New Santa Ana

Santa Ana’s City Hall closed today and on Friday

Posted on November 28, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Civic Affairs, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Santa Ana City Hall will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 28, and Friday, Nov. 29, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday

There will be no street sweeping on Thursday and Friday. Trash collection will be delayed one day on Thanksgiving.

Police, fire and emergency services will operate normally.

The City of Santa Ana Corporate Yard will remain open over the holiday for Santa Ana residents and businesses that want to pick up free sandbags.

Its location and hours are:

215 S. Center St., Santa Ana.
Monday – Friday: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

The SAPD has received more State funding for DUI checkpoints

Posted on November 27, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Alcohol, Crime, Drugs, Santa Ana, SAPD Leave a comment

The Santa Ana Police Department has been awarded a $585,500 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) for a yearlong enforcement and public awareness program. The traffic safety program is intended to educate the public on safe roadway habits and deter people from violating traffic laws or practicing other unsafe behaviors that lead to injuries and fatalities.

“Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any controlled substance is a serious problem that every year results in the death and injury of motorists and pedestrians. This grant funding will permit us to focus our attention on the problem in a more efficient and effective manner. For example our “Behind The Line” community program, gives community members insight into what occurs at proactive DUI enforcement operations. Vehicular and pedestrian safety is one of our community’s high priorities” commented Chief of Police David Valentin.

The grant from OTS will fund various education and enforcement activities for the 2020 federal fiscal year (Oct. 1, 2019 to Sept. 30, 2020):

• DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols to take suspected alcohol/drug-impaired drivers – and those unlicensed or with a revoked/suspended license – off the road.
• Traffic safety education presentations for youth and community members on distracted, impaired and teen driving, and bicycle/pedestrian safety.
• Patrols at intersections with increased incidents of pedestrian and bike collisions.
• Checking for seat belt and child safety seat compliance.
• Motorcycle safety operations in areas with high rider volume and where higher rate of motorcycle crashes occur.
• Speeding, red light and stop sign enforcement.
• Compilation of DUI “Hot Sheets” identifying repeat DUI offenders
• Specialized DUI and drugged driving training to identify and apprehend suspected impaired drivers.

The SAPD is trying to I.D. several armed commercial robbery suspects

Posted on November 27, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Santa Ana, SAPD Leave a comment

On 11/20/19, at 12:08 pm, the Ford Explorer pictured below occupied by all suspects, parked directly behind the victim’s business. Suspect #2 and #3 entered the location and attempted to sell jewelry to the employee victim. Suspect #1 then approached and demanded “rent” money, while brandishing a black revolver.

The victim was ordered to the ground and was physically assaulted. The suspects forced the victim to stay on the ground while Suspect #4 and #5 entered via the back door to assist in robbing victim of his property. Suspects fled out the back door to Suspect #6 awaiting in the Explorer.

All suspects fled in the vehicle southbound on Spurgeon. The loss was cash, merchandise, and victim’s wallet.

After viewing surveillance video, Suspect #1 was identified by detectives as Orlando Arballo and later located in the area of 1400 block of East 1st St. The Explorer was also recovered in the parking lot at the same location. The room associated to Suspect #1 was searched where two revolvers matching the ones used during the robbery were located.

Location: 200 Block of East 17th St.

Suspect #1: In Custody: Orlando Arballo (28) Documented Gang Member (Transient)

Suspect #5: Male, 5’-6” to 5’-9”, 150-170 lbs., armed with a firearm

Suspect #6: Driver: Male, White or light skinned Hispanic, 26-36 years of age, 200-220 lbs.

Vehicle: 03 Black Ford Explorer (Located and impounded for evidence)

The remaining suspects have not yet been identified or located. Anyone with information on this case contact Detective Greaver at (714) 245-8362 or DGreaver@santa-ana.org or Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.

