City Manager’s Newsletter

News from the City Manager

COSAS: City Manager’s Newsletter for December 2, 2022

Posted on December 2, 2022

SUBSCRIBE to the COSAS Newsletter In this edition of COSAS, learn about our Shop Santa Ana program, the library’s expanding hours, fun holiday events like the Winter Village, Pancakes with Santa and the Ride of Lights, and much more! Spotlight Photo Christmas on 4th St. Photo Credit: Hiram U. To submit your own original...

City Manager’s homelessness update November 15, 2022

Posted on November 16, 2022

City Manager Kristine Ridge gave an update to the City Council on Nov. 15, 2022, about the City's efforts to address homelessness. City of Santa Ana is a leader in Orange County in addressing the needs of unhoused individuals. Learn more by visiting our Homeless Services Data Dashboard.

COSAS: City Manager’s Newsletter for November 10, 2022

Posted on November 10, 2022

SUBSCRIBE to the COSAS Newsletter In this edition of the COSAS newsletter, read about a wonderful new affordable housing development, how we’re making our streets safer, our community gardens, and much more Santa Ana news and events. Spotlight Photo Halloween at Southwest Senior Center Photo Credit: Hiram U. To submit your own original photo of...

Creature from the Black Lagoon at Birch Park

COSAS: City Manager’s Newsletter for October 27, 2022

Posted on October 27, 2022

In this edition of the City Manager’s newsletter, learn about what the City is doing to address homelessness and what you can do to help, see our new activities guide, and read about other City news, programs and events. Spotlight Photo "Creature from the Black Lagoon" screening at Birch Park Photo Credit: Hiram U. To...

COSAS: City Manager’s Newsletter for October 13, 2022

Posted on October 13, 2022

In this edition of the City Manager’s newsletter, find fun Halloween events and other activities, read about our new PAAL center, learn about the City’s ballot measures, and more! Subscribe to COSAS Spotlight Photo Traditional Vietnamese Dance at the Mid-Autumn Festival Photo Credit: Hiram U. To submit your own original photo of Santa Ana to...

COSAS: City Manager’s Newsletter for September 29, 2022

Posted on September 29, 2022

In this edition of the City Manager’s newsletter, read about our recent housing accomplishments, share your ideas about downtown murals, apply to serve on a City commission or board, and find fun activities like Taste of Santa Ana and the Mid-Autumn Festival. Subscribe to COSAS Spotlight Photo Baile Folklorico at Fiestas Patrias Photo Credit: Hiram...

COSAS: City Manager’s Newsletter for September 15, 2022

Posted on September 15, 2022

In this issue of COSAS, get updates on 4th Street construction, learn how the police department is working to hire more female officers, find fun activities like Fiestas Patrias and Wilderness Club excursions, and more Santa Ana news and events. Subscribe to COSAS Spotlight Photo Dragon Fruit from Jerome Photo Credit: Santa Ana Community Gardens...

COSAS: City Manager’s Newsletter for September 1, 2022

Posted on September 1, 2022

In this issue of the City Manager’s newsletter, see the design for Santa Ana's first new dog park, learn about our new stormwater capture system, Habitat for Humanity breaks ground on two unique homes, and find lots of fun events and other news. Subscribe to COSAS Spotlight Photo Inaugural Chicano Heritage Festival Photo Credit: Hiram U....

COSAS: City Manager’s Newsletter for August 12, 2022

Posted on August 12, 2022

In this edition of COSAS, check out our cool new library card designs, street lighting improvements, mosquito control efforts, and many exciting events and activities including concerts, movies, a butterfly exhibit and our first ever Chicano Heritage Festival! Subscribe to COSAS Spotlight Photo The Smokin' Cobras perform at Windsor Park Photo Credit: Hiram U. To...

