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Santa Ana's top news & views blog

Category Archives: Politics

Santa Ana northeast neighbors meeting regarding medical pot, on May 19

Posted on by Posted in Marijuana, Neighborhood Associations, Politics, Santa Ana 49 Comments

It looks like some residents of northeast Santa Ana are riled up about medical marijuana, which was legalized by California voters awhile ago.

Here is an email that was circulated today about a meeting regarding medical marijuana dispensaries in northeast Santa Ana:

Good afternoon everyone,

I would like to call your attention to a meeting on the proliferation of Medical Marijuana Dispensaries in the City of Santa Ana. I live in North / East Santa Ana and there are currently 16 active dispensaries on 17th St. between the 5 Freeway and the 55 Freeway. The problems that these dispensaries are causing is a City wide concern impacting the quality of life for both the residents as well as the business community.

This meeting will be quite educational and I encourage everyone to attend. It’s being sponsored by the City of Santa Ana and the Santa Ana Police Dept.

The speakers are as follows:

1. Commander Ken Gominsky – SAPD Field Operations

2. Detective Michael Gibbons – SAPD District Investigations

3. Alvaro Nunez – Community Preservation Coordinator – City of Santa Ana Code Enforcement

4. Mike McCoy – SAPD Community Services Specialist

There wil also be some discussion on Unsightly Vacant Commercial Buildings and Vehicle / Property Crimes.

Date – 05/19/11

Location – Church of the Nazarene – 1500 E. 17th St., Santa Ana ( Fellowship Hall )

Time – 4:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m – Information tables and Safety Displays

4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. – Informational Meeting

This is an issue that affects all of our neighborhoods City wide so I encourage you to attend and please spread the word.

Thank you,

Winston R. Covington
Co-Chairman
Meredith / Parkwood and Portola Park Neighborhood Associations
714 832 0020 Ext. # 118

The Santa Ana Coalition for Better Government reveals their Board members

Posted on by Posted in Alfredo Amezcua, Civic Affairs, Politics, Santa Ana 9 Comments

The Santa Ana Coalition for Better Government, a Political Action Committee, finally posted the members of their Board of  Directors tonight, on their website, after we prodded them to do so.  Here they are:

CURRENT BOARD OF DIRECTORS

  • President Arturo Lomeli – Downtown property owner: He is a dentist.  He also owns property in Downtown Santa Ana and leases out office space.  He is a Republican and he lives in wealthy Orange Park Acres.
  • John Acosta – Former Santa Ana mayor pro tem: Like Lomeli, Acosta is a Republican.  He served on the Santa Ana City Council many years ago.  He no longer lives in Santa Ana.
  • Jeff Dickman – Friends of Lacy neighborhood: Dickman was booted off the City of Santa Ana’s Historical Resources Commission.  He led a lawsuit against the City of Santa Ana which cost taxpayers thousands of dollars and stuck us with dilapidated buildings that the City cannot even give away.
  • Albert Castillo – Chicano Unidos member: He used to be a staunch supporter of Mayor Miguel Pulido, back in the day.
  • Debbie McEwen – French Park resident: I believe she is a Republican, but am not sure.  That is her picture atop this post, flipping me the one finger salute, at a Santa Ana City Council meeting.  She is notorious for complaining about her Latino neighbors to the Santa Ana Code Enforcement Agency.  She led the charge to install illegal traffic barriers in her neighborhood, but was defeated by the ACLU.  They correctly surmised that the barriers were racist and illegal.
  • Valerie Amezcua – Morrison Park resident: She is the daughter of failed Mayoral candidate Alfredo Amezcua.  She lost a close race for the SAUSD School Board, to Roman Reyna, a couple years ago.
  • Luis Ortiz Franco – Los Amigos of Orange County
  • Gabriela Gonzalez – Community Volunteer
  • Raquel Lomeli – Downtown property owner: She is married to Art Lomeli.
  • Francisco Barragan – Business and community leader: He is a former Marine.  He belongs to quite a few community organizations.  He is also a CPA.  He used to write for this blog.  He drank the Amezcua Kool Aid unfortunately.
  • Alfredo Amezcua – Attorney/Business Property Owner: He got caught when he got elected to the Rancho Santiago Community College District – but was living in a different ward.  He resigned and later ran for Mayor of Santa Ana, last year, losing badly to Mayor Miguel Pulido, despite spending a quarter million dollars on his campaign.  He is a criminal defense attorney who has defended some of the worst drug dealers and gang bangers in Orange County, over the years.  It should be noted that he has also supported every major tax increase (via bond measures) that we have been stuck with here in Santa Ana, over the past decade.

