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The Santa Ana Poem of the Week is “Ode to Hopeful Lover” by Juan P. Plascencia

Posted on by Posted in Arts and Culture, Literature, Poetry Leave a comment

The Santa Ana Literary Association will be presenting a new poem by a local poet every week this year. This week’s poem is “Ode to Hopeful Lover” by Juan P. Plascencia.

ODE TO HOPEFUL LOVER

By: Juan P. Plascencia

This happens sometimes,
Feeling like the moon and all the stars align.

The bow to receive the hand of a person,
Who will fill my mind, heart and soul
With dreams and aspirations of
What could be.

To live a life by me,
And fulfill my prophecy.

Often I find myself staring into your eyes and,
I wander off.
To see myself in your life,
But realize when you look at me
All you see is someone staring back.

You think one thing, but say another.
You feel one thing, but prove another.

Can you just be my king?
And place a ring,
On my finger and let life swing by.

Let life swing by but with us together
With no excuse whatsoever
But you’d rather…
Just say we are close friends.

Pretend that nothing ever happened.
It’s just for show,
So we don’t glow,
Even though we know

Our intentions are pure.
That our bond is the only cure.
A sign of hope to lure you in,
A gasp of air, I keep within
Reaching out to hold your chin.

A gentle gesture and hope to win,
Your lips to prove it’s not a sin.

It’s Love… I swear.
Simple… but it’s rare.

An opportunity you hold and tear
And forget this happened, we don’t dare.
Do I need to show you that I care?
To make a mask and make you wear
This crown of thorns I always bear.

It’s you I choose,
To never lose
To be the one to help reduce
The overbearing feeling of… abuse.

Of all the people that I knew
You were the one to show me who,
I gave my heart to follow
And be the one to see the pride I swallow.

Let me be the first to say,
I look to God and hope and pray
That hopefully one day…
Our “young love”
Should soar above
And hold you when it’s tough
Even though it might seem rough.

So all that’s left for me to say
Is…

I am here to stay
To be the one who lights the way
And be the one to call you babe.

Juan P. Plascencia is a young advocate who has been active in public policy issues surrounding
Orange County youth. His background includes serving as a Youth Commissioner, and working in Youth Civic Engagement with the city of Santa Ana.

Metrolink rail maintenance work in Santa Ana set for June 21-26

Posted on by Posted in Metrolink, Santa Ana, Traffic Leave a comment

Starting on Monday, June 21 through Saturday, June 26, 2021, Metrolink will be inspecting and maintaining the railroad track system in Santa Ana between 8 p.m. and 4:30 a.m.

If needed, crews will repair equipment. Even within Quiet Zones, this work could lead to:

• Possible Train Horns
• Noise
• Light from maintenance vehicles or activities

No delays at the railroad crossings or for passenger train service are anticipated.

Questions and concerns may be directed to Metrolink’s Community Relations hotline at (213) 452-0433 or to communityrelations@scrra.net.

Translations:

Trabajo de mantenimiento de los rieles de Metrolink del 21 al 26 de junio

Español 

Công việc bảo t

Tiếng Việt

Nominations now open for the 2021 Santa Ana Historic Preservation Awards

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

The City of Santa Ana is proud to announce that nominations are being accepted for the 2021 Historic Preservation Awards. The Historic Preservation Awards are intended to recognize outstanding historic rehabilitation and restoration projects, as well as efforts that have furthered the cause of historic preservation in the city.

Award recipients will be honored by both the Historic Resources Commission and the Santa Ana City Council. In addition, those selected will receive a plaque commemorating their contribution to the City and to preserving Santa Ana’s historic resources.

Nominations will be accepted until Tuesday, August 31, 2021, at 4 p.m., and may be made by any member of the public. Details regarding eligibility for this award are included with the nomination form on the City’s website, and are based on the following selection criteria:

  • The property must be located within Santa Ana and included on the Local, State or National Registers of Historic Places.
  • The project must have been completed between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2020.
  • The property owner must have obtained proper and required City permits and approvals.
  • All projects must meet the intent of the Secretary of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation.

