Santa Ana's top news & views blog

Santa Ana's top news & views blog

Category Archives: Orange County

A DUI driver was arrested while sleeping on the 57 Freeway

Posted on by Posted in Alcohol, CHP, Crime, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Santa Ana CHP dispatch received several calls from the public regarding a driver consuming alcohol and unable to maintain his lane while traveling on SR-57, on Tuesday, according to the Santa Ana CHP’s Facebook page.

Officer Carson responded to the area and located the driver stopped in the middle of the freeway asleep behind the wheel. The driver was arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol.

His blood alcohol content was 4 times the legal limit.

How drunk is .325%? At this point, you may be unconscious and your potential for death increases. Along with a loss of understanding, at this BAC you’ll also experience severe increases in your heart rate, irregular breathing and may have a loss of bladder control, according to Alcohol.org.

How much do you have to drink to get to a .325 blood alcohol level? A 160-pound man would have a BAC of 0.30 by consuming 11 drinks in an hour! So the guy who fell asleep on the 57 Freeway may have downed a 12 pack by himself!

County opens seasonal armory emergency shelter in Santa Ana

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

SANTA ANA, Calif. (November 12, 2019) — The County of Orange, in partnership with Mercy House Inc. and the California National Guard, will open the seasonal Armory Emergency Shelter (armory) in Santa Ana this evening. This armory will provide up to 200 beds for individuals experiencing homelessness.

“The County finds it critical that individuals experiencing homelessness have access to shelter and other necessary services,” says Chairwoman Lisa Bartlett, Fifth District Supervisor. “The Armory Emergency Shelter program expands the County’s capacity to serve those individuals.”

The armory typically runs operations during the cold weather season and provides shelter along with a nutritious meal, warm shower, safe place to sleep and a wide variety of supportive services. Doors will open at 7 p.m., and shuttles will begin pick-ups at 6 p.m. from multiple locations to transport program participants to the facility at 612 E. Warner Ave. Walk-ups will not be permitted.

“The seasonal armory program is an essential element of our County shelter system,” said Vice Chair Michelle Steel, Second District Supervisor. “Providing shuttles to transport clients ensures safety for those sleeping at the armory and for nearby residents and businesses,” Steel added.

As in previous years, many agencies will provide on-site services aimed at breaking the cycle of homelessness and moving individuals to self-sufficiency and independent living. These agencies include, but are not limited to, OC Health Care Agency, County of Orange Social Services Agency, Mental Health Association of Orange County and Orange County Rescue Mission. Donations from nonprofit organizations, churches and individuals add to the available resources to make this program a success.

“Winter is an especially difficult season for individuals experiencing homelessness,” says Andrew Do, First District Supervisor. “The Santa Ana Armory is a critical resource to our System of Care that includes a wide range of services and strategies in the winter months.”

The Armory Emergency Shelter program is operated by Mercy House through a contract and funding allocated by the County’s OC Community Resources department.

“Having a place to safely rest can free up one’s mind to focus on accepting services and planning for next steps,” says Supervisor Donald P. Wagner, Third District.

“Our community and partner agencies are very generous with their time and resources,” says Supervisor Doug Chaffee, Fourth District. “I would like to extend my personal thanks to them for working with us.”

For further information about the Santa Ana armory including shuttle pick-up locations, visit the Mercy House webpage or contact Mercy House at (714) 836-7188 ext. 170. For volunteer information, contact (714) 836-7188 ext. 168 or AlyssaS@mercyhouse.net.

For additional information about the County’s shelters, visit the OC Housing & Homeless Services webpage.

This week’s Cochino List includes Main Charbroiled Burger

Posted on by Posted in Disease, Food, Food & Health, Health, Health and Medical, Insects, OC Health Care, Orange County, Public Safety, Restaurants, Santa Ana Leave a comment

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 Oct. 24 to Nov. 1. Most of these eateries reopen pretty quickly after the health inspectors determine their issues have been resolved.

