The Union Pacific Trail project is facing delays after a recent vote by the city council. In a 3 to 2 decision, council members opted to postpone the initiative, which was originally […]
Saskia Kennedy
opinion: Sanctuary Cities and International Security
As Trump and friends claim control over the country, celebrating their war on migrants – “the enemy” of the moment, whom they’ve created and dehumanized – much of America writhes in shock […]
Fullerton Adopted Updated Fire Hazard Severity Zones: What Residents Needed to Know
The Fullerton City Council officially adopted updated Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) maps on May 6, 2025, which have implications for residents regarding fireworks use and building regulations. Fire Marshal Chief Jon […]
Canada Goose Family Makes Daring Trek Across Brea Boulevard
I enjoy reading the Observer when I visit my mother-in-law at Fullerton’s Morningside Retirement Community, located at the intersection of Brea and Bastanchury. An extraordinary event occurred last week: a mother Canada […]
Consumers Advised Not to Eat Recreationally Harvested Mussels from California Coast
Residents are advised of a California Department of Public Health (CDPH) mussel quarantine order effective May 1 through October 31, 2025. During the quarantine, all species of mussels gathered by recreational sport […]
opinion: The Case Against Fullerton Becoming a Charter City
As the Fullerton City Council prepares to initiate the process of becoming a Charter City on May 13, 2025, residents must seriously consider the implications of this shift in governance. Though proponents […]
Opinion: AT HOME WITH THE HOMELESS: It is past time to fight, because it is later than you think
“The conspiracy is open now. It comes down from the top. And because of its blatancy, men who were middle of the road have been pushed to the left, have become liberals. […]
City Council Implements New Decorum Rules for Council Communications
The Fullerton City Council voted 3 to 2 to change decorum rules for the “Council Communications” meeting section. Council Members Nicholas Dunlap, Jamie Valencia, and Mayor Fred Jung voted in favor of […]
Celebration of Life for Susan Sherard, Beloved Community Figure and Family Matriarch
Susan “Sue” Sherard, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and community advocate, peacefully passed away on April 20, 2025, at the age of 78. Born on June 4, 1946, in Sheffield, England, to […]
City Council to Hold Special Meeting About Fullerton Becoming a Charter City
Special council meeting on Tuesday, May 13, at 5 PM: two agenda items will be discussed, a budget workshop and a charter city discussion. The City Council is set to convene a […]
Journalist and Alumna Vikki Vargas to Address Cal State Fullerton’s Class of 2025
The Broadcast Journalist and Media Consultant Will Receive an Honorary Doctorate at CSUF’s College of Communications Commencement Ceremony on May 22 Longtime NBC Los Angeles journalist and Cal State Fullerton alumna Vikki […]
Updated: Council Majority Approves Controversial Landmark Designation for Ku Klux Klan Collaborator Louis Plummer’s Residence
Update: This is the second house attributed to local KKK collaborator Louis E Plummer. Read the full LA Times article at https://www.latimes.com/socal/daily-pilot/entertainment/story/2025-05-08/louis-plummer-home-fullerton At the city council meeting on May 6, Associate Planner […]
Opinion: Out of My Mind: Pot & Pills Do a Legal & Cultural Do-si-do
How strange and ironic, I thought as I entered a marijuana dispensary for the first time! As a survivor of Berkeley in the 60s, I shouldn’t have needed any guidance from my […]
The Impact of International Rankings and Standardized Testing
President Trump signed an executive order on March 20 to defund the Department of Education. He sought to justify the order by saying it returns educational decisions to the states (states never […]
Young Observers: Early May 2025
From Medieval Japan to Modern Influencers by Tegan, 8th grade The test I take tomorrow in History is the topic I have studied for many weeks. Centuries ago, in medieval Japan, the […]
Opinion: Local Voices Demand Fair Access to News Publications at City Hall
Fullerton residents are expressing frustration following a recent City Council meeting, where a majority vote upheld a policy preventing the distribution of local newspapers, including the Fullerton Observer and Daily Titan, within […]
Opinion: The Quiet Consolidation of Power by Fullerton’s Mayor
Fullerton’s Mayor Fred Jung proposed amendments to the city council rules on May 6, 2025, allowing the mayor to limit how long council members can speak and prohibit “negative commentary” about other […]
Cinco de Mayo Celebration Returns to Lemon Park
