Most of the county law enforcement’s drone fleet comes from a single company that could soon be banned from operating in the U.S. after the Department of Defense blacklisted them.
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 inHousing & Homelessness
Does Orange County Spend Enough on Building Housing?
County officials unveiled a new budget that allocates $350 million for spurring housing development as some city officials say it’s time for the county to take a bigger role in curbing the housing crisis.
Posted inOutdoors
Orange County Supervisors Crack Down on E-Bikes
New rules are coming to unincorporated Orange County as supervisors look to crack down on e-bike misuse.
Posted inEconomy
Heading Off a Fiscal Cliff: How Are OC Cities Planning For Budget Shortfalls?
Officials in a host of OC cities are struggling to balance municipal budgets as sales revenue decreases and COVID federal bailout money dries up. How will they stay afloat?
Posted inAnaheim
Will Anaheim Recall its First City Councilmember This Century?
The first results in a controversial recall election that has raged over the past year are set to be released tonight.
Posted inPolitics & Elections
Spending Rockets in Anaheim City Council Recall Ahead of Election Day
Hoteliers, unions and other special interests have dumped over a million dollars into deciding the future of Anaheim City Councilwoman Natalie Rubalcava.
Posted inHousing & Homelessness
What’s It Like To Be Without a Home In Orange County?
A growing number of people are facing homelessness throughout the county, and the shelter system that greets them isn’t always prepared for how many people are coming in – or where they can go afterwards.
Posted inState
When Will OC Veterans See A Cemetery Built at Gypsum Canyon?
While county and state leaders have agreed to a site, they’re still working through the details on what the final cemetery will look like.
Posted inHuntington Beach
Huntington Beach Threatens CA Auditor With Lawsuit Over Airshow Settlement Probe
Officials claim since Surf City is governed by a charter, the California Auditor doesn’t have jurisdiction to conduct a probe into their secret $5.4 million airshow settlement. A superior court judge recently tossed a similar claim in the city’s housing lawsuit.
Posted inGovernment
Huntington Beach City Council Looks to Rename Street After Major Campaign Donor
The discussion centers on Ed Laird, a long time business owner and volunteer in the city who’s also donated over $10,000 to current city council members.
