Dear Santa Ana Residents,
As your Councilwoman, I’m thrilled to connect with you in this month’s newsletter and share some important updates and reflections. First, I want to extend a heartfelt Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing moms in our community. I had the pleasure of spending the day with local families and mothers here in Santa Ana, and I hope every mom reading this feels truly loved, valued, and appreciated — not just today, but every day. The work you do, often behind the scenes, is the foundation of strong families and a stronger city.
This May, we also celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month — a time to honor the rich cultural contributions of our AAPI communities. Additionally, it’s Early Childhood Month, a cause close to my heart. Investing in early childhood education is investing in a brighter future for our youngest residents, and it’s a responsibility I believe our city must embrace wholeheartedly.
We also marked Small Business Week this month, a perfect reminder to support the entrepreneurs and family-owned businesses that give Santa Ana its unique character and vibrancy. And as we observed Memorial Day, I took a moment to remember and reflect on the fallen heroes who gave their lives in service to our country.
Thank you for staying engaged and for everything you do to help strengthen our beloved city. Together, we continue to build a thriving, inclusive Santa Ana.
Warmly,
Your Councilwoman Jessie Lopez
Councilmember Lopez in our community
Celebrating 25 Years of Impact at Santa Ana College’s Center for Teacher Education
I am proud to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Center for Teacher Education at Santa Ana College. For the past quarter-century, this incredible program has been a driving force in shaping the future of education — not only in our city but throughout Orange County.
Since its founding in 1999, the Center has opened doors for thousands of aspiring teachers, especially first-generation, bilingual, and underrepresented students. It has built strong academic pathways, partnered with top universities, and collaborated with our local school districts to create a more diverse and inclusive educational workforce.
The Center’s impact is undeniable — from the annual Road to Teaching Conference to the $20 million in grant funding it has secured. Its legacy is one of excellence, equity, and empowerment.
On behalf of the City of Santa Ana, I extend my deepest gratitude to the faculty, staff, and supporters of the Center for Teacher Education. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to preparing the next generation of educators and leaders. Congratulations on 25 years of remarkable service — and here’s to many more!
Celebrating Culture and Community at the 2025 Taiwanese American Heritage Week Opening Ceremony
It was an incredible honor to attend the opening ceremony of the 2025 Taiwanese American Heritage Week in Orange County. Being in community with so many leaders, families, and cultural advocates was a powerful reminder of the richness and vibrancy the Taiwanese American community brings to our region. From the traditional performances to the heartfelt stories shared, the event was a beautiful celebration of heritage, resilience, and unity. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to stand in solidarity and celebrate the contributions of Taiwanese Americans to the cultural fabric of Orange County.
Celebrating Nicholas Academic Center’s Student Success
I was thrilled to join the incredible students and staff at the Nicholas Academic Center to celebrate the amazing news of college acceptances from across the country. I am so proud of our seniors as they take this next big step toward higher education. Many of you are trailblazers, breaking barriers and opening doors for your families and future generations.
My message to the students was simple: embrace this moment, commit to your growth, and remember that success is a marathon, not a sprint. Your hard work, courage, and determination are truly inspiring. Congratulations, Class of 2025 — and thank you for representing Santa Ana with such excellence!
Celebrating Día de los Niños at the Main Library
Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate another unforgettable Día de los Niños, Día de los Libros event with the Santa Ana Public Library! Despite the rain, the day was filled with joy, community spirit, and meaningful moments. Families enjoyed incredible performances, fun activities, free books, and snacks — all while highlighting the importance of public libraries and literacy in our community. Books fuel imagination, curiosity, and confidence. They are building blocks of opportunity. I’m so grateful to the Santa Ana Library Team for creating such a vibrant and enriching celebration for our children and families, and I encourage all of our families to read and read together.
Lawn Bowling Open House
I joined Don and the lawn bowling team for their open house! It was wonderful to see the community come together to enjoy and learn about this great sport. Thank you, Don, for keeping lawn bowling alive and our Santa Ana community engaged, and a special thanks to Eric from our Public Works team for always being quick to help!
