Santa Ana's top news & views blog

Santa Ana's top news & views blog

Tag Archives: Santa Ana

Bloggers and media demonstrate Santa Ana must be the most interesting city in OC

Posted on by Posted in Blogs, Carlos Bustamante, Claudia Alvarez, David Benavides, Michele Martinez, Miguel Pulido, Sal Tinajero, Santa Ana, Vince Sarmiento 4 Comments

Read the local blogs or the pseudo-media and you will see an incredible fascination, some might say obsession, with our great city and our elected officials.  Whether they live in Anaheim, Long Beach or Irvine these folks can’t seem to focus on their own communities they instead choose to write about ours and do so with an outsiders ignorance.  Their wild eyed accusations and assessments are based on second hand knowledge and biased observations.

It looks as though these folks have joined in with the small, but angry, mob of local residents that offer no real solutions or alternatives to help move our city forward.  The recent election results demonstrated that the voters soundly rejected this “coalition of no” and their negative view of our city and our leaders.  Rather than simply opposing projects and attacking our electeds perhaps these folks could offer up some different ideas for moving our city forward along with a plan on how they would do it.

Simply saying you want more cops, more parks and more services is not an answer.  Everyone wants those things.  Tell us how we can do that or how we can accomplish it by tweaking what we are currently doing.  Mayor Miguel Pulido, the city council and city leaders like our Police Chief Paul Walters are doing all they can to provide our community the best services possible given the current budget issues we face.  Things could be much worse but thanks to our leadership they aren’t.

We here at the New Santa Ana blog are all ears when it comes to hearing new ideas and plans on how we can make our city a better place.  We would love to hear constructive criticism of the way things are being done now, perhaps there are ways to do things better.  However all we hear out of these bloggers and so-called media types is pissing and moaning and personal attacks against our city, our leaders and their supporters.

For all of you folks throwing rocks from afar I ask you this, if you are so concerned about our city why don’t you move here and help make it a better place?  You are constantly telling the blogosphere how smart you are, why don’t you move to Santa Ana run for office and let us all reap the awards of your incredible intelligence?

Obviously you have all solved the problems in Anaheim, Irvine, Long Beach and wherever else it is that you hail from.  Since you see our great city as being so interesting that you focus your obsession on it I ask you to come and help us move it forward.  For many years Art Pedroza and I found throwing rocks to be easy, finding solutions is hard.  Join us and or great city leaders in finding the solutions necessary to improve the most interesting city in Orange County.

The time is now and the place is Santa Ana.

Meet author Victor Villasenor, this Wednesday at Librería Martinez

Posted on by Posted in Arts and Culture, Business, Entertainment, Latinos, Literature, Santa Ana 1 Comment

Come Hear Best-Selling Author Victor Villaseñor.  He will be speaking and signing books purchased at Librería Martinez.

Please note: Only the first 100 guests to arrive can be guaranteed a seat for this exciting event. Don’t miss out!

Wednesday, Dec 08, 2010, from 7:00pm – 9:00pm

Librería Martinez, Books and Art Gallery
216 N. Broadway, Santa Ana, CA 92701 (714) 973-7900

Some of Victor’s books:

BURRO GENIUS 2004 HarperCollins Publishing imprint RAYO.

BURRO GENIUS, a Pulitzer Prize nominee and a Nationally Acclaimed Best Seller, was included in the 2005 New York Public Library Books Teen Age List, 12 to 18 years old. Also available in Spanish

»Publishers Weekly Review

BURRO GENIUS continues the Villaseñor family story and goes into Victor Villaseñor’s own youth and education. With his signature of bold vitality, and his own incredible life-story, BURRO GENIUS takes the reader into the soul of a young boy full of confusion . . . . and yet encouraged by the love for his brother and a sense of artistic destiny and magic.

RAIN OF GOLD 1991 Arte Público Press (Hard Cover)

RAIN OF GOLD is a true-life saga of love, family and destiny, pulsing with bold vitality, sweeping from the war-ravaged Mexican mountains of Pancho Villa’s revolution to the Prohibition days of California. Bursting from the pages with real-life characters and passionate drama, RAIN OF GOLD is a major work by a Mexican-American writer of extraordinary power, Victor Villaseñor. In RAIN OF GOLD, Victor Villaseñor weaves the parallel stories of two families and two countries…bringing us the timeless romance between the volatile bootlegger who would become his father and the beautiful Lupe, his mother – men and women in whose lives the real and the fantastical exist side by side…and in whose hearts the spirit to survive is fueled by a family’s unconditional love.

CRAZYLOCO LOVE
2008 Arte Publico Press

Crazy Loco Love is Best-Selling Author’s Very Personal, Passionate New Book

HOUSTON, TX—September 2008 From Victor Villaseñor, one of America’s most beloved writers, author of Rain of Gold and Burro Genius, comes Crazy Loco Love (Arte Público Press, September 2008, $26.95, 416 pages, clothbound, ISBN-13: 978-1-55885-315-7), a compelling memoir of his adolescent search for meaning and identity. In this new work, Villaseñor deftly undermines the macho stereotype so often associated with Latinos, while exposing the tender vulnerability and naiveté of a young man grappling with his own sexuality and spirituality. Kirkus Reviews says, “Readers will find Crazy Loco Love a departure in a new direction, for now the author, revisiting his late-adolescent self, becomes exceedingly interested in matters of the flesh.”

