New Santa Ana

Help plant new trees at Lillie King Park this Saturday

Posted on October 25, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Charities, Nature, Parks and Recreation, Santa Ana Leave a comment

People and Trees invites you to take part in their new tree-planting event
this Saturday morning, October 26, from 9 am to 11 am at Lillie King Park, located at 498 West Alton Avenue.

This time, they will plant 12 Afghan pine trees in the South part of Lillie King Park. As these trees grow, they will provide shade on hot sunny days, for walking on sidewalks and playing on lawns.

Directions: Coming on W. Alton Ave, turn onto South Birch St, then turn right on West Columbine Ave and follow 500 ft. to the Park on its right. Parking is available there on the street. They will be meeting near there.

They will give instructions how to plant trees, and then you will plant a tree with you own hands in group of two or three volunteers with our guidance. Wear comfortable work clothing and closed-toe shoes. Bring water to drink, hat for sun, and work gloves if you have them.

Pre-Registration is Required for this Event. Please register in advance, sending email to peopleandtreesoc@gmail.com our joining in event page posted at 6.

Celebrate Santa Ana’s 150th anniversary at Centennial Park this Sunday

Posted on October 24, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Civic Affairs, Entertainment, Family, Food, music, Santa Ana, Youth Activities Leave a comment

SANTA ANA, CA—The City of Santa Ana is celebrating its 150th Anniversary at Centennial Park on Sunday, October 27, 2019, where more than 3,000 people are expected to gather for an unforgettable day of food, live music and entertainment, cultural performances, games, time capsule ceremony, fun activities for the entire family and a grand finale fireworks show.

“It was 1869 when William H. Spurgeon first purchased 74.2 acres of land, built his town and named it Santa Ana,” says City Manager Kristine Ridge. “This year marks the 150-year anniversary of the founding of our City and we are proud to celebrate this milestone with the entire community in honor of our rich heritage that is deeply rooted in Southern California’s history.”

https://www.facebook.com/CityofSantaAna/videos/2493900370841313/

Free and open to the public, the event begins at 3 p.m. and will culminate with a grand finale fireworks show at 8:45 p.m. The first 150 guests will receive a free glow-in-the-dark balloon, while free giveaways and drawings for $100 gift cards will be held every hour. In addition to international food choices, beverages and a special Beer & Wine Garden, the event will feature:

Live Entertainment On Two Stages:

• Music by Power 106 DJ Carisma
• Como La Flor
• Slapbak
• Rosie Cortez & the Bliss Band
• Los Cadetes
• SAUSD Marching Band
• SAPD K9 Show

Cultural Performances:

• Folklorico by Relampago del Cielo
• Break Dancers
• Chinese Dragon Dancers
• Native American Dancers
• Musical Theatre Performance by Santa Ana College
• Ballroom Dance by OC School of the Arts
• Local Talent Show Case

Kids Zone:

• Face Painting
• Balloon Artists
• Games
• Jumpers
• Arts and Crafts
• Halloween Costume Contest at 4 p.m.

The 150th Anniversary Celebration is presented by First American. Other sponsors include Waste Management, MainPlace Mall, McDonalds, Wells Fargo, Chevron, Ducks, NaphCare Inc., Northgate, Tetra Tech, Vista Heritage Global Academy, Curious Entertainment, StagePlus, Santa Ana Unified School District, and Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce.

For more information, visit www.santa-ana.org/events/150th-anniversary-celebration-0 or contact Julie Castro-Cardenas at jcastro-cardenas@santa-ana.org.

