News

Santa Ana City Council announces ‘strenuous opposition’ to proposed needle distribution program

Posted on April 17, 2024

SANTA ANA, Calif. – The Santa Ana City Council on Tuesday, April 16, unanimously approved a resolution announcing its “strenuous opposition” to a proposed needle distribution program that would threaten public health and safety. “This resolution reaffirms the City Council’s commitment to protecting the health, safety and welfare of our residents,” Mayor Valerie Amezcua said. “We...

A group of people use shovels to dig and throw dirt into the air on a dirt lot with trees and a white truck behind them.

City breaks ground on George Upton All Access Park playground project

Posted on April 15, 2024

On Monday, April 15, 2024, the City of Santa Ana broke ground on the George Upton All Access Park project! In the next few months, the aging playground that was once located here will be replaced with an exciting new play area for children of all physical abilities. Located at Thornton Park, the George Upton...

Mayor’s newsletter: April 2024

Posted on April 5, 2024

Sign up for my newsletter Official newsletter of Santa Ana Mayor Valerie Amezcua. Keeping the community informed about local events, City news, and resources. Dear Neighbors, This month's newsletter is full of outdoor spring activities happening throughout our city and updates on important issues. Before we dive in, the City Council will begin to go...

Mayor’s newsletter: March 2024

Posted on March 11, 2024

Sign up for my newsletter 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...

2024-25 City budget: Share your ideas about programs and spending with our survey and community meetings

Posted on February 12, 2024

The Santa Ana community has an opportunity to share their ideas about which local programs and services are most important to them and how their tax dollars should be spent. The City of Santa Ana’s Finance and Management Services Agency is hosting a series of community budget meetings and has launched a Community Budget Priorities...

Mayor’s newsletter: February 2024

Posted on February 9, 2024

Sign up for my newsletter Official newsletter of Santa Ana Mayor Valerie Amezcua. Keeping the community informed about local events, City news, and resources. Dear neighbors, As we step into February, my office is excited to share the latest news and updates about what’s happening in our community. To stay informed and participate in all...

Mayor’s newsletter: January 2024

Posted on January 4, 2024

Sign up for my newsletter 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 holiday season and are feeling refreshed and ready for the year ahead! In December, I closed out the year by collaborating with various...

Mayor’s newsletter: December 2023

Posted on December 4, 2023

Sign up for my newsletter 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...

A crowd sits in an auditorium in front of a dais.

Board of Supervisors says homeless multi-service center must relocate by end of 2024 after Santa Ana leaders, residents speak out

Posted on November 28, 2023

Today, Councilmember Phil Bacerra, Councilmember David Penaloza, a representative of Mayor Valerie Amezcua, and over two dozen residents, neighborhood leaders and City staff spoke at the Orange County Board of Supervisors meeting to oppose a County contract extension with Mental Health Association of Orange County (MHA.) Although we didn’t get the outcome we had hoped...

City of Santa Ana opposes proposed County contract with MHA

Posted on November 27, 2023

At 9 a.m. Tuesday, November 28, 2023, the Orange County Board of Supervisors will consider a contract with the Mental Health Association of Orange County to provide homeless services at 2416 S. Main St. The City of Santa Ana is NOT in support and OPPOSES the approval of this contract due to the negative public...

Santa Ana City Council appoints Interim City Manager

Posted on November 21, 2023

Thomas R. Hatch will serve until a permanent City Manager is hired. SANTA ANA, Calif. – The Santa Ana City Council has appointed veteran municipal executive Thomas R. Hatch to serve as Interim City Manager, overseeing operations of one of the largest cities in Orange County and over 1,400 City employees. On Tuesday, Nov. 21,...

Mayor’s newsletter: November 2023

Posted on November 9, 2023

Sign up for my newsletter Official newsletter of Santa Ana Mayor Valerie Amezcua. Keeping the community informed about local events, City news, and resources. Dear neighbors, November brings the opportunity to show our appreciation and gratitude for those around us. One of the best parts about fall is participating in the amazing activities and events...

Santa Ana City Council to have special meeting on Monday, October 30, to address Ward 3 special recall election

Posted on October 29, 2023

SANTA ANA, Calif. – Mayor Valerie Amezcua has called a special meeting of the Santa Ana City Council to address a letter received from Orange County Registrar of Voters Bob Page regarding the Ward 3 special recall election scheduled for Nov. 14, 2023. The special meeting will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct....

Santa Ana City Council appoints Steven A. Mendoza as Acting City Manager

Posted on October 18, 2023

SANTA ANA, Calif. – The Santa Ana City Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Steven A. Mendoza as Acting City Manager. This appointment took effect on October 10, 2023, pursuant to Resolution 2017-016. Mr. Mendoza has been an integral part of the City of Santa Ana’s executive management team since May 2018, serving...

The Santa Ana City Council has agreed to accept the resignation of its City Manager, effective today, Monday, October 9, 2023.

Posted on October 9, 2023

The Santa Ana City Council has agreed to accept the resignation of its City Manager, effective today, Monday, October 9, 2023. By a vote of 6-1, with the Mayor Pro Tem voting no, the City Council accepted the resignation and approved a severance and release agreement, as provided for in the employment agreement. The City...

Mayor’s newsletter: October 2023

Posted on October 5, 2023

Sign up for my newsletter Official newsletter of Santa Ana Mayor Valerie Amezcua. Keeping the community informed about local events, City news, and resources. Dear Community, September was another memorable month in Santa Ana. I enjoyed attending the NHBWA’s Tacos en Tacones event, Santa Ana’s first International Older Adults Celebration, and my monthly Coffee with...

Mayor’s newsletter: September 2023

Posted on August 30, 2023

Sign up for my newsletter Official newsletter of Santa Ana Mayor Valerie Amezcua. Keeping the community informed about local events, City news, and resources. Dear neighbors, Although the weather remains very sunny, fall is almost upon us, and the City of Santa Ana has many exciting community events for you, including Fiesta Patrias, the Moon...

Mayor’s newsletter: August 2023

Posted on August 8, 2023

Sign up for my newsletter Official newsletter of Santa Ana Mayor Valerie Amezcua. Keeping the community informed about local events, City news, and resources. Dear Community, As we step into August, it's hard to believe how quickly summer has passed, and now the new school year is upon us. I want to extend my best...

A woman and man sit at a table smiling while the woman signs a piece of paper and another man stands behind them.

Santa Ana Mayor Valerie Amezcua visits Sahuayo, Mexico, to sign sister city agreement

Posted on August 7, 2023

Santa Ana Mayor Valerie Amezcua visited Sahuayo, Mexico, from July 28 through July 31 to formalize an agreement establishing Sahuayo and Santa Ana as sister cities. Dr. Manuel Gálvez Sánchez, Mayor of Sahuayo, extended the invitation to Mayor Amezcua after his recent visit to Santa Ana in June. A signing ceremony was held at Santa...

A blue electric trash and recycling collection truck is parking in a roundabout in front of palm trees.

Republic Services and City of Santa Ana lead the charge with first electric recycling and waste collection truck in Orange County

Posted on July 27, 2023

Company’s First electric truck in California to service Santa Ana residents. Republic Services, Inc. (NYSE: RSG), a leader in the environmental services industry, and the City of Santa Ana launched the company’s first electric collection vehicle (EV) in Republic’s California fleet. An industry first for Orange County, this automated side-load electric collection truck has been...