Santa Ana's top news & views blog

Santa Ana's top news & views blog

Author Archives: Art Pedroza

Orange County DUI Task Force announces Summer/Labor Day DUI crackdown

Posted on by Posted in Alcohol, Anaheim, Crime, irvine, Orange County, Tustin 1 Comment

OC DUI Task Force

Orange County Sheriff

NEWS, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Orange County DUI Enforcement – Summer/Labor Day Schedule

SANTA ANA, Calif. (August 14, 2014) – The Orange County ‘Avoid the 38’ DUI Task Force is announcing its upcoming enforcement operations for the Summer/Labor Day Holiday DUI Campaign from August 15 through September 1, 2014. The following schedule of operations, dates, and locations are provided for media release:
DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoints:

  • City of Irvine: Fri, August 15, 7:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m.
  • City of Stanton (OCSD): Fri, August 22, 6:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.
  • Cities of Cypress, La Palma, Los Alamitos and Seal Beach (Multi-Agency): Fri, August 22, 7:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m.
  • Cities of Irvine and Tustin (Multi-Agency): Fri, August 29, 7:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m.

Continue reading→

Garden Grove man arrested in shooting of man and two women in parked car

Posted on by Posted in Crime, Santa Ana 14 Comments
Dustin Sean Ross McDonald

Dustin Sean Ross McDonald

Santa Ana Police Department

Advisory Update: arrest made in homicide investigation

Arrested : Dustin Sean Ross McDonald, 23 years old from Garden Grove

Charges will be murder (187), two count of attempt murder (664/187) and special circumstances enhancement (190.2) and weapons enhancements (12022.5)

SAPD detectives arrest 23-year-old Dustin Sean Ross McDonald yesterday evening in a car stop near his residence in Garden Grove. Charges are pending, case has been submitted to the District Attorney’s office for filing. Continue reading→

New 1/2 acre park to be built by Memory Lane and the Santa Ana River

Posted on by Posted in Parks and Recreation, Santa Ana, Youth Activities Leave a comment

New Santa Ana Park at Memory Land and the Santa Ana River

City of Santa Ana

Community Alert: CITY OF SANTA ANA AWARDED ONE MILLION DOLLAR GRANT, UNDER THE HOUSING RELATED PARKS PROGRAM, FOR NEW HALF ACRE PARK

SANTA ANA, CA (August 12, 2014) – The City of Santa Ana has been awarded $1,030,800 grant to develop a 1/2 acre park at Memory Lane and the Santa Ana River, adjacent to the Vista Del Rio Housing Project.

The grant was funded under the Housing Related Parks Program. The program provides funding for parks and recreation projects that benefit the community and add to the quality of life. The program awards funding on a per-bedroom basis for residential units in very low to low-income household. $25 million was available in this funding cycle for projects in the State of California. Continue reading→

15th Annual Summer Talent Show set for 8/16 at the Salgado Rec Center

Posted on by Posted in Arts and Culture, Entertainment, Parks and Recreation, Santa Ana, Youth Activities Leave a comment

Santa Ana 15th Annual Summer Talent Show

City of Santa Ana

Community Alert: CLOSE TO 200 STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN “AN ENDLESS SUMMER” THE CITY OF SANTA ANA’S 15TH ANNUAL SUMMER TALENT SHOW

SANTA ANA, CA – The public is invited to join the City Council as the City of Santa Ana’s youth program celebrates the end of summer with the City’s 15th Annual Summer Talent Show. Close to 200 young people from the Citywide summer recreation program will showcase their talents and perform on Saturday, August 16, 2014 at the Salgado Recreation Center, from 1 to 3:30 pm. Continue reading→

New report identified risk factors for death by suicide in Orange County

Posted on by Posted in Health and Medical, Orange County, Santa Ana, Veterans Leave a comment

OC Health Care Agency Press Release

For Immediate Release: August 14, 2014
Contact: Deanne Thompson, dthompson@ochca.com, 714-834-2178

NEW REPORT IDENTIFIES RISK FACTORS FOR DEATH BY SUICIDE IN ORANGE COUNTY

(Santa Ana) – Every year in Orange County about 3,000 people intentionally harm themselves, and about 278 end their lives by suicide. A new study by the Orange County Health Care Agency examines the incidence of suicide in Orange County, and identifies risk factors for suicidal behavior.

“Intentional self-harm is a serious public health problem that has a devastating impact on those affected, including family, friends, and the community,” said Mary Hale, Deputy Agency Director for Behavioral Services at the Orange County Health Care Agency. “Understanding how to address these risk factors and implementing preventive measures will help reduce intentional self-harm and suicide deaths in Orange County.” Continue reading→

The Bowers Museum’s August programs showcase the diversity of Latino culture

Posted on by Posted in Arts and Culture, Latinos, mexico, Movies, music, Santa Ana, Youth Activities Leave a comment

Bowers Museum Latino Program for August

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 12, 2014

CONTACT
Victor Payan
Latino Audience Engagement Specialist
714-567-3645
vpayan@bowers.org

BOWERS MUSEUM FEATURES GREAT LATINO PROGRAMS IN AUGUST

Lineup includes Lecture about Buenos Aires, Spanish Masters Presentation and Lalo Guerrero Doc

The Bowers Museum is proud to present a number of wonderful Latino programs in August, which showcase the diversity of the Latino community. The Bowers Museum is located at 2002 N. Main St. in the heart of Santa Ana. All events take place in the Norma Kershaw Auditorium. Student tickets are only $5.

