Erika Taylor has been a Fellow with Voice of OC since 2023 and filing stories since 2022 working to make sure local news gets the in-depth attention it deserves.
“It’s been really wonderful to immerse myself in the different communities and cultures in Orange County,” said Taylor, who just graduated from Chapman University and was recently selected for a Master’s at the prestigious journalism program at USC.
Some of Taylor’s most notable coverage has revolved around the OC Transportation agency consistently covering the discussion of video live streaming meetings, which eventually led to a policy change allowing locals to stay updated with their local government.
“Her work exemplifies courageous, public service-driven journalism, and she has remained committed even in moments of real-world resistance” said Chapman’s Journalism Director Prof. Susan Paterno, who leads an innovative journalism program partnering with Voice of OC teaching students by helping them publish stories about city halls across Orange County.
Taylor – alongside Voice of OC Photography Director Julie Leopo – has been at the forefront of defending press photographers’ access rights across OC city halls, most recently helping lead efforts to effectively confront First Amendment restrictions imposed – and later lifted – by the City of Santa Ana.
Read: Santa Ana Officials Back Off on Restricting Photojournalists After Backlash
As a Tracy Wood fellow, Taylor has become a lead mentor to students in the Chapman journalism program, edits the popular Free Things to Do weekly column at Voice of OC and is a leading contributor in news photo coverage and expanding the newsroom’s weekend section.
Taylor’s stellar reporting has not gone unnoticed as she has won several awards for her reporting and photography in this year’s California Newspublishers Association awards taking first place in Feature Photo, Transportation Reporting, Community Calendar and a third place in Religion Reporting.
Taylor is the second Tracy Wood Fellow to earn admission to the prestigious journalism program at the USC Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism for a Masters.
Read: Voice of OC Tracy Wood Fellow, Angelina Hicks Selected for Journalism Masters at USC
“Erika gets why journalism matters and the difference it can make for communities,” said Voice of OC Publisher and Editor in Chief, Norberto Santana, Jr. “She has proven herself as a hard working, shoe leather journalist, with a keen eye and understanding for people and issues, along with a steely dedication to public service.
“We’re all excited to see her continue to hone her professional skills at USC and look forward to her continuing to share her insights with students and professionals working at Voice of OC.”
Taylor graduated earlier this year as an exemplary student at Chapman University, thriving in their journalism program.
“Erika’s journalism,” said Paterno, “ is defined by a fierce dedication to public accountability, creative storytelling, and a deep belief in the democratic role of the press.”
