New Santa Ana

Santa Ana man arrested for allegedly molesting two little girls

Posted on March 12, 2020 by Art Pedroza Posted in Cochino Alert, Crime, Santa Ana, SAPD Leave a comment

On March 10, 2020, Santa Ana Police arrested Jesus Herrera, a 43-year-old resident of Santa Ana for child abuse. Police investigated allegations made by a 12-year-old girl that reported being sexually molested by Herrera when she was only 7-years-old. The victim was being cared for by Herrera’s mother, who was running an unlicensed day care facility from her home.

In 2019, Santa Ana Police arrested Herrera after investigating similar allegations of child abuse made against him. The victim in that case is now 19-years-old and reported she was sexually assaulted by Herrera when she was 10-years-old. Both victims were being cared for by Herrera’s mother at the day care and both cases occurred in a similar fashion.

Herrera was arrested following this investigation and was booked at the Orange County Jail for multiple Child Molest charges. His bail has been set at $1,000,000.00.

Santa Ana Police Detectives believe there may be additional victims and are asking that anyone who might have information to contact Detective Mario Lopez at 714 245-8530, mlopez5@santa-ana.org or Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.

O.C. Health Care Agency recommendations for COVID-19 community mitigation strategies

Posted on March 11, 2020 by Art Pedroza Posted in Disease, Health and Medical, OC Health Care, Orange County, Public Safety, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Santa Ana, Calif. (March 11, 2020) – Community health mitigation decisions and strategies are crucial to slowing the transmission of COVID-19 (commonly known as novel coronavirus) in Orange County, California. While the County of Orange risk levels are still low, the County wants to be prepared in the event additional guidance and/or guidelines on COVID-19 come from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), respectively.

As such, the County of Orange is currently providing the following guidance as it relates to our COVID-19 response:

High-risk populations which include older adults (ages 60 and higher) as well as people who have serious, chronic medical conditions (like heart disease, diabetes and lung disease) are at higher risk for contracting COVID-19. These individuals should avoid crowds as much as possible as well cruise travel and non-essential air travel.
Residents should practice good health hygiene which includes washing your hands, staying home if you are sick, avoiding close contact with people who are sick and covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your sleeve (not hands).
Minimizing risk through social distancing whenever possible which includes limiting attendance at large gatherings.
Maintain vigilance and personal readiness which includes being prepared if there is COVID-19 in your household or a disruption of daily activities in your community. For example, maintain a supply of medications, food and other essentials in your house.
These guidelines provide essential protections to individuals at risk of severe illness and to health care and other critical infrastructure workforces. Preventing a sudden, sharp increase in the number of people infected with COVID-19 will help minimize disruptions to daily life and limit the demand on health care providers and facilities.

All Orange County residents and encouraged to continue to monitor the Orange County Health Care Agency’s website at www.ochealthinfo.com/novelcoronavirus and on their social media channels.

The Costa Mesa Police Department is conducting a DUI and driver’s license checkpoint on Friday night

Posted on March 11, 2020 by Art Pedroza Posted in Santa Ana Leave a comment

The Costa Mesa Police Department (CMPD) will be conducting a driving under the influence (DUI) and driver’s license checkpoint on Friday, March 13, 2020, from 8:00 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. within the city limits.

Checkpoint locations are based on history of DUI crashes and arrests. During the checkpoint, officers will look for signs drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, as well as check drivers for valid licenses.

CMPD reminds drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” Prescription or over-the-counter medications with an “operating heavy machinery” warning on the label can also impair. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

In 2018, 1,069 people were killed on California roads in crashes involving drivers who had a blood alcohol content over the legal limit (.08 or above). Last year, CMPD investigated 72 DUI crashes, which killed four people and resulted in another 109 injuries.

CMPD offers these reminders to ensure you have a safe night of fun that does not involve a DUI:

Always use a designated sober driver – a friend who is not drinking, ride-share, cab or public transportation – to get home.
If you see someone who is clearly impaired try and drive, take the keys and help them make other arrangements to find a sober way home.
Report drunk drivers – Call 911.
If you are hosting a party, offer nonalcoholic drinks. Monitor those who are drinking and how they are getting home.
A DUI charge is not cheap. Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with DUI can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to be upwards of $13,500. This includes fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspension and other expenses not to mention possible jail time.

