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Orange County restaurants shut down by health inspectors (Oct. 22-29)
There were seven restaurants and food establishments ordered closed by Orange County inspectors from Oct. 22 to Oct. 29.
Florida education chief defends science plan
Education Commissioner Henry Mack pushed back Tuesday against criticism that Florida is de-emphasizing evolution in its new plan for teaching science, insisting the state is still covering a subject he agreed was a bedrock of biological science.“Evolutionary biology and the theory of evolution is in the standards,” Mack said. But several parents and teachers who attended an evening forum on the state’s proposed science standards criticized the proposal by the Florida Department of Education, which Mack runs, specifically the handling of evolutionary science.Joshua Garrett, a teacher in Orange County Public Schools, said the state’s proposed standards “danced around” evolution.State standards are benchmarks for what students should learn in their classes kindergarten through 12th grade, guiding what lessons are taught, what subjects are in state-approved textbooks and what concepts are tested on state exams.Florida’s current science standards call evolution a “big idea” and “the fundamental concept underlying all of biology.”The proposed ones barely mention evolution — a scientific theory explaining change in living species over time from natural selection that has been a cornerstone of biology for more than a century. The term “evolution,” in fact, is never defined in the new high school life sciences standards, though the concepts are sprinkled across several units.The education department has made revisions to its proposal, officials said, but it was not immediately clear at the Tuesday forum, held at Lake Buena Vista High School in southwest Orange County, what those changes were.Mack interjected during Garrett’s comments asking him where specifically he wanted the state to mention evolution more prominently. Then he said, “Consider it done.”Mack also asked Garrett to join the state’s faculty committee on the standards.The state released the new standards in September, and several experts quickly criticized them, saying they lacked depth and skirted around both evolution and climate change, important topics for Florida students to learn.The state has since hosted a “listening tour,” including a virtual forum and two other in-person meetings in Walton and Hillsborough counties. Tuesday’s meeting drew a small crowd of about 30 people, six of whom spoke.Mack described the state’s public forums as a chance for “myth busting” and to make clear Florida’s position.He wants to students to learn “above ideology,” he said, and added that evolution isn’t settled science. TNCMS.AdManager.render({region: 'fixed-big-ad-middle-asset', slot: 1, fold: "span"}); “I want to cultivate skeptics in the healthy sense of that term. As a result of these standards, students should not be walking away convinced of anything other than the rigor of the scientific method,” Mack said.The new standards would replace the current set, adopted after a monthslong, statewide fight over the inclusion of evolution as a required subject of study. Those who opposed the 2008 standards argued creationism, or the biblical story that God created all living things, should be taught alongside evolution.Thomas Simon, a Winter Park parent, compared Florida adopting the new standards to Nazi Germany ignoring the findings of Jewish scientists — which in part lost them World War II.“If this board could explicitly name communism in the history standards last year — because words matter — you must explicitly name the foundations of modern medicine, agriculture, and energy,” Simon said.Florida last year adopted new standards that require students learn about the “dangers and evil of communism.”Teri O’Connor, an elementary science teacher in Orange County, urged Mack to curtail the total number of standards, as they list more than 1,000 benchmarks teachers are to cover during their classes.“It’s only 180 days of school. That right there is an issue, especially if you want to dive in. If we need to teach the rigor of it and to critically think about each one, that’s difficult,” she said.Kathleen Murray, who spoke on behalf of the conservative political group Citizens Defending Freedom, said she was in “strong support” of the proposed standards. Science should teach children how to think, not what to think, she said.“When teaching the origins of life and the universe, the curriculum owes it to the Florida students to be honest about the limits of what scientific models can actually prove,” Murray said.State education officials said they’d received about 1,800 comments on the benchmarks, and they have updated them based on that criticism.With Tuesday the state’s final scheduled public forum, Mack said his biggest takeaway was that the standards needed to be more explicit about teaching students how to evaluate scientific studies and evidence and how to understand the scientific method.“We might have to do a better job of helping students question more as a result of these standards,” he said.In his original statement when the standards were announced in September, Mack wrote in a social media post that “science begins in wonder, not in ideology,” and “the classical tradition taught that nature is intelligible because it is ordered — that the book of creation can be read by reason.”Some read that to mean he was trying to interject religion into public school education. 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California's first sea turtle eggs could hatch any day now.
