COSAS: City Manager’s newsletter for December 13, 2024

In the final edition of our newsletter for 2024, learn about programs to prevent eviction and help people experiencing homelessness, check out our new park, find holiday activities, and learn about City of Santa Ana holiday closures and street sweeping impacts.

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Spotlight photo

Plaza Navideña Tree Lighting

Photo Credit: City Staff

City Manager’s Highlights

Congratulations to the newly sworn in members of the Santa Ana City Council

Mayor Valerie Amezcua, Mayor Pro Tem Thai Viet Phan representing Ward 1, Ward 3 Councilmember Jessie Lopez, and Ward 5 Councilmember Johnathan Ryan Hernandez took the oath of office during a special meeting on Dec. 10 attended by family, friends and supporters. All four were re-elected to serve second terms in the Nov. 5 General Municipal Election. Under the City Charter, the Mayor serves a two-year term while Councilmembers serve four-year terms.

The installation ceremony was followed by a joyous community celebration at Bowers Museum.

Learn more about your City Councilmembers.

See photos of the oath of office ceremony.

News

Gerardo Mouet Park honors former PRCSA director

We opened our newest park, named for beloved former Parks, Recreation and Community Services Agency director Gerardo Mouet, on Wednesday, Dec. 11, with a ribbon cutting ceremony and community celebration.

Gerardo Mouet Park is a 1-acre park located at Standard and McFadden avenues that transforms an underutilized lot into a vibrant and inclusive open space designed to serve the needs of Santa Ana’s diverse community. It includes a skatepark, playground, picnic tables, basketball court, and more.

Mr. Mouet served as executive director of the City of Santa Ana Parks, Recreation and Community Services Agency for 14 years until 2018. He passed away on March 7, 2023, at age 66. During construction of the new park, we asked the Santa Ana community to vote on the name in a community survey, and Gerardo Mouet Park was the clear winner. The name received unanimous support from the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Santa Ana City Council.

City launches Eviction Prevention Program to support low-income renters facing housing instability

We’re excited to announce a new partnership between the City’s Rent Stabilization Division and Groundswell to provide mediation services for residents. Groundswell assists in resolving disputes in a neutral, collaborative environment. If you’re navigating a housing-related conflict, mediation can be a powerful first step to reach mutual solutions — avoiding the stress, time, and cost of going to court.

Mediation through Groundswell is always voluntary, confidential, and focused on improving communication between all parties. A case manager will guide participants through the process, and most who engage in mediation reach meaningful, sustainable agreements. If the mediation does not lead to a resolution, parties still have the option to pursue legal action.

Learn more about Groundswell conflict resolution

Applications will be processed by Families Forward, a trusted local nonprofit, to ensure timely and accurate assistance.

City of Santa Ana secures $963,000 for homeless calls response

Congressman Lou Correa presented a ceremonial check to the Santa Ana City Council on Nov. 25, commemorating a $963,000 federal allocation for the City of Santa Ana’s Alternative Response Program. This funding, allocated over three fiscal years, will expand the Santa Ana Multi-Disciplinary Response Teams (SMART), a critical initiative addressing homelessness, mental health crises, and substance use disorder issues within the city.

The SMART program, launched as a pilot in 2022, deploys subject matter experts trained in crisis intervention, mental health, addiction, and medical services to respond to non-emergency 911 calls for service for those experiencing homelessness. This effort has reduced the burden on law enforcement and improved response times by redirecting calls for service involving homeless away from the Santa Ana Police Department. Since its inception, the program has connected over 1,000 individuals experiencing homelessness with housing and shelter, significantly reducing the number of unsheltered homeless in Santa Ana.

FX Residences permanent supportive housing opens

City of Santa Ana officials joined HomeAid Orange County for the opening of the FX Residences permanent supportive housing project on Dec. 10. The project was built on City land under a 99-year ground lease, and the City provided $1.6 million and three project-based vouchers to help fund its construction.

