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Dear Santaneros,
As we step into a new school year, we’re excited to share resources to support our community. This edition highlights back-to-school educational tools, housing resources, food distribution programs, and the City’s Ayuda Sin Fronteras program, which helps residents impacted by immigration-related challenges with rent, utilities, and essential needs — no questions about citizenship status are asked.
We’re also thrilled to celebrate the bountiful resources of the Santa Ana Public Library and our city’s largest library expansion in 50 years. Discover vibrant learning environments at the NEW Jerome Park Outdoor Library, featuring nearly 400 items in a self-service kiosk, outdoor seating with Wi-Fi, program spaces, and beautiful drought-tolerant landscaping! Do not miss out on the NEWLY opened Delhi Library Branch, located inside the Delhi Center, which offers modern furniture, a special “Knowledge Bar” for technology support, and an outdoor patio for programs and events. Come bring your library card or sign up to gain access to limitless resources!
Our hardworking City staff are on fire, investing in our community and ensuring that families and students have access to these incredible resources. Last month, we wrapped up a season of educational initiatives, and this month we’re kicking off with even more ways for Santaneros to learn, grow, and thrive.
In Solidarity,
Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez
Ward 2
My Projects
Young Athlete All-Stars Eleanor and Vida Ramos
It is a privilege to recognize Vida and Eleanor Ramos, two remarkable young athletes I have had the joy of watching grow up. I am so proud of their parents, Nora and Rafa Ramos, for raising such confident and determined young ladies.
Vida began running competitively at age 8, and Eleanor at 6. Both have reached incredible achievements, running with Lightning Youth Academy and representing Quick Track Club, a program known for developing elite young talent. They have competed in over 30 track and cross-country events across the country, proudly representing Santa Ana.
Most recently, they competed in the prestigious USA Track & Field Jr. Olympic National Championships, featuring the top youth athletes in the nation.
- Eleanor captured gold in the 1,500-meter with a time of 5:23, earning the title of National Champion; secured silver in the 800-meter; and finished the season with the fastest 1,500-meter time in the nation in her age division.
- Vida delivered an outstanding performance as well, earning two All-American honors with 6th in the 1,500-meter and 8th in the 800-meter.
These girls are powerful, inspiring, and a shining example of dedication and talent. I wish them the best of luck this new season as they continue to lead, inspire, and represent our community!
Learn more about Ward 2 & City
LOOK OUT! Central City heating up in Clean Ups
CENTRAL CITY RESIDENTS! We had another successful cleanup last month. Trash bins filled up fast, with the first filling up around 9:30 a.m.! Thank you to everyone who came to utilize the dumpsters, I am happy for Central City to access this citywide perk. My staff and I are excited to keep connecting with you all to get more cleanups going for this year. Central City has three remaining dumpsters to use until the end of the fiscal year in June 2026.
Are you interested in hosting a neighborhood clean up?
We need volunteers in the purple and blue regions of Central City. Reside in green and still interested? I encourage you all to reach out to my office.
Pio Pico Backpack Distribution
This school year, I was honored to join the Boys & Girls Club for their backpack distribution, providing students with essential supplies — pencils, rulers, pencil pouches, erasers, and more — to start the year strong. Families connected with City educational resources and scholarship information, while kids enjoyed arts & crafts, mini arcade games, and snow cones to beat the heat! Thank you to the Boys & Girls Club and Pico Lowell Neighborhood Association for supporting our students and neighborhood families.
Get to know Pico Lowell Neighborhood Association
Get to know your Central OC Boys & Girls Club
Located in our own ward, Ward 2 in Pico Lowell
Address: 950 W. Highland St., Santa Ana, CA 92703
Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast
FB: Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast
NEW Libraries – Jerome and Delhi now OPEN!
Santa Ana is the 14th-largest city in California, and we only have the Main Library and the Newhope Branch. Our libraries are full of opportunities for youth and community development. They provide resources that help set you up for success in school, jobs, extracurriculars, and make our community vibrant. I am delighted and thrilled to attend two library openings back to back – Delhi Library in Ward 5 and the first outdoor library opening up in Ward 2’s very own Jerome Park! The future is our youth, and it is crucial that we continue to invest in their growth. They deserve easy access to resources and opportunities that help them thrive.
Go visit these new, vibrant hubs of learning, connection, and creativity!
Delhi Library Branch Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
The long-awaited Delhi Library is now open. Delhi now serves as the third library in the city! Located inside the Delhi Center, check out our new branch as it includes:
- Innovative glass storefront-style entrance, modern furniture, interior finishes and fixtures
- Special “Knowledge Bar” area to assist patrons with technology and information needs
- New outdoor patio with play features and extra space for library programs, events, and activities
Jerome Outdoor Library Branch Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
The City of Santa Ana staff are on fire! I am grateful for our hardworking staff recognizing the importance of adding more libraries in our large city and investing back in our community.
