New Santa Ana | Monthly Archives: August 2015

Man in a sports cap suspected of robbing banks in Orange and in Santa Ana

Posted on August 28, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Banking, Crime, FBI, Orange, Santa Ana Leave a comment

A man who likes to wear sports team caps has robbed two local banks in the Cities of Orange and Santa Ana in the past week, according to the O.C. Register.

The man robbed a Farmers and Merchants bank at 1220 E. Katella Ave. this Tuesday at around 4 p.m. The Orange Police responded to that crime scene.

The man is reported to be between 25 and 30 years old. He stands about 5′ 11″ and weighs about 150 pounds. He walked into the bank wearing black sweater, blue jeans and a black Miami Heat sports cap with an orange bill, according to the Orange Police. Continue reading→

Mayor Pulido to honor the founder of the Achievement Institute of Scientific Studies

Posted on August 28, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Civic Affairs, Education, Entertainment, Miguel Pulido, Santa Ana Leave a comment

City of Santa Ana

Community Alert: MAYOR PULIDO HONORS PAUL RIORDAN, FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT OF THE ACHIEVEMENT INSTITUTE OF SCIENTIFIC STUDIES

Mayor Miguel Pulido will present Paul Riordan, Founder and President of the Achievement Institute of Scientific Studies (AISS), with the Exceptional Citizen Award for his outstanding service to the City of Santa Ana at Tuesday’s City Council Meeting

A retired Santa Ana Unified School District educator and administrator, Paul Riordan taught chemistry and math at Santa Ana High School for 38 years. With a strong dedication to education and our community’s youth, he founded the AISS program in 2001. AISS provides academically gifted high school students who are economically disadvantaged an opportunity and incentive to intensify their studies in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

The first AISS pilot program consisted of six sophomore girls from Santa Ana High School. These students participated in 120 academic seminar hours in industry workshops involving digital imaging, laser medicine, computer-aided design, optics manufacturing and engineering research. At the completion of the program, the students were accepted into universities such as UC Los Angeles, UC Irvine, Columbia, Chapman and Yale. Continue reading→

U.S. Rep. Sanchez to host a water drought briefing & recognition event on 9/3

Posted on August 27, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Entertainment, Loretta Sanchez, Politics, Santa Ana, Water 1 Comment

Water Drought Briefing & Recognition Event

Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez

As you are aware, the state of California continues to face one of the most severe water droughts on record.

In fact, the 2014 water year was the third driest year on record in terms of precipitation in California. Unfortunately, our state is now entering its fourth consecutive year of drought. I applaud the commitment of California residents by reducing their June water use by more than 27 percent – but more work remains to be done.

As your representative, I am working diligently with my colleagues in Congress to find solutions to the drought. Last month I co-sponsored H.R. 2983, the Drought Recovery and Resilience Act of 2015 which would address innovative water financing, improving infrastructure and water management, planning for future droughts, and other important factors. Continue reading→

2200 lbs. of e-waste and clothing collected at the Eco Challenge at the Discovery Cube

Posted on August 26, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Education, Environment, Orange County, Santa Ana, Youth Activities Leave a comment

2200 lbs. Collected During Eco Challenge Event to ‘Keep Orange County Clean & Green’

Local Community Donates E-waste, Household Goods and Gently Used Clothing for Priority Access to Meet Angels Alumni Chuck Finley

Santa Ana, Calif., August 26, 2015 – Discovery Cube Orange County and OC Waste & Recycling teamed up with Goodwill of Orange County and Angels Baseball for the final Eco Challenge Day collection event of the year on Saturday, August 22, 2015 at Discovery Cube Orange County in Santa Ana. An estimated 2200 lbs. were collected from the event. Past events have collected over 10 tons of e-waste and gently-used clothing. This year there free certified paper shredding was available, in addition to disposal services for e-waste, gently used clothing, and household goods.

The Orange County community was encouraged to participate and donate e-waste, gently used clothing, and household goods. Every participant had priority access to meet Angels’ alumni Chuck Finley and the first 150 cars to bring their items to recycle received four free general admission tickets to the newly renovated Discovery Cube Orange County. Continue reading→

Car flipped on its side this morning in a crash by the Federal Appeals Court

Posted on August 26, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Accidents, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Photo by Igmar Rodas

A car accident involving two vehicles occurred this morning at about 9:30 a.m. in Downtown Santa Ana where Fifth and Santa Ana Blvd. merge at Ross St., by the Federal Appellate Court. The impact was so severe that one of the vehicles was flipped on its side, according to freelance photographer Igmar Rodas.

