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Santa Ana's top news & views blog

Category Archives: Costa Mesa

Free food on Saturday, Aug. 1, at the MainPlace Mall and at the OC Fairgrounds

Posted on by Posted in Civic Affairs, Costa Mesa, Food, OC Fair, Public Safety, Santa Ana Leave a comment

The Power of One Foundation (POOF) is offering free drive-through food distributions on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2020, at MainPlace Mall in Santa Ana and at the OC Fair & Events Center in Costa Mesa.

Details:

• MainPlace Mall, 2800 N. Main St., Santa Ana, 8-10 a.m.; the line begins at MainPlace Drive and Main Street beginning at 7 a.m.

• OC Fair & Events Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. (noon); line begins on Fairview Boulevard at Gate 3 beginning at 6 a.m.

Please stay in your car with the windows rolled up when receiving food. Make sure your vehicle trunk is empty so food can be placed in it.

For more information on POOF food events, visit www.powerofonefoundation.org.

Comida Gratis el Sábado 1 de Agosto en MainPlace Mall y OC Fair

The Power of One Foundation (POOF) está ofreciendo distribuciones gratuitas de alimentos en carro el sábado 1 de agosto de 2020 en MainPlace Mall en Santa Ana y OC Fair & Events Center en Costa Mesa.

Detalles:
• MainPlace Mall, 2800 N. Main St., Santa Ana, 8-10 a.m.; la línea comienza en MainPlace Drive y Main Street a partir de las 7 a.m.
• OC Fair & Events Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, de las 8 a.m. a las 12 p.m. (mediodía); la línea comienza en Fairview Boulevard en la Entrada 3 (Gate 3) a partir de las 6 a.m.

Por favor, quédese en su automóvil con las ventanas cerradas cuando reciba alimentos. Asegúrese de que el baúl de su vehículo esté vacío para que se puedan colocar alimentos adentro.

Para más información sobre los eventos de comida de POOF, visite www.powerofonefoundation.org.

A DUI suspect was arrested after a wrong way crash in Costa Mesa involving 8 vehicles

Posted on by Posted in Accidents, Alcohol, Costa Mesa, Crime, Public Safety Leave a comment

The Costa Mesa police arrested Fernando Rodriguez Rabago, 24, whose last known address was Whittier, after an 8-vehicle traffic collision that occured at 19th and Newport Bl. in Costa Mesa on Monday, July 27, at about 10:48 a.m., per the Costa Mesa Police Twitter account.

Rabago was seen driving the wrong way on Newport Blvd.

Five people injured including a minor and several were transported to local hospitals for treatment. One person had to be freed from the wreckage of a disabled vehicle, according to the O.C. Register.

Rabago was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated.

The Costa Mesa police are looking for a Santa Ana man who allegedly had sex with a teen

Posted on by Posted in Cochino Alert, Costa Mesa, Crime, Santa Ana Leave a comment

The Costa Mesa Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating Moises Isaias Sanchez, 25, Santa Ana. They are looking for him in regards to an unlawful sexual relation case involving a female teenage victim (DR#20-7639).

There is currently an arrest warrant out for Sanchez and he is known to frequent Costa Mesa and Santa Ana. Sanchez is on formal probation and an associate of a local Costa Mesa criminal street gang.

Sanchez drives a black 2003 Honda Accord 4-door with the California license plate number 5BVT581.

If you have information on Sanchez’ whereabouts, please contact Investigator A. Gardner immediately at 714-754-4937, agardner@costamesaca.gov or Sergeant J. Brown at 714-754-5058.

Dangerous sex offender Cary Smith is now back in Costa Mesa

Posted on by Posted in Cochino Alert, Costa Mesa, Crime, Orange County Leave a comment

The Costa Mesa Police Department reported tonight on Facebook that they have received information that Cary Smith is currently located at a healthcare facility in Costa Mesa.

The CMPD will continue to monitor the situation and collaborate with their law enforcement partners.

The OCDA recently released a warning about Smith, who spent 20 years in forced hospitalization at a state mental hospital.

Smith, who is 59-years-old, was sent to Patton State Hospital in San Bernardino in 1999 on a 72-hour psychiatric hold after his wife provided a psychiatrist with a letter in which Smith described sex acts he wanted to perform on a 7-year-old boy who lived in his Costa Mesa neighborhood.

