New Santa Ana | Category Archives: Churches and Religion

O.C. church shooter’s charges now include hate crime enhancements

Posted on June 17, 2022 by Editor Posted in Asians, Churches and Religion, Crime, OCDA, Orange County Leave a comment

SANTA ANA, Calif. – A 68-year-old Las Vegas man accused of carrying out a mass shooting during a Taiwanese Presbyterian church celebration last month, killing a 52-year-old doctor and wounding five others, has now been charged with hate crime enhancements in the attack. Parishioners fought back against the shooter, eventually hogtying him and holding him until Sheriff’s deputies arrived.

David Wenwei Chou, 68, of Las Vegas, has been charged with one felony count of murder, five felony counts of premeditated attempted murder, four felony counts of possession of an explosive device, and felony enhancements of lying in wait and personal discharge of a firearm causing death.

Prosecutors filed an amended complaint this week to add a special circumstance that Chou intentionally killed his victim because of his race, color, religion, nationality, or country of origin, and five enhancements of a hate crime for each of the five counts of attempted murder.

Chou faces a maximum sentence of death if convicted on all charges.

“After a review of additional evidence in this case, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office has filed an amended criminal complaint to include hate crime allegations,” said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer.

On Sunday, May 15, 2022 Chou is accused of entering Geneva Presbyterian Church in Laguna Woods with two 9 mm handguns, several backpacks including extra magazines and four Molotov cocktail-type devices. He is accused of hiding the backpacks in a church banquet hall, securing several of the banquet hall doors shut, and then mingling with parishioners who were there for a luncheon celebrating one of the church’s pastors.

Chou is accused of shooting several of the parishioners, including 52-year-old Dr. John Cheng who was there with his mother. According to witnesses, Dr. Cheng fought back against the shooter, but was fatally shot. When the shooter’s gun jammed several other parishioners attacked the shooter, hitting him with a chair and hogtying him with an electrical cord until Sheriff’s deputies arrived.

Five of the parishioners were wounded in the attack, ranging in age from 66 to 92 years old. All of the wounded were transported to Orange County trauma centers and they are all expected to survive.

Chou is scheduled to be arraigned at the Central Justice Center in C55 on August 19, 2022. Chou will be held on no bail as a result of the special circumstance murder charge.

Senior Deputy District Attorneys Jennifer Walker and Seton Hunt of the Homicide Unit are prosecuting this case.

Las Vegas man facing multiple felony charges for O.C. church shooting

Posted on May 18, 2022 by Editor Posted in Churches and Religion, Crime, OCDA, Orange County Leave a comment

SANTA ANA, Calif. – A 68-year-old Las Vegas man has been charged with special circumstances murder and lying in wait for shooting a man to death and wounding five others inside a Laguna Woods church Sunday afternoon. Parishioners, including a 52-year-old doctor who was killed in the shooting, fought back against the shooter and hogtied him, holding him until Sheriff’s deputies arrived.

Chou faces a maximum sentence of death if convicted on all charges.

On Sunday, May 15, 2022 Chou is accused of entering Geneva Presbyterian Church in Laguna Woods with two 9 mm handguns, several backpacks including extra magazines and four Molotov-type cocktails. He is accused of hiding the backpacks in a church banquet hall, securing several of the banquet hall doors shut, and then mingling with parishioners who were there for a luncheon celebrating one of the church’s pastors.

Five of the parishioners were wounded in the attack, ranging in age from 66 to 92 years old. All of the wounded were transported to Orange County trauma centers and they are all expected to survive.

“This monster crafted a diabolical plan to lock the church doors with his victims inside in order to lead what he thought were innocent lambs to slaughter,” said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. “But what he didn’t realize was the parishioners at the church that day weren’t lambs – they were lions and they fought back against the evil that tried to infiltrate their house of worship. Good will always win over evil and hate will not be tolerated anywhere in Orange County. Dr. John Cheng is the embodiment of everything good and he laid down his life to protect dozens of others, including his own mother. That act of pure selflessness and heroism will not be forgotten.”

The Orange County District Attorney’s Office is working in conjunction with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in connection with a federal hate crimes investigation. The criminal complaint can be amended to add additional charges.

