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Santa Ana'a Floral Park Neighborhood on Orange Coast Magazine's Best of 2011 List
August 10 , 2011
Congratulations are in order for the Floral Park Neighborhood, named best “neighborhood walk” in Orange Coast Magazines Best of 2011 List.
Santa Ana Firefighters Save Toddler's Life
June 15, 2011
On Monday, June 13 firefighters/paramedics Miguel Maldonado, Brian Chamberlain, and Bryan Bear from Station 1 responded to an emergency call regarding a four year-old child who had stopped breathing.
Chapter One Pens a Solid Rough Draft
June 8, 2011
First things first: A round of applause for a new restaurant that's trying to do things right. Chapter One: The Modern Local has set up shop in Santa Ana, seemingly intent on redefining what restaurants can mean not only to diners but to communities.
Santa Ana Fireman's Son Saves Woman During Airport Layover
June 1, 2011
Santa Ana firefighter John Gammon recently found out that his son will have no problem filling his shoes.
The pair in May were instrumental in saving the life of a 33-year-old woman who went into cardiac arrest during a layover at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas.
Chapter One: the modern local Getting Looked at as They Celebrate Their Grand Opening
May 18, 2011
Chapter One: the modern local, is bringing out the big scissors and ribbon to host their official grand opening on Friday, May 20th at 5 p.m. As the newest addition to the vibrant Artists Village in Downtown Santa Ana the modern local will celebrate with their loyal customers, the Mayor and City Council members during a ribbon cutting ceremony. Following the festivities, tapas and drinks will be flowing all night.
Budget Cuts Threaten Program for Struggling Businesses
April 28, 2011
For the better part of a decade, Hispanic Business Consulting has trained people to help them start their own business.
But with a growing number of small businesses closing their doors in a tough economy , the Santa Ana-based consulting firm has shifted its focus to help struggling existing Hispanic firms stay in business.
El Super Sucess
April 28, 2011
When Hispanic supermarket El Super needed workers for its new store in Santa Ana, the City of Santa Ana’s WORK Center organized a job fair.
Center staff planned and organized a two-day event that attracted more than 600 job seekers. The store ended up hiring 86 workers for the new store that will open at the end of April at the intersection of Warner and Bristol. Most of the newly hired were unemployed.
Santa Ana's Water Ranks Among the World's Best Tasting on Tap!
March 22, 2011
Santa Ana’s Water Resources Division was recently recognized for producing one of the best tasting and highest quality tap water in the world. The City received the bronze award in the “Best Municipal Water” category at the Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting Festival, a serious and accredited competition that attracts water submissions from all over the world each year.
It's All Monkey Business
March 5, 2011
Matteo, a three-year-old crested capuchin monkey, is shrieking at Kent Yamaguchi.
“Some of them recognize me,” said Yamaguchi, director of the Santa Ana Zoo. “It means I’m his friend. Isn’t that cute?”
Indeed, as Yamaguchi approaches the enclosure, the small monkey sees him and moves closer, eyeing with curiosity the 51-year-old Sansei zoo director. It’s part of Yamaguchi’s job to make sure that Matteo and all the other animals at the Santa Ana Zoo are happy and healthy. Located just off the 5 Freeway in Santa Ana, the zoo sits on just 20 acres, a small oasis that is home to 78 species of furry and feathered creatures.
Additions to the Santa Ana Zoo
February 15 , 2011
The monkey and camel exhibits at the Santa Ana Zoo got some new additions this winter.
Mariah and Lou Lou, dromedary (one hump) camels, got some relief from the sun and rain thanks to a Boy Scout project and a silvery langur (trachypithecus cristatus) baby monkey was born on Feb. 10.
Macres Florist Celebrates 75th Anniversary in Santa Ana
January 31, 2011
Sometime near the end of 2010, Macres Florist at 5th and Broadway will reach a major milestone: the family-owned business will celebrate its 75th anniversary.
“I know they were open for Christmas in 1935,” said Mike Macres, third generation family member who runs the business with his wife Tricia.
While the actual anniversary date is in question, there is no doubt about the flower shops longevity.
