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Category Archives: homeless

Orange County approves another $13.4 million for homeless shelters

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Orange County continues to invest in shelters and outreach services for the homeless.

At its August 27th board meeting, the Orange County Board of Supervisors approved $13.4 million to continue funding for three homeless shelters in Santa Ana and support services for homeless residents.

“The actions taken today create a pathway to improving our shelters and continuing to support our homeless population,” said Supervisor Do. “Now, more than ever, we need to ensure that individuals, who are experiencing homelessness, have access to resources that will lead them to become self-sufficient.”

Over the next five years, the $13.4 million allocation will support services at three homeless shelters.

• The Courtyard: The Courtyard first opened its doors on October 2016. Through Midnight Mission, the shelter offers connection to necessary services aimed to help guests experiencing homelessness get on a path of self-sufficiency. As of June 2019, the Courtyard provided an average nightly occupancy of 400 per night and 5,456 meals per week to individuals experiencing homelessness.

• SAFEPlace: SAFEPlace provides shelter to women, children, and families with supportive services and an opportunity for women to enter into transitional housing operated by WISEPlace for Women. Case managers provide personalized counseling to help each of the approximately 90 women they see each year, overcome issues that led to their unemployment and homelessness.

• Washington Place: The Washington Place program provides shelter for couples or households of two adults experiencing homelessness. They have served eleven couples and assisted three couples transitioning into permanent housing from April 9 to June 30 of this year.

“Orange County’s homeless shelters need to be properly equipped with the necessary resources to help individuals,” said Supervisor Do.

The County of Orange, budgeted over $68 million for Fiscal Year 2018-2019 in funding specifically for addressing homelessness. The County of Orange is developing a System of Care that is responsive to the needs of the individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Orange County.

The SAPD is searching for a female transient who burglarized a home

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On 06/10/2019, the victim’s residence was burglarized while under construction and vacant. There were two separate structures that were broken into.

DNA evidence that was left at the scenes was matched to wanted suspect Brittany Nicole Sosa (30), a transient .

The case was submitted to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office who filed an arrest warrant against the suspect. Sosa is a transient who frequents the City of Santa Ana.

Anyone with information on Sosa’s whereabouts is asked to contact Detective A. Castro at (714) 245-8345 or acastro@santa-ana.org

The SAPD is looking for a homeless Astros fan who burglarized a home

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On January 26, 2019, the victim’s residence was burglarized. DNA evidence was left at the scene, which was analyzed and matched with that of wanted suspect Jason Michael Martinez, according to the SAPD.

The case was submitted to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office who filed an arrest warrant against him. Martinez is a 42-year-old transient who frequents the City of Santa Ana.

Anyone with information on Martinez’ whereabouts is asked to contact Detective J. Garcia at (714)245-8732 or jgarcia@santa-ana.org

O.C. Settlement on homeless litigation finalized and is now in effect

Posted on by Posted in Courts, homeless, Orange County, Santa Ana 1 Comment

The landmark settlement agreement announced last week by Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do, the county’s lead negotiator for homeless litigation, was signed by all parties today and filed in Judge David O. Carter’s courtroom. The agreement is effective immediately.

The Orange County Catholic Worker and Ramirez settlement agreement includes the following components:

• Deputies may enforce anti-loitering and anti-camping laws immediately in restricted areas such as county parks, county flood control property, and county libraries, among others.
• The settlement agreement is applicable to the North and Central service planning areas of the County.
• The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will develop policies and procedures relating to the enforcement of the anti-camping and anti-loitering ordinances that meet the requirements of Martin v. City of Boise.
• The settlement includes the development of the Standards of Care for county-contracted homeless shelters. The Standard of Care will ensure that program eligibility, rights and responsibilities, staff training, grievance process, ADA compliance and services are implemented.
• Screenings and assessments will be made available to all homeless persons within the County of Orange who may be eligible for County-funded treatment programs and resources. When appropriate, the County will provide linkage to appropriate services and programs.

