Dear Neighbors,
Santa Ana is a city built on resilience, family, and community. In difficult moments, we look out for one another, and this moment demands nothing less.
Over the past month, our community has been deeply impacted by the presence of federal immigration enforcement and military personnel. I know the fear this has caused. But let me begin by making a few things absolutely clear:
- The City of Santa Ana has not authorized, invited, or cooperated with any federal immigration raids or military presence.
- On Tuesday, July 1, the Santa Ana City Council and I took immediate, unanimous action to protect our community and demand accountability.
These emergency measures include:
- A resolution demanding the immediate removal of ICE, National Guard, and all federal enforcement personnel from our city.
- The creation of a $100,000 emergency assistance fund for families impacted by immigration enforcement.
- A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to ICE, requiring disclosure of all enforcement activity in Santa Ana from January 20 to July 1, 2025.
We are using every legal and policy tool available to defend your rights because safety, dignity, and justice are not optional in this city.
Here’s What We’re Already Doing:
My office has activated with urgency and compassion. In partnership with local leaders, we are:
- Distributing “Know Your Rights” materials across neighborhoods and digital channels
- Coordinating with the OC Labor Federation to connect families with critical resources
- Delivering food, diapers, and essential supplies alongside trusted nonprofits
- Sharing multilingual updates and video messages with:
- Gloria Alvarado, OC Labor Federation
- Yvette Williby, Mosaic Movement
- Denise Cabrera, Immigration Attorney
We will soon release clear instructions on how to apply for emergency assistance, and continue providing regular updates on food distribution, legal clinics, and care programs.
Where I Stand
Let me be absolutely clear:
- I oppose these federal raids.
- I oppose the militarization of our neighborhoods.
- And I will not allow fear to define Santa Ana.
As a proud sanctuary city, our police do not and will not cooperate with ICE. That is the law, and my commitment to it is unwavering.
You Have the Right to Be Heard
I fully support your first amendment right to peacefully protest, and I urge all participants to remain calm, safe, and united. The way we respond matters, and Santa Ana needs to lead with dignity, not violence.
To the People of Santa Ana
In this moment, my responsibility is clear: protect our community, defend your rights, and take action that delivers real results.
My focus as your mayor is on looking out for our city and doing it with urgency, strength, and accountability.
We are here for you. We are Santa Ana.
Sincerely
Mayor Valerie Amezcua
Email: vamezcua@santa-ana.org
CITY RESOURCES
Need help with City services or community programs? Here’s a quick guide to available resources in Santa Ana.
MySantaAna App Expanding Language Support!
Great news! 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 City recently launched the new app that 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.
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 the City of Santa Ana’s new Community Resources page.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
City of Santa Ana jobs and internships:
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 individuals who are results-oriented, possess a positive attitude, demonstrate creativity and innovation, work efficiently, have a proven track record of success, and are passionate about public service.
City Hall
Upcoming Holiday and Closed Friday schedule: (City Hall non-essential offices are closed on alternating Fridays throughout the year)
- Friday, July 18 – City Hall closed
The next City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 15, 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.
For more City news, please follow City of Santa on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and share my newsletter with friends and family.