Santa Ana Artist Diana Markessinis
January 5, 2011
A strand of rusty pipes, vertical as bamboo, aim towards the sky. Twig-like branches ask for growth, but bare no leaves. Oxidized joints wait for systemic activity, as if it will come. Iron, Barren roots squiggle down toward a nearly-beyond-reach earth.
The environmental art described is the work of Diana Markessinis, a 30-year old Santa Ana artist, who will be recognized in coming weeks by the Santa Ana City Council for a similar, recently installed, piece at the Santiago Park Nature and Wildlife Center on Memory Lane.
Santiago Park Mural Painting Day and Celebration
January 5, 2011
On Saturday, January 15, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Santa Ana Teen and adult volunteers will help place the final brush strokes on a community mural at the Santiago Park Main Street underpass, which is accessible from the trail that connects the park to the Discovery Science Center. The Day will culminate with a dedication ceremony and celebration from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the site of the mural.
Something for Everyone in Winter Schedule of Parks and Recreation Classes
December 29, 2010
Start the New Year off on a the right foot by taking one of more than 200 fun and enriching classes and programs offered by City of Santa Ana, Parks , Recreation and Community Services Agency.
This week a catalog of winter classes (January-March) will be available to all residents through the city website and is available at city recreation facilities and the library. The brochure will also be mailed to those who are currently registered in the city’s leisure class programs.
Santa Ana Driving for a Greener Tomorrow
December 24, 2010
When it comes to a commitment to renewable green energy, the City of Santa Ana doesn’t just walk the talk, it drives it.
For the past two year city workers selectively have been driving five hydrogen-powered Toyota Priuses as part of a pilot project with the South Coast Air Quality Management District, the air pollution control agency for Orange County and major portions of Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside counties.
Santa Ana Finds Ways to Increase Open Spaces, Park Land
December 3, 2010
Santa Ana has always gone out of its way to be a green, environmentally friendly city.
Now city officials are working hard to make the community even greener by finding new ways to create neighborhood parks and additional recreational resources for its 355,000 residents.
Over the past several years the city has expanded existing parks, added tens of thousands of square feet in recreational amenities, lengthened bike and hiking trails and opened three new park sites totaling more than 12 acres.
New Digital Forensics Laboratory and Training Center to Open
November 18, 2010
The FBI Director will be attending the grand opening of their new Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory in January of 2011.
A Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory (RCFL) is a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) sponsored full-service digital forensics laboratory and training center. Each RCFL is devoted entirely to the examination of digital evidence in support of criminal and national security investigations, and its services are available to law enforcement agencies at the federal, state, and local level located within an RCFL’s designated service area.
The Copper Door Reflects New Face of Downtown Santa Ana
November 17, 2010
Davin and Marta Gumm are hoping the namesake front doors on their new hip beer bar in Downtown Santa Ana are a metaphor for the future of their business.
“I like the copper on the door and bar top because it gets better and better with age,” said Davin Gumm. “It was patinaed from the day we opened.”
Creative Writing Program Inspires Prose
November 17, 2010
An eight-week intensive writing course for kids recently took place at the Newhope Branch of the Santa Ana Public Library.
During the Creative Minds Writing Workshop, 10 students – in grades 3 to 8 – created short stories, poems, and journals.
Santa Ana School Powers Up Solar Energy Project
October 30, 2010
Slightly-gray clouds parted just enough on Saturday morning to throw occasional splashes of sunlight onto Saddleback High School's new forest of "solar trees," shading the crowd beneath them.
To the untrained observer, they look like modernized picnic shelters in the middle of campus. But each of the "trees" sports part of an array of 3,600 solar panels now populating the school buildings' roofs. Santa Ana Unified School District and invited officials "flipped the switch" on the solar project during a ceremony at the school Saturday, though the panels have been in operation for some time.
The Y in Santa Ana Opens November 1st - New Aquatic Center and Speed Soccer Arena
October 23, 2010
The YMCA has been engaging the residents of Orange County since the first Y was formed in Santa Ana in the 1880’s. On November 1st, 2010, the Y in Santa Ana will begin a new chapter in its 130 year history with a brand new Aquatics Center and Speed Soccer Complex. Programs begin November 1st – registration is now open. Y Programs provide new experiences and growth opportunities for all ages and celebrate common values of respect, responsibility, honesty, and caring.