Chou is scheduled to be arraigned in C55 today. Chou will be held on no bail because of the special circumstance murder charge.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Jennifer Walker of the Homicide Unit is prosecuting this case.

Suspect in O.C. church shooting identified, additional details of investigation released

Posted on May 16, 2022 by Editor Posted in Churches and Religion, Crime, Guns, OC Sheriff, Orange County Leave a comment

SANTA ANA Ca, (May 16, 2022): OC Sheriff investigators today released additional details about the 68-year-old man arrested on suspicion of entering a Laguna Woods church and shooting multiple victims during a lunch banquet, including evidence that points to a methodical plan devised by the suspect to carry out his crimes.

On Sunday, May 15, 2022, investigators arrested David Chou, 68, of Las Vegas, on suspicion of murder and attempted murder after he entered Geneva Presbyterian Church in the 24000 block of El Toro Road and fired multiple rounds, striking six victims. At the time of the shooting, members of the Irvine Taiwanese Presbyterian Church, which has had a space at the church since 2009, were having a lunch banquet

to welcome a pastor who had recently returned from Taiwan.

Five victims sustained gunshot wounds and were taken to local hospitals for treatment. The sixth victim, identified as Dr. John Cheng, 52, of Laguna Niguel, sustained multiple gunshot wounds when he intervened and tackled the suspect, allowing other church members to detain the suspect. The victims also were able to tie his legs with extension cords and confiscate two handguns from the suspect. Dr. Cheng, who was attending the lunch banquet with his mother, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

“Dr. Cheng was a loving family man, dedicated doctor and a beloved member of our community, and we send our deepest condolences to all who knew

him,” said Don Barnes, Orange County Sheriff-Coroner. “There is no doubt that Dr. Cheng’s actions that day saved the lives of many other church members. He is a hero and will be remembered by this community as such.”

Deputies arrived at the scene, arrested the suspect and provided lifesaving measures until paramedics with the Orange County Fire Authority arrived to provide advanced critical care.

Investigators believe the suspect may have traveled to the Southern California area on Saturday, May 14, 2022, and came to the church Sunday morning. During the lunch, the suspect is believed to have secured the doors to the building with chains and placed superglue into the keyholes. He then started shooting inside

the building.

Investigators located three bags strategically placed in the building containing various items, including additional ammunition and four Molotov cocktail-type devices. The incendiary devices were collected by the OC Sheriff Hazardous Devices Section and will be analyzed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

OC Sheriff investigators worked with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department to serve a search warrant on the suspect’s residence. Investigators currently are processing multiple items of evidence, including electronic devices. In addition, evidence was collected from the suspect’s

vehicle, which was located in the church parking lot.

Based on preliminary findings of the investigation, evidence collected, and statements from the suspect, investigators were able to connect the suspect to the shooting. It also was determined the suspect was upset about political tensions involving China and Taiwan.

“It appears this tragic incident was fueled by politically motivated hate, and that is something we do not tolerate,” Barnes said. “Orange County is a community that celebrates diversity and takes pride in being a place people feel safe to worship, work and live. While someone from outside our community has attempted to diminish these ideals through an act of violence,

we remain united in our commitment to tolerance and acceptance.”

Additional evidence is still being processed and the investigation is ongoing. The Sheriff’s Department continues to work with the Orange County Fire Authority, ATF, and the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) on this incident.

The Santa Ana Elks Lodge is hosting a Job Fair on May 12

Posted on May 9, 2022 by Editor Posted in Churches and Religion, Jobs, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Saddleback Church is hosting a job fair on May 12, 2022, from 10 AM to 2 PM, at the Santa Ana Elks Lodge, located at 1751 S Lyon St, Santa Ana, CA 92705.

Over 80 employers will be participating in this free Job Fair.

Each participating company will be available to review resumes and schedule interviews throughout the fair.

Network with professionals
Meet companies who are hiring
Apply to open positions
Land a job

DRESS TO IMPRESS AND BRING MULTIPLE COPIES OF YOUR RESUME TO DISTRIBUTE.

