Santa Ana's top news & views blog

Santa Ana's top news & views blog

Category Archives: Health and Medical

The OCDA charged four chiropractors allegedly involved in a workers’ comp referral scheme

Posted on by Posted in Crime, Health and Medical, OCDA, Orange County Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Case # 18CF3066 – 18CF3070

Date: October 31, 2018

PHASE II CHARGES FILED ON FOUR CHIROPRACTORS AND CAPPER IN MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR WORKERS COMPENSATION INSURANCE REFERRAL SCHEME

*Part of prior case with largest number of attorneys charged in one case in Orange County history

SANTA ANA, Calif. – Four chiropractors and a capper were charged yesterday with insurance fraud in a massive multi-million dollar workers’ compensation insurance referral scheme that exploited persons in predominantly Spanish-speaking communities. Last year, 10 attorneys and six cappers were charged as part of the same investigation. This is the second phase of filing resulting from a 4-year insurance fraud investigation by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office (OCDA) Bureau of Investigation, Insurance Fraud Unit.

Defendants:

  • Fermin Alexander Iglesias, 38, Glendale
  • Bahar Danesh Gharib, DC, 42, Woodland Hills
  • Bryan Aun, DC, 45, Brea
  • Afsoun Naderi, DC, 50, Newport Coast
  • John C. Larson, DC, 45, Rancho Cucamonga

Charged on Oct. 30, 2018, with multiple felony counts of insurance fraud: Continue reading→

The OCDA is looking for more victims of a faith healing scam that targeted Hispanics

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: October 31, 2018

OCDA SEEKS POTENTIAL ADDITIONAL VICTIMS OF “FAITH HEALING” FRAUD RING TARGETING HISPANIC COMMUNITIES

SANTA ANA, Calif. – The Orange County District Attorney’s (OCDA) Office Bureau of Investigation is investigating an organization that is committing theft by utilizing “Faith Healing” to fraudulently con victims out of their savings. The organization, primarily based out of Los Angeles, is known as Terapias Alternativas Aaron, Inc. and Terapias Alternativas Angel, Inc. This “Faith Healing” organization is specifically targeting the Hispanic communities in multiple counties via ads and infomercials aired on Hispanic television stations and newspapers. At least two victims from Orange County have made reports of this fraud.

“This is unconscionable fraud that targets the desperate and the sick. The victims should report this without feeling embarrassed,” stated District Attorney Tony Rackauckas. Continue reading→

The County of Orange is hosting three upcoming free flu vaccine events

Posted on by Posted in Andrew Do, Disease, Health and Medical, OC Health Care, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Get your FREE Flu Shot!

Do you still need to get your flu shot this year? Chairman Andrew Do is hosting three FREE flu shot clinics to help the community prepare for flu season. These clinics are open to the public and provide shots at no cost. OC Health Care Agency nurses administer all vaccines on a first come, first serve basis.

The flu or influenza is a serious illness. It is more than just a runny nose and sore throat. The flu can make you very sick and cause you to go to the hospital or even lead to death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 6 months and older get the flu vaccine (flu shot). You can protect yourself and those around you by getting a flu shot. Continue reading→

Man pleads guilty to helping a Santa Ana psychiatrist to illegally sell prescription drugs

Posted on by Posted in Crime, Drugs, Federal Government, Health and Medical, Huntington Beach, Santa Ana, Westminster 2 Comments

William Jason Plumley, 41, a Huntington Beach man accused of conspiring with a Santa Ana psychiatrist to sell prescription opioids, pleaded guilty Tuesday to federal drug-distribution charges according to the O.C. Register.

Plumley accepted a plea deal that required him to admit to federal charges of distributing methamphetamine and conspiring to distribute controlled substances. Continue reading→

This week’s Cochino List includes Luv’n Donuts, Olmos Market and Uno Free Pizza

Posted on by Posted in Disease, Food, Food & Health, Health and Medical, Insects, OC Health Care, 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 Sept. 28 to Oct. 5, 2018. Most of these eateries reopen pretty quickly after the health inspectors determine their issues have been resolved. Here is the list:

  • Luv’n Donuts, 2729 N. Bristol St., Suite B4, Santa Ana, Closed: Oct. 4, Reason: Cockroach infestation, Reopened: Oct. 5
  • Olmos Market, 1212 S. Bristol St., Suite 6, Santa Ana, Permit downgraded to prepackaged foods only: Oct. 3, Reason: Insufficient hot water/plumbing in disrepair, Full permit reinstated: Oct. 4
  • Uno Free Pizza, 2525 W. 17th St., Suite I, Santa Ana, Closed: Oct. 1, Reason: Insufficient hot water, Reopened: Oct. 1

