Official newsletter of Santa Ana Mayor Valerie Amezcua.
Keeping the community informed about local events, City news, and resources.
Dear Neighbors,
As summer winds down, I’m reminded of how deeply our community shows its heart, whether it’s helping our kids get ready for school, checking in on neighbors, or simply finding ways to support one another. These everyday acts of care reflect the spirit that makes Santa Ana so special.
Celebrating New Community Spaces
The City recently celebrated the ribbon cutting for the newly renovated Bishop Manor playground, a wonderful project made possible through the generosity of contractor members from the Orange County Chapter of the Community Associations Institute (CAI-OC). With donated materials and labor, this project is a shining example of neighbors coming together to create safe, joyful spaces for our families.
Immigration Update
Many of you have shared concerns about immigration enforcement and its impact on our community. I want you to know that we hear you, and we remain committed to supporting all of our residents.
In addition, the City continues its outreach through the following efforts:
- Distributing Know Your Rights materials in multiple languages
- Sharing community resources to provide food, diapers, and essential items
- Offering a $100,000 Emergency Assistance Fund for families in need
- Sharing multilingual resources and video updates:
Connecting with CalOptima Health
I recently met with CalOptima Health CEO Michael Hunn to discuss the vital services CalOptima offers to our community. From free transportation to medical appointments to virtual care options and access to essential health resources, CalOptima continues to play a key role in supporting the well-being of Santa Ana residents. I am grateful for their partnership in helping ensure that care remains accessible and responsive to those who need it most.
To learn more about the services CalOptima offers, visit:
👉 https://www.caloptima.org
Looking Ahead: It’s Back-to-School Season!
Although summer isn’t over, the back-to-school season is already in full swing. I want to extend my best wishes to all our students, families, and teachers for a fantastic academic year ahead! To help set our students up for success, I’m proud to share that, in partnership with the Santa Ana Elks Lodge and local nonprofit organizations, we recently distributed 4,500 backpacks filled with school supplies across Santa Ana. These backpacks do more than provide supplies. They show our community we support and believe in our kids.
As you enjoy the final days of summer, I wish you and your family a safe and happy August filled with rest, joy, and memorable moments.
Mayor Valerie Amezcua
Email: vamezcua@santa-ana.org
I invite you to follow me on social media for daily updates! Please connect with me, and stay tuned for upcoming news, meetings, and events in our community!
DEPARTMENT NEWS
Quality of Life Team (QOLT) Update
Our Quality-of-Life Team (QOLT) continues to make a meaningful impact across the city. In July, they responded to 415 encampment-related service requests submitted through the mySantaAna app, resulting in widespread encampment cleanups throughout the city. The team also conducted 441 patrol checks, addressing public safety concerns and ongoing nuisance activity. QOLT’s continued presence and proactive enforcement efforts are making a visible difference in improving the quality of life for Santa Ana residents.
Public Works Projects Update
Our Public Works team has been hard at work this summer, advancing key infrastructure projects aimed at improving safety, mobility, and overall quality of life across Santa Ana. Here are a few recent updates:
Bristol Street Widening Project Phase 3A (Civic Center Drive to Washington Avenue)
About 40% complete and expected to finish by summer 2026. Soundwall construction is nearly done, and about half of the overhead utilities have been moved underground. City utility work and street improvements are also in progress.
Stay updated on the Bristol Street project here.
Standard Avenue from Warner Avenue to 2nd Street
Construction for improved bike lane infrastructure along Standard and McFadden 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.
🚲 As part of the City’s Safe Mobility Santa Ana Plan (SMSA), Active Transportation Plan (ATP) and Central Santa Ana Complete Streets Plans (CSACS), Standard and McFadden avenues have both been reduced from two lanes to one lane in each direction for vehicles to accommodate the bike lanes.
To stay on schedule and control construction costs, contractors are working on both sides of the street simultaneously. While this may cause temporary impacts in both directions, this approach helps ensure timely delivery and cost-effective execution of the project. Throughout construction, at least one lane of traffic remains open in each direction to minimize disruption to the community.
MAYOR ON THE MOVE
Meeting with Michael Hunn – CalOptima Health
Thank you for the updates on the status of Medi-Cal ensuring CalOptima Health constituents have access to the information and resources they need to maintain their health benefits.
Push-In Ceremony for New Fire Engine
Honored to have joined Orange County Fire Authority in celebration of the arrival of their newest fire apparatus. A state of the art fire engine now proudly serving the City of Santa Ana.
Thank you to Families Forward for inviting to visit your Community Market
I’m grateful for the opportunity to see your incredible work firsthand and to support your mission of creating a brighter future for families across our community.
Sarinanas Community Event
Thank you to Sarinanas and our vibrant community for making today an unforgettable celebration. The delicious food and uplifting music filled the day with joy, and a special thank you to the talented vendors whose creativity and passion added to the splendor.
Back to School Backpack Packing event
Thanks to an incredible collaboration with Santa Ana Elks, AASCSC, Mosaic Movement, Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce, Power of One Foundation, and Santa Ana Kiwanis, we packed and distributed 4,500 backpacks filled with school supplies for SAUSD kids and neighboring schools.
