Activists warned against approving homes above Yorba Linda because of previous wildfires. They did it anyway.
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 inCountywide
As Hospitals Get ‘Bombarded’ With Covid Patients, OC Health Director Pleads With Public
Dr. Clayton Chau issued an emotional appeal for the public to wear masks and avoid gatherings.
Posted inCountywide
Both Parties Have Now Endorsed Candidates for Pivotal Coastal OC Supervisor Seat
Orange County’s Republican and Democratic parties have chosen their endorsements in the crucial contest for 2nd District county supervisor next year.
Posted inCountywide
Questions Remain About How Orange County Has Spent Nearly $544 Million in Coronavirus Relief Funds
As hospitalizations spike to record levels, CARES Act relief money is almost all spent. Where did it go?
Posted inCountywide
Judge Orders Half of OC Jail Inmates Removed From Group Living Areas Amid New Outbreak
Judge Peter Wilson found Sheriff Don Barnes failed to protect medically vulnerable inmates. Barnes is looking at filing an appeal.
Posted inSafety, Security & Justice
OC Courts Halt New Civil Trials Until Late January as Coronavirus Surges
“The dramatic increase in COVID-19 positive cases in our County has required us to cut back our services,” said the county’s top judge.
Posted inCountywide
Major Covid Outbreak Hits OC Jails; 74 Inmates Test Positive In Last Couple Days
The outbreak comes as local coronavirus cases and hospitalizations skyrocket to their highest levels of the pandemic.
Posted inEmergencies & Disasters
OC Hospitals Urged to Trigger Surge Plans, Halt Elective Surgeries as Coronavirus Hospitalizations Soar
Officials say skyrocketing hospitalizations are forcing the OC Health Care Agency to call for hospitals to halt non-emergency procedures.
Posted inCountywide
Orange County Debates How Much Local Police Should Cooperate With ICE
This week, Sheriff Don Barnes and local residents debate whether local law enforcement should work with federal immigration authorities.
Posted inCountywide
What Will Orange County’s Future Elected Leaders Look Like?
The redrawing of representation maps will affect local communities’ political power for 10 years.
