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Santa Ana's top news & views blog

Category Archives: Carlos Bustamante

Councilmember Benavides handled situation with dignity

Posted on by Posted in Carlos Bustamante, Claudia Alvarez, David Benavides, Santa Ana 16 Comments

Before I get to the point of this post I would like to thank the administrator here at New Santa Ana for allowing me to pen this post and share it with the readers.  Despite what our good friend from Irvine says, I am not blogging again here or anywhere else.  However I felt what I am about to write needed to be said.

The last couple of weeks have been quite tumultuous here in Santa Ana and it culminated last evening with the city council’s action regarding the unfortunate comments made by Mayor Pro Tem Claudia Alvarez.  I know from speaking to a number of the councilmembers just how tough it has been on them personally as they have dealt with this emotionally charged issue.  It has not been a fun time for anyone of them, not Claudia and not David or Carlos either. Continue reading→

Benavides and Bustamante thwarted by the Santa Ana City Council

Posted on by Posted in Carlos Bustamante, Civic Affairs, Claudia Alvarez, David Benavides, Michele Martinez, Miguel Pulido, Politics, Santa Ana, Vince Sarmiento 11 Comments

The Santa Ana City Council just voted on the 85 A item that was put on the agenda tonight, by Council Members Carlos Bustamante and David Benavides.  They said they weren’t trying to punish Mayor Pro Tem Claudia Alvarez, but that is precisely what they were trying to do.

The Council voted 4-3 for an alternate motion submitted by Council Member Vince Sarmiento, condemning Alvarez’ comments last week, when she used a Hitler analogy in talking about Jewish property owner and developer Irv Chase.

Surprisingly, Council Member Michele Martinez sided with the “B-Boys.”  However they could not get four votes.  Indeed, they got punked.  Council Members Pulido, Sarmiento, Tinajero and Alvarez voted for the substitute motion. Continue reading→

Live blogging – Alvarez vs. Bustamante and Benavides at the Council meeting

Posted on by Posted in Carlos Bustamante, Civic Affairs, Claudia Alvarez, David Benavides, Michele Martinez, Miguel Pulido, Politics, Sal Tinajero, Santa Ana 12 Comments

I am covering tonight’s Santa Ana City Council meeting – which figures to be an epic confrontation between Republican Council Member Carlos Bustamante and his sidekick, David Benavides vs. Mayor Pro Tem Claudia Alvarez.  The “B Boys” have put an 85 A item on the agenda to punish and maybe even ask Alvarez to resign from the Council.

This all came about as a result of an analogy made by Alvarez at the last Council meeting, when she compared developer and property owner Irv Chase to Adolf Hitler.  She has since apologized. Continue reading→

Benavides and Bustamante to attack Alvarez at the 9/6 City Council meeting

Posted on by Posted in Carlos Bustamante, Claudia Alvarez, David Benavides, Democratic Party, Miguel Pulido, Politics, Santa Ana 66 Comments

Santa Ana Mayor Pro Tem Claudia Alvarez has faced a withering attack this week, even though she has already apologized for her ill-chosen analogy, comparing developer and landlord Irv Chase, who it turns out is Jewish, to Adolf Hitler.  She might have made it through this mini-storm if her colleagues had stuck by her but I don’t think any of them are willing to take a stand for her.  It has as such become increasingly likely that she may step down as Mayor Pro Tem, although I suspect that she will remain on the Santa Ana City Council.

This could happen at the next Santa Ana City Council meeting on Sep. 6.  Council Member David Benavides and his Republican amigo, Carlos Bustamante, have placed an 85A item on the Council Agenda, targeting Alvarez.   Continue reading→

Claudia Alvarez apologizes for comparing Irv Chase to Hitler

Posted on by Posted in Carlos Bustamante, Civic Affairs, Claudia Alvarez, David Benavides, Development, Latinos, Michele Martinez, Santa Ana 16 Comments

Santa Ana Mayor Pro Tem Claudia Alvarez apologized today, in a phone call to the L.A. Times,  for making statements that could be construed to be anti-Semitic.

