In this issue of the City Manager’s newsletter, learn how to participate in the City budget process, see the unveiling of our new ceremonial street sign toppers honoring Black history, read about a new green space project, find out how our zoo saved a lemur, and get more news and events!
Spotlight photo
Happy Valentine’s Day from Southwest Senior Center.
Photo Credit: Juan L.
To submit your own original photo of Santa Ana to be featured in the next newsletter, complete this form.
City Manager’s highlights
What do you want from your city?
Here at City Hall we are beginning the months-long budget process, where we hear feedback from the community, City departments and agencies look at their projects and needs for the coming year, and the City Council weighs all of this before approving a new budget. Community input is essential to this process. We want to know what you want from your City. Learn more below, take our budget survey and attend our community budget meetings!
Get involved in your community
The budget isn’t the only way to participate in local government or enjoy the many programs and services we offer. Read more below to get a virtual tour of our homeless shelter, apply for affordable housing, join adult and youth sports leagues, get in free to the Santa Ana Zoo, and much more!
News
City budget: Take our survey and join our community meetings
We are beginning our City budget process for the 2023-2024 fiscal year, and we encourage you to participate! This is an important opportunity for members of the public to share their thoughts and priorities about how the City of Santa Ana spends its funding on local services, from libraries to parks to police and much more.
The Finance and Management Services Agency has created an online budget priorities survey and is hosting a series of community budget meetings where members of the public can learn more about the City’s budget and provide input. The survey and the meetings are available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. Please encourage your friends, family and neighbors to get involved. The more input we receive, the better we can serve the community!
Share your ideas about the City budget: https://www.santa-ana.org/budget/
Ceremonial street sign toppers honor Black history
This week we unveiled our first ceremonial street sign toppers as part of the new ceremonial street naming program created by the City Council. These first toppers recognize Santa Ana’s African-American heritage, coinciding with Black History Month. Willits Street from Fairview to Bristol streets now has the honorary name Helen M. Shipp Way, for the founder of the Orange County Black History Parade & Cultural Faire. The intersection of Willits and Raitt streets is designated as Black History Square.
The ceremonial street name program is used to commemorate the services, lives and achievements of individuals, groups or landmarks that have had an impact on Santa Ana. These are ceremonial names that don’t change the official names of the streets or local addresses.
You can submit an application to designate a ceremonial street name at the link below.
Ceremonial street name program: https://www.santa-ana.org/ceremonial-street-sign-topper/
City receives $1.5 million grant for King Street Urban Greening Project
Our Public Works Agency was recently awarded a nearly $1.5 million grant for the King Street Urban Greening Project, which features the transformation of approximately 9,000 square feet of unused public space at the intersection of King and 10th streets. It includes bicycle and pedestrian pathways, drought tolerant landscaping, lighting, waste receptacles, seating, interpretive signage, art installations, and a stormwater infiltration system that will capture and infiltrate stormwater runoff from the surrounding neighborhood.
The grant came from the Caltrans Clean California Local Grant Program, which is a competitive statewide program created to beautify and clean up local streets, roads, and public spaces. The final design of the project is anticipated to be complete in summer 2023, with construction anticipated to start in fall 2023 and conclude in June 2024.
Read more about the City’s stormwater program
Apply for Legacy Square affordable housing by February 17
Pre-applications are now being accepted for Legacy Square – a new affordable apartment community located at 301 E. Santa Ana Blvd. The waitlist opened Feb. 6 and will remain open until 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 17. The project is a multifamily community that offers 93 high-quality apartment homes – 30 one-bedrooms, 39 two-bedrooms and 24 three-bedrooms, with 33 apartment homes reserved as permanent supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. Household income requirements apply and preference is given to Santa Ana residents.
Get on Legacy Square waitlist: https://nationalcore.org/communities/legacy-square/
Registration opening for girls basketball and adult kickball leagues
The Parks and Recreation Agency has opened registration for adult kickball leagues from February 13 through March 17. The registration fee is $600 per co-ed team. Click the link below for more details and to register.
