New Santa Ana | Monthly Archives: March 2011

The SAPD is now on Facebook!

Posted on March 16, 2011 by Art Pedroza Posted in Public Safety, Santa Ana 1 Comment

The Santa Ana Police Department is proud to announce out participation on FACEBOOK. This will allow the police department to update the community on a daily basis as to activities, advisories and requests for public assistance.

Along the left side of the page you will also see a link to “ANNONYMOUSLY” submit a tip reference criminal activity as well as a link to sign up for the Citizen Alert Network. This site is not monitored 24 hours a day and requests for law enforcement assistance should continue to come directly to the police department.

The site can be accessed by clicking here.

Please “Like” the page to ensure our ongoing information makes it to your specific pages. The site does not accept friend requests.

Things to do on St. Patrick’s Day, in and around Santa Ana

Posted on March 16, 2011 by Art Pedroza Posted in Arts and Culture, Bars, Costa Mesa, Restaurants, Santa Ana Leave a comment

St. Patrick’s Day will be a lot of fun this year, here in Santa Ana. Here are a few events and specials featuring Santa Ana venues and a few in nearby cities too:

St. Patty’s Day at Memphis

Even Memphis can be Irish for one day out of the year!!!!

Come celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Irish food and drink specials.

A little corned beef and cabbage. Some fresh baked soda bread.
Chef Diego’s working on some specials and we’ll post them when we know.

Guinness and Jameson specials all night.

Click here to RSVP on Facebook.

McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant

Address: City Place, 2701 N. Main Street

City: Santa Ana

Phone: 714-558-1963

Website: www.McCormickandSchmicks.com

Hours: 11:00am – 10:00pm

Irish food specials will be available in the dining room throughout the day.

It’s Lucky to Kiss a Stranger at McCormick & Schmick’s on St. Patrick’s Day! Share a kiss, spread the luck and win fun prizes. Enjoy traditional Irish fare like Corned Beef Sliders, Guinness Steamed Shrimp and Guinness Steamed Mussels available in the bar and Corned Beef Sandwiches, Corned Beef & Cabbage and Irish Stew available in the dining room. Guinness beer specials and McCormick & Schmick’s signature St. Patrick’s Day cocktails will be flowing throughout the day and night!

Case de Rock – 12 live bands at Malone’s!

Come enjoy Casa de Rock at Malone’s, locates at 604 E. Dyer, on March 17. $5 cover, gig starts at 7PM!

Click here to see the list of bands and more information.

Bike Night with DJ RICO @ Original Mike’s

At 8 pm, 17 March 2011. Bikes, beer and bands every Thursday at Original Mike’s!!! Plus – Come ready to dance!!! DJ Rico gets the party started on College Night every Thursday 8 pm at Original Mike’s. Enjoy drink specials all night. Ages 18 & Over. Click here for more info.

St. Patrick’s Day at the Copper Door

Saint Patrick’s Day with Valdas, Sash and JDQ.

“Open Format” with JTM & Chaw, and more at Proof Bar!

Set times:

1518……………….. 10-11pm
Pussy Poppin……….11-12:15pm
JTM & Dj Chaw……..12:15-CLOSE

$0 for entry. Located at 215 N. Broadway, in Santa Ana.

Click here to RSVP on Facebook.

And how about a huge St. Patrick’s Day Festival?

O.C. Human Relations Commission responds to anti-Muslim protest

Posted on March 16, 2011 by Art Pedroza Posted in Arab Americans, Civil Rights, Orange County, Republican Party, Santa Ana 2 Comments

For Immediate Release

For More Information: C. William Wood, Chair, 949-338-3713, Rusty Kennedy, Executive Director 714-567-7465

OC Human Relations Commission Calls for a Return to Civility in Reaction to Muslim Charity Speakers and Protests

The Orange County Human Relations Commission was created in 1971 to promote mutual understanding among Orange County residents and eliminate the causes of prejudice, intolerance and discrimination.

On March 10, 2011 at the regularly scheduled meeting of the Commission the speakers and protests at a Muslim charity event held on February 13 at the Yorba Linda Community Center were discussed and the Commission voted to issue a statement.

