To Fight Gangs, Get Rid of Graffiti

Graffiti on walls and businesses is more than just an eyesore.

Some of the markings are messages sent back and forth between gang members.

While some of the spray paint is merely vandalism, other marks are communication between gangs. It may also be part of "ranking in," an initiation process.

To get into a gang, members may have to be beaten or "jumped in" by several gang members for several minutes, steal a car or break into one, or put graffiti in a noticeable place.

Unlike Santa Ana City Council, I don't believe in imposing fines on business owners who have had their property vandalized.

Imposing fines effectively makes the business a victim twice.

It's time for Santa Ana City Council to step up and begin the process of effectivly dealing with graffiti in our city by updating our outdated and uneffective graffiti ordinance.

Santa Ana's economic woes explained

This financial crisis is forcing Santa Ana to make tough decisions,there is a risk that we might need to lay off Andre....

Is a rental renaissance what Santa Ana had in mind?

Will the City of Santa Ana ever get around around to unveiling Renaissance Plan 2.0?

And when they do, will it be what you expected, or just a watered down, late to the party type of plan that Santa Ana's "Leadership Team" usually rolls out?

Judging by the Agenda from tonights Planning Commission, it appears Santa Ana has no plan and maybe not even a strategy.

1. AMENDMENT TO DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT NO. 2005-02 AND AMENDMENT TO CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NOS. 2005-10 AND 2005-15 (Vince Fregoso/Ann Ni)
Filed by NDC Skyline Association, LLC and Integral Communities to amend Development Agreement No. 2005-02 and Conditional Use Permit Nos. 2005-10 and 2005-15 to allow the rental of units at the Skyline Towers and Montage Projects located at MacArthur Place South.

Nothing like taking two 25 story residential towers with 349 units built at a cost of roughly $ 350 Million project, designed to revitalize a portion of Santa Ana and turning it into Orange Counties tallest rental units.

Art Walk- TONIGHT!

Third Saturday of each and every month, the Santiago Street Lofts hosts it monthly Art Walk.

Santiago Art District is a collection of residents who share their love of photography, painting, jewlery, furniture, sculpture, food and fun.

And this little creative corner of Santa Ana has spawned some interesting blogs as well, among them, Life At Santiago Street Lofts, Bandito Style, Jasons Travel & Photography Blog, and the ever popular Pimp My Hood.

Rain or Shine, maybe I'll see you out there.

Santa Ana's Renaissance Specific Plan

It's coming back.

And if it's done right it could bring jobs and a badly needed tax base to Santa Ana.

But will they do it right?

Will they invite residents, business owners and other interested parties to the table BEFORE they roll it out again?

Will they listen?

If done right, the plan could create jobs and housing and business opportunities for local residents. Local small businesses might get sorely needed work from the design and construction of the new housing and retail spaces.

If done right Santa Ana could reap huge sums of tax dollars from businesses looking to get in early and make some money.

Or it could be done all wrong and blow a huge chance for Santa Ana to revitalize our tax base, create jobs and expand opportunities for all.

What do you see as the best bet for it to succeed or where do you see Santa Ana making mistakes.

How can we make it work, and what will it take for you to support it?