Wednesday, 24 June 2026, 11:45
A former California State Parks superintendent faces serious charges after allegedly using hidden cameras to record naked lifeguards and other workers in a men's locker room at Bolsa Chica State Beach in Orange County, then sharing the images with friends, authorities announced today.
Kevin Pearsall, 59, of Long Beach, was charged with five felony counts of eavesdropping, 23 misdemeanor counts of secretly filming another, and three misdemeanor counts of unlawful dissemination of private recordings, according to the Orange County District Attorney's Office. The alleged offenses occurred in the men's locker room at the Bolsa Chica State Beach Lifeguard Headquarters and victimized 23 lifeguards and other workers, none of whom consented to being recorded.
Pearsall, who had been subject to a $500,000 arrest warrant, turned himself in on Tuesday and was released on his own recognizance. His arraignment is scheduled for August.
According to the DA's Office, the case began in July 2025 when a USB memory stick containing a hidden camera was discovered in the men's employee locker room at the lifeguard headquarters. State parks officials reviewed the content on the device and contacted the California Highway Patrol, which conducted an investigation.
Prosecutors allege that Pearsall was responsible for placing hidden cameras in the locker room, which recorded both audio and video, and used them to capture numerous videos over an 11-month period starting in August 2024.
Pearsall served as a California State Parks superintendent from 2023 through July 2025, a sworn law enforcement position overseeing the management and operations of state parks in the Orange Coast District, including Orange County. He is further accused of sending images of nude or partially nude men from the locker room to two men and making sexually charged comments about the victims' anatomy.
"These victims had their privacy violated in such a disgusting way, and we will do everything we can to ensure they receive the justice they deserve," prosecutors said. Pearsall faces a maximum sentence of 18 years and eight months in prison if convicted on all counts.
Source: lbpost.com
The family of Jaden Michaca, a 15-year-old boy with a history of mental health issues, has filed a legal claim against the city of Santa Ana, alleging that police officers were "trigger happy" and failed to de-escalate the situation before fatally shooting him on June 14. The claim, announced during a press conference on Tuesday, June 23, outside the Santa Ana Police Station, accuses two officers of neglect and excessive force.
According to the family's attorneys, Luis A. Carrillo, Michael Carrillo, and Dominique Boubion, the officers never attempted to de-escalate the encounter despite being aware of Jaden's mental health condition.
"They killed a 15-year-old child, they blasted him to kingdom come," said Luis A. Carrillo.
"Unfortunately, I have to say it that way because that is what happened. In my opinion, these officers were trigger-happy cops."
Jaden's mother, Maribel Michaca, said her son was diagnosed as bipolar and had been struggling with his mental health for two years. The family had called law enforcement at least 10 times previously, and officers aided by mental health workers had de-escalated situations and gotten him treatment.
On June 13, the mother called 911 again, as instructed by prior responders, to report that Jaden was having a mental health emergency.
Before police arrived, Maribel Michaca said her boyfriend had tried to take a knife away from Jaden and accidentally got cut. She acknowledged that Jaden was holding a knife but denied that he was a threat to her or the officers.
She also denied that police ordered her son to drop the knife and that he ignored them. "I yelled to the cops, 'Please do not shoot!
Please do not shoot! My son is having a mental-health crisis!
Taze him, but do not shoot!' I was standing next to him and they did not care. Everything happened in the blink of an eye," she said.
During the press conference, she wore a splint on her right thumb, which she said was shattered by police gunfire.
Attorney Dominique Boubion described the fatal shooting as "100 percent preventable." "There is no reason two officers should come to a home—called to help—and just open the door and start shooting. It is totally unacceptable," Boubion said.
The Santa Ana Police Department has provided a different account. Spokesperson Officer Natalie Garcia said the mother's boyfriend called 911 and reported that Jaden was under the influence, vandalizing property, and had stabbed him with a knife.
Officers arriving at the apartment heard an argument between Jaden and his mother, Garcia said, and forced open the door. They made contact with Jaden, who remained armed with a knife, and gave him commands to put it down, but he refused, leading to the shooting.
Garcia denied that officers were responding to a request for mental health services, as the family claimed. The police investigation is ongoing, and limited details have been released.
