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Dear Santaneros,
November reminds us of all we have to be thankful for — our families, our neighbors, and the strong sense of community that makes Santa Ana such a special place to call home. With the holidays approaching, it’s the perfect time to come together, lend a helping hand, and take part in the many programs and events happening across the city.
As school goes on breaks, it is important to keep our youth rooted in the community, connected with others and building new skills. The Santa Ana Library offers great programs such as the Teen Leadership Committee, where teens develop leadership and interpersonal skills, learn about their impact on the community and help co-design the Teen Programs and services! Youth voices matter – share your experiences and community observations. You can also join STEAM Teens where you will explore hands-on activities in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math — including robotics, photography, and arts & crafts.
Our City’s efforts to create vibrant and safe spaces for our youth does not stop at the library. The Santa Ana Parks & Rec team and Santa Ana WORK Center offer a variety of programs to support our youth. The RecreAuto brings after-school fun to parks near you- dive into games, sports, arts and crafts. The fun does not stop there. Check out the many art, sports, crafts, dance and more at Santa Ana Workshops or invest in yourself by joining workshops at the Santa Ana WORK Center, such as resume building, interview preparation. The WORK Center also offers guidance and opens doors to paid employment opportunities with programs like the Santa Ana Youth Program and Californians For All Youth Employment Programs. When we invest in our youth, we help them succeed, but true nourishment needs to be started from the root up. By strengthening the fundamentals, we can start to see the full effects of the investments we make back into this community.
Which is why I am excited to announce my office’s first ever presentation and Youth Panel “Funding Our Future: The Economics of Youth Investment” taking place Thursday, November 13, at Southwest Senior Center. Based on research conducted by one of my staff members, the presentation focuses on the effectiveness, correlation, and critical importance of investing in youth programs as a proactive approach to reducing crime. Followed by a Youth Panel of representatives from local organizations like VietRise, KidWorks, Project Kinship and more! Come join me and other community leaders for this important conversation and let our youth’s voices be heard! Please note, this event has a limited capacity – an RSVP is needed to attend. Please RSVP Here.
This month, we’re also shining a spotlight on several important community efforts designed to make life a little easier and brighter for everyone. Our Clean-Up and Waste Programs help residents keep Santa Ana clean and beautiful, offering free bulky-item pickups and waste reduction resources for homes and multifamily communities. These initiatives are part of our shared commitment to maintaining a healthy and sustainable environment for all. We’re also highlighting Meal Programs for Seniors, which provide nutritious meals, friendly faces, and a sense of connection during the holiday season. No one should go hungry or feel alone this time of year, and these programs ensure that our senior residents receive the care and support they deserve.
In the spirit of giving, we invite you to participate in upcoming Holiday Drives for Thanksgiving and Christmas. From food and clothing donations to volunteer opportunities, there are many ways to spread kindness and generosity to those in need. Together, we can make the holidays brighter for families across Santa Ana. And for those who enjoy getting their hands in the soil, don’t miss our Garden Workshops, offering hands-on lessons in sustainable gardening, composting, and growing your own fresh produce. These workshops are a wonderful way to learn, connect with neighbors, and nurture both our gardens and our community. As 2025 draws to a close, let’s continue to support one another, celebrate our shared accomplishments, and look forward to an even more vibrant year ahead. Thank you for being part of what makes Santa Ana strong — caring residents who come together to make a difference every day.
In Solidarity,
Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez
Ward 2
My Projects
National Disability Employment Month
I am honored to recognize Hugo Vazquez and Tyler Nielson from the Santa Ana Unified School District’s Adult Transition Program (ATP) in celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, observed each October. This year, 2025, marks the 80th anniversary of the first observance in 1945, originally established to celebrate the contributions of people with physical disabilities in the workforce. In 1988, Congress expanded the recognition to include individuals with mental health conditions and other non-visible disabilities. This month is about awareness, advocacy, and action. We celebrate the immense value that people with disabilities bring to our workplaces, communities, and economy. We also reaffirm our collective responsibility to remove barriers and ensure equitable access to employment opportunities for all.
The SAUSD Adult Transition Program is leading by example, serving students with disabilities ages 18 to 22. ATP provides individualized instruction, community-based learning, and vocational training to prepare students for adult life. The program’s goal is to foster independence, develop functional and social skills, and support meaningful engagement in the workforce through real-world experience, job coaching, and strong partnerships across Orange County. Let’s continue to support programs like ATP and WorkAbility as we work together to build a more inclusive future for all residents of Santa Ana.
Learn more about Ward 2 & City
International Older Adults Celebration
The City of Santa Ana hosted its third-annual International Older Adults Celebration at Jerome Park. It was an honor to join you at this event that reminds us of the incredible strength, wisdom, and resilience our older adults bring to our community every single day. You are the heart of Santa Ana — mentors, leaders, and the foundation upon which our city continues to grow and thrive. We celebrate you, your contributions, and the joy of staying active, connected, and engaged. On behalf of the City of Santa Ana, thank you for inspiring us all to live with purpose and pride.