Funding for this checkpoint is provided to CMPD by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

SAPD detectives are requesting assistance in locating a witness

Posted on March 11, 2020 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Santa Ana, SAPD Leave a comment

Jennifer Vasquez has been identified as a witness in an ongoing investigation. Vasquez has family locally, but is considered to be a transient.

She is known to frequent the areas of S. Standard Avenue, between Edinger and E. Warner Avenue, as well as Evergreen and Cedar Street. Vasquez sometimes rides a stretched out low rider bicycle.

Jennifer Vasquez (26) Transient, AKA: Luna

Description: Female, Hispanic, 5’5”, 155 lbs., brown hair and brown eyes, with a crescent moon and star tattoo on her chest (Front/Upper).

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Vasquez is asked to please contact Detective Launi at (714) 403-3965 or JLauni@santa-ana.org

Santa Ana 7-11 robber identified by the SAPD and he is in custody

Posted on March 11, 2020 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Santa Ana, SAPD Leave a comment

Santa Ana PD Detectives were able to identify wanted suspect for the 02/24/2020 Robbery of the 7-Eleven, located in the 600 Block of North Bristol, as Joshua Castro.

Detectives obtained information that Castro was currently in custody on an unrelated incident. Castro has since been interviewed by Detectives and based on the investigation additional charges have been added for Robbery.

Arrestee: Joshua Andrew Castro (31)

ORIGINAL MESSAGE –

On 2/24/2020, at approximately 9:05am, the suspect entered the 7-Eleven located in the 2600 Block of North Bristol and selected several items. When the suspect went to the store clerk to pay for the items he became aggressive with the clerk when he did not have the money to pay for his items. The suspect physically assaulted the clerk when he tried to retrieve the items. Prior to leaving the store, the suspect returned and continued to assault the clerk, stole additional items off the counter, as well as a tray of lotto scratchers. The suspect was last observed fleeing the scene westbound on Memory Lane riding his skateboard.

Anyone with information on the identity of the suspect is asked to contact SAPD Robbery Detective D. Greaver at DGreaver@Santa-Ana.org, 714-245-8362 OR Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.

The SAPD is searching for a domestic violence suspect

Posted on March 11, 2020 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Domestic Violence, Santa Ana, SAPD Leave a comment

On 07/30/2019, wanted suspect Mario Ramirez, Jr. was involved in a physical altercation with victim, causing multiple injuries to her body.

Ramirez has previously been arrested for Domestic Violence and Resisting Arrest.

Ramirez is known to frequent the area of the 3000 block of S. Main Street and a warrant for his arrest has been issued.

Wanted Suspect: Mario Ramirez, Jr. (23)

Description: Male, Hispanic, 5’9”, 185 lbs., black hair and brown eyes

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Ramirez is asked to please contact Investigator Ruvalcaba at (714) 245-8348.

The SAPD busted an illegal pot dispenary and a gangbanger meth dealer

Posted on March 11, 2020 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Drugs, Gangs, SAPD Leave a comment

The SAPD Vice/Narcotics Unit Detectives received info that a business at 230 W. Warner, was operating an illegal marijuana dispensary. The business was operating under the moniker of Princess Flowers.

On 3/10/20, a warrant was served and this resulted in the seizure of 45 lbs of cannabis products w/ packaging, $2,180, a Glock 26 9mm handgun & 3.8 gg of meth.

During a separate investigation last night, SAPD Gang Unit Detectives stopped a documented gang member who was in possession of an “SKS” assault rifle, 30 grams of methamphetamine, powder cocaine & $982.00.

The suspect was arrested for several weapon violations & narcotic sales.

Orange County will host a Coronavirus virtual townhall on 3/12

Posted on March 11, 2020 by Art Pedroza Posted in Disease, Health and Medical, Michelle Steel, OC Health Care, Orange County Leave a comment

On Thursday March 12th from 6-7 pm, Michelle Steel, Chairwoman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors will be hosting a tele-town hall along with Dr. Nicole Quick, the County Health Officer and Richard Sanchez, Director of the Orange County Health Care Agency to address questions and alleviate concerns related to the global coronavirus outbreak.