Hours at the Santa Ana Armory extended due to the weather

Posted on November 27, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in homeless, Housing, Santa Ana, Weather Leave a comment

(Santa Ana, CA) – The Orange County Armory Emergency Shelter Program in Santa Ana and Fullerton is operating on a 24-hour basis with coordination and support from the California Military Department, today through Friday morning to provide shelter and protection to residents experiencing homelessness during the current and predicted rain.

Due to the anticipated severe weather event in Orange County and the region, the County of Orange, in conjunction with Mercy House Living Centers, is providing shelter services all day at the Santa Ana and Fullerton armories. The armories are scheduled to resume regular operations the evening of Friday with operating hours from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.

The Santa Ana and Fullerton armories provide a total of up to 400 beds per night. Individuals experiencing homelessness will receive a nutritious meal, a warm shower and a safe place to sleep.

In addition to the seasonal armories, the County operates the Courtyard Transitional Center in Santa Ana and Bridges at Kraemer Place in Anaheim. For additional information about County shelters, visit www.occommunityservices.org/hcd/homeless/shelter_programs.

Setting the record straight about the Yale Transitional Center for the homeless

Posted on November 27, 2019 by Editor Posted in Andrew Do, Angie Rosario Cano, homeless, Housing, Orange County, Santa Ana 1 Comment

There has been a lot of misinformation lately about how the County of Orange is handling the homeless crisis in Santa Ana. There is accurate information available online, but the media and the NIMBYs have been ignoring the facts.

For example did you know that the homeless shelter at the abandoned DTSA bus terminal, known as the Courtyard, was suggested by the City of Santa Ana? So the County bought the land. Now the City of Santa Ana wants to close the Courtyard.

The City then chose a Central Street location. Then the City withdrew from that location. The Santa Ana City Council then suggested the Yale location., as you can read about here.

The City and the County agreed to an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) re the Yale Transitional Center, which you can read here.

Supervisor Andrew Do wanted to ensure the city would not pull out so he asked the city for a financial commitment. They all then went to court and Mayor Miguel Pulido said he would work with the County.

Eventually Supervisor Do became concerned because the City of Santa Ana was not living up to their end of the MOU, specifically they did not do any community outreach, as you can read about here.

In October of this year the City of Santa Ana sent a letter to the County ridiculously indicating that it was the County that breached the MOU. The County responded with their own letter clearly outlining what the City had done.

Currently the City of Santa Ana is not in the settlement agreement. To join it they have to open up an additional 250 beds. That would allow the enforcement of the anti-camping law.

The Yale Transitional Center will provide shelter for up to 425 individuals experiencing homelessness in the Central Service Planning Area, consisting of 275 single men, 100 single women and 25 couples (50 people).

This new shelter will NOT however be anything like the miserable Courtyard. You can read the Yale Transitional Center plan for yourself here.

Here are a few facts about the Yale Transitional Center that you most likely are not aware of:

Clients may stay at the Transitional Center for 180 consecutive days. Extensions on length of stay will be permitted on a case-by-case basis.
The Transitional Center will serve homeless men and women who are living in the Central Service Planning Area only.
The Transitional Center will not allow walk-ups to enter the facility.
Individuals seeking shelter will require a referral to the Transitional Center by designated partners and complete intake and screening for the program prior to their arrival at the Transitional Center. This will ensure a bed is available and determine if the individual is appropriate for the program.
Individuals with active felony warrants will not be allowed at the Transitional Center.
The Yale Transitional Center will provide 24-hour security to enforce strict No Walk-Up, No Walk-Out, and No Loitering policies. The program will support transportation of clients in and out of the Transitional Center.
Referral partners include the OC Health Care Agency Outreach and Engagement, law enforcement, and other designated street outreach and community-based programs. Referral partners are required to follow the intake referral process that includes a bed reservation system.
Clients will receive a Transitional Center ID card which will include a picture and be required for readmission for the duration of their stay.
Meals will only be provided to clients of the Transitional Center.
The OC Health Care Agency, Social Services Agency, and OC Community Resources will integrate supportive services and resource teams to support the Transitional Center delivery of services.

