In a unanimous decision, the panel removed a 30-year-old piece of legislation that refused to define sexual orientation as a human right.
Author Archives: Noah Biesiada
Noah Biesiada serves as Voice of OC’s county reporter, covering the county board of supervisors and the $9 billion government they oversee.
Biesiada started as an intern in July 2019, helping launch Voice of OC’s disaster news coverage and report on the cities of south Orange County such as Irvine, Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel, and other coastal cities like Huntington Beach and San Clemente.
Currently, Biesiada’s reporting is focused on county agencies such as the sheriff’s department, the courts, and other departments along with the cities of Irvine and Huntington Beach.
His reporting has led to a host of reforms across Orange County governments including the Orange County Power Authority, the OC Fire Authority and Irvine’s Great Park.
He’s won several awards from state and local press organizations for his reporting on the county’s disaster preparedness, breaking news and other investigations and won 2023 Online Journalist of the Year from the LA Press Club.
Languages spoken: English
Contact: nbiesiada@voiceofoc.org
Posted inCountywide
OC Board of Education Recommends Return To School Without Masks Or Social Distancing
The 4-1 vote comes after massive public debate over the issue and is in direct opposition to the county’s own Department of Education.
Posted inIrvine
Irvine Approves Coronavirus Testing Contract, But Details Remain Unclear
This is the city’s second attempt at establishing a testing regimen after earlier talks with a different contractor broke down in May.
Posted inCountywide
OC Board of Education Panel Calls for a Fall Return to Classes with No Masks or Distancing
On Monday, the panel is expected to recommend guidelines to schools that run in direct opposition to guidance from the California Department of Education.
Posted inMission Viejo
Mission Viejo Councilman Plans to Host Reopen Rally in Park Against City Guidelines
Councilman Greg Raths started advertising earlier this week the event set to take place at Florence Joyner Olympiad Park.
Posted inMission Viejo
Mission Viejo Congressional Candidate’s Social Media Blocking Stirs First Amendment Debate
Greg Raths is facing criticism for his use of social media in the last couple of months that came to a head earlier this week in an argument over Twitter.
Posted inIrvine
Newsom Restores Funding To OC Veterans Cemetery In Final Budget, Next Steps Unclear
While the governor’s original proposal took the funds back to help address the state government’s coronavirus-driven deficit, negotiations saw the full amount restored.
Posted inMission Viejo
Mission Viejo City Council Extends Their Own Terms as Elected Officials
Mission Viejo still does not have a new voting system heading into the November election after nearly two years of discussion, forcing use of an old system that violates state voter disenfranchisement laws.
Posted inIrvine
Irvine City Council Stuck Over State Veterans Cemetery Decision
After approving construction following eight years of discussion, the council is now disagreeing over whether to start construction or turn the land over to the state.
Posted inIrvine
Irvine Approves Flying of LGBTQ+ Flag A Year After Denying Request
The reversal came after broad community support for the flag raising and the City Council’s decision to recognize June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month.