The officers were wearing body cameras, and video of the shooting is expected to be released publicly at some point.
Family members described Jaden as always willing to help others and loved collecting Pokemon. The claim, filed against the city of Santa Ana, is a prerequisite to filing a lawsuit.
Source: ocregister.com
The 2026 USA Surfing Junior Championships concluded on June 20 at Lower Trestles, the future venue for the LA28 Olympic Games, with some of the nation's best young surfers competing in pristine 4- to 6-foot waves. The event drew 250 top surfers aged 10 to 18 from across the United States, all vying for national titles.
San Clemente athletes were particularly successful, capturing several division championships. Charlotte Moschopoulos won the U12 girls division, Moses Hennings took the U14 boys title, Isla Pinto claimed the U14 girls crown, King Nicol secured the U16 boys championship, and Eden Walla earned the U18 girls title.
The junior championships serve as a critical training ground, providing a pathway to international competition and elite-level surfing. Throughout the year, competitors earned their spots through regional and national events.
The swell, described by some as the "swell of the decade," provided consistent, perfectly shaped waves at Lower Trestles, which also hosted the previous weekend's championships in Oceanside. USA Surfing Head Coach Ryan Simmons called the 2026 event the best the organization has ever run, noting the waves were epic all week with 6- to 10-foot faces.
The performance of the surfers was described as radical and dynamic. The championships have been a fixture for over 20 years, where young surfers are scouted by sponsors and transition from amateur to professional.
Current World Surf League competitors from San Clemente, including brothers Crosby and Griffin Colapinto and Cole Houshmand, as well as world champions and Olympic gold medalists Carissa Moore and Caroline Marks, all began their careers at these events. USA Surfing CEO Greg Hulsizer, who has surfed at Lower Trestles for more than 50 years, expressed excitement about the future of the sport, especially with the venue set to host the LA28 Olympics.
He noted that the event gave him tremendous confidence in the next generation of Team USA surfers. The competition followed earlier events in Oceanside, including Para, Longboard, Stand Up Paddle (SUP) Surf, and SUP and Prone Racing disciplines.
The junior surfing action continues with the 2026 NSSA National Explorer Championships in Huntington Beach from June 26 to June 28, with waves expected in the 4- to 6-foot range. The NSSA National Open Championships run from June 29 to July 3, with another pulse of swell anticipated for finals day.
Source: ocregister.com
Congressman Derek Tran (CA-45) has secured $1 million in federal funding to upgrade Fire Station 84 in Garden Grove, California. The funding, announced during a presentation to the city, will support structural improvements and provide new equipment to enhance the station's emergency response capabilities.
The upgrade comes in the wake of a recent hazardous materials incident at GKN Aerospace, where Station 84 firefighters were among the first responders. Representative Tran emphasized the importance of equipping first responders with the best resources, noting that despite the chaos and confusion during the hazmat incident, no one was hurt and all families returned home safely thanks to the heroic efforts of the firefighters.
Mayor Stephanie Klopfenstein stated that the funding strengthens emergency preparedness and public safety, ensuring first responders have the resources needed to protect the community for years to come. District 1 Council Member George Brietigam noted that the upgrades benefit not only District 1 but the entire community served by Station 84.
This funding is part of a larger $14 million package that Tran is bringing to Los Angeles and Orange Counties for 15 community projects aimed at improving safety, health, and quality of life for Southern California residents. The funds are allocated through Community Project Funding (CPF), which allows members of Congress to request direct funding for specific local projects with demonstrated community support.
These projects are subject to strict transparency and accountability requirements, including audits by the Government Accountability Office, and are only available to nonprofit and government entities.
Source: loscerritosnews.net
Experienced equestrians are invited to participate in a guided horseback ride through Hall Canyon and Helo Trail in the Black Star Wilderness Area this Friday, June 26. The ride, organized by local trail enthusiasts, will take participants through oak woodlands, grasslands, and coastal sage scrub while offering insights into the area's history and natural resources.
Riders can expect stunning views of local canyons, red rock formations, and native wildflowers, as well as remnants of the region's ranching past, including evidence of cattle grazing and a helicopter landing area. A large metal ball and chain once used by the military and the Orange County Fire Authority for training will also be visible along the route.
