New Santa Ana | Category Archives: Orange County

Rabid bat found in Huntington Beach

Posted on February 19, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Disease, Health and Medical, Huntington Beach, Nature, Orange County Leave a comment

For Immediate Release: February 19, 2015

Contact: Nicole Stanfield, nstanfield@ochca.com, 714-834-2178

Bat Found in Huntington Beach Tests Positive for Rabies

(Santa Ana) – A live, rabid bat was found on the ground in the Big Lots shopping center parking lot located at the corner of Warner and Golden West in Huntington Beach on Sunday, February 15, 2015. Anyone who had recent contact with a bat in the vicinity is asked to call Orange County Health Care Agency Epidemiology at (714) 834-8180 from 8am to 5pm or (714) 834-7792 after hours so a nurse can evaluate the risk for rabies. Continue reading→

Young Latina disappears after partying late in Irvine

Posted on February 19, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Costa Mesa, irvine, Latinos, Orange County, Public Safety, Santa Ana Leave a comment

NEWS, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts: Lt. Jeff Hallock, 714.904.7042, JHallock@ocsd.org/Emily Osterberg, 714.647.1840, EOsterberg@ocsd.org

SPECIAL BULLETIN: MISSING PERSON / ATTEMPT TO IDENTIFY

NAME: ALONSO, Erica Melissa – 3/26/87
DESCRIPTION: Female, Hispanic, 5’3”, 110 lbs., long Brown hair, brown eyes
CLOTHING: Unknown
VEHICLE: 2014 Honda Civic EX, white, 4-door, CA License #7FSS563
LAST CONTACT: Sunday, February 15 @ 4:00 a.m.

Continue reading→

Recovered body identified as missing Laguna Beach swimmer

Posted on February 19, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Beaches, Orange County Leave a comment

NEWS, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts: Lt. Jeff Hallock, 714.904.7042, JHallock@ocsd.org; Emily Osterberg, 714.647.1840, EOsterberg@ocsd.org

Recovered Body Identified as Missing Laguna Beach Swimmer

SANTA ANA, Calif. – (February 19, 2015) – On Wednesday, February 18, 2015, a body was discovered near the rocks at Shell Beach, in the area of Monarch/Three Arch Bay. The body has been positively identified as Anthony Parnell, 18, Las Vegas. The area Parnell’s body was discovered is approximately one-half mile south of 1000 Steps Beach, the area he was last seen. Continue reading→

Public assistance sought in identifying a dead man found in Crystal Cove

Posted on February 19, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Beaches, Crime, Orange County Leave a comment

NEWS, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts: Lt. Jeff Hallock, 714.904.7042, JHallock@ocsd.org; Emily Osterberg, 714.647.1840, EOsterberg@ocsd.org

Investigators Seeking Public’s Assistance Identifying John Doe

SANTA ANA, Calif. (February 19, 2015) – Investigators have recently compiled the sketch of a John Doe missing since Tuesday, December 24, 2013. Investigators have determined the person had been deceased for as long as several weeks prior to discovery.

At that time, the body of a male was found floating approximately one mile off of the Newport Beach Coastline in the Crystal Cove area. The victim may have suffered unknown head trauma and had been weighted down with a 35lb iron dumbbell. The subject was wearing a dark colored ‘Champion’ nylon sweatpants with zippered legs, size 11 black ‘Asics’ tennis shoes and a black ‘Timex’ watch with a black plastic band. While his age is unknown, it is believed he is older than 30 and as old as 50, height of 5’8”-5’9”, approximately 165 lbs with dark hair. Continue reading→

Wood burning ban in effect in Orange County through tomorrow

Posted on February 18, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Air Quality, Environment, Fires, Health and Medical, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

NO-BURN ALERT: MANDATORY WOOD-BURNING BAN IN EFFECT TODAY AND TOMORROW FOR RESIDENTS OF THE SOUTH COAST AIR BASIN

All Indoor and Outdoor Residential Wood Burning Prohibited Due to High Air Pollution Predicted for Wednesday, February 18 and Thursday, February 19

The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) has issued a residential no-burn alert effective Wednesday, February 18 and Thursday, February 19, for all those living in the South Coast Air Basin, which includes the greater Los Angeles area, Orange County and the Inland Empire. SCAQMD reminds residents in these areas that burning wood in their fireplaces is prohibited today and tomorrow, through midnight on Thursday. No-burn alerts are mandatory in order to protect public health due to a high concentration of fine particle air pollution forecast for the area. The no-burn prohibition also applies to manufactured fire logs, such as those made from wax or paper. Continue reading→

Young, tattoed woman a person of interest in hotel robberies

Posted on February 18, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Hotels, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Santa Ana Police Department

Advisory: UPDATE: Detectives Request Additional Media and Public Assistance in Identifying Female of Interest

On Tuesday, January 6, 2015, Santa Ana Police Department detectives initiated an investigation after an attempted robbery at the Double Tree Hotel located at 201 E. MacArthur in the city of Santa Ana.