Santa Ana Public Library and Orange County REFORMA Nurture Librarians of Tomorrow
October 20, 2010
The Santa Ana Public Library is writing the book when it comes to training librarians of the future.
The library was one of 38 recipients of the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Grant Program and a $626,767 award that will fund a three-tiered recruitment and training program that targets high school students, college and college-age youth and Masters of Library and Information Science students.
City Vehicles to Run on Recycled Oil
October 12, 2010
Starting this fical year, the City will be using recylced oil for fleet items such as vehicle motor oil, automatic transmission fluid, hydraulic fluid, and heavy-duty motor oil as part of Fleet Management's renewable energy initiatives.
RSCCD's Corporate Training Institute Teams up with Santa Ana W/O/R/K Center to Put Residents Back to Work
October 4, 2010
Santa Ana resident Jaime Lopez is excited about going back to school on October 7. The 44-year-old former construction worker has been unemployed for eight months. After 25 years of general construction work, he lost his job along with many others in the hard hit construction sector. Although he claimed unemployment to help support his wife and three children, he had turned to CalJOBS and the Santa Ana W/O/R/K Center for job search help. His goal was to find construction-related work that might require more skill and less brawn.
New Shops Give Historic Downtown Santa Ana New Look
September 29 , 2010
Thanks to an influx of unique and trendy businesses, historic Downtown Santa Ana is taking on new look and feel.
Joining nearly 50 restaurants and an estimated 800 shops in the downtown are a retro barbershop and a coffee roaster and café.
Everything about American Barbershop, from the stained checkered cement to the old tin ceilings and exposed metal air ducts, reminds you of the old shop your grandfather took you to on Saturday mornings.
Santa Ana's Super Police Dog Left Impression
August 25, 2010
Officer Mike McCarthy has a new partner – Max, a 4-year-old Dutch Shepherd.
Max joined the Santa Ana Police Department in January and has already assisted in putting a few suspects behind bars.
He has a big act to follow – Chris, a Belgian Malinois that joined the department in 2002 and during his seven-year career helped nab murderers, gang members and thieves.
Santa Ana Teaches Business Importance of a Plan, Access to Capital
August 23, 2010
More than a dozen businesses participating in a 13-week seminar sponsored by the City of Santa Ana discovered that having a plan and knowing where to look for capital greatly enhances their chances of survival even in a tough economy.
“The class was the accountability tool I needed to sit down and complete my business plan,” said Carter Dewberry with the YOST Theater in Santa Ana. “With this document in hand, I feel confident in the strength and direction of my business.”
School Fitness Programs Cuts Crime, Improves Scores
August 23, 2010
A little exercise and sweat, it seems, pay dividends far beyond physical fitness.
Just ask Tom Serafin with the Santa Ana Police Athletic and Activities League and Jackson Elementary School principal Sela Longacre.
For the past two years more than 1,100 Jackson students have run, sweated and grunted their way to healthier bodies. Next month the school and the league will be recognized in a ceremony in Sacramento as one of the top performing participants in the governor’s fitness challenge.
Views from O.C.: Worries for Troops Still in Iraq
August 20, 2010
Seven years and five months of combat came to a symbolic end at a desert crossing late last week, when the last U.S. combat brigade in Iraq rumbled across the border and safely into Kuwait.
Operation Iraqi Freedom officially ends at the end of this month, to be replaced by what the military calls Operation New Dawn. Some 50,000 U.S. troops will stay in Iraq for another year to advise and mentor the Iraqi security forces in what is meant to be a noncombat role.
Construction Begins on Courtyard Marriot Hotel in Santa Ana
August 20, 2010
Construction has started on a 155-room hotel that will further enhance the southern gateway to the City of Santa Ana at the 55 Freeway.
The four-story, 90,000-square-foot Courtyard by Marriott at MacArthur Boulevard and MacArthur Place is the newest addition to the Hutton Centre business campus that surrounds a 2.5-acre lake. The developer said the hotel, which targets business travelers, will help rebrand the campus.