Federal biologists made a last-minute decision to relocate the eggs after forecasters predicted high tides would swamp their nests on Orange County beaches.
Aeromexico and Delta Add 3 Nonstop Routes
Flights from Mexico City to Orange County, Calif; Fort Lauderdale; and Portland (Ore.) to begin in January
Ventola Projects returns to IAAPA Expo Orlando with innovative solutions for entertainment venues
Ventola Projects is preparing to return to IAAPA Expo 2026 in Orlando, Florida, taking place from November 16–20 at the Orange County Convention Center. The company will be showcasing its latest VA…
City Spotlight 2026
City Spotlight from the Orange County Business Journal explores Anaheim and Riverside: the projects, industries and leaders shaping each city’s economy.
John Mina throws political support to Darren Soto in critical CD 9 race
The Orange County Sheriff won re-election in 2024 without opposition.
Orange County restaurants shut down by health inspectors (Oct. 15-22)
There were 17 restaurants and food establishments ordered closed by Orange County inspectors from Oct. 15 to Oct. 22.
The Offspring guitarist steps away from live shows due to health
The Orange County punk band announced that Kevin 'Noodles' Wasserman would take time off to address a serious health issue as peers and fans sent support.
The Offspring guitarist steps away from live shows due to health
The Orange County punk band announced that Kevin 'Noodles' Wasserman would take time off to address a serious health issue as peers and fans sent support.
Orange County Public Schools rejects health insurance proposal
For the time being, Orange County school leaders have rejected a plan to end a dispute over teachers' health insurance.
OCPS rejects compromise on teacher health insurance ahead of school board hearing
Orange County Public Schools rejected on Tuesday a compromise on health insurance costs meant to break a months-long contract dispute between the district and its teachers union, saying that a special...
Orange County Public Schools rejects salary and health insurance recommendations
OCPS said declining enrollment and what it described as insufficient state funding have put additional pressure on its budget
Orange County teachers face ongoing pay and health insurance disputes
The recommendations come as the two sides remain at an impasse over compensation and health care costs
High-end sports car spontaneously ignites in police storage after crash that killed OC influencer
The wreckage of a 2019 McLaren involved in the fatal crash that killed two people in Orange County spontaneously caught fire while in storage.
Healthcare October 2026
Healthcare insights from Orange County leaders including Hoag, Kaiser Permanente, MemorialCare, Rady Children’s Health and more. An OCBJ Custom Content section.
Leaders of Influence - Insurance 2026
Meet the 18 honorees of OCBJ’s 2026 Leaders of Influence: Insurance, the Orange County professionals guiding risk management and employee benefits.
Orange County restaurants shut down by health inspectors (Oct. 8-15)
There were 12 restaurants and food establishments ordered closed by Orange County inspectors from Oct. 8 to Oct. 15.
OC students continue to outpace state averages as math and science scores rise
Quick look: Newly released data show Orange County students continuing to outperform statewide averages in English language arts, mathematics and science, with notable gains in math and science. Th…
Florida science standards debate heads to Orange County listening session
Florida Education Commissioner Henry Mack defended a proposed rewrite of public school science standards, saying it still includes evolution and climate science. An October 27 listening session in Orange County will give Apopka families and educators an opportunity to discuss the changes before a planned December vote.
Orlando Health expands orthopedic care in West Orange County
A new Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute has opened inside Orlando Health — Health Central Hospital in Ocoee.
Alicia Farrant transfers nearly $20K from losing Orange County School Board Chair campaign to her nonprofit
The transfer may be legal, but it raises ethical questions, one expert said.
