Surf City leaders are looking to spend nearly three quarters of a million on beefing up the city’s image, but some residents and council members are questioning a firm pushed by the mayor.
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 inEconomy
Irvine Officials Deadlock on How to Close Multimillion Dollar Budget Deficits
While Irvine staff are warning they could burn through all their reserves by 2030 without changes, council members couldn’t agree to take any action on Tuesday night.
Posted inEconomy
Irvine Wrestles With Budget Shortfall Amid Questions on Future Stability
For the first time in years, Irvine leaders are looking at a $6 million shortfall and questions on whether their future budgets will be fully balanced.
Posted inEconomy
Fullerton Plays Hot Potato With Budget Crisis
While city leaders admit they knew about the problem for years, different leaders blamed one another for the city’s current economic straits as the deputy city manager said staff repeatedly warned them of the issue.
Posted inWater, Power & Waste
Trash Rate Hikes are on the Horizon for Orange County Residents
Many Orange County residents could soon see their trash prices go up to manage composting and dumping fees as Fountain Valley officials are slated to consider hikes tonight.
Posted inHousing & Homelessness
Many Orange County Cities Fail At Low Income Housing Development
Cities across the county are warning state leaders they’re behind schedule on approving new housing units for construction.
Posted inSafety, Security & Justice
District Attorney Todd Spitzer Has Become Orange County’s Most Expensive Politician
Orange County taxpayers have spent nearly $18 million on lawsuits against both the DA and several of his top lieutenants over a series of alleged wrongdoings.
Posted inHousing & Homelessness
OC Supervisors: Lack of Affordable Housing Creates Homeless Deadlock
While shelters were originally designed to hold people for a few months, many are waiting years for their shot at housing.
Posted inSafety, Security & Justice
OC Supervisors Stay Largely Silent on Sheriff’s ICE Notifications
Despite pushback from many residents over the sheriff’s department notifying ICE when certain convicted inmates are released, supervisors didn’t debate the policy.
Posted inGovernment
County Supervisors Continue Debating How to Hold Electeds Accountable
Supervisors acknowledged they’re struggling to find ways to make sure no future supervisor can personally direct millions of dollars without staff intervention.
