Shooting at El Zocalo results in one death and several injuries

A confrontation at El Zocalo Mexican Grill and Seafood, located at 301 N. Tustin Ave., in Santa Ana, ended violently early Monday morning when a gunman fatally shot one man and a crowd of customers and security guards subdued the shooter and another attacker, according to the L.A. Times.

Two men were also shot, but are expected to survive, and were taken to Western Medical Center in Santa Ana with another man whose head was injured, according to the O.C. Register.

Police closed the intersection of North Tustin Avenue and East 4th Street during the investigation for an unknown duration, according to NBC News.  You may watch a video news report about the shooting here.

There were over 20 witnesses and at least two of the injured people were being questioned as possible suspects, according to CBS News.

Zocalo has two and a half stars on Yelp.  One Yelper commented, “This place is just overpriced and just downright horrible I will not be returning nor will I ever recommend this place to anyone. I had a horrible experience. Thanks for nothing Zocalo.”

Zocalo’s health record is also not good.  Their owner initiated a temporary closure on Feb. 7 of this year due to “fire or other disaster.”  An inspection by the O.C. Health Care Agency on December 30, 2014, resulted in these violations:

  • Improper Reheating Temperature/Practices
  • Improper Holding Temp of PHF (60F-120F), (50F-59F)
  • Improper Sanitizer Concentration/Method
  • Water Temp (100F-119F)/Wash Temp <100F/Cross Con
  • Improper Food Storage/Receiving
  • Improper Holding Temperatures of PHF
  • Unsanitary Equipment/Utensil/Linen/Plumbing
  • Facility not Fully Enclosed/Open Door/Air Curtain
  • Last Report Unavailable/Consumer Access
  • Lack of/Improper Handwashing/Handwashing Sup.
  • Lack of Food Protection Manager Certificate
  • Improper Thawing
  • Lack of/Unsanitary/Condition Walls/Floors/Ceilings
  • Evidence of Vermin Activity/Presence of Animals/Insects
  • Unapproved Pesticides/Chemicals/Labeling

A reinspection on January 6, 2015, resulted in these violations:

  • Last Report Unavailable/Consumer Access
  • Lack of Food Protection Manager Certificate
  • Lack of/Unsanitary/Condition Walls/Floors/Ceilings
  • Lack of/Improper Handwashing/Handwashing Sup.
  • Facility not Fully Enclosed/Open Door/Air Curtain
  • Unsanitary Equipment/Utensil/Linen/Plumbing
  • Improper Food Storage/Receiving
  • Inappropriate Sanitizer Level/ Lack of Test Strips

This latest shooting incident could be the last straw for El Zocalo.

Art Pedroza Editor
Our Editor, Art Pedroza, worked at the O.C. Register and the OC Weekly and studied journalism at CSUF and UCI. He has lived in Santa Ana for over 30 years and has served on several city and county commissions. When he is not writing or editing Pedroza specializes in risk control and occupational safety. He also teaches part time at Cerritos College and CSUF. Pedroza has an MBA from Keller University.
Art Pedroza

Our Editor, Art Pedroza, worked at the O.C. Register and the OC Weekly and studied journalism at CSUF and UCI. He has lived in Santa Ana for over 30 years and has served on several city and county commissions. When he is not writing or editing Pedroza specializes in risk control and occupational safety. He also teaches part time at Cerritos College and CSUF. Pedroza has an MBA from Keller University.

View Comments

  • Just another freaking dirty taqueria in SA. And another shooting due to stupid cultural issues (i.e. macho type issues (wrong looks), or arguing again about who comes from the best city in Mejico......savages

  • This restaurant has appeared "shady" to me - ever since it opened. For years hardly any customers - at any time of day. Perhaps a dirty money laundering organization???

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