There you go.  This organization appears to be a mixture of Republicans, malcontents, questionable politicians and litigious residents.  I have yet to see any concrete good ideas from these folks, but predictably they are making Code Enforcement a focus, which comes as no surprise given the involvement of McEwen on their Board.  Any organization that includes the likes of McEwen is not to be trusted by the people of Santa Ana, IMHO.

Left of center drinks at Bistro 400 this Wednesday night, May 18

Posted on by Posted in Bars, Democratic Party, Entertainment, Politics, Restaurants, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Bistro 400 is hosting “Left of Center Drinks” this Wednesday night, May 18, from 6:00pm – 10:00pm, at 400 West 4th Street, in Downtown Santa Ana.

Click here to RSVP on Facebook.

In case you are wondering, you can still go to Drinking Liberally, in Santa Ana, every Thursday night, at 8:30 pm, at the Memphis, located at 201 N. Broadway.

Is the Santa Ana Coalition for Better Government a GOP ploy?

Posted on by Posted in 2012 Elections, Alfredo Amezcua, Miguel Pulido, Politics, Republican Party, Santa Ana 3 Comments

The Republicans still rule in Orange County – except for the City of Santa Ana, where only one Republican sits on our City Council.

The Democrats control the 69th Assembly District, the 34th State Senate District and the 47th Congressional District.  All the Republicans have is Supervisor Janet Nguyen.  She might be able to redistrict her way to victory in 2012 – or she might not.

Given that background it is very surprising that two Republicans have started the so-called “Santa Ana Coalition for Better Government,” which is really a state registered Political Action Committee.  Why should Democrats in Santa Ana give them the time of day?

I spoke to the publicist for this coalition a few month ago.  She said they had others on their Board, besides the two Republicans – Art Lomeli and John Acosta – but so far they have not posted any other names on their website.

To make matters worse, Lomeli and Acosta don’t even live in Santa Ana!  Does anyone on their board live in Santa Ana?  Who knows – they won’t post their names!

What exactly do these people advocate?  Again, who knows?  Their website does not cite any original ideas for change – just a laundry list of empty complaints.

You have to wonder if the OC GOP is using this sad bunch to try to regain territory in Santa Ana.  Sorry – that won’t work.

It certainly did not work last year when several of the most bitter Republicans in town lined up behind Amezcua.  He still got blown out of the water by Mayor Miguel Pulido.

Too bad these people are so set on complaining instead of trying to foster real change in Santa Ana.  In the end their effort will amount to nothing – no one at City Hall will give these people any credence.  And in 2012, their favored son, Alfredo Amezcua, is going to lose again to Pulido.  The reality is that Pulido won’t stop being Mayor until he decides to leave.

Amezcua blew a quarter million last year in his failed attempt to beat Pulido.  There is no telling how much more money will be wasted by his “Coalition of Republicans who don’t live in Santa Ana.”

John Hanna’s sixtieth birthday celebration, on Wednesday, May 25

Posted on by Posted in Bars, Democratic Party, Education, Entertainment, Politics, Restaurants, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Please join Rancho Santiago Community College District Trustee John Hanna for his 60th birthday celebration!

To RSVP please contact: Jackie at (949) 545-8889 or RSVP4John@gmail.com

Time: Wednesday, May 25 · 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Location: Memphis at the Santora
201 N. Broadway (Artist Village)
Santa Ana, CA

Suggested Contribution Levels:

$750 Individual/$1000 PAC Birthday Cake
$500 Presents
$250 Candles
$99 Balloons

Check Contributions:

Please make checks payable to: Friends of John Hanna for RSCCD Trustee 2014.  *FPPC ID#981012.

Mail to: Friends of John Hanna for RSCCD Trustee 2014, PO Box 4279, Santa Ana CA 92702

Credit Card Contributions can either be made at the event or over the phone to Jackie at 949-545-8889.

Information needed:

Name
Occupation
Employer (if self-employed, name of business)
Street Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Phone:
Email:
Contribution Amount: $
Type of card: -VISA, MC, AMEX, or DISC
Credit Card #:
Exp. Date:

Santa Ana Coalition for Better Government’s attack on Paul Walters misfires

Posted on by Posted in Alfredo Amezcua, Crime, Politics, Public Safety, Santa Ana 50 Comments

The so-called “Santa Ana Coalition for Better Government” ripped the Santa Ana City Council and Santa Ana Police Department Chief Paul Walters today, in a mass email that questioned how much Walters will get paid as interim Santa Ana City Manager (see the graphic above or click here).