Detectives suspect Christopher Herrera approached the victim from behind as he entered his room and demanded money. After the victim refused, Herrera physically assaulted the victim before fleeing the area of the room and exiting an elevator with two unknown females. Continue reading→

Discovery Cube to celebrate Engineer’s Week from Feb. 21 to March 1

Posted on February 18, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Education, Orange County, Santa Ana, Science, Youth Activities Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Dan Nasitka, Discovery Science Foundation, (714) 913-5018

Discovery Cube Celebrates National Engineer’s Week with Exhibits, NASA Guest Speaker and Egg-Drop Competition

Future engineers will learn about the principles of S.T.E.M. education during this interactive week

Santa Ana, Calif. (February 18, 2015) – Aspiring engineers are invited to learn and experiment at Discovery Cube Orange County and Discovery Cube Los Angeles between February 21 and March 1, 2015. The Cube is celebrating National Engineer’s Week with a lineup of friendly competitions, hands-on activities, and a special guest speaker from NASA to engage young minds in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Continue reading→

Santa Ana is getting a new charter middle school this year

Posted on February 17, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Education, Orange County, Politics, Santa Ana, SAUSD 5 Comments

The Orange County Board of Education recently approved a petition to open a new charter school in Santa Ana, called the Vista Heritage Charter Middle School (VHCMS ). The details are pending negotiations with the OCBE but this looks like a done deal, according to the O.C. Register.

The board’s decision came after a petition from VHCMS was turned down by the Santa Ana Unified School District on a 4-1 vote in November. The O.C. board members overturned that decision by a 5-0 vote.

The OCBE is comprised of five Republicans. The SAUSD School Board has two Republicans but only one of them, Ceci Iglesias, supports charter schools.

Here is VHCMS’ Mission Statement: Continue reading→

Orange County mandatory wood-burning ban in effect through Wednesday

Posted on February 17, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Air Quality, Environment, Fires, Health and Medical, Orange County, Santa Ana 1 Comment

NO-BURN ALERT: MANDATORY WOOD-BURNING BAN IN EFFECT TODAY AND TOMORROW FOR RESIDENTS OF THE SOUTH COAST AIR BASIN

All Indoor and Outdoor Residential Wood Burning Prohibited Due to High Air Pollution Predicted for Tuesday, February 17 and Wednesday, February 18

The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) has issued a residential no-burn alert effective Tuesday, February 17 and Wednesday, February 18, 2015, for all those living in the South Coast Air Basin, which includes the greater Los Angeles area, Orange County and the Inland Empire. SCAQMD reminds residents in these areas that burning wood in their fireplaces is prohibited today and tomorrow, through midnight on Wednesday. No-burn alerts are mandatory in order to protect public health due to a high concentration of fine particle air pollution forecast for the area. The no-burn prohibition also applies to manufactured fire logs, such as those made from wax or paper.

Fine particles in wood smoke – also known as particulate matter or PM2.5 – can get deep into the lungs and cause respiratory illnesses, increases in emergency room visits and hospitalizations.
South Coast Basin residents can help reduce the harmful health effects of wood smoke by checking for no-burn alerts using one of the following options before burning wood: Continue reading→

OC Clerk-Recorder to open this Saturday for Valentine’s Day weddings

Posted on February 13, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Entertainment, Fullerton, OC Clerk-Recorder, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Clerk-Recorder to Offer Expanded Saturday Hours for Upcoming Valentine’s Day

Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen is making it easier for couples to get married this Valentine’s Day. The Old County Courthouse in Santa Ana and the department’s branch offices in Fullerton and Laguna Hills will be open to the public from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm on Saturday, February 14, 2015.