The 17-unit project at 801 E. Santa Ana Blvd. will provide housing and support services for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness, with priority given to people with ties to Santa Ana. Units are available for individuals earning less than 30% of the area median income, with eight of the units specially set aside for those earning less than 25% of the area median income.

Santa Ana Public Library at home for the holidays

This winter break, dive into the Santa Ana Public Library’s eResources. Enjoy holiday movies, music, online classes, eBooks, audiobooks, and more from the comfort of your home! Everything is free with your Library card.

See SAPL’s holiday selections.

Get an eLibrary card.

Shop Local, Shop Santa Ana this holiday season

This holiday season, let’s come together to make a difference by supporting the incredible small businesses that make Santa Ana special. The City’s Economic Development Division has once again launched the Shop Local, Shop Santa Ana program to promote this message.

Whether you’re finding the perfect gift, enjoying a delicious meal, or treating yourself to some well-deserved self-care, every local purchase helps strengthen our community and keeps it thriving. Let’s celebrate Santa Ana’s unique charm and show our support by choosing to. Together, we can make an impact!

Have questions? Contact the Economic Development Division econdev@santa-ana.org.

Learn more about Shop Local, Shop Santa Ana

Street closures and permitted events December 12-18

You can find the locations of upcoming permitted events and road closures in Santa Ana at the link below. Please drive slowly and safely in construction zones and around crowded events. If a weather event occurs on the anticipated start date, the street closures for construction activity will be delayed until the weather clears.

Street Closures and Permitted Events

City of Santa Ana holiday closure

Santa Ana City Hall will be closed over the holidays beginning Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2024, through Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. Regular hours will resume on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025. Emergency services will remain open.

Libraries: The Main Library is closed for renovation. Newhope Library will be closed Dec. 24 to Jan. 1.

Community centers and senior centers: All will be closed Dec. 23 to Jan. 1 except the Santa Ana Senior Center and Salgado Community Center, which will have holiday hours. Visit the Parks and Rec website for holiday hours.

Street sweeping: Cancelled on Dec. 24, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.

Trash and recycling pickup: Household trash and recycling pickup on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1 will be delayed by one day.

Tales of the City

Warren Bussey Square ceremonial street signs unveiled

We unveiled our newest ceremonial street sign topper on Nov. 21 to honor the legacy of Warren Bussey, a highly regarded community leader who opened the first Black-owned business in Santa Ana.

Born in Texas in 1913, Warren Bussey led a life dedicated to service, hard work, and community empowerment. He served in World War II before establishing Bussey Maintenance in 1948, a janitorial service that not only provided employment opportunities for veterans but also supported marginalized communities. Bussey made history in 1955 by opening Jimmy’s Café, the city’s first Black-owned business.

City Council meetings

In their regular meeting on December 3, 2024, the Santa Ana City Council:

Authorized the City Manager to execute an agreement with Rattle Tech, LLC for community engagement mobile app for an amount not to exceed $100,000 annually for a one-year term. This will update the mySantaAna app with new functions and allow the City to share information in Spanish and Vietnamese. (Revive Santa Ana project)
Authorized the City Manager to amend the agreement with Santana Green Development, LLC to extend the opening of a drive-through or fuel station with electric vehicle charging station at 2235 S. Bristol St. by 18 months.
Awarded an agreement with RMF Contracting, Inc. dba R&M Electrical Contracting for lighting at Angels, Centennial and Delhi parks for a total estimated cost of $1.7 million. (Revive Santa Ana project)
Approved a second reading of an ordinance amending the Santa Ana Municipal Code to repeal and reenact in its entirety the City municipal code prohibiting short-term rentals and adopt enhanced fines for violation of the ordinance.

Attend City Council meetings

Subscribe here to receive City meeting agenda notifications. City Council meetings are typically held on the first and third Tuesdays of each month in the City Council Chamber, 22 Civic Center Plaza, with the closed session beginning at 5 p.m. or earlier. The open meeting session begins at 5:30 p.m. Meetings have both in-person and virtual participation and attendance and are live streamed on the City’s YouTube channel and our TV channel, CTV3 (channel 3 on Spectrum.) If you’d like to provide public comments on agenda and non-agenda items, you can email, attend in person, or join the Zoom webinar online or by phone.

