Reporter

Theresa Walker

Theresa Walker has been a staff writer at the Orange County Register since 1992. She was a reporter and editor at the San Bernardino Sun from 1986 to 1992. She has a communications degree from Cal State Dominguez Hills.

Location: Orange County, California, USA

Michael Mistretta, 34, left, and Mike Parker, 52, both have their challenges in life, but 10 years ago when they joined “Lunch Bunch” Bowling, a regular league at Irvine Lanes, they bonded not just as bowlers, but as friends who look out for each other. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Bowling teammates don’t spare time for challenges when there are strikes to roll

November 27, 2024 at 8:36 a.m.

Mike Parker and Michael Mistretta became a team about 10 years ago, competing as Team Powerball in the Lunch Bunch League.

OC United Way’s stated mission to deliver “measurable long-term solutions” is a driving force for Susan B. Parks, president and chief executive officer since June 2017. (Photo courtesy of United Way)

OC United Way turns 100, keeps focus on those in county who find it challenging to live here

November 1, 2024 at 7:03 a.m.

The nonprofit addresses the 'two sides to Orange County' with initiatives that target homelessness, financial insecurity, education and more.

Nicole Suydam, president and CEO of Goodwill of Orange County, stands in the store at the headquarters in Santa Ana on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024. The organization celebrates its 100th birthday this year. (Photo by Mark Rightmire, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Goodwill of OC CEO Nicole Suydam ready to celebrate 100 years, look to future

October 5, 2024 at 12:14 p.m.

The nonprofit leader discusses plans to expand the organization while dealing with anticipated challenges.

First donation collection booth opened at Garden Grove Alpha Beta (at Harbor) on Oct. 3, 1957. (Courtesy of Goodwill of Orange County)

100 things to know as Goodwill of Orange County turns 100

October 5, 2024 at 12:16 p.m.

Check out some nuggets about the nonprofit's history through the decades since it opened in 1924.

The Artists of the Year for 2024 are (top row from left): Grace Lin, media arts; Viveka Saravanan, vocal music; Jadon Wu, instrumental music; Caroline Kim, fine arts; (bottom row, from left) Sofia Aniceto, dance; Benjamin Weil, film and TV; and McKenzie Cahill, theater. (Photos by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Orange County high school Artist of the Year 2024 winners announced

April 29, 2024 at 11:11 a.m.

Seven high school students were selected as Artist of the Year out of 892 nominees.

Sofia Aniceto, a senior at Huntington Beach Academy for the Performing Arts, pictured at the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza in Costa Mesa on Sunday, April 14, 2024 is the 2024 Artist of the Year in dance. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Artist of the Year 2024 for dance: Sofia Aniceto

April 28, 2024 at 7:00 a.m.

The 17-year-old senior from the Huntington Beach Academy for Performing Arts travels to downtown LA to study dance at the Coburn School.

Benjamin Weil, a senior at Huntington Beach Academy for the Performing Arts, pictured at the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza in Costa Mesa on Sunday, April 14, 2024 is the 2024 Artist of the Year in film and TV. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Artist of the Year 2024 for film and TV: Benjamin Weil

April 28, 2024 at 6:58 a.m.

The 18-year-old senior from Huntington Beach Academy for the Performing Arts made a short film about living with ADHD.

Mckenzie Cahill, a senior at Capistrano Valley High School, pictured at the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza in Costa Mesa on Sunday, April 14, 2024 is the 2024 Artist of the Year in theater. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Artist of the Year 2024 for theater: McKenzie Cahill

April 28, 2024 at 10:10 a.m.

The 18-year-old senior at Capistrano Valley High School has used her love of musical theater to get through trying times.

Jadon Wu, a junior at Orange County School of the Arts, pictured at the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza in Costa Mesa on Sunday, April 14, 2024 is the 2024 Artist of the Year in instrumental music. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Artist of the Year 2024 for instrumental music: Jadon Wu

April 28, 2024 at 6:56 a.m.

The 17-year-old junior and pianist at the Orange County School of the Arts seeks to combine music and phsical care.

Viveka Saravanan, a senior at Orange County School of the Arts, pictured at the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza in Costa Mesa on Sunday, April 14, 2024 is the 2024 Artist of the Year in vocal music. (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Artist of the Year 2024 for vocal music: Viveka Saravanan

April 28, 2024 at 6:56 a.m.

The 18-year-old senior at Orange County School of the Arts wants to combine two classical disciplines — Western opera and Indian Carnatic music.

All Stories