New Santa Ana | Category Archives: Orange County

Santa Ana dine-in restaurants and shopping centers reopening with modifications

Posted on May 23, 2020 by Editor Posted in Business, Disease, Orange County, Public Safety, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Today the State of California approved the full Stage 2 reopening of businesses and services with modifications in Orange County.

The allowed businesses, guidelines and requirements apply to Santa Ana as well. In Stage 2, the following businesses are allowed to re-open with adaptations and must follow the state guidance:

· In-person dining at restaurants
· Shopping malls, shopping centers and swap meets
· In-store retail shopping with social distancing
· Manufacturing
· Offices (when telework is not possible)
· Outdoor museums
· Limited services

Essential businesses and services including banks, hospitals, pharmacies, grocery stores and government agencies were already allowed to operate.

Before businesses who meet the Stage 2 criteria take the step to re-open, the OC Health Care Agency says businesses should:

1) Find the guidance that is most relevant to their respective industries on the State website.
2) Perform a detailed risk assessment and implement a site-specific protection plan.
3) Train employees on how to limit the spread of COVID-19, including how to screen themselves for symptoms and stay home if they have them.
4) Implement individual control measures and screenings.
5) Implement disinfecting protocols.
6) Implement physical distancing guidelines.
7) Post the industry-specific checklist in their workplaces.

Find guidance for shopping centers here: https://covid19.ca.gov/pdf/guidance-shopping-centers.pdf

Find guidance for dine-in restaurants here: https://covid19.ca.gov/pdf/guidance-dine-in-restaurants.pdf

Find guidance for other industries here: https://covid19.ca.gov/industry-guidance/

The County’s press release is here: https://cms.ocgov.com/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?BlobID=115844

More information from the County about the reopening and COVID-19 is here: https://occovid19.ochealthinfo.com/

Please note, the following sectors, businesses, establishments and activities are not permitted to operate in the State of California at this time:
• Personal services such as hair and nail salons, tattoo parlors, gyms and fitness studios
• Hospitality services, such as bars, wineries, tasting rooms and lounges
• Entertainment venues, such as movie theaters, gaming, gambling, arcade venues, pro sports, indoor museums, gallery spaces, and zoos
• Community centers, public pools, playgrounds, and picnic areas
• Religious services and cultural ceremonies
• Nightclubs
• Concert venues
• Live audience sports
• Festivals
• Theme parks
• Hotels/lodging for leisure and tourism

Santa Ana City Hall remains closed to the public but is expected to open in the coming days as the City gradually reopens municipal buildings and amenities to the public. Santa Ana Police Department reopened its lobby to the public this week.

Public tennis courts at City parks reopened today and golf courses are allowed to operate, but all other park amenities including playgrounds, sports fields and other courts remain closed to the public. The Santa Ana Library is beginning curbside pickup service for items checked out online or by phone on Tuesday, May 26.

For more information on City closures and services, please visit www.santa-ana.org.

Orange County moves into Stage Two of the California’s business reopening plan

Posted on May 23, 2020 by Editor Posted in Business, California, Disease, Emergencies, Health and Medical, Orange County, Public Safety, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Santa Ana, Calif. (May 23, 2020) – Today the State of California has approved the County of Orange’s plan to accelerate local businesses into Stage Two. The County was able to successfully demonstrate that Orange County meets the State’s required metrics as outlined in the California Resiliency Roadmap.

“The County of Orange has met the State’s latest metrics to remove its restrictions on the re-opening of more businesses,” said OC Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Michelle Steel, Second District. “Orange County issued guidelines for businesses to operate three weeks ago. With this attestation, it is our goal to ensure all Orange County businesses have the confidence to open as safely and as soon as possible without concerns about the state order.”

In Stage Two, the County of Orange will be allowed to have the following businesses re-open with adaptations:

In-person dining reservations
Retail shopping with social distancing and curbside pickup
Manufacturing
Offices (when telework not possible)
Outdoor Museums
Limited Services

Please visit https://covid19.ca.gov/industry-guidance/ for more information related to your specific industry.

“While we understand that many businesses want to re-open quickly, we must ensure that it’s done in a safe manner,” said Vice Chairman Andrew Do, First District Supervisor. “Having the proper guidance documentation and safety precautions are important to ensure that Orange County can continue on its path to more fully open all sectors of our economy.”

The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) encourages business owners and operators review the State’s guidance and do the following:

Find the guidance that is most relevant to their respective industries.
Prepare a plan after reading.
Put the plan into action.
Once completed, post the industry-specific checklist in their workplaces.

“We understand that many businesses are hurting at this time and greatly want to re-open with as little issues as possible,” said Supervisor Don Wagner, Third District. “However, the State is requiring training and assessments to be done prior to opening. We ask that businesses work as best as they can to meet these guidelines.”

Before businesses who meet the Stage Two criteria take the step to re-open, the HCA strongly recommends they perform the following steps:

Perform a detailed risk assessment and implement a site-specific protection plan.
Train employees on how to limit the spread of COVID-19, including how to screen themselves for symptoms and stay home if they have them.
Implement individual control measures and screenings.
Implement disinfecting protocols.
Implement physical distancing guidelines.

