New Santa Ana | Category Archives: Fullerton

Man convicted of stabbing theater patrons during a horror movie

Posted on September 4, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Fullerton Leave a comment

Steven Walter Robinson Jr.

Orange County District Attorney Press Release

For Immediate Release: September 3, 2014

Case# 08ZF0029

MAN CONVICTED OF STABBING TWO MOVIE THEATER PATRONS DURING THE SHOWING OF HORROR FILM

*Defendant was previously sentenced to 22 years in state prison but the sentence was vacated during appeals

FULLERTON – An Anaheim man was convicted today of stabbing two movie theater patrons, whom he did not know, during the showing of a horror movie at a theater in Fullerton. Steven Walter Robinson Jr., 30, was found guilty by a jury today of two felony counts of attempted murder with premeditation and deliberation and sentencing enhancements for the personal use of a deadly weapon and causing great bodily injury.

On Sept. 29, 2009, Robinson was convicted by a jury of the charges listed above and two felony counts of mayhem. On Dec. 11, 2009, Robinson was sentenced to 22 years to life in state prison in this case. On Jan. 14, 2011, the Court of Appeal vacated Robinson’s sentence and overturned his conviction on the attempted murder charges and sentencing enhancements based on an instructional error by the judge during juror deliberations. Robinson faces a maximum sentence of 22 years to life in state prison at his sentencing on Nov. 14, 2014, at 9:00 a.m. in Department N-13, North Justice Center, Fullerton. Continue reading→

Arizona man to be charged with attempted murder after shooting on 91 Fwy.

Posted on August 7, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Fullerton, OCDA Leave a comment

Orange County District Attorney Press Release

For Immediate Release: August 6, 2014

Case # TBA

MAN TO BE ARRAIGNED FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER AFTER DRIVE-BY SHOOTING ON 91 FREEWAY

SANTA ANA – A man is scheduled to be arraigned today for attempted murder after a drive-by shooting on the 91 Freeway. Jerry Valentin, 32, Scottsdale, Ariz., was charged today with one felony count each of attempted murder, shooting at an occupied vehicle, aggravated assault, unlawful possession of an unregistered firearm inside a vehicle, with sentencing enhancements for personal discharge of a firearm causing great bodily injury, personal use of a firearm, and great bodily injury. If convicted, Valentin faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in state prison. The People will be requesting he be held on $1 million bail at his arraignment today in Department CJ-1, Central Jail, Santa Ana. The time is to be determined.

At approximately 4:20 p.m. on Aug. 4, 2014, Valentin is accused of driving eastbound on the 91 Freeway near the Interstate 5 interchange in Fullerton. The defendant is accused of swerving his vehicle toward a sports utility vehicle (SUV) being driven by Kenneth Baker. Continue reading→

Man convicted of killing CSUF student Maribel Ramos who was from Santa Ana

Posted on July 30, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Fullerton, OCDA, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Orange County District Attorney Press Release

For Immediate Release: July 29, 2014

Case # 13CF1632

MAN CONVICTED OF MURDERING ARMY VETERAN ROOMMATE AND DISPOSING HER BODY IN CANYON

SANTA ANA – A man was convicted today of murdering his roommate and disposing of her body in a canyon. Kwang Chol Joy, 55, Orange, was found guilty by a jury of one felony count of second degree murder. He faces a maximum sentence of 15 years to life in state prison at his sentencing Sept. 12, 2014, at 9:00 a.m. in Department C-40, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana.

At the time of the crime, Joy lived at a home in Orange with 36-year-old roommate Maribel Ramos. The victim was an Army veteran who had served two combat tours in Iraq and was also a student at California State University, Fullerton. Continue reading→

The June Primary Election’s turnout data bodes ill for Solorio and Quirk-Silva

Posted on July 20, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in 2014 Elections, Asians, Democratic Party, Fullerton, Janet Nguyen, Jose Solorio, Latinos, Politics, Republican Party, Santa Ana 3 Comments

Lou Correa and Sharon Quirk-Silva

The O.C. Register asked four experts to analyze the results of this year’s June Primary election, to sort out who did and didn’t vote. The experts included our friend Scott Lay, the publisher of aroundthecapital.com.

What they concluded was:

Rich, educated people vote more.
Independent voters are less likely to vote in primaries.
Seniors vote more.
Ethnicity can influence turnout. (ie. Latinos don’t vote but Asians do)

Continue reading→

OCTA dedicates BikeShare Program to celebrate Earth Day

Posted on April 18, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Bicycles, Fullerton, OCTA, Orange County Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 18, 2014

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Joel Zlotnik (714) 560-5713, Eric Carpenter (714) 560-5697

NEWS ADVISORY: OCTA Dedicates BikeShare Program to Celebrate Earth Day

WHAT: The Orange County Transportation Authority is hosting a BikeShare Dedication and Earth Day event to celebrate a greener way to travel.

