News

Ward 3 Newsletter: June/July 2025

Posted on July 21, 2025

Subscribe to my newsletter June was a devastating and deeply emotional month for our community. We saw daily immigration raids, protests, and even the deployment of the National Guard in the heart of downtown Santa Ana. These events have left many in our community shaken, especially our elders, people who came to this country seeking...

Santa Ana City Council unanimously passes multiple actions affirming its commitment to its immigrant community

Posted on July 5, 2025

Santa Ana stands united and acts in response to current federal immigration enforcement actions that are negatively impacting the City. SANTA ANA, Calif. – In a united and urgent call to action, the Santa Ana City Council unanimously approved three separate actions on July 1, 2025. Resolution Documenting Immigration Enforcement Impacts and a Call for...

Santa Ana City Council unanimously approves contract with first Police Oversight Director

Posted on July 2, 2025

T. Jack Morse, Jr. of Oppenheimer Investigations Group LLP will serve in the role to support the Police Oversight Commission. SANTA ANA, Calif. – The Santa Ana City Council unanimously approved a contract for a seasoned attorney and investigator to serve as the City’s first Police Oversight Director on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. T. Jack...

City Council approves 2025-26 budget

Posted on June 20, 2025

On June 17, the Santa Ana City Council approved a balanced budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year that continues to provide the high-quality services that our community expects, while also investing more in parks, street repairs and improvements, public safety measures, and arts and culture programs. The 2025-2026 fiscal year budget of $778.37 million includes...

City Council approves substance abuse services agreement

Posted on June 20, 2025

In a move to support public health and address homelessness, the Santa Ana City Council on June 17 approved an agreement with City Net to provide substance abuse coordination services utilizing $500,000 from our Opioid Settlement Fund, which is the result of a global settlement with Purdue Pharma. Substance abuse and addiction remain among the...

City Council passes Transit Zoning Code amendments to protect public health

Posted on June 20, 2025

The Santa Ana City Council on June 17 approved important changes to the City’s zoning that will limit industrial business operations in the area surrounding the Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center, known as the Transit Zoning Code, in order to protect nearby homes from pollution and improve public health. The Transit Zoning Code, or SD-84...

Ward 3 Newsletter: May 2025

Posted on May 30, 2025

Dear Santa Ana Residents, As your Councilwoman, I’m thrilled to connect with you in this month’s newsletter and share some important updates and reflections. First, I want to extend a heartfelt Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing moms in our community. I had the pleasure of spending the day with local families and mothers...

Santa Ana City Council bans sale and distribution of nitrous oxide for recreational use

Posted on May 21, 2025

Santa Ana, CA – In a decisive move to protect public health and safety, the Santa Ana City Council unanimously adopted an ordinance that prohibits the sale and distribution of nitrous oxide on Tuesday, May 20. The ordinance addresses growing concerns over the recreational misuse of nitrous oxide — commonly referred to as “laughing gas”...

Ward 3 Newsletter: April 2025

Posted on April 21, 2025

Dear Santa Ana, It is with a heavy heart that I write this month’s newsletter. In our community, we’ve experienced a tragic and deeply painful loss. On the night of April 5, five young individuals lost their lives in a heartbreaking car crash, and our thoughts are with their families, friends, and all those who...

Ward 3 Newsletter: February & March 2025

Posted on March 13, 2025

March brings both moments of reflection and important conversations that could impact our community. As we celebrate Women’s History Month and Nowruz, the Persian New Year, we are reminded of the power of renewal and the strength of our diverse community. At the same time, critical federal discussions are taking place, and I want to...

Ward 3 Newsletter: January 2025

Posted on January 29, 2025

Dear Neighbors, As January comes to a close, I hope the new year is off to a strong and positive start for you and your loved ones. While 2024 may be behind us, the work of building a stronger and inclusive Santa Ana never stops. This January, I’ve hit the ground running. On January 14,...

Ward 3 Newsletter: December 2024

Posted on December 23, 2024

The holiday season is here, and there’s nothing like the sparkle of festive lights, the warmth of family traditions, and the joy of giving to remind us of what truly matters. As we dive into December, I want to take a moment to remind everyone to stay safe during this busy time of year. Please...

City Council approves quality-of-life measures to protect access to public spaces and connect unhoused individuals to services

Posted on December 19, 2024

SANTA ANA, Calif. – The City of Santa Ana continues with a comprehensive approach improving the quality of life of all residents with new measures to ensure public spaces are safe, clean and accessible, as well as providing more resources to help people experiencing homelessness. On Tuesday, December 17, the Santa Ana City Council approved...

Ed Caruthers Park Ribbon Cutting Ceremony 10/17/23

City of Santa Ana celebrates opening of Gerardo Mouet Park

Posted on December 12, 2024

The 1-acre neighborhood park is named for a former Parks and Rec director. SANTA ANA, Calif. – The City of Santa Ana opened its newest park, named for a beloved former Parks and Recreation director, on Wednesday, Dec. 11, with a ribbon cutting ceremony and community celebration. Gerardo Mouet Park is a 1-acre park located...

Santa Ana Mayor, 3 Councilmembers sworn into office for second terms

Posted on December 10, 2024

Mayor Amezcua, Mayor Pro Tem Phan, Councilmember Lopez and Councilmember Hernandez were re-elected on Nov. 5. https://www.youtube.com/live/NtAyrvp58I8?si=z5nAg1-oHLbE9u6l&t=4236 SANTA ANA, Calif. – The City of Santa Ana celebrated the installation of the Mayor and three City Councilmembers who took the oath of office on Tuesday, Dec. 10, at Santa Ana City Hall. Mayor Valerie Amezcua, Mayor...

Ward 3 Newsletter: November 2024

Posted on November 27, 2024

Dear Neighbor, The election is over, and people are feeling a mix of emotions—some are relieved, others worried, and many are uncertain about what comes next. No matter how you’re feeling, one thing remains clear: our city stands against any form of bigotry. We are a community bound by more than just proximity. We are...

Proposed needle distribution program WILL NOT operate in Santa Ana

Posted on November 27, 2024

The Harm Reduction Institute has withdrawn its application to distribute thousands of needles in the community. SANTA ANA, Calif. – The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) informed City of Santa Ana officials on Monday, Nov. 25, that the Harm Reduction Institute (HRI) had withdrawn its application from the Office of AIDS to operate a...

Ward 3 Newsletter: October 2024

Posted on October 22, 2024

As the weather cools down and we welcome October, I can't help but look forward to cozy sweaters, warm coats, and my favorite—pumpkin pie! This season is all about comfort and community, and I’m excited to share updates on our continued work in economic development, community investments, and keeping Ward 3 residents informed about important...

Santa Ana City Council unanimously approves historic $2.9 billion Related Bristol mixed-use urban village

Posted on October 15, 2024

The project includes 3,750 residential units, 200 senior living units, a 250-room hotel, 350,000 square feet of commercial space, and 13.1 acres of open space. SANTA ANA, Calif. – The Santa Ana City Council has approved the largest and most expensive mixed-use, master planned development in the city’s history, the 41-acre, $2.9 billion Related Bristol...

Ward 3 Newsletter: September 2024

Posted on September 30, 2024

As we say goodbye to September and welcome the Fall season, I'm excited to update you on the incredible progress we've made together in Ward 3. From major community events to significant improvements, I've been working hard to ensure our neighborhoods continue to thrive. I'm especially excited to see families enjoying the newly renovated Santiago...