Official newsletter of Santa Ana Mayor Valerie Amezcua.
Keeping the community informed about local events, City news, and resources.
Dear Neighbors,
Spring has arrived, and with it comes a season of celebration and community! I’m excited to share highlights from the past month and important updates about what’s happening in Santa Ana.
🎓 Celebrating the Class of 2025
Graduation season has arrived, and I could not be more proud of our Santa Ana graduates from every age group and academic program. As each student steps forward to receive a diploma, we witness the culmination of years of hard work, late nights of studying, and the steadfast support of families, educators, and mentors. These moments remind us that education remains the foundation of our community’s strength and future prosperity.
As your Mayor, I am filled with profound admiration for the Class of 2025. You have demonstrated the character and capability that will serve you well in all future endeavors. Whether you are entering higher education, the workforce, military service, or vocational training, you carry with you the hopes and pride of the entire Santa Ana community.
Congratulations, Graduates — your success is just the beginning!
Final Chance to Share Your Thoughts in the City’s Budget Survey!
This is your final opportunity to tell us which City programs and services matter most to you. Your feedback plays a key role in shaping Santa Ana’s future.
FINAL DATE TO SUBMIT: Sunday, May 11
Take the Survey Here.
As we move into May, I would like to invite you to join me for two exciting upcoming events:
Coffee with the Mayor
A casual and open opportunity for residents to meet with me, ask questions, and discuss issues affecting our community.
- Saturday, May 10
- 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
- Salgado Recreation Center. 706 N. Newhope St., Santa Ana
2025 State of the City Luncheon – Hosted by the Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce
- Thursday, June 26
- 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Mater Dei High School, 1202 W. Edinger Ave.
For more information, please visit the Chamber’s website.
Finally, I want to wish a Happy Mother’s Day to all the incredible mothers, grandmothers, and maternal figures in Santa Ana! Your love, strength, and unwavering dedication are the very heart of our community’s success. Thank you for all that you do, today and every day.
Wishing everyone a month filled with joy, connection, and cherished moments with your loved ones.
Sincerely,
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!
MAYOR ON THE MOVE
I’m always grateful for the opportunity to join in the wonderful events that make Santa Ana such a vibrant community. Here are a few highlights from April:
Speaking at the 2025 Meeting of Mayors and Police Chiefs
I was honored to speak at the 2025 Meeting of Mayors and Police Chiefs, where over 40 leaders from across the country gathered in Chicago to share best practices on public safety and effective policing. The meeting focused on key issues, including police reform, emerging technologies for first responders, and strengthening collaboration between local government and law enforcement.
Testifying before the Senate Health Committee in Sacramento – SB 35
I had the honor of traveling to Sacramento to speak before the Senate Health Committee about SB 35 — a bill aimed at speeding up action against unlicensed addiction treatment facilities. These facilities put vulnerable individuals at risk, and it’s time we address this issue head-on. I’m proud to stand with our state legislators to make sure people get the help they need from trusted and licensed facilities.
Republic Services Grand Opening – CVT Processing Facility
I had the honor of speaking at the grand opening of Republic Services’ new CVT Processing Facility in Anaheim. This cutting-edge recycling facility represents a major milestone in our region’s commitment to sustainability, waste reduction, and climate action. Congratulations to the Republic Services team on this achievement and thank you for leading the way toward a cleaner, greener future!
Meeting with Team Santa Ana Youth Soccer!
It was a pleasure to welcome the talented young athletes of Team Santa Ana Youth Soccer to City Hall! I truly enjoyed hearing their passion for the game and their dedication to teamwork. I’m proud to support programs that empower our youth through sports, leadership, and community connection. The future is bright with leaders like these on and off the field!
Celebrating Arbor Day and Earth Day in Santa Ana
In honor of Arbor Day and Earth Day, I was proud to host a special tree planting event right here in Santa Ana at Santiago Park. A heartfelt thank you to Iker Reyes for donating our very first tree. Special appreciation to Santa Ana Girl Scouts Troop 3132 and Troop 4289 for their generous donation of a beautiful lavender plant to our community garden. And of course, thank you to all the families, friends, and neighbors who came out to support. Together, we’re planting the seeds for a brighter, greener future!
Speaking at Career Day at Russell Elementary Language Academy
I had a great time at Russell Elementary Language Academy’s Career Day! I loved speaking with the students and answering their questions about being Mayor of Santa Ana!
Honoring Excellence in Preservation
I was proud to recognize the recipients of the 2024 City of Santa Ana Historic Preservation Awards. These awards celebrate the individuals and organizations who go above and beyond to preserve the rich history and cultural heritage of our city. Congratulations to all of this year’s honorees — your dedication helps keep Santa Ana’s story alive for future generations.
Memorial Park Aquatics Center Groundbreaking Ceremony
I was proud to welcome everyone to the Memorial Park Aquatics Center Groundbreaking Ceremony! This $29.3 million project will completely transform and modernize the Memorial Park swimming pool. It was also great to see the community excited about the renderings of the project which were on display during the event.
