County

PHOENIX — Election officials in Arizona’s most populous county reached an agreement this week on how to jointly oversee the vote, ending a prolonged legal battle.

Republican Maricopa County Recorder Justin Heap sued the predominantly GOP board of supervisors in June 2025, alleging it illegally took control of certain aspects of election administration. The board called the lawsuit frivolous and said Heap was wasting taxpayer money.

They reached a settlement this week to resolve the lawsuit after mediated negotiations, and the board approved it.

“This deal gets us out of the courtroom,” board Chair Kate Brophy McGee, said after Tuesday’s vote. “I’m sick of drama. We are done with being on the front page going forward.”

Heap said his objective was simple: to ensure his office’s statutory responsibilities are carried out lawfully.

“I am pleased we have reached an agreement that, when implemented, will restore those responsibilities and establish a clear framework for administering elections moving forward,” Heap said in a statement jointly released with the board.

Under the agreement, an interim plan proposed by Heap and approved by the Arizona Supreme Court will govern the July 21 primary. Early voting began in late June.

Heap will oversee much of early voting, selection of ballot drop box locations and other duties. The board will handle other areas, including Election Day voting, ballot tabulation and voting location equipment maintenance. The board also will fund a new $15 million information technology system and related positions for the recorder.

Heap was backed in the lawsuit by America First Legal, a conservative public interest group founded by Stephen Miller, a deputy chief of staff in the White House. Heap had claimed the board transferred funding, IT staff and some key functions — including management of drop boxes and establishment of early voting sites — away from his office through an agreement negotiated with his predecessor.

Heap defeated incumbent recorder Stephen Richer, in a GOP primary, and won the 2024 general election.

The two were at odds over election administration in Maricopa County. In the past, Heap has stopped short of repeating false claims that the 2020 and 2022 elections were stolen. But he has said voters don’t trust the state’s voting system and that it is poorly run. Richer, also a Republican, relentlessly defended the legitimacy of the vote.

Supervisor Steve Gallardo, a Democrat, did not vote to approve the settlement and criticized Heap during Tuesday’s board meeting.

“Honestly, I don’t think he wants to have an election that is conducted transparent or even an election that’s not compromised,” Gallardo said. “Now, with this, he owns it.”

Kelety writes for the Associated Press.

The federal government agreed to temporarily hold off on construction of a planned Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Northern California.

The voluntary pause until Sept. 9 comes after the California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta and Santa Clara County officials sued the Trump administration last month to block the facility from being developed near Gilroy. The lawsuit remains ongoing.

“This pause in the construction, demolition, and development at the site of the challenged ICE facility is a significant step towards protecting our people, our communities, and our environment while the case remains ongoing,” Bonta said in a statement Monday night.

The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, didn’t immediately reply to a request for comment.

State and local officials believe the facility will be used for short-term detention of up to 150 people at a time, though ICE denied that it would be a detention center.

Community members and advocates for immigrants swiftly opposed the project. ICE has consistently looked to increase its detention capacity in California, where eight detention centers can now hold a combined 9,000 people, though the state has long been a thorn in the agency’s side.

The halt is part of a compromise between both sides involved in the legal action. After the state and county submitted a request for the court to temporarily halt the project, a hearing was set for Oct. 7.

Now, state and federal officials jointly requested that the court move up the hearing by at least a month. The agreement also extends how much time the federal government has to respond.

A federal judge signed off on the agreement Monday night.

The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in San José, alleges that the leased land is zoned exclusively for agricultural use and that the federal government violated laws requiring state and county notification, as well as procedural steps before beginning construction.

FORGET Cornwall, Suffolk, and Lincolnshire. When it comes to UK holiday counties, one truly has it all.

As a travel writer and devoted local, I’ve explored the country’s top destinations – but nothing beats my home county.

Imagine the coastline and charm of Cornwall, but without the summer crowds.

Devon truly has it all – from the UK’s biggest outdoor waterpark and a stunning National Park to endless coastal paths and top-tier beaches.

And thanks to the Government’s new Great British Summer Savings scheme, spending time in Devon this summer is cheaper than ever.

If you’re planning a staycation, read on for my favourite spots. As a travel writer and a local, I’ve pulled together the ultimate guide to the hidden gems you won’t want to miss.

There are even some of The Sun’s £9.50 holiday parks in here too…

Best pubs

The Drum Inn, Cockington

Nestled in the picture-postcard village of Cockington, The Drum Inn. is a must-visit.

While its giant thatched roof feels like something straight out of a fairy tale, the real magic happens on scorching summer days, as its expansive garden is the ultimate sun trap.

If you need a break from the heat, head inside, where the pub manages to keep its cosy, historic charm alive all year round.

Church House Inn, Marldon

The Church House Inn , set in the village of Marldon, is one of my favourite watering holes.

Steeped in 14th-century history, this award-winning inn is a Devon legend.

It was the first pub in Devon to be listed in the Michelin Pub Guide and has been voted Devon’s Best Country Pub by readers of Devon Life magazine.

While it has a pristine beer garden ideal for soaking up the sun while sipping on a spritz. You can also get cosy and enjoy a roast by the fire in the winter.

Court Farm Inn, Abbotskerswell

The Court Farm Inn in Abbotskerswell has to hands down be one of the prettiest pubs in Devon.

The boozer used to be a farmhouse, built back in the 16th century.

Today, you still see exposed stone walls inside.

Make sure to grab one of the local ciders and head to the garden to enjoy the architecture even more.

The Thatch, Croyde

On a day trip or staycation in Croyde (see beaches section), make sure to drop into The Thatch, which boasts a rather impressive 2,000 four and five-star reviews.

The pub sells both classic dishes and dishes with a twist, and makes for the perfect spot after a day at the beach.

Samuel Jones, Exeter

When exploring the city of Exeter, head into the Samuel Jones pub which sits on the edge of Exeter Quay.

The slightly more industrial-style pub is a great spot for enjoying a pint and either watching sports games on big screens or the swans swimming outside.

The Highwayman Inn, Sourton

The Highwayman Inn is located near Sourton, on the edge of Dartmoor National Park.

often dubbed Britain’s most quirky watering hole, – it has a horse-drawn carriage for a front door and is home to a sunken galleon.

The pub, which was first built in 1282, features a Tudor-style exterior and on the inside hosts a fairy tale pumpkin house and a fire breathing dragon.

Inside the hallways are covered in an array of eclectic artefacts and objects, collected over several decades by former landlord Buster Jones.

Oh.. and it’s meant to be haunted too.

Old Fire House, Exeter

In the city centre you should pay a visit to the Old Fire House pub which used to be a 19th century fire station.

You can expect an original vaulted wooden-beamed ceiling and exposed stone walls.

And it hosts great late-night events with oversized 14-inch square pizzas.

Best hotels and holiday parks

Hotel Indigo, Torquay

Hotel Indigo Torquay by IHG is one of the newest hotels on the English Riviera and cost £23million to develop.

Having recently stayed, it is easily in the best location to explore the English Riviera.

The hotel itself looks like a giant cruise ship and sits just across the road from the beach.

Inside the hotel is super stylish, with a modern Art Deco luxury vibe.

Make sure to head to the rooftop bar if you are staying there, with amazing views across the sea and coast.

A standard king-size room for two people including breakfast starts from £83 per night.

Golden Coast Holiday Park, Woolacombe

Woolacombe is a great spot for a family staycation thanks to its expansive beach.

And Golden Coast Leisure Park, which is just five minutes from the beach is a top spot to stay at.

At the holiday park there are high ropes, a climbing wall, adventure golf, go-karts and a whole host of other activities.

If you want to test your surfing abilities, there is even the Wave Surfer.

And running until August 10, you can even book the holiday park with The Sun’s Hols from £9.50 – sign up by joining Sun Club for £1.99 per month, then go to the Sun Club Offers hub and find the Hols from £9.50 page.

Best walks

South West Coast Path

Growing up halfway between the coast and the countryside, I’ve never struggled to find a spectacular walk.

The South West Coast Path – which recently featured in The Salt Path film – can fill an entire day out with tonnes of beautiful beaches to explore.

While some of the path is rocky, most is accessible and one of my favourite things to do is drop in and out of the path to explore different parts of the coast at a time.

Dartmoor National Park

Despite all the incredible beaches Dartmoor National Park is always my preferred spot for a walk.

You could visit hundreds of times (which I have) and never experience the same walk twice.

For an easier or more accessible walk, head to Haytor – it takes about 10 minutes up to the rocks from the lower car park (where you’ll also find a visitor centre) or a few minutes from the smaller, higher car park.

For something more challenging, venture away from the roads and you’ll find stone circles and the abandoned ruins of ancient villages.

Note – if you do venture away from the roads, you should be a confident hiker as the terrain is rough and unpredictable.

But there are also many small car parks on the roads with quick walks to nearby Tors.

Make sure to keep an eye out for the famous Dartmoor Ponies as well.

The best villages & towns

Cockington

Cockington in Torquay was recently named one of the prettiest places for a day trip or staycation in the UK this summer by The Independent.

The publication dubbed it a “chocolate-box village” and said the “old thatched cottages, rural countryside and Cockington Court manor house are sure to charm”.

I always head here in the summer and enjoy looking at the pretty cottages and pristine gardens.

It is only a five minute drive from the seafront as well.

Sat at the crossroads in the middle of the village you’ll find a low-roof thatched cottage selling traditional horse brasses – an item that links to Cockington’s long history as a blacksmith’s forge.

Opposite is Sanctuary Coffee – a small coffee shop that also sells gifts and doggy items, from adorable bandanas to handcrafted toys.

And for my fave spot, head to Weavers Cottage Tea Garden, which sells the best afternoon teas around.

A cream tea costs £7.95 for a fruit or plain scone, with strawberry or handmade raspberry jam and a pot of tea.

Then if you want a cheese tea, this costs £8.45 and you get a choice of cheddar or cream cheese to go with it, as well as either chilli jam or red onion chutney – or without the tea it costs £5.50.

Just remember the golden rule of a Devonshire cream tea is to pop the cream on the scone first, then the jam.

There’s also a visitor centre where you can learn about the history of the village and Cockington Court, which is full of local makers selling everything from baked cakes, jewellery and handmade lamps.

Totnes

Totnes in south Devon is a pretty market town that is full of independent shops and cafes, a thriving market and a motte-and-bailey castle.

Wander up the high street and you will find multiple bookshops, charity shops with great finds, cosy cafes and pubs and a tonne of unique homewares shops.

There’s also Totnes Castle, which is one of the best preserved Norman motte-and-bailey castles in the UK.

Don’t miss the market on a Friday and Saturday either – it brings the town to life with antiques stalls, rug makers, food vendors and more.

Topsham

Topsham is like stepping into a village straight out of Harry Potter, but with a Dutch nod.

Every corner of the town is full of charm and is the ideal place for those who love hunting for antiques.

For example, there’s Quay Antiques which is a huge warehouse with 65 antiques sellers spread across three floors.

The town used to be involved heavily in the wool trade during the late 17th and early 18th centuries and houses along Topsham’s Strand look like Dutch merchant houses.

Babbacombe

Between Dawlish and Torquay, make sure to head to Babbacombe.

Often overshadowed by its more popular neighbours on the English Riviera, Babbacombe used to be a fishing village and today remains a quaint town.

Below the town’s cliffs you’ll find Babbacombe Beach, which boasts shingle and calm waters.

