Santa Ana's top news & views blog

Santa Ana's top news & views blog

Monthly Archives: August 2019

This week’s Cochino List includes Taco Bell and the kitchen at St. Edna Rehab

Posted on by Posted in Disease, Food, Food & Health, Health, Health and Medical, Insects, OC Health Care, Orange County, Restaurants, Santa Ana Leave a comment

The OC Health Care Agency has released a list of the eateries (including restaurants, caterers and even school kitchens) that they inspected and shut down for the week of Aug. 22 to Aug. 30. Most of these eateries reopen pretty quickly after the health inspectors determine their issues have been resolved.

  • Taco Bell, 2720 W. Edinger Ave., Santa Ana, Closed: Aug. 22, Reason: Sewage overflow, Reopened: Aug. 22
  • Kitchen at St. Edna, 1929 N. Fairview St., Santa Ana, Closed: Aug. 23, Reason: Cockroach infestation, Reopened: Aug. 24
  • Dey’s Donuts & Croissants, 6494 Edinger Ave., Huntington Beach,
  • Closed: Aug. 30, Reason: Cockroach infestation
  • Cristi’s Restaurant, 821 S. Beach Blvd., Anaheim, Closed: Aug. 29, Reason: Cockroach infestation
  • El Sabroso Grill, 214 W. Santa Fe Ave., Placentia, Closed: Aug. 27, Reason: Rodent infestation, Reopened: Aug. 29
  • Tana, 2622 W. La Palma Ave., Anaheim, Closed: Aug. 27, Reason: Cockroach infestation
  • Jasmine Thai Cuisine, 14071 Goldenwest St., Westminster, Closed: Aug. 27, Reason: Cockroach infestation, Reopened: Aug. 30
  • Diablo’s Music Lounge, 1750 W. Lincoln Ave., Anaheim, Closed: Aug. 23, Reason: Cockroach infestation
  • Update: Crepe Coop at Anaheim Packing House, 440 S. Anaheim Blvd., Suite 105, Anaheim, which was ordered closed Aug. 20 because of a cockroach infestation, was allowed to reopen Aug. 26

Costa Mesa “manny” now facing 25 child molestation felonies after more victims emerge

Posted on by Posted in Cochino Alert, Costa Mesa, Crime, OCDA Leave a comment

A man who served as a male nanny for families across Southern California was charged with additional felony child molestation charges today for victimizing 12 young boys under his care. The boys ranged in age from four to ten years old.

Matthew Antonio Zakrzewski, 30, of Costa Mesa, was arrested on May 17, 2019 by Laguna Beach Police Department detectives at a local airport after deplaning an international flight. Zakrzewski was originally charged with three felony counts of lewd and lascivious acts with a minor under the age of 14, and one felony count of oral copulation of a child under the age of 10. He was also charged with one felony count of possession of child pornography.

Zakrzewski pleaded not guilty to the original charges in May. He is currently being held at the Orange County Jail on $1.25 million bail.

Zakrzewski now faces a total of 25 felony counts, including 19 felony counts of lewd and lascivious acts with a minor under the age of 14, one felony count of oral copulation of a child under the age of 10, and one felony count of possession of child pornography. He also faces one felony count of using a minor for sex acts, two felony counts of distributing pornography to a minor for the purpose of engaging in sexual conduct, and one felony count of an attempted lewd or lascivious act with a minor under the age of 14.

Prosecutors allege the crimes were committed between January 1, 2016 and May 17, 2019. He faces 490 years to life if convicted on all charges.

Zakrzewski pleaded not guilty to the additional charges filed against him today. He is scheduled to appear in court on November 8, 2019 at the Harbor Justice Center in Department H1.

Investigators asked for the public‘s help in locating any other potential victims. As the investigation progressed, additional victims were identified through video evidence and tips from the public, resulting in additional charges being filed against Zakrzewski.

In early May 2019, a Laguna Beach couple had reported to Laguna Beach Police that their babysitter, Zakrzewski, had touched their eight-year-old son inappropriately and was concerned for the safety of their son and potentially other children.

