New Santa Ana

The new Santa Ana Veterans Village will help homeless U.S. Veterans

Posted on February 1, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in homeless, Housing, Santa Ana, Veterans Leave a comment

Community: Jamboree Housing Breaks Ground on Santa Ana Veterans Village

A ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony was held Monday, January 7, 2019 to celebrate what will become the largest veterans housing community in Orange County. The Santa Ana Veterans Village, located in west Santa Ana on First Street near Harbor Boulevard, will provide 75 permanent supportive housing units for homeless veterans and their families.

The completed village will include a Spanish-style, u-shaped three story building containing furnished one- and two-bedroom apartments, a 4,500-square foot community center and 10,000 square feet of active open space including barbecues, a community garden, dog run, and basketball half court.

With funding provided by the City of Santa Ana and County of Orange, Santa Ana Veterans Village is a project of Jamboree Housing. Jamboree’s design concept for this innovative development is “to be a sanctuary of stability and a hub of hope” for some of Orange County’s most vulnerable veterans. A comprehensive veteran services center will provide onsite mental health counseling, wellness services, employment services and legal assistance to help tenants rebuild their lives after struggling with homelessness.

A 2017 survey of Orange County’s homeless population found that 12% of the homeless were veterans. Since the release of the survey, the County of Orange adopted a plan to fund construction of 2,700 supportive housing units over the next three to five years. Jamboree’s Santa Ana Veteran’s Village is the first project of this countywide plan.

“Our success is possible in Santa Ana because of our commitment to our residents and the most vulnerable members of our community, especially our military veterans,” said Mayor Pro Tem Villegas. “As we continue all of our collective efforts to provide shelter, housing and effective law enforcement we will see less street homelessness and a better quality of life for all.”

Federal Judge David Carter spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony and recognized the project as another best practice and model for addressing homelessness in Orange County.

About City of Santa Ana

Santa Ana is downtown for the world famous Orange County, California. As the County Seat, home to a vibrant evening scene and one of the most diverse communities in California, Santa Ana is gaining national attention for its efforts to innovate and address a changing County. Over 1,200 City employees work hard every day to deliver efficient public services in partnership with our community to ensure public safety, a prosperous economic environment, opportunities for our youth, and a high quality of life for residents. Learn more at http://www.santa-ana.org.

The SAPD clarifies their record destruction policy

Posted on February 1, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Civic Affairs, Santa Ana, SAPD 2 Comments

Santa Ana Police Department

Advisory: Record Destruction Matter – Joint Acting City Manager / Police Chief Statement

STEVEN MENDOZA, Acting City Manager, City of Santa Ana

In my role as Acting City Manager I requested that we pull an item from the City Council agenda for the January 15, 2019 meeting that addressed authorization for destruction of some police records. My responsibilities as a professional are to ensure I have a thorough understanding of the matters coming before the City Council I serve, and in this case, there were a series of statewide matters that complicated the picture. Specifically, legislation that went into effect just 14-days prior (Senate Bill 1421) to the council meeting and a follow up statewide advisory from the Attorney General created a dynamic environment in which asking the council to authorize record destruction warranted further understanding.

Since pulling the agenda item, I have had additional conversations with our Police Chief and City Attorney, and I am now confident that destruction of these specific records is not only consistent with all legal requirements, but equally important, consistent with a routine record destruction policy that the City Council authorized in 2013 and has been actively used in the years since.

DAVID VALENTIN, Chief of Police, Santa Ana Police Department

Since 2017, the Santa Ana Police Department has made huge strides in transparency and public engagement. Creating and sustaining community trust are essential for our Department and the community we serve. We also take great pride in conducting best practices and defensible police actions in compliance with the law.

Record destruction is a routine process that all departments of public agencies commonly execute. The City Council has a strict policy on record destruction that has been in effect for nearly six years, and our request to have authorization to destroy records was guided by Council policy and not in response to any recently enacted legislation.

