Masks and ventilators are in short supply as hospitals prepare for a surge of coronavirus patients in the coming days and weeks, officials wrote in an update Monday.
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 inEmergencies & Disasters, Housing & Homelessness, Safety, Security & Justice, Top Stories
OC’s Shelter Capacity is Shrinking, For Now, Amid Scramble to Expand in Crisis
At a time jurisdictions up and down the state are expanding emergency homeless shelters to slow the spread of coronavirus and save lives, two of Orange County’s main shelters are being downsized with replacement shelters that have 200 fewer beds in total.
Posted inCountywide, Emergencies & Disasters, Housing & Homelessness, Top Stories
Homeless Shelters and Housing Take Front Seat in Fight Against Coronavirus
While millions of Orange County residents hunker down at home to slow the spread of coronavirus, there’s a group of people who don’t have that option.
Posted inCountywide, Emergencies & Disasters, Top Stories
OC Adjusts After Triggering Confusion; New Order Says Businesses Should Keep Operating While Following State Guidance
The new order says businesses should generally keep operating, but within state health guidelines that call for people staying physically separate as much as possible. The order does close bars and other alcohol-serving establishments, movie theaters, gyms and health clubs. Restaurants can operate, but only provide delivery pick up and drive-through service, not in-person dining.
Posted inCountywide, Emergencies & Disasters, Top Stories
Orange County Prepares to Clarify Emergency Social Distancing Health Order
The new order was expected to largely follow state health guidelines. It comes after county officials acknowledged that poor wording in their initial order Tuesday – and virtually no response to media questions for hours – caused widespread confusion among the public.
Posted inCountywide, Emergencies & Disasters, Government, Top Stories
Amid Confusion Over Order, OC Says People Can Work and Goal is Keeping 6-Foot Separation
People can go to work in Orange County and businesses are encouraged to keep operating, county officials said late Tuesday. They acknowledged a health order they issued earlier in the day caused widespread confusion, and planned to issue a revised order Wednesday.
Posted inCountywide, Emergencies & Disasters, Government, Top Stories
OC Bans All Gatherings of People Outside Homes, With Many Exceptions Allowing Food and Other Services
The order has a long list of exceptions allowing people to continue to perform “essential activities,” like keeping open grocery stores, hospitals, and law enforcement services.
Posted inCountywide, Emergencies & Disasters, Government, Top Stories
OC to Ban All Public and Private Gatherings Under Emergency Health Order
Bars and in-person dining at restaurants also will be prohibited until further notice, under an order scheduled to be issued later Tuesday.
Posted inEmergencies & Disasters, Top Stories
Coronavirus Updates: To Slow Spread, Public is Asked to Stay Home When Possible
Public life in OC changes to put brakes on coronavirus’ spread. Health experts say lives will be saved from the people staying 6 feet from others as much as possible, and washing hands frequently.
Posted inCountywide, Emergencies & Disasters, Top Stories
While Coronavirus Risk Low in OC, Officials Confront Public Fear
Orange County confronts the Coronavirus scare with officials keeping public agencies open despite cancelling events throughout the region.