The couple had hired Zakrzewski to care for their eight-year-old child through one of his several babysitting websites. The Laguna Beach Police Department’s Major Crimes & Intelligence Unit immediately opened an investigation, which led to the identification of a second seven-year-old victim in the City of Los Angeles, and ten more boys from across Southern California.

“These parents were led to believe that they could trust this man with the most precious thing in their entire world – their children,” said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. “Instead, he preyed on these innocent boys and violated that trust in a vile and sadistic way.”

Anyone who has information related to this investigation or any other unreported incidents involving Zakrzewski is urged to call the Laguna Beach Investigations Division line at (949) 715-1300.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Heidi Garrel of the Sexual Assault Unit is prosecuting this case.

Santa Ana parks security officer update

Posted on by Posted in Civic Affairs, Crime, Parks and Recreation, Santa Ana 1 Comment

The New Santa Ana Park Security program that the City Council approved is expected to start in mid-September.

City staff is meeting with Allied Security Service on September to confirm a deployment date and discuss logistics. On a daily basis, six-security officers will patrol all City Parks, Bike Trails, and the Santiago Creek. Each security officer will have a vehicle and uniform that includes the City of Santa Ana logo. Security officer duties include foot patrol of restrooms, community centers, pool areas, playground areas, parking lots, sport field/court areas, skate parks, and any other amenities within assigned areas.

The expectation for security officers is to provide continual patrol to deter vandalism, theft, illegal activities, non-approved use of parks, break-ins to site facilities, and loitering in the parks after closing.

Each night, security officers will lock park restrooms and parking lot gates when the park is closed. In addition, a security officer supervisor will work in coordination with City staff (1 from Parks and Recreation and 1 from Parks and Facilities Divisions) regarding patrol schedules, issues, solutions, etc.

More information to follow regarding a deployment date.

The SAPD has been recognized as a patriotic employer

Posted on by Posted in Santa Ana Leave a comment

Santa Ana Police Chief David Valentin is pleased and honored to announce the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a United States Department of Defense agency, is recognizing the Santa Ana Police Department as a Patriotic Employer for its continued support for employees serving in the United States Armed Forces Guard and Reserve. The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a Department of Defense program, established in 1972 to promote cooperation and support between Reserve Service members and their civilian employers across the nation to assist in the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee’s military commitment. Receiving this recognition publicly affirms the Santa Ana Police Department recognizes, honors, and continues to proactively support the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA).

Each year, members of the Santa Ana Police Department in the National Guard and Reserves answer the call to serve on the frontlines in conflict zones abroad, as well as in times of state and national emergencies at home. The Santa Ana Police through its Military Liaison Program works to support its employee’s military service by implementing policies that support deployment as well as assisting family members left behind. The Police Department actively recruits members of the armed services to join its ranks and realizes the value that military service members get from their military training they can bring back to the workplace.

“I am excited to see our Police Department be acknowledged as an employer that cares for our members in the National Guard and Reserve. I respect that the City has gone above and beyond to meet the needs of our military reservists.” – Mayor Miguel Pulido

“It is an honor to serve in a city that supports all employees that choose to serve in the National Guard and Reserve. As a veteran serving in the United States Army for four years, I am proud to see eight members of our Police Department’s Military Reservists stand with their department to accept this award.” – Mayor Pro Tem Juan Villegas

“I am proud that our police department is recognized as an employer that supports all employees serving in the National Guard and Reserve. It is important to maintain policies that recognize the service of our military reservists and honor their bravery.” – Councilmember David Penaloza

Four suspects were arrested in Costa Mesa after a probation check

Posted on by Posted in Costa Mesa, Crime Leave a comment

COSTA MESA, Calif. – The Costa Mesa Police Department (CMPD) collaborated with the Orange County Probation Department (OC Probation) on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2019, to conduct compliance checks on offenders subject to Post-Release Community Supervision (PRCS), per the State Prison Realignment Assembly Bill 109.

These checks were designed to locate and audit the activity of local criminal offenders and gang members residing within the City of Costa Mesa, who are under the supervision of OC Probation.

Gang Investigators completed 16 location checks, and they contacted 30 individuals.