Will there be rules enforced at the Yale Transitional Center? You bet:

Warnings may be issued for the following rule violations, but not limited to:
- Loitering in the surrounding community
- Missed curfew
- Smoking in non-designated areas
- Being in a non-designated area in the facility
- Disrespectful language and/or behavior
- Harassment of staff or other clients
Immediate exit from the program may occur for violations that create an unsafe environment for clients and/or staff including, but not limited to:
- Drugs or weapons in the facility
- Being under the influence of drugs, and/or alcohol
- Physical fighting, physical assault,

Now you may have heard a lot of chatter about the impact on schools and such by the Yale Transitional Center. However if you look at the proposed map of the site you will see that the current Courtyard shelter poses the far greater threat to the community!

There are no less than even schools located within the affected radius of the Courtyard! Only two schools are in the radius of the Yale Transitional Center.
There are three daycare centers near the Courtyard – and none near the Yale Transitional Center.
There are 9 churches located near the Courtyard and only three by the Yale Transitional Center.
There are two libraries near the Courtyard while the only cultural center near the Yale Transitional Center is the O.C. Heritage Museum.

To recap the City of Santa Ana cannot enter into the Settlement Agreement with Judge Carter unless we provide more beds for the homeless. The Courtyard Shelter is going to close down, at the insistence of the City of Santa Ana. The Link Shelter was always a temporary solution too. If we want to get the homeless off our train tracks, out of our creeks and off of our streets then we need to support the Yale Transitional Center.

Lastly while it is true that the southern cities in Orange County are not doing enough to deal with the homeless I remind you again that the homeless in question were living in the Plaza of the Flags for years. And the Yale Transitional Center will only be made available to those homeless who are already here.

There is no perfect solution when it comes to dealing with our homeless. But deal with them we must. The NIMBYs will never be pleased by any option. I for one would like to get these people off the streets!

Remember too that it is now getting colder. I still go out and walk every night, but in a parka. I see homeless people freezing all over the place. I thank God I am not in their number. If we can accommodate a few of them why wouldn’t we want to do so?

Lastly there has been a huge ruckus in the wake of Angie Cano’s dismissal from the OC Airport Commission after she spoke out against the Yale Transitional Center at a meeting of the OC Board of Supervisors. I just don’t understand this. Supervisor Do has the right to dismiss any of his Commissioners at any time for any reason! That is not an abridgment of free speech. While Do had other reasons for dismissing Cano it is immaterial. He had the unequivocal right to dismiss her, for any reason. This was not a scandal at all.

The SAPD is looking for a grand theft suspect who allegedly ripped off her employer

Posted on November 27, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Santa Ana Leave a comment

On 6/16/2017, wanted suspect Brittany Jeanene Carter (31) resigned from her employer located in the city of Santa Ana. After her resignation, Carter did not return company computer devices and stole company gift cards.

Carter also used the company credit card to purchase airline tickets after her resignation without authorization. On 3/13/2018, an arrest warrant was issued for Carter.

Description: 5’00”, 130 lbs., Black Hair and Brown Eyes.

Anyone with information Carter’s whereabouts is asked to contact Investigator Willingham at (714) 245-8431 or kwillingham@santa-ana.org.

Four charged in lottery ticket scam that targeted abuelitas in So. Cal.

Posted on November 27, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, FBI, Fraud, Los Angeles County Leave a comment

LOS ANGELES – One man and two women are scheduled to be arraigned this morning on federal charges of defrauding elderly women by convincing the victims they needed financial assistance to cash purported winning lottery tickets.

A federal grand jury indictment returned on November 12 charges a total of four defendants with conspiracy to commit wire fraud for their roles in a multi-year scheme that targeted elderly female victims, robbing them of cash and other valuables in a scheme known as the “Latin Lotto Scam.”

The three defendants scheduled for arraignment today in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles are:

Luisa Camargo, 38;
Mercedes Montanez, 68; and
Tito Lozada, 49.

