Santa Ana's top news & views blog

Santa Ana's top news & views blog

Monthly Archives: March 2020

Low-cost pet vaccination clinics offered every weekend in Santa Ana

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

The City of Santa Ana, in coordination with Vet Care Mobile Vaccination Clinics, is offering low-cost pet vaccination clinics every weekend.

The vaccination clinics will be every Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. and every Sunday from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Santa Ana Public Parking Garage on the corner of 3rd and Birch streets (310 N. Birch St., Santa Ana)

Please have dogs on leashes and cats in carriers if you plan to attend. Additional dates may be announced without prior notice. For more information, please visit https://www.vetcarepetclinic.com/ or call Vet Care at (800) 988-8387.

The SAPD is looking for three computer store armed robbery suspects

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

On 02/26/2020, at approximately 6:54 PM, three suspects entered “Mo Jo Computers” located at 113 S. Harbor Blvd.

Suspect #2 was armed with a black pistol-grip shotgun and held the victims at gunpoint. Suspect #1 and #3 removed several Sony camera lenses with an estimated value of $2,000.00.

The suspects fled the location, possibly in the pictured vehicle.

Anyone with information identifying the wanted suspects in this case contact Detective D. Prewett at (714) 245-8323 or DPrewett@santa-ana.org

Inmate awaiting murder trial indicted for attempting to murder a Sheriff’s Deputy

Posted on by Posted in Crime, OC Sheriff, Orange Leave a comment

SANTA ANA, Calif. – An inmate awaiting trial for murder and attempted murder has been indicted by the Orange County Grand Jury on charges he attempted to kill an Orange County Sheriff’s deputy and attacked two other peace officers inside the Theo Lacy Facility in Orange.

Emmanuel Vega, 36, of Riverside, was indicted on one felony count of attempted murder of a peace officer with premeditation and deliberation, one felony count of aggravated assault on a peace officer, and two misdemeanor counts of battery on a peace officer in connection with the January 12, 2019 attack inside Theo Lacy. He pled not guilty on February 28, 2020 and is currently being held on $1 million bail.

Vega faces a maximum of 15 years to life if convicted on all four counts.

According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, assaults by Orange County Jail inmates have increased exponentially since implementation of AB109. Prior to AB109, from 2007 to 2011, there was an average of 26.8 inmate-on-staff assaults per year. From 2012 to 2017, the six years after AB109 was implemented, there was an average of 64.5 inmate assaults on staff per year – a 140 percent increase. Inmate-on-inmate assaults are increasing as well. From 2007 to 2011, there was an average of 334 inmate-on-inmate assaults per year. From 2012 to 2017, there was an average of 745 inmate-on-inmate assaults per year – a 123 percent increase. On any given day, there are approximately 825 state prisoners serving their multi-year sentences in Orange County Jail.

“Our local jails have become violent state prisons because of terrible policy decisions out of Sacramento. The Orange County District Attorney’s Office will vigorously and forcefully prosecute anyone who commits violence against any Orange County jail personnel,” said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. “Housing hardened criminals in local jails that were never intended to hold these kind of violent career criminals is putting the safety of our law enforcement officers at risk more than ever before – and Orange County is suffering the effects. It is alarming and unacceptable that our law enforcement officers are increasingly becoming the targets of violence behind bars. We will not tolerate it.”

“This attempted murder against a member of our Department was investigated by the Sheriff’s Custody Intelligence Unit and the case was presented to the District Attorney’s Office,” said Orange County Sheriff-Coroner Don Barnes. “A crime of this severity is indicative of a sophisticated criminal element operating within our jails. These state-prisoners-turned-county-inmates are more criminally sophisticated, increasing both the inmate assaults on staff and the amount of narcotics being trafficked into Orange County Jails. This is a challenge that sheriffs statewide are experiencing. We are taking proactive steps to address and mitigate the impacts. It is important for the public to know the reality of these problems and the consequence of poor public policy that has created them.”

Supervisor Andrew Do leads with decisive primary win

Posted on by Posted in 2020 Elections, Andrew Do, Elections, Orange County, Politics, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Do’s Progress Towards Solving Homelessness, Fighting For Affordable Healthcare And Keeping Orange County Safe Earns Public Trust Once More

ORANGE COUNTY – MARCH 4 – Today, Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do leads with a decisive primary win. Supervisor Do will run a tough and robust campaign through November to deliver four more years to the people of Orange County of real accomplishments.

