Art Pedroza

This week’s Cochino List includes La Michoacana Universal, El Gallo Giro and Little Caesars

Posted on September 14, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Disease, Food & Health, Health, Health and Medical, Insects, OC Health Care, Orange County, Public Safety, Restaurants, Santa Ana 1 Comment

The OC Health Care Agency has released a list of the eateries (including restaurants, caterers and even school kitchens) that they inspected and shut down for the week of Sept. 5 to Sept. 13. Most of these eateries reopen pretty quickly after the health inspectors determine their issues have been resolved. Subway, 1442 S. Bristol St., Suite 2-D, Santa Ana, Closed: Sept. 10, Reason: Sewage overflow, Reopened: Sept. 10

La Michoacana Universal, 1442 S. Bristol St., Suite 2-F, Santa Ana, Closed: Sept. 10, Reason: Sewage overflow, Reopened: Sept. 10
El Gallo Giro, 1442 S. Bristol St., Santa Ana, Closed: Sept. 10, Reason: Sewage overflow, Reopened: Sept. 10
Little Caesars, 1442 S. Bristol St., Suite 2-C, Santa Ana, Closed: Sept. 10, Reason: Sewage overflow, Reopened: Sept. 10
Update: Mixabowl at MainPlace Mall, 2800 N. Main St., Suite 11, Santa Ana, which was ordered closed Sept. 5 because of a cockroach infestation, was allowed to reopen Sept. 6.
AM/PM at Arco station, 1801 S. State College Blvd., Anaheim, Permit downgraded to prepackaged foods only: Sept. 11, Reason: Insufficient hot water/plumbing in disrepair, Full permit reinstated: Sept. 1
Brown Bag Sandwich & Pizza Man, 350 E. Orangethorpe Ave., Suite 29, Placentia, Closed: Sept. 10, Reason: Rodent infestation, Reopened: Sept. 13
Subway, 2309 W. Chapman Ave., Orange, Closed: Sept. 10, Reason: Insufficient hot water, Reopened: Sept. 11
Landers Liquor Bar, 2101 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa, Closed: Sept. 10, Reason: Cockroach infestation, Reopened: Sept. 10
Art Of The Party, 17290 Newhope St., Suite A, Fountain Valley, Closed: Sept. 9, Reason: Cockroach infestation, Reopened: Sept. 9
Top Baguette, 9016 Bolsa Ave., Westminster, Closed: Sept. 9, Reason: Cockroach infestation, Reopened: Sept. 9
Thanh Binh Pho Restaurant, 2119 E. Ball Road, Anaheim, Closed: Sept. 9, Reason: Rodent infestation, Reopened: Sept. 10
7-Eleven, 204 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa, Closed: Sept. 9, Reason: Cockroach infestation, Reopened: Sept. 11
Tuesday Morning, 1850 N. Placentia Ave., Placentia, Closed: Sept. 6, Reason: Rodent infestation
Cream Pan Bakery & Cafe, 602 El Camino Real, Tustin, Closed: Sept. 6, Reason: Cockroach infestation, Reopened: Sept. 7
Gulliver’s, 18482 MacArthur Blvd., Irvine, Closed: Sept. 6, Reason: Cockroach infestation, Reopened: Sept. 7
El Toro Bravo, 739 W. 19th St., Costa Mesa, Closed: Sept. 5, Reason: Rodent infestation, Reopened: Sept. 6
Update: Burrito Brothers at 1403 E. Lambert Road, Suite B, La Habra, which was ordered closed Sept. 5 because of a cockroach infestation, was allowed to reopen Sept. 6.
Update: AM/PM at Arco station at 6982 Westminster Ave., Westminster, which was ordered closed Sept. 4 because of a rodent infestation, was allowed to reopen Sept. 6.
Update: El Panke Bakery at 1334 E. Chapman Ave., Fullerton, which was ordered closed Sept. 5 because of a rodent infestation, was allowed to reopen Sept. 6.
Update: Long Hai at 682 El Camino Real, Tustin, which was ordered closed Aug. 30 because of a cockroach infestation, was allowed to reopen Sept. 6.

SAPD Detectives are investigating a homicide at 500 East Pine Street

Posted on September 14, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime Leave a comment

On Saturday, September 14, 2019, at 4:41 AM, SAPD Officers responded to reports of a shooting in the area of 500 East Pine Street. Officers located an adult male down on the ground suffering a gunshot wound to his upper torso.

