In this edition of the COSAS newsletter, learn about our aquatics program partnerships and scholarships, find low-cost spay and neuter clinics, get updates on our Main Library renovation and closure, and check out fun summer events and activities for adults, from Movies in the Park to pickleball classes to our Juneteenth celebration!
Spotlight Photo
Sunset over Thornton Park
Photo Credit: Angela D.
To submit your own original photo of Santa Ana to be featured in the next newsletter, complete this form.
City Manager’s Highlights
Protecting neighborhoods from industrial pollution
As part of a groundbreaking environmental justice initiative in our new General Plan, we are working to address health risks from industrial pollution in historically disadvantaged neighborhoods. The Santa Ana City Council approved an urgency ordinance on May 21, 2024, to suspend the permitting of new or expanded industrial activity near two of the City’s most historical neighborhoods that were built before zoning was a common practice. The moratorium on new, expanded or relocated industrial uses affects over 130 industrial businesses located in and around the densely populated and largely Latino neighborhoods of Logan and Lacy, as well as Downtown.
Read more about the moratorium.
Thank you to our aquatics partners
This summer we are able to expand our aquatics programs and add new scholarship opportunities thanks to partnerships with Kaiser Permanente’s Operation Splash program, American Red Cross and the USA Swimming Foundation. These initiatives will offer residents increased access to a range of aquatics activities at City pools, including swimming lessons for children and adults, junior lifeguard training, and the Silver Splash program providing water fitness classes for seniors.
Read more about our aquatics opportunities.
News
Main Library renovation set to begin June 20
We are excited to announce the upcoming renovation of the Main Library, which is scheduled to begin on June 20, 2024. The Main Library will be open to the public until June 19, 2024, and is expected to reopen in spring 2026. This renovation underscores that libraries are about more than books by introducing dynamic spaces for learning, creativity, and community engagement.
To ensure continued access to library services during the renovation, the Newhope Branch Library will extend its hours by adding eight additional hours per week beginning June 24, 2024. Additionally, library services and programs will be available at various community centers throughout Santa Ana.
Read more about the Main Library renovation.
Celebrate Fourth of July with fireworks and fun
We are getting ready to celebrate the red, white and blue! This year’s annual Fourth of July Celebration will take place on Thursday, July 4, 2024, at Centennial Park, 3000 W. Edinger Ave., in Santa Ana.
With eager patrons excited to kick off the Independence Day festivities, this year’s event has extended its hours and will take place from 3 to 9 p.m. It will conclude with an amazing 20-minute fireworks show and a brief glow-stick dance party that will mark the end of the celebration.
Read more about the Fourth of July Celebration.
Only ‘Safe and Sane’ fireworks are legal in Santa Ana
As 4th of July approaches, we would like to remind our community that only fireworks bearing the “Safe and Sane” seal are permitted to be used within the City limits, during the following days and hours only:
- July 1 – 12 (noon) to 10 p.m.
- July 2 – 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- July 3 – 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- July 4 – 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The use of illegal fireworks may contribute to serious injuries and fires in our community. The Santa Ana Police Department wants to remind the community that possession and/or use of illegal fireworks is a crime. Violators may be subject to $1,000 fines and up to one year in jail. Community members can anonymously report the use of illegal fireworks at (714) 245-8771, via email at reportfireworks@santa-ana.org or with our online form.
New low-cost spay and neuter clinics availabl
Did you know that qualified Santa Ana residents can get dogs and cats spayed and neutered for a discounted price? The City of Santa Ana has partnered with Healthcare & Emergency Animal Rescue Team (HEART) to bring low-cost mobile clinics to Santa Ana Zoo beginning June 24.
The discounted prices are only available for people who live in qualified census tracts or meet other qualifications. Pets must be current on vaccinations. Check your qualifications and make an appointment here, or call HEART at (714) 993-9193.
Discounted spay and neuter service.