The Santa Ana Coalition for Better Government is registered as a Political Action Committee.  It is run by two Republicans, John Acosta and Art Lomeli, who do not live in Santa Ana.

Walters’ team responded to the mass email thusly:

Double-dipping: Paul is not double-dipping. About 6 years ago, he actually did retire and the city asked him to come back temporarily on a contract basis to groom one of the deputy chiefs to take over his position. During the process, the deputy chief, Dan McCoy, was diagnosed with a brain tumor and subsequently died. The next in line was Bruce Carlson, who was eventually diagnosed with and succumbed to liver cancer. Since there was no one else the city felt comfortable with as chief, they asked Paul to un-retire, which he did.

Actually, it will cost the City of Santa Ana less money for Walters to serve as both Interim City Manager and Chief of the SAPD.  It would cost quite a bit more to pay two people to do those jobs.

The truth is that the Santa Ana Coalition for Better Government is just a mouthpiece for failed Santa Ana Mayoral candidate Al Amezcua.  He dislikes Walters because Amezcua makes a living defending drug dealers and gang bangers in court – while Walters and his department do their best to arrest these people.

I also found it interesting that the Santa Ana Coalition for Better Government’s latest email also focused on Code Enforcement – a tool often used in the past by Santa Ana’s dwindling white minority to make life tough for their Latino neighbors.

Solorio invites you to meet him at the Santa Ana Zoo, on May 15

Posted on by Posted in Entertainment, Jose Solorio, Parks and Recreation, Politics, Santa Ana Leave a comment

For Immediate Release: May 9, 2011

For More Information Contact: Carol Chamberlain – Office: (916) 319-2069, cell: (916) 804-5355

ASSEMBLYMAN SOLORIO INVITES YOU TO JOIN HIM AT SANTA ANA ZOO FOR “CAPITOL IN YOUR CORNER”

Meet your Assemblyman while enjoying complimentary coffee and pastries.
Santa Ana residents can also enjoy free entrance to the zoo.

ANAHEIM – State Assemblyman Jose Solorio invites you to a “Capitol in Your Corner” event at the Santa Ana Zoo on Sunday, May 15, 2011, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Assemblyman will be on-hand at the zoo’s main entrance to greet constituents, answer questions and give updates on his work in Sacramento. Complimentary coffee and pastries will also be provided.

“Our Capitol in Your Corner events are a great way for me to engage one-on-one with those I serve by hearing their suggestions and answering any questions they have,” Solorio says. “These events allow me to ‘bring’ the State Capitol to Orange County by being directly accessible to those I represent. This direct connection is invaluable to me in understanding what is most important in the district and in discussing my legislative priorities with constituents.”

The Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park is located at 1801 East Chestnut Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92701. With proper proof of residence, the zoo offers free admission to Santa Ana residents on the third Sunday of every month. May 15 is the third Sunday in the month. The zoo is located on 20 acres, hosts more than 270,000 people annually and includes a rain forest, a variety of animals and endangered species, an aviary, an electrical train and a children’s zoo.

To RSVP or for more information, contact Lorraine Lazarine-McCarty at (714) 939-8469 or Lorraine.Lazarine-McCarty@asm.ca.gov.

State Assemblyman Jose Solorio is the Chair of the Assembly Insurance Committee and also serves on the Assembly Appropriations and Transportation committees. He represents the Sixty-Ninth Assembly District, which includes the cities of Anaheim, Garden Grove, and Santa Ana. For more information about Assemblyman Solorio, visit www.assembly.ca.gov/solorio.

Orange County redistricting plans due May 18

Posted on by Posted in 2012 Elections, Elections, Orange County, Politics, Santa Ana Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 11, 2011

Contact: Howard Sutter, 714.834.6203 office, Howard.Sutter@ocgov.com

Orange County Redistricting Plans Due May 18

(Santa Ana, CA) — Just one week remains to submit plans for the redistricting of supervisorial districts in the County of Orange.

The final date to submit a complete Redistricting plan is Wednesday, May 18 at 5 p.m. Questions about submitting a plan should be directed to staff at the Center for Demographic Research (CDR) at California State University, Fullerton by calling (657) 278-4670. Information about submitting Redistricting plans is also available on the County’s website at http://egov.ocgov.com/ocgov/Government/Redistricting. Computer workstations with the software needed to create a Redistricting plan are available at 35 locations throughout Orange County. A map of these sites is included on the Redistricting webpage.

