to workforce development programs and services offered during this critical period.

Effective July 2, 2020, all bars are ordered closed in Orange County, California due to the increasing number COVID-19 cases.

Effective immediately by order of the State, the following sectors will be closed in Orange County:

In preparation for candidate filing under COVID-19 restrictions, the Orange County Registrar of Voters is encouraging electronic filing options for candidates who wish to run for office in the November 3, 2020 Presidential General Election. Candidate filing begins on Monday, July 13, 2020 at 8:00 am and concludes on August 7, 2020 at 5:00 pm.

OC Public Libraries has been one of two Orange County organizations chosen to receive a grant of $15,000 to host the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Big Read. Lab Girl by Hope Jahren was selected to be the focal read for Orange County, and activities will take place in Spring of 2021.

The OC Health Care Agency's Environmental Health Division has closed all of the Huntington Harbour bay water area in the City of Huntington Beach due to a sewage spill caused by a cracked force main. The affected bay water area will remain closed to ocean water-contact sports until the results of follow-up water quality monitoring meet acceptable standards.

Airline passenger traffic at John Wayne Airport decreased in May 2020 as compared with May 2019. In May 2020, the Airport served 82,342 passengers, a decrease of 91.3% when compared with the May 2019 passenger traffic count of 942,680.

The County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA) announced that it will begin to open some offices with limited functionality effective Monday, June 22, 2020, in accordance with the State's variance to safely reopen business. This phased re-opening will help to ensure a greater number of Orange County residents have access to public assistance benefits and related services, while planning for the safety and protection of SSA clients and staff during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Posing the question, "Could it be COVID?" The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) this week launches a multifaceted community outreach and advertising initiative aimed at the county's most vulnerable populations – people who can’t get COVID-19 testing from their health care providers or may not have insurance.

After being in quarantine for over 90 days, World War II Army Air Force Veteran Captain Frank Wendzel celebrated a significant milestone of turning 100 years old this past Sunday, June 14, 2020.

The County of Orange has appointed James "Jim" Treadaway as the new Director of Orange County Public Works (OCPW) effective Friday, June 19.

The County of Orange will allow the re-opening of practices for youth sports under COVID-19 Industry Guidance: Day Camps.

On Friday, June 12, 2020, Dr. Clayton Chau, Acting County Health Officer, will approve the re-opening of certain additional industries in Orange County, California, following his review of local epidemiological data including cases per 100,000 population, rate of test positivity, and local preparedness to support a health care surge, vulnerable populations, and contact tracing and testing.

Dr. Nichole Quick, Public Health Officer announced her departure from the OC Health Care Agency (HCA) effective yesterday evening.

After remaining closed since March to help stop the spread of COVID-19, Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen is excited to announce the reopening of his offices to the public effective Wednesday, June 10, 2020.

"Volar," a new sculpture generously donated by renowned artist Betty Gold, is now part of John Wayne Airport's permanent art collection. The art piece, which means “to fly” is located in Terminal A, at Baggage Claim Carousel 1 in the Arrival (lower) Level of the Riley Terminal.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) released new guidance for the reopening of additional sectors of economies in jurisdictions like Orange County that have already submitted an attestation and received approval to move deeper into Stage 2 of the State's Resilience Roadmap.

OC Animal Care will be kicking off the Family Fur-st Drive Thru Pet Pantry to support Orange County families in need of pet food. The Family Fur-st Pet Food Pantry events will take place on the second Saturday of every month while food is available, and the need is still present in the community.

The recount of the ballots cast in the City of Westminster Special Recall Election has concluded with no change to the original outcome. The recount began Tuesday, April 28, 2020 and concluded Friday, May 29, 2020.

In light of recently-issued industry guidance by the California Department of Public Health and Cal-OSHA regarding places of worship and hair salons, the County Health Officer today issued amended Health Officer's Orders and strong recommendations to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in Orange County as more businesses move toward re-opening. They revise and supersede the May 23, 2020 Orders and recommendations.

Airline passenger traffic at John Wayne Airport decreased in April 2020 as compared with April 2019. In April 2020, the Airport served 25,313 passengers, a decrease of 97.2% when compared with the April 2019 passenger traffic count of 899,186.

Today the State of California has approved the County of Orange's plan to accelerate local businesses into Stage Two. The County was able to successfully demonstrate that Orange County meets the State’s required metrics as outlined in the California Resiliency Roadmap.