Sign up for summer pickleball classes
Interested in mastering the fast-growing sport of pickleball? Drop in to classes happening at Sandpointe Park! Pickleball, a dynamic blend of tennis, badminton and ping-pong, has surged in popularity due to its accessibility and engaging nature.
Participants will learn rules, scoring, and proper techniques in a welcoming environment dedicated to fostering fun and skill development. This class will teach you the basics to be ready and play your first pickleball game.
Intro to Pickleball will be in session from May 5 to October 1 on:
- Sundays, 3-4 p.m.
- Mondays, 6-7 p.m.
- Tuesdays, 9-10 a.m.
Learn more and register for pickleball.
Dive into Summer Splash Day Camp!
Summer Splash Day Camp is officially underway and kids are diving into Santa Ana summer fun! Campers are enjoying a variety of crafts and activities, swimming lessons, recreational swim, games with fellow campers, and more. Every week, campers go on off-site excursions and recently visited the Aquarium of the Pacific!
If you haven’t registered your kids yet, there is still time to join in on the adventure! With several weekly camp options, sign up for dates that best work for you.
Sign up for Summer Splash Day Camp
Take action to prevent mosquitoes
Get ready for mosquito season! Mosquito Awareness Week 2024 is June 16-22, marking the unofficial kickoff of mosquito season in our area. With the warmer weather upon us, the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District wants to remind everyone to stay vigilant against these disease-spreading insects by taking precautions including:
- Dump and drain any containers filled with water at least once a week.
- Clean and scrub bird baths and pet water bowls weekly.
- Apply mosquito repellent containing DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to exposed skin before going outdoors.
- Close all unscreened doors and windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home or space; repair broken or damaged screens.
Stay protected and enjoy the sunshine responsibly!
Get more mosquito prevention tips
Street closures and permitted events
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
Tales of the City
Rafferty mixed-use project is a first for downtown
We’re happy to welcome Rafferty to downtown Santa Ana! This project by national developer Toll Brothers is the first major mixed-use development to be built in the heart of downtown. This week, City Councilmembers and City staff had a ribbon cutting and got a tour of this beautiful apartment community.
During the development process, City Planning and Building staff worked closely with Toll Brothers to ensure this project would complement Calle Cuatro while creating 218 much-needed new apartments (including 11 affordable units) as well as new business storefronts. Toll Brothers preserved the historical building façade built in the 1930s for First American Title Co. to create a truly unique look.
This project will continue the revitalization of our downtown, bringing new residents and new businesses to the area as we also expand alternative transportation with more pedestrian spaces, bike lanes, and the upcoming OC Streetcar.
City Council Meetings
At their June 4, 2024, regular meeting, the Santa Ana City Council:
Awarded an agreement with Swinerton Management & Consulting for up to $1.2 million to perform construction services for the new Memorial Park Aquatic Facility project, including direction to preserve a historical mural at the pool. (Revive Santa Ana)
- Awarded an agreement with Yunex, LLC dba Yunex Traffic for $7 million to provide preventative and emergency maintenance services for traffic signal and street lighting systems.
- Adopted a resolution authorizing the sale of water revenue bonds of up to $47 million for water infrastructure, such as water meters,water pump station improvements, well improvements, and other water service and facility improvements.
- Approved the first reading of the Local Resident Preference in Affordable Housing Ordinance to comply with the State of California Local Tenant Preferences to Prevent Displacement Act.
- Approved the first reading of an ordinance to adopt the City budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year.
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.
Events
Movies in the Park: ‘Elemental’ – June 14
Enjoy a free screening of “Elemental.” Headsets will be available for alternate audio in Spanish. Guests should plan to arrive early to find parking and secure their spots. Grab your blankets, lawn chairs and snacks for a comfortable and enjoyable experience!
- Friday, June 14
- 6 p.m.
- Adams Park, 2302 S. Raitt St.
Bowers Museum free admission for cosplay, Father’s Day – June 15-16
Bowers Museum is giving dads free general admission and discounted $10 tickets to the exhibition Asian Comics on Father’s Day this Sunday, June 16!
