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Category Archives: Fountain Valley

2022 OC Tet Festival set for Feb. 4-6 at Mile Square Park

Posted on by Posted in Andrew Do, Arts and Culture, Entertainment, Family, Fountain Valley, Orange County, Parks and Recreation, Vietnamese, Youth Activities Leave a comment

Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do is hosting the annual Orange County Tet Festival at Mile Square Park, located at 16801 Euclid Street, in Fountain Valley, from February 4 – 6, to celebrate the 2022 Lunar New Year.

Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is the most important celebration in the Vietnamese community. It is a time for families to gather and express their respect and remembrance for their ancestors. It’s also a time of renewal and rejuvenation to signify new beginnings.

“The OC Tet Festival is a wonderful event that celebrates new beginnings, good fortune, and prosperity,” said Supervisor Andrew Do. “Families can stop by Mile Square Park the first weekend in February to enjoy traditional Vietnamese food, music, and performances as they ring in the New Lunar Year.”

Each Lunar New Year is associated with one of twelve Zodiac animals, which are commonly associated with certain personality traits. 2022 is the Year of the Tiger. The tiger is associated with resilience, courage, and optimism.

At the OC Tet Festival, visitors will have an opportunity to experience the Vietnamese Cultural Center, where they will be transported to some of the most iconic landscapes from different regions of Vietnam and enjoy the flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. Visitors will also enjoy live entertainment, carnival rides, and more!

Features:

  • Live Entertainment
  • Firecracker Ceremony
  • Cultural Performances
  • Carnival Rides
  • Food Vendors
  • Lion Dances

Dates and Times:

  • Friday, February 4 | 5 pm – 10 pm
  • Saturday, February 5 | 10 am – 10 pm
  • Sunday, February 6 | 10 am – 9 pm

For more information, call 714-834-3110, or email First.District@ocgov.com.

A Santa Ana man on a bike was killed by a hit and run driver in Fountain Valley

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On January 15, 2022, at approximately 0539 a.m., the Fountain Valley Police Department responded to the intersection of Euclid Street and Heil Avenue regarding a bicyclist down in the roadway.

Officers arrived and discovered an injured male bicyclist in the southbound lanes of Euclid Street just north of Heil Avenue. The male had traumatic injuries and was pronounced deceased by paramedics. The involved vehicle fled the scene.

The male bicyclist was identified as 71-year old Liem Bui of Santa Ana. The victim’s family has been notified.

FVPD Traffic Investigators responded to scene and through investigation identified the suspect vehicle. The vehicle was located occupied in the City of Westminster.

FVPD Traffic Investigators contacted the suspect, identified as 32-year old Amanda Martin of Fountain Valley, in the driver’s seat. Based on evidence found at the scene, Martin was arrested for felony DUI, felony hit and run, and vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.

Witnesses are encouraged to call the FVPD Traffic Bureau at 714-593-4481. DR 22-01392

Two men arrested for alleged armed robbery in Fountain Valley

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Two men, Salagi Iakopo, 21, and Tehuiarii Matautia, 20, of Carson, were arrested by Fountain Valley police officers on suspicion of robbing a victim at gunpoint and stealing several high-end wristwatches.

The crime occurred last Wednesday at the 18000 block of Brookhurst at about 3:30 p.m. That location is a shopping center that includes a Dunkin’ Donuts.

The suspects were arrested later that day in Long Beach on charges of robbery and grand theft.

Bail was set at $1 million for each suspect according to the Fountain Valley Police.

Iakopo pleaded not guilty to second-degree robbery and has denied being armed with any type of gun. He is being held at Theo Lacy Facility with a pretrial mandatory settlement conference scheduled for Jan. 10 at the West Justice Center.

Matautia was released from custody on Monday.

The Fountain Valley Police will target suspected drunk or high drivers during the holiday season

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Fountain Valley, Calif. – This holiday season, the Fountain Valley Police Department reminds the public to celebrate the holiday season responsibly by not driving under the influence.

The Fountain Valley Police Department is committed to keeping our community safe and encourages everyone to stay in for the night or use a designated sober driver if you have consumed alcohol, marijuana, prescription, or over-the-counter drugs that may impair your ability to drive.