“What I said was inappropriate, and I let my emotions get the best of me,” Mayor Pro Tem Claudia Alvarez told the L.A. Times.  Here are a few more excerpts from the L.A. Times article:

Alvarez said getting emotional did not justify her statements. She said the debate has affected her personally because her father owned a business downtown, and the incident is the culmination of escalating tensions surrounding the downtown area.

“The conversation is not over,” she said. “I obviously need to learn how to keep my cool.”

What the heck is all this about, you might be wondering?

Continue reading→

The Santa Ana City Council will host a PBID Public Hearing on 8/24

Posted on by Posted in Business, Carlos Bustamante, Civic Affairs, Claudia Alvarez, David Benavides, Entertainment, Michele Martinez, Miguel Pulido, Sal Tinajero, Santa Ana, Vince Sarmiento 9 Comments

The Santa Ana City Council is holding a special meeting on Wednesday, August 24, at 5 pm.  The biggest item on the agenda is a public hearing regarding the controversial Downtown Santa Ana PBID – an annual assessment that has succeeded in cleaning up and marketing Downtown Santa Ana.

I have no idea how the Santa Ana City Council will approach the PBID, but I do know that Mayor Pro Tem Claudia Alvarez has a real problem with Downtown, Inc., the organization that runs the PBID.  I think Downtown, Inc. can count on Mayor Miguel Pulido and Council Members Carlos Bustamante, Vince Sarmiento and David Benavides.  I am not sure where Council Members Sal Tinajero and Michele Martinez are on the PBID.  I think they are supportive of the proposed changes to the PBID’s boundaries, bit they may want even more changes.

Here are the details about the Public Hearing: Continue reading→

Impounding of cars on Santa Ana Public Safety Committee meeting agenda

Posted on by Posted in automobiles, Carlos Bustamante, Civic Affairs, Claudia Alvarez, immigration, Politics, Public Safety, Sal Tinajero, Santa Ana 2 Comments

The impounding of cars driven by immigrants, by the Santa Ana Police Department (SAPD), is on the agenda for the Santa Ana City Council’s Public Safety Committee meeting scheduled for today, August 10, at 6 pm.

SAPD Deputy Chief Carlos Rojas will be making a presentation about the car impounding to the Committee, which is comprised of Santa Ana Council Members David Benavides and Sal Tinajero and Mayor Pro Tem Claudia Alvarez.

The car impounding has taken place for years at the SAPD’s DUI checkpoints. Continue reading→

How and why I ended up helping Pulido to defeat Amezcua last year

Posted on by Posted in 2010 Elections, Alfredo Amezcua, Carlos Bustamante, Claudia Alvarez, Dave Ream, David Benavides, Elections, Michele Martinez, Miguel Pulido, Politics, Sal Tinajero, Santa Ana, Sean Mill, Vince Sarmiento 10 Comments

Former Santa Ana City Manager Dave Ream was not a fan of the Orange Juice blog

I have taken a lot of heat over the past couple of years because I ended up supporting Santa Ana Mayor Miguel Pulido for Mayor last year – and I was retained by his consultant to design his campaign blog. This left a few of my friends scratching their heads.

I fought Pulido and his allies for over fifteen years – and flayed them onthe political blog I created, the Orange Juice. The Orange Juice blog changed Santa Ana politics.  It broke down the barriers built up by now retired Santa Ana City Manager Dave Ream.  We went after him and his allies with such a vengeance that they monitored our site all day long.   Continue reading→

Should the Santa Ana City Council hire Paul Walters as the new City Manager?

Posted on by Posted in Carlos Bustamante, Civic Affairs, Claudia Alvarez, Miguel Pulido, Politics, Santa Ana 13 Comments

[poll id=”6″]

We broke the story that the Santa Ana City Council suspended the search for a new City Manager, and today the O.C. Register followed up with a new article indicating that SAPD Police Chief Paul Walters, who has been serving as the Interim Santa Ana City Manager, now wants to be considered as an applicant for the job on a permanent basis.