A series of Redistricting Committee meetings in May and June will provide opportunities to review and comment on the plans that are submitted. Locations and times for these meetings will be determined by the Redistricting Committee during their May 12 meeting, which is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. in the Board of Supervisors Hearing Room at the Hall of Administration in Santa Ana.

# # #

Janet Nguyen walks away from supporters of Harvey Milk Day

Posted on by Posted in Janet Nguyen, LGBT, Politics, Republican Party, Santa Ana 4 Comments

Supervisor Janet Nguyen, who represents the blue First Supervisorial District, walked out today when supporters of a County proclamation for Harvey Milk Day got up to talk to the Supervisors, according to the OC Weekly.

One of Nguyen’s supporters suggested that she left the room to go breastfeed her child.  How convenient – but not true.  Nguyen just didn’t want to take a position that would run counter to her Republican Party.

The OC Weekly also revealed that “Chairman Bill Campbell would not extend a 20-minute time limit given to any one topic. Since there were 13 speakers on Harvey Milk Day, Campbell instructed the clerk to give each one 1.5 minutes instead of the usual 3 minutes each, May reports.”

Campbell was one of the Republicans who supported Monsignor John Urell, who covered up for Catholic priests who molested children.  Campbell even tried to appoint Urell to a County Commission.

It should be noted that the Santa Ana City Council issued a proclamation in support of Harvey Milk Day a few years ago, under the leadership of Councilman Sal Tinajero.

There has been talk of recruiting Tinajero to run against Nguyen in 2012.

County of Orange Redistricting Committee meeting on May 12

Posted on by Posted in 2012 Elections, Elections, Entertainment, Orange County, Politics, Santa Ana Leave a comment

There will be a meeting of the County of Orange Redistricting Committee this Thursday, May 12th at 2:00 p.m., at the Hall of Administration, in the Public Board Hearing Room, which the public is welcome to attend. The agenda can be found at:

http://egov.ocgov.com/vgnfiles/ocgov/OCGOVPortal/docs/RA05122011.doc

More information about the County’s Redistricting efforts can be found at:

http://egov.ocgov.com/ocgov/Government/Redistricting

Here is the Meeting Agenda:

REGULAR MEETING OF THE REDISTRICTING COMMITTEE

ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA

Thursday, May 12, 2011, 2:00 P.M.

BOARD HEARING ROOM, FIRST FLOOR
333 W. Santa Ana Blvd., 10 Civic Center Plaza
Santa Ana, California

ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS: (Items 1 – 2)

At this time, members of the public may ask the Committee to be heard on the following items as those items are called.

1. Update on status of redistricting process

2. Approval of locations and times for May 26, June 9, 16 & 23, 2011 Redistricting Committee meetings

PUBLIC & COMMITTEE COMMENTS:

At this time members of the public may address the Redistricting Committee on any matter not on the agenda but within the jurisdiction of the Committee. The Committee or Chairman may limit the length of time each individual may have to address the Committee.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

COMMITTEE COMMENTS:

ADJOURNMENT

NEXT MEETING:

May 26, 2011 TBA (time and location to be approved as part of Item 2)

Wayne Quint retires as President of the AOCDS

Posted on by Posted in Labor, Orange County, Politics, Public Safety, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Wayne Quint has announced his retirement from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and he has resigned as President of the AOCDS (Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs), according to a press release which indicated that he is taking an undisclosed job in state government.

Quint won his long-running battle against the O.C. Board of Supervisors this year – as the courts refused to roll back the ridiculously generous pensions that previous Supervisors handed out to the Deputy Sheriffs.

Quint has held numerous leadership positions over the years, including:

  • President, California Coalition of Law Enforcement Associations
  • President, California Peace Officers’ Memorial Foundation
  • Treasurer, California Peace Officers’ Memorial Foundation
  • Secretary, Golden Badge Foundation

I am not sure what job it is Quint is taking.  A quick scan of Google News turned up nothing tonight, but I imagine he has been granted some sort of appointment by Governor Jerry Brown.

Quint will be replaced as President of the AOCDS by Thomas Dominguez, who has been serving as Treasurer of the AOCDS.

Here is the press release from the AOCDS announcing Quint’s retirement:

Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs

(714) 285-2800 – (714) 954-1156 FAX

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Member Advisory

At today’s meeting of the Board of Directors, AOCDS President Wayne Quint, Jr. announced he will be retiring from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department to begin a new career in state government. With this announcement, Wayne resigned as President of the Association and Board of Directors.

