Tuesday, September 29, 2026
Today: Steve Hilton’s English-first classroom proposal, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s veto of tax relief tied to the Garden Grove chemical leak, early winter-blend gasoline, coastal flooding, airshow preparations and a full slate of Orange County family, business, community and sports news.
OC This Morning
Warmer Tuesday Across Orange County
Expect mostly sunny skies, with highs near 89 degrees inland and about 79 to 81 degrees along the coast.
Coastal Flood Advisory Continues
A Coastal Flood Advisory remains in effect for Orange County beaches until 5 p.m. Wednesday. The National Weather Service expects minor flooding and erosion around morning high tides of 6.8 to 7.1 feet, along with surf of 2 to 4 feet and local 5-foot sets. Avoid flooded beach access points, rocks and jetties, and never drive through water covering a roadway.
Top Stories
Steve Hilton Calls for English-Only Instruction in California Schools
Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton proposed making English the language of classroom instruction while offering students language assistance outside core lessons. California has more than 1 million English learners, and fewer than half of students met the state’s English-language arts standard in 2024–25. Hilton has not yet released the full policy details, including how it would affect dual-language programs.
Newsom Vetoes Garden Grove Chemical-Leak Tax Relief
Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed AB 760, a bipartisan bill that would have excluded settlement payments connected to the Garden Grove chemical leak from state gross income. Assemblymember Tri Ta, who authored the bill, criticized the veto, saying affected residents should not face state taxes on compensation for their losses.
California Allows Winter-Blend Gasoline Early
Newsom directed state regulators to allow winter-blend gasoline to be sold immediately, suspending the usual summer-blend requirement. The administration says the change can increase supply and ease prices, although the size and timing of any savings remain uncertain.
Around the Cities
Cypress Police Recover Two Stolen Vehicles
Cypress officers recovered a stolen GMC Sierra and Cadillac Escalade during two separate stops in one night and arrested four people.
Thousands Join Newport Beach Breast-Cancer Walk
About 10,000 people took part in the Susan G. Komen More Than Pink Walk in Newport Beach. The event’s online tracker showed $653,587 raised for breast-cancer research, patient support and advocacy.
California & Sacramento
New Laws Target Customer-Service Bots, Loud Ads and Family Paperwork
Newsom signed a package of everyday consumer measures on Monday. The laws require large companies to make a good-faith effort to connect customers with a human within 15 minutes or schedule an appointment, require chatbot disclosure, bar podcast and music-streaming commercials from being louder than surrounding content, allow remote parent-teacher conferences when a parent cannot attend in person, and remove certain fees for disability-benefit paperwork. Read the official bill list.
Schools & Families
Parents Gain More Choice Over Youth-Football Safety Gear
Newsom signed Anaheim Assemblymember Avelino Valencia’s AB 708, requiring youth tackle-football programs to allow safety equipment including soft-shell helmet add-ons. The law also limits when the add-on may be used to void a helmet’s warranty or safety certification.
Business & Development
Six Orange County Starbucks Stores Close
Six county locations were included in Starbucks’ latest North American closure round. The company said it would seek to transfer affected workers when possible or provide severance; the Cypress store at 10953 Meridian Drive is among the confirmed closures.
Prime Pizza Plans Two Orange County Locations
Prime Pizza has filed plans for a Cypress shop at 9543 Valley View Street and also lists Huntington Beach among its coming locations. Opening dates have not been announced.
Faith & Community
Long Beach Gives Raises $2.64 Million
Long Beach Gives raised $2,641,473 through 10,601 donations benefiting 298 organizations. The citywide campaign supports nonprofits serving families, students, veterans, arts programs, churches and other local needs.
Arts, Food & Events
Anaheim Mural Remembers Mia Leah Mejia and Shares 988 Lifeline
A new mural at Barton Park honors 13-year-old Anaheim resident Mia Leah Mejia and directs viewers to call or text 988 for crisis support. Artist Carla Roque created the work during Suicide Prevention Month with support from Anaheim Community Services and Councilmember Natalie Rubalcava.
OC Sports
Ducks Open the Season Friday in Vegas
The Anaheim Ducks begin the 2026–27 season at the Vegas Golden Knights on Friday, October 2, at 7 p.m. Their home opener is Sunday, October 4, against the Florida Panthers at Honda Center at 5 p.m.
Weekend Radar
Pacific Airshow Takes Over Huntington Beach This Weekend
Training activity is expected Wednesday and Thursday before the Pacific Airshow runs Friday through Sunday, October 2–4. Gates open at 9 a.m., with flying scheduled for approximately 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Organizers say there is no dedicated event parking, so expect major traffic and transit demand. New additions include Jared Isaacman flying a MiG-29 and jet-suit pilot Issa Kalfon.
Tustin Tiller Days Returns
Tustin Tiller Days runs Friday through Sunday with carnival rides, food, entertainment, community booths and the annual parade.
The OC Bright Spot
Cook’s Corner Hero Receives Carnegie Medal
Glen R. Sprowl Jr. of Stanton was posthumously awarded the Carnegie Medal, North America’s highest honor for civilian heroism. Sprowl died while confronting the gunman during the 2023 Cook’s Corner mass shooting in Trabuco Canyon.
OC Reader Pulse
Today’s Poll
Should California public schools make English the primary language of classroom instruction?
- Yes, with language support outside core lessons
- Yes, but keep dual-language options
- No, keep current district flexibility
Local Trivia
The Pacific Airshow celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. In what year did the Huntington Beach event begin?
Answer: 2016.
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