Bishop Manor Playground Ribbon Cutting
Happy to have joined residents and community partners to celebrate the ribbon cutting for the newly renovated Bishop Manor playground. The project was made possible thanks to the generous donation of materials and labor by contractor members of the Orange County Chapter of the Community Associations Institute (CAI-OC). We’re grateful for their support in creating a safe and welcoming play space for local families.
Riverview Golf Course Fence Installation
Over the past few weeks, we worked hand-in-hand with local residents and our dedicated city staff to complete two neighborhood improvements: a new gate at Riverview Golf Course and a much-needed fence installation nearby. Residents spoke up, we listened and acted.
Meeting with SEIU 721
Thank you, SEIU 721, for taking the time to meet with me and for introducing your new board. I appreciate the opportunity to connect and hear about your continued efforts to support workers and strengthen our community.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
City of Santa Ana jobs and internships links:
The City of Santa Ana’s Human Resources Department, Talent Acquisition Division, collaborates with City agencies and departments to identify staffing needs and recruit top talent to serve our community. We are looking for results-oriented individuals who possess a positive attitude, demonstrate creativity and innovation, work efficiently, have a proven track record of success, and are passionate about public service.
CITY RESOURCES
Need help with City services or community programs? Here’s a quick guide to available resources in Santa Ana.
Find more community resources here.
You can request City services online.
📞 Important City Contacts:
- City Hall Main Line – (714) 647-5400
- Code Enforcement – (714) 667-2780
- Emergency Water Services – (714) 953-8026
- Graffiti Hotline – (877) 786-7824
- Homeless Services – (714) 242-3706 or report via the mySantaAna app.
- Public Works Dispatch (street sweeping, tree maintenance) – (714) 647-3380
- Santa Ana Police Department Non-Emergency Line – (714) 245-8665
MySantaAna app expanding language support!
The mySantaAna mobile app is even more accessible! Since I took office, I have been pushing for this important tool to be available in Spanish and Vietnamese to better serve our diverse community. The new app has all functions available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese, making it easier for everyone to report issues and request City services.
Download and update the mySantaAna app: Be sure to get the app update if the old app hasn’t already automatically updated on your smartphone.
CITY NEWS AND RECOGNITIONS
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
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
COMMUNITY EVENTS
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 they’ll be sharing their 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.
Delhi Library Branch Ribbon Cutting Ceremony – August 14
The Santa Ana community is invited to join a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Delhi Library Branch. Children and families can enjoy a special performance after the ceremony.
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.
- Thursday, Aug. 14
- 4-6 p.m.
- Delhi Center, 505 E. Central Ave.
Jerome Park Outdoor Library Ribbon Cutting Ceremony – August 21
The Santa Ana community is invited to join a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Jerome Park Outdoor Library. Children and families can enjoy a special performance after the ceremony.
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.
- Thursday, Aug. 21
- 4-6 p.m.
- Jerome Park, 2115 W. McFadden Ave.
Quarterly Bulky Item Drop-Off Day – August 23
The Santa Ana Public Works Agency (PWA) is hosting the Quarterly Bulky Item Drop-off Day at two locations, Carl Thornton Park and El Salvador Park. Every quarter, PWA, in partnership with Republic Services, is 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. This event is free to Santa Ana residents, and no appointment is necessary. Proof of Santa Ana residency will be required. The event may end before 12 p.m. if capacity is reached.
Items NOT accepted include, but are not limited to, concrete, dirt, rocks, brick, asphalt, tires, refrigerators, freezers, AC units and hazardous waste, such as paints, oils, chemicals, pesticides, and batteries. For more information, call (714) 647-5411.
- Saturday, Aug. 23
- 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
- Carl Thornton Park, 1801 W. Segerstrom Ave.
- El Salvador Park, 1825 W. Civic Center Drive
Discovery Cube Santa Ana – Resident Free Days
Great news, Santa Ana residents! Enjoy a day of fun and learning at Discovery Cube Santa Ana for FREE on the first Tuesday of every month! Get up to FOUR free tickets per government-issued photo ID with a Santa Ana address.*
📅 When: First Tuesday of every month
📍 Where: Discovery Cube Santa Ana
🔗 Learn more: Discovery Cube Promotions
Free Resident Day at Santa Ana Zoo
Santa Ana residents, enjoy a wild day at the Santa Ana Zoo — for FREE!
📅 When: Every third Sunday of the month
📍 Where: Santa Ana Zoo, 1801 E. Chestnut Ave., Santa Ana
🎟 Free admission with proof of residency (driver’s license or utility bill required).
🔗 Learn more: Santa Ana Resident Days
Bowers Museum free admission for residents
Offers free general admission to all Santa Ana residents on Sundays through a generous donation in memory of Dorothy Goerl and courtesy of the Lockhart Family. Santa Ana residents will need to provide proof of residency through an ID, driver’s license or utility bill.
City Hall
Upcoming Holiday and Closed Friday schedule: (City Hall non-essential offices are closed on alternating Fridays throughout the year)
- Friday, August 15, 2025 – City Hall closed
- Friday, August 29, 2025 – City Hall closed
- Monday, September 1, 2025 – City Hall closed in observance of Labor Day
The next City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 19, at 5:30 p.m. (open session) 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.
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 via email: vamezcua@santa-ana.org
For more City news, please follow City of Santa on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and share my newsletter with friends and family.