Discover a new, vibrant learning environment at the Outdoor Library at Jerome Park! This outdoor library features a fully enclosed self-service “Mini Library” kiosk with nearly 400 items, outdoor seating with public Wi-Fi, program spaces, and beautiful drought-tolerant landscaping.
Together with the new Delhi Library Branch, Jerome Park marks the largest expansion of the Santa Ana Public Library system in 50 years, made possible by the federal American Rescue Plan Act, local sales tax revenue and other funding.
Educators Training – Defend our schools from ICE
As we enter the school year, it is extremely important for our families to know that their children are in safe hands and educated on ICE prevention and protection. Calling out to all educators in Orange County, it was heartwarming to see and meet educators from all around OC. We have a duty as educators to educate and protect our students no matter their immigration status. Our schools are welcoming spaces of learning and growth, where every student feels valued, supported, and protected. Together, we can ensure that all children have the opportunity to thrive, free from fear or discrimination.
Rename the Police Athletic League Center to Jose Vargas PAAL
I am honored to bring forth the renaming of the Police Athletic League Center to Jose Vargas PAAL Center. The PAAL Center was built to foster trust between law enforcement and youth through mentorship in athletics and community engagement. Naming it Jose Vargas would honor a man who embodied passion and dedication to Santa Ana’s working-class community and was a steadfast advocate for the undocumented community, never forgetting his roots. He built such strong trust with his community that undocumented residents turned to him not only for policing matters but also for personal guidance and support. Thank you to my colleagues for voting to move this motion forward with me.
ICE Community Defense Panel
Thank you, Councilmember Hernandez, for inviting me to be part of such a successful and intentional conference and panel. Teaching and empowering our community through trusted voices — sharing the many ways we can give back, stay informed, and be involved — such as knowing our legal rights, accessing public records, online education through social media, navigating parenting as Latinos, and engaging in Q&A with community and organizational leaders. Our collective knowledge is our community’s strength.
Chicano Heritage Festival 2025
This year’s Chicano Heritage Festival was especially meaningful as we honored the Guzman Family, key plaintiffs in the historic Mendez v. Westminster case that ended school segregation in California, and celebrated trailblazer Vickie Castro, a student leader of the LA Walkouts. Their legacies remind us of the power of community, resilience, and the ongoing fight for equity and justice.
SAUSD ACADEMIC CALENDAR
Whether you’re in Elementary, Intermediate, or High School, stay ahead of the game! Download the SAUSD 2025–2026 Academic Calendar (PDF) to know key dates, breaks, and more. Print it out, pin it up, and be prepared all year long!
2025-26 Elementary, Intermediate, and High Schools
2025-26 Calendario escolar académico
Class Dojo
Parents and students, ClassDojo connects families and classrooms by providing daily updates, teacher feedback, photos, and videos — all accessible on any device and in multiple languages. Parents can easily stay informed about their child’s progress, while students can take ownership of their learning by tracking feedback and personalizing their accounts. Safe, private, and user-friendly, ClassDojo helps strengthen the home-school connection.
Free Transportation Passes for Students
The Orange County Transportation Authority offers free bus passes for K-12 students ages 6-18 and for eligible students at nine local community colleges.
Youth Ride Free Program
- For students ages 6-18 (K-12).
- Ride OC Bus for free to school, work and more.
- Passes are available through your child’s participating Orange County school (parent/guardian signature required).
Community College Pass Program
- Available to students at nine local community colleges.
- Provides unlimited free rides on OC Bus to school, work and more.
Safety First
Use the Transit App to track OC Buses in real time anywhere in the county and help ensure your child’s safe commute.
Transit App – Orange County Transportation Authority
Colleges
Santa Ana College – Welcome Center Student Bus Pass
Santiago Canyon College – BUS PASS PROGRAM – Orange
Cypress & Fullerton – OCTA Bus Pass Program | North Orange County Community College District
Orange Coast – Transportation Resources | Orange Coast College
Early College Programs
Parents and students! Did you know the Santa Ana Unified School District offers students the opportunity to dual enroll in high school and college? These programs allow students to earn college credit while still in high school — saving time, reducing future tuition costs, and better preparing them for higher education and career pathways.
