Santa Ana's top news & views blog

Santa Ana's top news & views blog

Category Archives: Santa Ana

Santa Ana man charged with bringing a gun to a school and having sex with a minor

Posted on by Posted in Crime, OCDA, Orange, Santa Ana 1 Comment

From Michael James Snitzler’s Facebook page

ORANGE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Date: May 3, 2017

Case #17CF1017

VARSITY FOOTBALL COACH FACING CHARGES FOR INITIATING 10-HOUR STANDOFF WITH POLICE AT EL MODENA HIGH SCHOOL

*Defendant is facing additional charges for engaging in a sexual relationship with a minor student

SANTA ANA, Calif. – Michael James Snitzler, a varsity football coach is facing charges for initiating a 10-hour standoff with police and engaging in a sexual relationship with a minor student at El Modena High School (EMHS).

Defendant/Charges: Continue reading→

An SAPD police officer was injured today while pursuing an auto theft suspect

Posted on by Posted in Crime, Santa Ana, Vince Sarmiento Leave a comment

Los Cristales Bar

An unidentified man led SAPD police officers on a short car chase today after he fled from a traffic stop, in a stolen pickup truck, at 5:50 p.m., at McFadden and Grand Ave., according to the O.C. Register.

During the police pursuit the suspect intentionally rammed the pickup truck into a police cruiser. He then fled from the truck on foot and ran from  the police for a few blocks. Continue reading→

SAUSD Speech and Debate National Qualifying Championship Tournament set for May 6

Posted on by Posted in Education, Santa Ana, SAUSD Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 2, 2017

Santa Ana Unified Speech and Debate National Qualifying Championship Tournament

Producing Our Leaders of Tomorrow through the Art of Speech and Debate

SANTA ANA, CA (May 1, 2017) – More than 300 intermediate students in the Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD) will compete and demonstrate their oratorical skills during the District’s Speech and Debate National Qualifying Championship tournament to be held this Saturday, May 6, 2017, from 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. at Santa Ana High School, located at 520 West Walnut Street in Santa Ana.

“This is another example of the unique opportunities exclusive to Santa Ana Unified students. Our intermediate students are getting a jumpstart to speech and debate which is normally offered only at the high school level. They are learning early the skills and art that will benefit them not only during competitions but throughout their lives.” said, Stefanie P. Phillips, Ed.D., Superintendent. Continue reading→

Santa Ana’s Euclid Market accused of $2M food-stamp fraud and raided by the Feds

Posted on by Posted in Crime, Federal Government, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Agents of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Inspector General and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation unit raided the Euclid Market, located at 630 Euclid St D, Santa Ana, on Wednesday morning, May 3, according to the O.C. Register.

The Federal agents had a search warrant related to an alleged $2 million food-stamp fraud. It was alleged that the owners of the Euclid Market, Jose Garcia Olivo and Johanna Garcia (a father and his daughter), wrongly pocketed $2M since January of 2014, by paying individuals cash in exchange for charging those individuals’ Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, instead of actually selling food. Continue reading→

Fairhaven Memorial Park’s 25th Annual Memorial Day Service set for May 29

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From Sea to Shining Sea: Fairhaven Memorial Park’s 25th Annual Memorial Day Service

Join us on Memorial Day to remember and thank the men and women who courageously fought for our freedom. At 10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 29, more than 3,500 individuals will gather at the “From Sea to Shining Sea” Memorial Day service to pay tribute to fallen service members. The 25th annual event will include inspirational speeches from veterans, a performance of the National Anthem by Santa Margarita High freshman Isabelle Freeman, an honor guard, an aerial flyover of World War II-era planes by Memorial Flights, music by OC Sound and the Orange County Concert Band and a white dove release. Continue reading→

1,250 students graduated from a free seminary school in Santa Ana on April 30

Posted on by Posted in Churches and Religion, Education, Santa Ana Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LARGEST GRADUATION CLASS OF THE “OPEN WORD,” A BLOSSOMING REVIVAL IN CHRISTIANITY

SANTA ANA—Joyful cheers, applause and confetti erupted in the auditorium as 1,250 students graduated from Zion Mission Seminary on April 30, 2017. This is the largest graduating class in the United States from the program since its inception in 1984.