Prepare for the JOB FAIR by registering for free online workshops:

Resume Writing
Personal Branding
Interview Preparation
LinkedIn, and more

For more information email careercoaching@saddleback.com

Easter sunrise service set for April 17 at Fairhaven Memorial Park

Posted on April 4, 2022 by Editor Posted in Churches and Religion, Santa Ana, Youth Activities Leave a comment

Santa Ana, CA — Fairhaven Memorial Park & Mortuary in association with CBMC (Christian Business
Men’s Connection) of Orange County will host its 28th annual Easter Sunrise Service at 6am on Sunday,
April 17th in front of the Historic Mausoleum in Fairhaven Memorial Park.

Pastor Adam Altermatt will be sharing the Message of Easter and Pastor Drew Smithson will be
giving the Invocation and Benediction, both are from Orange County Assembly of God Church in Santa
Ana.

Set against the backdrop of the Historic Mausoleum within Fairhaven’s beautiful park-like setting, our
sunrise service will be presented live accompanied by music from RAISE Gospel Choir, under the
direction of Chris Wade and comprised of talented musicians from all over Southern California.
Gates will open at 5:30 am, transportation is available from parking area to service venue. The Service is
from 6:00 to 7:00 am. Refreshments will be served and there will be a white dove release and special visit
from the Easter Bunny, who will have treats for the kids.

All are welcome to attend – Come join us on this glorious morning to Celebrate Easter!

About Fairhaven Memorial Park

Founded in 1911, Fairhaven Memorial Park is Orange County’s most beautiful full service mortuary,
crematory, cemetery and flower shop. Fairhaven offers a wide range of pre-need and at-need services
provided with care and compassion. Fairhaven is dedicated to celebrating the individual, providing
services that are as unique and wide-ranging as the people they celebrate.

Santa Ana man charged with hate crime for vandalizing a mosque in Westminster

Posted on April 4, 2022 by Editor Posted in Churches and Religion, Hate, OCDA, Santa Ana, Westminster 1 Comment

SANTA ANA, Calif. – A 40-year-old man has been charged with a hate crime and felony vandalism of a place of worship for using a gallon-sized paint can and paint to vandalize a mosque in Westminster.

Ernesto Martinez, 40, of Santa Ana, has been charged with one felony count of vandalism of $400 or more, one felony count of vandalism of a place of worship with the purpose of intimidation, one felony hate crime enhancement, and one misdemeanor count of violation of civil rights – property damage.

He faces a maximum sentence of six years in prison if convicted on all counts.

On March 30, 2022, an employee at the Al Noor Foundation Mosque in the 14500 block of Goldenwest Street in Westminster saw a man, later identified as Martinez, try to break one of the mosque’s windows. Martinez is also accused of hitting the mosque’s front door with a gallon-sized paint can and then throwing paint onto one of the windows.

A Westminster police officer stopped Martinez as he walked near the mosque. Martinez had paint on his clothes and hand and told the officer that the mosque’s God had disrespected his God.

Martinez is currently being held without bail at the Theo Lacy Facility in Orange.

“Houses of worship are sacred places that should be safe havens from hate and violence,” said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. “Today, Muslims across the world begin celebrating Ramadan, a month of fasting, prayer, and reflection. Those celebrations must be able to go on uninterrupted and without the fear of someone trying to deface a house of worship. No one has the right to take that serenity from another person and the Orange County District Attorney’s Office will do everything we can to hold haters accountable and protect the rights of everyone to worship in peace.”

Deputy District Attorney William Ha of the Hate Crimes Unit is prosecuting this case.

O.C. church volunteer arrested for sexual assault of a minor

Posted on March 9, 2022 by Editor Posted in Churches and Religion, Cochino Alert, Crime, Garden Grove, OC Sheriff, Westminster 1 Comment

SANTA ANA, Ca. (March 9, 2022): On Wednesday, March 2, members of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Special Victims Detail arrested Terry Lyn Myers, 65, of Garden Grove, for felony aggravated sexual assault.

He is currently in custody at the Orange County Jail. Myers is booked on charges related to a suspected sexual assault of a minor that occurred in the 1990s.

Myers has been a volunteer at multiple churches in Orange County. He was a volunteer at Grace Community Church, formerly known as Nutwood Church, in Garden Grove from 1995-2013. Since 2013, Myers has been volunteering at MidCities Baptist Church in Westminster.

Due to the suspect’s role at these churches and his access to children, investigators believe there may be additional victims.

