New Santa Ana | Category Archives: Orange County

This week’s Cochino List includes Birrieria Nochistlan, California Creationz and Oasis

Posted on July 24, 2021 by Editor Posted in Business, Disease, Food, Food & Health, Health, Health and Medical, Insects, OC Health Care, Orange County, Public Safety, Restaurants, Santa Ana 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 July 15 to July 23. Most of these eateries reopen pretty quickly after the health inspectors determine their issues have been resolved.

Birrieria Nochistlan, 1628 S. Standard Ave., Santa Ana, Closed: July 21, Reason: Cockroach infestation, Reopened: July 22
California Creationz, 1320 N. Grand Ave., Santa Ana, Closed: July 21, Reason: Cockroach infestation, Reopened: July 22
Los Cristales, 1638 S. Standard Ave., Santa Ana, Closed: July 20, Reason: Insufficient hot water
Oasis, 431 E. First St., Suite 4-K, Santa Ana, Closed: July 20, Reason: Cockroach infestation
Hamamori at South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bear St., Suite 320, Costa Mesa, Closed: July 21, Reason: Cockroach infestation
On The Rocks Bar & Grill, 12752 Valley View St., Suite V, Garden Grove, Closed: July 17, Reason: Fire or other disaster damage
King Noodles 68, 10561 Bolsa Ave., Garden Grove, Closed: July 15, Reason: Cockroach infestation
Yogurtland, 2318 N. Tustin Ave., Suite B, Orange, Closed: July 15, Reason: Employee restrooms nonfunctional, Reopened: July 16
Cutie Lounge, 9191 Bolsa Ave., Suite 122, Westminster, Closed: July 20, Reason: Sewage overflow, Reopened: July 21
Zombee Donuts & Bakeshop, 802 E. Chapman Ave., Fullerton, Closed: July 21, Reason: Rodent infestation, Reopened: July 22
Alta, 506 31st St., Newport Beach, Closed: July 21, Reason: Insufficient hot water, Reopened: July 22
Dollar Tree, 1230 W. Imperial Highway, Suite B, La Habra, Closed: July 21, Reason: Rodent infestation
Pizza D’oro, 8468 Indianapolis Ave., Huntington Beach, Closed: July 21, Reason: Cockroach infestation, Reopened: July 22
Mariscos Playa de Corales, 640 W. Chapman Ave., Placentia, Closed: July 21, Reason: Cockroach infestation, Reopened: July 22
Simply Cakes and Cupcakes, 24002 Via Fabricante, Suite 401, Mission Viejo, Closed: July 20, Reason: Rodent infestation, Reopened: July 20
Juice It Up!, 9111 Atlanta Ave., Huntington Beach, Closed: July 20, Reason: Cockroach infestation, Reopened: July 22
Broken Yolk Cafe, 8010 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, Closed: July 17, Reason: Fire or other disaster damage
Creamistry, 26841 Aliso Creek Road, Suite B, Aliso Viejo, Closed: July 16, Reason: Cockroach infestation
Taqueros, 31401 Camino Capistrano, Suite 3, San Juan Capistrano, Closed: July 22, Reason: Cockroach infestation
Update: A coffee bar at El Dorado Hand Car Wash, 26815 La Paz Road, Aliso Viejo, which was ordered closed July 14 because of a rodent infestation, was allowed to reopen July 20.
Update: Mai Anh Thach Che at 9550 Bolsa Ave., Suite 115-C, Westminster, which was ordered closed July 15 because of a cockroach infestation, was allowed to reopen July 16.

Free healthcare career training offered by the County of Orange and Futuro Health

Posted on July 20, 2021 by Editor Posted in Education, Health and Medical, Jobs, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

SANTA ANA, Calif. – In partnership with the Orange County Workforce Development Board (OCWDB), the County of Orange (County) is launching a new career initiative with Futuro Health to provide job seeker opportunities in high-demand healthcare occupations.

With the need for mental health assistance and behavioral health support on the rise, this initiative comes at an opportune time. California’s projected demand for healthcare workers is currently at approximately 500,000 by 2024. Programs to be offered to meet the growing need include the following healthcare careers:

• Registered Dental Assistant
• Community Health Worker with Behavioral Health
• Care Coordinator: Chronically Ill Populations
• Care Coordinator: Behavioral Health Populations

Through this new initiative, participants registered through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) will have free access to career training opportunities with Futuro Health and services offered through the Orange County One-Stop Center including:

• Training in healthcare career pathways
• Opportunities for job placement
• Workshops on resume writing, interviewing techniques, and 21st-century career skills
• Access to computers, internet, telephone, copier, fax machines, labor market information, and more

Interested WIOA participants can register at https://bit.ly/ochealthcarejobs to attend a virtual orientation. Following the orientation, participants will register for their program of choice directly through Futuro Health. Programs will be offered in-person and online and expected to begin on Wednesday, September 15, 2021.