Zion Mission Seminary is known in the United States for its 6-month “Open Word” curriculum that teaches biblical prophecies and how they will fulfill. While theology schools and seminaries traditionally charge a great sum for tuition, Zion Mission Seminary is offered free of charge to the public. Continue reading→

New study shows that drunk driving is still the biggest killer on our roads

Posted on by Posted in Accidents, Alcohol, Drugs, Public Safety, Santa Ana Leave a comment

NEWS RELEASE, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 1, 2017

Contact: Becky Iannotta, MADD 202.600.2032; becky.iannotta@madd.org

Drunk Driving is Still the Biggest Killer on Our Roads

Drug Impaired Driving a growing problem, but still much to learn

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 1, 2017) — In response to recent reports regarding an increase in drug impaired driving, Mothers Against Drunk Driving wants to remind the public that drunk driving is still the biggest cause of traffic deaths and injuries in the nation.

The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) released an update last week to its 2015 drug impaired driving report. As a result, some media coverage has suggested that drugged driving has overtaken drunk driving in terms of traffic fatalities. Continue reading→

Join Caltrans in celebrating Bike to Work Day in Santa Ana on May 16

Posted on by Posted in Bicycles, Santa Ana, Transportation Leave a comment

 

City of Santa Ana

Community: May is Bike Month: Ride with Caltrans for Bike to Work Day on Tuesday, May 16 at 7:30 am

May is National Bike Month and Caltrans is celebrating with Bike to Work Day on Tuesday, May 16, 2017. Bike to Work Day, one of the many events observed during Bike Month, is a celebration of cycling and an opportunity to showcase the many benefits of bicycling while encouraging active transportation.

For Bike to Work Day, Caltrans is inviting thousands of regular and first-time bike commuters to get more active, to experience an alternative mode of commuting, and to help protect the environment. Caltrans’ Bike to Work Day event will begin promptly at 7:30 a.m. at the Caltrans District 12 Office, located at 1750 E 4th Street, Suite 100, Santa Ana, CA 92705. At 8:00am, bike commuters will ride to the Tustin Station and board the Metrolink at 9:00 a.m. Bike commuters will ride and disembark at the Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center at 9:05 a.m., followed by a ride into Downtown Santa Ana to discuss active transportation improvements in the community. Bike commuters are expected to return to the Caltrans District 12 Office by 10:00 a.m. Snacks and refreshments will be served. Continue reading→

Public hearings regarding SCE’s request to raise our rates to be held at the Delhi Center on May 18

Posted on by Posted in california, Civic Affairs, Energy, Santa Ana Leave a comment

City of Santa Ana

Community: California Public Utilities Commission to Hold Public Participation Hearings at Delhi Center on Thursday, May 18, 2017

SANTA ANA – The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is holding two Public Participation Hearings (PPHs) at Delhi Center on Thursday, May 18, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., to receive comments from the public about Southern California Edison Company’s (SCE’s) request to increase rates and revenue by $222 million by January 2018, an additional increase of $533 million in 2019, and $570 million in 2020.

If you have any questions, please contact the CPUC Public Advisor Office (PAO) as follows: Continue reading→

Pres.Trump and Congress are committing $50M to help build the OC Streetcar

Posted on by Posted in Federal Government, OCTA, Santa Ana, Transportation Leave a comment

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Joel Zlotnik (714) 560-5713, Eric Carpenter (714) 560-5697

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 1, 2017

OC Streetcar Continues Rolling with Federal Funding

$50 million included in Congressional funding package for O.C.’s first modern streetcar

ORANGE – Plans to build Orange County’s first modern streetcar took another step forward Monday with the announcement that the project will receive $50 million from the federal government, according to a deal struck by Congressional leaders.