These defendants – all Colombian nationals who reside in the Los Angeles area – were arrested in Long Beach and are being held in federal custody without bond after initially being arrested on state charges filed by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. After the United States Attorney’s Office filed a criminal complaint in late October, the three defendants in Los Angeles were transferred to federal custody on November 5.

The fourth defendant in this case – Maria Luisa Henao, 43, who recently became a U.S. citizen – was arrested in San Diego and arrived in Los Angeles on November 18, when she was arraigned on the indictment. Henao pleaded not guilty, was ordered held without bond, and was ordered to stand trial on January 14.

The four defendants are linked to at least 11 incidents in which an older woman was approached by a combination of the defendants who falsely claimed that one of the co-conspirators had a winning lottery ticket and needed help cashing the ticket.

As part of the scheme outlined in court documents, the defendants pretended to call lottery officials, who actually were co-conspirators. The purported lottery officials falsely confirmed to victims that they were looking at winning lottery tickets, but the funds would be released only if a deposit or fee was paid in advance. At that point, another defendant engaged with the victim and, knowing the lottery ticket was worthless, would offer to help cash the ticket. This allegedly served to encourage victims to contribute money or jewelry for the ticket’s deposit or fee. The defendants would then drive the victims to their homes and/or to their banks so the victims could get money and other valuables.

The defendants falsely told victims that other people agreed to contribute money to fully fund the ticket’s deposit or fee, and then dropped victims outside a random residence where the defendants falsely claimed the remainder of the funds would be delivered. At that point, the defendants would flee with the victim’s money, jewelry, and other valuables.

The indictment specifically charges the defendants with defrauding six victims; however, the Major Theft Task Force in Los Angeles and its partners have linked the defendants to at least 11 incidents since 2017 in the Southern California communities of Long Beach, Maywood, Baldwin Park, Hawaiian Gardens, Fontana, Lakewood, San Pedro and Chula Vista. One incident allegedly took place in the Bay Area city of Vallejo.

“This was an organized group that singled out older women for the sole purpose of ripping off these vulnerable victims with bogus promises of a big payday,” said United States Attorney Nick Hanna. “While law enforcement will do everything possible to bring criminals like this to justice, this case should serve as a reminder to potential victims and their family members that no one should ever pay an upfront fee in relation to any prize, sweepstakes or lottery.”

“Our elderly community is often a convenient and lucrative target for con artists and, while we’ve charged some of the perpetrators in this case, we know many others are at work to take their place,” said Paul Delacourt, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “Educating ourselves, as well as our aging family members and friends, is crucial so that they can take precautions and avoid victimization.”

“It is important that we stop these financial predators, especially when they target elderly victims within the Spanish-speaking community,” said San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan. “I am proud of our investigators, who collaborated with local and federal law enforcement to bring down this network of thieves preying on victims in supermarket parking lots.”

“Not in our city,” said Los Angeles Chief of Police Michel Moore. “We will collaborate with our law enforcement partners at all levels and across jurisdictions to ensure this scam targeting elderly victims comes to an end.”

The indictment also names defendant Lozada in a separate count charging him with possessing device-making equipment, commonly known as a credit card reader/writer and used to replicate credit cards to commit fraud and identify theft.

An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

If convicted of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, each defendant would face a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.

This case is a result of a joint and continuing investigation by the FBI’s Major Theft Task Force in Los Angeles, which is comprised of FBI agents and Los Angeles Police Department detectives. San Diego County District Attorney investigators were instrumental in identifying the defendants in this case and tying the San Diego County incident to several others in California. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office provided considerable assistance during this investigation.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ian Yanniello and Anna Farias-Eisner of the General Crimes Section.

The City of Santa Ana wants to know how they should spend $40M in Federal grants

Posted on November 26, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Affordable Housing, Charities, Civic Affairs, Federal Government, Housing, Santa Ana Leave a comment

SANTA ANA – Each year, the City of Santa Ana receives federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME), and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). CDBG funds may be used for a wide variety of housing, community, and economic development activities. HOME funds may be used to develop and preserve affordable housing. ESG funds may be used to assist individuals and families quickly regain stability in permanent housing after experiencing a housing crisis or homelessness.