The BikeShare launch is part of OCTA’s continued efforts to improve mobility by offering quick, point-to-point trips as an alternative to traveling by car. OCTA hopes residents will use the bike sharing program to link with transit services, closing the gap between commuters’ starting points and their final destinations, often called the last-mile connection. Continue reading→

The O.C. Clerk-Recorder extends their hours

Posted on January 25, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Fullerton, OC Clerk-Recorder, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Clerk-Recorder Extends Hours

Effective Monday, February 3, the Orange County Clerk-Recorder will be extending the hours at the department’s branch offices in downtown Fullerton and at the Laguna Hills Civic Center. The branch offices will now be open to the public from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The branch offices previously were open until 4:00 PM, while the department’s main offices in Santa Ana stayed open until 4:30 PM. For more information, please click here.

The Orange County Clerk-Recorder will also be offering extended hours and is now accepting reservations for couples who wish to be married on Valentine’s Day at the department’s three marriage offices. Continue reading→

Fullerton pastor faces trial for fondling an 18-year old female

Posted on January 16, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Churches and Religion, Crime, Fullerton, OCDA Leave a comment

Orange County District Attorney Press Release

For Immediate Release, Case # 12NM11481: January 16, 2014

PASTOR FACES TRIAL FOR SEXUAL BATTERY OF 18-YEAR-OLD FEMALE CHURCH MEMBER

FULLERTON – A pastor is scheduled to face trial today for sexual battery of an 18-year-old female church member. Joseph Angel Olvera, 55, Fullerton, is charged with two misdemeanor counts each of sexual battery and battery. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of two years in jail, $4,000 in fines, and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration. Opening statements are expected to begin this afternoon at 1:30 p.m. in Department N-11, North Justice Center, Fullerton. Continue reading→

Volunteers and donations sought for the O.C. Armory Emergency Shelters

Posted on November 21, 2013 by Art Pedroza Posted in Fullerton, homeless, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Volunteers and Donations Sought for County of Orange’s Armory Emergency Shelters

By: Orange County Supervisor Todd Spitzer

(Portions courtesy of OC Community Services)

Every year, the County of Orange contracts with Mercy House Living Centers, Inc. to operate and provide services for the County’s Armory Emergency Shelter Program. The shelter at the Fullerton Armory opened last week and the shelter at the Santa Ana Armory will open on Monday, December 2. Continue reading→

Poll: Which Orange County Downtown is your favorite?

Posted on September 7, 2013 by Art Pedroza Posted in Brea, Fullerton, Huntington Beach, Orange, Orange County, Santa Ana 2 Comments

It is a big night tonight in Downtown Santa Ana – with both the First Saturday Downtown Santa Ana Art Walk and the OC Film Fiesta – but does the general public in Santa Ana care about any of this?

Most Santa Ana families were fighting to stay cool today and many were out and about supporting youth sports. The MainPlace Mall was full of families enjoying their air conditioning as was the MainPlace Picture Show Theater where you can watch a first-run movie, several weeks after its release, for just two bucks. Continue reading→

Fullerton man convicted of burglaries and sexually assaulting a 10-year old girl

Posted on September 4, 2013 by Art Pedroza Posted in buena park, Courts, Crime, Fullerton, OCDA, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Orange County District Attorney Press Release

For Immediate Release, Case # 10NF1982: September 4, 2013

HOMELESS MAN CONVICTED OF HOME BURGLARIES STARTING WITH SEXUAL ASSAULT OF SLEEPING 10-YEAR-OLD GIRL

SANTA ANA – A homeless man was convicted today of sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl who was asleep in her home and a string of residential burglaries in Buena Park. Joel Solis Aguirre, 24, Fullerton, was found guilty by a jury of one felony count of residential burglary, one felony count each of assault with intent to commit a sexual offense during a residential burglary, lewd act upon a child under 14 years old, attempted kidnapping to commit a sexual offense, attempted kidnapping for child molesting and attempted residential burglary. The sentencing allegations and enhancements for having a non-accomplice present during three residential burglaries and committing a lewd act during the commission of a burglary were found true. On Aug. 21, 2013, the defendant pleaded guilty to two counts of residential burglary in this case. Aguirre faces a maximum sentence of life in state prison and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration at his sentencing Nov. 8, 2013, at 9:00 a.m. in Department C-29, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana. Continue reading→

Fullerton firefighter who lives in Anaheim among those arrested for rioting in H.B.