The County Health Officer today issued a new Health Officer's Order and additional strong recommendations to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in Orange County as more businesses move toward re-opening.

In partnership with 3D Event Designer, the County of Orange is launching the Back2Business Initiative program to help local small businesses impacted by COVID-19 safely reopen by meeting local, state and federal social distancing guidelines.

The County of Orange lifted parking restrictions along Black Star Canyon Road today to once again accommodate trails users visiting the area. Roadside parking is once again available between the Black Star Canyon trailhead and Silverado Canyon Road.

Following Governor Gavin Newsom's recent announcement to add more than 80 community-testing sites focused on underserved communities across the state, the OC Health Care Agency (HCA) has partnered with the California Department of Public Health to launch four new testing sites in the cities of Buena Park, Orange, Santa Ana and San Juan Capistrano.

On Friday, April 24, 2020, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved California's application to operate a Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program during the COVID-19 crisis.

Beaches operated by the County of Orange will reopen today with limitations. The State of California approved the County of Orange Phased Beach Reopening Plan Thursday to reopen County-operated beaches for limited recreational activities following a week-long, state-mandated closure.

Sergio Perez started as the Executive Director of the Office of Independent Review (OIR).

The County of Orange has received a $900,000 grant from the California Employment Development Department (EDD) to provide economic support for dislocated workers.

The County of Orange (County) is pleased to announce the launch of the Great Plates Delivered program to support seniors and local businesses needing assistance during the COVID-19 crisis. The County will partner with multiple local food providers to deliver three nutritious meals a day to adults 65 and older and adults 60-64 who are at high-risk from COVID-19, to support them staying home and healthy.

The County of Orange (County) Community Services Community Investment Division has partnered with Google Fiber and Orange County United Way to provide loaner laptops and hotspots in an effort to increase access to workforce development programs and services offered through the Irvine One-Stop Center during this critical period.

Accuracy testing of Orange County's voting system will take place Tuesday, May 5, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. for the May 19, 2020, City of Santa Ana Special Recall Election.

John Wayne Airport will come together with 22 other airports across North America via Facebook Live on May 6 at 3 p.m. (PST) for the JetStream Music Festival, an online celebration of music featuring a lineup of musicians local to each airport's city in support of the creative community during the COVID-19 health pandemic.

Clayton Chau, M.D., Ph.D., as the new Director of the OC Health Care Agency (HCA), effective May 4, 2020.

The County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA) today announced that the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has expedited the implementation of EBT online purchasing to allow greater access to food and other necessary household items during the COVID-19 crisis and statewide stay at home order.

Yesterday David M. Souleles, MPH Director of Public Health Services announced his retirement from the OC Health Care Agency (HCA).

Effective at 12 a.m. on Friday, April 24, 2020, all employees of any grocery store, pharmacy/drug store, convenience store, gas station, restaurant, food preparation establishment, or retail store in Orange County who may have contact with the public must wear a cloth face covering while at work.

The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) is pleased to announce the launch of the OC COVID-19 Testing Network, which offers COVID-19 testing starting Tuesday, April 21, 2020 to Orange County residents who meet the criteria detailed below.

Airline passenger traffic at John Wayne Airport decreased in March 2020 as compared with March 2019. In March 2020, the Airport served 337,981 passengers, a decrease of 63.4% when compared with the March 2019 passenger traffic count of 923,403.

The County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA) invites employees and citizens of Orange County to show their support in ending childhood abuse and neglect by wearing blue on Tuesday, April 21, 2020, for National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Effective Friday, April 17, 2020, the Orange County Clerk-Recorder Department will begin offering marriage licenses and civil marriage ceremonies to couples whose marriage appointments were postponed due to the COVID-19 lockdown.

Effective Saturday, April 18, the Orange County COVID-19 Public Information Hotline will refer callers to the OC Health Care Agency Health Referral Line.

In-person Vote Center voting in the City of Santa Ana Special Recall Election, which was scheduled to begin on Saturday, May 9, 2020 and run through May 19, 2020, has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 response. The election will now be conducted as an all-mail ballot election.

The Orange County Treasurer is now accepting penalty cancellation requests for taxpayers who have been directly impacted by COVID-19.

County Health Officer Dr. Nichole Quick reminds Orange County residents that individuals experiencing symptoms of a medical emergency need to seek immediate health care or call 9-1-1.

The County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA) announced today that the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has issued emergency CalFresh allotments as authorized by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.

Orange County will conduct a risk-limiting audit beginning Thursday, April 16, 2020.