Anyone with information regarding possible additional victims or with information they believe may assist in this investigation is asked to contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Department at (714) 647-7419, or submit an anonymous tip to OC Crime Stoppers at 855-TIP-OCCS (855-847-6227) or at occrimestoppers.org.

Mater Dei hires a new Principal who once worked at Servite

Posted on January 7, 2022 by Editor Posted in Churches and Religion, Education, Santa Ana Leave a comment

SANTA ANA, Calif. (January 7, 2022) — The Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange and Department of Orange County Catholic Schools are pleased to announce the appointment of Michael P. Brennan, an experienced Catholic school educator and administrator, as the next president of Mater Dei High School.

Brennan is currently serving as president of St. Anthony High School in Long Beach, a position he began in 2021. Prior to that, he served Orange County’s Catholic community for 15 years as principal of Servite High School in Anaheim, a campus that’s owned and operated by the Order of Friar Servants of Mary. Brennan most recently led the Trinity League as president and was the chairperson for CIF Southern Section Orange County League Placement.

Brennan begins at Mater Dei on February 1. Throughout the transitional period, Diocese and OC Catholic Schools leadership are continuing to support the Mater Dei campus administration, ensuring the continuity of school operations.

Brennan succeeds Fr. Walter Jenkins, who is returning to South Bend, Indiana, to take on a new assignment with his religious order, the Congregation of Holy Cross.

“I am excited to return to Orange County and thrilled at the opportunity and promise of leading Mater Dei, one of our nation’s preeminent Catholic schools,” Brennan said. “Catholic education has always been pivotal in providing society with devout, ethical leaders and citizens of tomorrow. This classical form of education is necessary to maintain a culture of goodness not only locally, but also across our nation and world.”

Brennan continued by stating, “I am dedicated to ensuring that the campus has a safe, productive and educational environment based upon Mater Dei’s core values of Honor, Glory and Love. I look forward to serving and collegially working with this Catholic community.”

“We are very pleased that Mike has returned to us here in Orange County, where we know he will continue the legacy of excellence at Mater Dei, just as he did at Servite,” added Dr. Erin Barisano, superintendent of OC Catholic Schools.

The independent review of Mater Dei’s athletic program and overall safety protocols — announced at the end of last November — will continue under Brennan’s leadership.

Brennan is an alumnus of Chapman University in Orange, Calif., where he earned bachelor’s degrees in sports medicine and movement and exercise science. He also has a master’s degree in sports medicine from Chapman, as well as teaching and administrative credentials.

In the Orange County, Calif., area, his educational and administrative experience include serving as a member of Anaheim High School’s faculty, an assistant principal at Western High School and principal of South Junior High School — all campuses within the Anaheim Union High School District. He also served on the city of Anaheim’s Parks and Recreation Commission from 2006 to 2014.

The SAPD is searching for a robber who stole over $100K from a Buddhist Temple

Posted on December 8, 2021 by Editor Posted in Churches and Religion, Crime, Santa Ana, SAPD Leave a comment

On 11/26/2021 at approximately 3:50PM, the wanted suspect entered the head monk’s living quarters and stole a black safe containing approximately $100,000.00 and additional cash in the room.

Location: 4717 W. 1^st Street – Chua Bat Nha Buddhist Temple

Suspect Description: Male, 20-30 years old, medium build, wearing a black baseball cap with a marijuana leaf, black t-shirt with a “Diesel” logo, black shorts with white letters “ICON” and black “Nike” brand shoes.

Anyone with information on the identity or whereabouts of the wanted suspect is asked to please contact Detective Guidry at (714) 245-8530 or JGuidry@santa-ana.org.

Former O.C. pastor gets 14 years in prison for conning investors out of $33M

Posted on October 1, 2021 by Editor Posted in Churches and Religion, Crime, Federal Government, Fraud, Justice, Westminster Leave a comment

The former pastor of the Westminster-based Church of the Healthy Self was sentenced to 168 months in federal prison for orchestrating a church-based investment scam that took in more than $33 million.