Applications can be submitted online or in person at the public Planning Counter, located on the first floor of the City Hall Ross Annex at 20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92702.

Learn more at https://www.santa-ana.org/pb/planning-division/historic-preservation.

For more information, contact Pedro Gomez, Associate Planner, at (714) 667-2790.

Translations:

Nominaciones Premios de Preservación Histórica

Español

Giải thưởng Bảo tồn Di tích

Tiếng Việt

Arson arrest made this morning in connection to fire set in hotel room at 3100 block of Bristol St.

Posted on by Posted in Costa Mesa, Fires Leave a comment

COSTA MESA, Calif. — Today, June 20, 2021, at about 6:17 a.m., a woman called from a hotel room at the 3100 block of Bristol Street and made a threat to harm herself and start a fire.

Shortly thereafter, officers arrived at the door to the hotel room the woman called from and could hear the smoke alarm sounding inside the room. The woman had barricaded the front door prior to police arrival. Officers were able to force entry to check her welfare and located the woman inside. There was thick smoke and flames inside the room and officers removed the female occupant from the room.

Other guests from neighboring rooms were evacuated as the Costa Mesa Fire and Rescue Department (CMFR) was dispatched to the scene. They put out the fire and a CMFR arson investigator was on scene; this information was shared via their Twitter account.

The woman was arrested for arson and a mental health evaluation is being conducted, hence her identity will not be disclosed.

This incident will be investigated and no further information will be released.

Secured O.C. property tax penalty cancellation deadline extended to June 30

Posted on by Posted in OC Treasurer, Santa Ana, Taxes Leave a comment

SANTA ANA, Calif.-Governor Gavin Newsom just signed a number of executive order extensions, including one that has extended a prior order affecting property taxes that expired on May 6.  This new order extends the deadline for submitting the Secured Property Tax Penalty Cancellation Request Form and payment of base property taxes for homeowners and small businesses that were unable to deliver payment by May 6 due to an impact from COVID-19.  The order extends the deadline to submit these penalty cancellation request forms and pay base secured property taxes to June 30, 2021. 

The Governor’s new executive orders provide for penalty cancellations for eligible homeowners and small businesses that were unable to deliver their secured property tax payments timely this past year if they have been directly affected by COVID-19 or suffered a financial hardship from COVID-19.  Eligible property owners should complete and submit the standard Penalty Cancellation request form, describing the impact from COVID-19 and any related back-up, by the June 30, 2021 deadline.  They also need to identify if they are a homeowner or a small business on the form, which can be found on the Treasurer-Tax Collector website.  Homeowners and small businesses that have already paid their secured property taxes including penalties, can complete the same form, describe the direct impact from COVID-19 and if approved, can receive a refund of the penalties.

“This extension allows eligible property owners additional time to file the required forms and related documentation and pay base secured property taxes up until June 30, 2021,” said Orange County Treasurer Shari Freidenrich.   “Property owners that were unable to pay their FY 2020-21 secured property tax payments by either December 10 and/or April 12 as a result of being directly affected by COVID-19 or suffered a financial hardship as a result of COVID-19 should submit a penalty cancellation request by June 30.”

Examples of direct impacts due to COVID-19 may include: illness, hospitalization, quarantine, loss of employment or business closures. Examples of documentation include hospitalization records, doctor’s notes, employment notifications due to a business closure, layoff notices, rent receipt postponement notices/waivers, CA EDD Unemployment Insurance claim letters, etc. Go to ttc.ocgov.com and click on the penalty cancellation icon for further details.

If you were not impacted by COVID-19 and are unable to pay your secured property taxes, a taxpayer can initiate a five-year payment plan on July 1, 2021 for any delinquent secured property taxes. Details for this are at ttc.ocgov.com and then click on installment payment plans under the Popular section of the webpage.

If you have payment questions, please email ttcinfo@ttc.ocgov.com, or call (714) 834- 3411 between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST.

