In this edition of our newsletter, check out the 2023 Mid-Autumn Festival highlights, join us for our new park opening, get involved with City boards and committees, and find news and events like our Birch Park movie series and Taste of Santa Ana!
Spotlight Photo
Mid-Autumn Festival
Photo Credit: Hiram U.
To submit your own original photo of Santa Ana to be featured in the next newsletter, complete this form.
Highlights
Second-annual Mid-Autumn Festival shines!
The second annual Mid-Autumn Festival was a huge success with more than 5,000 people coming out to enjoy the event on Oct. 7 at Centennial Park. The celebration of Asian and Vietnamese cultures in our community moved to the larger park space after last year’s successful festival at Rosita Park.
Guests were treated to some amazing performances, including a lion and dragon dance, martial arts demonstrations, a multicultural fashion show, an orchestra, dancing, Vietnamese drums and much more! The community also was able to enjoy interactive booths, free mooncakes, free lanterns, a kids zone and delicious food.
We would like to extend a special thanks to our Title Level Partner, Asian American Senior Citizens Service Center, and our Foundation Level Partner, Orange County’s Credit Union, for helping bring this event to life.
See more photos of the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Homelessness Update
Santa Ana leads the way in addressing homelessness in Orange County. The City Council received an update on Oct. 3 about the City’s efforts to address homelessness. Watch the video of the report, go to our Homeless Services Data Dashboard to learn more, and find phone numbers and resources for residents to get help with homeless-related issues.
Homeless Services Data Dashboard
Get help with homeless-related issues
News
New Ed Caruthers Park captures stormwater, honors Olympian
Everyone is invited to the grand opening of the new Ed Caruthers Park at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 17, at the corner of Raitt and Myrtle streets. Ed Caruthers Park is a 1.18-acre neighborhood park and multi-benefit stormwater capture project designed through collaborative efforts between the City’s Public Works Agency, Park Services and Stormwater divisions, and the local community.
The project includes traditional park elements such as a playground area, exercise area, skate park, picnic areas, new restroom, and drought tolerant landscaping, but also features 3,300 square feet of bioretention basins and a subsurface infiltration system designed to capture stormwater runoff. It is named for Edward Julius Caruthers Jr., a former Santa Ana College athlete and Olympian who was awarded the silver medal in the men’s high jump event at the 1968 Summer Olympics held in Mexico City.
Guests at the grand opening will see all of the exciting new amenities in person and enjoy a brief program with a performance by Ballet Folklorico Renacimiento. The community event hosted by the Santa Ana Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Agency will also have arts and crafts activities and light refreshments.
Read more about Ed Caruthers Park.
Meet our newest roadway: Zoo Lane!
We’re thrilled to introduce you to the brand new Zoo Lane! The new street signs went up on Oct. 6 for the newly named Zoo Lane next to Santa Ana Zoo.
In August, the Santa Ana City Council affirmed the Planning Commission’s adoption of a resolution changing the name of parts of North Mabury Street and South Elk Lane between East Fourth Street and East Chestnut Avenue to South Zoo Lane. Come on down to Zoo Lane and visit our amazing zoo animals!
City staff join students for Walk to School Day
Our staff from the Public Works Agency and the Santa Ana Police Department joined local students for National Walk to School Day on Oct. 4. Our teams were able to demonstrate 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.
The annual 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.
Santa Ana Rental Registry Update
Owners of all residential rental units and mobile home parks in Santa Ana must register their rental units with the City’s new Rental Registry. This includes multifamily and single-family rental housing. You do not need to register if you live in your home and no room, bedroom, or other portion of your home is being used for any residential rental purposes.
The Rental Registry is used by the City of Santa Ana to monitor compliance with the Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance. We’ve got computers and friendly staff waiting to assist you at the Santa Ana WORK Center, 801 W. Civic Center Drive, Suite 200.
For more information and to register, please visit www.santa-ana.org/rental-registry.
Apply to serve on the Rental Housing Board
Are you interested in serving your community in a new and historic role? Apply now to serve on the City of Santa Ana’s Rental Housing Board. This seven-member board will institute policies and procedures for the administration and enforcement of the Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance, which limits rent increases and creates new renter protections. Additionally, the board will conduct hearings regarding petitions, applications and appeals filed by landlords or tenants; assess City staffing for the management of the rent and eviction ordinance; and other tasks.
Apply for the Rental Housing Board.
Deadline extended for Environmental Justice Action Committee
Residents and nonprofits in Santa Ana still have time to apply to the Environmental Justice (EJ) Action Committee. This committee will develop continuous engagement for disadvantaged environmental justice communities and host quarterly meetings with local stakeholders to guide and evaluate environmental justice policy implementation.
This is part of the City of Santa Ana General Plan and aligns with the Environmental Justice policy implementation. The application date has been extended until Thursday, October 26, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. The City will review applications and select the resident representatives in November.
Apply for Environmental Justice Action Committee
Street closures and permitted events
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
City hosts grand reopening of $3.5 million Santiago Park renovation
Santa Ana’s Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Agency welcomed the community in the grand reopening of Santiago Park on Tuesday, Oct. 3. Guests got to see all of the exciting new updates in person and receive a preview of the new programs and services that are starting as a result of the $3.5 million renovation project.
The project removed a portion of Valencia Street and turned a formerly empty dirt area into one that can now become alive with park users. New accessible concrete walkways around the park provide a walking loop and also connect a series of new amenities: multi-level playground, group picnic areas, amphitheater, site furnishings, site lighting, new riparian landscaping, renovated restrooms, and restoration of the historic gas house. The project was funded by a California State Coastal Conservancy grant, Acquisition & Development Funds, and Cell Tower Revenues.
See more photos of the ribbon cutting event here.
In addition to these improvements, the existing nature center will be completely renovated into the Santiago Creek ECO Center. The new ECO Center will be operated by the Santa Ana Zoo and will aim to Empower Communities Outside through citizen science programs. Visitors will become scientists by discovering and connecting directly with nature. At the ECO Center, visitors can look forward to guided nature walks, bird watching, nature story programs, mini-hikes, and park pop-up programs.
The address of Santiago Park is 2535 N. Main St. On-site parking is available at no cost in the centralized parking lot on Memory Lane and Lawson Way.
City Council Meetings
At their October 3, 2023, regular meeting, the Santa Ana City Council:
- Approved the first reading of an ordinance to prohibit spectators who knowingly attend or assist with illegal speed contests and reckless driving exhibitions.
- Approved the first reading of an ordinance amending the Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance to require two-thirds approval by the City Council for certain future amendments, and directed staff to return with necessary documents to consider placing a ballot measure amending the ordinance on the November 5, 2024, election ballot.
- Denied an appeal application and upheld the Planning Commission’s decision to deny a modification to a Conditional Use Permit for a new service station at 2230 N. Tustin Ave.
- Approved an appeal application and overturned the Planning Commission’s approval of a mixed-use development known as Cabrillo Town Center at 1901 and 1971 E. Fourth St. and 515 and 525 N. Cabrillo Park Drive.
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 17 Meeting Agenda: https://www.santa-ana.org/city-meetings
Events
Taste of Santa Ana – October 14
The City of Santa Ana is the presenting sponsor for the Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce’s 8th annual Taste of Santa Ana. The event features over 40 local restaurants, craft breweries, wineries, and distilleries, as well as live music, a kids zone, photo booth, lawn games, charity raffle, and more. For more information and to purchase tickets, click on the link below.
- Saturday, Oct. 14
- 6-9 p.m.
- MainPlace Mall, 2800 N. Main St.
Fire Station #75 Open House – October 14
Join Orange County Fire Authority at the Fire Station #75 Open House! Meet your local firefighters, tour the fire station and learn about firefighting services in Santa Ana. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to support the 2023 Spark of Love Holiday Toy Drive! (Optional: Not necessary to attend Open House but greatly appreciated.)
- Saturday, Oct. 14
- 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Fire Station 75, 120 W. Walnut Ave.
Author Hour with Jaime Cortez – October 14
“Gordo” is a collection of beautifully written, heartbreaking, funny, incisive and clever short stories set in 1970s Central California farm towns by author Jaime Cortez. He will be the next guest for Santa Ana Public Library’s Author Hour Series. You don’t want to miss the opportunity to hear the author speak about his experiences writing this book and have a chance to get a free copy of the book signed by the author.
- Saturday, Oct. 14
- 2-3:30 p.m.
- Main Library, 26 Civic Center Plaza
Free Resident Day at Santa Ana Zoo – October 15
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.
- Saturday, Oct. 15
- 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (last admission is at 4 p.m.)
- Santa Ana Zoo, 1801 E. Chestnut Ave.
Ed Caruthers Park ribbon cutting ceremony – October 17
The City of Santa Ana is pleased to announce the grand opening of Ed Caruthers Park and invite the public on Tuesday, Oct. 17, at 2:30 p.m. for the new park’s official ribbon cutting ceremony located at the corner lot on Raitt and Myrtle Street, in Santa Ana.
Guests will see all of the exciting new amenities in person and enjoy a brief program with a performance by Ballet Folklorico Renacimiento. The community event will also have arts and crafts activities and light refreshments.
- Tuesday, Oct. 17
- 2:30-4:30 p.m.
- Ed Caruthers Park, 423 S. Raitt St.
Ed Caruthers Park Grand Opening
SAPD Trunk or Treat – October 19
Join Santa Ana Police Department for a spooky good time! We will have vehicle displays, candy and treats, and costumes are welcomed!
- Thursday, Oct. 19
- 5-8 p.m.
- Santa Ana Police Department, 60 Civic Center Drive
Movies in Birch Park: ‘The Haunting’ – October 19
The third Birch Park Movies series will feature “The Haunting” (1963)! Make sure to arrive early to secure your spot and receive free popcorn for the first 100 people. Guests can also look forward to selecting discounts to nearby restaurants.
- Thursday, Oct. 19
- 5:30-9:30 p.m.
- Birch Park, 400 W. 3rd St.
Parks and Rec fall hiring fair – October 19
The Santa Ana Parks, Recreation & Community Services Agency (PRCSA) is seeking applicants who are innovative, enthusiastic, and results oriented individuals prepared to make an impact in their community. PRCSA is hosting an in-person job fair to hire for various positions, such as program specialists, community center aids and maintenance attendants.
- Thursday, Oct. 19
- 1-5 p.m.
- Santa Ana City Hall (Outside Courtyard by the City Council Chambers), 22 Civic Center Plaza
Public Meeting for South Basin Groundwater Protection Project – October 19
The Orange County Water District (OCWD) is hosting an in-person public meeting for the proposed South Basin Groundwater Protection Project. The project area includes southeast Santa Ana, bounded by East Edinger Avenue, South Main Street and the 55 Freeway. The public meeting will become a part of the public record for the Draft Environmental Impact Report. This proposed project would include the installation of groundwater extraction wells and conveyance piping as well as other water filtration, treatment and discharge systems.
- Thursday, Oct. 19
- 3 p.m.
- OCWD boardroom, 18700 Ward St., Fountain Valley
Groundwater Protection Project meeting
Memorial Park Pool Reimagined Celebration – October 21
Help us say goodbye to one of our oldest aquatic facilities in Santa Ana, as Memorial Park Pool is decommissioned to be replaced with a new state-of-the-art aquatic facility. Join us for a goodbye celebration with updates from contractor ELS+SWA on the concept designs, open recreation swim, and a pumpkin patch splash. Make sure to RSVP to save your spot.
- Saturday, Oct. 21
- 12-3 p.m.
- Memorial Park Pool, 2102 S. Flower St., Santa Ana
Memorial Park Pool Reimagined Celebration
Boo at the Zoo – October 21, 22, 28 & 29
Join us for a “merry not scary” good time at Boo at the Zoo! Special tickets available for Santa Ana residents on each night. This special event series features nocturnal animal presentations, themed photo spots, and special goodies for children.
- Oct. 21, 22, 28 & 29
- 5:30-7 p.m.
- Santa Ana Zoo, 1801 E. Chestnut Ave.
Movies in Birch Park: ‘Poltergeist’ – October 26
The last Birch Park Movies series will feature “Poltergeist” (1982)! Make sure to arrive early to secure your spot and receive free popcorn for the first 100 people. Guests can also look forward to selecting discounts to nearby restaurants.
- Thursday, Oct. 26
- 5:30-9:30 p.m.
- Birch Park, 400 W. 3rd St.
Spooktacular Open House – October 28
Get ready for a day of thrills during the Jerome Center’s Spooktacular Open House! The entire community is invited to join us to play games, learn all about the free classes available, and gain information on local resources. Check the links below for registration and information.
- Saturday, Oct. 28
- 2-5 p.m.
- Jerome Center, 726 S. Center St.
Register for Spooktacular Open House
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