New Santa Ana | Category Archives: Orange County

Newly appointed OCTA Chairman Winterbottom announces goals for 2013

Posted on January 31, 2013 by Art Pedroza Posted in OCTA, Orange County, Santa Ana, Transportation 1 Comment

Greg Winterbottom

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Jan. 30, 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Joel Zlotnik (714) 560-5713 , Laura Scheper (714) 560-5697

Newly Appointed OCTA Chairman Winterbottom Announces Goals for 2013
Initiatives focus on delivering programs that improve the quality of life for Orange County residents

ORANGE – Newly selected Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Chairman Greg Winterbottom unveiled his strategic initiatives for the year ahead, placing the focus on improving transit, rail and bicycle programs and advancing the delivery of Measure M2 projects. Continue reading→

While wrecking CalOptima, Nguyen got over $50K in med industry donations

Posted on January 29, 2013 by Art Pedroza Posted in Health and Medical, Janet Nguyen, Orange County, Politics, Santa Ana 2 Comments

Janet Nguyen and Carlos Bustamante

From the OC Politics Blog

“Supervisor Janet Nguyen raised about $50,000 in campaign contributions from the medical industry in the nine months after she began restructuring the board of CalOptima to give health providers a stronger voice, according to her campaign reports,” as reported by the Voice of OC.

This is not the first time that Supervisor Nguyen has reaped the benefits of her votes. When she cast the decisive vote against letter grade health ratings for our restaurants – a common practice in every other Southern California county around ours, she ended up collecting over $20K in donations from restaurant owners who had poor restaurant health records – many of them had received multiple major health violations. Continue reading→

O.C. Grand Jury rips Supervisor Janet Nguyen for wrecking CalOptima

Posted on January 25, 2013 by Art Pedroza Posted in 2014 Elections, Health and Medical, Janet Nguyen, Orange County, Politics, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Janet Nguyen

From the OC Politics Blog

In the wake of a blistering report by Orange County’s Grand Jury that raised troubling questions about hospital lobbyists writing controversial changes to the county’s $1.5 billion health plan for the poor and then fundraising for Supervisor Janet Nguyen, a majority of her colleagues Friday said they supported changing the board governance for CalOptima, according to the Voice of OC.

“While not naming names, the report criticizes county Supervisor Janet Nguyen for her role in remaking CalOptima after she joined its board two years ago. Lobbyists from the Hospital Association of Southern California were allowed to rewrite the county’s ordinance that governs CalOptima to give more control to health-care providers “and less to members and organizations representing members,” the report says, without naming the lobbying organization,” according to the O.C. Register.

This withering report could tank Nguyen’s plans to run for the 34th State Senate District in 2014. Here is the Orange County Grand Jury’s report summary:

Continue reading→

Santa Ana man sentenced for sexually assaulting little girls

Posted on January 25, 2013 by Art Pedroza Posted in Courts, Crime, Orange County, Public Safety, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Roberto Jacobo Reyes

Orange County District Attorney Press Release
For Immediate Release: January 25, 2013
Contacts: 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

MAN SENTENCED TO 30 YEARS TO LIFE IN PRISON FOR TOUCHING SLEEPING FEMALES IN FIVE HOME BURGLARIES, INCLUDING SEXUALLY ASSAULTING AN 11 AND 13 YEAR OLD GIRL

SANTA ANA – A man was sentenced today to 30 years to life in state prison for breaking into five Orange County homes and touching female victims who were sleeping inside, including sexually assaulting an 11 and 13 year old girl. Roberto Jacobo Reyes, 50, Santa Ana, was found guilty by a jury Nov. 15, 2012, of one felony count of forcible lewd act on a child under 14, two felony counts of lewd act upon child under 14, and three felony counts of first degree residential burglary with sentencing enhancement allegations for committing lewd acts in the commission of residential burglaries, committing lewd acts on multiple victims, and for having a non-accomplice present during a residential burglary, and a sentencing enhancement for a 2003 prior strike for residential burglary. Continue reading→

The Metrolink Ducks Express kicks off Jan. 25

Posted on January 22, 2013 by Art Pedroza Posted in Anaheim, OCTA, Orange County, Santa Ana, Sports, Transportation Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Jan 22, 2013
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Joel Zlotnik, (714) 560-5713, Laura Scheper, (714) 560-5697

Hockey fans can skate past traffic to 17 weekday home games with $7 round-trip tickets

