In the May 30, 2025, edition of the City Manager’s newsletter, celebrate the beauty of butterflies at the Santa Ana Zoo, apply for aquatics program scholarships, catch a movie in the park, get an update on the OC Streetcar, and find more Santa Ana news and events.
Spotlight Photo 
2025 Santa Ana Fun Run
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
OC Streetcar vehicles rolling in
The first modern, electric light rail system in Orange County is taking shape!
The Orange County Transportation Authority received delivery of three of the eight planned OC Streetcar vehicles this month. This modern, electric vehicle has room for more than 200 passengers. Once it begins service in 2026, the OC Streetcar will provide frequent service for riders from the Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center, through historic downtown Santa Ana, and on to Garden Grove.
The vehicles of the OC Streetcar fleet will be delivered every two weeks. Delivery and unloading activities require the closure of the Santa Ana Boulevard westbound lane between Western Avenue and Raitt Street, and night work from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. each time.
Learn more about the OC Streetcar
Visitors contributed $394 million to local economy in 2024
Did you know that in 2024, more than 900,000 people visited Santa Ana, spending an estimated $394 million? This was an increase of more than 4.8% over 2023, according to statistics from the 2024 Economic Impact of Travel report conducted by Dean Runyan Associates for Travel Santa Ana.
The travel industry contributed more than $27 million in local and state taxes. Without these travel-generated tax receipts, resident households in Santa Ana would have to pay $170 more per year in local taxes to make up for this revenue.
The City of Santa Ana works closely with Travel Santa Ana, local business organizations and our major attractions to promote all of the wonderful activities, shops and cuisine that visitors can find in our beautiful city.
Read the Economic Impact of Travel report
News
Santa Ana Aquatics grows summer scholarship program thanks to expanded grant funding
From June 2 to Aug. 8, the City of Santa Ana’s Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Agency (PRCSA) is diving into swim lessons with certified instructors leading high-quality Learn-to-Swim programs at pool facilities across the city. Qualified Santa Ana residents can apply now for scholarships, including swim lessons for all ages, junior lifeguards, and senior aquatics programs.
Thanks to strong community partnerships — including the American Red Cross, Kaiser Permanente, the Jasper Ray Foundation, and USA Swimming — PRCSA had previously awarded over $130,000 in Learn-to-Swim scholarships, helping thousands of local families access water safety education.
Due to last year’s outstanding success in total participation, this year PRCSA received a $14,000 grant from USA Swimming — an $8,000 increase from last year — to expand swim lesson access for both youth and adults. To date, PRCSA has secured $75,000 from Kaiser Permanente, $48,000 from the ARC Centennial Campaign, and $20,000 from USA Swimming to support scholarships and promote safe, inclusive, and affordable aquatics programs.
Apply for Aquatics Scholarships
Kick off your summer with Movies in the Park beginning June 6
The City of Santa Ana Parks, Recreation and Community Services Agency (PRCSA) invites residents and visitors to enjoy a free series of movies in the park this summer! From June 6 through July 25, families and friends can gather at select park locations to watch popular movies under the stars and enjoy free popcorn, while supplies last. The community is encouraged to bring picnic blankets, lawn chairs and snacks for an unforgettable outdoor cinema experience.
Each movie night will feature pre-show activities starting at 6:30 p.m. including kids’ games, arts and crafts, and local exhibitor booths. Food will be available for purchase from local vendors. Movies will begin promptly at dusk.
Check out the movie schedule and find more information
Flight: A Live Butterfly Experience returns to Santa Ana Zoo
Flight – A Live Butterfly Experience has floated back to the Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park. Immerse yourself in the movement, beauty, and color of hundreds of tropical butterflies in the Flight aviary. The 2,000-plus-square-foot aviary is lushly planted with
pollinator-attracting flowers and filled with dozens of species of butterflies from Central, South and North America.
Included with Zoo admission, this outdoor experience will run through September 2025. Visit the link below for tips on what to wear, how to interact with the butterflies, and exhibit rules.
Learn more about Flight: A Live Butterfly Experience
Apply to be a 4th of July or Chicano Heritage Festival food vendor/exhibitor
Chicano Heritage Car Show applications are open too!