COSAS: City Manager’s Newsletter for July 29, 2022

Posted on July 29, 2022

In this issue of the City Manager’s newsletter, we have so much great news to share! Learn about SAPD’s new meditation room, the gun buyback event, Public Works' campaign to raise water conservation awareness, the 2021 Water Quality Report, and all of the exciting events happening in August! Subscribe to COSAS Spotlight Photo Downtown Graffiti...

COSAS: City Manager’s Newsletter for July 15, 2022

Posted on July 15, 2022

In this issue of the City Manager’s newsletter, we have so much great news to share! Learn about the Santa Ana Zoo’s new butterfly exhibit, a new assistance program for commercial property owners, the Housing Element Draft, our new park host, and tons of fun events! Subscribe to COSAS Spotlight Photo 4th of July at...

COSAS: City Manager’s Newsletter for June 17, 2022

Posted on June 17, 2022

In this issue of the City Manager’s newsletter, we have so much great news to share! Learn about the library’s new Knowledge Mobile that will be rolling into your neighborhood, upcoming movies in the park, who to call for water emergencies and illegal fireworks, and tons of fun events for Pride, Juneteenth, Fourth of July...

Purple Jacaranda flowers blooming on a Jacaranda tree on Myrtle Street

COSAS: City Manager’s Newsletter for June 3, 2022

Posted on June 3, 2022

In this issue of the City Manager’s newsletter, find out all of the fun things happening this summer in Santa Ana, see how we’re honoring local military service members, and get more Santa Ana news and events. Spotlight Photo Jacaranda spring in Santa Ana (Myrtle Street) Photo Credit: Nhat T. To submit your own original...

Sign spinners exhibition at Grand Central Art Center

COSAS: City Manager’s Newsletter for May 12, 2022

Posted on May 12, 2022

In this edition of the City Manager’s newsletter, learn about the City’s successful efforts to address homelessness, calls for public art, new funding for nonprofits, what’s going to happen to the historic YMCA building, and other local news and events! Spotlight Photo Sign spinners exhibition at Grand Central Art Center Photo Credit: John S. To...

Child near a mural in downtown Santa Ana

COSAS: City Manager’s Newsletter for April 28, 2022

Posted on April 28, 2022

In this edition of COSAS, read about our Parks Master Plan, learn how Santa Ana police helped in a major FBI investigation, get summer safety tips, and find more local news and events. Spotlight Photo Finding Murals in Downtown Photo Credit: Tanya V. (@avasangelwings) To submit your own original photo of Santa Ana to...

COSAS: City Manager’s Newsletter for April 14, 2022

Posted on April 14, 2022

In this edition of COSAS, share your ideas about City programs and services, see the new Council ward map, apply for housing vouchers, find fun Santa Ana events, and learn about many new City projects. Sunset Blues Photo Credit: Johnny B @johnnyruiz__ To submit your own original photo of Santa Ana to be featured...

COSAS: City Manager’s Newsletter for March 31, 2022

Posted on March 31, 2022

In this edition of COSAS, find out how to participate in the City budget process, get working with a career fair and a youth employment program, learn how to apply for new affordable housing, and find out about many fun and educational programs and events. Spotlight Photo Butterflies and Soccer at Centennial Park Photo Credit:...

Kid eating ice cream in front of Virgin Mary mural in Downtown Santa Ana

COSAS: City Manager’s Newsletter for March 11, 2022

Posted on March 11, 2022

In this edition of COSAS, learn about all of the great new Revive Santa Ana programs, zoo and urban greening projects, grants for businesses and artists, educational library classes and activities, fun events, and more! Spotlight Photo Shopping and ice cream in DTSA Photo Credit: Silvano R. @mad.elephant City Manager’s highlights Revive Santa Ana Programs...

Work Readiness Program and Job Fair

Posted on July 30, 2021

In partnership with the Community Development Agency and the Santa Ana WORK Center, the Santa Ana Public Library has initiated a Work Readiness Program with a series of workshops for job seekers looking to gain an edge through resume writing, job searching, interview skills, and much more. This program will provide meaningful employment support and...