In our continued support of transparency, I have directed my staff to ensure that record retention and destruction activities strictly comply with the law and I am confident we are meeting all legal requirements. Additionally, I am working with the law enforcement agencies in Orange County and our District Attorney to develop best practices and standards to be both transparent with the public and fulfill our operational need to destroy outdated records; again, in compliance with the law and our well established City policy.

Santa Ana man arrested in connection with a shooting in Anaheim

Posted on February 1, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Anaheim, Crime, Santa Ana Leave a comment

SUBJECT: ANAHEIM POLICE ARREST THREE AFTER FOUR-MONTH
MURDER INVESTIGATION; NO 2018 UNSOLVED CASES REMAIN
ANAHEIM, CALIF

(January 30, 2019) – Anaheim Police homicide detectives have arrested three suspects in connection with the September shooting death of a 36-year-old Placentia resident, clearing the city’s last 2018 unsolved homicide.

Around 11:15 a.m. on Saturday, September 29, 2018, officers were dispatched to a cul-de-sac in the 1200 block of North Sunshine Way regarding a dead man found near a trash dumpster enclosure. The
decedent, Julio Cesar Munoz, had a single gunshot wound to his
head.

Homicide detectives determined that the shooting had
occurred just after midnight in the cul-de-sac during a “factory
party.”

Factory parties are held at various locations throughout the region on a revolving basis and are often staged in industrial areas where guests park their cars and participate in illicit activities, including the inhalation of nitrous oxide, also known as “nos.”

Over the course of the past four months, detectives interviewed dozens of witnesses, reviewed video footage and authored approximately 20 search warrants before identifying Larry Robert Douglass II, 19, of Artesia, Johnathan Michael Rowe, 19, of Santa Ana, and Zachary Jay Goemaat, 19, of Santa Ana, as suspects in this case. Douglass and Rowe were arrested yesterday without incident. Goemaat was arrested today without incident.

All three suspects were booked into the Anaheim Detention Facility for murder before being transferred to Orange County Jail where they
are being held in lieu of $1 million bail.

Detectives are not releasing details about possible motives, but they
do not believe the killing was gang motivated. The Orange County
District Attorney’s office will review the investigation to determine
what charges may be alleged.

The Anaheim Police Department investigated seven homicides in
2018, all of which have now been cleared by arrest.

“We treat every murder investigation with the same sense of duty
and urgency,” APD homicide Sgt. Jeff Mundy said. “Our detectives
doggedly work these cases until every lead is exhausted, regardless
of how long it takes. We are happy to finally bring closure to Mr.
Munoz’s family.”

Photographs of each suspect are attached below:

Garden Grove man convicted of shooting and murdering a woman who got into a fight with his mother

Posted on January 31, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Garden Grove, OCDA 3 Comments

MAN CONVICTED OF SHOOTING-MURDER OF WOMAN IN GARDEN GROVE

SANTA ANA, Calif. – A man was convicted today of the shooting-murder of a woman in Garden Grove. Nathaniel Joseph Liscano, 22, Garden Grove, was convicted of one felony count of first degree murder with a sentencing
enhancement for personal discharge of a firearm causing great bodily injury or death. Liscano faces a maximum sentence of 50 years to life in state prison. The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced on March 8, 2019, at 9:00 a.m. in Department C-36, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana.

On Aug. 24, 2016, Liscano went to a residence in Garden Grove. After a verbal and physical altercation between the victim, Kellie Nichol, and the defendant’s mother in front of the residence, the defendant pulled out a gun and shot the victim in the face and chest. Nichol attempted to run away after the initial shots, but Liscano chased her and shot her three times in the back. After he shot the victim, the defendant fled the scene.
Police were called by a witness shortly after the shooting. The victim died at the scene as a result of multiple bullet wounds.

The crime was captured by a home surveillance system, which clearly showed Liscano’s face during the incident.

The defendant fled to Corpus Christi, Texas, where he was arrested by the United States Marshals Service on Sept. 13, 2016. Garden Grove Police Department investigated this case.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Mark Birney of the Homicide Unit is prosecuting this case.