Babbacombe Downs sits above the beach and has a promenade which is thought to be the highest in England.

You can also head to Oddicombe Beach, by hopping on the Babbacombe Cliff Railway, which has been operating for a century.

As a kid, I loved heading on the 200-metre cliff railway that feels like you’re stepping back in time.

Biggest Attractions

Kents Cavern

Explore caves that date back millions of years in Kents Cavern.

Inside the caves, you can learn about their history and even their early inhabitants including woolly mammoths.

And you can sneak a peak at bones discovered in the caves as well.

The best part of the tour? When the guide blows the candle out to reveal just how dark the caves are…

Tickets cost from £21.50 per person.

Crealy Theme Park

Just outside of Exeter, make sure to head to Crealy Theme Park which has over 60 rides and attractions.

My personal favourite is Tidal Wave Log Flume – but be warned you’ll get soaked.

There are also animals to meet and shows to enjoy at the park.

For when the weather isn’t great, you can head indoors for a number of play areas as well.

And to make this summer even better, there is a new ride opening on July 31 called Rotor which will be the South West’s first inverted ride.

Tickets cost £18 per person.

Woodlands Family Theme Park

Woodlands is the largest family theme park in the South West of England, stretching across 100 acres.

And despite having been 20 plus times, I never got bored of the attraction.

Do you know what is even better? The theme park is great whatever the weather.

Inside you will find a number of play areas including a giant soft play for little ones.

Then outside you can expect water coasters, toboggan runs and toddlers’ rides.

My favourite part was always the barn where you could meet farm animals up close.

Tickets cost from £20 per adult and £15 per child.

The Big Sheep

In North Devon, head to The BIG Sheep which is an animal-themed family amusement park, near Bideford.

You can expect funny live shows and large indoor play areas.

The best part is of course, as the name suggests, the sheep sheep racing, live shearing and lamb bottle-feeding – which I can confirm is one of the cutest activities for kids.

For those who like to have their adrenaline pumping, jump on Rampage Rollercoaster which is North Devon’s biggest rollercoaster.

Tickets cost from £14.95.

The Milky Way Adventure Park

The Milky Way Adventure Park near Bideford, also has a great mix of indoor and outdoor attractions.

The theme park boasts a number of outer space-themed rides, including The Cosmic Typhoon rollercoaster which spins around.

There is an interactive play area too called Ziggy’s Blast Quest, which is a laser-shooting ride.

Tickets cost from £17.46 per person.

Splashdown Quaywest

One of my favourite summer days out on the south coast of Devon is at the UK’s biggest outdoor waterpark – Splashdown Quaywest Waterpark.

The waterpark sits on Goodrington Sands Beach in Paignton and is home to 11 slides as well as a giant pirate-themed water playground, which is perfect for kids under 12-years-old.

Shipwreck Island has seven smaller slides, tipping buckets and interactive water features such as spray arms.

Tickets cost from £27.15 per person.

RHS Rosemoor

Who doesn’t love exploring a pretty garden in bloom?

RHS Garden Rosemoor in North Devon is spread across 65 acres, between Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks.

These are 250 different rose varieties in the gardens, as well as the exotic garden which feels more like a jungle.

There is a canopy walk too, with a stream running through it.

Tickets cost from £15.70 per adult and £6 per child.

Free things to do

House of Marbles

The House of Marbles near Bovey Tracey is a great rainy day out.

The visitor attraction is actually at a toy manufacturer that was founded back in the 70s.

Inside, there are traditional board games, glass marbles, classic toys and workshops.

As a little girl I always enjoyed watching the marbles run around different tracks including one of the largest marble runs in the UK.

And you can spend endless time in the four museums which showcase the history of marbles, board games and glassworks.

There’s a great gift shop and an outdoor play area too.

Haldon Forest Park

For more outdoorsy families, Haldon Forest Park is a must.

Around 15 minutes from Exeter, Haldon Forest feels like being somewhere in Europe.

The forest is home to a tonne of trails to explore, among the towering trees.

Lots of the trails are for cycling too and you don’t need to bring your own bike either – you can just hire one.

For those more adventurous there’s also Go Ape courses, play areas and picnic spots.

The Donkey Sanctuary

Who doesn’t think a donkey is cute? And what is cuter than a load of rescued donkeys?

216 in total, to be precise…

Found in the countryside near Sidmouth, the sanctuary makes for a wholesome day out.

After meeting the resident donkeys, you can explore the gardens or head to informative talks.

There is of course a shop and a cafe too.

Geoplay Park

Right on Paignton Seafront, you can head to Geoplay Park, with climbing frames, trampolines, a climbing net and sand and water play areas.

There are a number of picnic benches scattered around too for parents to sit back and keep an eye on their little ones play.

And in addition to being next to the beach, the pier is just over the road for more free fun with lots of 2p slot machines.

Decoy Country Park

In the town of Newton Abbot, you’ll find Decoy Country Park which is a Green Flag awarded nature reserve.

In the middle of the reserve is a huge lake, that used to be a clay quarry and has a depth of 33 metres at its deepest point.

There is a circular walk around the lake which is nice and shady so ideal for hot summer days.

And if you then want to cool off even more, head kayaking on the lake (and enjoy knocking people into the water).

There is also a large playground at the park with ziplines and a splash pad.

And then for older kids, there are a number of BMX tracks to venture off on.

Fossil Hunting

Devon is home to some brilliant spots for fossil hunting thanks to its dramatic coastline.

And one free activity I loved growing up (and admittedly still do now) is fossil hunting.

There are several spots that are well-known for it in the region including Hopes Nose, Croyde Bay, Daddy Hole.

I would recommend checking out ukfossils.co.uk for some great guides on the best spots and what they have to offer.

Lidos

Teignmouth Lido

Recently saved from possible closure, Teignmouth Lido is a great addition to a day trip in the town of Teignmouth.

The lido is surrounded by a patio and grass area ideal for sunbathing and picnics.

The pool measures 25-metres-long and between May and September there are usually a whole host of events on.

If you just fancy a dip, then a two hour block costs £8.40 per adult and £5.40 per child.

Though you can also get a full-day swim pass costing £15.10 per adult and £9.70 per child.

Tinside Lido, Plymouth

Tinside Lido originally opened back in 1935 and is a Grade II-listed Art Deco.

And recently a number of spaces have been refreshed at the lido, including the sun terrace, which now has a café pod and a pop-up event space.

The pool overlooks the sea too and is right by Plymouth Ho making it the ideal end to a day exploring the city.

Beaches

Bantham Beach

When it comes to surfing spots in the county, there aren’t many destinations that are better than Bantham Beach.

Found in the South Hams, the beach is great for both families and budding watersports enthusiasts.

You won’t need to bring your own board either, as you can book lessons and hire boards at the Bantham Surfing Academy.

I’ve been to the beach many times for its waves, and failed many times at managing to stay on my board – but that’s all part of the fun.

The beach also has all the facilities you’d need for a great day out, including cafes and restaurants.

You can even make a trip across to Burgh Island via a sea tractor.

Budleigh Salterton

Budleigh Salterton Beach stretches over 2.5miles long and thanks to being a pebble beach, it has its very own sound as the waves crash against the stones.

It also marks the end of the UNESCO Jurassic Coast in East Devon.

As a result, this has long been a favourite of mine for walks thanks to the dramatic red cliffs and traditional charm.

Sidmouth Beach

Sidmouth Beach is a great option for families, thanks to its long esplanade and watersports activities.

Oh, and the fossil hunting!

At the western end of the beach you’ll find sand which is a great spot for children wanting to play.

Don’t miss the wooden steps from the beach to Connaught Gardens either – they will make you feel as if you have stepped back in time.

Croyde Beach

If you didn’t already have enough spots to head to for a good surf session, then add Croyde to that list.

The sandy beach has great waves that bodyboarders and surfers love – and trust me, part of the fun is falling off.

Around the beach you can venture through the sand dunes as well and explore some of the nearby surfing shops.

Saunton Sands

Beaches don’t get much more spectacular than Saunton Sands – which stretches for over 3.5miles.

Once again, it is another great spot for surfing, but is also dog friendly, so your pooch can have fun too.

It is well-worth extending your time at the beach as well by staying in one of the onsite Saunton Beach Villas which cost from £71 a night.

Woolacombe Beach

Woolacombe is my top pick for families, without a doubt.

The golden sand beach is right by a number of holiday parks, so makes for the ideal staycation.

In fact, there are some you can stay at in Golden Coast Holiday Park from just £9.50 (see hotels and holiday parks section).

As for things to do at the beach, you are spoilt for choice – the flat sand is great for walks and running around alike, as well as building sand castles and you can also have a go at bodyboarding or surfing with one of the local schools that offer lessons.

Torre Abbey Sands

Whilst I do normally avoid this beach in the summer, due to the flocks of families, there is no denying it is great.

The large sandy beach is usually really flat and is right by the road which makes it a great place for being near the car as well as other facilities like restaurants and loos.

Often, you’ll find a local sand artist drawing in the sand, creating some amazing image which can be viewed from the pedestrian bridge overhanging the beach.

Make sure to walk around from the beach to Pier Point to grab some fish and chips, which have previously been awarded the best in the UK.

Preston Sands

Preston Sands is great for those who love beaches with softer sand and spectacular views.

From the beach you can look across the English Riviera bay, which comes alive at night with glowing multi-coloured lights along the promenade.

The beach has colourful beach huts – great for photos.

And make sure to check out the rock pools, where you will often see little fish and crabs.

Anstey’s Cove

Popular with the famous crime author, Agatha Christie, Anstey’s Cove is a spot that most people have no clue exists.

Hidden behind the now abandoned Living Coasts, the small cove features a mix of pebbles and sand but boasts a tonne of history.

It actually used to be the preferred spot for crime writer Agatha Christie to head on a sunny day.

She even once nearly drowned at the beach.

Around the beach you will also find recently installed information boards that tell you about the history, but also the ecology of the area.

Elberry Cove

My absolute favourite beach is Elberry Cove – it often feels as if it has been plucked from a Greek island instead of England’s southern coast.

It’s between Paignton and Brixham and isn’t the biggest of beaches.

It also features pebbles so make sure to bring a chair with you.

There are crystal clear water, with views of a tropical-looking forest on one side and towering cliffs on the other.

The secluded spot doesn’t really get busy, which always surprises me as it has been popular historically.

At the end of the beach you’ll find its main curiosity – a ruined bath house, that used to be three stories tall and was used by Lord Churston in the 18th century.

The sea would freely wash in and out of the ground floor, which allowed the Lord to swim directly into the sea.

It later then featured the early version of the hot tub, with the seawater being heated by a fire.

Brixham Breakwater Beach

While Brixham Breakwater Beach isn’t huge, it is one of the best spots for a beach walk in the county as you often get to see seals playing in the sea.

The breakwater itself has amazing views of the bay and town as well.

This spot also has a blue flag for cleanliness.

Take a wander back to the harbour and you can see a replica of the famous Golden Hinde boat.

Quirky things

Babbacombe Model Village

Babbacombe Model Village is over 60 years old, spread across four acres and boasts hundreds of scenes depicting British life.

From iconic landmarks we know and love, to slightly more tongue-in-cheek scenes, there is something for everyone to see.

One scene is an ‘unaffordable housing development’ and then there’s also a celebrity mansion with the Mutant Ninja Turtles and The Incredibles family playing in the garden.