The Orange County Human Relations Commission:

1. Sends our empathy and support to the Muslim children who attended this event with their families, and were subjected to hateful and bigoted insults. The Commission feels that there is no reason to insult each other when differences of opinion occur, and compounding the inappropriateness of those bigoted and hateful insults by directing them at children is inexcusable.

2. Commends the City of Yorba Linda and their police department for the way they handled these contentious events, protecting the rights of all parties, and creating a safe environment for these highly emotional conflicts to play out peacefully.

3. Commends one of the leaders of the rally who apologized publicly for the atrocious behavior of the hecklers, even though she was not associated with them and did not know them. This gracious apology acknowledges that what these families and children were subjected to by the hecklers, was wrong.

4. Calls on the passionate hecklers who deliver their opinions with such raw emotion, to take a deep breath and look at themselves and their behaviors and recognize that their inappropriate actions hurt their own cause. A more civil debate is a more constructive avenue to promote a perspective in a democratic society.

5. Calls on leaders who speak to large groups and have many people who listen to their words, to tamp down the generalizations that vilify whole groups of people based on the actions of a few. Step back from their colorful, emotionally laden language so that fringe elements of our community don’t feel emboldened to act out their bigotry with hate crimes.

6. Calls on organizations and groups to shun speakers whose hateful rhetoric and violent innuendo polarizes people, scapegoats whole groups for the actions of a few, and incites bigotry and violence.

7. Calls on perpetrators of hate crime to stop their threats against leaders and crimes against individuals.

8. Calls on all Orange County residents, Muslim, Jewish, Christian, Sikh, White, Latino, Black, Asian, Gay, Straight, Disabled, men, women, children, young and old, to come together to condemn these acts of bigotry.

Orange County Human Relations Commission
1300 S. Grand, Bldg B, Santa Ana, CA 92705
714.567.7470 www.ochumanrelations.org

Commissioners:

Bill Wood Chair
Ken Inouye Vice Chair
Ellen Ahn
Nadia Bettendorf
Becky Esparza
Chief Dave Maggard
Ki Hong Park
Amy Peikoff
Carol Turpen
Vincent De Vargas
Doug Wooley

Rep. Sanchez questions General Petraeus on Afghan timetable

Posted on March 16, 2011 by Art Pedroza Posted in Loretta Sanchez, Military, Politics Leave a comment

Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, Representing California’s 47th Congressional District

PRESS RELEASE, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 16, 2011

MEDIA CONTACT: Adrienne Watson, 202-309-0825

REP. LORETTA SANCHEZ QUESTIONS GENERAL PETRAEUS ON AFGHAN TIMETABLE

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (CA-47), senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, attended a hearing today to ask our nation’s top general and a defense policy expert about the eventual withdrawal of our troops in Afghanistan.

General David Petraeus and Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Michael Flournoy testified before the Committee to provide a candid assessment of the status of the United States operations in Afghanistan. Rep. Sanchez, concerned by recent suggestions that U.S. troops will likely be required to help secure Afghanistan beyond 2014, though our country’s NATO allies are scheduled to pull their troops by the end of 2011, asked General Petraeus to clarify what constitutes success in the war and when the armed forces can begin a withdrawal.

“From where I stand, this war is ultimately about who can outlast the other, in which case we are sacrificing too many lives and wasting too much of our resources,” said Sanchez. “The United States cannot support a costly protracted military conflict with no end in sight, especially as future generations are faced with higher taxes and slashing cuts to federal investments in priorities such as education and health care.”

Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez is proud to represent California’s 47th Congressional District, which includes the cities of Anaheim, Garden Grove, Santa Ana, and parts of Fullerton in Orange County. She serves as Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces and a senior member of the Committee on Homeland Security. Rep. Sanchez is also a member of the fiscally conservative Blue Dog Coalition and sits on the bipartisan, bicameral Joint Economic Committee.

# # #

To be removed from this email list please reply with the word “Remove” in the subject line.

