Participatory democracy, in which constituents are free to comment on the actions and views of elected officials, is one of the cornerstones of our nation. But not at the Orange County Board of Supervisors, where meetings are held in a manner more befitting a monarchy.
Author Archives: Theresa Sears
Theresa Sears is Involvement Editor for Voice of OC and works with active residents throughout Orange County helping to lift their voices by facilitating the publication of daily Op-eds from a broad array of perspectives.
Theresa also handles office administration and works to help organize Voice of OC civic training programs and policy events.
With an intimate knowledge of Orange County civic issues, Theresa has worked as an active grassroots community leader on a host of public land use and regional public-benefit issues across the region for the past three decades.
As a solutions oriented activist, she has taken a leadership role in grass roots efforts supporting the public’s right to know and petition their government, community engagement, legal remedies and direct democracy.
Her efforts have preserved Orange County’s fairgrounds, Barham Ranch which is now part of Santiago Oak Regional Park, as well critical open space in East Orange. She’s also led efforts to protect Orange County’s regional park system as a leader with the Friends of Harbors, Beaches and Parks
Languages spoken: English and some Spanish
Areas of expertise: Community organizing, direct democracy, open government – public oversight, land use, civic engagement and protecting public assets.
Posted inPress Releases
OC Forum’s “The Art of Courage: Grace Over Hate” To Feature Music Conductor Murry Sidlin
This Thursday, the OC Forum will host “The Art of Courage: Grace Over Hate,” a discussion featuring acclaimed classical music conductor Murry Sidlin, who is currently touring with his concert-drama “Defiant Requiem: Verdi at Terezin.”
Posted inPress Releases
Temporary 50-Bed Bridge Shelter Opens In Costa Mesa
The City of Costa Mesa officially opened a 50-bed temporary bridge shelter on a portion of the Lighthouse Church property at 1885 Anaheim Avenue that will be a first step toward cleanup and restoration of Westside neighborhoods while addressing the issues of helping individuals up and out of homelessness.
Posted inPress Releases
CalOptima Commits $100 Million for Homeless Health Programs
The CalOptima Board of Directors appropriated another $74.8 million in funding yesterday for response, coordination and other new initiatives benefitting Medi-Cal members who are homeless.
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Board of Supervisors Approves Additional Crisis Stabilization Unit
The Board of Supervisors voted March 26 to approve $13 million toward the creation of an additional Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) for those persons in Orange County experiencing a mental health emergency.
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Coastal Conservation Report Card Shows Progress Protecting Public Beach Access
ActCoastal, the California Coast Accountability Project, released the 2018 California Coastal Commission Conservation Report Card. This annual report card monitors the performance of the California Coastal Commission, the state’s most powerful land use agency, by tracking conservation votes cast by individual commissioners.
Posted inPress Releases
Orange County Sheriff’s Department Ends Its Immigrant Detention Contract with ICE
The following is a press release from an organization unaffiliated with Voice of OC. The views expressed here are not those of Voice of OC. For Immediate Release Contacts: Roberto […]
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Court Upholds Canyon Specific Plan Protections
Orange County Superior Court Judge William D. Claster issued a ruling Friday in favor of Save the Canyons Coalition’s lawsuit challenging the County’sapproval of a commercial events venue – “Red Rock Gardens” – at a rural residential property along Santiago Canyon Road in Silverado.
Posted inPress Releases
Women For: Orange County presents the 34th Annual Great American Write-In
Women For: Orange County presents the 34th Annual Great American Write-In on Saturday, March 23, from 9:30am to 1:30pm at the Delhi Community Center in Santa Ana.
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Inaugural OC Equity Report to Showcase Results of County-wide Assessment Highlighting Steps for a More Equitable Future
Orange County Grantmakers, in partnership with the St. Joseph Health Community Partnership Fund, will present the results of the first ever Orange County Equity Report on March 26, 2019 at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana.