“I found it important for the public to have the opportunity to present any questions they may have about coronavirus and what the county is doing to protect our communities,” said Chairwoman Steel. “It is also an opportunity to hear from our top county health officials, who will be able to clearly convey all the facts pertaining to the virus and clear up any misinformation about it.”

The townhall will be able to accommodate 10,000 unique callers and will be both live streamed and archived on the County of Orange, California Facebook and Twitter. Participants can call 855-756-7520 Ext.56750# to join in. For more information about coronavirus, visit: http://www.ochealthinfo.com/novelcoronavirus.

First elected to the Orange County Board of Supervisors in 2014, Michelle Steel represents the residents of the Second District, which includes, Costa Mesa, Cypress, Huntington Beach, La Palma, Los Alamitos, Newport Beach, Seal Beach, Stanton, the unincorporated area of Rossmoor, and portions of Buena Park and Fountain Valley. Steel, a successful businesswoman and renowned taxpayer advocate, previously served as Vice Chair of the State Board of Equalization where she represented more than eight million people in Southern California, including all of Orange County, as one of the state’s 12 constitutional officers.

Santa Ana March 11 Resident Leadership Speaker event canceled

Posted on March 11, 2020 by Art Pedroza Posted in Civic Affairs, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Due to circumstances beyond our control, the March 11 Resident Leadership Speaker Series presentation has been canceled and will be rescheduled to a future date.

The series, which began in February, offers the public an opportunity to hear insightful and inspiring presentations from community leaders each month through May. The speakers also will have question and answer sessions with the audience.

The events all take place at 7 p.m. at The Frida Cinema, 305 E. 4th St. in downtown Santa Ana. Spanish interpretation will be available and free parking validation will be provided for nearby city garages. Seating is limited.

For information and updates on Speaker Series events, go to https://www.santa-ana.org/2020-resident-leadership-speaker-series.

Please contact the Santa Ana Neighborhood Initiatives Program office at (714) 667-2260 should you have questions or need additional information.

Santa Ana named Tree City USA for 21st year

Posted on March 10, 2020 by Art Pedroza Posted in Civic Affairs, Nature, public works, Santa Ana Leave a comment

The Arbor Day Foundation has named Santa Ana a 2019 Tree City USA in recognition of the City’s commitment to effectively incorporating urban forest management in the community.

This is the 21st consecutive year that Santa Ana has received the honor.

“I’m happy to see that the City of Santa Ana’s efforts to increase funding for tree maintenance and improvements has not gone unnoticed,” Mayor Miguel Pulido said. “Our urban forest is a treasure that beautifies our community and provides a welcome touch of nature in one of the most densely populated cities in the country.”

Dan Lambe, President of the Lincoln, Nebraska-based Arbor Day Foundation, said, “the trees being planted and cared for by Santa Ana are ensuring that generations to come will enjoy a better quality of life.”

Santa Ana met the Tree City USA program’s four requirements by:

Establishing the Environmental and Transportation Advisory Committee, made up of council appointees who provide oversight on tree-planting programs.
Creating a Tree Care Ordinance in 1999 that provides guidelines for maintaining a healthy urban forest.
Establishing a Community Forestry program with an annual budget of at least $2 per capita.
Celebrating Arbor Day observance annually.

The City of Santa Ana tree program purchases, plants and maintains all City-owned trees to keep our urban forest of 50,000 street trees healthy and attractive. Tree planting usually is scheduled in the fall to provide trees with the optimal weather for successful growth.

If you have any questions or need assistance with City trees, please contact the Public Works Maintenance Services Division at (714) 647-3380.

For more information about the City of Santa Ana tree program, visit https://www.santa-ana.org/green/tree-program-tree-city-usa.

The SAPD is looking for a missing 12-year-old girl

Posted on March 10, 2020 by Art Pedroza Posted in Public Safety, Santa Ana, SAPD Leave a comment

Missing Person Penelope Zaranda was last seen on 03/06/2020 at approximately 2:25 PM, exiting Ross Department Store at 3900 S. Bristol Street, Santa Ana. She was seen via security cameras going southbound through the parking lot towards South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa.

Zaranda was in the care of her foster mother when she was last seen. She may have gone to North Hollywood where her grandmother and mother live.

Missing Person: Penelope K. Zaranda (12)

Description: Female, Hispanic, 5’00”, 100 lbs., medium build, straight long hair, brown eyes, medium complexion.