The inclusion of the OC Streetcar in the Congressional funding package, expected to be signed by the President, is another strong indicator of federal support for the streetcar project, which will run through the heart of Orange County in Santa Ana and Garden Grove. Continue reading→

Santa Ana May Day march set for this afternoon at Sasscer Park

Posted on by Posted in immigration, Labor, Latinos, Santa Ana Leave a comment

If you work in Downtown L.A. good luck getting to work today as there is a massive May Day protest march already underway.

Here in Santa Ana a smaller May Day event is set for 2 p.m. this afternoon, at Sasscer Park, which is located at 500 Santa Ana Blvd., in Downtown Santa Ana. The event is about making a stand for immigrant rights, workers rights, and human rights for all. Continue reading→

Enter to win two bikes and Fitbits during the OCTA’s Bike Month

Posted on by Posted in Bicycles, Health and Medical, OCTA, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Celebrate Bike Month With OCTA

Improve your health, help the environment and cut the costs of driving by hopping on a bicycle to celebrate Bike Month with the Orange County Transportation Authority.

National Bike Month encourages cyclists of all ages to go outside to ride their bikes to school, work or around town. Pledge to ride your bike anytime during May on OCTA.net/BikeMonth to be entered to win one of two bikes and Fitbits. Cyclists can also record their rides on OCTA’s Strava club for a chance to win. Continue reading→

Orange County drug and alcohol overdose deaths are on the rise

Posted on by Posted in Alcohol, Drugs, Health and Medical, Santa Ana 1 Comment

Orange County Drug and Alcohol Overdose Deaths on the Rise

The Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA) released the “Drug and Alcohol Morbidity and Mortality in Orange County” report that provides a summary of the leading causes of substance-related overdoses in Orange County. Compiled in collaboration with the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner division, the report found that the overall rate of drug/alcohol overdose deaths in the county increased by 82% since 2000.

Key findings include: Continue reading→

2017 Santa Ana Cinco de Mayo Festival set for May 6 and 7 in DTSA

Posted on by Posted in Alcohol, Arts and Culture, Civic Affairs, Family, mexico, music, Santa Ana 2 Comments

City of Santa Ana, Downtown Orange County

Community: The 2017 Cinco de Mayo Festival / Festival Cinco de Mayo 2017

SANTA ANA – The City of Santa Ana’s 18th annual Cinco de Mayo Festival is taking place on Saturday, May 6 and Sunday, May 7, 2017. The festivities will begin at 12:00 p.m. each day on Fourth Street in historic Downtown Santa Ana. This annual tradition celebrates Santa Ana’s vibrant Mexican culture with live entertainment, including top level performers each night, delicious food, affordable shopping, interactive art activities, and exciting carnival rides for children of all ages. The festival will also include cultural art components throughout the event, as well as a Beer Garden which will be open for adults only to enjoy cold, refreshing beverages.

On Saturday, May 6, the festival’s main stage will feature the talented performances of various Ballet Folklórico and local school dance groups. The event’s international flavor will be brought to the stage through the impressive performances of professional Fandando, Salsa, Cha Cha and Flamenco dan cers. A second stage on the west end Fourth Street will also feature crossover performances by popular and upcoming local bands. These talented artists’ sensational performances will offer something for everyone to enjoy! Continue reading→

Santa Ana man convicted of molesting little girls he met at a local church

Posted on by Posted in Churches and Religion, Crime, OCDA, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Jose Luis Aguilera

Jose Luis Aguilera, a 42, a Santa Ana man, was convicted today of several felony counts for molesting young girls that he met through his Jehovah’s Witness congregation, according to the O.C. Register.

Aguilera was convicted on four counts of lewd acts on a child younger than 14, but charges of kidnapping for child molesting and four counts of lewd acts on a child younger than 14 did not stick because the jury deadlocked. He was also acquitted of another count of lewd acts on a child younger than 14, according to court records. Continue reading→