ABOUT THE CITY OF SANTA ANA

The City of Santa Ana is a 27 square-mile ethnically diverse city located 35 miles south of Los Angeles and roughly 10 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean. With a total population of over 330,000, Santa Ana is Orange County’s second largest city and serves as the county seat. Incorporated in 1886, Santa Ana has long been the county’s government powerbase. Santa Ana’s centralized location puts it less than 30 minutes from most Southern California destinations, including four airports. Its density and mass transit infrastructure enables residents and employees to embrace a green lifestyle, commuting to work by bus, train, bicycle and foot. This convenience attracts a diverse population that appreciates Santa Ana’s distinctive, affordable housing choices, energetic nightlife and cultural amenities. For more information, visit www.santa-ana.org or follow Santa Ana on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

What Mayor Pulido had to say at his last State of the City Address

Posted on October 24, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Civic Affairs, Miguel Pulido, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Santa Ana, CA – On Thursday, October 17, Santa Ana Mayor Miguel Pulido delivered his annual State of the City Address in which he highlighted the City of Santa Ana’s regional partnerships, enhancements to public safety and renewed financial strength. Hosted by the Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce, the event was held at the Discovery Cube Orange County in Santa Ana; State Senator Thomas Umberg was present to introduce Mayor Pulido.

During the Address, Mayor Pulido announced his plans to build a state-of-the-art soccer educational facility with retired professional soccer player, Hugo Sanchez. The facility will serve thousands of soccer players in Santa Ana and beyond.

He highlighted other regional partnerships that will set the groundwork for the future of Santa Ana and the rest of Orange County as well including the OC Streetcar, a project being completed in partnership with the City of Garden Grove and the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA). The OC Streetcar is currently under construction and promises increased mobility in Orange County.

The Mayor also announced the approval of an 85-year ground lease with Rancho Santiago Community College District Continuing Education Center at Centennial Park. The $50 million project will bring several community benefits to the City including community meeting spaces, a branch library and classrooms. The Education Center will also provide Santa Ana residents a unique educational resource offering adult high school diplomas, citizenship classes, English as a second language and multitude of technical career training programs.

“This project has been in the works for many year,” said Mayor Pulido. “I am proud to announce that we have finalized negotiations with the College and this project will soon be moving forward.”

Mayor Pulido also discussed the City’s strong financial state. The City of Santa Ana ended the year with a $6 million surplus that has been reinvested in the City’s youth, homeless populations and public safety programs. With the investment in additional resources, the City’s Quality of Life Team (QOLT) has been augmented with a new Daily Action Response Team (DART). The City now has additional Homeless Outreach Workers, two full time QOLT teams, and several DART teams working evenings and weekends to ensure that the City is clean at all times and that services are offered to end homelessness.

Additionally, the City of Santa Ana continues to be a hub for thriving businesses with over 1,000 new businesses opening in the last year. Award-winning restaurants continue to expand in the City, especially in the downtown area, and are creating a mecca of culinary experiences that benefit residents and visitors alike.

The Mayor also highlighted the Santa Ana Police Department’s efforts to fast track the hiring of police officers to increase response times and is on track to hire 50 new police officers by December 2019. With staff expansion, the Police Department will be establishing a new Metropolitan Division, effective January 2020. The new division will consist of three elements: a Major Enforcement Team (MET), Gang Suppression Unit and a SWAT team. The MET will compliment and directly support the City’s Community and Traditional Policing strategies with a focus on violent crime prevention, mitigation and proactive response.

The State of the City Address gathered over 450 attendees including several local elected officials: State Senator Tom Umberg, Santa Ana Mayor Pro Tem Juan Villegas, Santa Ana Councilmember Vicente Sarmiento, Santa Ana Councilmember David Penaloza, Santa Ana Councilmember Jose Solorio, Anaheim Mayor Harry Sidhu, Carson Mayor Albert Robles, Garden Grove Mayor Steven Jones, and Santa Ana Unified School District Board President Valerie Amezcua.

For more information about the City of Santa Ana, visit santa-ana.org.