Santa Ana Council Member Michele Martinez told the Register that more than fifty candidates have applied for the City Manager job.  That is not surprising.  Santa Ana is the Orange County seat and the city has a lot going for it. Continue reading→

Santa Ana Political Chismes: Pulido regains control

Posted on by Posted in Carlos Bustamante, Civic Affairs, Claudia Alvarez, David Benavides, Miguel Pulido, Santa Ana 21 Comments

Can’t let a rainy day go by without a new edition of Santa Ana Political Chismes, can we?  Church doesn’t start for another hour, so here goes…

  • The Voice of OC recently reported that “As the Santa Ana City Council goes about choosing a new city manager and city attorney — two decisions that will affect the city for years to come — it has become increasingly clear that Mayor Miguel Pulido is not controlling the process.”  Santa Ana Mayor Miguel Pulido has lost control of the Santa Ana City Council, however as it turns out he has actually regained control – in his usual fashion.  He has a solid troika, with Councilmen David Benavides and Carlos Bustamante – and now he can add a fourth vote pretty easily.  What changed?  Well, Sarmiento is getting cold feet about running for the Assembly.  One of the other Council Members is going to run for Solorio’s seat – who exactly is not yet known.  What we do know however is that they will have to play ball with Pulido in order to get the support they will need to proceed to Sacramento. Continue reading→

Republicans Bustamante and Richardson get caught ripping off O.C.’s taxpayers

Posted on by Posted in Carlos Bustamante, Jose Solorio, Labor, Orange County, Politics, Republican Party, Santa Ana 9 Comments

Orange County Performance Auditor Steve Danley has made headlines by exposing the corruption at the County of Orange – where pay raises are handed out like treats, many times without justification.  That this is happening while workings are being laid off and families are losing their homes makes this graft even more disgusting.

And perhaps the worst detail of Danley’s recent report is that Santa Ana Councilman Carlos Bustamante and SAUSD Trustee Rob Richardson are amongst the overpaid County employees who have received raise after raise without justification.  Santa Ana is home to the most foreclosures in Orange County.  These two greedy public servants aren’t serving the working families of Santa Ana – instead they are grabbing as much taxpayer money as they can.

The O.C. Register reported that “Auditors disagree that the rules were followed. Mismanagement by the county’s Human Resources has made the county more expensive to run and less productive, according to the report. Auditors said $149.3 million can be saved by changing the way Human Resources does business. Correcting those problems could be the answer to solving many, if not all, of the county’s financial woes.”

“Assistant CEO Rob Richardson was promoted from assistant to the CEO in January 2006 and given a 27.4 percent raise. That same day, he got a 2 percent countywide merit increase. Six months later, auditors noted he got a 4.5 percent salary hike “with no justification provided.” Then in April 2008, Richardson got another 8.3 percent salary adjustment,” according to the Voice of OC blog.

“Carlos Bustamante was the OC Public Works administrative director when he was promoted to executive manager to also oversee OC Facilities. OC Public Works Director Jess Carbajal told auditors in December that Bustamante could not do the entire job because of potential conflicts with his City Council position. Santa Ana pays for half of the Civic Center maintenance costs; the county the other half. Carbajal said the assignment was temporary; the CEO said it was permanent. Bustamante was the Republican establishment’s preferred candidate for an open seat on the Orange County Board of Supervisors in 2007. He finished fourth in the contest. The county paid him $156,178 last year,” according to the O.C. Register.

The annual median household income in Santa Ana is $43, 412, according to the City of Santa Ana.  Bustamante pulls down almost four times that income, and Richardson earned $194,489.60 last year – almost five times the household median income in Santa Ana.

Bustamante and Richardson are Republicans, in a town that is overwhelmingly Democratic.  They don’t appear to be tea party Republicans!

Assemblyman Jose Solorio supported both of them in their last elections – as did Supervisor Janet Nguyen.

Both Bustamante and Richardson face reelection in 2012.  I hope the voters and our politicians remember how these two ripped off Orange County’s taxpayers!

