The Orange County supervisors are in the process of choosing a new public defender. Will they appoint someone who’ll stay aggressive on the jailhouse snitch cases? Or someone who’ll take the heat off District Attorney Tony Rackauckas?
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, Norberto Santana Jr., Transportation
Santana: Legacy Matters
Orange County fairgrounds officials get ready to move the Heroes Hall historic building into place for a countywide OC vets museum Monday, while county supervisors consider their own legacy Tuesday turning an old bus terminal into a homeless services center.
Posted inCountywide, Norberto Santana Jr.
Santana: Old Friends Now Foes in 48th District, While Debate in 46th a Dud
While sparks fly in the 48th Congressional District over the 2018 election, this November’s race for the 46th is so far a snoozer. Key to real elections is involvement and Voice of OC launches new program to help ensure community dialogue.
Posted inCountywide, Norberto Santana Jr.
Santana: Can the Red Cross Handle Disaster Response in OC?
When they review their contract with the Red Cross Tuesday, county supervisors will get a chance to confirm the budgets, staff and volunteers the charity has in place in Orange County for large disasters.
Posted inCountywide, Health & Wellness, Norberto Santana Jr., Santa Ana
Santana: Could Adding More Green Lower Santa Ana’s Crime Rate?
As city officials grapple with a surge of gang shootings, they need to think about how to improve the poor neighborhood environments that allow gangs to flourish. Converting surplus properties to parks is a good start.
Posted inCountywide, Housing & Homelessness, Norberto Santana Jr.
Santana: Supervisors Making Progress on Homelessness
Orange County supervisors are making progress like never before on homelessness and Voice of OC Publisher Norberto Santana Jr. argues it’s public feedback and engagement that’s helping keep them focused.
Posted inCountywide, Norberto Santana Jr.
Santana: Heroes Hall Is a Monument to Freedom, Activism
After decades of pressing public officials across Orange County, local veterans this month celebrated securing a countywide public veterans museum. Heroes Hall opens this November during the OC Fairgrounds annual Veterans Day event.
Posted inCountywide, Norberto Santana Jr.
Santana: News Is What They Don’t Want You to Know
Voice of OC is filing suit against the County of Orange today to see the Op-ed County Supervisor Todd Spitzer doesn’t want you to read.
Posted inCountywide, Health & Wellness, Norberto Santana Jr., Santa Ana, Top Stories
Santana: Unionization of Pot Workers a Game Changer in OC
Up until now, most politicians in Orange County saw marijuana dispensaries as nothing but trouble. That is changing now that the union movement is on board.
Posted inCountywide, Investigative, Norberto Santana Jr.
Santana: The Price of Ethics in OC
The latest political dust-up regarding the proposed county ethics commission has revolved around its cost. Local political watchdog Shirley Grindle says the commission won’t cost as much as its critics would have you believe.
