In the July 31, 2025, edition of City of Santa Ana Stories (COSAS), read our annual water quality report, learn about new bike lane projects, get involved in community workshops and surveys, join the opening of our new library branches, and find more Santa Ana news and events.
Spotlight Photo
Zuko’s Adventures at Thornton Park
Photo Credit: Angelica B.
To submit your own original photo of Santa Ana to be featured in the next newsletter, complete this form.
City Manager’s Highlights
Happy Parks and Recreation Month
As Parks and Recreation Month draws to a close in July, we want to acknowledge and celebrate the many ways our parks programs bring Santa Ana together. Not only do parks offer places to play, but also physical activity, mental well-being, and social connection. Studies show that people who live closer to parks have lower stress levels, and children with access to parks are more likely to be active and get better sleep.
Over the past year, we’ve increased our total number of parks to 50, adding or renovating La Artista Artesia Pilar Park, Gerardo Mouet Park, George Upton All-Access Park, Madison Park and Angels Park, as well as adding many other amenities throughout our park system.
Did you know the Santa Ana Parks, Recreation and Community Services Agency employs 62 full-time and over 260 part-time staff? They provide services and programs at our community centers and senior centers, youth and recreation activities, special events like Movies in the Park, and so much more. Join us in celebrating what makes Parks and Recreation so special!
And Happy Chicano Heritage Month!
We are also proud to celebrate Chicano Heritage Month in August. Santa Ana has a rich and vibrant Chicano history that continues to shape our city in powerful ways. This is a time to honor the culture and contributions of Chicano artists, leaders and families who have made lasting impacts on our community. The Santa Ana City Council declared August as Chicano Heritage Month in 2021, making Santa Ana the first major city in the country to do so.
Please join us to celebrate at our fourth annual Chicano Heritage Festival on Sunday, Aug. 24, from 2 to 7 p.m. at Centennial Park, with live music, a car cruise and other fun activities.
Santa Ana Chicano Heritage Festival 2025
News
‘Resilience in Every Drop’: Read our 2024 Water Quality Report
The City of Santa Ana is proud to announce the release of our 2024 Water Quality Report, also known as the annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). This year’s theme, “Resilience in Every Drop: Protecting Water Quality and Planning for the Future,” reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to delivering safe, high-quality water while proactively preparing for the challenges ahead.
Santa Ana continues to lead with innovation, investment, and transparency — ensuring that residents and businesses have access to clean, great-tasting drinking water every day. The 2024 report highlights how the City is addressing emerging water issues, modernizing infrastructure, and staying ahead of new state and federal regulations with forward-thinking solutions.
The report is now available at SantaAnaCCR.org, where you can view it online, explore specific topics, or download a printable copy. Residents without Internet access may request a printed version by calling (714) 647-3500 or emailing info@SantaAnaCCR.org.
We’re opening the book on our newest libraries!
Please join us in August for two ribbon cutting ceremonies celebrating the largest expansion of the Santa Ana Public Library system in 50 years – Delhi Library Branch and Jerome Park Outdoor Library. These projects were funded through the federal American Rescue Plan Act.
The 2,500-square-foot Delhi Library Branch, located inside the Delhi Center, includes an innovative glass storefront style entrance, modern furniture, interior displays and cases; special “Knowledge Bar” to assist patrons with technology and information needs; new outdoor patio space for library programs, events, and activities. Join the ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, Aug. 14, at 4 p.m. at the Delhi Center, 505 E. Central Ave.
The Jerome Park Outdoor Library includes a fully enclosed self service “Mini Library” kiosk, containing nearly 400 items from books to movies; outdoor seating and access to public Wi-Fi; new program and activity areas; and new drought tolerant landscaping. Join the ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, Aug. 21, at 4 p.m. in Jerome Park, 2115 W. McFadden Ave.
Standard and McFadden Bikeways Project to improve bicycle and pedestrian safety
Construction for improved bike lane infrastructure along Standard and McFadden avenues is now underway, promoting pedestrian safety and alternate forms of transportation. Improvements include protected bike lanes, a new traffic signal at Bishop Street, a new pedestrian crossing at Wakeham Avenue, bulb-outs for shorter pedestrian crossing distance at intersections, and new ADA curb ramps.
We are currently halfway through the four-phase project. Phases 1 & 2 were completed along north and south Standard Avenue. Currently, the contractor is working on Phase 3 on McFadden from Harbor Boulevard to Bristol Street, which will be completed by September. Phase 4 is scheduled to commence on McFadden from Bristol to Grand Avenue in September and be completed in December.