For more information including how to become a WIOA member or register for the program without WIOA status, visit oconestop.com or call the Orange County Economic and Business Recovery Call Center at (714) 480-6500.

The Orange County Development Board, through the Orange County Business Service Center and Orange County One-Stop Center, offers comprehensive services such as hiring assistance, career transition services, and employment services to businesses and job seekers at no cost.

Futuro Health is a non-profit organization focused on improving the health and wealth of communities by growing the largest network of credentialed allied healthcare workers in the nation. Futuro Health believes that investing in education and skills training and retraining results in better paying-jobs for workers, better care for patients, and better workers for employers to hire.

The OC Health Care Agency urges residents to take precautions against COVID-19

Posted on July 20, 2021 by Editor Posted in Disease, Health and Medical, OC Health Care, Orange County, Public Safety, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Public health officials at the OC Health Care Agency (HCA) are encouraging residents to take adequate safety precautions in the wake of increasing COVID-19 cases in the county. Currently, there are no plans to implement a new mask mandate in Orange County; however, those who are not fully vaccinated must continue wearing a mask indoors in accordance with guidelines from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

“With the recent reopening of the State’s economy, we had expected to see an increase in our COVID-19 cases and positivity rates,” said Dr. Clayton Chau, County Health Officer and Agency Director of the HCA. “The average number of cases increased from 31 to over 100 per day over the last month, and our total testing positivity increased from 0.6% to 2.5%. Hospitalizations also jumped from 54 to 119 patients per day and ICU admissions increased from 13 to 31 patients per day. This means we need to continue being proactive about protecting our loved ones and neighbors and taking the necessary steps to help reduce the risk of infection throughout our county.”

In line with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the HCA is reminding individuals to avoid large crowds and poorly ventilated spaces, especially those who are not fully vaccinated or who live with others who are unvaccinated or have high health risk of contracting COVID-19. Over 90% of new positive cases are among people who are not fully vaccinated, and over 95% of those hospitalized with COVID-19 had not been fully vaccinated. According to the CDC, all COVID-19 vaccines currently authorized in the United States are effective against COVID-19, including serious outcomes like severe disease, hospitalization, and death.

Testing also remains a critical component of the County’s strategy to reduce viral transmission. “Testing helps support early detection and prevent the spread of possible variants,” said Dr. Margaret Bredehoft, Deputy Agency Director of HCA Public Health Services. “Self-collection, at-home COVID-19 test kits are available at no cost by visiting www.ochealthinfo.com/covidtest. If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, please seek testing, regardless of your vaccination status.”

To keep the community informed, the HCA will report Orange County COVID-19 case counts and testing figures daily, Monday through Friday, beginning July 19, 2021. Dr. Chau also encourages individuals who remain hesitant to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, to learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine through credible sources including the CDC, the CDPH, the Food and Drug Administration, the World Health Organization, and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

This week’s Cochino List includes Mai Anh Thach Che and Brio Tuscan Grille

Posted on July 19, 2021 by Editor Posted in Business, Disease, Food, Food & Health, Health, Health and Medical, Insects, OC Health Care, Orange County, Public Safety, Restaurants 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 July 9 to July 16. Most of these eateries reopen pretty quickly after the health inspectors determine their issues have been resolved.

Mai Anh Thach Che, 9550 Bolsa Ave., Suite 115-C, Westminster, Closed: July 15, Reason: Cockroach infestation
Sushi Damu, 13962 Newport Ave., Suite D, Tustin, Closed: July 13, Reason: Insufficient hot water, Reopened: July 14
Brio Tuscan Grille, 774 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine, Closed: July 12, Reason: Cockroach infestation, Reopened: July 13
Del Taco, 1155 E. Orangethorpe Ave., Anaheim, Closed: July 9, Reason: Cockroach infestation, Reopened: July 10
Coffee bar at El Dorado Hand Car Wash, 26815 La Paz Road, Aliso Viejo, Closed: July 14, Reason: Rodent infestation
Social, 21214 Beach Blvd., Huntington Beach, Closed: July 14, Reason: Cockroach infestation, Reopened: July 15
Healthy N Tasty, 25381 Alicia Parkway, Suite F, Laguna Hills, Closed: July 13, Reason: Insufficient hot water, Reopened: July 13

Free bus rides for youth under 18 starting in Orange County this September

Posted on July 16, 2021 by Editor Posted in OCTA, Orange County, Santa Ana, Transportation, Youth Activities Leave a comment

ORANGE – Orange County youth will soon be able to ride free on OC Bus under a promotional program approved this week by the Orange County Transportation Authority Board of Directors.

