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Santa Ana's top news & views blog

Category Archives: Civic Affairs

Minutemen take over Independence Day event at Santa Ana Public Library

Posted on by Posted in Civic Affairs, immigration, Independence, Latinos, Literature, Politics, Racism, Republican Party, Santa Ana, Working Families 8 Comments

Oh my.  It looks like the Independence Day event that was held today at the Santa Ana Public Library was chock full of Mexican-bashing Minutemen.  Imagine that.

Lupe Moreno, a former member of the Santa Ana Public Library Board, apparently invited her fellow Minutemen to the event.  Moreno is also active in the OC GOP, and she is a supporter of both Anaheim Councilwoman Lucille Kring, the Republican who is challenging State Senator Lou Correa in November, and Assemblyman Van Tran, the Republican who is running against Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez.

As you can see in the above video, they brought their hatred for Latinos with them.  (A word of warning, there are quite a few F-bombs in this video, which was shot by our friend Naui Huitzilopochtli).

I am incredulous that the City of Santa Ana would promote something like this, but they did.  And guess who created a Facebook page for this event?  That’s right, Lupe Moreno.

Are you wondering who those folks are in the video?

1) It seems very likely the guy’s name, in the video, is Gary Hynds.  http://garyhynds.com/.  He is also on two Meetup groups and posted his picture…same guy. Click here for more information about this guy.

2) picture of Anita Hynds with message: http://www.ocregister.com/articles/law-251437-city-council.html?pic=1.  Her message: “support Gov brewer & Arpaio – Arizona.

3) Her mentality – “”The ones who disagree with the Arizona law should move to Santa Ana or Los Angeles,” Hynds said. “They should move to the places where the illegals are at.” – I guess for her and the “Gary” guy, everyone in Santa Ana is a wetback.  http://www.yelp.com/topic/long-beach-yorba-linda-first-in-o-c-to-back-arizona-law 

4) It seems that Anita Hynds is also a “Birther” – see the 3 item down…she is calling for Obama’s impeachment.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/2358995/posts

5) It looks like she is part of the Minuteman group: See the fourth picture down and she is also quoted.

http://www.socalpatriots.com/MayDay.html

Will Vietnamese voters determine the next Mayor of Santa Ana?

Posted on by Posted in Civic Affairs, Claudia Alvarez, Democratic Party, Elections, Miguel Pulido, Politics, Santa Ana, Vietnamese, Vince Sarmiento Leave a comment

Alfredo Amezcua, the local lawyer who is challenging Santa Ana Mayor Miguel Pulido in November’s General Election, has gathered up essentially the same coalition that backed Councilwoman Michele Martinez when she took on Pulido, in 2008.  We know how that worked out.

So the question is, how will Amezcua grow this coalition such that he will be able to prevail over the better-funded longtime incumbent, Pulido?

Amezcua has succeeded in gaining some support from Santa Ana’s NIMBY community, which closely parallels the folks known as Santa Ana’s “Usual Suspects,” but their influence is waning, as is their number.

The only demographic that is growing in Santa Ana is that of Vietnamese voters, who have been moving into town in droves over the past few years.  The bad news for Amezcua is that Pulido has been reaching out to Viet voters for some time.

Councilman Vince Sarmiento has helped Pulido reach out to this community, as has Mayor Pro Tem Claudia Alvarez.  Sarmiento appointed businessman Kenneth Nguyen to the Parks and Recreation Commission.  My sources tell me that Nguyen is very connected with the business community in Little Saigon, where he wields a lot of influence.

Take a look at the picture above this post.  Pulido and his runningmates actually got their signs posted on a Buddhist Center, on the West side, that is very popular in Santa Ana’s Viet community.  I am guessing they won’t be allowing Amezcua’s signs on their property this year.

To make matters worse for Amezcua, it is very likely that Viet voters will be voting en masse in November, some to support Assemblyman Van Tran, as he runs against Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, and others to support Sanchez herself.  I expect that State Senator Lou Correa and Assemblyman Jose Solorio will also be actively courting the Viet vote. 

I don’t expect Correa to take sides in the mayoral race.  But Solorio will – he is a staunch ally of Pulido.  As for Sanchez, who knows?  She generally is for herself, for sure, but doesn’t generally do much for other candidates, although she did endorse Martinez in 2008.

