While the wildfire primarily burned into Riverside County, it’s still creating hazards for Orange County residents.
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 inTransportation
OC Officials Consider Boulders Along Coastal Train, San Clemente Protests
While leaders of the OC Transportation Authority argue it’s needed to protect the coastal rail line, city leaders say the extra rocks are damaging their rapidly shrinking coast.
Posted inEconomy
OC District Attorney and Treasurer Question Supervisors Takeover of $17 Billion Investments
Supervisors did not answer questions as to why they were taking billions of dollars out of the hands of the county treasurer.
Posted inEconomy
OC’s Internal Auditor Suggests Tighter Contract Oversight After Bribery Scandal
It’s unclear if his recommendation will move forward after the county CEO and other top staff told him that wasn’t his call to make.
Posted inPolitics & Elections
Former Irvine Councilwoman Abandons Campaign Amid Residency Questions
Tammy Kim’s decision to drop out came hours before an Orange County Superior Court judge was expected to decide if she could stay on the ballot.
Posted inPolitics & Elections
Irvine’s Special Election Embroiled in a Lawsuit
The case, which could impact the city’s 5th District race, is expected to be heard in OC Superior Court on Thursday.
Posted inEconomy
OC CEO Defends Stripping Elected Treasurer of $17 Billion Investment Pool
County leaders remain silent on the controversial move but seem to have lost trust in longtime Treasurer Tax Collector Shari Freidenrich.
Posted inGovernment
OC Leaders Scramble to Figure Out What Federal Funding is Cut Off by Trump Executive Orders
It remains unclear what funding could be cut off to the county, which has already implemented a hiring freeze amidst concerns about its own projected budget shortfall.
Posted inCountywide
Are OC Supervisors About to Tighten Up Public Contracts After Bribery Scandal?
The discussion comes after a former county supervisor pleaded guilty to helping route over $10 million to nonprofits in exchange for bribes.
Posted inSafety, Security & Justice
Westminster City Councilwoman Charged With Attempting to Bribe Parking Officer
Prosecutors allege she offered to help boost the police department’s salaries during union negotiations in exchange for not towing her husband’s Jeep.
