Official newsletter of Santa Ana Mayor Valerie Amezcua.
Keeping the community informed about local events, City news, and resources.
March Newsletter: Celebrating Women’s History Month, Community, and February Highlights:
Dear Neighbors,
I hope February brought you many cherished moments. As we step into March, we come together to celebrate Women’s History Month, a time to recognize and honor the incredible contributions of women and girls throughout history. This month, I want to take a special moment to acknowledge and thank the remarkable women and girls right here in our community who work tirelessly to make Santa Ana a better place for all of us.
Community Highlight: 3rd Annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast
In February, I had the honor of welcoming over 400 attendees to the 3rd Annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, hosted by the Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce at Templo Calvario Church. It was an uplifting event, featuring songs by the Voices of Second Baptist Church. I was proud to introduce Jennifer Friend, CEO of Project Hope Alliance, who delivered a moving message about overcoming obstacles, practicing empathy, and supporting one another.
This event is especially dear to me because it brings our community together to share a meal and hear messages of hope and resilience. It fills my heart with joy to see so many people united in a shared moment of positivity and support.
Join Me for Coffee with the Mayor
I invite you to join me for a casual and open conversation at Coffee with the Mayor—a chance for you to meet with me, ask questions, and discuss issues that matter to our community.
- Saturday, March 22
- 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Boys and Girls Club, 950 W. Highland St., Santa Ana
Santa Ana: A Welcoming City
As we move into March, I want to reaffirm that Santa Ana remains a Welcoming City. We are steadfast in our commitment to supporting and protecting everyone in our community. We ensure access to essential services while reinforcing our core values of inclusion, dignity, and respect for all. To learn more about your rights, please visit our city website: Santa Ana – Know Your Rights.
Exciting News: Award Recognition
Finally, I am excited to share that the City of Santa Ana received an award at the 2025 Orange County Business Council’s Turning Red Tape Into Red Carpet Awards Ceremony for our express construction permit program! This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our City staff who strives to make Santa Ana a vibrant and thriving place. Two affordable housing projects that both received financial support from the City also received awards. I am proud of what we’ve accomplished together and look forward to continuing our progress. Read more about our award-winning projects here [link will be updated].
I look forward to seeing you at upcoming community events and activities. Together, let’s continue to make Santa Ana a great place to live, work, and grow!
Sincerely,
Mayor Valerie Amezcua
Contact My Office
I am here to listen to you and your concerns. If you have any comments, concerns or ideas please send them to my office. Click here for contact information for my office.
SAPD launches new community engagement tool
Santa Ana residents will be among the first in Orange County — and some of the first in the state — to benefit from new software designed to enhance community engagement. The Santa Ana Police Department has introduced a new engagement system that uses text messaging to keep residents informed after non-life-threatening interactions with SAPD.
With PowerEngage, a text message will be sent to individuals whose phone number is recorded as part of a call for service. This message will keep you updated by confirming that we have received your call at the given address, notifying you when an officer is en route, and informing you of any delays. Residents that do not want to participate can simply not respond or may reply with STOP and that will opt them out of all future text surveys from the department.
These text messages should not be used to report emergencies or crimes. As always, call 9-1-1 for emergencies or the non-emergency number (714) 834-4211, to report criminal activity.
MAYOR ON THE MOVE
I invite you to follow me on social media for daily updates! Please connect with me, and stay tuned for upcoming news, meetings, and events in our community!
Celebrating NOVA Academy Early College High School’s 20th Anniversary!
I had the honor of speaking at NOVA Academy’s 20th anniversary celebration. As Mayor, I always value the importance of providing quality education to our community. It’s inspiring to see how NOVA Academy has made such a significant impact over the years, preparing students for success in both college and beyond.
Coffee with the Mayor
A big thank you to the over 70 residents who joined me for this month’s Coffee with the Mayor! I truly appreciate all the valuable ideas and feedback shared on important topics such as street traffic, homelessness, and the need for more parks. Receiving input from our community during these events is invaluable as we continue working together to improve our city and make Santa Ana a better place for all.
Quarterly Faith-Based Meeting
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the 30 faith-based leaders who joined me for our Quarterly Faith-Based Meeting. Your presence, insights, and dedication to our community are deeply appreciated. I am grateful for the open dialogue we shared and the commitment we all have to working together toward a brighter, more compassionate Santa Ana.