THIRTEEN SENSES

2001 HarperCollins Publishing imprint RAYO. (Hard Cover or Quality Paperback)
Nationally Acclaimed Best Seller.  Also available in Spanish

THIRTEEN SENSES, the sequel to RAIN OF GOLD, continues the powerful family epic as told by master storyteller Victor Villaseñor. Set in the colorful backdrop of Southern California amidst the bygone era of Prohibition and the Great Depression, this memoir recalls the story of Salvador and Lupe’s first years of marriage. Filled with thrilling action, gut-wrenching suspense, ancestral wisdom, and timeless love, this adventure never lets up. Embracing unconditional love, profound grit, and the tenacity of two spirits which transcend all obstacles, THIRTEEN SENSES demonstrates the strength of women, the power of magic, and eliminates the narrow boundaries set by Euro-American five sensory world.

For information about forthcoming events, please call (714) 973-7900 or send email to Ruebén. To make comments, go to his “Guestbook” page where you can leave him a message.

Have critics of the Santa Ana City Council gone too far?

Posted on by Posted in Civic Affairs, Michele Martinez, Miguel Pulido, Sal Tinajero, Santa Ana 16 Comments

My colleague, Sean Mill, recently extended an invitation to the editor of a local news and entertainment publication to go on a ride-along with Mayor Miguel Pulido, to see some of the great positive things that are happening in Santa Ana.  The editor’s response?  No, he said, because Mayor Pulido has not yet visited the editor’s girlfriend’s local store.  How petty can you get?

Orange Juice blogger Gabriel San Roman topped that yesterday in a truly ridiculous post wherein he slammed the entire Santa Ana City Council because they did not attend a fundraiser for the Breath of Fire theater ensemble.  According to San Roman, the Council was invited, in person, to attend the event, but they did not.

Is this guy serious?  The City of Santa Ana provides a community calendar, where such events receive free publicity.  Events are also featured on the front page of the City’s website.   The City of Santa Ana also sends out a regular email newsletter, called Celebrate Santa Ana, that touts such events.

Councilwoman Michele Martinez also promotes these events in her monthly newsletter and on her blog.  So does Mayor Pulido, on his blog, and Councilman Sal Tinajero, on his blog.

The reality is that our Council Members and our Mayor are busy people.  Most of them have kids.  All of them have jobs to do and many of them already serve on numerous charitable boards and civic commissions.  Must they attend every event that San Roman wants them to attend, or risk getting ripped?

Expecting our local elected officials to spend all of their free time attending meetings and events is unreasonable.  These folks serve our City on a part-time basis.  They should be allowed to spend their free time doing whatever they want to.

Latino activists used to complain because the Santa Ana City Council was full of non-Latinos.  Now we have an all-Latino City Council and their critics are still unhappy.  Nothing will ever please them…

Santa Ana school for kids with dyslexia to have an open house on Dec. 15

Posted on by Posted in Education, Entertainment, Santa Ana, Youth Activities 1 Comment

The Prentice School “The Prentice School Open House”

The Prentice School, a coeducational school for children with learning differences from preschool through high school, is hosting an open house event on Wednesday, December 15th, from 9:00-10:00 a.m.

The open house will feature a short presentation, a special guest speaker, tour of the campus and Q&A session. There is no need to R.S.V.P. or set an appointment, attend at your convenience!

Come visit the campus to learn how the Prentice School can benefit your child by giving them the building blocks to set them up for academic success.

Contact: Lauren Krausgrill, 714-255-4600. Address: 18341 Lassen Drive, Santa Ana, CA 92705 Website: www.prentice.org.

Is Prentice the right solution for your child?

Is your bright and creative child having difficulty mastering the written and spoken word? Do you wonder why it’s hard for him or her to:

  • Read, spell, and write?
  • Follow directions?
  • Retrieve words?
  • Comprehend math facts?
  • Use fluid, legible handwriting?
  • Work to potential?

The problem may be a language learning difference.

Language learning differences (also referred to as Specific Language Disability, SLD or Dyslexia) interferes with a child’s ability to retain and express language at a level commensurate with their average to above average intelligence. If your child exhibits these symptoms—especially a reading or spelling problem—you should seek a professional opinion.

Early intervention is critical
Studies show that when children with a language learning difference are provided with appropriate instruction by age 8, they have an 85 percent chance of achieving excellent academic growth. But if they not get help until age 10-11, their chance of achieving significant academic growth plummets to only 15 percent. Please don’t wait until your child is in third or fourth grade to address this issue. Early intervention is critical to preventing frustration and academic failure.

“Prentice has taught me that there is nothing wrong with being dyslexic”

—Prentice student

Harbor Blvd. corridor improvement open house in Santa Ana on Dec. 9

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How would you Improve Harbor Boulevard?

You are invited to be part of creating a sustainable vision for the Harbor Boulevard corridor. The City of Santa Ana is
committed to identifying opportunities for urban and transit-oriented mixed-use development and more affordable
housing along key transit corridors such as Harbor Boulevard. The new Harbor Corridor Plan will create a vision for:

  • Housing and mixed-use development opportunities
  • Economic vitality and new opportunities for businesses and residents
  • Transportation choices, particularly pedestrian and bicycle
  • A sense of place

Most importantly, you’ll have an opportunity to tell us what you think and provide valuable feedback to help shape
the vision.