Orange County Fire Authority paramedics responded and attempted life-saving measures but were unsuccessful. Paramedics declared the man deceased at 4:54 AM. The decedent is listed as a John Doe pending identification by the Orange County Coroner’s Office and notification of next of kin.

The preliminary investigation revealed the shooting was gang-related. SAPD Homicide Section detectives responded to investigate.

This case is eligible for the Santa Ana Police Department Homicide Reward Program. Detectives encourage anyone with information about this shooting to contact the SAPD Homicide Section at (714) 245-8390 or Orange County Crime Stoppers https://occrimestoppers.org/

Truck mounted mosquito spraying set for Sep. 14, 16 and 18 in Santa Ana

Posted on September 12, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Disease, Environment, Insects, Orange County Vector Control District, Santa Ana Leave a comment

The Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District (OCMVCD) isreporting an elevated level of invasive Aedes mosquitoes and an increased risk of mosquito borne disease in areas of Santa Ana. A truck-mounted mosquito control application is scheduled for September 14, September 16 and September 18 from 3:00 AM – 5:00 AM to decrease the adult mosquito population and lower the risk of potential disease.

The applications will occur between Edinger to Occidental and from Lowell to Van Ness [see attached maps]. Application dates and times may change due to weather, environmental conditions or other operational needs. Residents can check the spraying schedule and determine whether their homes are located within the treatment area here.

Residents in treatment areas will be notified prior to the treatment date with door flyers left at their homes. All control products used by OCMVCD are registere d by the federal and state Environmental Protection Agency for the purpose of controlling mosquitoes and protecting public health. The products are applied according to the label rate (less than 1 fluid ounce per acre) and are not harmful to people or pets, even if they are present during the application.

The application will also not harm the finishes on cars or homes. Residents do not have to turn off air-conditioning units during the application. These non-native and aggressive day-biting mosquitoes are black and white and lay their eggs along the waterline of containers as small as a bottle cap. The mosquitoes known as Aedes aegypti (yellow fever mosquito), Aedes albopictus (Asian tiger mosquito), and Aedes notoscriptus (Australian backyard mosquito) are capable of transmitting debilitating viruses including dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika. While these viruses are not currently being transmitted locally, transmission could begin if someone infected abroad returns to Orange County and is bit by the invasive mosquito. These mosquitoes are also known to transmit dog heartworm to dogs and cats. Vector Control officials are urging residents to take the necessary precautions to reduce mosquito breeding and to avoid bites from these aggressive ankle-biters.
“Residents must do their part to check their yard regularly and eliminate standing water and water-holding containers” said Lora Young, Director of Communications.

Mosquito control is a shared responsibility and residents need to take an active role in removing water sources and sharing information with their neighbors to help in controlling mosquitoes.

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

13001 Garden Grove Boulevard
Garden Grove, CA 92843-2102
Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District
Serving Orange County since 1947

Former Santa Ana City Council member Reyna pleads guilty to election fraud

Posted on September 12, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in 2018 elections, Civic Affairs, Crime, Elections, Fraud, OCDA, Politics, Roman Reyna, Santa Ana Leave a comment

SANTA ANA, Calif. – Former Santa Ana City Council Member Roman Reyna pleaded guilty today to committing election fraud for submitting nomination papers under penalty of perjury that falsely claimed he lived at a residence within Santa Ana Ward 4 in order to run for that Ward’s City Council seat in 2018. Reyna was elected to represent Ward 4 in November 2018.

Reyna pleaded guilty to one felony count of perjury and one misdemeanor count of Elections Code 18201, filing fraudulent nomination papers, as part of a plea agreement. He was ordered to pay $578,053.16 in restitution which represents the cost of the special election the City of Santa Ana had to hold to replace Reyna on the City Council. Reyna will be banned for life from holding elected office.

After a one-year progress review, the guilty plea to the felony charge will be withdrawn and he will be sentenced on the misdemeanor Elections Code charge if Reyna makes progress toward completion of the terms of his probation.

Between June 2018 and October 2018 Reyna filed several official documents, including a document re-registering to vote in Ward 4, and City Council nomination papers, under penalty of perjury which stated that he resided in Ward 4. He did not reside in Ward 4 during that time period.

