In the August 19, 2025, edition of City of Santa Ana Stories (COSAS), meet the City’s new executive directors, share your ideas about shaping the future of First Street, see new road and infrastructure projects we’ve recently completed, and find more news and events.
Spotlight Photo
Summer Splash Day Camp
Photo Credit: City staff
To submit your own original photo of Santa Ana to be featured in the next newsletter, complete this form.
City Manager’s Highlights
Meet your new executive directors
City Manager Alvaro Nuñez has appointed new executive directors to lead the Finance and Management Services Agency and the Planning and Building Agency.
Alex Trinidad is the new Executive Director of Finance and Management Services, which encompasses accounting, budgeting, payroll, purchasing, treasury and revenue processing. He brings 15 years of experience in accounting and finance, including eight years in local government. After joining the City of Santa Ana in 2019, he was appointed Assistant Finance Director in March 2022. Director Trinidad has played a vital part in managing the City’s $700 million annual budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility, compliance and long-term sustainability.
Ali Pezeshkpour is the new Executive Director of Planning and Building, which plays a critical role in creating a safe, attractive, and business-friendly community through implementing state and local construction codes, as well as planning and regulating future land uses. He joined the City in 2011 and brings over 17 years of experience in urban planning, economic development and community development. Director Pezeshkpour has been instrumental in advancing key initiatives, including approving historic Transit Zoning Code amendments, addressing community code enforcement issues, and expanding the PBx same-day express permit program.
Please join us in welcoming our new executive directors serving the Santa Ana community.
News
New Santa Ana library branch opens as part of largest library system expansion in 50 years
The City of Santa Ana celebrated the opening of a new library branch on Thursday, Aug. 14, as part of the largest expansion of the library system in 50 years and a historic $50 million investment in library facilities. The Santa Ana City Council led a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Delhi Library Branch, located inside the Delhi Center at 505 E. Central Ave.
The new 2,500-square-foot branch transformed three existing rooms into a vibrant, modern indoor/outdoor public library space. The branch features an innovative glass storefront entrance, modern furnishings, curated displays, along with a brand new collection of books, materials and Library of Things items.
You’re invited: Help shape the future of First Street!
Santa Ana residents, businesses and community members, your voice matters! We invite you to join an interactive community workshop on Tuesday, Aug. 26, or a virtual workshop on Aug. 27 to learn how the City of Santa Ana is Moving Forward on First with the First Street Multimodal Boulevard Study.
This study is the City’s comprehensive plan to redesign this key east-west corridor to better serve people walking, biking, rolling, driving, and using public transit. From road safety to beautification, this project is about creating a First Street that reflects the needs and aspirations of the community it connects.
The workshop is your first opportunity to:
- Learn about the study and what “multimodal” means for First Street
- Share your ideas, concerns and vision for improvements
- Help guide future designs that will make traveling along First Street more welcoming for all
For more information about the study and workshop, visit the link below.
First Street Multimodal Boulevard Study: bit.ly/MovingForwardOnFirst.
New digital marquees will share City news
We recently unveiled three new digital marquees at Carl Thornton Park, Delhi Park and Centennial Park. Part of our Revive Santa Ana pandemic recovery program, funded by the federal American Rescue Plan Act, these marquees are the first of six new signs we are installing across the city. We will use the marquees to deliver important messages to our residents about government resources and assistance, health and safety information, City events and programs, and other news and public services announcements that may benefit the community.
Until now, the City owned only one marquee at Santa Ana Stadium, which was upgraded as part of this project. This work reflects the City’s commitment to improving communication and keeping residents informed and connected.
City Council approves $100,000 emergency financial assistance program for people affected by immigration enforcement
On July 1, the Santa Ana City Council committed to launch an emergency financial assistance program with $100,000 in funding for Santa Ana residents who have been impacted by recent federal immigration enforcement actions. The Santa Ana Ayuda Sin Fronteras (Help Without Borders) program is now available, providing qualified households with up to one month’s worth of housing expenses to help with past-due rent and utility bills.
The program is available to Santa Ana residents who have been financially affected by immigration enforcement actions and who are renters living in Santa Ana with a household income at or below the Moderate-Income level. We encourage Santa Ana residents who have had a family or household member detained, deported, or otherwise affected by immigration enforcement to visit the Ayuda Sin Fronteras website or call the helpline at (714) 565-2655 to learn more about eligibility and how to apply.
