City Council Recap: Jan. 20, 2026

Here's your recap of the Santa Ana City Council meeting held on Jan. 20, 2026 with added disclosure by co-founder Daniel Diaz.

Audit dispute sparks clash between Vazquez and police union

An initial audit claimed the Santa Ana police union’s health trust was overpaid by millions while running a deficit. The same day Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez requested a state probe, a revised audit corrected the overpayment and showed the deficit was covered by reserves.

Say hello to WAVE, the new OCTA bus pass coming October

Goodbye paper, hello plastic.

Supreme Court allows racially profiling immigration raids to continue in Southern California—for now

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a 6-3 party-lined decision Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court has allowed racially profiling federal immigration raids in Southern California to continue, pausing a lower court’s order that found the operations likely unconstitutional earlier this summer. Despite the temporary restraining order in place, ICE continued

SAUSD unknowingly almost rehired teacher accused of killing wife with dementia

Justin Davidson, former math teacher at Middle College High School, was almost rehired by SAUSD—unaware of his arrest and charge for murder of his dementia-stricken wife.

Bass signed an executive order. Here's why Amezcua can't do that—and what it would take to change it

Amezcua faced public criticism for not demanding the removal of ICE and the National Guard from Santa Ana. However, according to the City Attorney's office, the City Charter does not grant the authority to issue such an order.

OC Fair responds to ICE concerns

The Orange County Fair opens Friday, but ICE concerns may deter some visitors, especially immigrants. Fair officials assure it's a safe fair for everyone and ICE doesn’t have free access.

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