Will the DPOC give Janet Nguyen a free pass in 2012?

Posted on by Posted in 2012 Elections, Carlos Bustamante, Democratic Party, Elections, Janet Nguyen, Politics, Republican Party, Santa Ana 13 Comments

Is the Democratic Party of Orange County going to give Republican Supervisor Janet Nguyen a free pass in 2012?  It certainly looks like that is going to be the case.

Assemblyman Jose Solorio is not going to challenge her, even though he terms out in 2012.

O.C. Labor Federation Political Director Julio Perez is going to challenge his fellow Democrat, Santa Ana Councilman Vince Sarmiento, in 2012, for Solorio’s seat in the 69th Assembly District, instead of doing the right thing and going after Nguyen.

Phu Nguyen, a Democrat who came close to winning in the 68th Assembly District last year, will probably run for that seat again.

I have heard rumors that one of the Santa Ana Council Members might challenge Nguyen, but so far that has not come to pass.

Nguyen should be ripe for the picking.  Her district leans blue and the voters in the district voted for Obama in 2008, and will probably do so again in 2012.  Plus Nguyen angered local Vietnamese voters when she tried to take over their Black April event last year.  Her former Chief of Staff, Andrew Do, quit after that debacle.

So why are the Democrats giving her a free pass?  Well, labor paid for the recount that put her in office.  She has been their gal ever since.

It should be noted that Nguyen recently got up and walked out of a Board of Supervisors meeting when a group of Harvey Milk Day supporters was talking to the Supervisors.  She later said she had to go breastfeed her baby, but she could have had a surrogate give the baby bottled breast milk.  I suspect she used the baby as cover so she could leave and not have to vote to support Harvey Milk Day.

Nguyen was also a staunch supporter of failed anti-Latino gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman.

Can any Democrat beat her?  Of course.  I think any of the Santa Ana City Council Members could beat her, with the exception of Carlos Bustamante, who I heard today is trying to convince the rest of the City Council to hire the former City Attorney from the City of Bell.  Bustamante is also a Republican and an ally of Nguyen.  And, as an Orange County employee, Bustamante also works for her.

I also think that former Assemblyman Van Tran could easily beat Nguyen, as could any of his allies.

Nguyen is going to continue to support awful Republicans if she gets reelected.  The Democrats need to challenge her.  Giving her a free pass would be a real insult to Democratic voters in the First District.

The SAPD’s top employees honored at their 24th Annual Awards Ceremony

Posted on by Posted in Carlos Bustamante, Civic Affairs, Claudia Alvarez, Lou Correa, Public Safety, Santa Ana, Sean Mill, Vince Sarmiento 8 Comments

The Santa Ana Police Department held their 24th Annual Employee Recognition and Awards Ceremony last night, at the DoubleTree Hotel in Santa Ana.

Deputy Chief Carlos Rojas welcomed the attendees as he explained that “Tonight we are recognizing 52 (fifty-two) current and former employees for their exceptional contributions to public safety in Santa Ana during 2010.”

Rojas also thanked the SAPD’s community sponsors such as David Grant of South Coast Plaza Security, the Santa Ana Police Officers Association, Sheffield Limited/Aborn Powers Incorporated, Santa Ana Police Towing Association, Maybelle and Sebastian Paul Musco of Gemini Industries, S&A Property Management, Doubletree Hotel, Original Mike’s Restaurant, Senator Lou Correa, Western Medical Center, Macres Florist, and others who were mentioned in the event program.

Several local elected officials were there, including:

  • State Senator Lou Correa
  • Santa Ana Mayor Pro Tem Claudia Alvarez
  • Santa Ana Council Members Vince Sarmiento and Carlos Bustamante
  • SAUSD Board Members Rob Richardson and Jose Hernandez

Other VIPs included:

  • Former O.C. Supervisor Todd Spitzer
  • SAUSD Superintendent Jane Russo
  • SAUSD Deputy Superintendent Cathie Olsky
  • Santa Ana Planning Commissioner Sean Mill
  • Former Santa Ana City Manager Dave Ream
  • Santa Ana Public Works Director Raul Godinez II

Correa paid tribute to the officers who have fallen in the line of duty.  He mentioned that the City of Santa Ana has had the biggest drop in crime in Orange County, according to the latest FBI Uniform Crime Report and he thanked the SAPD officers for that achievement.  He also said that his four kids all go to local SAUSD schools and they all walk home after school and are always safe.