The Youth Ride Free pass, which also got funding approvals from the state this week, will allow passengers ages 18 and under to ride any OCTA fixed-route bus in Orange County for free during the six-month program, scheduled to begin in September.

Originally intended for youth up to 13 years old, OCTA board members directed staff to work to expand the pass to reach high-school-age teens, as well.

“Allowing our youth in Orange County to ride OC Bus for free will encourage a new generation of riders to discover how convenient and affordable the bus system is,” said OCTA Chairman Andrew Do, also the county’s First District Supervisor. “Expanding the free pass to 14 to 18-year-olds means we also reach high school students, helping them access education and jobs as they enter the workforce.”

Approvals were granted this week from Caltrans and the California Air Resources Board (CARB), which will fund the pass through California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment, particularly in disadvantaged communities.

The pass program is scheduled to begin in September and run through the end of February 2022. At that point, ridership and costs will be evaluated for potential next steps.

The new Youth Ride Free pass will expand on the recent success of OCTA’s Community College Pass Program, which allows thousands of students enrolled at several community colleges throughout the county unlimited rides on OC Bus anywhere in the county.

Based on the student pass program’s success at Santa Ana College and the School of Continuing Education, OCTA has expanded the program to Santiago Canyon College in Orange, Golden West College in Huntington Beach, Fullerton College, Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, and Cypress College. More than 36,000 students have used the community-college pass at least once, so far.

The planned Youth Ride Free pass is part of a phased campaign to encourage riders to return to OC Bus as the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues to recede.

The pass, which will be available by request from parents, will be a physical pass with a magnetic stripe. OCTA will work to distribute the pass in partnership with local K-12 schools, as well as at the OCTA store and online.

More details will be announced in advance of the September launch. For more information, visit www.OCBus.com.

About OCTA: The Orange County Transportation Authority is the county transportation planning commission, responsible for funding and implementing transit and capital projects for a balanced and sustainable transportation system that reflects the diverse travel needs of the county’s 34 cities and 3.2 million residents. With the mission of keeping Orange County moving, this includes freeways and express lanes, bus and rail transit, rideshare, commuter rail, environmental programs and active transportation.

$195k settlement reached in suit against an off-duty O.C. Deputy who drew a gun on a teen at a Skate Park

Posted on July 15, 2021 by Editor Posted in Lawyers, OC Sheriff, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

SANTA ANA, CA – Following a high-profile incident where an off-duty officer pulled his gun on a teen at a skate park, attorneys Eric Traut and Connor Traut have reached a settlement of $195k agreed to at the July 13 Orange County Board of Supervisors closed session in Santa Ana.

The Deputy’s conflict with the teen in 2019 at Ralphs Skate Court in San Clemente was caught on video.

The original complaint was against a Sherriff’s Deputy, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and the County of Orange for negligence, assault, civil rights violations and emotional distress. [Filing: https://www.dropbox.com/s/1zgnzji6dyoi3y8/Chance%20Complaint.pdf?dl=0]

Says Eric Traut of the agreement, “The family is pleased that this chapter in their son’s life has come to an end and that some justice was served.”

Having tried over 100 civil jury trials, attorney Eric Traut successfully represents people who have been personally injured by violence and threats of violence. He served as one of the attorneys representing the families of victims of the infamous “Seal Beach Shootings” in 2011 committed by Scott DeKraai.

ABOUT ERIC V. TRAUT: Eric Traut distinguished himself early as one of the top trial attorneys in Southern California when he was recognized as the youngest winner of the prestigious Trial Lawyer of the Year award in the history of the Orange County Trial Lawyer Association. Eric has handled high-profile cases that have resulted in appearances on Good Morning America, Fox News, Court T.V., and ABC’s “Primetime.”

ABOUT CONNOR J. TRAUT: Connor Traut is a personal injury attorney with Traut Firm who currently serves as a mayor of a local city. He previously worked as a mediator and judicial law clerk with the Superior Court of California.