“Democracy exists to ensure that people have a voice in how they are governed,” said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. “Engaging in election fraud robs residents of their voice and threatens democracy.”

Deputy District Attorney Matthew Plunkett of the Special Prosecutions Unit is prosecuting this case. Reyna was represented by attorney Steve Baric.

Delta Restoration Services to open in Santa Ana

Posted on September 11, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Business, Santa Ana Leave a comment

SANTA ANA, Calif. – Delta Restoration Services®, a nationally recognized and award-winning franchise brand that provides restoration services to commercial and residential properties, announced that new franchise owners Chad Fetterhoff and Robert Dooty will officially open a location serving parts of Orange County, including Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Irvine, Lake Forest and Huntington Beach. Delta Restoration Services of South Coast is opening in September and is located at 148 E. Garry Ave. in Santa Ana.

Owned and operated locally by Chad Fetterhoff and Robert Dooty, Delta Restoration Services of South Coast will provide a reliable, experienced solution to those who encounter a loss and require restoration services – whether it involves flood and water damage, smoke and fire damage, or mold damage and environmental testing. The business partners bring a diverse set of skills to the new franchise operation. Fetterhoff has a successful background in sales and marketing, while Dooty owns a restoration business that will be absorbed by the partners’ new Delta Restoration Services franchise. Dooty’s business has extensive restoration experience in the Orange County market, equipping the duo well as they launch in the coming weeks.

“With so many causes of water and fire damage locally, there’s a substantial need in the market for experienced and ethical restoration experts,” said Robert Dooty, co-owner of Delta Restoration Services of South Coast. “The services we will offer and our insurance-friendly approach will be extremely valuable to the area. I’m proud to be able to help alleviate stress for residents across the neighborhoods we’ll be serving who experience a loss and assist them in getting back on their feet. I’ve been incredibly impressed with the Delta Restoration Services model – from the cloud-based project management platform to its intensive training regimen and top-notch support team – and I’m confident that we’ll be ready to serve the community well when we open our doors.”

Delta Restoration Services provides restoration solutions to both its residential and commercial clients. Its services cover damage from flood and water, smoke and fire, mold and other environmental conditions, as well as additional services such as contents restoration and reconstruction. The organization also has a significant company-owned operation in the competitive Denver market that serves as a model franchise and provides continual learning and benefits to franchise owners in areas including research and development and training. Franchise owners also benefit from the company’s seamless, highly-integrated communication platform that tracks projects from initial call through completion, incorporating all documentation and providing real-time access.

“We recently launched an aggressive growth strategy to become a dominant force in the restoration industry in the coming years, and it’s exciting to see this plan coming to fruition so quickly,” said Mike Mastous, founder and president of Delta Restoration Services. “We welcome Chad and Robert to the Delta Restoration Services family as new franchise owners as well as the rest of their team, and we’re thrilled to have them represent our brand in Orange County. The team’s experience and talents will help us further expand in the area, and their strong business management acumen, dedication to the community and restoration experience will deliver significant benefits for home and business owners in the area who experience property damage.”

HRI Holdings, Inc. (HRI) acquired Delta Restoration Services in late March 2018. Under the direction of HRI, parent company to the Chem-Dry® Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning and N-Hance® Wood Refinishing franchise businesses, Delta Restoration Services is benefitting from the organization’s proven ability to scale concepts.

In addition to its market-leading technology platform, Delta Restoration Services distinguishes itself with thorough and rigorous education for its staff. In fact, its certification requirements put Delta Restoration Services franchisees in the top one percent of restoration companies nationwide. Further, the brand has strong relationships with insurance carriers and third-party administrators who value the company’s technology, ease of communication, highly-trained employees and superior quality of work.

Currently, Delta Restoration Services has operations in nearly 40 markets, including its corporately run territory in Denver. Franchise units operate in California, Utah, Colorado, Texas, Oregon, Washington, Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, Missouri and Indiana.

For more information about Delta Restoration Services of South Coast, call (949) 432-3218. or visit https://www.deltasouthcoast.com.

