Julie Leopo

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Articles

Voice of OC’s Top Visuals of 2024

Dec 31, 2024 | voiceofoc.org | Julie Leopo

This year, Voice of OC had its largest team of photographers to date. With a mix of freelancers, reporters, fellows and student journalists, Voice of OC captured community festivals, coastal erosions, fires, election day, public meetings, and much more. We also expanded visual coverage into San Diego, where we captured images of the much anticipated Panda exhibition at the San Diego Zoo, which included a pair of Giant Pandas, Yun Chuan and Xin Bao.
Ignoring Pleas, City Officials Destroy Santa Ana Library’s Iconic Ficus Tree

Dec 12, 2024 | voiceofoc.org | Julie Leopo

Santa Ana activists and arborists this week found themselves mourning a tree they were trying to save. Despite mounting resident calls for consideration of alternatives, Santa Ana city officials early Wednesday morning rolled out heavy equipment – backed up by a nearby row of police vehicles – and destroyed a 50-year old large ficus tree that sat on the city library patio. City officials ignored calls for comment from Voice of OC about the planned destruction.
Locals Rally to Save Santa Ana Library’s Iconic Ficus Tree at 11th Hour

Dec 10, 2024 | voiceofoc.org | Julie Leopo |Hugo Rios

Local activists, arborists, artists, and residents are ringing alarm bells at Santa Ana City Hall, hoping to save a Santa Ana Main Public Library ficus tree that is set to be removed. The group of concerned residents are worried the tree could be removed as early as Wednesday morning. “This is a public asset,” said Jenson Hallstrom, 27, an urban forest activist who has advocated for OC trees for the past seven years.
Where to Walk Your Thanksgiving Meal Off in OC

Nov 29, 2024 | voiceofoc.org | Julie Leopo |Erika Taylor

Orange County has over 200 miles of hiking trails, with many landscapes to enjoy after a hearty meal. Especially after Thanksgiving. This year, there are events right after Thanksgiving, like the 1.5-mile walk and thankfulness meditation event at the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, with no registration required. You can also visit trails and parks that are open year-long, like Laguna Beach’s Heisler Park, or Orange’s Peters Canyon.
Renewed Iconic Chicano Santa Ana Murals Unveiled

Sep 10, 2024 | voiceofoc.org | Julie Leopo

For the past decade, efforts to help restore the Civic Center Dr. “La Raza” murals made by Chicano youth in the 90s seemed fruitless. First it was the foundation of the wall that needed to be repaired. Any sort of restoration would make the bricks topple. Or the water damage from years of humidity was making the paint fall off. Or the cost to fix the mural would cost over tens of thousands of dollars.
Celebrating Workers Across OC

Sep 2, 2024 | voiceofoc.org | Julie Leopo |Erika Taylor

Labor Day is a time to reflect on the contributions of labor activists and the modern worker. Union leaders in the 1800’s pushed forth recognition of the American labor force. They introduced the idea that a workplace should be safe, and an eight-hour work day should be established. That children, who then worked in dangerous factories, shouldn’t have to work. Recognizing that pensions, vacation days, and healthcare are essential to the American worker.
The Science Behind Saving Chicano Murals

Aug 9, 2024 | voiceofoc.org | Julie Leopo

It’s easy to think that once a street mural has been painted over or faded away it’s permanently gone. Yet Carlos Rogel has made a life out of restoring what most people think is never coming back. Protecting urban landscapes. Rogel has spent the past 18 years in public art, restoring murals all over the world, including Los Angeles, where he is the current grantee of the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs MuralWorks Program.
An ‘Original Chicano Barrio’ in Santa Ana Gets a New Mural and Pocket Park

Jul 12, 2024 | voiceofoc.org | Julie Leopo

Santa Ana’s Artesia Pilar neighborhood is unveiling a new pocket park along with murals depicting the history that defines the neighborhood, all while city officials declare July as Parks and Recreation Month. Over 13,000 residents reside in the area, with dozens attending the unveiling in the working-class neighborhood last week.
Orange County Celebrates Fourth of July

Jul 5, 2024 | voiceofoc.org | Julie Leopo

People across Orange County pulled out their BBQ grills, lawn chairs and admired the fireworks that lit up the sky. For some cities, there were sanctioned firework shows, while Laguna Beach opted for a drone show, a more quiet and new way of watching light displays. But Independence Day is more than grills and fireworks – it’s also the day colonists declared independence from Great Britain in 1776. To read a copy of the Declaration, click here.
Santa Ana Officials Say the City’s Iconic ‘Chicano Gothic’ Mural Stays; Now What

Jun 3, 2024 | voiceofoc.org | Julie Leopo

One of Santa Ana’s most famous Chicano murals is a step closer to being restored. However, several council members are still expressing concerns. Earlier last month, preserving the mural wasn’t the case. According to several city council members, city staff suggested in May that it be destroyed and recreated amid the new $25 million Memorial Park Aquatics Facility. That uncertainty triggered questions among vocal residents.