ABOUT TRAUT FIRM: Partners of Traut Firm have litigated cases for a combined 70 years, serving as plaintiff’s attorneys primarily in areas of personal injury, wrongful death, vehicle accidents, assaults, and animal attacks. http://trautfirm.com

Orange County launches an OC Equity Map to address inequality and resource disparities

Posted on July 12, 2021 by Editor Posted in Health and Medical, OC Health Care, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Orange County is taking a data-driven approach to addressing inequality and resource disparities. On July 14, the County will launch a new mapping tool that monitors Orange County’s health and social gaps.

“COVID-19 has exacerbated several health and social inequities, which many municipalities and local organizations were unprepared to meet at the height of the pandemic,” explains Supervisor Andrew Do, Chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors. “Our OC Equity Map tool will provide actionable benchmarks to allocate resources and reduce disparities in our communities.”

In May 2020, the COVID-19 Testing Ad-Hoc Committee, led by Chairman Andrew Do and Vice Chairman Doug Chaffee, directed the Orange County Health Care Agency (HCA) to develop the OC Equity Map (OCEM) tool. The purpose of the initiative was to develop a data platform that informs Orange County leaders, public/private entities, and residents in the most impacted regions about the increasing risk of COVID-19.

“The OC Equity Map measures our progress that we have made as a community with the goal to improve the quality of life for every resident of Orange County,” said Vice Chairman Doug Chaffee, Fourth District. “We thank the OC Health Care Agency and Advance OC for launching the OCEM and giving us a powerful tool to reach the goals of creating a more equitable and healthy society.”

To help HCA identify the root causes of emerging disparities in Orange County that have come to light from the pandemic, the Board of Supervisors approved an agreement with Advance OC in July 2020, tasking the non-profit to develop Orange County’s Social Progress Imperative Equity Map to capture population outcome data in three broad dimensions: Basic Human Needs, Foundations of Wellbeing, and Opportunity.

“This depth of data will help create a roadmap for private and public partnerships to collectively address complex social circumstances at the root of inequities in health and well-being. The platform also supports the OC Health Care Agency’s mission to work collaboratively with the community to deliver sustainable and responsive services that promote population health and equity,” stated HCA Agency Director, Clayton Chau, MD, PhD, and County Health Officer

Under Phase I, Advanced OC utilized 2010 Census datasets to visually present Orange County’s status of social progress. A launch event will take place on July 14 at Mile Square Park for elected officials, city officials, commissioners, community-based organizations, and other stakeholders from the public. Phase II will utilize 2020 Census data and will be sponsored by the private sector.

The County will provide access to the OCEM platform to the public at no-cost and will allow users to measure, track, and map inequities in the community with neighborhood precision, including identifying root causes, understanding social determinants, and informing strategies to advance the health and wellbeing of Orange County residents.

“AdvanceOC is honored to be working with the County of Orange and the HCA on this important initiative. We are proud to present this tool to the community to advance data-driven, equity-oriented strategies that tackle social and health disparities. Our partnership with the HCA highlights how data science can help organizations achieve greater impact. We hope to see more collaboration in the community and are excited that this tool can help facilitate important conversations around equity,” said Katie Kalvoda, President & Board Chair, AdvanceOC.

To test and explore this new analytic capability, HCA has been utilizing the OCEM platform in its COVID-19 responses, including testing, vaccine allocation and distribution, and other mitigation strategies. The platform also provides a roadmap for private and public partnerships to fund initiatives that seek collaborative approaches to addressing complex social circumstances at the root of inequities in health and well-being.

Orange County Chairman Andrew Do represents the First District communities of Santa Ana, Garden Grove, Westminster, Fountain Valley, and Midway City. One of the first officials in the state to propose a face covering mandate, Chairman Andrew Do is advocating for science-based COVID-19 policies. In addition to health and safety-based COVID-19 response planning, he has reformed Orange County’s mental health services, expanded access to health care, and led efforts to combat homelessness.

Orange County Vice Chairman Doug Chaffee represents the Fourth District, which includes the cities of Fullerton, La Habra, Brea, Placentia, and portions of Anaheim and Buena Park. In his first term, Vice Chairman Chaffee has combatted homelessness by supporting the creation of and allocating funding to the Buena Park and Placentia Navigation Centers and has spurred economic development by reinvesting $14.5 million to small businesses in the Fourth District.