About Delta Restoration Services

Delta Restoration Services is a nationally recognized, award-winning franchise brand in the 210-billion-dollar restoration industry, providing restoration services to commercial and residential properties for water, fire and environmental damage, including reconstruction. Their rigorous training regimen puts their franchise owners in the top one percent of all restoration companies nationwide. Delta Restoration Services franchise offices, located in nearly 40 markets across the United States, are certified in all restoration services they offer. Delta Restoration Services is part of HRI Holdings’ portfolio of franchise brands, which also includes the Chem-Dry® Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning and N-Hance® Wood Refinishing businesses. For more information about Delta Restoration Services, please visit http://www.deltarestoration.com/. To learn about available franchise opportunities, visit http://deltafranchise.com/ or call (844) 726-0638.

Ward 4 City Council Candidate Beatriz Mendoza won a court case involving her ballot title

Posted on September 11, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in 2019 Elections, Beatriz Mendoza, Civic Affairs, Courts, Phil Bacerra, Politics, Santa Ana, Tim Rush Leave a comment

Christmas came early this year for Santa Ana City Council Ward 4 candidate Beatriz Mendoza, as she successfully defended herself in court after her ballot title of “Victim Assistance Specialist” was challenged.

The lawsuit was filed by Tim Rush, a longtime gadfly in Santa Ana. Rush argued that a state regulation disallows “specialist” on ballot designations, but the Judge said that the rule “applies only to attorney candidates for judicial office,” according to the O.C. Register.

Mendoza’s campaign reacted to the ruling on Facebook with these comments:

BEA HAS PREVAILED: The OC Courts have ruled that BEATRIZ MENDOZA can use “Victim Assistance Specialist” as her Ballot Designation!
In an unsavory move, friends of #PhilBacerra and his wife #WendyNuvalBacerra mobilized to intimidate & attack Bea but were unsuccessful.

Mendoza previously ran for the SAUSD School Board, back in 2016. She ended up in last place, according to Ballotpedia, with just over 10% of the total vote.

The leading Ward 4 candidate, Phil Bacerra, narrowly lost his campaign for Ward 4 in 2018, to Roman Reyna, garnering over 23,000 votes, according to Ballotpedia. Reyna later resigned from the Ward 4 seat after Bacerra sued him and Reyna’s many campaign shenanigans came to light. Reyna may yet face prosecution by the OCDA.

The SAPD is searching for a gordita who defrauded six renters

Posted on September 11, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Fraud, Housing, Santa Ana, SAPD Leave a comment

During the month of October 2018, wanted suspect Isabelle Balbastro Maia defrauded six victims by intentionally posting a room for rent on an apartment she was being evicted from.

Balbastro wrote rental contracts and took rental cash deposits from these individuals knowing she would be vacating the apartment due to the eviction. Balbastro moved from her previous location and her whereabouts are currently unknown.

Anyone with information regarding Balbastro’s whereabouts is asked to contact Economic Crimes Unit Detective S. Lim at (714) 245-8417 or slim@santa-ana.org

Santa Ana City Council Ward 4 and SAUSD School Board candidates forum set for Sep. 24

Posted on September 11, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in 2019 Elections, Civic Affairs, Elections, Politics, Santa Ana, SAUSD Leave a comment

The Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce and Connect to Council are hosting a candidates forum for the upcoming Santa Ana City Council Ward 4 and SAUSD School Board election, on Sep. 24, at the Delhi Center, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The Delhi Center is located at 505 E. Central Ave.

The Ward 4 City Council candidates include:

Phil Bacerra (D), a former Santa Ana Planning Commissioner who sued Reyna after the November election on the grounds that Reyna screwed up his campaign paperwork and never should have been allowed on the ballot. Phil was right!
Jennifer Oliva (D), a Santa Ana Arts and Culture Commissioner
Gale Oliver, Jr. (No Party Preference – NPP), a Baptist bishop
Brandon Sisco – Businessman
Manuel Escamilla – Urban Planner

The SAUSD School Board candidates include:

Cecilia Aguinaga – a Realtor who has run for the SAUSD School Board a few times before. Aguinaga has served on various City Commissions over the years. She currently serves on the Santa Ana Housing and Redevelopment Commission.
David Benavides – a former Santa Ana City Councilman who now heads up a non-profit, Kidworks.
Gisela Contreras – a parent/businesswoman who is endorsed by Iglesias.
Carolyn Torres – a 7th grade teacher who has very liberal views.

Attendees all have the opportunity to submit questions in advance.
You may do so here:

http://www.santaanachamber.org/form/view/17847

The City Council and SAUSD School Board elections will be held on Nov. 5.

