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Dear Santaneros,
April was all about community! From new Playful Learning installations in our parks and tree plantings that help beautify our neighborhoods, to exciting groundbreakings like the soon-to-be-renovated Aquatics Center at Memorial Park and the special grand openings of Santos Pizza and Santa Ana’s first Community Land Trust, La Colmena — April did not disappoint. Santaneros showed up and showed love. It was a true testament to the strength of our community.
I’m excited to continue building on that strength with all of you in Ward 2. I had the honor of attending neighborhood meetings with Pico Lowell, Heninger Park, and Pacific Park, and it was so meaningful to connect with you all. The dedication of each Neighborhood President to bring people together and stay organized is what drives real change.
Thank you to Pico Lowell’s Co-Presidents, Valerie and Lizeth, for leading such an engaging and informative meeting and for allowing me space to speak about the Neighborhood Watch initiative. My goal is to bring Neighborhood Watch programs back to Ward 2, and I’m incredibly grateful to the Neighborhood Presidents who’ve been helping move this forward. If you’d like to get involved or volunteer, reach out to my office — we’d love to have you.
I’m happy to share that Heninger Park will be hosting two Neighborhood Clean-Up Days—one on May 24 and another on June 14. Huge thank you to President Ginelle and resident Megan for helping coordinate these events. I encourage everyone to attend your local meetings, invite your family, friends, and neighbors, and stay informed about what’s happening in Ward 2 and across Santa Ana. You can find upcoming meeting dates below or on the City’s website.
Let’s continue coming together to build a stronger and safer Ward 2!
In Solidarity,
Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez
Ward 2
Learn more about Ward 2 & City
UCI at Angels Community Park
Thank you UCI School of Education and Santa Ana Early Learning Initiative for collaborating to open not one, but two new Playful Learning Landscape installations at Angels Community Park playground. The installations are:
- How Tall Am I: An interactive height comparison tool introducing math concepts
- Giant Loteria Game: A cultural twist on math and science learning through play
Aiming to convert public spaces into vibrant, playful learning environments, these interactive games encourage discussions about science and math, while also fostering family involvement and informal STEM education.
Learn more on this collaboration project
Aquatics Center Groundbreaking
I was honored and excited to be at the beginning of a major transformation at Memorial Park with the groundbreaking of a new and improved Aquatics Center. The upgraded facility will offer a range of new features, including:
- Two pools — one designed for competition and one for recreational use
- Modern locker rooms, dedicated spaces for staff and lifeguards, and a multipurpose community room
- A redesigned pool deck with seating
- Enhanced lighting, security cameras, updated landscaping, irrigation systems, outdoor furnishings, and improved pathways and meeting areas
This effort goes beyond construction — it reflects a deep commitment to community wellness, recreation, and opportunity. With this renovation, we’re ensuring future generations have a place to build memories, develop skills, and stay active in a safe, welcoming environment.
What makes this project even more meaningful is the preservation of our cultural legacy. Emigdio Vasquez’s “Chicano Gothic,” painted in 1987, has been carefully restored and remains in its original location. The mural stands as a tribute to the resilience of Santa Ana’s Chicano working-class community and now serves as a symbolic gateway to the revitalized center.
This project honors the past while investing in the future — celebrating our history, while building something vibrant and lasting for our city.
Memorial Park and pool reimagined
Sister Cities Santa Ana & Sahuayo Business Expo
Bridging the gap between our community and our sister city, Sahuayo, Michoacán, I was happy to be surrounded by so many amazing business owners, entrepreneurs, suppliers and clients. It is important for our business community to have the opportunity to engage in spaces where they can network, build strong connections, and form partnerships that benefit not only themselves, but the communities they serve. It’s a beautiful thing when we can come together — Santa Ana and Michoacán — bonding through our shared language and culture, and building an even stronger sense of community in business!
Santos Pizza Grand Opening
A true testament to Santa Ana’s community spirit was on full display at the Grand Opening of Santos Pizza! After a long-awaited opening since COVID, Santos Pizza has officially opened its doors for everyone to enjoy a delicious bite. The community showed up and showed love — Congratulations to Santos Pizza for cooking up good, quality pizza for all you Santaneros! We’re excited to see Santos Pizza thrive in our city.
