Official newsletter of Santa Ana Mayor Valerie Amezcua.
Keeping the community informed about local events, City news, and resources.
Dear neighbors,
I hope you had a wonderful February! The month kicked off with the City of Santa Ana’s very first Tết (Lunar New Year) Festival. I enjoyed watching all the beautiful dance performances, visiting the resource tables, and of course meeting and speaking with everyone.
I also had the honor of speaking at the Second Baptist Church “Living Waters” Fundraising Gala! I am proud to support their goal to create a healthier and happier community by establishing a wellness center here in Santa Ana.
I ended the month by joining amazing organizations and businesses at the Cruising for Education event with Project Rise!
Moving into March, the City of Santa Ana’s budget season quickly approaches. I encourage you to share your thoughts on which City programs and services are most important to you as we go through our budget process for the 2024-25 fiscal year. You can participate in our community budget meetings and take an online survey that takes just a few minutes to complete!
I look forward to seeing you at all the fun upcoming community events and activities and wish you and your family a lovely March.
Sincerely,
Mayor Valerie Amezcua
Email: vamezcua@santa-ana.org
Mayor on the Move
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 today and thank you Project Rise for the invitation.
Had a wonderful visit to Meals on Wheels OC in Santa Ana. I loved engaging with our seniors and meeting with their executive team.
Had a productive meeting with the Santa Ana Comprehensive treatment center. For over 25 years, this center has provided personalized outpatient care and medication-assisted treatment and counseling services.
Hosted my quarterly Inter-Faith meeting. It was a great opportunity to engage with many of our church leaders from our community to discuss and address some of the challenges we face in our city as they serve our youth and people in our beautiful city.
My monthly SA Neighborhood Associations meeting. Great conversations about the proposed needle distribution program and neighborhood safety.
Thank you to McDonald’s for inviting me to host my monthly Coffee with the Mayor event at their 17th and Bristol location. I’m proud and humbled to say all my monthly coffee events happen because our residents reach out to my office to invite me to join them.
Proud to have presented a Certificate of Recognition to Willard Intermediate School Jazz Band for Outstanding Musical Performance during our City Council meeting.
Thank you to the Gallardo family for inviting me to be part of Teddy Gallardo’s 100-year birthday celebration.
Enjoyed attending the Orange County Business Council (OCBC) Annual Dinner.
Attending Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) Transportation Committee Meeting. Proud to represent Santa Ana.
Great day at the OC Job fair at Saddleback High School. Over 700 people came to meet with dozens of local employers who offered positions spanning from entry-level to highly skilled opportunities.
Thank you to the Second Baptist Church (SBC) media team for interviewing me for their upcoming 100-year anniversary documentary. Loved talking about SBC history in Santa Ana and how our faith-based organizations have and will always be a part of our city.
Tour and meeting at Samueli Academy.
Wonderful meeting with Commissioner Danny Vega and some of our local food truck vendors.
I had a wonderful time riding in the City of Westminster Lunar New Year Tết parade!! I was joined by my bonus daughter Natassia Knutson and my grandson Troy; we had a great time. Always representing Santa Ana! Chúc mừng năm mới!
I had the honor of speaking at the Second Baptist Church “Living Waters” Fundraising Gala!
Absolutely amazing turnout for the City of Santa Ana’s first ever Tet (Lunar New Year) Festival!! It was a fun day filled with beautiful entertainment, yummy food, and interactive exhibitors!
Attending the Orange County Labor Federation 2024 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Labor Breakfast.
Thank you Overair for the tour of your facility in Santa Ana!
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHTS
Nonprofit Spotlight: Meals on Wheels Orange County
For over 55 years, Meals on Wheels Orange County has delivered programs and services that reduce hunger and improve wellness for older adults so that they may live independently in the homes and communities they love.
Small Business Spotlight: Randy’s Donuts
I love supporting small businesses! This month I visited Randy’s Donuts in Santa Ana! The owner, Eric Padilla, is a proud Santa Ana resident. Next time you’re craving a yummy donut, stop by his shop on the corner of 17th and Tustin.
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 Santa Ana Parks, Creation and Community Services Agency for in-person hiring fairs on Wednesday, March 6, and April 10, 2024. Parks and Rec is hiring for various positions.
Parks and Rec summer hiring fairs
CITY NEWS AND RECOGNITIONS
Win amazing prizes in the Youth Water Poster Contest
The Santa Ana Water Resources Division’s 9th Annual Youth Water Poster Contest is here! Youth ages 5-18 who reside or attend school in Santa Ana can submit their poster entries to compete for prizes ranging from gift certificates to PS5s and Macbook Airs. The deadline is March 28, so act now and enter!
How can your kids get involved? It’s easy!
- Visit the official contest page
- Check out the rules and guidelines, entry form, and theme for this year’s contest.
- Download the 2024 Kids Activity Book for inspiration, ideas and fun!
