News

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The Harm Reduction Institute has withdrawn its application to distribute thousands of needles in the community.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Health (CDPH) informed City of Santa Ana officials on Monday, Nov. 25, that the Harm Reduction Institute (HRI) had withdrawn its application from the Office of AIDS to operate a...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

Santa Ana to celebrate third annual Mid-Autumn Festival on Saturday, October 5

Posted on September 30, 2024

SANTA ANA, Calif. – The City of Santa Ana invites the community to join in the celebration of its third annual Mid-Autumn Festival on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Centennial Park, 3000 W. Edinger Ave., from 4 to 8 p.m. This beloved festival highlights Asian cultures and honors Santa Ana’s vibrant Vietnamese community. The Mid-Autumn...

A red brick and white apartment building.

City of Santa Ana and County of Orange open The Crossroads at Washington affordable housing community

Posted on September 27, 2024

Santa Ana’s newest affordable community provides housing for extremely low-income families and people experiencing homelessness Santa Ana, Calif. – The City of Santa Ana and County of Orange on Sept. 26 celebrated the grand opening of The Crossroads at Washington, an 86-unit, affordable development for extremely low-income families and people experiencing homelessness. Located at 1136...

A group of people stand on a stage holding a ceremonial key mounted on a plaque.

Santa Ana City Council gifts Key to the City to sister city Sahuayo, Mexico

Posted on September 26, 2024

SANTA ANA, Calif. – During the 2024 Fiestas Patrias celebration, Santa Ana Mayor Valerie Amezcua proudly presented a Key to the City to Mayor Dr. Manuel Gálvez Sánchez from Sahuayo, Michoacán, Mexico, commemorating the ongoing Sister City relationship between the two municipalities. The ceremony took place on September 14 alongside members of both city councils...

Santa Ana City Council gifts Key to the City to sister city Sahuayo, Mexico

Posted on September 16, 2024

Ward 3 Newsletter: August 2024

Posted on August 29, 2024

Dear Friends, As we step into September, a month rich with reflection and celebration, I want to take a moment to acknowledge two important dates—Labor Day and the anniversary of 9/11. These days remind us of the strength, resilience, and unity that define our community. They also serve as a powerful reminder of the...

A man with a moustache wearing a suit and tie.

Santa Ana Council Unanimously Appoints Next City Manager; Long-Time Santa Ana Resident to Lead the Municipal Organization

Posted on August 7, 2024

SANTA ANA, Calif. – The Santa Ana City Council is pleased to announce the unanimous appointment of long-time Santa Ana resident and tenured local government executive Alvaro Nuñez as the next City Manager of Santa Ana. Mr. Nuñez, who has been serving as the Acting City Manager as of March 25, joined the City of...

Ward 3 Newsletter: July 2024

Posted on July 25, 2024

Santa Ana knows how to let freedom ring! I hope you had the opportunity to attend one of our many Fourth of July events, celebrating family, friends, and our independence. A huge thanks to all the neighborhood associations and volunteers who made these celebrations possible! As we embrace the warmth and joy of summer, let's...

Ward 3 Newsletter: June 2024

Posted on June 28, 2024

June 2024 Happy Pride Month! 🌈 June is special to Team Lopez because we get to celebrate love, diversity, and unity. We especially love Pride Month because it gives us the opportunity to join supporters, advocates, and champions to walk in the annual OC Pride parade. It’s always an honor and joy to meet a...

Santa Ana City Council unanimously approves 2024-25 budget

Posted on June 19, 2024

The budget includes more funding for youth programs, roads, public safety, and investments in City facilities. SANTA ANA, Calif. – The Santa Ana City Council has unanimously approved the 2024-25 City budget, adding a range of new programs sought by the community while making long-term investments in City roads and public facilities. “This balanced budget...

Ward 3 Newsletter: May 2024

Posted on May 30, 2024

May 2024 As the saying goes, “April showers bring May flowers.” Just as May brings the beauty of blooming flowers, it also brings the opportunity to recognize and celebrate the dedication of our public employees during Public Service Recognition Week. With this in mind, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all our dedicated public employees...

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...

City Council bans short-term residential rentals

Posted on April 17, 2024

The ordinance is intended to curb impacts on neighborhoods and increase available housing supplies. SANTA ANA, Calif. – The Santa Ana City Council has voted to ban short-term residential rentals to preserve the character of neighborhoods, address the negative impacts caused by these unpermitted business operations, and to open up much-needed housing supplies. The proliferation...

Ward 3 Newsletter: February 2024

Posted on February 15, 2024

February 2024 Dear neighbors, Happy New Year, happy Black History Month, happy Lunar New Year, and happy Valentine’s! As we embark on Black History Month, it is imperative to honor the enduring legacies of the remarkable Black leaders who fought tirelessly for freedom and equality for all, recognizing that their contributions extend far beyond 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...