Arbor Day Community Tree Planting
Communities came together on April 19 to celebrate Arbor Day and honor Earth Day by planting trees across our neighborhoods. Taking action and planting trees are simple, meaningful ways we can all contribute to a cleaner, greener, and more beautiful community. I was happy to help plant two Cherry Blossom trees at Ed Caruthers Park — a small step that will bring beauty to the area for years to come. Let’s keep investing in our shared spaces and in a healthier planet.
Century High Class Of 2025 Associate of Arts Ceremony
There’s a powerful program and an incredible group of students at Century High School — entering their first year of college already with college credits! Congratulations to the Class of 2025 students for your hard work, commitment, and overall drive and dedication. When our youth are nurtured and given the right resources and support, they thrive.
The Early College Program gives students the opportunity to take college courses while in high school, earning dual credit for both their high school diploma and college degree. I was proud to see young Santaneros shine and celebrate their achievements in their Santa Ana caps and gowns with their loved ones. It was a beautiful moment seeing parents adorn the caps on their children- a celebration of hard work, love, and dedication.
A huge congratulations as well to Mireya Vazquez, the early college architect, lead counselor, and college advisor at Century High School, on another successful class of Associate of Arts degree holders!
Pico Lowell Neighborhood Meeting
Co-Presidents Valerie and Lizeth lead another informative and engaging meeting for our Pico Lowell residents. This month, the Pico Lowell agenda included a Public Works update on the Bristol Street Park Project — specifically the improvements at Tolliver Park. A discussion was led to write a letter of support to allocate the funding needed to complete the basketball court and skate park with the full renovation of the park.
Meet your new Watch Commander of the area, Maria Lopez. Commander Lopez has been with Santa Ana Police Department for 15 years and has experience and leadership in Field Operations, Investigations Division, and as SAPD’s Public Information Officer. Thank you, Commander Lopez, for taking the time to come out to meet our Pico Lowell constituents and answer any questions they had.
Thank you, Valerie and Lizeth, for creating space on the agenda to speak about a new Neighborhood Watch initiative. My goal is to recruit 12 volunteers total from Pico Lowell, Heninger Park and Pacific Park to form a Neighborhood Watch group that will work together, coordinate watch parameters and set clear rules for neighborhood safety. As Officer Lopez mentioned, you are our eyes on the ground. We need you — your vigilance, your reports through the mySantaAna app, and your commitment to helping keep our streets and neighborhoods clean, safe, and thriving.
I encourage you all to come, invite a friend, family member, your neighbor and join Pico Lowell’s next meeting in June!
La Colmena Opens!
A monumental community achievement — Santa Ana celebrates the opening of its first Community Land Trust, creating a new opportunity for residents to lease land directly from the City. Spearheaded by THRIVE Santa Ana, this vision became a reality after securing a 99-year lease from the City. Five years later, La Colmena officially opens its doors to the community!
This space is a cooperative and vibrant hub for small businesses. It’s home to SALSA, a micro-farm; Duugich Art, a beautiful Oaxacan artisan shop; and La Milpa Café, a cozy local coffee spot.
Community members can get fresh produce through SALSA’s Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, which offers local produce boxes on a sliding scale to support food access for all. Bring a book, enjoy a cafecito and pastry at La Milpa Café, shop local at Duugich Art, connect with the community, and take in everything this amazing new community space has to offer!
Located at 1901 W. Walnut St., Santa Ana, CA 92703
Community Supported Agriculture Application
On Track for Mental Health
Funded by the City of Santa Ana’s REVIVE program, America On Track and Mosaic Mental Health Group are proud to launch a new therapy service designed to help you find support, healing, and hope whether you are dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, or just need someone to talk to. FREE SERVICES (virtual or in-person) available for all Santa Ana residents, adults or youth.