Savor Santa Ana is returning to DTSA on Oct. 12

Posted on September 10, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Entertainment, Food, Restaurants, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Savor Santa Ana is returning to Downtown Santa Ana on Saturday, October 12 from 5:30 pm-9:30 pm.

Savor Santa Ana is a fun night of friends and food. $10 gets you five tasting tickets at your choice of nearly 50 distinctive restaurants and artisanal food producers across Downtown Santa Ana!

Savor Santa Ana is a walkable food festival that gets you into downtown’s restaurants: your tastings will occur at downtown restaurants that you will walk around to. Stroll the sidewalks and enjoy live music along the way, or hop on to our free historic trolley for a ride to your next destination.

Check out menu items and food pics on Downtown Inc.’s Facebook/Instagram and click here.

EVENT FEATURES

— Restaurant Tastings and East End Incubator Kitchen Tastings
— Old Fashioned Trolley
— Music, Exploring and Hanging Out!
— Cool craft beer and cocktails for the adults!

TICKETS

You get 5 tasting tickets for $10 and use your senses (or our handy map!) to guide yourself around DTSA. Order tickets in advance, or at the event at our Ticket Booths on the Spurgeon Promenade (4th and Spurgeon) or Artists’ Village Promenade. Day-of tickets are cash only! Click here to buy the tickets.

LOCATION:

Downtown Santa Ana Historic District at N. Spurgeon and 4th St., Santa Ana

MORE INFO:

Website: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/savor-santa-ana-2019-tickets-71613356477
Email: info@downtown-inc.com
Phone: 213-268-4924
Contact: (714) 702-5097

About Downtown Inc.:

Downtown Santa Ana is an independent and unexpected urban center for Orange County where visitors and locals enjoy the cutting edge of Orange County’s emerging arts and farm-to-table restaurant, craft beer and cocktail scenes. Our mission is to facilitate the enhancement of downtown Santa Ana as a vibrant shopping, dining, entertainment, business and cultural destination for all.

O.C. business owner faces tax evasion charges totaling nearly $30 million

Posted on September 10, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Federal Government, Fraud, IRS, Justice, Santa Ana, Taxes 2 Comments

SANTA ANA, California – An Orange County business owner is named in a federal grand jury indictment unsealed today that charges him with tax evasion for failing to pay to the Internal Revenue Service nearly $30 million in payroll taxes, penalties and interest related to money that had been withheld from the salaries of employees of his various temporary worker companies.

Luis E. Perez – who has maintained residences in Anaheim Hills, Yorba Linda and Dove Canyon – is charged with one felony count of tax evasion in an indictment returned by a grand jury on August 28.

Perez’s companies – which include Checkmates Staffing Inc.; Staffaide Inc.; BaronHR, LLC; and Fortress Holding Group, LLC – were required to withhold taxes from employee wages and to pay the withheld amounts to the IRS on a periodic basis. These withheld taxes, sometimes known as “trust fund taxes,” include income taxes and Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) taxes that fund Social Security and Medicare.

The indictment alleges that for the tax years 2001, 2002, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2010, Perez’s companies failed to pay the IRS the payroll taxes, including trust fund taxes that Perez’s companies withheld from employees’ paychecks. Beginning in June 2007, the IRS attempted to collect Perez’s outstanding tax liability, including penalties and interest. By February 2017, the outstanding balance had grown to $29,593,378, which included the unpaid taxes, interest and the “Trust Fund Recovery Penalty.”

The indictment alleges that Perez attempted to thwart the IRS’s collection efforts by purchasing luxury items – including numerous cars and a boat – and concealing his ownership by placing the titles of these items in the names of his businesses and other individuals. Those luxury items included a 2005 Ferrari 360 Spider F, a 2007 Rolls Royce Phantom, a Duffy D 22 Bay Island boat, a 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS, a 2015 Mercedes-Benz G-Class, and a 2014 Lamborghini Aventador.

As part of his efforts to impede the IRS, Perez allegedly made false statements to IRS revenue officers during interviews and failed to include material information in documents submitted to the IRS. For example, Perez falsely claimed that he received a salary of only $1,000 per week from BaronHR and he did not receive any other funds from the company, according to the indictment.

An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in court.

Perez is expected to be arraigned on this indictment later this month.

If convicted, Perez would face a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.

This matter is being investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brett A. Sagel of the Santa Ana Branch Office.