Supervisor Andrew Do Addressed the Court, Stating:

“The framework for the System of Care that the County has built, in part as a response to these lawsuits, will serve as a blueprint that, hopefully, other jurisdictions can adopt.”

“I am proud of the fact that these proposed settlements, for the North and Central Service Planning Areas in the County, strike a good balance between compassionate treatment of homeless residents and the County’s ability to address public health and safety concerns.”

“But, what I’m most proud of is the fact that the County’s System of Care was already in the process of being constructed, even before these lawsuits. Supervisor Bartlett and I began working on mental health started with the Mental Health Ad Hoc Committee over 4 years ago. This was followed up by my proposal for the position of Director of Care Coordination over three years ago, and continued with the opening of the Courtyard, Orange County’s first homeless shelter ever, four months later. The clearing out of the homeless encampments around the County became the County’s next focus to address the exploding public health and safety risks that came with those encampments, which led to us being before you the past 18 months.”

“I would like to thank the named and intervening cities, that have stepped up; they are working day and night to build innovative projects and contributing to the solution to homelessness,” said Supervisor Do. “The momentum that has been sustained by all of these cities, especially in the north SPA, has been instrumental in making Orange County a shining example of prudent, compassionate care for the homeless and made our settlements here today possible.”

Read Supervisor Do’s full statement to the court here.

Homeless man arrested for sexually assaulting an elderly woman at her home in Garden Grove

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On June 28, 2019 at 01:36 AM, officers from the Garden Grove Police Department responded to the 8500 block of Lampson Ave. for a sexual assault in progress. Upon officers’ arrival, they located an adult male being detained by several family members of the victim. Officers learned the suspect had unlawfully entered the residence and sexually assaulted an 87-year-old female who was disabled and dependent, according to the Garden Grove Police Department.

A family member woke to noises coming from the victim’s room and went to investigate. The family member saw the suspect sexually assaulting the victim and began to yell for help. The suspect attempted to flee and fought with family members who ultimately detained him in the backyard of the residence.

The suspect is homeless and is not known by the victim or family. The male adult was arrested, processed and booked into Orange County Jail.

The victim’s and suspect’s personal information is not being released at this time. This investigation is on-going and any witnesses with any information about the incident is asked to contact the Garden Grove Police Department, Detective Garcia at 714-741-5830.

LOCATION OF OCCURRENCE: 8500 block of Lampson Ave.

DATE/TIME OF OCCURRENCE: June 28, 2019 at 01:36 AM

Victim: 87-year disabled elderly female

Suspect: 33-year old homeless man from Garden Grove

Homeless man who stole alcohol from a Rite Aid arrested by the SAPD

Posted on by Posted in Alcohol, Crime, homeless, Santa Ana, SAPD 1 Comment

UPDATE – Suspect Michael Boyce Davis was taken into custody Friday night by patrol officers after a citizen called in to report seeing him, according to the SAPD.

ORIGINAL MESSAGE:

Wanted Suspect: Michael Boyce Davis (35) Transient

On 6/1/19 at approximately 8:59 AM, Suspect Davis entered the Rite Aid located at 3325 S. Bristol St. Davis removed a bottle of alcohol from a shelf and attempted to leave without paying for the item.

When Davis was contacted by store security, he raised the bottle in the air as if he was going to strike the security guard. Fearing for her safety, the security guard backed away and Davis left the location with the merchandise.

Davis is homeless and currently on informal probation for robbery. An arrest warrant has been issued for Davis in the amount of $150,000.00.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of suspect Davis, please contact Detective D. Prewett at (714) 245-8323 or dprewett@santa-ana.org

The SAPD is searching for a transient who ransacked a law office in DTSA

Posted on by Posted in Crime, homeless, Lawyers, Santa Ana, SAPD Leave a comment

On 8/11/16, Santa Ana Police officers responded to the offices of Frank P. Barbaro & Associates located at 1111 N. Broadway after a burglary alarm activated, according to the SAPD.

Upon arrival, they contacted an employee who advised them that upon her arrival she observed an unknown male hiding between the trash cans of the business. Upon seeing her, the unknown male fled the scene.

