Official newsletter of Santa Ana Mayor Valerie Amezcua.
Keeping the community informed about local events, City news, and resources.
Happy Holidays,
November was a whirlwind of activity and community spirit here in Santa Ana. It is with great excitement that I share the news of my election to the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board. Representing the 2nd District is an honor, and I eagerly look forward to bringing you updates, news, and essential information that will positively impact our beloved city.
This past month, my office had the pleasure of co-hosting two extraordinary community events. The first was the inaugural InfluenceHER Summit, in collaboration with Girls Inc. and Santa Ana College. This event was a heartwarming gathering of 150 middle and high school girls. It was a day filled with inspiration, learning, and memorable moments. The energy and enthusiasm of these young ladies were truly contagious. Their smiles, engagement, and curiosity filled the air with hope and joy. I extend my deepest gratitude to all the organizations, speakers, co-hosts, and sponsors who made this event a resounding success. “It was a wonderful day just to see the young ladies interacting, smiling, and being engaged… this feeds my soul and reminds me of my ‘why.'” – Mayor Valerie Amezcua.
Our second notable event was my first Thanksgiving Turkey giveaway event. This was a collaborative effort with SEVA Collective, OC Food Bank, Project Kinship, Santa Ana Elks Lodge 794, and numerous other incredible organizations and volunteers. Thank you to Councilmember David Penaloza and Councilmember Phil Bacerra for donating and joining us at the Thanksgiving event. Together, we distributed turkeys, pork loins, and food boxes to over 700 families in Santa Ana. The spirit of giving and community was palpable, and it was a joy to witness our community come together in such a meaningful way.
Lastly, I must express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended the Board of Supervisors meeting on November 28th. Your presence and voices in opposition to the renewal of the contract with the Mental Health Association (MHA) of Orange County with the County of Orange were pivotal. Witnessing our community unite, express our concerns, and strive for a safer and healthier future was nothing short of inspiring.
As we step into the holiday season, I wish you all moments filled with laughter, love, and the simple joys that make our community uniquely special. May this season be a reminder of the strength and spirit of our city.
Sincerely,
Mayor Valerie Amezcua
Email: vamezcua@santa-ana.org
Mayor in the News
City officials among those against funding homeless center in downtown Santa Ana
Santa Ana Mayor Valerie Amezcua is in agreement that funding for the program should be cut. Amezcua released a letter voicing her opposition to the homeless…
Savor a month of merriment at Santa Ana’s whimsical ‘Winter Village’
Santa Ana is a storied spot, with a dedication to history, acclaimed cultural … Valerie Amezcua. “We are proud to offer this fun outdoor activity for the…
Santa Ana City Council taps local government vet for interim city manager
… Santa Ana,” Mayor Valerie Amezcua said in a statement. “The City Council is delighted that he accepted our offer to serve in this role while we conduct a…
Santa Ana Mayor Valerie Amezcua will represent …
Santa Ana Mayor Valerie Amezcua has been appointed to represent Orange County’s Second Supervisorial District on the Orange County Transportation Authority
City Hall
Upcoming Holiday and Closed Friday schedule: (City Hall non-essential offices are closed on alternating Fridays throughout the year)
- Friday, December 8, 2023 – City Hall closed.
- Friday, December 22, 2023 – January 1, 2024 – City Hall holiday closure
- Monday, December 25, 2023 – Christmas Day
The next City Council meetings will be held on Tuesday, December 5, and Tuesday, December 22, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. for the open session (closed session begins earlier) 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 resources
City Hall main line
Code Enforcement
Emergency Water Services
Graffiti Hotline
mySantaAna app
Public Works dispatch (street sweeping, trees)
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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. Free Drive Through Food Pantry
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Provides and ships nutritious, farm fresh produce to communities who need it most. Revive Santa Ana Business Program Open positions available at Irvine locations. LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps low-income households pay for heating or cooling in their homes. |
City Council Meetings Highlights
Highlights of the October City Council meetings:
- Approved a resolution (opposed by Mayor Amezcua) calling and giving notice of a general election to be held in the City of Santa Ana on November 5, 2024, requesting consolidation with the statewide general election, and placing a ballot measure before the voters asking whether to amend the Santa Ana City Charter to authorize and implement noncitizen voting in municipal elections.
- Awarded a construction contract to Dominguez General Engineering Inc., in the amount of $2.1 million for the North East Annexation Water & Sewer Main Improvements to connect water and sewer service to the annexed area at 17th Street and Tustin Avenue, with an estimated project delivery cost of $2.98 million.
- Approved additional funding of $310,000 for a contract with Vido Samarzich, Inc., and additional costs of $40,000 to complete the Glenwood Place Water Improvements Project, with an estimated total cost of $1.65 million.
- Approved agreements with America on Track and Nati’s House (Neutral Ground) for gang prevention and intervention program services, for $200,000 each annually for up to two years. (Revive Santa Ana)
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.
