New Santa Ana | Category Archives: homeless

The City of Santa Ana got permission to clean up the homeless trash along the train tracks

Posted on May 23, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, homeless, Public Safety, public works, Santa Ana, SAPD, Waste 2 Comments

SANTA ANA, CA – On May 9, 2019, a Superior Court judge granted the City’s application for an Inspection and Abatement Warrant, which allows City staff to legally enter Union Pacific property and abate public nuisance or dangerous conditions, according to the City of Santa Ana.

On May 22, 2019 at approximately 8:00AM, over 50 City of Santa Ana staff (Code Enforcement, Police Department, Public Works, Parks and Recreation, and Community Development) as well as private contractors, began a large scale service of the inspection and abatement warrant at five locations within the city.

The locations impacted were:
• 1200-1300 E. Edinger
• 1716 S. Santa Fe
• 2500 S. Main/Goetz
• 1000-1100 E. Chestnut/Santa Fe
• 1200-1300 E. Warner

The warrant authorized City staff to enter the private property of Union Pacific Railroad, to perform inspections and abate any dangerous conditions. For example, at the 1200-1300 E. Edinger location (3 blocks south along the railroad right of way), staff discovered over 60 encampments/shanty’s occupied by 16 individuals. Trash and debris was strewn around the area. Staff determined it was imperative, for public health and safety, to immediately abate the dangerous condition. Public works crews and private contractors began cleanup efforts.

Police Officers and representatives of the Orange County Health Care Agency provided outreach to all 16 contacted individuals experiencing homelessness. None accepted services. One (1) individual was arrested for narcotics violations.

This abatement effort comes after months of repeated attempts to ensure that Union Pacific properly addresses their railroad right-of-ways in our City and hold them accountable for their property much like we do with any other property owner. Based on State law and the Santa Ana Municipal Code, the City will be billing Union Pacific for the recovery of the city’s costs required for abatement of these areas. These areas were chosen due to the high number of violations that were visible from the public right-of-way. This is part of the City’s ongoing efforts to address homelessness and the quality of life of all residents.

More information about the totality of the operation will be forthcoming at operation conclusion.

About City of Santa Ana

Santa Ana is downtown for the world famous Orange County, California. As the County Seat, home to a vibrant evening scene and one of the most diverse communities in California, Santa Ana is gaining national attention for its efforts to innovate and address a changing County. Over 1,200 City employees work hard every day to deliver efficient public services in partnership with our community to ensure public safety, a prosperous economic environment, opportunities for our youth, and a high quality of life for residents. Learn more at http://www.santa-ana.org.

37 vagrants were arrested during the Santiago Creek cleanup on Saturday

Posted on May 19, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, homeless, Jose Solorio, Parks and Recreation, Public Safety, public works, Santa Ana, SAPD 4 Comments

By Santa Ana City Councilman Jose Solorio

Based on our recent Santiago Creek tour we held with neighborhood leaders, our Police Chief, and new City Manager (Kristine Ridge), the City coordinated for yesterday and today, Operation Santiago Creek. It focuses on the Creek and areas underneath the 5 FWY/ Broadway underpasses.

A total of 46 people were contacted at this location yesterday, most of whom were experiencing homelessness:

15 of the 46 had ties to Santa Ana but refused any type of shelter or assistance.
31 of the 46 did not have any ties to Santa Ana. Only 3 of these non-Santa Ana individuals accepted shelter at the Courtyard.
A total of 37 were arrested for violation of the Santa Ana Municipal Code 10-403(C) Unlawful Storage of Property in Public Area, Warrants, or Narcotic Violations.
6 others were contacted but released without any incident.

Also related..a follow-up to the recent meetings I held with our local neighborhood leaders, I placed 85C item (below) on the agenda for next Tuesday (5/21) so we can be clear with City staff that our neighborhoods and residents want to prioritize the use of Measure X tax revenues for addressing our homelessness crisis and public safety issues, as Measure X said it would.

