Official newsletter of Santa Ana Mayor Valerie Amezcua.
Keeping the community informed about local events, City news, and resources.
Dear neighbors,
Fall is upon us, and I hope everyone enjoyed the Mid-Autumn Festival and the Taste of Santa Ana over the past month. Both events were tremendous successes, thanks to the dedication of the organizers and your enthusiastic participation. It’s wonderful to see how these gatherings bring our community together and provide enjoyment for residents of all ages.
As Veterans Day approaches on November 11, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the veterans in our community for their dedicated service to our country. This is a special time to come together and honor the sacrifices made by those who have served.
Looking ahead to Thanksgiving, I invite you to join me, the SEVA Collective, and Councilmembers Phil Bacerra and David Penaloza for a free turkey giveaway! We will be distributing 500 turkeys and produce boxes to families in our community on Saturday, November 23, at 1441 E. Chestnut Ave. in Santa Ana, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. You can drive up, pop your trunk, and we’ll load your car, or use the walk-up line. No registration is needed — just come by while supplies last.
November is a wonderful time to express our appreciation and gratitude for those around us. This season, I am especially thankful for my loving family and friends, and I am deeply honored to serve as the mayor of our incredible city.
Sincerely,
Mayor Valerie Amezcua
Email: vamezcua@santa-ana.org
For more City news, please follow City of Santa on Facebook, Twitter X, Instagram and share my newsletter with friends and family.
Share my newsletter with family and friends
Mayor on the Move
I am always happy to be invited to join in all the wonderful events happening in our city. Here are a few highlights:
I hosted my final Coffee with the Mayor event of the year at the Dr. Willella Howe-Waffle House and Medical Museum!
I had the honor of attending the opening ceremony for De La Rosa, where they set a new Guinness World Record for the largest Mazapán, right here in Santa Ana!
Quarterly faith-based meeting. I am always thankful to all the churches who join me.
Thank you, West Floral Park, for inviting me to join everyone at their Spooktacular event.
Thank you, OCFA, for hosting my monthly Coffee with the Mayor at Fire Station 75.
Thank you, Carlos Chavez, from Samueli Academy, for inviting me to speak in your American History class.
Thank you, SAPD, for hosting an amazing Trunk or Treat event!
I love welcoming new businesses to our city! Welcome the California Dermatology Institute to Santa Ana.
The very first ROVE electric charging station in Santa Ana. This new facility includes 40 covered EV charging stations, a car wash, and a ReCharge by Gelson’s market with a rest area, where customers can shop while they charge their cars.
Thank you to Soroptimist International of Santa Ana/Tustin for inviting me to be the keynote speaker at your Young Women of Achievement Luncheon.
The 2nd Annual InfluenceHER Summit was a big success. 160 young ladies (and Moms) attended this free event!
Victory Outreach Fundraiser supporting Run 4 Hope!
Joined the TKO Scholarship Fundraiser celebrating their 30th anniversary!
The 3rd annual Mid-Autumn Festival was a great success!
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHTS
Nonprofit Spotlight: Assistance League of Santa Ana
1028 W. 2nd St., Santa Ana
(714) 664-0547
Assistance League of Santa Ana is dedicated to assisting the community by identifying and serving the needs of Santa Ana through the volunteer efforts of its members. ALSA offers low-cost dental care for low-income residents of Santa Ana and surrounding communities. Treatment is available for children and adults without dental insurance. We are providers for CalOptima/Medi-Cal/Denti-Cal. To learn more, please call 714-835-6727.
Small Business Spotlight: The California Dermatology Institute
I am happy to welcome one of Santa Ana’s newest businesses! The California Dermatology Institute is a leading Southern California Dermatology Practice. They use the latest techniques and advances in the field of dermatology.
California Dermatology Institute
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
City Council unanimously approves historic $2.9 billion Related Bristol mixed-use urban village
I was proud to join the Santa Ana City Council in approving 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.
This project will 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.
The Related Bristol Specific Plan includes up to 3,750 residential units, 200 senior living units, a 250-room hotel, and 350,000 square feet of commercial space. It will also feature approximately 13.1 acres of publicly accessible open space, including parks, plazas, walkways, and other green spaces.
Read more about Related Bristol
Bowers Museum voted Best Museum in Orange County
Congratulations to the Bowers Museum for its outstanding achievement in being voted the Best Museum in Orange County! This remarkable milestone reflects the dedication of the museum’s staff and the unwavering support of our community. We commend the Bowers Museum for its commitment to providing exceptional cultural experiences, educational programs, and a welcoming environment for all. Thank you for enriching our community and for making such a lasting impact — your success is a testament to the vibrant cultural landscape of Orange County!