Texas real estate developer charged with raping two teenagers in Orange County

Posted on July 12, 2021 by Editor Posted in Cochino Alert, Crime, OCDA, Orange County Leave a comment

SANTA ANA, Calif. – A 63-year-old Texas real estate developer has been charged with sexually assaulting two 16-year-old girls vacationing with him in Laguna Beach, including raping one of the teenagers while she was unconscious. The Orange County charges were filed a day after authorities in Texas filed a felony sexual assault charge against him involving a 16-year-old girl in his Dallas-area home.

William Hutchinson, 63, of Highland Park, Texas, has been charged with one felony count of rape of an unconscious person and five misdemeanor counts of sexual battery for incidents involving two 16-year-old girls.

He faces a maximum sentence of eight years in state prison and 2 1/2 years in the Orange County Jail.

Hutchinson turned himself in to Highland Park, Texas police on Wednesday, July 7 and was later released on a $30,000 bond. An Orange County arrest warrant has been issued for Hutchinson.

Hutchinson is accused of bringing the two 16-year-old girls on vacation to his Laguna Beach home on two different occasions in April. He is accused of raping one of the girls while she was unconscious and committing four acts of sexual battery against the girl. When the victim declined to return to Laguna Beach again, Hutchinson is accused of returning to his vacation home with the other 16-year-old girl at the end of May and committing sexual battery against her during the trip.

Deputy District Attorney Raquel Cooper of the Sexual Assault Unit is prosecuting this case.

This week’s Cochino List includes California Juice

Posted on July 10, 2021 by Editor Posted in Business, Disease, Food, Food & Health, Health, Health and Medical, Insects, OC Health Care, Orange County, Public Safety, Restaurants, Santa Ana 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 July 1 to July 9. Most of these eateries reopen pretty quickly after the health inspectors determine their issues have been resolved.

California Juice, 1205 E. 17th St., Santa Ana, Closed: July 1, Reason: Rodent infestation, Reopened: July 2
Update: Osaka Japan at MainPlace Mall, 2800 N. Main St., Suite 932, Santa Ana, which was ordered closed June 29 because of a cockroach infestation, was allowed to reopen July 4.
Tastea, 12913 Harbor Blvd., Suite Q-1, Garden Grove, Closed: July 7, Reason: Employee restrooms nonfunctional, Reopened: July 7
Sunright Tea Studio at The OC Mix, 3313 Hyland Ave., Suite A-7, Costa Mesa, Closed: July 1, Reason: Cockroach infestation, Reopened: July 6
Kitchen at Pirch, 3303 Hyland Ave., Suite D, Costa Mesa, Closed: July 1, Reason: Rodent infestation, Reopened: July 6
Saffron Grill, 720 E. Katella Ave., Orange, Closed: July 7, Reason: Sewage overflow, Reopened: July 7
Playa Azul, 1071 N. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, Closed: July 2, Reason: Insufficient hot water, Reopened: July 2
Kitchen at Lazy W Ranch, 23852 Hot Springs Canyon Road, San Juan Capistrano, Closed: July 2, Reason: Rodent infestation, Reopened: July 7
Belinda’s Taqueria and Restaurant, 6072 Orangethorpe Ave., Buena Park, Closed: July 1, Reason: Cockroach infestation, Reopened: July 2
Claim Jumper, 27845 Santa Margarita Parkway, Mission Viejo, Closed: July 1, Reason: Cockroach infestation, Reopened: July 3

The Irvine Company is the top OC Taxpayer for the 9th consecutive year

Posted on July 9, 2021 by Editor Posted in OC Treasurer, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

SANTA ANA, Calif. – The Irvine Company is once again the No. 1 taxpayer in Orange County with $76,378,600 in total secured tax payments for the 2020-21 fiscal year. Charter Communications is the top unsecured taxpayer with $3,692,746.

The top 20 taxpayers represent 4.26 percent and 8.5 percent of secured and unsecured billed property taxes respectively, for a total of $350 million. This is a 9.6 percent increase over the prior year, which had $333.8 million in total billed property taxes. More than $7.5 billion in property tax bills were issued this fiscal year.

“Orange County’s largest land owners contribute significant revenues to local government and the county through property taxes, which allows our residents to continue enjoying our great quality of life,” said Orange County Treasurer Shari Freidenrich. “Without the large contributions from these taxpayers, local governments would not have the funds to pay for general government services, such as public safety.”