In order to continue receiving CDBG, HOME and ESG funds, the City of Santa Ana must prepare a Five-Year Consolidated Plan document that assesses community needs and outlines strategies to address those needs during program years 2020-2025.

To accurately determine community needs and to inform local strategies, the City is asking Santa Ana residents and stakeholders to provide their input by completing a survey by Dec. 31 for the CDBG, HOME, and ESG programs and/or by attending a community meeting. To complete the survey, visit: http://bit.ly/SantaAnaConPlan.

To learn more about the planning process and provide your input, you may also attend one of the following community meetings:

DATE: Tuesday, December 10, 2019 (Businesses Encouraged)
TIME: 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon
LOCATION: City Council Chamber
22 Civic Center Plaza
Santa Ana, CA 92701

Public Hearing to Discuss the Consolidated Plan:

DATE: Wednesday, December 18, 2019
TIME: 4:30 p.m.
LOCATION: City Council Chamber
22 Civic Center Plaza
Santa Ana, CA 92701

For more information, contact David Flores, Community Development Analyst, at (714) 647-6561 or dflores@santa-ana.org.

Nếu bạn cần biết thêm bất kỳ thông tin nào liên quan đến thông báo này hoặc tài liệu dịch thuật tiếng Việt, vui lòng liên hệ David Flores tại (714) 647-6561.

如果您需要进一步了解关于此通知或这些文件的中文译本方面的信息，请联系 David Flores 的 (714) 647-6561.

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SANTA ANA – Cada año, la Ciudad de Santa Ana recibe fondos federales del Departamento de Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano de EE. UU (HUD). Los fondos de la subvención federal de desarrollo comunitario se pueden utilizar para una amplia variedad de actividades de vivienda, comunidad y desarrollo económico. Los fondos de HOME Asociaciones de inversión se pueden usar para desarrollar y preservar viviendas de bajos recursos. Los fondos de la subvención de soluciones de emergencia se pueden usar para ayudar a las personas y familias a recuperar rápidamente la estabilidad en una vivienda permanente después de pasar una crisis de vivienda o falta de vivienda.

Para continuar recibiendo los fondos CDBG, HOME y ESG, la Ciudad de Santa Ana tiene que preparar un plan de cinco años que evalúa las necesidades de la comunidad y describe estrategias para abordar esas necesidades durante los años del programa 2020-2025.

Para determinar con precisión las necesidades de la comunidad y informar las estrategias locales, la Ciudad está pidiendo a los residentes y partes interesadas de Santa Ana que den su opinión completando una encuesta para los programas CDBG, HOME y ESG o tambien asistiendo a una reunión comunitaria. Para completar la encuesta, visite: http://bit.ly/SantaAnaConPlanSP.

Para obtener más información sobre el proceso de planificación y dar su opinión, también puede asistir a una reunion comunitaria.

Para más información hay que contactar David Flores, Analista de Desarrollo Comunitario, al (714) 647-6561 o dflores@santa-ana.org.

The City of Garden Grove caught red-handed trying to sell off Willowick

Posted on November 26, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Development, Garden Grove, Santa Ana Leave a comment

In response to a lawsuit, the City of Garden Grove stated in writing on October 9, 2019 that the disposition of the 102-acre, city-owned Willowick Golf Course was “indefinitely on hold” until at least after January 2020 in order to comply with the requirements of the recently passed AB 1486, which amends the California Surplus Land Act (SLA). However, in a correspondence the legal firm Hadsell Stormer Renick & Dai received on November 13, 2019, the City of Garden Grove stated that it may consider disposing the Willowick property prior to January 2020.

In its lawsuit filed on October 7, 2019 by OCCORD, a member organization of the Rise Up Willowick coalition, OCCORD alleges that the City of Garden Grove violated the California Surplus Land Act (SLA) when the City authorized the release of an RFP to dispose of the Willowick property, rather than first prioritizing affordable housing or open space as the SLA requires.