Community Spotlights
Student Spotlight: Jesse Rodriguez
Jesse Rodriguez is the Youth Ambassador for Memorial Park. He is a shining example of our future in Santa Ana and the reason I work so hard.
Non-profit Spotlight: Asian American Senior Citizens Service Center
Asian American Senior Citizens Service Center (AASCSC) is a non-profit organization led by Executive Director Jennifer Wang, based in Santa Ana, that serves all age groups and all members of our community.
Asian American Senior Citizens Service Center
Small business spotlight: Casa Ramos
Congratulations to Casa Ramos on their one-year anniversary! Casa Ramos is located in Santa Ana’s Historic Downtown on Main Street. Owners Raphael Ramon and Rodolfo Monarrez serve delicious Mexican food. I love that their food is made fresh and locally sourced! Highly recommend their carne asada and camarónes plate!
City News and Recognitions
Shop Local offers marketing for businesses, prizes for shoppers
The Economic Development Division is excited to continue the Shop Local, Shop Santa Ana campaign to highlight the small businesses that make Santa Ana the unique and vibrant community it is. The campaign kicked off on Small Business Saturday on Nov. 25 and runs through the end of the year.
Santa Ana small business owners can actively participate in this campaign by subscribing to the business registry. Your businesses will be featured on the City’s Shop Local webpage, receive marketing material, and may also be featured via social media.
Shoppers are encouraged to participate by using the hashtag #shopsantaana and tagging @santaanadoesbusiness on Instagram with their local purchases for a chance to win prizes. Visit the Shop Local webpage for more information and to participate.
Help us name the new Parks and Rec mascots!
The Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Agency is excited to introduce three new mascots who were selected to represent the agency, and is asking for your help to name them.
Over the next few weeks, a community poll will be conducted to select the names of the mascots, which include a red-crowned amazon parrot, golden-headed lion tamarin, and a giant-river otter. Parrots are famously known for soaring across the city, tamarins have a long-admired history inside the zoo, and otters will become Santa Ana’s newest residents. All three animals will perfectly embody the spirit of Santa Ana.
The community poll closes December 17, 2023, and selected names will be announced on January 1, 2024, to ring in the new year with newly named teammates.
Vote in the Parks and Recreation mascot poll
City investing $10 million in affordable homeownership programs
The City of Santa Ana is making a historic $10 million investment in affordable homeownership opportunities to help residents achieve their dream of becoming a homeowner.
The Santa Ana City Council approved the funding, which is the City’s largest single investment in affordable homeownership, on Oct. 17. The $10 million includes $7.7 million for the development of new affordable homeownership projects and $2.3 million for down payment assistance for new homebuyers.
The City is seeking proposals from qualified firms and organizations to develop affordable homeownership opportunities. Interested developers can submit proposals here. The My First Home Program, which allows residents to apply for 0% interest down payment assistance loans of up to $120,000 to purchase their first home.
Apply here for the My First Home Program.
Read more about homeownership programs
Apply now for Crossroads at Washington affordable housing
The City of Santa Ana approved $4.6 million in loan agreements for the development of the Crossroads at Washington apartments, opening in spring 2024. The project is being built on City owned land under a 65-year ground lease. It will add over 80 favorable and contemporary apartment units, as Santa Ana continues to create new affordable residential housing.
The four-story Crossroads at Washington offers multiple amenities for residents to enjoy, featuring all-electric kitchens, central air and heating, and walk-in closets. Residents are also provided access to a picnic area with a barbecue, a clubhouse available for events and classes, an on-site laundry facility, and more. The numerous parks, restaurants and wide variety of shopping in the area make it easy for residents to enjoy a fulfilling living experience.
Apply for Crossroads at Washington
Save the Date and Join Me
Mayor Valerie Amezcua Toy Giveaway
Upcoming Community Events
Santa Ana Winter Village: Breakfast with Santa
Free Resident Day at Santa Ana Zoo – December 17
Ride of Lights holiday bike ride – December 21
Mayor on the Move
Honored to be elected to serve on the Orange County Transportation Authority Board (OCTA.)
InfluenceHER Summit was a huge success! Thank you to everyone who helped make this day amazing!
Thank you, Sikh Center of OC, for inviting me to speak during your Diwali festival.
Thank you, Santa Ana Girl Scouts, for inviting me to spend time with all of you at your meeting tonight. I love engaging with our families!
Thank you, Santa Ana Elks 794, for recognizing SAPD K9 Officers with another donation and also for the acceptance of the Elks Lane sign.
Worked with SEVA, Project Kinship, Elks 794, and so many other wonderful organizations and volunteers giving Thanksgiving turkeys, pork loins, and boxes of food for over 700 families!
DTSA countdown to light up our very own Santa Ana Christmas tree. Santa Claus and many families joined us!
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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