Repeat O.C. drunk driver convicted of killing a grandma and seriously injuring her boyfriend

Posted on by Posted in Alcohol, Crime, OCDA Leave a comment

SANTA ANA, Calif. – A repeat drunk driver was convicted Wednesday of hitting and killing a 77-year-old woman and seriously injuring her boyfriend when he crossed into oncoming traffic while driving on the Ortega Highway in San Juan Capistrano.

Edward James Nani, 41, of Lake Forest, was convicted by a jury of one felony count of second-degree murder, one felony count of driving under the influence of alcohol causing injury, one felony count of driving under the influence with a blood alcohol content of .08% or more, and two felony enhancements of inflicting great bodily injury.

The jury deliberated for less than two hours before returning guilty verdicts on all counts.

Nani, who had been previously convicted of driving under the influence twice, faces a maximum sentence of 21 years to life. He is scheduled to be sentenced on August 13, 2021.

Drivers convicted of driving under the influence in California are required to be given what is known as a Watson advisement that informs them that if they kill someone while driving under the influence they can be charged with murder. Nani received the Watson advisement when he plead guilty in 2010 to misdemeanor counts of driving under the influence and driving under the influence with a blood alcohol content of .08% or more.

Nani also has a prior DUI conviction from 2002.

On March 31, 2018, Nani was driving on the Ortega Highway in San Juan Capistrano around 8:24 p.m. A driver behind him became so concerned with Nani’s erratic driving, including crossing into oncoming traffic, that he began recording Nani as he drove behind him. The driver called 911 to report a drunk driver, telling the dispatcher the driver was going to kill someone.

Amparo Castellon Lopez, 77, and her boyfriend, Jose Robert Pacheco, 74, were driving home from visiting Lopez’ daughter and grandchildren when they were hit by Nani’s vehicle when he crossed into oncoming traffic.

Lopez was killed and Pacheco suffered a broken arm, leg, pelvis, and ribs.

“This individual repeatedly demonstrated that he had no regard for human life and it was only a matter of time before he killed someone by getting behind the wheel intoxicated,” said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. “Getting behind the wheel while intoxicated or high or drugs is a choice and it can be a deadly choice. With bars and restaurants back open for business following the pandemic, it is more important than ever to make good choices when you drink or do drugs. If you make the choice to get behind the wheel and you kill someone while impaired, you could be charged with murder.”  

Senior Deputy District Attorney Dan Feldman of the Homicide Unit is prosecuting this case.

This week’s Cochino List includes Bon Tofu & Grill and the Pizza Press

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

The O.C. 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 June 11 to June 18. Most of these eateries reopen pretty quickly after the health inspectors determine their issues have been resolved.

  • S Food Store, 2310 W. Chapman Ave., Orange, Permit downgraded to prepackaged food sales only: June 14, Reason: Insufficient hot water/plumbing in disrepair, Full permit reinstated: June 16
  • Bon Tofu & Grill, 17900 Magnolia St., Suite A, Fountain Valley, Closed: June 15, Reason: Insufficient hot water. Reopened: June 18
  • The Pizza Press, 4610 Barranca Parkway, Irvine, Closed: June 16, Reason: Rodent infestation, Reopened: June 16
  • Nutrition Solutions Juice Bar at LA Fitness, 3960 Barranca Parkway, Irvine, Closed: June 16, Reason: Insufficient hot water
  • Hunny Drip Coffee, 257 S. Euclid St., Anaheim, Closed: June 16, Reason: Insufficient hot water, Reopened: June 17
  • Bandeño Mexican Food, 466 S. Anaheim Hills Road, Anaheim, Closed: June 15, Reason: Cockroach infestation, Reopened: June 16
  • Sessions, 2823 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach, Closed: June 15, Reason: Rodent infestation, Reopened: June 16
  • Kitchen at Olympic Golf Zone, 6988 Beach Blvd., Suite B-208, Buena Park, Closed: June 11, Reason: Insufficient hot water, Reopened: June 14
  • Update: A kitchen at Howard Johnson Hotel, 222 W. Houston Ave., Fullerton, which was ordered closed June 8 because of a rodent infestation, was allowed to reopen June 18.

The SAPD seized more illegal fireworks and guns this week

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

SAPD gang detectives conducted a vehicle stop in the area of the 4600 block of 5th Street; two LA County juvenile gang members were detained.

