Remote Surveillance Trailer in Orange, CA

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Temperatures are gradually falling in Southern California as an area of low pressure moves in to help cool the region a bit.

For many areas, temperatures will dip on Thursday before another gradual warmup heading into the weekend due to a big dome of high pressure building in the area very strongly. That high pressure will continue to build, bringing some very hot weather later next week.

There's a chance for isolated showers or thunderstorms for some mountain and desert regions on Wednesday.

Los Angeles and Orange counties Wednesday will see morning clouds and afternoon sunshine, along with a high of 79 degrees and a low of 61. Enjoy mild temperatures for the rest of the week before a gradual warmup begins over the weekend.

The valleys and Inland Empire Wednesday will see a high of 87 degrees and a low of 60. Temperatures are expected to return to the 90s by Saturday.

Beaches Wednesday will see morning clouds and afternoon sunshine, along with a high of 72 degrees and a low of 60. Highs will be in the mid-to-low 70s all week before a gradual warmup hits over the weekend.

The mountains Wednesday will see a high of 78 degrees and a low of 45, along with a 10% chance for showers or thunderstorms.

Deserts Wednesday will see a high of 96 and a low of 64. Palm Springs is expected to hit a high of 109.

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While Southern Californians fire up their barbecues and hit the beaches this holiday weekend, there might be a tad more room on the sand and in lines at Disneyland rides.

International travel is down across the region, keeping tourism and local officials in a ‘wait and see’ mode with possibly billions of dollars in the balance, according to travel and tourism experts.

Also see: July 4th fireworks: Cancellations, drones, where to watch and more tips for Southern California

Flights and hotel bookings have slipped in the early part of 2025, with some experts saying trade and immigration rhetoric from Washington, aimed at Canada and other nations, is forcing travelers to reconsider their U.S. vacations.

The drop in travelers out of Canada may be the earliest canary in the coal mine, a warning about future spending shortfalls across the region. Automobile and air travel to the U.S. during the first five months of 2025 has dropped significantly, according to Canada’s national statistical agency, Statistics Canada.

The World Travel & Tourism Council predicted in May that the U.S. this year would lose $12 billion in international tourism dollars, a 22.5% decline from 2024. The U.S. was the only country in 184 studied that would see visitor spending decline this year, according to the report.

“This is a wake-up call for the U.S. government,” said Julia Simpson, WTTC president. “The world’s biggest travel and tourism economy is heading in the wrong direction… While other nations are rolling out the welcome mat, the U.S. government is putting up the ‘closed’ sign.”

While tourism in Southern California is expected to see mild growth in 2025, international visitor spending is expected to fall.

Tourism is big business in the region, with visitor and other travel spending growing to $85.4 billion in 2024, up 2.5% from $83.3 billion in 2023, according to a recent reported published by Visit California, the state’s tourism marketing organization. That’s more than half of total travel spending in the state.

Travel spending in California increased 3% to $157.3 billion in 2024 from $152.7 billion in 2023. Visit California expects it will reach $158.1 billion in 2025.

However, a forecast the organization released in April says international visits were expected to fall by 9.2% in 2025, driven by the impact of higher tariffs on the global economy and negative sentiment toward the U.S. due to the administration’s trade policies.

International visitors are expected to spend $25.1 billion in 2025, down 4.2% from $26.2 billion last year.

Travel to the U.S. could be “negatively impacted by impediments to visas such as reductions in consulate staffing or greater scrutiny of travelers from certain origins,” according to the forecast prepared for Visit California by Tourism Economics Inc.

The slip in tourism is also showing up at Southern California airports and hotels.

One of the biggest destinations in the region is Disneyland and while the park doesn’t offer statistics on its visitors, analytics firm CoStar says hotel spending by travelers has slowed 13.6% in Orange County from March to May. This is a slightly steeper drop than the same year-ago period.

Over the same period in Los Angeles County, hotel spending has risen 3.5%, slightly more than the 0.2% drop seen in the year-ago period. In Riverside County, spending fell 35.7%, which is slightly better than the 36.7% drop in the year-ago period.

The steep drop is attributed to the departure of Canadian snowbirds, the retirees who leave the Coachella Valley at the end of winter. Many of these Canadians arrived in the fall before Trump won his second term.

International air travel into the region also shows a pronounced slowdown.

In the first five months of 2025, travel statistics from John Wayne Airport show a 12.6% drop in total international passengers traveling in and out of the Santa Ana airport.

