New Santa Ana

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

Posted on May 1, 2017 by Art Pedroza 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 May 1, 2017 by Art Pedroza 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 May 1, 2017 by Art Pedroza 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 April 30, 2017 by Art Pedroza 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 April 30, 2017 by Art Pedroza 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 April 29, 2017 by Art Pedroza 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 April 29, 2017 by Art Pedroza 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→

Orange County curfew sweep resulted in the arrest of 15 minors last night

Posted on April 28, 2017 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, OCDA, Santa Ana 3 Comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 28, 2017

LAW ENFORCEMENT NETS 15 MINORS IN 7TH OC GRIP CURFEW SWEEP

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. – Orange County Gang Reduction and Intervention Partnership (OC GRIP) partnered with 13 law enforcement agencies to conduct a curfew sweep in the county. Last night, 130 officers patrolled the cities and unincorporated areas of Orange County and detained 15 minors who were out past curfew and in violation of city laws. This annual event is hosted by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office (OCDA), organized by OC GRIP, and works to heighten parental awareness and prevent local youth from joining or participating in gang activity.

The 15 minors were taken by police car to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) until their parents arrived and picked them up. Before releasing the youths, OCDA and OC GRIP representatives and officers met with the detained minors’ parents and discuss the dangers and legal consequences involved for those who violate curfew. Legal ramifications could include misdemeanor criminal prosecution with penalties ranging from fines up to six months in jail for the parent, or juvenile hall for the child, plus the associated financial costs. Parents and children also met with probation officers who provided helpful resources for substance abuse treatment, parenting classes, and family therapy. Continue reading→

Local Millennial prog rock band will debut their new album in Santa Ana on May 6

Posted on April 27, 2017 by Art Pedroza Posted in music, Santa Ana Leave a comment

A band in Southern Orange County called The Taco Truck is holding a release party at Recess Studios in Santa Ana on May 6, 2017, at 2700 South Main St., in Santa Ana. Doors open at 6:30, and the show starts at 7:00 p.m.

Taco Truck just released their most recent album, “Lexell’s Guide” on April 14, to various online digital outlets, such as Apple Music, Spotify, Google Play, and more. Continue reading→

Deputy Chief Jim Schnabl, an H.R. guy, is the new Acting Police Chief of the SAPD

Posted on April 27, 2017 by Art Pedroza Posted in Carlos Rojas, Crime, David Benavides, Doug McGeachy, Jim Schnabl, Michele Martinez, Robert Cortez, Sal Tinajero, Santa Ana, Vince Sarmiento 2 Comments

Jim Schnabl

Deputy Chief Jim Schnabl has been selected as the new Acting Police Chief of the SAPD, according to a message sent to SAPD employees by outgoing Chief Carlos Rojas, who resigned when he was hired to serve as the new Chief of the BART Police in San Francisco.

Schnabl has been running the SAPD’s Administrative Bureau, which oversees Human Resources, Training, Information Services, and the Central Distribution Center (CDC). The Bureau is also responsible for the Communications Center which is often a point of first contact with the community in providing emergency and non-emergency services. Continue reading→

Mayor Pro Tem Martinez reacts to the effort to recall her pro-gang City Council colleagues

Posted on April 27, 2017 by Art Pedroza Posted in 2018 elections, Civic Affairs, Michele Martinez, Politics, Santa Ana 8 Comments

Santa Ana Mayor Pro Tem Michele Martinez reacted to the announcement that efforts are underway to recall her pro-gang colleagues on the Santa Ana City Council, in a rambling post on Facebook today:

I am being told that various members of the Santa Ana City Council are being threatened by a recall because of recent actions taken. I have also been informed that if I don’t get on board with the program, I to will be recalled. If they wish to recall me for protecting the city from bankruptcy and protecting the residents interest, so be it. The city is not in the position of hiring any new employees or giving raises. We have no surplus…. It is facing a 15- 20 million dollar structural deficit that I have been speaking of for years. With the increase of pension and health care cost this year and the next few years , it will only create a bigger burden on the general fund. We have to manage expectations but unfortunately, some of my colleagues want to give raises after they have been told that we are not in a position to do so. This is reckless and irresponsible and I will not be silent or threaten because I am trying to do the right thing. Continue reading→

McFadden Intermediate to celebrate the opening of their new Math/STEM building on 4/28

Posted on April 27, 2017 by Art Pedroza Posted in Education, Santa Ana, SAUSD Leave a comment

McFadden Intermediate School Community to Celebrate Opening of Math/STEM Building with Public Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

The building has 10 classrooms and a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) lab

(April 27, 2017) – The McFadden Intermediate School community will celebrate the opening of its new building and outdoor learning environment at a public Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 4 p.m. on Friday, April 28, 2017 at the school, 2701 S. Raitt St. in Santa Ana. Continue reading→

Uber driver charged with raping a Santa Ana woman who was intoxicated

Posted on April 27, 2017 by Art Pedroza Posted in Costa Mesa, Crime, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Angel Sanchez

ORANGE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Case # 17CF1023

Date: April 26, 2017

UBER DRIVER CHARGED FOR RAPE OF FEMALE PASSENGER

SANTA ANA, Calif. – An Uber driver was charged yesterday with raping a female passenger in Santa Ana.

Defendant/Charges/Maximum Sentence/Court Date

Angel Sanchez, 37, Costa Mesa
One felony count of rape of intoxicated victim
Eight years in state prison
Arraignment: May 1, 2017, 8:30 a.m. at Department C-55, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana

Circumstances of the Case Continue reading→

Bus driver accused of sexually abusing special needs individuals in Tustin

Posted on April 27, 2017 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Tustin Leave a comment

SEXUAL ABUSE SUSPECT ARRESTED

SUSPECT: Jon Francis Farris M/W Age 57

On Wednesday April 26 2017, members of the Tustin Police Department arrested Jon Farris as a result of an investigation regarding the sexual abuse of individuals with special needs. Farris, a contract bus driver responsible for the transportation of special needs individuals, was arrested after allegations were brought to the attention of the Tustin Police Department. These allegations involved the sexual abuse of special needs individuals while Farris was working as a bus driver. It should be noted that Farris was not affiliated with the Tustin Unified School District in any way. Continue reading→

Santa Ana’s pro-gang City Council Members are now facing recalls

Posted on April 26, 2017 by Art Pedroza Posted in 2018 elections, David Benavides, Miguel Pulido, Nativo Lopez, Politics, Sal Tinajero, Santa Ana, Vince Sarmiento 14 Comments

Council Members Tinajero, Martinez and Benavides

Apparently efforts are now underway to recall Santa Ana City Council Members Sal Tinajero, David Benavides and Vince Sarmiento. All three of them have opposed hiring more cops and supported our lame former SAPD Police Chief, Carlos Rojas, who did us all a favor by quitting and moving to the Bay area. This means they have been pro-gang City Council Members – which is now what the people of Santa Ana elected them to do.

Tinajero should have been recalled some years ago. If you recall he was a friend and colleague of Nativo Lopez, when they were both on the SAUSD School Board. Lopez got recalled but Tinajero was allowed to stay on the School Board. Now he will finally have to face the music. Continue reading→

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