Project-Based Voucher (PBV) Program: Waiting list OPEN
The Project-Based Voucher program provides low income families with monthly housing benefits. These benefits are eligible at sites specified by the Santa Ana Housing Authority. Currently, the Housing Authority is accepting applications for two sites. To apply for PBV family housing options, complete the online application. You must apply to each housing site that you are interested in by checking the location during the application process. Please note: PBV waiting lists are open for those who live or work in Santa Ana. Persons who live in unincorporated areas of Santa Ana do not qualify for the live preference.
Project-Based Voucher Eligibility Requirements
Housing Authority waitlist check
Budget Survey
The Community Budget Priorities Survey gives Santa Ana residents, business owners, and stakeholders the opportunity to help shape the City’s 2025-26 fiscal year budget by sharing their priorities for City services and programs. The feedback collected will be presented to the Santa Ana City Council as we determine spending allocations and approve the new budget, which takes effect on July 1, 2025.
Upcoming Budget Meetings and Information
Santa Ana Library: Zip Books
Have the library come to you! Zip Books enables residents to request books (either print or audio) that are not available in the Santa Ana Public Library’s collection. These items are provided at no cost and are shipped directly to your home. After a three-week lending period, return the items to any Santa Ana library drop-off location to request more.
Latino Health Access & Downtown Family Resource Center – April Blue Ribbon Month
Blue Ribbon Month also known as child abuse prevention month serves as a platform to highlight the importance of prevention efforts and work collectively to protect children. Honoring this month emphasizes the need to create safe and nurturing environments where children can grow and thrive to their fullest potential. Our children deserve to be surrounded by love, support and safety. It is our shared responsibility to provide them with the resources and environment necessary to prosper. This month is not only a time for awareness, but also a call to action. To unite and support initiative to raise awareness and encourage education. Together we can foster an environment where child abuse and neglected is prevented.
Santa Ana Eviction Prevention Program
Low-income Santa Ana renters affected by COVID-19 who have received an eviction notice due to unpaid rent may apply for assistance to cover past-due rent. This one-time payment is made directly to landlords to help prevent eviction and promote housing stability.
The City of Santa Ana has partnered with Families Forward to review applications and determine eligibility. Applications must be complete with all required documents. Rent payments will be issued directly to landlords, with documentation provided to both tenants and landlords.
Rent Stabilization Board: Rent Control & Just Cause Ordinance
Rent Stabilization Board, who are we?
The Santa Ana Rent Stabilization Board plays a crucial role in protecting tenants and ensuring fair housing policies in our city. They oversee the Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance, which helps prevent excessive rent hikes and unjust evictions while allowing landlords to maintain their properties. Their team provides valuable resources for both renters and property owners, offering guidance on tenant rights, rent regulations, and eviction protections. They also host community workshops and maintain a rental registry to promote transparency. If you have questions or need assistance, you can reach the Rent Stabilization Office at (714) 667-2209 or visit them at 801 W. Civic Center Drive, 2nd Floor, Santa Ana, CA 92701. Meetings are held every third Wednesday of the month.
Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction
Past & Upcoming Agenda & Minutes
Watch meetings live on the City YouTube channel
Subscribe to the Rent Stabilization Newsletter
Rent Stabilization Ordinance community resources
If you believe the owner or property manager for your rental unit or mobile home may not be in compliance with our ordinance, or you need help with our rules, please reach out to one of our community partners.
Community Legal Aid SoCal
- Website
- Address: 2101 N. Tustin Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92705
- Phone: (714) 571-5200
Public Law Center
- Website
- Email: info@publiclawcenter.org
- Address: 601 W. Civic Center Drive, Santa Ana, CA 92701
- Phone: (714) 541-1010, ext. 303
Fair Housing Council of Orange County
- Website
- Email: info@fairhousingoc.org
- Address: 2021 E. 4th St., Suite 122, Santa Ana, CA 92705
- Phone: (714) 569-0823 and select Option 4
Latino Health Access
- Website
- Address: 450 W. 4th St., Santa Ana, CA 92701
- Phone: (714) 542-7792
Know Your Rights
The Orange County Rapid Response Network (OCRRN) is dedicated to educating and empowering our immigrant community through its Know Your Rights initiative. This program provides crucial information on how to safely interact with immigration enforcement, what to do if confronted by authorities, and how to access legal resources. OCRRN also offers emergency assistance, connects families with trusted legal aid, and ensures that residents are aware of their rights regardless of their immigration status. If you or someone you know needs support, reach out to OCRRN for guidance and protection.
