Santa Ana's top news & views blog

Santa Ana's top news & views blog

Man convicted of raping a 14-year-old girl at Cabrillo Park
August 22, 2019 - Cochino Alert, Crime, OCDA, Santa Ana, SAPD - No Comments

Cornelio B. Chairez Velasquez, a 37-year-old man, was convicted on Wednesday of raping a 14-year-old girl in Cabrillo Park in Santa Ana and attacking another woman a few months later, according to NBC News. The 14-year-old girl got into an argument with her mother and ran away from home on Nov. 24, according to the…

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Father of 13-day-old infant arrested on child abuse charges
August 21, 2019 - Crime, Santa Ana, SAPD - 2 Comments

On August 19, 2019, a 13-day-old infant boy was taken to the emergency room of CHOC hospital after the boy’s mother woke up to find him badly beaten. The victim suffered a skull fracture, multiple visible injuries to his face and body, as well as internal injuries. The victim also tested positive for methamphetamine and…

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The SAPD is looking for two chubby armed robbery suspects
August 21, 2019 - Crime, Santa Ana, SAPD - No Comments

On 07/13/2019, at approximately 4 P.M., suspect 1 walked into the victim business, at 200 Block E. Warner Avenue, in Santa Ana, and began speaking to the employees. Suspect 2 was waiting outside acting as a lookout. While in the business, suspect 1 showed two of the victims a firearm concealed under his t-shirt. Suspect…

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The Santa Ana’s Fiestas Patrias Festival and Parade is set for Sep. 14-15
August 20, 2019 - Entertainment, Family, mexico, music, Santa Ana - No Comments

The City of Santa Ana’s Fiestas Patrias Festival and Parade offers something for the entire family to enjoy all weekend long. Join the festivities with top-level entertainment, delicious food, carnival rides and games, art and culture exhibits and variety of vendor booths. The traditional El Grito Ceremony led by the Mexican Consulate will take place…

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Chairman Janet Nguyen opposes the use of social media by the County of Orange

Posted on by Posted in Blogs, Civic Affairs, Janet Nguyen, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

It figures.  Supervisor Janet Nguyen, who Chairs the Orange County Board of Supervisors, is opposing the use of social media to enhance the way the County agencies communicate with the public, according to the Voice of O.C.

Nguyen has a lot of beefs about social media, including the sentiment that “Considering the intensity of political blogs in Orange County, Nguyen said county staff could be spending a ton of time monitoring blog comments.”

They already are doing so Chairman Janet!  Take a look at the graphic above.  Your henchmen are on our Orange Juice blog ALL DAY LONG! Continue reading→

SAPD planning a major crackdown on Santa Ana’s Easter cruisers

Posted on by Posted in Civic Affairs, Latinos, Neighborhood Associations, Orange County, Public Safety, Santa Ana, Youth Activities 5 Comments

I have gotten a hold of an email from the Santa Ana Police Department indicating that they are planning a major crackdown on Santa Ana’s Easter Cruisers. The note appears below in its entirety.

The crackdown includes numerous street and lane closures and over 100 police officers!

I don’t get it. Our city is flat broke. How is the SAPD paying for this and why are they doing this?

And why is the O.C. Register railing against the Easter cruising?  Here is what they reported, “Several law enforcement agencies, including the Santa Ana Police Department and the California Highway Patrol, are hoping to stop what has become an unwanted tradition, as visiting family members and revelers hit the streets.”

Needless to say, the Neighborhood Association busy-bodies and the Usual Suspects are up in arms over the Easter cruising.

Here is the actual email from the SAPD explaining what they intend to do to stop the Easter Cruisers: Continue reading→

Councilman Sal Tinajero’s first fundraising reception set for April 27

Posted on by Posted in Civic Affairs, Democratic Party, Elections, Latinos, Politics, Sal Tinajero, Santa Ana, Vince Sarmiento Leave a comment

Santa Ana City Councilman Sal Tinajero, Chancellor of Rancho Santiago Board of Trustees, Eddie Hernandez, and Councilman Sarmiento at the Bill Clinton Rally Event for Hillary Clinton.  Photo Courtesy of Vincent Sarmiento.

This just in, from Santa Ana Councilman Sal Tinajero:

You are invited to a fundraising reception in honor of Sal Tinajero

  • Councilman, City of Santa Ana
  • Director, Orange County Sanitation District Board
  • 2006 National Hispanic Teacher of the Year
  • 2009 California Golden Bell Award Recipient

With Special Guest and Master of Ceremony Actor Tony Plana, the Co-Founder East LA Classic Theatre, Leading Role in ABC’s Ugly Betty.

When: Tuesday, April 27 2010 Continue reading→

April 1st is Census Day – Have You Returned Your 2010 Census Form?

Posted on by Posted in Federal Government, Latinos, Orange County, Santa Ana, Working Families Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 1, 2010
Contact: Howard Sutter 714.834.6203 office

April 1st is Census Day – Have You Returned Your 2010 Census Form?