Included in your admission ticket, you can also watch a film in the attraction’s 4D cinema.

Tickets cost £21.95 per adult and £17.95 per child.

Local Loves & Hidden Gems

Gandy Street, Exeter

J.K.Rowling went to Exeter University, and for years many thought this quaint, cobbled street off of the high street was the inspiration behind Diagon Alley in Harry Potter, sadly the famous author has denied it.

But for me, it remains the most Harry Potter Diagon Alley-style spot I’ve ever seen.

There are some vintage shops to spend some hard-earned cash, as well as great gift shops and cosy restaurants.

Castle Drogo

Sat on the edge of Dartmoor, Castle Drogo is famously the last castle built in England in the 1930s.

It doesn’t look like your usual old stone castle, but instead blends both old and new architecture.

You’ll not see anything else quite like it.

It costs from £9 per child and £18 per adult to visit.

Royal William Yard

Once a 19th century Royal Naval depot, Royal William Yard is now a bustling 16-acre waterfront attraction thanks to years of refurbs and new openings.

You’ll find amazing independent shops and restaurants, galleries, bars, a cinema and of course, the marina.

It is a great place to explore thanks to having Europe’s largest collection of historic military buildings and just marvel at the architecture with a cuppa in hand.

Round Robin Experience

Without fail, if you spend money on one experience in Devon, make it the Round Robin.

Admittedly, it is not the cheapest – and adult ticket costs £43 and a child ticket costs £27.50 – but it is the best way to see pretty Devon town.

Starting on a bus trip from Paignton, you’ll head to Totnes where you then head on an hour-and-a-half cruise to Dartmouth, before hopping on a five-minute ferry to Kingswear.

Then for the final part you’ll jump on a 30minute steam train back to Paignton.

Across the journey you’ll see pretty towns and villages, see the countryside, spot wildlife and have a chance to explore.

Greenway House

Agatha Christie – who was also a born and bred Devonian – has left her mark across Devon.

And one top spot to see associated with the famous crime writer is her holiday home, Greenway House – which she dubbed “the loveliest place in the world”.

Sat on a riverbank in Kingswear, the home is full of items she used to cherish from both her childhood and travels.

Tickets cost from £9 per child and £18 per adult.

WHILE Hertfordshire might not have beaches or be as famous as the Cotswolds, it has some fantastic hidden spots that are worth a visit.

So we’ve pooled all our expert knowledge – from three of the Sun’s Travel team who have lived there all their lives – for our favourite spots, from the best pubs to award-winning attractions.

Best pubs

Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, St Albans

“On a hot day in St Albans, this is undoubtedly the place to head.

“The garden of this pub – which claims to be the oldest in Britain – backs onto the leafy Verulamium Park.

“On a quiet day you can hear the flowing water of the River Ver, one of few remaining chalk streams left in the UK.

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“Legend has it that there’s a hidden network of old tunnels that sit beneath this pub leading up to the cathedral on the hill – supposedly the monks of yesteryear would use them to sneak through.” Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski

The Sword Inn Hand, Westmill

“I’m lucky enough to have this pub right on my doorstep and I tend to stop in for a refreshing drink after a very long dog walk around the rolling fields that surround Westmill.

“The Sword Inn Hand has been a pub for over 200 years – and last year it was awarded the title of ‘Best pub’ in Hertfordshire by The Telegraph.

“Outside is a pretty patio area with wisteria that blooms in late spring and a grape vine canopy, as well a grassy area with picnic tables that look over the neighbouring farm.

“I struggle to find anywhere better to enjoy a glass of rosé.” – Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill

The Boot, St Albans

“This Grade-II listed boozer is small, wonky and wonderfully charming. Sat at the edge of the cobblestone high street, next to the clock tower, pints flow all weekend and picnic tables spill out into the streets on sunny days.

“It’s slap bang in the city centre and hosts a mix of locals as well as passersby who have wandered in after browsing the Saturday market stalls.

“Make sure to stay for food – the Mexican themed menu of beef shin tacos and salsa tots keeps the regulars coming back week after week.” – Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski

The Plough, Elstree

“The Plough in Elstree has just reopened after a multi-million pound refit. The pub has a huge garden with views over the countryside and offers all-day dining and drinking.

“There’s all the classics on the menu for the bar and beer garden from beef and ale pie to smashed burgers.

“The newly-created Stables restaurant is coming soon – offering elevated classics and seasonal specialities.

“There’s also a newly-renamed bar area paying tribute to one of its most famous customers.

“Alfred Hitchcock declared it his favourite watering hole while filming at the nearby British International Pictures studios in the 1930s and the newly refurbished space has lots of film compromises.” – Head of Sun Travel, Lisa Minot

The Silver Cup, Harpenden

“Foodies will want to make a beeline for the Silver Cup, voted one of the best gastropubs in the country and with a place in the Michelin guide for its hearty British grub.

“This family-run joint has a friendly atmosphere and serves a mighty fine roast dinner.

“Sunday dishes include lamb merguez scotch eggs served with sriracha yoghurt and impossibly juicy meats piled next to salt baked carrots, Yorkshire puds and duck fat potatoes.

“The head chef has spent his time in some of the UK’s top kitchens like Auberge du Lac.” – Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski

The Waterside Inn, Ware

“I love the High Street in Ware, it’s peppered with independent shops and coffee spots.

“And the best bit is that when you get to the end of it, you’ve reached The Waterside Inn.

“The pretty pub sits on the river and has a huge outdoor seating area with plenty of tables and fairy lights to add ambience in the summer evenings.

“You might even see a swan or two bob past while enjoying a pint or glass of wine.

“They don’t scrimp on food either, you can pick up a full English breakfast for less than a tenner (which isn’t bad in this day and age).

“There’s also lots of lunch options, Sunday roasts, simple options for the kids. And don’t forget to bring the pooch along as it’s a dog-friendly spot too.” – Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill

Best Hotels

Hanbury Manor, Ware

“Live your best Bridgerton life with a stay at the classic country house hotel, Hanbury Manor.

“This late-Victorian country house was built in grand Jacobean style and sits within 200 acres of Hertfordshire countryside.

“Inside, it’s period drama heaven with towering wood-panelled libraries, open fireplaces and stone archways.

“Guests prefer rooms in the main house over the modern wings, with high ceilings, four- poster beds and views of the Jack Nicklaus championship 18-hole golf course.

“The full-English buffet breakfast is a crowd pleaser, served in the manor’s formal, sun-drenched ground floor rooms.” – Head of Sun Travel, Lisa Minot

Tewinbury Farm Hotel, Tewin

“Tucked away in the leafy village of Tewin, this sprawling hotel feels a very much like a countryside members club.

“It’s spread across a staggering 700 acres with a number of rooms in the converted farm buildings at the main hub, while a short drive away you’ll find a set of lakeside lodges with individual jetties that lead out onto the water.

“There’s also a huge house that can be hired for weekends or weddings.

“Tewinbury is so much more than just a bed for the night, though. The whole hotel is a hive of activity: movie nights in one of the barns, pop-up dinner parties at the on-site allotment where a chef whips up a barbecue feast of freshly plucked veggies and local meat.

“Make sure to check out the on-site farm shop too, selling homemade local treats and titbits.

“And don’t forget to pick up a map from reception highlighting all the great walking routes on your doorstep.” – Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski

Sopwell House, St Albans

“The spas are undeniably the highlight of this glamorous hotel, buried in St Albans countryside.

“There are two in total: Cottonmill Spa, which anyone staying at the hotel can access, and The Club at Cottonmill, which is for members-only or hotel guests staying in Corner, Mansion House, or Mews Suites as well as those on special spa breaks.

“Order a cocktail to your outside pool lounger or sweat it out in the panoramic sauna which has floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking trees.

“As for the hotel, it’s a rather fancy spot – so rooms come with a premium price tag.

“That doesn’t mean they’re not worth it, though. All have an elevated countryside feel to them with crisp white linens and glossy tiles in the bathroom.

“There’s an on-site brasserie, a few bars and a pan-Asian restaurant – try the miso-glazed black cod.” – Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski

Best walks

Buntingford

“Hertfordshire is a county that lends itself to countryside walks – they are anywhere and everywhere.

“Spending my teen years and early 20s living in Buntingford, I spent a lot of my time trudging over fields walking the dog.

“One of my favourite routes is across the rolling fields between Buntingford, Aspenden and Westmill.

“It’s a long trek, but worth it for its incredible views – not to mention the tearooms and pubs you find along the way.

“Some of the best time of year to take it on is spring when the fields are filled with sweet little lambs.” – Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill

Tring

“There are some stunning loops around the charming market town of Tring and up into the Chiltern Hills.

“Make your way from the main hub or train station, past the rows of old Tudor houses in the village of Aldbury, and across the fields leading up to Ivinghoe Beacon.

“The view from up here is pretty spectacular and if you’ve already ticked off Warner Bros Studio Tour here’s another Harry Potter string to add to your bow.

“This grassy hill was used as a filming location in the Goblet of Fire movie – eagle-eyed fans will recognise it as the location of the portkey (a boot) for the Quidditch World Cup.

“There are plenty of interconnecting trails so you can adjust your hike to your ability level.

“Make sure to reward your efforts with a slap up pub dinner in town – The Greyhound Inn does an excellent roast.” – Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski

Therfield Heath, Royston

“Growing up in the area, Royston is ideal for a long walk with its grassy hills (which are wicked to slide down in the sledge when it snows).

“There are woodlands too and a lots of pathways which guide walkers around the area and more importantly, around the golf course.

“At the end, head to The Heath Cafe Bar for a drink, snack or even a tasty lunch.” – Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill

Best tiny villages

Letchmore Heath, Watford

“The picture-perfect village of Letchmore Heath is a great spot for a lovely lunch after a walk around nearby Aldenham Country Park with its walking trails and petting farm featuring cows, goats, sheep and alpacas.

“The village green with its traditional duck pond surrounded by timber-framed cottages may look familiar to film fans.

“With Elstree Studios not far away, it was used as a set in many a film including the 1960 sci-fi horror classic Village of the Damned and as a backdrop to the classic BBC romantic comedy As Time Goes By, starring Dame Judi Dench.

“And that isn’t the village’s only celebrity link. On the edge of the village sits Bhaktivedanta Manor, a spectacular 78-acre estate with mock-Tudor manor house that was bought by Beatle George Harrison and gifted to the Hare Krishna movement.

“Today, it’s one of the most prominent Hindu temples in the UK and welcomes tourists to admire the beautiful gardens, organic farm and peaceful George Harrison Memorial Garden.

“Don’t miss a meal at the one village pub, the Three Horseshoes. It’s recently had a huge revamp and serves elevated modern British pub food right on the village green.” – Head of Sun Travel, Lisa Minot

St Pauls Walden, Hitchin

“So tiny and unassuming, not many locals know about St Paul’s Walden unless they accidentally stumble upon it.

“The village has just one pub – luckily it’s a really good one – serving typical British pub fare in a fuss-free setting, overlooking some fields. Make sure to try the beers on tap as this spot currently holds the Eric Watson Award for Services to Real Ale.

“The crown jewel of the village, however, is undoubtedly St Paul’s Walden Bury, a grand stately home nestled among flowering shrubs and ancient trees.

“This grand 18th century property was the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother and features the most pristine gardens which sre open to the public on certain days of the week (£8 entry).

