New Santa Ana | Category Archives: irvine

Irvine man convicted of raping women in Irvine and in Newport Beach

Posted on March 29, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, irvine, Newport Beach, OCDA, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Orange County District Attorney Press Release

For Immediate Release, Case # 11HF1885: March 27, 2014

MAN CONVICTED OF SEXUALLY ASSAULTING TWO WOMEN IN IRVINE AND NEWPORT BEACH

SANTA ANA – A man was convicted today of sexually assaulting two women in Irvine and Newport Beach. Travis Dewayne Batten, Jr., 31, Irvine, was found guilty by a jury of two felony counts of forcible rape, one felony count each of assault with intent to commit a sexual offense, assault with intent to commit a sexual offense during the commission of first degree burglary, sodomy by force, sexual penetration by foreign object by force, and kidnapping to commit a sex offense. The sentencing enhancement allegations for committing sexual offenses during the commission of a burglary and tying up or binding a person were found true. Batten faces a maximum sentence of 120 years to life in state prison at his sentencing, May 23, 2014, at 9:00 a.m. in Department C-27, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana. Continue reading→

Irvine man to face trial for raping two women in Irvine and Newport Beach

Posted on March 17, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, irvine Leave a comment

Picture courtesy of KABC

Orange County District Attorney Press Release

For Immediate Release, Case # 11HF1885: March 17, 2014

MAN TO FACE TRIAL FOR SEXUALLY ASSAULTING TWO WOMEN IN IRVINE AND NEWPORT BEACH

SANTA ANA – A man is scheduled to face trial tomorrow for the sexual assaults of two women in Irvine and Newport Beach. Travis Dewayne Batten, Jr., 31, Irvine, is charged with two felony counts of forcible rape, one felony count each of assault with intent to commit a sexual offense, assault with intent to commit a sexual offense during the commission of first degree burglary, sodomy by force, sexual penetration by foreign object by force, dissuading a witness by force or threat, kidnapping to commit a sex offense, and first degree residential burglary. He also faces sentencing enhancement allegations for committing sexual offenses during the commission of a burglary and tying up or binding a person. If convicted, Batten faces a maximum sentence of 176 years to life in state prison. Opening statements are expected to begin tomorrow, March 18, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. in Department C-27, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana. Continue reading→

The newly renovated Irvine OC Airport Wyndham Hotel is a real gem

Posted on February 23, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Hotels, irvine, Orange County, Restaurants, Travel Leave a comment

The hotel we know today as the Wyndham Irvine – Orange County Airport opened on August 1, 1986 and was initially operated as a Holiday Inn. It was purchased by the Wyndham Hotel Group, the world’s largest and most diverse hotel company with approximately 7,490 hotels worldwide, in August of 2013.

The Wyndham Hotel Group invested ten million dollars in a renovation of their Irvine hotel and the rooms are now fully renovated. New furniture is going to be installed in the lobby this week along with new carpeting.

My wife and I decided to take a weekend “staycation” at the Irvine Wyndham Hotel this weekend. We don’t get to be by ourselves much but our adult daughter was happy to look after our ten-year-old son, and so we headed for Irvine. Continue reading→

Irvine Police are looking for a pervert who exposed himself to two girls

Posted on February 13, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, irvine Leave a comment

City of Irvine

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, PRESS RELEASE #2/13/2014

Subject: Irvine Police Seek Suspect of Child Annoyance and Indecent Exposure

Contact : Julia Engen, Lieutenant 949-724-7112, jengen@cityofirvine.org

IRVINE, CA (February 13, 2014) Wednesday night, the Irvine Police Department received information that two 15-year-old girls were approached while walking home from school earlier in the day near West Yale Loop and Warner Avenue. The girls separated at approximately 3:20 p.m. as the first victim walked into her residential area. The suspect pulled up to the curb in a dark sedan and motioned for her to approach the car through his closed passenger window. The girl did not approach and continued into her home. Continue reading→

Former Servite teacher posed as a girl on Facebook to get nude pics of boys

Posted on January 29, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Anaheim, Crime, Education, irvine, OCDA Leave a comment

Orange County District Attorney Press Release

For Immediate Release, Case # 13HF0513: January 29, 2014

MALE HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS IN PRISON FOR POSING AS TEENAGE GIRL ENCOURAGING SEX ACTS AND OBTAINING NUDE PHOTOS OF OVER 100 UNDERAGE BOYS THROUGH FACEBOOK

SANTA ANA – An Anaheim high school teacher was convicted and sentenced today to 10 years in state prison and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration for encouraging sex acts and soliciting and possessing nude photos and videos of over 100 underage boys by posing as a teenage girl on Facebook. Zachary Joshua Reeder, 31, Orange, pleaded guilty today to four felony counts of distributing pornography to a minor, two felony counts of lewd acts upon a child under 14, two felony counts of contacting a child with the intent to commit a lewd act, one felony count each of using a minor for sex acts, lewd act upon a child, possession and control of child pornography, and distribution of child pornography.