Total international traffic, which includes service to and from Canada and Mexico, saw a 19.2% decrease in May 2025 compared with May 2024.

“This change may be attributed to a combination of seasonal route scheduling, broader travel industry trends and airline specific decisions,” said airport spokesman AnnaSophia Servin. “There is no direct indication that concerns regarding tariffs or immigration policies are responsible for this dip at John Wayne specifically.”

For the three airlines that fly between Canada and John Wayne, Air Canada carried 19% fewer international passengers in May, while Southwest carried 5.4% fewer, and WestJet moved nearly 45% fewer.

WestJet spokesman Josh Yeats said that the carrier reallocated flying from some Canada-U.S. routes in favor of adding connections and frequency within Canada, and internationally between Canada and Europe, and between Canada and “popular sun destinations.”

Katrina Foley, vice chair of the Orange County Board of Supervisors, said she is closely watching the international travel figures at the airport and is taking a “wait-and-see” approach to determine if the trend needs more attention.

“I’ve asked our county airport staff to keep monitoring it,” she said. “It is something we want to monitor because our economy here in Orange County depends on tourism. There has been a significant drop [in travel] from Canada. What we can’t identify is whether it’s because of tariffs and deportations, or because we have all these other factors that are contributing.”

She cited the January wildfires in the Pacific Palisades and Altadena, earlier hail storms in parts of the country that forced some airlines to cancel flights due to significant damage, and “mechanical issues with some planes that impacted travel.”

Other airports in the region are also seeing a drop in air travel from abroad.

At Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), there was a 12% reduction in total passengers flying from Canada into the Los Angeles airport during the January–April 2025 period versus the same four months a year ago.

Airline service to LAX from Canada include flights from Air Canada, American Airlines, Flair Airlines, Porter Airlines, United Airlines and Westjet. Nearly all the airlines have announced plans this year to reduce service between the U.S. and Canada.

Ontario International Airport saw a 2.8% dip in international travelers from January to May 2025 from China, Mexico and Canada, while domestic traffic grew 1.1% over the same period.

There also was a decline in Canadian travelers who make their annual pilgrimage to Palm Springs, a haven for “Canadian snowbirds.” Many travelers from the frigid country make their way to summer homes in the warmer Coachella Valley climate in fall and winter months.

Orange County: Visitor and other travel spending grew to $16.3 billion in 2024, up 2% from 2023.

Inland Empire: Spending grew to nearly $3.1 billion, up 3.9% from 2023. In the Deserts region, which include Riverside County’s Coachella Valley, spending grew to $9.2 billion in 2024, up 2.9% from the previous year.

Los Angeles County: Spending rose to over $34.9 billion, up 3% from 2023.

San Diego County: Spending grew to $16.6 billion in 2024, up 1.2% from 2023.

Source: Visit California

Orange County residents will gather in celebration of independence for the Fourth of July holiday tomorrow through a number of parades, carnivals and firework shows.

Independence Day commemorates the passage of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.

There’s a host of cities in OC that actually celebrate Independence Day with events tonight – offering festival celebrations and fireworks early.

Here are a few noteworthy free events happening today and tomorrow.

North Orange County

Watch a livestream of fireworks at the 3rd of July Fireworks Spectacular on the City of Los Alamitos’ Instagram and Facebook.

When: July 3, 9:00 p.m.

Cost: Free

For more details, contact Los Alamitos Recreation and Community

Services Department at (562) 430-1073

Enjoy a variety of patriotic festivities at the City of Brea’s annual Country Fair. The fair will include live entertainment, a classic car show, food games, exhibits and more.

When: July 4, 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Where: 401 S. Brea Blvd., Brea, CA 92821

Cost: Free

For more details, contact (714) 990-7771

The City of Anaheim’s Fourth of July Celebration includes a 5k/10k run, dog show, parade, food, entertainment and fireworks.

The event is free to attend, but entries to the 5k/10k run and the dog show require a fee.

When: 7:00 a.m.

Where: Peralta Canyon Park, 115 N Pinney Dr., Anaheim, CA 92807

Cost: Free

For more details, contact (714) 765-5161

Enjoy a car show, carnival and fireworks show at the 4th of July celebration in Fullerton Downtown Plaza.

When: July 4, 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Where: 125 E. Wilshire Ave. Fullerton, CA 92832

Cost: Free

For more details, contact (714) 738-6587

Enjoy an Independence Day celebration at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library including a Continental Militia Skirmish and other Revolutionary War reenactors.