Supervisor Do gave the following statement:

“I’m so honored to receive widespread support from my constituents. I’m proud of all our accomplishments but we still have work to do. We’re fighting for every family who deserves safe schools and streets; every veteran who deserves better access to health care and making sure that our homeless aren’t left behind.”

A former prosecutor, educator, businessman and judge pro tem, Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do is fighting for Orange County taxpayers and working families in the First District communities of Garden Grove, Fountain Valley, Midway City, Santa Ana and Westminster.

As Orange County Supervisor, Andrew Do has increased funding for the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and expanded access to vital health care services for seniors and working families. He has cut taxes on small businesses, eliminated regulatory obstacles that impede innovation and defended Prop. 13 by expanding OC taxpayers’ rights to appeal their property tax bills.

During the Fall of Saigon, Andrew Do and his family fled Vietnam with just the clothes on their back and a suitcase full of dictionaries. Thanks to supportive teachers and faculty at Garden Grove’s Jordan Intermediate and Bolsa Grande High School, Andrew developed the educational foundation to earn his bachelor’s degree from University of California, Davis.

His education continued at the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, where he volunteered with the public interest law project to address homelessness and aid marginalized communities. After law school, he taught as an Adjunct Professor at Cal State University, Fullerton and then served as a Judge Pro Tem at Orange County West Municipal Court.

After several years providing legal representation to poor and indigent defendants, Andrew Do joined the Orange County District Attorney’s office – with his last assignment prosecuting sexually violent predators as a member of the D.A.’s Sexual Assault Unit. His skills in the courtroom earned him national recognition from the U.S. Department of Justice, when he was chosen to represent Orange County at the National District Attorney Association Advocacy College at the University of South Carolina.

Andrew Do previously served as a Councilmember for the City of Garden Grove and as Chief of Staff to an Orange County Supervisor. His lifetime of community involvement includes service as President of the Asian Bar of California and President of the Vietnamese-American Bar Association of Southern California as well as service on the Board of Directors of the Orange County Bar Association.

Lane reduction on Edinger Avenue through March 6

Posted on by Posted in Bicycles, Civic Affairs, public works, Santa Ana, Traffic Leave a comment

For four days, starting Tuesday, March 3rd through Friday, March 6, 2020 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day, Edinger Avenue will be reduced to one lane in each direction between Fairview Avenue and Bristol Street.

As part of the Edinger Avenue Protected Bike Lanes Project, the temporary lane reduction is required for construction of the roadway.

Please use alternate routes and plan for possible delays since this lane closure will impact traffic flow. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for understanding.

The Santa Ana City Council will consider a Centennial Park dog park proposal at their meeting tonight

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

The regular meeting of the Santa Ana City Council is scheduled to begin at 5:45 p.m. tonight, March 3, 2020.

The Council meets in the City Council Chamber, 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana. A Housing Authority meeting also will take place.

A closed session meeting will precede this at 5 p.m.

The meeting agenda with staff reports is here: https://santaana.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?view_id=2&event_id=7240

Tonight’s City Council agenda includes –

  • Kaufman Law Group and Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP threatening lawsuits concerning the 2525 N. Main Referendum petition
  • CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION presented by COUNCILMEMBER IGLESIAS recognizing The Orange County NAACP for their Outstanding Contributions to the Community.
  • APPOINT CIELO ECHEGOYEN NOMINATED BY MAYOR PULIDO AS THE CITY-WIDE REPRESENTATIVE (REGULAR) TO THE YOUTH COMMISSION FOR A PARTIAL-TERM EXPIRING DECEMBER 8, 2020 – Clerk of the Council Office
  • APPOINT CORY NELSON NOMINATED BY COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA AS THE WARD 4 REPRESENTATIVE TO THE BOARD OF RECREATION AND PARKS FOR A FULL-TERM EXPIRING DECEMBER 13, 2022 – Clerk of the Council Office.
  • APPROPRIATION ADJUSTMENT NO. 2020–124 – In the amount of $710,000 to fund the costs associated with the May 19, 2020 special election.
  • Authorize the City Manager to execute a sole source purchase order to the National Fitness Campaign, LLC (NFC) for a NFC Fitness Court at Delhi and Rosita Parks for an amount not to exceed $218,130, funded by the General Fund, subject to non-substantive changes approved by the City Manager and City Attorney.
  • DISCUSS THE FEASIBILITY OF A DOG PARK AT CENTENNIAL PARK AND PROVIDE DIRECTION TO STAFF – Parks, Recreation and Community Services Agency

An agenda that can be translated into other languages is available here: https://www.santa-ana.org/sites/default/files/cc/cc-agenda/20200303.html

Meetings are broadcast live on CTV3. Watch CTV3 on channel 3 on Time Warner Cable and channel 99 on AT&T U-verse.