ITEM 85C: DISCUSS AND DIRECT STAFF, AS APPROPRIATE, TO USE MEASURE X FUNDS TO EXPAND CITY’S CURRENT CONTRACT WITH ALLIED UNIVERSAL SECURITY SERVICES TO QUICKLY AND COST-EFFECTIVELY BEGIN PROVIDING SECURITY SERVICES AT FIVE PARKS IN EACH WARD, PLUS SANTIAGO CREEK, DEDICATED BIKE TRAILS OWNED BY THE CITY OF SANTA ANA, AND ADDITIONAL COVERAGE AT CENTENNIAL PARK. UNTIL THE CITY IS ABLE TO DEVELOP A SUSTAINABLE PARK RANGER PROGRAM, THESE EXPANDED SERVICES WOULD ALLOW US TO ADDRESS INCREASING CONCERNS FROM RESIDENTS AND NEIGHBORHOOD LEADERS REGARDING HOMELESS ENCAMPMENTS, TRASH, GRAFFITI, DRUG USE AND RELATED PUBLIC SAFETY CONCERNS – Councilmember Solorio

It would be fantastic if we had sufficient officers to provide more ongoing patrols and services, but our Santa Ana Police Department just has too many vacancies to do more for us at our parks and Creek. Expanding our existing contract with our security services would be much quicker and more cost-effective, so I am hopeful we can do this or something similar.

Like many in Santa Ana, I voted against the Measure, but since it was passed by our voters I want to make we use the new tax revenue wisely and as marketed to voters.

If you could come and speak in support of 85C at the Council meeting next Tuesday that would be best. However, you can also send emails to the City Clerk via the ecomments email below and email the Mayor and City Councilmembers directly from their webpage.

eComment@santa-ana.org

Link to full agenda: http://bit.ly/SACouncilAgenda052119

The woman found tied up in a vacant Santa Ana house was a homeless squatter

Posted on May 8, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, homeless, Santa Ana, SAPD 1 Comment

A woman found bound and gagged inside a vacant Santa Ana home on Tuesday afternoon lied about being kidnapped, officials said, but detectives were investigating whether she was a victim of false imprisonment, according to the O.C. Register.

The woman, who is homeless, told authorities earlier in the day that she was abducted hours earlier close to the bike trail near Rousselle Street.
But as detectives interviewed the woman, they began to find inconsistencies in her story, according to the L.A. Times.

The woman received medical attention after officers cut her loose. However, by Tuesday night, police had confirmed the woman had made up the kidnapping story and, in fact, she was a squatter. It’s unclear how the woman became bound and gag. Police say the woman, who was not immediately identified, could face criminal charges, according to Fox News.

The SAPD is looking for a missing female transient

Posted on May 7, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in homeless, Huntington Beach, Public Safety, Santa Ana, SAPD Leave a comment

Missing Person: Danielle Bechtloff (25) Transient

Description: Female, White, 5’4”, 147 lbs, Red Hair, Brown Eyes, last seen wearing black top with a gold zipper, black leggings, black shoes.

Location: Last seen on 5/1/19 at 1200 hours at 1030 W. Warner Avenue Santa Ana

Danielle Bechtloff was on a conservatorship and placed at Royal TRC where she was being treated for mental health disorders. Bechtloff has a long history of methamphetamine abuse.

Bechtloff was allowed to leave the facility on a 2-hour “buddy-pass” on 05/01/19. Bechtloff went AWOL and never returned.

Bechtloff is possibly with a male identified as Jesse Warren Sprague (37) Transient. Bechtloff and Sprague frequent Huntington Beach and live a transient lifestyle.

Please contact Detective Corporal Mike Judson with any information (714) 245-8331 or mjudson@santa-ana.org.

A homeless man was arrested for sexual battery of a woman in the Cabrillo Park neighborhood

Posted on May 1, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Cochino Alert, Crime, homeless, Santa Ana, SAPD 2 Comments

Suspect Arrested: Shon Michael Sharp (32) Transient

On 4-30-2019, at 9:40 pm, officers responded to an “unknown trouble” call for service in the 1300 Block of North Cabrillo Park where a male subject was following the calling party.

Before the calling party could enter her residence, the male unknown to the female grabbed her vaginal area (over clothing). The victim then ran into her neighbor’s home and sought assistance.