United States House of Representatives
1114 Longworth House Office Building • Washington, DC 20515
Phone: 202-225-2965 • Fax: 202-225-5859

Rep. Sanchez introduces the Genius Act

Posted on March 16, 2011 by Art Pedroza Posted in Education, immigration, Santa Ana, Youth Activities Leave a comment

Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, Representing California’s 47th Congressional District

PRESS RELEASE, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 16, 2011

MEDIA CONTACT, Adrienne Watson 202-309-0825

REP. LORETTA SANCHEZ INTRODUCES THE GENIUS ACT

Bill would raise student achievement through enhanced international education initiatives

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (CA-47) today introduced fundamental legislation to expand international education and foreign language programs in schools. The Global Education Nexus in U.S. (GENIUS) Act, H.R. 1109, would require the Deputy Assistant Secretary for International and Foreign Language Education to establish a new grant program promoting international education in elementary and secondary schools by funding both teacher professional development focused on international education, and extracurricular programs that promote international education.

Data published over the last decade finds that American-based multinational corporations, as well as small businesses, increasingly need employees with knowledge of foreign languages and cultures to market product to domestic and international consumers, as well as to work effectively with the foreign employees and partners in other counties. The GENIUS Act would provide grants to support international education and foreign language focused professional development for teachers. In addition, this legislation would provide grants for extracurricular programs focused on international education and foreign language to continue students’ engagement on these issues outside of the classroom as well.

“Providing quality jobs for hard working Americans is our nation’s top priority. In order to accomplish that, we must guarantee that education – even at its earliest stages – gives students the skill sets they need to succeed in a increasingly global economy,” said Sanchez. “The importance of international and foreign language education for our nation’s future cannot be overstated. We’re only as good as our human capital, and without immediate action, our students will fall behind their foreign counterparts. I urge Congress to pass this legislation and ensure our strong footing as the future’s global economic leader.”

# # #

United States House of Representatives
1114 Longworth House Office Building • Washington, DC 20515
Phone: 202-225-2965 • Fax: 202-225-5859

Kickoff event for the Relay for Life of Santa Ana

Posted on March 16, 2011 by Art Pedroza Posted in Charities, Entertainment, Health and Medical, Santa Ana, Sports Leave a comment

Come join us as we kick off the 2011 Relay for Life season in Santa Ana, this Friday, March 18, from 6:00pm – 8:00pm, at Original Mike’s, located at 100 South Main Street, in Santa Ana.

The Relay for Life is in May, but we want the community to get excited and start getting ready, so we’re hosting a kickoff party.

Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and refreshments on the patio, and meet the committee that is planning this year’s Relay. Check out a little of our past events and see what this year’s event will be.

Cancer Survivors, team members, and other members of the community who want to find out more about this event should plan to be there. Bring a friend.

The Relay for Life is the most important cancer awareness and fundraising event in the community, and we hope you’ll come and be a part of it.

For more information, contact Jennifer.Patalsky@cancer.org or neehec560@yahoo.com

The Santa Ana Relay for Life website is http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?pg=entry&fr_id=31928. Click here to RSVP on Facebook.

Santa Ana neighborhoods oppose development of the city’s last orange grove

Posted on March 15, 2011 by Art Pedroza Posted in Development, Entertainment, Neighborhood Associations, Planning, Santa Ana 18 Comments

A developer is proposing to build 24 homes on the 5 acre Sexlinger property on Santa Clara, which is the last Orange Grove left in Santa Ana, and the surrounding neighbors are concerned about the impact of the project on the whole area.

This property was settled in 1914, when a family known as the Sexlingers built a little cottage amid the oranges, apricots and walnuts, according to the O.C. Register. They hung on to their orange grove even as all the land around them was developed into homes, except for Portola Park.

There is going to be a joint Neighborhood Association meeting at John Muir Fundamental Elementary on Thursday, March 17 at 7pm. It will include the Portola Park and Merrideth Parkwood Neighborhood Associations. They usually have joint meetings. These two associations encompass Grand to Tustin andSanta Clara to 17th.