The council meetings are streamed live online in English here:
http://santaana.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?publish_id=3

The meetings can be watched in Spanish here:
http://santaana.granicus.com/MediaPla yer.php?publish_id=1

Santa Ana Mayor Pro Tem Villegas appointed to a Federal Subcommittee

Posted on by Posted in Civic Affairs, Crime, Federal Government, Juan Villegas, Justice Leave a comment

SANTA ANA, CA – Mayor Pro Tem Juan Villegas has been appointed to the Juvenile Justice and Youth Crime working group, a subcommittee of the Presidential Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice.

The Commission was established by Executive Order No. 13896 to study issues related to law enforcement and the administration of justice. The Commission will make recommendations to the U.S. Attorney General, who will submit a report to the President on actions to prevent, reduce and control crime, increase respect for the law, and assist victims.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve on the Juvenile Justice and Youth Crime working group,” said Mayor Pro Tem Villegas, who is a Special Officer with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. “I look forward to using my experience as a law enforcement professional and as a councilmember to work collaboratively with stakeholders in advancing best practices for juvenile justice.”

Villegas is a 30-year veteran of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, with 16 years of experience working with delinquency prevention programs. He is also an award-winning author on the subject matter.

The Commission will focus on crime-reduction strategies and how to restore public confidence in law enforcement. In studying these issues, the Commission will be assisted by 15 working groups, all of which consist of subject matter experts from federal, state, and local governments. The working groups cover topics including social problems impacting public safety, law enforcement recruitment and training, victim services, and more.

The Juvenile Justice and Youth Crime working group will focus on the principles of an effective, efficient and balanced juvenile justice system that prevents juvenile crime and delinquency, examines the causes of youth crime and violence, and supports law enforcement’s role in both the apprehension of serious juvenile offenders and the appropriate utilization of diversion and community based resources.

This working group also will examine the continued development of qualified juvenile justice professionals that enhances awareness, knowledge and collaboration amongst stakeholders vital to crime prevention and community safety.

The Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice, along with its 15 working groups, is administered by the U.S. Department of Justice.

For more information regarding the Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice, visit https://www.justice.gov/ag/presidential-commission-law-enforcement-and-administration-justice.

El Vice Alcalde de Santa Ana Juan Villegas Recibe Nombramiento al Subcomité Federal de Justicia Juvenil y Delito Juvenil

SANTA ANA, CA – El vice alcalde Juan Villegas ha sido nombrado miembro del grupo de Trabajo Justicia Juvenil y Delito Juvenil, subcomité de la Comisión Presidencial de Aplicación de la Ley y Administración de Justicia.

La Comisión fue creada por la Orden Ejecutiva No. 13896 para estudiar cuestiones relacionadas con la aplicación de la ley y la administración de justicia. La Comisión formulará recomendaciones al Fiscal General de los Estados Unidos, quien presentará un informe al Presidente sobre las medidas para prevenir, reducir y controlar la delincuencia, aumentar el respeto de la ley y ayudar a las víctimas.

“Estoy agradecido por la oportunidad de servir en el grupo de trabajo de Justicia Juvenil y Delitos Juveniles”, dijo el vice alcalde Villegas, quien es oficial especial del Departamento del Alguacil del Condado de Orange. “Espero poder usar mi experiencia como profesional de la aplicación de la ley y como concejal para trabajar en colaboración con las partes interesadas en el avance de las mejores prácticas para la justicia juvenil”.

Villegas es un veterano de 30 años del Departamento del Alguacil del Condado de Orange, con 16 años de experiencia trabajando con programas de prevención de la delincuencia. También es un autor premiado en el tema.

La Comisión se centrará en las estrategias de reducción de la delincuencia y en cómo restablecer la confianza del público en la aplicación de la ley. Al estudiar estos asuntos, la Comisión estará asistida por 15 grupos de trabajo, todos los cuales estarán formados por expertos en la materia de los gobiernos federales, estatales y locales. Los grupos de trabajo cubren temas como los problemas sociales que afectan a la seguridad pública, el reclutamiento y capacitación en las fuerzas del orden, los servicios a las víctimas y más.

