Former Santa Ana City Councilman Jose Solorio, who currently serves on the Rancho Santiago Community College District’s Board of Trustees, has announced that he will be moving into Ward 3 and running once more for the Santa Ana City Council, this November.

Solorio, who previously served in the State Assembly (from 2006 to 2012) , currently works for a law firm in Irvine. He was known in Sacramento for his prowess in raising campaign funds for himself and his fellow Democrats. He worked for the OCTA, in public affairs, when he first served on the Santa Ana City Council, from 2000-2006.

Ward 3 is currently held by Angie Amezcua, a public school teacher who ran for the seat four years ago but did not spend a dime on her campaign. Nor did she walk any precincts. But somehow she won – perhaps due to her ballot title or her last name. She is not however related to failed Mayoral candidate Alfredo Amezcua.

Solorio would likely raise more money than any other challengers for Ward 3. His wife has a lot of friends in town too, as a local public school teacher.

Here is the email Solorio sent to supporters on Friday, July 1:

Dear Friend,

Santa Ana is at a crossroads again…

If you read the newspaper or watch TV, you know that our city is having another high crime trend. For example, the number of reported shootings this year, compared to 2011 from January to May, has increased from 42 to 168. We can’t just shrug off this spike because much of it is “gang-related.” Any death affects us all. It hurts families, our quality of life, property values and the potential for businesses to prosper among us.

‎Santa Ana schools have been experiencing many successes, including an increase in graduation rates and modernization of most campuses and classrooms. However, new external attacks against public school teachers and declining student enrollment could be harmful to our children’s future achievement.

Rather than sit on the sidelines watching these types of things happen in our community, I’ve decided to return to Ward 3, where I first lived in Santa Ana, to run for City Council. Councilwoman Angie Amezcua, a dedicated school teacher and friend, who represents that ward has decided not to run for re-election this November. She will be missed, but I plan on keeping in close touch with her to seek her input.

I want to make public safety a priority again, partner more closely with our school district, and invest time and resources in every neighborhood. I also want you hear your ideas and concerns. What do you think is going right in Santa Ana, and what improvements would you like to see?

After serving you in the State Assembly and on our community college board, I’m excited for the opportunity to once again serve the people of Santa Ana as your Councilman. Over the years I have realized that to solve real day-to-day problems, there’s no better place to do that than at City Hall.

I know my family will be happy as well, as staying local will allow me to continue building my public affairs and advocacy work at Nossaman, and provide me more time to spend with family. My oldest son Michael is preparing to attend Stanford University this fall, and youngest son Diego will be starting Godinez High School. My wife Linn remains an amazing teacher at Century High School and curriculum specialist at Santa Ana Unified School District.

A strong City focus on public safety and public education, combined with the dynamic people that live and work in our community, will keep Santa Ana as a city where dreams come true.

Join us! Visit JoseSolorio.com and find us on social media to stay up to date on ways you can help our campaign.