In this edition of the City Manager’s newsletter, get ready for Day of the Dead with lots of fun events and prepare for street closures in Downtown Santa Ana. Plus, learn about new developments and businesses opening in Santa Ana, our award-winning park project and General Plan, and our community outreach work from local schools to Little Saigon.
Spotlight photo
Kids Night Out at Garfield Community Center
City Staff
City Manager’s Highlights
Investing in the future
So much has been happening this month in Santa Ana’s development and economic growth!
Related Bristol: The Santa Ana City Council unanimously approved the largest and most expensive mixed-use, master planned development in the city’s history. The 41-acre, $2.9 billion Related Bristol urban village will have 3,750 residential units, 200 senior living units, a 250-room hotel, 350,000 square feet of commercial space, and 13.1 acres of open space. The project is expected to create 16,834 one-time jobs and $1.5 billion in one-time labor income citywide, as well as 1,215 to 5,529 new jobs and over $337 million in new labor income on an ongoing basis.
Read more about Related Bristol
ROVE: We celebrated the grand opening of ROVE, Santa Ana’s first electric vehicle charging center, and the first of 10 planned locations in the region. This innovative center features 40 covered EV charging stations and a ReCharge by Gelson’s market on site, where customers can shop while charging their cars — and even have their groceries delivered directly to their vehicle.
New OCTA Headquarters: The Orange County Transportation Authority announced that it is moving its headquarters from Orange to Santa Ana. OCTA is moving from a leased building to purchasing a new location at 2677 N. Main St., which not only will save taxpayers $50 million over the next 30 years, but also will add to our workforce population who eats, shops and plays in Santa Ana.
Read more about OCTA’s new headquarters
News
PBA wins American Planning Association award for General Plan
Our Planning and Building Agency proudly received the Award of Merit for its Comprehensive General Plan Update from the American Planning Association-California Chapter this year. At the APA-California 2024 Conference, City staff showcased Santa Ana’s leadership in implementing its Environmental Justice (EJ) framework to an audience of over 200 planners from across the state. The presentation highlighted the City’s efforts to address historical community needs, enact policies targeting noxious and non-conforming land uses, and ensure accountability with regulatory agencies. Santa Ana also shared updates on its Zoning Code, public realm plan, and the creation of a new EJ Action Committee.
The session panel included a community-based organization (CBO) representative of the City’s EJ Action Committee, Getting Residents Engaged in Empowering Neighborhoods – Madison Park Neighborhood Association (GREEN-MPNA), who highlighted strengthened advocacy resulting from the General Plan’s 77 EJ implementation actions and called for continued resources to ensure the protection of the health and safety of residents and pollution-burdened neighborhoods. This recent APA-California recognition underscores the City’s mission to foster a sustainable and equitable environment for all its residents and communities.
PWA wins Project of the Year Award for King Street Park
Our Public Works Agency received a 2024 Project of the Year Award from the California Stormwater Quality Association (CASQA) for the King Street Urban Greening Project. The award recognizes projects that exemplify sustainable stormwater management.
The project features two bioretention basins and an underground stormwater infiltration system, which capture up to 16,000 cubic feet of stormwater during a storm and infiltrate it back into the ground. Stormwater infiltration provides multiple benefits to the environment, including improving water quality, enhancing local water supplies, and reducing flooding. The project also includes a pervious concrete bicycle path, a pedestrian path, new landscaping, signage, lighting, benches, waste receptacles, community art mural, Artesia Pilar neighborhood sign, and utility box art. The City received a $1.5 million grant for the project from the Caltrans California Local Grant Program.
The project also received a 2024 Top Project Award from Stormwater Solutions Magazine. Congratulations to the Public Works Agency on receiving these well-deserved awards!
Stormwater Solutions: Greening project turns unused land into community space
Stormwater Solutions: Watch video about King Street Urban Greening Project
Learn about Santa Ana’s stormwater management
Vietnamese Business Forum draws a crowd
We had another successful Vietnamese Business Forum this month, with about 200 people attending the event at Bowers Museum. This year’s theme was Economic Empowerment and Business Development in Santa Ana: fostering collaboration, driving economic growth, and creating opportunities for Vietnamese businesses. The event was hosted by our Economic Development Division in partnership with the Vietnamese American Chamber of Commerce and Little Saigon TV.
Attendees got to hear from top City executives and staff about tips and programs to help them do business in Santa Ana and from an insightful panel of industry leaders. They also had the opportunity to network with like-minded entrepreneurs and explore the expo hall featuring a variety of business resources.