“Sprawling across 50 acres, with woodland walking trails aplenty, the grounds could easily be the setting for a whimsical fairytale thanks to the vine draped pergolas and rustic statues dotted about the place” – Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski

Panshanger Park, Hertford

“This 1,000 acre green space is ideal for those who want to walk on the quiet side. There are tranquil river walks along the Mimram – one of Hertfordshire’s rare chalk rivers.

“Stroll under  ancient oak trees- keep an eye out for the Panshanger Great Oak, believed to be the oldest oak tree in England.

“There are a variety of wildlife trails and interpretation boards along the way that tell you more about the local habitat.” – Head of Sun Travel, Lisa Minot

Graveley, Hitchin

“Most visitors will likely drive through the quaint village of Graveley if they’re going between Hitchin and Stevenage.

“But it’s important to stop and take a walkabout because it really is beautiful.

“Tucked behind the Waggon & Horses pub – which serve up a mean roast dinner and tasty lunches, is the village pond.

“It’s quiet and the pond is surrounded by pretty stone houses and cosy cottages with pretty flower gardens.

“There’s not much to do here other than enjoy the scenery and take a stroll, but isn’t that what village life is all about?” – Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill

Knebworth, Stevenage

“The ancestral home of the Lytton family, Knebworth has been known in more modern times for its A-lister concerts and Hollywood filming.

“The relatively modest red-brick Tudor manor which welcomed Queen Elizabeth I as a guest was transformed in the 1840s by Edward Bulwer-Lytton into a spectacular Gothic fantasy castle bristling with spires, dorms and stone gargoyles.

“Thanks to its dramatic architecture, it has featured in many blockbuster movies including Batman, Beauty & The Beast, The King’s Speech and The Mummy Returns.

“And of course, the sprawling grounds have hosted some legendary pop gigs, including Led Zeppelin’s final UK show, Queen’s final live concert with Freddie Mercury and Robbie Williams playing to a record-breaking 375,000 fans over one weekend.

“For day trippers, there’s so much to see and do. Families can brave the Dinosaur Trail deep within the Wilderness Gardeen with its 72 life-siuze prehistoric creatures.

“Right next door is Fort Knebworth, a gargantuan adventure playground with slides, zip wires and splash zones.” – Head of Sun Travel, Lisa Minot

Ashwell

“Being right on the cusp of Cambridgeshire, I often forget that the village of Ashwell is actually in North Hertfordshire.

“It’s the perfect spot for a family day trip, thanks to the springs, old-school bakery, pretty pastel cottages, half-timbered houses and enormous church in the middle of town.

“The springs are one of the most popular spots in the summer months where you’ll see kids in their wellies hopping in and out of the freshwater.

“There are stepping stones across the banks if you don’t want to get your feet wet, but lots fall victim to slipping on the algae and tumbling in – something I have had first-hand experience of.

“A trip to the village isn’t complete without stopping into the local bakery, the Days of Ashwell – founded in 1741 it’s where you can pick up pastries, cakes, sausages rolls and freshly made sandwiches.” – Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill

Biggest Attractions

Hitchin & Letchworth Lido

“When the weather heats up – like it did in June of this year – we all need a place to cool down. And where better than the local lido?

“There are only four in Hertfordshire, but I’m lucky that two are very close to me, and 10-minutes from each other.

“Both Hitchin and Letchworth Lido are huge outdoor swimming pools with both lane and fun sessions throughout the day.

“Around the pools are sunloungers too and Letchworth has a grassy area where lots pack a picnic for their session and sunbathe too.

“Tickets aren’t overly expensive either at around £8 each and £4 for children.”

“While these are my local lidos, there are two others in Hertfordshire, Ware Priory and another in Hemel Hempstead.” – Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill

Warner Bros Studio Tour, Watford 

“The Warner Bros Studio Tour in Leavesden gets bigger and better every year.

“The attraction is currently celebrating a staggering 25 years since the first Harry Potter movie was released and it’s the BEST place in the UK for fans of the wizarding franchise to soak up some early Hogwarts nostalgia.

“Even if you’re not into the books or films, it’s hard not to be blown away by some behind-the-scenes magic.

“On top of admiring the old sets, visitors can jump on a broomstick in front of a green screen to capture a video of them soaring through the skies just like Potter himself.

“And they can wander through the Hogwarts Express, stop by the canteen for a foam-topped butterbeer or even step on board the knight bus.

“The gift shop is every kid’s dream with actual Chocolate Frogs and Bertie Botts Every-flavour Beans for sale as well as wizarding cloaks and wands.” Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski

Hitchin Lavender, Hitchin

“In the springtime, there’s one field on the outskirts of Hitchin that turns a vibrant purple.

“I’m lucky enough to see the vibrant violet colours from the train window on my commute home throughout the week.

“The attraction is so beautiful that it’s even been compared to looking like Provence in France.

“It’s popular with Instagrammers of course, and while I am a tad judgey, I don’t think there’s a single person that walks through the flowers without taking advantage of the photo-perfect spot.” – Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill

Free things to do

Splashlands, Welwyn Garden City

“Part of the award-winning Stanborough Park, this fabulous free attraction is perfect for those sun-soaked days in the school holidays.

“With wet and dry play areas, it’s the water fun that scores highly. A paddling river meanders through a splash pad and water play area with 67 jets that shoot up to 1.5metres in the air with pads that activate water sprays when they are jumped on.

“For non-water fun there’s a nautical-themed adventure playground with a large pirate ship and play equipment for children of all ages.

“There’s a small kiosk serving hot and cold drinks, snacks and ice creams as well as changing facilities.” – Head of Sun Travel, Lisa Minot

St Albans Cathedral Tour

“St Albans Cathedral is a truly remarkable piece of architecture that doesn’t cost a penny to visit.

“You can also book onto a free guided tour where you’ll learn about its fascinating history in depth and its strong links to the Roman era.

“Did you know that it is the only cathedral tower in England to be built using Roman bricks? Or that it was the home of Britain’s first ever saint (whose shrine can still be seen today)?

“Make sure to pop by the on site cafe too, where head chef Graca is continually baking up a storm.

“Visit around Easter time to get your hands on the first ever hot cross bun – the modern day chefs whip up batches in their hundreds using the original recipe founded by a monk in this very cathedral.” – Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski

Quirky things

Royston Cave, Royston

“Royston Cave isn’t a place that you just stumble upon, but growing up there every local knows about it.

“It’s a place most people my age went on a school trip in primary school and is worth a visit if you’re into history.

“The cave was discovered by accident in the 1700s during the instillation of a bench, when locals explore it they later found lots of markings and drawings etched into the walls – which are still there today.

“You can book a tour or learn more about it at the Royston Museum which is a short walk up the road.” – Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill

BattleKart London, Saint Albans

“For any amateur racers, BattleKart in St Albans really puts driving skills to the test.

“It beats heading to the pub with your mates as you can actually get into a go-kart and race them around the track.

“There are six courses to choose from too so you can go back time and time again for something new.

“They have different themes too from Saturday night fever to jungle – and you can even play virtual pool and football from the go-kart too.

“Games start from £20 during the week and £25 during the weekend each lasting 15-minutes.” – Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill

Elstree Aerodrome Cafe, Elstree

“This unique spot is perfect for those who love a bit of plane-spotting.

“The Elstree Aerodrome Cafe as it suggests in the name, sits right next to Elstree Aerodrome.

“It’s open seven days a week serving up breakfasts, lunches and snacks all with an epic view of the airfield so you can watch planes take off and land over a full English.” – Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill

Scott’s Grotto, Ware

“You might expect to find shell-covered grottos near the sea – that would make sense.

“But the largest is actually in Ware – it’s described as an ’18th century chamber’ and is covered in thousands of shells, flints and coloured glass.

“It’s cheap to enter too – adults for £2 and children go free.” – Travel Reporter, Alice Penwill

Local Loves & Hidden Gems

The Glasshouse at the Grove, Watford

“This swish five-star hotel is home to the UK’s fanciest buffet – so come with an appetite and wear your stretchy pants.

“Within its Glasshouse restaurant you’ll find an almighty spread that has to be seen to be believed. This is no ordinary assortment of  delights, however.

“There’s caviar, lobsters, and a mighty carvery section of juicy meats as well as wood fired pizza and salads that you’ll actually want to eat as opposed to piles of limp lettuce leaves.

“None of the food is average or tastes mass produced either – delicate sushi is hand-rolled in the kitchen, while the homemade pasta is as fresh as it gets.

“There’s plenty for those with dietary requirements, too, and don’t get us started on the dessert section. Let’s just say, you should make sure to save room for the chocolate fountain and scoops of ice cream.

“The buffet costs from £74 mid week and from £94 at the weekend.” – Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski

The Eastern Brasserie, Borehamwood 

“The Eastern Brasserie has been serving up authentic Indian cuisine in Elstree village since the mid-1980s.

“While the interior may not have changed since – think booths with pink velvet upholstery and old school chintzy tableware – the food has kept locals returning for decades.

“It’s my go-to for a takeaway as the food is always hot, fresh and well-flavoured without the processed ingredients you get in other Indian takeaways.

“But look past the decor and eat in and the food is taken to another level, arriving at your table on sizzling hot platters. My favourites are the King Prawn Puri – fresh, plump seafood in a flavourful tomato sauce accompanied by the fluffiest of puri (£4.65).

“And for mains, the Vegetable Thali (£12.95) is enough to feed two. I go for that or the Peshwari Chicken in a flavourful, fresh sauce (£9.95).

“We always get orange slices and aniseed sweets complimentary with your bill and the friendly owner has kept us going back for decades.” – Head of Sun Travel, Lisa Minot

The Waffle House, St Albans

“This gorgeous little spot in St Albans sits within an old grade-II listed building with a set of outdoor tables overlooking a stream. It’s not just the pretty setting that attracts a hefty crowd, though.

“The menu revolves entirely around waffles (hence its name) and is open for breakfast and lunch, as well as dinner on the weekends.

“Savoury options include red lentil and coconut dal, served with a waffle for dipping, and buttermilk fried chicken (on top of a waffle) with homemade slaw and an array of sauces.

“Try to save room for a dessert waffle, or just order one to share for the table – you won’t regret it.

“To avoid the queues, visit early in the morning for breakfast or later in the afternoon, after the peak lunch rush.” – Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski

Booming Hans Zimmer-style cinematic music reaches a crescendo, shaking my bones. Two turquoise macaws swoop within an inch of my hair and join a sky filled with nearly 250 birds. Hawks, kites, pelicans, and an owl soar and swoop around a pagan-looking wooden circle. Peacocks fuss at the makeshift river below, coaxed by two actors telling the story of humans’ relationship with nature. Grey clouds roll in, dark with rain. After all, we are risking an open-air performance in north-east England. I’m at a preview of Kynren: the Storied Lands, the latest gloriously unrestrained project in the market town of Bishop Auckland, 12 miles south of Durham.

I grew up near Bishop Auckland, which was once an important coal-mining and railway town. Last time I was here, its centre was dominated by discount stores. If, in 2003, you’d told teenage me that the high street would become an ode to art, history and culture, I would have laughed. Well, I would have grunted and turned up the Nu metal on my MP3 player.

