Santa Ana's top news & views blog

Santa Ana's top news & views blog

Santa Ana’s playgrounds, volleyball courts and tennis courts to close
March 31, 2020 - Civic Affairs, Disease, Emergencies, Parks and Recreation, Public Safety, Santa Ana, Sports, Youth Activities - No Comments

The City of Santa Ana is closing its playgrounds, volleyball courts and tennis courts beginning Wednesday, April 1, in order to prevent gatherings and protect the public from COVID-19. The City has already shuttered its enclosed parks, recreation and other facilities and canceled all programs and classes except the take-out senior meals program. Those include:…

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The County of Orange has launched an Economic & Business Recovery Call Center
March 31, 2020 - Business, Disease, Emergencies, Orange County, Santa Ana - No Comments

Effective March 30, Orange County Community Services has implemented a call center to meet the needs of businesses impacted by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The Economic & Business Recovery Call Center will offer information and resources to help Orange County businesses navigate the current economic climate. These resources will support businesses with challenges such…

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Santa Ana businesses can get help from a Small Business Incentive Grant
March 31, 2020 - Business, Civic Affairs, Emergencies, Santa Ana - No Comments

The City of Santa Ana is offering a grant of $2,500 to $5,000 for Santa Ana-based microenterprises through the Santa Ana Small Business Incentive Program. Applicants must qualify for the Small Business Incentive Grant. Details are available at www.santa-ana.org/SBIP. Eligibility Qualifications The program provides a reimbursement grant for eligible businesses on a first-come, first-served basis. Grant…

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Understanding Santa Ana’s moratoriums on evictions and foreclosures
March 31, 2020 - Business, Disease, Emergencies, Housing, Real Estate, Santa Ana - No Comments

The City of Santa Ana has created webpages in English, Spanish and Vietnamese to help residential and commercial tenants understand the City and State moratoriums on evictions and foreclosures during the COVID-19 pandemic. The webpages include frequently asked questions, a sample letter that renters can use to advise their landlord of their inability to pay…

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Solorio to run for Ward 3 on the Santa Ana City Council this November

Posted on by Posted in 2016 Elections, Angelica Amezcua, Civic Affairs, Jose Solorio, Politics, Santa Ana 4 Comments

Former Santa Ana City Councilman Jose Solorio, who currently serves on the Rancho Santiago Community College District’s Board of Trustees, has announced that he will be moving into Ward 3 and running once more for the Santa Ana City Council, this November.

Solorio, who previously served in the State Assembly (from 2006 to 2012) , currently works for a law firm in Irvine. He was known in Sacramento for his prowess in raising campaign funds for himself and his fellow Democrats. He worked for the OCTA, in public affairs, when he first served on the Santa Ana City Council, from 2000-2006. Continue reading→

TJ Maxx store in Santa Ana robbed at gunpoint at mid-day today

Posted on by Posted in Crime, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Robbers who target Santa Ana’s South Coast area are become ever more brazen. Today an armed man stole an unidentified amount of cash from a TJ Maxx store during a mid-day robbery, at 11:30 a.m., at the 3900 block of South Bristol St., according to the O.C. Register.

As is often the case the suspect had fled, in a vehicle, before the police officers arrived, according to the SAPD. Continue reading→

Mayor Pulido cited our progress at this year’s State of the City address

Posted on by Posted in Civic Affairs, Education, Miguel Pulido, Politics, Santa Ana 4 Comments

Santa Ana’s longtime Mayor, Miguel Pulido, invited me to sit at his table yesterday as he delivered his 19th annual State of the City address, at the Bowers Museum. This is an annual event sponsored by the Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce. The proceeds of the event are used to fund various youth programs run by the Chamber of Commerce.