At the time of the crimes, Reeder was a history teacher at Servite High School, an all-boys college preparatory high school in Anaheim. Reeder previously worked as a history teacher and a walk-on assistant baseball coach for four seasons at Arnold O. Beckman High School in Irvine. Continue reading→

Santa Ana makes the list of the 10 highest cities in America

Posted on January 9, 2014 by Art Pedroza Posted in Drugs, irvine, Marijuana, Santa Ana Leave a comment

The 10 Highest Cities In America

By Movoto Real Estate

In the wake of the new law that made marijuana legal in the State of Colorado, the Movoto Real Estate Blog set out to determine through the power of data, which are the top ten highest cities in America. After an amount of research that would seem like the most seriously difficult thing ever to a habitual toker, they concluded that, yes, the Mile-High City really is the best place for getting high in the 50 states–but it’s not alone. And Orange County is very well represented.

These are the 10 highest cities in America: Continue reading→

Man gets death penalty for killing UCI student’s father and sister

Posted on December 16, 2013 by Art Pedroza Posted in Anaheim, Crime, irvine, OCDA Leave a comment

Orange County District Attorney Press Release

For Immediate Release, Case # 07NF2178: December 16, 2013

JURY RECOMMENDS DEATH PENALTY FOR MAN CONVICTED OF MURDERING EX-GIRLFRIEND’S FATHER AND SISTER AND ATTEMPTING TO KILL HER MOTHER

*Two co-defendants were convicted and one was sentenced in this case

SANTA ANA – A jury recommended the death penalty today for a man convicted of murdering his ex-girlfriend’s father and sister and attempting to kill her mother. The two murdered victims were set on fire and a third was left in a coma after suffering life-threatening injuries. Iftekhar Murtaza, 29, Van Nuys, was found guilty by the same jury Nov. 22, 2013, of two felony counts of murder, one felony count of attempted murder, one felony count of conspiracy to commit murder, the special circumstance sentencing enhancements for multiple murders and murder during the commission of kidnapping. Murtaza is scheduled to be formally sentenced Jan. 10, 2014, at 1:30 p.m. in Department C-41, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana. Continue reading→

Man charged with operating a brothel in Irvine

Posted on December 14, 2013 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, irvine, OCDA Leave a comment

Orange County District Attorney Press Release

For Immediate Release, Case # 13HF3673: December 13, 2013

MAN ARRAIGNED ON CHARGES OF CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT PIMPING AND PANDERING BY OPERATING BROTHEL IN IRVINE

*Co-defendant charged in this case is a fugitive with a warrant out for her arrest

SANTA ANA – A man was arraigned today on charges of conspiracy to commit pimping and pandering by operating a brothel in Irvine and another in Torrance. Gao Yang Zhou, 34, Rowland Heights, is charged with 12 felony counts including three felony counts each of pimping, pandering, money laundering, and one felony count each of conspiracy to commit pimping, conspiracy to commit general pandering, conspiracy to commit money laundering, with a sentencing enhancement for money laundering over $50,000. If convicted on all charges, Zhou faces a maximum sentence of 11 years and eight months in state prison. The People requested Zhou be held on $500,000 bail at his arraignment today, and he must prove the money is from a legal and legitimate source before posting bond. He is scheduled for a pre-trial hearing Dec. 20, 2013, at 9:00 a.m. in Department H-1, Harbor Justice Center, Newport Beach. Continue reading→

Free workshop on how to create a culture of engagement set for 12/18

Posted on December 13, 2013 by Art Pedroza Posted in Business, Education, Entertainment, irvine Leave a comment

Dale Carnegie Training of Orange County is hosting a complimentary workshop, “How Great Organizations Create a Culture of Engagement” on December 18, 2014 – 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, at Concordia University, in Irvine, located at 1530 Concordia.

How Great Organizations Create a Culture of Engagement is a two hour workshop developed exclusively to introduce how leaders can build a culture of engagement. This workshop is unique because it leverages Dale Carnegie’s research to provide you with specific ideas and insights that can help you make the most impact while developing a culture of engagement. Get the tools you need to drive employee engagement in your organization today! Continue reading→

Community leaders warn of the dangers of holiday drinking and driving

Posted on December 12, 2013 by Art Pedroza Posted in Alcohol, Crime, Entertainment, irvine, Orange County 1 Comment

CONTACT: Elaine Beno, 714-885-2324, Automobile Club of Southern California

COMMUNITY LEADERS WARN OF DANGERS OF HOLIDAY IMPAIRED DRINKING AND DRIVING

(Costa Mesa, December 11, 2013) –

What: Visuals: Victims, law enforcement, and community leaders will discuss the threat to lives tragically ending due to driving under the influence of alcohol. No one thinks that their holiday celebration will end in tragedy. However, for those who include alcohol in their celebrations and then get behind the wheel, this is too often the case. Information and resources on how everyone can enjoy their holiday and come home safely will be provided. The press conference will also address the need for the Social Host Ordinance, which the City of Irvine passed in 2011. Continue reading→