L.A. “Knock-Knock Style” burglary crew arrested in Costa Mesa

Posted on October 23, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Costa Mesa, Crime, Los Angeles County, Public Safety, Santa Ana Leave a comment

On October 15, 2019, at approximately 12:30 PM, detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s (LASD), Major Crimes Bureau (MCB), Burglary-Robbery Task Force (BRTF), observed four suspects appear to commit a residential burglary in the city of Costa Mesa. The detectives had been conducting a burglary investigation in the vicinity when they saw three suspects quickly run from the side-yard of a residence and enter an awaiting silver Mercedes Benz SUV that was idling nearby. The vehicle quickly drove away from the area.

Detectives confirmed a burglary had in fact occurred, with a rear window forced open and interior of the home ransacked.

As the vehicle and suspects began to leave the neighborhood, Los Angeles Sheriff’s Detectives coordinated with responding Costa Mesa Police Department (CMPD) patrol units who conducted a traffic stop of the silver SUV. All three suspects ( Izaiah Yeav and two juveniles) who exited the victim’s property, along with the driver ( Chanddries Srey), were detained by Sheriff’s Detectives and CMPD Officers without incident. Detectives recovered stolen jewelry, personal property, and burglary tools from within the vehicle.

Suspects/Subjects:

Chanddries Srey, Asian 20 years old (photo attached)
Izaiah Yeav, Asian 18 years old (photo attached)
Male Hispanic Juvenile 15 years old
Male Hispanic Juvenile 17 years old
Suspect Vehicle 2003 Silver Mercedes Benz SUV (photo below)

Suspect Srey (driver of silver Mercedes Benz SUV), of Long Beach, was booked on charges of Residential Burglary (459 PC), Receiving Stolen Property (496 PC), Conspiracy (182 PC) and Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor (272 PC).

Suspect Izaiah Yeau, of Long Beach, was booked on charges of Residential Burglary (459 PC).

The two male juveniles, from Long Beach, were detained for Residential Burglary charges. They were transported to a juvenile detention facility pending the outcome of the investigation.

The criminal case filing for this burglary is being handled by detectives from CMPD in collaboration with Sheriff’s Detectives. This crew is suspected in burglaries throughout Southern California. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Burglary-Robbery Task Force is working closely with the CMPD, and other Southern California police agencies in determining what recent residential burglaries may be associated with the criminal crew.

The investigation and arrest of this residential burglary crew is an example of the ongoing cooperation and collaboration between the Sheriff’s Department and local municipal police departments. These agencies are committed to impacting the Southern California wide residential burglary epidemic. The LASD Major Crimes BRTF works closely and consistently with most Southern California agencies in its mission to identify, investigate, and arrest organized burglary and robbery suspects.

The LASD MCB BRTF was formed over nine years ago to combat the ever increasing trend of organized crews who are committing daytime residential burglaries.Typically known as “Knock-Knock” burglars, these crews, often formed by gang members, utilize high-end luxury vehicles and rental cars to blend in to middle class and affluent neighborhoods where they break into homes and businesses, ransacking and stealing valuables such as cash, jewelry, and weapons.The MCB BRTF works closely in support of all LASD station’s detective bureaus, as well as other Southern California law enforcement agencies.Residents and business owners are reminded to secure their properties, be aware of suspicious and unusual persons or vehicles, and to alert their local law enforcement immediately if suspicious activity is observed.

The SAPD has determined that a 10-year-old who committed suicide was not criminally bullied

Posted on October 23, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Education, Garden Grove, Public Safety, Santa Ana, SAPD Leave a comment

In the wake of the tragic suicide of a Santa Ana 10-year-old girl, which occurred on October 13, 2019, the Santa Ana Police Department (SAPD) has worked diligently to determine what circumstances led to this heartbreaking event. Initially, Detectives were informed the deceased may have been bullied at school.

Based on this information, Detectives interviewed over 50 students at Hazard Elementary School in Garden Grove, as well as over 30 adult staff, family members and friends regarding activity leading up to the tragic loss of life. Utilizing social media investigative capabilities, over 2,500 videos and social media posts from classmates of the deceased were examined. Detectives uncovered several mean spirited social media posts amongst the group, but nothing that rose to the level of bullying or criminal conduct.

