COSAS: City Manager's Newsletter for October 10, 2024

In this edition of the City Manager’s newsletter, find tons of Halloween and Day of the Dead activities, share your ideas about parks and transportation, sign up for the Vietnamese Business Forum, apply for an artist grant, and get other important news from the City of Santa Ana.

Subscribe to COSAS

Spotlight Photo

2024 Mid-Autumn Festival

Photo Credit: City staff

To submit your own original photo of Santa Ana to be featured in the next newsletter, complete this form.

News

Crossroads at Washington affordable housing opens

In September, the City of Santa Ana joined the County of Orange, Related California and A Community of Friends to celebrate the opening of the Crossroads at Washington, an 86-unit, affordable development for extremely low-income families and people experiencing homelessness.

The new affordable community in the Logan neighborhood is built on land jointly owned by the City of Santa Ana and County of Orange, under a ground lease with developer Related. Crossroads provides social services for residents on site. The Santa Ana City Council also had approved $4.6 million in loan agreements and 15 Section 8 vouchers for the project.

Sign up for the Vietnamese Business Forum

We are excited to announce the annual Vietnamese Business Forum, scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 23, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the historic Bowers Museum in Santa Ana. This informative event is a partnership between our Economic Development Division and the Vietnamese American Chamber of Commerce.

This year’s theme is Economic Empowerment and Business Development in Santa Ana: fostering collaboration, driving economic growth, and creating opportunities for Vietnamese businesses. Enjoy free admission, free parking and complimentary refreshments while learning from an insightful panel of industry leaders and networking with like-minded entrepreneurs. Explore the expo hall featuring a variety of businesses and resources. Don’t miss your chance to win exciting giveaways and raffle prizes!

Apply for Investing in the Artist Grant Program

Our Arts & Culture Office has released the Investing in the Artist Grant Program online application for fiscal year 2024-2025. Understanding that artists are microbusinesses integral to the economic vitality of a city, for the past eight years, the City has offered funding to qualified individual artists and nonprofit 501(c)3 arts organizations. This year, the City is able to provide $200,000 of funding for this program.

The theme for this year’s grant program is Art & Economy: Shaping Santa Ana’s Future through Collaborative Creative Expression. The grant will support creative projects that explore the dynamic relationship between arts, culture and economics. We invite submissions from artists working in various mediums — visual arts, performance, music, creative writing, digital media, and more — who will not only explore the intersection of arts & culture and economics, but also design projects that involve direct participation from the residents, businesses, and communities of Santa Ana.

Applicants are required to attend the next informational meeting (virtual) on Oct. 11, and the deadline to apply is Oct. 21. Learn more at the links below.

Artist grant for individual artists: https://www.santa-ana.org/investing-in-the-artist-grant-artists/

Artist grant for arts organizations: https://www.santa-ana.org/investing-in-the-artist-grant-art-organizations/

SAPD cracks down on street racing

Street racing and intersection takeovers aren’t just dangerous, they’re illegal! These reckless actions put lives at risk and can lead to serious consequences. The Santa Ana Police Department takes a zero tolerance approach for street racing and intersection takeovers. Reckless driving puts everyone at risk, and we are committed to taking swift action against those involved.

Help keep our roads safe for everyone – If you witness a street takeover or street racing in progress, immediately call 911 and leave the area.

State Parks selects Santa Ana residents for focus group

The City of Santa Ana is one of just a handful of cities statewide to be selected by the California State Parks Office of Grants and Local Services to gather input on their five-year Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). Do you have thoughts on how parks and recreation can better serve your community? Join us for a public focus group and share your input on everything from life-changing programs to the health and safety challenges in your area.

Join the conversation on Monday, October 14, 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Southwest Senior Center, 2201 W. McFadden Ave.

Feedback provided in this Focus Group will directly impact the statewide priorities for public outdoor recreation lands throughout California in the 2026-2030 SCORP. Community input is crucial to help drive California’s park and recreation plan.

Spots are limited so register today!