Posted on July 30, 2013 by Art Pedroza Posted in Anaheim, Crime, Fullerton, Huntington Beach, Public Safety, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Michael John Lytle, 30, of Anaheim, a Fullerton firefighter, was among those arrested on suspicion of participating in the Huntington Beach riot over the weekend, authorities said Tuesday. He was arrested on suspicion of disorderly conduct and resisting arrest, Fullerton city officials said. He has been placed on administrative leave, according to NBC News.

He was off-duty at the time of the incident but has been placed on paid administrative leave. Lytle was hired as a firefighter by the city of Fullerton on Feb. 11, 2008, according to the City of Fullerton. Continue reading→

OCTA Bravo! Buses speed up the Harbor Blvd. commute starting on June 10

Posted on June 4, 2013 by Art Pedroza Posted in Anaheim, Fullerton, Garden Grove, OCTA, Orange County, Santa Ana, Transportation Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 4, 2013

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Joel Zlotnik (714) 560-5713, Laura Scheper (714) 560-5697

Bravo! Bus Speeds Up Harbor Boulevard Commute

OCTA launches limited-stop service June 10 and offers free rides Monday through Wednesday

ORANGE – Bravo! Route 543 – the new limited-stop bus service along Harbor Boulevard – will begin operating Monday, June 10, giving commuters an opportunity to make it to their destination more quickly.

The Orange County Transportation Authority service will have distinct blue and orange buses with Bravo! branding. The service will run 12 miles along Harbor Boulevard stretching from the Fullerton Transportation Center, through Anaheim, Garden Grove, Santa Ana and ending at MacArthur Boulevard in Costa Mesa. Continue reading→

O.C. anti-gang curfew sweep results in arrests of 29 juveniles

Posted on May 10, 2013 by Art Pedroza Posted in Anaheim, Costa Mesa, Crime, Education, Fullerton, Gangs, Garden Grove, Santa Ana, SAUSD, Tustin, Westminster 1 Comment

grip

Orange County District Attorney, Press Release

For Immediate Release: May 10, 2013

LAW ENFORCEMENT NET 29 JUVENILES IN 5TH ANNUAL OC GRIP CURFEW SWEEP

ORANGE COUNTY – Over 180 law enforcement officers from 19 agencies netted 29 juveniles in violation of city curfew laws last night in the 5th annual curfew sweeps by the Orange County Gang Reduction and Intervention Partnership (OC GRIP). OC GRIP aims to prevent juveniles from being victims of or participants in gang crimes by identifying at-risk youth, increasing school attendance, and decreasing gang activity. Continue reading→

Blame John Lewis for the Democrats picking up an Assembly supermajority

Posted on November 25, 2012 by Art Pedroza Posted in 2012 Elections, Anaheim, Cecilia Iglesias, Fullerton, Jose Moreno, Miguel Pulido, Orange County, Politics, Republican Party, Rob Richardson, Santa Ana, SAUSD, Tom Daly, Transportation 13 Comments

Former State Senator John Lewis has such a hold on the Republican Party of Orange County that he was able to force the withdrawal of Robert Hammond, their candidate for the 69th Assembly District, so as to pave the way for his Democratic pal Tom Daly. And Lewis also ran the failed campaign of Chris Norby, for the 65th Assembly District. With the loss of Norby’s seat, and the 69th, the California Republican Party ceded a supermajority in the State Assembly to the California Democratic Party.

But Lewis is not the only one to blame. OC GOP Chairman Scott Baugh (a political consultant) and OC Supervisor Janet Nguyen were personally involved in pulling Hammond out of the race for the 69th. And neither of them helped Jose “Joe” Moreno, the Anaheim Republican who, at the last minute, filed for the 69th rather than concede the victory to Daly. Moreno was however undone by allegations that he violated an obscure Federal law – the Hatch Act. Moreno, an employee of the O.C. Health Agency, was accused of this by labor, even though he is a longtime union member. Continue reading→

Day of the Dead Festival/Dia de los Muertos at The Muckenthaler

Posted on October 29, 2012 by Art Pedroza Posted in Arts and Culture, Entertainment, Fullerton, Latinos, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Day of the Dead Festival/Dia de los Muertos at The Muckenthaler

Thursday. November 1, from 5 – 9 PM. Free to the public!

Our celebration includes Mexican and Mexican–American entertainment, Dia De Los Muertos altars, papel picado (paper cut into elaborate designs), calaveras de azucar (sugar skulls), and all the fun of the holiday. Continue reading→