Keeping the public out of the loop has become an extreme sport for our elected class as well as the greatest threat to our democracy. In recent times, we’ve seen efforts here in Orange County to illegally restrict public comment, destroy public documents, squash dissenting council members, delay release of police misconduct records along with the murky process of monitoring state harassment investigations or changing federal regulations.
Tag: Norberto Santana Jr.
Posted inNorberto Santana, Jr.
Santana: We Are Not Ready
This weekend’s earthquake, centered in the community of Ridgecrest, is a stark reminder that we are all behind in terms of being ready for the big quake. Voice of OC has been working on a disaster page project this summer, with the aim of providing readers with solid coverage and resources on disaster prep and response across Orange County. Help us source and fund the page.
Posted inNorberto Santana, Jr.
Santana: State Assemblyman Bill Brough Under Fire For Alleged Harassment of Women
Brough has reportedly withdrawn his request for a re-election endorsement from the OCGOP after several women, including Orange County Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, come forward to complain about harassment.
Posted inNorberto Santana, Jr.
Santana: Voice of OC is Ten Years Old Today
An odd idea back in the summer of 2009 – a nonprofit, online newsroom covering local civics in a frank, nonpartisan, real time manner – has taken root in Orange County.
Posted inCountywide, Newport Beach, Norberto Santana, Jr., Safety, Security & Justice, Top Stories
Santana: OC Sheriff Under Fire For Illegal Takeover of Public Docks in Newport Harbor
With Memorial Day weekend signaling the unofficial start of the summer, activists are raising questions about an underused public beach and boating slips just off Bayside Drive in Newport Beach where Sheriff’s officials have illegally shut down public access. State Coastal authorities have now intervened and are working to get the public back onto the beach and boating docks established for them.
Posted inNorberto Santana, Jr.
Santana: OC Sheriff Don Barnes Moves at Sloth Pace to Release Deputy Misconduct Records
Barnes, who benefited from more than $600K in campaign cash from the same OC deputy union that fought disclosure of SB 1421 police misconduct records, has put a tiny staff on the biggest public records challenge ever, likely ensuring that Orange County taxpayers – who have paid out nearly $100 million in legal payouts from Sheriff’s Department misdeeds since 1990 – remain in the dark along with any kind of potential reform.
Posted inNorberto Santana, Jr.
Santana: Conservative Latino Elected Leaders in Santa Ana Earn a Recall They Can Be Proud Of
Independent Juan Villegas and Republican Cecilia Iglesias want more community investment from their city budget, opposing a police union push for a $25 million pay raise package. All of the Santa Ana Democrats on the city council back police pay raises. Villegas and Iglesias now face recall.
Posted inCountywide, Norberto Santana, Jr.
Santana: Newport Residents Lead Organizing Efforts Against JWA Private Jet Expansion
Orange County supervisors on Tuesday will consider a plan to grow executive jet flight operations at John Wayne Airport, which has sparked intense opposition from neighbors who question campaign contribution connections to OC supervisors as well as environmental impacts.
Posted inNorberto Santana, Jr.
Santana: Stage Set For ACLU Vs. County of Orange Fight Over Public Comment Rules
After years of protest, the ACLU heads into superior court next month against the County of Orange seeking a court injunction against restrictive public comment rules. The hearing is scheduled for June 12 at 10 am in Dept. C25 in front of Judge Sheila Fell.
Posted inCountywide, Norberto Santana, Jr.
Santana: Given Campaign Cash for OC Supervisors, Newport Beach Residents Right to Worry About JWA Expansion Plans
Newport Beach residents are wary of expansion plans at John Wayne Airport to open a new private, executive jet terminal. While county officials says executive jets are a small part of revenues, a Voice of OC analysis of campaign filings shows a different nexus: campaign contributions to county supervisors from private jet contractors and their business associates. JWA expansion plans are up for approval next month by Orange County airport commissions on May 1 and by county supervisors on May 7.