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Dear Ward 1 Residents,
Summer is in full swing and it’s just been abuzz with activities! I’m so excited that we have a great team in Ward 1 to bring services, programs, and information to residents. It has always been my goal to make sure that the Westside is a bigger part of City Hall, and I’m happy to say that I’ve worked hard to ensure more resources are invested in Ward 1. This means making sure staff is more responsive to complaints and concerns from residents and are proactively addressing quality of life issues.
As we usher in the fall, I want to remind everyone to stay hydrated, to stay safe, and to watch out for one another. Our community is only as strong as our bonds with each other, and I believe we can build a more vibrant Santa Ana if we help each other. Never hesitate to reach out if you need assistance, have questions, or have ideas. I hope that as you meet our team, you get to know them and use them as a resource. We want to hear from you! We want to help!
Always,
Thai
In This Issue…
- Meet Your Ward 1 Team
- Legal Clinic
- Ward 1 Town Hall
- First Time Home Buyer Workshop
Know Your Ward & City
Meet Your Ward 1 Team
Lisbeth Rosales – Former Chief of Staff
I am so sad — but so excited — to say goodbye to our Ward 1 Chief of Staff Lisbeth Rosales as she begins the next chapter of her career. I first met her as a part-time staff at City Hall, but even after she left her position, I convinced her to come back and join our team. Although she was new, we worked hand in hand to create the Ward 1 Team you see today. Lisbeth has been responsible for putting together some of our most important programs, including our health fair with Supervisor Sarmiento’s office, our Thanksgiving giveaways with Santa Anita Neighborhood Association, and our legal clinics. She’s been instrumental in helping to develop policies and procedures in our office. I can’t imagine the office without her, but know that she has trained our Ward 1 Team well. I know she’ll come back to serve Ward 1 again one day, in one form or another. Congrats to Lisbeth for being the first in your family to go to college and now to law school! Excited to have another Lobo Lawyer in Ward 1!
Message from Lisbeth:
Dear Ward 1 residents, as the soon-to-be former Chief of Staff for Mayor Pro Tem Phan, I am honored to have served you all. I am grateful to have worked in this position, as I met many of you and used my resources to effect change. This is a bittersweet moment for me as I love what I do and helping my community. However, I am also excited to go to law school and become a more valuable and fiercer asset to my community. I thank Mayor Pro Tem Phan for her guidance and for uplifting a fellow Ward 1 resident like myself. I will miss this job and Ward 1, but I know good things will come.
I know there is still much work to be done, but I am confident that you, as residents, will be left in good hands. Everyone on the Ward 1 team is passionate about helping Ward 1 residents and bringing much-needed resources to Ward 1. With the guidance of Mayor Pro Tem Phan, I am excited to see what new changes, resources, and events will be brought to Ward 1.
Jazly Morales – Chief of Staff
I want to introduce you to Jazly Morales, your new Ward 1 Chief of Staff. She was born and raised in Santa Ana and is currently a Ward 1 resident. She is also a Fitz Intermediate School and Los Amigos High School Alumna! She completed her Bachelor of Science in Public Health from California State University, Fullerton.
She is looking forward to serving the Ward 1 community by planning events and bringing more resources and programs to the Westside. As a Ward 1 resident, she experiences the same issues and concerns that many residents go through and will advocate for residents by supporting projects that benefit Ward 1, connecting with residents, and staying informed of services. She hopes to have the opportunity to meet and assist you all!
Amanda Tran – Council Aide
Amanda Tran is part of the Ward 1 team as the current Council Aide. Although she is not a Ward 1 resident, we’ve adopted her and she has been a great support to Ward 1 residents! She received her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing at California State University, Fullerton this past May.
Amanda is eager to aid the team with her artistic and photography skills and hopes to bring positive change to Santa Ana. She aims to assist the Ward 1 community through acts of service, albeit large or small, ensuring that residents receive the utmost support and aid.
Ashley Sagundo – Junior Council Aide
Ashley Sagundo is Ward 1 Junior Council Aide and the newest member of our team! She is currently in her senior year at Los Amigos High School where she is enrolled in the Early College Academy Program. She is also on the girls basketball team and flag football team. Ashley is a Ward 1 resident and very familiar with the issues and concerns residents face. Becoming a Junior Council Aide, one of Ashley’s main goals is to be able to ensure that residents and the youth are informed about ongoing resources and programs in the City of Santa Ana.
Ward 1 Commissioner
We’d also love to have more Ward 1 residents apply to be commissioners here in Santa Ana! We have openings on Community Development, Parks and Recreation, and Measure X Committee. It pays $100 a meeting and you’ll get the satisfaction of knowing that you’re an active contributor to making Santa Ana an even better place to live.
Zoning Code Update
The Zoning Code is a set of rules that define how land can be used, developed and improved. These rules create neighborhoods and districts that meet residents’ needs and provide places for businesses to thrive. The City’s existing zoning code, last comprehensively updated in the 1960s, requires revisions to address new challenges and opportunities.
Key Objectives of the Zoning Code Update:
Reflect current trends and needs:
- Align zoning rules with current development trends, economic conditions, and community preferences.