Alvarez was introduced by Rojas as “one of us” because of her work as an Orange County Assistant District Attorney.  She stayed on stage, along with Sarmiento, to personally thank each officer who received an award.  Bustamante left the event early.

The emcee was Michele Gile, a news anchor for both KCAL Channel 9 and CBS Channel 2.

To begin the awards ceremony, two former employees were recognized for their contributions to the department and the community.

First was Retired Commander John Gabelman. John served for many years as a member of the SWAT team eventually rising to the rank of SWAT Commander.Retired Commander Ed Demarco also received the Chief’s Award for his many years in Special Investigations.

The next award of the evening was the Department Commendation.  Formerly known as the Class “A” Commendation, this award recognizes outstanding and exceptional work that is beyond the call of duty and which directly enhances the image and operation of the Police Department.

Department Commendations were awarded to:

  • Sergeant Richard Gatto – Ran the SAPD Narcotics Unit
  • Detective Corporal Oscar Lizardi – Caught a serial robber/rapist
  • Detective Edward Zaragoza – Caught a serial robber/rapist
  • Commander Mark Steen – Bishop Manor Task Force
  • Sergeant Carol Leiva – Bishop Manor Task Force
  • Detective Roland Andrade – Bishop Manor Task Force
  • Detective Jason Garcia – Bishop Manor Task Force
  • Detective Jorge Lopez – Bishop Manor Task Force

A Distinguished Service Medal was awarded to Officer David Jansen – he responded to a report of an armed robber and confronted and engaged one of the subjects.

Lifesaving Medals were presented to three officers who responded to a serious car accident and were able to rescue three of the four passengers, who survived the initial impact, as follows:

  • Officer Sommer Beatley
  • Officer Elizabeth Granados
  • Officer Cameron Price

The SAPD Mounted Unit was also honored.  These officers include:

  • Sergant Jeff Smith
  • Sergeant Jose Gonzalez
  • Corporal Mike Watson
  • Officer Kanan Blake
  • Officer Isidro Galguera
  • Officer Don Kozakowski
  • Officer Ed Mendoza
  • Officer Bill Sweet
  • Officer Phil Ricaud

A Chief’s Award was presented to the SAPD Strike Force, or SWAT Team, which includes:

  • Sergeant Ken Witt
  • Corporal Oscar Lizardi
  • Corporal Gil Hernandez
  • Detective Jason Bruns
  • Detective Luis Galeana
  • Detective J. Gripentrog
  • Detective Ed Gutierrez
  • Detective Jorge Lopez
  • Detective D. Padilla
  • Detective Pete Picone
  • Detective J. Rodriguez

Chief’s Awards were also presented to:

  • School Police Commander David Valentin
  • Corporal Eric Demopoulos, Computer Crimes
  • Homeland Security, Sergeant Henry Esparza
  • Homeland Security, Jocelyn Tingley

Employees of the Year were also recognized, including:

  • Glenn Beach, Non-Sworn Supervisor of the Year
  • Sue Buckle, Records Specialist of the Year
  • Rosemary Lopez, Non-Sworn Employee of the Year
  • Carol Casey, Dispatcher of the Year
  • Mary Castillo, Correctional Supervisor of the Year
  • Pedro Jiron, Senior Correctional Officer of the Year
  • Michelle Montreal, Correctional Officer of the Year
  • Jessica Moreno, Correctional Records Employee of the Year
  • Troy Guidry, Sergeant of the Year
  • Mel Sarabia, Corporal of the Year
  • Dan Aguilar, Detective of the Year
  • Rene Cervantes, Traffic Officer of the Year
  • Robert Pendergraft, Reserve Officer of the Year
  • Jose Mendoza, Officer of the Year

It was a great event and many of the officers were accompanied by their families.  Kudos to Chief Walters for taking the time to honor the fantastic officers in his department.  (His wife even participated as her band, Cheap Date, provided the musical entertainment).