What: Informational Open House for the Harbor Boulevard Corridor

When: Thursday, December 9, 2010

A presentation will take place at 7:00 p.m.

Attend the open house anytime between 6:30 and 8:30 p.m.

Where: Plumbers & Steamfitters Local Union Building

3904 West First Street (just west of Harbor Blvd.)
Santa Ana, CA 92703

For more information or to be added to our mailing list for future project updates, please visit our website at
www.santa-ana.org/harborplan or call us at (714) 667-2792. If you’re unable to attend, please leave us a message with
your ideas or send us an email to harborplan@santa-ana.org.

Would you like to help shape the future of Harbor Boulevard? What would make the Harbor Boulevard area a better place
to live, work and shop? What would make Harbor Boulevard more walkable and bike-friendly?

This is a project for the City of Santa Ana with funding provided by the Southern California Association of Governments’ (SCAG) Compass Blueprint Program. Compass Blueprint assists Southern California cities and other organizations in evaluating planning options and stimulating development consistent with the region’s goals. Compass Blueprint tools support visioning efforts, infill analyses, economic and policy analyses, and marketing and communication programs. The preparation of this report has been financed in part through grant(s) from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) through the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) in accordance with the provisions under the Metropolitan Planning Program as set forth in Section 104(f) of Title 23 of the U.S. Code.

The contents of this report reflect the views of the author who is responsible for the facts and accuracy of the data presented herein.  The contents do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of

SCAG, DOT or the State of California. This report does not constitute a standard, specification or regulation. SCAG shall not be responsible for the City’s future use or adaptation of the report.

City of Santa Ana
Planning Division
20 Civic Center Plaza
P.O. Box 1988 (M-20)
Santa Ana, CA 92702

Valet parking debate underscores need for Santa Ana Artist Village City Commission

Posted on by Posted in Arts and Culture, Civic Affairs, Santa Ana 5 Comments

Some of the artists in downtown Santa Ana’s Artist Village are not happy about a new valet parking service that is being coordinated by the Downtown Santa Ana Restaurant Association and the City of Santa Ana.

I received a number of emails about this, but held off on writing about it until I had more information.  I just received an email from Gabriela Lomeli, who works in the City of Santa Ana’s Redevelopment department, explaining what this valet parking program is all about:

The valet program is a 90-day pilot program that the city is launching with the intent to service all the businesses in and around the Artists Village.

The pilot program will require the temporary use of six meters on the east side of Broadway from 2nd to 3rd St. after 6pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. A secondary valet station will be on west side of Sycamore Street between 2nd and 3rd St. The city is receptive to your concerns and would like to work with you. I ask that you allow this first trial run weekend to be completed and provide me with comments/feedback after the weekend. This is a pilot program and we are open to making modifications in order to ensure a successful program that benefits all.

To clarify, in the downtown area you are allowed to park in a metered stall up to two hours. The Temporary No Parking from 4pm to 2am means you cannot begin your two hour parking at or after 4pm because that would conflict with the valet service to begin at 6pm. As an example, if someone parks at 3pm they have until 5pm to vacate the metered space.

Matthew Southgate, an artist who owns a gallery in the Santora Building, had this to say about the parking program, in an email he widely distributed early this morning:

This is an “Artist Village” Folks. That is the popularity of the place. If the City, or “Downtown Inc.” is intent on gentrifying the area, must they be so sloppy about it? If the idea is to upgrade the clientele of the area, it is not going to be achieved by depopulating the area first. That is not going to work! A Valet Parking station is not a bad idea in theory, but it all depends on how it is implemented. Tonight’s “trial run” was just a Deja Vu of the Independence Day celebration when all of the street parking on Broadway, 3rd and Sycamore was turned into a De-Militarized Zone! Non-sense!

$8.00 Valet Parking is not a security measure! It is a show off for Pimp Daddies, Wannabe High Rollers, C.E.O.s and Ignorant Tourists that want to”slum” but not really slum and get drunk! The loyal customers of the Artist Village don’t need or want any of this. They just want the alleys to be lit, a cop patrol car and security cameras in the vicinity. This is not “Vegas” and no artist, art patron, or Santa Ana resident wants it to be.

Alicia Rojas, another artist in the downtown area, responded thusly:

Maybe this is an issue that we artist can bring up in the next city council meeting. This pilot was provably approved by the city for the restaurants but the concerns of the artist at Santora where not even discussed..apparently the Guild and artist where not aware of the pilot or the restaurants plans for a new over the top valet parking. I am assuming that the concerns here also come from a lack of awareness with what is being planned because of the big shock wave that was heard all over Broadway last night.

I think that the issue here is that the artists feel they have been left out of the planning, which in truth they have.  I don’t think this was willful on the part of the businesses and the City of Santa Ana, but it is an issue that must be dealt with.

My suggestion is that the City of Santa Ana form an Artist Village Advisory Commission, which will include representatives of all the stakeholders in the area.  The Commission might include:

  • Mayor Miguel Pulido, or a designated Commissioner to represent him
  • Councilwoman Michele Martinez, whose ward includes downtown Santa Ana
  • An artist from the Santora building
  • An artist from the surrounding area, who is not in the Santora
  • A small business owner, in the area, such as the folks at Calacas
  • A representative of the CSUF Grand Central Art Center
  • A City of Santa Ana representative, from Planning or Redevelopment
  • And representatives from Downtown Inc and the Downtown Santa Ana Restaurant Association

This new Commission will be able to consider projects that affect everyone, so that no one will feel left out.