- Submit your artwork before the deadline.
Youth Commission taking applications
Students in grades 7 to 12 can apply now to serve on the Santa Ana Youth Commission! Youth Commissioners provide valuable insights to the Santa Ana City Council on youth services and programs, review the annual budget for the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Agency and offer recommendations, and take on other responsibilities. The Youth Commission has seven members who are appointed by the Mayor and City Council. Meetings are monthly, and Youth Commissioners receive a $100 stipend per meeting.
Apply for the Youth Commission
National magazine showcases local housing projects
Business and innovation magazine Fast Company recently highlighted two Santa Ana housing developments, both supported by City funding, among “9 stunning architectural projects that show what’s possible with existing buildings.” The Santa Ana Arts Collective transformed a mid-century commercial building at 1666 N. Main St. into a 58-unit affordable apartment community for working artists and their families. La Placita Cinco (pictured) is a 51-unit affordable housing community with retail space that replaced an old gas station at 2239 W. 5th St.
This month in Santa Ana History
On March 11, 1889, the birth of Orange County marked a pivotal moment in the history of the Santa Ana Valley and the newly incorporated City of Santa Ana (1886). Recognizing the need for better governance and infrastructure, the pioneers of the Santa Ana Valley rallied for the creation of Orange County. On July 17, 1889, The City of Santa Ana was determined to be the Orange County Seat. This significant designation laid the foundation for the region’s growth and shaped the course of Santa Ana history.
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 #OrangeCounty about #transportation.
Learn more at octa.net/community.
Upcoming Community Events
Community Budget Meetings – March 12, 14 & 21
The City of Santa Ana needs the community’s input on the 2024-25 budget! Join our community budget meetings and take our budget survey to share your ideas about which local programs and services are most important to you and how your tax dollars should be spent.
- Tuesday, March 12
- 6-7 p.m.
- Delhi Center, 505 E. Central Ave.
- Thursday, March 14
- 6-7 p.m.
- McFadden Institute of Technology, 2701 S. Raitt St.
- Thursday, March 21
- 6-7 p.m.
- El Salvador Community Center, 1825 W. Civic Center Drive
Participate in the budget process
OCFA Open House – March 16
Orange County Fire Authority’s 2024 Open House is on Saturday, March 16! This event will be held at OCFA headquarters in Irvine and is a great opportunity for you to meet your local firefighters, learn fire safety, and even put out pretend fires.
- Saturday, March 16
- 10 a.m.
- 1 Fire Authority Road, Irvine
Mural Dedication – March 16
Join us to celebrate the new Mural at Santa Ana Triangle Neighborhood. This project is made possible by the sponsor of the City of Santa Ana Arts & Culture Commission, artists Stephanie Miles and Tony Gomez, and El Pollo Loco.
- Saturday, March 16
- 10:30 a.m.
- 1909 N. Main St. (in the El Pollo Loco Parking lot).
Egg-cellent Adventure – March 30
Join our annual free, family-friendly Egg-Cellent Adventure, which will feature egg hunts, photo opps, live entertainment, a petting zoo, inflatables, and much more. The Title Level Partner, the Los Angeles Clippers, will have their community team on site with exciting basketball themed activities and prizes! Community partner Santa Ana Lions Club will host a pancake breakfast from 9 to 11:30 a.m. for $5 per person.
- Saturday, March 30
- 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Centennial Park, 3000 W. Edinger Ave.
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.
Free Resident Day at Santa Ana Zoo
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, March 17
- 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (last admission is at 4 p.m.)
- Santa Ana Zoo, 1801 E. Chestnut Ave.
City Hall
Upcoming Holiday and Closed Friday schedule: (City Hall non-essential offices are closed on alternating Fridays throughout the year)
- Friday, March 1, 2024 – City Hall closed.
- Friday, March 15, 2024 – City Hall closed.
- Friday, March 29, 2024 – City Hall closed.
- Monday, April 1, 2024 – City Hall closed in observance of Cesar Chavez Day.
The next City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 19, 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
In February, the Santa Ana City Council:
- Continued until March 19 a public hearing and consideration of a resolution adjusting the sanitation services users charge for roadway cleaning and environmental sanitation services. Council directed staff to come back with additional options for implementing sanitation fee changes and possible changes to the Municipal Code to increase penalties for illegal dumping.
- Approved an appropriation adjustment to recognize $1,975,000 in Clean California Local Grant Program funding from the California Department of Transportation for the Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center Painting and Wrought Iron Fencing project, and the Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center Outdoor Water Fountain Renovation project.
- Approved an agreement with Working Wardrobes of up to $742,000 to provide workforce development services to unemployed people with barriers to employment, including workforce readiness workshops, job development, career planning, and job training.
- Nominated and appointed Councilmember Phil Bacerra as an alternate representative to the Southern California Association of Governments general assembly business meeting.
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.
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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