“We’re confident in how the Orange County business community will work to ensure the safety and welfare of their staff and customers alike,” said Supervisor Doug Chaffee, Fourth District. “Our goal is to ensure the safe re-opening of businesses that meet the Stage Two criteria so that we can work toward re-opening more sectors of Orange County’s economy.”

The criteria that the County of Orange was able to meet to move into Stage Two included the following:

Less than 5 percent of daily COVID-19 hospitalizations over a seven-day period or no more than 20 COVID hospitalizations on any single day in the past 14 days.
Fewer than 25 new cases per 100,000 residents in the past 14 days or less than 8 percent testing positive in the past seven days.
Have a capacity to be able to test 1.5 per every 1,000 residents and at least 15 staff per 100,000 county population trained and available for contact tracing.
Hospital capacity for a possible surge of 35 percent of hospitalizations due to COVID-19 cases in addition to providing usual care for other patients.

“I am very pleased that the County has met the criteria to accelerate into the latter phase of Stage Two, thanks in no small part to the great work and diligence of the people of Orange County,” said Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, Fifth District. “I look forward to ensuring Orange County moves into Stage Three at the earliest possible opportunity.”

For more future updates, please visit http://www.ocgov.com and http://www.ochealthinfo.com/novelcoronavirus.

Santa Ana businesses asked to prepare for further reopening

Posted on May 22, 2020 by Editor Posted in Business, Disease, Emergencies, Orange County, Public Safety, Santa Ana Leave a comment

All businesses in the City of Santa Ana are asked to implement measures required under State guidelines in preparation for an expanded Stage 2 reopening in Orange County.

On May 18, 2020, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced updated criteria for counties to receive approval for businesses to re-open in the expanded Stage 2. The City of Santa Ana was informed today that the County submitted its documentation to the State and is awaiting approval.

Currently, essential businesses and services are allowed to operate, along with restaurants and retailers only for curbside pickup and delivery and related manufacturing and logistics businesses.

The expanded Stage 2 would allow more industries and services to reopen, including:

• Destination retail, including shopping malls and swap meets
• Personal services, limited to: car washes, pet grooming, tanning facilities and landscape gardening
• Office-based businesses (telework remains strongly encouraged)
• Dine-in restaurants (other amenities like bars or gaming areas are not permitted)
• Outdoor museums and open gallery spaces
• Schools

Per the California Department of Public Health, all facilities must complete the following prior to reopening:
1. Perform a detailed risk assessment and implement a site-specific protection plan
2. Train employees on how to limit the spread of COVID-19, including how to screen themselves for symptoms and stay home if they have them
3. Implement individual control measures and screenings
4. Implement disinfecting protocols
5. Implement physical distancing guidelines

Guidance for most industries is available at https://covid19.ca.gov/industry-guidance/

Guidance for shopping centers is at https://covid19.ca.gov/pdf/guidance-shopping-centers.pdf

Guidance for dine-in restaurants is at https://covid19.ca.gov/pdf/guidance-dine-in-restaurants.pdf

The County of Orange and City of Santa Ana do not need to review individual COVID-19 Response plans from businesses.

For more information about the state’s reopening plan, please visit https://covid19.ca.gov/. For COVID-19 information from the City of Santa Ana, please visit www.santa-ana.org/covid19.

Se Pide a Las Empresas Que Se Preparen Para una Mayor Reapertura

Se les pide a todos los negocios en la Ciudad de Santa Ana que implementen las medidas requeridas bajo las directrices Estatales en preparación para una reapertura de la Etapa 2 ampliada en el Condado de Orange.

El 18 de mayo de 2020, el Gobernador Gavin Newsom anunció criterios actualizados para que los condados reciban la aprobación para reabrir las empresas en la Etapa 2 ampliada. La Ciudad de Santa Ana fue informada hoy de que el Condado presentó su documentación al Estado y está esperando aprobación.

Actualmente, las empresas y servicios esenciales pueden operar, junto con restaurantes y minoristas solamente para la recogida y entrega a la banqueta y las empresas relacionadas de fabricación y logísticas.

La Etapa 2 ampliada permitiría la reapertura de más industrias y servicios, que incluyen:

• Venta minorista de destino, incluidos centros comerciales y mercados al aire libre / tianguis
• Servicios personales, limitados a: lavado de autos, aseo de mascotas, salones de bronceado y jardinería paisajística
• Empresas basadas en la oficina (el teletrabajo sigue siendo muy recomendable)
• Restaurantes para cenar (no se permiten otros servicios como bares o áreas de juego)
• Museos al aire libre y espacios abiertos de la galería.
• Escuelas

Según el Departamento de Salud Pública de California, todas las instalaciones deben de completar lo siguiente antes de reabrir:
1. Realizar una evaluación de riesgos detallada e implementar un plan de protección específico del sitio
2. Capacitar a los empleados sobre cómo limitar la propagación de COVID-19, incluida la forma de detectar síntomas y quedarse en casa si los tienen
3. Implementar medidas de control individuales y evaluaciones
4. Implementar los protocolos de desinfección.
5. Implementar directrices de distanciamiento físico

La información de guía para la mayoría de las industrias está disponible en https://covid19.ca.gov/industry-guidance/

La información de guía para los centros comerciales está en https://covid19.ca.gov/pdf/guidance-shopping-centers.pdf

La información de guía para los restaurantes de cenar está en https://covid19.ca.gov/pdf/guidance-dine-in-restaurants.pdf

El Condado de Orange y la Ciudad de Santa Ana no necesitan revisar los planes individuales de las empresas de respuesta al COVID-19.

