In a world saturated with information, how do you cut through the clutter and truly understand what's happening in your community? Voice of OC is dedicated to doing just that, providing clarity and context to the complexities of Orange County.
Founded in 2009 by former Orange County Register reporter Norberto Santana, Voice of OC has quickly established itself as a vital source of local news, analysis, and investigative journalism. Their commitment to informing the public is evident in their comprehensive coverage of local issues, politics, culture, and the arts, all designed to empower residents with the knowledge they need to be active and informed citizens. They achieve this by reporting on the things that matter most, from happenings "behind closed doors" to the issues that shape the county.
The organization operates as a non-profit, non-partisan news agency, working independently to provide quality reporting. This commitment has garnered numerous journalistic awards and support from organizations like the Google News Equity Fund, solidifying their reputation as a trusted source. Voice of OC prides itself on its ability to "make sense of the noise", offering essential context on the issues that matter most to Orange County residents. Subscribers can receive these insights directly in their inbox every morning, ensuring they stay connected and informed about the latest developments in the region.
The heart of Voice of OC's operation lies in its dedicated team of reporters. Among them are Hosam Elattar and Noah Biesiada, both of whom are Report for America corps members. These individuals, along with the entire team, are the boots on the ground, committed to delivering trustworthy and reliable reporting. You can reach Hosam Elattar at helattar@voiceofoc.org or on Twitter @elattarhosam. Noah Biesiada can be contacted at nbiesiada@voiceofoc.org or on Twitter @nbiesiada.
On February 18, 2025, the importance of independent journalism like Voice of OC remains clear. Their dedication to keeping the public informed about the local news is reflected in the commitment of each journalist and employee. These journalists, as well as other contributors such as Erika Taylor and Maximo Santana, work tirelessly to report on the events shaping the region. Julie Leopo also contributes to the coverage, providing analysis and perspective on key events.
The organizations commitment to transparency is also crucial. Voice of OC is a 501c3 nonprofit, funded by various foundations and individual donors, including the Knight Foundation, Democracy Fund, and the Weingart Foundation. The website provides a list of its donors, showing its commitment to transparency. The Orange County Employees Association provided initial funding with a $140,000 investment.
The ongoing work of the journalists helps hold leaders accountable. One area of particular focus is the local political landscape. Editor in Chief and Publisher Norberto Santana Jr. provides detailed insight into events and issues. Their reporters dive daily into civic issues and challenges in the cities and governmental agencies of Orange County. Voice of OC strives to provide the essential context residents need to be fully informed.
The work of Voice of OC goes beyond just reporting facts; it's about empowering residents. They strive to keep the community informed by highlighting upcoming civic events. This transparency puts locals in a position to save tax dollars and hold leaders accountable. This dedication to transparency and accountability is exemplified by their reporting on important local issues.
The organization demonstrates its commitment to accountability in numerous ways. The team members regularly cover the meetings and actions of the Orange County Board of Supervisors, providing essential context about what is happening in the region. Their dedication to providing trustworthy reporting is another significant factor. The presence of the seal of Orange County in the Board of Supervisors board room symbolizes the local issues and events that the news agency focuses on.
Voice of OC focuses on a wide range of issues. These include local government, public policy, education, environment, business, and the arts. Their reporting team works to provide essential details to readers, making them more aware of what is happening in their communities. Their reporting on local politics and current events is aimed at providing the community with the information it needs to make informed decisions and engage with their local government.
The publication has received recognition for its journalistic efforts, underscoring its commitment to providing high-quality journalism. The online news agency has gained recognition for the accuracy and depth of its coverage, reinforcing its reputation as a reliable news source for residents of Orange County, California. Through their commitment to local news, the organization plays a critical role in the community, providing reliable, unbiased coverage.