  • Main Charbroiled Burger, 806 S. Main St., Santa Ana, Closed: Oct. 28, Reason: Cockroach infestation, Reopened: Oct. 29
  • The Flame Broiler, 2139 N. Tustin St., Suite B-6, Orange, Closed: Oct. 28, Reason: Insufficient hot water, Reopened: Oct. 29
  • Memphis Cafe, 2920 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, Closed: Oct. 25, Reason: Cockroach infestation, Reopened: Oct. 27
  • Tandoori Garden, 30 S. Anaheim Blvd., Anaheim, Closed: Oct. 30, Reason: Rodent infestation
  • Oriental Seafood Noodle House, 14370 Culver Drive, Suite H, Irvine, Closed: Oct. 30, Reason: Cockroach infestation, Reopened: Nov. 1
  • Wheel Of Life, 14370 Culver Drive, Suite B, Irvine, Closed: Oct. 29, Reason: Cockroach infestation, Reopened: Oct. 30
  • Jan’s Health Bar, 250 E. 17th St., Suite D, Costa Mesa, Closed: Oct. 29, Reason: Rodent infestation, Reopened: Oct. 29
  • Balboa International Cafe, 301 Main St., Newport Beach, Closed: Oct. 29, Reason: Cockroach infestation
  • Willy’s Eatery, 2101 E. Ball Road, Anaheim, Closed: Oct. 29, Reason: Cockroach infestation, Reopened: Oct. 30
  • Super Mex, 14370 Culver Drive, Suite F, Irvine, Closed: Oct. 29, Reason: Cockroach infestation, Reopened: Oct. 30
  • The Flame Broiler, 638 Camino De Los Mares, Suite F-120, San Clemente, Closed: Oct. 29, Reason: Insufficient hot water, Reopened: Oct. 30
  • Pho Olivia, 2466 E. Chapman Ave., Fullerton, Closed: Oct. 28, Reason: Cockroach infestation
  • Kenny’s Liquor Market, 3070 W. Lincoln Ave., Suite A-B, Anaheim, Closed: Oct. 24, Reason: Operating without a valid health permit, Reopened: Oct. 25
  • Kitchen at Spring Hill Suites, 1801 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, Closed: Oct. 24, Reason: Insufficient hot water, Reopened: Oct. 24
  • Update Pho Akaushi at Saigon Supermarket, 10131 Westminster Blvd., Suite 211-212, Garden Grove, which was ordered closed Oct. 23 because of a cockroach infestation, was allowed to reopen Oct. 31.
  • Update: Com Viet at Saigon Supermarket, 10131 Westminster Blvd., Suite 213-215, Garden Grove, which was ordered closed Oct. 23 because of a cockroach infestation, was allowed to reopen Nov. 1.

Supervisor Do to host free flu shot events in Santa Ana, Westminster, and Garden Grove

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

Next month, Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do – in conjunction with the OC Health Care Agency – will be hosting free flu shot events in Santa Ana, Westminster, and Garden Grove.

“Getting a flu vaccine every year is the best way to protect yourself and your family from the flu and its potentially serious complications,” said Supervisor Andrew Do. “You can protect yourself and those around you by getting a flu shot at one of our three clinics.”

OC Supervisor Andrew Do’s Free Flu Shot Clinics
Date: Tuesday, November 12
Time: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Delhi Center
505 E. Central Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92707

Date: Thursday, November 21
Time: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Orange County Community Service Center
15496 Magnolia St. #111, Westminster, CA 92683

Date: Friday, November 22
Time: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Coastline Community College
12901 S. Euclid St., Garden Grove, CA 92840

For more information regarding these events, you can contact Supervisor Andrew Do’s office at (714) 834-3110 or by sending an email to Joyce.Rivero@ocgov.com.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 6 months and older get the flu vaccine, however, the vaccines suitable for children under 3 years of age are not available at these events. Vaccines for all others, including pregnant women, will be available at these events. You can learn more about what’s new for the 2019-2020 flu season by visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website.

