The supervisors’ latest frustration in many ways mirrors boaters’ concerns about a lack of vetting.
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 inCosta Mesa
Voters in Costa Mesa, Irvine, Dana Point and Much of South OC Are Picking a New County Rep. What Do the Candidates Say?
We asked the candidates key questions about transparency, coastal erosion, toll roads and human rights. One responded.
Posted inFullerton
Voters in Fullerton, West Anaheim, Brea, Buena Park, La Habra, Placentia and Stanton Are Picking a New County Rep. What Do the Candidates Say?
We asked the candidates key questions about transparency, climate change, airplane noise and bike lanes. One responded.
Posted inAnaheim
Voters in Anaheim, Santa Ana, Orange and Tustin Are Picking a New County Rep. What Do the Candidates Say?
We asked the candidates key questions about transparency, climate change, airplane noise and bike lanes.
Posted inGovernment
Does Orange County’s Fire Headquarters Need 24/7 Armed Cops?
A request for armed sheriff officers was rejected by county supervisors, who cited a lack of threats.
Posted inCountywide
OC Voters are Picking New Congress Representatives. What Do the Candidates Say?
Candidates answer questions on issues like inflation, immigration, abortion, guns, money in politics and whether they believe the 2020 election was stolen.
Posted inPolitics & Elections
OC Voters are Picking New State Representatives. What Do the Candidates Say?
Candidates answer questions on issues like homelessness, public safety, crime and human rights.
Posted inOrange
Should the Public and Victims’ Families Get to Watch Orange Mass Shooter’s Conservatorship Proceedings?
They’re secret by default. But the county will now be asking a judge to open them up to being observed by the public and the victims’ families.
Posted inSafety, Security & Justice
Federal Investigators Call Out ‘Systematic’ Rights Violations in OC Jailhouse Informant Scandal
Federal investigators are recommending a sweeping series of changes, including an oversight panel, to prevent future violations of constitutional rights they say local officials haven’t fully addressed.
Posted inCountywide
County Supervisors Get a New $400 Million Headquarters, Residents Monitoring Public Meetings Remotely Get Glitches
Orange County officials tout investments in public buildings but keep struggling on participation at public meetings.