Environmental Justice Survey Prize Winners

Posted on July 30, 2021

Eight residents won $100 gift cards for completing our Environmental Justice survey! Congratulations to Esteffani Roldan, Venancio Chavez, Michelle Tran, Santiago Herrera, Araceli Escobar, Laura Quijada, Diana Roque, and Patricia Caballero, and thank you to everyone who completed the survey. It was made available this spring to engage the community, with a special focus on...

Small Business Development Center Programs

Posted on July 30, 2021

The Orange County Inland Empire (OCIE) chapter of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) offers many great programs for local business owners. Here are a few that are coming up: No-Cost Product Photography: The Digital Marketing Lab at OCIE SBDC is offering no-cost product photography on Friday, Aug. 13. All of their services are paid for...

New Bus Benches Display Santa Ana Design

Posted on July 30, 2021

The City’s Public Works Agency staff is pleased to announce that the latest round of bus stop furniture replacement began in May. The City has developed a new Santa Ana design for the 134 pairs of one bench and one trash container. Installation is prioritized for stops with no furniture or missing furniture components. The...

Youth Group Cleans Up Bristol Street

Posted on July 30, 2021

The City’s Public Works Agency team supported a church youth group cleanup last month to fulfill a volunteer community activity for their youth conference. About 50 youths ages 14-18 and eight adults cleaned up the Bristol Street corridor from Edinger Avenue to McFadden Avenue. The Public Works Maintenance Services Department provided the trash bags and...

Protected Bike Lanes Shift into High Gear

Posted on July 30, 2021

Since February 2021, the City has been constructing protected bike lanes and bus islands on Bristol Street between Edinger Avenue and 1st Street. The original scope of the project is complete, but thanks to our efficient work, we are able to expand the scope and deliver additional improvements within the project limit. With the additional work,...

Water Quality Report Now Available

Posted on July 30, 2021

The Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) is an annual water quality report that informs Santa Ana residents about where your drinking water comes from and what’s in it. The 2020 CCR Water Quality Report details the quality of Santa Ana’s water and confirms that the City continues to maintain the highest standards, surpassing all state and...

Main Library Reopens After Renovations

Posted on July 16, 2021

Santa Ana’s Main Library is seeing many new faces since its reopening on July 12 after receiving important upgrades that include a new roof, ceiling and lighting throughout the building. Staff have been placing special emphasis on ensuring that families, children and residents of all ages and backgrounds feel like their public library is a...

Intersection Closure at Santa Ana Boulevard and Bristol Street

Posted on July 16, 2021

OC Streetcar crews will be working during the day and night at the Santa Ana Boulevard and Bristol Street intersection for track construction. To accommodate this work, a full closure of the intersection will be in effect 24 hours a day beginning as early as Monday, July 19, at 7 a.m., through Monday, July 26,...

Citywide Mosquito Prevention Campaign

Posted on July 16, 2021

This summer is anticipated to be another heavy mosquito season. The City is partnering once again with the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District to educate the Santa Ana community on mosquito prevention. OC Vector Control provided 200 mosquito prevention magnet signs with the City’s logo, which have been placed on our Public Works...

Santa Ana Among Best-Run Large Cities in America

Posted on July 16, 2021

We're proud to share that WalletHub has listed Santa Ana as the 3rd best-run large city in California and the 63rd best-run city in the country! WalletHub compared 150 of the most populated cities across six key categories: Financial Stability, Education, Health, Safety, Economy, and Infrastructure & Pollution. The City of Santa Ana's 1,200 employees work hard...

Water Resources Division Wins Sustainable Infrastructure Award

Posted on July 16, 2021

The City of Santa Ana won the Smart Cities North American Sustainable Infrastructure award for our Advanced Water Metering Infrastructure project. This “Smart Water Meter” project is a cutting-edge meter technology that will be installed for all Santa Ana customers over the next three years. The meters will wirelessly send usage information to the utility...