Please note that you CANNOT receive a flu vaccine if any of the following apply to you:
• You are sick on the day of the vaccination.
• You are allergic to eggs.
• You have previously had a reaction to the flu shot.
• You were diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome within 6 weeks of a previous flu shot.

SR-22 closures starting this Saturday, 11/2/19

Posted on by Posted in OCTA, Orange County, Santa Ana, Traffic, Transportation Leave a comment

For six nights, starting on Saturday, 11/2/19 through Thursday night 11/7/19, there will be a full closure of westbound SR-22 from Main Street up to the La Veta Avenue (near Bristol Street) On-ramp, a closure of eastbound SR-22 Collector-Distributor Road from Fairview Avenue to SR-57, and the northbound I-5 to westbound SR-22 Connector will be closed. On Saturday, 11/2/19, the closures will be from 12:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. and on Sunday, 11/3/19 through Thursday, 11/7/19, the closures will be from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. the next morning.

These closures mean that on each of these nights:

• The westbound On-ramp for Main Street will be closed
• To access westbound SR-22, use the La Veta Avenue On-ramp
near Bristol Street
• The eastbound On ramps for Fairview Avenue, The City Drive,
and Bristol Street will be closed
• To access eastbound SR-22, use the Main Street On-ramp
• To exit eastbound SR-22, use either the Fairview Avenue or The
City Drive Off-ramps
• To access northbound or southbound I-5, use the Main Street I-5
On-ramps
• To access northbound SR-57, use either the Main Street
northbound I-5 or Chapman Avenue SR-57 On-ramps
• To access SR-22 westbound from I-5 northbound, use the SR-57
northbound connector, exit Orangewood Avenue, go west (left)
and use the SR-57 southbound On-ramp to westbound SR-22.

The closure is required for the SR-22 safety project construction.

To see a full list of closures in adjacent cities and for information on freeway conditions, and closures or detours:
Visit Caltrans https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-12
Follow Caltrans https://twitter.com/CaltransOC
Like Caltrans on https://www.facebook.com/caltransoc/

This week’s Cochino List includes DTSA’s Blackmarket Bakery

Posted on by Posted in Disease, Food, Food & Health, Health and Medical, Insects, OC Health Care, Orange County, Restaurants, Santa Ana 1 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 Oct. 17 to Oct. 25. Most of these eateries reopen pretty quickly after the health inspectors determine their issues have been resolved.