Continue reading→

This week’s Cochino List includes Taqueria La Vida and Market Novy La Mexicana

Posted on by Posted in Disease, Food, Food & Health, Health and Medical, Insects, OC Health Care, 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 Sept. 21 to 28, 2018. Most of these eateries reopen pretty quickly after the health inspectors determine their issues have been resolved. Here is the list:

  • Taqueria La Vida, 3620 W. First St., Santa Ana, Closed: Sept. 25, Reason: Cockroach infestation, Reopened: Sept. 26
  • Market Novy La Mexicana, 701 E. Fourth St., Santa Ana, Closed: Sept. 24, Reason: Cockroach infestation, Reopened: Sept. 25

Continue reading→

How Santa Ana College’s Psychological Services program was dismantled

Posted on by Posted in Education, Health and Medical, Mental Health, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Santa Ana College – The Saga of Mismanagement Continues

By: Renee Miller, Retired SAC faculty

The mismanagement within the Rancho Santiago CCD (RSCCD) has been well documented. An editorial we previously posted accurately described the leader of the District, Raul Rodriguez as a “train wreck.” In every organization, mismanagement creates “rot” that trickles downward and the RSCCD is no exception. When it directly affects the students and taxpayers, there are no excuses.

Santa Ana College’s (SAC) Psychological Services program has always been an integral part of the services that the college has provided to its 30, 000 students. In May of 2017, the program employed two tenured full time psychologists, a part-time psychologist and three doctoral level interns to serve the mental health needs of SAC’s student body. As detailed on the college’s website, the program provided support for students in the areas of anger management, anxiety/stress management, depression/lack of motivation, domestic violence, eating disorders, family and social relationships/life transitions, LGBTQ related-support, sexual assault, and substance abuse. This service is not free for students. Students pay a Health Center fee of $19 a semester to avail themselves of support from Psychological Services as well as SAC’s Student Health Center. Sounds simple and straightforward, doesn’t it? Continue reading→

11 O.C. defendants charged in a multi-million dollar, large scale fraudulent drug treatment scheme

Posted on by Posted in Costa Mesa, Courts, Crime, Drugs, Health and Medical, OCDA, Orange County Leave a comment

Thuy “Tina” Rucks

Case # 18CF2703, 18CF2704, 18CF2706-18CF2710, 18CF2712, 18CF2713, 18CF2717

Date: September 26, 2018

FIVE DOCTORS, TWO ADMINISTRATORS, AND FOUR BODY BROKERS CHARGED WITH INSURANCE FRAUD FOR EXPLOITING DRUG ADDICTS TO BILL INSURANCE FOR NON-FDA APPROVED AND DANGEROUS SURGERIES

SANTA ANA, Calif. – Orange County District Attorney (OCDA) Tony Rackauckas recently formed the Sober Living-home Investigation and Prosecution (SLIP) task force to stop large scale insurance fraud and to address citizen and community complaints and concerns about criminal activities occurring within the addiction treatment industry. SLIP netted 11 defendants in a multi-million dollar, large scale insurance fraud scheme. Five doctors, two administrators, and four body brokers were charged with participating in this scheme.

The OCDA set out to find and stop unscrupulous addiction treatment operators and medical professionals who are reaping financial gains off the backs of this vulnerable population seeking recovery (Public Hearing on Rehabilitation Exploitation and Health Care Trafficking in Costa Mesa). Continue reading→

A little girl from Santa Ana is helping to bring smiles to children in local hospitals

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

Tessa Adams, age 6, Santa Ana

UnitedHealthcare Brings Smiles and ‘Grins to Go’ Bags to Children in Local Hospitals

Working with the UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation to help children and families in need, volunteers assembled and delivered 230 Grins to Go bags, which were filled with an assortment of popular toys and activities, including Santa Ana resident Tessa Adams, 6-years-old, who is a recipient of the UHC Children’s Foundation grant.

It’s tough to be in the hospital, especially if you’re a child. But the day was brightened for a few children when UnitedHealthcare employees delivered “Grins to Go” bags to children at Miller Children’s Hospital in Long Beach, Children’s Hospital of Orange County, and the Ronald McDonald Houses in Long Beach and Orange County. Working with the UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation to help children and families in need, over 120 volunteers assembled and delivered 230 Grins to Go bags, which were filled with an assortment of popular toys and activities. Continue reading→

UCI doctor charged with secretly filming guests who were using his home bathroom

Posted on by Posted in Cochino Alert, Crime, Health and Medical, irvine, OCDA, Orange Leave a comment

Duc Minh Vu, from Yelp

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Case # 18CM06901

Date: Aug. 3, 2018

MEDICAL DOCTOR ARRAIGNED FOR SECRETLY FILMING GUESTS IN HIS BATHROOM

SANTA ANA, Calif. – A medical doctor was arraigned today after being charged with disorderly conduct for secretly filming guests in the bathroom at his home.