The room we were in was packed, which is always the case at these events. We were served a bizarre Americanized version of chilaquiles which was heaped on a slice of sauteed ham and included corn tortilla chips (with no chili seasoning), scrambled eggs, shredded Monterey jack cheese and cilantro. No salsa was served. There were also mini muffins, cream cheese and what looked like raspberry jam. Continue reading→

Reward offered for suspect in attempted murder of a Santa Ana pot shop owner

Posted on by Posted in Crime, Marijuana, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Santa Ana Police Department

Advisory: $100,000 REWARD FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO THE ARREST AND PROSECUTION OF ATTEMPTED MURDER SUSPECT

SAPD Detectives request media and the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect wanted in the attempted murder case of a marijuana dispensary owner. Anonymous donors have offered a reward of $100,000 for information provided to Detectives leading to the arrest and prosecution of the suspect in this case.

Case Facts: Continue reading→

Parolee gets six years in prison for trying to pimp a girl that turned out to be a cop

Posted on by Posted in Crime, OCDA, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

ORANGE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY PRESS RELEASE

Case # 16NF0935

Date: June 29, 2016

PAROLEE STRIKER SENTENCED TO SIX YEARS IN PRISON FOR FALSE IMPERSONATION AND PANDERING FICTITIOUS MINOR GIRL ON SOCIAL MEDIA

SANTA ANA, Calif. – A parolee striker was sentenced today to six years in state prison for false impersonation and the pandering of a fictitious minor girl on social media. Roger Lee Perryman, 30, Gardena, pleaded guilty today, June 29, 2016, to one felony count of pandering by receiving or giving money, one felony count of false personation, and one misdemeanor count of false representation to a peace officer with sentencing enhancements for a prior strike conviction for attempted robbery in 2010 and prior convictions which resulted in prison sentences for attempted robbery in 2010 and transportation of a controlled substance for sale in 2014 in Los Angeles County.  Continue reading→

Statue of Miguel Hidalgo to be unveiled at Mile Square Park on July 8

Posted on by Posted in Andrew Do, Fountain Valley, Mario Cuevas, mexico, Orange County, Politics 2 Comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 29, 2016

Contact: Brian Probolsky, (714) 834-3110, Brian.Probolsky@ocgov.com

Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do and Consul of Mexico Mario Cuevas to Unveil the Statue of Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico’s Founding Father in Mile Square Park

(Santa Ana, California) – Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do and the Consul of Mexico Mario Cuevas, will unveil the Statue of Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico’s Founding Father in Mile Square Park. The 8-foot tall Hidalgo statue, donated by Governor Miguel Marquez of the Mexican State of Guanajuato, will be unveiled at a free public event on July 8.

Supervisor Andrew Do, who organized the Mile Square Park statue project to honor champions of democratic values, said that the statue represents a symbol of friendship, unity and shared values between communities. Continue reading→

Public input sought to shape a new O.C. Drug Medi-Cal pilot project

Posted on by Posted in Drugs, Health and Medical, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

For Immediate Release: June 29, 2016

Contact: Jessica Good, Public Information Officer, Email: JGood@ochca.com

OC HEALTH CARE AGENCY SEEKS PUBLIC INPUT TO SHAPE DRUG MEDI-CAL PILOT PROJECT

(Santa Ana, CA) – Beginning on Wednesday, July 20, 2016, the OC Health Care Agency’s (HCA) Behavioral Health Services team will be hosting countywide informational meetings throughout the summer to seek public input and discuss participation in a 5-year Drug Medi-Cal pilot project to expand and improve the public’s access to Substance Use Disorder (SUD) services.

SUD is a treatable chronic disease that can be addressed through a comprehensive system of treatment and recovery support services. Historically, Drug Medi-Cal funded limited treatment options for SUD. California recently received a Federal waiver to develop a 5-year pilot project to better serve people experiencing a SUD and who are eligible for Drug Medi-Cal under the Affordable Care Act. Continue reading→

Santa Ana to host a free 4th of July Fireworks show at Centennial Park on Monday

Posted on by Posted in Civic Affairs, Family, Santa Ana, Youth Activities Leave a comment

City of Santa Ana

Community Alert: Fourth of July Celebration & Fireworks Show at Centennial Park / Celebración Anual del Cuatro de Julio en el Parque Centennial

Take a Walk through America’s History at the City of Santa Ana’s 6th Annual Fourth of July Celebration!

