Santa Ana Police warn against illegal fireworks — but will the 4th still erupt like a warzone amid political tension?

The Santanero says yes, but with slightly better air quality.

Agenda Preview: July 1, 2025 City Council Meeting

Here's what The Santanero is monitoring ahead of Tuesday's city council meeting.

Landscaper with three Marine sons violently detained in Santa Ana; DHS alleges assault without evidence

A Tustin landscaper has been identified by his eldest Marine vet son after he was violently detained by immigration agents in Santa Ana.

Santa Ana Police redact ICE tip disclosures after Essayli letter

Santa Ana Police redacted all ICE courtesy notifications following a June 6 letter from U.S. Attorney Essayli warning the city that disclosing them could violate federal law.

Ten days, 87 questions, little answers

Transparency has been the key to keeping equilibrium between Santaneros and local officials. It is what keeps the relationship trustworthy when times get tough. Over the past ten days, The Santanero has taken the necessary steps to engage with public officials, submitting a total of 87 questions meant to inform

Public obliterates Amezcua; told to support, resign, or be recalled

Accused of inaction and betrayal, Amezcua was confronted by residents who demanded accountability and change, or be removed.

Recap: June 17, 2025 City Council Meeting

CITY HALL — After a week of federal immigration enforcement actions in Santa Ana — which sparked mostly peaceful protests across the city — residents are expressing outrage over Mayor Valerie Amezcua’s apparent three-day silence and her eventual decision to side with law enforcement. Frustrated Santaneros are showing up in large numbers

Sprouts to replace former 99 Cents Only Store at Bristol Warner Village

It has been over a year since the former 99 Cents Only Store closed permanently at the corner of Bristol and Warner. After sitting vacant for more than 12 months, the property's longtime owner, NewMark Merrill, announced Thursday that a lease has been signed with Sprouts Farmers Market.

Mater Dei alumni demand end to police drone operations on campus

Mater Dei High School administration received a letter Monday from alumni expressing strong disapproval and calling for the immediate retraction of the school’s partnership with the Santa Ana Police Department and other law enforcement agencies. The controversy centers on the use of the Mater Dei campus as a staging

Decline in cars and foot traffic signals uncertain future for businesses and City budget

Santa Ana streets have seen a noticeable decline in activity following federal immigration raids that began last Monday. With the National Guard maintaining a visible presence along East Fourth Street and Santa Ana Boulevard and ongoing protests, many residents are avoiding the Downtown area—a shift that is already impacting

Online recall effort launched against Amezcua

A change.org petition was established Friday in efforts to recall Santa Ana Mayor Valerie Amezcua who has recevied a firewall of backlash from Santaneros for what many call a “lack” of response and an overexaggeration of words used in her Monday Facebook post. Amezcua was interviewed by ABC7 Thursday

Mater Dei 'drone operation' hints at SAPD's tactics in protest dispersal; Brennan clarifies they're not working with ICE but a donor and alumni say that's not enough

An anonymous donor to Mater Dei High School has withdrawn support after learning that President Michael Brennan allowed Santa Ana Police Department (SAPD) and other unidentified local law enforcement agencies to use the school campus as a staging area Tuesday for "drone operations." As of now, SAPD has