In this edition of the COSAS newsletter, learn about the Main Library’s first major renovation in over 60 years, read about a new townhome development, and check out fun summer events and activities for adults, families and children, from our Summer Reading Program to adult basketball leagues and Brew at the Zoo!
Spotlight Photo
Santa Ana Fun Run
Photo Credit: Larry L.
To submit your own original photo of Santa Ana to be featured in the next newsletter, complete this form.
City Manager’s Highlights
Our library reimagined
Exciting changes are coming to the Santa Ana Public Library! We will be closing the Main Library soon for the largest renovation and restoration project since the building opened in 1960, funded in large part by our Revive Santa Ana pandemic recovery program. But while the library is closed during construction, we will be opening new library branches and satellite locations. Please watch this special video featuring Library Services Director Brian Sternberg to learn more about the renovation plans, new library locations, and where library services will be available during this project. For more information and updates, visit our library’s SAPL Reimagined website below. Don’t miss out on this journey of growth and improvement!
Preserving the Memorial Park pool mural
Santa Ana’s murals are an important part of our community’s culture and history. We’re happy to share that we recently confirmed that a historical mural located on a wall at Memorial Park pool can be preserved in place as part of the $25 million aquatics center project. The mural is titled “Chicano Gothic” and was created by artist Emigdio Vasquez in 1987. We’ll be sharing more details as the pool undergoes its first major renovation since it opened in 1956.
Read more about the Memorial Park pool mural
News
Tourism matters to Santa Ana
Tourism is an important contributor to Santa Ana’s local economy, enriching lifestyle, culture, and employment opportunities while bolstering support for local businesses and government programs. A comprehensive report from Travel Santa Ana dives into the profound impacts of tourism on the city’ economic landscape, shedding light on its role in driving growth and prosperity. Not only does tourism generate revenue, but it also creates jobs, providing essential employment opportunities for residents and contributing to the city’s overall workforce.
According to the report, in 2023, Santa Ana experienced a significant uptick in traveler expenditures, with over 940,000 visitors contributing an estimated $414.7 million to the local economy — a notable increase of more than 9% compared to the previous year. This surge in tourism revenue underscores the city’s growing popularity as a premier tourist destination.
The travel industry’s robust performance in Santa Ana is further evidenced by its substantial support for local employment. The report reveals that tourism supported 2,980 jobs in the city, with nearly $137 million in wages contributed to the local economy.
Read more in Travel Santa Ana’s press release
New townhomes will create homeownership opportunities
Over 50 new homeownership opportunities are coming to Santa Ana at the 717 Lyon townhome development that was issued building permits this month. The City received nearly $80,000 in building plan check fees for this project from national developer Toll Brothers, highlighting the significance of this development for the local economy.
The project is located at 571 S. Lyon St. and will feature 51 three-story townhouse units for sale, including 43 units developed at market rate and eight units designated as affordable housing for low-income households. It has an estimated completion date of April 2026.
2024 Fiestas Patrias parade participant applications open
Are you interested in participating in our annual Fiestas Patrias Parade on Sunday, Sept. 17? Interested individuals and organizations can now submit applications to take part in this great Santa Ana tradition. The application deadline is Aug. 9.
Stay tuned for upcoming meetings where we’ll explore the application process, provide helpful tips, and answer any questions you may have. Find the application and more about Fiestas Patrias at the link below.
Fiestas Patrias Parade applications
Summer Reading Program 2024: Read, Renew, Repeat!
Read, participate at your library, and earn prizes with Santa Ana Public Library’s Summer Reading Program! This program is open to all ages, and registration begins Monday, June 3. Visit a Santa Ana Public Library location, Knowledge Mobile stop, or register online to join in this educational and fun community activity. The last day to register is Aug. 10.
Register for Summer Reading Program
Brew at the Zoo fundraiser returns on June 8
Santa Ana Zoo’s annual fundraiser, Brew at the Zoo, is returning to bring together beer enthusiasts and animal lovers for an unforgettable evening on Saturday, June 8. The event will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. at 1801 E. Chestnut Ave. Santa Ana residents and Zoo members get a $10 discount! Buy tickets here.
Guests will be able to enjoy exclusive Zoo access and animal encounters, walk through the beautiful exotic butterfly garden, groove to live music, and savor a unique variety of craft beverages. Each attendee will receive a commemorative glass and unlimited 4 oz. pours from local breweries! Food tastings will be generously provided by Gus’s World-Famous Fried Chicken. Additional food options will be available for purchase, as well as Zoo merchandise.