The Top Three taxpayers are:

Secured Property

Irvine Company $76,378,600
Walt Disney Parks & Resorts US $74,312,625
So. Calif. Edison Co. (Edison Intl) $57,142,900

Unsecured Property

Charter Communications, Inc. (Time Warner) $3,692,746
Cox Communications, Inc. $3,495,054
Allergan, Inc. $1,883,099

The top 3 for each type remains the same as last year, except for Allergan, Inc., which replaced Applied Medical Resources Corp. See a list of all Top 20 Property Taxpayers for this year and prior years by clicking here or by scanning the QR code below.

The County of Orange currently receives 5 cents of each property tax dollar, significantly lower than the 21 cents received by the County of Los Angeles and 12 cents by the County of San Diego. Ninety-five percent of the County’s discretionary portion of the general fund is comprised of property taxes. Within the Top 20 group, secured property taxes total $323 million and unsecured property taxes total $27 million.

The County of Orange continues to deliver high property tax collection rates for its residents. During the fiscal year 2019-20, Orange County’s 99.2% secured collection rate was the third highest in the State of California, and the collection rate was the second highest for California counties of more than 1 million people. The secured property tax collection rate in this just completed fiscal year 2020-21 was 99.34 percent.

Your secured tax bills can be viewed online by entering your address at ocgov.com/octaxbill. Business owners with unsecured taxes can see their bill by entering the name of their business. Any delinquent property taxes will be clearly listed. Sign up for text or email tax bill reminders at ocgov.com/octaxreminder and never pay a late property tax bill late again.

The County of Orange partners with the Entertainment on Mobile App to help local businesses

Posted on July 9, 2021 by Editor Posted in Business, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

SANTA ANA, Calif. (July 9, 2021) – The County of Orange is partnering with Entertainment® to help local businesses get free valuable exposure by featuring them on a mobile application known as the Entertainment Mobile App (App). This application will allow owners to grow their business by advertising and connecting with new customers as California reopens.

“The County of Orange is pleased to partner with Entertainment® to offer this free and easy service to businesses as our country works to rebuild its economy,” said Chairman Andrew Do, First District Supervisor. “Through the use of the Entertainment Mobile App, businesses can look forward to welcoming new and returning customers.”

The Entertainment Mobile App will promote enrolled businesses by notifying customers of special offers intended to encourage purchases. Businesses range from dining, attractions, activities, shopping, services, travel, and more.

“This opportunity is unique in that it touches a wide range of Orange County shops,” said Vice Chairman Doug Chaffee, Fourth District Supervisor. “Through the App, residents may discover their new favorite restaurant or store.”
Through the Entertainment Mobile App, businesses will provide a one-time offer from an approved offer list based on the category of their business. Entertainment® will promote the business on their App where customers will see the offer and visit the business to redeem. The offer expires after use, and the customer may return to pay full price on their subsequent visits.

“As the economy reopens, businesses are looking for ways to grow their customer bases,” said Supervisor Katrina Foley, Second District. “The Entertainment Mobile App drives results for all businesses in Orange County by allowing customers to experience products, food, and services at a special rate.”

To apply, businesses will attend an orientation session followed by enrollment. A virtual orientation will be held on July 13, 2021, from 2-3 p.m. Interested individuals can register at bit.ly/ocentertainment.

“This is a win-win for both the businesses and consumers,” said Supervisor Don Wagner, Third District. “Business owners can promote their establishments at no cost to new customers looking to spend less.”

“This is a great opportunity for businesses to get some free exposure as they look to rebound from the financial impacts of COVID-19,” said Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, Fifth District. “The Entertainment Mobile App offers a fast and convenient way for residents to take advantage of some great discounts and maybe try out a new business”.

For more information, call the Orange County Economic and Business Recovery Call Center at (714) 480-6500 or visit entertainment.com.

For 60 years, Entertainment® has been America’s most trusted promotional network. We are the leading provider of unbeatable local and national discounts throughout the U.S. and Canada while maintaining a strong community connection. What started with the flagship Book has evolved to digital and mobile show-your-phone and save offers that can quickly be accessed at any time.

Learn about the upcoming Orange County redistricting, on July 8

Posted on July 8, 2021 by Editor Posted in 2021 Elections, Elections, Orange County, Politics, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Share your ideas about redistricting in Orange County! The California Citizens Redistricting Commission is having virtual Communities of Interest (COI) input meetings for Orange County on July 8, July 24 and Sept. 1.

July 8 will have Vietnamese and Korean translation available by request.

COI meetings are where people can share their input on how they want the lines drawn for Congressional districts, state Senate districts, state Assembly districts and Board of Equalization districts.