The Youth Sports Program will also begin accepting registrations for the upcoming girls basketball season on Wednesday, Feb. 22. Registrations will take place in person at Jerome Center, 726 S. Center St., on Feb. 22, 25 and 27 and on March 1, 4 and 6, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. Space is limited and offered on a first come, first served basis.
Register for Girls Basketball: https://www.santa-ana.org/girls-basketball-season/
Register for Adult Kickball: https://www.santa-ana.org/city-of-santa-ana-adult-kickball/
One-day free tour of Metropolitan Water District’s Plant
Students enrolled in college or vocational programs can gain first-hand knowledge about our water supply with an all-expenses-paid tour of the Diemer Treatment Plant Sponsored by Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD). The free tour of the water system will be on Friday, March 24, 2023 at the plant in the City of Yorba Linda.
To apply, please submit a brief statement of interest about yourself and why you should be selected for this opportunity to the City of Santa Ana Water Resources Division watertour@santa-ana.org by Feb. 26. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, enrolled in any major or vocational program, and a Santa Ana resident. Transportation and meals are provided during the tour.
Citations being issued for trash carts obstructing right-of-way
The Public Works Agency has resumed issuing citations for “obstruction of the right-of-way” when trash carts or other objects are left on the street on non-trash collection days. Trash customers will be cited after a courtesy notice (warning) has been provided.
The City had not been issuing citations during the implementation of Republic Services’ new trash collection contract. However, staff found that the courtesy notices were being disregarded, even after multiple notices, and have been receiving complaints from the public. Illegally placed trash carts can be reported using the mySantaAna app, calling the Public Works Dispatch at (714) 647-3380, or emailing PWADispatch@santa-ana.org.
Sports fields at Bomo Koral Park closed Feb. 20 to April 17
The sports fields at Bomo Koral Park will be closed due to annual turf renovation starting Monday, February 20, through April 17, 2023. The fields will be fenced off completely and will not be open to the public. Bomo Koral Park is located at 900 W. MacArthur Blvd. in the City of Santa Ana.
Please use alternate athletic fields nearby while Bomo Koral Park fields are under construction. If you have any questions, please contact Public Works Park Services Inspection Supervisor Juan Lopez at (714) 647-3323. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for understanding.
Permitted events and street closures
The weekend is almost here and we always have many activities happening around Santa Ana! There are also a few road closures as we continue the hard work of repairing and improving our streets and facilities. Find out which parts of Santa Ana will be affected at the link below.
https://www.santa-ana.org/permitted-events-and-street-closures-feb-17-25/
Presidents Day closure
In observance of Presidents Day, Santa Ana City Hall will be closed and there will be no street sweeping on Monday, February 20, 2023. Trash collection will occur on the normal schedule.
For more information, visit: https://www.santa-ana.org/holiday-and-closed-friday-schedule/
Tales of the City
Rose’s recovery
The Santa Ana Zoo gave a different kind of rose to the Los Angeles Zoo on Valentine’s Day – Rose the ring-tailed lemur.
Rose was confiscated from a private home in Riverside last year and brought to the Santa Ana Zoo where staff nursed her back to health over several months. Rose was severely undernourished and in poor health when she arrived. On Valentine’s Day, Zoo staff transferred the fully recovered Rose to the Los Angeles Zoo, where she’ll be at home with their group of lemurs.
Ring-tailed lemurs are an endangered prosimian from the dry, spiny forests of Madagascar. They are one of the most endangered groups of primates. Our Zoo staff was happy to assist in this challenging situation, and we’re proud to have such a great team in Santa Ana!
City Council meetings
At their Feb. 7, 2022, meeting, the City Council:
- Approved agreements totaling $500,000 with Delhi Center and Seva Collective for food distribution programs for 1 year
- Approved a $1.8 million, 5-year agreement for resurfacing of outdoor sports courts citywide
- Approved a $520,000, 5-year agreement for artificial turf sports field maintenance at Santa Ana Stadium and other City sports fields
- Approved an appropriation adjustment recognizing over $8 million of State funds for Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Programs
- Authorized an employment agreement to appoint a new City Clerk
- Directed City staff to draft a resolution opposing unsafe and unpermitted stationary sidewalk food vendors and further prioritized enforcement of existing regulations to preserve the quality of life in Santa Ana.