ORANGE –The Orange County Transportation Authority, Metrolink and the Anaheim Ducks are bringing back the Anaheim Ducks Express with a special weeknight train service to and from Ducks games beginning Friday, Jan. 25. Continue reading→

Free flu shots still available in Santa Ana, at the OC Health Care Agency

Posted on January 17, 2013 by Art Pedroza Posted in Health and Medical, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Flu Activity on the Rise

It’s Not Too Late to Vaccinate

(Santa Ana) – With a recent increase in flu cases nationwide, the Orange County Health Care Agency reminds people that the best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated. It is not too late to vaccinate. Flu vaccine is recommended for everyone six months of age and older, and is especially important for infants, young children, pregnant women, adults over 50, and for those with chronic medical conditions.

Flu vaccine is widely available from medical providers throughout Orange County. Information about these locations and dates is available at http://findaflushot.com. Free flu shots are also available for eligible individuals through the Health Care Agency’s Family Health Clinic located at 1725 W. 17th Street, Santa Ana on the below days. For information about the County’s flu shot program call the HCA Health Referral Line at 800-564-8448 or visit www.ochealthinfo.com. Continue reading→

Santa Ana woman busted for stabbing a new mom and trying to kidnap her baby

Posted on January 16, 2013 by Art Pedroza Posted in Courts, Crime, Orange County, Santa Ana, Women Leave a comment

Orange County District Attorney Press Release
For Immediate Release: January 16, 2013
Contacts: 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

WOMAN SENTENCED TO 24 YEARS IN PRISON FOR STABBING NEW MOTHER IN ORDER TO KIDNAP HER BABY GIRL

SANTA ANA – A woman was sentenced today to 24 years in state prison for stabbing a new mother to kidnap her infant child. Gabriela Osorio, 30, Santa Ana, pleaded guilty to one felony count each of attempted murder, kidnapping a child under 14 years of age, first degree residential burglary, criminal threats, false imprisonment by violence, and three felony counts of aggravated assault with a knife causing great bodily injury with sentencing enhancements and allegations for having a non-accomplice present during a residential burglary, causing great bodily injury, and the personal use of a deadly weapon. Continue reading→

Governor Brown sending more funds to help the SAUSD’s neediest students

Posted on January 10, 2013 by Art Pedroza Posted in california, Cecilia Iglesias, Claudia Alvarez, Education, Jerry Brown, Jose Solorio, Orange County, Santa Ana, SAUSD 2 Comments

“Schools will be the big winner in the governor’s new spending plan, receiving $56.2 billion in state funds, an increase by $2.7 billion over the last year. That funding is set to jump to more than $66 billion by 2016,” according to the Los Angeles Times.

“School districts would receive a 35 percent increase in per-student funding for each of their English language learners and economically disadvantaged students, and districts where more than half of students fall into those categories would automatically receive an a second 35 percent bump in per-student funding, according to the governor’s plan,” according to the O.C. Register. Continue reading→

Santa Ana podiatrist to be arraigned for having over 1,000 child porn pics

Posted on January 9, 2013 by Art Pedroza Posted in Courts, Crime, Lawyers, Orange County, Photography, Public Safety, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Santa Ana Police Department Advisory: January 9, 2013

County DA Office: PODIATRIST TO BE ARRAIGNED FOR POSSESSING OVER 1,000 CHILD PORNOGRAPHY IMAGES ON OFFICE COMPUTER, Case # 12CF3546

SANTA ANA – A podiatrist is scheduled to be arraigned tomorrow for possessing over 1,000 images of child pornography on his office computer. Pete Thomas, 58, Long Beach, is charged with one felony count of possession and control of child pornography. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of three years in state prison and mandatory lifetime sex offender registration. Thomas is out of custody on $50,000 bail and is scheduled to be arraigned tomorrow, Jan. 10, 2013, at 8:30 a.m. in Department C-55, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana. Continue reading→

O.C. Fair events this month include farm classes, gun & guitar shows

Posted on January 6, 2013 by Art Pedroza Posted in Costa Mesa, Guns, music, Orange County, Orange County Fair, Santa Ana Leave a comment

MEDIA/PRESS CONTACT: Communications Dept, OC Fair & Event Center, (714) 708-1543

OC Fair & Event Center January 2013 Events

Costa Mesa, Calif. (January 2013) – The OC Fair & Event Center is home to a variety of events throughout the year. Here is the current January 2013 events calendar:

