Official newsletter of Santa Ana Mayor Valerie Amezcua.
Keeping the community informed about local events, City news, and resources.
Dear Neighbors,
This month’s newsletter is full of outdoor spring activities happening throughout our city and updates on important issues. Before we dive in, the City Council will begin to go through our budget process for the 2024-25 fiscal year. Please take 5 minutes to share your thoughts on which City programs and services are most important to you by taking our survey.
My March was filled with participating at various community events such as Project Rise Cruising for Higher Education Car Show at Santa Ana College, the unveiling of street sign toppers for Josephine “Chepa” Andrade Way and Lydia Romero-Cruz Way at Logan and Stafford streets. The month ended with the amazing news that the City of Santa Ana has once again been awarded the prestigious title of the best-tasting and highest-quality tap water in the world, marking our third gold medal in the past decade at the Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting competition. This achievement reflects the dedication and hard work exhibited by our PWA Water Resources Division. Their relentless efforts ensure that our residents receive safe and clean drinking water, setting a benchmark for excellence in public service.
In other news, last year, after much pushback from City officials, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) rescinded its authorization for the Harm Reduction Institute to provide syringe exchange services in Santa Ana. I am disheartened to share that CDPH is now considering a new application to provide syringe delivery and pickup services for drug use in Santa Ana, despite the City of Santa Ana’s strenuous opposition and concerns about public health and safety.
In response, I have publicly stated, “This needle exchange threatens the health and safety of our children, families, and neighborhoods. I am greatly disappointed that the state health department would consider overriding our local government authority to protect our community.”
For the new application to move forward, CDPH must first have meaningful consultation with the Santa Ana Police Department and other affected stakeholders. This issue is a top priority for City staff, who are working diligently to demonstrate the negative impacts such needle distributions have had on the Santa Ana community in the past and will again, if approved.
As your mayor, I am committed to keeping our community informed on this issue. The city will be closely monitoring the application of this program. I invite you to learn more here.
Sincerely,
Mayor Valerie Amezcua
Email: vamezcua@santa-ana.org
Mayor on the Move
Rain or shine, our Santa Ana Parks and Recreation held a wonderful Egg-Cellent Adventure at Centennial Park. Thank you to the many organizations that joined us.
Thank you OCBiz for inviting me to speak at your monthly breakfast mixer.
Wonderful meeting with Jimmy Elrod from SW Carpenters. We recorded a tax fraud video to share with members.
The GROW Conference at the Elks Lodge. Thank you, Dave Elliott and Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce, for this great event.
Monthly Neighborhood Association Leaders meeting in March.
Thank you to Southern California Sheet Metal Workers for inviting me to see your JATC facility and sharing with me all the vast opportunities available in your apprenticeship programs.
Honored to have been part of the Association of California Cities – Orange County Mayoral Roundtable.
Happy to have provided Certificates of Recognition to the Mater Dei High School Boys Varsity Soccer Team for Exceptional Athletic Performance!
I was honored to be invited to speak at the Big Brothers Big Sisters club meeting at Santa Ana High School.
Wonderful meeting with Berenice Nunez Constant and Fred Flores from Alta Med. Working together with our City to improve the health and wellness of our residents!
Women Of Distinction award ceremony. Thank you, Senator Tom Umberg, for the honor to be recognized among some AMAZING women representing the 34th Senate District!
Thank you, Ross Chun from Ohana Stories Podcast, for interviewing me. I had a great time sharing with you not only about myself and my family, but also the City of Santa Ana.
We unveiled ceremonial street sign toppers for Josephine “Chepa” Andrade Way and Lydia Romero-Cruz Way at Logan and Stafford streets as part of the ceremonial street toppers program.
Memorial Park Little League Opening Ceremony! I love seeing everyone excited for the new season! Good luck to all the teams!
Thank you, Santiago Elementary school, for inviting me to your Read Across America event. I had a wonderful time reading one of my favorite Dr. Seuss books in Mr. Gonzales’ 2nd-grade class!