Chapter One: the modern local, celebrates their grand opening

Posted on by Posted in Bars, Business, Carlos Bustamante, Michele Martinez, Restaurants, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Chapter One: the modern local celebrates their grand opening

Chapter One: the modern local, brought out the big scissors and ribbon to host their official grand opening on Friday, May 20th at 5 p.m.

As the newest addition to the vibrant Artists Village in Downtown Santa Ana the modern local celebrated with their loyal customers, the Mayor and City Council members during a ribbon cutting ceremony. Following the festivities, tapas and drinks flowed all night.

Tim O’Connor, Jeff Jensen and Jeff Hall quietly opened Chapter One on St. Patty’s Day, and have been creating a buzz throughout the Orange County and Los Angeles communities since. With a focus on a seasonal, farm-to-table-fare, ingredient-driven menu and a worldly beverage program, Chapter One has already created an enthusiastic following.

Their motifs including; daily After Office specials, Late Night Kitchen, live music and brunch on Sinatra Sunday’s, Tentacle Tuesdays, Wine Dinner Wednesdays, and Service Industry Nights have made Chapter One: the modern local a downtown destination. This public house that goes further to celebrate its “local,” is a product of its ideals and creative style as well as its community and local history, and they are excited to be a part of the next chapter of this city’s prosperity.

About Chapter One: the modern local

You feel the pulse of the local as you arrive. The flame of the kitchen, the sound of the tins, the buzz of the crowd: a welcoming swirl of energy. The interior blends the comfort of home with the excitement of downtown, while the staff embraces you with their hospitality like an old friend. There is something for everyone, but nothing guests will ever forget. The local produce and seasonal fare will satisfy your appetite as well as your imagination, while the handpicked selection of beers, wines and spirits from across the globe complement your plate and elevate your experience.

Chapter One: the modern local is located at 227 N. Broadway, Downtown Santa Ana, 92701, and is open daily from 11 a.m. – 2 a.m. Call (714) 352-2225 or visit http://chapteronetml.com/ for more information. You can also like the restaurant on Facebook or follow them on Twitter.

Vincent Sarmiento to run for the 69th Assembly District

Posted on by Posted in 2012 Elections, Carlos Bustamante, Civic Affairs, Claudia Alvarez, David Benavides, Democratic Party, Elections, Jose Solorio, Michele Martinez, Miguel Pulido, Politics, Sal Tinajero, Santa Ana, Vince Sarmiento 2 Comments

State Assemblyman Jose Solorio (D-69) has reportedly convinced Santa Ana City Councilman Vincent Sarmiento to run for the 69th Assembly District in 2012, when Solorio will term out.

Sarmiento was appointed to the Santa Ana City Council when Solorio resigned to go to Sacramento.  Now, I am told, Sarmiento will return the favor, as the Santa Ana City Council will appoint Solorio to replace Sarmiento, in Ward 1.

I am told Solorio will have a tough time getting four votes from the current Santa Ana City Council  – he can rely on David Benavides, Carlos Bustamante and Mayor Miguel Pulido, but Mayor Pro Tem Claudia Alvarez is no fan of his, nor is Council Member Sal Tinajero.  Council Member Michele Martinez will be the all-important swing vote.

Julio Perez, the political director of the OC Labor Federation, was considering running for the 69th, according to various sources, but that is now unlikely.  Sarmiento should be able to raise a lot of money, with Solorio’s support.

The 69th is a predominantly Democratic district.  That may change via redistricting but until that happens, Sarmiento will be the presumptive victor, should he win in the Democratic Party’s primary, as the OC GOP has not been able to challenge for the seat since the days of former Assemblyman Jim Morrissey, who infamously hired a Democrat to run his campaigns.