Proclamation Presented to the Girl Scouts of Orange County
I was honored to present a proclamation to the Girl Scouts of Orange County, declaring March 12, 2025, as Girl Scouts Day in recognition of their 113 years of outstanding contributions to our community. It was truly a privilege to celebrate the incredible impact the Girl Scouts continue to make. Thank you for all that you do!
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHTS
The City of Santa Ana Economic Development Team
Our Economic Development team is here to help our local business community. Whether you’re just starting a business, need help with a marketing plan, or have questions about growing your business, our experts are ready to provide guidance. Stop by Santa Ana City Hall for Business Assistance Office Hours from 8 to 11 a.m. Monday through Thursday. This free service is your opportunity to get personalized advice and take the next step toward building your dream business. Contact the Economic Development Division at econdev@santa-ana.org or (714) 647-5477 for more information.
Meet the Economic Development Division Team
Small Business Highlight: Pacific Plumbing of Southern California
Located in Santa Ana, Pacific Plumbing of Southern California has been a trusted name in plumbing services since 1929. It is a fourth-generation family, full-service operation with highly skilled technicians on call around the clock. They not only take pride in their exceptional customer service, but are equipped to handle commercial, industrial, and residential plumbing and piping emergency and maintenance issues.
Pacific Plumbing of Southern California
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.
📢 ALERT: mySantaAna App Expanding Language Support!
Great news! The mySantaAna mobile app is becoming even more accessible! By the end of May, the app will support English, Spanish, and Vietnamese, making it easier than ever for our diverse community to report issues and request city services. Stay tuned for the update and continue helping us keep Santa Ana a great place to live!
📱 mySantaAna app – Report City Issues Easily
Download the mySantaAna mobile app to quickly report potholes, graffiti, downed trees, and more.
You can also 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
🍎 Food Assistance & Homeless Support:
- Project Food Box – Fresh produce for those in need
- Project Hope Alliance – Support for families and children facing homelessness
- The Seva Collective – Free drive-through food pantry
💼 Employment & Youth Programs:
- Santa Ana Youth Employment Program (SAY)
- Santa Ana Work Center
- Santa Ana Police Athletic & Activity League (SAPAAL)
Small Business Support:
Affordable Housing & Homeownership
- My First Home Program
- Sign up for Medi-Cal (regardless of immigration status)
🔌 Utility Assistance
- Southern CA Edison (Electricity): 800-447-6620
- Southern CA Gas: 800-207-8567
- Trash Pickup: 877-328-2074
- Energy & Water Bill Assistance
For more community services and city updates, visit Santa Ana’s official website.
CITY NEWS AND RECOGNITIONS
City of Santa Ana leads 2025 Affordable Housing Awards with three projects receiving prestigious honors
The Crossroads at Washington won Project of the Year Award, WISEPlace on Broadway won the Supportive Housing Award, and Estrella Springs won the Transformative Housing Award.
HAPPENING IN MAY – COMMUNITY EVENTS
Flight – A Live Butterfly Experience!
Coming on May 11 to Santa Ana Zoo! Get ready to immerse yourself in the movement, beauty, and color of hundreds of tropical butterflies in the Santa Ana Zoo’s Flight aviary. Study the butterfly life cycle in the emergence chamber and learn about these amazing, winged wonders through educational signage. Take incredible photos and maybe even make a friend or two if the butterflies land on you. This outdoor experience is included with Zoo admission and is subject to capacity limits.
National Small Business Week
Get ready to celebrate Santa Ana’s small businesses!
National Small Business Week is May 4–10 — the perfect time to show your love for the incredible local shops, restaurants, and entrepreneurs that make our community shine. Our Economic Development Division provides many resources, programs and workshops to help make your business a success.
✨ Shop local. Dine local. Support local. Experience Santa Ana! ✨
Find Economic Development Business Resources
How to Money Workshop
Join us for a FREE, hands-on workshop designed to help you make the most of your money. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to sharpen your financial skills, this event will cover:
✅ How to use credit cards wisely and avoid debt
✅ The benefits and limitations of debit cards
✅ Safety tips for protecting your accounts and identity
This is a great opportunity to learn practical strategies to manage your finances confidently and securely.
📅 Wednesday, May 14
🕕 6-7 p.m.
📍 Newhope Library, 122 N. Newhope St.
Santa Ana Fun Run Returns on May 17
The Santa Ana Fun Run is back with a far-out ’70s theme, set to take place on Saturday, May 17, 2025. Runners and walkers of all levels are invited to join this groovy community event featuring 5K and 10K races. Registration is required to participate and is now open.
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!
Bonus Free Day on May 25: Santa Ana Zoo is offering an extra Free Resident Day for their Party for the Planet event on Sunday, May 25. Learn more here.
📅 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
The Bowers Museum
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, May 9, 2025 – City Hall closed
- Friday, May 23, 2025 – City Hall closed
- Monday, May 26, 2025 – City Hall closed in observance of Memorial Day
The next City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, 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.