This week’s Cochino List includes Mixabowl, The Orchard and Tutti Frutti

Posted on September 7, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Disease, Food, Food & Health, Health, Health and Medical, Insects, OC Health Care, Orange County, Public Safety, Restaurants, Santa Ana Leave a comment

The OC Health Care Agency has released a list of the eateries (including restaurants, caterers and even school kitchens) that they inspected and shut down for the week of Aug. 29 to Sept. 6. Most of these eateries reopen pretty quickly after the health inspectors determine their issues have been resolved.

Mixabowl at MainPlace Mall, 2800 N. Main St., Suite 11, Santa Ana, Closed: Sept. 5, Reason: Cockroach infestation
Kitchen at The Orchard Affordable Housing Project, 2151 E. First St., Santa Ana, Closed: Sept. 3, Reason: Cockroach infestation
Tutti Frutti at MainPlace Mall, 2800 N. Main St., Suite 156, Santa Ana, Closed: Sept. 3, Reason: Cockroach infestation, Reopened: Sept. 5
Burrito Brothers, 1403 E. Lambert Road, Suite B, La Habra, Closed: Sept. 5, Reason: Cockroach infestation
Am/Pm at Arco gas station, 6982 Westminster Ave., Westminster, Closed: Sept. 4, Reason: Rodent infestation
Moros, 1299 S. Harbor Blvd., La Habra, Closed: Sept. 4, Reason: Cockroach infestation, Reopened: Sept. 5
El Panke Bakery, 1334 E. Chapman Ave., Fullerton, Closed: Sept. 4, Reason: Rodent infestation
Long Hai, 682 El Camino Real, Tustin, Closed: Aug. 29, Reason: Cockroach infestation
ExtraMile at Chevron gas station, 6971 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, Permit downgraded to prepackaged foods only: Aug. 29, Reason: Insufficient hot water/plumbing in disrepair, Full permit reinstated: Aug. 30
ACE Sushi at Albertsons, 33601 Del Obispo St., Dana Point, Closed: Aug. 29, Reason: Sewage overflow, Reopened: Aug. 29
Tripoli Pastry, 512 S. Brookhurst St., Suites 5-6, Anaheim, Closed: Aug. 29, Reason: Cockroach infestation, Reopened: Sept. 1
Mi La Cay, 8924 Bolsa Ave., Westminster, Closed: Aug. 29, Reason: Rodent infestation, Reopened: Aug. 30
El Calor, 2916 W. Lincoln Ave., Anaheim, Closed: Aug. 29, Reason: Cockroach infestation, Reopened: Aug. 31
Almokhtar, 401 S. Brookhurst St., Anaheim, Closed: Aug. 29, Reason: Plumbing in disrepair
Albertsons, 33601 Del Obispo St., Dana Point, Closed: Aug. 29, Reason: Sewage overflow, Reopened: Aug. 29
Update: Dey’s Donuts & Croissants at 6494 Edinger Ave., Huntington Beach, which was closed Aug. 30 because of a cockroach infestation, was allowed to reopen Aug. 30.
Cristi’s Restaurant at 821 S. Beach Blvd., Anaheim, which was ordered closed Aug. 29 because of a cockroach infestation, was allowed to reopen Aug. 30.
Tana at 2622 W. La Palma Ave., Anaheim, which was ordered closed Aug. 27 because of a cockroach infestation, was allowed to reopen Aug. 30.

The SAPD is conducting a DUI and driver’s license checkpoint on Friday night

Posted on September 5, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Santa Ana Leave a comment

SANTA ANA POLICE STEP UP DUI ENFORCEMENT

The Santa Ana Police Department will be conducting a DUI / Driver’s License checkpoint on Friday September 6th, 2019. It will begin at 9:00PM and is scheduled to conclude at 2:30AM. It will be conducted in the area of 100 N Ross Street, 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 o f 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.

This operation is NOT connected to any immigration enforcement action. Given Santa Ana’s Sanctuary City designation, as defined in Santa Ana Ordinance NS-2908, the ordinance prohibits members of the Santa Ana Police Department from engaging in any immigration enforcement within the City limits. Public safety requires community partnerships, and engaging in immigration enforcement operations erodes the trust necessary to provide effective public safety services in our City.

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.

