The council proposed nearly half a dozen amendments to their new rules after strong pushback from the public, but residents weren’t satisfied with the changes.
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 inWater, Power & Waste
Have Water and Power Officials in Orange County Figured Out a Way to Meet in Secret?
A renewable energy agreement between the OC Power Authority and Poseidon Water is nonbinding. But critics wonder whether it opens the door towards secret government.
Posted inHousing & Homelessness
As OC Cities Spur Affordable Housing Near Airport, County Commission Expresses Safety Concerns
Despite concerns from the airport land use commission that there shouldn’t be more housing in these areas, cities are pressing on in an effort to meet the state’s mandated goals.
Posted inOutdoors
Great Park Demolition Set To Move Forward, Paving Way For New Development
The new projects represent the first major steps forward on the park’s offerings in years, opening up hundreds of new acres for development.
Posted inEmergencies & Disasters
State Legislators, OC City and School District Officials Call For Ending State of Emergency
While nearly every state-imposed pandemic restriction has ended in Orange County, many are still calling for a total repeal of the governor’s state of emergency.
Posted inGovernment
Irvine City Council Looks to Gut Transparency Rules, Shorten Public Comment Amid Pushback
The council tried to push through a similar measure in October, but backed off after protests from residents.
Posted inEquality & Equity
Unheard: Orange County Shuts Out Deaf Residents From Public Meeting Broadcasts
A Voice of OC investigation reveals that most OC city governments fail to provide live closed captioning of council meeting broadcasts – which not only disenfranchises the hard of hearing but leaves cities vulnerable to lawsuits.
Posted inEquality & Equity
Accessibility Accommodations For OC City Council Meetings in Real Time
A breakdown of accommodations like closed captioning available for hard of hearing/deaf people at city council meetings in Orange County.
Posted inSanta Ana
‘Abstain’: Are OC Officials Using a Public Meeting Ethics Check to Dodge Accountability?
Some local policymakers in Orange County are questioning whether a conflict-of-interest check at public meetings is allowing politicians to avoid taking a stance on controversial matters.
Posted inEducation
Another OC Board of Education Member Faces Legal Threat for Holding Two Elected Offices
If the case moves forward, Beckie Gomez might have to leave her seat on the board or the Tustin City Council.