(Santa Ana, CA) — April 1st is Census Day, as the effort to gain a complete count of the Orange County population reaches a critical point.

“For every 100 people who don’t return their Census form, the Commerce Department estimates that Orange County may lose $1.3 million in funding for vital services over the next ten years,” said Janet Nguyen, Board Chair and First District Supervisor. “In these difficult economic times, it is more important than ever that people return their Census forms to ensure that Orange County receives its fair share of Federal funding.” Continue reading→

Free Ham Radio training offered to CERT members in Santa Ana

Posted on by Posted in Civic Affairs, Public Safety, Santa Ana Leave a comment

UPDATE: Good news from the Ham Radio class instructor Gordon West. He is taking $30.00 off the cost of materials for our class which basically reduces the cost of materials by half. He has already offered to teach the class for free as well. He is hoping this will help several of you in these trying times. If you are interested in the class it starts Saturday, May 22nd and ends the next day, Sunday the 23rd. To reserve a spot and to receive the course materials please contact Gordon West at (714) 549-5000 or just click reply to this email. Thanks.

The City of Santa Ana is offerering FREE ham radio training to all those who have taken their CERT (Community Emergency Response Training) class, which is offered by the Santa Ana Fire Department and the Santa Ana Police Department.

Here is the training information sent by the City’s Emergency Manager: Continue reading→

City of Santa Ana waives late fees for unlicensed dogs

Posted on by Posted in Civic Affairs, Pets, Public Safety, Santa Ana Leave a comment

 Sparky already has his dog license!

“Santa Ana Animal Services will waive late fees for dog licenses during a temporary amnesty program through May 15.  The city charges $24 annually to license a spayed or neutered dog, $100 for an unfixed dog; late fees are $41,” according to the O.C. Register.

I emailed Santa Ana Police Chief on March 1, to inform him about the Orange County dog license amnesty, which we reported about this week. 

I have also asked the Chief to consider permanent lower dog license fees.  We wrote about that subject here in February, at this link.  What I would like to see in particular is discounts for households with more than one dog; lower late fees; and lower fees for unfixed dogs.  Currently we charge more for dog licenses than the City of Irvine does! Continue reading→

Lupe Moreno curses in Spanish at Minuteman protest in Santa Ana today

Posted on by Posted in Civic Affairs, Latinos, mexico, Politics, Republican Party, Santa Ana 13 Comments

The Minutemen showed up to protest today at the Mexican Consultate’s office in Santa Ana, at 7 a.m.  They were led by Lupe Moreno, a Republican activist who lives in Santa Ana.

In the video above, Moreno resorted to calling the mother of Naui Huitzilopochtli, the videographer, a “puta,” or whore.  He then rightfully wonders what sort of Christian Moreno is.

Moreno is known for her right-wing politics and supposed evangelical Christian values.  Continue reading→

Enjoy giant bubbles at the Discovery Science Center’s annual Bubblefest

Posted on by Posted in Education, Entertainment, Orange County, Santa Ana, Youth Activities Leave a comment

Float your way to Discovery Science Center for Orange County’s most astounding spring break bubble spectacular! It’s good, clean fun for the entire family as Bubble Scientist Fan Yang brings his Gazillion Bubble Show to Southern California, from March 27 – April 11, 2010.

Orange County’s Most Astounding Spring Break Event!

Hands-on bubble activities demonstrate a bubble’s science and math principles (such as surface tension, elasticity, air pressure, molecular properties, and geometric properties), while Fan Yang’s Gazillion Bubble Show puts those theories to the ultimate test. Continue reading→

Minutemen protesting at the Mexican Consulate in Santa Ana on Wednesday

Posted on by Posted in Civic Affairs, Civil Rights, immigration, Latinos, mexico, Politics, Santa Ana 2 Comments

The Minutemen are in an uproar because the City of Santa Ana decided to hold this year’s Fiestas Patrias event on September 11.  They are protesting tomorrow, March 31, at the Mexican Consulate in Santa Ana , from 7am to 9am.  The Consulate is located at 828 North Broadway, in downtown Santa Ana.

Counter-protesters will be there as well.

Normally the Fiestas Patrias event is held around the middle of September, but in order to hold the event on a weekend, the City of Santa Ana opted to start the event on Sep. 11, which of course coincides with the terrorist attack our nation suffered when members of Al-Qaeda destroyed the Trade Towers in New York.  Over 300 Mexican nationals died in that event.  The Minutemen either don’t know that or they don’t care. Continue reading→

Pictures from the 2010 Cesar Chavez Day celebration in Santa Ana

Posted on by Posted in Civic Affairs, Culture, Democratic Party, Jose Solorio, Labor, Latinos Leave a comment

Local attorney and mayoral candidate Alfredo Amezcua is pictured on the left, holding the United Farm Workers flag.  The man in the middle, on the microphone, is Councilman Vincent Sarmiento.  Solorio is pictured on the right.  Next to him is Santa Ana Mayor Miguel Pulido.  Picture courtesy of Assemblyman Jose Solorio’s office. 

