City Council Recap: Feb. 3, 2026
Here's your Santa Ana City Council meeting recap.
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Council approves police drone program in 4–3 vote
(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
18 year-old shot, killed by police after short pursuit
(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
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.
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
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
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
Local Eye
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
Local Eye
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_