January 12 & 19: Centennial Farm Garden Classes
The Centennial Farm’s free monthly Garden Classes for green thumbs 16 and older will focus on the essential tips and techniques to growing the best and most bountiful gardens. Visit ocfair.com/centennialfarm for class topics and to register to attend.
Hours: Saturday 9:30 a.m.-Noon Continue reading→

The DPOC should choose Jeff Le Tourneau to be their next party chairman

Posted on December 30, 2012 by Art Pedroza Posted in Democratic Party, Elections, Frank Barbaro, Jeff LeTourneau, Orange, Orange County, Santa Ana 1 Comment

Assembly Speaker John Perez and Jeff LeTourneau

The race to see who will replace Frank Barbaro as the new Chair of the Democratic Party of Orange County (DPOC) is down to two candidates – longtime activist Jeff LeTourneau and paid consultant Henry Vandermeir.

The DPOC is at a crossroads – Orange County is less red than ever. The Democrats picked up another legislative seat this November when Sharon Quirk-Silva won in the 65th Assembly District, with capable help from Vandermeir’s wife Lois, who is also a paid consultant.

There is nothing wrong with being a paid political consultant. I do some of that work too. But should paid consultants be heading up political party organizations? I don’t think so. Continue reading→

OCTA providing free New Year’s Eve bus rides

Posted on December 26, 2012 by Art Pedroza Posted in Alcohol, Bars, Orange County, Public Safety, Restaurants, Santa Ana, Transportation Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 26, 2012
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Joel Zlotnik (714) 560-5713, Laura Scheper, (714) 560-5697

OCTA Rings In The New Year With Free Bus Rides

OCTA plays designated driver for 11th year

ORANGE – The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) is helping make end of the year celebrations safe and hassle-free by providing free bus rides between 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31 and 2:30 a.m. on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1. Continue reading→

ELECT the OCTA Board, stop the political appointments!

Posted on December 23, 2012 by Art Pedroza Posted in Orange County, Santa Ana, Transportation Leave a comment

Photo courtesy of the Orange Juice Blog

The nonsense described in this post, Supervisors Taking Issue With OCTA Board Majority, from Thursday’s union-funded Voice of OC suggests it’s time to expand on an idea we’ve offered in here before — the 17-member Orange County Transportation Authority Board ought to be ELECTED.

Adam Elmahrek’s piece well details the infighting, professional immaturity and malfeasance that’s developed on this too large Board of Directors that’s responsible for the OCTA and its $1.1 billion budget. This Board could easily be downsized to a more effective group at least half its current size, say seven or nine people. The non-voting Caltrans representative can be eliminated as worthless. Continue reading→

Holiday travel tips for John Wayne Airport’s passengers

Posted on December 18, 2012 by Art Pedroza Posted in Airplanes, Orange County, Santa Ana, Transportation Leave a comment

Travelers are encouraged to plan ahead during the busy holiday travel season.

John Wayne Airport
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 18, 2012
Contact: Jenny Wedge, Office: (949) 252-5182, jwedge@ocair.com

TRAVEL TIPS FOR JOHN WAYNE AIRPORT PASSENGERS
TRAVELING DURING DECEMBER HOLIDAY SEASON

SANTA ANA, Calif. – John Wayne Airport (JWA) anticipates a busier-than-normal travel period between December 21 and January 4, 2012. Last year, more than 440,000 passengers traveled through JWA during this period. To ensure a smooth visit to the Airport, passengers are encouraged to plan ahead and arrive at the Airport 1-½-to-2 hours prior to departure time for domestic flights, and 3 hours for international flights. Continue reading→

OCTA Stuff-A-Bus event will collect toys for needy kids on 12/21, in Anaheim

Posted on December 18, 2012 by Art Pedroza Posted in Anaheim, Charities, Entertainment, OCTA, Orange County, Transportation Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 17, 2012

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

Stuff-A-Bus Hits Honda Center Friday

20th Annual Stuff-A-Bus event hopes to break records and provide more toys than ever to children in need

ORANGE – The North Pole is coming to Orange County and Santa and Mrs. Claus are looking to residents to help fill buses with toys for local children. The annual Stuff-A-Bus event supports the Spark of Love toy drive and is sponsored by the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), ABC7, Honda Center and the Anaheim Ducks. Continue reading→