Public Works Solid Waste Contract Info Session

Trash Service Contract Public Outreach

Posted on July 16, 2021

As the City Council prepares to approve a new waste contract for the City next month, the public has several opportunities to learn more. Nabil Saba, Executive Director of the Public Works Agency, will provide a special presentation on the four proposals that are on the table for the City’s trash contract, followed by a...

Road Closure: Richland St. at Main St. through July 16

Posted on July 2, 2021

Richland Street at South Main Street is closed on the west side through Friday, July 16, for street intersection improvements. Northbound and southbound lanes continue to be open on Main Street and access to Richland Street can be made from Highland Street or Bishop Street. Please use alternate routes and plan for possible delays. We...

Historic Preservation Award Nominations are Open!

Posted on July 2, 2021

The City of Santa Ana is now accepting nominations for the 2021 Historic Preservation Awards! The Historic Preservation Awards are intended to recognize outstanding historic rehabilitation and restoration projects, as well as efforts that have furthered the cause of historic preservation in the City. Any property within the City listed on the Local, State, or...

Santa Ana Public Library is on TikTok!

Posted on July 2, 2021

The Santa Ana Public Library (SAPL) is now officially on Tik Tok! SAPL patrons, especially teens, are invited to join us on this new social media platform, where we will be sharing exclusive videos from the Library, and curating and promoting our favorite resources and services, while directly connecting with our patrons. Follow the Santa Ana...

Main Library to Re-Open July 12

Posted on July 2, 2021

Beginning Monday, July 12, the Main Library will fully reopen to the public with new and expanded hours. The new hours will be Monday and Wednesday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Effective July 12, the...

Independence Day Closure

Posted on July 2, 2021

In observance of Independence Day, Santa Ana City Hall will be closed and there will be no street sweeping on Monday, July 5th. We will reopen on July 6. Click below to see our holiday and closed Friday schedule. Learn more about our holiday and closed Friday schedule here.

Eviction Moratorium Extended Until September 30, 2021

Posted on July 2, 2021

The State of California has extended residential eviction protections through Sept. 30, 2021. Tenants who were financially impacted by COVID-19 are protected from eviction for nonpayment of rent if the tenant provides their landlord with a signed declaration of financial distress. By Sept. 30, 2021, tenants must pay at least 25% of the rent due...

2021 Most Beautiful Yard Contest

Posted on July 2, 2021

Last week at the Com-Link meeting the winners of the Most Beautiful Yard Contest were announced! Every year, each neighborhood association nominates three of their yards to participate in this contest, and generally one yard from each neighborhood association is selected. This yard is one of 18 winners. See all of the winners here

COVID-19 Weekly Update

Posted on November 6, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic is changing life for all of us. You may feel anxious, stressed, worried, sad, bored, depressed, lonely or frustrated in these circumstances. You are not alone. There are strategies for managing stress, such as: • Be mindful of your intake of information from news sources about the virus, and consider taking breaks...

4th Street Market Apartments in Downtown Santa Ana – Opening January 2021

Posted on November 6, 2020

4th Street Market’s amazing food hall will soon host residential apartments on the second floor of its building. Downtown Santa Ana has been patiently waiting for the first set of residential apartments to open and the date is almost here. Coming January 2021, the 4th Street Market Apartments will open and become homes...

Santa Ana Public Library November 2020 Updates

Posted on November 6, 2020

Santa Ana youth are invited to join us for stories, interactive activities, rhymes and sing-alongs in English and Spanish. New videos will be available on the City of Santa Ana’s YouTube Channel every Friday during the month of November! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and subscribe to our channel to stay up to date with...

Public Works Agency Responds to Over 250 Service Calls After Windstorm

Posted on November 6, 2020

On Monday, Oct. 26, 2020, the city experienced strong Santa Ana winds with speeds in the range of 25 to 35 mph and with gusts exceeding 50 mph. The City’s Public Works Agency - Maintenance Services Division team was prepared and quickly responded to over 250 service calls from the public for fallen trees, tree limbs...

