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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Thai Viet Phan for the Santa Ana City Council

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John Wayne Airport provides Labor Day Weekend travel tips

Posted on by Posted in Airplanes, Orange County, Santa Ana, Transportation, Travel Leave a comment
Color-coded and numbered columns make meeting arriving passengers easy. Column 14 is the JWA Yellow Cab pickup location for Terminal C.

Color-coded and numbered columns make meeting arriving passengers easy.
Column 14 is the JWA Yellow Cab pickup location for Terminal C.

John Wayne Airport
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE : August 27, 2014
Contact: Jenny Wedge, (949) 252-5182 (office), jwedge@ocair.com

JOHN WAYNE AIRPORT PROVIDES LABOR DAY WEEKEND TRAVEL TIPS

SANTA ANA, Calif. – John Wayne Airport (JWA) anticipates a busier-than-normal travel period from Thursday, August 28 through Tuesday, September 2 during the Labor Day holiday weekend. More than 145,000 passengers traveled through JWA during the same period in 2013 with the busiest travel days being the Friday before and Labor Day.

Visitors to JWA during this holiday period can check the Airport homepage, www.ocair.com, for real-time flight status and the most up-to-date construction activities around the Riley Terminal. Drivers are encouraged to exercise caution when navigating Airport roadways and to follow posted speed limits. Continue reading→

Why is David Benavides holding a campaign fundraiser in Michele Martinez’ ward?

Posted on by Posted in 2014 Elections, Alex Padilla, David Benavides, Elections, Politics, Santa Ana 19 Comments

Councilman David Benavides

Santa Ana Councilman David Benavides represents Ward 4, which stretches from Willits on the North to Sunflower on the South and from Fairview on the West to Flower on the East. There are plenty of restaurants in Ward 4 but for whatever reason Benavides is hosting a fundraiser on Wednesday, September 10, 2014 at the Little Sparrow, located at 300 N. Main St., in Downtown Santa Ana – that is in Ward 2, which is represented by Councilwoman Michele Martinez.

Why is Benavides holding a major campaign fundraiser outside of his Ward?  This is a major snub to the businesses and residents of Ward 4. Continue reading→

SAPD DUI Checkpoint set for August 29 at 2400 W. Fifth St.

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SAPD DUI Checkpoint

Santa Ana Police Department

Advisory: The SAPD will be conducting a DUI/Drivers License checkpoint on Friday, August 29th, 2014, 9:00PM – 3:00AM 2400 W. Fifth St.

The Santa Ana Police Department will be conducting a DUI/Drivers License checkpoint on Friday, August 29th, 2014. It will begin at 9:00PM and is scheduled to conclude at 3:00AM. It will be conducted in the area of 2400 W. Fifth Street, in the City of Santa Ana.

The primary purpose of a DUI Checkpoint is to deter impaired driving, not to increase arrests. All too often, members of our community are senselessly injured or killed on local roadways by impaired drivers. This DUI/Drivers License checkpoint is an effort to reduce those tragedies, as well as ensuring drivers have a valid driver’s license. The DMV reports that unlicensed drivers are 4.9 times more likely to cause a fatal crash than a licensed driver. Continue reading→

Santa Ana teen missing since Wednesday, August 20

Posted on by Posted in Public Safety, Santa Ana 1 Comment

Pedro Guadarrama

A Santa Ana family is looking for their missing 16-year-old son, Pedro Guadarrama.  He stands 5’6″ and weighs 170 pounds.  He was last seen on Wednesday, August 20, 2014.

For some reason the SAPD has not been very helpful in trying to find this young man, according to a family friend.  Pedro suffers from a mental condition and he was apparently released from a local hospital when he disappeared. Continue reading→

SAPD seeks public’s help in tracking down a wanted gang banger

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

Ernesto Antonio Guerra

Santa Ana Police Department

Advisory: Robbery Detectives request Media & Public’s assistance with information as to the whereabouts of wanted Robbery suspect

Wanted Suspect: Guerra, Ernesto Antonio (19) Pomona

Synopsis: In early 2014, Guerra and three additional gang members from the City of Ontario were involved in a series of commercial robberies throughout the cities of Santa Ana, Anaheim and Garden Grove. Three of the four suspects are currently in custody and Guerra remains outstanding. Guerra is known to frequent the cities of Pomona, Ontario and Chino. Continue reading→

Mexican Consulate honors Family Mortuary employee for work with Latino community

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Family Mortuary of Santa Ana

Family Mortuary Works With Mexican Consulate to Ship Loved Ones to Mexico

Mexican Consulate Honors Family Mortuary Employee for Work with Latino Community

SANTA ANA, Calif., Aug. 26, 2014 – For 19-year-old Giovanni Lopez* from Santa Ana, losing his stepmother was an unexpected tragedy. Recently married and already caring for his younger brother, gathering the information to fulfill his stepmother’s dying wish to be buried in her native country was overwhelming for Lopez. Wanting to ensure a smooth process to allow his family to grieve, Lopez sought support from Family Mortuary in Santa Ana. Several days later, Lopez’s stepmother arrived safely in Mexico, thanks to the experts at Family Mortuary who worked with the Mexican Consulate in Santa Ana to compile the documents to meet all legal requirements for shipping a deceased loved one to another country.