When: July 4, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Where: 18001 Yorba Linda Blvd, Yorba Linda, CA 92886

Cost: Free

For more details, contact the museum at (714) 983-9120

Central Orange County

Enjoy live music, food vendors, inflatables and a firework show at Centennial Park in Santa Ana.

Attendees are asked to bring their own lawn chair and to arrive early.

When: 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Where: 3000 W. Edinger Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92704

Cost: Free

For more details, contact the city at (714) 647-5400

Attend a celebration with food, music and a firework show at the Tustin High School Stadium.

When: July 4, 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Where: 31171 El Camino Real, CA 92780

Cost: Free

For more details, contact (714) 573-3326

Coastal Orange County

View a Condor Squadron flyover featuring WWII AT-6 aircraft and fireworks display over the San Clemente Pier.

When: 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Where: 622 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, California 92672

Cost: Free

For more details, contact Parks & Recreation at (949) 361-8264

Attend a parade and fireworks show at Main St. in Huntington Beach.

All beach viewing of the fireworks show, which starts at 9:00 p.m., is open to the public.

When: July 4, 10:00 a.m.

Where: 136 Main St., Huntington Beach, CA 92648

Cost: Free

For more details, call (714) 536-5577

Celebrate the Fourth of July early with live music, contests, food vendors and a fireworks show at a community celebration at the OC Fair & Event Center.

Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m.

When: July 3, 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Where: OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Cost: Free

For more details, contact the OC Fair at (714) 708-1500

View a firework display off Doheny State Beach in Dana Point.

When: July 4, 9:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Where: Doheny State Beach, 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, CA, 92629

Cost: Free

For more details, contact Parks & Recreation at (949) 248-3536

Enjoy a drone light show from Monument Point in Heisler Park in Laguna Beach. Attendees are encouraged to listen to live audio of patriotic music on the Voice of Laguna and KXFM Radio during the show.

When: July 4, 9:00 p.m.

Where: Heisler Park, 375 Cliff Dr., Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Cost: Free

For more details, contact Parks & Recreation at (949) 464-6645

South Orange County

Enjoy live music, food, a fireworks display and other patriotic festivities at the Fourth of July Celebration.

When: July 4, 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Where: 25555 Alicia Pkwy., Laguna Hills, CA

Cost: Free

For more details, contact the Community Services Department at (949) 707-2680 or email communityservices@lagunahillsca.org

Visit Crown Valley Park for free activities, including an adult lap swim, patriotic flyover, concert and drone show experience.

When: July 4, 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Where: 25555 Alicia Pkwy., Laguna Niguel, CA

Cost: Free

For more details, contact the Community Services Department at (949) 707-2680 or email communityservices@lagunahillsca.org

Line the streets for the 32nd Annual Fourth of July Parade in Lake Forest. Starting at 9:30 a.m, the parade will travel through Toledo Way, Lake Forest Dr., Serrano Rd. and Ridge Route.

When: July 4, 9:30 a.m.

Where: 25255 Toledo Way, Lake Forest, CA 92630

Cost: Free

For more details, call (949) 461-3439

Take the kids to a street faire and fireworks display in Mission Viejo.

When: July 4, 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Where: Olympiad Rd., between Marguerite Pkwy. and Melinda Rd.

Cost: Free

For more details, contact the Community Services Department at (949) 707-2680 or email communityservices@lagunahillsca.org

Take the kids to a family-friendly Fourth of July celebration in San Juan Capistrano. Festivities include games, live music, food and a fireworks display.

When: July 4, 2:00 p.m to 10:00 p.m.

Where: 25601 Camino del Avion, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

Cost: Free

For more details, contact the Community Services Department at (949) 493-5911

If you know of a free public agency event that the Voice of OC should be aware of, send an email to etaylor@voiceofoc.org

For more events, please refer to the Voice of OC Calendar.

The Orange City Council generally meets on the second Tuesday of each month.

This meeting schedule can change, particularly in months with national holidays, so be sure to check the status of a meeting at the agenda link below. Make sure to check the agency’s website also for the latest protocols on in-person and/or virtual attendance.

LATEST AGENDAS AND MINUTES: CLICK HERE

MEETING TIME: The council’s regular meeting typically begins at 6 p.m. If there are any closed session items, that portion of the meeting usually begins at 5 p.m.

MEETING LOCATION: City Council Chamber 300 E. Chapman Ave. Orange, CA 92866.