As for the valet issue, I see both sides of it.  I think it may need some fine-tuning and it appears that this is a distinct possibility.

We do need visitors from outside the area.  If the valet parking helps bring them in, all the better.

I like the suggestions offered by Daniella Southgate, in response to Matt’s initial email regarding the valet parking:

From an outsiders position, but as one who has studied current gentrification issues in LA, this is what I suggest;

1) CONCERNS- Identify and clarify the concerns so people can focus on the solutions asap. When giving a complaint, do not add to the issue by serving up negative emotion with it; forcing people to hunt for the concrete complaint amongst the insults.

2) SOLUTIONS- Once the concerns are clarified, focus on the possible solutions. In general who is heard is who is helpful, and who is helpful is who has solutions.

3) DON’T WHINE- If you take the time to complain and stir up the pot, have the consideration to come up with some good solutions presented with your complaint. (If the artists represent themselves as unprofessional and whiny, guess what kids, you will get steam rolled. No one likes a whiner.)

4) CONSIDER THE POSITIVE- Concerns and kinks aside, if I had a business in The Santora building, I would be happy a group of people, with expendable cash, where going to be delivered, with no cost to me, to my business’ front door and stuck there as a captive audience with time to kill. Most business owners would also consider this a positive, and the smart business owners would be working on how to maximize the opportunity.

5) MAXIMIZE THE OPPORTUNITY- If I were a Santora business owner I would be focusing on;

a) my entrance’s appearance and how to draw the captive audience in. Does it?
b) my merchandise and making sure I had some clearly marked items at a lower price point for quick purchases displayed in a way that can be easily seen at the front of the store.
c) Most of all, I would be focusing on getting an ATM machine inside the building, but not far from the valet, so all those people who need to pay for their parking, will go to my business, get some cash, and hopefully spend some money in my business. (Santora, be smart and conjure up a bargaining chip to get this to happen asap.)

Orange County homeless emergency shelters to open

Posted on by Posted in Charities, Fullerton, homeless, Housing, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Press Release, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 3, 2010
CONTACT: Karen Roper (714) 480-2805, cell (714) 423-8315

COUNTY HOMELESS EMERGENCY SHELTERS TO OPEN

(Santa Ana, CA) – The County of Orange Armory Emergency Shelter Program is scheduled to open at alternate sites on December 6, 2010 until the California National Guard Armory locations become available for use later in the month (maps attached). The program is anticipated to open at the Fullerton and Santa Ana Armory locations on December 13, 2010 (address information attached). The seasonal emergency shelter program provides up to 400 beds for homeless families and individuals. The program provides shelter to families and individuals along with a nutritious meal, warm shower, safe place to sleep, warm clothes, a wide variety of supportive services, and a friendly and safe atmosphere.

The Armory Emergency Shelter Program is a vital link in our community’s efforts to take care of those who lack proper shelter at night and to provide needed services to families and individuals. The Armory Emergency Shelter Program is possible due to the help of hundreds of volunteers from County agencies, churches, and other community groups.

In addition, the following agencies provide on-site services aimed at breaking the cycle of homelessness and moving families and individuals to self-sufficiency and independent living: Orange County Health Care Agency, Orange County Social Services Agency, Salvation Army, Veteran’s First, Serving People In Need, Mental Health Association of Orange County, Public Law Center, Orange County Rescue Mission, 2-1-1 Orange County, and many others. Donations from other non-profit organizations, churches, and individuals add to the available resources to make this program a success. The program is operated by Mercy House through a contract with the County of Orange, OC Community Services.

“This program fills a critical gap in Orange County’s Continuum of Care system for the homeless,” stated Karen Roper, Director of OC Community Services.

# # # # #

Orange County Armory Emergency Shelter Program 2010 – 2011

PROGRAM SUMMARY:

The Orange County Armory Emergency Shelter program provides up to 400 beds per night for the homeless at the National Guard Armories in Fullerton and Santa Ana. The homeless will receive a nutritious meal, a warm shower and a safe place to sleep. Volunteers will distribute donations of warm clothing, and service providers from Orange County will be onsite to provide needed services.

DATES: The program will begin operations at alternate sites on December 6, 2010 (see attached map).
The opening date at the Fullerton site is December 13, 2010.
The opening date at the Santa Ana site is December 13, 2010.

ARMORY LOCATIONS:

Santa Ana Armory – 612 East Warner (Warner / Main)
Fullerton Armory – 400 South Brookhurst (Brookhurst / Valencia)

BUS PICK UP LOCATIONS: (There will be pick-up at these sites on dark nights)

Fullerton: Santa Ana:
N. La Palma Park Way, Anaheim Pick-Up #1 5:00 p.m.
Near La Palma Park Stadium Flower & Civic Center – near
and across from Goodwill 6th Street, Santa Ana

Pick Up #2 5:30 p.m.
1901 N. Walnut, Santa Ana

DARK NIGHTS & ALTERNATE SITES:

The National Guard Armories are not available for use a few nights per month. On these “dark nights,” clients will be sheltered at alternate sites.