El grupo de trabajo Justicia Juvenil y Delitos Juveniles se centrará en los principios de un sistema de justicia juvenil eficaz, eficiente y equilibrado que prevenga la delincuencia juvenil y la delincuencia, examine las causas de la delincuencia y la violencia de los jóvenes y apoye la ley papel de la aplicación tanto en la aprehensión de los delincuentes juveniles graves como en la utilización adecuada de la desviación y de los recursos basados en la comunidad.

Este grupo de trabajo también examinará el desarrollo continuo de profesionales calificados de justicia juvenil que potencie la conciencia, el conocimiento y la colaboración entre las partes interesadas vitales para la prevención del delito y la seguridad de la comunidad.

La Comisión de Aplicación de la Ley y Administración de Justicia, junto con sus 15 grupos de trabajo, es administrada por el Departamento de Justicia de los Estados Unidos.

Para obtener más información sobre la Comisión de Aplicación de la Ley y Administración de Justicia, visite https://www.justice.gov/ag/presidential-commission-law-enforcement-and-administration-justice.

Sarmiento appoints the first undocumented immigrant to a Santa Ana City Committee

Posted on by Posted in Civic Affairs, immigration, Santa Ana, Taxes 12 Comments

SANTA ANA, CA — Carlos Perea is a Santanero at heart. He arrived in the city at age 14 from Mexico to join his family, graduated from nearby Los Amigos High School and Santa Ana College, and went on to become an immigration advocate who led local efforts to create several immigrant aid programs.

Now Mr. Perea, 28, is the first Santa Ana resident who is undocumented to serve on a citywide board, commission or committee. He also is believed to be the first undocumented person to serve in such a capacity among all 34 cities in Orange County.

On Feb. 18, 2020, at the recommendation of Councilmember Vicente Sarmiento, the Santa Ana City Council appointed Mr. Perea to the Measure X Citizen Oversight Committee, a resident-led group that advises the City Council on how revenues and expenditures from the recently approved sales tax measure are utilized.

“The City of Santa Ana is a leader in celebrating and supporting immigrants, which helps keep our community safe, inclusive and economically vibrant,” said Councilmember Sarmiento. “I appreciate Carlos’s courage in being an active member of his community and encouraging others to do the same.”

The Measure X Citizen Oversight Committee was established as part of a sales tax measure, Measure X, which was approved by Santa Ana voters on Nov. 6, 2018. Measure X authorized a 1.5 percent sales tax for 10 years, through 2029, and reducing that sales tax to 1 percent 10 years thereafter, through 2039. The revenues generated from the new sales tax supports the City’s General Fund, which funds emergency 9-1-1 response, fire and police services, homelessness, streets repair, youth and senior services, and more.

In addition to requiring annual audits, the ballot measure also mandated a citizen oversight committee. When the qualifications to serve on the committee were set, the City Council required that a committee member be a resident — instead of a registered voter — of Santa Ana. To be a registered voter, one must be a U.S. citizen. If this were a requirement, undocumented persons would not be allowed to serve on this committee.

“I appreciate the opportunity to serve on the Measure X Citizen Oversight Committee to help ensure that sale tax revenues are spent responsibly and in the best interest of all Santa Ana residents,” Mr. Perea said. “I’m also proud to be part of a community that empowers all of its residents, regardless of their immigration status, to be civically engaged. With easy policy changes, such as eliminating citizenship requirements to serve on the Measure X Citizen Oversight Committee, Santa Ana continues to lead in uplifting
immigrant rights in Orange County by removing barriers to participation in their local government.”

Mr. Perea, who graduated from California State University, Long Beach in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in sociology, led advocacy and organizing efforts that resulted in the creation of the Santa Ana Sanctuary Ordinance and Santa Ana Universal Representation Program. In 2017, Carlos helped found the Orange County Justice Fund, which advocates for effective legal representation and due process for immigrants in detention and deportation.

The City of Santa Ana facilitates 11 boards, commissions and committees that serve in an advisory role to the City Council. For more information, visit https://www.santa-ana.org/cc/appointed-boards-and-commission.