Amezcua has concentrated most of his early campaign efforts in the Latino community.  Will he be able to mount much of a campaign in the Viet community too?  We’ll see.  Unless he has folks like Kenneth Nguyen helping him, that may be an impossible task.

Viet voters already put Supervisor Janet Nguyen in office.  Will they now go all in with Pulido as well?  We’ll have to see about that.  Amezcua is known to be friendly with Supervisor Nguyen.  Pulido?  Not so much.

Message from the City of Santa Ana regarding fireworks

Posted on by Posted in Civic Affairs, Public Safety, Santa Ana, Youth Activities Leave a comment

The Fourth of July and the celebration of our nation’s birthday is an exciting time in Santa Ana. The Santa Ana Fire Department wants to remind every one that only California State Fire Marshal approved Safe and Sane fireworks may be purchased, possessed or discharged within the city.

Please remember fireworks are explosives and can cause severe personal injuries and property damage if used incorrectly. Follow all manufacturers’ directions for discharging Safe and Sane fireworks.

Click here to read the City of Santa Ana’s Fireworks Regulations.

The Santa Ana Fire Department offers the following safety tips for the discharge of Safe and Sane Fireworks:

  • Only purchase and discharge fireworks purchased from a licensed fireworks booth located in the City of Santa Ana.
  • Fireworks may only be purchased, possessed or discharged from July 1 through July 4.
  • Fireworks may be purchased, possessed or discharged only by people 18 years of age or older.
  • Use fireworks outdoors only.
  • Always have water handy. (A hose or bucket).
  • Only use fireworks as intended. Don’t try to alter them or combine them.
  • Do not ever use homemade fireworks of illegal explosives: They can kill you! Report illegal explosives to the fire or police department in your community.
  • Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks
  • Don’t hold fireworks in your hand or have any part of your body over them while lighting. Wear some sort of eye protection, and avoid carrying fireworks in your pocket — the friction could set them off.
  • Dispose of discharged fireworks by placing them in a metal container, or immersing them in a bucket of water. (CAUTION! DISCHARGED FIREWORKS WILL BE HOT!!)
  • Make sure the area you will be discharging your Safe and Sane fireworks in, is free of dry grass, brush, trees, or litter. Fireworks are permitted to be discharged on private property only or in the street directly in front of your home.
  • Report the sale or use of illegal fireworks to the Santa Ana Police Department by calling (714) 245-8665.
  • DO NOT discharge any firework that explodes or leaves the ground. (M-80, FIRECRACKERS, BOTTLE ROCKETS, MORTAR AND AERIAL SHELL)
  • DO NOT tamper or alter any Safe and Sane fireworks to cause it to explode or leave the ground.
  • DO NOT throw any firework or other burning material into the air.
  • DO NOT discharge any fireworks in any City park.

Councilwoman Michele Martinez attacked for trying to do the right thing

Posted on by Posted in Civic Affairs, Democratic Party, Elections, Latinos, Politics, Sal Tinajero, Santa Ana, Vince Sarmiento Leave a comment

Council Members Sarmiento and Martinez, the progressive heart of the S.A. City Council

Another blog in town ripped Councilwoman Michele Martinez, alleging that she is trying to use the Santa Ana City Clerk as her Campaign Treasurer.

I spoke to Martinez and she verified that she does indeed have a terrific treasurer, David Gould, of Los Angeles.  He works for some of the biggest names in politics.

What she was trying to say, in her campaign email this week, was that if folks had questions about how much they can legally contribute, they should call the City Clerk’s office.  Well, that is true.  The Santa Ana City Clerk oversees campaign finance laws, with regard to local races. 

Specifically Martinez was concerned about those who donate to her but may have business with the city.  In that case, these individuals have to limit their contributions to $249, as I understand it.

This doesn’t mean that Martinez is using city resources to advance her campaign.  It means she is concerned about making sure her constituents don’t get in trouble when they make donations to her.  Sure, they could call Gould, but why not call the City Clerk?  I know that the friendly people at City Hall would not mind fielding these or other questions.

The blogger who attacked Martinez is a Latino and a former City Commissioner here in Santa Ana.  He, like Martinez, is also a Democrat.  Why a fellow Latino would come after her, I just don’t know.

Martinez has, over the past two years, become the progressive heart of the Santa Ana City Council.  She, along with fellow progressives Sal Tinajero and Vince Sarmiento, has pulled Mayor Miguel Pulido to the left, to everyone’s benefit.  Why would anyone want to heap scorn on her?  I just don’t get it.