Para obtener más información sobre el plan de reapertura del Estado, visite https://covid19.ca.gov/. Para obtener información sobre COVID-19 de la Ciudad de Santa Ana, visite www.santa-ana.org/covid19.

Orange County launches Back2Business initiative to help small businesses to meet social distancing guidelines

Posted on May 22, 2020 by Editor Posted in Business, Disease, Orange County, Public Safety, Santa Ana Leave a comment

SANTA ANA, Calif. (May 22, 2020) – In partnership with 3D Event Designer, the County of Orange is launching the Back2Business Initiative program to help local small businesses impacted by COVID-19 safely reopen by meeting local, state and federal social distancing guidelines.

The Back2Business Initiative will provide up to 1,000 Orange County small businesses with access to free floor plan software to quickly create, configure, or update their space(s). This software allows businesses, such as restaurants and retail shops, to view their current layout and adjust their floor plan to meet the latest social distancing requirements, giving them the confidence to bring their employees back to work safely and responsibly.

3D Event Designer will be hosting free live webinars over the next two weeks to teach businesses how to use the floor plan software. The first live webinar will take place this Thursday, May 28, 2020, beginning at 9 a.m. PST. Eligible businesses interested in participating can now register for their preferred date HERE. To be eligible, businesses must be in Orange County and have 500 employees or less.

Businesses must also meet the following technology requirements to successfully use the software:

Have a reliable Internet connection
Have access to any Mac, PC, tablet, or phone device (creating a floor plan is easiest on a Mac or PC)
Have access to Google Chrome or any browser other than Internet Explorer

For more information on the Back2Business Initiative, visit https://bit.ly/ocback2business or call the Economic and Business Recovery Call Center at (714) 480-6500.

14 more COVID-19 O.C. deaths on May 21, and 858 COVID-19 cases in Santa Ana

Posted on May 21, 2020 by Editor Posted in California, Disease, Emergencies, Health and Medical, OC Health Care, Orange County, Public Safety, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Today, May 21, the OC Health Care Agency reported a total of 4,841 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Orange County and 858 cases in Santa Ana. The Santa Ana case numbers don’t include infected inmates in County jails.

14 new deaths were reported today. To date there have been 112 deaths in Orange County. A total of 115 new cases were reported today. There are currently 247 victims in local hospitals and 89 are in Intensive Care Units.

Here is how other major cities in Orange County are faring:

Anaheim reports 758 cases
Huntington Beach reports 307 cases
Garden Grove reports 246 cases
Orange reports 226 cases
Irvine reports 164 cases
Buena Park reports 146 cases
Newport Beach reports 135 cases
Fullerton reports 164 cases
Westminster reports 85 cases
Tustin reports 78 cases
Costa Mesa reports 82 cases
Fountain Valley reports 50 cases

The California Department of Public Health today announced the most recent statistics on COVID-19. California now has 84,057 confirmed cases and 3,436 deaths.

The CDC reports these national cases:

TOTAL CASES
1,551,095
22,860 New Cases*
TOTAL DEATHS
93,061
1,397 New Deaths*

Health Care Worker Infection Rates
As of May 19, local health departments have reported 8,633 confirmed positive cases in health care workers and 46 deaths statewide.

Your Actions Save Lives
Every person has a role to play. Protecting yourself and your family comes down to common sense:

Staying home except for essential needs/activities following local and state public health guidelines when patronizing approved businesses. To the extent that such sectors are re-opened, Californians may leave their homes to work at, patronize, or otherwise engage with those businesses, establishments or activities.
Practicing social distancing.
Wearing a cloth face mask when out in public.
Washing hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds.
Avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
Covering a cough or sneeze with your sleeve, or disposable tissue. Wash your hands afterward.
Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
Staying away from work, school or other people if you become sick with respiratory symptoms like fever and cough.
Following guidance from public health officials.

What to Do if You Think You’re Sick
Call ahead: If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough or shortness of breath), call your health care provider before seeking medical care so that appropriate precautions can be taken.

For more information about what Californians can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19, visit covid19.ca.gov.

California continues to issue guidance on preparing and protecting California from COVID-19. Consolidated guidance is available on the California Department of Public Health’s Guidance web page.

County of Orange awarded $700,000 to support small businesses impacted by COVID-19

Posted on May 21, 2020 by Editor Posted in Business, Jobs, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

SANTA ANA, Calif. – In partnership with the Orange County Workforce Development Board (OCWDB), the County of Orange will be launching the OCWDB COVID-19 Layoff Aversion Support Program. OCWDB received $700,000 in Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds from the California Employment Development Division (EDD) to support local small businesses impacted by COVID-19.