The SAPD will be looking for borrachos on Superbowl Sunday

Posted on January 31, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Alcohol, Crime, Santa Ana, SAPD 2 Comments

Santa Ana Police Department

Advisory: Don’t Get Super Busted on Super Bowl Sunday by Driving Impaired

Law enforcement will be out looking for impaired drivers

Santa Ana, Calif. – Santa Ana Police Department is encouraging all football fans to celebrate Super Bowl LIII responsibly by not driving impaired, or letting other fans get behind the wheel when they shouldn’t.

“Millions of people will be watching the Super Bowl at parties and bars across the country,” David Valentin, Chief of Police. “Please don’t put others at risk because you chose to break the law and drive impaired.”

Santa Ana Police Department also reminds drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” If you take prescription drugs, particularly those with a driving or operating machinery warning on the label, you might be impaired enough to get a DUI. Marijuana can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs, and can result in a DUI.

If you’re hosting a party, be a team player and have plenty of snacks and non-alcoholic drinks available for designated sober drivers. Be sure to monitor who is drinking and how they are getting home. If you plan to drink, don’t plan to drive. Even one drink can be one too many so have your sober friend be the “MVP” and get you home, use ride-share or take public transportation. Anyone who sees a drunk driver should call 911.

No matter who you are rooting for on Super Bowl Sunday, we are all on the same team when the game ends so remember to go safely.

An unidentified man was shot and wounded in Santa Ana on Wednesday

Posted on January 31, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Santa Ana, SAPD Leave a comment

An unidentified man in his 20’s was shot in the torso in Santa Ana and was recovering in a hospital on Wednesday, Jan. 30, according to the O.C. Register.

The shooting was reported at 4:55 p.m. near the intersection of West 3rd and N. Euclid Streets, according to the SAPD.

Responding SAPD police officers found a man inside a sedan suffering from a gunshot wound to his torso.

The victim was taken to a hospital and is expected to survive.

The police did not identify the victim nor did they release any information about the attacker(s).

The SAPD is looking for an armed man who tried to steal clothing from Macy’s

Posted on January 29, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Santa Ana Leave a comment

Advisory: DETECTIVES REQUEST ASSISTANCE IN IDENTIFYING SUSPECT WANTED IN A THEFT AND ASSAULT W/ DEADLY WEAPON CASE

Location: Macy’s – 2850 N. Main Street

On January 16, 2019 at approximately 7:01 PM, the above pictured suspect entered Macy’s and removed clothing from the racks. The suspect proceeded to exit the store when he was confronted by two loss prevention officers. The suspect produced a knife from his pants pocket and swung it towards one of the loss prevention officers. The suspect dropped the clothing and fled eastbound through the parking lot.

Any with information is asked to contact Detective D. Prewett at (714) 245-8323, dprewett@santa-ana.or or Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.

The culprits are finally leaving at the Rancho Santiago Community College District

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

By: Renee Miller, Retired Santa Ana College faculty

It’s hard to imagine things could be looking “brighter” for the RSCCD after four years of articles and editorials about the dysfunctional district, but change is on the horizon. Those individuals, masquerading as the RSCCD’s leaders for unfortunately too many years, are finally heading for the exit door. The luster of the RSCCD, once the gem of Orange County Community College districts, may be returning!

In several months the District’s self-dealing chancellor, Raul Rodriguez, will finally be leaving the district having selected retirement over the humiliation of his contract not being renewed. Unfortunately, he will stay until he can receive the last dime from taxpayers as his contract ends June 30 2019. Rodriguez was single-handedly responsible for many of the District’s negative headlines during his tenure including a Saudi partnership, District financial issues and personnel problems. All these stumbles were a result of his inability to comprehend complex situations and demonstrate any viable leadership. His lack of a moral compass didn’t help either.

The leader of the District’s Human Resources department chancellor until June 30, 2018, Judy Chitlik, has now departed after allegedly creating a $1 million liability for the District and/or its insurance carrier. Chitlik initiated termination of an employee on a “district granted” medical leave which prompted a lawsuit that the District lost, not once, but twice, on a subsequent appeal.

