Passing Email from VoiceOfOC below
Apologies for any formatting/typos- posting this from my phone.
https://support.voiceofoc.org/campaign/721160/donate
This Sunday, May 3, marks World Press Freedom Day — a reminder that a free press isn’t guaranteed.
It’s protected by people who choose to support it.
Here in Orange County, that responsibility falls on local newsrooms like Voice of OC.
Because the truth is:
Local officials still stall public records requests.
They still limit access to meetings.
And too often, important decisions happen without public visibility.
That’s where we come in.
- We show up to the meetings others don’t cover.
- We follow the public dollars.
- We push for transparency — and fight when access is denied.
And right now, you have a unique opportunity to strengthen that work.
Here in Orange County, that responsibility falls on local newsrooms like Voice of OC.
Through May 3, every donation will be matched 1:1 by the ETHAPAX Fund.
That means:
- A $10 gift becomes $20
- A $25 gift becomes $50
- A $50 gift becomes $100
Over the last year, your support has helped us deliver journalism that gets real results:
- Investigations into local government decision-making and political influence that brought greater transparency to how power operates in Orange County
- Reporting on public agencies and community issues that led to tangible changes — from animal shelter access to neighborhood quality-of-life concerns
- On-the-ground coverage of major breaking news and public safety issues, ensuring residents had verified information when it mattered most
This is what press freedom looks like at the local level.
Not abstract.
Not distant.
Right here in Orange County.
The United Nations established World Press Freedom Day to highlight the essential role journalism plays in a functioning democracy.
That mission is more urgent than ever — especially at the local level, where fewer reporters are covering more ground.
Without independent watchdog journalism:
- Fewer questions get asked
- Less information reaches the public
- Accountability weakens
We’re aiming to raise $3,000 by May 3 to unlock the full match.
If you’ve ever relied on Voice of OC to understand what’s happening in your community, this is your chance to support that work — at two times the impact.
Let’s make sure someone is always asking the questions that matter.