Also, during the Comic Art Expo on June 15-16, visitors who arrive in cosplay will get free general admission and gain exclusive access to Asian Comics for just $10! Click here for cosplay guidelines.
Fiestas Patrias Parade Meeting- June 18
If you want to participate in the Fiestas Patrias parade on Sept. 15, please join us for a community meeting on how to apply and get all of your questions answered. Everyone is welcome. Parade applications are available online and the deadline to apply is Aug. 9 at 5 p.m.
- Tuesday, June 18
- 6:30 p.m
- Roosevelt-Walker Community Center, 816 E. Chestnut Ave.
Fiestas Patrias parade application
The Party Puppet Show – June 19
Join Santa Ana Public Library for a lively variety show that uses puppets along with comedy and music to inspire children’s imaginations and creativity. Audiences will laugh, sing and dance as they are introduced to an amazing assortment of different performing characters and music genres.
- Wednesday, June 19
- 6-6:45 p.m.
- Newhope Library, 122 N. Newhope St.
SAPD Summer Safety Fair – June 20
Kick off the summer with the Santa Ana Police Department. Come enjoy fun activities and important safety tips to keep you and your loved ones safe this summer! The first 100 kids will receive a free goodie bag! Don’t miss out!
- Thursday, June 20
- 4:30-6 p.m.
- Chick-fil-A, 3601 S. Bristol St.
Movies in the Park: ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem’ – June 21
Enjoy a free screening of “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem.” Headsets will be available for alternate audio in Spanish. Guests should plan to arrive early to find parking and secure their spots. Grab your blankets, lawn chairs and snacks for a comfortable and enjoyable experience!
- Friday, June 21
- 6 p.m.
- Roosevelt Walker Community Center, 816 E. Chestnut Ave.
Santa Ana Juneteenth Picnic – June 22
The 2024 Juneteenth celebration in Santa Ana will bring an exciting picnic atmosphere with family-friendly activities, live entertainment, delicious food vendors, and more! Families and friends are encouraged to come together in commemorating this special holiday celebrating the end of slavery in the United States, and celebrates freedom for all worldwide.
- Saturday, June 22
- 1-5 p.m.
- Centennial Park, 3000 W Edinger Ave
SAPL Author Hour Series: Jonathan Alexander
In honor of Pride Month, June 2024, Santa Ana Public Library’s Author Hour Series will feature author Jonathan Alexander at the Newhope Library.
Jonathan Alexander is a writer, literacy scholar and cultural critic. A Chancellor’s Professor of English and Informatics at the University of California, Irvine, he will share his latest work, provide insights into the writing process, and spark thought-provoking discussions.
- Saturday, June 22
- 1-2:30 p.m.
- Newhope Library, 122 N. Newhope St.
For more information contact us at 714-647-6992.
School of Astonishment: Fun & Games & Magic – June 26
Join us for a magic show with a game show twist! It’s fun. It’s games. It’s magic!
- Wednesday, June 26
- 6-6:45 p.m.
- Newhope Library, 122 N Newhope St.
Movies in the Park: ‘Trolls Band Together’ – June 28
Enjoy a free screening of “Trolls Band Together.” Headsets will be available for alternate audio in Spanish. Guests should plan to arrive early to find parking and secure their spots. Grab your blankets, lawn chairs and snacks for a comfortable and enjoyable experience!
- Friday, June 28
- 6 p.m.
- El Salvador Park, 1825 W. Civic Center Drive
King Street Park ribbon cutting ceremony – July 1
There is no better way to kick off National Parks & Recreation Month than with the grand opening of a new pocket park! King Street Park is an urban greening project designed to capture stormwater runoff and beautify the neighborhood.
- Monday, July 1
- 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- 1000 N. King St.
Learn more about King Street project
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.
Assistance programs
- Small business grant
- My First Home Program
- Affordable housing
- Sign up for Medi-Cal regardless of immigration status
- Santa Ana Work Center
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 (657) 467-6220