Women supporting women! Had an amazing time at the Women in Leadership Summit.
A little bit of rain did not stop us from having the Cruising for Education event with Project Rise! Thank you to all the organizations and businesses that participated and thank you Project Rise for the invitation.
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHTS
Nonprofit Spotlight: Big Brothers Big Sisters
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County is one of the national organization’s top mentoring agencies in the country, serving more than 3,000 children each year. They provide children facing adversity with a strong, enduring, professionally supported one-to-one mentoring relationship that creates pathways for the future and a mentor for a lifetime.
Small Business Spotlight: GiGO Clean
I had the pleasure of meeting Bita Safari, CEO of GiGO Clean. Bita proudly shared with me that her startup-based company began in Santa Ana and shows promising potential to offer services nationally. Her company uses an easy-to-use app that connects you with on-demand home cleaning professionals.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
The City of Santa Ana Human Resources Department Talent Acquisition Division works with City agencies and departments to identify staffing needs and hire the best talent to serve the city. The City of Santa Ana is looking for individuals who are results-oriented, possess great attitude, demonstrate creativity and innovation, work efficiently, show a record of success, and have a passion for public service.
Working for Parks and Rec this summer
Join us for an in-person hiring fair on April 10, 2024, as the Santa Ana Parks, Recreation & Community Services Agency (PRCSA) will be hiring for various positions.
Parks and Rec summer hiring fairs
CITY NEWS AND RECOGNITIONS
We have the best-tasting water in the world!
For the third time, the City of Santa Ana has won a gold medal for having the best-tasting tap water in the world. We took first place in the municipal water category at the prestigious Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting competition last month. Judges from around the world evaluated waters sourced from 16 states and 18 foreign countries. The City works closely with the Orange County Water District (OCWD), which manages the groundwater basin, to ensure water is not only high in quality but a reliable and plentiful source. Congratulations to our Water Resources Division for their commitment to providing our residents the best-tasting and highest-quality tap water around!
Read more about our award-winning water
Get discounted tickets for City of Santa Ana Clippers Night
The City of Santa Ana is proud to announce an expanded relationship with the LA Clippers through a City of Santa Ana Clippers Night special event during the Clippers’ upcoming game on April 12 against the Utah Jazz. The LA Clippers have been a long-time supporter of the Santa Ana Parks, Recreation and Community Services Agency’s youth basketball programming, and now 2024 will bring further collaboration through specialty events and activations at City events.
City’s first crosswalk art installed in Willard Neighborhood
Recently, we celebrated the installation of Santa Ana’s first crosswalk art! A special dedication ceremony was hosted by the Public Works Agency on Wednesday, March 27, to unveil the crosswalk art located at 15th and Ross streets in the Willard neighborhood.
Local neighborhood artist Cynthia Luján designed the crosswalk art, which is intended to create awareness about bicycle and pedestrian safety in the Willard neighborhood and throughout the Santa Ana community. The 36-by-16-foot crosswalk art is made of a thermoplastic that is engineered with safety, durability and aesthetics in mind. It is designed to improve traffic safety at intersections by enhancing the visibility of the crosswalk for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.
Republic Services Annual Summer Internship Program
Republic Services is working with the City of Santa Ana to help high school and college-aged (18 and older) students who are Santa Ana residents to become educated in the three R’s: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. As part of the effort to make recycling second nature to all City of Santa Ana residents and students, Republic Services is proud to announce the first annual Summer Internship Program.
Upon completion of the program, interns will receive a $1,000 scholarship in addition to gaining tangible work experience. Applications are due by Monday, April 29, 2024.