City’s Recognized for Vector Awareness Efforts

Posted on November 6, 2020

OC Vector Control recently recognized the City’s outstanding contributions on vector awareness efforts in the Santa Ana community. During the summer, the City’s Public Works Agency collaborated with OC Vector Control by placing 200 mosquito prevention magnet signs (10”x20”) with the City’s logo on Public Works vehicles to create awareness. In addition, throughout the spring...

Newsletter Naming Contest

Posted on November 6, 2020

We're reimagining our newsletter and we need your help to pick a new name! Our digital newsletter will be distributed citywide and will highlight items on the City Council meeting agenda, share general news, showcase upcoming events, and more. Submit your entry for a new newsletter name below, along with your name and email. The...

Employee Pumpkin Contest, Alice in Wonderland theme

City Employee Appreciation Day Event a Success!

Posted on November 6, 2020

Although we were unable to have our standard in-person gathering to appreciate our employees this year, on Thursday, Oct. 29, the City celebrated staff's accomplishments and hard work by hosting an employee appreciation event with virtual contests and activities, including departmental virtual costume competitions, an outdoor pumpkin carving contest, and an In-N-Out food truck for...

California’s Blueprint for Reducing COVID-19

Posted on September 3, 2020

In a press conference last week, Governor Newsom announced a four-tier framework to measure counties in loosening (or tightening) restrictions on activities and business operations. Orange County’s current risk level is categorized as “widespread” (Tier 4). To find out where a particular activity or business stands, check out the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy...

General Plan Update

Posted on September 3, 2020

We're working on updating our General Plan. A General Plan sets forth the City’s long-range planning policies that reflect the aspirations and values of residents, land owners, businesses, and organizations within the community. The City Council and Planning Commission use the General Plan when considering land use and planning-related decisions, and City staff use the...

FY 2019-20 Year-End Results

Posted on September 3, 2020

We are all anxious to see the actual results from FY 2019-20. How did COVID-19 affect our finances through June 30, 2020? Did revenues exceed our estimates? Did we spend less than expected? Our Accounting Staff is working hard to reconcile accounts and count every dollar; then the auditors will do their job this fall. Like normal, the City is...

Zoofari Wrap-Up

Posted on September 3, 2020

Friends of Santa Ana Zoo’s Zoofari 2020 “Treasure Island Adventure” has sailed off into the sunset. Raising over $35,000 for Zoo support, the virtual auction event was a great success. The community came together in support of the event with many fantastic donated items and underwriting contributions. Over 2,000 guests visited the virtual auction site during the two...

Supplemental Bus Stop Cleaning

Posted on September 3, 2020

Utilizing the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds, the City of Santa Ana’s Public Works Agency - Maintenance Services Division has implemented a supplemental bus stop and shelter maintenance program through December 2020. The CARES Act provides funds to state and local governments to cover necessary expenditures incurred during the COVID-19 public...

Career Online High School at the Santa Ana Public Library

Posted on September 3, 2020

The Santa Ana Public Library is pleased to present this exciting program for adult residents living in the City of Santa Ana. Are you looking to expand your career opportunities, re-enter the workforce, or continue your education? The Career Online High School program is 100% virtual, flexible and free. Scholarships for the program are limited,...

Community Clean-Up Event

Posted on September 3, 2020

The City of Santa Ana’s Public Works Agency continues to collaborate with local community based organizations and volunteer groups to perform general cleanup of trash and debris of public areas, helping to improve the City’s appearance. On Sunday, August 30, 2020, a Community Clean-Up event was held consisting of over a dozen volunteers, spanning more than...

