Santa Ana's top news & views blog

Santa Ana's top news & views blog

Category Archives: Fullerton

Mexican and Chicano Art at the Muck – opening reception on 8/30

Posted on by Posted in Arts and Culture, Entertainment, Fullerton, Latinos, mexico, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Mexican and Chicano Art at the Muck – Gallery Opening Reception: Open Your Eyes/ Abre Los Ojos – August 30-November 4

Opening Reception Thursday . August 30 . 6:30 PM.  Special Performance by Ballet Folklorico Monte Alban at 7 PM.  Curator’s Walk Through November 1 . 6 PM.

To celebrate Fullerton’s Sister City of Morelia, Mexico, guest curator and celebrated artist José Lozano selects revered Mexican and Mexican–American art centered on the state of Michoacan from private collections in Southern California. Continue reading→

State Senator Lou Correa’s 4th of July Message

Posted on by Posted in Anaheim, Democratic Party, Family, Fullerton, Historical, Lou Correa, Orange County, Parks and Recreation, Patriotism, Politics, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Dear Friends,

More than 200 years ago, our nation’s Founding Fathers set out to create a blueprint for our freedom and democracy by writing the Declaration of Independence. On July 4, 1776, they built a foundation for democracy, as immigrants from around the world came to America in search of a better life. Every Fourth of July, we are thankful for the blessings of our great country.

As we join our families and friends for Fourth of July festivities, let’s take some time to appreciate the freedoms we have in the United States. This is also an appropriate time to give thanks to our service members, past and present, for their strength and courage protecting our country every day. Continue reading→

It’s Free Comic Book Day – get yours at stores in Santa Ana and Tustin

Posted on by Posted in Anaheim, Arts and Culture, Entertainment, Family, Fullerton, Literature, Santa Ana, Tustin, Youth Activities Leave a comment

Free Comic Book Day, what some call the fanboy answer to Christmas, is happening Saturday. “The Avengers,” featuring some of the most popular characters in comic book lore, is already rampaging through theaters. It’s going to be a good weekend for nerds and the industry that serves them, according to the L.A. Times.  Participating comic book shops across North America and around the world give away comic books absolutely FREE* to anyone who comes into their stores. *Check with your local shop for their participation and rules.  Click here to check out the Free Comic Book Day Facebook page.

But the giveaway offer isn’t limited to superhero comics: All genres are fair game, including Disney comics, Japanese Manga, Tokyopop, newspaper strip staples like “Archie,” and work from independent artists.  Participation level varies from store to store, but the comics given away will be special edition works packaged specifically for the holiday. This year’s offerings include special editions of “The Avengers” (of course), “Peanuts”, “Transformers,” and, for the youngest comic book fan in your clan, “Yo Gabba Gabba,” according to CSM.  Click here to see which comic books are being given away today. Continue reading→

New OSHA classes now being held at CSUF and Taller San Jose, in Santa Ana

Posted on by Posted in Education, Fullerton, Labor, Military, Santa Ana, Veterans Leave a comment

CSUDH OSHA classes are now being held in Orange County in partnership with California State University Fullerton, Environmental Health & Safety Department.  Most of the courses are being held at CSUF, others are being held at Taller San Jose, in Santa Ana.  10% discount to members of the military, unions, safety organizations, and veterans!  For questions, call 888-4LA-OSHA (888-452-6742) or e-mail osha@csudh.edu.

Classes include: Continue reading→

County of Orange to open Armory Emergency Shelters on Dec. 1

Posted on by Posted in Charities, Fullerton, homeless, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

The County of Orange has announced the opening of the Armory Emergency Shelter Program, which provides up to 400 beds for homeless families and individuals, on Dec. 1, 2011.

The homeless are also provided with a warm shower, a nutritious meal, a safe and warm place to sleep, warm clothes, a wide variety of services and a friendly and safe atmosphere.

The shelters will be located at the National Guard Armories in Fullerton and Santa Ana.  The Santa Ana location will not however open until Dec. 3.   But transportation will be provided from Santa Ana to Fullerton, starting on Dec. 1. Continue reading→

State Senator Correa invites you to Veteran Day events in Orange County

Posted on by Posted in Anaheim, Fullerton, Lou Correa, Military, Orange County, Santa Ana, Stanton Leave a comment

Dear Friends,

Let us take time to honor all veterans and current service men and women for their dedication to our country, and let us not take for granted the freedoms and fortunes they have provided for us. We are fortunate to have thousands of veterans in our very own communities, and I hope that we can all take a moment to personally thank them for their service on this Veterans Day. For more information on ways to celebrate Veterans Day, visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website.

