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It has been an honor to serve the City of Santa Ana and Ward 2 residents this past year. I have been humbled by your trust in my leadership. We are here to serve and protect the children, families and workers of Ward 2.
The City Council adopted resolutions placing two ballot measures on the November 2024 election. Santa Ana voters will get the chance to decide: (1) whether you want to enshrine the Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance in our Charter, and (2) whether you want the City of Santa Ana to allow non-citizen voting for municipal elections (e.g., Mayor, City Council, local ballot measures).
Ward 2 and its residents have many immigrant families, and we increased the Immigration Legal Defense fund annual budget by $100,000.
We have opened up a new park on Raitt and Myrtle and a second is coming to Bristol and Tolliver. We have started to pave alleys with cement and continue to improve throughout the area. The Public Works team also increased parking on Walnut and hope to duplicate these efforts where possible across the city. We will have our first outdoor library at Jerome Center and the fight for a full library in Central Santa Ana continues.
We hope to continue 2024 even stronger, and my office will host training and workshops for resources offered to our community. In addition, we will have budget town halls to bring more residents of Ward 2 into the conversation of what we should prioritize with our limited resources.
Benjamin Vazquez, Councilmember – Ward 2
Highlights…
- New park opens in Ward 2
- Homeownership opportunities
- Councilmember Vazquez in the community
- Board and commission appointments
Important Dates
- December 21: Ride of Lights Holiday Bike Ride
- Through December 31: Santa Ana Winter Village
- Dec. 22 to Jan. 1: City Hall Holiday Closure
- February 3, 2024: Santa Ana Tet Festival
- January 21 and February 18, 2024: Free Day for Residents at Santa Ana Zoo
- March – Garage and Yard Sales
Ward 2 & City News
Ed Caruthers Park opens in Ward 2!
Santa Ana’s newest park opened in Ward 2 on Oct. 17! The new park, located at the corner of Raitt and Myrtle streets, is named in honor of Edward Julius Caruthers Jr., a long-time Santa Ana athlete and community leader who won the silver medal for the men’s high jump in the 1968 Summer Olympics.
The park offers a variety of amenities and features designed to serve the diverse needs and interests of the Santa Ana community. Its highlights include a playground area, exercise zone, skate park, picnic areas, a new restroom facility, and drought-tolerant landscaping. The project also includes 3,300 square feet of Bioretention Basins and a subsurface infiltration system designed to efficiently capture and manage storm water runoff. This eco-friendly feature underscores the City’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Read more about the Ed Caruthers Park opening.
City receives $3.5 million grant for Bristol-Tolliver Street Urban Greening Project
On April 3, 2023, the City of Santa Ana Public Works Agency was awarded $3,502,500 from the California Natural Resources Agency’s Urban Greening Grant Program for the Bristol-Tolliver Street Urban Greening Project in Ward 2. The Urban Greening Grant Program is a competitive statewide program aimed at reducing greenhouse gases while also transforming the built environment into places that are more sustainable, enjoyable, and effective in creating healthy and vibrant communities.
The project features the transformation of approximately 1.25-acres of vacant parcels at the intersection of Bristol and Tolliver street into a new urban green space and public park. It includes pedestrian pathways, drought tolerant landscaping, lighting, waste receptacles, seating, interpretive signage, recreational features, and a stormwater treatment system that will capture stormwater runoff from the surrounding neighborhood and reuse it for park irrigation. The project will provide significant aesthetic and environmental benefits to the community and further advances the City’s strategy of viewing stormwater as a resource. Final design of the project is anticipated to be complete in spring 2024. Construction is anticipated to start in summer 2024 and be completed in summer 2025.
Support for Immigrant Legal Defense Fund
Early in my term I joined the City Council in increasing the budget for the City’s Immigrant Legal Defense Fund by an additional $100,000, to $300,000 annually. As a city, our duty is to keep our community safe and secure and to protect the well-being of our residents. By upholding due process, we maintain trust in the justice system and our local institutions, including law enforcement. Having efficient, effective and fair representation in immigration proceedings is the best way to keep the system working and keep us safe.
If you or someone you know is in need of immigration assistance in Santa Ana, please contact the City’s contractor:
Immigrant Defenders Law Center
Phone: (213) 634-0999
Fax: (213) 282-3122
Email: info@immdef.org
Shop Local, Shop Santa Ana
The City’s Economic Development Division is continuing its Shop Local, Shop Santa Ana campaign to highlight the small businesses that make Santa Ana the unique and vibrant community it is. The campaign kicked off on Small Business Saturday on Nov. 25 and runs through the end of the year.
Santa Ana small business owners can actively participate in this campaign by subscribing to the business registry. Your businesses will be featured on the City’s Shop Local webpage, receive marketing material, and may also be featured via social media.
Shoppers can win prizes by shopping local and tagging the Economic Development Division on social media. Learn more at the link below.