  • Blackmarket Bakery, 211 N. Broadway, Santa Ana, Closed: Oct. 21, Reason: Rodent infestation, Reopened: Oct. 22
  • Boiling Pot Restaurant, 12921 Magnolia St., Garden Grove, Closed: Oct. 21, Reason: Insufficient hot water, Reopened: Oct. 22
  • Taco Grill, 2590 Newport Blvd., Suite D, Costa Mesa, Closed: Oct. 17, Reason: Insufficient hot water, Reopened: Oct. 18
  • Update: Seafood World at 15351 Brookhurst St., Suite 101, Westminster, which was ordered closed Oct. 17 because of a cockroach infestation, was allowed to reopen Oct. 18.
  • Pho Akaushi at Saigon Supermarket, 10131 Westminster Blvd., Suite 211-212, Garden Grove, Closed: Oct. 23, Reason: Cockroach infestation
  • Com Viet at Saigon Supermarket, 10131 Westminster Blvd., Suite 213-215, Garden Grove, Closed: Oct. 23, Reason: Cockroach infestation
  • Gyro N Kabob, 14145 Red Hill Ave., Tustin, Closed: Oct. 18, Reason: Cockroach infestation, Reopened: Oct. 21
  • Glassell Nutrition, 1190 N. Glassell St., Suite B, Orange, Closed: Oct. 17, Reason: Rodent infestation
  • Modo Mio, 7946 E. Coast Highway, Newport Beach, Closed: Oct. 23, Reason: Cockroach infestation, Reopened: Oct. 24
  • Giovanni’s Restaurant, 922 W. Williamson Ave., Fullerton, Closed: Oct. 24, Reason: Rodent infestation, Reopened: Oct. 24
  • Heidelberg Cafe and Bistro, 1100 S. Coast Highway, Suite 116, Laguna Beach, Closed: Oct. 22, Reason: Insufficient hot water, Reopened: Oct. 22
  • Jenny’s Place, 512 S. Brookhurst St., Suite 3, Anaheim, Closed: Oct. 22, Reason: Cockroach infestation, Reopened: Oct. 23
  • China Impression, 1505 Mesa Verde Drive, Suite B, Costa Mesa, Closed: Oct. 22, Reason: Cockroach infestation
  • 101 Noodle Express, 5408 Walnut Ave., Suite A, Irvine, Closed: Oct. 22, Reason: Cockroach infestation, Reopened: Oct. 23
  • 2nd Floor, 126 S. Main St., Suite 201, Huntington Beach, Closed: Oct. 21, Reason: Cockroach infestation, Reopened: Oct. 22
  • BLK, 300 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 202, Huntington Beach, Closed: Oct. 18, Reason: Cockroach infestation, Reopened: Oct. 18
  • Izakaya Sojuya, 4498 Lincoln Ave., Cypress, Closed: Oct. 17, Reason: Cockroach infestation, Reopened: Oct. 18
  • Slater’s 50/50, 17071 Beach Blvd., Huntington Beach, Closed: Oct. 17, Reason: Cockroach infestation, Reopened: Oct. 18
  • Burgerim, 26741 Aliso Creek Road, Suite E, Aliso Viejo, Closed: Oct. 17, Reason: Cockroach infestation, Reopened: Oct. 18
  • Update: Basil Thai Cuisine at 9921 Hamilton Ave., Huntington Beach, which was ordered closed Oct. 17 because of a cockroach infestation, was allowed to reopen Oct. 18.
  • Update: Star Liquor Jr. Mart at 1210 S. State College Blvd., Suite A, Anaheim, which was ordered closed Oct. 17 because of a rodent infestation, was allowed to reopen Oct. 18.

The OCTA is planning to improve the 55 Fwy. between the 5 and the 91 Freeways

Posted on by Posted in OCTA, Orange County, public works, Santa Ana, Traffic, Transportation Leave a comment

The SR-55 Improvement Project proposes to add one general purpose lane in each direction on SR-55 between I-5 and SR-22, and provide operational improvements at various locations along the corridor. The project goal is to improve mobility, reduce traffic congestion, increase freeway capacity and improve traffic operations. The project proposes to adds freeway capacity while staying within the existing freeway right-of-way and make ramp modifications.

The project will improve ramp capacity at various locations, including the 4th Street off-ramps and the SB Katella Avenue on- and off-ramps. In both instances, these improvements would reduce vehicle queues and improve intersection operations by adding an additional lane.

The project also proposes to relocate the Lincoln Avenue off-ramp next to the existing SB Lincoln Avenue on-ramp. Relocation is intended to address the short weaving distances between the SR-91 connector and the Lincoln Avenue off-ramp, which has resulted in traffic congestion and high accident rates.

The Draft Environmental Document (DED) is available for public review and community members will have an opportunity to review and provide their comments from September 30 to October, 30, 2019. Caltrans is accepting comments via email or by mail. For more information on the project, including locations where the DED is available for viewing, visit www.octa.net/SR55northdetails.

There are a number of ways for the community to stay informed about the project. Visit www.octa.net/sr55north or follow the project on Facebook.com/SR55north, Twitter @SR55Project, and Instagram @SR55Improvement.

The County of Orange beat the Needle Exchange Program in court today

Posted on by Posted in Courts, Crime, Drugs, Orange County, Santa Ana 3 Comments
Needles found at the Santa Ana River Trail

Santa Ana, Calif. (October 25, 2019) – Today the County of Orange has prevailed in its lawsuit against the Orange County Needle Exchange Program (OCNEP) and is now entitled to Judgment against the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) on the County’s claim under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

“This is an incredible victory for the County of Orange and the citizens of Orange County,” said Chairwoman Lisa Bartlett, Fifth District. “The state of California will now need to comply with its own laws and we can better ensure that the safety and health of our residents can be preserved.”

