The number of takeoffs by the loudest planes at John Wayne Airport could go up in 2021 under new plan county supervisors are considering.
Author Archives: Nick Gerda
Nick covers the city of Santa Ana, as well as the County of Orange, often reporting on issues like homelessness, public safety, mental health, and the role of money in politics.
Since joining Voice of OC in 2011, Nick has regularly shed light on topics that are often kept in the shadows. He’s reported on systemic problems in the county’s mental health system. He also led a reporting team that produced sophisticated looks at how the Disney corporation campaign contributions influenced recent elections in Anaheim.
Nick also revealed evidence of elected leaders using their official powers to apparently pressure government contractors into donating to their election campaigns, in an article that was awarded best news story of the year by the Orange County Press Club. He firmly believes journalism should inform the public and help hold the powerful accountable.
An Orange County native, Nick first started covering local government in his mid-teens, before attending Santa Ana College, the American University in Cairo, and UC Irvine, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in political science.
Languages spoken: English, elementary Spanish, minimal Arabic and minimal Japanese
Areas of expertise: Local government, local politics, homelessness, mental health policy, campaign finance, California Public Records Act, Ralph M. Brown Act, County of Orange government, Santa Ana city government and municipal finance.
Posted inHealth & Wellness, Santa Ana, Top Stories
Attorneys Seek to Question Santa Ana Police Chief Under Oath
As part of gang injunction debate, lawyers seek to put Santa Ana Police Chief Carlos Rojas under oath.
Posted inSanta Ana
State Senate and Santa Ana City Candidates to Debate
34th state Senate district and Santa Ana City Council candidates to debate at a forum Thursday.
Posted inGovernment, Health & Wellness, Top Stories
Crime Prevention May be Ramped-Up by County
OC may join state effort to reduce crimes committed by convicted criminals after they’re released from jail or prison.
Posted inNewport Beach
Newport Beach Candidates in Final ‘Feet to the Fire’ Forum
Final “Feet to the Fire” political debate features Newport Beach candidates for city council.
Posted inFullerton
Who’s Paying for Tonight’s Fracking Symposium?
Nearly three weeks after an activist first asked, officials at Cal State Fullerton are refusing to specify who is funding tonight’s forum on oil well fracking.