DOH-Orange Issues Mosquito-Borne Illness Alert Update - Florida Department of Health in Orange County
DOH-Orange has confirmed two additional cases of locally-acquired dengue, bringing the total number of cases to five.
Orange County restaurants shut down by health inspectors (Oct. 1-8)
There were 12 restaurants and food establishments ordered closed by Orange County inspectors from Oct. 1 to Oct. 8.
Better health begins with being heard
Orange County community leaders and advocates are helping shape UC Irvine research around the women’s health issues that matter most.
Orange County to Take Over Mental Health Campuses, Ends Nonprofit Partnership
It’s unclear what the next steps are for one of the county’s biggest mental health nonprofits after they ceded control of their facilities to the county government.
Orange County takes over Be Well OC sites in a settlement with Mind OC
The agreement settles a tumultuous legal battle, allowing a state-of-the-art campus to open in Irvine to provide behavioral health services.
Orange County Celebrity Chefs and Health-conscious Founders This Month on ‘Walk-Ins Welcome’
We had an all-star line-up of guests in September on “Walk-Ins Welcome.” Amar Santana of “Top Chef” and executive chef/owner of Vaca and Broadway talked about
Don Wagner explains why he should be California's next Secretary of State
Orange County Supervisor Don Wagner, a candidate for California secretary of state, outlined his qualifications, election reform priorities, and vision for the office during an interview on California Politics 360.
Claim that Anaheim mayor called staffer 'dirty Mexican' is old hat in O.C. politics
Your morning catch-up: Orange County’s long anti-Mexican political history, speed cameras coming to L.A. and more big stories
Orange County restaurants shut down by health inspectors (Sept. 24-Oct. 1)
There were 15 restaurants and food establishments ordered closed by Orange County inspectors from Sept. 24 to Oct. 1.
Irvine bat tests positive for rabies, OC Health Care Agency says
Orange County Health Care Agency said the bat was found in a neighborhood near Canyon View Elementary School
Rep. Young Kim for Real Clear Politics: California Turns Down Bipartisan Funding for VA
Originally Published in Real Clear Politics on October 1, 2026 Orange County is home to more than 100,000 U.S. veterans. Yet, despite our proud military heritage, it remains the largest county in California without a dedicated veterans cemetery. While neighboring cemeteries in Riverside and San Diego may seem nearby on a map, they actually aren’t.
Orange County confirms first West Nile virus deaths of the year
The Orange County Health Care Agency said the deadly cases were "confirmed in older adults" this week.
40 years later, a dream to rival L.A.'s art scene has become Orange County's cultural epicenter
As Segerstrom Center for the Arts turns 40, its leaders look back on its rise—and ahead to a rich and varied future.
Fetal surgeon Payam Saadai, MD, to join Rady Children’s Health Orange County
Fetal surgeon Payam Saadai, MD, to join Rady Children’s Health Orange County. Recruitment will advance specialized fetal care for families across Southern California.
General Counsel Awards 2026
Meet the 40 nominees who will be honored at the 2026 Orange County Business Journal's General Counsel Awards. The awards dinner will be Oct. 29th at the Irvine Marriott.
Chris Messina wants a new vision for Orange County
Messina, who is competing in a runoff for Orange County Mayor, says career politicians should no longer be in charge.
Orange County restaurants shut down by health inspectors (Sept. 17-24)
There were 19 restaurants and food establishments ordered closed by Orange County inspectors from Sept. 10 to Sept. 17.
Biologists move unprecedented Orange County sea turtle eggs to protect them from hurricane-driven waves
The olive ridley sea turtle eggs will incubate at the Aquarium of the Pacific
First-ever literary festival planned for Orange County
What happens when you bring together four Orange County writers with a goal to recognize its proud literary heritage and honor the poets, novelists, memoirists and others who have shaped
Garden Grove Replaces Be Well OC’s Mental Health Services
The change marks the latest installment in Mind OC’s turbulent saga and the organization’s operations in Orange County.
