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An anonymous donor to Mater Dei High School has withdrawn support after learning that President Michael Brennan allowed Santa Ana Police Department (SAPD) and other unidentified local law enforcement agencies to use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

Social media post shows apparent death threat towards Mayor Amezcua

Santa Ana Mayor Valerie Amezcua posted Wednesday to her social media a screenshot of an apparent death threat. The post came from a user on Instagram posted to their story saying "Kill your local politician now!" The user is not identified in the post. "A clear death

Officer cusses out Santanero journalist covering chaos on Fourth Street, another jests

Daniel Diaz, the sole staff member of The Santanero, was livestreaming and reporting the events unfolding early Thursday where Santa Ana Police officers shot rubber bullets and other canisters at protesters with no warning or unlawful assembly order given. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKyxOUnuM9O/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_

Santa Ana Police shoot rubber bullets at protesters without warning

A peaceful demonstration protesting President Trump's mass deportation plans and recent ICE activity in Santa Ana began Wednesday afternoon on Fourth and Birch Street, directly where National Guards were positioned to defend the Ronald Reagan Federal Court building. Protestors marched throughout Downtown streets, danced, and even shook hands

Immigration Raids and Santanero Response

The Santanero is working in cooperation with the Orange County Rapid Response Network and reviewing other sources such as the Citizen app, Ring, Facebook, and other social media pages to update the community. UPDATE: The Santanero may not be able to push out live notifications as our only staff member

The Santanero launches summer tote bag campaign

The Santanero is proud to launch its first-ever merch item: a beautifully designed tote bag inspired by the city’s official flower, the jacaranda. Although the annual bloom annoys some residents, these trees are deeply rooted in Santa Ana and have witnessed change and seen the city blossom as it

SAUSD finalizes layoffs for 262 certificated staff after legal review

(SAUSD HQ) — The Santa Ana Unified School District Board of Education has formally voted to issue final layoff notices to 262 certificated employees, according to Resolution No. 24/25-3680 passed during the board's May 19 special meeting. The layoffs follow the district’s January resolution to reduce or

SAUSD finalizes layoffs for 262 certificated staff after legal review

— Originally published May 19, 2025 - 8:53 PM — The Santa Ana Unified School District Board of Education has formally voted to issue final layoff notices to 262 certificated employees, according to Resolution No. 24/25-3680 passed during the board's May 19 special meeting. The layoffs follow the

Administrative judge makes final ruling on SAUSD layoffs; Board to consider rulings Monday

SAUSD HQ — A California administrative law judge has ruled that the Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD) may proceed with mass layoffs affecting up to 276 certificated staff-including teachers, counselors, and instructional specialists-for the 2025–2026 school year. The ruling, issued by Judge Eric Sawyer on May 12 following a

Administrative judge makes final ruling on SAUSD layoffs; Board to consider rulings Monday

An administrative judge has issued a proposed decision on SAUSD’s planned layoffs, but the final call on staff cuts will be made by the school board during a special meeting Monday.

Lorin Griset student dies by suicide, SAUSD confrims

BELLA VISTA N.H. — A male 11th grader who attended Lorin Griset Academy died by suicide at his home on Wednesday, the Santa Ana Unified School District has confirmed. The Santanero learned of the student’s death on Friday. Initially, it was unclear if the tragedy was connected to the