Last Seen Wearing: Black T-Shirt “Thug Life” Tupac on the front, camo sweatpants with white and red stripe on the side and white basketball shoes.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Zaranda please contact Detective Moroyoqui at (714) 245-8731 or Investigator Jurado at (714) 245-8353.

Babymouse author Jennifer Holm coming to the Tustin Library

Posted on March 10, 2020 by Art Pedroza Posted in Entertainment, Family, Literature, Orange County, Santa Ana, Tustin, Youth Activities Leave a comment

SANTA ANA, Calif. (March 10, 2020) – Orange County Public Libraries is proud to present two bestselling author events: one with Heather Morris, author of the novel The Tattooist of Auschwitz, and the second with Jennifer Holm, author of the popular children’s series Babymouse. This second event is supported by OC READ Families for Literacy.

The authors will read from selected works and share their experiences as writers. Additionally, there will be a Q&A and an opportunity to meet each author. Both authors’ books will be available for purchase, and the authors will be signing their titles for booklovers.

Heather Morris is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Tattooist of Auschwitz. This debut novel is a beautiful, illuminating tale of hope and courage based on interviews conducted with Holocaust survivor and Auschwitz-Birkenau tattooist, Ludwig Sokolov.

Jennifer Holm is three-time Newberry honor winning and New York Times bestselling author known for her graphic novel series, Babymouse. This popular series showcases the trials and tribulations of elementary school.

WHEN:

Heather Morris – Saturday, March 14, 2020 from 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Jennifer Holm – Saturday, March 14, 2020 from 2-3 p.m.

WHERE:

Heather Morris – Laguna Niguel Library; 30341 Crown Valley Pkwy, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
Jennifer Holm – Tustin Library – 345 E. Main St, Tustin, CA 92780

OC Public Libraries mission is to provide access to information and promote literacy at all ages. Access to world-class authors inspires reading communities to meet powerful role models in the literary world. For many, it is their only opportunity to meet an author.

No registration required.

Orange County expands mental health crisis stabilization units

Posted on March 10, 2020 by Art Pedroza Posted in Mental Health, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Orange County is providing support to patients and families struggling with a mental health crisis.

On Tuesday, the Orange County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a dozen new spaces at College Hospital’s Crisis Stabilization Unit for involuntary detention, evaluation, and treatment. The facility is in addition to 15 spaces at the county-run crisis stabilization unit in Santa Ana.

“Making sure that our hospitals are provided with the best tools to care for patients that are suffering from mental health disorders while awaiting treatment is of the utmost importance for Orange County health facilities,” said Michelle Steel, Chairwoman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors.

The 24-hour Crisis Stabilization Units help patients experiencing mental health problems and are a part of the county’s overhauled mental health care system.

“We’re working to deliver patients with the care they need to manage a mental health crisis,” said Andrew Do, Vice Chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors. “These new facilities help everyone in Orange County and take the stress off our overburdened hospital emergency rooms.”

Designated Mental Facilities

In California, individuals who are a danger to themselves, to others, or gravely disabled due to a mental health disorder, may be placed in a facility designated by the county and approved by the Board and Department of Health Care Services. Such designated facilities provide mental health evaluation and treatment to individuals who are involuntarily detained.

“Crisis Stabilization Units provide patients with immediate access to life-saving support and vital mental health services,” said Supervisor Andrew Do.

College Hospital in Costa Mesa, a locked facility that sees clients who are admitted voluntarily, relies upon designation in order to accept individuals on involuntary holds. During today’s meeting, the Board directed the OC Health Care Agency to submit the designation of College Hospital Crisis Stabilization Unit to the Department of Health Care Services for approval.

“Providing mental health evaluation and treatment to individuals who are involuntarily detained helps them quickly access the appropriate level of care they need,” said Supervisor Michelle Steel, whose Second District includes Costa Mesa. “This facility will be a big help for caring for our homeless population who are all too often suffering from mental health disorders.”

Crisis Stabilization Units in Orange County

Last March, the Board of Supervisors approved a three-year, $13.3 million contract, for the creation of a Crisis Stabilization Unit at College Hospital that would add 12 crisis stabilization chairs, serving clients year-round at an average of 18 people per day. These recliners are in addition to the already existing 15 recliners at a county facility in Santa Ana.