For more than 17 years, Family Mortuary in Santa Ana has served Orange County families from a variety of cultures and religions. Along with its parent company Fairhaven Memorial Park, Family Mortuary continues the long tradition of providing customized funeral plans both at the time of need and through advanced planning. Continue reading→

Additional charges filed against music teacher who targeted young girls

Posted on by Posted in Crime, Orange County Leave a comment

John Mordecai Scott

Orange County District Attorney Press Release

For Immediate Release: August 22, 2014

Case# 14HF2171

ADDITIONAL CHARGES FILED AGAINST MUSIC TEACHER WHO COMMITTED LEWD ACTS UPON MULTIPLE FEMALE STUDENTS

*Law enforcement seeks public’s help identifying potential additional victims in this case

NEWPORT BEACH – Additional charges have been filed against a music teacher for committing lewd acts upon multiple female students during music lessons. John Mordecai Scott, 58, Lake Forest, was charged today for crimes against Jane Doe #5 with two felony counts of committing lewd acts upon a child under 14 and a sentencing enhancement for committing lewd acts on multiple victims.

Scott was previously charged for four victims with one felony count of continuous sexual abuse, four felony counts of committing lewd acts upon a child under 14, two felony counts of distributing pornography to a minor, one felony count of using a minor for sex acts, one felony count of possession and control of child pornography, four felony counts of committing lewd acts upon a child, one misdemeanor count of child annoyance, and a sentencing enhancement for obscene matter used during a sexual offense. Continue reading→

The SAUSD spent more than $6.4M on lawsuits over the past three years

Posted on by Posted in Education, Lawyers, Santa Ana, SAUSD Leave a comment
SAUSD School Board 2013

The SAUSD School Board Members

For Immediate Release: August 26, 2014

Contact: Maryann Marino, 949-375-0856

Santa Ana Unified School District Spent More Than $6.4 Million on Litigation Over Three Years While Facing Budget Cuts, Report Finds

California’s Unbalanced Legal System Forces Districts to Bear High Litigation Costs, Citizen Watchdog Group Says

SACRAMENTO, CA – California Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (CALA) today released a report analyzing litigation costs to Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD) and 11 other California school districts over a period of three fiscal years from 2010 to 2013. The report found that SAUSD spent $6.4 million on litigation costs over the three years, and that all the districts combined spent $125.6 million.

High litigation costs contributed to budget crunches at districts across the state, resulting in fewer educational programs. SAUSD, as well as all of the other districts, faced multi-million dollar budget cuts during the years examined. Continue reading→

Orange County reports West Nile Virus related fatality

Posted on by Posted in Disease, Health and Medical, Orange County Leave a comment

West Nile Virus

Orange County Health Care Agency

For Immediate Release: August 26, 2014

Contact: Deanne Thompson dthompson@ochca.com, 714-834-2178

Orange County Reports West Nile Virus Related Fatality

West Nile Virus Activity throughout the County is Increasing

(Santa Ana) – A Seal Beach resident in her 80s with underlying medical conditions died last week with complications of West Nile Virus (WNV) infection. Test results received this week confirmed WNV infection; of which she had the more severe form, West Nile Neuroinvasive Disease. Orange County currently leads the state in number of WNV infections this year with 40 to date, compared to fewer than 5 infections around this time in the previous four years.

“This unfortunate death shows how serious West Nile Virus infection can be,” said Dr. Eric G. Handler, County Health Officer. “West Nile Virus activity tends to peak in August and September in Orange County, but we continue to have cases occur throughout the fall. It is important for people to remember that the end of summer does not mean the end of West Nile Virus season.” Continue reading→

Santa Ana awarded $3.3M in active transportation funding by the CTC

Posted on by Posted in california, Civic Affairs, Santa Ana, Transportation Leave a comment

California Transportation Commission

City of Santa Ana

Community: CALIFORNIA TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION (CTC) AWARDS CITY OF SANTA ANA $3.3 MILLION IN ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION FUNDING

SANTA ANA (August 26, 2014) – The City of Santa Ana was recently approved for $3.3 million in Active Transportation Program (ATP) Cycle 1 funding for six projects by the California Transportation Commission (CTC).

Santa Ana is the fourth densest city in the nation and with many residents reliant on transit for daily travel, the number of pedestrians and bicyclists is higher in Santa Ana than in most California cities. The approved projects aim to reduce vehicle speeds, accommodate non-motorized transportation, and provide more aesthetically pleasing roadways.

