Among the four competitive races, Republicans were ahead for two seats and Democrats ahead in the other two.
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 inPolitics & Elections
Here Are the Hottest Races to Watch in Orange County
Today, Orange County voters decide on which party controls the OC Board of Supervisors and who they want representing them in Congress.
Posted inTransportation
OC Bus Service is Back – At Least Through the Election – As Maintenance Workers Pause Strike
Another shutdown could come again later in the week if negotiations don’t progress over the workers’ healthcare and other benefits.
Posted inCountywide
Orange County Buses Will Screech to Halt Thursday Morning After Mechanics Strike
The service stoppage is threatened amid a standstill in labor negotiations over healthcare costs.
Posted inSafety, Security & Justice
Here’s a Twist: OC Sheriff Union is Attacking the Republican and Backing the Democrat in a High-Stakes Race
It’s the critical race that will decide which party has a majority on the powerful county Board of Supervisors.
Posted inPolitics & Elections
Orange County Voter Guide: November 2022 Election
A host of high-stakes races will decide the handling of issues like public safety, school curriculum, homelessness and transparency. Here’s a rundown of the candidates.
Posted inTop Stories
Who Should Run Our K-12 Public Schools? Here’s Where Candidates Stand on the Issues
We asked local school board candidates key questions about curriculum, pandemic measures, free speech, book bans, mental health support, and transparency.
Posted inCountywide
Who Should Run Our Community Colleges? Here’s Where Candidates Stand on the Issues
We asked the candidates key questions about curriculum, pandemic measures, book bans, mental health support, and spending priorities.
Posted inSafety, Security & Justice
OC Voters Are Picking a New Judge – Between Peggy Huang and Michele Bell. How Do They Answer Key Questions?
We asked the candidates key questions about their biggest mistakes, challenges facing local courtrooms and transparency.
Posted inWater, Power & Waste
They’re Often in the Shadows of Elections. But Where Do Water District Candidates Stand on the Issues?
We asked the candidates key questions about the drought, climate change, transparency and term limits.