Free food distributions in and around Santa Ana on Saturday, July 11

Posted on by Posted in Anaheim, Costa Mesa, Food, Fullerton, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Power of One Foundation (POOF), working with the City of Santa Ana and other nonprofit groups and businesses, is providing an emergency food assistance distribution at MainPlace Mall in Santa Ana. The Power of One Foundation also is having one at the OC Fair & Events Center in Costa Mesa.

The Sikh Center of Orange County is having a drive-through food pantry in Santa Ana as well.

Here are the details for all three food events on Saturday, July 11:

• MainPlace Mall, 2800 N. Main St., Santa Ana, 8-10 a.m.; the line begins at MainPlace Drive and Main Street no earlier than 7 a.m.
• OC Fair & Events Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. (noon)
• Sikh Center of Orange County, 2530 Warner Ave., Santa Ana, 9-11 a.m.

Please stay in your car with the windows rolled up when receiving food. Make sure your vehicle trunk is empty so food can be placed in it.

For more information on POOF food events, visit www.powerofonefoundation.org. For more on the Sikh Center, go to www.facebook.com/SikhCenterofOrangeCounty/.

The OC Fair & Event Center will launch the 2020 Virtual OC Fair on July 17

Posted on by Posted in Costa Mesa, Entertainment, Family, OC Fair, Youth Activities Leave a comment

COSTA MESA (July 2, 2020) – The 2020 OC Fair is going virtual! While fairgoers may not be able to hop on their favorite carnival ride or enjoy crazy Fair food in person, we are keeping the spirit of the Fair alive on social media and ocfair.com.

Starting July 17, several Virtual OC Fair elements will be highlighted each day on social media through July 27, with lots of fun content on ocfair.com all summer long.

Videos of your favorite performers, photo galleries of summer memories, family activities, special contests and more will bring that OC Fair connection to people no matter where they are. Even the OC Fair Fun Run 5K is going virtual and the prizes are terrific!

Virtual fairgoers can learn how to create Fair-style crafts at home, get the skinny on making deep-fried Oreos, take a tour of Centennial Farm, decipher a magic trick, get the best garden pesto recipe and more from OC Fair staff and partners. There is even a virtual dance party in the works.

Plus, there are ways to win virtual ribbons this year with contests; entrants just need to submit photos of their creations. There are 33 unique categories this year, including Doughmestic Baking, Home Landscapes, Best Hen House and photography categories like Bedhead, Empty Streets and Essential Workers. Deadline for entries is July 6.

In a twist to the virtual theme, We Care Wednesday will take place July 22 with our nonprofit partner Goodwill of Orange County. Participants can donate gently used clothing items at specific Goodwill locations instead of at the fairgrounds. Donors will receive a ticket to the 2021 OC Fair and a coupon for a free Wahoo’s taco as thanks for giving back to the community.

Through this year’s Virtual Market Livestock Show, 49 agriculture students who raised 82 animals to show at the Fair had the opportunity to be matched with buyers. Usually 4-H and FFA students can sell their animal projects at the Fair’s Junior Livestock Auction, but with that not possible this year, OC Fair staff wanted to help the students recoup costs and devised a virtual way to make that happen.

Here is a directory of vendors commonly found at the OC Fair who are offering online shopping. 

For more information on the 2020 Virtual OC Fair, visit ocfair.com or follow @ocfair on Facebook and @oc_fair on Instagram.

OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa is home to the annual OC Fair and Imaginology. 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. For more information, visit ocfair.com.

Support of OC Fair & Event Center provides year-round educational opportunities and helps fund community give-back programs.

The OC Fair Board issues a solidarity proclamation in support of the Black Community

Posted on by Posted in African Americans, Costa Mesa, OC Fair, Orange County Fair Leave a comment

COSTA MESA – The OC Fair & Event Center Board of Directors unanimously issued a proclamation today in support of the Black Community and stands united against discrimination and committed to inclusion, diversity and equality.

Recognizing this painful time for many members of our community, the Board voted to reaffirm its commitment to denounce discrimination or violence in any form.