This madcap renaissance is down to one couple. In 2012, investment banker Jonathan Ruffer rescued Francisco de Zurbarán’s celebrated series Jacob and His Twelve Sons from the sale of Auckland Palace. Needing somewhere to house the paintings, he ended up buying Auckland Palace too. He and his wife Jane Ruffer could have followed centuries of previous owners, closed the doors and kept the paintings to themselves. Instead, they set up a charity and opened up the palace and its beautiful gardens to the public. Thus began the complete renovation of Bishop Auckland.

The palace itself is a vision of grand, gothic architecture dating from the late 12th century. In St Peter’s chapel, the stone archways and a painted wooden ceiling make you feel as if you have stepped into the middle ages. The lifesized Zurbarán paintings remain on the dining room walls as a stream of visitors peruse the preserved stately rooms, guided by volunteer attendants.

“We employ 201 staff,” says Harry Sinclair, public relations officer at the Ruffers’ Auckland Project, as he guides us through the estate. “Around 80% come from a 10-mile radius, so we’re very much leading the circular economy. It’s about regenerating the town through its culture and heritage.”

After procuring the palace, the project grew arms and legs, becoming the Auckland Project, a regeneration charity dedicated to remodelling Bishop Auckland. As well as running the palace and gardens, the initiative built two art galleries and a lookout tower, and preserved a local heritage railway and Roman fort.

The galleries – one dedicated to mining art from County Durham, the other to the golden age of Spanish art – are not the ramshackle, fossil-packed local museums of my childhood school trips, but sleek galleries with ink-black walls and , boasting works by El Greco and Velázquez. Back outside, the drizzle clinging to my skin brings me back to Earth, but the striking viewing tower dominating the centre like the skeleton of a cathedral is another sight I never thought I’d see in Bishop Auckland. “Altogether we call it a slightly bonkers day out,” says Sinclair.

He tells me about the 59-bedroom hotel the project is building on the market place. He says it should increase footfall and dwell time in the town centre, with 1.5 million visitors expected each year from 2029. The hotel could create up to 95 jobs. There are already self-catering cottages in a neat line outside Auckland Palace and boutique accommodation at the Park Head Hotel.

But most ambitious of all is the jaw-dropping Kynren project. In 2013, the Ruffers bought Flatts Farm – about 100 hectares (250 acres) outside Bishop Auckland – and every summer since 2016, have hosted a glorious night show telling 2,000 years of English history to audiences of up to 8,000 people. More than 1,000 local volunteers work to create an extravaganza with horseback cavalry, sword fighting, working steam locomotives and boats gliding across a human-made lake, culminating in a dazzling firework display.

And next week, Kynren: the Storied Lands is opening during the day, too, as a live-show theme park for the first time. The arena, where my sneak peek at the new Lost Feather show takes place, is impressive. Huge wooden branches are stacked haphazardly into a circular nest so convincing I expect an eagle chick the size of a bus to emerge. During the show, birds pop out of hidden doors above the audience and swoop overhead, coaxed by handlers in medieval-style tunics.

It doesn’t always go to plan. One kestrel flies off into the nearby forest, and a tawny owl refuses to perform; its wide yellow eyes staring out at an audience delighted by its misbehaviour. Each mishap only adds to the joy of the experience. “That’s the beauty of live performance,” Anna Warnecke, CEO of Kynren, says. “There’s an electric sense of adrenaline that you don’t get from watching the same thing on a screen.” She’s right. By the end of the show, we’re holding a collective breath and there’s heartfelt applause and laughter when the kestrel returns from the distant woodland to the gloved arm of its handler.

The Lost Feather is one of six live shows running throughout the day until mid-September. The other five performances are in equally elaborate auditoriums. The Legend of the Wear (a re-telling of the local Lambton Worm myth) features live action water stunts on a lakeside stage. At Land of the Vikings you walk through a working village, interacting with actors to the sound of clanging metal from the forge before distant drumming signals the start of the show in the boat-like arena. Expect big beards, the clash of shields and axes, fire, and a lot of Viking roaring.

“We wanted to create a visitor destination,” Anna says. “People aren’t going to travel that far for a single 90-minute show like Kynren. So the daytime performances give people a reason to spend all day here.” There’s certainly plenty to stay for at Bishop Auckland these days. Apart from epic bird shows and recreated Viking raids, a fascinating palace, Spanish masterworks, a Roman fort, deer park and heritage railway line, the original Kynren spectacular still runs on Fridays and Saturdays between July and September.

This is not just a “slightly bonkers day out”; it’s a testament to unbridled ambition. I think even my sulking 16-year-old self would be secretly in awe of what Bishop Auckland has achieved.

The trip was provided by Visit County Durham. Kynren: the Storied Lands day show runs from 18 July until 12 September (£30 adult, £20 child, kynren.com). Auckland Palace (£20, children under 4 free, aucklandproject.org) is open 10.30am-4pm, Wednesday to Sunday and bank holiday Mondays

Wicklow manager Oisin McConville hopes this weekend’s Tailteann Cup final against Down proves a launchpad for the county as he chases his first trophy in inter-county management.

Having fallen just short of shocking Dublin in the Leinster SFC quarter-finals in April, the Garden County recorded wins over Limerick, Tipperary, Antrim and Offaly to set up a shot at silverware at Croke Park on Saturday (15:30 BST).

Since being introduced in 2022, the second-tier Tailteann Cup has given winners Westmeath, Meath, Down and Kildare the opportunity to compete in the All-Ireland series – and McConville hopes Wicklow can follow suit.

“I look at the teams that have won the Tailteann Cup, Down, Meath and Westmeath – all those teams are capable of challenging at the highest level and they’ve already proved that,” said McConville, an All-Ireland winner with Armagh in 2002.

“If our trajectory was something similar to what they’ve gone through, then definitely.

“But we can’t be accepting of the fact that we’re just in the Tailteann Cup final, we want to go ahead and win it now.”

Wicklow have shown impressive spirit en route to Croke Park. They overturned a nine-point deficit to beat Antrim by the minimum in Belfast in the quarter-finals (2-19 to 3-15) before a second-half surge against Offaly saw them roar back from eight points down to win a dramatic semi-final 2-26 to 4-15.

But 2024 champions Down have serious pedigree at this level having edged past Fermanagh in the semi-finals to reach their third Tailteann Cup decider.

“They’ve got a lot of dangers, they’ve been playing at a high level over the last couple of years. They were in Division Two, back down to Division Three and are going back to Division Two next year,” McConville, who took over as Wicklow boss before the 2023 season, said of the Mournemen.

“[In the] Ulster Championship, they beat Donegal and that’s the standout result. If you look at that game on a standalone, that’s a scary thought.

“The likes of [Odhran] Murdock, [Daniel] Guinness and Pat Havern, they’re very hard to pin down. That’s the job that’s ahead of us.

“We know the enormity of the task, but we have to have confidence in our ability and how good we’ve been in the past four games. A lot of the concentration has to be on ourselves.”

Martina and artist Sketkh Williams, Sketch by Sketkh’s host, provide a welcoming atmosphere across identities, skill levels and nerdy interests, while also playing to their own backgrounds in theater. The sessions feature dramatic lighting, staging and soundtracks, and use professional cosplayers as models. Embodying characters from “Star Wars,” video games, anime and other IP, these pros don’t just dress the part, they take pains to hit their characters’ canonical stances for attendees to capture.

For Martina and Williams, the events are an alternative to nude or more traditional figure drawing sessions. “That just doesn’t interest us,” says Martina. “We’re both theatrical people, so for us part of putting on a show is seeing characters, some cool costume design and a theme.”

• Best for: Practiced amateurs with nerdy interests
• When: Every other Thursday at 7:30 p.m.
• Ticket price: Starts at $23.18

ATLANTA — The U.S. Department of Justice cannot have the names of and contact information for every person who worked during the 2020 election in Georgia’s Fulton County, a federal judge ruled Tuesday.

The Justice Department in April obtained a grand jury subpoena seeking the names and personal contact information of county employees and volunteer poll workers. President Trump has long claimed without evidence that widespread voter fraud in Georgia’s most populous county, a Democratic stronghold, cost him victory in the state in 2020.

Fulton County asked a judge to quash the subpoena, arguing it was meant to “target, harass and punish the President’s perceived political opponents” and that it was “grossly over broad and untethered to any reasonable need.”

“Given the low need for the subpoenaed information and the highly burdensome nature of the disclosure of the same, the Subpoena is unreasonable and must be quashed,” U.S. District Judge William Ray wrote in his ruling, calling the scope of the request “staggering.”

Emails seeking comment were sent to both the Justice Department and Fulton County.

Although grand juries often work with federal prosecutors to investigate alleged crimes, “that does not give the DOJ the right to use the Grand Jury to do whatever the DOJ wants,” he wrote.

Even if the records sought by the Justice Department could help find people who worked for the county during the 2020 election who support the theory that the election was unfair, the information couldn’t be used to charge anyone, Ray wrote.

“That is because the statute of limitations for any possible crime arising from the 2020 Election has long expired,” he wrote.

The subpoena came after the FBI in January served a search warrant at the Fulton County election hub and seized hundreds of boxes of ballots and other documents from the 2020 election. A federal judge in May denied the county’s request to force the federal government to return the ballots.

The Justice Department argued in a court filing that the subpoena was the “next step in the normal investigative process” and that it seeks “records identifying persons with relevant knowledge.”

Kamal Ghali, a lawyer for the county, argued that the subpoena “will chill participation by election workers” and that the statute of limitations for any of the alleged misconduct had already lapsed.

Justice Department lawyer William McComb argued the statute of limitations issue is not relevant at the investigative stage. The point of the investigation is to figure out what charges can be brought, he said.

“My point is, as we sit here now, we are not sure what charges can be brought. That’s the whole point of the investigation,” he said.

The request for election workers’ contact information, McComb said, “would simply be a pathway to determine and speak with and interview certain individuals who worked at the polls who may have seen, heard or done something in and of themselves.”

The judge noted that the Justice Department had expressed concern about possible criminal actions in the years that followed the election, including an alleged failure by the county to preserve electronic ballot images. But he pointed out that the subpoena seeks information related to what happened during the 2020 election and its immediate aftermath.

“In these hyper-political times in which we currently live, there are sure to be some who disagree with this decision because they believe the allegations of fraud in the 2020 Election and believe that ‘light’ should be brought to those claims,” Ray wrote.

He added that nothing prevents continued investigation into those allegations by people who believe those claims — such as Congress or even the Justice Department — but the power of the grand jury, “which exists to investigate potential crimes and to bring viable indictments” cannot be used for that purpose. Otherwise, anyone in power could use the grand jury process to subpoena personal information of citizens “with no legitimate law enforcement purpose,” he wrote.

“Thus, everyone, whether you support the President or you do not, or whether you believe the 2020 Election was fair or believe that it was not, should be concerned about the DOJ’s ability to utilize the power of the Grand Jury to appropriate your private information without a legitimate purpose,” Ray wrote.

Brumback writes for the Associated Press.

The embattled Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority sued the Trump administration on Monday to stop it from depriving the region of hundreds of millions of dollars in funding, saying the effort is unwarranted and violates federal laws.

The authority, better known as LAHSA, said in its Monday filing that cutting off the funds would put more than 11,000 people — 1,900 of them children — at risk of losing housing or other services.

LAHSA, a joint city-county agency overseen by political appointees, is seeking a temporary restraining order to bar the federal Housing and Urban Development Department from suspending the funds.

“The people who will be harmed by this decision are not bureaucrats,” said Gita O’Neill, LAHSA’s interim chief executive officer, in a statement Monday. “They are families, veterans, seniors, and formerly homeless Angelenos who rely on these resources to remain housed.”