“Bullying” is identified as any severe or pervasive physical or verbal act or conduct, including communications made in writing or by means of an electronic act, and including one or more acts committed by a pupil or group of pupils as defined in California Education Code Section 48900.2, 48900.3, or 48900.4, directed toward one or more pupils that has or can be reasonably predicted to have the effect of one or more of the following:

(A) Placing a reasonable pupil or pupils in fear of harm to that pupil’s or those pupils’ person or property.
(B) Causing a reasonable pupil to experience a substantially detrimental effect on his or her physical or mental health.
(C) Causing a reasonable pupil to experience substantial interference with his or her academic performance.
(D) Causing a reasonable pupil to experience substantial interference with his or her ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school.

To date, the Santa Ana Police Department has been unable to determine the ultimate intentions of this young girl or identify a triggering event that led to this tragic suicide/accident.

The Santa Ana Police Department has been working closely with the Garden Grove Unified School District (GGUSD) and Social Services to provide resources to all of the children and families affected by this devastating event. This incident has tragically affected our community and impacted the lives of numerous small children. The loss of this child has further sparked the need for increased awareness and education regarding bullying, cyberbullying and suicide prevention. The Santa Ana Police Department wants to remind parents to carefully monitor their children’s access to, and use of, social media. For additional resources, parents or interested parties are encouraged to seek information at Stopbullying.gov and SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.

Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact Detective Gerardo Corona of the SAPD Family Crimes Section at (714) 245-8343 or the Garden Grove Unified School District at (714) 663-6503.

The SAPD is looking for a vagrant who stole his mother’s car

Posted on October 23, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in automobiles, Crime, homeless, Santa Ana, SAPD Leave a comment

On 10/08/2019, at 11:30 AM, the victim arrived at the Extra Space Storage and parked her vehicle in front of the storage unit. The victim’s transient son, wanted suspect Jorge Edward Mendoza (39), was present without her permission and in violation of a restraining order.

As the victim was placing items into the backseat, Mendoza got into the driver’s seat of her vehicle and refused to get out. The victim was afraid to force Mendoza out of the driver seat due to his history of violent behavior and he appeared to be under the influence of drugs. The victim yelled at Mendoza to stop when he drove past her. Mendoza rammed the closed gate to the facility and exited the location.

Anyone with information on wanted suspect Mendoza’s whereabouts is asked to contact Detective Greaver at (714) 245-8362 or DGreaver@santa-ana.org

Santa Ana community budget meeting set for Oct. 24

Posted on October 22, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Civic Affairs, Santa Ana Leave a comment

The community is invited to participate in the upcoming Community Budget Meeting/Com-Link on Thursday, October 24, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. in the Santa Ana Police Community Room (60 Civic Center Plaza). This meeting is being held in accordance with the Sunshine Ordinance, which implements additional measures aimed at making city government more transparent.

Topics to be covered include:
• Overview of the Fiscal Year 19-20 Citywide and General Fund Budget
• Measure X Revenue & Service Enhancements
• Fiscal Outlook

There will also be opportunity for the community to ask questions and comment on the City’s operating budget and any other finance-related questions.

You may also find information on the City’s budget at www.santa-ana.org/finance/budget. A map of the Civic Center is available at www.Santa-Ana.org/Documents/CivicCenterMap.

For more information, please contact Finance and Management Services at (714) 647-5420.

La comunidad de Santa Ana está invitada a participar en una junta sobre el Presupuesto Municipal que se llevará a cabo el jueves 24 de octubre del 2019 en la sala comunitaria de la Policía de Santa Ana (60 Civic Center Plaza). Esta junta comunitaria es parte de los requerimientos del “Sunshine Ordinance” cual es una ordenanza que implementa medidas adicionales para aumentar la transparencia de nuestros servicios y decisiones con el público.

