New Santa Ana | Category Archives: Costa Mesa

A woman was arrested in Costa Mesa in a stolen pickup truck after a crash and a police pursuit

Posted on August 16, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Accidents, Costa Mesa, Crime, Tustin Leave a comment

An unidentified woman who fled the scene of a crash in Tustin in a stolen vehicle led police on a pursuit through Costa Mesa on Thursday, Aug. 15, according to the O.C. Register.

Tustin police officers reported to the scene of a reported collision at about 5:30 p.m.. However the driver of a blue pickup truck involved in that crash took off before the police arrived.

The police later found out that the truck in question had been reported stolen. Fortunately they spotted it later that day in Tustin.

The suspect however did not pull over and instead led the police officers on a pursuit through Costa Mesa. The pursuit finally ended at about 6 p.m. in the area of Bristol Street and Anton Boulevard, according to the Tustin Police.

The suspect was identified to be a woman and was arrested on Thursday evening. The police did not release her identity to the media.

No injuries were reported in either the initial collision, or the eventual police pursuit.

The 2019 O.C. Fair is starting this Friday

Posted on July 11, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Costa Mesa, OC Fair Leave a comment

COSTA MESA (July 9, 2019) – The 129th annual OC Fair opens this Friday with all of the crazy food, great rides summer concerts and one amazing craft beer festival.

This year OC Brew Hee Haw is moving into The Hangar and the 6th annual craft beer roundup is set to showcase more than 80 regional favorite and rarely seen craft beers on July 12 and 13.

There will be live entertainment from Orange County Oingo Boingo Tribute band Dead Man’s Party during Friday’s session and Los Angeles ’80s tribute act Fast Times during both Saturday sessions.

The new location at The Hangar offers room for more breweries than ever before, with the brewery lineup including Artifex Brewery, Chapman Crafted Beer, Four Sons Brewing, Burgeon Beer Co., Beachwood Brewing, Pizza Port Brewing Co., Stereo Brewing, Bottle Logic Brewing, Unsung Brewing Co., and many more.

Tastings will be held in three sessions from 8-11 p.m. on Friday; 1:30-4:30 p.m. and 7:30-10:30 p.m. on Saturday. VIP guests are invited one hour early for additional tasting time.

Tickets include free OC Fair admission, so attendees can come for the beer and stay for the Fair! OC Brew Hee Haw’s location at The Hangar offers attendees easy access to the OC Fair’s vendors and attractions. Guests can have Acres of Fun with the OC Fair’s annual pig races, carnival games, extensive Fair food options and classic rides.

Tickets to the 6th Annual OC Brew Hee Haw at the OC Fair are available for purchase at BrewHeeHaw.com. Ticket prices are $55 each and, if available, day-of prices are $65 each. VIP tickets are available for $65 each and, if available, $75 day-of ticket.

Getting to the OC Fair

Traffic advisory: Plan to arrive early – especially for OC Fair ticketed events, including concerts. Ride-hailing services, public transportation, carpooling, OC Fair Express bus (Saturday and Sunday) and free offsite parking at Experian (Saturday and Sunday) are highly recommended.

If you do drive, check the latest traffic and 405 Project updates on Google Maps and Waze. Full construction updates are available on the OCTA website and OCTA’s interactive map.The 2019 OC Fair runs July 12 through Aug. 11 and offers 23 days and nights of entertainment, food, rides, shopping, exhibits and more. Hours are noon to midnight Wednesdays through Fridays, and 11 a.m. to midnight Saturdays and Sundays. For more information, visit ocfair.com.

OC Fair Express Returns July 13!

It’s back! Enjoy non-stop travel to the OC Fair from nine convenient Orange County locations Saturdays and Sundays through Aug. 11 from approximately 10 a.m. to midnight. Only $2 each way, and you get a coupon for $4 OC Fair admission. Save $10—a great value!

Free Connections

Transfer free to the OC Fair Express with your valid Metrolink or Amtrak Pacific Surfliner ticket at the Anaheim Canyon, Anaheim ARTIC, Santa Ana, Irvine, or Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo Metrolink stations.

