Santa Ana's top news & views blog

Santa Ana's top news & views blog

Tag Archives: Orange County

The OC Supervisors are considering a new 20-year Civic Center master plan

Posted on by Posted in Development, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Supervisors Will Discuss Potential for New 20-Year Orange County Civic Center Master Plan

An ambitious 20-year master plan that proposes to revamp and reorganize County government services within the Orange County Civic Center in Santa Ana will be presented for review on Tuesday, February 23, during a special study session before the Board of Supervisors.

The proposal was developed by a working group that includes Supervisor Andrew Do, First District, and Supervisor Shawn Nelson, Fourth District, as well as County Executive Officer Frank Kim and members of his executive team. Representatives from consultant Griffin Structures (Griffin) also participated. Continue reading→

Caltrans Orange County freeway closure update

Posted on by Posted in Orange County, Santa Ana, Traffic Leave a comment

Santa Ana Police Department

Advisory: CALTRANS: UPCOMING FREEWAY CLOSURES

During February, Caltrans will conduct three significant road projects that could impact Santa Ana residents and commuters. Please be advised of the following dates and locations. Additional details can be found by clicking of the web links for each project. Detour signs will be posted to alert motorists of the closures.

Please note that during the weekend of Feb. 19 to 21, all lanes of the 91 freeway between the 71 freeway and Interstate 15 in Corona will be closed, weather permitting. Continue reading→

Free O.C. blood pressure screenings on Love Your Heart Day, 2/11

Posted on by Posted in Health and Medical, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

For Immediate Release: February 8, 2016

Contact: (714) 834-2178

FREE BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENINGS ON “LOVE YOUR HEART DAY,” FEBRUARY 11, 2016

(Santa Ana) – With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, many of us think about matters of the heart. This year, give yourself and loved ones a healthy gift from the heart by getting a free blood pressure screening on Thursday, February 11, 2016.

The County of Orange Health Care Agency (HCA) joins community partners and Live Well San Diego to celebrate “Love Your Heart” – a one-day event that empowers participants to take charge of their health by knowing their numbers. Continue reading→

The Old OC Courthouse will host Valentine’s Day Marriage Ceremonies

Posted on by Posted in Hugh Nguyen, OC Clerk-Recorder, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

HUGH NGUYEN, CLERK-RECORDER

For Immediate Release: February 03, 2016

Contact: David Cabrera,  Phone: (714) 834-2083, david.cabrera@rec.ocgov.com

Clerk-Recorder to Offer Valentine’s Day Marriage Ceremonies

For those looking to tie the knot on Valentine’s Day, look no further. To accommodate couples, Orange County Clerk-Recorder Hugh Nguyen will be opening the Old County Courthouse in Santa Ana on this Valentine’s Day from 9 am to 2 pm to perform marriage ceremonies only, even though the special day falls on a Sunday.

In order to take advantage of this opportunity, couples must obtain a marriage license, pre-pay for their ceremony and make an appointment for this special Sunday opening prior to 3 pm, February 11. Couples can obtain and pay for their marriage license, pre-pay for their ceremony and make an appointment by visiting any of the department’s locations. Appointments are limited and will only be available to couples who have already pre-paid for their marriage license and ceremony. Continue reading→

Get ready for upcoming freeway closures

Posted on by Posted in Cars, Orange County, public works, Traffic, Transportation Leave a comment

City of Santa Ana

Advisory – Caltrans: Upcoming Freeway Closures

During February, Caltrans will conduct three significant road projects that could impact Santa Ana residents and commuters. Please be advised of the following dates and locations. Additional details can be found by clicking of the web links for each project. Detour signs will be posted to alert motorists of the closures.

Please note that during the weekend of Feb. 19 to 21, all lanes of the 91 freeway between the 71 freeway and Interstate 15 in Corona will be closed, weather permitting. Continue reading→

More than 50 OCDA employees were involved in the OC Jail escape case

Posted on by Posted in Crime, OCDA, Orange County, Santa Ana 2 Comments

ORANGE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY PRESS RELEASE

Date: January 30, 2016

OVER 50 OCDA PERSONNEL INVOLVED IN HELPING TO CAPTURE AND PREPARING CASES FOR PROSECUTION RELATING TO THE JAIL ESCAPE

*Arraignments on captured escapees will likely be on Monday, Feb. 1, 2016

SANTA ANA, Calif. – More than 50 Orange County District Attorney Office (OCDA) personnel were involved in the assistance of the investigation and the preparation for the cases relating to the jail escape. On Monday, Feb. 1, 2016, we will discuss any charges other individuals face due to their involvement in the escape of Bac Tien Duong, 43, Hossein Nayeri, 37, Newport Beach, and Jonathan Tieu, 20, Fountain Valley, through planning, assistance during the escape, or harboring the three inmates after the fact. The investigation is ongoing. As soon as a court date, time, and location is set for the arraignments of the escapees, we will announce the information. Continue reading→

County of Orange reports the first influenza-related death of 2016

Posted on by Posted in Disease, Health and Medical, Orange County, Santa Ana, Westminster 1 Comment

PRESS RELEASE, COUNTY OF ORANGE – HEALTH CARE AGENCY

For Immediate Release: 1/27/15

Contact: (714) 834-2178

COUNTY OF ORANGE REPORTS FIRST INFLUENZA-RELATED DEATH

(Santa Ana) – The County of Orange Health Care Agency has confirmed Orange County’s first influenza-related death in a person under 65 this season. The Public Health laboratory confirmed that the 50 year-old male, who was a resident of Westminster, was infected with influenza B virus.