California Sober Living and Recovery Task Force (CASLAR)
This month, I participated in the California Sober Living and Recovery Task Force (CASLAR) meeting in Santa Ana. The task force works on policy reforms to address concerns about sober living and recovery treatment homes while ensuring individuals in recovery receive quality care in the right settings. These meetings help balance the needs of those seeking recovery with the concerns of our community and neighborhoods.
Mosaic Mural unveiling ceremony
I was excited to be a part of the unveiling of a stunning mural at Jerome Community Center — a breathtaking compilation of 2,000 individual paintings (tiles) symbolizing love, family, and unity. FYI – Santa Ana is the only city in California selected to receive a new public arts installation provided by the international arts organization Mural Mosaic in its winter 2025 tour! A huge thank you to Mural Mosaic and our amazing community members for bringing this masterpiece to life!
UCI Playful Learning Landscapes Celebration
I had the honor of speaking at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new playful learning installations at Madison Park and Angels Community Park. One of the highlights was the unveiling of Parkopolis — a life-size board game designed to promote physical activity, STEM learning, language development, and caregiver-child interaction. We also introduced several other interactive games for the community and our children to enjoy. Together, we’re building a brighter, more connected community!
Congratulations to the SAHS Girls Wrestling Team!
I am incredibly proud of the Santa Ana High School Girls Wrestling Team for winning the 2025 CIF Championship! It was a joy to watch them compete, alongside their coaches, families, friends, Principal Enloe, and many other SAUSD staff members. This achievement is a true testament to their hard work and dedication.
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHTS
The Santa Ana Planning Division
The Planning Division maintains the City’s General Plan and Zoning documents. Planning is also responsible for environmental review, historic preservation, implementation of commercial cannabis regulations, and new development. Planning provides staff support to the City’s Planning Commission, the Historic Resources Commission, and the City Council.
Learn more here.
CITY RESOURCES
mySantaAna app
Download the mySantaAna mobile app to quickly and easily report issues such as potholes, graffiti, downed trees and much more.
Report issues like:
- Illegal dumping
- Graffiti removal
- Homeless encampments
- Trash and recycling missed pickups
- Park issues
- Potholes
- and more through the app!
Request for City Services: Do you need city services? Is there a pothole in front of your house? You can easily request basic city services through the “Request for Service” function on our website to submit your requests for City services.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
- City Hall Main line: (714) 647-5400
- Code Enforcement: (714) 667-2780
- Emergency Water Services: (714) 953-8026
- Graffiti Hotline: (877) 786-7824
- Homeless Services: (714) 242-3706 or report it on the mySantaAna app.
- Project Food Box: Provides and ships nutritious, farm fresh produce to communities who need it most.
- Public Works dispatch: street sweeping, trees: (714) 647-3380
Do you need help with:
- It’s Tax season! If you made less than $60,000 last year, you may be eligible for FREE tax prep assistance. Click Free tax preparation to find a place near you.
Are you starting a small business?
Do you need help with Utility bills?
- Southern CA Edison: 800-447-6620
- Southern CA Gas: 800-207-8567
- Trash pickup: 877-328-2074
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
City of Santa Ana jobs and internships links:
The City of Santa Ana’s Human Resources Department, Talent Acquisition Division, collaborates with City agencies and departments to identify staffing needs and recruit top talent to serve our community. We are looking for results-oriented individuals who possess a positive attitude, demonstrate creativity and innovation, work efficiently, have a proven track record of success, and are passionate about public service.
Community Resources
As a board member of both the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) and the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), I am excited to collaborate with these organizations and share their valuable resources with our community.
Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG)
The SCAG Scholarship Program, in partnership with the California Transportation Foundation, provides nine $4,000 scholarship awards for high school or community college students from the SCAG region. Students of any field of study are invited to apply; however, preference is given to applications that demonstrate a commitment to community planning, regional planning, urban planning, civil engineering, political science, public administration, sustainable development, or other related fields.
Applications are due electronically by 5:00 p.m., Friday, March 21, 2025.
Learn more here
ORANGE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (OCTA)
Youth Bus Program – Though many use the free pass to travel to school, it can also be used to access jobs, libraries and summer activities.
