In this edition of COSAS, take advantage of new business grants, find all of our summer activities, learn about new housing projects, and get more news, events and City of Santa Ana stories!
Spotlight Photo
Jacarandas in Santa Ana
Photo Credit: Tracie P.
To submit your own original photo of Santa Ana to be featured in the next newsletter, complete this form.
City Manager’s Highlights
We’re a housing leader
It’s no secret that our entire region desperately needs new housing to meet the demand, and I’m proud that Santa Ana is leading the way in Orange County. Just this week, we celebrated groundbreakings for two new affordable housing projects as well as the opening of a 226-unit apartment development. From 2014 to 2021 Santa Ana exceeded state-mandated housing goals by 2,400% and we were one of just a handful of California cities that were expected to meet our goals.
Read more about the latest projects below in Tales of the City!
Summer in Santa Ana
Summer is almost here, and we are offering a variety of fun, educational and active events and activities for people of all ages at our libraries, pools, community centers and other facilities! We’ve put it all together in one place on our website at the link below.
Tune in to the State of the City
Mayor Valerie Amezcua will deliver her first State of the City Address on Thursday, June 22, sponsored by the Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce. The theme is “I Love Santa Ana.”
Although the event is sold out, it will be live streamed on the City’s YouTube channel. The event begins at 11:30 a.m. Go to our YouTube channel at the link below to watch.
PAAL success story
Our Police Athletic and Activity League (PAAL) is a great way for our police officers to connect with youth in positive interactions, providing education, fitness and fun activities. One of our former PAAL students who just graduated from Harvard University talked to a local news station about the difference PAAL made in his life. Check it out!
News
Get help with Small Business Rent & Debt Relief Grant
We know some businesses may still be struggling from the effects of the pandemic, and our newest Revive Santa Ana program can help! The Small Business Rent & Debt Relief Grant provides a maximum of $25,000 grants to eligible small businesses to aid in recovery and to address negative economic impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The support is targeted to current Santa Ana small businesses that have been in operation as of 2018 or earlier, have 25 or fewer employees, sustained a decrease in revenue due to pandemic impacts, and that are in need of funds to pay past due rent or for payments to loans or credit cards for debt that was incurred to maintain operations. The application window is now open until Aug. 15.
This grant program is funded with authorization from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) through the U.S. Department of Treasury Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF). Apply for a grant or learn more through the links below.
Small Business Rent & Debt Relief Grant
Apply for property tax relief on historic properties
Own a historical home or property? The Mills Act grants property tax relief for homeowners of qualified historic properties that are owner-occupied, single-family residences and for owners of income-producing commercial properties. The property tax relief is given to incentivize owners to maintain and preserve their historic properties.
The application deadline for consideration of a Mills Act contract for the 2023 calendar year is July 17, 2023. Eligible properties will be included on the September 7, 2023, Historic Resources Commission meeting agenda for consideration of the application.
Get more information and download the application below.
Historic Preservation Application
Public Works receives $5.9 million for water projects
The City of Santa Ana Public Works Agency was awarded $5,998,268 by the Department of Water Resources’ Proposition 1 Integrated Regional Water Management Program for the Santa Ana Zoo Stormwater Capture and Diversion Project and the New Washington Well Project. Proposition 1 funding is intended to improve regional water self-reliance security and adapt to the effects on water supply due to climate change.
The New Washington Well Project features construction of a groundwater well that will provide residents an additional source of local water supply. It will improve long-term resiliency from drought, imported water and low-pressure deficiencies, and it will ensure that residents have reliable, high-quality water for years to come. The project is anticipated to be completed by winter of 2024.
Learn more about the stormwater program
Santa Ana named Tree City USA for 24th year
The Arbor Day Foundation has named Santa Ana a 2022 Tree City USA in recognition of the City’s commitment to effectively incorporating urban forest management in the community. This is the 24th consecutive year that Santa Ana has received the honor.
Santa Ana achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program’s four requirements: maintaining a tree board or department, having a tree care ordinance, dedicating an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and hosting an Arbor Day observance and proclamation. The City maintains a tree care program that includes pruning of nearly 17,000 trees annually, planting new trees, and providing arborist evaluations of City street trees.
A healthy urban forest contributes to our community in many ways including adding value to homes and neighborhoods, helps cool homes, reduces your energy costs and provides an overall positive community atmosphere.
4th of July: No illegal fireworks, no street sweeping
As 4th of July approaches, the Santa Ana Police Department would like to remind our community that only fireworks bearing the “safe and sane” seal are permitted to be used within the City limits. The use of illegal fireworks may contribute to serious injuries and fires in our community.
