Dear Ward 1 Residents,
As spring arrives, I hope that everyone has the chance to do some spring cleaning and celebrate the Year of Snake by shedding that old skin and being reborn anew! With this new year, I continue to work with our Ward 1 Team to bring services and programs to residents. We’re hard at work on the upcoming budget and fighting to prioritize Ward 1 programs. If you have any ideas or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out! We’re always just a quick email away.
Yours Truly,
Thai Viet Phan
Santa Ana Councilmember, Ward 1
In This Issue…
- Know Your Rights
- City of Santa Ana Services
- Tết Festival Celebration
- Meet the Ward 1 Team
Know Your Ward & City
Meet Ward 1 Team
Junior Council Aide – Sara Granados
Sara Granados is the Ward 1 Junior Council Aide and the newest member of our team! She is currently in her junior year at Los Amigos High School where she is enrolled in the Early College Academy Program at Golden West College. Her current hobbies are listening to music and watching sports, such as soccer and basketball. Sara is a Ward 1 resident and is familiar with the issues and concerns residents face. Sara hopes to share information about municipal services with residents and increase engagement through community involvement.
Historic Resources Commission – Ignacio Rincon
Ignacio Rincon has a bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning with over 20 years of city planning experience. Some of his roles have included reviewing development proposals and applications, from Conditional Use Permits to Zoning Changes and General Plan Amendments, for compliance with planning regulations, policies, and ordinances, as well as the State’s California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines. In addition, his experience includes preparing zoning code text amendments. Lastly, he has worked as a project manager for various affordable housing developers and home builders overseeing the development/entitlement process on various projects throughout Southern California. He’s currently working as an Independent Contract Planner for various cities and counties throughout Southern California. As a resident of Santa Ana for the last 12 years, his goal is to land in a permanent Planning position in an Orange County city, county, or other municipality.
Police Oversight Commission – Keith Carpenter
Keith has been a resident of Santa Ana, Ward 1, for 40 years. He is currently Vice Chair of the Police Oversight Commission, previous Chair of the Measure X Oversight Committee and previous member of the Historic Resources Commission. His hope for the Police Oversight Commission is that through the joint effort of the citizens, working with the police and City, meaningful changes can be accomplished that benefit the public, City and the police. His goal is to make Santa Ana a better place to live for all citizens and he believes the only way change can occur is by being involved.
Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission – Josh Jogwe
Josh is a wealth associate, coach, international basketball consultant, and author. Born and raised in Santa Ana, he is the oldest of four siblings of parents from Nigerian and Mexican heritage. He attended Taft Elementary, MacArthur Middle, Segerstrom High, and then graduated from UCI. He is passionate about empowering our youth through sports, recreation, and community in order to build confidence and prepare them for their bright futures.
Planning Commission – Bao Pham
Bao Pham is a local architect who lives and works in Santa Ana. To him, it is very fulfilling to be able to serve the community that he has grown up in and see change throughout the years.
Youth Commissioner – Cat Pham
Cat Pham serves as the Youth Commissioner for Ward 1 of Santa Ana. She attended Rosita Elementary and James Irvine Intermediate, and is currently a senior at Los Amigos High School. With a strong background in community involvement, she strives to bridge the gap between youth voices and City leadership, broadening perspectives while addressing youth concerns at the city level. Each month, she collaborates with other driven and passionate youth commissioners to develop and implement projects aimed at uplifting not only young people, but also families and those in need throughout Santa Ana. She is honored to serve in this role and look forward to continuing her efforts to empower and support her community.
Know Your Rights
The City of Santa Ana is committed to the safety of all residents, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, country of origin, or immigration status. Immigrants who are stopped, arrested or detained by immigration or other law enforcement agencies have certain rights.
Visit our Know Your Rights on the City of Santa Ana page to learn more below.