Programs offered:
- Early College
- College Now
- Advanced Learning Academy
- Middle College High School
Britannica
Britannica School is a FREE trusted resource for students of all grades and reading levels, providing access to thousands of up-to-date, curriculum-aligned articles, images, videos, audio clips, primary sources, maps, research tools, recommended websites, and three tailored databases: Elementary, Middle, and High.
Food Support
SAUSD, Santa Ana College, and community partners like Second Harvest and SEVA Collective provide free food distributions and pantry access for families and students. In addition, CalFresh helps households buy healthy groceries, and 211 OC connects residents to local food assistance programs — ensuring our community has access to nutritious meals.
SAUSD Food Support
SAUSD’s FACE program partners with Second Harvest and SEVA Collective to provide free food distributions for families in need.
Second Harvest & SEVA Collective Food Drive Distributions at SAUSD
Santa Ana College
Food distributions, Pantries and food program
CalFresh & Cash
Helps low-income households buy healthy food (formerly known as Food Stamps).
Cash & CalFresh | County of Orange Social Services Agency
211 Orange County
Many Orange County residents face food insecurity, and 211 Orange County can help connect you to programs that keep you and your family healthy and well-nourished. They provide referrals to CalFresh, local food banks, meal delivery programs, the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, and more.
Food Assistance | 2-1-1 Orange County
Serve the People
Since 2008, Serve the People’s Food Pantry has been a cornerstone resource in Santa Ana, providing nutritious and shelf-stable food to individuals and families in need across our community and surrounding areas. Open from 4 to 7 a.m. every first and third Saturday of each month. For more information, please contact (714) 352-2911 or via email at chc@servethepeoplechc.org.
OC Food Bank & Pantries
Food distributions, pantries, and meals.
Orange County Food Bank & Pantries
Second Harvest Food Bank
Free Haircuts
Coastline Beauty College will be providing free haircuts to students at Centennial Education Center, 2900 W. Edinger Ave. Served on a first-come, first-served basis, no appointment is necessary.
Free Haircut Schedule (9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.):
- October 1
- October 29
Early Childhood Education – Free Preschool
SAUSD Early Childhood Education offers free preschool programs for qualifying families! Give your child a strong start in learning — apply today through Santa Ana Unified School District’s ChildCare services.
Apply for ChildCare – Santa Ana Unified School District
SAUSD 21st Century Career Academies
The Santa Ana Unified School District offers 21st Century Career Academies through its Career Technical Education (CTE) program, preparing students for college and careers with hands-on learning, industry certifications, internships, and dual-enrollment courses. Pathways are available at both intermediate and high schools, covering fields such as STEM, arts, business, health care, and more. Programs like Career Academy Scholars, Project Lead The Way, and Santa Ana TECH provide students with real-world experience and college credit opportunities, equipping them with the skills needed for the workforce of the 21st century.
SAUSD Dual Language Academy
Santa Ana Unified School District offers Dual Language Immersion programs starting in Kindergarten, encouraging students on their pathway to become biliterate. These programs are available at eight schools across the district:
- Pio Pico Elementary
- Romero-Cruz Academy
- James Russell Lowell Elementary School
- Monroe Elementary School
- Gerald P. Carr Intermediate
- McFadden Intermediate
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School
- Thomas Jefferson Elementary School
Libby – Resources
Use your library card to access a variety of online resources, including free films for inspiration, creative tutorials, and over 250 courses on topics like dog training, chess, cooking, and learning a new language.
E-Library
Get instant access to a world of digital resources from the comfort of your home or on the go from Santa Ana Public Library. Stream movies, read eBooks, listen to audiobooks, and explore learning tools for all ages—right at your fingertips! All you need is your library card number and PIN, or sign up today for a free eLibrary card.
Community Garden Workshops
Join us for free monthly garden workshops open to all ages! Each month features a new theme focused on gardening and wellness. This August, we’re celebrating Back to School and Family Wellness — a perfect chance to connect with nature, learn together, and support your family’s health.
Get involved and grow with your community! For more information and to register, visit:
Santa Ana Recreation Garden Workshops
Affordable Housing Projects in Santa Ana
Housing is a basic right, and the City of Santa Ana is committed to making it easier for residents to find affordable options. Our resource page provides up-to-date information on housing opportunities available for families, seniors, individuals experiencing homelessness, and those with special needs.
Santa Ana Ayuda Sin Fronteras Program
The City of Santa Ana’s Ayuda Sin Fronteras program provides direct support to residents impacted by immigration-related challenges. This program helps cover essential needs such as one month of rent, utilities, and housing expenses, offering stability during difficult times. No questions about citizenship status are asked, ensuring families feel safe while accessing assistance.