Temas durante la junta incluyen:
• Resumen del presupuesto del año fiscal 19-20 para toda la ciudad y del fondo general
• Ingreso de la medida X y mejoramiento de servicios
• Panorama fiscal

También habrá oportunidad para que la comunidad haga preguntas acerca del presupuesto operativo de la ciudad y cualquier otra pregunta relacionada con las finanzas de la ciudad.

Puede encontrar más información sobre el Presupuesto Municipal en www.Santa-Ana.org/Finance/Budget. Se ofrecerá traducción en español durante la junta. Un mapa del Centro Cívico está disponible en www.Santa-Ana.org/Documents/CivicCenterMap.

Para más información, comuníquese con el Departamento de Finanzas al (714) 647-5420

The SAPD is looking for a man who disappeared in 1983

Posted on October 21, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Public Safety, Santa Ana, SAPD 1 Comment

Missing Person(s):

Benancio Martinez Beltran (24) lived in Santa Ana but he worked as a machine operator in Fountain Valley.

Last Seen: Monday, December 5, 1983

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Benancio Beltran is asked to contact Investigator Jurado at (714) 245-8353 or Detective Garcia at (714) 245-8408.

This week’s Cochino List includes Hole Mole and Seafood World

Posted on October 20, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Disease, Food, Food & Health, Health, Health and Medical, Insects, OC Health Care, Orange County, Public Safety, Restaurants, Santa Ana Leave a comment

The OC Health Care Agency has released a list of the eateries (including restaurants, caterers and even school kitchens) that they inspected and shut down for the week of Oct. 10 to Oct. 18 . Most of these eateries reopen pretty quickly after the health inspectors determine their issues have been resolved.

Hole Mole, 14430 Newport Ave., Suite F, Tustin, Closed: Oct. 10, Reason: Cockroach infestation, Reopened: Oct. 11
Seafood World, 15351 Brookhurst St., Suite 101, Westminster, Closed: Oct. 17, Reason: Cockroach infestation
NY Pizza, 13842 Newport Ave., Suite B, Tustin, Closed: Oct. 17, Reason: Cockroach infestation, Reopened: Oct. 17
Tram Chim Restaurant, 10131 Westminster Ave., Suite 114, Garden Grove, Closed: Oct. 15, Reason: Cockroach infestation, Reopened: Oct. 16
Update: Happy Days Restaurant at 13135 Brookhurst St., Suite 8, Garden Grove, which was ordered closed Oct. 7 because of insufficient hot water, was allowed to reopen Oct. 11.
Basil Thai Cuisine, 9921 Hamilton Ave., Huntington Beach, Closed: Oct. 17, Reason: Cockroach infestation
Star Liquor Jr. Mart, 1210 S. State College Blvd., Suite A, Anaheim, Closed: Oct. 17, Reason: Rodent infestation
Ways & Means at Pacific City, 21022 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, Closed: Oct. 17, Reason: Cockroach infestation, Reopened: Oct. 18
Circle K, 2060 S. Euclid St., Anaheim, Closed: Oct. 15, Reason: Cockroach infestation, Reopened: Oct. 15
The Well at First Evangelical Free Church, 2801 Brea Blvd., Fullerton, Closed: Oct. 11, Reason: Rodent infestation, Reopened: Oct. 11
Wings Empire, 909 S. Euclid Ave., Anaheim, Closed: Oct. 11, Reason: Cockroach infestation, Reopened: Oct. 13
Update: Sanukiseimen Mugimaru and Don Don Tei at Mitsuwa Marketplace, 665 Paularino Ave., Costa Mesa, which were ordered closed Oct. 10 because of a cockroach infestation, were allowed to reopen Oct. 11.
Update: Sky Express at Mitsuwa Marketplace, 665 Paularino Ave., Costa Mesa, which was ordered closed Oct. 10 because of a cockroach infestation, was allowed to reopen Oct. 11.

