In this issue of our newsletter, join our community budget meetings, check out the latest edition of Cultura, learn about down payment assistance workshops, share your thoughts on our new police chief, and find more Santa Ana news and events.
Spotlight Photo
Santa Ana High School Football
Photo Credit: Raymond A @legendarysportsmedia.
To submit your own original photo of Santa Ana to be featured in the next newsletter, complete this form.
City Manager’s Highlights
New efforts to clean up public properties
Ensuring the cleanliness of streets, sidewalks, parks, and City-owned properties in Santa Ana is a primary focus for us. However, other government agencies and businesses possess extensive property within the city, such as flood control channels, riverbeds, railroad right-of-way, and freeway ramps.
In order to maintain our standards across these properties, Code Enforcement has initiated proactive measures to effectively monitor problematic locations owned by external entities, document concerns, and exert pressure on the responsible parties to address cleanliness and lack of security concerns immediately.
If necessary, the City will assume the responsibility to clean, as demonstrated by our recent efforts along the Santa Ana River trail near 17th Street. The city’s Quality of Life Team (QOLT) discovered individuals experiencing homelessness in that area, and offered shelter and assistance. Subsequently, City staff dedicated three hours to clearing six trailers’ worth of debris and trash from the location. You can see the positive impact of our cleanup efforts in the photos above.
What do you want in your new police chief?
This week we’ve been hosting community conversations to learn what you would like to see in the City of Santa Ana’s new police chief as we go through the hiring process. Our final community meeting will take place on Friday, Feb. 2, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Southwest Senior Center, California Room, 2201 W. McFadden Ave. If you can’t make it, you can email your thoughts to our recruiter at apply@bobmurrayassoc.com.
News
Join our community budget meetings to share your ideas
Last month we shared our community budget priorities survey (which you can still take here), and now we have another opportunity for you to share your ideas about how the City spends money on programs and services. Our Finance and Management Services Agency is hosting a series of community budget meetings where you can learn all about the 2023-2024 fiscal year budget process and engage directly with staff. Please join us at these upcoming meetings:
- Feb. 22 – 6 p.m. at Newhope Library, 122 N. Newhope St.
- Feb. 27 – 6 p.m. at Roosevelt Walker Community Center, 816 E. Chestnut Ave.
- March 5 – 6 p.m. Santiago Park Log Cabin, 2535 N. Main St.
- March 12 – 6 p.m. at Delhi Center, 505 E. Central Ave.
- March 14 – 6 p.m. at McFadden Institute of Technology (Thornton Park Neighborhood Association meeting), 2701 S. Raitt St.
- March 21 – 6 p.m. at El Salvador Community Center, 1825 W. Civic Center Drive
- April 9 – 6 p.m. at Fisher Park Log Cabin, 2501 N. Flower St.
Learn more about the City budget
Learn about down payment assistance at upcoming workshops
The Community Development Agency is inviting prospective homebuyers, realtors, lenders and Santa Ana residents to a series of workshops where you can learn about our down payment assistance program. The My First Home Program provides down payment and closing cost financial assistance to qualified first-time home-buyers. The program offers up to $120,000 for low-income households and $80,000 for moderate-income households.
These workshops will provide an overview of eligibility, timeline and incentives. Last year, the My First Home Program received historic funding and we expect to continue assisting residents for the coming months.
Join the My First Home workshops
Construction begins on Gerardo Mouet Park at Standard and McFadden
A much-needed park that will honor our former Parks and Recreation director is coming to the Minnie Street area later this year.
On Saturday, Jan. 27, we broke ground on Gerardo Mouet Park, which is named for a former Parks and Recreation director who died last year. The park at Standard and McFadden avenues will have a skate area, basketball court, playground, green space and more.
Mr. Mouet’s family joined a crowd of community members and City staff who came out to celebrate this emotional and meaningful day. Mr. Mouet was remembered for his love of Santa Ana and his tireless dedication to giving underserved neighborhoods the recreational areas and greenspace they deserve. The park name was unanimously supported by our City Council, Planning Commission and Parks and Recreation Commission and is a fitting tribute to Mr. Mouet. It will open in fall 2024.
Read the latest edition of the Cultura program guide
Find all of the programming and events from Parks and Recreation, the Santa Ana Zoo, and the Santa Ana Public Library in the latest edition of Cultura! The magazine publishes three times a year, and the winter/spring edition is available now. You can subscribe to receive a printed copy at your home, or visit our community centers, senior centers, zoo, libraries, or City Hall to pick up yours today! You can also read Cultura online.