Kent R.E. Whitney, 39, formerly of Newport Beach but who currently resides in Northern California, was sentenced by United States District Judge Josephine L. Staton, who also ordered him to pay $22,662,668 in restitution. Whitney pleaded guilty in November 2020 to a two-count information charging him with mail fraud and filing a false federal income tax return.

From September 2014 to April 2019, Whitney schemed to defraud investors through the Church of the Healthy Self (CHS), a non-profit corporation, and its related entities, including CHS Asset Management, Inc. Whitney founded these entities, operated them out of a strip mall in Westminster, and claimed to be the pastor of CHS.

At Whitney’s direction, CHS representatives appeared on television and at live seminars at CHS offices to solicit investments in CHS Trust, the church’s investment arm. Recordings of these appearances frequently were uploaded onto YouTube.

In these appearances, at Whitney’s direction, CHS representatives made false or misleading claims, including: CHS Trust guaranteed an annual rate of return of 12 percent; CHS Trust guaranteed a return of principal with no risk because it was federally insured; the worst return received during the previous five years was a 1.5 percent profit for the month of January 2015; traders used by CHS had not lost money in 15 years; and CHS was audited by accounting firm KPMG.

In fact, little investor money went into any trading accounts.

Relying on these false statements, victim-investors sent more than $33 million to CHS from 2014 to 2019. As part of the scheme, Whitney directed that monthly statements be sent to victims that contained false reports of investment returns. Whitney intended to lull victims into believing their money had been invested and was consistent with the false claims made by CHS representatives. Whitney also made approximately $11 million in Ponzi-type payments to investors, taken from money brought in by later victims.

Whitney also knowingly and willfully signed and filed a false federal income tax return that reported that his total income for the tax year 2018 was $17,539. In fact, as Whitney knew, his true income for that year was at least $452,872, of which approximately $435,333 was obtained via Whitney’s CHS fraud. The resulting tax loss was at least $130,808.

Free school supplies and health screenings at the Advance OC Back to School Fest on July 24

Posted on July 19, 2021 by Editor Posted in Charities, Churches and Religion, Education, Health and Medical, Santa Ana Leave a comment

AdvanceOC is proud to host the 2021 Orange County Back to School Fest on July 24, 2021 from 10am – 1pm at four (4) locations: Stanton/Garden Grove, Santa Ana (Salvation Army at 1710 W. Edinger), Santa Ana (St. Peter Lutheran Church at 1510 N. Parton St.), and Fullerton/Anaheim.

This event will be an outdoor school supply drive and resource fair bringing the community together to support the underserved students in Orange County as they return to their classrooms this Fall. It is intended for families living in the following zip codes: 92675, 92673, 90680, 92641, 92644, 92645, 92833, 92832, 92831, 92801, 92802, 92804, 92701, 92703, 92704, 92705, 92706, 92707, 92843, 92683, 92627, and 92647.

Families will enjoy a festive day, and will be connected with community based organizations, including healthcare professionals providing medical screenings, vision testing with free prescription eyeglasses, and dental screenings. For medical screenings, arrive at 10am.

Together we can make a positive impact by providing youth in our local communities the support they need for a successful year!

Santa Ana youth thank teachers with donations of food and school supplies

Posted on April 27, 2021 by Editor Posted in Charities, Churches and Religion, Costa Mesa, Education, Food, Santa Ana Leave a comment

As Southern California transitions into the post pandemic, “new normal,” that means teachers and children will be returning to their classrooms. School staff may be ready for some change, but, as 16 year-old Santa Ana local Cidney Stallworth, has witnessed, many younger aged children are not.

Cidney and her friends at HWPL organized a food and supply donation to the International School of Science and Culture (ISSAC), a public charter school serving students of Orange County, in honor of National Kindergarten Day. ISSAC teaches students of grade levels ranging from Transitional Kindergarten to 8th grade.

Stallworth, a high school senior and aspiring future teacher who helps take care of her younger brother Duke, often struggles just to get the six year old out the front door.

“When he gets to school, I see how much teachers are struggling to get young students readjusted to the in class learning system- it’s become foreign to them” Stallworth said. “But I also see how patient and dedicated these teachers are, and I just felt like I should thank them.”

In light of National Kindergarten Day, recognizing the struggle of teachers as they transition youth back to in class learning, Stallworth, her mother, and other young volunteers from the peace non profit, Heavenly Culture World Peace and Restoration of Light (HWPL) donated food and school supplies to support the process of returning children.