Over $1.25 M worth of Fentanyl seized in an O.C. drug raid

Posted on October 20, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Drugs, OC Sheriff, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Fentanyl seizures set to more than double for third year in a row

SANTA ANA, Ca. – The Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) has seen a marked increase in seizures of fentanyl thus far in 2019, with one recent seizure equaling almost half of the total amount of fentanyl seized in the entire year of 2018.

Multiple enforcement, narcotics, gang and interdiction teams covering OCSD contract cities and unincorporated areas work tirelessly to interdict illicit drugs. Pharmaceutical fentanyl, a synthetic opioid pain reliever, is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent. Illicit fentanyl, sold on the street, started to emerge locally in 2017. In 2016, teams seized less than one pound of fentanyl. In 2018, teams seized 44 pounds of fentanyl. Thus far in 2019, teams have seized more than 100 pounds of confirmed fentanyl, more than doubling from 2018 totals with two and a half months left in the year.

“The threat this extremely potent drug poses to our community is increasing exponentially, not subsiding,” said Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes.
A recent seizure in north Orange County on October 16, 2019, included more than 18 pounds of fentanyl, along with 5 pounds of heroin, half of a pound of meth, $71,000 in cash, and a loaded semi-automatic handgun. The fentanyl from this seizure has a street value of more than $1.25 million and contains more than 4 million fatal doses, enough to overdose every person who resides in the County of Orange.

The increase in the presence of fentanyl has had deadly consequences. According to the California Department of Health, statewide fentanyl deaths increased 614% from 104 in 2014 to 743 in 2018. Orange County fentanyl deaths jumped by 564% from 14 in 2014 to 93 in 2018.

OCSD has sponsored legislation with Orange County’s California Senator Pat Bates that would help protect Californians from the dangers of fentanyl and pursue illegal distributors. The proposed bills have been defeated for the last four years. In March 2019, the State Senate declined to pass Senate Bill 161. Sen. Bates introduced similar legislation in 2016, 2017 and 2018. The Senate Public Safety Committee blocked SB 1103 in 2018 and SB 176 in 2017. In 2016, the Assembly Appropriations Committee did not approve SB 1323.

“Our Sacramento legislators can no longer ignore the direct and legitimate threat of fentanyl,” said Sheriff Barnes. “Drug trafficking organizations are taking advantage of gaps in the law. Until we categorically include enhancements for trafficking fentanyl and make its penalties similar to other illicit drugs like cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine, we are enticing and encouraging drug traffickers to increase the supply of fentanyl into California at the expense of children and families in our community.”

“I hope the shocking increase in fentanyl seizures in Orange County will serve as a wake-up call to my legislative colleagues to finally confront the dangers of fentanyl,” said Senator Bates. “The state has a responsibility to deter those who seek to profit from the addiction of Californians. I will continue to work with Sheriff Barnes and other law enforcement leaders to champion solutions in the Legislature.”

Orange County approves $7.7 million for mental health services

Posted on October 18, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Mental Health, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Orange County is improving mental health services and expanding training for how law enforcement should handle psychiatric emergencies.

“Patients are facing barriers when they try to access mental health services,” said Supervisor Andrew Do, who has made improving the county’s mental health care one of his top priorities on the Board of Supervisors.

Last Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors approved a $7.7 million dollar contract with Mind OC to promote extensive interagency collaboration across multiple sectors to restructure the way mental health care is provided to its residents. In this new approach, the county will work with state and local agencies, public and private health plans, and philanthropic and non-profit organizations to connect these sectors and improve the quality and access to health services.

The Board also accepted two Mental Health Awareness Training state grants for local corrections staff, including Juvenile and Adult Corrections Officers, Probation Officers, as well as local police and sheriff staff. “Serving as the nation’s first responders, local law enforcement officers need to receive the proper training on how to safely interact with people experiencing a mental health or addiction crisis,” said Supervisor Do. “We need to equip our law enforcement to properly recognize mental health challenges among their peers and in their communities.”