Read more about Brew at the Zoo
Juneteenth Picnic to be celebrated on June 22
Join us for the City of Santa Ana’s 2024 Juneteenth celebration at Centennial Park on June 22, 2024, from 1 to 5 p.m. Enjoy family-friendly activities, live entertainment by DJ A-One and Bruno and the Hooligans (A Bruno Mars Tribute Band), a Kids Zone, and a variety of food vendors. Admission and parking are free. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs for a picnic-style atmosphere as we commemorate the end of slavery in the United States.
Read more about our Juneteenth event
Get ready for summer with newest edition of CULTURA
Are you ready for a Santa Ana summer? The newest edition of the award-winning CULTURA magazine is hot off the presses and available at a community center near you! Read through all of the amazing seasonal events, services, and programs lined up by the Santa Ana Public Library, Parks and Recreation, and Santa Ana Zoo. From summer concerts and athletics to the newest Recreation and Zoo vehicles, make sure to grab your free copy to learn more about new offerings.
Game on for our Adult Basketball League!
Calling all Santa Ana ballers! Our Parks and Rec Agency is gearing up for season 2 of the Adult Basketball League. Whether you’re a seasoned vet or just looking for some friendly competition, get ready for an exciting summer season full of teamwork and athleticism. Join us at Godinez High School from 6 to 9 p.m. starting July 9 through September 17. Men’s division is held Tuesday nights, while Women’s division is held Thursday nights. Registration ends on June 28. Gather your family and friends, form a team, and show off your skills on the hardwood!
Register for Adult Basketball League
Sports field closures through August 2
To effectively provide and sufficiently maintain City of Santa Ana athletic fields, scheduled rotating field closures occur during the year for turf recovery, field maintenance and overall improvements. The sports fields at the following City parks will be closed due to annual turf renovation starting Monday, June 10, through Friday, Aug. 2, 2024:
- Memorial Park, Fields 1, 2, 3, and 4 at 2102 S. Flower St.
- Angels Park, 914 W. 3rd St.
- Lillie King, 500 W. Alton Ave., currently closed through July 19, 2024
The fields will be fenced off completely and will not be open to the public. Please use alternate athletic fields nearby while these park fields are under construction. If you have any questions, please contact Public Works Park Services Superintendent Jorge Acevedo at (714) 647-3324. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for understanding.
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
SAPD Community Police Academy Celebrates Graduation of Class 13
The Santa Ana Police Department’s Community Police Academy celebrated the graduation of Class 13 this month, with 29 participants successfully completing the program. After 11 weeks of dedicated attendance, these graduates have completed a comprehensive program designed to bridge the gap between the community and law enforcement.
The academy provided in-depth insights into police work, including crime prevention, investigation procedures, and community outreach efforts. Through hands-on learning opportunities with our officers, the graduates gained a deeper appreciation of the challenges and responsibilities faced by law enforcement. This milestone marks a significant step in the department’s commitment to transparency, education, and building strong community relations.
To sign up for a future Community Police Academy, follow Santa Ana Police Department on social media and watch for the next class to be announced.
City Council Meetings
At their May 7, 2024, regular meeting, the Santa Ana City Council:
- Approved adding $1.7 million in additional contingency funds for the Warner Avenue Street Improvements project for a new estimated total construction delivery cost of $14.7 million.
- Awarded a construction contract to Elecnor Belco Electric, Inc. for the ARPA Neighborhood Streetlights – Phase II Project for $823,888 to increase traffic safety for pedestrians and road users in the French Park and French Court neighborhoods. (Revive Santa Ana)
- Introduced and approved a first reading of an ordinance amending the Municipal Code to comply with the State of California’s Water Shutoff Protection Act to provide more advance notice for water shutoffs due to non-payment.
- Adopted an urgency ordinance extending a temporary suspension on the approval, commencement, establishment, relocation, or expansion of industrial uses within Specific Development No. 84 Zoning District for an additional 10 months and 15 days to protect neighborhoods from industrial air pollution.
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
Free Fire Department Water Safety Pop-Up – May 31
As we approach warm weather and get ready for pools and beaches, the Orange County Fire Authority wants to ensure we everyone is safe while having fun! OCFA invites residents to take the “Water Safety Pledge” at this free family-friendly event. Participants will receive a take-home pledge certificate and enjoy a sweet treat. SAPD will also be on hand with traffic safety information. Come meet the popular Captain Kang and Firefighters from Truck 76!