Moments later, SAPD received an additional call for service in the 1300 N. Cabrillo Park reference a male following two other females. Officers responded to the area where they located and contacted the suspect.

The suspect identified as Shon Michael Sharp was taken into custody; the victim positively identified the suspect during an in-field show up. Suspect Sharp was booked into the SAPD Jail Sexual Battery

The SAPD has captured the suspect alleged to have invaded a home, choked a woman and stolen and crashed her car

Posted on April 20, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, homeless, Santa Ana, SAPD Leave a comment

Update: Suspect Victor Martinez(35) In Custody

On 4-19-2019 at approximately 1:30 pm, the SAPD Patrol Officer who handled the original response to this investigation observed the suspect in this case (Victor Martinez) walking in the 1000 Block of North Flower Street. The Suspect was transported to SAPD where he was interviewed by Detectives and booked into SAPD Jail for Burglary, Robbery and Assault with a Deadly Weapon.

Original Details:On 4-18-2019 at 5:00 am, officers responded to the 900 block of West Riviera reference a male suspect who had broken into the victim’s residence. The female victim was sleeping on the family room couch was awoken and confronted by the suspect. The victim attempted to flee and was struck by the suspect with the chair. The suspect then grabbed the victim by the throat and demanded her vehicle keys. The victim complied and handed the car keys to him. The suspect took the victims keys and fled out the front door where he was captured on home video surveillance. The suspect stole the victim’s vehicle and fled the scene.

During the investigation, the California Highway Patrol advised the suspect vehicle had crashed into the center divider of the I-5 Freeway at Main Street where he fled on foot. With the assistance of the CHP, officers searched the freeway and immediate area, the suspect was not located and remains at large. The investigation remains active at this time. Anyone with information on the identity of the suspect seen on the video is asked to contact Robbery Detective D. Greaver at 714-245-8362.

Board of Supervisors to spend $13 M to help those with mental health emergencies

Posted on March 27, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in homeless, Mental Health, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Santa Ana, Calif. (March 27, 2019) – The Board of Supervisors voted March 26 to approve $13 million toward the creation of an additional Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) for those persons in Orange County experiencing a mental health emergency.

“Our County took an important step yesterday toward ensuring that we have more emergency beds for those experiencing a mental health crisis,” said Chairwoman Lisa Bartlett, Fifth District Supervisor. “This additional Crisis Stabilization Unit will prove to be an asset for those individuals and their families during their time of greatest need.”

This facility will add 12 crisis stabilization chairs, serving clients year-round at an average of 18 people per day at College Hospital in the City of Costa Mesa. This program will be funded by the Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA) who be reimbursing the provider through Medi-Cal.

“The creation of the CSU in my district will help provide vital mental health services for all the citizens in the County of Orange,” said Vice Chair Michelle Steel, Second District Supervisor. “The help that will be administered at College Hospital will go a long way in helping those experiencing a mental health issue.”

Due to the nature of mental health emergencies, many patients need immediate access to healthcare professionals. A CSU such as College Hospital help provide year-round access for mental health patients in need of psychiatric assessment along with therapy, crisis intervention and medication services, among other services.

“Orange County has over 3 million residents and their options are limited should a loved one experience a mental health emergency,” said Supervisor Andrew Do, First District. “Crisis stabilization units provide patients with immediate access to life-saving support and vital mental health services.”

The CSU will serve adults between the ages of 18 and 59. Adults over 60 years of age, whose needs are compatible with those of other individuals seen at the CSU, may be included in the target population if they require the same level of care and supervision.

“I am proud to see that the County is working toward ensuring there are more beds to help those persons experiencing a mental health emergency,” said Supervisor Doug Chaffee, Fourth District. “It is my hope that this service proves to be beneficial for individuals and families during their time of greatest need.”

Orange County doubles number of mental health crisis stabilization units

Posted on March 26, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Andrew Do, homeless, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Supervisor Andrew Do Leads Effort to Expand Mental Health Care Infrastructure

Families struggling with a mental health crisis will soon find more available access to emergency mental health services in Orange County. The Orange County Board of Supervisors has approved a plan that will double the number of crisis stabilization units in Orange County.

Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do, who has lead the effort to expand and improve the County’s mental health infrastructure, says that the new facilities are an integral component of a stronger system of care.

“Orange County families have few places to go when a family member experiences a mental health crisis,” said Orange County Supervisor Do. “Crisis stabilization units provide patients with immediate access to life-saving support and vital mental health services.”

Under the plan approved Tuesday, the County will dedicate $13 million toward 12 crisis stabilization chairs, serving an average of 18 people per day at College Hospital in the City of Costa Mesa. Prior to the county’s expansion, Supervisor Do noted that Orange County had just 10 crisis stabilization units available to serve the county’s more than 3 million residents.

“Woefully inadequate,” said Supervisor Do. “That’s the only way to describe the recent history of Orange County’s mental health infrastructure. Since 2015, I have made it my priority to work with all community stakeholders to increase the number of crisis stabilization units available to serve every person in Orange County.”

“The new Crisis Stabilization Unit at College Hospital will provide an essential service for Orange County residents,” said Vice Chair Michelle Steel, who represents the Second District where College Hospital is located. “Crisis Stabilization Units relieve pressure on emergency rooms while providing more appropriate care for patients experiencing mental health emergencies.”

In addition to the most recent action to double the number of crisis stabilization units, Orange County is currently in development on a first-of-its-kind mental health center and psychiatric emergency room facility in Orange. The $40 million project is scheduled to open in Spring 2020, and will provide a full suite of mental health services for patients in Orange County.

Benefit of Crisis Stabilization Units

Frequently, patients living with mental health issues cannot wait for a regularly scheduled appointment. Crisis stabilization units provide patients psychiatric assessment, physical screening, collateral history, therapy, crisis intervention, medication services, education, nursing assessment, coordination of referrals to continuing care and emergency housing, post discharge planning and facilitation of transfer of individuals to inpatient treatment facilities when clinically appropriate and indicated.

“This facility provides patients with the treatment they need – when they need it,” said Supervisor Andrew Do.

Provided on a 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year basis, the CSU will provide services to walk-ins, police transports and emergency department referrals regardless of funding/insurance. The Orange County Health Care Agency will reimburse the provider on a fee for service basis for Medi-Cal units of service.

Supervisor Do also credited the Orange County Register’s 2014 investigation for inspiring collective action to address the county’s shortage of mental health emergency facilities. The Register investigation reported that patients routinely “flood hospital emergency rooms, where they’d sometimes remain for days without proper treatment, often preventing other injured patients from receiving care.”

“We’re making progress,” Supervisor Do said. “There’s still more work to be done, but more crisis stabilization units will make a real difference for Orange County families.”

Mayor Pulido has requested more state funding for homeless resources

Posted on March 22, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in california, Gavin Newsom, homeless, Miguel Pulido, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Mayor Pulido Joins Big City Mayors to Call for More State Resources to Address Homelessness

Mayors from California’s 13 largest cities met yesterday with the governor and legislative leaders to advocate for additional state resources in the 2019 budget to address the ongoing homelessness crisis. The mayors highlighted the success of the Homeless Emergency Aid Program (HEAP), an allocation of $500 million – of which $150 million went directly to cities with a population of 300,000 or more – that is on track to produce more than 4,000 new shelter beds across the state.

“The City of Santa Ana is grateful to the State of California for the Homeless Emergency Aid Program block grant, that we collectively advocated to come to fruition last year through a strong coalition of Big City Mayors,” said Santa Ana Mayor Miguel Pulido. “We have successfully expanded our joint efforts through the support of two additional cities, intensifying the need of funding for the future to address the national crisis of homelessness. We are excited that Governor Newsom had made funding homelessness a priority as we see the direct result of state funding creating positive change in our community.”

California’s homeless population now stands at 134,278, according to 2017 statewide counts – an increase of 16% from 2015. Half of all the country’s homeless are in California; nearly half of California’s homeless are in the state’s 13 largest cities.