We finally have an all-Latino City Council and they are doing good work, for the most part, on our behalf.  In particular, I am proud of everything Martinez has accomplished on the City Council.  She is a shining example to our young people of what you can accomplish with hard work and dedication to our community. 

Martinez does not, as of now, face any challengers in her reelection bid.

Rafael and Katia’s Magic Show coming to the Newhope Library on July 8

Posted on by Posted in Civic Affairs, Entertainment, Literature, Santa Ana, Youth Activities Leave a comment

Don’t miss Rafael & Katia’s Magic Show at the Newhope Branch of the Santa Ana Public Library.  Come and see our amazing, spectacular show!  Thursday, July 8, 2010, at 4:00 p.m.

La Magia de Rafael y Katia.  ¡Venga a ver nuestro espectáculo increíble!  Jueves 8 de julio, 2010.  Biblioteca Newhope a las 4:00 p.m.

Make a splash with the Santa Ana Library’s Summer Reading Programs

Posted on by Posted in Civic Affairs, Education, Entertainment, Literature, Santa Ana, Youth Activities Leave a comment

Be sure to check out the Santa Ana Public Library’s Children’s Summer Reading Program, for Babies — 5th grade students and their parents, from June 25 — August 7, 2010.  Sign up at the Youth Services’ Desk.   

The Santa Ana Public Library also has a Tween Summer Reading Program for 6th — 8th grade students and their parents, from June 25 — August 7, 2010.  Sign up at the Youth Services’ Desk.

Programa de lectura de verano para bebés — estudiantes de 5° grado y sus padres.  25 de junio — 7 de agosto, 2010.  Inscríbanse en el escritorio de servicios juveniles.

Programa de lectura de verano para estudiantes de 5° – 8° grado y sus padres, 25 de junio — 7 de agosto, 2010.  Inscríbanse en el escritorio de servicios juveniles.

The Santa Ana Public Library is located at 26 Civic Center Plaza.  Click here to see a map.

Santa Ana Library to host Independence Day Celebration on July 3

Posted on by Posted in Civic Affairs, Culture, Entertainment, Literature, Santa Ana, Youth Activities 1 Comment

The Friends of the Santa Ana Public Library and the members of Liberty House will be hosting a 4th of July celebration on Saturday, July 3rd, 2010 from 10 am to 3 pm at Civic Center Plaza. 

The event is free and everyone is welcome! 

  • History Walk
  • Friends of the Library Book Sale
  • Children’s Fun Zone
  • Steve Jackson’s Brass Band
  • Quartet music
  • Booths & Raffles

For additional information, please call Tel: 714-514-7360 or 949-422-5485.

See the attached flyers in English and Spanish.

The Santa Ana Public Library is located at 26 Civic Center Plaza.  Click here to see a map.

Liberty House y los Amigos de la Biblioteca de Santa Ana

LOS INVITA A PARTICIPAR EN LA

¡Celebración de la Independencia de América!

El sábado 3 de julio del 2010 (PDF)

Main Library 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

  • Paseo Histórico
  • Venta de libros
  • Juegos para los niños
  • Steve Jackson’s Brass Band
  • Música de cuarteto
  • Casetas de información y rifas

Para mas información, llame al: Tel: 714-514-7360 ó 949-422-5485.

Should Santa Ana consider outsourcing their police department to solve budget woes?

Posted on by Posted in Civic Affairs, Crime, Public Safety, Santa Ana 1 Comment

Two California cities have made the decision over the past week to essentially fire all their police officers and contract with other agencies. 

One city, Maywood, went as far as to fire all their city workers and contract them out, according to Publicceo.com.  You can also read about it at Publicceo.com.

And the city of San Carlos, in the Silicon Valley, recently made a move (4-1 by the Council) to contract out its police force. The move will eliminate the jobs of 32 officers and save the city $2.5 million a year, according to Bloomberg Businessweek.

The City of Santa Ana has quietly outsourced a lot of jobs over the past two years, because of our own budget crisis.  But no one at City Hall wants to consider outsourcing our police department to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.  But it makes a lot of sense.  We are critically shorthanded in our police department. 

Could we outsource and add more cops in the process – while still saving a ton of money?  Shouldn’t we at least consider this and run the numbers?