Leading K-12 Schools Guide 2026
OCBJ's Leading K-12 Schools Guide profiles Orange County's top independent and faith-based schools — a trusted resource for choosing where children learn.
Holiday Event & Entertaining Guide 2026
As Orange County’s business calendar turns toward the holidays, where you gather says as much as what you serve. OCBJ’s Holiday Event & Entertaining Guide profiles the venues and culinary destinations setting the standard for the season, from client receptions to team celebrations to entertaining at home. This year’s lineup spans the county’s most distinguished […]
Orange County restaurants shut down by health inspectors (Sept. 10-17)
There were 16 restaurants and food establishments ordered closed by Orange County inspectors from Sept. 10 to Sept. 17.
‘Not just numbers on a budget spreadsheet:’ Orange County Public Schools mental health counselor describes layoff scare
Politicians raised in Chapel Hill speak at UNC candidate forum ahead of midterm elections
N.C. Rep. Allen Buansi and N.C. Sen. Jonah Garson, who are running for reelection to the N.C. General Assembly, and Orange County Commissioner candidate Karen Stegman spoke about current issues and stressed the importance of a young, college-aged voter turnout
DOH-Orange Issues Mosquito-Borne Illness Alert - Florida Department of Health in Orange County
DOH-Orange) is informing residents of two additional confirmed cases of locally-acquired dengue. DOH-Orange and Orange County Mosquito Control are coordinating surveillance and prevention efforts by continuing coverage within affected communities.
Could independent monitors rein in lucrative business subsidies?
A state-appointed monitor reduced public subsidies for a business project in Orange County. Could this model work elsewhere?
Confusion over Orange County Public Schools sports field fees: what’s being discussed, and what’s not
Best of Orange County 2026: Best charitable organization
The Orange County Register named Rady Children’s Health, formerly CHOC, among Orange County’s leading charitable organizations.
PHE, Inc. Named 2026 Business Of The Year By Hillsborough-Orange County NC Chamber Of Commerce
PHE, Inc., the parent company of the nation's leading and most trusted retailer of sexual health and wellness products, adameve.com, is pleased to announce it has been named the 2026 Business of the Year by the Hillsborough-Orange County NC Chamber of Commerce.
As Change Accelerates, Next Gen Collaborative Brings the Science of “What’s Next” to Business Strategy
ORANGE COUNTY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep 16, 2026--
FutureCurrent: OC Business Council CEO Jeff Ball explores how students will shape the region’s economic future
Quick look: Orange County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stefan Bean and educator Lainie Rowell were joined by Orange County Business Council President and CEO Jeffrey Ball on the latest episode of …
Orange County School Board candidate Diana Moore faced parent and colleague complaints, suspensions as teacher
Her co-workers call her confrontational and combative. Moore says she's just asking questions.
Orange County restaurants shut down by health inspectors (Sept. 3-10)
There were 14 restaurants and food establishments ordered closed by Orange County inspectors from Sept. 3 to Sept. 10.
OC Philanthropy 2026
OC Philanthropy spotlights Orange County's top givers: editorial stories, the Corporate Foundations List, and nonprofit advertorials reaching OC business leaders.
Orange County restaurants shut down by health inspectors (Aug. 27-Sept. 3)
There were eight restaurants and food establishments ordered closed by Orange County inspectors from Aug. 27 to Sept. 3.
Orange County restaurants shut down by health inspectors (Aug. 20-27)
There were 14 restaurants and food establishments ordered closed by Orange County inspectors from Aug. 20 to Aug. 27.
New Irvine hospital is a dream fulfilled | UCI Health
Dr. Thomas Cesario was a practicing UC Irvine School of Medicine physician even before the University of California bought the old Orange County medical center in 1976. After decades of pushing to get a modern hospital built on Irvine campus, he has finally seen that dream fulfilled. "We fought to have this hospital built for over 50 years, and a lot of sweat and anxiety went into that effort,” says the 86-year-old former medical school dean. “I'm thrilled that it’s now finally here."