Print your own Red Cards / Tarjetas Rojas | Immigrant Legal Resource Center | ILRC
National Immigration Law Center
Santa Ana WORK Center- Job openings
The City of Santa Ana has many job opportunities for full-time and part-time work. Please visit the link below to learn more. I encourage you to apply to work in public service for your community!
Get free business assistance at City Hall
Our Economic Development team is here to help our local business community. Whether you’re just starting a business, need help with a marketing plan, or have questions about growing your business, our experts are ready to provide guidance.
Stop by Santa Ana City Hall for Business Assistance Office Hours from 8 to 11 a.m. Monday through Thursday. This free service is your opportunity to get personalized advice and take the next step toward building your dream business.
Call the Economic Development Division at (714) 647-5477 for more information.
Guide to Starting Your Business
Important Dates
- May 9: City Hall regular Friday closure
- May 10: Quarterly Neighborhood Clean Up at Jerome Park and Cabrillo Park
- May 23: City Hall regular Friday closure
- May 24: Heninger Park Neighborhood Dumpster Day
- June 14: Heninger Park Neighborhood Dumpster Day
- August 23: Quarterly Neighborhood Clean Up at El Salvador Park and Carl Thornton Park
Events & Meetings
City Meetings
- City Council Meeting: May 15 (budget workshop), May 20 (regular meeting)
- Planning Commission Meeting: May 12, May 26
- Arts & Culture Commission Meeting: May 15
- Youth Commission Regular Meeting: May 19
- Rent Stabilization Board Meeting: May 21
- Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission Meeting: May 22
- Community Development Commission Meeting: May 28
View meetings Agenda and Minutes.
View meetings live on our Santa Ana YouTube Channel.
Neighborhood Association Meetings
- Heninger Park: May 14
- Pacific Park: May 13
- Pico Lowell: June TBD
Active Neighborhood Associations – Information
Pico Lowell
- Co-Presidents: Valerie Magdaleno, Lizeth Fuentes
- Contact: PICOLOWELLASSOCIATION@gmail.com
- Meetings every other month
- 931 Highland St., Santa Ana
Heninger Park
- President: Ginelle Hardy
- Contact: ginelleann@gmail.com
- Meetings held generally on the third Wednesday of every other month at 6:30 p.m.
- Heninger Park Elementary, 417 W. Walnut St., Santa Ana
- Dead period June-August
Pacific Park
- Contact: (714) 667-2260 – Neighborhood Initiatives and Environmental Services
- Meetings: Held generally on the second Tuesday of every other month at 6 p.m.
- Roosevelt Walker Community Center, 816 E. Chestnut Ave., Santa Ana
Santa Ana Brew at the Zoo – May 10
Calling all beer and animal lovers, experience this once-a-year event! Grab your friends, family, lo que tú quieras, and head to the Santa Ana Zoo for Brew at the Zoo. Enjoy craft beer, live music, and all the wildlife the zoo has to offer. It’s a great privilege to have partners like the Santa Ana Zoo right here in our own community. Their collaboration with Santa Ana’s Parks and Recreation brings fun, refreshing events for our residents and local residents to enjoy.
Pacific Park Neighborhood Association Meeting – May 13
Join Pacific Park and attend the next Neighborhood Association meeting on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 6 p.m. at the Roosevelt Community Center, located at 816 E. Chestnut Ave. Stay informed on what is going on in your community!
Heninger Park Neighborhood Association Meeting – May 14
Join Pacific Park and attend the next Neighborhood Association meeting on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at Heninger Elementary, located at 417 W. Walnut St. Stay informed on what is going on in your community!