Airline passenger traffic at John Wayne Airport decreased in February 2020 as compared with February 2019.

County of Orange Health Officer Dr. Nichole Quick today issued a recommendation strongly encouraging all employees at essential businesses to wear a face covering while at work and all residents engaged in essential activities outside the home to do the same.

Effective Saturday, April 11, the Orange County COVID-19 Public Information Hotline and Health Referral Line will take calls from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The Orange County Treasurer has payment options for all taxpayers during this unprecedented medical emergency.

State law governs when property taxes are due and payable, and Treasurer-Tax Collector (Treasurer) is not authorized to change the April 10 deadline. We suggest that you "Stay Home, Stay Safe and Pay Online" using our no cost eCheck (bank account) payment option that provides same day credit and an emailed or printed receipt at ocgov.com/octaxbill, and is secure once you get to the third party payment page.

Recent guidance posted by the California Department of Public Health states Californians who must leave their homes to conduct essential activities should wear face coverings, if they feel comfortable doing so, and practice strict hand washing before and after touching and adjusting the covering.

Effective Saturday, April 4, the Orange County COVID-19 Public Information Hotline and Health Referral Line will take calls from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays.

The County of Orange is encouraging residents to create a family preparedness plan in the event they are impacted by COVID-19. Family preparedness is a mainstay of planning for emergencies such as earthquakes and fires, and they are equally important during a health pandemic.

On March 19, 2020, California Governor Gavin Newsom and the State Public Health Officer ordered all individuals to stay home except to get food, care for a relative or friend, get necessary health care, or go to an essential job. The order also dictated individuals employ social distancing practices by maintaining 6 feet of distance from others.

Effective immediately, residents can now call 1(833)426-6411 for inquiries related to novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Orange County, California. This hotline will provide resources specific to the Orange County COVID-19 response.

Starting today, the County of Orange is posting reported novel coronavirus (COVID-19) cases by city on a daily basis on the OC Health Care website http://www.ochealthinfo.com/novelcoronavirus. The total case counts and city counts will be updated every afternoon.

SANTA ANA – Treasurer-Tax Collector Freidenrich announces her full support for waiver of penalties, costs or other charges as allowed by existing state law for taxpayers that fail to make a timely payment. The impact of the COVID19 has been financially devastating for many Orange County taxpayers.

The County of Orange would like to caution residents who wish to use non-FDA approved COVID-19 testing kits claiming to confirm if they have the disease. Deceitful tests and products can pose health risks. These non-approved tests can produce false negatives which can then result in infected persons not be placed in quarantine/isolation or may delay necessary medical treatment.

The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) has observed a significant increase in COVID-19 cases throughout Orange County with the current reported cases at 256, an increase of 69 cases since 3/25/20. The total number of people tested by HCA Public Health Lab (PHL) and by commercial labs is 3,605.

Effective today, Orange County Community Services will expand call center hours to meet the needs of seniors, veterans, business owners and the unemployed affected by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Orange County Community Services oversees the Orange County Veterans Service Office, Office on Aging and Community Investment Division programs.

On Wednesday, March 25, Orange County Health Department (HCA) will begin accepting donations of protective equipment and supplies for use by healthcare providers throughout the county.

The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) today confirmed the first death of an Orange County resident related to COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.

In an effort to minimize the impacts of coronavirus (COVID-19) on park patrons, staff, and the Orange County community at large, and consistent with the guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Governor’s office, and the Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA), OC Parks is currently operating in the following manner as of Wednesday, March 25, 2020.

Effective immediately, residents can now sign up to receive text message updates related to novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Orange County, California. To opt-in for this service, text OCCOVID19 to 888777.

Due to the Governor's activation of the National Guard to assist in food and supplies distribution, the Cold Weather Emergency Shelters located at the Fullerton and Santa Ana National Guard Armories will be relocated by Tuesday.

The County of Orange has identified the former Joplin Youth Center in Trabuco Canyon as a placement site for sheltered homeless persons who are older but not exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19.

Testing for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is now available in a number of public health, commercial and hospital laboratories in California, however broad scale testing is not available.

To reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19, Governor Gavin Newsom and the State Public Health Officer issued an order telling all California residents to stay home unless they work in one of the 16 federal critical infrastructure sectors (https://www.cisa.gov/identifying-critical-infrastructure-during-covid-19).

In response to the County Health Officer's Order related to COVID-19, County of Orange departments have made the following changes to services.