- Friday, May 31
- 2:30-4 p.m.
- Fire Station 76, 950 W. MacArthur Blvd., Santa Ana (Parking available at Bomo Koral Park)
Open House: Summer Kickoff – June 1
Summer is almost here and the Roosevelt-Walker Community Center is getting ready to kick off the season! Join us for our annual Open House Summer Kick-Off on Saturday, June 1, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.! Learn about health and wellness classes and other programs offered by our Parks and Recreation Agency. Explore a resource fair, class demonstrations, garden tours, raffle prizes and more! This free event is jam-packed with activities for every age group. The Open House Summer Kick-Off is open to the public, but be sure to pre-register in order to receive additional raffle tickets for prizes.
- Saturday, June 1
- 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
- 816 E. Chestnut Ave.
Register for Roosevelt-Walker Open House
Free Bicycle Maintenance and Safety Classes – June 4
Sign up for a Wrench and Ride class this summer! Wrench & Ride is a free 8-week program that teaches participants about bicycle repair and maintenance. After completing the session, participants keep the bike they’ve been working on! There will be two separate groups: Group A: 55+ (class will be taught in Spanish), 1-3 p.m.; Group B: 13-18 years old, 4-6 p.m.
- Every Tuesday, June 4-July 30 (not meeting July 4)
- The Bicycle Tree, 702 W. 17th St. C
For more info contact María Baeza at maria@saascoalition.org or 714-202-7393
Down Payment Assistance Program Workshop – June 6
The City of Santa Ana invites the public, interested home buyers, realtors and lenders to join us for an informational workshop to learn about the My First Home down payment assistance program. By taking advantage of this remarkable initiative, you can transform your aspirations of homeownership into a tangible reality with an interest-free loan. We’ll provide an overview of the program, including income guidelines, qualifications, and the application-approval process. We’ll also highlight an incentive for Santa Ana high school graduates, U.S. military veterans and active duty personnel.
- Thursday, June 6
- 6-7:30 p.m.
- Garfield Community Center, 501 N. Lacy St.
Please register at https://secure.rec1.com/CA/santa-ana-ca/catalog under the City Agency Activities tab. An account is required to register.
Movies in the Park: ‘Monsters University’ – June 7
Enjoy a free screening of “Monsters University.” 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 7
- 6 p.m.
- Memorial Park, 2101 S. Flower St.
Build your own skateboard workshop – June 8
Interested in learning how to skate? Want to assemble your own skateboard from start to finish? Now is your chance! Join Santa Ana Active Streets and members from Sk8nMeet Santana in this “Build Your Own Skateboard” Workshop! Learn some of the history of skateboarding, gain safety tips on skating in Santa Ana, and build your own board!
- Saturday, June 8
- 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
- The Village, 1505 E. 17th St.
OC Sanitation District 70th Anniversary Open House – June 8
Join Orange County Sanitation District (OC San) as they celebrate 70 years of environmental excellence with a free Community Open House. As the regional sewer provider for central and northwest Orange County, OC San is responsible for safely collecting, treating, disposing, and recycling of over 180 million gallons of wastewater every day. Don’t miss the special performance by Santa Ana High School Mariachi and don’t forget to stop by the Santa Ana booth for hands-on activities and games!
- Saturday, June 8
- 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- 10844 Ellis Ave. in Fountain Valley
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, 2303 S. Raitt St.
Bowers Museum free Comic Art Expo – June 15-16
Join Bowers Museum for the inaugural Comic Art Expo on June 15-16. This free two-day event celebrates comic artistry and pop culture, alongside their exhibit, “Asian Comics: Evolution of an Art Form.” Enjoy artist showcases, live DJs, and family-friendly activities. Meet emerging talents and industry veterans while expressing your creativity through cosplay or personal expression. Donations support educational programs for all ages. Free with RSVP.
- Saturday & Sunday, June 15-16
- 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Bowers Museum, 2002 N. Main St.
State of the City – June 27
Tickets are on sale now for the 2024 State of the City featuring Mayor Valerie Amezcua! Hosted by the Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce, it is an opportunity to hear from Mayor Amezcua and celebrate the City’s outstanding achievements while looking toward a promising future for our beloved Santa Ana. The 2024 State of the City will embrace the theme “I Love Santa Ana,” a testament to the endless love our community has for our city.
- Thursday, June 27
- 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Mater Dei High School!
Purchase State of the City tickets
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