The following statement was approved at today’s Board of Directors meeting:

Proclamation of the Board of Directors of the 32nd District Agricultural Association

WHEREAS, the mission of the 32nd District Agricultural Association (the 32nd DAA) is the “Celebration of Orange County’s Communities, Interests and Heritage”; and

WHEREAS, the 32nd DAA is against discrimination on the basis of race, creed, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, disability, political affiliation, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, or marital, parental or military status; and

WHEREAS, the 32nd DAA condemns the deeply troubling actions that occurred in Minneapolis, Minnesota, which led to the inexcusable and senseless death of Mr. George Floyd; and the same troubling actions that have taken the lives of so many other Black men, women, boys and girls, even since Mr. Floyd; and

WHEREAS, the 32nd DAA stands in solidarity with those that peacefully protest against violence, inequality and excessive force; and

WHEREAS, the 32nd DAA recognizes the community is in turmoil, and looking to its leaders to affirm their commitment to inclusion, diversity, and equality; and

WHEREAS, the 32nd DAA stands with the members of our Black Community and all people of color who have been ignored, marginalized and disenfranchised;

NOW, THEREFORE, the Board of the 32nd District Agricultural Association hereby does proclaim on June 25, 2020, that it stands in solidarity with the Black Community and reaffirms its commitment to denounce discrimination or violence in any form.

Transient arrested for the murder of a Costa Mesa auto repair shop owner

Posted on by Posted in Costa Mesa, Crime Leave a comment

COSTA MESA, Calif. (June 9, 2020) – The Costa Mesa Police Department (CMPD) has arrested a former auto repair employee on suspicion of murder after a business owner of the auto repair shop was found dead in his office.

At approximately 3:22 p.m. on Monday, June 8, 2020, CMPD received a call from a woman at a business located in the 1900 block of Harbor Boulevard. The caller was a customer who contacted the police after she discovered the business owner unresponsive and slumped over in his office. Police officers and detectives immediately responded to the scene. The owner of the business, 60-year-old Garbis Yaghlagian, was found in his office deceased with a gunshot wound. 

During the investigation, officers learned Francisco Javier Castaneda, 31, transient, was an employee at the location and was seen leaving the business after a loud bang was heard.

Shortly thereafter, Castaneda was reported to CMPD as a suspicious unknown man, with a matching description, walking in in the area of Victoria Street and Harbor Boulevard. Castaneda was quickly located and arrested. He was booked in the Costa Mesa jail on one count of murder and was subsequently transported to OC Jail with no bail.

Today, June 9, 2020, CMPD detectives located the firearm believed to be used in this crime. ###

George Floyd peace march set for today from Costa Mesa to Santa Ana

Posted on by Posted in Civic Affairs, Civil Rights, Costa Mesa, Santa Ana 3 Comments

A peace march is set for today, June 6, starting at 3:30 p.m. in Costa Mesa. The marchers will end up at Memorial Park, in Santa Ana.

The plan is to gather at Shiffer Park, in Costa Mesa, at 3:30 .m. The march will begin at 4 p.m., to Carl Thorton Park. Speakers will start at 4:50 p.m. then the march to Memorial Park will begin at 5:20 p.m. More speakers are slated for 6 p.m. then the walk back will begin at 6 p.m. The guest speakers will speak at the rest stops on peaceful platforms.

The City of Santa Ana has a 10 p.m. curfew tonight. I could not find proof that the City of Costa Mesa will have a curfew as well.

Looters may be targeting the South Coast Plaza tonight

Posted on by Posted in Business, Costa Mesa, Crime, Public Safety 7 Comments

An unnamed protest group has announced that they will be gathering today, June 1, at 8 p.m. at South Coast Drive and Bear St., in Costa Mesa.

That may be a bad idea on their part as the City of Costa Mesa has been enforcing an 8 p.m. curfew. If there are looters planning to attack the South Coast Plaza I can see the Costa Mesa police arresting them by the busload.

In fact the Costa Mesa police just put out a press release about this:

The Costa Mesa Police Department (CMPD) is aware of flyer circulating on social media that mentions a planned protest at South Coast Drive and Bear Street in Costa Mesa today, Monday. The department is monitoring the situation including social media posts and is taking the necessary steps to protect the city, its businesses, and all those in the city. The CMPD is working closely with its law enforcement partners and continues to provide police services to the city while addressing the situation. 

While CMPD supports the public’s right to peaceably assemble and demonstrate, it does not support vandalism, rioting, and looting. Out of an abundance of caution, the City of Costa Mesa is planning to order another curfew for tonight, Monday, June 1. The City of Costa Mesa and CMPD are committed to keeping its community informed and will share more information on this as it becomes available.

The South Coat Plaza has reacted to this news by announcing “We are saddened by the recent events in our country and care deeply for the safety and well-being of our entire community. Our June 1 reopening has been postponed and a new date will be announced soon. Please check back for updates.”

South Coast Plaza was hoping to have at least 110 merchants open but with limited hours and many amenities sidelined to ease shoppers’ concerns about coronavirus. California’s easing of stay-at-home orders now allows indoor malls to open. The mall closed March 16 after learning a store employee had contracted the virus, according to the O.C. Register.