Tenant’s Rights Community Workshop – May 14 & 20
Struggling with housing issues? Want to know your rights? Join us for our Tenant’s Rights Workshops! Discover how we can support you in maintaining your housing stability and security. This is your chance to empower yourself with essential knowledge and resources. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
Tenant’s Rights Community Workshops
Business Start-Up Workshops – May 14
The City of Santa Ana Economic Development Division hosts monthly Business Start-Up Workshops at Santa Ana City Hall (Room 1600), 20 Civic Center Plaza, on the second Wednesday of each month from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This workshop is beneficial to anyone interested in starting a new business or expanding an existing one in Santa Ana. You’ll learn about the resources available to help entrepreneurs and have the opportunity to get your questions answered by City staff as you begin your business journey. The workshop will be offered in English and Spanish.
For more information, please call the Business Hotline at (714) 647-5477 or email at econdev@santa-ana.org.
Resume Building Workshop – May 15
Join us every first and third Thursday at Santa Ana WORK Center. The Santa Ana WORK Center offers resume-building workshops to help job seekers create strong, professional resumes that stand out to employers. Whether you’re starting from scratch or need to refine your existing resume, these workshops provide hands-on guidance on formatting, highlighting skills, and tailoring resumes for specific job opportunities. The WORK Center team also offers tips on cover letters, interview preparation, and job search strategies to give applicants the best chance at success. If you’re looking to enhance your resume and improve your job prospects, visit the Santa Ana WORK Center to take advantage of this free resource!
RSVP for the Resume Building Workshop
Interview Workshop – May 15
Join the Santa Ana WORK Center for a workshop designed to help job seekers improve their interview skills. These sessions are part of the center’s ongoing efforts to support individuals in their job search and are typically held on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month.
Santa Ana Fun Run – May 17
Get your groove on at the finish line and celebrate with a cold one at our beer garden! Join us and sign up for Santa Ana’s very own Fun Run, with this year’s theme being the ’70s. The community can look forward to a 10K, 5K, and a Kids Dash! Invite your family and friends to get moving on Saturday, May 17. Enjoy food trucks, a resource fair, and a beer garden (with wristband purchase). Come dressed in theme and let’s have some fun!
Registration closes on May 17.
Meet & Greet with Nico Benalcázar and Orange County Soccer Club – May 19
Calling all sports and soccer fans! Don’t miss the chance to meet OCSC’s Nico Benalzázar and get an inside look at what it takes to succeed in the world of professional soccer.
This exclusive event will include:
- Meet & Greet – Interact with Nico, take photos, and get autographs
- Q&A Session – Ask Nico about his journey, training, and pro experience
- Light Refreshments & Snacks – Enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks throughout the event
- Skill Showcase – Show off your soccer tricks, from freestyle moves to juggling and fancy footwork — this is your moment to shine!
- Raffle – Win some awesome prizes!
You won’t want to miss this opportunity!
CAC Resource Fair – May 22
Join Santa Ana Unified School District and the Community Advisory Committee board (CAC) in their annual CAC Resource Fair tailored for Santa Ana families, residents and students with disabilities. The CAC Board consists of parents, agencies and school representatives who advise the Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) on matters related to special education in Santa Ana. Save the date and enjoy a night of resources, creative workshops, food and refreshments! I want to express my gratitude to SAUSD for opening their doors allowing me to invite Santa Ana Zoo, Parks and Recreation, Library, and WORK Center. It is important that we provide resources and support everyone in our community. Visibility and awareness.
Who do I call at City Hall?
- Important phone numbers:
-
- 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
Utility services
- City utility services
- Southern California Edison: Call 1-800-447-6620
- Southern California Gas: Call 1-800-207-8567
- Trash pick-up: Call (877) 328-2074
Starting a small business?
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 • Santa Ana Zoo offers free admission for residents every third Sunday
Bowers Museum free Sundays • Santa Ana residents get in free each Sunday
Discovery Cube Waste Free Days • Santa Ana residents get free admission to the Discovery Cube on the first Tuesday of the month.
USEFUL RESOURCES
Schedule a bulky item pickup: Call Republic Services at (657) 467-6220
Police Non-Emergency Line: (714) 245-8665
Emergency Water Services: (714) 953-8026