The Park Santiago and Young Square Neighborhood Associations have also been invited to this meeting.

The development company, Tava, is on the agenda, as is Nick Spain. According to Spain, there is still time to kill this project.

Once the environmental impact report is published (late March/early April), the public will have 30-45 days for review and make comments. There is still at least one if not two meetings with the City Planning Commission. He thinks that the earliest that the City City Council would meet to approve the plan would be in late summer/early fall.

Think Together’s annual benefit dinner set for June 11

Posted on March 15, 2011 by Art Pedroza Posted in Anaheim, Charities, Education, Entertainment, Santa Ana, SAUSD, Working Families, Youth Activities 1 Comment

THINK Together’s annual major fundraiser brings together hundreds of compassionate, generous individuals and corporations who share our vision of surrounding schools with learning and helping California’s children close the achievement gap. This year’s dinner event will feature a fascinating dialogue with a nationally leading educational expert followed by dessert and a book signing; public acknowledgment of our remarkable donors; and an inspirational progress report by THINK Together Founder and CEO Randy Barth.

Date/Time/Place

Saturday, June 11, 2011
6:00 to 8:00 p.m. (end time approximate)
Hilton Anaheim

Keynote Speaker: “Dialogue with Geoffrey Canada”

THINK Together proudly presents this year’s keynote speaker, Geoffrey Canada, President and CEO of the extraordinary Harlem Children’s Zone. A nationally renowned advocate for educational reform, Mr. Canada was prominently featured in the eye-opening documentary about America’s educational system, “Waiting for Superman.” During a Dialogue with Geoffrey Canada, he invites the guests to an open conversation about the dire state of America’s public education system – and what we as a collective group can do to impact local change.

Online RSVP

Click here to reserve your seat for this important event. Each year the event sells out, so be sure to register today.

Contact Us
We’d love to hear from you and answer any questions you may have about THINK Together and our upcoming fundraiser. You can reach us at:
Phone: 714.543.3807 ext. 8118
Fax: 714.543.3852
Email: MCastillo@THINKtogether.org
Physical Address (Home office) : 2100 E. Fourth St., Ste.200 Santa Ana, CA 92705

Left of Center drinks, this Wednesday night at Bistro 400

Posted on March 15, 2011 by Art Pedroza Posted in Bars, Democratic Party, Entertainment, Politics, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Bistro 400 is hosting “Left of Center Drinks” this Wednesday night, March 16, from 6:00pm – 9:00pm, at 400 West 4th Street, in Downtown Santa Ana.

This is the third happy hour for these folks. This group is headed up by a Public Affairs Manager, and a Political Director for a labor organization.

Click here to RSVP on Facebook.

In case you are wondering, you can still go to Drinking Liberally, in Santa Ana, every Thursday night, at 8:30 pm, at the Memphis, located at 201 N. Broadway.

I am not sure why there are two liberal drinking groups in Santa Ana. But there are a lot of liberals in town so I suppose there is room for more than one of these events.

Maybe the few Republicans left in town should start a drinking night of their own? And what about the Libertarians? Surely we have enough bars in town to host all of these folks!

Rep. Sanchez to present a $172,500 grant check to fight foreclosures

Posted on March 15, 2011 by Art Pedroza Posted in Affordable Housing, Anaheim, Charities, Entertainment, Housing, Loretta Sanchez Leave a comment

Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, Representing California’s 47th Congressional District

MEDIA ADVISORY, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 15, 2011

MEDIA CONTACT Adrienne Watson 202-309-0825

REP. LORETTA SANCHEZ TO PRESENT $172,500.00 GRANT CHECK, DISCUSS FORECLOSURE CRISIS AT NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSING SERVICES OF ORANGE COUNTY

WHO: Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez; Glenn Hayes, President/CEO of Neighborhood Housing Services of Orange County (NHS-OC); Richard Castro, NeighborWorks; and personal testimonies (TBD).

