Local efforts to curb reckless e-bike riding are intensifying as two different Orange County cities eye new laws in an effort to boost pedestrian and road safety. 

In Irvine, parents could soon be on the hook for up to $500 fines if their children ignore the city’s proposed e-bike laws – like speed limits and certain bike modifications. While the ordinance isn’t finalized, police officers could also impound bikes if city council members adopt the proposal.

Up north in Fullerton, city officials are considering local laws barring unsafe riding, like weaving through traffic or doing wheelies and other stunts on public roads – a common complaint about e-bikes throughout the county. 

Healthcare workers continued their strike at two Kaiser Permanente hospitals in Orange County as they push for more staffing and better pay – wages that Kaiser officials say are already competitive.  

Anaheim High School students protest on Jan. 30, 2026. Credit: JOSIAH MENDOZA, Voice of OC.

Last week, scores of students walked out of classrooms to protest the actions of ICE and Border Patrol under the Trump Administration – with some students raising civil rights concerns about the deportation efforts, pointing to Minneapolis, Minnesota as a recent example. 

After renewed scrutiny for his close ties to Disneyland Resort interests, Anaheim City Manager Jim Vanderpool resigned this week after recent revelations he failed to disclose a trip with those same business interests. 

At the same time, Anaheim’s mayor is pushing for a more public ethics officer – potentially publishing his decisions on gift reporting disclosures and conflict of interest issues online in a city that’s been grappling with the fallout of a federal corruption probe.

Another internal probe could be coming to Santa Ana after Councilman Johnathan Hernandez – who was just cleared of allegations that he harassed police officers – publicly accused an unnamed council member of pushing an employee to lodge a complaint against him. 

Huntington Beach City Council members continue feuding with the nonprofit Friends of the Library, with elected officials turning down an $825,000 grant the nonprofit fundraised. 

City officials say they need a deal that guarantees Surf City full control of the library, while  nonprofit officials say they want the city to follow state law and keep the library’s collection stocked with books that even council members disagree with.

Laguna Beach preserved affordable housing for artists through an $8 million used to buy two properties that otherwise would’ve hit the market, jeopardizing the housing. 

Smoking is still allowed in Garden Grove parks and other public places – for now – as city council members raise concerns over clarity and enforcement of the proposed smoking ban. 

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