As a result of this legal determination, and because the CDPH did not comply with CEQA when it approved the OCNEP application, the County will be entitled to a writ of mandate compelling the CDPH to vacate its approval of the drug needle mobile giveaway in the cities of Anaheim, Costa Mesa, Orange, and Santa Ana.

“The state failed to do its due diligence and comply with its own environmental laws when it approved the Orange County Needle Exchange Program,” said Vice Chair Michelle Steel, Second District. “State officials ignored the pleas of local leaders and decided to prioritize easy access to needles for drug addicts over the health and safety of our communities.”

Roman Reyna

On June 5, 2018 then Chairman Do and then Supervisor Steel jointly presented item S29C to officially oppose OCNEP’s needle exchange. On August 3, 2018 a special meeting of the Board of Supervisors was held, with all then Supervisors voting to sue the state of California after the California Department of Public Health approved OCNEP’s program despite the Board’s objections.

“OCNEP’s needle exchange program was dangerous and created hazardous conditions for all of Orange County’s residents,” said Supervisor Andrew Do, First District. “Today’s victory means safer and cleaner streets while requiring the state of California to comply with its own statutes.”

In today’s ruling, Judge Wohlfeil determined that the needle exchange program is a “project” subject to review under CEQA, saying “…there is a possibility that the project will result in an increase in used needle litter, a biohazard. This constitutes a tangible change in the areas surrounding operation of the [needle exchange program].”

“The former Board of Supervisors was correct in filing its lawsuit against the state of California,” said Supervisor Donald P. Wagner, Third District. “All of our residents will be assured a safer and more secure Orange County as a result of today’s decision.”

The County will also be entitled to recover its attorneys’ fees from the CDPH. Future CDPH authorizations for needle exchange programs across California should now be subject to review under CEQA before CDPH approval may be granted.

“I’m happy to see that the court ruled in the County’s favor regarding the needle exchange program,” said Fourth District Supervisor Doug Chaffee. “This is a safety issue for all of our residents.”

This week’s Cochino List includes Hole Mole and Seafood World

Posted on by Posted in Disease, Food, Food & Health, Health, Health and Medical, Insects, OC Health Care, Orange County, 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 Oct. 10 to Oct. 18 . Most of these eateries reopen pretty quickly after the health inspectors determine their issues have been resolved.

  • Hole Mole, 14430 Newport Ave., Suite F, Tustin, Closed: Oct. 10, Reason: Cockroach infestation, Reopened: Oct. 11
  • Seafood World, 15351 Brookhurst St., Suite 101, Westminster, Closed: Oct. 17, Reason: Cockroach infestation
  • NY Pizza, 13842 Newport Ave., Suite B, Tustin, Closed: Oct. 17, Reason: Cockroach infestation, Reopened: Oct. 17
  • Tram Chim Restaurant, 10131 Westminster Ave., Suite 114, Garden Grove, Closed: Oct. 15, Reason: Cockroach infestation, Reopened: Oct. 16
  • Update: Happy Days Restaurant at 13135 Brookhurst St., Suite 8, Garden Grove, which was ordered closed Oct. 7 because of insufficient hot water, was allowed to reopen Oct. 11.
  • Basil Thai Cuisine, 9921 Hamilton Ave., Huntington Beach, Closed: Oct. 17, Reason: Cockroach infestation
  • Star Liquor Jr. Mart, 1210 S. State College Blvd., Suite A, Anaheim, Closed: Oct. 17, Reason: Rodent infestation
  • Ways & Means at Pacific City, 21022 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, Closed: Oct. 17, Reason: Cockroach infestation, Reopened: Oct. 18
  • Circle K, 2060 S. Euclid St., Anaheim, Closed: Oct. 15, Reason: Cockroach infestation, Reopened: Oct. 15
  • The Well at First Evangelical Free Church, 2801 Brea Blvd., Fullerton, Closed: Oct. 11, Reason: Rodent infestation, Reopened: Oct. 11
  • Wings Empire, 909 S. Euclid Ave., Anaheim, Closed: Oct. 11, Reason: Cockroach infestation, Reopened: Oct. 13
  • Update: Sanukiseimen Mugimaru and Don Don Tei at Mitsuwa Marketplace, 665 Paularino Ave., Costa Mesa, which were ordered closed Oct. 10 because of a cockroach infestation, were allowed to reopen Oct. 11.
  • Update: Sky Express at Mitsuwa Marketplace, 665 Paularino Ave., Costa Mesa, which was ordered closed Oct. 10 because of a cockroach infestation, was allowed to reopen Oct. 11.