Assemblyman Jose Solorio’s office sent us a few pictures taken at last Saturday’s Cesar Chavez celebration, at Jerome Park, in Santa Ana.  Reportedly over three hundred Santa Ana residents showed up to the festivities.

Below are additional pictures.  You can also see the pictures I took, as the event was being set up, at this link. Continue reading→

New Chief Probation Officer appointed by O.C. Board of Supervisors

Posted on by Posted in Orange County, Public Safety, Santa Ana Leave a comment

New Chief Probation Officer Steven J. Sentman, Supervisor Bill Campbell, and Chief Deputy Probation Officer Tom Wright

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 30, 2010
Contact: Howard Sutter 714.834.6203 office

New Chief Probation Officer Appointed by Board of Supervisors

(Santa Ana, CA) — The Orange County Board of Supervisors today appointed Steven J. Sentman to serve as the County’s Chief Probation Officer, effective April 23, 2010.

Sentman currently serves as the Chief Deputy Probation Officer for the Field Operations Bureau. In his new position he will replace Colleene Preciado, who is retiring in April after 35 years with the County of Orange. The Chief Probation Officer is appointed by the Board of Supervisors with the concurrence of the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court. Continue reading→

OC Animal Care offers pet owners amnesty for delinquent or unlicensed dogs

Posted on by Posted in Orange County, Pets, Public Safety Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 29, 2010

Contact: Ryan Drabek (714) 935-7107 or Katie Ingram (714) 935-6194

OC Animal Care Offers Pet Owners Amnesty for Delinquent or Unlicensed Dogs

(Orange, – CA) On March 2nd, the Orange County Board of Supervisors approved a Dog License Amnesty program. From April 1st – May 15th, dog owners will be able to renew their expired licenses, or obtain new licenses, with no worry of late fees or extra charges. This program will be offered to dog owners living in the 17 cities and unincorporated areas served by OC Animal Care. Not only will this program help relieve some of the burden on pocketbooks; it will also help more animals find their way back home if they are lost. By placing a license tag on their dog, owners will help OC Animal Care get in touch with them if their pet is brought into the shelter.

“OC Animal Care wants to be sensitive to dog owners experiencing financial hardship,” said Ryan Drabek, Interim Director for OC Animal Care. He added, “It is our goal, through this program, to ensure more pets are returned to their owners when the unfortunate happens. Approximately 97% of the animals impounded by OC Animal Care that are wearing a tag are returned to their owners. We believe that licensing is a great benefit for our pet owners in Orange County.” Continue reading→

Santa Ana’s Police Department already has a dog park!

Posted on by Posted in Civic Affairs, Pets, Santa Ana 4 Comments

I didn’t like the idea of converting the Santa Ana Police Department’s (SAPD) police dog training center into a dog park for Santa Ana residents until I spoke today to a former City of Santa Ana employee, who shared with me the history of this beautiful, fenced in field.

According to my friend, the area used to be a public park, until the SAPD convinced the City Council to let them have it.  They promised at the time to share the field with the public.  However, you can see in the pictures above that the field is gated and locked.

I have never seen the police using the field.  My friend says they hardly ever use it.  And he says that the Chief of Police, Paul Walters, often brings his own dogs to the field on Saturday mornings.  The field is, essentially, a private dog park for Chief Walters. Continue reading→

Is the City of Santa Ana doing enough to keep pedestrians and bicyclists safe?

Posted on by Posted in Civic Affairs, Public Safety, Santa Ana 1 Comment

The SaCReD Community Day of Action, which was held this Saturday at Garfield Elementary School, was marred when a 16-year old on a bicyle was struck by a car, according to the OC Weekly. 

I took this photo last May, in downtown Santa Ana

The accident happened in Ward 2, which is represented by Councilwoman Michele Martinez, not far from the proposed Transit District.

Pedestrian accidents are common in Santa Ana.  I saw one last year when I was walking in the downtown area.  A woman who looked like a transient was struck by a pickup truck.  It was as awful as it sounds.

The City of Santa Ana actually has a City Commission devoted to traffic issues, called the Environmental & Transportation Advisory Committee, or ETAC.  Here are the current members of that Commission, according to the Santa Ana City Clerk’s web page: Continue reading→

Beloved family dog lost in Park Santiago Neighborhood

Posted on by Posted in Pets, Santa Ana Leave a comment

One of my neighbors in the Santa Ana’s Park Santiago Neighborhood sent me a note yesterday to let me know that his dog has been lost.  Below is his note.  Please keep an eye out for her!

On Sunday nite between 5-7pm, we lost our dog.  We were away and she was not home when we returned.  She is a black, tan and grey terrior mix and weights ~30lbs.  Her face is mostly grey.  She has been with us for 8 years.  Her name is Marlow.  If anyone has any information, please call 714.953.6836, please leave a message if we are not home.

 Thanks,

 Graham