And lastly, the manager of Santa Ana College’s health center, Veronica Oforlea, has been removed from oversight of the Santa Ana College Health Center. Last spring, to save money, she reduced the Center’s nursing hours forcing students to go elsewhere for basic health services that they had paid for.

With new leadership, things will definitely be looking brighter for the RSCCD. Hopefully, the new leaders will lead with understanding, compassion and a sense of ethics.

Enjoy an evening of gourmet beer and food at the O.C. Heritage Museum in Santa Ana on Feb. 2

Posted on January 26, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Alcohol, Arts and Culture, Food, Santa Ana Leave a comment

The Orange County Brewers Guild has announced that its inaugural OC Palate: A Beer & Food Event will be held on Saturday, February 2nd from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Orange County Heritage Museum (3101 W. Harvard Street in Santa Ana). This sophisticated beer and food event is geared to those who appreciate a full culinary experience as it unites Orange County’s most noted independent craft breweries and the region’s most celebrated chefs.

Guests will enjoy an intimate evening of sampling carefully curated food and beer pairings that have been created through collaboration between local brewers and chefs. Guests will have the opportunity to partake in a variety of small-plate pairings and learn about the intention and inspiration behind each as they speak with the brewers and chefs firsthand.

“Orange County is quickly becoming a burgeoning craft beer destination amongst the already prestigious Southern California beer community,” commented Errica Cook, Executive Director of the Orange County Brewers Guild. “Our brewers are making nationally and globally recognized beers and this event is an opportunity to celebrate and showcase their creations. By pairing our world-class beers with food, guests will be able to experience beer as a pairing in the culinary world.”

Following is a list of participating breweries and chefs:

FEATURED BREWERIES:

All-American Brew Works
Artifex Brewing
Asylum Brewing Company
Backstreet Brewery
Beachwood Brewing
BJ’s Brewhouse
Bootleggers Brewery
Bottle Logic Brewing
Bruery Terreux
Chapman Crafted Beer
Docent Brewing Co.
Four Sons Brewing
GameCraft Brewing
Green Cheek Beer Co.
Gunwhale Ales
Honey Pot Meadery
Hoparazzi Brewing
Karl Strauss
Lost Winds Brewing
Phantom Ales
RIIP Beer Co.
Stereo Brewing
Taps Brewery & Barrel Room
The Good Beer Co.
Towne Park Brew Co.
Tustin Brew Co.
Unsung Brewing

TICKETS:

Tickets are $100 per guest (21+ only) and must be purchased in advance at https://events.ocbrewers.org/e/ocpalate. Guests will have access to unlimited pours and bites, as well as a commemorative keepsake glass.

ABOUT THE OC BREWERS GUILD:

The Orange County Brewers Guild is an organization dedicated to educating the public about the great American tradition of craft beer and its rich brewing culture in Orange County. With over 37 established craft breweries within the county’s borders, the OC Brewers Guild strives to bring to the public visibility and knowledge of the rich and steadily growing brewing culture present in Orange County.

The guild aims to:

• Educate the public about the benefits of fresh, local beer

• Promote the interests of breweries located in Orange County

• Participate in and create local community events to raise funds for charities, and increase public awareness of locally available craft beer.

As the organization continues to develop and expand, it hopes to cultivate a passion for craft beer in the general community and inspire the public to seek out their local artisan breweries.

Suspect known to frequent Santa Ana wanted for murder in L.A.

Posted on January 26, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Los Angeles County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Advisory Wanted: LASD Seeks Public’s Help in Locating Suspect Esteban Reyes –Rojas, who is Wanted for Murder

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau is seeking the public’s assistance in locating Suspect Esteban Reyes- Rojas, who is wanted for murder.

Detectives have learned that on January 24, 2019, on the 38000 block of 35th St East, in the City of Palmdale, an argument ensued between the suspect Esteban Reyes-Rojas, his girlfriend and her brother.