WHAT: Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez will present NHS-OC with a check for $172,500.00 in grant funds awarded by NeighborWorks. Rep. Sanchez will also discuss what she and her colleagues in Congress are doing to combat the foreclosure crisis. Specifically, Rep. Sanchez will speak on her recently-introduced amendments to help struggling families stay in their homes by making mortgages more affordable and the need to save the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) that is slated to be eliminated by Congress this week. The other speakers will address similar concerns.

WHEN: Friday, March 18, 3:00p.m. (PST).

WHERE: Neighborhood Housing Services of Orange County
198 W. Lincoln Avenue, 2nd Floor
Anaheim

# # #

United States House of Representatives
1114 Longworth House Office Building • Washington, DC 20515
Phone: 202-225-2965 • Fax: 202-225-5859

Rep. Sanchez applauds recently created Jobs Council

Posted on March 15, 2011 by Art Pedroza Posted in Jobs, Loretta Sanchez, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, Representing California’s 47th Congressional District

PRESS RELEASE, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 14, 2011

MEDIA CONTACT, Adrienne Watson, 202-309-0825

REP. LORETTA SANCHEZ APPLAUDS RECENTLY CREATED JOBS COUNCIL

Urges Administration to include small business information technology industry

WASHINGTON, D.C. –Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (CA-47) today led a letter to President Obama along with pro-business Members of Congress to commend him for forming the Council on Jobs and Competitiveness (Jobs Council) and to urge the inclusion of the small business information technology industry on the newly created Council.

“I applaud President Obama’s commitment to our country’s top priority: improving our economy and creating jobs,” said Sanchez. ”As many Americans struggle to make ends meet, they expect us to take real action to boost our country’s small businesses and manufacturers. The time to focus on jobs has never been more important and the creation of a Jobs Council is a great first step.

“I also urge President Obama to include representatives from the small business information technology industry on this council. Small businesses, especially those in the information technology industry, drive creativity and innovation in Orange County and across the country. They also represent a significant portion of our country’s overall job market. This is especially important considering that during this time of economic downturn, the technology sector was one of the last sectors to feel its impact and also one of the first to recover and begin hiring. The information technology industry is a strong part of our economic sector and I believe it’s important that it be included on the Jobs Council.”

# # #

United States House of Representatives
1114 Longworth House Office Building • Washington, DC 20515
Phone: 202-225-2965 • Fax: 202-225-5859

14th Annual Ride the Coast Motorcyle Ride and Blues Festival set for June 25

Posted on March 15, 2011 by Art Pedroza Posted in Charities, Entertainment, irvine, music, Santa Ana, Youth Activities Leave a comment

The 14th Annual Ride the Coast Motorcycle Ride and Blues Festival will kick into gear another year of fast-paced fun and excitement on Saturday, June 25, 2011. This 70-mile, police-escorted charity ride includes 10 miles of coast riding and free admission to the Irvine Lake Blues Festival. Promoted throughout all of Southern California, Ride the Coast brings motorcycle enthusiasts of all ages, occupations, shapes and sizes to Orange County for the most spectacular event on two wheels! Don’t miss it!

Police escorted
70-mile ride – 10 miles along the Pacific Coast Highway
500-plus riders
Free admission to Irvine Lake Blues Festival
Music
Food
Raffles and giveaways

Fees:

$40 for riders
$30 for co-riders

Start Site: Santa Ana Auto Mall.

Registration begins at 8:30a.m.
Ride begins at 10a.m.

End Site: Irvine Lake Blues Festival

Riders and co-riders get in free
Non-riders may purchase tickets at the gate for $30

For more information visit: www.ridethecoast.com. Click here to register online.

Contact: Rachel Grewe
Boys & Girls Club of Santa Ana
Events Staff
250 N. Golden Circle, Suite #104, Santa Ana, CA 92705
714-565-1098 (phone)
714-565-1099 (fax)
events@boysandgirlsclub.com

Get to know the Santa Ana Kiwanis at a free lunch or dinner this week

Posted on March 14, 2011 by Art Pedroza Posted in Entertainment, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Enjoy a free lunch or dinner at the Santa Ana Kiwanis this Wednesday, March 16, at noon, at the Ebell Club, located at 625 French St., in Santa Ana, or on Thursday, at 6:30 pm, at Knowlwood’s Restaurant, located at 2107 E. 17th, in Santa Ana.

