Anaheim city officials could be gearing up for another Angel Stadium deal after city council members authorized staff to speak with state housing officials about the Surplus Land Act – a state law that regulates the sale of public lands. 

While city officials say negotiations aren’t currently happening, the move comes three years after a corruption scandal rocked city hall, sinking the previous Angel Stadium land sale and landing the former mayor in jail for two months.

Another key figure in that corruption scandal, the former CEO of the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce, is looking to reverse his guilty plea on a series of federal charges. 

In state court, Huntington Beach lost its fight against California’s housing mandates after state Supreme Court judges refused to hear the case. 

Going in the opposite direction of Surf City, Aliso Viejo officials approved 61 new townhomes and signed off on initial plans for 400 new housing units as the city pushes to meet its state-mandated housing goals. 

Plans for Orange County’s first veterans cemetery are getting overhauled in an effort to reduce cost, boost natural aesthetics and speed up its construction – a move celebrated by veteran leaders, Congressmen and California’s two Senators. 

A view of the driving range at the Newport Beach Golf Course on Dec. 7, 2025. The privately operated course will lose the driving range, three of its 18 holes, a putting green, pro shop and restaurant, with the remaining 15 holes split on opposite sides of the new surf park. Credit: ERIKA TAYLOR, Voice of OC

A ballot measure in Newport Beach could see city voters there determine the future of a golf course next to John Wayne Airport – asking voters if they want to keep it or build a surf park – after residents submitted nearly 10,000 ballot petition signatures. 

Meanwhile, more Orange County immigrants could gain citizenship and visa status after state legislators carved out a $1.5 million grant for Catholic Charities of OC at a time when many residents are on edge over federal deportation raids. 

Anaheim appointed a new police chief from Glendale, who’s set to make more than the city manager with a pay package of more than $436,000 a year. 

Irvine is looking to join ongoing efforts to safely secure radioactive waste at the decommissioned San Onofre nuclear power plan.

In Santa Ana, artists are raising questions over just how protected their public murals are after city officials required them to waive protection rights in public art contracts. 

Recent collisions involving e-bikes and e-scooters, including a fatality, pushed Fullerton City Council members to overhaul safety measures on Associated Road – like beefed up bike lanes.  

Some Tustin property owners are about to see municipal fees increase after city council members increased landscaping and maintenance fees in Tustin Ranch to keep up with rising costs of things like landscaping and trash services. 

Spencer Custodio is the civic editor. You can reach him at scustodio@voiceofoc.org. Follow him on Twitter @SpencerCustodio.

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