Leadership changes at City Hall
One of the most important jobs of the City Council is to hire three positions that report directly to us – the City Manager, City Clerk and City Attorney. This year, the City Council hired a new City Clerk, Jennifer L. Hall, who has extensive experience at the City of Anaheim. The City Clerk is the City’s official record-keeper and elections officials.
We also saw the departure of City Manager Kristine Ridge after nearly five years of service, including leading the City through the pandemic. We have appointed veteran municipal executive Thomas R. Hatch to serve as Interim City Manager while we conduct a search for a candidate to permanently fill the City Manager position.
Read more about the City Clerk
Read more about the Interim City Manager
Santa Ana investing $10 million in affordable homeownership programs
The City of Santa Ana is making a historic $10 million investment in affordable homeownership opportunities to help residents achieve their dream of becoming a homeowner.
The Santa Ana City Council approved the funding, which is the City’s largest single investment in affordable homeownership, on Oct. 17. The $10 million includes $7.7 million for the development of new affordable homeownership projects and $2.3 million for down payment assistance for new homebuyers.
Learn more and apply for down payment assistance.
Know your rights as a renter
The City of Santa Ana has a Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance that provides new protections for renters. This local law limits rent increases to a maximum of 3 percent per year for certain residential rental units and mobilehome spaces. The Ordinance also provides “just cause” eviction protections for most tenants that occupy a residential real property or mobilehome for 30 days.
A new addition to the law was the creation of a rental registry. Owners of all residential rental units and mobile home parks in Santa Ana must register their rental units with the rental registry. This includes multifamily and single-family rental housing. You do not need to register if you live in your home and no room, bedroom, or other portion of your home is being used for any residential rental purposes.
The Rental Registry is used by the City of Santa Ana to monitor compliance with the Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance. Landlords can go to the link below to register, and residents can visit the Renter Protections page to learn more about their rights under the ordinance.
Sign up for the Renter Protections newsletter
My Projects
Ward 2 Board, Commission and Committee appointments
Since I took office one year ago, I’ve been busy appointing a diverse group of community members to City boards, commissions and committees. Below is the list of those I’ve appointed so far.
- Joese Hernandez, Arts and Culture Commission
- Ginelle Hardy, Historic Resources Commission
- Zacarias Torres, Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission
- Gabriela Hernandez-Castillo, Personnel Board
- Manuel “Manny” Escamilla, Planning Commission
- Carlos Perea, Police Oversight Commission
- Tracy La, Rental Housing Board
- Ilyn Jaimes, Youth Commission
I’m still looking for candidates to represent Ward 2 on the Santa Ana 2018 Measure X Citizen Oversight Committee and the Environment and Transportation Advisory Commission. You can submit an application for these and all future openings.
Apply to serve on a Board or Commission
National Association of Latino Elected Officials annual conference
I attended the 40th annual conference of the National Association of Latino Elected Officials (NALEO) in July in New York. The conference, recognized as the nation’s “Latino Political Convention,” is the largest annual gathering of Latino public officials in the country.
Certificate of Recognition Presentation
Certificate of Recognition to Jimmy Rumsey for Outstanding Contributions to the Community.
Presentation to Latino Health Access for Outstanding Contributions to the Community
Presentation to Latino Health Access for Outstanding Contributions to the Community
Presentation to VietRise for Outstanding Contributions to the Community
Presentation to VietRise for Outstanding Contributions to the Community
Proud to participate in Fiestas Patrias
Celebrating at the Juneteenth Festival
Calle Cuatro shines at Plaza Navideña
Public Works Family Event
Events & Meetings
Santa Ana Winter Village – Until December 31
The Santa Ana Winter Village continues through the end of the year! This month-long event includes family friendly events and activities, including ice skating, a holiday light show, food vendors, and more. Reserve ice-skating tickets online at the link below.
- Dec. 2-31 (open to the public Thursday through Sunday)
- Civic Center Plaza, 717 W. Santa Ana Blvd. (by City Hall),
Ride of Lights holiday bike ride – December 21
Join Santa Ana Active Streets (SAAS) for their Ride of Lights, a family-cycling event starting from Latino Health Access. This free event will offer a short 2-mile route for beginners and families, and a long 5-mile route for experienced adults. Both routes will be a flat, slow-paced ride. Don’t forget to show off your holiday spirit by decorating your bike and dressing up! SAS will provide FREE helmets and bike lights to anyone who needs them before the ride. Don’t have a bike? Reserve one in the registration form. Bikes are limited and reserved for those who do not own one. For more information, contact Maria Baeza at 714-202-7393, maria@saascoalition.org or go to https://saascoalition.org/events/.
- Thursday, Dec. 21
- 5:30-6:30 p.m.
- Latino Health Access, 450 W. 4th St.