December 17, 2024. Meeting agenda.

Events

Find more City of Santa Ana events on our website.

Downtown Santa Ana TamalFest – December 14

The Downtown Santa Ana Tamalfest is an annual family friendly food festival that curates local food, businesses, and live entertainment for an unforgettable night. Brought to you by DTSA Feel Good Events for its fifth year, the Tamalfest will showcase 12 local restaurants and is projected to sell over 30,000 tamales.

Saturday, Dec. 14
3-10 p.m.
4th Street in Downtown Santa Ana

Downtown Santa Ana Tamalfest

Meet Sonic at Santa Ana Zoo – December 15

Meet Sonic the Hedgehog and friends at the Santa Ana Zoo before the opening of the new movie “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” later this month. Meet characters from the movie, including Sonic, Tails, Knuckles and Shadow. They will be taking photos with guests from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and giving out complimentary coloring sheets, while supplies last.

Sunday, Dec. 15
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Santa Ana Zoo, 1801 E. Chestnut Ave.

Sonic at the Zoo

Storytime at the Park – December 16 & 17

Pack a blanket and join Santa Ana Public Library for Storytime at the Park! Immerse your little ones in the magic of storytelling amid the beauty of nature.

Monday, Dec. 16
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Sandpointe Park, 3700 S. Birch St.
Tuesday, Dec. 17
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Centennial Park, 3000 W. Edinger Ave.

Resume Building Workshop – December 19

Join the Santa Ana WORK Center for a free Resume Building Workshop every first and third Thursday of the month for professional resume tips, personalized feedback, job search strategies and more! Whether you’re updating your resume or starting from scratch, our expert facilitators are here to help you craft a standout resume that gets noticed.

Thursday, Dec. 19
10-11 a.m.
Santa Ana WORK Center, 801 W. Civic Center Drive

For more information and to RSVP, call 714-565-2600.

Bowers’ Books for Kids: Storytime in the Galleries – December 28

Join Bowers Docents for a selection of seasonal stories including “The Gingerbread Man” and other holiday favorites! Create your own gingerbread man ornament after the reading. Bowers will still have free books to give out to the first 35 to RSVP for the program from an array of books that have been featured at Storytime in the Galleries.

Saturday, Dec. 28
10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Bowers Museum, 2002 N. Main St.

Bowers’ Books for Kids

Winter Kids Camp at Salgado Center – December 30 to January 3

Sign up your children ages 6-12 for the Winter Kids Camp at Salgado Community Center over the holidays. Santa Ana Parks and Rec is offering this special camp packed with exciting adventures like a snowy obstacle course, elf relay races, a hot chocolate bar, winter storytime, a life-size Candy Land game, and so much more! Your little ones will have a blast making festive crafts, playing games, and creating memories. Don’t forget to pack a lunch, snacks and a water bottle. Questions? Call the Salgado Center at (714) 571-4267.

Monday, Dec. 30 to Friday, Jan. 3 (closed on New Year’s Day)
7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. daily
Salgado Community Center, 706 N. Newhope St.
Pricing: Santa Ana Residents: $88/week; Non-Residents: $104/week. Sibling discounts available!

Bowers’ Lunar New Year Festival – January 5

Celebrate with Bowers Museum during free family festivals held every first Sunday of the month in the Museum’s beautiful Key Courtyard. Enjoy live performances, art making, face painting and complimentary treats at every festival.

Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025
11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Bowers Museum, 2002 N. Main St.

Bowers Lunar New Year Festival

Resources

Report issues with the mySantaAna app

The mySantaAna mobile app puts the power of the City of Santa Ana government in the palm of your hand! Download the app to quickly and easily report issues such as potholes, graffiti, downed trees and much more.

Download the mySantaAna app

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