“State and local partnerships are critical to tackling issues as big as our homeless crisis,” said Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), who helped the Big City Mayors secure HEAP funding in the 2018-2019 state budget. “Last year, California’s significant investment in emergency assistance enabled cities to quickly ramp up the number of beds and services available in the hardest hit communities. But we need to do more to truly solve this problem. I look forward to working with all stakeholders to determine how we can keep moving people off the streets and into affordable housing.”

Across the state, cities have utilized HEAP funds to dramatically increase capacity for low-barrier shelters, Navigation Centers, Bridge Housing, rental subsidies, and other supportive services to get traditionally hard-to-serve people into housing. The mayors highlighted how quickly the state was able to disburse funds to local governments, allocating resources according to need as demonstrated by 2017 PIT Counts, and the flexibility of what resources could be spent on as critical components of the program’s success. That information is now available in a report on HEAP funding allocation released by Big City Mayors yesterday.

A scuffle at 2525 Main St. this morning led to a homeless suspect being shot

Posted on March 8, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Crime, homeless, Santa Ana, SAPD Leave a comment

By all rights the luxury apartments at 2525 Main St. should be breaking ground. However our City Council punted on the project and it has been delayed, which directly led to an unfortunate incident at that property early this morning.

A security guard was patrolling the property at 2525 N. Main St when he encountered some transients, according to the SAPD. A scuffle ensued and the security guard had to discharge his firearm.

One of the transients was struck in the back and the other fled on foot.

The homeless suspect’s wound did not appear to be life threatening.

SAPD detectives provided an additional patrol presence and began an investigation of the incident.

This incident underscores what a mistake the NIMBY’s in the adjacent Park Santiago Neighborhood made when they opted to oppose this project. The real issue in the area is the crime committed regularly by the vagrants that live in Santiago Creek and in Santiago Park.

The delay in the 2525 Main St. project means the vagrants will continue to be a threat to the local community. That is because the project, once completed, will feature round-the-clock security that will also patrol the surrounding neighborhood and Santiago Park.

The City of Santa Ana is looking for artists who would like to teach the homeless about art

Posted on March 4, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Arts and Culture, Civic Affairs, Education, homeless, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Community“HeART LINK” – ARTS PROGRAM IN TEMPORARY HOMELESS SHELTER, THE LINK

THE CITY OF SANTA ANA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY IS RELEASING AN APPLICATION FOR “HeART LINK” – ARTS PROGRAM IN TEMPORARY HOMELESS SHELTER, THE LINK

The Community Development Agency (Arts & Culture Office with Homeless Services) of the City of Santa Ana in partnership with Mercy House is seeking an individual artist, group of artists, or arts organization to design and implement “HeART Link,” a 6-month interactive, multi-disciplinary arts pilot program at The Link, a 24-hour emergency homeless shelter facility in the City of Santa Ana, CA, with a possible extension of an additional 6 months, subject to evaluation of program. This program will serve homeless residents in the shelter; including men, women, families with minor-aged children, and adult couples who have varying lengths of residency.

To alleviate misunderstandings about the homeless population, the City is interested in providing a platform for these residents to express themselves and their humanity through a creative process. The City aims to provide high-quality, hands-on weekly art workshops suitable for all ages and abilities that are geared towards short-term participation as residents may rotate out of the facility.

Applicants must be professional artists or performers as stated in their resumes, eligible to work in the United States, and ages 18 or older. As the program will include children, Applicants must pass the Live Scan background check. Candidates are eligible regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identification, military status, sexual orientation, marital status, or physical ability. You do not need to be a resident of Santa Ana to make a submission.

The total budget for this 6-month pilot project is $6,500, with a possible extension of 6 months with an additional $6,500, subject to evaluation of program. This allocation is for all costs associated with the project, including but not limited to materials, equipment, labor, permits, insurance, taxes, travel, installation, shipping, and written and photographic documentation of the completed project. Initial contract terms will be from June, 2019 through November, 2019.