The activity is open to equestrians with trail riding experience who can provide their own fit and able horse. Participants must transport their horses to the staging area, and organizers advise that trail conditions include gravel and rocky creek areas.
Owners of unshod horses should take these conditions into consideration. Advance registration is required, and walk-up registration will not be permitted.
Riders should arrive with all necessary equipment, including water, proper attire, closed-toe footwear, first-aid supplies, and any personal health-related items. Participants may arrive up to 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time to prepare their horses.
Organizers will contact registered participants with trailer details and parking instructions. Restrooms will be available at the staging area, though they will not be sanitized for each individual use.
All participants must sign a liability waiver upon arrival and before beginning the activity. Organizers emphasized that participants may be prevented from taking part if they do not adhere to the required protocols.
Those feeling unwell, exhibiting symptoms of illness, or who have recently been in contact with someone who was ill are asked not to register or attend. The ride is classified as a level-3 activity, and participants are encouraged to review the organization's 1-through-5 difficulty ratings and consult the FAQ page before registering.
This event offers a unique opportunity to explore the natural beauty and history of the Black Star Wilderness Area while enjoying a guided horseback ride.
Source: ocindependent.com
Voice of OC, a nonprofit news organization covering Orange County, has been recognized with 17 awards from the Orange County Press Club for its impactful journalism in 2024. The awards span a wide range of topics, including politics, homelessness, education, environmental reporting, and breaking news, highlighting the outlet's commitment to in-depth local coverage.
First-place honors went to Noah Biesiada for Best Political Story with his investigation into Huntington Beach's transparency regarding an airshow settlement. The story, titled "Was Huntington Beach Up Front With Airshow’s Controversial Settlement?," examined the city's handling of a contentious agreement.
Additionally, Hosam Elattar and Noah Biesiada won Best Poverty, Homelessness or Housing Insecurity Story or Series for their work on "Food Insecurity Orange County," shedding light on a critical community issue. Maximo Santana earned Best Feature Story for "Orange County’s Biggest Fossil Can Only Be Seen in LA," a piece that explored the region's paleontological treasures.
Second-place awards included Hosam Elattar's Best Civic Reporting for "How Long Does it Take to Figure Out If Angel Stadium is Trashed?," which delved into the stadium's condition and public accountability. Julie Leopo received Best News Photo for "Orange County Braces For ICE," capturing the tension during immigration enforcement operations.
Spencer Custodio and Hosam Elattar also won second place in Best Political Story for "How Did OC’s Most MAGA City Council End Up on Trump’s Sanctuary City List?," a piece that explored political contradictions in the region.
Third-place winners included Spencer Custodio and Isabel Torres for Best Breaking News Story with "Orange County Hits the Streets, Rails Against ICE Sweeps," covering community protests. The Voice of OC Staff won Best Business Story for "Will ICE Raids be the Death of Local Swap Meets in Orange County?," examining economic impacts.
Hosam Elattar won Best Education Story for "Santa Ana School District Settles Lawsuit Over Alleged Antisemitic Classes," and Maximo Santana received Best Environmental Reporting for "Can Two Orphaned 14 Month Old Mountain Lion Cubs Survive Orange County." Erika Taylor won Best Feature Photo for "Santa Ana School Board Considers Laying Off 280 Teachers," and Julie Leopo and Spencer Custodio won Best Photo Essay for "Orange County Grapples With Federal Occupation."
Honorable mentions went to Hosam Elattar for Best Environmental Reporting for "SoCal’s Gas-Powered Water Heaters Won’t Get Phased Out, For Now," and to Noah Biesiada and Julie Leopo for Best Long Form Story Or Series for "Controversial Streetcar Forever Changes the Face of Downtown Santa Ana." Maximo Santana received an honorable mention for Best News Photo for "The Prima Deshecha landfill," and Noah Biesiada and Angelina Hicks were recognized for Best News Story for "Who Gets a Free Ticket to the Orange County Fair?" Erika Taylor and Angelina Hicks also earned an honorable mention for Best Photo Essay for "Training Service Dogs to Ride the Bus."
The awards underscore Voice of OC's role as a vital source of independent journalism in Orange County, covering everything from local government accountability to environmental challenges and social issues.
Source: voiceofoc.org
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