The volunteers fundraised, prepared and donated the meals and supplies to teachers and kindergartners at International School for Science and Culture. HWPL, being an organization built on peaceful education, plans to donate and inspire school staff and students throughout the region with hopes that this will be a kickstart to a safe and fruitful year of learning for the children.

Heavenly Culture, World Peace, and Restoration of Light (HWPL) is a world peace organization working to establish peace in our local and international communities. Through local volunteer work, peace education in schools, and international law, HWPL is focused on encouraging and educating communities on how to maintain peace, tolerance, and kindness amongst all peoples. Currently on the international level, HWPL issued a statement calling for leaders to settle the crisis in Myanmar through consensus based on mutual respect and understanding and engage in dialogue to seek a peaceful resolution.

Free food distributions in Santa Ana this week

Posted on April 8, 2021 by Editor Posted in Charities, Churches and Religion, Food, Santa Ana Leave a comment

If you or someone you know is struggling financially during the pandemic, free food distributions are available in Santa Ana.

Fridays – Latino Health Access: Free food distribution every Friday, 12-4 p.m. at 450 W. 4th St., Santa Ana. Walk-ups 12-1 p.m. and drive-through 1:45-4 p.m.

April 10 – Power of One Foundation: Drive-through food distribution at Calvary Chapel, 3800 S. Fairview St., Santa Ana, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. (noon). The line begins off Fairview Street beginning at 7 a.m. Please stay in your car with the windows rolled up when receiving food. Make sure your vehicle trunk is empty so food can be placed in it. For more information, visit www.powerofonefoundation.org.

April 10 – The Seva Collective: Drive-through food pantry at the Sikh Center of Orange County, 2530 W. Warner Ave., Santa Ana, 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Please stay in your car with the windows rolled up when receiving food. Make sure your vehicle trunk is empty so food can be placed in it. Gift bags with clothes and toys will also be given. For more information on Seva Collective food events, contact info@thesevacollective.org or 714-584-7573.

April 17 – Power of One Foundation: Drive-through food distribution at Calvary Chapel, 3800 S. Fairview St., Santa Ana, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. (noon). The line begins off Fairview Street beginning at 7 a.m. Please stay in your car with the windows rolled up when receiving food. Make sure your vehicle trunk is empty so food can be placed in it. For more information, visit www.powerofonefoundation.org.

Senior Meals: Frozen, to-go meals are available at Santa Ana senior centers. Registration required in advance. https://www.santa-ana.org/parks/senior-services

Other Food Resources: Find more food pantries in Santa Ana and Orange County: http://ocfoodhelp.org/orange-county-free-food-map/

Learn more about food and financial assistance, free COVID-19 testing for Santa Ana residents, and other pandemic resources: www.santa-ana.org/COVID19.

Dispensas de Comida Gratis en Santa Ana

Spanish/español: https://bit.ly/3e7qXQ6

Phân phối thực phẩm miễn phí ở Santa Ana

Vietnamese/Tiếng Việt: https://bit.ly/3v13ndY

Free food distributions coming up in Santa Ana

Posted on March 19, 2021 by Editor Posted in Charities, Churches and Religion, Food, Food & Health, Santa Ana Leave a comment

If you or someone you know is struggling financially during the pandemic, free food distributions are available in Santa Ana.

Fridays – Latino Health Access: Free food distribution every Friday, 12-4 p.m. at 450 W. 4th St., Santa Ana.

March 20 – Power of One Foundation: Drive-through food distribution at Calvary Chapel, 3800 S. Fairview St., Santa Ana, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. (noon). The line begins off Fairview Street beginning at 7 a.m. Please stay in your car with the windows rolled up when receiving food. Make sure your vehicle trunk is empty so food can be placed in it. For more information, visit www.powerofonefoundation.org.

March 20, 27, April 3 – The Seva Collective: Drive-through food pantry at Villa Fundamental School, 1441 E. Chestnut Ave., Santa Ana, 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Please stay in your car with the windows rolled up when receiving food. Make sure your vehicle trunk is empty so food can be placed in it. For more information on Seva Collective food events, contact info@thesevacollective.org or 714-584-7573.