The compliance checks resulted in four offenders arrested, including:

  • Jordan Charlesworth, 28, Costa Mesa, for illegal possession of a stun gun and a probation violation;
  • Seth Rand, 33, Costa Mesa, for a PRCS related probation violation;
  • Pedro Chavarin, 20, Costa Mesa, for a felony bench warrant; and
  • Oscar Velasquez, 21, Costa Mesa, for a probation violation. All arrestees were booked at the CMPD Jail and later transported to the Orange County Jail in Santa Ana.

A woman was shot to death in Santa Ana just past midnight

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

On Friday, August 30, 2019, at 12:01 AM, SAPD Officers responded to reports of a shooting in the area of Pine Street and Hickory Street. Officers located a juvenile male down at 300 South Hickory Street suffering a gunshot wound to his upper torso. Officers also located an adult female with a gunshot wound to her upper torso down at 500 East Pine Street. 

Orange County Fire Authority paramedics responded, treated, and transported the male to a local trauma center where he underwent emergency surgery. Paramedics declared the female deceased, on scene, at 12:12 AM. 

The preliminary investigation revealed the shooting was gang-related. SAPD Homicide Section detectives responded to investigate. 

This case is eligible for the Santa Ana Police Department Homicide Reward Program. Detectives encourage anyone with information about this shooting to contact the SAPD Homicide Section at (714) 245-8390 or Orange County Crime Stoppers https://occrimestoppers.org/

41st Annual Santa Ana Fiestas Patrias Festival performers announced

Posted on by Posted in Civic Affairs, Entertainment, Family, Food, mexico, music, Parks and Recreation, Santa Ana Leave a comment

The City of Santa Ana’s 41st annual Fiestas Patrias Festival is taking place on Saturday, September 14 and Sunday, September 15, 2019. The festivities begin at 12:00 p.m. each day on Flower Street and Santa Ana Blvd. This annual tradition celebrates Santa Ana’s vibrant Mexican culture with A-list performers each night, delicious food, affordable shopping, interactive activities, exciting carnival rides for children of all ages, and a beer garden open for adults only to enjoy cold, refreshing beverages while enjoying on stage performances.

On Saturday, September 14, the festivities begin with a performance by Angeles Ochoa. Ms. Ochoa’s talents go beyond expectations; her versatility and great personality have opened many doors and have led her to be recognized not only for her voice, but also for her presence and hard work. She was host of “Noches Tapatias,” a program dedicated to Mexico’s cultural and musical richness. She received multiple awards and recognition for her work; “El Canto de Oro” (Golden Voice), and “Embajadora de Turismo” (Tourism Ambassador), “La Reyna de la Cancion Ranchera” (The Queen of Mexican Folk Music) and the list goes on.

Thereafter, the City of Santa Ana along with the Consulate of Mexico will host the annual El Grito Ceremony on the Festival’s main stage, located on Flower Street beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 14, The ceremony honors the traditional call to arms on the eve of Mexican Independence Day and is a massive, synchronized call that dates back to 1810 and celebrates the anniversary of the fight for Mexican Independence.

Following the El Grito ceremony, acclaimed Mexican Singer El Dasa will be performing on the festival’s main stage. At age 15, El Dasa became the lead singer of Banda Costa Azul, from Hermosillo, Sonora. He also participated in the edition of Mexico’s La Academia 6: Última Generación, At age 18, he was hired by Vicente Fernandez as his driver, where El Dasa would sing for his idol. The Mexican icon was moved by El Dasa’s singing and invited him on-stage with him at the Gibson Amphitheater for an “Amor de los Dos,” duet and encouraged the audience to support his career.

The festival celebration continues on Sunday, September 15 as the Rieleros del Norte take the stage. Since the ’80s, Los Rieleros del Norte have been one of the top bands in traditional Mexican music. Their specialty is norteño, an exuberant, often sentimental style that is also known as conjunto or Tex-Mex. Los Rieleros del Norte have recorded many albums over the years. These include; Estampida Norteña, Prieta Orgullosa, Aventura Pasada, and many other albums which have now become classics in regional Mexican music. One of their biggest hits was 1999’s “Te Quiero Mucho,” which reached number one on Billboard’s Hot Latin Tracks chart. Between 2003 and 2015, they placed no less than five albums in the Top 200, and ten more on Top Latin and Mexican Regional charts including Abriendo Caminos, Y Que el Mundo Ruede, En Vivo Para Ti, and 2015’s Corridos y Canciones de Mi Tierra.