From December 15 through New Year’s Day, the Fountain Valley Police Department will have additional officers on patrol looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. The extra enforcement effort is part of a national campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, with the goal of stopping suspected impaired drivers who put others on the road at risk.

“When it comes to consuming drugs and/or alcohol and driving, there is a right and wrong choice,” Sergeant Brian Mosher said. “Make the right choice by not driving impaired so everyone is able to enjoy the holidays.”
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Four illegal marijuana grow operations busted by the Fountain Valley police

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Between July 2021 and October 2021, Detectives from the Fountain Valley Police Crime Suppression Unit received information regarding four possible residential marijuana cultivation operations within the city of Fountain Valley.

Investigations revealed each of these residences had been converted into indoor marijuana cultivations. Additionally, each residence had an electrical bypass in place allowing a large quantity of electrical services to be stolen.

A search warrant was served at each location. A total of 1,593 marijuana plants were seized.

An estimated total of $134,000 in electrical services was stolen from Southern California Edison.

Three subjects were arrested for cultivating marijuana, altering utilities and felony theft of utilities.

Newport beach man busted for selling drugs in Fountain Valley

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As part of an ongoing investigation, the Fountain Valley Police Department Crime Suppression Unit (CSU) developed information regarding an individual who was involved in large scale narcotics trafficking. CSU obtained a search warrant for this individual, his vehicle and his residence.

On September 30th, 2021, Joseph Carmine Morinello, a 37-year-old resident of Newport Beach, was detained in Fountain Valley. The service of the search warrant revealed that Morinello was in possession of 861 Adderall pills, 355 Xanax pills and over $25,000.00 in US currency.

Morinello was arrested for possession of narcotics for the purposes of sales and booked into Orange County Jail.
Detectives later obtained an additional search warrant for a storage unit in the City of Anaheim. Inside the storage unit, an additional 19,072 Adderall pills were located.

The street value of these pills is estimated at over $300,000.00.

Bank robber arrested after trying to rob the same bank in Fountain Valley a second time

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On October 4, 2021, at approximately 3:00 p.m., Fountain Valley police officers responded to the Chase Bank located in the 17000 block of Newhope Street regarding a robbery.

During this robbery, the suspect presented a note to the teller demanding cash. The suspect fled the location prior to Officers’ arrival with a large amount of cash.

Through the ensuing police investigation, the suspect was identified as 33-year-old Samuel Brown from San Diego.

On October 5, 2021, at approximately 11:12 a.m., FVPD Dispatch received a call of another robbery in progress at the same Chase bank. Incredibly it was Brown again – he returned to rob the same bank again.

FVPD Officers and Detectives arrived on scene and detained Brown without incident.

Brown has prior convictions for robbery in San Diego. He was arrested for multiple counts of PC 211 – Robbery and an outstanding arrest warrant.

He was booked into Orange County Jail where he is currently being held on a $170,000 bail.

Nearly 7,500 families attended the Annual Moon Festival at Mile Square Park

Posted on by Posted in Andrew Do, Fountain Valley, Santa Ana, Vietnamese Leave a comment

In a tradition dating back thousands of years, Orange County celebrated the Annual Moon Festival at Mile Square Park last Sunday, September 19, with live entertainment and arts for children and families.

“Traditionally, the Mid-Autumn Festival is a time to celebrate with family and for thanksgiving,” said Supervisor Andrew Do. “It was heartfelt to see families gathering in an outdoor setting once again.”

The Moon Festival, also known as Mid-Autumn Festival or Tết Trung Thu in Vietnamese, was sponsored by Orange County Chairman Andrew Do, who represents Little Saigon, the largest population of Vietnamese outside of Vietnam.

The event featured face painting by Beauty Glam Academy, balloon animals by Happiness is a Balloon, food by the Hawaiian Dancing Grill BBQ and Kettle Corn King, live entertainment by various singers and groups, and a parade of colorful lanterns for children in attendance. The free event was hosted in collaboration with CalOptima and OC Parks.

“Traditions give us a sense of identity and belonging,” said Supervisor Do, whose family fled Vietnam during the Fall of Saigon.