DOH-Orange Issues Mosquito-Borne Illness Advisory - Florida Department of Health in Orange County
DOH-Orange is issuing this advisory due to an increase in mosquito-borne disease activity in the county.
Santana: Hotel Workers Caught Up In Political Rip Tides At Dana Point Harbor
The race for a supervisors’ seat in South Orange County is having a real impact on a lucrative deal to redevelop hotels and boat slips.
Pictures: Sentinel 150 — Politics in Orlando panel discussion
Former Orange County mayors Linda Chapin and Teresa Jacobs; University of Central Florida Political Science Associate Professor Aubrey Jewett, and AdventHealth Senior Vice President of Advocacy and Public Policy Michael Griffin answer…
Orange County restaurants shut down by health inspectors (Aug. 6-13)
There were 11 restaurants and food establishments ordered closed by Orange County inspectors from Aug. 6 to Aug. 13.
DOH-Orange Issues Blue-Green Algae Health Alert for Lake Formosa (Pedestrian Bridge) - Florida Department of Health in Orange County
The alert is in response to water samples taken on August 11.
Orange County restaurants shut down by health inspectors (July 30-Aug. 6)
There were 14 restaurants and food establishments ordered closed by Orange County inspectors from July 30 to Aug. 6.
UCI Health opens inpatient rehabilitation hospital in Irvine | UCI Health
UCI Health — Irvine Rehabilitation Hospital is now serving patients throughout Orange County and the surrounding region. This is the academic health system’s newest facility, a 52-bed, 68,000-square-foot freestanding center developed through a joint venture partnership with Lifepoint Rehabilitation.
Orange County confirms first human West Nile virus case of 2026
Orange County weighs restrictions on exotic wildlife entertainment after Sloth World controversy
Nearly a year after the Sloth World controversy sparked outrage across Central Florida, Orange County leaders are exploring whether they can prevent a similar situation from happening again.
Orange County restaurants shut down by health inspectors (July 23-30)
There were 13 restaurants and food establishments ordered closed by Orange County inspectors from July 23 to July 30.
This beloved Orange County restaurant is closing after serving 50 years of mai tais
Wind & Sea restaurant in Dana Point will close Sept. 15.
Orlando Health Health Central Hospital becomes West Orange County’s first resuscitation center
Orlando Health Central Hospital is West Orange County's first Primary Florida Resuscitation Center, excelling in cardiac care.
Maxwell: Dear Lord, protect us from politicians who politick in your name
Maxwell: God on her side? An Orange County school board candidate who has waged campaigns to ban books and end pride celebrations says that, if she wins, it will show that ‘God always gets the victory’
Teresa Jacobs to depart Orange County politics after decades of service
Jacobs, 69, was first elected to the Orange County Board of County Commissioners in 2000 and has served as county mayor and school board chair in the decades since.
Duran: Political Corruption, Personal Gain, Negligence, and Public Deception
It’s evident that the supervisors don’t want to recognize and/or prioritize saving lives of the infants, children, disabled, veterans, seniors, and critically ill who are trying to survive living on the streets in Orange County…
'Real Housewives of Orange County' star diagnosed with tongue cancer
"The Real Housewives of Orange County" original cast member Jeana Keough has been diagnosed with tongue cancer at 70.
Orange County restaurants shut down by health inspectors (July 9-16)
There were 11 restaurants and food establishments ordered closed by Orange County inspectors from July 9 to July 16.
Man armed with knives and axe arrested after barricading inside Orange County business, police say
A man who was allegedly armed with an axe and multiple knives was arrested following an hours-long barricade inside a Fullerton business on Sunday afternoon, according to police.
