This Fall, the Happiest Place on Earth becomes the backdrop behind a series of hard looks at how local city halls are really run in the wake of a public corruption scandal. Will reform follow or fail?
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 inTop Stories
Santana: A Year After FBI Corruption Allegations, Anaheim’s Politicians Fail What Could Be Their Final Exam
In the wake of FBI affidavits, an independent corruption investigation report and a plea agreement, Anaheim City Council members are still acting as if the biggest corruption scandal in OC history just happened.
Posted inNorberto Santana Jr.
Santana: Anaheim’s Corruption Probe Backs Up Years of Reporting, Community Concerns. Now What?
A bombshell report identifies nearly 60 potential criminal violations, much of it involving insider dealings, after an independent look at how Anaheim City Hall really works – or doesn’t – for residents.
Posted inNorberto Santana Jr.
Santana: More Than 13,000 Public Workers Across Orange County Get a Pay Raise This Week
As labor strikes heat up across the region, OC officials approve a labor deal with the county’s largest union. Meanwhile, a host of other public unions – like sheriff deputies, district attorneys and public defenders – have contracts expiring soon.
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Santana: The Art of Showing Up Is What Keeps America’s Flag Waving
America often stumbles, even falls. But the real story of our nation is there always seems to be the right people there to pick up the slack.
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Santana: Iranian Women Keep Finding Powerful Allies in Orange County
Iran’s repressive actions impacts not just its citizens, but families here in Orange County and Southern California. Now, Santa Ana is the latest OC city to consider condemning the regime.
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Santana: Searching For a Veterans Cemetery in Orange County on Memorial Day
While there’s no formal resting place for veterans in OC, numerous cities are sponsoring events for today’s federal holiday. One state legislator hopes next Memorial Day includes a ground breaking on a new veterans cemetery.
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Santana: Celebrating the Life of Orange County’s Ultimate Grassroots Activist
Jean Watt, 96, passed away peacefully at her home in Newport Beach, Sunday at noon.
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Santana: Washington Warned Us To Skate Through The National Political Fracas
Every President’s Day, Voice of OC encourages readers to focus on the farewell message from our nation’s first president on the perils of partisanship – a trend increasingly hitting a city hall near you.
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Santana: Orange County’s Era of Astroturf Elected Officials is Over
Redistricting and demographic change have crafted really competitive districts across the region, making it tougher for local elected officials to avoid questions, contact, debate.