The filing in federal court comes nearly three weeks after HUD officials said they were suspending LAHSA from applying for or receiving federal funds, citing financial mismanagement, fraud and a lack of safeguards to prevent conflicts of interest.

In its 46-page lawsuit, LAHSA pushed back on HUD’s allegations, saying they were not supported by the evidence. Lawyers for LAHSA portrayed HUD’s actions as part of a larger political agenda — elimination of the federally approved “Continuum of Care” system, which makes LAHSA the overarching applicant for most federal homelessness funding across Los Angeles County.

The Trump administration “has made clear it wants to scrap the program entirely in favor of a homelessness policy favoring criminal enforcement, drug treatment, institutionalization and civil commitment of the mentally ill,” the lawsuit states.

HUD officials have said they are barring LAHSA from applying for funds on behalf of the Continuum of Care, which covers 85 cities, including Los Angeles. LAHSA secured $220 million in federal funds for various agencies in 2024 and $944 million since 2021, according to the June 11 letter from HUD Deputy Secretary Andrew D. Hughes.

HUD did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In the letter, Hughes said his agency had received information that LAHSA “may have committed violations of federal law” while carrying out its obligations as part of its HUD grant agreements.

“HUD has evidence that LAHSA’s repeated false statements and its irresponsible actions and failures, including its lack of financial management, internal controls, and safeguards against conflicts of interest, pose a threat to HUD, the public, and those living on the streets of Los Angeles,” he wrote.

In the letter, Hughes said that HUD’s inspector general had opened an investigation. Depending on the outcome, the money could be restored or LAHSA could be permanently barred from receiving funds.

LAHSA, in its lawsuit, said HUD has not provided any investigative findings to show violations of the funding agreements. Instead, agency lawyers said, federal officials relied on “a mash-up of old news articles, comments from public officials taken out of context, and findings from routine public audits that included recommendations that were all appropriately actioned.”

Lawyers for LAHSA contend that HUD’s actions violate the U.S. Constitution and override the dictates of Congress, which established many of the processes for distributing federal homeless funds.

The vast majority of the federal funds secured by LAHSA as a grant applicant goes toward permanent housing, agency officials said.

LAHSA, created in 1993, is overseen by a 10-member commission, half from the city and half from the county. Among those commissioners is L.A. Mayor Karen Bass, who has made homelessness a central part of her agenda. Each of the five county supervisors has an appointee.

At stake in the battle between HUD and LAHSA is an array of services affecting some of the region’s most vulnerable residents.

LAHSA oversees the Homeless Management Information System, the federally-mandated software that tracks homeless people across the county. It has 8,000 individual users and is used by more than 300 agencies, according to the lawsuit.

HUD’s plan to suspend the funding would prevent LAHSA from using the system to match Angelenos — those on the street and in shelters — with housing and services, the lawsuit said.

LAHSA also oversees the annual “point in time” homelessness count across the county. Agency officials have pointed to the results from those counts as evidence that they have been making steady headway, with homelessness decreasing 4.3% countywide and 5.5% within Los Angeles between 2023 and 2025.

Unsheltered homelessness, which tallies the people living outside or in their vehicles, fell by a larger margin, declining 14% across the county and 17.5% within L.A. during that period.

Despite those numbers, LAHSA’s reputation has been battered by some highly critical assessments.

Last year, a global consulting firm retained as part of a federal lawsuit over the city of L.A.’s response to homelessness found that homeless services provided by LAHSA and the city lacked adequate financial controls, leaving the system vulnerable to waste and fraud.

Several months earlier, county auditors identified lax accounting procedures that resulted in LAHSA’s failure to pay its contractors on time. Even after that report was issued, nonprofit groups with LAHSA contracts continued to report that payments were behind schedule.

Last year, the county Board of Supervisors reached a breaking point, pulling more than $300 million — the vast majority of its funds — out of LAHSA and creating its own homelessness department. City officials have been weighing a similar move in recent months.

A dull yellow light peeks through a brooding sky looming over rolling Southern California hills. The oil painting “Approaching Storm” captures the kind of picturesque scene that would get fine artist Paul Grimm work in early Hollywood. Known for his plein air landscapes and masterful depictions of clouds, he turned to studio work to make money during the Great Depression.

He is one of many artists on display at a new UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art exhibition about set painters whose work would go uncredited or overlooked.

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“They weren’t making their living selling their paintings, but they were making their living working for the studios,” said museum director Kathryn Kanjo. “The artist would lose their individual credit and recognition, to be at the service of what was needed by the studio.”

Elsewhere in the “Staging California in Early Hollywood” exhibition, hangs an 18-by-25-foot painted backing for “The Sound of Music” (1965), a project led by the then-art director of 20th Century Pictures’ special effects department, Emil J. Kosa Jr. He’d be the only one to get credit at the time, not the five other contributing artists, including celebrated plein air artist Arthur Grover Rider, who are also noted in the museum description.

“In general, at the studios, they systematized the production design, so that it was fast,” Kanjo said, describing the rigid process as militaristic. “Five artists at a time work day after day to get these things done.”

It’s the museum’s first exhibition since UC Irvine acquired the Orange County Museum of Art last September, building a 9,000-piece collection dating back to the 19th century.

The exhibition, with about 50 pieces, is the first since Kanjo’s appointment in December. It’s a love letter to the film industry’s anonymous and little-known artists, whose works were vital to movies.

The exhibition opens with Paul Grimm’s Untitled, 1974, left, and “Approaching Storm,” 1974, right, which capture the essence of the Southern California landscape.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Take two of the most prolific set artists of the mid-20th century: Warren Newcombe and George Gibson. Newcombe was a Massachusetts-born, well-educated artist who started working on sets as early as 1920. He’d eventually join the MGM art department, where he perfected a visual effect technique called “matte painting.” For a time, it was simply referred to as the “Newcombe shot.”

Gibson was also at MGM around the same time. When the studio first hired the Scottish artist, he’d routinely miss shifts to paint plein air in Southern California. He and Newcombe would help craft “The Wizard of Oz” (1939), but when the credits rolled, both their names were missing.

Newcombe and Gibson would go on to be recognized and celebrated for their work. About a decade after “The Wizard of Oz,” Newcombe won two Oscars for special effects, for “Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo” (1944) and “Green Dolphin Street” (1947).

“He was really instrumental in the professionalization of artists at MGM,” assistant curator Michaëla Mohrmann said of Gibson. “His insistence on color saturation is something that really informs his work for ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ and it’s really that movie that cements his reputation as one of the masters of scenic art.”

Meanwhile, artists like Arthur Beaumont hardly got their due. Raised by a military family in England, the California transplant was particularly captivated by naval vessels. By 1933, he had painted maritime art for most of the U.S. Naval fleet. As a result of his work, he was commissioned as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy and recognized as its fleet’s official artist.

He also began producing promotional materials and storyboards for Paramount Studios’ naval films as early as 1935, first for a movie titled “Mutiny on the Bounty.” In 1942, he would do the same for “Wake Island” in the midst of World War II. His work was later etched into metal plates and used to mass-produce publicity prints.

Museum director Kathryn Kanjo stands between Arthur Grover Rider’s “Ortega Highway” (1974), left, and Emil J. Kosa Jr.’s “How Marvelous Thy Works” (1928).

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

“They were participating [in the military and war] in different functions and not always credited for that kind of work,” Mohrmann said. “I think there was an act of generosity [during wartime] in general — everyone was really patriotic.”

The exhibition also features a silent film titled “The Life and Death of 9413: a Hollywood Extra,” a 1928 short highlighting the plight of a background actor known as “9413.”

“It’s all like him being shoveled around and underappreciated and not even given a name, right?” Kanjo said. “Everybody thought it was funny because it was kind of meta, but it was pointing out real issues.”

Beyond giving credit where credit’s due, the exhibition aims to uplift background art.

“Back then as well as now, people question the artistic merits of these works because they were made for films that were for profit,” Mohrmann said. “When in reality there was a ton of talent and artistry and critical thinking.”

Quincy Bowie Jr. contributed to this report.

Twenty-four days after the polls closed on election day, Los Angeles County officials have certified the results from the 2,227,461 ballots cast. Despite questions raised about the pace of the vote count, a Times analysis found ballots this June were tallied faster than in previous cycles.

California is known to have a slow vote count, partially because of the state’s grace period for mail-in ballots. This year, counties were required to report most of the ballots by June 15, with some exceptions, including for mail-in ballots received within seven days of election day and ballots requiring additional verification such as signature curing. The process has spurred baseless claims of fraud from President Trump and others, leading the U.S. Supreme Court to take up a case on whether mail-in ballots must be received by election day to count.

The state has reported 9.4 million processed ballots. Officials estimate about 5 ballots remain to be counted and 17,650 are waiting to cure a missing or mismatched signature.

Compared with the last time both governor and Los Angeles mayor were on the ballot, county election officials counted more ballots, and tallied them faster than in 2022, The Times found.

In Los Angeles County, turnout jumped from 28% of eligible voters in the 2022 primary to 38% this June, according to the county registrar. Meanwhile, the share of vote-by-mail ballots dropped about 3 percentage points to 82%, indicating a rise in in-person voting.

Statewide, early results show 41% of registered voters turned up for the June election, up from 33% in 2022, according to the secretary of state. County elections officials must report their final results by July 3, giving state officials a week to certify all election results.

The Los Angeles Times reports election results from the county clerk as well as from the Associated Press. The AP provides ballot counts, a calculation of the expected vote and race calls for statewide and national races.

The expected vote percentage, or EEVP, is an estimate of the total number of votes that will eventually be certified. That number can be adjusted based on new information over time.

“Before counting begins in California, our estimates are primarily informed by turnout in past similar elections plus pre-election data on ballot returns, with projections based on what percentage of ballots had already been received at the same point in past elections,” AP director of election analytics Emily Swanson said in an email.

In the gubernatorial and mayoral races, more than half of the votes were counted by the end of election day, EEVP data show.

Swanson’s team also observed a faster vote count this year than in the 2022 and 2024 primaries.

In January 2024, L.A. County consolidated its election operations into a new ballot processing center in the City of Industry. Dean Logan, head of the L.A. County registrar-recorder/county clerk’s office, told The Times earlier this month that the facility, which is open to observers, is designed for transparency, security and efficiency.

“It doesn’t take long to count. The counting process is very fast,” Logan said ahead of election day. “What extends the time period is those options that are provided under California law for voters — to allow everyone the opportunity to vote up until election day, and then allowing us the time to process those with the same level of security and integrity that we did the ballots that were received two weeks before the election.”

Despite the faster count, the Associated Press took longer to call winners, suggesting these races were more competitive. The AP makes such declarations by determining whether there is an opportunity for a trailing candidate to catch up to the race leader. It has been calling races for nearly 180 years.

Both the gubernatorial and Los Angeles mayoral race saw a 30% increase in votes from 2022. The governor’s race received more than 9.2 million votes compared with 7 million in 2022. The Los Angeles mayor’s race received more than 850,000 votes, an increase from nearly 650,000 in 2022.

The vote counting process for California, Washington, Oregon, Nevada and Alaska may change for the November midterm election, depending on which way the U.S. Supreme Court rules.

Data and graphics assistant editor Sean Greene contributed to this report.

