Orange County supervisors are drawing a hard line on county commissions, like the Human Relations Commission, when it comes to LGBTQ issues. But lanes are open for groups dealing with foreign officials, who greet groups with business ties, like the Protocol Foundation, despite potential human rights issues.
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.
Santana: Re-Read the Declaration of Independence This July 4
A careful look at the original gripes in the Declaration of Independence against King George III reveals that issues like election districts, militarization of the local budget, immigration and judicial elections remain unfinished business.
Posted inCountywide, Investigative, Norberto Santana Jr.
Santana: County IT Collapse Should Prompt a Reboot, Not Just a New Chief
After a decade of outsourcing amidst campaign contributions from IT contractors – resulting in poor performance and high costs – county officials should think about refocusing their IT brand and approach.
Posted inCountywide, Norberto Santana Jr.
Santana: Training Civic Accountants
True self-government means knowing how your local public dollars are being spent. Some in Orange County clearly get that as evidenced by the attendance at county Auditor-Controller Eric Woolery’s “Accounting for Activists” training.
Posted inCountywide, Norberto Santana Jr.
Santana: Trump Fuels Historic Democratic Turnout in OC
Donald Trump did something for Orange County Democrats that hasn’t happened since WWII: bring out more of their faithful to vote than Republicans. It’s likely a preview of the tsunami that’s coming in November and the OC GOP may never be the same again.
Posted inCountywide, Investigative, Norberto Santana Jr.
Santana: Is it Time for Ethics in Orange County?
The fireworks between District Attorney Tony Rackauckas and Supervisor Todd Spitzer illustrate the need for a local ethics commission, OC grand jurors raise troubling questions about other DA actions, and Auditor Controller Eric Woolery steps up oversight.
Posted inCountywide, Housing & Homelessness, Norberto Santana Jr.
Santana: OC Homelessness Czar Gets to Work; So Should County Supervisors
Last week, county officials welcomed Susan Price, OC’s new homelessness services coordinator. Meanwhile, county supervisors voice frustration as their agendas tighten up with year-end contracts.
Posted inCountywide, Health & Wellness, Housing & Homelessness, Norberto Santana Jr.
Santana: Homeless Camp Now Keeping People From Jury Duty
County supervisors tout recent progress on homelessness. But recent warnings from the head of OC Superior Courts indicate serious problems brewing at downtown Santa Ana Civic Center.
Posted inCountywide, Housing & Homelessness, Investigative, Norberto Santana Jr.
Santana: Orange County Has a New Homeless Czar
County officials have hired a new homelessness czar to try to jumpstart the county’s stalled approach to homelessness; meanwhile Sheriff Sandra Hutchens takes a swipe at the deputies union over its annual managers’ survey.
Posted inCountywide, Government, Investigative, Norberto Santana Jr.
Santana: Follow-Up Is a Job for All of Us
While county officials have blown off responding to grand jury reports, all of us in civil society need to keep working to stay focused on follow up when it comes to local government.
