Is it smart to alter the state’s open meeting law to allow public officials to talk in secret about cyber attacks?
Author Archives: Norberto Santana Jr.
Norberto Santana, Jr. is an experienced investigative reporter, serving as founding publisher and editor-in-chief for Voice of OC, overseeing newsroom, engagement and fundraising operations.
He’s also an award-winning columnist, focusing his efforts on First Amendment issues and local government, being recognized multiple years by the Orange County Press Club as the region’s best columnist.
The LA Press Club has named him a Journalist of the Year (2018) and the Los Angeles chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists has recognized him as a “Distinguished Journalist.” The California Chicano News Media Association has honored him with a lifetime achievement award and the national News Leaders Association has recognized him for his commitment to diverse staffing and coverage.
Santana is a pioneer in the field of nonprofit news having served on the board of directors for the national trade group for nonprofit newsrooms, the Institute for Nonprofit News (INN). He also has served on boards of the national nonprofit advocating investigative journalism, Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE) and the California First Amendment advocacy group, CalAware.
In addition to journalism, Santana also teaches public affairs and investigative journalism as an adjunct faculty professor at Chapman University.
Before founding Voice of OC in 2009, Santana was a lead investigative reporter for the Orange County Register, focusing on county government. He spent nearly two decades covering local governments across Southern California, previously as a staff writer at the San Diego Union Tribune and San Bernardino County Sun.
Santana began his journalistic career as an apprentice reporter with Congressional Quarterly in Washington, D.C. covering daily floor action in the U.S. Congress and followed that up with a stint covering the territorial Senate for the U.S. Virgin Islands Daily News.
Languages spoken: English and Spanish
Posted inSanta Ana
Santana: The Chicano Gothic Mural at Santa Ana’s Memorial Park Pool Will Be Preserved
Santa Ana officials this month voted to save the popular local Chicano mural. Could the effort help establish a formal city program for mural preservation?
Posted inNorberto Santana Jr.
Santana: The Little Newsroom That Could
This week, Voice of OC marks its 15-year anniversary as a sustainable nonprofit newsroom helping residents craft change and training the next generation of journalists.
Posted inNorberto Santana Jr.
Santana: Catching Up to E-Bikes in Orange County
Wild street takeovers in one of America’s safest communities drive calls for tougher laws, enforcement.
Posted inHousing & Homelessness
Santana: Preparing OC’s Cold Weather Shelters in the Heat of Summer
Orange County officials keep failing to prepare for homeless cold weather sheltering until it’s too late. Could this year be different?
Posted inPolitics & Elections
Santana: Setting Orange County’s First Congressional Debate of The Season
Scott Baugh and Dave Min agree to debates in the 47th Congressional District.
Posted inTop Stories
Santana: OC Voters Deserve Election Debates
Voice of OC is relaunching the Feet to the Fire debate series, hoping to spark a community conversation around every major election across OC.
Posted inPolitics & Elections
Santana: Finding The Real Judges of OC
A few tips on finding useful information about voting for candidates seeking election as Orange County Superior Court judges.
Posted inPolitics & Elections
Santana: A Quick Look at Orange County’s March Primary Election
OC voters could decide the political fate of two county supervisor seats in the upcoming March 5 election. They’ll also decide the majority of the county’s board of education in the primary.
Posted inTop Stories
Santana: Orange County’s Transportation Officials Don’t Want Anyone Watching
The Orange County Transportation Authority is the one of the only public agencies left in Orange County that does not provide video of its public board meetings.