“This program allows the County to offer another vital opportunity to local small businesses struggling to continue their operations,” said Chairwoman Michelle Steel, Second District Supervisor. “We are grateful to the State for awarding this funding.”

Through the OCWDB COVID-19 Layoff Aversion Support Program, eligible businesses can receive up to $10,000 in grant funds. This funding is intended to help local small businesses mitigate layoffs and adhere to “social distancing” provisions established by state and federal public health entities.

“Some businesses will need to modify their operations before they can open their doors in accordance with state and local health orders,” said Vice Chairman Andrew Do, First District Supervisor. “This funding will help small businesses keep their workers employed, and alleviate some of the financial strain they are feeling.”

Businesses will need to submit an application on the Orange County One-Stop Centers website at oconestop.com/covid-19-layoff-aversion-program to be considered for the grant funding. Applications will open beginning May 21, 2020, at 9 a.m. PST and close on May 28, 2020, at 5 p.m. PST or until 170 applications are received, whichever comes first. Eligible applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis until all available funds have been committed.

“This program is a lifeline for small businesses and their employees,” said Supervisor Donald Wagner, Third District. “These businesses must be made aware of every opportunity and resource the County can offer.”

To be eligible for this grant funding, businesses must be in Orange County, have a workforce of 500 or fewer employees, and be up to date on Unemployment Insurance (UI) taxes and in good standing with the State of California. Other general criteria employers must meet to be considered for local funding include:

Priority consideration will be given to Small Businesses located within the Orange County Workforce System (Application will be considered for small businesses operating in the Santa Ana and Anaheim Workforce Systems)
May only apply for one-site or location in Orange County
Only one application may be submitted per organization
Must pay employees minimum wage or more
Must use the funds to help avert imminent layoffs or furloughs as a result of the COVID-19 economic crisis
Must be able to demonstrate a need for layoff aversion support due to the impacts of COVID-19
Must be able to enter into an agreement with Orange County that includes the conditions outlined in the application
Must be able to complete quarterly reports for up to one year after the award

“Residents are looking forward to visiting their favorite neighborhood shops again,” said Supervisor Doug Chaffee, Fourth District. “Local small businesses are urged to apply.”

Businesses can visit the Orange County One-Stop Center website for full details on eligibility requirements for the Layoff Aversion Support Program, including allowable activities and prohibited costs.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our Orange County economy. They help stimulate local economic growth and provide job opportunities within the community,” said Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, Fifth District. “This program helps the County’s local businesses during this critical time while complying with state and federal guidelines.”

For more information on Orange County One-Stop Centers, visit oconestop.com or call the Economic and Business Recovery Call Center at (714) 480-6500.

Burglary suspects who targeted O.C. homes arrested in multi county sweep

Posted on May 20, 2020 by Editor Posted in Anaheim, Crime, Irvine, OCDA, Orange County Leave a comment

SANTA ANA, Calif. – Five men accused of running a multi-county burglary ring responsible for stealing $1.9 million in designer watches and purses, jewelry, guns, purses, and cash in 44 residential burglaries in Orange and San Bernardino counties were arrested by SWAT teams on Friday.

The District Attorney’s AB109 Task Force, along with the Fullerton, Anaheim, and Buena Park Police Departments, the Orange Sheriff’s Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, executed simultaneous search warrants on Friday, May 15, 2020 in Los Angeles County.

Jurandir Endnilson Penate, 24, Erick Daniel Soria, 27, Alvaro Ramos, 37, Eugene Yi, 35, and Sergio Soto, 33, all of Los Angeles, were arrested in the multi-agency operation.

Felony criminal charges were filed against the five defendants Monday, May 18, 2020 in connection with the rash of burglaries that began in Chino Hills in August 2019 and continued in Fullerton, Anaheim Hills, Villa Park, Lake Forest, Yorba Linda, Buena Park, and Irvine through February. Four of the burglaries occurred when residents were home.

“This case underscores law enforcement’s resolve to effectively collaborate, across jurisdictions, to bring criminals to justice,” said Fullerton Police Chief Bob Dunn, who spoke at a Monday morning press conference at the District Attorney’s Office to announce the arrests.

Orange County Assistant Sheriff Jeff Hallock, Buena Park Police Chief Corey Sianez, Anaheim Police Chief Jorge Cisneros, Orange County District Attorney Bureau of Investigation Chief Paul Walters, and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Stephen Galloway of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives were also in attendance at Monday’s announcement.

Soria, who is currently on parole for residential burglary, is facing 83 years and 8 months in state prison if convicted on all charges. Soto, is a third striker with prior convictions for residential burglaries and assault with a deadly weapon, is facing 35 years to life in state prison if convicted on all charges. Ramos, who is currently on parole for residential burglary and evading police, is facing 125 years in state prison if convicted on all charges.

Yi, who has one prior strike for a 2005 great bodily injury conviction, is facing 19 years and 8 months in state prison if convicted on all charges. Penate is facing 55 years and 4 months in state prison if convicted on all charges.