2020 Census – Respond Today!

Posted on September 3, 2020

Do you have a few minutes to spare ? Complete your Census TODAY! Luckily, you have three ways to respond. Open up your computer and visit http://my2020census.gov Pick up your phone and call (844) 330-2020 Seal up that envelope and respond by mail

City Hall Closed on Monday, September 7 in Observance of Labor Day

Posted on September 3, 2020

City Hall and all non-essential City services will be closed on Monday, September 7 in observance of Labor Day. Emergency services will be available during this time.

COVID-19 Weekly Update

Posted on August 28, 2020

As part of our COVID-19 recovery efforts, this week we continued with our Santa Ana Cares Mobile Resource Center outreach. A cross-departmental team of City employees are strategically setting up pop-up resource centers throughout the city, which includes COVID-19 testing. To date, we've visited 18 different neighborhoods! Here's what we've accomplished so far: Dropped off...

General Plan Update

Posted on August 28, 2020

The Draft Santa Ana General Plan Update and Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was released for public review on August 3. The “Golden City Beyond: A Shared Vision” Draft General Plan will provide long-term policy direction and communicate the vision, values, and goals for Santa Ana’s physical development, fiscal and environmental sustainability, and overall quality of life....

Census Takers In Your Neighborhood

Posted on August 28, 2020

As of today, we have met our 2010 Census response rate of 67.6%, despite a global pandemic and a complete shutdown of the U.S. Census Bureau operations. We will continue to promote the Census until the deadline of September 30, 2020, as part of our Santa Ana Cares Mobile Resource Center and on City social...

Quality of Life Team Updates

Posted on August 28, 2020

On Tuesday, August 25, 2020, citywide efforts began with a Santiago Park area sweep, including Santa Ana Police Department's Mounted Unit. The Quality of Life Team (QOLT) has also been directed to address hot spots and major corridors citywide. For more information about the Quality of Life Team, visit our website.

November 3, 2020 Election Dates

Posted on August 28, 2020

The 2020 General Municipal Election is on November 3, 2020. Below are some important dates to make sure you're ready: October 19: last date to register to vote October 5: ballot mailed to registered address November 3: Election Day November 13: campaign signs must be removed December 3: deadline to certify election results You will...

COVID-19 Count Update

Posted on August 20, 2020

The City of Santa Ana recently launched the Santa Ana Cares Mobile Resource Center, a mobilized team of City staff who are going out into our high-density neighborhoods, meeting residents where they are, and providing the COVID-19 resources they need. Specifically, we are providing rental relief for tenants who have been unable to pay their rent...

Retail Islands in Downtown Santa Ana this Weekend

Posted on August 20, 2020

Executive Order 5-2020, approved in early June 2020, permits retail businesses in Downtown Santa Ana to expand their business operations onto City sidewalks or parking spaces (with advanced notice). Since the implementation of the Order, many businesses have expanded onto sidewalks generating positive activity and sales. Beginning Friday, August 21, 2020, Downtown will activate “Retail Islands”...

Santa Ana Businesses Receive Recycling Training

Posted on August 20, 2020

Staff from the Community Development Agency has partnered with the Public Works Agency staff to help Downtown businesses transition to the new trash service requirements. The new initiatives require businesses to transition into using recycle containers and organics containers, instead of only using solid waste containers. Both departments are proud to report that several businesses...

Food Island Success in Downtown Santa Ana

Posted on August 20, 2020

During these unconventional times, businesses have had to be innovative and creative in order to overcome the decline in business due to the pandemic. One successful example of perseverance is the Mission Bar, a minority woman-owned business in Downtown Santa Ana. Owner, Vanessa Pozzobon, opened Mission Bar in 2017, which has done well over the...

Online Auction at the Santa Ana Zoo

Posted on August 20, 2020

Santa Ana Zoo’s annual Zoofari fundraiser gala "Treasure Island Adventure" has going virtual this year. Prepare to dive into the dazzling depths in search of the spectacular silent auction treasures. Sail away with the Zoo on a virtual adventure ending at 8 p.m. on Monday, August 31. All proceeds go to support the Zoo. There...