Before receiving this unanticipated November 13th letter, members of the Rise Up Willowick, a coalition of community members and organizations have made numerous attempts to try to reach out to the City, including staff and city council, to clarify their intention with the development of the Willowick property and have articulated their community vision for the use of the public site. The City of Garden Grove has made zero attempts to respond to any requests for information either through email to council members, public comments at council meetings, or calls to city staff.

Rise Up Willowick coalition members are surprised and disappointed in the City’s leadership and direction to consider fast tracking disposition, especially because of their previous stance issued on October 9th, which stated that the City would not dispose Willowick prior to January 2020.

“I think that the Council members of Garden Grove are purposely and maliciously shutting the community out because they have known for a longtime that they were never going to prioritize the community’s needs and wants. They have made it very clear by their inactions, ignoring our emails attempts, calls that there would be no room for discussion. The decision makers have not wanted to meet with us to discuss the impact on Santa Ana residents and Garden Grove residents. We know families will be displaced and our cities should prioritize our well being and the quality of our lives. It is their responsibility to lead the charge and have not done the bare minimum.” -Jessie Lopez, a resident of Santa Ana.

This change clearly shows the City’s priorities, which is not to work with the community and to ensure a transparent development process, but instead it is to circumvent any input from the community and the SLA.

The City’s continued disregard for its residents’ concerns and priorities and rush to sell the land are alarming. All over the state of California, cities are facing a housing crisis with a lack of affordable housing.

Tanya Sukhija-Cohen from Hadsell Stormer Renick & Dai, one of the attorneys representing OCCORD, said “We are disappointed that Garden Grove went back on its commitment to follow the Surplus Land Act. The City needs to follow the law and listen to what its community members need most: parks and affordable housing.”

The Willowick property is an opportunity to address some of this need and the lack of open space residents so sorely need. The City of Garden Grove needs to follow the state law, SLA, and its recent amendments and not sweep this decision under the rug.

For more information, contact: Cesar Covarrubias, cesarc@kennedycommission.org

No street sweeping on Thanksgiving in Santa Ana

Posted on November 26, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Civic Affairs, public works, Santa Ana, Street Sweeping Leave a comment

There will be no street sweeping in Santa Ana on Thanksgiving (Thursday, Nov. 28). Trash collection will be delayed one day.

On Friday, Nov. 29, there will be no street sweeping.

For the 2019-2020 holiday street sweeping and trash collection schedule, go to www.santa-ana.org/sites/default/files/pw/Holiday-Sweeping-Trash-Collection-Schedule-2019-2020.pdf.

If you have any questions, please contact the Public Works Agency at (714) 647-3380.

No Hay Barrido de Calles en el Día de Acción de Gracias

No habrá barrido de calles en Santa Ana el Día de Acción de Gracias (Thanksgiving, jueves 28 de noviembre). La recolección de basura se retrasará un día.

El viernes 29 de noviembre, no habrá barrido de calles.

Para el horario de barrido de calles y recolección de basura para días festivos en 2019-2020, visita www.santa-ana.org/sites/default/files/pw/Holiday-Sweeping-Trash-Collection-Schedule-2019-2020.pdf.

Si usted tiene alguna pregunta, por favor contáctese con el Departamento de Obras Públicas al (714) 647-3380.

The SAPD is looking for a young lady who has been missing for almost two years

Posted on November 25, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Public Safety, Santa Ana, SAPD Leave a comment

On 01/23/2018, sixteen-year-old missing person Shakyia Griffin (18) Santa Ana voluntarily left her home she had been placed in by Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services. She immediately left the area and is believed to be in the Los Angeles area and/or Las Vegas.

Shakyia is now eighteen-years-old and her case with DCFS is closed. We need to make contact with her to verify she is okay and then the Missing Persons case can be closed.