Monthly Park Clean-Up with OC Habitats
Our office continues to host monthly park clean-ups in partnership with OC Habitats. During our latest event, we spent a couple of hours pulling invasive black mustard plants and removing debris from the creek to help protect our waterways and prevent pollution from reaching the ocean. It’s inspiring to see our community come together to care for our environment and keep Santa Ana beautiful! Below you’ll find our summer schedule. I encourage you to get involved and help us look after our creek and park. Thanks to the Girl Scouts for showing up to volunteer!
Celebrating Cambodian New Year and 45 Years of The Cambodian Family
I was honored to join The Cambodian Family at their beautiful annual Cambodian New Year celebration! This year marks a special milestone as The Cambodian Family celebrates 45 years of empowering families and building strong, resilient communities. The event was filled with vibrant activities showcasing Cambodia’s rich culture — welcoming the new year with prosperity, tradition, and a strong sense of community spirit. It was truly inspiring to be part of this meaningful celebration!
Thank you to our Cambodian leaders for all that you do to make Santa Ana stronger and for welcoming me to your beautiful celebrations and sharing your tasty dishes with me.
Historic Cambodian Heritage Month Proclaimed in Santa Ana
I’m honored to have initiated a historic proclamation declaring April as Cambodian Heritage Month — the first time Santa Ana has recognized this in its history. This proclamation celebrates the rich culture and contributions of our Cambodian community, who are an important part of our city’s fabric. I’m proud to stand with the Cambodian community in honoring their heritage and ensuring their stories are recognized and celebrated. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Cambodian community leaders who tirelessly work to preserve and celebrate Cambodian heritage and traditions. Your work is invaluable, and Santa Ana will always be a home where our cultures, our histories, and your spirit are cherished.
Together, we stand united, and together, we celebrate the beauty, strength, and legacy of our Cambodian community. Thank you for this honor.
Earth Day & Arbor Day Tree Planting at Cabrillo Park
Team JLO loves Earth Day — and we especially love planting trees! After starting our tree-planting efforts in Ward 3 two years ago, we’re excited that every City Council ward now has the opportunity to plant trees and help green our city. At Cabrillo Park, we planted Red Oaks — fast-growing, shady, and beautiful trees built to last over 100 years, laying the foundation for a greener future. Huge thanks to our dedicated Public Works crew, City Manager’s Office team, volunteers, and even the Easter Bunny for making this event possible. Together, we’re creating a cooler, cleaner, and stronger Santa Ana! Our Public Works team also added trees to Santiago Park.
Celebrating Mother’s Day with SAELI at Madison Park
I had the pleasure of joining the Santa Ana Early Learning Initiative (SAELI) at Madison Park in Santa Ana for a heartwarming, family-friendly Mother’s Day celebration. The event highlighted the incredible partnership between the UCI School of Education, the City of Santa Ana, the Santa Ana Unified School District, and the dedicated mothers and community leaders who power SAELI’s mission. Families enjoyed live music, fun games and hands-on activities for kids, face painting, delicious food, and more — all in celebration of the vital role mothers play in nurturing learning and community.
Santa Ana Wins Big at the Affordable Housing Awards
I’m proud to share that the City of Santa Ana received three awards at this year’s Affordable Housing Awards. As a renter myself, I understand how challenging it can be to find a safe, stable, and affordable home. These awards are not just about recognition — they reflect meaningful progress for our working families, veterans, and those most in need. Even when I stand in the minority, I will continue to fight for affordable housing and to end homelessness with dignity, compassion, and urgency.