Officers conducted a perimeter check of the building and located an open door. Once inside they realized the interior had been ransacked.

Crime Scene Investigators responded and processed the scene for evidence. While doing so, CSI was able to retrieve fingerprint(s) off an item manipulated by the Suspect. The fingerprint(s) were examined and a match returned and identified the Suspect as, Yosimar Villalba. Villalba is currently a transient in Santa Ana and frequents the Northeast portion of the city. Villalba has two outstanding bench warrants for Burglary.

Anyone with information on Villalba’s whereabouts is asked to contact detective j. Garcia at (714) 245-8732 or jgarcia@santa-ana.org

The SAPD has released a sketch of the man who broke into a home to sexually assault a girl

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A 15-year-old girl was sexually assaulted just after midnight on Monday, June 10, 2019 morning in the 1000 block of North Lincoln. The victim was asleep in her bed when she woke up while being sexually assaulted by an unknown male suspect. The suspect was lying next to her in bed and the victim screamed for help. The victim’s family confronted the suspect before he walked out of the residence, according to the SAPD.

The suspect is described as a tall, lean build, male Hispanic with buzzed hair. The suspect had a beard and was wearing glasses. He was wearing a red flannel shirt and dark jeans. The suspect appeared to be transient and had an odor of alcohol.

Santa Ana Police Department Detectives are advising the public of this incident as the suspect has not been identified and is not in custody. Detectives are asking for anyone with information to contact Detective Julio Gallardo at 714-245-8378, jgallardo@santa-ana.org or Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.

The Santa Ana teen that reported being raped by homeless men was assaulted by an acquaintance

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Santa Ana Police officers responded to the 1200 block of East McFadden to investigate a sexual assault that had just occurred. A 17-year-old female victim reported being kidnapped and sexually assaulted by two transients as she walked to school. The victim suffered traumatic injuries and was rushed to the hospital. Based on preliminary information, the initial investigation was conducted in the area of the railroad tracks north of the 1300 block of East Edinger Avenue, according to the SAPD.

Special Crimes Detectives responded to the hospital but were unable to speak to the victim, as her medical treatment took priority. Detectives eventually interviewed the victim. After receiving additional information and conducting a thorough investigation, detectives determined the victim was sexually assaulted by a male acquaintance in the area of 700 South Lyon.

Special Crimes detectives arrested Alexis Uriel Dominguez, an 18-year-old resident of Santa Ana. Dominguez was booked at the Orange County Jail on sexual assault charges and his bail has been set at $100,000.00.

The Santa Ana Police Department would like to inform the public that there was no stranger abduction involved in this case as initially reported.

Additionally, Special Crimes detectives are investigating a sexual assault of a 15-year-old girl in the 1000 block of North Lincoln that occurred on Monday morning just after midnight. Although in close proximity to the railroad tracks, this incident is not related and a composite sketch is expected to be released later today.

Two teenage girls were sexually assaulted by possibly homeless men in Santa Ana

Posted on by Posted in Cochino Alert, Crime, homeless, Santa Ana, SAPD 1 Comment

An unidentified 17-year-old girl was hospitalized after being physically and sexually assaulted while walking home from school in Santa Ana on Monday morning, and police are searching for two men in connection with the brutal attack, according to KTLA.

The victim called the police after the assault, which took place at around 11:15 a.m., in broad daylight, at the 1300 block of East McFadden Ave., according to the SAPD.

The teenage victim ended up at a local hospital with significant injuries including head and sexual assault trauma. She is now in stable condition.

The victim was returning home from Century High School, walking along Edinger Ave. near the railroad tracks when she was physically and sexually assaulted by two unidentified men, who both were described as being in their late 20s to early 30s. They are possibly transients.

The police do not yet know if the attack happened on the train tracks.

The SAPD is also investigating another assault that took place overnight at the 1000 block of North Lincoln Ave.

Police are also looking into whether the assault is related to an incident that took place overnight in the 1000 block of North Lincoln Avenue.

In that case, which may be related to the railroad track attack, a male Hispanic suspect in his 30’s, who was possibly homeless, somehow got into a residence and ended up in a 15-year-old girl’s room. He crawled into her bed and began to fondle her.