California Credit Union enters the O.C. with new a full-service Santa Ana branch

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

Glendale, CA – March 2, 2020 – California Credit Union has expanded into Orange County, opening its first full-service branch in Santa Ana, California, at 1313 W. 17th St., Ste. C (N Bristol Street & W 17th Street).

With its new branch, the $3 billion credit union has grown its regional footprint across Southern California, with 25 branches extending from Los Angeles through San Diego counties.

“Expanding our regional footprint to connect our Los Angeles and San Diego service areas has been a key strategic goal, and we’re excited to take this first step in growing our retail presence in Orange County,” said California Credit Union President/CEO Steve O’Connell. “We now have a cohesive service network extending across the southland, allowing us to better support our loyal Orange County members and educators as part of our commitment to providing an extraordinary banking experience.

“We look forward to serving the needs of our new Orange County communities as well as offering a full suite of products and services tailored to educators in the market. We hope our new neighbors in Orange County will visit our branch to experience the California Credit Union difference with comprehensive financial products, competitive rates, and our own brand of truly personal service.”

The credit union’s new Santa Ana branch uses a contemporary design, integrating technology to enhance face-to-face service with interactive tablet technology stations and full-service financial specialists. The cashless branch has an open floor plan, offering free Wi-Fi, member lounge area, and 24-hour ATM services. Located at 1313 West 17th Street in Santa Ana, the branch is open Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm.

California Credit Union currently operates with dual headquarters in Glendale and San Diego, and serves members under its North Island Credit Union brand in the greater San Diego area.

About California Credit Union

California Credit Union is a federally insured, state chartered credit union founded in 1933 that serves public or private school employees, community members and businesses across California. With more than 165,000 members and assets of $3 billion, California Credit Union has 25 branches throughout Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties. The credit union operates in San Diego County as North Island Credit Union, a division of California Credit Union. California Credit Union offers a full suite of consumer, business and investment products and services, including comprehensive consumer checking and loan options, personalized financial planning, business banking, and leading-edge online and mobile banking. Visit ccu.com for more information, or follow the credit union on Instagram® or Facebook® @CaliforniaCreditUnion.

The O.C. Board of Supervisors holds a special meeting to address Coronavirus prevention

Posted on by Posted in Disease, Health and Medical, Michelle Steel, OC Health Care, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

On the morning of March 2nd, Chairwoman Michelle Steel led the Orange County Board of Supervisors in a special meeting of the Board to address the global COVID-19 crisis. In the meeting, the board unanimously supported two agenda items, one ratifying last week’s state of emergency declaration for the county and another which mobilizes the County Healthcare Agency to ensure proper training and equipment to monitor the situation and prevent a potential outbreak.

“Due to the severity of the global outbreak of COVID-19, I ordered a special session of the board of supervisors to address this situation. We authorized the healthcare agency to equip its employees with the proper training and resources to prevent this virus from coming to Orange County,” said Chairwoman Steel. “It’s important to maintain calm and not panic. County medical professionals continue to monitor the situation and are prepared to respond as needed. The county currently has no cases of COVID-19 and we are taking these necessary measures to keep it that way.”

First elected to the Orange County Board of Supervisors in 2014, Michelle Steel represents the residents of the Second District, which includes, Costa Mesa, Cypress, Huntington Beach, La Palma, Los Alamitos, Newport Beach, Seal Beach, Stanton, the unincorporated area of Rossmoor, and portions of Buena Park and Fountain Valley. Steel, a successful businesswoman and renowned taxpayer advocate, previously served as Vice Chair of the State Board of Equalization where she represented more than eight million people in Southern California, including all of Orange County, as one of the state’s 12 constitutional officers.

Boca De Oro Literary Arts & Culture Festival returns To DTSA this Sat., 3/7

Posted on by Posted in Arts and Culture, Civic Affairs, Literature, Santa Ana Leave a comment

SANTA ANA, CA – The Boca de Oro (Mouth of Gold) Festival of Literary Arts & Culture returns for its fourth year this Saturday, March 7, to downtown Santa Ana with free writing and arts and crafts workshops, panel discussions, author talks and performances.

The event, which will take place from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., brings 100 authors and poets and 3,000 visual and performing artists to downtown. This year’s theme, “The Spirit of Transformation” with the nine Greek muses, was illustrated in a stunning poster by Santa Ana illustrator and artist Barbie Godoy.