WISEPlace on Broadway Opens, Offering Vital Supportive Housing in Santa Ana
WISEPlace on Broadway officially opened its doors this month, marking a significant step forward in Santa Ana’s mission to provide safe, stable housing for women facing hardship. Developed in partnership with Jamboree Housing Corporation, this new community offers permanent supportive housing and essential services for survivors of domestic violence, seniors, and women experiencing severe challenges. The City of Santa Ana has supported the $28.6 million project with 25 HUD project-based vouchers — 15 of which are reserved specifically for domestic violence survivors — making it the only facility in Orange County with such set-aside vouchers. The City also contributed $3.8 million in capital funding and $1.5 million for onsite services. As a Councilmember and Vice Chair of the Housing Finance Trust, I’m proud of the work we’ve done to help these projects come to life.
Connecting with Saddleback View: Neighborhood Meeting Update
My team and I continue to support and participate in neighborhood meetings across the city, and I recently had the opportunity to meet with residents of Saddleback View. During our discussion, we talked about the City budget, shared updates on the East First Action Plan, and answered thoughtful questions from the community. These meetings are a valuable way for me to hear directly from neighbors, understand their concerns, and ensure that their voices are reflected in the decisions we make. I remain committed to staying accessible, transparent, and responsive to the needs of our community.
Community Resources Fair with Project Access
I had a great time tabling at the health fair hosted by Project Access at Warwick Square! It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with residents, share valuable community resources, and support local efforts to promote health and wellness. We’re grateful to be part of these important conversations and always welcome new partnerships to help bring more services directly to our neighborhoods.
La Colmena: A Vision for Community-Owned Land Becomes Reality in Santa Ana
Santa Ana’s first community land trust, La Colmena, has officially opened its doors as a vibrant cooperative business hub. Home to a micro-farm and a locally-run coffee shop, La Colmena is the result of years of grassroots advocacy led by THRIVE Santa Ana. What began as a vision in 2016 — to create community-driven land development — has grown into a powerful model for what’s possible when residents organize for public good.
The fight to keep public land in community hands has been long, with many Santa Ana residents raising their voices over the years to demand that development reflect their needs and values. Today, La Colmena stands as a symbol of that perseverance. I’m incredibly proud of what this project represents for our city, and deeply honored to have played a role in supporting the dedicated team that brought it to life.
Read more about this inspiring milestone here: Santa Ana’s First Community Land Trust Opens Its Doors
Reflections from the Viet Book Fest at Bowers Museum
I recently had the opportunity to attend the Viet Book Fest at the Bowers Museum and was deeply moved by the stories shared by Vietnamese authors who spoke about their experiences as refugees. Through their writing, they explored the complexities faced by many refugee and first-generation families — touching on themes of identity, displacement, and resilience.
What resonated most was how storytelling became a powerful tool for healing, connection, and advocacy. These authors reminded us of the importance of lifting up diverse voices and how, through shared experiences, we can strengthen the bonds within our broader community. It was an absolute honor to hear their journeys and witness the power of stories to inspire, educate, and unite.
Gratitude for SEIU 721 Leadership and Our Dedicated City Employees
A heartfelt thank you to the new leadership of SEIU 721 for taking the time to share their lunch hour with me. I am incredibly grateful for the dedicated employees who serve the City of Santa Ana — many of whom were born and raised in our community and continue to show up each day with a commitment to making a difference.
I’m here to support you and ensure that you can not only thrive in your roles, but also afford to live and work in the city we all call home. Your hard work and dedication are the foundation of our community, and I’m proud to stand with you.
Welcoming Santos Pizza to Downtown Santa Ana
I had the distinct pleasure of welcoming a new small business to our vibrant downtown area — Santos Pizza! The grand opening was nothing short of incredible, with a long line of enthusiastic supporters wrapped around the block. It was heartwarming to see so many people come out to support this local business and celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship here in Santa Ana. Santos Pizza is a wonderful addition to our community, and I encourage everyone to stop by, enjoy a delicious meal, and show your support for our small businesses. It’s the local entrepreneurs and family-owned establishments like Santos Pizza that make our downtown so special and unique.