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. You can anonymously report illegal fireworks at (714) 245-8771, via email at reportfireworks@santa-ana.org or online at the link below.
Recycle your used oil filter, get one free
Thanks to our waste and recycling pickup provider, Republic Services, Santa Ana residents can recycle their used oil filters in exchange for a new one free of charge through June 30, 2023. The free replacement oil filter must be of equal value (shelf price) to the used filter worth a maximum of $15 and a limit of two per household.
You can exchange your oil filter at one of the following participating stores:
- O’Reilly Auto Parks, 1312 W. Edinger Ave., Santa Ana
- Auto Zone, 810 S. Harbor Blvd., Santa Ana
Economic Development Division to host Vietnamese Business Forum
Our Economic Development Division is hosting a Vietnamese Business Forum at the DoubleTree Hotel on Thursday, July 13, from 8 to 11 a.m. This forum will bring a diverse range of representatives from City departments and other organizations that provide business resources. If you are starting your business in Santa Ana, this is a great opportunity to connect with resources that will help to support your business. The forum will be held in English and Vietnamese.
Register for the Vietnamese Business Forum
Share your opinion on Caltrans projects
Caltrans is seeking community input about local highway projects and programs. You can share your comments and join upcoming public input meetings on June 28 and 29 about the I-5 Managed Lanes Project, which is an HOV lane improvement project that will go through Santa Ana.
The transportation agency is also seeking input on the Freeway Ramp Active Mobility Enhancement Study (FRAMES). This survey will explore opportunities to enhance the safe and continuous travel of bicyclists and pedestrians at locations where Orange County’s bicycle and pedestrian network intersect with Caltrans’ freeway on- and off-ramps.
Take the Freeway Ramp Survey in English
Take the Freeway Ramp Survey in Spanish
Take the Freeway Ramp Survey in Vietnamese
Permitted events and street closures for June 15 -21
Here are the locations of upcoming permitted events and road closures so you can plan accordingly. Please drive slowly and safely in construction zones and around crowded events.
Street Closures and Permitted Events
Tales of the City
Supporting new housing
Santa Ana is a leader in creating and fostering new housing for all income levels. This week, we celebrated groundbreakings for two affordable housing projects (renderings below) and the opening of a beautiful new apartment community (photo below.)
WISEPlace: We joined WISEPlace and Jamboree to break ground on a 47-unit permanent supportive housing project at a former YWCA site at 1411 N. Broadway. The project will provide formerly homeless women with housing and services. In 2022, the City Council approved using $5.2 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act housing funds to support this project. WISEPlace has served the Santa Ana community for nearly 100 years, providing women with safe shelter, counseling and mental health services, case management, employment assistance, and more to help rebuild their lives.
FX Residences: We broke ground on the 17-unit Francis Xavier Residences on Santa Ana Boulevard in partnership with HomeAid Orange County and Mercy House. The Santa Ana City Council approved $1.6 million in funding for the project that will be turned into a new affordable rental community in the Lacy neighborhood. It is being developed on land owned by the City through a 99-year ground lease.
Bloom South Coast Metro: We celebrated the grand opening of this amazing new development on Sunflower Avenue that adds 226 apartments for our community. The project by Legacy Partners has a swimming pool, barbecues, outdoor fireplaces, a fitness center and many other amenities.
City Council Meetings
At their June 6 meeting, the Santa Ana City Council:
- Approved a Community Workforce Agreement requiring contractors for certain City projects to use union workers
- Approved the first reading of an ordinance to adopt the budget for Fiscal Year 2023-24
- Awarded a $319,320 construction contract to Towo Enterprise, Inc., for pedestrian and mobility improvements on streets and sidewalks
- Approved a $2.7 million agreement with Griffin Structures to provide construction management and inspection services for multiple library projects
- Approved the Housing Authority Annual Plan for fiscal year 2023-24
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.
Events
Movies in the Park: ‘The Sandlot’ – June 16
Join us for our Summer Movies in the Park series with a special showing of “The Sandlot.” Pre-movie festivities will begin at 5:30 p.m., with the movie beginning after sunset. Guests can look forward to inflatables, movie-themed activities, and popcorn in partnership with the Power of One Foundation.
- Friday, June 16
- 5:30 p.m.
- Thornton Park, 1801 W. Segerstrom Ave.
Summer Movies in the Park Series
Juneteenth Festival – June 17
Join us for a historical celebration at the Santa Ana Juneteenth Festival! This free community event is open to everyone and will bring live entertainment, a car show, food, guest speakers, kid’s activities, and more! Join us in celebrating freedom and new opportunities. Juneteenth commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States, and celebrates freedom for all worldwide. Parking is free at Centennial Park.