Kick off the OC Fair Express this Saturday in Anaheim

Let’s get this party started! There’ll be lots to do, plenty of freebies, plus the first 100 people in attendance ride free to the OC Fair! Enter to win a prize package that includes an OC Fair lunch for 4, carnival rides, signed Ducks memorabilia, and more!
Listen to music
Enjoy refreshments
Grab some freebies
Catch a free ride
Snap a Photo with Olivia the orange and Scoop the ice cream cone.
Meet Anaheim Ducks Wild Wing and Street Team!

The Costa Mesa police seized cash and illegal drugs during a multi-city probation and parole enforcement sweep

Posted on July 4, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Costa Mesa, Drugs, Gangs Leave a comment

On July 2, 2019, Costa Mesa Police Department (CMPD) Gang Investigators worked with California State Parole Agents to conduct probation and parole compliance checks of documented gang members and known gang associates in Costa Mesa and Lake Forest, according to the Costa Mesa Police.

The operation included the search of six locations, and resulted in 12 subjects being contacted, and four arrests made. Arrested subjects included 31-year old Westminster resident Binh Giang for a parole violation; 27-year old Lake Forest resident Luis Ruiz Orellana for a parole violation, possession of narcotics, and possession of drug paraphernalia; 26-year old San Juan Capistrano resident Alessia Flores for possession of narcotics, and possession of drug paraphernalia; and 31-year old Costa Mesa resident Alexa McConnell for possession of methamphetamine for sales, and possession of heroin for sales.

Arrested subjects were all booked at the CMPD Jail, and later booked at Orange County Jail in Santa Ana. Gang Investigators seized over $8,300 cash; approximately 85 grams of fentanyl (powder form) and approximately 100 fentanyl pills; 30 grams of heroin; and six grams of methamphetamine.

The Costa Mesa are looking for an armed attempted murder suspect

Posted on June 21, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Costa Mesa, Crime Leave a comment

Costa Mesa Police Department (CMPD) Detectives have identified the suspect in a shooting that occurred on June 15, 2019, as Luis Antonio Luevano-Guzman. Guzman is described as a male Hispanic, 47 years old, 5’7”, 245 lbs, with black hair and brown eyes. Luevano-Guzman is wanted for attempted murder and should be considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information on Luevano-Guzman’s current whereabouts is asked to call CMPD’s 24-hour Dispatch, at 714-754-5252.

Previously released information:

On Saturday, June 15, 2019, at approximately 11:30 p.m., a confrontation that started at a bar located at the 800 block of West 19th Street, moved to a parking lot across the street, and resulted in a suspect with handgun shooting a 23-year-old Costa Mesa man. During the confrontation, the suspect also fired rounds that struck some vehicles and businesses nearby before fleeing the scene. Police were dispatched and responded shortly thereafter. The victim, who sustained non-life-threatening injuries, was transported to a local hospital to be treated.

This is an active investigation and detectives are focusing on several parties of interest. Based on the data gathered at present, detectives believe this is an isolated incident and have no reason to believe there is an ongoing threat to public safety. CMPD will update the community once more information becomes available.

Anyone who has information about this incident or was a witness is asked to contact Detective David Sevilla, at 714-754-5360.

A man was arrested by the OCC Children’s Center after exposing himself

Posted on June 20, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Cochino Alert, Costa Mesa, Crime, Education, Public Safety 1 Comment

Yesterday, June 19, 2019, at approximately 9:05 a.m., the Orange Coast College Campus (OCC) Safety department received a report of a suspicious man near the E Lot on campus who was hiding in the bushes and looking over the wall of the OCC Children’s Center while indecently exposing himself, according to the Costa Mesa Police Department.

Campus Safety quickly responded to the scene and located the suspect, later identified as Sungyoun Jung, 23, San Bernardino (LKA). The suspect was combative and OC Spray was deployed to detain him.

Both the OCC Early Childhood Lab School and the OCC Children’s Center were on a brief lockdown for the safety of children, parents, students, staff, and faculty until the suspect was taken into custody.

