Watts Towers get $500,000 grant toward upkeep

The James Irvine Foundation pledges money for the folk-art landmark, citing the towers' importance as a symbol of community.

Jewish group says its members should face criminal charges for protests

Last week 11 members of a Muslim student group were charged with conspiracy for interrupting a speech by the Israeli ambassador at UC Irvine. The Jewish Voice for Peace says its members too have interrupted a speaker or event.

Bill would exempt municipal fireworks displays from Coastal Act regulation

Orange County Assemblywoman Diane Harkey's legislation comes in response to increasing pressure from environmental groups to clamp down on fireworks displays.

Ringing in the Year of the Rabbit and the Cat

Asian communities in the L.A. area and O.C. celebrate the Chinese and Vietnamese Lunar New Year and the Tet festival this weekend.

Prosecutor says L.A. firefighter beat a woman before strangling her

David Del Toro, a 23-year veteran of the L.A. Fire Department, is accused of killing Jennifer Flores, 42, at his Eagle Rock home in 2006 and dumping her body.

Allergan's earnings climb 19%

Sales of Botox help lift the Irvine company's fourth-quarter profit, but net income's increase was less than what some analysts had expected. Demand for the firm's Lap-Band product slid 10%.

Southern Orange County getting its own concert hall

After its public debut in October, the $73-million Soka Performing Arts Center will play host to concert and dance performances, as well as plays and musicals.

Protesters back UC Irvine students against grand jury probe

Many students, civil libertarians and others say the university's sanctions of Muslim students who disrupted Israeli ambassador's speech are sufficient. Eleven students could face criminal charges.

Residents of Newport Beach to get relief from John Wayne Airport jet noise

Modified flight paths over the Newport Beach area will take effect this month, the FAA announces. After a navigation system change in 2009, residents complained of increased jet noise.

Corinthian Colleges posts $163.7-million loss

Corinthian Colleges, the Santa Ana operator of for-profit colleges, will increase tuition and cut 4% of its staff. It reports an 8% decline in enrollment in the second quarter and expects a 15% to 17% drop this quarter.

Recession slows use of Orange County's toll roads

Drivers are opting to spend more time on freeways and less money on tolls.

Newport Beach and Costa Mesa seek to discourage trash scavengers

The cities of Newport Beach and Costa Mesa are considering criminalizing trash scavenging or distributing trash cans that lock.

Sightseers flock to see wild bald eagle roosting outside O.C. Zoo's bald eagle exhibit

A wild bald eagle, which appears to be male, has returned day after day to perch above the cage of Olivia, a 6-year-old female bald eagle. For birders and photographers, it's a rare and exciting sight.

Some food for thought on the menu at UC Irvine

Was a chicken-and-waffles special on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in such bad taste?

On a school lawn, protests over solar panels

Hundreds of students and their parents protest the installation of solar panels on the popular front lawn at Dwyer Middle School in Huntington Beach.

Orange County businessman barred from leaving China for two weeks returns to U.S.

Brian Horowitz of Mission Viejo, who was told he couldn't leave until he paid a Chinese supplier $250,000 to settle a lawsuit, flew home Jan. 18 after his wife wired the funds to China.

Living Spaces headquarters sold to Dexus Property Group of Australia

Dexus Property Group pays $26.25 million for the 278,000-square-foot building in La Mirada. Living Spaces' lease runs until 2016.