April 10 – The Seva Collective: Drive-through food pantry at the Sikh Center of Orange County, 2530 W. Warner Ave., Santa Ana, 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Please stay in your car with the windows rolled up when receiving food. Make sure your vehicle trunk is empty so food can be placed in it. For more information on Seva Collective food events, contact info@thesevacollective.org or 714-584-7573.

Senior Meals: Frozen, to-go meals are available at Santa Ana senior centers. Registration required in advance. https://www.santa-ana.org/parks/senior-services

Other Food Resources: Find more food pantries in Santa Ana and Orange County: http://ocfoodhelp.org/orange-county-free-food-map/

Learn more about food and financial assistance, free COVID-19 testing for Santa Ana residents, and other pandemic resources: www.santa-ana.org/COVID19.

Dispensas de Comida Gratis en Santa Ana

Spanish/español: https://bit.ly/3e7qXQ6

Phân phối thực phẩm miễn phí ở Santa Ana

Vietnamese/Tiếng Việt: https://bit.ly/3v13ndY

Mobile O.C. COVID-19 clinic opens at Christ Cathedral

Posted on March 11, 2021 by Editor Posted in Churches and Religion, Disease, Garden Grove, Health and Medical, OC Health Care, Orange County Leave a comment

Santa Ana, Calif. – The County of Orange has opened a COVID-19 Mobile Clinic vaccination site at Christ Cathedral in Garden Grove.

Beginning on May 10, 2021, the Christ Cathedral Mobile Clinic will operate on three successive Wednesdays for first-dose Pfizer vaccinations and three consecutive Wednesdays for second-dose vaccinations. Vaccinations are by appointment only and are scheduled from 9 am – 2:30 pm.

“This pandemic has shined a spotlight on the importance of strong community partnerships and working together in service to our community,” said Chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors Andrew Do, who represents the First District. “We appreciate the Diocese of Orange for their ongoing participation on our OC COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force, statement of support of vaccination for parishioners, and offer of this physical space to promote equitable vaccine distribution.”

In partnership with the Catholic health systems and Catholic Charities throughout the Golden State, the Catholic Bishops of California issued a statement urging all Californians to receive a vaccination to prevent the continued spread of the deadly COVID-19 pandemic that has claimed the lives of more than two million people worldwide. It is available in both English and Spanish here: https://www.rcbo.org/diocese-of-orange-bishops-statement-vaccinate-to-protect-health-of-yourself-and-your-community/

“This Mobile Clinic is yet another step the County is taking to vaccinate eligible residents in disadvantaged communities who are highly impacted by COVID-19, said Vice Chairman and Fourth District Supervisor Doug Chaffee. “We know we have communities which have been hit hard by COVID-9, and we will continue to take actions to meet their needs.”

Mobile Clinics serve eligible individuals in communities most affected by COVID-19. The County collaborates with community partners to address vulnerable populations in underserved areas, identifying eligible individuals aged 65 and older who may not have access to technology and scheduling vaccination appointments at Mobile Clinics.

“With more vaccines becoming available, the County’s latest Mobile Clinic will help bring us one step closer to leading normal lives again,” said Third District Supervisor Don Wagner. “The County is working fast to vaccinate those most vulnerable to the virus, but getting everyone their doses remains a function of time and vaccine availability. However, I am confident we are up to the task.”

The Operation Independence Incident Management Team (IMT) was established on December 31, 2020. The IMT is a unified command with representatives from the OC Health Care Agency (HCA), the Orange County Fire Authority and other fire service agencies in Orange County, Orange County’s Sheriff’s Department and other law enforcement agencies, the County of Orange County Executive Office (CEO) and other County agencies.

“Mobile vaccine clinics play a critical role in combatting COVID-19 throughout Orange County,” said Fifth District Supervisor Lisa Bartlett. “While there are several channels for receiving a vaccine, smaller Mobile Clinics, such as this, increase vaccination opportunities for those targeted communities who may have limited ability to go to a Super POD site or other healthcare provider.”

For questions related to COVID-19, visit http://www.ochealthinfo.com/novelcoronavirus, or follow the HCA on Facebook (@ochealthinfo) and Twitter (@ochealth).