Spots are limited! Register today. tinyurl.com/SantaAnaSCORP/

Learn more about the CA SCORP: parksforcalifornia.org/scorp/2021

Share alternative transportation ideas with OCTA

Time is running out to take an Orange County Transportation Authority survey about alternative transportation. OCTA is developing a plan that will provide recommendations that shift away from driving alone and expand access to alternative travel options. Potential strategies include carpooling, telecommuting, bikeshare, mobile trip planning apps, and more. In Summer 2023, your recommendations helped OCTA identify potential strategies that are most supportive of alternative transportation modes across the county. OCTA wants to hear your ideas on the transportation solutions you want to see in your community.

Take the survey by Oct. 13 for a chance to win one of two $50 prize cards!

Learn more about the Orange County Transportation Demand Management Plan

Street closures and permitted events October 10-16

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: https://www.santa-ana.org/street-closures-and-permitted-events-for-october-10-16/

Tales of the City

A Mid-Autumn celebration

Our Parks, Recreation and Community Service Agency hosted the 3rd annual Mid-Autumn Festival on Saturday, Oct. 5 at Centennial Park. This free event brought together families and neighbors to enjoy the traditional fall harvest celebration, filled with joy, entertainment, and cultural experiences.

With captivating performances like the Lion Dance and a surprise acrobat show, delicious food, cultural exhibits, and of course, mooncakes and lanterns, this festival was a true celebration of unity and heritage!

A huge thank you to our title level partners Asian American Senior Citizens Service Center and Project Kinship, and to our foundation level partner Orange County’s Credit Union for making this event possible, and to everyone who joined us for this magical night.

City Council Meetings

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.

October 15, 2024, Meeting Agenda: https://www.santa-ana.org/cc/city-meetings

Events

OCFA Fire Station 75 Open House – October 12

Join Orange County Fire Authority for the OCFA Open House at Fire Station 75. Experience a fun-filled day as you explore your local fire station, meet your dedicated local firefighters, and discover the vital work of your fire department. We can’t wait to see you there!

Saturday, Oct. 12
9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Fire Station 75, 120 W. Walnut St.

Taste of Santa Ana – October 12

Sample unlimited dishes from over 30 of Santa Ana’s top restaurants, food trucks, cafes and breweries! This year’s Taste of Santa Ana is a Dia de los Muertos theme with food, music and art. The City of Santa Ana Economic Development Division is a proud supporter of this event.

Saturday, Oct. 12
6-9 p.m.
MainPlace Mall

Buy Taste of Santa Ana tickets: http://tasteofsantaana.net/

Halloween Scavenger Hunt- October 14-19

Celebrate Halloween by visiting the library and participating in our Halloween Scavenger Hunt! Children will search for creepy and spooky images inside the library to solve a riddle. Stop by the Reference Desk to get started.

Monday, Oct. 14 – Saturday, Oct. 19
Monday – Thursday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Friday – Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Newhope Library, 122 N. Newhope St.

Digital Pathway Series: Computer Classes – October 14 & 28

You want to learn how to use a computer? Or build your confidence with using technology? Join us to gain basic computer skills. We will provide snacks and refreshment to nourish your learning mind. Everyone is welcome! Classes are free and no registration or library card required!

Resume Magic

Monday, Oct. 14
6:30– 7:30 p.m.
Newhope Library, 122 N. Newhope St.

Social Media Savvy

Monday, Oct. 28
6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Newhope Library, 122 N. Newhope St.

Community Focus Group – October 14

The California State Parks Office of Grants and Local Services is looking for Santa Ana’s feedback as they develop the next five-year Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). Community input is crucial to help drive California’s park and recreation plan.

Monday, Oct. 14
5:30-7 p.m.
Southwest Senior Center, 2201 W. McFadden Ave.

California State Parks Office of Grants and Local Services

Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan

SAPD Trunk or Treat – October 17

Join the Santa Ana Police Department’s Trunk or Treat to enjoy vehicle displays, candy and treats, and lots of spooky family fun. Don’t forget to wear your costume and bring your treat bag!

Thursday, Oct. 17
6-8 p.m.
SAPD headquarters, 60 Civic Center Plaza

Spooktacular Open House – October 19

Get ready for a day of thrills during the Jerome Center’s Spooktacular Open House!