As we continue to invest in and nurture our local businesses, we’re helping to build a thriving, sustainable economy right here in Santa Ana. Let’s keep the momentum going by shopping, dining, and supporting the businesses that make our community a great place to live, work, and thrive.
Bringing Science to Life: Water Conservation Education with the Wyland Foundation
I recently partnered with the Wyland Foundation and Latino Health Access to bring the Wyland Mobile Learning Science Lab to our community. This state-of-the-art, 1,000-square-foot mobile science museum features a 40-person multi-sensory theater and seven interactive stations focused on water conservation and earth science. Local students, including those from Heninger Elementary, had the opportunity to walk over and explore the exhibit, making science and sustainability come alive through hands-on learning. It was an inspiring way to educate our youth about protecting our most precious resource — clean water. Some students even walked away with a tree to plant! Thank you to the Wyland Foundation and LHA for their commitment to science and education.
WARD 3 UPDATES
Supporting the Fire Station 70 Remodel
I had the opportunity to tour Fire Station 70 early in my tenure as Councilwoman and am proud to support the much-needed remodel of this vital facility. The project will include upgrading the restrooms with new electrical and plumbing fixtures, as well as installing a new emergency generator with a concrete pad to ensure reliable power during critical situations.
Project Details and Funding:
- Fire Service Enhancement Contract Services: $635,861
- Fire Suppression/EMS Contract Services: $80,389
- Total Estimated Construction Cost: $716,250
Why This Project Matters:
The restrooms at Fire Station 70 are original to the facility, which was built in 1971, and no longer meet the current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility standards. Additionally, the emergency generator is 54 years old and in need of replacement. Completing this remodel will bring the station into compliance with modern building codes and ADA standards, while providing a dependable power source to ensure that emergency services can continue uninterrupted during power outages.
After touring the facility, I am even more confident that this project is essential for our first responders. Supporting this remodel is a critical step in ensuring that Fire Station 70 remains a safe, efficient, and reliable resource for our community.
Keeping Portola Park Clean: Teamwork in Action
During our recent site visit to Portola Park, I noticed graffiti on the playground and promptly reported it using the MySantaAna App. Thanks to the quick action from Public Works, the graffiti was removed shortly after, helping restore a safe and welcoming space for our community. I encourage everyone to use the app to report any issues — your involvement truly makes a difference in keeping our parks clean and enjoyable!
Councilwoman Lopez introduces requested item to support small businesses
As part of my ongoing efforts to support local businesses and help revitalize our commercial areas, I’ve recommended that the City Council direct staff to amend the Santa Ana Municipal Code to allow the use of A-frame (sandwich board) signs in designated commercial areas, especially in Downtown Santa Ana, under clear and thoughtful regulations.
Currently, the Municipal Code restricts the placement of signs on sidewalks, which has made it difficult for businesses to utilize A-frame signs, even though they are a proven, low-cost marketing tool that can help attract foot traffic. Many cities across the country, including Los Altos, California, and Colorado Springs, Colorado, have successfully implemented similar policies, balancing pedestrian safety with business needs. By allowing A-frame signs, we can enhance the vibrancy and walkability of our downtown, while also supporting our small businesses, especially those owned by minorities.
I’d like to express my gratitude to the business owners who have collaborated with our office on this effort.
Read the Councilmember-Requested Item report here.
Protecting Public Health: Proposed Ordinance to Regulate Nitrous Oxide Sales
Our office is taking significant steps to address the growing concern over the misuse of nitrous oxide, commonly known as “laughing gas,” “nox,” or “whippets.” While nitrous oxide has legitimate uses in medical, dental, and industrial settings, its recreational abuse has become increasingly common, particularly among young people. The rising misuse of this substance is harmful, with serious health risks — including long-term brain damage and dangerous behaviors like driving while intoxicated.
To address these dangers, I’ve proposed an ordinance that would prohibit the sale and distribution of nitrous oxide for recreational use within Santa Ana. This ordinance aims to protect public health and safety by regulating the sale of nitrous oxide products, ensuring they aren’t sold to individuals who intend to misuse them. The ordinance is aligned with similar laws in other regional jurisdictions and will bring local regulations up to speed with current public health concerns.