Description: Black, Female, 5’9”, 180 lbs., and she was wearing weaves in her hair at the time she went missing. She has unknown tattoos on her left forearm.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Shakyia are asked to contact Investigator Jurado at ‪714-245-8353 and/or vjurado@santa-ana.org or Detective Garcia at 714-245-8408 and/or agarcia3@santa-ana.org.‬

Liberal women uniting behind Kim Nguyen for Supervisor

Posted on November 25, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in 2020 Elections, Elections, Garden Grove, Kim Nguyen, Orange County, Politics, Women 3 Comments

Garden Grove, CA – In less than a week after her announcement for Orange County Board of Supervisors, District 1, Garden Grove Councilwoman Kim Nguyen has secured the endorsements from four prominent local councilwomen; Councilwoman Tiffany Ackley from Aliso Viejo, Councilwoman Andrea Marr from Costa Mesa, Councilwoman Farrah Khan from Irvine and Councilwoman Leticia Clarke from Tustin.

In announcing their endorsements, the councilwomen stated:

Councilwoman Tiffany Ackley – “I am proud to endorse Councilwoman Kim Nguyen for the Board of Supervisors. Councilwoman Nguyen has been an effective leader for Garden Grove. Combined with her background as a Health Policy Specialist, she will be a powerful force on the Orange County Board of Supervisors. We need her voice and expertise on the Board to build in Orange County that works for people of all backgrounds.”
Councilwoman Andrea Marr – “Kim Nguyen is an inspiring leader who will tackle the County’s most difficult challenges head-on, with the same courage and dedication she has shown in her years on City Council. We need a representative at the Board of Supervisors who will truly listen to every single voice in the community and act on behalf of the entire district; there is no one better suited for that role than Kim.”
Councilwoman Farrah Khan – “I’m proud to support Kim Nguyen for Supervisor, Dist 1. Kim has proven her ability to lead by example. She is the right candidate for this district and this seat. We need new voices in government to lead us out of our homeless crisis, secure benefits to those in need through CalOptima, and ensure all our county workers have a champion working for them. I hope you will join me in supporting Kim.”
Councilwoman Letitia Clark – “Kim has a proven track record of fighting for her community and advocating for those with the greatest needs. We need more women of color like Kim in regional leadership roles.”

Councilwoman Nguyen had this to say about her most recent endorsement:

“As a woman of color in politics, it is often hard to find your voice and ensure that good policy gets passed, but these women have broken through that glass ceiling time and time again. I am proud to kick off my campaign for Supervisor with their support and endorsement.”

As the daughter of a Mexican immigrant and Vietnamese refugee, Kim knows the value of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice. Her humble beginnings as a first-generation American shaped her advocacy and drive to create a more inclusive community. She was the first in her family to graduate high school and obtain a college degree. She has continued to break barriers and open doors for others to follow. In 2016, she became the first Latina and youngest person to ever be elected to the Garden Grove City Council. During her time on the City Council, she has been a leader in creating economic opportunities for low-income communities, increasing funding for infrastructure repairs thought the City, and has worked tirelessly to protect immigrant communities.

The Fountain Valley police arrested a felon with a gun and drugs

Posted on November 25, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Anaheim, Crime, Drugs, Fountain Valley, Guns Leave a comment

On Friday, November 22nd, at 12:30 p.m., Fountain Valley police officers responded to a suspicious car parked on Stonecress and Mt. Cook. A caller reported the occupants were passed out in the car.

Officers arrived and woke up the driver and passenger. An investigation revealed the driver, Diana Dotson, 28 years old out of Anaheim, was on probation. Officers had her and the passenger, 35-year old Richard Salazar of Huntington Beach, exit the car.

During a search based on Dotson’s probation status, the officers found drugs, a 9mm handgun, and possibly stolen mail in the car. Salazar admitted the handgun belonged to him. A records check of Salazar revealed he was a convicted felon. He was arrested for being a felon in possession of a handgun and ammo along with drug charges. Salazar was booked into Orange County Jail.

Dotson was cited and released at the scene for possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia.

The City of Santa Ana seeks artists for a Family Justice Center mural

Posted on November 25, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Arts and Culture, Santa Ana 2 Comments

The Santa Ana Police Department is seeking one to three Santa Ana-based artists to create up to three digital designs for indoor murals that reflect the unique culture of Santa Ana in a family-friendly way.