Sincerely,

Lou Correa
State Senator, 34th District Continue reading→

O.C. Human Relations to launch a homelessness and mental health task force

Posted on by Posted in Charities, Entertainment, Fullerton, Health and Medical, homeless, Housing, Mental Health, Orange County, Santa Ana 1 Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 19, 2011
Contact: Rusty Kennedy, Phone: (714) 567-7465

City of Fullerton Striving to Improve System of Care Launches the Fullerton Task Force on Homelessness and Mental Health Services, on Thursday, October 20, 4:00 pm @ the Fullerton Public Library

In the aftermath of the Kelly Thomas tragedy, the City of Fullerton is working to learn from this incident and make a change in the community. The City Council asked OC Human Relations to facilitate a task force of Fullerton residents and homeless/mental health experts to better understand the current situation of the mentally ill homeless and identify how the community might do better in the future. Continue reading→

Rep. Sanchez to lead grantee awards tour on Friday

Posted on by Posted in Education, Fullerton, Loretta Sanchez, Orange County, Santa Ana, SAUSD Leave a comment

*** MEDIA ADVISORY ***

SANCHEZ TO LEAD GRANTEE AWARDS TOUR ON FRIDAY

Washington, D.C. – On Friday, October 7, at 12:30 p.m. PST, Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (CA-47) will lead her first grantee awards tour with visits to three Orange County organizations that have recently received significant and competitive grants from the federal government. Rep. Sanchez will visit Santa Ana College, the Santa Ana Unified School District Police Department, and Orange County Head Start to congratulate them on their awards. Continue reading→

O.C.D.A.: Ramos and Cicinelli arraignment update

Posted on by Posted in Courts, Crime, Fullerton, Public Safety 7 Comments

Officer Manuel Ramos & Officer Jay Cicinelli

ORANGE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY MEDIA ADVISORY, Case # 11CF2575

TONY RACKAUCKAS, District Attorney
Susan Kang Schroeder, Chief of Staff, Office: 714-347-8408, Cell: 714-292-2718
Farrah Emami, Spokesperson, Office: 714-347-8405, Cell: 714-323-4486
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Date: September 21, 2011

WHO: Manuel Anthony Ramos, 37, and Jay Patrick Cicinelli, 39

WHAT: Appeared in court today for arraignment for their criminal participation in the beating-death of a homeless man, Kelly Thomas. Continue reading→

O.C. D.A. to hold a press conference about the cops who killed Kelly Thomas(UPDATED: COPS CHARGED)

Posted on by Posted in Courts, Crime, Fullerton, homeless, Orange County, Public Safety, Santa Ana 5 Comments

UPDATE:  DA TONY RACKAUCKAS HAS CHARGED 2 FULLERTON POLICE OFFICERS IN CONNECTION WITH KELLY THOMAS’ DEATH

FPD officer Manuel Ramos will be charged with second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter.   Ramos faces up to 15 years to life in prison.

 Cpl. Jay Cicinelli will be charged with involuntary manslaughter and use of excessive force.  He faces up to four years in prison.

They will be arraigned at 2PM this afternoon at the courthouse in downtown Santa Ana.

Read the Register article about this here

ORANGE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY MEDIA ADVISORY
TONY RACKAUCKAS, District Attorney
Susan Kang Schroeder, Chief of Staff, Office: 714-347-8408, Cell: 714-292-2718
Farrah Emami, Spokesperson, Office: 714-347-8405, Cell: 714-323-4486
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Date: September 20, 2011

WHO: Orange County District Attorney (OCDA) Tony Rackauckas

WHAT: Received today the Coroner’s Report from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department regarding the cause of death of Kelly Thomas. District Attorney Rackauckas will hold a press conference tomorrow to discuss his filing decision following the OCDA’s investigation of six Fullerton Police Department officers in the death of Thomas. Continue reading→

How did the SAUSD do on the 2011 Star Tests compared to other districts?

Posted on by Posted in Education, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Santa Ana, SAUSD 2 Comments

Are you wondering how the Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD) did on the 2011 California Standardized (STAR) tests?  Wonder no more.  I have taken the time to sort through the data for you.

We’ll start with the Anaheim Union High School District.  Only 18% of their student body is “White,” while over 60% is Latino and 16% is Asian/Filipino, according to their website.  This is a majority minority district and as such it is more than fair to compare their STAR results to those of the SAUSD. Continue reading→

KFC and the So Cal Colonel Celebrate National Fried Chicken Day on July 6

Posted on by Posted in Entertainment, Food, Fullerton, Restaurants, Santa Ana Leave a comment

KFCs in Southern California is gearing up for National Fried Chicken Day, on Wednesday, July 6, 2011, according to a DGWB press release.  KFC Southern California and the KFC Southern California Colonel are celebrating with a series of events and promotions leading up to National Fried Chicken Day. Continue reading→

Rep. Sanchez’ 4th of July appearance schedule released

Posted on by Posted in Anaheim, Fullerton, Loretta Sanchez, Politics Leave a comment

Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez, Representing California’s 47th Congressional District

PRESS RELEASE, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 30, 2011

MEDIA CONTACT: Paula Negrete 714-621-0102/714-292-0166

REP. LORETTA SANCHEZ RELEASES PUBLIC SCHEDULE FOR JULY 4

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (CA-47) today released the following schedule of events for July 4 of interest to media and the public. Please note that these events are subject to change. If you plan on attending any event, please verify the details with Rep. Sanchez’s district office in advance.