While the protests are well-intentioned the ensuing riots and looting are now costing our local businesses a fortune in damage and lost sales, on the heels of the still ongoing Coronavirus Pandemic.

The police foiled a mass street takeover in Santa Ana and Costa Mesa on Cinco de Mayo

Posted on by Posted in automobiles, Costa Mesa, Crime, Public Safety, Santa Ana, SAPD 3 Comments

How did you celebrate Cinco de Mayo? Chances are you did not participate in a ridiculous street takeover but that is exactly what happened on Tuesday night in an area straddling Santa Ana and Costa Mesa.

Perhaps as many as 100 suspects in about 40 to 50 vehicles blocked traffic on Tuesday night at Sunflower Avenue and Sakioka Drive at about 7:48 p.m., according to the O.C. Register.

Unfortunate residents who were trying to drive through that area at the time were trapped in traffic until the police were able to clear the area, at about 8 p.m.

The Costa Mesa police even reported that a taco truck had shown up to the “event.”

The suspects sped off when Costa Mesa and SAPD police cruisers showed up at the scene. Some of the suspects drove off so fast that they almost lost control of their vehicles and one guy even ended up driving the wrong way – westbound on the eastbound lanes of Sunflower.

The street takeover attracted a crowd of young people who were hanging out on Sunflower – and police reported they were not even trying to maintain social distancing.

The Costa Mesa police department reported that these street takeovers have been a problem in their city – and often involve high performance cars and driving at high speed.

An SAPD Commander said that when the police show up the suspects just head to another intersection and “start doing donuts again.”

There was in fact a police pursuit and a collision on Tuesday night on Bristol Street that may have been related to the street takeover that evening. As usual no one was arrested.

Perhaps the Santa Ana City Council needs to pass a new ordinance allowing for the takeover and auction of these high performance cars when they are involved in street takeovers and illegal speeding?

The 2020 Orange County Fair has been canceled

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COSTA MESA (April 27, 2020) – The OC Fair & Event Center Board of Directors voted unanimously today to cancel the 2020 OC Fair, one of the most anticipated and enduring summer celebrations in Southern California for 130 years. The Board considered ongoing guidance and updated information from State and County health care and government officials about the status of the coronavirus pandemic and the improbability that mass gatherings like the OC Fair could safely and responsibly take place this summer.

In addition to the regularly scheduled monthly meeting, the Board called a second April meeting specifically to review all options and discuss whether or not to move forward with the 2020 OC Fair. The action comes amid unprecedented community stay-at-home and social distancing orders and will protect guests, vendors and staff during the COVID-19 crisis.

“The decision to cancel the 2020 OC Fair was not taken lightly by the Board. As Governor-appointed representatives the Board has a responsibility to provide a safe experience to the community-at-large, the hundreds of people who depend on county fairs for their livelihood, fairgoers and OC Fair staff,” said Board Chair Sandra Cervantes. “While many of our guests have expressed extreme disappointment over the idea of the 2020 Fair being canceled, we strongly believe it is the right thing to do in this current situation. However, we will keep the spirit of the OC Fair alive with virtual fair concepts such as contests, competitions, entertainment and concessions to bring the fair experience to guests through ocfair.com and social media.”

The 23-day OC Fair welcomes more than 1.3 million fairgoers each year and has an estimated economic impact of $350 million annually. The Fair was canceled 1942-1947 during wartime, but otherwise has been a summer staple since 1890. Information on refunds for concert tickets and Super Passes that have already been purchased can be found at ocfair.com/refunds. “We love the OC Fair as much as our guests do. And, while it’s disappointing that the Fair can’t take place this year, we fully support the Board’s decision,” said Michele Richards, OC Fair & Event Center CEO. “But please know OC Fair & Event Center will still be here to serve the community as we plan for the next OC Fair and the eventual return of our wonderful events.”

OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, CA, is home to the annual OC Fair and Imaginology. 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.

Costa Mesa’s Fairview Developmental Center could be used as a temporary hospital for COVID-19 patients

Posted on by Posted in California, Costa Mesa, Disease, Emergencies, Gavin Newsom, Health and Medical, John Moorlach, OC Health Care, Public Safety, Santa Ana Leave a comment

State Senator John Moorlach has revealed in an email update that the Fairview Developmental Center (FDC), which is located at 2501 Harbor Blvd., in Costa Mesa, is being considered as a temporary hospital for the anticipated surge in patients. This is being pushed by the Governor’s Office, through the California Office of Emergency Services.

