![If approved by voters the measure would give preference to resident-owned properties and require city permit numbers with the listings. If approved by voters the measure would give preference to resident-owned properties and require city permit numbers with the listings.](https://www.ocregister.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/OCR-L-DPSHORTTERM-0222-02.jpg?w=140)
![Erika Ritchie. Lake Forest Reporter.
// MORE INFORMATION: Associate Mug Shot taken August 26, 2010 : by KATE LUCAS, THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER](https://www.ocregister.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Ritchie.Erika_-1.jpg?w=85)
Erika I. Ritchie
Erika Ritchie is an award-winning staff writer for the Orange County Register and 10 other Southern California News Group newspapers.
She covers military and national defense from West Coast bases to the Pentagon. She's reported from Navy ships, Osprey aircraft and training ranges throughout Southern California, explaining national and international warfare tactics and military equipment.
Erika has a comprehensive understanding of issues affecting South Orange County communities, including coastal access and the environment, the plight of marine mammal entanglements, water quality, development, local harbors and quality of life in Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Dana Point, and San Clemente. While adept at reporting hard news, she's known for telling human stories of conflict, struggle and joy.
She's a three-time award winner from the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation for telling stories of Marines in local communities. The Gerald R. Ford Foundation has awarded her coverage of National Defense. She's won many first-place awards from the Los Angeles and Orange County press clubs.
Away from her pen, Erika runs, skis and enjoys all things ocean and outdoors. She grew up bilingual in German and conversational in French.
All Stories
![If approved by voters the measure would give preference to resident-owned properties and require city permit numbers with the listings. If approved by voters the measure would give preference to resident-owned properties and require city permit numbers with the listings.](https://www.ocregister.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/OCR-L-DPSHORTTERM-0222-02.jpg?w=140)
![This in the sixth whale entanglement reported this year off the California coastline. This in the sixth whale entanglement reported this year off the California coastline.](https://www.ocregister.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/OCR-L-WHALE-0724-04-1.jpg?w=103)
Humpback swims free after effort by NOAA-led rescue teams
![Western gulls have their largest populations in Southern California. They are know for being bold and skillful hunters. Western gulls have their largest populations in Southern California. They are know for being bold and skillful hunters.](https://www.ocregister.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/OCR-L-SEAGULL-0721_dk_01-1.jpg?w=132)
It took police, several volunteers, but this baby seagull is back in the nest in Laguna Beach
![A discussion on a possible 3/4% increase sales tax that could bring $10 million to San Clemente and help with sand replenishment will be held Aug. 6. A discussion on a possible 3/4% increase sales tax that could bring $10 million to San Clemente and help with sand replenishment will be held Aug. 6.](https://www.ocregister.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/OCR-L-BEACHEBIZ-0715-05.jpg?w=119)
SUBSCRIBER ONLY
San Clemente council to consider new proposal for adding a local sales tax on the November ballot
![On Aug. 1, the city will be host an event at the public art piece with the Orange County Birds of Prey Center, which treats and rehabilitates injured birds. On Aug. 1, the city will be host an event at the public art piece with the Orange County Birds of Prey Center, which treats and rehabilitates injured birds.](https://www.ocregister.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/OCR-L-MURDER-0718-02Amr.jpg?w=140)
In downtown Laguna Beach, watch out for ‘Attempted Murder’ crow sculpture at city hall
![Marine mammal rescue teams have urged boaters in waters off Orange County and San Diego counties to be alert for a whale that appears struggling. Marine mammal rescue teams have urged boaters in waters off Orange County and San Diego counties to be alert for a whale that appears struggling.](https://www.ocregister.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/OCR-L-ENTANGLE-0718-01_0a065b-1.jpg?w=140)
OC boaters urged to be on the lookout for entangled juvenile humpback whale
![The meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. at Council Chambers, located at 910 Calle Negocio. The meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. at Council Chambers, located at 910 Calle Negocio.](https://www.ocregister.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/OCR-L-SCSAND-0525-JG-01-NOW.jpg?w=120)
San Clemente City Council considers putting 1% local sales tax to public vote
![Blake Marnell, a Republican National Commitee delegate, witnessed the former president dive to the ground after hearing a loud noise. Blake Marnell, a Republican National Commitee delegate, witnessed the former president dive to the ground after hearing a loud noise.](https://www.ocregister.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/OCR-L-BLAKE-0714-01.jpg?w=117)
San Diego man describes being 10 yards from Donald Trump when shots rang out
![Newport Beach City Council dismissed suggestion from the Harbor Commission which recommended mooring rates be raised significantly. Newport Beach City Council dismissed suggestion from the Harbor Commission which recommended mooring rates be raised significantly.](https://www.ocregister.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/OCR-L-NBHARBOR-0215-JG-15.jpg?w=140)
Mooring holders in Newport Harbor will keep rates for their lifetimes; new licenses will cost more
![Being declared a species, not a sub-species, would give the long-beaked common dolphins seen in large numbers off Southern California greater protection. Being declared a species, not a sub-species, would give the long-beaked common dolphins seen in large numbers off Southern California greater protection.](https://www.ocregister.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/OCR-L-DOLPHIN-0709-01-1.jpg?w=132)