Monday, July 4, 2011

10:00am – 11:30am CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH 107TH ANNUAL 4TH OF JULY PARADE Rep. Sanchez walk in the parade and greet attendees with the 67th Area Democratic Alliance and the 68th Assembly District Democratic PAC
Location: Orange and 9th, Huntington Beach
This event is open to the public/media.

3:00pm – 4:00pm CANYON HILLS COMMUNITY COUNCIL’S 4TH OF JULY PARADE
Rep. Sanchez will walk in the parade and greet attendees.
Location: Canyon High School Parking Lot, 220 South Imperial Highway, Anaheim
This event is open to the public/media.

7:30pm- 9:00pm CITY OF FULLERTON 4TH OF JULY COMMUNITY FESTIVAL AND FIREWORKS Rep. Sanchez will present remarks and watch the fireworks.
Location: Fullerton Union High School Stadium, 201 East Chapman Ave, Fullerton
This event is open to the public/media.

# # #

United States House of Representatives
1114 Longworth House Office Building • Washington, DC 20515
Phone: 202-225-2965 • Fax: 202-225-5859

Santa Ana Mayor is Director of a bank that just sold at a profit

Posted on by Posted in Banking, Fullerton, Miguel Pulido, Santa Ana 6 Comments

Santa Ana Mayor Miguel Pulido has served on the Board of Directors of the Fullerton Community Bank for many years.  He told me last year how proud he was of their long record of success.  Fullerton Community Bank has made money while other banks have lost money.

Just consider what happened to the Santa Ana Business Bank, which was founded by Alfredo Amezcua, a criminal defense lawyer who ran unsuccessfully against Pulido last year.  Amezcua ended up selling the bank at a huge loss to their investors.  He sold the bank for six million, and investors only got about six dollars a share.  The investors initially put in about ten dollars a share, and it bottomed out at $3.50 a share.

Fullerton Community Bank’s mother company, RMG Capital Corporation, on the other hand, has been sold for $50 million dollars – a substantial profit to Opus Bank.  “The boards of directors for Opus and RMG have approved the transaction, which values RMG common stock at $17.47 a share,” according to the O.C. Register.

I reviewed RMG’s stock, and found that it has jumped to a high of $16.65, according to Businessweek, after averaging about $5 for quite awhile.  The RMG investors are going to make out quite well in the sale of their bank.

The news gets even better as “Additionally, concurrent with the close of the transaction, the Opus Community Foundation intends to award grants to local non-profit organizations in the communities served by Fullerton Community Bank,” according to an RMG press release.

In related news, the Voice of OC blog once again proved to be anything but objective, with a ridiculous post that fails to mention that Fullerton Community Bank sold at a profit and that their non-profits are going to be supported by their new owner. Once again the Voice of OC has proved to be just another blog with a chip on their shoulders, not a legitimate news site.

Redistricting may split Santa Ana and Anaheim into two Senate districts

Posted on by Posted in 2012 Elections, Anaheim, buena park, california, Democratic Party, Elections, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Latinos, Orange County, Politics, Republican Party, Santa Ana, Stanton, Westminster 3 Comments

The California Redistricting Commission is considering splitting Santa Ana away from Anaheim, into two new State Senate Districts.  Currently, both of these cities are in the 34th State Senate District, which is represented by State Senator Lou Correa.

If you look at the graphic above, you will see that the new Santa Ana District will include Little Saigon and will stretch up north all the way to Buena Park.  The new District will also include Cypress and Stanton.  It will feature a close split of the voters, with 38% Democrats and 37% Republicans, putting the seat in play for the OC GOP.

The new Anaheim District will include that city plus Fullerton, Placentia, Yorba Linda, Chino Hills, La Habra and perhaps even Diamond Bar.  This seat will favor the Republicans, with a margin of 41% GOP versus 34% Democratic.

Click here for a better view of the proposed Senate Districts.

I met with Correa today and he feels that Santa Ana and Anaheim should remain in one contiguous District.  I agree.  To me this split will disenfranchise Latino voters in particular.

Click here to read about the upcoming California Redistricting Commission meeting that is coming up at CSUF.  This will be your last chance to speak up before these Districts become reality!