The health risks of nitrous oxide misuse are alarming, particularly for young people. Studies show that repeated use can cause significant harm to the brain, leading to memory loss, nerve damage, and impaired cognitive functions. Ingesting nitrous oxide also puts users at greater risk of injury, especially if used irresponsibly behind the wheel of a vehicle. This poses a severe threat to our community’s safety.
In the words of Councilwoman Jessie Lopez, who has been a leading advocate for this ordinance:
“This isn’t just a party drug. It’s a very dangerous substance that, as we’ve all kind of learned, causes long-term brain damage and puts people at risk, especially when people are using it behind the wheel. It’s definitely harming our youth.”
Councilwoman Lopez called for this ordinance after hearing from concerned parents and observing similar actions taken by county supervisors. If passed, this law would give code enforcement officers the authority to monitor smoke shops and liquor stores, educating business owners on the new restrictions.
This ordinance will not impact legitimate uses of nitrous oxide, such as those for medical or food-related purposes, but will focus on curbing illegal recreational use. By adopting this ordinance, we hope to mitigate the growing misuse of nitrous oxide and protect our youth from its dangerous effects.
Santa Ana Zoo Updates
Exciting improvements are underway at the Santa Ana Zoo. The Amazon’s Edge/Giant River Otter and Primate Habitat is progressing toward full completion by August 2025, with water system testing completed in April. Otters and monkeys are expected to be introduced to the exhibit ahead of the final opening, and additional monkey habitats are currently in pre-construction. The Primate Forest project continues to move forward as City staff and the Friends of the Santa Ana Zoo (FOSAZ) collaborate on the capital campaign. Meanwhile, the HIVE Education Building has cleared plan check and is ready to go out to bid, and zoo pathway improvements are gearing up for pre-construction following contract awards. Challenges remain with the zoo wall project as coordination with Caltrans continues, but efforts are ongoing to schedule a meeting and advance the work. These enhancements reflect our commitment to creating an engaging and educational experience for all zoo visitors.
Santiago Park and Nature Center: Progress and Community Programming
Exciting developments are happening at Santiago Park and the Nature Center. The Santiago Lawn Bowling Center has become PRCSA’s first rental venue in the city and is now accepting third-party rental requests. PRCSA is also finalizing an agreement with the Santa Ana Lawn Bowling Club for exclusive use of the west lawn bowling area. Meanwhile, the Health and Wellness Section has launched new programming at the park, including the Golden City Hour Walking Group every second and fourth Wednesday.
At the Nature Center, open Friday through Monday, a new turtle tank is being installed this week, with the remaining exhibits scheduled for installation in June. Construction for Santiago Park Phase 2 (Main Street entrance) is currently underway with completion expected by fall 2025. Additionally, Phase 3 — which focuses on habitat and trail renovation at the east end of the park — received a $400,000 grant from the State Coastal Conservancy for planning and design. The project includes a pedestrian bridge over the creek, and a full application for construction funding was submitted in April.
I am so proud to have advocated for these improvements and am thrilled to see them coming to fruition. We look forward to continued progress with Phase 3.
Dutch Bros Coming to Ward 3!
Last year, I shared news about a new business coming to Ward 3 — and I’m excited to confirm that Dutch Bros, a nationally recognized coffee chain, will be opening its first location in Santa Ana! This project supports local economic growth and brings new energy to a currently vacant site.
The Planning Commission recently approved the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for drive-through window service, moving the project one step closer to breaking ground.
For more details, check out Planning Commission Item 3 from the April 28 meeting.
Water Well 32 Improvements Project Update
I’m pleased to share a quick update on the Well 32 Water Improvement Project. The new water main from the Garthe Reservoir to Well 32 — serving areas between Bristol/Elm and Morrison Park — has been successfully installed. The crew will begin pressure testing the main and installing a fiber optic communication line. While this work involves some trenching, it will be less disruptive and move faster than the previous phase.