Sports fields scheduled for maintenance
To effectively provide and sufficiently maintain City athletic fields, scheduled rotating field closures occur during the year for turf recovery, field maintenance, and overall improvements. The sports fields at the following City of Santa Ana parks are currently closed due to annual turf renovation through the dates listed below:
- Cesar Chavez Park, 3311 W. 5th St., through September 2, 2025
- Centennial Park, 300 W Edinger Ave., through September 2, 2025
- Delhi Park, 2314 S Halladay St., through September 2, 2025
- Santiago Park, 2535 N. Main St., through September 2, 2025
- Morrison Park, 2801 N. Westwood St., through September 29, 2025
- Portola Park, 1700 E. Santa Clara Av., through November 24, 2025
The fields will be fenced off completely and will not be open to the public. Please use alternate athletic fields nearby while these park fields are under construction.
Labor Day closure: City Hall closed, no street sweeping September 1
In observance of Labor Day on Monday, September 1, 2025, Santa Ana City Hall, community centers, senior centers, libraries, the Santa Ana Work Center and other non-essential City facilities will be closed. There will be no street sweeping, and trash and recycling collection will be delayed by one day.
See the holiday and closed Friday schedule here.
See our holiday street sweeping schedule here.
Tales of the City
Public Works completes road safety and improvement projects
This summer, our Public Works team has been making great progress on important infrastructure projects that keep Santa Ana moving, safe, and thriving. Here are updates on two of the recently completed projects.
First Street Slope Stabilization Project
Crews stabilized four dirt slopes with 45,000 square feet of decorative concrete along First Street, widened the sidewalk to enhance pedestrian safety, and installed new security fencing along the top of the slopes. These upgrades help reduce slope erosion, improve water quality, and enhance the appearance of this key gateway to Downtown Santa Ana.
Pedestrian and Mobility Improvements Phase II
The Public Works team installed three new traffic signals on Fairview Street at Highland Street, 5th Street at Susan Street, and Flower Street at 3rd Street to improve safety in high-traffic, higher-speed corridors. These locations are near schools, senior housing and OCTA bus stops, where safe crossings are especially important. The upgrades provide better visibility for pedestrians, emergency vehicle detection, and more orderly movement for all roadway users.
Local Preventative Maintenance Project
Pavement rehabilitation work has been successfully completed, repairing 6 1/2 miles of streets throughout Santa Ana. The work scope included upgrading curb ramps, replacing damaged curbs, gutters, and sidewalks, and adding new slurry seal, crack sealing and asphalt overlay. These accomplishments will improve ride quality, extend pavement life and increase accessibility through better street conditions.
City Council Meetings
The next regular Santa Ana City Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at 4 p.m. for closed session and at 5:30 p.m. for the open meeting in Council Chambers, 22 Civic Center Plaza.
City Council meetings are typically held on the first and third Tuesdays of each month, with the closed session beginning at 5 p.m. or earlier. The open meeting session begins at 5:30 p.m. Meetings have both in-person and virtual participation and attendance and are live streamed on the City’s YouTube channel and our TV channel, CTV3 (channel 3 on Spectrum.) If you’d like to provide public comments on agenda and non-agenda items, you can email, attend in person, or join the Zoom webinar online or by phone. Subscribe here to receive City meeting agenda notifications.
Events
Find more City of Santa Ana events on our website.
OC Streetcar Public Presentation – August 20
Join the OC Streetcar team from Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) to learn about the next major construction activities, the testing phase and tips on how to keep yourself and your community safe during OC Streetcar construction. A brief presentation will be followed by a Q&A session. Spanish translation will be available.
- Wednesday, Aug. 20
- 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
- Carver Elementary School, 1401 W. Santa Ana Blvd.
Jerome Park Outdoor Library Ribbon Cutting Ceremony – August 21
The Santa Ana community is invited to join a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Outdoor Library at Jerome Park. Explore the self-service “Mini Library” kiosk with nearly 400 books and movies, enjoy outdoor seating with free Wi-Fi, and check out new activity areas and landscaping. Children and families are invited to enjoy a special performance after the ceremony, beginning at 5 p.m.
- Thursday, Aug. 21
- 4-6 p.m.
- Jerome Park, 2115 W. McFadden Ave.
Contact us at (714) 647-5358 for additional information.
Storytime at the Park – August 22-30
Pack a blanket and join The Knowledge Mobile of Santa Ana Public Library for Storytime at the Park! Immerse your little ones in the magic of storytelling amid the beauty of nature. Storytime is from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at all locations.
Join us for these exciting events:
- Friday, Aug. 22
- Jerome Park, 2115 W. McFadden Ave.
- Saturday, Aug. 23
- OCEA Parking Lot, 830 N. Ross St.
- Monday, Aug. 25
- Sandpointe Park, 3700 S. Birch St.
- Saturday, Aug. 30
- OCEA Parking Lot, 830 N. Ross St.
Contact us at (714) 647-5358 for more information.