“Ongoing efforts to decriminalize felonies and release state prisoners and jail inmates back into our communities has resulted in an increase in property crime. These are the people who are sneaking into our backyards to steal designer purses, shoes, cash, and guns,” said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. “This case exemplifies why I started the AB109 Crime Impact Task Force last year to identify parolees who commit new crimes and assist police agencies in their investigations to get these criminals off the streets and back in prison where they belong.”

In order to support the efforts of probation which is now responsible for supervising AB109ers and to further protect the residents of Orange County, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office created a dedicated task force to identify and arrest AB 109ers who commit new crimes.

The AB 109 Crime Impact Task Force, which is housed at the Santa Ana Police Department, is made up of five District Attorney Investigators, one Santa Ana Police Officer, one Orange County Probation Officer, and an Investigative Assistant and a Research Analyst from the District Attorney’s Office.

Since July 2019, the AB 109 Task Force has arrested 128 AB109ers on new crimes, including five attempted murder suspects, four stolen car suspects, and 73 suspects arrested on felonies.

The task force has done 5,840 compliance and reporting checks on AB 109ers and revoked Post Release Community Supervision on 71 convicted felons since July 2019.

The AB 109 Task Force has located wanted subjects in other states, and coordinated their arrests and extradition back to Orange County to face charges.

Penate, Soto, Soria, Yi and Ramos are all being held on no bail at the Orange County Jail. This is an ongoing investigation.

Santa Ana now has 757 COVID-19 cases as of May 19

Posted on May 19, 2020 by Editor Posted in California, Disease, Emergencies, Health and Medical, OC Health Care, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Today, May 19, the OC Health Care Agency reported a total of 4,500 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Orange County and 757 cases in Santa Ana. The Santa Ana case numbers don’t include infected inmates in County jails.

No new deaths were reported today. To date there have been 88 deaths in Orange County. A total of 75 new cases were reported today. There are currently 229 victims in local hospitals and 88 are in Intensive Care Units.

Here is how other major cities in Orange County are faring:

Anaheim reports 707 cases
Huntington Beach reports 295 cases
Garden Grove reports 226 cases
Orange reports 213 cases
Irvine reports 156 cases
Buena Park reports 137 cases
Newport Beach reports 133 cases
Fullerton reports 156 cases
Westminster reports 76 cases
Tustin reports 66 cases
Costa Mesa reports 66 cases
Fountain Valley reports 50 cases

The California Department of Public Health today announced the most recent statistics on COVID-19. California now has 80,430 confirmed cases and 3,302 deaths.

The CDC reports these national cases:

TOTAL CASES: 1,504,830
24,481 New Cases
TOTAL DEATHS: 90,340
933 New Deaths

Health Care Worker Infection Rates

As of May 17, local health departments have reported 8,330 confirmed positive cases in health care workers and 47 deaths statewide.

Your Actions Save Lives

Every person has a role to play. Protecting yourself and your family comes down to common sense:

Staying home except for essential needs/activities.
Practicing social distancing.
Washing hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds.
Avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
Covering a cough or sneeze with your sleeve, or disposable tissue. Wash your hands afterward.
Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
Staying away from work, school or other people if you become sick with respiratory symptoms like fever and cough.
Following guidance from public health officials.

What to Do if You Think You’re Sick
Call ahead: If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough or shortness of breath) and may have had contact with a person with COVID-19, or recently traveled to countries with apparent community spread, call your health care provider before seeking medical care so that appropriate precautions can be taken.

For more information about what Californians can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19, visit Coronavirus (COVID-19) in California.

California continues to issue guidance on preparing and protecting California from COVID-19. Consolidated guidance is available on the California Department of Public Health’s Guidance web page.

O.C. parks and beaches are now partially open with reduced capacity

Posted on May 19, 2020 by Editor Posted in Orange County, Parks and Recreation Leave a comment

In an effort to minimize the impacts of coronavirus (COVID-19) on park patrons, staff, and the Orange County community at large, and consistent with the guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Governor’s office, the Orange County Board of Supervisors and the Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA), OC Parks is operating in the following manner as of Monday, May 18, 2020.