Suspect Esteban Reyes Rojas got in his vehicle, chased down the two victims. The girlfriend sustained minor and non-life threatening injuries. Everardo Castro (brother) was struck with the suspect’s vehicle, was transported to a local hospital where he died from his injuries. The suspect then fled the scene in his vehicle.

Esteban Reyes-Rojas is a 25 year old male Hispanic. He is described as 5”5”, 180 lbs, brown hair and brown eyes. He frequents the cities of Palmdale, Lancaster and the Santa Ana areas.

Suspect Esteban Reyes-Rojas is driving a Tan, 2002, Chevrolet, Tahoe with a California License plate #7WPT016.

Media Note: The vehicle that is depicted on the wanted bulletin is not the actual vehicle, but the license plate is.

Anyone with information, please contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.

If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3Tips” Mobile APP on Google play or the Apple App Store or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org

This week’s Cochino List includes IHOP

Posted on January 26, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Santa Ana 2 Comments

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 Jan. 17 to Jan. 25, 2019. Most of these eateries reopen pretty quickly after the health inspectors determine their issues have been resolved. Here is the list:

IHOP, 1001 E. 17th St., Santa Ana, Closed: Jan. 18, Reason: Insufficient hot water, Reopened: Jan. 18
The Cantina at Knott’s Berry Farm, 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, Closed: Jan. 24, Reason: Rodent infestation, Reopened: Jan. 25
Taqueria Mocorito, 1076 N. State College Blvd., Anaheim, Closed: Jan. 23, Reason: Sewage overflow, Reopened: Jan. 23
Cafeteria at Kimberly-Clark, 2001 E. Orangethorpe Ave., Fullerton, Closed: Jan. 23, Reason: Cockroach infestation
Salvation Army Residence, 1300 S. Lewis St., Anaheim, Closed: Jan. 23, Reason: Cockroach infestation
Ralphs, 13321 Jamboree Road, Tustin, Closed: Jan. 23, Reason: Sewage overflow, Reopened: Jan. 23
Hong Kong Express, 225 E. Katella Ave., Orange, Closed: Jan. 23, Reason: Cockroach infestation, Reopened: Jan. 24
Nang Man Cafe, 1837 N. Euclid St., Fullerton, Closed: Jan. 23, Reason: Rodent infestation, Reopened: Jan. 25
Frida l’Art de la Crepe at Anaheim Marketplace, 1440 S. Anaheim Blvd., Suite I-21, Anaheim, Closed: Jan. 18, Reason: Rodent infestation, Reopened: Jan. 19
Rosetta Coffee Brewing Co., 30012 Crown Valley Parkway, Suite C, Laguna Niguel, Closed: Jan. 17, Reason: Sewage overflow, Reopened: Jan. 17
Carolina’s Italian Restaurant, 915 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, Closed: Jan. 17, Reason: Cockroach infestation, Reopened: Jan. 18
Update: Buddy Chicken & Boba at The Outlets at Orange, 20 City Blvd., Suite F-3, Orange, closed Jan. 16 because of insufficient hot water, reopened Jan. 21.
Update: Top One Buffet & Grill at 104 W. Orangethorpe Ave., Fullerton, closed Jan. 15 because of a cockroach infestation, reopened Jan. 18.

Only 37 out of 400 homeless in Santa Ana were able to go to local shelters after Operation Safe Passage

Posted on January 25, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in homeless, Santa Ana, SAPD 3 Comments

Advisory: Santa Ana Concludes “Operation Safe Passage,” the Latest Effort to Help Homeless Get Off Streets and Into Shelter

SANTA ANA, CA – On January 23, 2019, the City’s Homeless Evaluation Assessment Response Team (H.E.A.R.T.) concluded “Operation Safe Passage,” the latest citywide effort to contact homeless individuals and ensure they have access to resources and/or shelter beds. The six-day operation saw Santa Ana police officers make contact with over 400 homeless individuals throughout the City, referring 37 to two Santa Ana homeless shelters: The Courtyard and The Link. For a full summary of Operation Safe Passage, please visit https://infogram.com/operation-safe-passage-1h0n25p831qo6pe.