Important Dates
- November 7, November 21: City Hall regular Friday closures
- November 11: Veterans Day – City Hall closed, no street sweeping
- November 15: Quarterly Bulky Item Drop-off Day at Memorial Park
Events & Meetings
City Meetings
- Planning Commission Meeting: November 10
- Rent Stabilization Board Meeting: November 19
- Arts & Culture Commission Meeting: November 20
- Youth Commission Regular Meeting: November 17
- City Council Meeting: December 2
- Community Development Commission Meeting: November 26
- Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission Meeting: December 4
View meeting agenda and minutes.
View meetings live on our Santa Ana YouTube Channel.
Neighborhood Association Meetings
- Pacific Park Meeting: November 18
- Heninger Park Meeting: November 12
- Pico Lowell: November 5
Bulky Item Clean Up!
Santa Ana residents, did you know…you can take advantage of the city’s Bulky Item Clean-Up Program! Each household is eligible for four free bulky-item pickups per year, with a limit of six items per pickup. Accepted items include appliances, furniture, and electronics such as TVs and computers. To schedule a pickup, simply call Republic Services at (657) 467-6220. Multifamily complexes may also arrange up to ten items per unit quarterly, coordinated through property managers. Let’s work together to keep Santa Ana clean and beautiful—schedule your bulky item pickup today!
Universal Waste Program
PICK UP
If you live in a single-family home or duplex, Republic Services provides FREE door-to-door collection of household batteries, fluorescent tubes and bulbs, electronic devices (such as TVs, computers, and cell phones), and mercury-containing items (such as old thermometers and thermostats). Schedule an appointment to have items collected by Republic Services.
Call (657) 467-6220 to schedule an appointment.
DROP OFF
All residents may take their universal waste to the Household Hazardous Waste Collection centers at the County landfills for FREE disposal. Call (714) 834-6752 to find a location near you, or to visit http://oclandfills.com/hazardous/.
Meals on Wheels OC
As the holiday season approaches, Meals on Wheels is continuing its mission to deliver not only nutritious meals but also comfort, connection, and joy to seniors in our community. For many older adults, a friendly visit from a volunteer and a hot meal can make all the difference — especially during this time of year. Ensure your loved ones are taken care of- learn more here: Our Services – Meals on Wheels Orange County
Weekly Senior Activities
In the spirit of colder weather, come to meet new people, connect with friends, and keep your body moving, check out the fantastic weekly activities offered by the City of Santa Ana Parks & Recreation. From arts & crafts, dance and music, fitness, enrichment classes, to leisure activities — there’s something for everyone!
To learn more or register, visit the Weekly Activities page.
Santa Ana Senior Center at (714) 647-6540
Southwest Senior Center at (714) 647-5306.
HIS OC Thanksgiving
Give Back This Season. Homeless Intervention Services of OC (HIS OC) is seeking donations of nonperishable groceries and hot, pre-cooked meals. Please bring your contributions by November 13. For the best time to drop off, call (714) 993-5774. If you’re unable to donate food, HIS OC also needs volunteers on November 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. To get involved, contact Kacy at kacy@his-oc.org for more details. Help HIS OC make this season brighter for those in need!
HIS OC: https://his-oc.org/event/41
HIS-OC Winter Wonderland Holiday Toy Drive
Spread Holiday Cheer! Help HIS OC bring joy to families and children in need this holiday season! Donations are accepted by appointment only — please call (714) 993-5774 or email fundraising@his-oc.org to schedule your drop-off. We also need volunteers for our Wrapping Party on Wednesday, December 17. To learn more about this opportunity, contact Kacy at kacy@his-oc.org.
Together, we can make the holidays brighter for every child!
HIS-OC Winter Wonderland Toy Giveaway!
Winter Wonderland Celebration! Join HIS OC for a magical evening on Friday, December 19, from 4 to 7 p.m. at HIS-OC in Placentia! Everyone is welcome — first come, first served — for a festive night filled with holiday cheer, fun activities, and a toy giveaway you won’t want to miss.
Bring your family and friends and celebrate the season with us!
Families Together Toy Drive Register
Christmas Together is back for 2025 as a special Toy Distribution for our community! Families Together of Orange County is proud to continue this beloved tradition, spreading the spirit of the season by giving away thousands of toys to children across Orange County. While this year’s celebration focuses on the toy giveaway, guests can still look forward to festive entertainment and plenty of holiday cheer. In 2023, Families Together distributed 30,000 toys, and this year, the commitment to bringing joy to local families is stronger than ever. Quantity is limited, and early registration is encouraged to secure your spot. All participants must be Orange County residents.
Follow @familiestogetheroc on Instagram for updates, and visit familiestogetheroc.org for more information. Limit one registration per household. Your information will remain confidential and used only for Families Together communications.
Library Calendar
Learn, Explore, and Create at the Library! The Santa Ana Public Library offers programs for all ages! Students can access online K–12 tutoring, and anyone needing help with technology can visit the Tech Desk for one-on-one support with computers, eBooks, mobile devices, and more. Little ones can enjoy Preschool Story Time, while teens can join the Teen Leadership Committee or participate in STEAM Teens, exploring hands-on activities in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math — including robotics, photography, and arts & crafts. For more information and to register, visit Library Events.