Visit our Economic Development website
Children’s Home Society of California visits Tiny Tots Storytime
The Santa Ana Public Library recently partnered with the Children’s Home Society of California (CHS) for a special Tiny Tots Storytime event that was a hit with families. Along with fun, interactive stories, CHS took the opportunity to promote their valuable resources to attendees. The organization gave away goodies, including kits for families and even Halloween costumes for the little ones, adding extra excitement to the day. CHS also introduced its Lending Library of Toys, which allows families to borrow educational toys, aligning perfectly with our Stay and Play component of the Tiny Tots program.
Join Tiny Tots Storytime every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. at Newhope Library, 122 N. Newhope St.
Bowers Museum ranked No. 1, Downtown Santa Ana among Best of OC
In the Orange County Register’s annual Best of OC special section, readers voted Santa Ana businesses, attractions and locations among the best in 10 different categories. Congratulations to Bowers Museum for being voted the Best Museum in Orange County! Santa Ana also got first place for Best Cannabis Dispensary (Blüm), Best Thrift Store and Best Charitable Organization (Goodwill of Orange County), and Best Wine Selection (Wine Exchange). Downtown Santa Ana was ranked No. 3 in the Best Downtown list, and we also had top 3 rankings for Best Law Firm, Best Car Dealership, Best Music Venue and Best Pickleball Court.
Check out Bowers’ new exhibit, Fantasy: Realms of Imagination
Street closures, permitted events and sports field closures
This weekend, Nov. 1-3, there will be major street closures in Downtown Santa Ana for several events. The locations of these and other upcoming permitted events, road closures and sports field closures are available at the links 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
Teaching safety at Walk to School Day
Our Public Works Agency and Santa Ana Police Department joined students at several schools this month for Walk to School Day.
Staff from our Public Works Traffic Engineering Division joined students at Washington Elementary for Walk to School Day on Oct. 9, demonstrating to the students how to use the crosswalk and cross the street safely. The Public Works “Cone Head Team” were enthusiastically received by the students and all who attended the event. SAPD’s Community Engagement Team also were out at Madison Elementary and Pio Pico Elementary to join students walking or biking to school and to teach them about street safety.
The annual Walk to School Day event encourages students and parents to increase their physical activity, practice pedestrian and bicycle safety, reduce traffic congestion and strengthen connections between families, schools and communities.
Please save the date for next year’s Walk to School Day on Oct. 8, 2025.
Learn more about National Walk to School Day
City Council meetings
NOTICE: The Nov. 5, 2024, regular City Council meeting has been canceled due to the General Election. The City Council will meet again on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024.
At their Oct. 15, 2024, regular meeting, the Santa Ana City Council:
- Awarded a $26.3 million construction contract to AMG & Associates, Inc. for the construction of the Memorial Park Aquatics Center and a total project cost of $29.3 million. (Revive Santa Ana)
- Awarded a $1.4 million construction contract to Vido Samarzich, Inc. for 10th and Flower Street improvements and construction of a cul de sac, bioswale, and crosswalk adjacent to the future park at 10th Street and Flower streets. (Revive Santa Ana)
- Approved an appropriation adjustment recognizing $4.5 million in funding from Measure M2 and approved use of the funding for the Kraemer Boulevard, Glassell Street, Grand Avenue Corridor Regional Traffic Signal Synchronization Project.
- Authorized the City Manager to execute an agreement with Mike Prlich and Sons, Inc.; T.E. Roberts, Inc.; Big Ten, Inc.; and J&L Construction, Inc. for water meter service vault and meter apparatus improvements for up to $7.5 million.
- Approved an appropriation adjustment recognizing Regional Early Planning 2.0 funding in the amount of $3.6 million and authorized an agreement with Orange County Transportation Authority of up to $3.6 million in design and construction funds for the McFadden Avenue Transit Signal Priority Pilot Project.
- Authorized a conditional grant agreement and regulatory agreement with Illumination Foundation for $2 million in Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Program funds for the development of the Richard Lehn Intergenerational Housing Project located at 918 Bewley St.
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.
Events
Find more City of Santa Ana events on our website.
Pumpkin Smash – November
Don’t let your Halloween waste haunt you! Instead of tossing your pumpkins in the trash, join us for the annual Pumpkin Small at Santa Ana Community Gardens! Bring your Jack-O-Lanterns to one of our five community gardens and smash them into compost throughout November.
Día de los Muertos Magic of the Altars – November 1
Join Santa Ana Parks, Recreation and Community Services 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, altars, crafts, face painting, games and more.
As part of the Somos Clippers Nation season series, the LA Clippers, a title level partner of the City of Santa Ana, are providing 50 free tickets to the City of Santa to offer exclusively to residents for the Día de Los Clippers game on Nov. 2, against the Oklahoma City Thunder. If you pre-register for the Magic of the Altars event and attend on Friday, Nov. 1, you will be entered into a contest to win these Clippers tickets. Pre-register by Thursday, October 31.