A loaded stolen .45 cal black semi-automatic handgun and narcotics for sales were recovered after a search of their vehicle.

While on patrol, SAPD officers observed a subject attempting to conceal what appeared to be a handgun case underneath a jacket. The subject was detained and a loaded Glock 17 was recovered.

Continuous SAPD illegal fireworks enforcement 06/14 – 06/15: 1,886 mortar/arterial shells and 500 aerial type illegal fireworks were confiscated – a total of 3 citations ($1,000 fine) given.

And the count continues … 360 mortar/arterial shells confiscated & 2 citations given ($1,000 fine) on June 18.

The SAPD is searching for a bald auto theft suspect

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

On 06/13/2021 at approximately 2:30PM, Alexander Muniz was talking to the victim while the victim’s vehicle was parked with the keys inside. Muniz suddenly entered the vehicle and drove away without the victim’s permission.

The vehicle is still outstanding. Muniz currently has an outstanding warrant for auto theft on an unrelated case.

Suspect Description: Male, 5’10”tall, 180lbs., shaved head and brown eyes.

Vehicle Description: White 2002 Lexus RX300

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Muniz is asked to contact Detective Romero at (714) 245-8529 or BRomero@santa-ana.org .

Santa Ana face mask order ends as the pandemic restrictions are lifted

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

SANTA ANA, Calif. – City Manager Kristine Ridge has signed an executive order ending the City’s face covering requirement effective today, June 15, in conjunction with the lifting of most statewide mask requirements and other pandemic-related restrictions.

The Governor ordered the California economy to reopen today and the resumption of most normal business operations and activities. The City of Santa Ana will continue to follow all state, federal and county health rules related to COVID-19. The California Department of Public Health still requires the use of face coverings by vaccinated individuals in some circumstances. Face coverings are required for unvaccinated individuals in indoor public settings and businesses, with some exemptions.
 
Read more about the State’s mask rules and the State’s reopening guidelines.

Santa Ana City Hall has remained open throughout most of the pandemic, and the City has been providing services such as to-go senior meals, curbside pickup at the libraries, more online options, and virtual participation at public meetings. The City will now resume more services, update its pandemic safety measures, and begin reopening more facilities. Among the changes:
 

  • City Hall has been open by appointment throughout most of the pandemic; we still encourage the public to make appointments and use online options for permits and other services.
  • Appointments are not required for the cashier counter.
  • Plexiglass shields will remain in place at City facilities as an added protection for the public and staff.
  • Members of the public who have NOT been vaccinated against COVID-19 are still required to wear face masks when entering City buildings.
  • Santa Ana City Council meetings allow both in-person and virtual participation.
  • Swimming pools have already reopened and some recreation programs have started; more recreation programming will return this summer.
  • The Santa Ana Zoo has been open and will now operate at full capacity.
  • The Newhope Branch Library has been open and will now operate at full capacity.
  • The Main Library will reopen this summer after construction work is finished.
  • Senior centers will reopen at full capacity this summer.
  • Community centers will begin reopening in the coming months.

While we are excited to see our economy reopen and our local businesses and residents thrive again, the COVID-19 pandemic is still not over. To allow the economy to remain open, to avoid another COVID-19 surge, and to protect public health, the City of Santa Ana encourages everyone age 12 or older to get vaccinated and follow COVID-19 public health guidance issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), and the County of Orange Health Care Agency.

Learn more about how to get the COVID-19 vaccine and find other pandemic news and resources at www.santa-ana.org/covid19.

See the City Manager’s executive order ending the local mask requirement here.

Translations:

Español

Tiếng Việt

State of California guidance on face coverings: https://bit.ly/3xkZFff

CDC guidance for vaccinated individuals: https://bit.ly/3gp8cYW

City of Santa Ana COVID-19 Resources

The City of Santa Ana is hiring!

Posted on by Posted in Jobs, Parks and Recreation, Santa Ana 1 Comment

Are you or someone you know looking for a part-time job? The City of Santa Ana is hiring for the summer! The parks and Recreation Agency is gearing up to reopen its recreation and senior centers.