On Thursday, August 14, join award-winning lecturer Jacqueline Hahn for An Evening in Buenos Aires: The “Good Air,” the Paris of South America. Madame Hahn will take you on a delightful trip to Buenos Aires. Explore the rich history, geography, architecture, sprawling avenues, parks, museums, and cafés of this enchanting city. Attendees will receive a free, autographed textbook from Ms. Hahn. The presentation begins at 7pm. Continue reading→

Updated: Man killed and two women wounded when shot in a parked car in DTSA

Posted on by Posted in Anaheim, Crime, Michele Martinez, Santa Ana 18 Comments
Aaron Johnathan Chavez

Aaron Johnathan Chavez

UPDATED: SAPD detectives arrest 23-year-old Dustin Sean Ross McDonald yesterday evening in a car stop near his residence in Garden Grove. Charges are pending, case has been submitted to the District Attorney’s office for filing. Charges will be murder (187), two count of attempt murder (664/187) and special circumstances enhancement (190.2) and weapons enhancements (12022.5) 

Aaron Johnathan Chavez, a 23-year-old from Anaheim, was killed and two women were injured late Tuesday when another man came up to a parked car they were sitting in and fired 10 to 12 shots at them, according to Santa Ana Police, according to the OC Weekly. Continue reading→

SoCalGas pipeline work in Santa Ana will affect traffic on North Grand Ave.

Posted on by Posted in Energy, Public Safety, public works, Santa Ana, Traffic 3 Comments

Pipeline Safety Enhancement Plan

SoCalGas will be doing some work in the City of Santa Ana, as part of their Pipeline Safety Enhancement Plan.  They will be testing a segment of pipe. The work began in late July.  The work will take place at several locations along North Grand Ave. beginning at the intersection of East Chestnut Ave. and ending at the intersection of East 2nd St. The work is expected to take three to four weeks.

Southbound traffic on North Grand Avenue will be reduced to left hand lanes during this work. This change will be marked with traffic cones and signs. Nearby residents may hear some work-related noise. Crews will be working 20 hour days Monday through Saturday beginning at 9 a.m. A letter was sent to notify neighbors about the project for your reference. Continue reading→

SAUSD School Board Clerk Rob Richardson endorses Rigo Rodríguez for the School Board

Posted on by Posted in 2014 Elections, Education, Rigo Rodriguez, Rob Richardson, Santa Ana, SAUSD 6 Comments

Rob Richardson at the Fiestas Patrias Parade

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 12th, 2014

Contact: Eric Hogensen, 323-761-9514

Santa Ana School Board Clerk Rob Richardson Endorses Rigo Rodríguez for School Board

(Santa Ana) – Santa Ana School Board Clerk Rob Richardson announced his endorsement of Dr. Rigo Rodríguez for Santa Ana School Board today.

Richardson stated: “As an educator and active community member, Rigo Rodríguez has dedicated his career to strengthening the Santa Ana community through education. As a School Board member, Dr. Rodríguez will continue to lead efforts to improve schools for our children. He will fight for what is best for our students, I have confidence in him to lead our District forward.”

Rob Richardson has been a longtime leader in the Santa Ana community. He served on the Santa Ana School Board from 1987-1990, after which he served as a Councilmember and Mayor Pro Tem for eight years. In 2003, Richardson returned to the School Board where he served another five years as President working to improve the quality of education in Santa Ana and he continues on the Board. He currently serves as an administrator for the County of Orange. Continue reading→

Robbery suspects caught as they fled the scene

Posted on by Posted in Crime, Santa Ana Leave a comment
Victor Esteves

Victor Esteves

SAPD Advisory: Santa Ana patrol officers apprehend suspects as they flee scene of robbery

Grand Gas Mini Mart
2231 North Grand Friday, 8/8/14, 11:50PM

Summary: Two patrol officers were responding to a call for service when they encountered, what initially appeared to be, two suspects running toward an awaiting vehicle after a beer run. The officers soon realized the two suspects committed an armed robbery. As the officers ordered the suspects to stop one of the suspects dropped a replica firearm and the other a kitchen knife.