Republic Services Summer Internship
This month in Santa Ana History
The Santa Ana Y.M.C.A. building was dedicated on April 25, 1924, marking the official establishment of the organization in Santa Ana. The Y.M.C.A traces its beginnings to 1907 with the support of E.B. Sprague, who played a pivotal role in its early development. Mr. Sprague helped elect Ralph Smedley as Santa Ana’s first Y.M.C.A. secretary in 1922. Smedley collaborated closely with architect Frederick Harry Eley to realize the vision for the Y.M.C.A. The building, constructed at the corner of Church and Sycamore streets, cost $300,000 and boasted impressive amenities including lobbies, a dining room, central patio, swimming pool, locker room, and dormitory rooms. Built with reinforced concrete, the building withstood the 1933 earthquake with minimal damage. Over the years, the Y.M.C.A. served hundreds of boys, focusing on holistic development encompassing physical, intellectual, moral, and spiritual aspects. In May 1991, the City of Santa Ana purchased the historic YMCA building.
City resources
City Hall main line
Code Enforcement
Emergency Water Services
Graffiti Hotline
mySantaAna app
Public Works dispatch (street sweeping, trees)
Santa Ana Police Athletic & Activity League (SAPAAL) |
Homeless Services
The city will offer down payment assistance loans to first-time home buyers to aid in the purchase of a home within the City of Santa Ana. Employment Opportunities |
Have you downloaded the mySantaAna app?
Report issues like:
- illegal dumping, graffiti removal
- homeless encampments
- trash and recycling missed pickups
- park issues
- potholes
- and more!
Community Resources
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Homelessness support for families and children. Provides assistance with housing placement. |
Provides and ships nutritious, farm fresh produce to communities who need it most. LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps low-income households pay for heating or cooling in their homes. |
OCTA in the Community Webpage
Orange County Transportation Authority is proud to unveil the new OCTA in the Community webpage! This page showcases OCTA’s efforts to connect with and educate communities across Orange County about transportation.
Upcoming Community Events
Bowers Museum Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival – April 7
Celebrate with Bowers Museum during the free family festivals held every first Sunday of the month in their beautiful Key Courtyard. Enjoy live performances, art making, face painting and complimentary treats at every festival.
- Sunday, April 7
- 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Bowers Museum, 2002 N. Main St.
Community Budget Meeting at Fisher Park – April 9
Your opinion matters! Tell us which City services and programs are important to you at the Fisher Park Log Cabin Community Budget Meeting. You can also take our community budget survey and learn more about the 2024-25 fiscal year budget process at www.santa-ana.org/budget.
- Tuesday, April 9
- 6 p.m.
- Fisher Park Log Cabin, 2501 N. Flower St.
Parks and Rec summer job hiring fairs – April 10
Looking to join the Santa Ana Parks, Recreation, and Community Services team? The Santa Ana Parks, Recreation & Community Services Agency (PRCSA) will be hosting an in-person hiring fair on Wednesday, April 3, for various summer part-time positions ranging from camp counselors, life guards, swim instructors, cashiers, and pool managers, to name a few.
- Wednesday, April 10
- 1-7 p.m.
- Santa Ana City Hall Civic Center Plaza, Outside Courtyard by the City Council Chambers, 22 Civic Center Plaza
To learn more about the hiring fair and what forms of identification documents are accepted, call 714-571-4200 or visit the link below.
Coffee with the Mayor – April 13
Please join me for coffee and to discuss any city issues that are important to you. I’m looking forward to seeing you there!
- Saturday, April 13
- 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
- Assistance League of Santa Ana, 1028 W. 2nd St., Santa Ana (Access through 2nd St. between La Super Birria and AL Dental Center)
Discovery Cube Santa Ana Resident Free Days
Santa Ana residents can get up to 4 free admission tickets per government-issued photo ID with address on the first Tuesday of every month.
Me Encanta Santa Ana – April 20
Join city staff and other residents on April 20 to celebrate Earth Day by cleaning up Santa Ana! This is a special project to improve Santa Ana Parks and bring community members together. This volunteer opportunity is open to everyone, but we encourage anyone who is interested to register, as transportation will be provided.
- Saturday, April 20
- 7:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Jerome Park, 2115 W. McFadden Ave.
Free Resident Day at Santa Ana Zoo – April 21
Santa Ana residents receive free admission to the Zoo on the third Sunday of every month. Proof of residency (such as ID or a utility bill) is required.
- Sunday, April 21
- 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (last admission is at 4 p.m.)