A new commission made up of legislators, public defenders, academics and advocates seeks to push California — one of just two states that don’t pay for basic public defense — to begin providing resources and enforcing minimum standards for county public defender systems.

The California Independent Commission on Public Defense includes three assemblymembers and two senators — among them Jesse Arreguín and Nick Schultz, chairs of the Senate and Assembly Public Safety Committees — as well as chief public defenders from several counties, retired judges, the directors of criminal justice nonprofits, and the heads of organizations representing thousands of defense attorneys in the state.

“We have discussed the problem of our public defense system for years,” said Schultz, a Democrat from Burbank and former prosecutor who has sponsored legislation to improve public defense.

The goal is to “move past discussion and study, and come up with an actionable road map of what we need to do to really build out the robust public defense infrastructure that Californians are rightfully entitled to,” he said.

The commissioners plan to develop a five-year plan to phase in state funding, along with enforceable standards like caseload limits and access to defense investigators.

A CalMatters investigation last year found that criminal defendants across the state are routinely convicted without anyone investigating the charges against them, significantly increasing the likelihood of wrongful convictions. Many California counties do not employ a single defense investigator who can interview witnesses, review police reports, visit crime scenes and retrieve video surveillance footage. CalMatters also found that lawyers in some rural counties are handling caseloads that far exceed even the most permissive standards, making them less likely than other defense attorneys to challenge the prosecution’s evidence in legal motions and take their cases to trial.

But the state has resisted stepping in. After a proposed bill that would have created an official state commission to address the issue was abandoned, two advocacy groups, the Wren Collective and UC Berkeley’s Criminal Law and Justice Center, decided to form an independent commission and began assembling participants who could develop and act on reforms. These types of commissions, which have facilitated significant improvements in other states’ public defender systems, are usually established by the governor.

“It became clear that this was an issue that was not a high priority for Sacramento, especially during a budget crisis,” said Chesa Boudin, the Berkeley center’s founding director and a former San Francisco district attorney. It also became clear, Boudin said, that “there was a tremendous gap between what experts understood to be the crisis and the public perception of California government as a kind of progressive leader in the country.”

In the decades since the U.S. Supreme Court established the right to an attorney in state court criminal proceedings, California has saddled its counties with the responsibility of providing lawyers to poor people accused of crimes. Many of those counties have opted for the cheapest path: paying private lawyers and firms a flat fee to represent indigent defendants, regardless of how many cases they handle or how much time they spend on each case.

“You’ve got some offices that have an incredibly high caliber of representation that they can provide, and you have other offices that are doing these flat-fee contracts where the quality has been documented to be pretty bad,” said Eve Brensike Primus, a law professor at the University of Michigan.

Primus is the only member of the new commission from outside of California. She was asked to join because of her extensive research and writing about the structure of indigent defense.

An indigent defense commission in Michigan, which was formed by the legislature in 2013, has led to significant reforms and a substantial influx in state funding.

The California commission’s work, Primus said, can serve “as a catalyst for political actors to do the right thing and start to fund and improve indigent defense delivery, or as fodder for lawsuits that then can try to get the judiciary to push the political actors to do what is necessary to provide for effective representation.”

The commission is scheduled to hold its first in-person meeting, which will be open to the public, in Berkeley in October, with additional meetings planned for Los Angeles, the Central Valley and Northern California over the next 12 months. Commissioners say they will work in subcommittees in between these quarterly sessions to develop a concrete fiscal plan for the state, draft legislative language, and establish minimum standards for how counties should structure their public defender offices, compensate their attorneys, provide access to experts, and report on their work.

Anat Rubin writes for CalMatters.

I’ve been intrigued by the Northern California area of Humboldt County ever since the fourth grade. That’s when my teacher told us the story of the Gold Rush town of Eureka: In the 1850s, when prospectors struck gold, they would yell “Eureka!” which is Greek for “I have found it!” What a funny word, I thought.

My curiosity about the area later grew when I learned about its logging renaissance — vast swaths of old-growth redwood forests were felled to make ships and build railroads, both of which were needed to transport this valuable commodity to the rest of the country and beyond. It wasn’t until 1918 with the formation of the Save the Redwoods League that preservation efforts began to try to halt the rapid depletion of the old-growth forests, which, by that point, had dwindled down to between 5% to 10%. From those efforts, Humboldt Redwoods State Park was established in 1921, followed by the formation of Redwoods National Park in 1968. Today the four parks that make up Redwood National and State Parks cover about 139,000 acres of land and protect nearly half of the world’s remaining old-growth redwood forests.

And it was the lure of walking beneath these giants that I, decades past that fourth-grade history lesson, finally decided to make my pilgrimage.

It took this long because, dear reader, Redwood National and State Parks are not easy to get to from L.A.

By car, without accounting for traffic and breaks, it would be at least a 12-hour journey along the 101, through San Francisco, past wine country and bypassing Mendocino before you reach Humboldt County, where the southern end of the parks begin. Realistically, it would take a few days and a couple of overnight stays along the way to get there, which is fine if you’re in it for the road trip; but if you’re like me and only have the weekend, this leaves one option: flying into California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport, a.k.a. Arcata-Eureka Airport (ACV), the only airport that services the area. United has direct flights there from LAX. But Burbank Airport has Breeze Airways offering direct flights three times a week with prices as low as $80 roundtrip.

When I landed at Arcata-Eureka Airport, it felt smaller than some municipal airfields — and just as quiet. That calm set the tone for the rest of the weekend. I walked in peaceful serenity between trees so tall and ancient they recalibrated my sense of time. I discovered that life in Humboldt County, and neighboring Del Norte County near the Oregon border, moves at that same unhurried pace. The fog retreats slowly in the morning. Night arrives gently, carried in on the mist.

And I learned that Humboldt County — including the cities of Eureka, Arcata and Ferdale — is full of treasures beyond its abundance of the Earth’s tallest trees. Whether I was eating a greasy cheeseburger at a family-run diner that becomes the social center of town after 9 p.m. or slurping oysters at a bar that harvested them from its own farm just offshore, it became clear that this place is shaped by discovery, exploitation and preservation. What follows are hikes, sights and bites that should get you started for a weekend full of your own “Eureka!” moments.

On election night, Santa Ana City Council member Jessie Lopez found herself in third place, far behind fellow Democratic council colleague David Penaloza and Republican business owner Mayra Ruiz in the race to represent Orange County’s 68th Assembly District.

Tearful supporters at a California Working Families Party shindig at the Mission Control bar and arcade in downtown Santa Ana hugged Lopez, gifted her flowers and wished her well.

If the 37-year-old was sad, she didn’t show it. Lopez had seen this game play out before.

In 2023, the councilmember decisively beat back a recall attempt funded by Santa Ana’s police union and apartment owners who didn’t like her unabashedly progressive views in a city where centrist Democrats have dominated politics for decades and lefty ones were long ostracized.

I wrote a column shortly after, heralding Lopez’s overwhelming victory as a new era for Latino politics in Orange County, where Latinos make up a third of the population but still wield little power.

Lopez spent the next three years along with her fellow progressive Santa Ana council members shoring up the city’s rent control policies and its immigrant defense fund. Nevertheless, few gave Lopez a chance in her assembly race.

Penaloza — who declined to vote when the council deadlocked on whether to cancel Lopez’s recall election — had the backing of the Orange County and California Democratic Party establishment, from current 68th District Assemblymember Avelino Valencia (who’s running to represent the 34th Senate District) to Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas to Katie Porter, a former Orange County congresswoman who ran unsuccessfully for governor this year.

Penaloza’s campaign mailers and video ads were so ubiquitous these past few weeks that they filled up my mailbox and interrupted my binging of Hulu’s “Vanderpump Villa.”

So did anti-Lopez mailers and commercials, funded by nearly $2.7 million in independent expenditures. Yet Lopez once again beat back her well-funded opposition.

As of Wednesday evening, the latest Orange County Registrar of Voters election results had her in second place — less than 1,000 votes away from Penaloza.

“Voters proved that while money can influence politics, it can’t buy community support,” Lopez said this week as she unsuccessfully tried to enjoy tacos and guacamole at Lola Gaspar in downtown Santa Ana, where well-wishers kept calling her or congratulating the candidate in person. “This race is about the future of California — whether we answer to corporations and insiders or to the hard-working people we’re elected to serve.”

With Orange County Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento easily winning reelection and Unite Here Local 11 co-president Ada Briceño currently coming up short in her bid to represent the 67th Assembly District, which includes parts of Los Angeles County, Lopez may be the sole O.C. Latino progressive running in November for a seat beyond the local level.

Expect Lopez versus Penaloza to become a referendum on whether the leftward trend of Latino voters in Orange County continues — or whether its center holds.

“I’ve chosen my side,” Lopez told me. “I’m proud to stand with working people.”

Then she excused herself — someone else wanted to say what’s up.

Supporters of a new Los Angeles County half-cent sales tax rallied Wednesday to celebrate what they framed as a historic win for the region’s cash-strapped healthcare system.

After a rocky election night that showed the tax lagging, supporters claimed victory Tuesday after the latest vote tally pushed Measure ER further over the 50% margin needed to pass. The measure would impose a new half-cent sales tax countywide, with the proceeds going toward local hospitals and clinics hit by federal funding cuts.

Jim Mangia, the chief executive of St. John’s Community Health who helped craft the measure, summed up the campaign as “grueling and expensive.”

“We had to ask an already overtaxed community — in the midst of runaway inflation and [an] affordability crisis — to tax themselves yet again,” he told a crowd of supporters Wednesday.

L.A. County already has a sales tax of 9.75%, and some cities add their own on top. Measure ER passing would raise the countywide sales tax to 10.25%, with some individual cities having a sales tax of more than 11%, according to the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration.

Despite a recent winning streak for sales taxes in L.A. County, some political observers had forecast doom for the measure, which came at a time of skyrocketing gas prices and cost-weary voters.

The largely informal opposition had consisted mainly of local cities that warned another sales tax would disproportionately burden the poorest residents and force shoppers across the county border in hopes of finding lower costs. Some city leaders had also dinged the county for misusing homelessness money generated from a previous sales tax and argued this new pot of dollars would be handled no better.

But supporters were able to eke out a narrow victory, according to the latest election returns, by emphasizing looming hospital closures and the temporary nature of the tax, which is set to sunset in five years.

“It’s a lifesaver to carry us through the storm we’re all in,” said county Supervisor Holly Mitchell, who led the push within the Board of Supervisors to get the measure on the ballot.

County leaders in February voted 4-1 to put the tax on the ballot after federal legislation threatened to pull health insurance from the poorest residents, leaving the already cash-strapped county to foot the bill for their care. Officials say cuts in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act are expected to slash more than $2 billion from the county’s budget for health services over the next three years.

“It’s disgusting what’s going to happen to our residents,” said Supervisor Hilda Solis, who championed the measure alongside Mitchell.

The tax, which begins Oct. 1, comes at a time of budget-tightening for the county amid rising labor costs and a $4-billion sex abuse settlement that is set to be paid out over the next five years.

Officials estimate the tax will bring in about $1 billion per year, which will go to clinics, hospitals and Planned Parenthood services that supporters say are at risk of closure without a new source of cash.

A similar proposed healthcare sales tax in Contra Costa County, meant to generate $150 million a year, was soundly rejected with about 57% of voters opposing the measure, according to votes tallied as of Wednesday.