During the 1970s and early 80s, Cinco de Mayo celebrations were common annual events at Lemon Park, which celebrated the Mexican army’s victory over the invading French forces in the city of Puebla, Mexico, in 1862. In 1971, Maple Area residents […]
Opinion: A Christian Perspective on the Treatment of the Homeless
The other night, something I heard on the news truly shocked me. The mayor of Lancaster—a self-proclaimed Christian—publicly suggested that we should “purge” our communities of the homeless by giving them free […]
Insights from Fullerton Fire Chief Adam Loeser
Disasters and emergencies can strike at any time, making preparation essential for survival and recovery. Adam Loeser, Fire Chief for the Fullerton Fire Department, has seen firsthand how being prepared can make […]
LA Metro D Line Subway to Temporarily Close for 70 days Beginning May 17 to July 25 to Connect Line with First Section of Planned Subway Extension from Downtown LA to West LA
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) will temporarily suspend service on the entire D Line (Purple) Subway for 70 days, starting Saturday, May 17, through Friday, July 25. This closure […]
The DOWNTOWN Report: Early May 2025
More Music Day of Music is coming up on June 21 and we will have breaking news right after this message from our sponsors. Until then, you can see live music downtown […]
Fullerton’s Opposition to SB 79 Raises Questions about City Council Authority
The City of Fullerton was officially listed as opposing SB 79 in April 2025, a state housing bill aimed at increasing development near transit. But records show the City Council never voted […]
Artists Show Their Pride at Exhibit
Fullerton’s annual Pride event is something the Orange County LGBTQ+ community looks forward to, but the special day has expenses that need to be covered. That’s a challenge that Fullerton resident and […]
Community Comes Together at CSUF Center for Healthy Neighborhoods Health Fair
The CSUF Center for Healthy Neighborhoods successfully hosted a lively Community Health Fair at Richman Park on May 3rd, 2025, drawing residents eager to access free health services and enjoy a day […]
Read the Early May 2025 Fullerton Observer
Click here to read the full early May 2025 issue of the Fullerton Observer
Fullerton City Council to Update Fire Hazard Areas
The Fullerton City Council is set to vote on changes regarding fire safety in Fullerton on May 6th. They will address new maps released by the California Department of Forestry and Fire […]
City Council to Revisit Controversial Resolution on Displaying Materials
At the recent City Council meeting on April 15, 2025, Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shana Charles and Council Member Dr. Ahmad Zahra announced plans to discuss potentially canceling Resolution No. 2025-023 at […]
Fullerton Museum Hosts “Love Blocks Out Hate” Art Exhibit to Support Pride Parade
The Fullerton Museum Center is set to unveil its latest art installation, “Love Blocks Out Hate,” this evening Friday, May 2 at 6:30 PM. The exhibit features nearly 90 unique blocks […]
Fullerton’s Opposition to Senate Bill 79 Sparks Transparency Concerns
The City of Fullerton’s recent letter opposing Senate Bill 79 (SB 79), a key initiative aimed at addressing California’s mounting housing affordability crisis, has ignited questions about transparency and decision-making within the […]
Fullerton Dance Legend Deidre Madrigal Announces Retirement After 55 Years
Beloved and celebrated Fullerton dance teacher Deidre Madrigal is retiring after 55 years. Her studio, The Dance Spot, started in her parent’s garage and grew to roughly 400 students at its height. […]
City Council Updates Athletic Field Use and Allocation Policy
The City Council has approved significant revisions to the Athletic Field Use and Allocation Policy to distribute athletic fields for community use equitably. The new measures clarify documentation deadlines, define violations more […]
Union Pacific Trail Phase II set to break ground in June
To enhance public recreation, the Fullerton City Council has approved a significant construction contract for the much-anticipated Union Pacific Trail – Phase II Project. The contract, valued at $1,845,775.95, has been awarded […]
Fullerton Joint Union High School District is participating in the Seamless Summer Feeding Option
Fullerton Joint Union High School District is participating in the Seamless Summer Feeding Option Program. The following school sites will provide both Breakfast and Lunch (Under the Universal Meal Program) to all […]
Correa Signs Amicus Brief to Safeguard Taxpayer Privacy
Representative Lou Correa (CA-46) has joined an amicus brief supporting a lawsuit against the Trump Administration over its decision to share taxpayers’ IRS information with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The brief […]