After a discussion by board members, Investigator Thomas Dominguez was unanimously selected to succeed Wayne as President.

The Board of Directors, also by unanimous vote, selected Deputy I Roger Hilton to complete the unexpired portion of Wayne’s term of office.

The Board of Directors would like to acknowledge and thank Wayne for his years of dedicated and passionate service to the AOCDS membership. We wish him well in his future endeavors.

There will never be another like him.

###

AOCDS
1314 West Fifth St, Suite A – Santa Ana, California 92703

Will the O.C. Board of Supervisors recognize Harvey Milk Day?

Posted on by Posted in Janet Nguyen, LGBT, Orange County, Politics, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Press Release, For Immediate Release: May 9, 2011

Contact: Linda May, Harvey Milk Celebration Committee, Phone 714-649-3453, Cell 714-381-7924

Orange County Board of Supervisors are being asked for a Harvey Milk Day Proclamation

Approximately a dozen residents from across Orange County will take their appeal for a Harvey Milk Day proclamation to the full Board of Supervisors meeting on May 10

Orange County, CA. May 9, 2011: Tuesday morning, May 10th, Orange County residents from coastal cities to mountain communities will be asking the Board of Supervisors to issue a proclamation honoring Harvey Milk’s birthday, May 22. No Supervisor has agreed to put this on the agenda; consequently, speakers will be forced to speak at the open comment time at the end of the regular meeting. Interested persons began contacting their Supervisors during the latter half of April with no luck finding a sponsor.

The Chair of the Board, Bill Campbell, was specifically approached with a sample proclamation and information on the historic importance of Harvey Milk.

“I don’t think he is prejudiced against gay people,” said Minerva Figueroa, one of the organizers. “I think he is just afraid of what other people will think.”

Speakers are determined to have Orange County join other communities around the country and across political spectrums that commemorate Milk’s birthday with a proclamation that, among other things, recognizes Milk’s bravery and honesty as he championed the rights of the elderly, small businesses, ethnic communities, and a growing gay community.

Milk was the first openly gay person elected to office in a major American city. Milk was assassinated November 1978 in the San Francisco City Hall office. His life has increasingly become an example of the importance of hope and visibility for lesbian, gay, transgender, and ally struggle for equality and human rights.

With or without a proclamation, the Harvey Milk Day celebration will go on, Friday evening, May 20th, at French Plaza in downtown Santa Ana. Twenty four organizations and businesses are sponsoring the event that includes a pre-show at 5 PM, main show at 7 PM, and dancing and a birthday cake at 8:30 PM.

Vincent Sarmiento to run for the 69th Assembly District

Posted on by Posted in 2012 Elections, Carlos Bustamante, Civic Affairs, Claudia Alvarez, David Benavides, Democratic Party, Elections, Jose Solorio, Michele Martinez, Miguel Pulido, Politics, Sal Tinajero, Santa Ana, Vince Sarmiento 2 Comments

State Assemblyman Jose Solorio (D-69) has reportedly convinced Santa Ana City Councilman Vincent Sarmiento to run for the 69th Assembly District in 2012, when Solorio will term out.

Sarmiento was appointed to the Santa Ana City Council when Solorio resigned to go to Sacramento.  Now, I am told, Sarmiento will return the favor, as the Santa Ana City Council will appoint Solorio to replace Sarmiento, in Ward 1.

I am told Solorio will have a tough time getting four votes from the current Santa Ana City Council  – he can rely on David Benavides, Carlos Bustamante and Mayor Miguel Pulido, but Mayor Pro Tem Claudia Alvarez is no fan of his, nor is Council Member Sal Tinajero.  Council Member Michele Martinez will be the all-important swing vote.

Julio Perez, the political director of the OC Labor Federation, was considering running for the 69th, according to various sources, but that is now unlikely.  Sarmiento should be able to raise a lot of money, with Solorio’s support.

The 69th is a predominantly Democratic district.  That may change via redistricting but until that happens, Sarmiento will be the presumptive victor, should he win in the Democratic Party’s primary, as the OC GOP has not been able to challenge for the seat since the days of former Assemblyman Jim Morrissey, who infamously hired a Democrat to run his campaigns.

Public meeting on redistricting to be held in Santa Ana on Friday, May 6

Posted on by Posted in 2012 Elections, california, Democratic Party, Elections, Entertainment, Orange County, Politics, Santa Ana Leave a comment

From the Democratic Party of Orange County

California Citizens Commission on Redistricting to hold public meeting in Santa Ana on May 6th — you need to attend.