A major event highlight on Sunday is the City’s annual Fiestas Patrias Parade from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Over 100 parade entries will be showcased this year. The Fiestas Patrias parade will march down Main Street towards Civic Center Drive. This year’s parade theme is “Celebrando Nuestro Legado” or “Celebrating our Legacy”.

The 2019 Fiestas Patrias event is being produced by the City of Santa Ana. For more information, please visit link www.santa-ana.org/events/fiestaspatrias or contact the Special Events Office at (714) 571-4227.

SANTA ANA – La Ciudad de Santa Ana celebrara el 41o Festival Anual de Fiestas Patrias el sábado, 14 y domingo 15 de septiembre, 2019. Las festividades darán inicio ambos días a las 12 del mediodía en la Calle Flower y Santa Ana Blvd. Esta tradición anual celebra la vibrante cultura Mexicana de Santa Ana con entretenimiento que incluye artistas de primer nivel, comida deliciosa, artesanías tradicionales, actividades interactivas con grandes juegos mecánicos para niños de todas las edades, y un jardín de cerveza (abierto sólo para adultos) para disfrutar bebidas refrescantes.

El sábado, 14 de septiembre las festividades darán inicio con la presentación de Ángeles Ochoa. El talento, versatilidad, y gran personalidad de la Sra. Ochoa le han llevado a abrir muchas puertas y ser reconocida no solo por su voz, sino también por su presencia y excelente trabajo. La Sra. Ochoa fue anfitriona de “Noches Tapatías”, un programa dedicado a la riqueza musical y cultural de México. Recibió múltiples premios y reconocimientos por su trabajo tales como “El Canto de Oro”, “Embajadora de Turismo”, “La Reyna de la Canción Ranchera”, y muchos más.

Continuando con las festividades, la Ciudad de Santa Ana en colaboración con el Consulado de México será el anfitrión de la ceremonia anual del Grito de Independencia, que se realizará el día 14 de septiembre a las 7:00p.m. en el escenario principal del Festival, localizado en la calle Flower. La ceremonia representa la tradicional llamada al levantamiento en armas en la víspera del día de la independencia de México. El llamado masivo y sincronizado se remonta a 1810 y celebra el aniversario de la lucha por la independencia de México.

Después de la ceremonia del Grito, el aclamado cantante El Dasa, se presentará en el escenario principal del festival.
A sus 15 años, El Dasa se convirtió en el vocalista de la Banda Costa Azul, de Hermosillo, Sonora. También participó en la edición de La Academia 6 de México: Última Generación. A los 18 años fue contratado por Vicente Fernández como su conductor, donde El Dasa acostumbraba cantar para su ídolo. El icono mexicano fue movido por el canto de El Dasa, lo invitó a cantar a dúo “Amor de los Dos” en el escenario del Anfiteatro Gibson y animó al público a apoyar su carrera.

La celebración continúa el domingo, 15 de septiembre con la presentación de Los Rieleros del Norte. Desde los años 80, Los Rieleros del Norte han sido una de las mejores bandas de música tradicional mexicana. Su especialidad es el norteño, un estilo exuberante y a menudo sentimental también conocido como conjunto o Tex-Mex. A través de los años Los Rieleros del Norte han grabado muchos álbums; estampida Norteña, Prieta Orgullosa, Aventura Pasada y muchos otros que se han convertido en clásicos de la música regional mexicana. Uno de sus mayores éxitos fue el de “Te Quiero Mucho,” y alcanzó el número uno de Hot Latin Tracks Billboard en 1999. Entre 2003 y 2015, colocaron nada menos que cinco álbumes en el Top 200, y diez más en las listas de Top Latino y Regional Mexicano incluyendo; Abriendo Caminos, Que el Mundo Ruede, Vivo Para Ti y Corridos Canciones de Mi Tierra.

