The agency’s first year has been dogged by questions over its leadership and transparency concerns, with the largest question about the price still up in the air.
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
2021: The Year of Vacancies in Orange County Governments
At least six OC city council members have given up their seats last year as well as one County Board of Education trustee.
Posted inGovernment
Scramble Breaks Out in Sacramento Over Leadership on a State Veterans Cemetery in Orange County
Just as discussions on a site appear to have wrapped up, a new battle breaks out in Sacramento with State Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk Silva and State Sen. Tom Umberg sponsoring two competing bills.
Posted inEmergencies & Disasters
Oil Spotted Off OC Coast Again, Source Unknown
In the last three weeks, county and state officials have spotted three different oil sheens off the coast and have yet to publicly name a source for any of them.
Posted inEducation
Tim Shaw Reappointed to OC Board of Education Two Months After Resignation
Shaw left the board due to threats of a conflict of interest lawsuit, but now plans to abandon his seat on the La Habra City Council instead of the board.
Posted inEducation
Orange County Board of Education to Choose New Member After Resignation
If the board fails to agree on who they should appoint, it will trigger a special election for the seat in North Orange County.
Posted inOutdoors
Oil Spotted Off Orange County Coast For Third Time in Three Months
The potential size and source of the oil sheen off the coast of Bolsa Chica State Beach is currently unknown 12 hours after officials confirmed its existence.
Posted inEmergencies & Disasters
Federal Prosecutors Criminally Charge Amplify Energy Over OC Oil Spill
A federal investigation alleges the pipeline operators ignored eight alarms that the pipeline was leaking.
Posted inEmergencies & Disasters
First Big Winter Storm Brings Mudslides, Mandatory Evacuations to OC Canyon Residents
Sheriff officials issued mandatory evacuations midday Tuesday for residents in the Bond Fire burn areas of Silverado, Modjeska and Williams canyons.
Posted inWater, Power & Waste
Irvine to Choose Default Rates for Residents Under OC’s New Clean Energy Agency
City council members’ decision tonight could change residents’ electric bills when the program launches next fall, providing more clean energy at an unknown cost.