For more information, please contact:

Santa Ana site: Michael Escarcida at (714) 836-7188 ext. 108 or
Michaele@mercyhouse.net

Fullerton site: James Brooks at (714) 836-7188 ext. 107 or Jamesb@mercyhouse.net

ARMORY Wish List

Mercy House is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to be the leader in ending homelessness by providing a unique system of dignified housing alternatives, programs, and supportive services.

The Armory program provides up to 400 beds per night for the homeless in Fullerton and Santa Ana.

For Individuals & Families:

HYGIENE SUPPLIES

 Shampoo & Conditioner
 Soap
 Laundry Detergent
 Deodorant
 Purell
 Diapers (4-6)
 Pull-ups
 Baby Wipes
 Razors & Shaving Cream
 Cologne
 Combs & Hair Brushes
 Toothbrush & Toothpaste
 Dental Floss & Mouthwash
 Band Aids
 Body Lotion
 Feminine Hygiene Products

CLOTHING

 T-Shirts (L ,XL, XXL)
 Sweatshirts (L, XL, XXL)
 Socks
 New Undergarments (in packaging)
 Gloves
 Mittens
 Warm Clothing (men, women & children sizes)

FOOD

 Snack Foods
 Dry Foods
 Muffins
 Donuts
 Cookies
 Health Bars
 Candy
 Popcorn
 Peanuts
 Sack Lunches/Breakfast

The Santa Ana Armory Emergency Shelter will be opening Monday, December 6th through Wednesday, December 12th at:

First United Methodist Church in Santa Ana, CA.
609 N Spurgeon St, Santa Ana, CA

Clients should still go to bus pick up sites.
They will be transported to the alternate site. Pick up starts at by 5:30 pm.
No shopping carts allowed.

Santa Ana Pick Up #1:

1901 N. Walnut, Santa Ana

Santa Ana Pick Up #2:

Flower & Civic Center – near 6th St, Santa Ana

For general information please call (714) 836-7188 ext. 131.    For more information please contact Michael Escarcida (714) 454-3629 after 6 pm.

The Fullerton Armory Emergency Shelter will be opening Monday, December 6th through Wednesday, December 12th at:

First Evangelical Free Church
2801 N. Brea Blvd, Fullerton
North Campus
Located on Brea Blvd north of Rolling Hills Drive
(not located within the gym)
See campus map on other side of this flyer

Clients can STILL go to the same bus pick up site.
They will be transported to the alternate site. Pick-up starts at 5pm.
No shopping carts allowed.

Fullerton Armory Pick-up location:
 N. La Palma Park Way, Anaheim
Near La Palma Park Stadium and across from Goodwill

For general information, please call (714) 836-7188 ext. 131
For more information please contact James Brooks: 714-478-1889 after 6pm

Mesa Gas announces new manufacturing line and laboratory in Santa Ana

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Santa Ana, CA – Mesa Specialty Gas and Equipment, a division of MESA International Technologies, Inc., has announced the completion of its new environmental gas manufacturing line and analytical laboratory located in Santa Ana, CA.

“The upgrade and expansion of our environmental manufacturing facilities completes another crucial step in our long term planning” said Mark Tyssee, Vice President of MESA Specialty Gases & Equipment. “The new facilities will allow us to reduce product lead times by shortening specialty gas cylinder preparation time and analytical time, all while improving product quality” Mark added.

The new facility showcases a complete line of Rosemount Analytical instrumentation used in the confirming analysis of the specialty gas mixtures. “It was important for us to select a platform that would provide a broad range of analytical capabilities and support options,” said Phu Nguyen, lab manager at MESA Specialty Gases.

“The Rosemount Analytical product line is an excellent fit for our requirements” Phu added. MESA International Technologies, Inc. was established on January 1, 1993. MESA Specialty Gas and Equipment, a division of MESA International Technologies, Inc. is a manufacturer and global supplier of highly accurate specialty gas and calibration gas standards used in a wide variety of instrument applications in the laboratory, energy, petrochemical and refinery industries. MESA is strategically located in Southern California near major shipping ports designed to minimize shipping costs and transit time to both domestic and international customers. Additional products include instrument grade support gases, calibration gas in small disposable cylinders and gas handling equipment.

Wilshire Square Neighborhood Association’s old-fashioned Christmas, on Dec. 12

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Wilshire Square Neighborhood Association “Holiday Procession”

Sun., Dec. 12 at 4:30 p.m. Wilshire Square Neighborhood Assoc. hosts a Holiday Procession.

Enjoy SAPD Chief Walters on horseback, Saddleback H.S. Percussion Drill Regiment Band, Santa & Mrs. Claus & Elves and Shriner Clowns.

Route: 1100 block of S. Ross St. to W. Russell St. to S. Sycamore to W. Borchard to S. Garnsey to W. Russell to S. Ross.

At 5:30 pm. tell Santa Claus your Christmas wish list! Click here for additional information.