The O.C. Sheriff’s Department is already located here in Santa Ana.  They already provide services at the County Hall of Administration and they are on call when our own police need help, via a mutual aid agreement.

Don’t get me wrong, our police do a fine job for the most part, although I still think they target minorities and immigrants with their DUI checkpoints.  But our city is broke.  Shouldn’t we consider all options in trying to resolve our budget crisis?

And the O.C. Sheriff’s Department already provides police services throughout much of Orange County, as you can see in the graphic above.  In fact they are the cops in some of Orange County’s wealthiest areas!  Surely they could do the same here?

Now if it turns out there are no savings to be had, well then forget it.  But at the very least we need to put this on the table…

Santa Ana candidates scramble to raise more money as deadline looms today

Posted on by Posted in Civic Affairs, David Benavides, Democratic Party, Elections, Michele Martinez, Miguel Pulido, Politics, Sal Tinajero, Santa Ana 7 Comments

 

This Wednesday, June 30, marks the end of the first campaign finance reporting period, which means that local candidates are scrambling to raise more money in advance of the deadline, so their first campaign finance report will look decent.

Many of the incumbents in town lack opponents.  Councilman David Benavides is unchallenged, as is Councilwoman Michele Martinez. 

Alfredo Amezcua

Mayor Miguel Pulido is opposed by local attorney Alfredo Amezcua.  And Councilman Sal Tinajero is opposed by a man he once appointed to a City Commission, Thomas Gordon, who resides part-time in Denver, Colorado, as well.  Gordon is actively involved in opposing graffiti in both Santa Ana and Denver.

The hottest race figures to be the Mayor’s race.  I doubt that Gordon will be able to raise much money, but Amezuca can and will, and he figures to self-fund as well.

Thomas Gordon

Gordon, incidentally, just won reelection to the OC GOP’s 69th Assembly District Central Committee, but he came in fourth place out of about a dozen candidates.  They ran for a total of six seats, which is to say that Gordon didn’t do that well.  He angered many Republicans by supporting carpetbagger Harry Sidhu for the 4th Supervisorial District in the primary election.  Sidhu got blown out by the winner, Fullerton Councilman Shawn Nelson, who also has a law office in Santa Ana.  Sidhu also lost in his race for the 69th AD Central Committee.  He came in second to last, despite Gordon’s support.

As you can see in the picture above this post, not everyone in town is buying into Amezcua’s campaign.  Latinos will be split between him and Pulido, and who knows about everyone else.  The emergence of other mayoral candidates is almost assured. 

I spoke to one potential candidate this week, business owner Irene Ibarra.  She ran for the SAUSD School Board in 2008, and she says she is definitely running for Mayor in November.  Ibarra plans to self-fund her race.  She spent six figures on her school board race and has the ability to do that again.

Past mayoral candidate Stanley Fiala and Councilman David Benavides

We may yet see a challenger emerge to take on Benavides.  I am hearing chismes that some of the Council Members are working hard to recruit a candidate.  They aren’t happy about Benavides’ alliance with the folks known as the “Usual Suspects.”  They are also afraid that when Mayor Pro Tem Claudia Alvarez terms out, Benavides will run his friend Roman Reyna for her seat. 

Councilwoman Michele Martinez

Martinez may also draw a challenger or two.  Last time she barely won over Com-Link Chairwoman Evangeline Gawronski, who was betrayed by her friends in the Usual Suspects.  They backed Tino Rivera, who was a lousy candidate.  Parks and Recreation Commissioner Tish Leon also ran, but I don’t see her doing so again as Martinez put her on the Parks and Recreation Commission.

I spoke to Martinez today.  She has raised a lot of money but could have raise more had she not canceled a fundraiser that ended up scheduled the night the Lakers won their Championship.  She will reschedule that event in July.

Good luck to all the candidates.  It takes a lot of moxy to run for office.  And the campaign finance paperwork is a real pain to fill out!

Santa Ana Councilman David Benavides says his fundraiser was a big success

Posted on by Posted in Civic Affairs, David Benavides, Democratic Party, Elections, Politics, Santa Ana 1 Comment

Santa Ana Councilman David Benavides said in a recent email that his recent campaign kickoff fundraiser was a big success.  City hall insiders tell me that he did indeed have a good turnout, but many of the attendees were comped, which is to say that they did not pay to get in.  My sources wonder if he raised very much money at the event.