Orange County Partnership launches Business Pulse initiative
ORANGE COUNTY - The Orange County Partnership has launched Orange County Business Pulse, a new Business Retention & Expansion (BR&E) initiative designed
New ‘RHOC’ Housewife and former Playboy Playmate addresses if she slept with Hugh Hefner
New ‘Real Housewives of Orange County’ housewife and former Playboy Playmate Carmella Garcia answers intimate questions about Hugh Hefner on the reality show’s season 20 premiere.
Orange County Business Resource Office Hosts Boot Camp Series
Orange County's Business Resource Office is inviting local small business owners and entrepreneurs to participate in new Boot Camp Series.
Hazmat crews respond to Irvine home of teen whose science lab sparked FBI probe
Orange County authorities and the FBI responded Tuesday to a hazmat situation in the same Irvine neighborhood searched by federal agents in March after a teenager’s science experiment triggered a d…
Orange County restaurants shut down by health inspectors (June 25-July 2)
There were 10 restaurants and food establishments ordered closed by Orange County inspectors from June 25 to July 2.
Court backs state monitor in Orange County IDA lawsuit
A state Supreme Court dismissed a county IDA suit seeking to vacate a state monitor's "veto" of an $80 million tax break for a proposed Amazon center.
Orange County restaurants shut down by health inspectors (June 18-25)
There were five restaurants and food establishments ordered closed by Orange County inspectors from June 18 to June 25.
Vice President JD Vance talks faith and politics in Orange County
Vance largely talked about his grandmother’s influence at the sold-out event, which came on the heels of his new memoir, “Communion: Finding My Way Back to Faith.”
Orange County Politics and Public Health Tangle in Sacramento
A debate over if supervisors should be on the board of CalOptima is opening broader questions on politics in healthcare.
Orange County restaurants shut down by health inspectors (June 11-18)
There were nine restaurants and food establishments ordered closed by Orange County inspectors from June 11 to June 18.
How Politicized is Public Healthcare in Orange County?
There are growing questions over what politicians should be involved in healthcare for the county’s poorest residents through CalOptima.
DOH-Orange WIC Returns to the SouthSide Health Center - Florida Department of Health in Orange County
Orlando, Fla. — After being temporarily relocated for HVAC upgrades, the Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program will return to the Southside Health Center on June 22, 2026.
L.A. Sites Included in Major Deal
Editor's note: A version of this story was originally published in the Orange County Business Journal. In one of the largest light industrial deals of the
Orange County restaurants shut down by health inspectors (June 3-11)
There were nine restaurants and food establishments ordered closed by Orange County inspectors from June 3 to June 11.
Orange County Business owner arrested following Action 9 investigation
At the time Knight Fence was ‘F’ rated by the Better Business Bureau with other complaints about him taking money
Children’s doctor: Children with scoliosis can lead active, healthy and fulfilling lives
Dr. Taylor Jackson is a dual fellowship-trained pediatric orthopedic spine surgeon at Rady Children’s Health, formerly called CHOC, in Orange County.
The Times' softball coach of the year: Katie Stith of JSerra
The daughter of a legendary Orange County club team coach guided the Lions to the program's first Division 1 softball championship.
Orange County restaurants shut down by health inspectors (May 28-June 4)
There were seven restaurants and food establishments ordered closed by Orange County inspectors from May 28 to June 4.
Sports’ most depressing team, plus the Knicks take a 2-0 Finals lead
The Pulse Newsletter 📣 | This is The Athletic’s daily sports newsletter. Sign up here to receive The Pulse directly in your inbox. Good morning! At least the weather is nice in Orange County today. Coming up: 🫠 The hopeless Angels 🏀 Knicks in the driver’s seat 🎾 A historic title bid Has your team ever had the second-worst farm system in baseball, sat in last place, trailed 7-0 at home against a team that lost 119 games a year ago, and then gone down more when your right fielder missed a fly ball with his glove and volleyed it over the wall with his head for a home...