Wilshire Square’s “Old Fashioned Christmas”

Schedule of Events

  • Monday, December 6 Deadline for Holiday Lighting Contest Win: 1st Prize $100, 2nd Prize $75 or 3rd Prize $50 Sponsored by: Prudential California Realty
  • Sunday, December 12 Christmas Parade at 4:30 p.m.
  • At 5:20 p.m. visit Santa & Mrs. Claus!
  • Parade Route: 1100 block of S. Ross St. to W. Russell to S. Sycamore to W. Borchard to S. Garnsey to W. Russell to the 1100 block of S. Ross St.
  • Wear your favorite Vintage Clothes — Grandpa’s suspenders or Grandma’s apron to watch or march with the Parade!

Wilshire Square FACEBOOK or call Mary 714/380-2210

“Science of Gingerbread,” at the Discovery Science Center, starting on Dec. 11

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December 11

Discovery Science Center “Science of Gingerbread” (Dec 11, 2010 – Jan 2, 2011)

Inside the kitchen, much more is going on than pouring and mixing – it’s science at work! Our holiday festival is filled with festive activities designed to bring families together this holiday season.

Gingerbread House Workshops. Learn from local chefs how to build & decorate a gingerbread house:

Sat, Dec 18: Garden Grove ROP
Sun, Dec 19: Tracy Lopez

Award Winning Gingerbread Displays: Daily through Jan 2.  See Gingerbread Competition entries throughout the Center!

Hands-On Kitchen Science Activities: Daily through Jan 2.  Find out all about kitchen tools, recipe science and more!

“A Matter of Taste” Stage Show: 11a,1p,3p,4p; Sat/Sun through Jan 2.  How are taste and smell different? Find out for yourself!

Photos w/Santa Claus: 11am-3pm; Dec 4&5,11&12,18-24.  Don’t miss your chance to take a photo & visit with Santa!

Cookie Decorating: 11:30a, 1:30p, 3:30p; Dec 4&5,11&12,18-30.  Decorate holiday cookies and eat them too!

Train Modeling Demonstrations: Schedule TBD.  Check out exclusive demos by Toy Train Engineers of the Southern California.

“Ask a Scientist” Series: See special presentations by local scientists.

“Ask a Scientist” Series Schedule:

Sat, Dec 4: FDA Supervisory Consumer Safety Officer, Vien Lee.  What’s the difference between good bacteria and bad bacteria? Find out in this presentation from a real FDA Officer.

Sat, Dec 11: FDA Supervisory Consumer Safety Officer, Michael Araneta.  How do you wash your vegetables? Can you leave a gallon of milk out for an hour and refrigerate? What’s pasteurization? Find out these answers and more!

All activities and demonstrations are free after admission. Dates and activites are subject to change.

State Senator Lou Correa to host a Holiday Open House on Dec. 8

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Dear Friends,

As the holiday season quickly approaches, I look forward to spending time with my wife, our children, and family friends. At the same time, I’m aware that many people in Orange County are less fortunate. If you or your family needs assistance this holiday season, there are numerous organizations that can help. Below you will find just a few that are graciously serving the 34th district.

I will also be hosting my annual Holiday Open House on Wednesday, December 8, 2010 from 4:00PM to 6:00pm at my District Office in Santa Ana. Come meet other Orange County residents and bring your ideas for how to make our community even better. For more information or to RSVP, call (714) 558-4400 or email meredith.vivian@sen.ca.gov.  Or click here to RSVP on Facebook.

Have a wonderful holiday season.

Sincerely,
Lou Correa
State Senator, 34th District
________________________________________

Garden Grove

Grandma’s House of Hope (GHH)

GHH distributes food, gifts, and toys to hungry children and their parents during the holiday season. Contact Lori Solomon at lori.grandmashouse@gmail.com for more information.

Santa Ana

Veterans First, Thanksgiving at the Veterans House on Manor

Veterans First is serving dinner to homeless veterans at four locations on November 25th from 11:00am to 2:00pm. Please contact Beau McGaughey at beau@veteransfirstoc.org for more information.

The Wooden Floor

Each year, The Wooden Floor, previously known as Saint Joseph Ballet, provides gifts for 375 underprivileged youth at its annual student holiday party. Please contact Susie Forbath at Susie@TheWoodenFloor.org for more information.

OneOC, Spirit of Giving

The Spirit of Giving is a service learning project where 1st grade students are taught the importance of community service. Please contact Shannon Reyes at sreyes@OneOC.org for more information.

Mercy House Living Centers, Holiday Adopt-a-Resident Program

Please contact Ashleigh Anderson Camba at ashleigha@mercyhouse.net for more information.

County of Orange

The Orange County Toy Collaborative

The Orange County Toy Collaborative provides holiday gifts to children from low-income households. Please visit www.ocgov.com/volunteer.asp for more information.

Orange County Toy Collaborative
Operation Santa Claus distributes donated gifts and toys to underprivileged youth during the holiday season. Please contact Jane Dawson at Jane.Dawson@ocgov.com for more information.

Military Children’s Charity, Inc.

The Military Children’s Charity distributes toys to American Servicemember’s children. Please contact Cherie Navarro at cnavarro@militarychildrenscharity.org for more information.

Orangewood Children’s Foundation

The Orangewood Children’s Foundation distributes gifts to current foster youth, former foster youth, and low-income families throughout Orange County. Please contact Lupe Barerra Lbarerra@orangewoodfoundation.org for more information.

Providence Community Services

Providence Community Services distributes gifts to needy children who would otherwise go without during the holidays. Please contact Adrienne Davalos at adavalos@provcorp.com for more information.