Emergency crew had to use the jaws of life to free the injured female driver in the flipped vehicle. There was a large presence of Santa Ana police doing traffic control and investigating the accident. Continue reading→

Vista Heritage Charter Middle School’s grand opening set for Aug. 28

Posted on August 26, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Education, Entertainment, Politics, Robert Hammond, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Vista Heritage Charter Middle School Is the First Charter Middle School to Open in Santa Ana

SANTA ANA, Calif. – August 28, 2015 – Vista Charter Public Schools, the operator of a high- performing school in Los Angeles, will host a Grand Opening for Vista Heritage Charter Middle School on Friday, August 28, 2015 at 10 a.m. at 2609 West 5th Street, Santa Ana, CA 92703.

The event will mark the opening of the new middle school in Santa Ana and the first charter middle school in the history of Santa Ana. The ceremony will feature remarks by Orange County Board of Education President Robert Hammond, Vista Charter Public Schools staff—Vahe Markarian, Lauri Martin and Eduardo Rodriguez, and other guest speakers. Join us for the ribbon cutting ceremony. Tours of the school will follow the ceremony at 10:30 am. Continue reading→

Groundbreaking for highly anticipated SAUSD Sports Complex set for 8/28

Posted on August 26, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Education, Entertainment, Football, Santa Ana, SAUSD, Sports Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 26, 2015

Contact: Deidra Powell, Chief Communications Officer, (714) 558-5555, (714) 673-4995

Media Advisory: Groundbreaking for Highly Anticipated SAUSD Sports Complex

What: Celebrate the ribbon cutting of the highly anticipated Santa Ana Public Schools Sports Complex. With an anticipated cost of approximately $15 million, students of the Santa Ana Unified School District will have a sports complex to call home. Although the Sports Complex is located behind Santa Ana Valley High School, located at 1801 South Greenville Street in Santa Ana, it will be jointly used by Santa Ana schools. During the celebration, there will be 27 individuals inducted into the inaugural SAUSD Wall of Fame. All honorees were selected because of the significant contributions that they made in the area of sports in the Santa Ana Unified School District. A list of the honorees is included below.

Who: Members of the SAUSD Board of Education, staff, students, athletes, coaches, parents, and community members, and honorees inducted into the Wall of Fame. Continue reading→

U.S. Rep. Sanchez commemorates Women’s Equality Day

Posted on August 26, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Loretta Sanchez, Politics, Women Leave a comment

Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, Representing California’s 46th Congressional District

STATEMENT, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 26, 2015

MEDIA CONTACT: Emily Morris, 202-225-2965, Emily.Morris@mail.house.gov

REP. LORETTA SANCHEZ STATEMENT ON WOMEN’S EQUALITY DAY

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (CA-46), released a statement commemorating Women’s Equality Day, on the 95th anniversary of the 19th Amendment which guaranteed America’s women the right to vote.

“On the 95th anniversary of the 19th amendment we reflect on the women whose dedication and vision shaped our history for the better but recommit ourselves to ending the inequality women still face in the workplace and the military and attacks on women’s health. Continue reading→

Santa Ana’s free Plaza Wellness celebration and 5K run set for Saturday, August 29

Posted on August 26, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Running, Santa Ana Leave a comment

City of Santa Ana, Downtown Orange County

Community Alert: SECOND TIME FOR 5K RUN AT SANTA ANA’S HISTORIC DOWNTOWN

The public is invited to attend the City of Santa Ana’s free Plaza Wellness celebration on Saturday, August 29, 2015 in Downtown Santa Ana at French and Fourth Street from 8am to 12pm. Plaza Wellness has something for everyone including a Health Fair, VIP Basketball game and Zumba activity.

Plaza Wellness will begin promptly at 8am with a free 5K race. The scenic route highlights some of Orange County’s most historic and recognizable buildings including the Old Courthouse, Spurgeon Tower, and the Second Street Promenade. This year’s course also heads out to the Santa Ana Stadium.

Free, on-line registration is available at www.santa-ana.org/parks/wellness5Krun/. On-line registration will close on Wednesday, August 26th. Same-day, on-site registration will be available starting at 6:30 am on the day of the race. Everyone is encouraged to register on-line for an opportunity to receive a free t-shirt while supplies last. Post-race refreshments and healthy snacks will be provided to all race participants. Continue reading→

Councilwoman Martinez’ annual community address set for 8/26

Posted on August 26, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Civic Affairs, Entertainment, Michele Martinez, Santa Ana Leave a comment

City of Santa Ana

Community Alert: COUNCILWOMAN MICHELE MARTINEZ’S ANNUAL COMMUNITY ADDRESS

Join Councilwoman Michele Martinez for her Annual Community Address on August 26, 2015 at 5:30 p.m. at the Santa Ana Senior Center at Birch Park. Councilwoman Martinez will provide an update on the current state of the City and provide details about exciting, new projects.