Un destacado acontecimiento que también se llevará a cabo el domingo será el Desfile Fiestas Patrias de las 4:00 p.m. a las 6:00 p.m. Más de 100 unidades se presentarán este año. El desfile de Fiestas Patrias marchara por la Calle Main hacia la zona centro de la ciudad y sobre la Civic Center. El tema del desfile este año es “Celebrando Nuestro Legado”.

Fiestas Patrias es producido por la Ciudad de Santa Ana. Para más información sobre el evento, visite www.santa-ana.org/events/fiestaspatrias o llame a la oficina de Eventos Especiales al (714) 571-4227.

Two 18-year-olds facing felony charges after pimping an underage girl in Santa Ana

Posted on by Posted in Cochino Alert, Crime, Human Trafficking, OCDA, Santa Ana, SAPD Leave a comment

Carlos Guadalupe Garcia and Leilani Celeste Parker, a pair of 18-year-olds, are facing charges of pimping a teenage girl in Santa Ana and Pomona, according to the O.C. Register.

The suspects were arrested last Friday for allegedly pimping the 15-year-old victim, according to the SAPD.

Garcia and Parker pleaded not guilty on Tuesday and will be returning to the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana on Sept. 5.

Both of the suspects face multiple felony charges including human trafficking of an underage victim, pimping for a prostitute younger than 16, and pandering with a minor younger than 16. Garcia is also charged with pimping and pandering of another victim, who is an adult woman.

SAPD police officers who were working an operation in Santa Ana last Friday saw Parker and the teen in a high-prostitution area of the city, where the suspect was allegedly training the girl to be a prostitute.

The SAPD is searching for a man who robbed a check cashing service

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

On August 24, 2019, at approximately 10:00 AM, the above-pictured suspect entered the Continental Currency Check Cashing Service at 2222 S. Bristol Street, Santa Ana. The suspect approached the service window and simulated having a handgun while passing the clerk a note demanding money, according to the SAPD.

The suspect fled the location on foot with an undisclosed amount of US currency. The suspect was wearing a private security uniform polo shirt which read “Southland Enforcement” on the back.

Anyone with information identifying the wanted suspect in this case is asked to contact Detective D. Prewett at (714) 245-8323 or dprewett@santa-ana.org.

Orange County approves another $13.4 million for homeless shelters

Posted on by Posted in Andrew Do, homeless, Housing, Orange County Leave a comment

Orange County continues to invest in shelters and outreach services for the homeless.

At its August 27th board meeting, the Orange County Board of Supervisors approved $13.4 million to continue funding for three homeless shelters in Santa Ana and support services for homeless residents.

“The actions taken today create a pathway to improving our shelters and continuing to support our homeless population,” said Supervisor Do. “Now, more than ever, we need to ensure that individuals, who are experiencing homelessness, have access to resources that will lead them to become self-sufficient.”

Over the next five years, the $13.4 million allocation will support services at three homeless shelters.

• The Courtyard: The Courtyard first opened its doors on October 2016. Through Midnight Mission, the shelter offers connection to necessary services aimed to help guests experiencing homelessness get on a path of self-sufficiency. As of June 2019, the Courtyard provided an average nightly occupancy of 400 per night and 5,456 meals per week to individuals experiencing homelessness.

• SAFEPlace: SAFEPlace provides shelter to women, children, and families with supportive services and an opportunity for women to enter into transitional housing operated by WISEPlace for Women. Case managers provide personalized counseling to help each of the approximately 90 women they see each year, overcome issues that led to their unemployment and homelessness.

• Washington Place: The Washington Place program provides shelter for couples or households of two adults experiencing homelessness. They have served eleven couples and assisted three couples transitioning into permanent housing from April 9 to June 30 of this year.

“Orange County’s homeless shelters need to be properly equipped with the necessary resources to help individuals,” said Supervisor Do.

The County of Orange, budgeted over $68 million for Fiscal Year 2018-2019 in funding specifically for addressing homelessness. The County of Orange is developing a System of Care that is responsive to the needs of the individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Orange County.