County-Operated Beaches: Parking is now open with reduced capacity at Salt Creek, Strands and Baby beaches in Dana Point. The coastal lot is open at Aliso Beach in South Laguna, with the inland lot remaining closed. Parking at Capistrano Beach is closed for maintenance. Beaches are open for active recreation only. Appropriate physical distancing must be observed.
- Permitted: Non-stationary activities like walking, running, swimming, surfing, paddling, boating, kayaking, etc.
- Not Permitted: Sunbathing; building sandcastles; bringing coolers, umbrellas, grills, etc.; volleyball, spikeball and other group activities.
Beach hours are as follows:
- County Beaches in South Laguna Beach (Aliso, Table Rock, West, Camel Point, Thousand Steps and Treasure Island beaches): 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. weekdays, 6 a.m.-12 p.m. Saturday and Sunday consistent with City of Laguna Beach hours. Please note the access way and restroom at Thousand Steps are closed.
- Capistrano and Poche Beaches: 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.
- Salt Creek and Strands Beaches: 5 a.m.-12 a.m. daily.
- Baby Beach: 5 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.
- Bayside Beach (at Newport Harbor Patrol) – 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.
See the County’s letter to the State regarding its beach reopening plan.
Parking lots and restrooms are now open at all County regional and wilderness parks. This includes: Carbon Canyon, Clark, Craig, Irvine, Laguna Niguel, Mason, Mile Square, O’Neill, Peters Canyon, Santiago Oaks, Tri-City, Wieder and Yorba regional parks, as well as Aliso and Wood Canyons, Caspers, Laguna Coast, Riley, Whiting Ranch wilderness parks and Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve.
Irvine Lake is open for fishing during its regular weekend hours.
Individual campsites at Caspers Wilderness Park and O’Neill Regional Park are open with reduced capacity. These will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The grounds of Heritage Hill Historical Park are open. All buildings remain closed.
The following amenities remain closed: playgrounds, exercise equipment, shelters, nature centers and park offices.
The OC Zoo remains closed.
Some volunteer programs and activities may resume with restrictions.
All public events, programs and activities canceled.
OC Parks Headquarters is closed.
Park Offices at Carbon Canyon, Clark, Craig, Irvine, Laguna Niguel, Mason, Mile Square, Santiago Oaks and Yorba regional parks are closed.
The Nix Nature Center at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park is closed.
The Muth Interpretive Center at Upper Newport Bay is closed.
The Interpretive Center at Clark Regional Park is closed.
All nature centers at regional parks are closed.
Arden: Helena Modjeska Historic House and Gardens is closed.
Irvine Ranch Historic Park is closed except for Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the Farmers Market.
Old Orange County Courthouse is closed.
We are suspending new reservations, permit requests and annual pass sales.

Staff is available to answer your questions. We ask that you call the parks for more information and practice safe social distancing. Contact information for all our parks can be found by visiting the OC Parks website at ocparks.com

We apologize for the inconvenience but value you as a patron. More information about COVID-19 can be found at the OC Health Care Agency website www.ochealthinfo.com/novelcoronavirus.

The OCDA has launched a Crimes Against Peace Officers Unit

Posted on May 18, 2020 by Editor Posted in Crime, OCDA, Orange County, Public Safety, Todd Spitzer Leave a comment

SANTA ANA, Calif. – As we honor the nation’s fallen law enforcement officers during National Police Week, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office is proud to announce the creation of its Crimes Against Peace Officers Unit.

This new unit will be overseen by the office’s Special Prosecutions, an elite unit within the District Attorney’s Office dedicated to seeking justice in the highest profile cases. The Crimes Against Peace Officers Unit will be dedicated to prosecuting crimes in which a sworn law enforcement officer is victimized while on duty. The unit will have prosecutors designated to handle these cases.

The Orange County District Attorney’s Office has prosecuted nearly 1,000 cases over the last three years in which a police officer was the victim of a crime. Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer was recently approached by the Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs to dedicate specialized prosecutors to handle cases in which police officers were victimized.

“With the continual assaults our law enforcement members face in the field, jail and detention facilities, we are glad the District Attorney has listened to our concerns and taken the steps to form a unit to vertically prosecute those who attack our peace officers,” said Juan Viramontes, president of the Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriffs.

“As we mourn the loss of 135 law enforcement officers across the nation who paid the ultimate sacrifice last year, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office is committing to prosecuting crimes against peace officers with the highest level of care,” said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. “Law enforcement has become increasingly dangerous as social justice advocates continue to campaign for reduced incarceration and reduced consequences for those who break the law. With more criminals being released back to our streets and state prisoners being housed in county jails, our law enforcement officers are at risk like never before. With the creation this year of the Crimes Against Peace Officers Unit, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office will ensure that criminals who victimize the very people sworn to protect and serve will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. We will never forget the 53 Orange County peace officers who laid down their lives protecting us.”

Charges filed against 10 Southern California suspects for vehicle title washing scheme

Posted on May 17, 2020 by Editor Posted in automobiles, Crime, Fraud, Orange County, Santa Ana, Xavier Becerra 1 Comment

SACRAMENTO – California Attorney General Xavier Becerra today announced the arrest of ten individuals for allegedly using fraudulent information on credit applications to purchase vehicles from various car dealerships located in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Diego, and San Bernardino Counties. After purchasing vehicles using false or stolen identities, the defendants would then file fraudulent documents with the California Department of Motor Vehicles to remove lienholders and obtain a “clean title” to the vehicles. The vehicles were then sold on Craigslist or to used car dealers. The complaint was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court.

“No Californian should have to fear their identity being stolen for the benefit of a fraudulent scheme,” said Attorney General Xavier Becerra. “Let’s make something clear – title washing is fraud and it will not be tolerated by my office. Individuals who take advantage of vulnerable Californians and honest businesses will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”

“Auto theft in Southern California and in California in general, continues to be a problem for the California Highway Patrol and for the general public,” said California Highway Patrol Commissioner Warren Stanley. “The California Highway Patrol has partnered with local law enforcement agencies to form task forces to combat auto theft statewide. As a result of a lengthy investigation, the CHP in conjunction with allied agencies, was able to affect numerous arrests in Southern California areas.”