- Friday, Nov. 1
- 5-7:30 p.m.
- Roosevelt Walker Community Center, 816 E. Chestnut Ave.
Conquer the Canvas: Día de Los Muertos – November 2
Join us at the library for a fun and inspiring canvas painting program, designed to help you explore and develop your artistic talents. Perfect for all skill levels! Space is limited, while supplies last.
- Saturday, Nov. 2
- 2-3:30 p.m.
- Newhope Library, 122 N. Newhope St.
Noche De Altares – November 2
The City of Santa Ana is a proud to be a sponsor of Noche de Altares. El Centro Cultural de México has been organizing Noche de Altares in Santa Ana since 2002.
Noche de Altares is a community-based event celebrating Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead), an indigenous tradition, and brings community members together through art, culture, and compassion. In addition to viewing beautifully created altars, attendees will be entertained by cultural performances and live music. Children can get their face painted and participate in free art workshops.
- Saturday, Nov. 2
- 12-9 p.m.
- 4th Street (between Ross Street and Broadway), Santa Ana
DTSA First Saturday ArtWalk – November 2
The City of Santa Ana is proud to be a sponsor of First Saturday ArtWalk in Downtown Santa Ana! This Saturday’s ArtWalk is in collaboration with the Viva la Vida Day of the Dead event.
ArtWalk is a free, all-ages, community-based arts showcase that takes place throughout Downtown Santa Ana on the first Saturday of each month. Enjoy live art, outdoor vendors, live music, dancing under the stars, and over 20 art galleries and studios featuring rotating exhibitions, performances, and more.
- Saturday, Nov. 2
- 3-10 p.m.
- 2nd and Broadway to 4th and French streets
Discovery Cube Impact Event: Pumpkins with Purpose – November 2
Have a leftover pumpkin from Halloween? Recycle your pumpkins at Discovery Cube OC! Bring your pumpkins to the annual Impact Event and earn a free child ticket with a purchase of an adult admission ticket. Additional programming, including learning the importance of composting, will be available outdoors and indoors to help continue learning how to apply science towards creating a positive and lasting impact in our environment. Programming is sponsored by OC Waste & Recycling and Republic Services.
- Saturday, Nov. 2
- 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
- Discovery Cube, 2525 N. Main St.
Bowers Museum Free Family Festival: Mexican Day of the Dead – November 3
Bowers Museum is hosting a celebration of life, honoring the love and memories left to us by loved ones who are no longer with us in body but are remembered in spirit, with music, dance, art and special foods. Bring a photo to be placed on our Ofrendas (memorial altars) honoring loved ones and that special pet we lost too soon. Enjoy performances by Mariachi Anacatlan, Relampago del Cielo, Los Cuates, Xipe Totec, and Joel Aceves, and songs and stories of Día de los Muertos with Dr. Gloria Arjona at 11 a.m. in the Norma Kershaw Auditorium.
- Saturday, Nov. 3
- 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Bowers Museum, 2002 N. Main St.
Bowers Museum Mexican Day of the Dead
Down Payment Assistance Workshop – November 7
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. Spanish and Vietnamese translations will be available at the event.
- Thursday, Nov. 7
- 6-7:30 p.m.
- Southwest Senior Center, 2201 W. McFadden Ave.
Please register here (Catalog – City of Santa Ana, CA (rec1.com)) under the City Agency Activities tab. An account is required to register.
Tiempo de CREAR: Ballet Folklorico Leyenda – November 9
Celebrate the Day of the Dead with a spectacular Aztec dance performance by Ballet Folklorico Leyenda! Experience the vibrant rhythms, ancient traditions, and mesmerizing dance rituals that honor our ancestors in a powerful cultural tribute. Don’t miss this unique celebration full of energy, color, and history!
- Saturday, Nov. 9
- 2-3 p.m.
- Newhope Library, 122 N. Newhope St.
Senior Centers Thanksgiving celebration – November 13
Join us at the Southwest Senior Center and Santa Ana Senior Center for a Thanksgiving celebration! Registration opens November 1. Register in person at either location.
- Wednesday, Nov. 13
- 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Southwest Senior Center, 2201 W. McFadden Ave.
- Santa Ana Senior Center, 424 W. 3rd St.
For additional information please call the Santa Ana Senior Center at (714) 647-6540 or Southwest Senior Center at (714) 647-5306.
Native American Heritage Festival – November 16
The City of Santa Ana 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 & 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 am. – 4 p.m.
- Thornton Park, 1801 W. Segerstrom Ave.
Native American Heritage Festival
Resources
Report issues with the mySantaAna app
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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