The County of Orange is exploring all precautionary and preventative measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 within the homeless population.

To minimize adverse health consequences and resource impact from COVID-19, and consistent with guidance from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), the Orange County Health Care Agency has shifted the approach in public health away from containment and toward mitigation, a more effective strategy to address the virus county-wide.

The County of Orange today announced the availability of resources and support for seniors over 60 who may be self-isolating during the COVID-19 outbreak in Orange County.

In response to the County Health Officer's Order related to COVID-19, County of Orange departments have made the following changes to services:

At 6:30 p.m., Governor Gavin Newsom issued directions to California residents to stay at home unless they are participating in essential functions like purchasing food or meeting other “essential needs.”

The Public Health Order issued by the County Health Officer on March 17, 2020 has been amended in light of new and changing State guidelines and to provide clarity for Orange County residents and businesses. It is important for all Orange County residents and businesses to read the Order and Guidance in its entirety.

Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen will be closing all of his department’s office locations to the public effective Tuesday, March 17, 2020, as a precautionary measure to help slow the spread of the Coronavirus also known as COVID-19. The Clerk-Recorder believes that it is in the best interest of its customers and employees to make some temporary changes in service delivery processes and to use mail and online services as much as possible. This will reduce exposure for all parties and allow services to continue with limited interruptions.

County Health Officer Dr. Nichole Quick issued a Health Officer's Order today to protect that health and wellbeing of Orange County, CA residents. "We are taking these mitigation steps in line with a directive issued by Governor Newsom to help slow the spread of COVID-19," said Dr. Nichole Quick, County Health Officer. "We recognize community members may experience anxiety related to the social disruption caused by COVID-19, and want to encourage residents to reach out to loved ones using appropriate methods like telephone, video messaging, email and text."

Today's order from County Health Officer Dr. Nichole Quick is NOT an order to shelter in place. It is not a lockdown. It is important for all Orange County businesses to remain open while practicing social distancing consistent with the Governor's guidance. However, following State guidelines, all bars and other establishments that serve alcohol and do not serve food shall close. All restaurants and other business establishments that serve food shall close all onsite dining. Pickup, delivery and drive thru services may remain open. It is important for all Orange County residents to read the order in its entirety.

"The County of Orange departments have suspended various services to support social distancing to protect residents and County employees," said OC Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Michelle Steel, Second District. "It's imperative that residents and County employees alike employ the proper precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones during this time."

SANTA ANA, CA – March 11, 2020 - Orange County will conduct a risk-limiting audit beginning Monday, March 16, 2020. The ballot comparison audit is not required under California law, and is being conducted in addition to the one percent manual tally of precincts.

SANTA ANA, Calif. - Airline passenger traffic at John Wayne Airport decreased in January 2020 as compared with January 2019. In January 2020, the Airport served 806,386 passengers, a decrease of 1.6% when compared with the January 2019 passenger traffic count of 819,358.

Community health mitigation decisions and strategies are crucial to slowing the transmission of COVID-19 (commonly known as novel coronavirus) in Orange County, California. While the County of Orange risk levels are still low, the County wants to be prepared in the event additional guidance and/or guidelines on COVID-19 come from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), respectively.

The County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA) is pleased to share results of the first full year of the implementation of the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) countywide.

The OC Health Care Agency's (HCA) Public Health Laboratory today confirmed two presumptive positive cases of COVID-19, a man in his 60s and a female in her 30s with recent travel to countries with widespread transmission.

The County of Orange has proclaimed the week of March 1 - 7 as National Consumer Protection Week, and the Orange County Treasurer, Shari L. Freidenrich, is leading the County's effort to educate consumers about available resources to help them better safeguard their personal and financial information.

The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) has issued the 2020 Award of Excellence to 3,463 Orange County food facilities to recognize local businesses for their outstanding food safety and sanitation practices during 2019.

On Sunday, March 1, 2020 at approximately 4:30 p.m., the Orange County Registrar of Voters received reports that a shooting occurred near the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Santa Ana (the site of one of our Vote Centers). Vote Center staff and voters have been evacuated and are safe. An active criminal investigation is taking place and the Santa Ana Police Department is asking the public to stay away from the vicinity of the area.

Today the United States Federal Government filed a Federal Notice of Movement to remove Fairview Development Center in Costa Mesa as a site to house persons who have tested positive for COVID-19.

