The suit comes after repeated requests by Councilwoman Laura Ferguson to have the city waive its confidentiality rights, which the council majority has refused to do.
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 inGovernment
Leadership Vacuum Hits City Halls Across Orange County
Three different cities are looking for city managers and another four have had to wrestle with city council appointments since the start of the year.
Posted inWater, Power & Waste
OC Electric Utility One Step Closer to Turning Lights On After Approving Financing Plans
The approved contracts set up a line of credit for the newly formed agency and established rules for purchasing power from suppliers.
Posted inHealth & Wellness
Irvine City Council Considers New Approach to Address Asphalt Plant After Years of Homeowner Complaints
The council could implement new restrictions on trucks leaving and entering the factory in the near future and is considering further action after years of pushing from residents.
Posted inSan Clemente
San Clemente Debates New Assembly Restrictions, Raising Free Speech Concerns
Following a series of protests over the last year, council members are trying to reform the special permitting process their own staff admit is broken.
Posted inEconomy
Some OC Cities Begin Asking If Public Streets Should be Used For Private Restaurants
Council members in Fullerton, Huntington Beach and Orange are starting to wonder if outdoor dining programs should continue after more than a year into the pandemic.
Posted inGovernment
How Are OC Cities and the County Supposed to Spend COVID Bailout Money?
While some cities have started spending, most are waiting for the final federal guidelines on what they can use the money for.
Posted inHealth & Wellness
Air Quality District Says Asphalt Factory in Irvine Not Harming Residents, Homeowners Disagree
The local South Coast Air Quality Management District has been studying the plant for nine months after residents complained about harmful emissions.
Posted inPolitics & Elections
Mission Viejo’s Tentative Plan For Drawing New Voting Districts Starts in December
The current plan would see most of the city’s discussion take place over the holidays, drawing criticism from transparency watchdogs who say residents may not have time to weigh in.
Posted inCountywide
Orange County Cities Begin Dropping COVID Emergency Declarations as Cases Soar
By classifying the pandemic as a state of emergency, city staff were given more power to execute contracts independently and access special state and federal funds.