The agency is now hiring people interested in public service and with experience in the recreation field working with people of all ages and backgrounds. Depending on interest and work history, anyone over the age of 18 is encouraged to apply for the various open positions.

Current Santa Ana job openings include:

  • ACCOUNT CLERK II (PART-TIME) – Part-time – $21.57 – $26.21 Hourly
  • Community Center Aide (Part-Time) – Part-time – $20.19 – $24.54 Hourly
  • Community Development Analyst – Full-time – $72,252.00 – $96,828.00 Annually
  • CORRECTIONAL OFFICER – Full-time – $68,808.00 – $83,652.00 Annually
  • Customer Service Clerk (Part-Time) – Bilingual Spanish – Part-time – $20.25 – $24.62 Hourly
  • Employee Relations Manager – Full-time – $114,372.00 – $169,764.00 Annually
  • Fingerprint Examiner (Part-Time) – Part-time – $62,150.40 – $75,545.60 Annually
  • Maintenance Attendant (Part-Time) – Part-time – $15.00 – $17.94 Hourly
  • Park Maintenance Assistant (City Yard) – Part-time – $16.41 – $19.98 Hourly
  • Program Coordinator (Part-Time) – Part-time – $18.31 – $22.26 Hourly

Click here to look at the jobs and to apply.

The Santa Ana Poem of the Week is “State of Mind” by Trevor Magaña

Posted on by Posted in Arts and Culture, Literature, Poetry, Santa Ana Leave a comment

The Santa Ana Literary Association will be presenting a new poem by a local poet every week this year. This week’s poem is “State of Mind” by Trevor Magaña.

State of Mind

By: Trevor Magaña

The crystallization of

the Mind is nearly complete.

All reaches of experience possible,

uploaded and preserved.

For the future—

a shiny token of what was felt,

was achieved,

forgotten by many or all.

It felt so important, to us.

It will be as it was,

suspended in its completion.

Our history and memories

expanding surely,

stable and fragile,

and all we could hope for.

Trevor Magaña is a multidisciplinary artist from Costa Mesa/Santa Ana. He is primarily a musician, music producer, and songwriter. However, he has filled numerous notebooks over the years with poems, musings, and shorthand work. He has a love for writing and, when opportunity permits, will continue to engage with the literary world. He recently released a new album, which you find here: https://pacificplaza.bandcamp.com/album/earth-boy-advance.

Metrolink rail maintenance work starting tonight in Santa Ana

Posted on by Posted in Metrolink, Public Works, Santa Ana, Traffic Leave a comment

Starting tonight, Monday, June 14 through Saturday, June 19, 2021, Metrolink will be inspecting and maintaining the railroad track system in Santa Ana between 8 p.m. and 4:30 a.m.

If needed, crews will repair equipment. Even within Quiet Zones, this work could lead to:

• Possible Train Horns
• Noise
• Light from maintenance vehicles or activities

No delays at the railroad crossings or for passenger train service are anticipated.

Questions and concerns may be directed to Metrolink’s Community Relations hotline at (213) 452-0433 or to communityrelations@scrra.net.

El trabajo de mantenimiento de los rieles de Metrolink comienza esta noche

Spanish/español: https://bit.ly/3gwIl0j

Vietnamese/Tiếng Việt: https://bit.ly/3pSitjy

Most Santa Ana residents are totally ignoring the City of Santa Ana’s YouTube Channel

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

The City of Santa Ana has 332,318 residents, per the U.S. Census. It seems that 99.9% of them are ignoring the City of Santa Ana’s official YouTube Channel.

The Santa Ana YouTube page only has 1,640 subscribers to begin with. The City of Santa Ana’s Facebook page has 23,559 followers. The New Santa Ana’s Facebook page has over 34,000 followers, by comparison.

Here are a few examples of recent videos posted by the City of Santa Ana and their sad viewership:

We don’t know how much money the City of Santa Ana is spending on producing these videos but the net result is abysmal.

It is however fairly obvious that Environmental Justice is not of interest to most Santa Ana residents…