The Costa Mesa Police Department (CMPD) arrived shortly thereafter and took the suspect into custody. He was transported to the CMPD Jail and booked on indecent exposure, child annoyance, an out of area warrant, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of unlawful drug paraphernalia. Jung was then transported to OC Jail in Santa Ana, where he is currently in custody.

Anyone with further information on this incident is encouraged to call CMPD Detective Rob Dimel at 714-754-5363.

A man was shot and wounded in Costa Mesa on Saturday night

Posted on June 17, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Costa Mesa, Crime Leave a comment

During the confrontation, the suspect also fired rounds that struck some vehicles and businesses nearby before fleeing the scene. Police were dispatched and responded shortly thereafter. The victim, who sustained non-life-threatening injuries, was transported to a local hospital to be treated.

Anyone who has information about this incident or was a witness is asked to contact Detective David Sevilla, at 714-754-5360.

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

Posted on May 29, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Alcohol, Costa Mesa, Crime, Drugs, Public Safety Leave a comment

COSTA MESA, Calif. (May 29, 2019) – The Costa Mesa Police Department (CMPD) will be conducting a driving under the influence (DUI) and driver’s license checkpoint on Friday, May 31, 2019, from 8:00 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. within the city limits, according to a press release.

DUI Checkpoints like this one are placed in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests. Officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment, with officers checking drivers for proper licensing.

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

In 2017, 1,120 people were killed in alcohol-involved crashes on California roads. Last year in Costa Mesa, there were 214 DUI collisions, which claimed four lives and resulted in 72 injuries.

CMPD offers these reminders to ensure you have a safe night of fun that does not involve a DUI:
Always use a designated sober driver – a friend who is not drinking, ride-share, cab or public transportation – to get home.
If you see someone who is clearly impaired try and drive, take the keys and help them make other arrangements to find a sober way home.
Report drunk drivers – Call 911.
If you are hosting a party, offer nonalcoholic drinks. Monitor those who are drinking and how they are getting home.

Getting home safely is cheap, but getting a DUI is not! Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with DUI can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to be upwards of $13,500. This includes fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspension and other expenses not to mention possible jail time.

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

The OC Fair & Event Center is looking for 1,300 summer workers

Posted on May 9, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Costa Mesa, Jobs, OC Fair Leave a comment

The OC Fair & Event Center needs 1,300 seasonal workers to help people make memories at the 2019 OC Fair.

Jobs include everything from building exhibits to working as a costumed character, farm attendant or food safety inspector.

There are also a handful of year-round civil service jobs available, including an accounting officer and traffic and safety manager. Most positions that are currently open fall into the seasonal part-time category with numerous opportunities available in departments such as parking, security and admissions. There are jobs available for those who are interested in being a video editor, marketing coordinator, sign language interpreter or customer service representative.

With only about 150 year-round employees, the OC Fair & Event Center staff works hard to gear up for the busy summer season. Most seasonal jobs have been posted at ocfair.com/jobs and positions are available for people 16 and older. Hiring has begun for key jobs, with other start dates staggered toward the OC Fair, July 12-Aug. 11.

Perks include free admission to the OC Fair, the option to purchase up to 20 Fair tickets for $1 each for friends and family and the opportunity to win a Fair employee scholarship.

For more information, visit ocfair.com/jobs or contact the human resources department at 714-708-1563, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

About the OC Fair & Event Center

OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa is home to the annual OC Fair. Year-round attractions include Centennial Farm, Table of Dignity, Heroes Hall and Pacific Amphitheatre. Throughout the year events ranging from recreation shows to cultural festivals are held at the fairgrounds. More at ocfair.com.

Man with knife and making suicide threats arrested after standoff with Costa Mesa police officers

Posted on May 8, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Costa Mesa, Crime Leave a comment

Yesterday, May 7, 2019, a detective at the Costa Mesa Police Department (CMPD) observed a suspicious man that appeared to be bleeding while holding a knife, walking toward the front doors of the PD. The detective walked over to make contact but the man fled on a bicycle eastbound toward Newport Boulevard. At about 1:37 p.m, officers nearby approached the area and the suspect ran into the Regency Inn lobby. It was reported that the man was bleeding from the arm, had made suicide threats, and was armed with a knife and a gun.