Regular city council meetings are televised live on Time Warner Cable channel 3 and AT&T U- verse channel 9. Residents can also stream meetings live online.

PUBLIC COMMENT: To speak on an agenda item, residents should complete a speaker’s card located at the entrance to the council chamber and give it to the City Clerk. The public is allowed up to three minutes to speak on a specific agenda item.

Members of the public can also submit written comments electronically for city council consideration by emailing CCpubliccomment@cityoforange.org with the subject line “Public Comment Item # (insert the item number relevant to the comment)” or “Public Comment Non-agenda Item” for general public comments.

The public can also submit written comments on the City’s eComment page. To ensure distribution to the city council prior to consideration of the agenda, written comments must be submitted by 3 p.m. the day of the meeting. All written comments will be provided to the council and posted on the city’s website.

CURRENT OFFICIALS: Click here to see and contact the current members.

On the outside, it’s a shimmering nine-story building. The sun dances off its undulating blue glass.

On the inside, there’s more than a glimmer of hope.

Children’s Hospital Orange County’s new Southwest Tower is designed with the latest medical technology to provide the best, most convenient care for children and their families, hospital leaders say.

“It’s beauty on the inside and beauty on the outside, capturing and honoring the medical journeys of our patients,” said Dr. Nita Doshi, one of more than 200 physicians who participated in building design meetings to ensure the tower accommodates state-of-the-art medical services.

The 330,000-square-foot tower on Main Street just north of the 22 Freeway is designed as a “one-stop shop” for pediatrics, consolidating many of the healthcare system’s outpatient services under one roof.

Whereas, to date, families have had to schedule individual appointments for their child’s care across multiple locations, the proximity of service providers in the Southwest Tower will allow families to have their kids seen by multiple specialists in one place and one sitting, hospital leaders said.

“Mom and kiddo won’t have to see five different specialists over the course of a month,” Rady Children’s Health Orange County Regional President, Kim Milstien said. “They can see five specialists on the same day in the same location.”

Plus, new and larger examination rooms equipped with special cameras will allow multiple specialists to review a child at once, helping kids avoid the distress of repetitive exams.

The outpatient tower, across from CHOC’s hospital building, will house 25 specialty clinics and multiple pharmacies. A research space on the ninth floor triples CHOC’s current research capacity.

“Recognizing the need to try to pull quite a few of our disparate locations together in a much more coordinated way was the genesis of our Southwest Tower,” Milstien said.

Most levels of the tower will open in June, with fourth-floor oncology services coming online at a later date.

Milstien expects the building to serve approximately 168,000 patients in its first year and nearly 200,000 per year by 2030.

In recent years, the hospital also opened an all-in-one fetal care center and its Thompson Autism Center.

The tower comes to life on the heels of CHOC’s merger with Rady Children’s Hospital in January, which created the fifth-largest pediatric health system in the country.

The scale of the new parent company across Southern California can “change the course of clinical care for children,” Milstien said.

Milstein says the Southwest Tower, with its suite of services and research capabilities, embodies that ambition.

But for all its technological prowess, the modern tower is made to feel comforting.

Take the imaging center, for instance.

“The imaging center is the cutest thing,” Milstien said. “It’s a zoo theme, and the animals on the walls have scanners in front of them, so you can see their skeletons.”

It’s all meant to make the children feel less at the doctor’s office and more at home.

“The MRI that is going in there has this unbelievable technology that allows patients to experience being in different scenes, so they don’t feel that they are in this enclosed space that feels scary or dark,” Doshi said.

The center also has a “kiddie MRI,” a mini machine where children can simulate their imaging experience on dolls.

“There was a time in medicine that all of these children had to undergo anesthesia (for MRI),” Doshi said. “Now, we’re able to use technology and innovation to create a safe and supportive environment.”

Every floor has a thematic installation of toys donated by Mattel that makes the space feel less like a medical building and more like a kids’ museum.

“As you go up the building, each floor has a different era of Mattel,” Milstien said. “There’s a Fisher Price wall, there’s a Barbie Wall, and — somewhere — they’ve hidden a tiny little Choco bear.”

The fifth floor is Polly Pocket. The sixth floor is Hot Wheels. The seventh — Uno. The ninth floor, the penthouse, belongs to Barbie, of course.

Whereas many medical offices feel stifling, Milstein wants the ambience of the Southwest Tower to contribute to the healing of its young patients.