WISEPlace, Adopt-a-Resident

Please contact Cindy Ruiz at cruiz@wiseplace.org for more information.

Corazon, 2010 Community Christmas Party

The community of Cumbres and Pedregal are hosting a community Christmas fiesta. Please contact Julissa Espinoza at office@corazon.org for more information.

California State Senator Lou Correa – District 34
Web site: http://www.senate.ca.gov/Correa
The website is now available with sections in Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Korean.
E-mail: Senator Lou Correa

Capitol Office
State Capitol, Room 5052
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 651-4034 District Office
2323 N. Broadway, Ste. 245
Santa Ana, CA 92706
(714) 558-4400

(c) 2010 California State Senate

City Council installation set for December 14th

Posted on by Posted in David Benavides, Entertainment, Michele Martinez, Miguel Pulido, Sal Tinajero, Santa Ana Leave a comment

The 2010 Mayor and City Council Installation ceremony has been scheduled for Tuesday, December 14th at 6:00 PM in the City of Santa Ana Council Chambers located at 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana.  All residents are invited to join in the celebration of the swearing in of Mayor Miguel Pulido and Council Members Michele Martinez, David Benavides and Sal Tinajero.

Voters reaffirmed their support for the terrific council majority when Mayor Pulido, Martinez and Tinajero were re-elected along with Benavides in November.  After a spirited campaign season lets hope that all sides can put their differences aside and get behind the movement that will lead our community into the future.  The silly season that is born out of elections that has led to ridiculous lawsuits and obstructionist behavior should now be put to rest for the good of the city.

Immediately following the ceremony at the council chambers there will be a reception at the Bowers Museum which is located at 2002 North Main Street, Santa Ana.  Everyone is welcome and we here at the New Santa Ana blog look forward to see you all there.  Let’s celebrate our city council and our city’s future together.

Santa Ana: The soul and spirit of Orange County

Posted on by Posted in Arts and Culture, Entertainment, Santa Ana, Youth Activities Leave a comment

Santa Ana: The Soul And Spirit Of Orange County

By: Jaime Rubio

Santa Ana is the county seat and most populous city in Orange County, California, and the 55th-most populous city in the United States with a 2007 estimated population of 339,555. Santa Ana lends its name to the Santa Ana Freeway (I-5), which runs through the city. It also shares its name with the nearby Santa Ana Mountains, the Santa Ana Watershed, and the infamous Santa Ana Winds, which historically have fueled seasonal wildfires throughout Southern California.

During World War II, the Santa Ana Army Air Base was built as a training center for the United States Army Air Forces. The base was responsible for continued population growth in Santa Ana and the rest of Orange County as many veterans moved to the area to raise families after the end of the war.

In November 1988, Santa Ana became a charter city, which allowed citizens to directly vote in mayoral elections. The current mayor of Santa Ana is Miguel A. Pulido, the first mayor of Latino descent in the city’s history.

Since the 1980s, Santa Ana has been characterized by an effort to revitalize the downtown area which had declined in influence. The Santa Ana Artist’s Village was created around Cal State Fullerton’s Grand Central Art Center to attract artists and young professionals to live-work lofts and new businesses. The process has continued into 2009 with the reopening of the historic Yost Theater.

I invite you all to join in us in a masterful display of paintings characterizing some of Santa Ana’s most important landmarks. It’s a small taste of Santa Ana’s people, culture, and architecture. It will feature an array of artists from Orange County who love and understand the importance of Santa Ana.

In addition, Claudia Lavini, a significant credit to Santa Ana, who opened up the R.E.D. Gallery to artists that otherwise would not have the opportunity to exhibit in the Artist Village, will be leaving us. She is going to conquer the world and we love if you all came and wished her luck in her future endevors.

So again, hope to see you here this Saturday! Santa Ana for life!!!

Saturday, December 4 · 7:00pm – 10:00pm
Location Santora Building/ R.E.D. Gallery
207 N. Broadway St, Suite B6A2, Santa Ana

Breath of Fire Latina Theater Ensemble’s 4th Annual Milagros fundraiser set for Dec. 4

Posted on by Posted in Arts and Culture, Charities, Entertainment, Santa Ana, Women Leave a comment

Breath of Fire Latina Theater Ensemble’s 4th Annual Milagros fundraiser is coming up this SATURDAY December 4th from 1-5pm at the Bistro 400 in downtown Santa Ana, which is located at 400 W 4th Street.

If you want to support the arts–especially the arts here in Santa Ana–and want to support the work of an award-winning grassroots theater organization run (on an all-volunteer basis) by a group of women raised and educated in the public schools right here in Santa Ana, WE NEED YOUR HELP! If you have not already purchased tickets for the fundraiser, please log onto brownpapertickets.com.  To reserve your spot now click here .  Click here to download the event flyer.

The Breath of Fire Latina Theater Ensemble has been going strong for seven years now and remains the ONLY theater company in all of diverse Orange County that strives to reflect the Latino/a experience in America on its stage.