Supporters of a half-cent sales tax proposed to help fund health services in Los Angeles County declared victory Tuesday after days of steadily gaining ground as more ballots were counted.

The latest results show the “yes” camp ahead by a slim margin, with just more than 50% of the vote. The measure needs a simple majority to win.

“Today, Angelenos sent a clear message: we take care of each other,” said Jim Mangia, chief executive of St. John’s Community Health and a spokesperson for the campaign, in a statement. “For months, we watched Washington make decisions that stripped healthcare away from hundreds of thousands of our neighbors — and today, Los Angeles County answered.”

The campaign said it would be organizing a news conference Wednesday to celebrate the “historic win.”

The proposal, on the ballot as Measure ER, had gained traction since election night, when results showed the tax had failed to gain a majority of support among early voters. Voters have not rejected a sales tax hike in L.A. County since 2012, when a transportation measure fell just short of a needed two-thirds majority with 66.1% support.

Approval of Measure ER would impose a new sales tax of half a penny of every dollar spent in the county, with the proceeds going to local hospitals and clinics that say they’re bleeding funding after federal cuts. Officials anticipate it will bring in $1 billion annually to patch the holes in the health services network.

The tax, which was championed by a coalition of healthcare advocates, takes effect Oct. 1 and will last for five years.

SACRAMENTO — Disability rights advocates on Monday gathered outside the state Capitol to push back on Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposed cuts to in-home supportive services.

“These aren’t just numbers in a budget; these are real people,” said Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez (R-Indio). “These are children, seniors, veterans and individuals with disabilities whose independence and quality of life depend on these services every single day.”

The In-Home Supportive Services program helps disabled and elderly people remain in their houses by providing in-home care. It pays assistants to help with tasks such as showering, cooking or attending doctor appointments. Newsom’s revised budget proposal, which was unveiled last month, would cut $367.7 million from the program and shift some of that financial burden onto counties.

Gonzalez explained that the issue hits close to home for his family. He said his son has cerebral palsy and a seizure disorder, and relies on assistance to live with dignity.

“Families should not have to wonder every budget season whether the support they rely on will be taken away,” Gonzalez said. “These services should not be treated as bargaining chips in budget negotiations.”

Assemblymember Laurie Davies (R-Laguna Niguel) questioned why a successful state like California would need to enact such cuts.

“It’s hard to go a day without hearing the governor or the administration brag about how we are the fourth-largest economy in the world and yet we can’t fully fund [this program for] the most vulnerable?” Davies said.

The governor has previously explained that difficult decisions must be made as the state could soon face an economic downturn. The budget proposal relies on a tax windfall, largely attributed to the stock market success of artificial intelligence companies, to erase California’s deficit — but some analysts have warned that the AI bubble could burst.

H.D. Palmer, deputy director for external affairs for the California Department of Finance, on Monday said some of the proposed cuts are a byproduct of the federal government’s changes in funding and eligibility for health and human services programs.

The so-called “Big, Beautiful Bill” signed by President Trump last year shifted federal funding away from safety-net programs, he said.

Palmer stressed that state budget negotiations are ongoing.

“Until we land on an agreement, speculation regarding the resolution of any specific differences between the Governor’s budget plan or the Legislature’s respective budget proposals would be premature,” he stated by email.

Monday’s event drew some bipartisan support. Brody Fernandez, communications director for Assemblymember Esmeralda Z. Soria (D-Fresno), said the legislator had been fighting for In-Home Supportive Services funding since she was elected.

Fernandez said his daughter has special needs and her mother had to give up her career to become a full-time caregiver. “This is personal for us and for many of the incredible individuals standing behind me,” he said.

Graham Knaus, chief executive of the California State Assn. of Counties, told The Times that he appreciated efforts to raise awareness about the burden these changes would place on counties.

“We applaud the Senate and Assembly for recognizing counties’ concerns and rejecting this proposal,” he said. “We ask them to hold the line in final negotiations.”

Elizabette Guecamburu, a bookkeeper who has a rare neuromuscular disorder, spoke at Monday’s rally and implored the governor to remember the teachings of their shared alma mater Santa Clara University, a Jesuit-led private school.

“I want him to remember where he came from,” she said, adding that students were taught to value compassion and community. “Don’t forget your Jesuit roots.”

STAYCATIONS are on the rise, according to the experts – and there is a county that is booming in demand.

In its latest Summer Travel Report, Airbnb revealed that not only are staycations up 11 per cent year on year, but an unlikely trending rural destination is Herefordshire where searches have increased by 76 per cent.

The county bordered by Gloucestershire, Shropshire and Worcestershire is known for its cider and pretty villages that look similar to those found in the nearby Cotswolds.

Earlier this year, Herefordshire was called the ‘quiet corner of England’ by The Independent – but hoped it would be thrust into the spotlight after the release of Hamnet.

Some of the county’s small villages were used for filming and doubled as Shakespeare’s Stratford.

One of the villages is Weobley which is nicknamed a ‘black and white’ village thanks to its half-timbered houses.

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Alongside its pubs, fans of Hamnet should head into The Wobbly Badger Cafe which took centre stage for the exterior of Shakespeare’s family home in the film.

It’s not just Weobley – there are lots of other villages like this one and some are part of that are part of Herefordshire’s ‘black and white villages’ trail which is a 40-minute driving route.

Other villages include Pembridge, or Eardisland, which sits on the banks of the River Arrow (and looks similar to Bourton-on-the-Water).

Even smaller villages include Eardisley, Dilswyn, Leominster and Kingsland.

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Herefordshire gets around six million visitors each year compared to the Cotswolds’ 25million – so for visitors it will make for a much quieter staycation.

For fans of cider, Herefordshire has around 15,000 orchards growing apples and pears, some of which is used to produce the drink.

There are even dedicated cider circuits with cycling routes.

Stops on the South Circuit include Little Pomona Cider & Perry, Gregg’s Pit Cider & Perry, Oliver’s Cider & Perry, Ross on Wye Cider & Perry.

Another famous spot that TV fans will recognise in Herefordshire is Symonds Yat.

The spot on the River Wye is known for its enormous limestone gorge.

It even appeared in the Netflix series of Sex Education – one of the most recognisable places is the red and white chalet that sits high above the valley, which was the exterior of Jean and Otis’ house.

The River Wye within the valley is the fifth longest river in the country.

It’s surrounded by walking paths and tourists are also welcome to take to the water on a kayak, canoe or paddleboard.

Of course, Herefordshire’s centre is the city of Hereford which is home to a large cathedral.

This houses a famous treasure called Mappa Mundi which is a medieval map of the world from 1300.

It also has the unusual 17th century Chained Library – a collection of over 1,500 rare books and manuscripts that are secured to their shelves by iron chains, rods, and locks.

Entry into Hereford Cathedral is free, but to see Mappa Mundi, Chained Library or a Tower Tour there are additional fees.

Another popular spot is the Eastnor Castle which while it looks like one isn’t a medieval fortress, instead, it’s a 19th-century mock castle.

Found in Ledbury, the castle was once home to the Hervey-Bathurst Family who lived at there for over 200 years.

It’s open throughout the year holding events like family fun days, bird of prey and supercar displays,

The grounds are popular for hiking and to entertain the kids, there’s a playground, tree top walkway, maze and mini zip wire.

The Times’ results pages reveal how Californians voted for governor, U.S. House seats and in local city, school board and ballot measure races.

Every registered voter in the state receives a ballot by mail. Polls close at 8 p.m. on June 2, and mailed ballots need to be postmarked on or before that day. Winners may not be known on election night due to the high volume of mail-in ballots arriving after election day.

The vote counts on these pages update periodically as results are reported by the Associated Press and the L.A. County registrar. On election day, those results include in-person voting as well as any mail-in ballots already received. In the days and weeks following, votes will be reported approximately once a day, as they are processed by county registrars. Voters can track their own cast ballot here.

The Associated Press surveys the numbers posted by local election officials. The AP projects the winner for all statewide and federal races using vote returns and other data. A race may be called before all expected votes are in. Results can change as more ballots are counted.

These pages will update until the secretary of state certifies results on July 10.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna jumped out to an early lead over former sheriff Alex Villanueva, his predecessor and leading opponent in the race for the county’s top law enforcement job.

If Luna ultimately receives more than half of the vote, he wins the contest outright and will serve a second term at the helm of the largest sheriff’s department in the U.S.

If Luna falls below the 50% mark, it’s likely that he and Villanueva will head to a runoff once again, reprising their 2022 face-off, when the former Long Beach Police chief unseated Villanueva by a 61% to 39% margin.

This time around, the sheriff’s race was relatively muted. Luna mostly avoided major controversies during his term — unlike Villanueva, who clashed with elected officials and journalists, and was involved in multiple lawsuits. There were no public debates that included the leading candidates and no public polling was done.

Ahead of primary day, Luna touted his leadership and a list of accomplishments. He took credit for reducing the rate of violent crimes and homicides, and said he repaired the relationship with county leaders and others that had been fractured under his predecessor.

Villanueva criticized the sheriff for plunging the department into “chaos and dysfunction,” blaming Luna for the department’s struggles to retain deputies. Luna described both claims as unfounded.

Retired sheriff’s Lt. Eric Strong was in third place as of 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, the same position as when he ran four years ago. He was followed by Sgt. Karla Carranza, who has worked for the department for more than two decades.

Oscar Martinez, who joined the sheriff’s department after fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, was in fifth, followed by Capt. Mike Bornman, who has decades of experience at the sheriff’s department.

Andre White, a detective with about a dozen years at the department, was in seventh, while Brendan Corbett, a former assistant sheriff for custody operations, was in last place.

Los Angeles County’s half-cent sales tax to fund healthcare services was trailing Tuesday, with early returns showing a majority of voters rejecting the measure.

The tax — a half-penny of every dollar spent in the county — is meant to prop up local hospitals and clinics that are hemorrhaging funding after recent federal cuts.

The sales tax, which needs a simple majority to pass, would take effect Oct. 1 and last five years. Officials say it would pull in $1 billion annually to help plug the budget holes hitting local hospitals and clinics.

L.A. County health officials anticipate the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law by President Trump last summer, will slash more than $2 billion from the county’s health services budget within the next three years. Due to eligibility changes, the county will no longer be able to get reimbursements for many Californians who have lost Medi-Cal.

The measure was championed by a coalition of healthcare advocates called Restore Healthcare for Angelenos who warned that mass layoffs and emergency room closures could be imminent if new funding didn’t come fast. The Department of Public Health recently closed seven clinics — a grim sign, supporters said, of service cuts to come.

Voters haven’t rejected a sales tax hike since 2012, when a transportation measure fell just short with 66.1% support. It needed 66.7% to pass.

A majority of county supervisors had supported the new tax proposal, voting 4 to 1 this February to put it on the ballot. But the measure faced significant opposition from local cities, with opponents arguing the sales tax hike would unfairly burden the poorest county residents and encourage people to spend their dollars across the county line.

Supervisor Kathryn Barger, the board’s lone opponent of the tax, said she was concerned it was a “general” tax, meaning the money wouldn’t be earmarked for healthcare costs. Instead, she argued, politicians would have final say over how the money gets spent.

The supervisors have created a plan for spending the tax money, with the largest chunk of the money meant to cover the costs for patients without insurance. The measure also asked voters to sign off on a nine-member oversight committee.

The county currently has a base sales tax rate of 9.75%, and cities impose local taxes on top of that.