With an expected attendance of 7,000 people – many of whom are families with young children – Boca de Oro has expanded its programming with a K-5 Arts Festival put on by Oasis Center International and a Scholastic Book Fair at Birch Park. Santa Ana College is presenting big band performances, children’s theater, poetry readings, as well as theater and media arts. Visitors can ride a complimentary trolley to visit the various locations hosting performances across all creative disciplines in literature, dance, theatre, speech and music.

The Santa Ana Business Council and Santa Ana Unified School District are the lead organizers of Boca de Oro, in partnership with Santa Ana College and the City of Santa Ana. The nonprofit group Community Engagement has been a sponsor for the past two years, and new partner Oasis Center International has joined this year.

The Santa Ana Elks Lodge, which also is providing a sponsorship, will do a reading at the festival and will give out 150 free books to children. Newport Friends of the Library donated books that will be given away for a dollar a bag at the West End Book Fair.

Among the many authors on hand is Keynote Speaker Zara Raheem, author of “The Marriage Clock” – named a “must-read book of the summer” by Cosmopolitan, POPSUGAR, Bustle and Book Riot. Festival attendees also will have the chance to meet and hear from Cuban poet Susannah Rodriguez Drissi; Marytza Rubio, founder of the Makara Center for the Arts; and Hugo Award winner Foz Meadows, along with many other inspiring local, regional and visiting authors.

A Boca de Oro app will be released on iTunes and GooglePlay so everyone can discover, plan and track events.

For more information, please visit www.BocadeOro.org, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bocadeorofest and on Instagram @BocadeOroFest.

Vote Center in Santa Ana closed temporarily due to nearby criminal investigation

Posted on by Posted in 2020 Elections, Crime, Elections, OC Voter Registrar, Orange County, Politics, Santa Ana Leave a comment

SANTA ANA, CA – March 1, 2020 – On Sunday, March 1, 2020 at approximately 4:30 p.m., the Orange County Registrar of Voters received reports that a shooting occurred near the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Santa Ana (the site of one of our Vote Centers). Vote Center staff and voters have been evacuated and are safe. An active criminal investigation is taking place and the Santa Ana Police Department is asking the public to stay away from the vicinity of the area.

The Orange County Registrar of Voters continues to cooperate with the Santa Ana Police Department to address the matter and is taking precautions to ensure the safety of the public. The Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Santa Ana will not be operated as a Vote Center until further notice.

Voters wishing to vote in-person at visit any of the other 188 Vote Centers. For a full list of locations, please visit ocvote.com/votecenter.

Quote by Registrar of Voters Neal Kelley:

“I am grateful that our Vote Center team members and voters are safe. My office is dedicated to providing election services for the citizens of Orange County to ensure equal access to the election process, protect the integrity of votes, and maintain a transparent, accurate and fair process. We look forward to serving voters at our 188 other Vote Center locations,” said Neal Kelley, Registrar of Voters.

A man was shot and killed by police at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church this afternoon

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

On Sunday, March 01, 2020, at approximately 4:15 PM, SAPD Officers responded to a call for service at Jerome Park (2115 West McFadden Avenue) regarding subjects fighting in the parking lot. As officers arrived in the area, a parishioner at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church (1100 South Center Street) flagged down a passing officer and reported a man with a gun inside the church. An officer immediately entered the church and encountered the suspect. At that time, an officer-involved shooting occurred. The adult male suspect ran out of the church. Responding officers located him, down and unresponsive, on Center Street south of McFadden Avenue. Officers recovered a firearm at the scene.

A small group of people was inside the church but services were not in progress at the time of this incident. No other persons were injured.

Orange County Fire Authority paramedics responded and declared the unidentified man deceased at 4: 36 PM. The identity of the decedent is being withheld pending positive identification by the Orange County Coroner’s Division and notification of next of kin.

During the initial police response, reports of a possible second gunman and shots fired prompted officers to cordon off the several buildings on the church campus and conduct a systematic search of the property. Officers did not locate any other suspects or evidence of any other shooting.

The preliminary field investigation confirmed there was no evidence to suggest this incident was intended to be a mass casualty shooting and the Catholic church was not targeted. The Orange County District Attorney’s Office, in conjunction with the Santa Ana Police Department Homicide Section are investigating. Investigators encourage anyone with information regarding this incident to come forward and provide a statement.

Santa Ana Police Department Homicide Section (714) 245-8390.

Voting at a nearby vote center has been suspended due to the shooting.