The City’s approved projects include: Continue reading→

Man arrested after leaving kids in car while visiting the OC Jail

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

Gerardo Jose Jimenez

Santa Ana Police Department

AdvisorySAPD Officers arrest father after he leave three small children unattended in vehicle.

Arrested: Gerardo Jose Jimenez (29) Garden Grove

Charges: PC 273 a (a) Cruelty to Children with Possible Injury or Death

On Monday, August 25, 2014 at about 4:52 PM, SAPD received a radio call to respond to the area of 6th Street and Flower Street, across from the Orange County Sheriffs Jail, reference children left unattended in a parked grey colored Honda Accord. The three children ranged from 5 months to 7 years old.

Officers contacted the reporting party/witness, an Orange County Sheriff’s Deputy. He said that while he was off duty he saw a grey Honda Accord illegally parked in front of the Orange County IRC building on 6th Street. The vehicle was partially parked in the north private driveway of 6th Street and nearly the rear- half of the vehicle was obstructing the westbound lane of traffic on 6th Street. Continue reading→

The Summer/Labor Day DUI campaign has resulted in 483 arrests

Posted on by Posted in Alcohol, Crime, Orange County Leave a comment

OC DUI Task Force

NEWS, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts: Lt. Jeff Hallock, 714.904.7042, JHallock@ocsd.org; Emily Osterberg, 714.647.1840, EOsterberg@ocsd.org

Summer/Labor Day AVOID DUI Campaign Update

DUI Arrests Up & No DUI Fatalities

SANTA ANA, Calif. (August 25, 2014) – The Summer/Labor Day National Anti-DUI mobilization has resulted in DUI arrests from local routine traffic enforcement and special ‘Avoid the 38’ DUI deployments in Orange County.

From 12:01 AM Friday, August 15, 2014 through Midnight Sunday, August 24, 2014 officers and deputies representing 38 Orange County law enforcement agencies have arrested 483 individuals for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. In 2013, 374 DUI arrests occurred during the same 10 day time period. There were no DUI related deaths during this time (**NOTE: These numbers are only provisional with some agencies yet to report**). Continue reading→

Santa Ana Historical Preservation Society to be honored by the City Council on 9/2

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

Howe Waffle House

City of Santa Ana

Community Alert: Mayor & City Council to honor the Santa Ana Historical Preservation Society on Sept. 2nd

SANTA ANA, CA (August 25, 2014) – The public is invited to attend the City Council Meeting on Tuesday, September 2, 2014 as the Mayor and City Council will recognize the Santa Ana Historical Preservation Society as well as community members who are Pioneers in the City of Santa Ana’s Historical Preservation.

The Santa Ana Historical Society is an all-volunteer, grassroots organization who have been instrumental in the preservation of the Waffle House Museum, the home of Santa Ana’s first female physician, Dr. Willella Howe-Waffle. In 2013, the Society saw many important milestones including the grand opening of their second museum – the Santa Ana Fire Museum. Continue reading→

I-5 Central County upgrade plans ready for review

Posted on by Posted in Entertainment, OCTA, Santa Ana, Traffic, Transportation Leave a comment

OCTA Logo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Joel Zlotnik (714) 560-5713 Aug. 25, 2014; Eric Carpenter (714) 560-5697

I-5 Central County Upgrade Plans Ready for Review

Public is invited to read and comment on the Measure M project’s environmental study by Sept. 12

ORANGE – Residents and commuters are invited to an open house to learn about the planned improvement project on the Santa Ana Freeway (I-5) through central county and to provide comments on the project’s environmental documents that were recently released.

The Orange County Transportation Authority, in cooperation with Caltrans, is proposing to relieve traffic congestion, eliminate bottlenecks and improve traffic operations on I-5 between the Costa Mesa Freeway (SR-55) and the Orange Freeway (SR-57) through the cities of Santa Ana, Orange and Tustin. Continue reading→

Free Haz Mat and Underground Storage Workshops for local business owners

Posted on by Posted in Business, Education, Entertainment, Environment, Health and Medical, Orange County, Public Safety, Santa Ana Leave a comment

OC Health Care Agency Haz Mat and UST Portal Open Lab Training in Santa Ana

The Orange County Environmental Health Division is offering free training to Santa Ana business owners and operators. This agency regulates businesses that use or store hazardous materials at their facilities. These businesses include gas stations, auto repair shops, dry cleaners, manufacturing facilities (and any other type of industry where hazardous liquids, solids or compressed gases are used/stored).

They are required to submit a Hazardous Material Disclosure and Business Emergency Plan annually.  Historically, these documents would have been submitted to Santa Ana Fire (then the Orange County Fire Authority). There have been many changes in the past couple of years and now the OC Health Care Agency implements these programs.

The OC Health Care Agency will be hosting free workshops in Santa Ana, on September 9, 2014, for business owners and operators to help them navigate the complex requirements associated with the hazardous materials forms and underground storage tank programs. Continue reading→