- Saturday, June 17
- 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Centennial Park, 3000 W. Edinger Ave., Santa Ana
SAPD Hiring Expo and Pop-ups – June 17, 21 & 23
Meet Santa Ana Police Department officers and professional staff from different divisions to learn about career opportunities at our hiring expo and local pop-up events. The hiring expo will have information booths, speaking panels, a K-9 demonstration, raffles and more!
- Saturday, June 17
- 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- SAPD Headquarters, 60 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana
- Wednesday, June 21
- 12-2 p.m.
- 24-Hour Fitness, 2800 N. Main St., Unit 3100, Santa Ana
- Friday, June 23
- 12-2 p.m.
- Santa Ana College, 1530 W. 17th St., Santa Ana
Free Residents’ Day at Santa Ana Zoo – June 18
Santa Ana residents receive free admission to the Zoo on the third Sunday of every month. Proof of residency (such as ID or a utility bill) is required.
- Sunday, June 18
- 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (last admission is at 4 p.m.)
- Santa Ana Zoo, 1801 E. Chestnut Ave., Santa Ana
Free admission for dads on Father’s Day at Bowers Museum – June 18
Bring the entire family to the Bowers Museum this Father’s Day and dad’s general admission will be free! Tickets will be issued on site only.
- Sunday, June 18
- 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Bowers Museum, 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana
Movies in the Park: ‘Zootopia’ – June 23
Join us at Santa Ana Zoo to enjoy our Summer Movies in the Park series with a special showing of “Zootopia.” Pre-movie festivities will begin at 5:30 p.m., with the movie beginning after sunset. Guests can look forward to inflatables, movie-themed activities, and popcorn in partnership with the Power of One Foundation.
- Friday, June 23
- 5:30 p.m.
- Santa Ana Zoo, 1801 E. Chestnut Ave., Santa Ana
Summer Movies in the Park Series
OC Pride Festival & Parade – June 24
The OC Pride Festival & Parade returns to Downtown Santa Ana! The City of Santa Ana is the official Presenting Sponsor of this year’s event. Celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month with a parade, live entertainment, food, fun activities, and much more! This free event is open to all ages.
- Saturday, June 24
- Downtown Santa Ana
- Parade: 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. (begins at Ross and 3rd streets)
- Festival: 12-10 p.m. (between 5th, 3rd, Bush and French streets)
Keeping It Reel: Voices Around the World – June 28
Discover the rich cultural stories of the world around you in this thoughtful and engaging documentary series, “Keeping it Reel.” Learn and understand more about voices in the world around us, sharing thoughts and ideas in a group discussion after a movie viewing. Open to teens and adults.
- Wednesday, June 28
- 6-8 p.m.
- Main Library, 26 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana
Library Magic Show – June 29
Celebrate summer reading with some fun and magic! Christopher T. Magician will dazzle kids with a hilarious magic performance that will delight all children.
- Thursday, June 29
- 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Main Library, 26 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana
Movies in the Park: ‘Beauty and the Beast’ – June 30
Join us for the Summer Movies in the Park series with a special showing of “Beauty and the Beast,” the live action version. Pre-movie festivities will begin at 5:30 p.m., with the movie beginning after sunset. Guests can look forward to inflatables, movie-themed activities, and popcorn in partnership with the Power of One Foundation.
- Friday, June 30
- 5:30 p.m.
- El Salvador Park, 1825 W. Civic Center Drive, Santa Ana
Summer Movies in the Park Series
Fourth of July Celebration – July 4
The City of Santa Ana’s Fourth of July celebration has been a long-standing tradition that brings thousands of residents, families and businesses together. The 11th annual Fourth of July celebration will feature live music, food, a kids zone, exhibitors and of course, a spectacular 20-minute fireworks finale at 9 p.m. Guests are encouraged to arrive early and bring a lawn chair, blanket and picnics. Dogs may attend but must remain on leashes. Alcohol is not allowed. Parking is free.
- Tuesday, July 4
- 5-9:30 p.m.
- Centennial Park, 3000 W. Edinger Ave., Santa Ana
Movies in the Park: ‘Night at the Museum’ – July 7
Join us for the Summer Movies in the Park series with a special showing of “Night at the Museum.” Pre-movie festivities will begin at 5:30 p.m., with the movie beginning after sunset. Guests can look forward to inflatables, movie-themed activities, and popcorn in partnership with the Power of One Foundation.
- Friday, July 7
- 5:30 p.m.
- Jerome Park, 2115 W. McFadden Ave., Santa Ana
Summer Movies in the Park Series
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