Quarterly Bulky Item Drop-Off Day – August 23
Our Public Works Agency (PWA) is proud to host their third quarterly bulky item drop-off day. Every quarter, PWA, in partnership with Republic Services, will be hosting cleanup days throughout the City in an effort to help residents properly dispose of bulky items such as furniture, mattresses, carpets, and non-donatable clothes, bedding, books, or toys.
Items NOT accepted include, but are not limited to, hazardous waste, such as paints, oils, chemicals, pesticides, and batteries; concrete, dirt, rocks, brick, asphalt; tires, refrigerators, freezers, and AC units. This event is free to Santa Ana residents, and no appointment is necessary. Proof of Santa Ana residency will be required.
- Saturday, Aug. 23
- 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
- Carl Thornton Park, 1801 W. Segerstrom Ave.
- El Salvador Park, 1825 W. Civic Center Drive
For more information, call (714) 647-5411 or visit https://www.santa-ana.org/trash-recycling.
Chicano Heritage Festival – August 24
Join us for our fourth annual Chicano Heritage Festival and celebrate Santa Ana’s rich Mexican American culture. This free, family-friendly community event will feature a car cruise, live performances, food vendors, community art and more! Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and chairs, and get ready for a full day of fun. As a friendly reminder, overnight camping, grilling and smoking are not permitted. See the performance lineup and learn more at the link below.
- Sunday, Aug. 24
- 2-7 p.m.
- Centennial Park, 3000 W. Edinger Ave.
A Movie Crafternoon: ‘Minecraft Movie’ – August 26
Settle in for a fun afternoon of movies and making with Santa Ana Public Library! We’ll watch a movie and create a craft inspired by the film. All supplies provided — just bring your creativity and enjoy a cozy time at the library.
- Tuesday, Aug. 26
- 4-6 p.m.
- Garfield Community Center, 501 N. Lacy St.
Contact us at (714) 571-4238 for more information.
First Street Multimodal Boulevard Study Community Workshops – August 26 & 27
The First Street Multimodal Boulevard Study is the City’s comprehensive plan to redesign this key east-west corridor to better serve people walking, biking, rolling, driving, and using public transit. From road safety to beautification, this project is about creating a First Street that reflects the needs and aspirations of the community it connects. Join either or both of our community workshops to learn more and share your ideas for First Street. Spanish and Vietnamese translations will be available.
In-person workshop:
- Tuesday, Aug. 26
- 6-7:30 p.m.
- Roosevelt-Walker Community Center, 816 E. Chestnut Ave.
Virtual workshop:
- Wednesday, Aug. 27
- 6-7:30 p.m.
- Zoom: Bit.ly/FirstStreetWorkshop
First Street Multimodal Boulevard Study
Chicano Heritage Educational Celebration – August 28
Join Santa Ana Public Library for an Educational Celebration that will feature an Author Hour presentation with local author Luis F. Fernandez and a Chicano History Walk Photo Exhibit. Luis F. Fernandez will sign copies of his book, Mexican American Baseball in Orange County, and have a meet and greet with attendees. Giveaways will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last. The photographic exhibit will highlight the Chicano community experience in Santa Ana from the 1950s to today. This powerful collection invites you to walk through living history — exploring the everyday lives and achievements of the Chicano community.
- Thursday, Aug. 28
- 4:30-7 p.m.
- Santa Ana City Hall Courtyard, 20 Civic Center Plaza
Garage and Yard Sales Weekend – September 6-7
Garage and yard sales are back the weekend of September 6 and 7, 2025. Sales can run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day and no permit is required for residential properties. Remember to follow all City regulations, including selling only household goods, keeping items off public sidewalks and streets, and removing signs within one day after your sale.
- Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 6-7
- 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
Regulations for residential garage sales.
Resources
Report issues with the mySantaAna app
The mySantaAna mobile app puts the power of the City of Santa Ana government in the palm of your hand! Download the app to quickly and easily report issues such as potholes, graffiti, downed trees and much more. The new app is now fully functional in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.
City Hall Friday and Holiday Closures
Santa Ana City Hall is open Monday through Thursday and every other Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. City Hall and non-essential City offices are closed on alternating Fridays, in addition to several observed holidays throughout the year.
See the holiday and closed Friday schedule
See our holiday street sweeping schedule
Who do I call at City Hall?
Important phone numbers:
- City Hall main line: (714) 647-5400
- Code Enforcement: (714) 667-2780
- Graffiti Hotline: (877) 786-7824
- Emergency Water Services: (714) 953-8026
- Public Works dispatch (street sweeping, trees): (714) 647-3380
Find more phone numbers for all City services
Utility services
- City utility services
- Southern California Edison: Call (800) 447-6620
- Southern California Gas: Call (800) 207-8567
- Trash pick-up: Call (657) 467-6220