Event Includes:

Food, Music, Dancing, Performances, Door Prizes, Raffle, Silent Auction, and the Launching of the BOFLTE 2011 Season

Performances and Guest Appearances Include:

  • Rock band, ¡Aparato!  http://www.facebook.com/aparatorock.  www.myspace.com/aparatorock
  • The vocal talents of Nancy Sanchez.  www.nancysanchezmusic.com
  • Xicana Comedy Troupe – Las Ramonas.  www.lasramonas.com
  • The art work of Sandy Rodriguez (Currently exhibiting at Skirball Cultural Center of Los Angeles).  www.sandyrodriguez.org

In 2011, we are planning some exciting new collaborations and have plans to host a 5th anniversary production of the sell-out show The “Mexican” OC, based on an oral-history project funded by the California Council for the Humanities Story Fund.

And in case you hadn’t heard, Breath of Fire has recently expanded its role in the community with the launch of a series of free college readiness workshops for Santa Ana high school students at the Eibar Coffee Company. We hope to continue this great work but, of course, need the help from the community in order to do so!

Last year we were able– mostly through the support of local residents and patrons of the arts–to raise $8,000! Our goal this year is to raise a total of $10,000. The tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Best of all, because we are an all-volunteer operation, anything you donate to Breath of Fire goes directly into the production of the art!

Also, this event is scheduled for the afternoon on an Art Walk night, so it is a perfect way to begin the evening in downtown Santa Ana AND to support a local arts organization. We have an exciting line-up of performers ranging from a jazz musician to a Chicana comedy troupe, and a silent auction which includes an amazing list of artwork (one from a Pulitizer-prize winning photographer!). I have attached a flyer with more details about this fundraiser that I encourage you to share with others.

Any and all support is immensely appreciated!

Santa Ana is OC’s most interesting city

Posted on by Posted in Arts and Culture, Economy, Orange County, Redevelopment, Restaurants, Santa Ana 7 Comments

Yesterday on the Orange Juice Blog an anonymous commenter using the nom de plum “Been around a while” made the comment, “I hope you can take this blog beyond dwelling on Santa Ana…Lot’s of OC residents have written Santa Ana off as a lost cause“.  This is the attitude of many around Orange County and even some residents of our city.  Just read the comments on the OC Register website and the ignorance and negativity about Santa Ana flows freely.

Well as someone who was born and raised in Santa Ana and continues to live here to this day I could not disagree with this sentiment more.  Santa Ana is a great place to live and is by far the most interesting city in Orange County.  We are anything but a “lost cause”, our best days lie ahead.  There is no other place in Orange County with the potential of our great city and thanks to the leadership from our Mayor and City Councilmembers we will reach that potential.

No other city in Orange County has the charm and character that Santa Ana does.  Whether you are enjoying a walk along tree lined Victoria Drive in the Floral Park area of the city or having a “home cooked” Mexican meal at La Chiquita in the Logan Barrio there is no other place like it.  This certainly has the masterplanned community of Irvine beat hands down where disputes over whether you can paint your house eggshell or sand are the order of the day.

On any given day you can visit the Discovery Science Center, Bowers Museum or the Heritage Museum of Orange County.   Of course you can always look for historic home tours being put on by residents within our cities historic neighborhoods too.  Santa Ana has a wealth of history for those of you that are history buffs.

Of course we can’t forget the awesome Santa Ana Zoo located within our very own Prentice Park.  You can see monkeys, exotic birds and even an anteater.  Where else in Orange County can you do that? 

If the arts are your thing Santa Ana is the place for you as well.  You can visit the studios and galleries in the Artist Village downtown.  Sure Laguna Beach has the arts but can you enjoy incredible streets tacos and other authentic Latin American cuisine just a short walk away as you can in Santa Ana?

Shopping?  We have that too.  From original little shops like Calacas on Fourth Street, to the small businesses along Calle Cuatro or Nordstroms and Macy’s at the Main Place Mall, Santa Ana is the place for you.

Looking for a great place to eat?  We have those too.  Enjoy Morton’s Steakhouse in south Santa Ana, Antonello’s next door to that, Bistro 400 downtown across from the Federal Courthouse, The Olde Ship British Pub on 17th Street just east of Bristol or the Memphis and Lola Gaspar in the Artists Village.  Yes we have these fine eateries and so many others in Santa Ana.

If you are looking for a little nightlife Santa Ana can accomodate that too.  Mike Harrah’s Original Mike’s Restaurant is always jumping every night of the week.  You can always give Proof Bar or The Crosby a looksee as well.

Yes there are plenty of exciting things to see and do in Santa Ana and our best days are ahead of us.  Does our community have some obstacles to overcome?  You bet.  However we can no longer sit back and allow our city to be defined by the negative stories posted in the OC Register or by the ignorant comments spewed by outsiders and malcontents within in our city.

Much like downtown Los Angeles has experienced a rebirth with projects such as LA Live so too will Santa Ana.  We just need to find the courage and self esteem to see it through.  We can no longer allow our detractors and NIMBY’s stand in the way of our city reaching its full potential.  The time is now and the place is Santa Ana.  Lets all work towards making our community the place to be.

The recent election was a great start.  Keeping the current council majority in tact was a positive move for the future of our city.  However this does not rest soley on the shoulders of Mayor Miguel Pulido and the city council, we must all do our part.  We must become educated about the issues in our city and informed about the projects and instruments of change being proposed.  Don’t let those seeking to undermine Mayor Pulido and the others define what is happening here in Santa Ana.

Art Pedroza and I plan to use this blog as an instrument of change and an educational tool to help move our city forward and to continue to make it Orange County’s most interesting city.