The City of Santa Ana’s 6th Annual Fourth of July Celebration will be taking place on Monday, July 4th, 2016 from 4:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Centennial Park. This annual event celebrates Independence Day with a festive patriotic program, tasty food, historical interactive displays, youth sports zone, kids play zone, face painting, children’s raffle and spectacular fireworks finale. The scheduled program will include musical talent from Santa Ana schools, recognition of our Armed Forces, a field artillery demonstration of civil war cannons, and a special presentation from guests of the event’s History Walk. Continue reading→

Santa Ana teen faces adult murder charges after shooting and killing another teen

Posted on by Posted in Crime, OCDA, Santa Ana Leave a comment

ORANGE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY PRESS RELEASE

Case # 16CF1683

Date: June 28, 2016

TEENAGER ARRESTED AND CHARGED AS ADULT IN SHOOTING MURDER OF ANOTHER TEEN IN SANTA ANA HOME

SANTA ANA, Calif. – A teenager was arrested and charged as an adult today with the shooting murder of another teen in a Santa Ana home. Angel Alexis Hernandez, 17, Santa Ana, was direct filed as an adult and is charged with one felony count of murder with a sentencing enhancement allegation for the intentional discharge of a firearm. If convicted, Hernandez faces a maximum sentence of 50 years to life in state prison. The People will be requesting that the defendant be held on $1 million bail at his arraignment scheduled on Thursday, June 30, 2016, at 9:00 a.m. in Department C-55, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana.

On Monday, June 27, 2016, Hernandez and 19-year-old Jesus Leon were both inside of a home in the 1000 block of West 2nd Street in Santa Ana. Continue reading→

A young man was shot to death on West 2nd Street yesterday in Santa Ana

Posted on by Posted in Crime, Santa Ana 2 Comments

Santa Ana Police Department

Advisory: SAPD Detectives Make Arrest of 17-Year Old Suspect In 6/27/2016 Homicide

Victim/Deceased: Jesus Leon (19) Santa Ana

On 6/27/16, at 11:13 pm, Santa Ana Police responded to 1000 Block of West 2nd Street, regarding an unknown trouble call. Upon arrival, officers discovered the victim, 19 year old Jesus Leon from Santa Ana, suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper body.

Leon was unconscious and unresponsive. The Orange County Fire Authority arrived on scene and pronounced Leon deceased. Continue reading→

Free meals for the first 50 guests at Santa Ana’s new Muscle Maker Grill today

Posted on by Posted in Food, Restaurants, Santa Ana Leave a comment

MUSCLE MAKER GRILL OFFICIALLY OPENS ORANGE COUNTY LOCATIONS; TO GIVE FREE MEALS FOR ONE YEAR TO ITS FIRST 50 GUESTS

Health-Focused Fast-Casual Brand to Open in Santa Ana on Tuesday, June 28 and Irvine on Thursday, June 30

Houston, TX (June 21, 2016) – Muscle Maker Grill®, the rapidly expanding fast-casual restaurant brand, promoting a healthy lifestyle by offering nutritious alternatives to traditional dishes, today announced it will officially open its first two corporately-owned and operated west coast locations in Santa Ana on Tuesday, June 28 and Irvine on Thursday, June 30. To celebrate the occasion, the health-conscious brand famous for serving lean, protein-based dishes including fresh greens, healthy wraps, fit bowls, skinny flatbreads, fruit smoothies, protein shakes and more, will give away FREE meals for one year to the first 50 guests in line on opening day.