The SAUSD is seeking public input on their Superintendent search

Posted on by Posted in Education, Santa Ana, SAUSD Leave a comment

The Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD) Board of Education is seeking feedback from staff, parents, community members, and students, on the desired characteristics and skills that are critical for the next Superintendent of SAUSD.

Perhaps this would be a good opportunity to let the folks at the SAUSD know that we don’t want them to pay their next Superintendent over $400,000 a year in pay and benefits, which is what they paid the last Superintendent.

Several neighborhood meetings are set where you can find out more and let the SAUSD know about how you feel about the hiring of a new Superintendent:

  • Thursday, August 29, 6-7 p.m., McFadden Intermediate School (Theatron), 2701 S. Raitt St.
  • Tuesday, Sep. 3, 9-10 a.m., Century High School (Library), 1401 S. Grand Ave.
  • Wed., Sep. 4, 6-7 p.m., Santiago Elementary School (Multi-Purpose Room, 2212 N. Baker St.

Childcare and translation services will be available at these public meetings.

Input may also be provided by completing an online survey by September 13, 2019 at www.sausd.us/search and/or by attending one of four neighborhood meetings, which begin Monday, Aug. 26, 2019. Please click here for details.

To read this news in Spanish or Vietnamese click here.

Santa Ana man sentenced to 17½ Years in Federal prison for selling fake opioid pills

Posted on by Posted in Crime, Drugs, Federal Government, Santa Ana Leave a comment

SANTA ANA, California – A Santa Ana man who admitted his role in a scheme that used fentanyl and other synthetic opioids to manufacture and sell counterfeit pharmaceutical pills designed to look like brand-name oxycodone pills was sentenced this morning to 210 months in federal prison.

Wyatt Pasek, 22, who lived in the penthouse of a luxury high-rise in Santa Ana until his arrest last year, was sentenced by United States District Judge James V. Selna.

Pasek – who used in the moniker “oxygod” when soliciting customers in online marketplaces, and posted images and videos of himself to social media platforms under the moniker Yung10x – pleaded guilty last November to participating in a narcotics-trafficking conspiracy, being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, and money laundering.

Pasek “caused highly toxic drugs to be mixed into counterfeit pharmaceuticals at a clandestine laboratory in a highly populated residential and commercial area, the Newport Beach Peninsula, and sold the drugs in massive quantities for approximately one year,” prosecutors wrote in a sentencing memorandum filed with the court.

According to court documents, Pasek and two co-defendants obtained fentanyl and a similar drug called cyclopropyl fentanyl through internet from Chinese suppliers, used a pill press to make counterfeit pills, and distributed the narcotics through the mails, often arranging sales through a darknet marketplace. Pasek also sold the counterfeit pills in hand-to-hand transactions.

The other two defendants in this case – Duc Cao, 22, of Orange, and Isaiah Suarez, 23, of Newport Beach – also pleaded guilty and were sentenced earlier this year by Judge Selna to 87 months and 37 months in federal prison, respectively.

“The defendants in this case played a direct role in fueling this nation’s opioid crisis,” said United States Attorney Nick Hanna. “The use of powerful drugs such as fentanyl in counterfeit pills intentionally made to look like less-lethal opioids demonstrates a complete disrespect for human life.”

When the three defendants were arrested in April 2018, authorities seized a pill press lab in Suarez’s apartment, along with bags that contained nearly 100,000 counterfeit oxycodone pills, hundreds of bogus Xanax pills, nearly six kilograms of fentanyl and fentanyl analogues, and bundles of cash.

During a six-month investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, and the Costa Mesa Police Department, authorities recovered blue pills stamped “A 215” that resemble 30 mg. oxycodone pills. In the weeks leading up the arrests in this case, investigators intercepted 20 packages that were being sent to Pasek’s customers.

“Had federal agents not intercepted these packages, they would have resulted in substantial counterfeit opioids containing fentanyl and fentanyl analogues to be distributed to New York, California, Massachusetts, Illinois, Texas, Florida, Nevada, Georgia, Utah, Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Colorado, Alabama, and Nebraska,” according to the sentencing memo.

Pasek, who has three prior drug-related convictions, apologized during today’s hearing. “I know I have affected countless [people],” he said. “I can’t even imagine how much damage I have done.”