Orange County is auctioning coastal timeshare intervals on September 18

Posted on September 5, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in OC Treasurer, Orange County, Santa Ana, Taxes 1 Comment

SANTA ANA, Calif. – More than 70 coastal timeshare intervals at resorts such as the Marriott Newport Coast Villas and the Four Seasons Pacifica are scheduled for an online auction held by the Orange County Treasurer-Tax Collector beginning at 9 a.m. September 18.

Interested parties can view all the timeshare intervals for auction on the website but must register for a user ID at octaxauction.mytaxsale.com in order to download the entire listing. A list of all properties can be viewed at ocgov.com/octaxauction by clicking on the link titled “OC Timeshare Auction #1395.” Each parcel has other property related information and the website for each resort.

The Treasurer-Tax Collector does not have any other information on the parcel including the specific week(s) it is available. The timeshare intervals all have at least one installment of property taxes unpaid over five years and will be withdrawn if property taxes are paid in full.

If you are interested in bidding on a parcel, you will need to register as a user at octaxauction.mytaxsale.com and submit a refundable deposit of $1,000. Once you have registered, log into the site and click on “My Payments” and select “Submit Deposit.” All deposits must be made by eCheck (bank account) through the website to our third-party vendor, Grant Street Group, and received no later than 5 p.m. PST on September 10. Registration will not be permitted by mail or in person and will not be permitted after this date.

If you are not a successful bidder on a parcel, your deposit will be automatically refunded to your bank account within 10 business days after the close of the auction. Grant Street Group will transfer the deposits of all successful bidders to the County of Orange for credit toward the purchase.

To familiarize yourself with the auction site prior to the auction, click on “Property Tax Auction Instructions” for frequently asked questions and detailed information on how to participate in the auction process. Bidders should read through the auction rules, use the recorded demonstrations to understand each aspect of participating in the auction, carefully review the Terms and Conditions and research all timeshares thoroughly before placing a bid.

Bidding on the timeshares will start at 9 a.m. PST with batches of properties scheduled to close through the stated close times posted online. This is a buyer beware sale and all sales are final.

If you have general questions regarding the tax auction, please e-mail us at ttcinfo@ttc.ocgov.com or call (714) 834-3411 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Please direct any questions regarding the website or the bidding process to the Auction Administrator or call their customer support at (877) 274-9320 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST. For questions regarding specific timeshares or resort information, please contact the resort directly using the Timeshare Contact Information provided at octaxauction.mytaxsale.com or ocgov.com/octaxauction.

The SAPD is looking for a loser who tried to kill his ex-girlfriend

Posted on September 4, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Domestic Violence, Santa Ana, SAPD 1 Comment

On Monday, September 2, 2019 at approximately 1:50 AM, wanted suspect Alexander Chicas, 44-years-old, entered his ex-girlfriend’s residence via an open bedroom window. He told her he was going to kill her and then stabbed her in the face with a folding knife. The victim screamed for help, and her adult son ran to assist.

The suspect fled the scene in a white 2015 Toyota Tacoma, California license plate #60192H1.

Chicas rents a room somewhere in the area of Bristol Street and McFadden Avenue.

Chicas is a Male, Hispanic, 5’8″, 190 lbs., with Brown Hair & Brown Eyes.

Anyone with information regarding Chicas’ whereabouts is asked to contact Detective Partida at (714) 245-8660 or APartida@santa-ana.org

The SAPD has released video footage of the suspect who shot and killed an innocent teenager last week

Posted on September 3, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, Santa Ana, SAPD Leave a comment

Santa Ana PD Detectives are releasing video of the homicide that occurred on Friday, August 30, 2019, in the hopes of obtaining additional assistance from the community.

The suspect’s vehicle was a newer red or maroon full size SUV.

The homicide victim was Victoria Barrios, age 18.

Barrios was not a gang member and she was not the shooter’s intended target, according to KTLA.

ORIGINAL MESSAGE:

Decedent: Pending Coroner Notification To The Family

On Friday, August 30, 2019, at 12:01 AM, SAPD Officers responded to reports of a shooting in the area of Pine Street and Hickory Street. Officers located a juvenile male down at 300 South Hickory Street suffering a gunshot wound to his upper torso. Officers also located an adult female with a gunshot wound to her upper torso down at 500 East Pine Street.

Orange County Fire Authority paramedics responded, treated, and transported the male to a local trauma center where he underwent emergency surgery. Paramedics declared the female deceased, on scene, at 12:12 AM.