Santa Ana's top news & views blog

Santa Ana's top news & views blog

Santa Ana’s playgrounds, volleyball courts and tennis courts to close
March 31, 2020 - Civic Affairs, Disease, Emergencies, Parks and Recreation, Public Safety, Santa Ana, Sports, Youth Activities - No Comments

The City of Santa Ana is closing its playgrounds, volleyball courts and tennis courts beginning Wednesday, April 1, in order to prevent gatherings and protect the public from COVID-19. The City has already shuttered its enclosed parks, recreation and other facilities and canceled all programs and classes except the take-out senior meals program. Those include:…

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The County of Orange has launched an Economic & Business Recovery Call Center
March 31, 2020 - Business, Disease, Emergencies, Orange County, Santa Ana - No Comments

Effective March 30, Orange County Community Services has implemented a call center to meet the needs of businesses impacted by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The Economic & Business Recovery Call Center will offer information and resources to help Orange County businesses navigate the current economic climate. These resources will support businesses with challenges such…

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Santa Ana businesses can get help from a Small Business Incentive Grant
March 31, 2020 - Business, Civic Affairs, Emergencies, Santa Ana - No Comments

The City of Santa Ana is offering a grant of $2,500 to $5,000 for Santa Ana-based microenterprises through the Santa Ana Small Business Incentive Program. Applicants must qualify for the Small Business Incentive Grant. Details are available at www.santa-ana.org/SBIP. Eligibility Qualifications The program provides a reimbursement grant for eligible businesses on a first-come, first-served basis. Grant…

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Understanding Santa Ana’s moratoriums on evictions and foreclosures
March 31, 2020 - Business, Disease, Emergencies, Housing, Real Estate, Santa Ana - No Comments

The City of Santa Ana has created webpages in English, Spanish and Vietnamese to help residential and commercial tenants understand the City and State moratoriums on evictions and foreclosures during the COVID-19 pandemic. The webpages include frequently asked questions, a sample letter that renters can use to advise their landlord of their inability to pay…

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City of Santa Ana appoints Cynthia Kurtz as Interim City Manager

Posted on by Posted in Civic Affairs, Politics, Santa Ana 1 Comment

City of Santa Ana

Community: City of Santa Ana Appoints Cynthia Kurtz as Interim City Manager

The Santa Ana City Council extended an offer and approved an Interim City Manager agreement at its City Council meeting last Tuesday, May 2, 2017. Today, retired City Manager Cynthia Kurtz accepted the offer to serve as Santa Ana’s Interim City Manager. Ms. Kurtz has served in numerous management positions, including City Manager of the City of Pasadena for ten years, the Interim City Manager of the City of Covina, and the Ethics Advisor Consultant to the City of Vernon with Former California State Attorney General John Van de Kamp. She brings extensive public infrastructure experience as well as economic development experience to Santa Ana as she is a former Public Works Director and served as the President and CEO of the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership.

“It is an honor to be selected as Santa Ana’s Interim City Manager. During my interviews, I was impressed with the Mayor and Council’s dedication. I look forward to helping them implement their vision.” said Kurtz. Continue reading→

Celebrate urbanist Jane Jacobs tonight in DTSA then enjoy Taco Tuesday

Posted on by Posted in Development, Planning, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Celebrate Urbanist Jane Jacobs in DTSA with ‘Walk and Doc’

Tonight at 6:30 p.m.

Join Downtown neighbors for a walk around Downtown Santa Ana in honor of Jane Jacobs, author of “The Death and Life of Great American Cities” and pioneer of the idea that cities are for people.

Every year since 2007, neighbors in cities across America unite the first week of May to walk in honor of Jane Jacobs’ contributions to walkable, people-centric cities. Continue reading→

Woman convicted of facilitating communication between a convicted rapist and her daughter

Posted on by Posted in Crime, Garden Grove, OCDA Leave a comment

ORANGE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY NEWS RELEASE

Case # 17WM01500

Date: May 8, 2017

WOMAN CONVICTED OF VIOLATING PROTECTIVE ORDER BY FACILITATING COMMUNICATION BETWEEN CHILD RAPE VICTIM AND THE PERPETRATOR

WESTMINSTER, Calif. – A woman was convicted of violating a protective order by facilitating communication between a child rape victim and the perpetrator.

Defendant/Charges/Sentence

  • Jessica Lee Pearles, 37, Garden Grove
  • Pleaded guilty on May 5, 2017, to one misdemeanor count of violation of a protective order
  • Court offer:
    • 30 days in county jail
    • 30 days of community service
    • Three years of informal probation

Continue reading→

The SAPD is searching for two suspects who scammed elderly victims at local banks

Posted on by Posted in Banking, Costa Mesa, Crime, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Santa Ana Elderly Scammer and his car

Santa Ana Police Department

Advisory: Detectives From Santa Ana & Costa Mesa PDs Asking For Assistance In Identifying Suspects In An Elderly Scam

On 04/11/2017 at approximately 1:20 pm, an elderly 84 year-old victim was approached by two suspects on the street, convinced to go to the bank and withdraw money from his account, which was eventually taken by the waiting suspects. A similar crime was reported to the Costa Mesa PD on 04/28/2017 at 1030 a.m. These suspects are known to loiter around banks and bus stops near banks. Continue reading→

Santa Ana celebrates Building Safety Month

Posted on by Posted in Planning, Public Safety, Santa Ana Leave a comment

City of Santa Ana

Community: Santa Ana Celebrates “Building Safety Month”

SANTA ANA, CA (May 8, 2017) – To help raise awareness of building safety, the City of Santa Ana proudly celebrates “Building Safety Month” during May. Building Safety Month is a public safety awareness campaign to help individuals, families and businesses understand what it takes to create safe, resilient, affordable and energy-efficient homes and buildings. This year’s theme is: Code Officials: Partners in Community, Safety, and Economic Growth.

“Getting a building permit and a field inspection is the only way to ensure that the construction being done at your home or business is safe and complies with all building codes,” comments Mayor Miguel Pulido. Continue reading→

New business in Santa Ana wants to help men look their best

Posted on by Posted in Business, Santa Ana Leave a comment

There is a new business in Santa Ana called Joseph + James. They are an in home men’s outfitter. Much like a lot of the online subscription models they bring clothing to the homes of their customers to try out without having to go to a retail store, the difference is that they provide a free stylist and they have all of our inventory available to tailor the experience as well as make it easy to find the pieces the customer really likes with out the hassle of having to send things back.

In addition to this service they are also planning to open a brick and mortar location downtown Santa Ana. Continue reading→

New child care center now open in DTSA

Posted on by Posted in Education, Family, Santa Ana, Youth Activities Leave a comment

You can find all sorts of bars and restaurants in Downtown Santa Ana but what about child care centers? Well now you can find that too as the Guarded Hearts Child Care Center has opened in DTSA. They are located right next door to MAZ Cafe Con Leche in the Triada development, at 612 North Lacy St., in Santa Ana.

The Guarded Hears Child Care Center is currently enrolling 2-5 year olds. Space is limited so call them today at (714) 836-5925. Ask about their special offer for Santa Ana residents and government employees. Continue reading→

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

Posted on by Posted in Entertainment, Family, Military, Santa Ana, Veterans Leave a comment

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→