The murals will be installed in the SAPD’s new Family Justice Center located at the police station. The rooms include an office space, child play room and private interview room.

Proposals are due by 5 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 2, 2019.

The budget for the project is $500 for each design (up to three designs), which will be printed onto a vinyl wrap. SAPD will be responsible for the cost of printing and installing the artworks.

SAPD will review complete proposal submittals and award the mural design contract to up to three artists/teams.

For more information, contact Commander Matt Brown at mbrown@santa-ana.org.

The O.C. Board of Supervisors proclaims November as Adoption Awareness Month

Posted on November 25, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Family, Orange County Leave a comment

Orange County, Calif. – This week the Orange County Board of Supervisors proclaimed November 2019 as Adoption Awareness Month and presented a resolution to the County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA) and resource parent (i.e., foster parent) Vanessa Acosta in recognition of their significant contributions to support and mentor foster youth and resource families in Orange County.

More than 280 adoptions were finalized in Orange County in Fiscal Year 2018-2019 (July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019.)

Ms. Acosta was honored by the Board of Supervisors on behalf of Orange County adoptive families for her work as a resource parent, adoptive parent, educator and advocate. Ms. Acosta began the process of becoming a resource parent with her husband in 2011, fostering more than 20 children and youth, ultimately adopting six children. In addition, Ms. Acosta advocates for biological parents who are working to reunify with their children. She is also active in the Foster Care Auxiliary and her faith community to help educate families on the challenges and rewards that come with fostering and fostering-to-adopt.

“Every child and youth deserves a loving family environment that provides a sense of belonging and security,” said Fifth District Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, Chairwoman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors. “We thank Orange County adoptive parents, like Vanessa Acosta, for their compassion and commitment to helping our community and ensuring a brighter future for our children.”

The County of Orange Social Services Agency (OCSSA) provides Adult Services, Aid Programs, eligibility for public assistance benefits, Children & Family Services and Family Self-Sufficiency programs to the County’s residents. OCSSA employs over 4,000 staff across Orange County. For more information, visit us at http://ssa.ocgov.com/.

“I am grateful for brave foster parents like Ms. Acosta who have opened their homes and their hearts to children in need of loving families,” said Vice Chair, Supervisor Michelle Steel, who represents the Second District. “This month we recognize all foster and adoptive families for their selfless efforts on behalf of Orange County’s children,” she added.

The theme of this year’s National Adoption Month is Youth Voices: Why Family Matters, which is focused on the importance of empowering youth voices — especially those of teens who are in foster care. Older youth, similar to children with disabilities and those who are part of a sibling set, often take longer to place in permanent, home-based care. Securing lifelong connections for teens in foster care is a critical component in determining their future achievement, health and well-being. When foster youth are empowered to share their personal stories, their unique insights can inspire their peers and bring awareness to prospective adoptive families.

First District Supervisor Andrew Do stated, “The term family can take on many shapes and forms, and a strong connection with a caring adult can help improve a youth’s opportunity for success and stability.” Do continued, “We salute our Orange County adoptive families who selflessly work to provide children with a home, love and a sense of stability.”

“As the uncle of two adopted children in my family, I believe people who open their hearts and their homes are providing a noble community service. All vulnerable foster children deserve to thrive under safe, supportive care for the best chances of a stable adult life. The Adoption Awareness Month presentation recognizes the compassionate spirit of Vanessa Acosta and all adoptive families in our community. Thank you for your selfless work,” said Supervisor Donald P. Wagner, Third District.

“National Adoption Month reminds us that adoptive parents play a vital role in providing a sense of family and belonging to youth in need. In raising any child, we know it can take a village. I urge all in our community to do their part to help encourage and provide support to those who have provided a family to a foster youth,” said Fourth District Supervisor Doug Chaffee.

For more information on becoming a resource family, please call (888) 871-KIDS or visit www.oc4kids.com.

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