In this edition of the City Manager’s newsletter, watch the first episode of our Made in Santa Ana video series, learn about new housing projects, get notary services at City Hall, and find more Santa Ana news and events.
Spotlight photo
Día de Los Muertos: Magic of the Altars at Roosevelt-Walker Community Center
City Staff
City Manager’s Highlights
‘Made in Santa Ana’ video series launches
The City of Santa Ana Economic Development Division is excited to introduce “Made in Santa Ana,” a new video series dedicated to highlighting the products and services that our diverse business community has to offer. This series aims to celebrate the innovation and economic contributions of our businesses, beginning with Behr Paint Company, headquartered here in Santa Ana. Through these stories, we will showcase our local business leaders and the products that shape our community. This is an exciting opportunity to learn more about the Santa Ana businesses that contribute to our local economy.
Building housing for everyone
Recently we celebrated the opening of two very different but exciting housing projects, as Santa Ana continues to lead the way in creating housing for all income levels.
Estrella Springs
We joined Jamboree Housing for a grand opening celebration of the Estrella Springs development, which converted a troubled motel on North Harbor Boulevard into permanent supportive housing for veterans experiencing homelessness and low-income residents living with a mental health diagnosis. The City of Santa Ana was proud to contribute $1.7 million in CDBG funds from HUD, along with 89 project-based vouchers, to help make this project possible. Since 2019, Santa Ana has built more affordable housing than every other city in Orange County, including over 100 permanent supportive housing units just for veterans.
Read more about Estrella Springs
Row at Red Hill
We also joined developer Greystar to celebrate the opening of The Row at Red Hill, a luxury mixed-use project at Warner and Red Hill avenues that will create 1,100 new housing units and will include new retail businesses when finished. With a rooftop pool, gym and other amenities, it’s a great opportunity for young professionals and anyone else who wants to be in the center of Orange County right here in Santa Ana.
Learn more about The Row at Red Hill
News
City Clerk’s Office now offering notary services
The Santa Ana City Clerk’s Office is excited to announce the availability of notary services, now offered Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., by appointment only. This service provides a convenient option for residents needing notarization for important documents. Each signature costs $15, and a valid form of identification is necessary. Accepted payment methods include: credit card, personal check, cashier’s check, or money order.
To schedule your appointment, please email cityclerk@santa-ana.org or call (714) 647-6520. The City Clerk’s Office is located at Santa Ana City Hall, 20 Civic Center Plaza. We look forward to assisting you!
Rent Stabilization Division builds bridges through conflict resolution
We’re excited to announce a new partnership between the City’s Rent Stabilization Division and Groundswell to provide mediation services for residents. Groundswell assists in resolving disputes in a neutral, collaborative environment. If you’re navigating a housing-related conflict, mediation can be a powerful first step to reach mutual solutions — avoiding the stress, time, and cost of going to court.
Mediation through Groundswell is always voluntary, confidential, and focused on improving communication between all parties. A case manager will guide participants through the process, and most who engage in mediation reach meaningful, sustainable agreements. If the mediation does not lead to a resolution, parties still have the option to pursue legal action.
Learn more about Groundswell conflict resolution
Take our Consolidated Plan survey
The City of Santa Ana is developing the FY 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan (Con Plan) for the use of $41.7 million in CDBG, HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME), and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funds. Public input is needed on how the City should spend this federal money for resources such as affordable housing, infrastructure and public services. Please take our survey to share your ideas at the link below.
Taking the Consolidated Plan survey
Learn more about the Consolidated Plan
The Eternal Garden: Titanium Art by Aka Chen at Bowers Museum
Bowers Museum is thrilled to announce the opening of their second featured exhibition this fall and winter. The Eternal Garden: Titanium Art by Aka Chen will open this Saturday, Nov. 16, and will be displayed through April 18, 2025.
This exhibit showcases an exquisite assembly of 20 sculptures that ingeniously combine the intricacies of contemporary jewelry with fluid compositions of brush paintings. From small vases to 30-foot-wide polyptychs, these sculptures feature ethereal branches cradling exquisite jewelry representations of blooming botanicals and animated wildlife.
Street closures and permitted events November 14-20
You can 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
Santa Ana Zoo launches new website
The Santa Ana Zoo has a new website where you can find everything you need to know for your next visit. The Friends of Santa Ana Zoo (FOSAZ) maintained the Zoo’s website for many years, and we appreciate all of their support. Santa Ana Zoo staff worked with our IT Department to build a new and modern website that will be maintained collaboratively with FOSAZ.
A separate project is also currently in progress to implement a new ticketing and reservation system that will allow online ticketing through the website.
Visit the new Santa Ana Zoo website
City Council meetings
Subscribe 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.
November 19, 2024 , Meeting Agenda
Events
Find more City of Santa Ana events on our website.
