Fire Authority officials say they’ve been performing air rescues for over 20 years and are well-equipped for the job, but that in recent years sheriff’s helicopter crews have been racing to the scene and taking control.
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 inEconomy, Santa Ana
Santa Ana Added Water Fees for New Developments Without Public Disclosure
Santa Ana officials recently added five new water-related fees for building construction, but their public notice left that out when describing what the City Council’s action would do.
Posted inEconomy, Santa Ana, Top Stories
Santa Ana Officials Endorse Worker-Owned Businesses and Declare Intent to Support Them
The City Council directed staff to study actions to assist cooperatives – such as reducing business license fees and allowing them to apply for small business grants – and bring back recommendations to the council within 90 days.
Posted inEconomy, Investigative, Safety, Security & Justice, Santa Ana
Santa Ana Reverses Plans to Downsize Jail, After New Plan is Said to Save Money and Jobs
City Council members had voted in June to reduce staffing at their mostly-empty jail. But a new plan emerged to house additional U.S. Marshals inmates, which the acting police chief said would reduce the city’s budget deficits and save jail jobs.
Posted inAnaheim, Irvine, Politics & Elections, Santa Ana, Westminster
City Council Candidates Already Fundraising for Next Year’s Races
Several Anaheim, Santa Ana, Irvine and other city council members and candidates reported robust fundraising for the first six months of 2017, according to the latest campaign finance disclosures.
Posted inGovernment, Safety, Security & Justice, Top Stories
Despite Spending $100 Million, County Hasn’t Audited Motorola Radio Costs in 15 Years
Over $100 million in taxpayer money has been spent since the most recent audit, which was in 2002. The aging system is proprietary, and no bids have been sought from other companies for its $140 million overhaul.
Posted inGovernment, Health & Wellness, Top Stories
OC Supervisors’ Attempted Takeover of CalOptima Health Plan Appears Dead
In a public rebuke, one of Supervisor Andrew Do’s colleagues said Do has been pushing for the takeover because the health plan’s board refused to elect him chairman.
Posted inGovernment, Investigative, Safety, Security & Justice, Top Stories
Rackauckas and Spitzer Clash Over Settlement Talks on DA Investigators’ Claims
It’s up to county supervisors to decide whether to settle the claims, which would prevent lawsuits. A settlement discussion is scheduled for Tuesday.
Posted inEmergencies & Disasters, Government, Safety, Security & Justice, Top Stories
County Set to Approve No-Bid $25 Million Contract With Motorola for Emergency Radio Overhaul
As the 1990s-era equipment becomes obsolete, county supervisors and Sheriff Sandra Hutchens have opted not to ask other companies what they could offer as a replacement for the current system. The upgrade project is expected to cost $140 million.
Posted inEconomy, Investigative, Safety, Security & Justice, Santa Ana
Former Santa Ana Police Chief Alleges Wrongdoing by Top City Officials and Officers’ Union Leader
In a legal claim he filed against the city, Carlos Rojas said he “was forced to involuntarily resign his civil service position as a result of potential illegal activity and/or noncompliance [with rules and/or regulations] among city officials.”