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 5:45 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.
Feb. 21 Meeting Agenda: https://www.santa-ana.org/cc/city-meetings
Events
Black History Month movies – February 16, 23, 27
In honor of Black History Month, the Santa Ana Public Library will be screening either “Soul” or “Harriet” on Feb. 16, 23 and 27. Come enjoy the films and fun activities. Contact us at (714) 647-6992 for more information.
- Feb. 16 movie: https://www.santa-ana.org/event/celebrate-black-history-month-with-soul-2/
- Feb. 23 movie: https://www.santa-ana.org/event/celebrate-black-history-month-with-soul/
- Feb. 27 movie: https://www.santa-ana.org/event/movie-night-harriet/
Resident Free Day at Santa Ana Zoo – February 19
Santa Ana residents receive free admission to Santa Ana Zoo on the third Sunday of every month. Proof of Santa Ana residency is required.
- Sunday, Feb. 19
- 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Santa Ana Zoo, 1801 E. Chestnut Ave.
Santa Ana Zoo: https://santaanazoo.org/
Information session and virtual tour of Homeless Navigation Center – February 28
Our Homeless Services Division is partnering with Illumination Foundation, the operator of the City’s Homeless Navigation Center, for a Good Neighbor meeting. This virtual meeting is intended to provide an opportunity for members of the surrounding community to learn more about the operation of our homeless shelter.
- Tuesday, Feb. 28
- 4-5 p.m
- Join from your computer: www.santa-ana.org/good-neighbor-meeting
- Dial-in on your phone: 669-444-9171; meeting ID: 878-1680-5908
For more information, email Terri Eggers at teggers@santa-ana.org
Community budget meeting – March 1
The City of Santa Ana is beginning its annual budget process for the 2023-2024 fiscal year, and your opinion matters! Public input is important to the City’s transparent and inclusive budget process. The Finance and Management Services Agency is hosting a series of community budget meetings where members of the public can learn more about the City’s budget and provide input. The first community budget meeting is as follows:
- Wednesday, Mar. 1, 2023
- 6 p.m.
- Newhope Library, 122 N. Newhope St.
Participate in the City budget: https://www.santa-ana.org/budget
OCFA open house – March 4
Orange County Fire Authority’s 2023 Open House is on Saturday, March 4! This event will be held at OCFA headquarters in Irvine and is a great opportunity for you to meet your local firefighters, learn fire safety, and even put out pretend fires.
- Saturday, March 4, 2023
- 10 a.m.
- 1 Fire Authority Road, Irvine
OCFA Open House: https://www.joinocfa.org/openhouse
Garage and yard sale weekend – March 4-5
Residential garage and yard sales are allowed on the weekend of March 4 and 5, 2023. Sales are allowed 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Garage and yard sales for residential properties are permitted on the first full weekend of March, June, September and December of each year. No permit is required.
Garage and Yard Sale Rules: https://www.santa-ana.org/garage-and-yard-sales/
Resources
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: https://www.santa-ana.org/finance/municipal-utility-services
- Southern California Edison: Call 1-800-447-6620 https://www.sce.com/residential/assistance
- Southern California Gas: Call 1-800-207-8567 https://www.socalgas.com/save-money-and-energy/assistance-programs
- Trash pick up: Call (877) 328-2074 https://www.santa-ana.org/about-republic-services/
Starting a small business?
- How to start a business in Santa Ana: https://www.santa-ana.org/10-steps-to-starting-your-own-business/
- Home Occupation Permit: https://www.santa-ana.org/certificate-of-occupancy-home-occupation-permit/
Food assistance:
- Local Food Pantries: https://www.santa-ana.org/food-distributions/