The City of Santa Ana is accepting food vendor applications for our 4th of July Celebration, and vendor, exhibitor car show applications for the Chicano Heritage Festival on Aug. 24. These events provide a fantastic opportunity to connect with the community, showcase your cuisine or your organization, and engage with local families in a fun and relaxed outdoor setting. The applications express interest and are not a guarantee of participation.
- Food Vendor and Exhibitor Applications for the 4th of July Celebration are open until June 9.
- Vendor/Exhibitor/Car Show Applications for the Chicano Heritage Festival are open until July 28.
4th of July Food Vendor Application
Chicano Heritage Vendor/Exhibitor Application
Chicano Heritage Car Show Application
For questions or further information, please contact the Special Events Team at specialevents@santa-ana.org.
Tales of the City
Youth Water Poster Contest Winners
The winners of our 10th annual Youth Water Poster Contest have been announced! Our Water Resources Division is dedicated to enhancing students’ understanding of water and related environmental issues through engaging and meaningful learning experiences.
This year’s contest invited young artists to reflect on the theme “Everyone Has a Role: Save Water.” Student artists showcased their creativity by designing artwork that highlights simple ways we can all use water wisely and reduce daily water consumption. We recognized first-place, second-place and third-place winners in four age categories: 5-8, 9-12, 13-14 and 15-18. Their inspiring pieces serve as a reminder that every drop counts.
Contest winners won a variety of prizes, including a PS5 video game system, Macbook Air or gift certificates. The winners were also honored with certificates of recognition by the Santa Ana City Council on May 20, where their winning art was on display. Congratulations to the winners and thank you to all of the student artists who participated!
See all of the winning water posters here
City Council Meetings
The next regular Santa Ana City Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, June 3, 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.
Subscribe here to receive City meeting agenda notifications. City Council meetings are typically held on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. 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.
Events
Find more City of Santa Ana events on our website.
Santa Ana Zoo Recycling Free Admission – May 30-31
Do you have an old phone or gadget collecting dust? Bring it to the Santa Ana Zoo and trade it in for a free general admission ticket. In partnership with ecocell, we aim to recycle devices and help protect gorillas.
Just drop off a used cell phone, smartphone, MP3 player, tablet, smart watch, or digital camera at the ticket booth to claim your free entry. We’ll also gladly take cords and accessories, but those won’t get you a ticket. It’s a win for wildlife and a fun day for you!
- Final day is Saturday, May 31
- 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Santa Ana Zoo, 1801 E. Chestnut Ave.
Zoning Code Update Workshop – May 31
We want to hear from you! Our Planning and Building Agency will have its final Zoning Code Update workshop on May 31 to discuss rules for land use and development. The final workshop will focus on ways to create modern development and design standards that result in high-quality neighborhoods and vibrant commercial districts aligned with the City’s vision. Please participate to learn more and share your thoughts!
Spanish, Vietnamese, and Khmer interpretation will be available. Water and snacks will be provided. Join the workshop for a chance to win a gift card!
- Saturday, May 31
- 10-11:30 a.m.
- McFadden Institute of Technology, 2701 S. Raitt St.
Learn more about the Zoning Code Update
Bowers Museum Reggae Festival – June 1
Feel the island vibes at Bowers Museum’s next free family festival with high-energy performances by Caribbean Joy, featuring limbo dancing, walking on broken glass, and fire eating. Then, dance along to the vibrant sounds of reggae, soca, and Caribbean rhythms with UPSTREAM, Southern California’s premier Caribbean band.
Bowers Museum hosts free family festivals on the first Sunday of every month in the beautiful Key Courtyard. Enjoy live entertainment, art activities, face painting, and complimentary treats for the whole family!
- Sunday, June 1
- 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Bowers Museum of Cultural Art, 2002 N. Main St.
See the Reggae Festival event schedule
Citywide Parking Study community meeting – June 4
The City of Santa Ana has been conducting a Citywide Parking Study to improve parking availability and accessibility. This virtual meeting is your chance to learn about the results and share your thoughts on parking in Santa Ana. The meeting will be held in English and Spanish.