Appointments are filling up fast for couples wishing to be married on Valentine’s Day at the Clerk Recorder’s offices. Couples are encouraged to make an appointment for a civil wedding ceremony due to the popularity of this day. Appointments can be made by visiting our website at www.ocrecorder.com and using the online appointment system. Walk-ins will be accommodated based on availability of ceremony rooms. Continue reading→

Do’s victory affirmed as Correa ends the First District election recount

Posted on February 13, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Andrew Do, Lou Correa, Orange County, Politics, Santa Ana 4 Comments

First District Special Election Recount Ends

No change in original certification as recount officially ends

February 13, 2015 – SANTA ANA – Former Senator Lou Correa has ended the recount in the Board of Supervisors’ First District Special Election contest. The recount began Monday, February 9, 2015. Mr. Correa made the original request following the certification of the election. Continue reading→

Police seek additional victims of robbery suspects who targeted hotels

Posted on February 13, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Santa Ana Police Department

Advisory: Investigators Seek Additional Victims of Robbery Suspects

VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTBx20c3lHE

SANTA ANA, Calif. – (February 13, 2015) –On Wednesday, February 11, 2015, Sandy Cacero, 24, La Palma and Christopher Herrera, 27, Bell Gardens, were arrested in connection with robbery that occurred in the city of Dana Point. Cacero and Herrera were arrested in the city of La Palma following an investigation immediately following the incident.

On Wednesday, February 11, 2015 at approximately 12:30 a.m., Orange County Sheriff’s investigators began investigating a robbery at the Best Western Hotel located at 34280 Pacific Coast Highway in the city of Dana Point. Investigators suspect Herrera and Cacero arrived at the hotel to meet the victim after corresponding on the website Backpages.com. During the contact at the hotel, Herrera and Cacera physically assaulted, peppered sprayed and robbed the victim of his cash, cellular phone and tablet. They were last seen leaving the hotel in a white, 2013 Nissan Maxima, CA license plate #6XCC446 (photo attached). Continue reading→

Phone scammers are pretending to work for the O.C. Sheriff

Posted on February 13, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

NEWS, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts: Lt. Jeff Hallock, 714.904.7042, JHallock@ocsd.org; Emily Osterberg, 714.647.1840, EOsterberg@ocsd.org

Phone Scams Use Names of OCSD Personnel to Solicit Money

SANTA ANA, Calif. (February 13, 2015) – The Orange County Sheriff’s Department advises the public to be aware of phone scams involving subjects pretending to be law enforcement personnel. Several instances of this type of fraud continue to occur throughout Orange County.

Suspects fraudulently identifying themselves as law enforcement officers, call victims claiming they have a warrant for their arrest. The reasons for the warrant vary; the most recent being failing to appear for jury duty or unpaid tickets. The victim is then told they can resolve the issue by obtaining a pre-paid money card and calling back with the card number. Once the number is obtained, the funds can be accessed anywhere in the world. The scammers are using names of actual Orange County Sheriff’s Department personnel; have voicemails using the officers’ names and “spoof” caller identification so the numbers of actual law enforcement agencies will appear on the victim’s phone. Continue reading→

Santa Ana man suspected of an attempted carjacking arrested in Yorba Linda

Posted on February 12, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

A Santa Ana resident, Juan Hernandez, 28-years old, was arrested today after seven hours of searching by Orange County Deputy Sheriffs. He is suspected of trying to carjack a woman in a Trader Joe’s parking lot in Yorba Linda, at the Country Club Shopping Center located at 19655 Yorba Linda Blvd., according to the O.C. Register.

Hernandez approached a woman as she left the grocery store – he opened her driver’s-side door then he demanded that she turn over her purse and her car keys. Then he pushed her into the car and started to choke her before attempting to turn on the car. Continue reading→

O.C. corrections officer charged with rubbing childrens’ shoes in urine

Posted on February 11, 2015 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, OC Probation, OCDA, Orange, Orange County Leave a comment

ORANGE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY PRESS RELEASE

Case # TBA

Date: February 11, 2015

FORMER DEPUTY JUVENILE CORRECTIONAL OFFICER CHARGED WITH CHILD ABUSE FOR RUBBING MINORS’ SHOES IN URINE WHILE ON DUTY

SANTA ANA – A former deputy juvenile correctional officer was charged today with child abuse for rubbing the shoes of three minors in urine while the minors were in her care. Tamie Marie Bieker, 38, Santa Ana, is charged with three misdemeanor counts of child abuse. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of three years in Orange County Jail. The defendant is expected to be arraigned March 17, 2014, at 8:30 a.m. in Department C-55, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana.

At the time of the crimes, Bieker was a deputy juvenile correctional officer at the Juvenile Hall in Orange. The defendant was terminated by the Orange County Probation Department (OCPD) on Dec. 20, 2014. Continue reading→