Benavides’ release regarding the event, which is below, seems to verify this insider opinion, as he makes a plea for more contributions, in advance of the pending deadline before he has to file his first campaign finance report.

Benavides does not face any challengers right now, although that could change by November.  There are whispers that many of the Council Members aren’t very pleased with him and that they are searching for a new candidate to get behind.  Many of the Council Members did in fact skip Benavides’ fundraiser.

Benavides has been somewhat controversial this year, or rather his city commissioners have been.  We posted an article here on this blog about the fact that most of his commissioners do not live in his ward.  And we also wrote about the rude behavior of one of those out-of-ward commissioners, Julie Stroud, from the Santa Ana Parks and Recreation Commission.

Here is the note that Benavides emailed to his supporters, regarding his fundraiser and his campaign plans:

Dear Friends and Supporters,

First of all, I would like to thank all of you who made my Re-Election Kickoff Event this past Thursday a great success. I was overwhelmed by the support extended by so many of you. Thank you!

For those of you who missed it, I invite you to take a look at a short video that we premiered at the Campaign Kickoff. We have been receiving many positive responses. You can take a look at it on my YouTube account by clicking here.

This Wednesday, June 30 at midnight marks a key benchmark in the Re-Election Campaign. It marks the end of the first finance reporting period. Friends, I could use your help to demonstrate a strong base of financial support and to ensure that our campaign gets off to a solid start and secures a win this coming November 2nd.

Would you consider making a contribution at this time? Your donation of $25, $50, $100 or any other amount would be greatly appreciated. You may make a contribution on-line through our secure link by clicking here.

I would also like to take this time to remind you and invite you to my Community Office Hours held the First Saturday of Every Month from 9am to 12pm at the South West Senior Center at Jerome Park (2201 W. McFadden Ave., Santa Ana). You can stop by this Saturday, July 3 and visit with me to discuss any items of concern, ideas, and suggestions as we strive to make Santa Ana an even better place for our children, families, neighborhoods and businesses.

Committed to moving Santa Ana forward!

David Benavides

P.S. Thank you for your support and contribution. Please remember that contributions are not deductible for income tax purposes and may not exceed $1,000.

P.P.S. To make contributions by check please fill out and submit the attached contribution form.

Please make checks payable to:
David Benavides for City Council 2010 – FPPC ID# 1327405
P.O. Box 3787
Santa Ana, CA 92703

To learn more about David or to volunteer, visit www.davidbenavides.com

Find David on Facebook @ facebook.com/councilmanbenavides
Find David on Twitter @ twitter.com/pdavidbenavides

Have you seen the camels at the Santa Ana Zoo?

Posted on by Posted in Civic Affairs, Entertainment, Nature, Santa Ana, Youth Activities 1 Comment

On May 31, 2010, Noah and Kaleb, 2 dromedary camels, came to live at the Santa Ana Zoo for the summer.

Camel rides have started, and you can climb atop one of these magnificent animals into a custom made saddle and ride around our urban oasis.

The camels just moved into their new home and can be found this summer in the …yard just north of the “Colors of the Amazon” walk through aviary.

Famous for their ability to trek long distances through the desert, camels have been great service animals since biblical times.
Camel rides open this weekend, June 26/27 at the Santa Ana Zoo!

Rides are only $5, and will be open from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm on Saturday and Sunday. 

On Resident Free Day, the second Tuesday of each month, residents of Santa Ana may visit our Zoo for free. Proof of residency (driver’s license, utility bill) will be required upon arrival. Not valid to schools or business addresses.

Should the City of Santa Ana install more red light cameras, or get rid of them all?

Posted on by Posted in Civic Affairs, Civil Rights, Public Safety, Santa Ana, Transportation 4 Comments

 


(polls)

“Despite a steady stream of court challenges, Santa Ana is poised to double the number of automatic cameras it has watching over intersections for red-light runners,” according to the O.C. Register.

This despite recent evidence that we posted here, indicating that the City of Santa Ana is losing money on this program.  And despite the fact that the courts just don’t like these cameras.

I think that the Santa Ana City Council looks at this as a way to help increase law enforcement, but I think if that is the case, they are off-base.

Red light runners aren’t killing our young people.  Other young people are.  The drug runners are using our teenagers and even younger kids to sell drugs.  The gang violence we are seeing is mostly fighting over turf – because they are all making a mint selling a ton of drugs in our city.

