(THE SANTANERO) SANTA ANA, Calif. — The City Council voted 4–3 Tuesday night to approve a police drone program, following a tense and closely divided debate over the use of unmanned aerial technology. The decision authorizes the city to move forward with the agreement outlined in the staff report, allowing
Local Eye
(THE SANTANERO — Santa Ana, Calif.) Santa Ana Police issued a press release at approximately 4:30 PM Thursday providing additional details about a deadly officer-involved shooting that occurred Wednesday night. According to the Santa Ana Police Department, the shooting occurred on around 10:29 PM Wednesday, when an officer attempted
Recap Series
Here's your recap of the Santa Ana City Council meeting held on Jan. 20, 2026 with added disclosure by co-founder Daniel Diaz.
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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.
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Goodbye paper, hello plastic.
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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
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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.
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.
Goodbye paper, hello plastic.
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
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.
It's free!
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.
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.
The Santanero says yes, but with slightly better air quality.
Here's what The Santanero is monitoring ahead of Tuesday's city council meeting.
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 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.
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
Accused of inaction and betrayal, Amezcua was confronted by residents who demanded accountability and change, or be removed.
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
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 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
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