The complaint charges the defendants with 35 felony counts of grand theft, grand theft of an automobile, receiving stolen property, commercial burglary, and identity theft. It is alleged that the defendants used the personal identity of innocent individuals to purchase the vehicles. They also allegedly filed fraudulent lien releases with the Department of Motor Vehicles, on behalf of finance companies, stating the loans were paid off. This effectively cleared the finance companies as legal owners, and allowed the defendants to sell the vehicles to unsuspecting victims. In many instances, innocent individuals were contacted by banks and finance companies when they failed to make payments on loans that had been fraudulently opened in their name. This resulted in many victims having to go through an arduous process to clear their names with banks, finance companies and credit reporting agencies. The arrests are the result of an investigation by the California Highway Patrol.

It is important to note that a criminal complaint contains charges that are only allegations against a person. Every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

A copy of the complaint is attached to the electronic version of this release.

Supervisor Do proposes a plan deliver to $101M to O.C. businesses and residents

Posted on May 17, 2020 by Editor Posted in Andrew Do, Business, Lisa Bartlett, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

On Friday, Orange County Board of Supervisors Vice Chairman Andrew Do, First District, and Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, Fifth District, released their $101 million HEART Plan to deliver a much-needed boost to Orange County small businesses, community service programs, and residents. The Plan supports Fourth District Supervisor Doug Chaffee’s suggestion at the May 12th Special Board meeting, that the Board consider a plan which allows for the equal distribution of funds amongst the five supervisorial districts.

The HEART Plan is consistent with the CARES Act and federal guidance. It provides a comprehensive and responsible approach to meet the most urgent needs facing Orange County.

Help for small businesses that currently remain closed
Expenditures to support communities affected by COVID-19
Assistance to nonprofits providing direct services to Orange County residents
Reimbursement to Orange County cities for direct COVID-19 expenses
Temporary food assistance for vulnerable and at-risk populations

The primary purpose of CARES Act funding is to meet the core public health and safety challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. Vice Chairman Do and Supervisor Bartlett strongly support the County Executive Officer’s analysis that $453 million of the $554 million of CARES Act funding allocated to Orange County is needed for vital COVID-19 response functions.

Vice Chairman Do and Supervisor Bartlett are proposing the HEART Plan to dedicate the remaining $101 million of CARES Act funds toward economic support services. The HEART Plan takes into account County obligations to provide an effective public health and safety response, the potential for additional funding coming to municipalities under the HEROES Act, and the State’s May Budget Revise.

The HEART Plan will be considered by the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, May 19th.

Four new sites increase COVID-19 testing in Orange County

Posted on May 15, 2020 by Editor Posted in Disease, Emergencies, Health and Medical, OC Health Care, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

(Santa Ana, CA) — Following Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent announcement to add more than 80 community-testing sites focused on underserved communities across the state, the OC Health Care Agency (HCA) has partnered with the California Department of Public Health to launch four new testing sites in the cities of Buena Park, Orange, Santa Ana and San Juan Capistrano.

“This testing site expansion is helpful as we work to safely open our businesses and work on getting our economy back on its feet,” said Orange County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Michelle Steel, Second District.

The State sites are powered through a partnership with OptumServe, the federal government health services business of Optum, a leading health services innovation company. “These new test sites build upon our ongoing efforts to expand appropriate testing availability for Orange County residents while helping the State to meet its testing goals,” said Dr. Nichole Quick, County Health Officer.

“This partnership is crucial in protecting our underserved communities as well as our health care workers and first responders who are on the front lines every day,” said Vice Chairman Andrew Do, First District. “It’s another important step in the right direction for Orange County.”

The new test locations were identified by looking at areas where Californians had to travel between 30 and 60 minutes to reach existing test sites. This information was cross-referenced with underserved populations to address known disparities and median income, so residents have access to testing, regardless of socioeconomic status.

“Solving local challenges is a cornerstone of my service to the residents of Orange County,” said Supervisor Donald Wagner, Third District. “Adding these locations to our local testing network gives our neighbors more options and greater access to the testing they need.”

The four new State sites increase the County’s testing capacity by 2,640 per week. When combined with testing presently available through the County’s existing OC COVID-19 Testing Network, a total of nearly 7,000 tests per week are now available for free for community members without insurance or who have been unable to receive testing through their health care providers.

“I am particularly pleased that these four new sites have been added to support testing in our underserved communities,” said Supervisor Doug Chaffee, Fourth District. “I want to ensure all Orange County residents have equal access to appropriate testing, no matter where they live.”

At this time, testing priority is given to people with symptoms as well as asymptomatic health care workers, first responders, and social service employees and essential workers who do not have access to testing through their employer or health care provider. There is no out-of-pocket cost, though insurance will be billed if available. Additionally, there is no medical assessment offered at these new testing sites, so residents who access the testing feature are also strongly encouraged to call their health care provider for guidance on management of symptoms.

“I believe that knowledge is power,” said Supervisor Lisa A. Bartlett, Fifth District. “Now that we have the ability to test more residents, we can gather additional data that may help us refine our knowledge of COVID-19 in Orange County and inform our policy decisions moving forward.”

For more information on testing criteria and to schedule an appointment, please visit www.ochealthinfo.com/covidtest and scroll down to “OPTUMSERVE TESTING SITES.” Residents without internet access interested in making an appointment at a State site may call 1-888-634-1123.