Over $1.25 M worth of Fentanyl seized in an O.C. drug raid

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Fentanyl seizures set to more than double for third year in a row

SANTA ANA, Ca. – The Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) has seen a marked increase in seizures of fentanyl thus far in 2019, with one recent seizure equaling almost half of the total amount of fentanyl seized in the entire year of 2018.

Multiple enforcement, narcotics, gang and interdiction teams covering OCSD contract cities and unincorporated areas work tirelessly to interdict illicit drugs. Pharmaceutical fentanyl, a synthetic opioid pain reliever, is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent. Illicit fentanyl, sold on the street, started to emerge locally in 2017. In 2016, teams seized less than one pound of fentanyl. In 2018, teams seized 44 pounds of fentanyl. Thus far in 2019, teams have seized more than 100 pounds of confirmed fentanyl, more than doubling from 2018 totals with two and a half months left in the year.

“The threat this extremely potent drug poses to our community is increasing exponentially, not subsiding,” said Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes.
A recent seizure in north Orange County on October 16, 2019, included more than 18 pounds of fentanyl, along with 5 pounds of heroin, half of a pound of meth, $71,000 in cash, and a loaded semi-automatic handgun. The fentanyl from this seizure has a street value of more than $1.25 million and contains more than 4 million fatal doses, enough to overdose every person who resides in the County of Orange.

The increase in the presence of fentanyl has had deadly consequences. According to the California Department of Health, statewide fentanyl deaths increased 614% from 104 in 2014 to 743 in 2018. Orange County fentanyl deaths jumped by 564% from 14 in 2014 to 93 in 2018.

OCSD has sponsored legislation with Orange County’s California Senator Pat Bates that would help protect Californians from the dangers of fentanyl and pursue illegal distributors. The proposed bills have been defeated for the last four years. In March 2019, the State Senate declined to pass Senate Bill 161. Sen. Bates introduced similar legislation in 2016, 2017 and 2018. The Senate Public Safety Committee blocked SB 1103 in 2018 and SB 176 in 2017. In 2016, the Assembly Appropriations Committee did not approve SB 1323.

“Our Sacramento legislators can no longer ignore the direct and legitimate threat of fentanyl,” said Sheriff Barnes. “Drug trafficking organizations are taking advantage of gaps in the law. Until we categorically include enhancements for trafficking fentanyl and make its penalties similar to other illicit drugs like cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine, we are enticing and encouraging drug traffickers to increase the supply of fentanyl into California at the expense of children and families in our community.”

“I hope the shocking increase in fentanyl seizures in Orange County will serve as a wake-up call to my legislative colleagues to finally confront the dangers of fentanyl,” said Senator Bates. “The state has a responsibility to deter those who seek to profit from the addiction of Californians. I will continue to work with Sheriff Barnes and other law enforcement leaders to champion solutions in the Legislature.”

Orange County approves $7.7 million for mental health services

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Orange County is improving mental health services and expanding training for how law enforcement should handle psychiatric emergencies.

“Patients are facing barriers when they try to access mental health services,” said Supervisor Andrew Do, who has made improving the county’s mental health care one of his top priorities on the Board of Supervisors.

Last Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors approved a $7.7 million dollar contract with Mind OC to promote extensive interagency collaboration across multiple sectors to restructure the way mental health care is provided to its residents. In this new approach, the county will work with state and local agencies, public and private health plans, and philanthropic and non-profit organizations to connect these sectors and improve the quality and access to health services.

