Newport Beach resort makes Forbes' 5-star list

An improvement campaign launched by the Resort at Pelican Hill pays off. It is among 58 hotels in the U.S. to earn the Forbes Travel Guide rating this year.

Swimming pools that hit the spot on spring break

Riverside's Mission Inn and Disneyland feature pools that will appeal to kids and adults. For a dip outside of Southern California, head to Las Vegas and Seattle.

St. Louis Symphony plays to its potential in Costa Mesa

The orchestra, led by David Robertson, is one of the country's most exciting, but didn't look that way at Disney Hall in 2010. At Segerstrom on Monday, it did.

O.C. might slash funding to model healthcare nonprofit

Head of Latino Health Access speculates that proposed cut may stem from an earlier dispute over the organization's use of Spanish. It serves all ethnic groups.

Paroled gang member accused of shooting Fullerton officer

Marcos Allen Bush, 29, and a companion are being held in the attack, which left the officer hospitalized. Bush was recently acquitted of attempted murder and carjacking.

Officials propose year-round ban on open burning on area beaches

A fight over Newport Beach's fire pits goes regional as air quality officials, citing health concerns, propose a year-round ban on bonfires on all L.A. and Orange County beaches.

One-buck condo isn't exactly a steal of a deal

The 500-square-foot unit offered 'resort-style' living in an O.C. high-rise. But buyers had to be willing to pay more than $1,700 a month in association fees.

Survey of O.C. blacks finds harassment, discrimination

Although African Americans constitute 2% of the county's population, they have been one of the most targeted for hate crimes, human relations panel says.

Judge tosses robo-signing case against 2 O.C. residents

Prosecutors committed misconduct in their presentations to the grand jury, a Nevada judge rules.

Woman found dead on Newport beach faced prostitution charges

Tina Hoang had been arrested in California, Nevada and Florida, court papers show. The 20-year-old had given birth in January. Police called her death 'suspicious.'

Ex-Fullerton officer's bid to prevent trial in man's death denied

Manuel Ramos, charged with second-degree murder in the fatal beating of Kelly Thomas, had appealed a lower court's refusal to dismiss charges against him.

Garcetti cuts ties to oil drilling operation at Beverly Hills High

The L.A. mayoral candidate assigns his interest in the lease — a focus of attack by rival candidate Wendy Greuel — to a friend who is a Newport Beach attorney.

Beach fire rings get a reprieve for now

The Coastal Commission postpones voting on bonfires at beaches in Balboa and Corona del Mar. State air quality officials will probably take up far-reaching bonfire issues this spring.

Last victim in O.C. shooting rampage 'random,' investigators say

Ali Syed had no connection to Jeremy Lewis, whom he gunned down in an Orange County parking lot after killing two other people, detectives say.

Upscale new ethnic supermarket in Irvine targets young Asians

Assi Natural Market aims to be more like Whole Foods than the typical Asian grocery store, offering organic produce, high-end meats and American fare in its food court.

Coastal Commission to rule on Newport Beach's fire rings

Some beachfront residents complain that smoke from beachgoers' bonfires is a health hazard.

Faux lighthouse plans may run aground

Newport Beach wants the centerpiece in a new public area to rise 71 feet, but a coastal panel's staff says the tower should be scaled back to 55 feet, still 20 feet over an area height limit.