In December 2018, the City conducted “Operation Dignity,” which focused on reaching out to homeless individuals in visible, public spaces. The January 2019 “Operation Safe Passage” was a more involved effort, as teams sought out homeless individuals in less-accessible areas, such as underpasses and railroad tracks. The City’s Quality of Life Team (QOLT) also assisted in area clean-up and bulk item disposal after homeless individuals were directed away from the area.

“We view these Operations as a mixture of tough love and compassion. Winter is one of the most dangerous times of year for our homeless population, so we are doing everything in our power to locate those without shelter and make it available to them,” said Santa Ana Police Chief David Valentin. ” Community members, business owners and Federal Judge David O. Carter, who currently oversees a case involving the County’s response to homelessness, have passed along their thanks for the tremendous job the Santa Ana Police H.E.A.R.T and City’s Quality of Life Teams did during Operation Safe Passage. Judge Carter said, “he has never seen the City look better’.”

Like much of California, the City of Santa Ana has struggled with the issue of homelessness for years. In early 2018, the City counted a total homeless population of over 1,600 people–more than 1,000 of those without shelter. At the same time, U.S. District Court Judge David O. Carter was imploring all Orange County cities to create more shelter beds or risk forfeiting their right to enforce “no camping” ordinances.

The City responded to Judge Carter’s challenge by pledging to build a 200-bed interim homeless shelter, later named “The Link.” From the time a 35,000-square-foot site was designated to opening The Link’s doors for service, the City and its partners had built this interim homeless shelter in just 28 days. The Link launched in mid-November 2018; as of January 22, the “bed count” (the number of beds filled that night) at The Link was 143.

“Santa Ana has dedicated an incredible amount of support and coordination between law enforcement, City staff, City partners, and homeless shelter operators,” said Mayor Pro Tem Juan Villegas. “We know our efforts are not done, but it has been heartwarming to see some of the most vulnerable people in our community getting the help and shelter they need.”

The City of Santa Ana especially thanks the Santa Ana Police Department H.E.A.R.T., CityNet, Illumination Foundation, Mercy House, and the Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA) for their ongoing support in referring homeless individuals to the City’s shelters. The HCA and H.E.A.R.T. have also formed a joint Psychological Emergency Response Team (P.E.R.T.) to effectively provide assistance to individuals with mental illness and/or substance abuse problems. In just a little over two months, these groups have referred over 290 homeless individuals to resources and shelter at The Link.

About City of Santa Ana

SAUSD to Showcase 55 Schools, 11 Programs During School Choice Fair on Saturday

Posted on January 25, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Santa Ana Leave a comment

SANTA ANA, CA (Jan. 25, 2019) – The public is invited to learn about the variety of programs offered by the Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD) during the 5th Annual School Choice Fair from 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019 at MainPlace Mall in Santa Ana.

Representatives of 55 SAUSD schools and 11 SAUSD-related programs will provide information to the community about the District’s award-winning campuses and wide selection of programs, including STEM, early learning, dual language, Speech & Debate, and Visual and Performing Arts, in addition to its 34 career pathways, nationally ranked culinary program, and more. In addition, 18 school music groups – ranging from chamber singers, to dance teams, to mariachi groups – will provide entertainment throughout the day.

MainPlace Mall is at 2800 N. Main St., Santa Ana, CA 92705.

For photos from last year’s School Choice Fair, click here.

Founded in 1888, the Santa Ana Unified School District is the 7th largest school district in California and the largest school district in Orange County. The District educates approximately 50,000 students at 57 schools throughout the city of Santa Ana. Approximately 60% of District students are English learners with Spanish being the most common language, and approximately 91% of the student population is eligible for free and reduced-price meals.

