Despite the unprecedented administrative challenges of hosting an election with little to no help from state and county elections officials, City Attorney Aaron Harp advised council members to move forward to avoid violating a judge’s order.
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 inPolitics & Elections
How Will Newport Beach Leaders Pull Together an Election in 50 Days?
While the first ballots go out on Friday, there are few details available to the public about how the election will be conducted or if the city has what it needs to do it right.
Posted inSafety, Security & Justice
Is Orange County Running out of Cash for Cops?
Many cities are struggling with how they can give pay raises to police officers amid growing budget deficits.
Posted inPolitics & Elections
Newport Beach’s Phantom Election
A split city council moved forward on Friday with hosting an election despite the county elections team refusing to help them amid questions about its legality.
Posted inPolitics & Elections
Can Democrats Retake Huntington Beach City Council Using Republicans’ Strategy?
Huntington Beach’s Democrats are running as a slate this year, while the Republican Party’s candidates are a little more fractured over what direction to go.
Posted inEmergencies & Disasters
La Habra Shelter in Place Order Lifted After Orange Plume Hovers Above City Hall Neighborhood
It remains unclear what caused the chemical leak, which sent up a large orange plume above the city for several hours.
Posted inPolitics & Elections
Election 2026: OC Cities Ask for Tax Increases, Term Limits and More
Over a dozen local ballot initiatives qualified for the November ballot this year, with most of them aimed at increasing local taxes to help patch budget problems.
Posted inEducation
Rancho Santiago Chancellor Suspended Amid Investigation
It’s unclear why Chancellor Marvin Martinez is being put on leave, but it comes after board members repeatedly discussed firing him earlier this year.
Posted inSafety, Security & Justice
Huntington Beach Approves Police Raises Amid Budget Deficit Projections
Surf City police officers will receive an 18% raise over the next three years despite concerns from the mayor and city treasurer on what it means for the city’s long-term finances.
Posted inSafety, Security & Justice
Can Huntington Beach Afford Raises for Police Officers?
City leaders are questioning if they can afford an 18% raise for officers amid a growing budget deficit.
