Newsom’s move to commute hundreds of death penalty sentences draws anger, praise

From ocregister.com

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s decision to commute hundreds of death row sentences surprised and angered some victims’ families, and drew widely mixed responses from prosecutors and defense attorneys.

The move would reduce the sentences of 548 inmates from death to life in prison without the possibility of parole, though the California Supreme Court, which […]

What are you grateful for? Anaheim school kids sketched their answers

From ocregister.com

Twelve-year-old Mikaela Wright, illustrating her answer to the prompt “Gratitude,” focused on life’s basics to fit her thoughts into a small space: “Friends, games, money, food and family.”

Wright, a sixth grader at Sunkist Elementary School in Anaheim, is one of a few dozen students at the school who, under the creative guidance […]

CIF-SS football playoffs: Steve Fryer’s predictions for all 14 divisions

From ocregister.com

It was easy to predict some of what happened during the 2026 high school football regular season in Orange County.

Santa Margarita being the best team in the county. Mission Viejo winning the Alpha League championship. Crean Lutheran winning the Bravo League title.

Those things were anticipated.

The unexpected: El Modena being oh-so-close […]

Election 2026: Where Orange County’s close legislative races stand

From ocregister.com

As vote counting in the midterms continues, four Orange County legislative races with GOP incumbents or long-held Republican seats remain tight as of Thursday afternoon, Nov. 5.

In California’s 36th Senate District, Sen. Tony Strickland, R-Huntington Beach, continued to trail former San Clemente Mayor Chris Duncan, a Democrat, according to the latest preliminary […]

CIF-SS girls flag football: Previews of the Orange County finals Saturday

From ocregister.com

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CIF-SS GIRLS FLAG FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS

All games Saturday, Nov. 7 at Huntington Beach High

Tickets available: gofan.co

OPEN DIVISION

Newport Harbor (23-4) vs. JSerra (27-0), 8:30 p.m.

Streaming: NFHS Network (live)

Outlook: Top-seeded JSerra and No. 2 Newport Harbor […]

Cooking with Judy: A lighter take on a pie that lets the benefits of pumpkin shine

From ocregister.com

Did you ever think you would hear the words “healthy” and “Thanksgiving” in the same sentence?

Turkey, sweet potatoes, cranberries, pumpkin – all nutritious foods. What brings on the food coma is all the fat and sugar we add to them. Lest you think I’m the Grinch that stole Thanksgiving, I bring you […]

Drummond: PYLUSD board approves contracts with top administrators

From ocregister.com

The top four administrators in the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District – all hired within the past 13 months – have been awarded three-year contracts on 5-0 votes by the trustees.

Each contract will run through June 30, 2030, according to action taken at an October school board meeting. Changes in titles and […]

A beginner’s guide to understanding the Super El Niño in Southern California

From ocregister.com

October’s storms announced that El Niño has arrived in Southern California.

Now, Southern California is bracing for the impending Super El Niño expected to bring above-average rainfall to the area. The climate pattern is nothing new for residents, but forecasts are pointing to a potentially record-breaking storm season.

Here’s what to know about […]

Dunn Deal: Homegrown Burns rooted in Tar Ball

From ocregister.com

Matt Burns is a legacy teacher and coach at Newport Harbor High, where four generations of his family have roamed the halls past the Web Jones Heritage Hall Museum and strolled near the large, 13-foot-tall, 23,000-pound military anchor situated outside of the small gymnasium and facing Irvine Avenue.

In June, Wyatt Burns, the […]

Brian Huskey, Karlo Evaristo and Michael Campbell join ‘Chefsgiving’ lineup

From ocregister.com

Brian Huskey of the Jetty, Karlo Evaristo of 61 Hundred Bread, White Rooster’s Michael Campbell and a contingent of Orange County chefs will gather at Pendry Newport Beach on Friday, Nov. 13, for Chefsgiving, the tony hotel’s annual Thanksgiving benefit.

Now in its fourth year, the event will fill the hotel’s Grand Ballroom […]