If you attend the lunch on Wednesday, park in the parking lot on the Mortimer Street entrance.

Click here to RSVP via email, or call Membership Committee Chair Herb Michel at 714-541-3361, or Public Relations Committee Chair Alfredo Amezcua, at 714-835-3538.

Kiwanis of Santa Ana is an organization of Volunteers who come together to make our Community a better place. This is accomplished by developing programs to enhance the education, recreation and safety of children, young adults and their families.

Rep. Sanchez calls for prevention of re-detention of courageous dissident

Posted on March 14, 2011 by Art Pedroza Posted in Civil Rights, Free Speech, Loretta Sanchez, Politics, Santa Ana, Vietnamese 1 Comment

Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, Representing California’s 47th Congressional District

PRESS RELEASE, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 14, 2011

MEDIA CONTACT: Adrienne Watson 202-309-0825

REP. LORETTA SANCHEZ CALLS ON VIETNAMESE PRESIDENT TRIET TO PREVENT POSSIBLE RE-DETENTION OF COURAGEOUS DISSIDENT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (CA-47), Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Vietnam and member of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus, has joined a bipartisan coalition of House members and signed onto a letter calling on the President of Vietnam, Nguyen Minh Triet, to ensure that one of Vietnam’s most prominent dissidents, Father Thadeus Nguyen Van Ly, remains free following the end of his one-term suspension of his prison sentence on March 15, 2011.

A Catholic priest, Father Ly has served as an enduring symbol of political oppression around the world. He was wrongfully sentenced to eight years in jail for exercising his rights to freedom of religion, expression, and association. Father Ly was given a one-year suspension of his prison sentence after suffering two strokes while in solitary confinement. Out of consideration for internationally recognized human rights, and Father Ly’s declining health, Congresswoman Sanchez believes the Government of Vietnam should prevent the possible re-detention of Father Ly.

“I call on President Triet to authorize the unconditional release of Father Ly,” said Congresswoman Sanchez. “Father Ly and many other courageous Vietnamese dissidents have been harassed and persecuted for far too long. The United States and international community must address Vietnam’s human rights violations and more importantly urge the Government of Vietnam to increase political freedom and improve its legal system.”

# # #

United States House of Representatives
1114 Longworth House Office Building • Washington, DC 20515
Phone: 202-225-2965 • Fax: 202-225-5859

Rep. Sanchez accepting applications for summer internship program

Posted on March 14, 2011 by Art Pedroza Posted in Education, Jobs, Loretta Sanchez, Santa Ana, Youth Activities Leave a comment

Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, Representing California’s 47th Congressional District

PRESS RELEASE, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 14, 2011

MEDIA CONTACT, Adrienne Watson 202-309-0825

REP. SANCHEZ ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR 2011 SUMMER INTERN PROGRAM

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez is currently accepting applications for summer 2011 internships in her Washington, D.C. and Garden Grove offices.

This unique internship program offers college and graduate students the opportunity to observe and participate in the federal legislative process. Interns in both offices assist staff with constituent service, communications, and legislative research, and D.C. interns also provide visitors with tours of the Capitol building.

Applicants should possess excellent written and oral communication skills and a working knowledge of the American political process. Orange County ties are strongly preferred. Congresswoman Sanchez looks forward to working with individuals who share her passion for public service. Both paid and unpaid opportunities are available.

Individuals interested in an internship should submit a resume, cover letter, and short writing sample no later than April 24th, 2011. Applicants interested in an internship in Washington D.C. may contact intern coordinator Melanie Abe at melanie.abe@mail.house.gov. Applicants interested in an internship in Garden Grove may contact Javiera Cartagena at javiera.cartagena@mail.house.gov.

Additional information can be found at www.lorettasanchez.house.gov.

# # #

United States House of Representatives
1114 Longworth House Office Building • Washington, DC 20515
Phone: 202-225-2965 • Fax: 202-225-5859