APPLICATION DOCUMENTS ARE AVAILABLE AT:

Submittable.com website: (https://cityofsantaana.submittable.com/submit/134872/rfp-heart-link-arts-program-in-temporary-homeless-shelter-the-link) OR

Community Development Agency website: https://www.santa-ana.org/cd/arts-culture-office/heart-link-application

KEY APPLICATION DATES (Subject to change at discretion of City):

Application Date: Friday, March 1, 2019
Optional Pre-Submittal Tour: Thursday, March 7, 2019; 6:00-7:00 PM
RSVP required gcramer@santa-ana.org

Deadline to Submit Written Questions: Thursday, March 21, 2019; 5:00 PM

APPLICATION Due Date: Friday, March 29, 2019; 11:59 PM
In-Person Presentations: April 2019; Date & Time TBD

Any questions regarding this APPLICATION must be submitted in writing via email. Please direct emails to Gabriela Cramer at gcramer@santa-ana.org.

Armory Shelters in Santa Ana and Fullerton Extend Hours Due to Rain

Posted on February 14, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in Fullerton, homeless, Housing, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Santa Ana, Calif. (February 14, 2019) – With coordination and support from the California Military Department, the Orange County Armory Emergency Shelter Program in Santa Ana and Fullerton is operating on a 24-hour basis beginning today through Saturday morning to provide shelter and protection to the homeless community during the current and predicted rain.

Due to the severe weather event in Orange County and the region, the County of Orange, in conjunction with Mercy House Living Centers Inc., is providing shelter services all day at the Santa Ana and Fullerton armories from Thursday, February 14 through Saturday morning, February 16 at 6 a.m. The armories are scheduled to resume regular operations the evening of Saturday, February 16 with operating hours from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.

The Santa Ana and Fullerton armories provide a total of up to 400 beds per night. Individuals experiencing homelessness will receive a nutritious meal, a warm shower and a safe place to sleep.

In addition to the seasonal armories, the County operates the Courtyard Transitional Center in Santa Ana and Bridges at Kraemer Place in Anaheim. For additional information about the County’s shelters, visit the OC Housing & Community Development webpage.

The new Santa Ana Veterans Village will help homeless U.S. Veterans

Posted on February 1, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in homeless, Housing, Santa Ana, Veterans Leave a comment

Community: Jamboree Housing Breaks Ground on Santa Ana Veterans Village

A ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony was held Monday, January 7, 2019 to celebrate what will become the largest veterans housing community in Orange County. The Santa Ana Veterans Village, located in west Santa Ana on First Street near Harbor Boulevard, will provide 75 permanent supportive housing units for homeless veterans and their families.

The completed village will include a Spanish-style, u-shaped three story building containing furnished one- and two-bedroom apartments, a 4,500-square foot community center and 10,000 square feet of active open space including barbecues, a community garden, dog run, and basketball half court.

With funding provided by the City of Santa Ana and County of Orange, Santa Ana Veterans Village is a project of Jamboree Housing. Jamboree’s design concept for this innovative development is “to be a sanctuary of stability and a hub of hope” for some of Orange County’s most vulnerable veterans. A comprehensive veteran services center will provide onsite mental health counseling, wellness services, employment services and legal assistance to help tenants rebuild their lives after struggling with homelessness.

A 2017 survey of Orange County’s homeless population found that 12% of the homeless were veterans. Since the release of the survey, the County of Orange adopted a plan to fund construction of 2,700 supportive housing units over the next three to five years. Jamboree’s Santa Ana Veteran’s Village is the first project of this countywide plan.

“Our success is possible in Santa Ana because of our commitment to our residents and the most vulnerable members of our community, especially our military veterans,” said Mayor Pro Tem Villegas. “As we continue all of our collective efforts to provide shelter, housing and effective law enforcement we will see less street homelessness and a better quality of life for all.”

Federal Judge David Carter spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony and recognized the project as another best practice and model for addressing homelessness in Orange County.