As part of his plea agreement, Pasek agreed to forfeit to the government a number of items seized in relation to his arrest in April 2018: more than $21,000 in cash; jewelry, including a Silver Royal Offshore watch with diamonds, and a gold and diamond Bitcoin necklace; two gold bars seized from his mother’s residence; and thousands of dollars in cryptocurrency/Bitcoin he possessed in his Blockchain wallet.

This matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, IRS Criminal Investigation, the Costa Mesa Police Department, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Food and Drug Administration – Office of Criminal Investigations, the United States Marshals Service, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brett A. Sagel of the Santa Ana Branch Office.

The Santa Ana man who allegedly badly hurt his baby pleads not guilty

Posted on by Posted in Cochino Alert, Crime, Domestic Violence, OCDA, Santa Ana, SAPD 2 Comments

Remember that Santa Ana father who was arrested last week for hurting his 2-week-old son? Jonathan Reyes, the father in question, has pleaded not guilty to badly beating his 2-week-old son, who also had methamphetamine in his system, according to Fox News.

O.C.D.A. prosecutors allege that Reyes was out on bail in a robbery case when he attacked his baby son on Monday while his girlfriend was taking a nap. Police say the child’s mother woke up to find her infant was badly injured.

The baby had a fractured skull and internal injuries and he also tested positive for methamphetamine.

Police believe that the meth in the baby came from contact with his dad, Reyes, who admitted that he is a meth user.

This week’s Cochino List includes Reyna Market and Uno Free Pizza

Posted on by Posted in Disease, Food, Food & Health, Health, Health and Medical, Insects, OC Health Care, Orange County, Restaurants, Santa Ana Leave a comment

The OC Health Care Agency has released a list of the eateries (including restaurants, caterers and even school kitchens) that they inspected and shut down for the week of Aug. 13 to Aug. 23 . Most of these eateries reopen pretty quickly after the health inspectors determine their issues have been resolved.

  • Reyna Market, 902 W. McFadden Ave., Santa Ana, Closed: Aug. 21, Reason: Rodent infestation, Reopened: Aug. 21
  • Uno Free Pizza, 2525 W. 17th St., Suite I, Santa Ana, Closed: Aug. 19, Reason: Insufficient hot water, Reopened: Aug. 19
  • Goldenwest Diner, 13030 Goldenwest St., Westminster, Closed: Aug. 15, Reason: Cockroach infestation, Reopened: Aug. 16
  • Ho Nai 1 Poultry, 15070 Moran St., Westminster, Closed: Aug. 20, Reason: Rodent infestation, Reopened: Aug. 21
  • Wendy’s, 468 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa, Closed: Aug. 21, Reason: Cockroach infestation, Reopened: Aug. 22
  • Red Tomato Pizza, 2794 W. Ball Road, Anaheim, Closed: Aug. 20, Reason: Insufficient hot water, Reopened: Aug. 21
  • Crepe Coop at Anaheim Packing House, 440 S. Anaheim Blvd., Suite 105, Anaheim, Closed: Aug. 20, Reason: Cockroach infestation
  • Knowlwood, 14952 Sand Canyon Ave., Irvine, Closed: Aug. 19, Reason: Sewage overflow, Reopened: Aug. 19
  • Knafeh Cafe, 866 S. Brookhurst St., Anaheim, Closed: Aug. 16, Reason: Cockroach infestation, Reopened: Aug. 17
  • Market at Divine Shine Car Wash and 76 station, 13561 Newport Ave., Tustin, Closed: Aug. 13, Reason: Rodent infestation, Reopened: Aug. 14

Free Mariachi Festival set for Sep. 7 in DTSA

Posted on by Posted in Civic Affairs, Entertainment, Family, Food, Food Trucks, music, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Santa Ana, CA – The City of Santa Ana in partnership with Viva La Vida Santa Ana will host the MARIACHI FESTIVAL on Saturday, September 7, 2019, from 2pm-10pm in Downtown Santa Ana. The Mariachi Festival will include a vibrant line-up of mariachi bands, cultural dance performances, delicious food, and a variety of retail booths.

