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.
Category: Norberto Santana Jr.
Columns by Norberto Santana Jr., Voice of OC’s publisher, on Orange County government, public records and the habits of the people who run the county. He has written this column since the newsroom started.
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.
Posted inCountywide, Investigative, Norberto Santana Jr.
Santana: Phantom Government
Orange County Supervisors’ attacks on public comment and the press are part of a growing pattern to shield six-figure elected officials from any accountability.