Community Garden volunteer day to honor veterans – November 16
Join us at Jerome Park Community Garden in collaboration with the Mission Continues. We will be building an educational and recreational space to enhance the services provided at the garden. Bring your friends and family — every pair of hands makes a difference! Sign up now to join us in honoring our veterans through volunteering!
- Saturday, Nov. 16
- 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Jerome Park Community Garden, 2115 W. McFadden Ave.
*Please note that there is construction on the McFadden Street parking and playground site. Parking will be available along Center Street or behind Southwest Senior Center. Jerome Park Community Garden is behind the Cesar Chavez mural. Please reference the map above for more info.
To register, visit tinyurl.com/SAGardenVetDay24. For additional questions contact (714) 571 – 4253 or email wellness@santa-ana.org.
Native American Heritage Festival – November 16
The City of Santa Ana’s Native American Heritage Festival is a family-friendly and free event. November is Native American Heritage Month and this festival will celebrate the rich diverse cultures and traditions of Native Americans.
Guests can look forward to vendors, performances, a Kids Zone with hands-on activities, free arts and crafts, face painting and more! Learn the rhythmic movement and storytelling of ancient hula or take a drum circle class. Join us for a fun afternoon with live music, food and entertainment!
- Saturday, Nov. 16
- 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Thornton Park, 1801 W. Segerstrom Ave.
Native American Heritage Festival
Zoning Code Update Business Community Workshops – November 18 & 21
Mark your calendar for our Zoning Code Update workshops in November! The City of Santa Ana is hosting a series of workshops where Santa Ana business owners can share their ideas on land use, development, building design and other zoning topics. Your voice matters in shaping the future of our city!
- Monday, Nov. 18
- 8:30-10 a.m.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Orange County Airport, 7 Hutton Centre Drive
- Thursday, Nov. 21
- 5-6:30 p.m.
- Bowers Museum, 2002 N. Main St.
Spanish interpretation will be provided, and Vietnamese interpretation will be provided upon request in advance. For more information please contact Siri Champion, Senior Planner, at schampion@santa-ana.org or 714-667-2751.
Learn more about the Zoning Code Update
Environmental Justice Action Committee – Southwest Cluster – November 20
The Environmental Justice Action Committee – Southwest Cluster is excited to host its first general meeting to engage the community in important conversations surrounding environmental justice. This meeting will cover key topics including the Green-MPNA initiative, current environmental concerns affecting the region, and transit zoning codes. It will also provide an opportunity for residents to voice their concerns, and share ideas.
- Wednesday, Nov. 20
- 6-7:30 p.m.
- Valley High School Library, 1801 S. Greenville St.
Warren Bussey ceremonial street sign topper unveiling – November 21
Join us in unveiling the newest ceremonial street sign topper in honor of Warren Bussey.
Mr. Bussey was a longtime business owner and community leader in Santa Ana who opened the first Black-owned business in the city and later was believed to be the oldest Black man in Orange County. Mr. Bussey passed away at the age of 108 on May 9, 2022
- Thursday, Nov. 21
- 11 a.m.
- Southwest corner of Walnut St. and Pacific Ave.
Learn more about Warren Bussey’s life
Movie Matinee at Newhope Library – November 22
Enjoy a family-friendly movie at your library, “Inside Out 2.” Light snacks will be provided while supplies last. This animated movie is rated PG.
- Friday, Nov. 22
- 3-5 p.m.
- Newhope Library, 122 N. Newhope St.
Author Hour – November 23
Don’t miss this chance to delve into the compelling story of Professor Donato Martinez, who was born in a small pueblo of Zacatecas, Mexico, and emigrated to the USA at a young age. As a Mexican immigrant, he embraced education and now teaches English composition, literature, and creative writing at Santa Ana College. His words capture the essence of barrio life, bicultural identity, and the power of language. Join us for an evening of inspiration and cultural celebration!
- Saturday, Nov. 23
- 2-4 p.m.
- Newhope Library , 122 N. Newhope St.
Plaza Navideña – November 23
Join us in celebrating the start of the holiday season and supporting local businesses, as we light a tree right in the heart of downtown Santa Ana. This free community event is open to all with entertainment and photo opportunities with Santa Claus.
- Saturday, Nov. 23
- 5-8 p.m.
- Plaza Calle Cuatro, 325 E. 4th St.
Learn more about Plaza Navideña
Fiesta del Mariachi – December 8 (NEW DATE)
Enjoy a fun-filled day of music and entertainment at the Santa Ana Stadium on Sunday, December 8, 2024. ALR Productions in collaboration with City of Santa Ana and Power of One Foundation is proud to present the much anticipated Fiesta del Mariachi, a musical extravaganza set to captivate audiences with the soul-stirring rhythms and vibrant melodies of traditional mariachi styles and sounds. The event includes a free youth showcase earlier in the day, and a ticketed concert at night.
- Sunday, Dec. 8
- 9 a.m.-10 p.m.
- Santa Ana Stadium, 602 N. Flower St.
Get tickets to Fiesta del Mariachi
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 (657) 467-6220