This new approach comes just a week before the county’s groundbreaking celebration for the first-ever Be Well OC Campus on October 16, which will be the first visible sign of a system of change for mental health and wellness in the county. “There’s no doubt that our state’s lack of mental health treatment facilities has exacerbated our state’s homeless crisis,” said Supervisor Do. “This mental health facility is another important component in our effort to address homelessness.”

This new facility will support all county patients and families struggling with mental illnesses by getting them the care they need. There are plans for two additional Be Well OC campuses in other parts of the county that may vary in services based on the surrounding local community needs.

“For too long, Orange County has lacked the resources to treat mental health problems, psychiatric emergencies, and substance abuse disorders,” said Supervisor Do. “In order to develop optimal behavioral health in Orange County, we need to increase the quality of mental health services across all sectors. This new approach is a step in the right direction.”

Man with terminal cancer missing in Santa Ana

Posted on October 18, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Public Safety, Santa Ana, SAPD, Seniors Leave a comment

Missing person Mark John Rodenbeck (61) is a patient of the Carehouse Healthcare Center (1800 Old Tustin Avenue, Santa Ana). He was under hospice care as a result of being diagnosed with terminal cancer and uses a walking cane in order to walk.

On 10/17/2019 at approximately 3 PM, he was granted a 4-hour day pass to leave the facility and never returned.

Prior to being admitted under hospice care, Rodenbeck was living a transient lifestyle in the cities of Costa Mesa and Huntington Beach.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Mark Rodenbeck please contact Detective Garcia at (714) 245-8408.

First O.C. mosquitoes test positive for the Saint Louis Encephalitis virus

Posted on October 17, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Anaheim, Disease, Health and Medical, Insects, Orange County Vector Control District, Westminster Leave a comment

Garden Grove, CA. The Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District (OCMVCD) has confirmed the first mosquito samples to test positive for Saint Louis encephalitis (SLE) in Anaheim and Westminster. The mosquitoes were collected from Old Bolsa Chica Road in Westminster and in the area of Dale Ave and Orange Ave in Anaheim. OCMVCD has not seen SLE positive mosquito samples in these areas since 1987. OMCVCD staff will conduct additional mosquito surveillance and canvass the area to look for additional mosquito breeding sources.

“This is the first detection in these areas in three decades. We are encouraging residents to take the necessary precautions to keep themselves and their families safe. The best way to protect yourself from mosquito bites is to discard any standing water around your home to eliminate potential breeding sources,” said OCMVCD Public Information Officer, Heather Hyland.

Saint Louis encephalitis (SLE) is a viral disease spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people infected with SLE virus have no apparent illness. Initial symptoms of those who become ill include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and tiredness. Severe neuroinvasive disease (often involving encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain) occurs more commonly in older adults. In rare cases, long-term disability or death can result. There are no vaccines to prevent nor medications to treat SLE. There are no confirmed cases of human infection at this time in Orange County.

Residents should take the following precautions to help reduce the chances of getting bitten by mosquitoes:
• Dump and drain any containers filled with water at least once a week
• Clean and scrub bird baths and pet water bowls weekly
• Dump water from potted plant saucers
• Do not transport or share plant stems rooted in water
• Drill a hole or puncture containers to eliminate standing water
To prevent mosquito bites, the District offers the following tips:
• Apply mosquito repellents to exposed skin before going outdoors; reapply as recommended
• Wear repellent containing DEET®, Picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus
• Close all unscreened doors and windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home or space; repair broken or damaged screens
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and opt for lighter-colored clothing
Visit ocvector.org to learn more about what you can do to prevent mosquito breeding in and around your property.

Will you take part in this morning’s Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill?

Posted on October 17, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Civic Affairs, Emergencies, Santa Ana 2 Comments

You are invited to join millions of people who will “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” on October 17th at 10:17 a.m. in the 2019 Great California ShakeOut!