Santa Ana now has 665 COVID-19 cases as of May 14

Posted on May 14, 2020 by Editor Posted in California, Disease, Emergencies, Health and Medical, OC Health Care, Orange County, Public Safety, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Today, May 14, the OC Health Care Agency reported a total of 3,968 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Orange County and 665 cases in Santa Ana. The Santa Ana case numbers don’t include infected inmates in County jails.

A total of 229 new cases were reported today (including 79 new cases in Santa Ana). So far 80 victims in Orange County have died. There are currently 227 victims in local hospitals and 79 of them are in Intensive Care Units.

Here is how other major cities in Orange County are faring:

Anaheim reports 615 cases
Huntington Beach reports 280 cases
Garden Grove reports 198 cases
Orange reports 190 cases
Irvine reports 147 cases
Buena Park reports 115 cases
Newport Beach reports 131 cases
Fullerton reports 135 cases
Westminster reports 71 cases
Tustin reports 60 cases
Costa Mesa reports 60 cases
Fountain Valley reports 45 cases

The California Department of Public Health today announced the most recent statistics on COVID-19 as of May 14. California now has 73,164 confirmed cases and 3,032 deaths.

The CDC reports these national cases:

TOTAL CASES: 1,384,930
20,869 New Cases
TOTAL DEATHS: 83,947
1,701 New Deaths

How People Can Protect Themselves

Every person has a role to play. Protecting yourself and your family comes down to common sense:

Staying home except for essential needs/activities.
Practicing social distancing.
Washing hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds.
Avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
Covering a cough or sneeze with your sleeve, or disposable tissue. Wash your hands afterward.
Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
Staying away from work, school or other people if you become sick with respiratory symptoms like fever and cough.
Following guidance from public health officials.

For more information about what Californians can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19, visit Coronavirus (COVID-19) in California.

California continues to issue guidance on preparing and protecting California from COVID-19. Consolidated guidance is available on the California Department of Public Health’s Guidance web page.

Great restaurant food now available for needy Santa Ana seniors at no cost

Posted on May 14, 2020 by Editor Posted in California, Food, Food & Health, Orange County, Restaurants, Santa Ana, Seniors Leave a comment

The State of California’s Great Plates Delivered program is now starting in Orange County.

The program pays for local restaurants to provide meals to be delivered to qualifying seniors and is currently in place through June 10. Meals on Wheels Orange County is overseeing the local food distribution.

The basic eligibility guidelines for seniors to receive meals include:

Age 65 years or older; OR age 60-64 with certain high-risk health conditions (see application)
Must live alone or with one other program-eligible adult.
Must not currently receive or have received in the past 30 days other federal and state nutrition programs (whether funded in whole or in part), such as CalFresh/SNAP or our Home Delivered Meals (Meals on Wheels) or Congregate Grab & Go frozen meals (these programs are funded in part by the federal Older Americans Act).
Must receive no more than $74,940 in income for a household of one (1) and $101,460 for a household of two (2), which is 600% of the federal poverty limit.
Must affirm an inability to prepare or obtain meals.

Seniors can apply to receive meals from Great Plates Delivered and learn about other free meal programs at www.mealsonwheelsoc.org/covid-19-get-meals/ or by calling the County Office of Aging at (714) 480-6450.

Restaurants that wish to participate can learn more and apply to provide meals at https://covid19.ca.gov/restaurants-deliver-home-meals-for-seniors/

Restaurantes Locales Pueden Proveer Comida para Mayores

El programa Great Plates Delivered del Estado de California está comenzando en el Condado de Orange.

El programa paga a los restaurantes locales para proporcionar comidas que se entregarán a las personas mayores que reúnan los requisitos y actualmente está vigente hasta el 10 de junio. Meals on Wheels Orange County está supervisando la distribución local de alimentos.

Las pautas básicas de elegibilidad para que las personas mayores reciban comidas incluyen:

• Edad de 65 años o más; O edad 60-64 con ciertas condiciones de salud de alto riesgo (ver solicitud)
• Debe vivir solo o con otro adulto elegible para el programa.
• Actualmente no debe recibir ni haber recibido en los últimos 30 días otros programas de nutrición federales y estatales (ya sean fondos en su totalidad o en parte), como CalFresh / SNAP o nuestras Comidas a domicilio (Meals on Wheels) o Congregate Grab & Go congelados comidas (estos programas son fondos en parte por la Ley Federal de Americanos Mayores).
• No debe recibir más de $74,940 en ingresos para un hogar de uno (1) y $101,460 para un hogar de dos (2), que es el 600% del límite federal de pobreza.
• Debe afirmar la incapacidad de preparar u obtener comidas.

Las personas mayores pueden solicitar recibir comidas de Great Plates Delivered y conocer otros programas de comidas gratuitas en www.mealsonwheelsoc.org/covid-19-get-meals/ o llamando a la Oficina del Envejecimiento del Condado de Orange al (714) 480-6450.

Los restaurantes que deseen participar pueden obtener más información y solicitar comidas en https://covid19.ca.gov/restaurants-deliver-home-meals-for-seniors/