The Board also accepted two Mental Health Awareness Training state grants for local corrections staff, including Juvenile and Adult Corrections Officers, Probation Officers, as well as local police and sheriff staff. “Serving as the nation’s first responders, local law enforcement officers need to receive the proper training on how to safely interact with people experiencing a mental health or addiction crisis,” said Supervisor Do. “We need to equip our law enforcement to properly recognize mental health challenges among their peers and in their communities.”

This new approach comes just a week before the county’s groundbreaking celebration for the first-ever Be Well OC Campus on October 16, which will be the first visible sign of a system of change for mental health and wellness in the county. “There’s no doubt that our state’s lack of mental health treatment facilities has exacerbated our state’s homeless crisis,” said Supervisor Do. “This mental health facility is another important component in our effort to address homelessness.”

This new facility will support all county patients and families struggling with mental illnesses by getting them the care they need. There are plans for two additional Be Well OC campuses in other parts of the county that may vary in services based on the surrounding local community needs.

“For too long, Orange County has lacked the resources to treat mental health problems, psychiatric emergencies, and substance abuse disorders,” said Supervisor Do. “In order to develop optimal behavioral health in Orange County, we need to increase the quality of mental health services across all sectors. This new approach is a step in the right direction.”

The westbound 22 Freeway will close at Main St. this evening

Posted on by Posted in OCTA, Orange County, Santa Ana, Traffic, Transportation Leave a comment

For five nights, starting on Sunday, 10/13/19 through Thursday night 10/17/19, there will be a full closure of westbound SR-22 from Main Street up to the La Veta Avenue (near Bristol Street) On-ramp, a closure of eastbound SR-22 Collector-Distributor Road from Fairview Avenue to SR-57, and the northbound I-5 to westbound SR-22 Connector will be closed from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. the next morning.

This closure means that from 10:00 p.m. through 5:00 a.m. on each of these nights:

• The westbound On-ramp for Main Street will be closed
• To access westbound SR-22, use the La Veta Avenue On-ramp near Bristol Street
• The eastbound On ramps for Fairview Avenue, The City Drive, and Bristol Street will be closed
• To access eastbound SR-22, use the Main Street On-ramp
• To exit eastbound SR-22, use either the Fairview Avenue or The City Drive Off-ramps
• To access northbound or southbound I-5, use the Main Street I-5 On-ramps
• To access northbound SR-57, use either the Main Street northbound I-5 or Chapman Avenue SR-57 On-ramps
• To access SR-22 westbound from I-5 northbound, use the SR-57 northbound connector, exit Orangewood Avenue, go west (left) and use the SR-57 southbound On-ramp to westbound SR-22.

The closure is required for the SR-22 safety project construction.

To see a full list of closures in adjacent cities and for information on freeway conditions, and closures or detours:
Visit Caltrans https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-12
Follow Caltrans https://twitter.com/CaltransOC
Like Caltrans on https://www.facebook.com/caltransoc/

The OCTA seeks public input on proposed SR-55 improvements between the I-5 and SR-91

Posted on by Posted in OCTA, Orange County, Santa Ana, Traffic, Transportation Leave a comment

ORANGE – The Orange County Transportation Authority and Caltrans are hosting a public hearing to gather feedback on proposed improvements to SR-55 between I-5 and SR-91.

The public hearing, which will allow the public to review the proposed project, ask questions and provide input, is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 16, at the Orange Public Library, 407 E. Chapman Ave. in Orange.

The proposed project is currently in the environmental phase and is aiming to reduce traffic on SR-55 through the cities of Anaheim, Orange, Santa Ana and Tustin by adding a regular lane in each direction on the freeway between I-5 and SR-22. The project would also make improvements to the southbound on- and off-ramps at Katella Avenue, the southbound off-ramp at Lincoln Avenue and the northbound and southbound off-ramps at Fourth Street.