Streetlight banners go up for Chinatown Memorial project
New streetlight banners honoring Santa Ana’s former Chinatown went up this week along Bush, Main and 3rd streets. These are part of the Chinatown Memorial project by the City of Santa Ana, in collaboration with several Chinese-American community members, to honor the history and culture of the Chinese people that settled in Santa Ana’s Chinatown. Originally located around 3rd and Main, Chinatown was burned down by the City in 1906.
A plaque summarizing Chinatown’s history will be installed at the 3rd and Bush parking lot, with an unveiling event planned later this year. The Santa Ana Public Library’s History Room also has a new webpage that shares information about Chinatown history. The Chinatown Memorial project will highlight the apology that the Santa Ana City Council made to the Chinese community in 2022 for the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 and for the burning of Chinatown.
Santa Ana Chinatown history page
Library partners with Segerstrom Center for the Arts to offer dance and music classes
Santa Ana Public Library and Segerstrom Center for the Arts have partnered to bring an array of engaging and inclusive public programs to the community. Rhythm/Ritmo Santa Ana is an exciting series of dance and music classes tailored for all ages and abilities. Read the press release here.
A highlight of this collaboration is the Studio D: Arts School for All Abilities series, the Center’s groundbreaking program for children and adults with disabilities. The popular Tuesday Night Dance classes explore a diverse range of styles and movements each month, offering a fun and engaging experience for participants of all skill levels. The first dance class was in January (see photo) and many other programs are planned through June.
Rhythm/Ritmo classes at the Library
Free bus, train rides for Transit Equity Day on February 4
On Sunday, Feb. 4, both Metrolink and Orange County Transportation Authority are offering free rides to celebrate the birthday of civil rights icon Rosa Parks. Transit Equity Day commemorates Parks, whose 1955 refusal to give up her seat on the bus led to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that segregation on transit was unconstitutional.
OCTA will offer free rides all day on fixed-route buses. Metrolink will offer free rides systemwide.
Tustin Hangar Fire air/dust study planned
The City of Tustin announced it is conducting a study to assess the potential impacts of the Navy’s North Hangar Fire on the surrounding community. The study, which will be conducted by environmental experts from Geosyntec Consultants, will test 50 randomly selected residences near the North Hangar site for the presence of lead and asbestos related to the fire in residential soil, household dust, and interior air. These results will be compared to 30 randomly selected residences located outside of the fire impact area in Santa Ana and Irvine to look for differences related to the Fire. Mailers were being sent out this week for residents interested in signing up for the study before Feb. 14. Residences randomly selected for the study will be contacted by email in late February to schedule a date and time for the sampling.
Street closures and permitted events for February 1-7
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.
Street closures and permitted events
Tales of the City
Little Saigon sign unveiled
Back in 2008, a monument sign recognizing the Little Saigon area was damaged by a vehicle and had to be removed. This was devastating news to our Vietnamese community. The sign was originally placed by a Vietnamese business group, and in 2015 the Santa Ana City Council authorized the organization to install a new one. Unfortunately, this never happened.
So, last year our City Council took action, authorizing the City to pay to replace this important cultural monument. On Jan. 26, we were proud to finally unveil the new Little Saigon sign located on a median on 1st Street just west of Harbor Boulevard. This sign honors the important contributions of the Vietnamese community to Santa Ana and creates an entry point into the Little Saigon area of Santa Ana and neighboring cities.
The unveiling ceremony was well attended by members of the Vietnamese community and news media, Santa Ana City Councilmembers and City officials, our neighbors from the Westminster City Council, and County, State and Federal officials.
City Council Meetings
In their regular meeting on January 16, 2024, the Santa Ana City Council:
- Elected Councilmember Thai Viet Phan to serve as Mayor Pro Tem for 2024.
- Approved agreements with DMS Facility Services, Landscape West Management Services, Mariposa Landscapes, Inc., and Pacific Coast Horticulturists for landscape maintenance at City parks and facilities in an annual amount of $5.2 million plus an annual contingency of $1.9 million for a total of $35.7 million for three years, with options for two one-year extensions.
- Approved a zoning amendment for the expansion of Vista Heritage Charter School at 601 N. Fairview St.