Why is “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” important to practice? You may only have seconds to protect yourself in an earthquake before strong shaking knocks you down, or something falls on you. Practicing helps you be ready to react. Visit ShakeOut.org/dropcoverholdon to learn more.

It is also recommended that you, your school or organization, and your community review and update plans and supplies, and secure your space in order to prevent damage and injuries.

Everyone can participate! Individuals, families, schools, government agencies, businesses and other organizations are all invited to register.

The City of Santa Ana wants to spend $18K on public art at the corner of Willits and Sullivan Streets

Posted on October 16, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Arts and Culture, Civic Affairs, Santa Ana Leave a comment

The City of Santa Ana’s Arts & Culture Office is issuing a Call for Public Art Proposals (CFP) to Santa Ana-based artists OR organizations including Santa Ana-based artists for the design, fabrication, and installation of an original, durable, and low-maintenance outdoor public artwork. The artwork will be suitable for placement on the southeast corner of Willits and Sullivan Streets as part of the “Willits-Sullivan Beautification Project.” The all-inclusive budget for the project is up to $18,000, and the timeframe for project completion is 1 year or less from full execution of the agreement. A panel will review complete proposals submitted and award one artist/organization the contract to execute their public art concept. The deadline for proposal submission is Monday, November 4, 2019 at 11:59 PM (PST) and submitted online via Submittable.com.

This CFP intends to engage Santa Ana-based artists to work with students from Abraham Lincoln Elementary School to create public art that will reflect the history and diversity of the surrounding neighborhood as well as address issues of health and safety regarding the community.

The themes previously identified during community meetings include:

1) Children and families working together to care for the environment and cleaning up the community

2) Children physically active in the community (walking, biking, playing at the park)

3) Mothers, fathers, and grandparents taking their children to school

4) Reflections of childhood memories from other countries of origin.

The artwork will be placed on the southeast corner of Willits Street and Sullivan Street. The site is a city-owned, triangular-shaped parcel, approximately 2,000 square feet in the Bella Vista Neighborhood, a predominantly residential area, and across the street from Abraham Lincoln Elementary School. The parcel is landscaped with plants.

Applicants are invited and encouraged to visit the site. Staff will be onsite to answer any questions on Wednesday, October 16, 2019 from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM. Please RSVP with gcramer@santa-ana.org

APPLICATION DOCUMENTS ARE AVAILABLE AT:
-Submittable.com website: https://cityofsantaana.submittable.com/submit

KEY APPLICATION DATES (Subject to change at discretion of City):

Event dates, times, and locations may be subject to change under certain circumstances. Please check back on the Arts & Culture Office web page for any changes prior to attending the Q&A and Arts & Culture Commission meetings.
Website: https://www.santa-ana.org/cd/arts-culture-office

9/30/19 Application Available on Submittable.com

10/16/19 On-Site Q&A, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM  RSVP with gcramer@santa-ana.org

10/21/19 Deadline to submit application questions

11/4/19 Applications DUE online by 11:59 pm

12/6/19 Mandatory in-person presentation by finalists / Panel review

12/19/19 Funding recommendations from Arts Commission

1/2020 Artist notified + Project commences

Any questions regarding this APPLICATION please direct emails to Gabriela Cramer at gcramer@santa-ana.org.

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 County of Orange has launched an Economic & Business Recovery Call Center

March 31, 2020 - Business, Disease, Emergencies, Orange County, Santa Ana - No Comments

Santa Ana businesses can get help from a Small Business Incentive Grant

March 31, 2020 - Business, Civic Affairs, Emergencies, Santa Ana - No Comments

Understanding Santa Ana’s moratoriums on evictions and foreclosures

March 31, 2020 - Business, Disease, Emergencies, Housing, Real Estate, Santa Ana - No Comments

Google Ad

Thai Viet Phan for the Santa Ana City Council

Help stop COVID-19!