About City of Santa Ana

Only 37 out of 400 homeless in Santa Ana were able to go to local shelters after Operation Safe Passage

Posted on January 25, 2019 by Art Pedroza Posted in homeless, Santa Ana, SAPD 3 Comments

Advisory: Santa Ana Concludes “Operation Safe Passage,” the Latest Effort to Help Homeless Get Off Streets and Into Shelter

SANTA ANA, CA – On January 23, 2019, the City’s Homeless Evaluation Assessment Response Team (H.E.A.R.T.) concluded “Operation Safe Passage,” the latest citywide effort to contact homeless individuals and ensure they have access to resources and/or shelter beds. The six-day operation saw Santa Ana police officers make contact with over 400 homeless individuals throughout the City, referring 37 to two Santa Ana homeless shelters: The Courtyard and The Link. For a full summary of Operation Safe Passage, please visit https://infogram.com/operation-safe-passage-1h0n25p831qo6pe.

In December 2018, the City conducted “Operation Dignity,” which focused on reaching out to homeless individuals in visible, public spaces. The January 2019 “Operation Safe Passage” was a more involved effort, as teams sought out homeless individuals in less-accessible areas, such as underpasses and railroad tracks. The City’s Quality of Life Team (QOLT) also assisted in area clean-up and bulk item disposal after homeless individuals were directed away from the area.

“We view these Operations as a mixture of tough love and compassion. Winter is one of the most dangerous times of year for our homeless population, so we are doing everything in our power to locate those without shelter and make it available to them,” said Santa Ana Police Chief David Valentin. ” Community members, business owners and Federal Judge David O. Carter, who currently oversees a case involving the County’s response to homelessness, have passed along their thanks for the tremendous job the Santa Ana Police H.E.A.R.T and City’s Quality of Life Teams did during Operation Safe Passage. Judge Carter said, “he has never seen the City look better’.”

Like much of California, the City of Santa Ana has struggled with the issue of homelessness for years. In early 2018, the City counted a total homeless population of over 1,600 people–more than 1,000 of those without shelter. At the same time, U.S. District Court Judge David O. Carter was imploring all Orange County cities to create more shelter beds or risk forfeiting their right to enforce “no camping” ordinances.

The City responded to Judge Carter’s challenge by pledging to build a 200-bed interim homeless shelter, later named “The Link.” From the time a 35,000-square-foot site was designated to opening The Link’s doors for service, the City and its partners had built this interim homeless shelter in just 28 days. The Link launched in mid-November 2018; as of January 22, the “bed count” (the number of beds filled that night) at The Link was 143.

“Santa Ana has dedicated an incredible amount of support and coordination between law enforcement, City staff, City partners, and homeless shelter operators,” said Mayor Pro Tem Juan Villegas. “We know our efforts are not done, but it has been heartwarming to see some of the most vulnerable people in our community getting the help and shelter they need.”

The City of Santa Ana especially thanks the Santa Ana Police Department H.E.A.R.T., CityNet, Illumination Foundation, Mercy House, and the Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA) for their ongoing support in referring homeless individuals to the City’s shelters. The HCA and H.E.A.R.T. have also formed a joint Psychological Emergency Response Team (P.E.R.T.) to effectively provide assistance to individuals with mental illness and/or substance abuse problems. In just a little over two months, these groups have referred over 290 homeless individuals to resources and shelter at The Link.

About City of Santa Ana

A body was run over by several cars on the 5 Freeway in Santa Ana early this morning

Posted on December 31, 2018 by Art Pedroza Posted in Accidents, CHP, homeless, Santa Ana Leave a comment

A person was found dead after being run over several times early Monday morning on the 5 Freeway in Santa Ana, according to the L.A. Times.

The CHP started getting calls at about 1.am. after at least one driver reported that they had run over something that might have been a body, on the northbound 5 Freeway at the 22 Freeway, adjacent to William Elridge Park, just north of the MainPlace Mall, the Discovery Cube and the Santiago Creek – where dozens of homeless people camp out illegally.

The CHP later confirmed that the body was in the No. 2 lane and it was struck by several vehicles.

There were also unconfirmed reports that the victim had jumped from the 22 Freeway onto the 5.

The Orange Police Department said it had been in contact with the person, who had been walking the streets of Orange not far from where the body was found.

The incident resulted in the closure several lanes of the 5 Freeway that were finally reopened at about 3:30 a.m.