Construction to Start on Tallest Building in County
August 19, 2010
Construction on the tallest building in Orange County is expected to begin this fall just north of the Civic Center in Santa Ana.
One Broadway Plaza, which has been in the planning stages for 6 years, is a 37-story, 530,000 square foot office tower that will rise 493 feet from the corner of 10th Street and Broadway in midtown area of the City.
Fluor Corporation to Donate 500 Backpacks to Boys & Girls Club of Santa Ana Kids
August 4, 2010
The Fluor Corporation will provide 500 backpacks filled with school supplies to Club kids from the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Ana. As part of the Club's Back to School Drive, 40 children will visit the Fluor offices on Wednesday, August 18, 2010 to accept the contribution on behalf of their fellow Club members. They will also participate in engineering activities before having lunch with Fluor employees.
Parents and Community Volunteers Walk Neighborhoods for Success
August 2, 2010
On Saturday, August 7, Santa Ana parent Elfy Gaona will lace up her walking shoes as she has done for the past seven years one saturday in August. By 8 a.m., she will join some 300 community volunteers at six high schools in the Santa Ana Unified School District - Century, Saddleback, Santa Ana, Segerstrom, Godinez and Valley - where they will begin the tenth annual " Camino de Amistad" (Walk for Success).
Santa Ana, YMCA Get in the Swim of Things
July 26, 2010
The City of Santa Ana is finding new ways to provide more with less. For the second year, the city has teamed up with the YMCA of Central Orange County to allow hundreds of local kids a chance to participate in aquatic sports this summer.
Under the partnership, YMCA staff provides swim lessons and helps coach water polo and swim teams at five city pools. By teaming up with the YMCA, the city is not only able to maintain the summer aquatics program but add to it even in a tough budgetary environment.
Digital Media Center Incubator Adds New Resident Business
July 22, 2010
Rancho Santiago Community College District’s Digital Media Center (DMC) Business Incubator has announced one new resident company at its Santa Ana facility. The new resident is Wildflower Technologies, Inc., making smart electronic modules that are easy to use for non-technical designers. These components can be readily integrated into everyday products and venues, including cakes, furniture, artwork, interactive displays, theaters, homes, and more. With its addition, the DMC Business Incubator is at capacity with nine resident digital media companies.
Santa Ana Fire First in County to Get Emergency Certification
July 19, 2010
A specially trained Santa Ana Fire Department team recently became the first in Orange County to be certified by California Emergency Management Agency to respond to countywide disasters involving terrorist, manmade and natural threats.
The Type I Hazmat Team is trained and equipped to provide emergency services to Santa Ana and other communities in the county to deal with fires, hazardous materials, train wrecks, swift water rescue, floods, earthquakes and terrorism.
Thomas Appointed Interim Santa Ana Fire Chief
July 19, 2010
Dave Thomas, a two-decade veteran of the Santa Ana Fire Department, was appointed interim fire chief.
Thomas, 46, fills a vacancy created by the retirement of Marc Martin, who served as chief during two different periods over the last 15 years.
Non-profit Revitalizing Santa Ana One Home at a Time
July 19, 2010
The house that Norma Sepulveda lived in for the past 59 years needed some TLC long before her husband of 63 years died last summer.
“Things had been put off for years,” the Santa Ana resident recalled.
But the 85-year-old widow could not afford to do the work herself and initially was loathe to ask for assistance.
MLB, Pepsi team up to Refresh Communities
July 13, 2010
Starting with a project here in the area of Major League Baseball's 81st All-Star Game, 15 teams across MLB are asking fans to join them in making a difference in America's communities as part of the Pepsi Refresh Project.
Each participating club has outlined an idea -- from creating Milwaukee's first universally accessible baseball league for those with a physical or mental disability to cultivating an urban garden that would grow fruits and vegetables to be donated to various local non-profit organizations to feed the hungry -- that will vie for fan votes and an ultimate $200,000 Pepsi Refresh grant to fulfill the project.
Councilmember Michele Martinez elected to the NALEO Board of Directors
July 8, 2010
The NALEO Board of Directors continues to represent the political, cultural and regional diversity of the Latino community.
The National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) announced the election of seven new board members...