Friends of the Santa Ana Public Library (FOSAPL)
Support the Friends of the Santa Ana Public Library! The Friends are dedicated volunteers who work to support the Santa Ana Public Library through book sales and fundraising events. Their efforts help fund projects, programs, and equipment that fall outside the City’s budget. You can support the Friends in several ways — purchase items like thumb drives, book bags, earbuds, pencils, pens, stamps, and envelopes at the checkout desk at the Main or Newhope libraries, or donate directly by writing a check to Friends of the Santa Ana Public Library and mailing it to:
Friends of the Santa Ana Public Library
- Attn: Vannie Tran
- P.O. Box 173
- Santa Ana, CA 92702
For more information, call (714) 647-5265 or visit Friends of the Santa Ana Public Library.
RecreAUTO Fall Schedule
Community center fun is being brought to you through the RECREAuto, coming to Morrison Park every Wednesday from 2 to 4 p.m. and Heritage Park every Monday from 2 to 4 p.m. through December 10. Look out for the Health and Wellness team and join in on:
- Arts and crafts
- Games
- Sports
- And more!
To view more information and to register, please visit: tinyurl.com/RECREAutoFall2025
Centennial Park Improvements Groundbreaking Ceremony- November 5
You’re invited! Join us as we break ground on several exciting new projects at Centennial Park — enhancements that will make this beloved community space even more vibrant and welcoming.
The upcoming improvements include:
- Restoration of the lake with a scenic lakeside event area
- A new walking trail connecting to the Santa Ana River
- Expanded picnic and open play areas
- Upgraded lighting throughout the park
- And Santa Ana’s very first dog park! 🐾
When: Wednesday, Nov. 5, at 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Where: Dog park project site, south end of Centennial Park, 3000 W. Edinger Ave.
Come celebrate the start of a new chapter for Centennial Park and our community!
Centennial Park Improvements Groundbreaking Ceremony
Garden Workshop: Honoring Indigenous Ingredients – November 5
Join our garden workshop where we will be learning about the indigenous foods of California through activities, food history and recipes using heirloom vegetables, fruits, seeds, and acorns.
- Date: Every Wednesday during November
- Location: El Salvador Park Community Garden
- Time: 3-5 p.m.
For more information and to register, please visit: tinyurl.com/SANovWrkshps
Appy Hour – November 6
Drop-in technology assistance. Seniors can bring their devices and receive one-on-one assistance. Contact us at 714-647-5358 for more information.
Asistencia tecnológica sin cita previa. Las personas mayores pueden traer sus dispositivos y recibir asistencia personalizada. Contáctenos al 714-647-5358 para recibir más información.
AStounD Robo-Fun Time – November 8
Neurodivergent Youth: Meet QT, Kebbi, and Milo – our friendly ASD Robots. Join us for interactive sessions where you can practice reading, social skills and life skills in a supportive group setting. Alongside our robot friends, you will get to explore sensory toys and virtual technology. Lessons are guided by staff and supported by our Teen Mentors to create a fun and engaging learning experience. For more information, call (714) 647-5358.
Date: Saturday, November 8
Location: Delhi Center, 505 E. Central Ave.
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Seniors Thanksgiving Celebration- November 13
Celebrate gratitude and community at the Santa Ana Senior Center’s Thanksgiving Celebration! Registration opened November 1, so don’t miss your chance to join this heartwarming gathering with friends and peers. Enjoy a festive meal, good company, and the spirit of the season. For more information or to view other monthly senior celebrations, please call the Santa Ana Senior Center at (714) 647-6540 or the Southwest Senior Center at (714) 647-5306.
Quarterly Bulky Item Drop-Off Day: Memorial Park – November 15
The City of Santa Ana’s Public Works Agency (PWA) is proud to host their fourth quarterly bulky item drop-off day. Every quarter, PWA, in partnership with Republic Services, will be hosting cleanup days throughout the city in an effort to help residents properly dispose of bulky items such as furniture, mattresses, carpets, and non-donatable clothes, bedding, books, or toys. This event is free to Santa Ana residents, and no appointment is necessary. Proof of Santa Ana residency will be required. The event may end before 12 p.m. if capacity is reached.
Items NOT accepted include, but are not limited to, hazardous waste, such as paints, oils, chemicals, pesticides, and batteries; concrete, dirt, rocks, brick, asphalt; tires, refrigerators, freezers, and AC units.
For more information, call (714) 647-5411 or visit Trash and recycling.
Quarterly Bulky Item Drop-Off Day – Memorial Park
Sister City Mural Unveiling – November 15
- Saturday, November 15
- 12-2 p.m.
- Plaza Calle Cuatro, 325 E. 4th St.
Plaza Navideña Tree Lighting Ceremony – November 22
Join us in celebrating the start of the holiday season and supporting local businesses, as we light a tree right in the heart of downtown Santa Ana.
- Saturday, November 22
- 5-8 p.m.
- Plaza Calle Cuatro, 325 E. Fourth St.
For more information, visit https://www.santa-ana.org/plaza-navidena/
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.
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
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 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! The app is now available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.
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