Read to a Dog – January 4
The Santa Ana Public Library would like to invite our young readers to join us for a delightful and heartwarming experience at our Read to a Dog children’s program! Children of all reading abilities receive the opportunity to improve their reading skills while building confidence in a non-judgmental and supportive environment. Come read, practice, and get to know some amazing canines.
- Thursday, Jan. 4
- 4-5 p.m.
- Main Library, 26 Civic Center Plaza
Winter Break Sports and Kids Camps – December 26-29
If your kids ages 6-13 need something to do over the holidays, check out Parks and Rec’s Winter Break Sports Camp and Kids Winter Camp at Jerome Center! Sign up at the links below.
Rhythm/Ritmo Santa Ana – January 10 & 30
Follow the rhythm of your heart, move your feet, and make a beat at the Santa Ana Public Library. In collaboration with The Segerstrom Center for the Arts, we are pleased to present Rhythm/Ritmo Santa Ana, a vibrant series of dance and music classes suitable for all ages and abilities.
Studio D: Dance & Music Community Class is a great way for friends and families of all abilities to have fun and participate together! All are welcome and no registration/signups are required.
- Tuesday, Jan. 10
- 12-1 p.m.
- Newhope Library, 122 N. Newhope St.
- Tuesday, Jan. 30
- 4-5 p.m.
- Main Library, 26 Civic Center Plaza
Tuesday Night Dancing – January 16, 23 & 30
Join the Santa Ana Public Library and Segerstrom Center for a weekly dance class exploring a range of styles and movements each month. This month will focus on hula dancing. Open to teens and adults.
- Tuesdays, Jan. 16, 23, & 30
- 6-7 p.m.
- Main Library, 26 Civic Center Plaza
Free Resident Day at Santa Ana Zoo – January 21 and February 18
Santa Ana residents receive free admission to the Zoo on the third Sunday of every month. Proof of residency (such as ID or a utility bill) is required.
- Sunday, January 21 and February 18
- 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (last admission is at 4 p.m.)
- Santa Ana Zoo, 1801 E. Chestnut Ave.
Tet Lunar New Year – February 3
The inaugural Santa Ana Tết Festival, hosted by our Parks, Recreation & Community Services Agency and the Santa Ana Public Library, will take place on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at Centennial Park. I was proud to support the City Council’s approval of our newest cultural celebration!
- Saturday, February 3
- 2-7 p.m.
- Centennial Park, 3000 W. Edinger Ave.
Who do I call at City Hall?
- Important phone numbers:
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- City Hall main line: (714) 647-5400
- Code Enforcement: (714) 667-2780
- Graffiti Hotline: (877) 786-7824
- Emergency Water Services: (714) 953-8026
- Public Works dispatch (street sweeping, trees): (714) 647-3380
- Find more phone numbers for all City services: https://www.santa-ana.org/who-do-i-call/
Utility services
- City utility services: https://www.santa-ana.org/finance/municipal-utility-services
- Southern California Edison: Call 1-800-447-6620 https://www.sce.com/residential/assistance
- Southern California Gas: Call 1-800-207-8567 https://www.socalgas.com/save-money-and-energy/assistance-programs
- Trash pick-up: Call (877) 328-2074 https://www.santa-ana.org/about-republic-services/
Starting a small business?
- How to start a business in Santa Ana: https://www.santa-ana.org/10-steps-to-starting-your-own-business/
- Home Occupation Permit: https://www.santa-ana.org/certificate-of-occupancy-home-occupation-permit/
Food assistance:
- Local Food Pantries: https://www.santa-ana.org/food-distributions/
Download mySantaAna App to Report Issues
The mySantaAna mobile app puts the power of the Santa Ana city government in the palm of your hand! Residents with an iPhone or Android smartphone can now download the mySantaAna application for free allowing them to quickly and easily report issues with photos to the City for clean-up. You can report potholes, downed tree branches, graffiti, trash and much more!
Local Events
Resident Days at the Zoo • Third Sunday of each Month
Bowers Museum free Sundays • Santa Ana residents are free each Sunday (http://bowers.org/images/pdf/Bowers_Museum_Free_Programs.pdf)
Discovery Cube Waste Free Days • Santa Ana residents get free admission to the Discovery Cube on the first Tuesday of the month (https://www.discoverycube.org/promotions/)
USEFUL RESOURCES
Parking Tickets: https://www.santa-ana.org/pd/parking-enforcement-and-ticket-information
Public Works: https://www.santa-ana.org/pw
Neighborhood Initiatives: https://www.santa-ana.org/neighborhood-initiatives
Utility Services: https://www.santa-ana.org/finance/municipal-utility-services
Schedule a bulky item pickup: Call Republic Services (657) 467-6220
Police Non-Emergency Line: (714) 245-8665
Emergency Water Services: (714) 953-8026
Who Do I Call? https://www.santa-ana.org/who-do-i-call