Please note: the current trench paving is temporary. In about 4–6 weeks, the contractor will return to complete final paving for a smoother, more durable roadway. Thank you for your continued patience as we invest in critical infrastructure upgrades for our community! For questions or concerts, please email my office at Jessielopez@santa-ana.org
Quick Update Frequently Asked Topics
I wanted to take a moment to provide a brief update and some context on a couple of topics that my office is frequently asked about. As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need further clarification.
Project Name: Hampton Inn
Address: 2129 N. Main St.
Description: Construction of a new 72,270-square-foot, six-story hotel with 135 guest rooms (Hampton Inn & Suite) to include 129 parking spaces and landscaping, and the use of an existing 2,627-square-foot historic building (2115 N. Main Street) as a café. The project is discretionary and requires a conditional use permit and variance application.
Next Steps: The City’s Development Review Committee (DRC) have reviewed the proposed project and provided the applicant comments/corrections to address prior to moving forward with their discretionary permit applications. The applicant is consulting with Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) to address access constraints, and will subsequently resubmit revised plans to the City’s DRC for consideration.
Additional Information: Pedro Gomez at (714) 667-2790 or pgomez@santa-ana.org
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Project Name: McDonald’s
Address: 2101 E. Santa Clara Ave.
Description: Demolition of residential structures located at 2101 and 2109 E. Santa Clara Ave. and the construction of a new 3,975-square-foot McDonald’s with a drive-through. The project requires discretionary approval of conditional use permits for a drive-through and after-hours, respectively, and an amendment application (zone change) to change the zoning from A1 (General Agricultural) to C5 (Arterial Commercial).
Next Steps: The project was approved by the Planning Commission on Feb. 26, 2024. Subsequently, the applicant withdrew their application during the April 2, 2024, City Council public hearing due to community opposition. Following the City Council public hearing, the applicant has inquired about the potential demolition of the residential structures, however, no applications have been submitted to that end. As of today, there have not been any new applications/entitlements submitted for this site. Our office continues to partner with SAPD and the Code Enforcement Division to ensure the property does not become an issue for the surrounding community.
Additional Information: Pedro Gomez at (714) 667-2790 or pgomez@santa-ana.org
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Project Name: MainPlace Mall
Address: 2800 N. Main St.
Description: Specific plan to allow up to 1,900 residential units, 400 hotel rooms, 1.4 million total square feet of commercial space, and up to 750,000 square feet of office space. The project required approval of a zone change to create a new specific plan (SP No. 4), a tentative parcel map (TPM) to subdivide the site into ten (10) legal lots, and an addendum to the original 1983 Environmental Impact Report (EIR).
Next Steps: Demolition of the parking structure along Main Street started in late February, with the demolition of the former Nordstrom building following. The applicant continues to refine and revise plans for the second residential project proposed at the site, The Carina, which would contain 407 residential units, and outdoor plaza space that are proposed to be sited at the location of the former parking structure and Nordstrom building. Lastly, the area occupied by the former Nordstrom building would be occupied by new landscaping and plaza areas, as well as 20,000 square feet of new restaurant/retail square footage.
Additional Information: Jerry Guevara at (714) 647-5481 or jguevara@santa-ana.org
Orange County’s April Employment Update
Orange County’s unemployment rate dropped to 3.7% in April, down slightly from 3.8% in March, though it remains above last year’s rate of 3.4% in April, according to the state’s Employment Development Department. For comparison, the statewide unemployment rate is 5.0%, while the national rate stands at 3.9%.
From March to April, Orange County’s nonfarm employment grew by 5,000 jobs, bringing the total number of employed individuals to 1.7 million. Seven of the 11 industry sectors saw job increases, with the leisure and hospitality sector leading the way by adding 3,000 jobs. The construction sector also showed strong growth, adding 2,700 jobs.