CITY NEWS AND RECOGNITIONS
Housing Authority awarded $400,000 to expand Family Self-Sufficiency Program
The Santa Ana Housing Authority has been awarded a $405,720 grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to manage and expand the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program. This is a critical initiative designed to support families who receive rental assistance in the Housing Choice Voucher Program to become self-sufficient. The funding marks an increase of $145,641 from last year’s award and is nearly three times the amount the Housing Authority received just five years ago.
The FSS Program is a lifeline for HUD-assisted families, offering them the support and resources needed to break the cycle of poverty. The program’s primary goal is to help participants increase their earned income while reducing dependency on welfare and rental assistance. By providing workforce development services and connecting families to resources in the community, FSS helps families overcome barriers to employment, further their education, improve their financial literacy, and tackle other obstacles preventing them from reaching their full potential.
Read more about the Family Self-Sufficiency Program
Sponsor a Hometown Heroes military banner
The City of Santa Ana is proud to recognize Santa Ana’s military heroes for their service through the City’s Hometown Heroes military banner program. Family members and loved ones may nominate an active duty service member from any branch of the military to be honored with a street banner with the service member’s name and photo. The banner will be prominently displayed on one of the City’s streetlight poles along MacArthur Boulevard or Civic Center Drive. Additionally, businesses are invited to sponsor these banners to show their support for our service members.
Hometown Heroes Business Sponsorship
Upcoming Community Events
Walnut Street Urban Greening Project Meeting – March 11
Join a special meeting of the Pacific Park Neighborhood Association to learn about the Walnut Street Urban Greening Project. City staff will be on hand to answer questions.
- Tuesday, March 11
- 6 p.m.
- Roosevelt Walker Community Center, 816 E. Chestnut Ave.
Parks and Rec to host Aquatics Job Fair on March 12
Our Parks, Recreation and Community Service Agency will host a job fair to hire for various positions such as Lifeguard, Senior Lifeguard and Pool Manager in our aquatics program. Stop by to apply in person and get hired on the spot!
- Wednesday, March 12
- 1-5 p.m.
- Santa Ana City Hall – Council Chamber Courtyard, 20 Civic Center Plaza
Santa Ana College Student Success Conference – March 14
Join Santa Ana College at the 2025 Student Success Conference and learn about your career and academic options. You will hear interesting real stories from students about their journey to success and find out more about financial aid, scholarships and student support services.
- Friday, March 14
- 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Santa Ana College, 1530 W. 17th St.
Experience the Dazzling World of Titanium Art at Bowers Museum – March 16
The Bowers Museum is excited to participate in SoCal Museums’ annual Free-For-All day on Sunday, March 16, 2025, offering free General Admission — including full access to The Eternal Garden — to the exhibition of Titanium Art by Aka Chen, a renowned Taiwanese artist. This exhibition showcases the transformed industrial titanium into radiant sculptures that celebrate the beauty and resilience of nature.
- Sunday, March 16
- 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Bowers Museum, 2002 N. Main St.
Santa Ana GROW Conference – March 27
The annual Santa Ana GROW Conference, hosted by the Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce, returns March 27, 2025! This conference brings together leading experts in the field to share their insights and perspectives on the current trends of our city, new development, tourism, economic forecast and more. A highlight of this year’s program features four community business leaders exploring “Why” Santa Ana, an in-depth discussion of what makes our city a unique and vibrant place for business growth.
- March 27, 2025
- 3-6pm
- Santa Ana Elks Lodge,1751 S. Elk Lane
Register for the GROW Conference.
Jerome Center classes
Check out Jerome Center, which has a variety of classes for different age groups. For more information, call (714) 647-6559.
Find all Parks and Recreation classes here
Discovery Cube Santa Ana Resident Free Days
Valid on the first Tuesday of every month, FOUR free tickets per government issued photo ID with address.
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.
The Bowers Museum
Offers free general admission to all Santa Ana residents on Sundays through a generous donation in memory of Dorothy Goerl and courtesy of the Lockhart Family. Santa Ana residents will need to provide proof of residency through an ID, driver’s license or utility bill.
City Hall
Upcoming Holiday and Closed Friday schedule: (City Hall non-essential offices are closed on alternating Fridays throughout the year)
- Friday, March 14, 2025 – City Hall closed
- Friday, March 28, 2025 – City Hall closed
- Monday, March 31, 2025 – City Hall closed (in observance of Cesar Chavez Day)
The next City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. (open session) 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.
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
For more City news, please follow City of Santa on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and share my newsletter with friends and family.