Notice of Public Meeting on Redistricting

Please attend the public hearing on redrawing the boundaries of all state and congressional elected offices which will be held on May 6th in Santa Ana. The meeting is conducted by the voter approved California Citizens Commission on Redistricting. It will be held at 6 pm until 9 pm, at the Santa Ana City Council Chambers, 22 Civic Center Plaza.

These boundaries are only drawn every 10 years following the census. The lines will determine which political party will be elected.

To prepare for the hearing at which members of the community may give testimony, Click on this link.

About Democratic Party of Orange County

Representing over 517, 000 registered Democrats, the Democratic Party is the fastest growing political party in Orange County. We have a proud history of representing and protecting the interests of all Americans.

We believe in:

A healthy economy that creates jobs and promotes a shared success between employers and employees.

A strong, respected America that protects our security when it is threatened, but also emphasizes diplomacy and Democratic values; the foundations of a more peaceful and prosperous world.

Fundamental rights for all Americans, such as: quality healthcare, a world-class education and a clean environment.

Being progressive and adaptive to the challenges of a changing environment, economy and society.

When and Where We Meet:

The Democratic Party of Orange County meets twice a month:

Second Monday of each month: Executive Committee Meeting is held at the DPOC Office, 201 N. Main Street, Mezzanine Level, Santa Ana at 7 pm.
Fourth Monday of each month: Central Committee Meeting is held at the Carpenter’s Union Hall, 1916 N. Chapman Avenue, Orange at 7 pm.

How to Reach Us:

DPOC: gerrieschipske@ocdemocrats.org
Web: www.ocdemocrats.org
Phone: 714 835-5158
Fax: 714 835-3685

Solorio bill to help youthful offenders re-enter society advances

Posted on by Posted in california, Crime, Jose Solorio, Politics, Public Safety, Santa Ana, Youth Activities Leave a comment

For Immediate Release: May 4, 2011
For More Information Contact: Carol Chamberlain – Office: (916) 319-2069, Cell: (916) 804-5355

Solorio Bill to Help Youthful Offenders Re-enter Society and Reduce Recidivism Clears First Policy Committee

AB 1387 would establish the Youthful Offender Reentry Grant program under the authority of the California Emergency Management Agency

Sacramento – State Assemblyman Jose Solorio’s (D-Anaheim) effort to help youthful offenders re-enter society gained momentum yesterday as his bill, AB 1387, passed unanimously out of the Assembly’s Public Safety Committee. The bill would establish the Youthful Offender Reentry (Cal-YOR) grant program under the authority of the California Emergency Management Agency to provide youthful offenders with integrated education and job training services.

“We know that acquiring an education and learning job skills is the best defense against recidivism for troubled youth,” said Solorio. “But we often fail to sustain the funding for these worthwhile programs. AB 1387 will stabilize the Cal-YOR program by continuing it on an ongoing basis rather than having to reauthorize it year to year.”

Cal-YOR is based on a national award winning re-entry model developed by YouthBuild USA, a national coalition of job training programs specializing in at-risk youth. AB 1387 would ensure that the Cal-YOR program, as funding is available, continues its critical role in reducing crime and offering young men and women a second chance.

“There are 30 YouthBuild programs operating throughout California and their success rates are phenomenal,” Solorio added. “They are a testament to the types of evidence-based programs that Cal-YOR wants to fund.”

Currently, nearly 80 percent of youthful offenders commit new crimes within three years, costing the Division of Juvenile Justice $224,712 per ward, annually to house them. Cal-YOR is federally funded and provides competitive grants for programs that help youthful offenders between 16 and 23 years of age upon their release from custody.

State Assemblyman Jose Solorio is the Chair of the Assembly Insurance Committee and also serves on the Assembly Appropriations and Transportation committees. He represents the Sixty-Ninth Assembly District, which includes the cities of Anaheim, Garden Grove, and Santa Ana. For more information about Assemblyman Solorio, visit www.assembly.ca.gov/solorio.

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State Assemblyman Jose Solorio represents the cities of Anaheim, Garden Grove and Santa Ana. To learn more about State Assemblyman Solorio and his legislative work, visit his official website. This e-mail communication was authorized and paid for by Jose Solorio Assembly Officeholder Committee, ID 1337257, P.O. Box 26063, Santa Ana, CA, 92799.