Santa Ana Daily Brief: Safety, Streets, and Schools
Santa Ana, CA – March 5, 2026 – A fatal shooting involving a Santa Ana teen, a DUI checkpoint, a water main break, plus SAUSD budget news today.
Top local headlines
Teen from Santa Ana dies after Garden Grove shooting
Police say a 16-year-old Santa Ana resident was killed in a shooting Tuesday evening, March 3, in the 12500 block of Sandalwood Lane in Garden Grove. Authorities reported a second juvenile was also struck by gunfire and was listed in stable condition. The investigation is ongoing, and detectives are asking anyone with information to come forward.
DUI and driver’s license checkpoint set for Friday night
Santa Ana police say they plan a DUI and driver’s license checkpoint on Friday, March 6, running from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. The location will not be announced in advance. Officers emphasized that impairment can come from alcohol, marijuana, or certain medications, and reminded drivers that a DUI arrest can bring steep costs and a license suspension.
Water main break disrupts Baker and Segerstrom area
Drivers near South Baker Street and West Segerstrom Avenue saw fresh traffic impacts Wednesday, March 4, after a water main break. Crews responded and the city advised motorists and pedestrians to avoid the area if possible. Residents nearby were also cautioned about possible temporary water service interruptions while repairs were underway.
SAUSD schedules March 17 budget town halls
Santa Ana Unified School District announced two community town hall meetings on March 17 focused on the district budget and how schools are funded. An in-person session is planned for the morning at Jefferson Elementary, followed by a virtual evening meeting. The district said the goal is to share information early and give families a chance to weigh in on priorities.
State recognition for attendance and student support work
The California Department of Education named Santa Ana Unified among its 2026 Model SARB (School Attendance Review Board) Recognition recipients. The honors are set to be presented at a statewide conference in Sacramento later this month. Locally, the recognition highlights ongoing efforts to connect students with supports that can improve attendance and reduce chronic absenteeism.
Sources
- https://newsantaana.com/a-santa-ana-teen-was-fatally-shot-in-garden-grove/
- https://newsantaana.com/the-sapd-will-conduct-a-cdl-and-dui-checkpoint-on-march-6/
- https://newsantaana.com/water-main-break-snarls-traffic-at-s-baker-and-w-segerstrom-in-santa-ana/
- https://www.sausd.us/all-news/~board/2025-2026-news/post/school-budget-town-hall-meetings-scheduled-for-march-17-2026
- https://www.cde.ca.gov/nr/ne/yr26/yr26rel10.asp