“As a young refugee, I remember the first time I attended a Vietnamese Tet Festival in the U.S. with my family,” Supervisor Do added. “That brought me comfort and security, at a time of profound change. As Supervisor for the most diverse district in Orange County, I celebrate all cultures and traditions in our diverse district.”

Over 5,000 attended the first Classic Car Show and Concert at Mile Square Park

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Last Saturday, September 18th, Orange County celebrated the end of summer at Mile Square Park with the first-ever Sunset Classic Car Show and Concert.

“The Sunset Classic Car Show and Concert was a wonderful way for the community to come together once again in an outdoor space and enjoy an evening of live music and good food,” said Chairman Andrew Do.

Organized by Supervisor Andrew Do, Chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors, the free event featured a variety of food vendors and a display of classic cars. Attendees had a chance to vote for their favorite classic car, lowrider, and MOPAR vehicle. All participant vehicle owners received a medal for participation.

The event also had live musical performances by:

  • Southbound and Company – a Lynyrd Skynyrd & Frynds tribute band

  • Son Doux – a Latin/Cumbia/Rock Band in English & Spanish

  • No Duh – a No Doubt tribute band

  • DJ Allura Music

    • This event was hosted in collaboration with OC Parks.

    A Santa Ana man was killed by a hit and run driver in Fountain Valley

    Posted on by Posted in Crime, Fountain Valley, Public Safety, Santa Ana Leave a comment

    On September 11, 2021, at approximately 6:21 a.m., the Fountain Valley Police Department responded to the intersection of Edinger Avenue and Ward Street regarding a traffic collision involving a dark colored vehicle and a pedestrian.

    Officers arrived and discovered an injured male pedestrian suffering from traumatic injuries in the westbound lanes of Edinger Avenue.

    The involved vehicle fled the scene.

    Paramedics responded to the scene and the pedestrian was transported to a local hospital. The pedestrian succumbed to his injuries two days later and was pronounced deceased.

    The male pedestrian was identified as 34 year old Long Ta of Santa Ana. The victim’s family has been notified.

    The investigation revealed the suspect vehicle was traveling westbound on Edinger Avenue towards Ward Street. Witnesses said the pedestrian was walking northbound across Edinger Avenue while in the crosswalk with a green walk signal. The suspect vehicle ran the red traffic signal and struck the pedestrian in the roadway. The vehicle did not stop and was last seen westbound on Edinger Avenue.

    In the days following the collision, Traffic Investigators have reviewed surveillance footage and identified a vehicle of interest in the collision. The vehicle is possibly a, dark colored 1991-1995 Chrysler or Dodge minivan, which may have sustained left front end damage.

    Photos of the actual vehicle of interest, captured via surveillance footage are seen above.

    Ta was an engineer. He was jogging when he was struck and killed.

    FVPD Investigators are requesting anyone with information which will lead to the identification of the vehicle and driver to contact the FVPD Traffic Bureau at 714-593-4481. Incident #21-29620.

    OC Annual Moon Festival at Mile Square Park set for Sep. 19

    Posted on by Posted in Andrew Do, Entertainment, Fountain Valley, Youth Activities Leave a comment

    In a tradition dating back thousands of years, Orange County will celebrate the Moon Festival on Sunday, September 19, with live entertainment, moon cakes, and lanterns for children and families in an outdoor setting at Mile Square Park!

    “This year’s celebration is especially important for the reunion of friends and family – especially for those who are able to be together,” says Supervisor Andrew Do, Chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors. “The Moon Festival allows the community to come together in an outdoor space and remember what they are thankful for.”

    The festival will feature food vendors, face painting, balloon animals, live band entertainment, and a parade of colorful lanterns for children.

    The free event is hosted in collaboration with CalOptima and OC Parks.

    The OC Health Care Agency strongly recommends that children who are not vaccinated and the elderly who are at high risk wear a face mask. Face masks and hand sanitizer stations will be available at the event.