The suspect, later identified as David Abraham Deleal, 38, Costa Mesa, barricaded himself inside a room close to the lobby on the first floor. During that time, CMPD’s SWAT and its Crisis Negotiations Team, and Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue responded to the scene. Deleal caused a fire and smoke was seen coming from the room but Deleal extinguished the fire shortly thereafter.

CMPD evacuated the motel and set up a perimeter blocking Newport Boulevard northbound. Officers on the Crisis Negotiations Team made contact with Deleal and kept an open line of communication with him to resolve the incident safely and without harm to anyone. During the incident, Deleal broadcasted publicly for a short period of time on social media while holding what appeared to be a firearm.

At 6:57 p.m., Deleal came out of the Regency Inn and officers took him into custody. He was found to be in possession of a knife and a firearm, which was later confirmed to be an imitation firearm. Deleal was transported to a nearby hospital to be treated for self-inflicted wounds. He was subsequently released and booked on arson in an inhabited structure, battery against an officer, vandalism causing damage to property, exhibiting an imitation firearm in the presence of a peace officer, trespassing for refusal to leave the motel, and obstruction.

Assistant Costa Mesa wrestling coach arrested for sending nasty pictures to a female student

Posted on May 2, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Cochino Alert, Costa Mesa, Education, Sports Leave a comment

Costa Mesa, Calif. (May 2, 2019) – Today at approximately 9:10 am, Costa Mesa Police Department (CMPD) officers responded to Estancia High School regarding the report of a Newport Mesa Unified School District employee suspected of sending inappropriate communication via social media to a female student.

During the preliminary investigation, officers found that Samuel Galvez, 30, Orange, who is a campus security facilitator and assistant wrestling coach, had sent photographs to the female student showing his genitalia. Galvez was arrested and booked at CMPD Jail on harmful matter sent with intent of seduction of a minor. He will be transferred to Orange County Jail, Santa Ana, and his bail has been set at $30,000.

No further details are available at this time. This is an active investigation, and anyone who feels they were a victim or has any information regarding this matter should contact Detective Jake Jacobi, at 714-754-5178.

An Anaheim man with an AR-15 was arrested after fleeing from a traffic stop in Costa Mesa

Posted on May 1, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Anaheim, Costa Mesa, Crime, Guns, Santa Ana 4 Comments

At approximately 2:13 a.m. today, May, 1 , 2019, an officer conducted a traffic stop on someone for a for a vehicle code violation. Arthur Barajas Jr., 24, Anaheim, refused to stop and attempted to evade officers at a slow speed while he handled an item in the vehicle that was hidden from officers’ view. The item, later determined to be a fully loaded AR-15, was abandoned in the front seat of the vehicle after the suspect crashed into a phone pole on Fairview and Wilson and fled on foot, according to the Costa Mesa police.

A perimeter was established and with the assistance from OC Sheriff Department’s helicopter and a Huntington Beach PD K-9, Barajas was located hiding in an apartment patio at the 200 block of Avocado Avenue. Barajas would not surrender and tried to conceal himself under a cover. The K-9 was deployed and remained on the bite while the suspect continued to fight. Officers then took Barajas into custody, and he was treated by Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue medics and then transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of bite marks and a broken arm.

Barajas was booked on evading a peace officer with wanton disregard for safety, carrying a stolen firearm, carrying a loaded firearm with a prior felony conviction, probation violation, hit and run by a runaway vehicle with property damage, failure to stop, revocation of PRCS, and obstructing a peace officer.

Irvine burglary suspect now arrested for a double slaying in Newport Beach

Posted on April 25, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Costa Mesa, Crime, irvine, Newport Beach, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Press Release – Double Homicide Suspect Arrested

On April 25, 2019, the Newport Beach Police Department arrested Jamon Rayon Buggs, a 44 year old resident of Huntington Beach, for the murder of Darren Donald Partch, a 38 year old resident of Newport Beach, and Wendi Sue Miller, a 48 year old resident of Costa Mesa.