The SAPD is conducting a DUI and Driver’s License Checkpoint on Friday, Jan. 25

Posted on January 24, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Alcohol, Crime, Santa Ana, SAPD Leave a comment

Santa Ana Police Department

Advisory: SAPD conducting a DUI / Driver’s License checkpoint on Friday, January 25, 2019 in the area of 200 S Grand Ave.

SANTA ANA POLICE STEP UP DUI ENFORCEMENT

The Santa Ana Police Department will be conducting a DUI / Driver’s License checkpoint on Friday January 25th, 2019. It will begin at 9:00PM and is scheduled to conclude at 2:30AM. It will be conducted in the area of 200 S Grand Ave., in the City of Santa Ana.

The primary purpose of a DUI Checkpoint is to deter impaired driving, not to increase arrests. All too often, members of our community are senselessly injured or killed on local roadways by impaired drivers. This DUI / Driver’s License checkpoint is an effort to reduce those tragedies, as well as ensuring drivers have a valid driver’s license. The DMV reports that unlicensed drivers are 4.9 times more likely to cause a fatal crash than a licensed driver is.

The checkpoint will be staffed by officers trained in the detection of alcohol and drug impairment to provide on-the-spot assessments of drivers suspected of alcohol or drug impairment. All checkpoints are conducted in accordance with the guidelines for DUI checkpoint operations outlined in the California Supreme Court decision, Ingersoll v. Palmer.

All vehicles may be checked and drivers who are under the influence of alcohol and / or drugs will be arrested. Our objective is to send a clear message to those who are considering driving a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol and / or drugs – Drunk Driving, Over the Limit, Under Arrest. The public is encouraged to help keep roadways safe by calling 911 if they see a suspected impaired driver. Funding for this operation is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Address/Location
Santa Ana Police Department

Carolyn Torres is an unacceptable candidate for the SAUSD School Board

Posted on January 24, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Santa Ana 3 Comments

With the departure of Cecilia Iglesias from the Santa Ana Unified School District Board the existing four members of the School Board decided they would attempt to appoint a replacement for the vacant spot (Iglesias was elected to the Santa Ana City Council.)

The Board narrowed the field of applicants to two candidates: Carolyn Torres, a Latina teacher of ethnic studies, and Bruce Bauer, an attorney and active community member. Each candidate had the support of two of the Board members and so the Board is now deadlocked 2-2 for each candidate.

Carolyn was supported by Board members, Rigoberto Rodriguez and Alfonso Alvarez. Bruce was supported by Valerie Amezcua and John Palacio.

Bauer has been an activist in City politics for many years while Torres, a year ago, moved back to Santa Ana.

I don’t support either candidate however it should be noted that Torres’ supporters at the meeting were rude and disrespectful to the process and her boyfriend of five years, Erick Carbajal, has some serious anger issues.

Some of Carbajal’s posts on Facebook are really scary: “All I ever wanted to do was fck shit up;” or, I want wait for the time I can retire and “paint graffiti.” He also targeted weddings during hotel boycotts and bragged about brides crying, priests pleading with him to stop and best men with fists flying – and, those were some of his tame postings! Some of her supporters were members of the same crowd that back the “Fck the Police” movement.

One of Torres’ supporters even said that a white person shouldn’t be on the Board (the appointed person must look like the community)!

I guess diversity doesn’t count even there are no openly gay elected officials on the City County or School Board – and Bauer is openly gay.

https://www.facebook.com/Iglesias4SAUSD/videos/2208724999149704/

Torres also is given to conspiracy theories like her suggestion on Facebook that MLK was killed by the U.S. Government (a theory that even the liberal website Snopes has debunked, and the Dept of Justice, under Eric Holder, concluded was not “credible.”) She also has a picture of Fidel Castro on her Facebook page glorifying him as a hero.

While Bauer is also too liberal for my tastes, Santa Ana is definitely not ready for Torres’ brand of politics and the City’s residents should be horrified that two of its Board members are supporting her as a candidate for our School Board.

Clearly we need to conduct a Special Election to replace Iglesias on the SAUSD School Board. We can do better than Torres and Bauer!

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