SANTA ANA : Activist, Club Owner Plan Run for Council

Blues guitarist and city restaurateur Randell Young formally declared his candidacy for Santa Ana mayor at his jazz club Tuesday, prompting plumbing contractor and community activist John Raya to announce his own plans to run.

The statements are an early starting gun for what promises to be an active political season in Santa Ana, where the mayoral seat and three council seats are up for grabs in November.

But before Young can run, he must overcome one hurdle: The San Clemente resident has to move to Santa Ana and register to vote here. That technicality has provided early fodder for Raya.

“Politicians have moved, historically, to get into races. I think ultimately the voters decide whether they like that or not,” Raya said.

Young, 39, said he spends all but his sleeping hours in the city and is committed to its future.

“If I were a poor person in Santa Ana, and somebody was willing to move from a very nice neighborhood in San Clemente--somebody who already has two businesses in Santa Ana and wants to improve the business community and make it easier for me to find a job--I would appreciate that,” Young said.

Young said he is looking for a slate of three council hopefuls willing to work with him to promote businesses. “I’m really not interested in just being mayor and not furthering this agenda. One of the objectives I have to accomplish is to recruit three people to run with me who will take on these council-people in their districts.”

Young owns a small record company and the namesake Randell’s, a jazz and supper club on Hutton Centre Drive, and manages commercial property in Santa Ana and Santa Monica.

Raya, 40, said he will officially announce his candidacy within the next week.

While Raya said he also is eager to improve the climate for business, he said more must be done to ensure that the city’s youth are prepared to fill the jobs created by business.

Raya has served on the Rancho Santiago College Board of Trustees and lost a bid for reelection. He has also served on the city’s redevelopment and housing advisory commissions.

Candidates can obtain papers after July 18 and must file them with the city by Aug. 12. Young must move to the city before picking up the paperwork.

Mayor Daniel H. Young will not seek reelection. Councilman Robert L. Richardson has not said whether he will seek a second term. Councilwoman Patricia A. McGuigan has declared in her campaign committee statement that she will run; and Mayor Pro Tem Miguel A. Pulido Jr.’s seat will be open, as he has served two full terms.

Pulido is keeping his intentions under wraps.