The unidentified victim told KTLA that “This person started rubbing my stomach and trying to go down to my private area, and that’s when I knew something was wrong,” she said. “So I turned and I looked, and it was a man. I don’t know who he is, so I looked at him and I said, ‘Who are you? What are you doing here?’ ”

When the suspect gave the girl an answer that made no sense she immediately began shouting.

The girl yelled for her Mom, who was sleeping on a couch next to the bed. When the mother wok up the suspect fled home, which was also near the train tracks. In fact both attacks took place about 25 blocks apart.

SAPD police detectives were interviewing the first victim when found out there had been another assault.

The police have not released any additional information about either case.

Santa Ana City Councilwoman Cecilia Iglesias responded to the attacks, on Facebook:

I have been constantly concerned about transients in our railroads. These are vagrants, drug addicts and others have with mental illness. I have been reporting these concerns on the rail road tracks and I always get excuses from our city staff and police department that we don’t have jurisdiction over the railroad because that is private property.

Our code enforcement did a great job cleaning it up 2 weeks ago. But since there is no enforcement. The vagrants come back.

Everyone needs to be held accountable. The 2 individuals that attacked this young lady and ACLU for defending the vagrants. The railroad company, city and police department.

OC Supervisor Andrew Do wants healthcare to be provided to the homeless right away

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Santa Ana, California – Today, Supervisor Andrew Do unveiled his Homeless Health Care Action Plan  in response to CalOptima’s slow rate of progress for homeless services.  Out of the 210 homeless deaths last year, 153 were CalOptima members. In light of this humanitarian crisis, Supervisor Do called for a Special CalOptima Board of Directors meeting on June 14 to vote on his action plan.

In a letter to CalOptima CEO Michael Schrader, Supervisor Do made clear his frustrations.

“I am frustrated that out of the 210 homeless deaths last year, 153 were CalOptima members, despite my repeated requests for such services through all of last year,” said Do, who also sits on the CalOptima Board of Directors. “If ever, the time for action is now. We have had 25 more homeless deaths in the first two months of 2019 alone.”

You can read the full letter here. 

Taking Responsibility: CalOptima’s Delayed Response to Homeless Deaths

CalOptima has been reluctant to claim homeless individuals as CalOptima members. Now that the facts are overwhelmingly clear, waiting for more feasibility studies or meetings to discuss what can be done is not an option. Homeless residents are, by definition, indigent. It is CalOptima’s responsibility to find ways to bring health care to them.

“Homeless individuals should receive the health care they need. This is especially true if they have gone through the process to enroll. It is CalOptima’s responsibility to find ways to bring health care to them,” said Supervisor Do. “If one CalOptima member is experiencing homelessness that should be enough for this agency to spring into action.”

In February, $60 million in new unnamed homeless health initiatives was allocated by the CalOptima Board of Directors. To date, no proposals are forthcoming for the June Board meeting and the CalOptima Board does not meet in July. Such a delay may result in more deaths and six months before any action is taken.

Taking Action: Supervisor Do’s Homeless CARE Proposal

In the several months since the Board of Directors authorized Supervisor Do’s proposed Mobile Health Team, CalOptima has only served 47 individuals out of a population of almost 6,860 homeless residents countywide. Of those 47 patients, 36 were CalOptima members. Supervisor Do is requesting a Special Board of Directors meeting to convene on June 14 where he plans to propose the following to spend the $60 million allocated:

  • Clinic health care services in all homeless shelters – $10 million 
  • Authorize mobile health team to respond to all homeless providers – $10 million
  • Residential support services and housing navigation – $20 million
  • Extend recuperative care for homeless individuals with chronic physical health issue-$20 million

“We can adopt, as a Board, a philosophy of finding a way to say yes,” explained Supervisor Do, “Or we can continue to say no, while people are suffering and dying on the street.”

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

Posted on by Posted in Crime, homeless, Public Safety, public works, Santa Ana, SAPD, Waste 3 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 by 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

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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 by 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.