- Improve clarity and usability: Enhance the Zoning Code’s clarity and usability for developers, residents, and City staff.
- Enhance quality of life: Address community needs, community character, economic vitality, and public services.
- Ensure legal compliance: Comply with new state and federal laws and regulations.
For more information about the Zoning Code Update, including event details and opportunities to provide input, please visit our webpage.
Santa Ana announces expands Youth Employment Program with $2 million grant
I am excited to announce that the Santa Ana Youth (SAY) Employment Program to offer paid public sector and non-profit work experience to 120 youth aged 16 to 30 is expanding. Funded by a $2 million grant from California Volunteers, part of the State of California Department of General Services, the program was approved by the Santa Ana City Council on June 18, 2024.
I firmly believe that investing in educational, job training, and career opportunities for our youth is essential to Santa Ana’s future and crucial in reducing violence in our communities.
This is the second grant from California Volunteers, following a $4.5 million grant in June 2022, which benefited 400 Santa Ana youth.
- Enrollment begins in September 2024. Apply Here: https://ecms.santa-ana.org/Forms/SAY-Employment
- Focus areas: food insecurity, education, public service, career exploration, and readiness.
- Participants will access AI and STEM technology workshops.
- Comprehensive support: administrative assistance, fiscal and programmatic oversight, compliance review, progress tracking and reporting, career counseling, case management, and more.
For questions, call the Santa Ana Work Center at (714) 565-2600 or email SAYEmployment@santa-ana.org.
Bulky item pickup is free and easy
Bulky item pickup is free and easy! Santa Ana residents with curbside trash collection are entitled to free bulky-item pickups four times each year, with up to four items accepted at each pickup.
Multifamily complexes with three or more dwelling units are eligible for a combined total collection of up to 10 items per unit per calendar quarter. Multifamily residents must check with their property managers or homeowners associations for the designated location for collection.
Bulky items include refrigerators, beds, sofas, chairs, dishwashers, dressers, bookcases, washers, dryers and stoves. We also accept computer monitors, TVs, and laptop computers during bulky-item pickups. To schedule your bulky item pickup, call Republic Services at 657-467-6220.
Know Our Events & Meetings
Chicano Heritage Festival – July 11
Join us on a day of culture and music as the City of Santa Ana hosts its third annual Chicano Heritage Festival! Let’s come together as we celebrate the City’s rich Mexican-American history. Guests can look forward to immersing themselves in festivities for the Chicano community including food, carnival rides, arts, a kids zone, cultural exhibits, and much more. This celebration will be free, family-friendly, and open to all. See the musical lineup and more at the link below.
- Sunday, Aug. 11
- 2-7 p.m.
- Centennial Park, 3000 W. Edinger Ave.
https://www.santa-ana.org/chicano-heritage-festival/
Rent Stabilization Division Summer Workshops – August 14 & 29
Join our upcoming informational workshops to learn about the City of Santa Ana’s Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance. Attendees will learn about renter rights and protections.
- Wednesday, Aug. 14
- 6-7 p.m.
- Salgado Community Center, 706 N. Newhope St.
- Thursday, Aug. 29
- 6-7 p.m.
- Jerome Community Center, 726 S. Center St.
Educational Celebration of Culture – August 29
In honor of Chicano Heritage Month, an educational celebration of Chicano culture will be hosted by the Santa Ana Public Library. It will feature a unique Aztec dance performance by Ballet Folklorico Leyenda, the participation of Mariachi Folklore, directed by Oscar Garibay. Attendees are invited to a Chicano history panel and a presentation on the history of Chicano films.
- Thursday, Aug. 29
- 4-7 p.m.
- Santa Ana City Hall Courtyard, 20 Civic Center Plaza
Down Payment Assistance Program Workshops – September 5
Thinking about buying your first home in Santa Ana? First time home buyers may qualify to borrow up to $120,000 with 0% interest rate. Join us for upcoming workshops to learn more about this program and ask questions!
- Thursday, Sept. 5
- 6-7:30 p.m.
- Santiago Park, 2615 Valencia St.
Fiestas Patrias – September 14 & 15
Fiestas Patrias is coming back to Santa Ana this September! Come on down to celebrate our Hispanic and Latino communities starting on Saturday, Sept. 14, through Sunday, Sept. 15. The festival will include street fair and vendors, live entertainment, carnival and so much more family fun. We hope to see you there!
- Saturday, Sept. 14: 12-11 p.m.
- Sunday, Sept. 15: 12-10 p.m. (parade at 10 a.m.)
- Bush & Main streets
Fiestas Patrias: https://www.santa-ana.org/fiestas-patrias/
Local Events
Resident Days at the Zoo • Third Sunday of each Month
Bowers Museum resident free days • Normally only on Sundays, Santa Ana residents can now get free daily admission through Sept. 8, 2024.
Discovery Cube Waste Free Days • Santa Ana residents get free admission to the Discovery Cube on the first Tuesday of the month
Know Thai’s Projects
State of the City
Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce’s annual State of the City event celebrated the City’s achievements with the Santa Ana community and business leaders. Congrats to our wonderful City team and Mayor Amezcua for a successful State of the City. This wonderful event was filled with great updates about our work with the nonprofit, business, and development of communities. It was not only about celebrating the achievements in Santa Ana, but the opportunity to look forward to new changes and devotion to a prosperous future. Thank you to all the sponsors and supporters who came out.