Defendant: Duc Minh Vu, 33, Orange

Charged with the following misdemeanor counts: Continue reading→

Orange County Health Plan approves $10 million for homeless recuperative beds

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

Homelessness: Orange County Health Plan Approves $10 Million for Homeless Recuperative Beds

Alleviates Burden on Emergency Rooms, Speeds up Recovery for Homeless Patients

Orange, California (August 2, 2018) – Orange County will soon get a much-needed boost in the number of recuperative medical beds for the homeless.

Under a plan, authored by Supervisor Andrew Do, Orange County’s health plan for low-income residents will dedicate $10 million towards additional recuperative care beds that help sick or injured homeless patients recover. Continue reading→

This week’s Cochino List includes Jugos Victoria, Gu Ramen and Restaurant Acapulco

Posted on by Posted in Disease, Food, Food & Health, Health and Medical, OC Health Care, 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 July 13 to July 20, 2018. Most of these eateries reopen pretty quickly after the health inspectors determine their issues have been resolved. Here is the list:

  • Jugos Victoria, 1421 S. Main St., Santa Ana, Closed: July 20, Reason: Rodent infestation
  • Restaurant Acapulco, 2419 W. McFadden Ave., Suite 108, Santa Ana, Closed: July 20, Reason: Cockroach infestation, Reopened: July 20
  • La Bahia de Acapulco Market, 2429 W. McFadden Ave., Suite 109, Santa Ana, Closed: July 19, Reason: Cockroach infestation, Reopened: July 20
  • Gu Ramen, 304 N. Main St., Santa Ana, Closed: July 18, Reason: Cockroach infestation, Reopened: July 19
  • Carl’s Jr., 1943 E. 17th St., Santa Ana, Closed: July 17, Reason: Rodent infestation, Reopened: July 17
  • Mary Restaurant, 1819 S. Main St., Santa Ana, Closed: July 13, Reason: Rodent infestation, Reopened: July 13

Continue reading→

Air quality will be very unhealthy today due to fireworks particulates

Posted on by Posted in Air Quality, Disease, Environment, Fires, Health and Medical, Santa Ana Leave a comment

SOUTH COAST AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

PARTICULATE ADVISORY – Fireworks

Valid: Wednesday, July 4 through Thursday, July 5, 2018

Air quality is likely to reach unhealthful levels in areas throughout the South Coast Air Basin and in the Coachella Valley at times through July 5. Emissions from fireworks are expected to contribute to elevated levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), which can reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups air quality category, or higher, during and after the evening fireworks displays related to Independence Day celebrations. The firework emissions are expected to begin in the evening of Wednesday, July 4th with particulate levels expected to remain elevated through the morning of Thursday, July 5th.

The smoke and combustion products from fireworks add to the fine particles already present in the Basin that are primarily caused by motor vehicles, as well as fugitive dust and industrial emissions. Ozone concentrations are also expected to reach the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category or higher, in the afternoons and evenings through the holiday into the upcoming weekend in many inland areas.

SCAQMD Advisory updates can be found at the following link: Continue reading→

Santa Ana psychiatrist arrested for alleged illegal opioid prescriptions

Posted on by Posted in Crime, Drugs, Federal Government, Health and Medical, Santa Ana, Westminster Leave a comment

Dr. Robert Perez’ office in Santa Ana

Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Central District of California

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

O.C. Psychiatrist Arrested on Federal Charges Alleging Illegal Prescriptions for Opioids Without Medical Need

SANTA ANA, California – A psychiatrist who practices at a Santa Ana clinic has been arrested on federal charges that allege he issued prescriptions for dangerous and addictive narcotics, such as the opioid oxycodone, without a medical purpose.

Dr. Robert Tinoco Perez, 56, of Westminster, was arrested Friday by special agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration. Continue reading→

This week’s Cochino List includes Hector’s on Broadway and Big K’s Burger

Posted on by Posted in Disease, Food, Food & Health, Health and Medical, OC Health Care, 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 June 22, 2018 – June 29, 2018. Most of these eateries reopen pretty quickly after the health inspectors determine their issues have been resolved. Here is the list:

  • Hectors, 409 N. Broadway, Santa Ana, Closed: June 26, Reason: Rodent infestation
  • Food Mart at Libra One Gasoline, 1131 S. Main St., Santa Ana, Closed: June 28, Reason: Cockroach infestation
  • Paqueteria Tzicatian, 1329 S. Main St., Suite B, Santa Ana, Closed: June 27, Reason: Rodent infestation
  • Happy’s Liquor, 2002 S. Flower St., Santa Ana, Closed: June 27, Reason: Rodent infestation

Continue reading→