Residents, businesses, and visitors are welcome to enjoy the festivities at the MARIACHI FESTIVAL, an event that will celebrate the City’s 150th Anniversary. This is a community event and admission is FREE.

LOCATION
Sycamore Street between 4th Street & 5th Street in Downtown Santa Ana

ENTERTAINMENT
• Mariachi de Oro by Godinez Fundamental High School – SAUSD
• Mariachi de los Santos by Santa Ana High School – SAUSD
• RYTMO Mariachi Academy
• Estudiantina del Sol
• and more!

This event is sponsored by the City of Santa Ana, Viva La Vida Santa Ana. Special thanks to the Santa Ana Unified School District’s for their mariachi bands.

ABOUT THE FOOD
This event wouldn’t be complete without savory food such as: tortas, tacos, mulitas, burritos, hot dogs with all the toppings, corn on the cobb, ice cream, refreshing aguas frescas (flavored water), chopped fruit, churros and more.

ABOUT THE CITY
The City of Santa Ana was founded in October 27, 1869 by William H. Spurgeon and later incorporated as a city in 1886. The City of Santa Ana is the County seat, the second-most populous city in Orange County, and is widely known as “Downtown Orange County.” The City is proud to celebrate Santa Ana’s history, people, businesses, culture, public services, and vision.

CONTACT:
For additional details visit: www.santa-ana.org/SA150.

Julie Castro-Cardenas, City of Santa Ana, (714) 673-3619, jcastro-cardenas@santa-ana.org

For booth vendor information or sponsorship opportunities, please visit: vivalavidasantaana.com.

Rudy Cordova, Viva La Vida Santa Ana
(714) 333-6161
vivalavidasantaana@gmail.com

Festival de Mariachi – Sabado 7 de sept.

Santa Ana, CA – La ciudad de Santa Ana se colaboración con Viva La Vida Santa Ana presenta el FESTIVAL de MARIACHI el sábado 7 de septiembre de 2019, de 2 p.m. a 10 p.m., en el centro de Santa Ana. El Festival de Mariachi incluirá una vibrante línea de bandas de mariachis, espectáculos de danza folklórico, comida deliciosa y una variedad de puestos de venta.

Los residentes, los negocios y los visitantes pueden disfrutar de las festividades en el FESTIVAL de MARIACHI, un evento que celebrará el 150 aniversario de la Ciudad. Este es un evento comunitario y la entrada es GRATUITA.

UBICACIÓN
Calle Sycamore entre Calle 4 y Calle 5 en el centro de Santa Ana.

ENTRETENIMIENTO
• Mariachi de Oro por Godinez Fundamental High School – SAUSD
• Mariachi de los Santos por Santa Ana High School – SAUSD
• Academia de Mariachi RYTMO
• Estudiantina del Sol
• y muchos mas!

Este evento es patrocinado por la Ciudad de Santa Ana, Viva La Vida Santa Ana. Un agradecimiento especial al Distrito Escolar Unificado de Santa Ana por sus bandas de mariachis.

SOBRE LA COMIDA
Este evento no estaría completo sin una comida tan sabrosa, incluso: tortas, tacos, mulitas, burritos, nieve, refrescantes aguas frescas, fruta picada, churros y más.

SOBRE LA CIUDAD
La ciudad de Santa Ana fue fundada el 27 de octubre de 1869 por William H. Spurgeon y más tarde establecida en 1886. La ciudad de Santa Ana es la sede del condado, la segunda ciudad más poblada del condado de Orange, y es ampliamente conocida, como “Downtown Orange County”. La ciudad se enorgullece de celebrar la historia, las personas, las empresas, la cultura, los servicios públicos y la visión de Santa Ana.

CONTACTO
Para detalles adicionales visite: www.santa-ana.org/SA150.

Julie Castro-Cardenas, ciudad de Santa Ana
(714) 673-3619
jcastro-cardenas@santa-ana.org

Para obtener información sobre proveedores de stands u oportunidades de patrocinio, visite: vivalavidasantaana.com

Rudy Cordova, Viva La Vida Santa Ana, (714) 333-6161, vivalavidasantaana@gmail.com