Learn more about the Standard and McFadden Bikeways Project
Hometown Heroes banners honor military service members
We are proud to recognize 12 local military service members with the installation of new light pole banners through our Hometown Heroes Military Banner Program. We recently installed the new banners along MacArthur Boulevard at Bristol Street, with each featuring the name, photo and service branch of an active-duty military service member from Santa Ana.
Thank you to the families and loved ones who applied on behalf of their service members — and to the local businesses whose sponsorships made these inspiring tributes possible. Do you want to honor a Santa Ana resident who is serving in the military? Or are you a local business who would like to sponsor a banner? Learn more below.
Hometown Heroes Military Banner Program
Help us name our new park at 10th and Flower
Our Parks, Recreation and Community Services Agency received name suggestions from the community for the new park being built at 10th and Flower streets and has narrowed it down to the top four finalists. Now we need your help to pick the final name recommendation for our Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission to consider at their next meeting. The poll is open July 28 to August 14 at 5 p.m.
The top four names are:
- Diez Flores
- Flores Park
- Flower Park
- Hope Park
This 1.4-acre park will provide the local community with access to open space, exercise areas, a playground, basketball court, skate park and more. It will open by summer 2026.
Santa Ana Zoo staying open late on weekends in August
Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park is extending its summer hours every weekend in August (except for Saturday, Aug. 16). The Zoo will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (last admission at 6 p.m.) on Saturdays and Sundays.
Come enjoy an evening stroll, visit your favorite animal friends, and make summer memories! Extended hours are included in regular zoo admission. Get your tickets at the gate or online.
Apply to serve on a City of Santa Ana advisory board
Help shape your community’s future by serving on a City of Santa Ana advisory body! The City is currently seeking applicants to fill seats on the following commission and committee:
- Historic Resources Commission
- Measure X Citizen Oversight Committee
Appointees must be a Santa Ana resident and may not serve as a treasurer of any political action committee.
Apply to serve on a City board, commission or committee
Take the OC Bus survey for discontinuation of Route 862
Starting in spring 2026, the OC Streetcar will offer a modern way to travel between Santa Ana and Garden Grove. The streetcar will link to other OC Bus routes and the Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center for seamless regional travel. Orange County Transportation Authority is proposing to discontinue OC Bus Route 862, which will be replaced by the OC Streetcar, and they want your input. Please take the OCTA survey at the link below for a chance to win a $50 Visa gift card.
Take the OCTA Route 862 survey
Wastewater knowledge is never a waste: Join OC San’s Wastewater 101 Citizens Academy
Ever wonder what happens after you flush? Now’s your chance to find out! OC San, the regional wastewater provider serving 2.6 million people across Orange County, is hosting a free virtual Wastewater 101 Citizens Academy starting September 2025.
Over four interactive virtual sessions spanning two months, you’ll get an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at how OC San collects and treats approximately 190 million gallons of wastewater every day. Discover the inner workings of OC San – from careers and daily operations to environmental services and their Capital Improvement Program. At the end, you’ll be given the opportunity to attend an extended behind-the-scenes tour of our facilities to see everything we get to do firsthand.
Register for the Wastewater 101 Citizens Academy
Registration open for OCFA Girls Empowerment Camp
The Orange County Fire Authority Girls Empowerment Camp is back! The camp is a free, two-day camp open to teens ages 14 to 18 that introduces them to the fire service and provides campers with a realistic, hands-on experience of firefighting. The camp exposes the teens to all aspects of the fire service and teaches life skills and professional guidance that empowers them to pursue a career in public safety.
The camp will be held September 13 and 14, 2025. The application period is open from July 28 to August 25. Spots are limited, so be sure to register early.
Register for OCFA Girls Empowerment Camp
Tales of the City
Summer Movies in the Park was a hit!
As summer winds down, so does one of our favorite seasonal traditions: Movies in the Park. Over 5,000 residents and neighbors came together under the stars to enjoy seven free outdoor screenings in Santa Ana’s beautiful parks.
It was a summer filled with laughter, free popcorn, cozy blankets and community fun. Thank you to everyone who joined us this summer and helped make each movie night a memorable one. We look forward to welcoming you back next year for even more movie magic.
City Council Meetings
The next regular Santa Ana City Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, August 5, 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.