“This is a sad and somber reminder of the serious threat posed by influenza,” County Health Officer Dr. Eric Handler said. “It is important for everyone to continue practicing good respiratory and hand hygiene to limit the transmission of influenza germs from person to person, and to get vaccinated.” Continue reading→

Reward for information about the OC Jail escapees increased to $50,000

Posted on by Posted in Crime, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

The U.S. Marshals Service has kicked in an additional $30,000 in addition to the $20,000 already offered by the FBI for information leading to the re-arrest of Hossein Nayeri, Jonathan Tieu and Bac Duong, according to the O.C. Register.

Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens updated the press today at 4 pm regarding the search for the O.C. Central Men’s Jail escapees, according to the O.C. Sheriff Department’s Twitter page. Continue reading→

How three convicts from the OC Central Jail escaped

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The Orange County Sheriff has revealed how Hossein Nayeri, 37, Jonathan Tieu, 20, and Bac Duong, 43, escaped from the Orange County Central Men’s Jail, according to the O.C Register.

Sometime between Friday’s 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. head counts, the men cut through half-inch steel bars, forced their way into a plumbing tunnel and made their way to an unsecured part of the jailhouse roof. Continue reading→

Restitution sought from former Orange County employee Carlos Bustamante

Posted on by Posted in Carlos Bustamante, Civic Affairs, Courts, Crime, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

County Seeks Restitution from Former Employee Sentenced for Crimes

The County of Orange formally asked a judge Friday to order former employee Carlos Bustamante to pay restitution as part of his sentencing for multiple crimes committed while he was an employee.

Bustamante, a former executive manager for OC Public Works, was sentenced to 360 days in a city jail and five years’ probation, and will be required to register as a sex offender. He pleaded guilty in December to felony counts of stalking, attempted sexual battery by restraint and grand theft by false pretense, as well as misdemeanor counts of false imprisonment, assault and attempted sexual battery. Continue reading→

Sup. Andrew Do seeks public’s input on changes to the CalOptima Board

Posted on by Posted in Andrew Do, Caloptima, Health and Medical, Orange County, Politics, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Sup. Andrew Do Seeks Public’s Input on Changes to CalOptima Board

Proposal Will Be Considered at January 26 Board of Supervisors meeting

(Santa Ana, California)— Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do is seeking the public’s input on proposed changes to the management structure of CalOptima, the county’s health care system for low-income children, adults, seniors and people with disabilities.

At its January 26 meeting, the Orange County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to consider changes designed to ensure proper oversight and management of the $3.2 billion health care program. Continue reading→

Free tax preparation for those who earned less than $60,000 in 2015

Posted on by Posted in Orange County, Santa Ana, Taxes Leave a comment

If you earned less than $60,000 in 2015 you can file your state and federal taxes for free this year at MyFreeTaxes.com, which is part of the United Way. You can save over $2,000 on your tax refund.

H&R Block is providing the filing software for all MyFreeTaxes returns. Once you login, you should see the MyFreeTaxes logo in the top left-hand corner throughout the filing process to receive free filing. Continue reading→

Check your online property tax statement to prevent liens and protect your credit

Posted on by Posted in OC Treasurer, Orange County, Santa Ana, Shari Freidenrich, Taxes Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Shari Freidenrich January 12, 2016 (714) 834-7625, Treasurer@ttc.ocgov.com

DO YOU OWE ANY PROPERTY TAXES? CHECK THE ONLINE PROPERTY TAX STATEMENT TO PREVENT A LIEN ON YOUR PROPERTY OR PERSONAL CREDIT!

Orange County Treasurer-Tax Collector Shari L. Freidenrich encourages all property taxpayers to visit ocgov.com/octaxbill to take advantage of multiple resources for current or previous owners of real property, boats, aircraft, or business property and equipment.

The online information by parcel identifies any current outstanding property tax balances, copies of current and prior year property tax bills, a link to a Google-type GIS map, information on Mello-Roos assessments, penalty cancellation request forms, change of address forms, and information on PACE programs offered by some local cities. The site also provides same-day credit payment options with no convenience fee plus an emailed detailed receipt for your records (can also be printed), as well as copies of the inserts sent with property tax bills. Continue reading→

The OCTA is offering free bus rides on New Year’s Eve

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OCTA Offering Free Bus Rides on New Year’s Eve

Free bus rides on New Year’s Eve is back! So go ahead and plan a fun night on the town and OC Bus will get you there and back safely. OCTA is providing free rides on any fixed route bus beginning on Thursday December 31st at 6 pm and extending through 2:30 am on Friday January 1st.

Taking the bus is pretty easy. Even after a great party you can probably figure things out. Just in case, you can find everything you need to plan your trip in OCTA’s how to ride section. OCTA encourages you to plan ahead using the Google Trip Planner since not all routes run past midnight. Remember it is free after 6 pm, so bring $2 bus fare if you are getting an early start. Continue reading→

The empty bus terminal in Downtown Santa Ana may be used to help the homeless

Posted on by Posted in Andrew Do, homeless, Orange County, Politics, Santa Ana, Vince Sarmiento Leave a comment

Many community activists in Santa Ana have openly wondered why the vacated OCTA bus terminal, at 405 W. 5th St., has not been used to provide temporary shelter for the many homeless who gather at the Civic Center every day. Now the County of Orange is finally in a position to make this happen as they are finalizing the purchase of the bus terminal, according to the O.C. Register.

The terminal will be purchased for $3.3 million dollars, which will include the terminal and a 473-space parking structure and a seven-story office building that will remain the headquarters of the Orange County Health Care Agency.

The OCTA opened the bus terminal in 1984 but stopped using it in 2008 instead of renovating it to fit the newly designed, natural-gas fueled buses that have become much of the OCTA’s fleet today. Continue reading→