The Orange County Transportation Authority is now streaming their board meetings online following reporting by Voice of OC and a joint investigation with Chapman University students detailing how it’s one of the last big agencies to not video broadcast their meetings.
Author Archives: Erika Taylor
Erika Taylor was a Tracy A. Wood reporting fellow and photojournalist at Voice of OC, covering transportation, libraries, culture and open space across the county.
Taylor started reporting for Voice of OC through Chapman University’s Collegiate News Service in August 2022, working closely with Director of Photography Julie Leopo to produce news images and photo essays. Through her impactful work with photo essays she received a grant through the university’s Marshutz Endowed Journalism Award to begin as an intern in May 2023.
She joined the Tracy A. Wood Fellowship in November 2023 – a memorial fellowship honoring the newsroom’s legendary Civic Editor.
As part of her senior capstone, she investigated online meeting accessibility across public agencies, leading to a series on the Orange County Transportation Authority’s video live streaming practices. Her reporting prompted OCTA to implement video live streaming at board meetings in December 2024. She also started “Free Things to Do This Weekend Across OC” in November 2023, a weekly series featuring free public events from libraries, museums and other public agencies.
Posted inInside the Newsroom
Capturing the Heart of Orange County
As Director of Photography at Voice of OC, Julie Leopo focuses on social issues, arts, and culture, while mentoring the next generation of photojournalists and documenting the rich history of local communities.
Posted inInside the Newsroom
Mentoring the Next Generation
The Voice of OC’s Newsroom model nurtures local talent and student reporters, like Melanie Nguyen, through fellowships and internship opportunities.
Posted inInside the Newsroom
Tracy Wood Fellows Carrying on Civic Editor’s Legacy
The Voice of OC’s Tracy A. Wood Fellowship – a program named in honor of Voice of OC’s legendary former civic editor – uplifts women in journalism and fuels local reporting in OC.
Posted inInside the Newsroom
Meet the Newsroom Leaders
Get to know Voice of OC’s award-winning reporters Hosam Elattar and Noah Biesiada, who uncover impactful stories on community well-being, government accountability, and cultural identity in Orange County.
Posted inInside the Newsroom
Our Nonprofit Newsroom
Meet the editors, reporters and photojournalists bringing free civic news and investigations to Orange County residents.
Posted inCountywide
Free Things To Do This Weekend Across OC
Gardening events, family-friendly storytimes and volunteer opportunities: These are just a few of many free, family-friendly events offered through OC Parks and public libraries.
Posted inTransportation
Orange County’s Transit Leaders Delay on Video Live Streaming
For the third time in a decade, Orange County Transportation Authority leaders bring up video live streaming options this week without taking action.