Folks, we need to contact the City Council and our Mayor and let them know we don’t want any more of these red light cameras and we want them all removed!

Click here to contact Mayor Miguel Pulido.  Click here to contact the Santa Ana City Council.  You can contact City Manager Dave Ream’s assistant, Mark Lawrence, at MLawrence@santa-ana.org. 

Com Link meeting on June 24 to include Awards and Board Elections

Posted on by Posted in Civic Affairs, Entertainment, Neighborhood Associations, Public Safety, Santa Ana Leave a comment

The Communication Linkage Forum is hosting a meeting on Thursday, June 24th, at 7 p.m.  with an agenda focusing on:  Neighborhood Heroes Awards & Com-Link Board Elections  (CLICK HERE TO SEE THE MEETING FLIER).

General Meeting

Thursday, June 24, 2010

AGENDA

Neighborhood Heroes Awards and Com-Link Board Elections

6:30 -7:00 Socialize & Network with other involved Santa Ana residents.  Refreshments: Cake by Irma Macias

7:00 -7:30 Committee Reports

7:30 – 8:15 Neighborhood Heroes Awards

8:15 – 8:30 Elections

8:30 Neighborhood Roll Call

General Meetings are held:

Fourth Thursday of the month.  (Exceptions: November meeting is on the third Thursday and there is no meeting in December.)
6:30 pm.  At the Community Room, Santa Ana Police Department, 60 Civic Center Plaza.  Directions.

2009/2010 Com-Link Board

Carl Benninger, Chairperson
METRO CLASSIC
sum1@artnet.net

Rene D. Guzman
RIVERVIEW WEST rene.guzman72@yahoo.com

Evangeline Gawronski, Vice-Chairwoman
WILSHIRE SQUARE
ray30@prodigy.net

David Brandt
THORNTON PARK
Rvdave@roadrunner.com

Jean Poppa, Secretary
WASHINGTON SQUARE
jean@kolodny-anteau.com

Irma Macias
MID-CITY
imacias1230@yahoo.com

Connie Hamilton
SOUTHCOAST
southcoastneighborhood@earthlink.net

OTHER CONTACTS

Scott Kutner, District Manager
CITY OF SANTA ANA
Community Development Agency
20 Civic Center Plaza, 3rd Floor
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 667-2259
(714) 667-2225 (FAX)
skutner@santa-ana.org

Great summer activities for your kids, in Santa Ana

Posted on by Posted in Civic Affairs, Education, Santa Ana, Working Families, Youth Activities Leave a comment

You can swim at the El Salvador Center!

UPDATE: Click here for 2011 Santa Ana Summer Youth Activities

Looking for something for your kids to do this summer, in Santa Ana?

How about a Summer Day Camp?

Activities vary by site and include health and fitness, sports, wacky Olympics, cooking, special events, excursions, science projects, tennis, swimming, nutrition curriculum, walking clubs, water games, arts and crafts, board games, reading, library visits, junior volunteer program, pool parties movies, skits, etc. The end of the summer is capped with a city-wide talent show with productions developed throughout the summer. Please contact your local recreation center for program times and fees.

Jerome Center, 726 S. Center St., 1 (714) 647-6559
El Salvador Center, 1825 W. Civic Center Dr., 1 (714) 647-6558
Memorial Center, 2102 S. Flower St., 1 (714) 571-4242
Salgado Center, 706 N. Newhope St., 1 (714) 571-4267
Logan Center, 1009 N. Custer St., 1 (714) 571-4263
Sandpointe Center, 3700 S. Birch St., 1 (714) 647-5307
Santa Anita Center, 300 S. Figueroa St., 1 (714) 647-6552

Click here for a map of all the Santa Ana Community Centers.

The City of Santa Ana Parks and Recreation Agency also offers plenty of leisure activites, at great prices.

View the entire Summer 2010 Brochure by using the link at the bottom of the following list,

OR to view individual class-type sections, use the links on the list below.

> Arts and Crafts
> Dance
> Music
> Outdoors – Santiago Park Activities
> Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park
> Fitness
> Special Interest
> Martial Arts
> Ice Skating
> Aquatics
> Youth Sports Program
> Recreation Centers
> Seniors
> Ads-Sponsors
> Facility Locations
> Registration Information & Forms
> Entire Brochure

For more information contact: (714) 647 – 5307.