In FY 2018-19, the county’s Crisis Stabilization Unit treated approximately 2,700 individuals with 83 percent involuntary and 17 percent voluntary individuals. Similar ratios are expected at College Hospital.

Orange County Vice Chairman Andrew Do represents the First District communities of Santa Ana, Garden Grove, Westminster, Fountain Valley, and Midway City. In his second term, Vice Chairman Do has reformed Orange County’s mental health services, expanded access to health care, and led efforts to combat homelessness.

Orange County Chairwoman Michelle Steel represents the Second District communities of Costa Mesa, Cypress, Huntington Beach, La Palma, Los Alamitos, Newport Beach, Seal Beach, Stanton, the unincorporated area of Rossmoor, and portions of Buena Park and Fountain Valley. Steel, a successful businesswoman, and renowned taxpayer advocate, previously served as Vice-Chair of the State Board of Equalization.

Free sandbags available for Santa Ana residents and businesses

Posted on March 9, 2020 by Art Pedroza Posted in Civic Affairs, public works, Santa Ana, Water, Weather Leave a comment

The City of Santa Ana is offering free sandbags to residents and businesses during winter storms and rain events.

Up to 10 sandbags are available per Santa Ana residence or business location.

The self-service sandbag station location and hours are:

City of Santa Ana Corporate Yard at 215 S. Center St., Santa Ana

Monday – Friday: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

For additional information, please contact Public Works Agency Dispatch at (714) 647-3380 between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m.

La Ciudad de Santa Ana está ofreciendo sacos de arena a residentes y negocios durante las tormentas de invierno y eventos de lluvia.

Hasta 10 sacos de arena están disponibles por residencia o negocio en Santa Ana.

La ubicación y horas de la estación de autoservicio de sacos de arena son:

Yarda Corporativa de la Cuidad de Santa Ana (City of Santa Ana Corporate Yard)
215 S. Center St., Santa Ana

Lunes – Viernes: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sábado – Domingo: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Para obtener más información, llame a la Agencia de Obras Públicas al (714) 647-3380 entre 7 a.m. y 4 p.m.

Three qualify as Ward 6 City Council candidates in Special Recall Election

Posted on March 9, 2020 by Art Pedroza Posted in 2020 Elections, Angie Rosario Cano, Cecilia Iglesias, Civic Affairs, Elections, Nelida Mendoza-Yanez, Politics, Santa Ana, Thai Viet Phan Leave a comment

SANTA ANA, CA – Three people have been nominated as candidates for the Ward 6 City Council office designated to be filled if the recall of Councilmember Cecilia Iglesias is successful, Clerk of the Council Daisy Gomez announced.

The Special Municipal Election is to be held in the City of Santa Ana on Tuesday, May 19, 2020.

The qualified candidates and their ballot designations are:

Nelida Mendoza, Governing Board Member, Rancho Santiago Community College District
Thai Viet Phan, Planning Commissioner/Attorney
Angie Cano, Businesswoman/Planning Commissioner

The candidates all submitted qualifying paperwork by the 5 p.m., March 5, deadline. The candidate names as listed will be the official order on the ballot as determined by a randomized alphabet drawing conducted by the Secretary of State’s Office on March 6.

If the recall should prevail, the winning candidate will serve the duration of the partial term ending Dec. 13, 2022.

The voting period for the Special Municipal Election will be from May 9, 2020, through May 19, 2020, at select Vote Centers. On Election Day, May 19, 2020, select Vote Centers will be open between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m.

The following are key dates for the May 19, 2020, Special Election:
• Public Review for Candidates’ Statement of Qualifications – March 6, 2020, through March 16, 2020
• Write-in Candidacy Filing Period Opens – March 23, 2020
• Last Date to Register to Vote – May 4, 2020
• Write-in Candidacy Filing Period Closes – May 5, 2020
• Select Vote Centers Open – May 9, 2020
• Election Day – May 19, 2020
• Deadline to Certify Election Results – June 18, 2020

Eligible Santa Ana residents can register to vote, check and update their voter registration status, and request a vote-by-mail ballot at https://www.ocvote.com.

For more information on the Santa Ana special election, please visit https://www.santa-ana.org/cc/city-elections and https://www.ocvote.com/vc/web/voting/current-election-information/city-of-santa-ana-special-recall-election.

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