- Wednesday, June 4
- 6 p.m.
- Zoom meeting link
- Dial in: (669) 444-9171; Meeting ID: 816-9191-0384; Passcode: 710-097
Learn more about the Citywide Parking Study
50 Years of Little Saigon’s Resilience – June 5
The community is invited to 50 Years of Little Saigon’s Resilience, an event that will bring together entrepreneurs, community leaders, and civic partners from across Southern California. This milestone gathering honors the remarkable journey and contributions of Vietnamese Americans over the past five decades.
50 Years of Little Saigon’s Resilience is presented by the Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center Network (OCIE SBDC Network) and the Vietnamese American Chamber of Commerce (VACOC), in partnership with the cities of Santa Ana, Garden Grove, Fountain Valley and Westminster, and local chambers of commerce. Attendees will have the opportunity to interact with policymakers, business trailblazers, chamber executives, and key resource providers — fostering connections that inspire collaboration and drive lasting impact. Register now!
- Thursday, June 5
- 1-7:30 p.m.
- Great Wolf Lodge, 12681 Harbor Blvd., Garden Grove
Register for 50 Years of Little Saigon’s Resilience
Movies in the Park: ‘The Garfield Movie’ – June 6
Get ready for a night under the stars! Bring your family and friends to enjoy a free screening of “The Garfield Movie” at El Salvador Park, featuring themed crafts for kids, fun giveaways, and community resources. Don’t forget to grab some free popcorn while it lasts.
- Friday, June 6
- Activities at 6:30 p.m., movie at dusk
- El Salvador Park, 1825 W. Civic Center Drive
Downtown Santa Ana ArtWalk – June 7
ArtWalk is a free, all-ages community arts event showcasing live art, local vendors, live music, dancing under the stars, and over 20 galleries and studios featuring rotating exhibitions and performances. Taking place on the first Saturday of each month throughout Downtown Santa Ana, this event marks the start of an exciting ongoing series. The City of Santa Ana is proud to sponsor this event.
- Saturday, June 7
- 5-10 p.m.
- Artist Village (Broadway & 2nd), Calle Cuatro Plaza (4th & French), Sycamore Street (2nd & Sycamore)
Garage and Yard Sale Weekend – June 7-8
Santa Ana residents are invited to host garage and yard sales on Saturday, June 7, and Sunday, June 8, 2025. Sales may begin at 8 a.m. and must end by 5 p.m. each day. No permit is required. This event is part of the City’s quarterly yard sale weekends held every March, June, September, and December.
It’s a great opportunity to clear out clutter, connect with neighbors, and give gently used items a new home. Be sure to review the City’s yard sale rules and guidelines before participating.
- Saturday, June 7, to Sunday, June 8
- 8 a.m.-5 p.m. each day
Business Start-Up Workshop – June 11
This event is part of the City of Santa Ana’s Economic Development Division workshop series that is designed to help anyone interested in starting a new business or expand an existing one in Santa Ana. You will learn the resources available to support entrepreneurs and have the opportunity to get your questions answered by City staff as you begin your business journey.
- Wednesday, June 11
- 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
Movies in the Park: ‘Despicable Me 4’ – June 13
Get ready for a night under the stars! Bring your family and friends to enjoy a free screening of “Despicable Me 4” at Santiago Park, featuring themed crafts for kids, fun giveaways, and community resources. Don’t forget to grab some free popcorn while it lasts.
- Friday, June 13
- Activities at 6:30 p.m., movie at dusk
- Santiago Park, 600 E. Memory Lane
Santa Ana Work Center Job Fair – June 18
Bring your resume, dress professionally, and take the next step in your career! All are welcome to the upcoming Santa Ana WORK Center and EDD Job Fair. Connect with top employers hiring for a variety of roles, including: Walt Disney Company, Volunteers of America Los Angeles, Department of Industrial Relations (DIR), and Helpmates Staffing. No registration is required.
- Wednesday, June 18
- 1-3 p.m.
- Santa Ana WORK Center, 801 W. Civic Center Drive, Suite 200
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.
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