The victims were found deceased inside a residence in the 2100 Block of East 15th Street in Newport Beach on the evening of April 21, 2019. At the time of his arrest, Jamon Rayon Buggs was in custody at the Orange County Jail in connection with unrelated charges stemming from an arrest by the Irvine Police Department. Jamon Rayon Buggs is currently being held on a $1,000,000 bail pending double murder charges.

This is an open and ongoing investigation and no additional details are available at this time. Please see the attached booking photo of Jamon Rayon Buggs from the Irvine Police Department. Anyone with information regarding this case or with information on the recent activities and whereabouts of Jamon Rayon Buggs prior to his arrest should contact Detective Rick Henry at 949-644-3797.

The Newport Beach Police Department would like to thank our law enforcement partners, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, Orange County Crime Lab, Irvine Police Department, Laguna Beach Police Department, Costa Mesa Police Department, Santa Ana Police Department, and Anaheim Police Department for their assistance with this investigation.

Costa Mesa Basketball Coach arrested for unlawful sex with minors in four cases from 2009

Posted on April 15, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Cochino Alert, Costa Mesa, Crime, irvine, Santa Ana, Sports Leave a comment

Irvine, Calif. – A former basketball coach has been arrested after four victims came forward to report sexual incidents that occurred in 2009, when the victims were between 11 and 14 years of age. Carlos Juarez, 44, was arrested Thursday, April 11, outside his home on the 1300 block of Adams Avenue in Costa Mesa.

Juarez met the victims, who do not know each other, when all were in elementary school. Irvine Police Department Detectives believe that Juarez groomed the victims from a young age, with the incidents beginning years after his first contact with them. Juarez met the girls through his work as a basketball coach for a club team. The Irvine Police Department, Costa Mesa Police Department, Tustin Police Department and OC Sheriff’s Department are involved in the cases related to the four victims. Costa Mesa police arrested Juarez on a $100,000 warrant obtained by the Irvine Police Department. He was subsequently transferred to Orange County Jail.

Investigators believe there are more victims in this case. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective John Sanders at 949-724-7233 or jsanders@cityofirvine.org.

The Costa Mesa police are searching for a man who tried to assault a female student at OCC

Posted on April 11, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Cochino Alert, Costa Mesa, Crime Leave a comment

A female student exited her car in the parking lot of Orange Coast Community College (OCC), at 2701 Fairview Rd., in Costa Mesa, on Tuesday, April 9, 2019, at 6:00 p.m. As she walked to her class, she realized a male was following her.

The male suspect followed her through several areas of the campus and at one point grabbed at her backpack and the bottom of her shirt. Each time she was able to pull away from his grasp. The male suspect stopped following the female when she met up with a friend. The suspect did not say anything to the victim during the incident.

Suspect: Male, unknown race, 20-25 years old, black wavy hair, wearing grey polo shirt, dark colored pants, and black Nike athletic shoes. Two photos are attached.

If you have any information pertaining to this suspect or case please contact Costa Mesa Police Det. Monte Peters at 714-754-5198.

A motorcyclist was killed in a traffic accident in Costa Mesa on Tuesday

Posted on March 20, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Accidents, Costa Mesa Leave a comment

Traffic collision results in fatality of motorcyclist at the scene in Costa Mesa

COSTA MESA, Calif. – A traffic collision that occurred tonight, March 19, 2019, resulted in the death of a motorcyclist at the scene. The name of the deceased is being withheld until next of kin is notified.

At approximately 8:50 p.m., Costa Mesa Police Department (CMPD) officers and Costa Mesa Fire & Rescue responded to a traffic collision involving a 23-year-old male motorcyclist and a driver in a silver Nissan sedan on Fairview Road and Adams Avenue. The motorcyclist and the driver collided as the sedan was traveling westbound on El Camino Drive, which turns into Adams Avenue, and the motorcyclist was traveling northbound on Fairview Road.

The motorcyclist was subsequently pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the vehicle involved was uninjured and remained at the scene and cooperated with CMPD.

The CMPD Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) responded to the scene and began their investigation.

At this time we have no further information about the incident.

CMPD is asking anyone with additional information about the fatal traffic collision to contact Traffic Investigator Darren Wood at (714) 754-5264.