- Approved changes to the City’s Sunshine Ordinance addressing applicability to specific development activities; an ordinance addressing eligibility for permits for selling safe and sane fireworks; and a zoning ordinance amendment addressing billboards, general restrictions, and definitions.
Subscribe here to receive City meeting agenda notifications. City Council meetings are typically held on the first and third Tuesdays of each month, 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.
Subscribe here to receive City meeting agenda notifications. City Council meetings are typically held on the first and third Tuesdays of each month, 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.
February 6, 2024, Meeting Agenda
Events
Police Chief Recruitment Community Meeting – February 2
The City of Santa Ana is recruiting for a new police chief who will oversee nearly 400 officers and over 200 civilian employees at the Santa Ana Police Department. We are seeking input from the community to share which characteristics you want to see in our next chief. Spanish and Vietnamese translation will be available.
- Friday, Feb. 2
- 9-11 a.m.
- Southwest Senior Center, California Room, 2201 W. McFadden Ave.
Tết Lunar New Year Festival – February 3
The inaugural Santa Ana Tết Lunar New Year Festival, hosted by our Parks, Recreation & Community Services Agency and the Santa Ana Public Library, will celebrate an important Vietnamese holiday. Get ready to enjoy a day of cultural festivities featuring spectacular lion and dragon dances, delicious food, fireworks and more!
Author Hour at Tết Lunar New Year Festival – February 3
The Santa Ana Public Library is proud to present Santa Ana native author Carolyn Huynh at the Santa Ana Tết Lunar New Year Festival. The youngest daughter of Vietnamese refugees, Carolyn’s writing focuses on her mother’s tall tales, superstitions, the diaspora and memory. “The Fortunes of Jaded Women” is her debut novel and was a “Good Morning America” book club pick and selected as one of the best books of 2022 by NPR. Free book giveaway while supplies last.
- Saturday, Feb. 3
- 3:20-3:50 p.m.
- Tết Lunar New Year Festival Main Stage at Centennial Park, 3000 W. Edinger Ave.
Bowers Museum Lunar New Year Festival – February 4
Bowers Museum is hosting a free Lunar New Year Festival to celebrate the Year of the Dragon! Enjoy free art activities, face painting, and exhilarating dance and music performances.
- Sunday, Feb. 4
- 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Bowers Museum, 2002 N. Main St.
Bowers Lunar New Year Festival
SAPD Women’s Hiring Expo – February 10
Join Santa Ana Police Department’s 2nd Women’s Hiring Expo on Saturday, Feb. 10! Meet our police officers and professional staff, and explore all of the amazing job opportunities SAPD has to offer. Get the chance to learn about the application and testing process from the SAPD Recruitment Team.
- Saturday, Feb. 10
- 9-11 a.m.
- SAPD Community Room, 60 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana
SAPD Women’s Hiring Expo registration
Community Meeting: Redesign Project for Logan Center and Chepa’s Park – February 6
Santa Ana neighbors are invited to an interactive community meeting with the Public Works Agency for an update on the redesign of the Logan Center and Chepa’s Park.
- Tuesday, Feb. 6
- 6-7 p.m.
- Logan Community Center, 1009 N. Custer St.
Spanish interpretation will be available. Should you have questions, please contact City of Santa Ana Project Manager Macy Dreizler at (714) 336-1258 or mdreizler@santa-ana.org.
Orange County Job Fair – February 16
Join Santa Ana Work Center at the Orange County Job Fair at Saddleback High School. We are proud to have Saddleback Church as our partner, along with the Santa Ana Unified School District and the Santa Ana Task Force. Last year’s job fair was a tremendous success, hosting 70 to 80 local employers who offered over 5,000 positions spanning from entry-level to highly skilled opportunities.
- Friday, Feb. 16
- 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Saddleback High School, 2802 S. Flower St.
Water Treatment System Tour – March 1
Join our Water Resources Division for a fully funded excursion on Friday, March 1, to the Weymouth Water Treatment Plant, Water Quality Lab and Napolitano Innovation Center! This incredible opportunity is made possible by the generous sponsorship of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD). Selected participants will enjoy an insightful tour of nearby water treatment facilities, gaining valuable knowledge about water treatment processes and innovations.
Apply for the Water System Tour
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.
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
Find more phone numbers for all City services
Utility services
- City utility services
- Southern California Edison: Call (800) 447-6620
- Southern California Gas: Call (800) 207-8567
- Trash pick up: Call (877) 328-2074