    WHAT:

    OC Annual Moon Festival
    Food Vendors
    Face Painting
    Balloon Animals
    Live Musical Performances
    Colorful Lantern Parade for Children

    WHEN:
    Sunday, September 19, 2021
    6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

    WHERE:
    Freedom Hall Lawn at Mile Square Park
    16801 Euclid Street, Fountain Valley, CA 92708

    WHO:
    FREE Admission

    CONTACT:
    For more information, please call 714-834-3110 or email First.District@ocgov.com.

    EVENTBRITE LINK HERE.

    A woman died after being shot while driving in Fountain Valley

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

    On July 19, 2021, at 6:11 p.m., Fountain Valley Police Officers responded to the residential area of Tradewinds Street and Slater Avenue in the City of Fountain Valley regarding a traffic collision.

    Upon arrival, several citizens and the Fountain Valley Fire Department were attempting to render medical aid to the unresponsive driver, a 26-year-old female resident of Long Beach.

    The driver was pronounced deceased at the scene, and a gunshot wound was discovered.

    Investigators believe the involved parties of the shooting were associated with one another, and there is no public threat.

    The Fountain Valley Police Department is actively investigating the homicide. The victim’s name will not be released until next of kin is notified.

    For investigative leads, contact Detective Roddy at (714) 593-4465 or Detective Holmes at (714) 593-4480. (DR #21-22826)

    Sunset Classic Car Show and Concert set for Sep. 18 at Mile Square Park

    Posted on by Posted in Cars, Entertainment, Fountain Valley, Music Leave a comment

    Bring your lawn chairs and your family to celebrate the end of summer at the first-ever Sunset Classic Car Show and Concert at Mile Square Park, on Saturday, September 18. The car show will run from 4 pm. to 9 p.m. and the concert from 4:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

    “The Sunset Classic Car Show and Concert is a wonderful way for the community to enjoy the end of summer in an outdoor space,” says Supervisor Andrew Do, Chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors.

    The Classic Car car show will run from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The cars will be on display in Lot E, in front of Freedom Hall on the Euclid and Edinger side of the park. Register your Classic Car by calling 714-834-3110. Complimentary professional photos for the car owners will be available for download after the event.

    The family-friendly event will feature a display of classic cars, trophies for classic cars, a variety of food vendors, and musical performances.

    Musical performances include:

    The OC Health Care Agency strongly recommends that children who are not vaccinated and the elderly who are at high risk wear a face mask. Face masks and hand sanitizer stations will be available at the event.

    A man in a wheelchair died after being struck by two vehicles early on Saturday morning in Fountain Valley

    Posted on by Posted in Accidents, Fountain Valley, Public Safety Leave a comment

    An unidentified man who was trying to cross Euclid Street westbound along Warner Avenue in a wheelchair died after being struck by a minivan and an SUV in Fountain Valley early Saturday morning, July 10, according to the Fountain Valley Police.

    The incident happened just past 2:30 a.m. The responding police officers found the victim in the roadway and he was pronounced dead at the scene. The police indicated the man was in his 50’s but did not release his name.

    The minivan that hit the victim was traveling northbound on Euclid as was the ensuing SUV.

    The drivers of both vehicles stopped and cooperated with the police investigators. The police determined that the drivers they were not driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

    The police are still not sure if the pedestrian was in a crosswalk when he was struck, or if he was crossing on a red or green light, when the vehicles hit him.

    Parking will be restricted around Mile Square Park on July 4

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    Preferential Permit Parking will be in effect for this Sunday, July 4th in the neighborhoods along Mile Square Park on the Edinger, Euclid, and Warner side of the park. There will also be Preferential Permit Parking on Berg River, Mt Gustin, and Loya River.

    July 4th has traditionally seen an increase of people at Mile Square Park and Centennial Park which then impacts parking in surrounding neighborhoods.

    Please visit https://www.ocparks.com/parks/mile for further information regarding Mile Square Park.

    Parking passes have already been distributed earlier in the year and will be valid for the rest of 2021. Additional parking passes will be available for residents and their guests at the front counter of the department. Proof of residency will be required.

    Passes are to be clearly displayed in the lower left front window of vehicles. Residents do not need permits for cars that they park in their own driveways and garages. They will only need permits for cars they park on the street. Violators will be cited per FVMC 10.44.079 – permit parking only.