Read more from the OC Register.
Vietnamese Business Forum a success
The City of Santa Ana Economic Development Division hosted the annual Vietnamese Business Forum at Bowers Museum, in partnership with the Vietnamese American Chamber of Commerce and Little Saigon TV. Top City executives and staff, business organizations, and other government agencies shared resources to help our local Vietnamese businesses grow and prosper. We’re proud to celebrate and support our Vietnamese community!
Library Knowledge Mobile: 2nd Edition – Coming March 2025
In Fiscal Year 2023-24, the Knowledge Mobile made an impressive impact by visiting 247 sites and serving 23,897 patrons. It checked out 6,523 library items, created 536 new library cards, and participated in 25 special events. The mobile library reached 15 community centers, 28 parks and 65 schools.
Due to this success, we are customizing a second, larger mobile library vehicle, which will provide more space for books and materials, as well as cutting-edge technology. This upgraded vehicle will feature a large exterior screen, sound system, and multimedia capabilities, enhancing our ability to serve the community. The improved mobile library service will better meet educational and recreational needs throughout the city.
2024 Presidential General Election – Don’t forget to vote by November 5
Don’t forget to cast your vote in the upcoming election! Your voice is crucial in shaping the future of our community, and there are multiple ways to make your voice heard — by mail, drop box, or in person. Early voting is already underway, and ballots have been mailed to all registered voters. You can mail your completed ballot (no postage needed), drop it off at one of the 123 ballot drop boxes across Orange County, or bring it directly to the Orange County Registrar of Voters office at 1300 S. Grand Ave., Santa Ana. Starting October 26, 38 Vote Centers opened for in-person voting, with all 184 centers opening by November 2. Make sure your ballot is postmarked by November 5 if mailing, or drop it off by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Every vote counts!
Sign up for OC Ballot Express to track your ballot
This month in Santa Ana History
I love taking a moment to share pieces of Santa Ana’s history and this month I’d like to share about: Santa Ana Army Air Base
With Veterans Day right around the corner, it is important to recognize the special connection that Santa Ana holds to Veterans Day. This connection is reflected in the City’s deep respect and recognition for those who have served in the U.S. military. On February 15, 1942, during World War II, the Santa Ana Army Air Base was established as a critical training site for young air cadets who would go on to serve in the war. From its activation in 1942, through October of 1944, more than 125,000 new airmen were trained at the base. After the war, the base played an essential role in reintegrating veterans back into civilian life, providing jobs, housing, and community support for returning soldiers.
Each Veterans Day, Santa Ana honors this legacy, paying tribute to the veterans and their contributions to the country and the community’s heritage.
City Resources
Need help with:
- Small business grant
- My First Home Program
- Affordable housing
- Sign up for Medi-Cal regardless of immigration status
- Santa Ana Work Center
Starting a small business?
Need help with Utility bills?
- Southern CA Edison: 800-447-6620
- Southern CA Gas: 800-207-8567
- Trash pickup: 877-328-2074
- Energy Bill & Water Bill Assistance:
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 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. |
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. Learn more here.
OC closes on new headquarters, saving millions in taxpayer money
The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) has purchased a new headquarters in Santa Ana, projected to save $50 million over 30 years compared to leasing. Located on 2677 N. Main St., the building will house OCTA’s operations and offer modern amenities. This move strengthens Santa Ana’s role as a key player in regional infrastructure, bringing jobs and stimulating local economic growth while generating additional revenue streams for the City.
Read more on OCTA’s website.
Upcoming Community Events
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.
Resume Building Workshop – November 7
Elevate your career prospects at the Santa Ana WORK Center! Join us for a resume-building workshop where you’ll discover tips and tricks to craft a standout resume that grabs employers’ attention. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your job search skills and take the next step toward your dream job!
- Thursday, Nov. 7
- 10-11 a.m.
- Santa Ana WORK Center, 801 W. Civic Center Dr., Suite 200
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.
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, Nov. 7
- 6-7:30 p.m.
- Southwest Senior Center, 2201 W. McFadden Ave.
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. Spanish and Vietnamese translations will be available at the event.
My First Home program: www.santa-ana.org/my-first-home/.
Senior Center 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.
City Hall
Upcoming Holiday and Closed Friday schedule: (City Hall non-essential offices are closed on alternating Fridays throughout the year)
- Friday, November 8 – City Hall closed
- Monday, November 11 – City Hall closed on Veterans Day
- Friday, November 22 – City Hall closed
- Thursday, November 28 – City Hall closed on Thanksgiving Day
- Friday November 29 – City Hall closed on Friday after Thanksgiving
The next City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 19, at 5 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.
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.