Are Santa Ana’s red light cameras wasting thousands of taxpayer dollars?

Posted on by Posted in Civic Affairs, Public Safety, Santa Ana, Taxes, Transportation 2 Comments

A Santa Ana resident is asking the Santa Ana City Council to stop wasting money on red light cameras.  Here are his thoughts, which are well-researched and quite compelling:

Honorable Mayor and Councilmembers:

I wrote to you earlier this month about the proposed contract (a copy of that email is pasted below). I have just read the staff report prepared for Monday night’s meeting, and have the following comments.

1. Cost neutrality has not been removed from the contract – the amendment is unchanged from that submitted to you for the meeting of the 7th, and it does not deal with the cost-neutral language contained in Section 26(a) of the 2002 contract. The staff report submitted for tonight’s meeting does not even discuss the issue, or the effect of current legislation in Sacramento. I hope you will ask your staff for a detailed, written explanation as to why they think cost neutrality should be retained.

2. The contract is also unchanged with regard to the monthly rent for existing cameras. In my June 6 email I said the City could save $1.6 million by negotiating a rent comparable to that in Escondido and Garden Grove. Per the article here, another city is doing just such a negotiation. It should also be noted that if Santa Ana’s losses continue, the City will lose $9.7 million over the course of the new contract. Click here to see the Loss Analysis dated June 19.  And click here to see my financial analysis.

3. In the June 6 email I wrote about the many cities which have closed their camera program. Now there is one more, as Union City has announced it will allow its contract to expire without renewal.

Regards,

Jim
jim@vivahermosa.com

Previously sent:

6-6-10

Honorable Councilmembers:

Tonight, please consider:

1. As cost-neutrality is illegal (a violation of CVC 21455.5(g) – see P. v. Franco), the City will need to remove the cost-neutral
compensation from the contract. This is something that has been done recently by the cities of Culver City, Davis, Escondido, Gardena, Laguna Woods, Millbrae, Newark, San Bernardino, San Juan Capistrano, San Mateo, South Gate and Whittier. If you have any doubt about the legal environment surrounding cost-neutral contracts, ask your staff to report back to you. (The cost-neutral language appears in Section 26(a) of the City’s 2002 contract, click here to see it. Also attached in that same pdf is the similar cost-neutral clause from the Culver City contract of 2007, which in December 2009 they removed via a mid-term amendment which
had as its sole purpose the removal of cost-neutrality. A copy of that amendment is at the end of the pdf.

2. Without cost-neutrality, the City will be obligated to pay the full monthly rent, even if the fine revenue is less than the rent – as it has been. For example, in the four months November 2009 to February 2010, the City paid 52% more in rent than it received in revenue – an out-of-pocket expenditure of $145,000 in four months. The source documents and analysis sheet are attached. (It should also be noted that when the raw figures were adjusted to more-closely reflect the true cost and revenue, the program cost the City 130% more than it received in revenue. See the analysis sheet.) Thus, if the City elects to continue the program, it should try to get the lowest monthly rent possible, in order to minimize the loss. The City does not need to pay the $3900 (per-camera) rent indicated in today’s staff report. Today is a “buyer’s market” – RedFlex has not won a new contract in California since San Rafael signed on in March of 2009, and is eager to retain those it has. Many other cities are paying significantly less than $3900. For example, Escondido is paying $2833 for 15 cameras, and Garden Grove is paying $2900 for 14 cameras. I suggest that you order
that this multi-million dollar project be put out to competitive bid. If you can shave $1000 off the monthly rent, you will see a savings of $1.6 million over the seven years of the contract.

3. You would be in good company if you decide NOT to continue the program. The Hemet and San Bruno councils made that same decision last month (May). Also in May, the City of Burlingame announced it would be closing down its year-old program, and paying an early termination fee in order to do so. In April, the Loma Linda and San Carlos city councils voted to let their contracts expire without renewal; they had hoped to terminate the contracts immediately, but would have had to pay Redflex a big penalty for the privilege. Compton, Cupertino, El Monte, Fairfield, Fresno, Fullerton, Indian Wells, Irvine, Maywood, Montclair, Moreno Valley, Paramount, Redlands, Roseville, Santa Fe Springs, Santa Maria and Upland all have already shut down their camera systems.

Regards,

Jim

jim@vivahermosa.com

Click here an analysis of the Santa Ana red light invoices.

Click here to see the Santa Ana red light invoices.