Carl Thornton Park Digital Marquee Unveiling – August 2
The community is invited to the unveiling of the City’s first new digital marquee at Carl Thornton Park, which will be turned on during Ward 4 Councilmember Phil Bacerra’s Community Office Hours. This marquee is one of six new displays funded by the federal American Rescue Plan Act being erected at parks and other locations around Santa Ana to help us share important community news.
- Saturday, Aug. 2
- 10 a.m.
- Carl Thornton Park, 1801 E. Segestrom Ave.
DTSA ArtWalk – August 2
ArtWalk is a free, all-ages, community-based arts showcase that takes place throughout Downtown Santa Ana. Join friends and neighbors for live art, outdoor vendors, live music, dancing under the stars, and over 20 art galleries and studios featuring rotating exhibitions, performances and more.
- Saturday, Aug. 2
- 5-10 p.m.
- Second and Broadway to Fourth and French streets
Bowers Museum Free Family Festival: Rock’n Blues Festival – August 3
Enjoy live blues performances from talented local musicians Denny Tate and the Soul Patrol, family art activities like guitar and fan painting, face painting and complimentary food samples, including classic pie. Explore Bowers Museum’s art exhibits while enjoying this free family event. For the full event schedule, visit the Bowers website below.
- Sunday, Aug. 3
- 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Bowers Museum, 2002 N. Main St.
Rock’n Blues Festival Schedule
Community Gardens Workshops – August 4-15
Celebrate the end of summer with free, hands-on fun at our Community Gardens Workshops. From cooking and crafting to cultural celebrations and fresh produce, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy.
Join us for these exciting events:
- Back to School: But First, Family Fun! – Make your own memory journal and decorate the garden with handmade ornaments.
- Monday, Aug. 4
- 5-7 p.m.
- Jerome Park, 2115 W. McFadden Ave.
- Learn About Farmer’s Markets – Discover nearby farmers markets, learn their purpose and find out what questions to ask when you visit.
- Wednesday, Aug. 6
- 5-7 p.m
- Roosevelt Walker Community Center, 816 E. Chestnut Ave.
- National Watermelon Day – Learn the best tips for harvesting melons.
- Friday, Aug. 8
- 5-7 p.m.
- El Salvador Park, 1825 W. Civic Center Drive
- Roots in Clay – Create ancestral-inspired pottery using quick-dry clay.
- Tuesday, Aug. 12
- 6-7 p.m.
- Pacific Electric Park, 401 E. McFadden Ave.
- Salsa y Salsa – Enjoy live salsa-making demonstrations and dance to salsa music.
- Friday, Aug. 15
- 5-7 p.m.
- Madison Park, 1528 S. Standard St.
For any additional questions, contact (714) 571-4253 or email wellness@santa-ana.org.
Register for Community Gardens Workshops
Sandpointe Park Playground Design Workshop – August 6
The City of Santa Ana is proud to announce an exciting partnership with KABOOM!, the national nonprofit committed to ending play space inequity, to build a brand-new playground at Sandpointe Park, 3700 S. Birch St. To kick off the project, all Santa Ana residents are invited to a special design day workshop to share their ideas and help shape the vision for the new playground. Drawings will be used as inspiration for final playground design.
- Wednesday, Aug. 6
- 4-7 p.m.
- Taft Elementary School, 500 Keller Ave.
Register for the Sandpointe Park Playground Design Workshop
Business Startup Workshop – August 13
This event is part of the City of Santa Ana’s Economic Development Division workshop series, created to support anyone looking to start a new business or grow an existing one right here in Santa Ana. Discover helpful resources for entrepreneurs and get your questions answered by City staff in a friendly and welcoming setting. Join us and take the first step in your business journey!
- Wednesday, Aug. 13
- 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
- Santa Ana City Hall (Room 1600), 20 Civic Center Plaza
Spanish interpretation will be available. For more information, please call the Business Hotline at (714) 647-5477 or email at econdev@santa-ana.org.
Register for the Business Start-Up Workshop
SAPD Community Meeting on Military Equipment Use – August 13
Join Santa Ana Police Department for a Community Meeting as we’ll be sharing our 2025 Military Equipment Use Report. All community members are welcome to attend and stay informed on how equipment is utilized in service to public safety.
- Wednesday, Aug. 13
- 4-5 p.m.
- SAPD Community Room, 60 Civic Center Plaza
Military Equipment Use Reports are available online: https://public.powerdms.com/SAPDCA/tree/documents/1520651
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