The intended goal is to move patients from hospitals in the area, like Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian, and have them recuperate at FDC. The COVID-19 patients would be treated at the hospitals. But, there are no guarantees.

If this pandemic reaches certain levels, then some of the patients at FDC may have mild or worse symptoms of the coronavirus.

The FDC property belongs to State of California. And, Governor Gavin Newsom mentioned the facilities in his noon press conference on Monday of this week.

The Governor has been messaging for some time now that the state needs 50,000 beds. The 416 hospitals of the California Hospital Association have an inventory available of 30,000 beds. The U.S. Navy ship Mercy is providing 1,000 beds in the San Pedro Harbor. St. Vincent Medical Center in Los Angeles, closed in January is being recommissioned for service.

FDC, if utilized, will have capacity for 1,100 beds. They would set aside 200 for developmentally disabled individuals and 900 for acute care patients.

The OC Fair & Event Center temporarily cancels large events

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Costa Mesa, Calif. (March 12, 202) – Following the directive from Gov. Gavin Newsom and the California Department of Public Health, OC Fair & Event Center is temporarily suspending all events involving attendance of 250 people or more through at least the end of March.

“We are in support of the Governor’s directive in the interest of public safety and want to do our part to contribute to hopefully turning the tide on the advancement of this virus,” said OC Fair & Event Center CEO Michele Richards.

The following events at OC Fair & Event Center (OCFEC) have been impacted:

  • Orange County Market Place – weekends, canceled for March
  • VOLTA by Cirque du Soliel – March 18-April 19, suspended; possibly postponed
  • Crossroads of the West Gun Show – March 21-22, canceled
  • OC Science and Engineering Fair – March 24-26, canceled
  • AAOC Trade Show and Conference – March 26, postponed; date TBD
  • Mom Made Market – March 28-29, postponed; date TBD
  • Flying Miz Daisy Vintage Market – March 28-29, canceled
  • Car Lab – March 28-29, canceled
  • California Bridal & Wedding Expo – March 29, canceled
  • First Robotics Competition – April 2-4, canceled
  • Autism Fragile X Foundation Autism Parade – April 11, canceled
  • Imaginology – April 17-19, canceled
  • SoCal Sanitary Supply Show – May 6, canceled
  • Goat Yoga Experience – May 9, canceled
  • OC PolyFest – May 9-10, canceled
  • FamFest – June 20-21, canceled

Included in the cancellations is Imaginology, OCFEC’s three-day free S.T.E.A.M. education event that was slated to run from April 17 to 19 with anticipated attendance of nearly 40,000 students, parents and teachers.
“It breaks my heart to cancel Imaginology. As our largest community give-back, Imaginology is near and dear to all of us at OCFEC. It’s a highly interactive, hands-on event that would present many challenges in the current situation,” said Richards. “We felt it was best to allow more time for the response to take hold before offering such an event.”

There are currently no plans to change the dates of the 2020 OC Fair, July 17-Aug. 16. OCFEC will continue to follow directives from the state.
During the next three weeks, OCFEC staff will conduct essential business as usual. “We’re very mindful of the impact the decision will have on the hundreds of part-time event staff, merchants, promoters and contractors who support these large events at OCFEC year-round. The Board and staff are working diligently to minimize that impact and will be prepared to get operations up and running as soon as the situation is contained, so our important employee base can get back to work,” said OCFEC Board Chair Sandra Cervantes. “The Governor has announced relief programs to help the Orange County workforce impacted by this disruption and we’re hopeful that the situation is swiftly resolved.”

At this time Centennial Farm will remain open for visits, but Discovery Days will be modified in size. Garden classes will still take place. Heroes Hall Veterans Museum and Education Center will also remain open as scheduled Wednesday through Sunday.

Precautionary measures being taken throughout the grounds by OCFEC include enhancing onsite communication and preventative actions, placing an increased number of hand sanitizing stations throughout the property, increasing the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces and commonly touched objects, and providing ongoing training for staff and partners regarding best practices for providing a safe and healthy environment.

Any updates will be posted on ocfair.com and on the agency’s social media channels, @ocfair on Twitter and @oc_fair on Instagram.

The Costa Mesa police canceled this Friday’s DUI checkpoint due to the rain

Posted on by Posted in Alcohol, Costa Mesa 1 Comment

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

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

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

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

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

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