Today the County of Orange Board of Supervisors unanimously directed the Office of County Counsel to file an Amicus brief with the United States District Court regarding pending federal litigation in the City of Costa Mesa, et. al v. United States of America, et. al. regarding the use of the Fairview Development Center for individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19.

Further details including the Amicus brief will be provided at a later time.

The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) today issued a statement of support for the City of Costa Mesa's legal action, taken yesterday, to temporarily halt a plan by state and federal agencies to use the Fairview Developmental Center as a location to quarantine individuals from the Diamond Princess cruise ship who have tested positive for COVID-19 (novel coronavirus).

The Registrar of Voters is urging Orange County's voters to not wait until March 3rd to vote. This election voting is different - new options allow voters to vote in-person over an 11-day window. Vote Centers are open now through March 3, 2020 – for locations and hours visit ocvote.com/votecenter.

The County of Orange has declared a local emergency and a local health emergency to prepare for COVID-19, commonly known as novel coronavirus.

Traveling through John Wayne Airport just became a lot less "ruff" and a lot more “PAWS-itive.” Thanks to the Orange County Board of Supervisors and Orange County Animal Allies (OC Animal Allies), your next trip to John Wayne Airport may include an encounter with a certified animal ambassador.

Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen will be celebrating the one year anniversary of the opening of his department's North County Branch Office in Anaheim.

The year 2020 is a Leap Year, and since a Leap Day only occurs every four years Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen will be opening his offices for couples who wish to marry on Leap Day, Saturday, February 29.

OC Public Libraries is getting library card holders excited by offering a fine forgiveness program, "Fine Free Library Days," from February 14-29, 2020. To celebrate the Leap Year, library users with outstanding library fines are invited to “Take a Leap Back to the Library.” Items with overdue fines or marked "lost" can be returned to any of the library system's 32 branches, and related fines and fees will be waived.

Each election in Orange County, the Orange County Registrar of Voters invites members of the public to observe the election process. Election observers are permitted to observe Vote Centers operations, including opening and closing procedures, view all activities at the central counting site, view mail ballot and provisional ballot processing, and much more.

(SANTA ANA, CA) – Known as a pioneer of the British and international fashion scenes since the late 60s, Dame Zandra Rhodes brings her theatrical sense of style and design to John Wayne Airport in a new 'The Art of Opera' display showcasing her vibrant and textile-inspired set and costume designs for two operas, AÏDA, and The Pearl Fishers. Ticketed passengers can view the exhibit through June 2020.

(Santa Ana, CA) – If you get prescribed opioids, you may end up wishing you hadn't. Opioid misuse and addiction can affect anyone; fortunately, there are other ways to help manage pain. That's the message behind a new County of Orange campaign that launches this week.

The County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA) is pleased to announce the recognition of employees Juan Reynoso and Nicole Strattman by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) for their efforts in combating human trafficking among children, youth and families. The month of January commemorates Human Trafficking Awareness Month.

The Anaheim Ducks official mascot Wild Wing will be making a special appearance at the Orange County Clerk-Recorder Department's North County Branch Office in Anaheim on Valentine’s Day during the department’s extended hours. Wild Wing will be at the office from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00p.m. and will be helping Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen welcome couples looking to "tie the knot"on what is considered the most romantic day of the year. The office is located at 222 S. Harbor Blvd, Ste. 110, Anaheim, CA 92805.

Orange County, Calif. (January 30, 2020) – The County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA) is pleased to announce the availability of its Families and Communities Together (FaCT) platform annual report for Fiscal Year (FY) 2018-2019, covering the period from July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019. The report addresses the critical role that FaCT and its network of 15 Family Resource Centers (FRCs) play in the County's efforts to ensure children in Orange County grow up in stable, nurturing families and safe, supportive communities.

Airline passenger traffic at John Wayne Airport increased in December 2019 as compared with December 2018. In December 2019, the Airport served 891,492 passengers, an increase of 7.7% when compared with the December 2018 passenger traffic count of 828,070.

The OC Health Care Agency's (HCA) Communicable Disease Control Division received confirmation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) this evening that an Orange County, California case has tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) is pleased to announce that recruitment is now open for the CalOptima Board of Directors. A County-organized health system, CalOptima serves more than 750,000 low-income children, adults, seniors and persons with disabilities. CalOptima was formed in 1995 in response to a healthcare system that was struggling to meet the needs of vulnerable Orange County residents. Today, CalOptima has grown to be the single largest health insurer in Orange County, and has stayed true to its mission of providing members with access to quality health care services.