Rent Stabilization Program Registration Deadline
Attention Property Owners, Land Owners, Managers (Owners): Don’t Miss the Rent Stabilization Registration Deadline! Rental unit registration fees for the City’s Rent Stabilization Program are due by October 1, 2025. To avoid late charges and penalties, all outstanding registration fees (including fees from prior years) must be paid by this date. If payment is not received by October 1, late fees will be applied according to the following schedule:
Late Fee Schedule (Per Rental Unit)
- October 1 – October 31, 2025: 8.2%
- November 1 – November 30, 2025: 18.2%
- December 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026: 28.2%
(Late fee rates are updated each program year.)
For detailed information about rental unit registration, please visit our Rent Stabilization FAQs.
If you need help completing your property registration, contact the Rent Stabilization team at (714) 667-2209 or email rso@santa-ana.org. Live assistance is also available in office by walk-in or appointment:
Location: 801 W. Civic Center Drive, Suite 200, Santa Ana, CA 92701
You can also access the Rental Registry directly to get started.
City of Santa Ana’s Rental Registry
Contact the Rent Stabilization Office
Rental Registry User Guide
Internships – City of Santa Ana
The City of Santa Ana offers students valuable opportunities to gain real-world experience in local government while pursuing their education. Interns apply academic skills to hands-on assignments, attend professional development workshops, build mentorships with City leadership, and learn how Santa Ana delivers services to the community.
Internship areas include: Administration, Budget/Finance, Engineering, Management, and Student Internships (high school). Requirements vary by position and level of study.
- Interns must remain enrolled in school and maintain GPA eligibility.
- Recruitment occurs once a year or as needed. Check the City’s website for current opportunities.
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 11 a.m. to 2 p.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.
Important Dates
- September 26: City Hall regular Friday closure
- November 15: Quarterly Bulky Item Drop-off, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Memorial Park, 2102 S. Flower St.
Events & Meetings
City Meetings
- City Council Meeting: September 16
- Rent Stabilization Board Meeting: September 17
- Workforce Development Board- Youth Council: September 18
- Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission Meeting: September 25
- Arts & Culture Commission Meeting: September 18
- Planning Commission Meeting: September 22
- Community Development Commission Meeting: September 24
View meetings Agenda and Minutes.
View meetings live on our Santa Ana YouTube Channel.
Autumn Harvest Workshop: Roosevelt Walker Community Garden- September 16
Celebrate the Autumn Harvest at the Roosevelt-Walker Community Center Garden! Free and open to everyone. Join us as we welcome the harvest season and learn about the history and impact of apples — from Johnny Appleseed’s legacy to their connection with teachers! Enjoy fun, hands-on activities for all ages, including:
- Exploring apple nutrition, growing tips and recipes
- Apple crafts like apple prints
- Pressing apples into fresh juice
Autumn Harvest Workshop at the Roosevelt Walker Community Garden
Saddleback Wilderness Hike – September 20
Explore the untouched wilderness with the Wilderness Club! Join us on Saturday, September 20, for a 2- to 4-mile guided hike through OC Park’s Saddleback Wilderness — a hidden gem normally closed to the public. Led by a naturalist from the Irvine Ranch Conservancy, this rare opportunity lets you experience protected wilderness areas accessible only with a certified guide.
Details:
- Free and open to ages 7+
- Transportation provided
- Meet at Roosevelt Walker Community Center at 8:00 a.m.; return by 12:30 p.m.
Don’t miss this chance to connect with nature!
Inner-Coastal Cleanup Day – September 20
Join us for Inner-Coastal Cleanup Day and help make a difference! Keeping our city and Mother Nature clean takes community effort, and the City of Santa Ana Public Works Agency is calling on volunteers to remove trash and debris from the Santa Ana Gardens flood control channel and nearby park areas.
When & Where:
Jerome Park, 2115 W McFadden Ave.
Saturday, Sept. 20 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
All volunteers must complete a waiver, and anyone under 18 will need a parent or guardian to sign on their behalf. Drinks and snacks will be provided.
Important Reminders:
- Wear closed-toe shoes
- Bring sunscreen and a hat
Learn more and register at the link below.
Register for Inner-Coastal Cleanup Day
Crochet Away! – September 20
Unwind with crochet in this beginner-friendly outdoor program! Learn basic stitches, start your first project, and enjoy fresh air and friendly company. No experience is needed, and all supplies are provided! Call 714-647-5358 for more information.
Fascination of Orchids Show – September 26
Enjoy the sights and fragrances of thousands of exotic orchids from Californian, Asian, and South American growers at Santa Ana Zoo. In addition, you can learn orchid tips and techniques from local growers at free classes. General Public – free with price of admission; FOSAZ Members – FREE.
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