The presentation will be held at the Santa Ana Senior Center located at Birch Park at 424 West 3rd Street in Santa Ana. Validated parking will be available in the parking structure located at 3rd and Birch. Continue reading→

The City of Santa Ana is prosecuting 13 individuals from a pot clinic raided by the SAPD

Posted on August 24, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Drugs, Marijuana, Santa Ana Leave a comment

The City of Santa Ana is going to arraign thirteen people on Oct. 15 on charges in connection with a controversial raid at a medical marijuana dispensary where Santa Ana police were caught on hidden video purportedly snacking on pot edibles, according to the O.C. Register.

The defendants are all represented by Anthony L. Curiale, a Brea-based attorney. The defendants are going to plea not guilty at the Orange County Superior Court.

The defendants were cited for suspicion of unlawful operation of a medical marijuana collective. If convicted of the misdemeanor offense, they face up to 6 months in jail or $1,000 fine. However, the Santa Ana City Attorney’s Office can reduce the charges to an infraction that doesn’t carry any times behind bars. Continue reading→

The Green Party presents “Call all Rebels” at the Delhi Center on Sep. 20

Posted on August 23, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Alcohol, Entertainment, Food, Green, Literature, music, Orange County, Politics, Santa Ana Leave a comment

The Green Party of Orange County presents “Calling All Rebels: The Moral Imperative to Revolt,” hosted by KPFK 90.7 FM’s Andrew Tonkovich, on Sep. 20, 2015, starting at 5 p.m., at the Delhi Center, located at 505 E. Central Ave., in Santa Ana.

After the event there will be a 1 hour Reception for Chris Hedges in a smaller room at the Delhi Center. Tickets will be $100. It will include Cheese and Wine. Only 70 tickets will be available. Chris will be at the event signing books. at 6 p.m.

Chris Hedges 8:00 p.m. Pulitzer Prize Winning Journalist and Best Selling Author and Occupy Wall Street Icon.
Jill Stein 7:10 p.m. Green Party Presidential Candidate
Gayle McLaughlin 6:20 p.m. Former Green Party Mayor of Richmond, CA who challenged Wall Street
Originalites: 5:40 p.m. Local Reggae Outfit
Melted: 5:00 pm. Local Rock Outfit

Continue reading→

Santa Ana couple charged with burglarizing vehicles and identity theft in Garden Grove

Posted on August 23, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Garden Grove, Santa Ana 1 Comment

Maria Sanchez-Avalos

The Garden Grove Police Department arrested a couple from Santa Ana, 27-year-old Salvador Beltran and 23-year-old Maria Sanchez-Avalos, on suspicion of breaking into at least 20 cars in Garden Grove since May, on Friday, according to the O.C. Register.

The couple is suspected in a number of vehicle burglaries in the parking lots of a 24 Hour Fitness gym on Chapman Avenue and an LA Fitness on Valley View Street, according to the GGPD.

Investigators say the couple allegedly took wallets, purses, cellphones and credit cards from cars of people working out at the gyms. Sanchez-Avalos is apparently Beltran’s common-law wife. Continue reading→

Bella Marri’s Ristorante Italiano is a hidden gem in north Santa Ana

Posted on August 21, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Business, Food, Restaurants, Santa Ana 13 Comments

Magdy and his wife, Fiby, Towfeless met in Eqypt over 28 years ago. He went on to develop a very successful career in aerospace engineering. Madgy purchased an Italian restaurant in Anaheim back in 2006 and moved it to Santa Ana. Bella Marri’s Ristorante Italiano opened in its new digs at 1631 E. 17th St., in north Santa Ana, in May of this year.

My wife Camille and I had dinner at Bella Marri’s tonight and we had a chance to talk to Magdy and Fiby and their son Tim. Their other son, Marvin, is at UC Riverside where he is finishing a degree in Bio Med Engineering. Continue reading→

The SAPD will conduct a DUI and license checkpoint tonight at Main and the 5 Fwy.

Posted on August 21, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Alcohol, Crime, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Santa Ana Police Department

Advisory: SAPD conducting a DUI/Drivers License checkpoint on Fri, August 21st, 2015, 9:00 PM – 3:00 AM 2100 N. Main Street.

SANTA ANA POLICE STEP UP DUI ENFORCEMENT

The Santa Ana Police Department will be conducting a DUI/Drivers License checkpoint on Friday, August 21st, 2015. It will begin at 9:00 PM and is scheduled to conclude at 3:00 AM. It will be conducted in the area of 2100 N. Main Street, Santa Ana, CA.

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→