The two suspects and a female driver were taken into custody without incident. Officers recovered several hundred dollars from the suspects. Continue reading→

Santa Ana’s Annual Fiestas Parade set for Sunday, September 14

Posted on by Posted in Arts and Culture, Entertainment, mexico, Santa Ana, Youth Activities Leave a comment

Fiestas patrias

City of Santa Ana

Community: Thousands Expected at City of Santa Ana’s Annual Fiestas Parade on Sunday, September 14

SANTA ANA, CA (August 12, 2014) – Thousands of spectators are expected to line the streets of the City of Santa Ana to enjoy the annual Fiestas Parade on Sunday, September 14 from 4 pm to 6 pm. Over 100 parade entries will be showcased in this year’s special theme “Our Pride That Unites Us.” The Fiestas Parade will wind through Civic Center Drive and Main Street in Downtown Santa Ana and will be a celebration of art and culture for all ages. Continue reading→

Sarmiento and Nguyen MIA as residents oppose a homeless shelter in Santa Ana

Posted on by Posted in Crime, Entertainment, homeless, Janet Nguyen, John Palacio, Neighborhood Associations, Orange County, Politics, Santa Ana, Vince Sarmiento 1 Comment

1217 Normandy Place, Santa Ana

Santa Ana is part of the First District of the Orange County Board of Supervisors and our elected representative is Janet Nguyen, who currently is preoccupied with running for the 34th State Senate District.  So preoccupied apparently that she has blown off, repeatedly, the Santa Ana residents and business owners who are fighting the O.C. Supervisors’ decision to open up a huge homeless shelter at 1217 Normandy Place, in Santa Ana.

Nguyen isn’t the only local politician who has been MIA on this issue.  Santa Ana Councilman Vince Sarmiento represents that area and one of the ladies who is fighting the shelter, Dora Lopez, tells me that he too has refused to meet with local residents and business owners.  This is the same useless Sarmiento that pulled papers to run for Mayor but thankfully withdrew from that race.

The OC Board of Supervisors approved the $3.6-million purchase of the 23,220-square-foot industrial warehouse at 1217 Normandy Place back on July 15,2014, according to the L.A. Times. Continue reading→

OC Clerk-Recorder and Tax Assessor to speak at Santa Ana Partners meeting on 8/13

Posted on by Posted in Business, Entertainment, Real Estate, Santa Ana, Sean Mill Leave a comment

Hugh Nguyen

Partners for Santa Ana presents Orange County Tax Assessor Webster Guillory and Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen

The Partners for Santa Ana are hosting their next meeting on Wednesday, August 13, 2014, at 10 am, with registration at 9:45 am, at the offices of the Orange County Register, located at 625 N. Grand Avenue, in Santa Ana.  The guest speakers will be Orange County Tax Assessor Webster Guillory and Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen, who were both reelected in the June Primary Election.

This is an excellent opportunity to come meet and hear from two of the people who play such an important role in all of our transactions and find out what their offices are doing and how that may effect you and your clients.

This event is FREE to Realtors. Continue reading→

Former Disneyland machinist convicted of sexually assaulting four girls

Posted on by Posted in Anaheim, Crime, OCDA Leave a comment

Bryan William Anast

Orange County District Attorney Press Release

For Immediate Release: August 11, 2014

Case # 13WF1859

FORMER AMUSEMENT PARK WORKER CONVICTED OF SEXUALLY ASSAULTING FOUR MINOR FEMALE VICTIMS

WESTMINSTER – A man was convicted today of sexually assaulting four young girls between the ages of 7 and 11 years old. Bryan William Anast, 46, Corona, pleaded guilty to one felony count of continuous sexual conduct, six felony counts of lewd acts by duress on a child under 14, one felony count of possession of child pornography, and one felony count of using a minor for sex acts. In addition to his prison sentence, Anast is scheduled to be sentenced to 55 years and four months in state prison and lifetime sex offender registration at his sentencing Friday, Aug. 15, 2014, at 1:30 p.m. in Department W-9, West Justice Center, Westminster.

The sex crimes against all of the victims involved rubbing of the vaginal area. Continue reading→

Woman charged with running massage parlors that were really brothels

Posted on by Posted in Crime, Garden Grove, OCDA Leave a comment

OCDA Seal

Orange County District Attorney Press Release

For Immediate Release: August 8, 2014

Case # 14WF2986

WOMAN TO BE ARRAIGNED FOR OPERATING TWO MASSAGE PARLORS AS BROTHELS AND PANDERING VICTIMS

WESTMINSTER – A woman is scheduled to be arraigned on Monday for operating two massage parlors as brothels and pandering female victims. Sujin Kim, 55, Los Angeles, is charged with six felony counts of pandering. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of 12 years and eight months in state prison. Kim is being held on $250,000 bail and is scheduled to be arraigned Monday, Aug. 11, 2014, at 8:30 a.m. in Department W-2, West Justice Center, Westminster.

Between May 1, 2014, and Aug. 6, 2014, Kim is accused of operating illegal brothels disguised as massage parlors. Kim is accused of collecting money from sex purchasers who entered the massage parlors for commercial sex services. The defendant is accused of having female victims perform massages on the patrons, and then negotiate money in exchange for a sexual act. The Garden Grove Police Department investigated this case with assistance from the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force (OCHTTF) and arrested Kim on Aug. 6, 2014. Continue reading→