Learn more about how to participate in these and other meetings at https://www.wedrawthelinesca.org/meetings

You can also submit your comments at https://drawmycacommunity.org/

Redistribución de distritos en el condado de Orange

Translations: Español

Tái phân chia khu ở Quận Cam

Tiếng Việt

The County of Orange Social Services Agency to re-open their Central Regional Office on July 6

Posted on July 2, 2021 by Editor Posted in Orange County, Orange County Social Services Agency Leave a comment

Orange County, Calif. (July 1, 2021) – The County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA) announced that it will reopen another regional office location to the public effective Tuesday, July 6, 2021. The Agency’s Central Regional Office joins the following open SSA public assistance benefits offices, with lobby hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday:

Anaheim Regional Center
3320 E. La Palma Ave.
Anaheim, CA 92806 Garden Grove Regional Center
12912 Brookhurst St.
Garden Grove, CA 92840

Central Regional Office
2020 W. Walnut St.
Santa Ana, CA 92703
Laguna Hills Regional Center
23330 Moulton Parkway
Laguna Hills, CA 92653

Cypress Regional Center
6100 Chip Ave.
Cypress, CA 90630
Santa Ana Regional Center
1928 S. Grand Ave.
Santa Ana, CA 92705

Per California Occupational Safety and Health guidelines, all visitors who are fully vaccinated are not required to wear a mask when visiting an SSA office but may do so for safety. Unvaccinated visitors are required to wear a mask or cloth facial covering when entering an SSA office and for the duration of their visit. Children younger than 2, those who have breathing issues or those with an underlying medical or mental health issue are exempt from wearing a mask.
SSA continues to highly encourage Orange County households interested in applying for CalFresh, Medi-Cal, General Relief and CalWORKs benefits or wishing to review existing case information to visit SSA’s online portal or contact the SSA Call Center, as outlined below, to avoid long in-person wait times and help prevent the spread of illness.

Online: www.mybenefitscalwin.org
- As another option, individuals applying for CalFresh benefits only may visit www.getcalfresh.org
- Households interested in applying for Medi-Cal only may also visit www.coveredca.com
By phone: please call SSA’s Call Center at (800) 281-9799
- Call Center hours are 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturdays.
To apply for In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) or for questions related to ongoing IHSS cases, please call (714) 825-3000 or fax (714) 825-3001 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
In addition, if you suspect a child is at risk of abuse or neglect, call our 24-hour Child Abuse Registry at (800) 207-4464 or at 714-940-1000.
Please call the 24-hour Adult Protective Services Hotline at (800) 451-5155 if you suspect a senior or dependent adult is at risk of abuse or neglect.

Family visitations and Live Scan appointments will continue by appointment only for Children and Family Services customers.

SSA has modified the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Benefits Issuance hours of operation to 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Clients may contact their case worker or the SSA Call Center to make an appointment.
For additional information on SSA programs, please visit www.ssa.ocgov.com, and to stay up-to-date with information concerning the COVID-19 situation in Orange County, please visit www.ochealthinfo.com/novelcoronavirus.

Free Human Resource hotline to assist employers in Orange County now available

Posted on June 30, 2021 by Editor Posted in Business, Jobs, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

SANTA ANA, Calif. (June 30, 2021) – In partnership with the Orange County Workforce Development Board (OCWDB) and California Employers Association (CEA), the County of Orange is providing monthly webinars and a free hotline to assist Orange County employers with Human Resource (HR) support.

The HR Hotline is available to any business in Orange County in 240 languages and provides expert guidance on basic human resource questions including, but not limited to:
• Claims for Unemployment Insurance, Labor Commission, and/or Discrimination
• COVID-19 Related and Return-to-Work Inquiries
• Employee Discipline and Termination
• Employee Handbooks
• Employee and Labor Relations
• Harassment Prevention
• Paid Sick Leave Laws and Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
• Workers’ Compensation Regulations
• Workforce Training
The HR Hotline will go live beginning Thursday, July 1, 2021, and operate Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Employers can call the HR Hotline toll-free at (888) 589-7577. Businesses can register for monthly webinars at no cost in English and Spanish on various HR topics at oconestop.com/business-resources.

For more information, visit oconestop.com or call the Orange County Economic and Business Recovery Call Center at (714) 480-6500.

C.W. Driver Companies completes a $25M homeless shelter in Santa Ana

Posted on June 28, 2021 by Editor Posted in homeless, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Santa Ana, Calif. – June 28, 2021 – C.W. Driver Companies, a premier builder serving California since 1919, today announced the completion of the Yale Navigation Center, a 64,000-square-foot, two-story emergency homeless shelter in Santa Ana.