Supervisor Michelle Steel, Second District, has been chosen unanimously by her colleagues to serve as Chairwoman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors for 2020. Supervisor Andrew Do, First District, will serve as the Board's Vice Chairman.

Artist, philanthropist, and retired federal law enforcement official, Elizabeth (Liz) Nguyen-Espinoza, creates thought-provoking art to carry on her mother’s charity work of raising awareness of the social issues affecting children and promoting their overall health through fundraising. Her paintings are on display in the John Wayne Airport Community Focus Space from January 16 – February 13, 2020.

ORANGE COUNTY, CA – The Orange County Auditor-Controller's office has released this year’s Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR), also known as the Citizen’s Report, a summary guide to the in-depth County Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). The PAFR summarizes key aspects of the CAFR in layman's terms and is designed specifically to help taxpayers understand the larger and more complex report on County financial data. Both reports reflect information from the 2018-2019 Fiscal Year which began on July 1, 2018 and ended on June 30, 2019.

The County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA) is pleased to announce the availability of its annual report for Fiscal Year (FY) 2018-2019, covering the period from July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019. The report highlights the agency's accomplishments and initiatives and shares the positive impacts that SSA has made to the community as a whole, serving over one in four county residents.

Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen invites the public to take advantage of Passport Day in Santa Ana to get their passports now and avoid last minute travel delays.For the fourth year in a row, Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen will be hosting this special day at the Old County Courthouse in Santa Ana.Only applications for new passports will be accepted. This year's opening will be held on Saturday March 7, 2020 from 9 am to 3 pm.

The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) has confirmed Orange County's first influenza-related death this season in a person under 65 years of age. An adult male resident of Tustin who had underlying health conditions died of complications related to influenza B infection.

Airline passenger traffic at John Wayne Airport decreased in November 2019 as compared with November 2018. In November 2019, the Airport served 827,140 passengers, a decrease of 2.7% when compared with the November 2018 passenger traffic count of 850,458.

The Board of Supervisors appointed Julie Quillman as the new County Librarian, effective immediately, following a year-long recruitment to fill the high-level position. The position became vacant after the retirement of former County Librarian, Helen Fried, in August 2018.

On behalf of the Orange County Health Improvement Partnership (HIP), the OC Health Care Agency announces the availability of the 2020-22 Orange County Health Improvement Plan for public review and comment at http://www.ochealthiertogether.org/ through January 20, 2020. The plan lays out assessments, goals, objectives and strategies for six priority areas over the next three years.

For those looking to tie the knot on what many consider to be the most romantic day of the year, look no further. This upcoming Valentine's Day, Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen will be offering extended hours at his offices in Anaheim, Laguna Hills and at the Old County Courthouse in Santa Ana. Instead of its normal closing hours, the department will close at 5:30 pm to issue marriage licenses and perform marriage ceremonies.

Effective March 30, Orange County Community Services has implemented a call center to meet the needs of businesses impacted by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA) announced today the availability of a dedicated hotline for current recipients of In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS). Hotline staff are now available to discuss recipients' urgent needs amid the COVID19 crisis and Governor Newsom’s subsequent stay-at-home order to prevent the further spread of illness.

The OC Health Care Agency's (HCA) Environmental Health Division has closed the ocean water from Sleepy Hollow Lane to Cleo Street in the City of Laguna Beach to swimming, surfing, and diving due to a raw sewage spill.

$0The National Association of Counties (NACo) presented John Wayne Airport with an Achievement Award for Best in Category – Human Services for the Airport’s “Helping Hands” program. The program provides individualized assistance, easing the stress associated with airport travel for individuals with an autism spectrum disorder and other hidden disabilities.$0$0$0$0

The brightest planes in the sky are soaring over Southern California. Today Spirit Airlines (NYSE: SAVE) announced daily nonstop flights from John Wayne Airport (SNA) to Las Vegas and Oakland beginning Nov. 17.

Each election in Orange County, the Orange County Registrar of Voters invites members of the public to observe the election process. Election observers are permitted to observe Vote Center operations, including opening and closing procedures, view all activities at the central counting site, view mail ballot and provisional ballot processing, and much more.

The Registrar of Voters is strongly encouraging voters to vote ahead of Election Day (Tuesday, November 3, 2020) if at all possible. Election Day is the end of a 30-day voting period, which has provided voters many options for voting-at-home, or in-person prior to Election Day to avoid congestion.