Street Lake at 6th and Mortimer

Back in March of last year, a few friends and I began walking to The Gypsy Den for an early morning cup of coffee. On the way there, we stopped at the corner of 6th and Mortimer and took note of a street lake taking residence in this high-density residential neighborhood.

The next day we took the same route and lo and behold, the stagnant water was still there. "I think I found my new pet project", I said to my fellow caffeine whores.

Later that day, I headed back to take some pictures to send to Santa Ana Public Works when I encountered a gentleman by the name of Juan waiting for a bus just a few steps away from the street lake. Juan told me that he's lived in the neighborhood for over eight years and has yet to see a dry gutter.

Just then, he motioned me to turn around as a Mamacita was carefully pushing a stroller through the puddle, trying not to make too much of a splash. Juan was shaking his head in a sad, frustrated manner.

I thanked Juan for his time and told him that I'd be making some phone calls to get problem fixed.

"Thank you, and I wish you luck", Juan replied, as if he somehow knew that over the next few months, I'd be leaving several unreturned phone messages left on answering machines and operators down at Public Works.

Not until late in August did I finally have the wherewithal when placing a follow-up call to ask to speak directly with Jim Ross, the Executive Director down at Public Works.

At first, the operator seemed hesitant to connect me to him, but after briefly talking it up as if we had old business, the call was patched through.

When Jim Ross answered the call, I was immediately delighted with his "can do" attitude. It was a very refreshing experience and he assured me that he would have someone out the next day to survey the location.

Sure enough, Jim called me back the very next day and assured me that he'd have the pooling problem fixed by the end of the year.

October came and went, and November was flying by with no sign of progress. I was beginning to feel stood up. Then, one night as I was walking back from Monday Night Football down at Tommy Pastrami's, I noticed some orange cones that read "SAPW" set up around the lake. Later on that week, I headed down to the lake and snapped these photos below:


As the year came to a close, so did another one of my pet projects. Jim Ross down at Public Works did an amazing job and now this intersection is no longer a problem for those that walk, ride, or drive through this intersection.

And for once, I was actually glad to see my tax dollars being thrown down the gutter.


James G. Ross, Executive Director
20 Civic Center Plaza, M-21
Santa Ana, CA 92702
click for webpage

Emergency Repairs
714-647-3380

General Maintenance and Repairs
714-647-3380

Project Bid Information
714-647-5680

Public Works Information
714-647-5690

This Saturday: It Came From The 80's

Their last show was Peglegs & Pistols–a pirate-themed art show, so you know they know how to have a good time!

Opening Night: January 24th (This Saturday)
7PM-12AM

Phantom Gallery
2736 East Chapman Avenue
Orange, CA 92869

Can We Bring This to Santa Ana?

A Downtown Santa Ana Luchador/Luchadora Battle Royale would be so sweet.

Art Walk This Saturday (01/17)

Tomorrow night marks the third Saturday of the month and the first Art Walk of 2009, and what better way to enjoy the unseasonably warm nights we've been experiencing than to stop on by the Santiago Art District Art Walk.

As usual, the Art Walk kicks off around 7PM and runs late into the night. Who knows, maybe Mayor Pulido might show up this time, but don't hold your breath.

Hey, it's been a while since we've done a poll. See above:

Live Together, Die Alone

I'm sure most of you have heard by now that Adams Iron, located on the Northwest corner of Santiago Street and Civic Center Drive caught on fire yesterday around 3:30PM.

Luckily, no one was hurt and once again, the Santa Ana Fire Department hunks did an amazing job of containing the fire before it could spread to any surrounding businesses, or worse, nearby residential units, including the Logan neighborhood or the lofts.

Even though someone's business burned down, and it looks as if the employees will be out of work at this location, there is one positive thing to mention and that is our community is well looked after.

Around 3:50PM yesterday, I received a phone call from a resident telling me about the fire, then a text message from one of Santa Ana's best political bloggers, then an email from one of our fantastic new residents who posted the incident on our community's Google Group, followed up with an instant message from another resident.

It's a good feeling knowing that there are so many residents here looking out for one another. Live Together, Die Alone–as Jack would say on Lost (which comes back in less than a week). Though, I wouldn't go as far as to say Die Alone–how about ...or find out your house burned down and no one knew you well enough to save your cats.

So if you own/live here and haven't met your neighbors yet, know that we've got a great little community here at the Santiago Street Lofts–with friends all around the city who want nothing more than to see our neighborhood blossom as we lay the building blocks for a grand entrance into the heart of Orange County.

Wags to Riches (01/09)

Thank you to everyone who visits this blog (even the blog trolls) and helps raise funds for Pet Pro Life–a fantastic dog rescue program operating every weekend out of the Petsmart in Fountain Valley.

Last weekend, we stopped in for a visit and dropped off another check for $120. Just look at all of those happy volunteers in the picture.

It seems as if every organization is looking for a "bailout" these days, but in this case, I know they'll be putting the money to good use.

Danny Maika–Music Worth Sharing

A few months ago, a group of Santiago Loft residents stopped in for open mic night at the Vault located below the OC Pavilion/Ambrosia Restaurant.

After a decent amount of painful performances, Danny took the stage and wowed us all with his set and stage presence. I remember saying to the wife on the way home: "I'm sure glad we stuck around to hear that guy!"

Since that night, we've crossed paths with Danny on several occasions including an amazing performance at the Irvine Spectrum Mall on the day after Christmas, and most recently, just a few doors down while performing in a neighbor's first floor studio/workspace.

Aside from his fantastic voice, Danny just has a wonderful persona about him where you'd love nothing more than to see this guy make it.

Perhaps when the weather gets warmer and the Santiago Art District Art Walk picks up again, maybe we can get him to do a live show.

Until then, check out his website or his MySpace page for some soul-warming tunes.