Located in the City Place Shopping Center at 2775 North Main Street in Santa Ana, and in Jamboree Promenade Shopping Center at 2646 DuPont Drive in Irvine, the first 50 guests at each location can enjoy one free meal per week from its delicious health-focused menu. Some of Muscle Maker Grill’s most popular entrees include its Arizona – all-natural grilled chicken breast and turkey bacon over brown rice with tomatoes and scallions served with its zero-carb signature sauce (also available as a wrap); The Godfather – all-natural grilled chicken breast, portabella mushrooms, roasted red peppers, reduced-fat mozzarella with gluten and fat-free balsamic vinaigrette and El Mexicana – fajita grilled chicken breast, sizzling onions and peppers, reduced-fat cheddar cheese and salsa over brown rice and beans with tomatoes and scallions. (Free meals redeemable for wraps, fresh greens, fit bowls, skinny flatbreads and Pick Two Combos at Muscle Maker Grill locations in Santa Ana and Irvine only. Valid for one year with loyalty card present, dine-in or to-go only. Offer does not include additions or substitutions). Continue reading→

The CA Supreme Court confirms the death penalty conviction of an O.C. murderer

Posted on by Posted in Crime, Fountain Valley, OCDA, Santa Ana Leave a comment

ORANGE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEYPRESS RELEASE

Case # 94CF0821

Date: June 27, 2016

SUPREME COURT OF CALIFORNIA UNANIMOUSLY AFFIRMS CONVICTION AND DEATH PENALTY SENTENCE FOR MAN CONVICTED OF TWO SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES MURDER

SANTA ANA, Calif. – The Supreme Court of California unanimously affirmed the conviction and death penalty sentence today for William Clinton Clark, who was found guilty by a jury on May 21, 1996, of two felony counts of murder with special circumstances for committing a murder during a burglary, while in the attempted commission of a robbery, murder of a witness for the purpose of preventing testimony in a criminal proceeding, murder while lying in wait, and multiple murders, one felony count of conspiracy to commit murder, one felony count of second degree burglary, three felony counts of attempted second degree robbery, and sentencing enhancements for use of a dangerous or deadly weapon and serving five prior prison terms.

The court today affirmed the conviction for all counts, including both counts of murder, and also affirmed the special circumstance findings concerning multiple murder, murder while lying in wait, and murder for the purpose of preventing testimony. The court also vacated the special circumstance allegations for committing a murder during a burglary and murder in the attempted commission of a robbery. Continue reading→

Young man fatally shot at S. Bristol and W. Gertrude this Sunday

Posted on by Posted in Crime, David Benavides, Gangs, Santa Ana 6 Comments

SAPD homicide detectives are investigating the death of a man shot multiple times early this Sunday, according to the O.C. Register.

The shooting happened at the 1300 block of West Gertrude at 2:30 a.m. on Sunday. Residents reported hearing gunshots and a car speeding away. Continue reading→

Sarmiento elected to serve on NALEO’s Board at a meeting in D.C.

Posted on by Posted in Civic Affairs, Santa Ana, Vince Sarmiento Leave a comment

City of Santa Ana, Downtown Orange County

Community: Mayor Pro Tem Sarmiento Elected to NALEO Board of Directors

The National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) has elected Santa Ana Mayor Pro Tem Vicente Sarmiento to serve a three-year term on the NALEO Board of Directors to begin June 2016 and end in June 2019.

The Board elections took place yesterday at the NALEO Board meeting in Washington, D.C., immediately following the NALEO 33rd Annual Conference. NALEO is the non-partisan leadership organization of the nation’s more than 6,000 Latino elected and appointed officials. Continue reading→

19-year-old gets a one-year jail sentence after beating a grandfather with a bat

Posted on by Posted in Crime, OCDA, Santa Ana 4 Comments

Samuel Elijah Alvarez, a 19-year-old man from Santa Ana pleaded guilty Friday and was immediately sentenced to a year in jail for beating a great-grandfather with an aluminum bat when the senior citizen tripped and fell on top of Alvarez’ car, according to the O.C. Register.

Alvarez was also handed five years of formal probation. Continue reading→