The draft environmental documents, which evaluate the project’s potential benefits and effects, can be requested electronically by emailing D12SR55NorthProject@dot.ca.gov. The documents are also available for review at the following locations:

• Orange Public Library, 407 E. Chapman Ave. in Orange
• Santa Ana Public Library, 26 Civic Center Plaza in Santa Ana
• Charles P. Taft Branch Library, 740 E. Taft Ave. in Orange
• Tustin Branch Library, 345 E. Main St. in Tustin

The public is invited to review the draft documents and submit comments through Oct. 30. Comments can be submitted in person at the Oct. 16 public hearing, by emailing D12SR55NorthProject@dot.ca.gov, or by mailing:

Charles Baker at Caltrans District 12, Division of Environmental Analysis, 1750 E. Fourth St., Suite 100, Santa Ana, CA 92705.

For more information on the project or to sign up for project updates, visit www.octa.net/SR55north.

About OCTA: The Orange County Transportation Authority is responsible for planning, funding and implementing transit and capital projects serving 34 cities and 3.1 million residents. With the mission of keeping Orange County moving, this includes freeways and express lanes, bus and rail transit, rideshare, commuter rail and active transportation

Get a free buckwheat plant that butterflies will love this Saturday

Posted on by Posted in Nature, Orange County Leave a comment

The California Native Plant Society, Orange County (OCCNPS) chapter has created a new campaign called A Buckwheat in Every Garden, to help homeowners improve wildlife and habitat value in their home landscapes. Beginning in October, OCCNPS is giving Orange County homeowners one free, four-inch California buckwheat to plant in their garden while supplies last.

The first buckwheat giveaway event will be Saturday, October 5, 2019, at Acorn Day in O’Neill Regional Park in Trabuco Canyon. OCCNPS representatives will be giving free 4-inch buckwheat plants from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. that day.

Tree of Life Nursery is growing 1,500 four-inch California buckwheat ‘Dana Point’ plants for A Buckwheat in Every Garden. OCCNPS will distribute all 1,500 buckwheat plants to residents living in Orange County, California. Homeowners are invited to attend several free events in October to pick up a California buckwheat plant.

Some native plants, like the California buckwheat, bloom from early spring through the summer and fall. California buckwheats are flowering machines, supporting butterflies, native bees, and birds with their abundant white flowers for 10 months of the year.

The second buckwheat giveaway event will be at the Laguna Beach Smartscape Expo 2019 on Saturday, October 12 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Laguna Beach County Water District located at 306 3rd Street in Laguna Beach.

Rogers Gardens, 2301 San Joaquin Hills Road, Corona del Mar, will be giving away buckwheat on October 22 through October 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tree of Life Nursery is hosting a California Native Plant Society membership day on Saturday, October 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. OCCNPS representatives will be at the nursery giving away a free buckwheat plant to homeowners while supplies last. Tree of Life Nursery is located at 33201 Ortega Highway, just west of Caspers Regional Park. Tree of Life is an awesome place to visit, with hundreds of native plants in a park-like setting.

Try to visit an October event to get your free California buckwheat ‘Dana Point’ plant.

Part of the eastbound 22 Freeway will be closed for five nights starting this Sunday

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For five nights, starting on Sunday, 10/6/19 through Thursday, 10/10/19, there will be a full closure of eastbound SR-22 Collector-Distributor Road from Fairview Avenue to SR-57, the northbound and southbound I-5 from 10:00 p.m. to 5 a.m. the next morning.

This closure means that from 10:00 p.m. through 5:00 a.m. on each of these nights:

• The eastbound On ramps for Fairview, The City Drive and Bristol Street will be closed
• To access eastbound SR-22, use the Main Street On-ramp
• To exit eastbound SR-22, use either the Fairview Avenue or The City Drive Off-ramps
• To access northbound or southbound I-5, use the Main Street I-5 On-Ramps
• To access northbound SR-57, use either the northbound I-5 or westbound SR-22 Main Street On-ramps

The closure is required for the eastbound SR-22 safety project construction.

To see a full list of closures in adjacent cities and for information on freeway conditions, and closures or detours: