Official newsletter of Santa Ana Mayor Valerie Amezcua.
Keeping the community informed about local events, City news, and resources.
Dear Neighbors,
I could not begin this month’s Newsletter without honoring and celebrating our graduating class of 2024! As your Mayor, I am proud of all your hard work and dedication. Your graduation marks a huge step in your future and as you embark on your next chapter in life, may you take heart knowing that your community supports you, the sky is the limit, and your potential is limitless.
Summer is almost here and the City of Santa Ana is busy preparing for a season full of fun! Whether you enjoy Movies at the Park, cultural events, or summer camps, I encourage you to explore all the wonderful programs and activities available for our youth and families by visiting our Santa Ana CULTURA magazine!
While there will be many opportunities to engage over the summer, I am excited to spotlight the following events: The Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 State of City luncheon will be held on Thursday, June 27, 2024. For more information, please visit the Chamber’s website.
The Battle of the Mariachis 2024 hosted by Power of One Foundation promises to be an unforgettable experience, filled with passionate performances and the enchanting allure of mariachi music. Be part of this historic musical clash:
Finally, to help prepare our students for the upcoming school year, my office, in partnership with various community partners, is excited to host a Back-to-School Community Resource Fair on Sunday, July 28, 2024, where 2,000 SAUSD students will receive a FREE backpack filled with school supplies. Early registration is now open, please scan the QR code to sign up for your SAUSD student.
May marked another memorable month with me joining local, state, and law enforcement leaders in honoring California peace officers who made the ultimate sacrifice at the annual California Peace Officers’ Memorial Ceremony in Sacramento. I also had the honor to be recognized as the mayor of Santa Ana on the Senate floor by Senator Tom Umberg.
My monthly Coffee with the Mayor at the Southwest Senior Center had nearly 130 people in attendance. Congressman Lou Correa, Assemblyman Avelino Valencia, and City staff joined me in a wonderful dialog with our seniors.
I ended the month attending Memorial Day Services at Floral Park and Fairhaven Memorial Park. I was delighted to meet 101-year-old Joe Juarez, who shared his pride in being a WWII Veteran.
During these services, I was humbled to speak before our community and expressed my gratitude to our esteemed Veterans, dedicated service members, and their devoted families, for their unwavering commitment to a lifetime of service and sacrifice.
Thank you to all those who serve our country and reside in our community.
I am proud to be your Mayor.
Sincerely,
Mayor Valerie Amezcua
Email: vamezcua@santa-ana.org
Mayor on the Move
Attending Water Infrastructure Summit. Listening to Senator Alex Padilla discuss how and why water is a priority for California.
Best time of the year….GRADUATIONS!!! Congratulations Class of 2024!
Speaking on Memorial Day, we remembered those brave men and women who sacrificed while defending our great nation. Thank you to all the brave service men and women – because of you, we have freedom and our FLAG waves so beautifully!
God Bless America!!!
The National Hispanic Business Women Association (NHBWA) annual scholarship and awards gala was a hit!
Congratulations Project Kinship on hosting a wonderful 10th Anniversary and Inaugural Gala!
Celebrating National Public Works Week!
I invited the Santa Ana Girl Scouts to see our butterfly exhibit at the Zoo!
Toured and met staff at the Santa Ana Family Justice Center.
Honored to have been invited to speak at the Power of One Foundation’s 2024 Mother’s Day Brunch.
Thank you, Asian American Senior Citizens Service Center, for inviting me to be a judge at your Ma(n)y Celebration.
My grandson Troy joined me at the West Floral Park Garden Day!
I was honored to be interviewed by Univision reporter Gabriela Teissier. Univision Channel 34 broadcasted live in Santa Ana, highlighting some of the amazing people and organizations that make Santa Ana one of the best places to live!
At the May 7 City Council Meeting, I presented a Proclamation to Brandy Figueroa for Exemplary Academic Achievements.
Attending the California Peace Officers’ Memorial Ceremony in Sacramento.
Jennifer Wang, Executive Director at Asian American Senior Citizens Service Center, presented me with a handmade floral bouquet made by our amazing seniors!
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHTS
Nonprofit Spotlight: KidWorks
This month’s spotlight is KidWorks. Located in Santa Ana, their mission is to inspire purpose in youth, fuel their growth, and catalyze their impact in the community. Over 1,000 children, youth, and parents participate in weekly programs and over 4,000 community members are served annually. I invite you to learn more here: KidWorks
Small Business Spotlight: Givo Ice Cream, 2525 Westminster Ave., Ste. G, Santa Ana
Got dessert craving? A new must-try is Givo! They are a brand-new ice cream shop here in Santa Ana who are transforming ordinary ice cream into extraordinary moments with our innovative use of texture, flavor, and creativity. I invite you to visit their shop!
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
The City of Santa Ana Human Resources Department Talent Acquisition Division works with City agencies and departments to identify staffing needs and hire the best talent to serve the city. The City of Santa Ana is looking for individuals who are results-oriented, possess great attitude, demonstrate creativity and innovation, work efficiently, show a record of success, and have a passion for public service.
CITY NEWS AND RECOGNITIONS
CULTURA
Read the latest edition of Cultura magazine to find programs, classes, events and news from Parks and Rec, Santa Ana Public Library, and Santa Ana Zoo!
This month in Santa Ana History – Election Day for City of Santa Ana Incorporation
I love taking a moment to share pieces of Santa Ana’s history and this month I’d like to highlight:
Photo from the June 16, 1970 issue of The Register, when Harlen Lambert was awarded Santa Ana Officer of the Year. (Courtesy of Badge of Color)
On June 16, 1970, following his heroic rescue of children from a house fire, Harlen D. Lambert was given the 1970 Officer of the Year award by Santa Ana Rotary President Chester E. Horton and Santa Ana Police Chief Edward J. Allen. He also received the June 1970 Officer of the Month plaque and a $50 check, which he pledged to donate to the Santa Ana Youth Fund. Harlen “Lamb” Lambert was the first African-American police officer in Santa Ana, serving from 1967 to 1973. Lambert’s dedication to community service has been evident throughout his entire career, which includes being a basketball player, Army veteran, entrepreneur, renowned K9 trainer, radio and TV personality, and published author.
City resources
City Hall main line
Code Enforcement
Emergency Water Services
Graffiti Hotline
mySantaAna app
Public Works dispatch (street sweeping, trees)
Santa Ana Police Athletic & Activity League (SAPAAL) |
Homeless Services
The city will offer down payment assistance loans to first-time home buyers to aid in the purchase of a home within the City of Santa Ana. Employment Opportunities
Find more phone numbers for all City services Starting a small business |
Have you downloaded the mySantaAna app?
Report issues like:
- illegal dumping, graffiti removal
- homeless encampments
- trash and recycling missed pickups
- park issues
- potholes
- and more!
Community Resources
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Homelessness support for families and children. Provides assistance with housing placement. |
Provides and ships nutritious, farm fresh produce to communities who need it most. LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps low-income households pay for heating or cooling in their homes. |
Girls Inc. Eureka
Incoming 7th to 9th grade girls!
Girls Inc. is inviting you to take on a summer filled with STEM and life skills! In this camp, participants will engage in projects relating to social media realities, cyber security, college readiness, healthy relationships, advocacy, and more! Learn more here: https://www.girlsinc-oc.org/summer-programs/
Low-cost Mobile Dog & Cat Spay & Neuter Clinic
The Spay and Neuter program at the Santa Ana Zoo begins this month! To qualify for special discounted prices, you must have residency in one of the qualifying geographic areas of Santa Ana. Check the flyer for more information and visit the link below to see if you qualify and to register. Let’s work together to keep our furry friends healthy and happy!
Upcoming Community Events
Wrench and Ride – 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 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
- Garfield Community Center, 501 N. Lacy St.
- 6-7:30 p.m.
For a list of all our workshop dates, please visit our webpage.
Please register at the following link: Catalog – City of Santa Ana, CA (rec1.com) 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.
Brew at the Zoo – June 8
This annual fundraiser brings beer lovers & and animal lovers together over at the Santa Ana Zoo. Prowl the Zoo while sampling some of the finest OC craft beers, encountering animals, and enjoying music. Admission for this event will be for adults only, 21+, and require ID and ticket verification at the door.
- Saturday, June 8
- 5-8 p.m.
- Santa Ana Zoo, 1801 E. Chestnut Ave.
Coffee with the Mayor – June 8
Please join me for coffee and to discuss any city issues that are important to you. I’m looking forward to seeing you there!
- Saturday, June 8
- 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Brown Temple Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, 2008 S. Flower Street, Santa Ana
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 on Saturday, June 8! 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. to 1 p.m.
- The Village, 1505 E. 17th St.
For more information contact Dorian Romero at 714-340-5186 or email dorian@saascoalition.org
Orange County Sanitation District’s 70th Anniversary Open House – June 8
Are you curious about what happens behind the walls of your regional sewer service provider? Do you want to learn more about the vital role the Orange County Sanitation District plays in keeping our environment safe?
As part of our 70th anniversary celebration, you are invited to join OC San for an unique opportunity to explore our facilities, meet our dedicated team, and learn firsthand about the essential services we provide. You will have the opportunities to participate in guided tours, interactive booths, free ice-cream, giveaways and raffle prizes, entertainment and much more.
- Saturday, June 8
- 9 a.m-12 p.m.
- OC San, 10844 Ellis Ave. in Fountain Valley
To register for a tour, visit the Eventbrite page.
Discovery Cube Santa Ana Resident Free Days
Santa Ana residents can get up to 4 free admission tickets per government-issued photo ID with address on the first Tuesday of every month.
Free Resident Day at Santa Ana Zoo
On Resident Free Day, the third Sunday of each month, residents of Santa Ana may visit our Zoo for free. Proof of residency (driver’s license, utility bill) will be required upon arrival. Not valid to schools or business addresses.
Free Santa Ana Summer at Bowers Museum
This is an exciting opportunity to enjoy a Santa Ana treasure! Bowers Museum is expanding its free Sundays for Santa Ana residents, offering free museum general admission to all residents every day from March 9 to September 8 during its new exhibition, Asian Comics: Evolution of an Art Form. Tickets to the special exhibition are $10.
City Hall
Upcoming Holiday and Closed Friday schedule: (City Hall non-essential offices are closed on alternating Fridays throughout the year)
- Friday, June 7, 2024 – City Hall closed.
- Friday, June 21, 2024 – City Hall closed.
The next City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. at Santa Ana Council Chamber, 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana. Official City meetings are open to the public and I encourage you to participate. Council agendas and minutes may be accessed here.
City Council Meetings Highlights
At their May 21, 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.
- 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.
- Increased City funding by $100,000 to $300,000 for the Orange County Children’s Therapeutic Arts Center to expand workforce readiness and skills training and increase the number of youths served from 20 to 30.
- Adopted a resolution establishing the City of Santa Ana Public Financing Authority to issue water revenue refunding bonds to pay for water system improvements.
- Approved the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Annual Action Plan and budgets for the Community Development Block Grant, HOME Investment Partnerships Grant, and Emergency Solutions Grant to provide $16.2 million in funding for 17 public service organizations, affordable housing developments, City improvement projects such as parks, sidewalks and parking facilities, and other City programs to support community and businesses.
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.
Victoria’s Corner
This section was created after meeting with Eva Barrios, a Santa Ana resident, whose daughter Victoria Barrios was killed in 2019. With Eva’s support, the goal of Victoria’s Corner is to bring additional attention to Victoria’s case.
Anyone having any information related to Victoria’s case is asked to contact Santa Ana Police Department at:
- Victoria Barrios case – 714-245-8334
- Homicide line – 714-245-8390
Invite me
If you’d like to invite me to attend an event in your neighborhood or in connection with your organization, please feel free to make that request via email: vamezcua@santa-ana.org
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