This month, Orange County’s state fairgrounds in Costa Mesa formally opened a memorial to agricultural workers – a far cry from where the agency stood nearly a decade ago when fair board members led the charge to privatize what they termed “an underutilized asset.”
Tag: Norberto Santana Jr.
Posted inNorberto Santana, Jr.
Santana: The Lack of Ethics Commission
It’s been more than 14 months since Orange County voters approved an ethics commission. Still, only one county supervisor – Shawn Nelson – has appointed a board member to the important oversight panel, which has yet to publicize any actions or the appointment process.
Posted inNorberto Santana, Jr.
Santana: Public Wins, Politicians Lose on Secrecy in OC
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.
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 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 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.
Posted inNorberto Santana, Jr.
Santana: OC Auditor Controller Leads CA Public Accountants Uprising
OC Auditor Controller Eric Woolery leads a coalition of 44 auditor controllers from across California, demanding the ability to hire their own lawyers when they detect fraud, waste or abuse from local elected officials. Action comes just as OC Supervisors are poised today to water down 1994 bankruptcy-era reform requiring public review for borrowings.