Publisher Norberto Santana Jr. writes that Orange County supervisors should reimburse local taxpayers for the more than $120,000 in legal fees they just had to pay Voice of OC after losing a public records lawsuit. It likely won’t be the last time the courts are needed to pry public records loose and Santana says Voice of OC will stay on the case.
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 inCountywide, Investigative, Norberto Santana Jr.
Santana: Controversial Grand Jury Jailhouse Snitch Report Puts Focus on DA Race
With many insiders scratching their heads about the recent grand jury report on jailhouse snitches, focus is increasingly on the upcoming race for DA in 2018. Amidst lingering questions about current DA Tony Rackauckas’ leadership and the judgment of his challenger, Supervisor Todd Spitzer, a third option has arisen out of Chapman University’s law school, Professor Mario Mainero.
Posted inCountywide, Investigative, Norberto Santana Jr., Safety, Security & Justice
Santana: Will Orange County’s Law Enforcement Complex Survive The Stand?
Despite a critical grand jury report on the horizon and two sets of ongoing lawsuits from Sheriff’s Special Officers and Deputy Sheriff’s rank and file arguing her department is politicized and mismanaged, OC Sheriff Sandra Hutchens keeps playing it cool.
Posted inCountywide, Norberto Santana Jr.
Santana: Focus on the Fundamentals
A glitch in procurement policy shows why it’s important for the public to stay focused on something county supervisors increasingly don’t handle well: details.
Posted inNorberto Santana Jr.
Santana: State’s Public Records Act Needs Teeth
A state bill AB 1479 – up for vote on Friday – would create a fine for agencies that grossly violate California’s Public Records Act. A recent successful Voice of OC lawsuit against the County of Orange, appealing denied public records about an evangelist handcuffed by a county supervisor while armed, is a prime test case for the fine.
Posted inNorberto Santana Jr.
Santana: Could a Housing Bond End Homelessness in Orange County?
As homeless encampments continue to pop up in places like local libraries, civic centers and the riverbed along the 57 Freeway, a growing chorus is asking if a housing bond, similar to the popular, Measure M transportation tax, for affordable and supportive housing could spur a true continuum of homelessness care in Orange County.
Posted inNorberto Santana Jr.
Santana: We Won!
Voice of OC wins in court against the County of Orange and also gains recognition from the OC Press Club
Posted inInvestigative, Norberto Santana Jr., Safety, Security & Justice
Santana: Who Questions Sheriff Sandra Hutchens?
An internal ranking of Sheriff’s Department managers raises serious questions even if Sheriff Sandra Hutchens doesn’t like it’s frank language.
Posted inNorberto Santana Jr.
Santana: Public Spaces Should Reflect The Public That Pays For Them
As county supervisors embark on developing a new downtown civic center for Orange County, public engagement should be key to the process.
Posted inCountywide, Norberto Santana Jr.
Santana: Spitzer’s You Tube Debut Becomes Must See – or Unsee – Court TV
After an email blast to OC Superior Court judges last week – featuring a You Tube video of Todd Spitzer’s bizarre police interview following his erroneous citizens’ arrest of an evangelist – a Voice of OC open records lawsuit against the County of Orange was delayed until today.