Legal Clinc
We had our third Legal Clinic event at Magnolia Science Academy. Our Ward 1 team and volunteers guided and assisted residents with check-in and provided informational flyers. Services that were offered to residents at the legal clinic included housing, immigration, family law, employment, business, and bankruptcy in three languages which included English, Spanish, and Vietnamese at no cost. We hope that the Legal Clinic provided assistance and support to the residents with resources available at the event. Thank you so very much to all of our partners for collaborating with us and supporting Santa Ana!
Town Hall
We hosted our first ever successful Town Hall meeting for all Ward 1 residents! I had the pleasure to meet with residents to better understand their issues and address their concerns. Representatives from Code Enforcement, the Santa Ana Police Department, the City Manager’s Office, and I answered questions relating to quality of life and public safety. Thank you to the staff and residents who came out!
Movies at the Park- ‘Aladdin’
“Let’s make some magic!” – Genie (“Aladdin”)
This summer the City of Santa Ana screened “Aladdin” for free to residents who came to have fun and enjoy the movie at Heritage Park. We provided flyers with City information, programs, and services. Our Ward 1 team also had fun providing resources and giving out juices before the movie started. I was so happy to meet and talk to residents and visited every booth at the event. Special thanks to Santa Ana’s Parks and Recreation special events team and the Santa Ana Zoo for allowing me to touch the beautiful snake!
16th Annual OCFA Best & Bravest Awards
I had the opportunity to celebrate the Orange County Fire Authority’s Best & Bravest firefighters and professional staff for their service and life-saving duties. It was such an inspirational night and I’m happy to say Orange County has the best and bravest Fire Authority. Thank you for their service and congratulations to all the awardees, particularly our very own Chief Henery for his incredible work relating to the Tustin Hangar fire!
Movie in the Park – ‘Kung Fu Panda 4’
“I am the Dragon Warrior!” – Po (“Kung Fu Panda 4”)
This year the City of Santa Ana also screened “Kung Fu Panda 4” at Rosita Park. Our Ward 1 team and volunteers came out to support and provide informational flyers, juices, and snacks to our residents. Good job once again to Santa Ana’s Parks and Recreation special events team for hosting this event in Ward 1. Special thanks to KidzLaunch for your summer camp teaching kids how to start their own business and to AASCSC for donating the goodies!
4th of July Celebration at Centennial
I hope all residents were able to celebrate the 4th of July with family and recognize the declaration of independence of the United States of America. I recognize that we have accomplished so much as a nation, and am grateful every day that my parents made the perilous journey to America. I have the opportunity to live, serve and make it a better place than when we found it. Thank you to our Parks team, AASCSC, the Clippers, and all the awesome sponsors and partners who helped make this year’s event a success!
Celebrating Black History Month
Thank you for inviting the Ward 1 team to Cedar Tree’s celebration of Black music at the Heritage Museum of Orange County! We loved recognizing the organizers dedicated to persevering the rich history and cultural significance of Black music. Looking forward to next year!
Comm Link Awards
My Ward 1 team came out to support the Santa Ana Communication Linkage Forum general meeting and annual awards night in June. Congratulations to the residents who won the most beautiful yard and neighborhood heroes awards, especially the Ward 1 residents! Way to represent our Ward!
Know Your Resources:
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: https://www.santa-ana.org/who-do-i-call/
Utility services
- City utility services: https://www.santa-ana.org/finance/municipal-utility-services
- Southern California Edison: Call 1-800-447-6620 https://www.sce.com/residential/assistance
- Southern California Gas: Call 1-800-207-8567 https://www.socalgas.com/save-money-and-energy/assistance-programs
- Trash pick-up: Call (657) 467-6220 https://www.santa-ana.org/about-republic-services/
Starting a small business?
- How to start a business in Santa Ana: https://www.santa-ana.org/10-steps-to-starting-your-own-business/
- Home Occupation Permit: https://www.santa-ana.org/certificate-of-occupancy-home-occupation-permit/
Download mySantaAna App to Report Issues
The mySantaAna mobile app puts the power of the Santa Ana city government in the palm of your hand! Residents with an iPhone or Android smartphone can now download the mySantaAna application for free allowing them to quickly and easily report issues with photos to the City for clean-up. You can report potholes, downed tree branches, graffiti, trash and much more!
USEFUL RESOURCES
Parking Tickets: https://www.santa-ana.org/pd/parking-enforcement-and-ticket-information
Public Works: https://www.santa-ana.org/pw
Neighborhood Initiatives: https://www.santa-ana.org/neighborhood-initiatives
Utility Services: https://www.santa-ana.org/finance/municipal-utility-services
Schedule a bulky item pickup: Call Republic Services (657) 467-6220
Police Non-Emergency Line: (714) 245-8665
Emergency Water Services: (714) 953-8026
Who Do I Call? https://www.santa-ana.org/who-do-i-call