Agenda Preview: July 1, 2025 City Council Meeting
Here's what The Santanero is monitoring ahead of Tuesday's city council meeting.
Local Eye
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.
Local Eye
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.
Local Eye
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
Recap Series
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.
Local Eye
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
Local Eye
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.
Local Eye
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
Local Eye
Amezcua’s communications sought after 'no response' to disclose actions during ICE raids
In a video statement released Wednesday, Mayor Amezcua claimed she had been working behind the scenes for three days while federal immigration enforcement was active in Santa Ana, starting Monday, June 9. Many commentators criticized her response as too late, and in a follow-up interview with ABC7’s David Gonzalez,
Local Eye
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
Local Eye
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
Local Eye
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