This family-friendly open event will be held at the Jerome Center. The entire community is invited to join us to play games, learn all about the free classes available, and gain information on local resources. Stay tuned for additional details and information coming soon!

Saturday, Oct. 19
2-5 p.m.
Jerome Center, 726 S. Center St.

General park information here.

Boo at the Zoo – October 19, 20, 26 & 27

Join us for a “Merry Not Scary” Halloween family festival at the Santa Ana Zoo. Everyone (young and young at heart) is encouraged to come in costume! Our exciting “Boofari” Express Train, Conservation Carrousel, and Fifty Monkey Ferris Wheel rides will be entertaining little ghouls and goblins all night long. Parents, don’t forget your cameras! Boo at the Zoo provides great photo opportunities that will last a lifetime. Mark your calendars now for this four-night event.

Oct. 19, 20, 26, & 27
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Santa Ana Zoo,1801 E. Chestnut Ave.

Join Friends of the Santa Ana Zoo (FOSAZ) for discounted tickets and exclusive member benefits here: https://www.fosaz.org/supportus.php?cat=membership

Purchase tickets here: https://santaanazoo.ticketsauce.com/e/boo-at-the-zoo-2024/tickets

Renter Protections Workshop – October 23

Learn about your rights as a renter by joining an informational workshop to learn about the City of Santa Ana’s Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance. This workshop is in English.

Wednesday, Oct. 23
6-7:30 p.m.
Lawn Bowling Center, 2615 Valencia St.

Learn more about the renter protection ordinance and register for workshops: www.santa-ana.org/renter-protections/

SAPD Women’s Hiring Expo – October 26

Join Santa Ana Police Department’s Women’s Hiring Expo, where you can discover all the career opportunities the SAPD has to offer. Whether you are looking to join our team, learn about career paths, or simply want to connect with our officers, we have something for everyone.

Come meet our team, get your questions answered, and explore how you can make a difference in your community.

Saturday, Oct. 26
9-11 a.m.
SAPD Community Room, 60 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana

Author Hour: Luis Rodriguez – October 26

Join us for an inspiring Author Hour with Luis Javier Rodriguez, renowned poet, novelist, journalist, and Los Angeles Poet Laureate (2014). A leading figure in contemporary Chicano literature, Rodriguez brings powerful insights into identity, community, and resilience through his work. He will discuss his bestselling and award-winning memoir, “Always Running,” a gripping and honest account of his life as a young Chicano gang member in East Los Angeles and his journey to overcome challenges.

Saturday, Oct. 26
2-4 p.m.
Newhope Library, 122 N. Newhope St.

Fall Senior Spooktakular – October 31

Join us at the Santa Ana Senior Center and the Southwest Senior Center to enjoy a Halloween themed celebration. Take part in the costume contest to win a prize. Registration opens Thursday, Oct. 10. Don’t miss this spooktacular event!

Thursday, Oct. 31
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Santa Ana Senior Center, 424 W. 3rd St.
Southwest Senior Center, 2201 W. McFadden Ave.

For additional information, please call the Santa Ana Senior Center at (714) 647-6540 or Southwest Senior Center at (714) 647-5306.

Garfield Community Center Boo Bash – October 31

Swing by the Garfield Community Center for a frightfully fun event! Participants will enjoy themed crafts, activities, and small treats that are sure to delight! Don’t let this chance “trick” you — space is limited! Pre-register at tinyurl.com/SA-BOOBASH.

Thursday, Oct. 31
2:30-4:30 p.m.
Garfield Community Center, 501 N. Lacy St.

For more details, call the Garfield Community Center at (714) 571-4288. We can’t wait to “treat” you to an unforgettable time!

Dia de los Muertos – November 1

Join us to celebrate the Día de los Muertos, “Magic of the Altars” event! This festive occasion is free and open to everyone for an evening filled with art and altars to crafts and commemoration you don’t want to miss.

Friday, Nov. 1
5-7:30 p.m.
Roosevelt Walker Community Center, 816 E. Chestnut Ave.

Resources

Report issues with the mySantaAna app

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.

Download the mySantaAna app

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