Spearheaded by HomeAid Orange County, a nonprofit organization dedicated to building new lives for families and individuals experiencing homelessness, the new facility will provide refuge for 275 single men, 100 single women and 25 couples who are experiencing homelessness. The new navigation center will deliver on a critical need for a permanent year-round, 24-hour shelter designed to help homeless individuals achieve permanent housing and self-sufficiency.

“Through its wraparound supportive services, the Yale Navigation Center is creating a pathway to permanent supportive housing for those experiencing homelessness and serious mental illness,” said Supervisor Andrew Do, Chairman of the Orange County Board of Supervisors. “The Center meets a critical need in our communities by addressing a social issue that has impacted our local businesses and neighborhoods for years. This is part of the System of Care program that the County began in 2016.”

Located at 2229 S. Yale Street, the center will offer temporary lodging, basic needs including meals and sanitary amenities, and access to support services such as case management, employment and housing assistance, behavioral and mental healthcare support and substance abuse treatment, among other services. Key spaces include women and men’s dorms, restrooms, showers, a dining hall, kitchen, a large patio for recreation and outdoor dining, a lobby, security station, clinic space and classrooms for support services. The center will also offer workstations and a large breakroom for shelter staff as well as a 105-stall, ground-level public parking lot.

“We’re honored to partner with HomeAid Orange County to create a navigation center with wraparound care for individuals facing homelessness in the central part of Orange County,” said Karl Kreutziger, president of C.W. Driver Companies. “The new center is designed to provide local individuals and couples with access to clean and safe lodging as well as the appropriate resources to help improve their physical and mental wellbeing and reach stability so they can transition out of homelessness as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

The Yale Navigation Center was designed to provide residents with a sense of personal space and belonging and offers living accommodations complete with furniture and storage space. The facility features two options for living and sleeping space, including 6-by-6-foot single cubicles for individuals and 8-by-9-foot stations for couples. All stations include twin-sized beds and storage cabinets and meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards for accessible design.

“The Yale Navigation Center will help meet a need for adults experiencing homelessness in the Central Service Planning Area of Orange County and will provide these individuals and couples with a safe and dignified place to end their homelessness, ” said Gina Scott, executive director of HomeAid Orange County. “HomeAid is grateful to C.W. Driver Companies for their partnership on this critical development to help those most vulnerable in our community.”

The shelter will be operated by PATH (People Assisting the Homelessness), a Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization with a mission to end homelessness for individuals, families and communities throughout California. To protect the safety of shelter residents and the local community, the facility will provide 24-hour security and enforce strict no walk-up, no walk-out and no loitering policies. To be eligible for shelter, individuals must be experiencing homelessness in central Orange County cities and referred to staff by outreach workers, law enforcement or a hospital. Background checks will also be performed and those with outstanding warrants or sex offenses will not be granted access.

“Ending homelessness in Orange County is attainable with a housing-first approach,” said Jason Austin, director of care coordination at the County of Orange. “Achieving this goal becomes possible through projects like the Yale Navigation Center, where people have access to the tools and resources needed to overcome physical, emotional and mental health challenges, stop substance abuse, reenter the workforce and find employment opportunities – ultimately leading them on a path to permanent housing.”

C.W. Driver Companies worked with architecture firm, IDS Group, Inc. to complete the project. Other local and notable projects completed by C.W. Driver Companies include HomeAid OC Family Care Center in Orange; City of Laguna Niguel Crown Valley Park Community Building; City of Westminster Community Cultural Center and the City of Newport Beach Civic Center and Park, among others.

About C.W. Driver Companies

C.W. Driver Companies is a premier builder serving California since 1919. In 2019, the historic company proudly celebrated its 100-year anniversary. As a leader in general contracting and construction management services, C.W. Driver Companies are on the cutting edge across a broad spectrum of industries, including education, commercial/office, technology, healthcare/biomedical, mixed-use, assisted living, entertainment, retail, industrial and civic. Ranked in Engineering News Record’s Top 150 General Contractors and Top 100 Construction Managers, C.W. Driver Companies has the ability to build a variety of projects, from large tenant improvements to small renovations and specialized projects through its affiliates Driver SPG and Good & Roberts. C.W. Driver Companies has offices located in Los Angeles, Irvine, Rancho Cucamonga, Anaheim, San Diego and Carlsbad. For more information, please visit www.cwdriver.com. Follow C.W. Driver Companies on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.