- Santa Ana Zoo, 1801 E. Chestnut Ave.
Free Santa Ana Summer at Bowers Museum
This is an exciting opportunity to enjoy a Santa Ana treasure! Bowers Museum is expanding its free Sundays for Santa Ana residents, offering free museum general admission to all residents every day from March 9 to September 8 during its new exhibition, Asian Comics: Evolution of an Art Form. Tickets to the special exhibition are $10.
Summer Day Camp registration opens April 1 for children ages 6-12
Get ready to jump into summer as the City of Santa Ana Parks, Recreation & Community Services Agency (PRCSA) offers two exciting summer camp programs: Summer Splash Day Camp and Summer Fun Camp. Registration opened for all camps April 1!
Santa Ana Fun Run – April 27
On your marks, get set, get fit! Mark your calendars, and start preparing for the Santa Ana Fun Run. This year’s Fun Run will be themed around the 80’s and we invite all participants to bring their best 80’s gear. The community can look forward to a free walk/run 5k and kids dash, spots are limited and pre-registration is required to participate. The 10k will be offered at $25 per participant and include a free 2024 Santa Ana Fun Run t-shirt. The public can also enjoy a beer garden, food trucks, and a resource fair.
- Saturday, April 27
- 5:30 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.
- Santa Ana Stadium
Día de los Niños, Día de Los Libros – April 27
The Santa Ana Public Library will hold its 16th annual Día de los Niños, Día de los Libros (Children’s Day, Book Day) celebration at the Main Library.
This family-friendly event celebrates the importance of children, literacy and families. The free festivities will include live performances, a book giveaway for children, train rides, Bubble Fun Zone, Craft Zone, and face painting. There will be a special visit by Suzanne Lang and Max Lang, author and illustrator of the New York Times bestselling Grumpy Monkey books, as well as exhibitors from City departments and community organizations.
- Saturday, April 27
- 10:30 a.m.- 2 p.m.
- Santa Ana Main Library, 26 Civic Center Plaza
Día de los Niños, Día de Los Libros
City Hall
Upcoming Holiday and Closed Friday schedule: (City Hall non-essential offices are closed on alternating Fridays throughout the year)
- Friday, April 12, 2024 – City Hall closed.
- Friday, April 26, 2024 – City Hall closed.
The next City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. at Santa Ana Council Chamber, 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana. Official City meetings are open to the public and I encourage you to participate. Council agendas and minutes may be accessed here.
City Council Meetings Highlights
- Approved a purchase order to The Charles Machine Works Inc. for repair and replacement of sewage lines for an amount not to exceed $1,750,000, to repair lateral sewer lines that connect homes and businesses to the main sewage collection system.
- Authorized increasing the contract amount with Core & Main LP, Ferguson Enterprises LLC, and Western Water Works Supply Company for the purchase of waterworks fittings and supplies by $400,000 a year, for a new amount not to exceed $2,400,000, for maintenance and repairs of the City’s water system.
- Awarded a blanket order contract to Hach Company for the purchase of water quality testing supplies and maintenance services on an as-needed basis, in an amount not to exceed $650,000, for sampling and testing to ensure City water supplies meet all applicable water quality standards.
Subscribe here to receive City meeting agenda notifications. 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.
Victoria’s Corner
This section was created after meeting with Eva Barrios, a Santa Ana resident, whose daughter Victoria Barrios was killed in 2019. With Eva’s support, the goal of Victoria’s Corner is to bring additional attention to Victoria’s case.
I am very happy to share after working together with Eva Barrios, Assemblyman Avelino Valencia, and Governor Gavin Newsom’s office, the Governor announced the availability of a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction for the murder of Victoria Barrios in Santa Ana.
Anyone having any information related to Victoria’s case is asked to contact Santa Ana Police Department at:
- Victoria Barrios case – 714-245-8334
- Homicide line – 714-245-8390
Invite me
If you’d like to invite me to attend an event in your neighborhood or in connection with your organization, please feel free to make that request. Use this form to contact me.
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