However, government jobs saw the largest decline, losing 400 jobs.
On a statewide level, California’s workforce grew by 17,700 nonfarm jobs from March to April, and saw an increase of approximately 68,000 jobs compared to the previous year. Among the 11 industry sectors, private education and health services saw the largest gain, adding 9,400 jobs. Meanwhile, professional and business services experienced the largest decline, shedding 2,400 jobs.
Santa Ana Visitors Contributed $394 Million to the Local Economy in 2024. Travel Spending in Santa Ana Surpassed 2023 by nearly 5%
Travel Santa Ana released statistics from the “2024 Economic Impact of Travel” report conducted for Santa Ana by Dean Runyan Associates. In 2024, traveler expenditures from more than 900,000 Santa Ana visitors were estimated at $394 million, an increase of more than 4.8% over 2023.
The travel industry contributed more than $27 million in local and state taxes. Without these travel-generated tax receipts, resident households in Santa Ana would pay $170 more per year in local taxes.
The full Santa Ana report can be viewed here.
Join Us for a Summer Bike Ride with Santa Ana Active Streets and Santa Ana River Brewing Company!
Get ready for a fun and active summer event! Join Santa Ana Active Streets and Santa Ana River Brewing Company for a community bike ride on June 21 at 10 a.m. It’s a great opportunity to ride, meet new people, and support a local business.
For more details, check out the event page here: Bike Ride Fundraiser
Join ThinkTogether and Local Organizations for Family Day at Santiago Park!
Bring the whole family out for a fun-filled day at Santiago Park with ThinkTogether and various local organizations on May 31 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.! It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities, connect with others, and make lasting memories.
We hope to see you there!
Join County Supervisor Sarmiento for a Family Fun Summer Concert at the historic Old Orange Courthouse on May 31 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.! It’s the perfect evening to enjoy live music, bring your own snacks and chairs, and dance the night away with friends and family.
We hope to see you there for a night of fun, community, and great music!
Join Us for Office Hours in June!
We’re excited to meet with you during our June Office Hours! This is your chance to discuss important topics that matter to you and your community. Come share your thoughts, ask questions, and get involved. Office hours are on June 28, 10-11 a.m. at Santiago Park, 600 E. Memory Lane. We look forward to seeing you there!
Celebrate 50 Years of Little Saigon’s Resilience!
The community is invited to join us for 50 Years of Little Saigon’s Resilience, a special event that will bring together entrepreneurs, community leaders, and civic partners from across Southern California. This milestone celebration on June 5 honors the incredible journey and contributions of Vietnamese Americans over the past five decades.
Attendees will have the unique opportunity to engage with policymakers, business leaders, chamber executives, and key resource providers—creating a space for collaboration and lasting impact.
Don’t miss out — register now!
Register for 50 Years of Little Saigon’s Resilience
Summer Park Clean-Up Schedule – Join Us!
We’re excited to release our summer schedule for Santiago Park clean-ups, and we encourage all residents to participate! By joining us, you’ll help prevent debris from reaching our wetlands and the ocean, protecting our environment and keeping our parks beautiful.
Santiago Park clean-ups will take place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the following Saturdays:
- June 28
- July 26
- September 13
- October 4
- November 1
Other local events
Resident Days at the Zoo • Third Sunday of each Month
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.
Councilwoman’s Office Hours • Santa Ana residents are invited to come and ask questions, share your concerns, and make suggestions about your neighborhood or the City of Santa Ana.
As always, I am deeply grateful for your ongoing support and for the strength of our community. Your voice matters, and together, we can continue to build a safer, more compassionate Santa Ana. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions, concerns, or ideas for how we can make a positive difference.
Stay safe, stay connected, and let’s continue to support each other.
If you need assistance, please reach out directly via email at jessielopez@santa-ana.org or by phone at (714) 822-0891. To access previous newsletters, please visit https://www.santa-ana.org/jessie-lopez/.
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