Special Olympics Fall Games set for Dec. 14-15 in Irvine and Fountain Valley

Posted on December 11, 2013 by Art Pedroza Posted in Charities, Entertainment, Fountain Valley, irvine, Sports Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kelly Kloepping, 562.522.8554, kkloepping@sosc.org

Fountain Valley and Irvine to Draw in More than 4,000 for Championship Games

Scrubs Actor John C. McGinley and Olympic Gold Medalist Rafer Johnson to Make Appearance

***Saturday, December 14 – Sunday, December 15***

WHO:

Special Olympics Southern California (SOSC) Fall Games (www.sosc.org/fallgames) is expected to attract more than 4,000 athletes, coaches, volunteers, and spectators over the course of the two-day event. Athletes from San Luis Obispo to San Diego counties in Southern California will compete for gold, silver and bronze medals, while families, friends, and volunteers cheer them on including “Scrubs” actor John C. McGinley, Global Ambassador for Special Olympics. Continue reading→

Santa Ana transplant Karina Onofre running for the 74th A.D.

Posted on November 25, 2013 by Art Pedroza Posted in 2014 Elections, irvine, Karina Onofre, Politics, Republican Party, Santa Ana 16 Comments

Karina Onofre

From the OC Politics Blog

Karina Onofre ran for Ward 5 on the Santa Ana City Council last year as the sole challenger to Roman Reyna, who beat her by over 12,000 votes according to Smart Voter.

Now Onofre, who recently announced on Facebook that she was going to law school, has instead decided to run for the 74th State Assembly District. And apparently she now lives in Irvine, according to her Facebook page. Continue reading→

Snowboarder Bandit convicted of robbing ten Orange County banks

Posted on November 8, 2013 by Art Pedroza Posted in Anaheim, Banking, Crime, irvine, OCDA, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Orange County District Attorney Press Release

For Immediate Release, Case # 12HF1290: November 7, 2013

MAN DUBBED “SNOWBOARDER BANDIT” CONVICTED OF COMMITTING ROBBERIES IN 10 ORANGE COUNTY BANKS

SANTA ANA – A man dubbed the “Snowboarder Bandit” was convicted today of committing robberies in 10 Orange County banks. Michael Brandon Franks, 30, Riverside, pleaded guilty to a court offer today to 10 felony counts of second degree robbery and two felony counts of attempted second degree robbery. He faces a maximum sentence of 10 years and six months in state prison at his sentencing, Jan. 17, 2014, at 8:30 a.m. in Department C-34, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana. Continue reading→

Did Irvine man flee after his girlfriend and daughter fell out of his truck?

Posted on November 5, 2013 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, irvine, OCDA, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Orange County District Attorney Press Release

For Immediate Release, Case # 13CF3484: November 5, 2013

MAN TO BE ARRAIGNED TODAY FOR FLEEING THE SCENE OF AN ACCIDENT ON HALLOWEEN NIGHT LEADING TO DEATH OF HIS GIRLFRIEND AND ENDANGERING 13-MONTH-OLD GIRL

SANTA ANA – A man is scheduled to be arraigned today for fleeing the scene of an accident which led to the death of his girlfriend on Halloween night and endangering a 13-month-old girl. Francisco Javier Montano, 21, Irvine, is charged with one felony count of hit and run with permanent injury or death, one felony count of child abuse and endangerment, and one misdemeanor count of driving without a valid license. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of seven years in state prison and six months in jail. He is being held on $200,000 bail and is scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon in Department CJ-1, Central Jail, Santa Ana. The time is to be determined.

At approximately 8:00 p.m. on Oct 31, 2013, Montano is accused of driving a Toyota RAV4 eastbound near 1600 West Edinger Avenue in Santa Ana with his 21-year-old girlfriend Gloria Sanchez and 13-month-old Jane Doe. Continue reading→

Guys in Blue will surprise O.C. residents with FREE PUMPKINS this Saturday!

Posted on October 23, 2013 by Art Pedroza Posted in automobiles, Charities, Entertainment, Family, irvine, Youth Activities 2 Comments

The SoCal Honda’s Helpful Guys in Blue will be surprising thousands of families, including Irvine residents, with complimentary pumpkins this Sunday. You are invited to join them on Saturday, Oct. 26th at the Johnson Brothers Pumpkin Patch, located at 15500 Jeffrey Rd., in Irvine. Click here for more info on their Facebook event page.

The Guys in Blue will be surprising residents with free pumpkins as they enter the patch, carrying pumpkins for visitors and more! Just ask! Walking ponies, shoveling up after the animals, providing complimentary waters, etc.. they’re here to help. They have surprised Irvine residents with large and small acts of helpful multiple times a month for the last 7 years –including pumping and paying for driver’s gas, cleaning up local parks, helping college students move-in, recognizing local teachers for Teacher Appreciation Week and much more. Continue reading→