For more information:
https://ocrapidresponse.org/#Resources
https://ocrapidresponse.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/KYR_OCRRN_Hotline.pdf
Award from Orange County Business Council
The City of Santa Ana received an award from the 2025 Orange County Business Council: Turning Red Tape Into Red Carpet! Two affordable housing projects that were supported by the City also received awards. A shoutout to our wonderful City staff and executive management team for their hard work and dedication that make Santa Ana a vibrant and thriving city. Read more about our award-winning projects here.
Get free business assistance at City Hall
Our Economic Development team is here to help our local business community. Whether you’re just starting a business, need help with a marketing plan, or have questions about growing your business, our experts are ready to provide guidance.
Stop by Santa Ana City Hall for Business Assistance Office Hours from 8 to 11 a.m. Monday through Thursday. This free service is your opportunity to get personalized advice and take the next step toward building your dream business.
Call the Economic Development Division at (714) 647-5477 to learn more.
How to start your own business
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
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.
City of Santa Ana Volunteer Program
Volunteer opportunities are available throughout the City of Santa Ana. For more information about each of our opportunities throughout many different City departments and to apply, please visit the link below.
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
Know Our Events & Meetings
Sister Cities Santa Ana & Sahuayo Business Expo – March 28-30
The City of Santa Ana invites local businesses, companies and entrepreneurs to the Santa Ana & Sahuayo Sister Cities Business Expo 2025. This exciting 3-day event, in partnership with our sister city Sahuayo, Michoacán, Mexico, offers a unique opportunity to explore international business ventures, connect with potential partners, and discover new products. Learn more and register at the link below.
- Friday, March 28, 12-5 p.m. (Open to businesses)
- Saturday, March 29, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Open to businesses)
- Sunday, March 30, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Open to the public)
- Hotel Zessa, 201 E. MacArthur Blvd.
Sister Cities Santa Ana & Sahuayo Business Expo
Parks & Rec Summer Hiring Fair – April 2
Our Parks, Recreation and Community Services 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, April 2
- 1-6 p.m.
- Santa Ana City Hall – Council Chamber Courtyard, 20 Civic Center Plaza
Business Start-Up Workshop – April 9 & May 14
The City of Santa Ana Economic Development Division hosts monthly Business Start-Up Workshops at Santa Ana City Hall (Room 1600), 20 Civic Center Plaza, on the second Wednesday of each month from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This workshop is beneficial to anyone interested in starting a new business or expanding an existing one in Santa Ana. The workshop will be offered in English and Spanish. Please click here to register. For more information, please call the Business Hotline at (714) 647-5477 or email at econdev@santa-ana.org.
- Wednesday, April 9 & May 14
- 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
- Santa Ana City Hall (Room 1600), 20 Civic Center Plaza
Tenant’s Rights Community Workshop – April 16
Our Rent Stabilization Division in Collaboration with Community Legal Aid SoCal and the Santa Ana Unified School District will host and present the Tenant’s Rights Workshop. The workshop will provide resources that can help maintaining your housing stability and security.
- Wednesday, April 16
- 5-7 p.m.
- Lathrop Intermediate School – Wellness Center, 1111 S. Broadway
Local Events
Resident Days at the Zoo • Third Sunday of each Month
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
Fiesta Del Mariachi
Thank you to the City of Santa Ana and Power of One Foundation for inviting me to attend the Fiesta del Mariachi event in December. It was a pleasure seeing the various Mariachi singers and live music performances.
Congressman Correa and CalOptima Holiday Health Fair
This was an amazing Holiday Health fair event at Valley High School! Congressman Correa collaborated with CalOptima to provide resources and Christmas gifts to the community during the holiday season. It filled my heart with joy to see many families and children receive a special Christmas gift.
Tamalfeset
Downtown Santa Ana had their 5th Annual Tamalfest! It was an amazing festival filled with amazing performances and vendors. I was able to stop by and enjoy a delicious tamal. Can’t wait for the next one!
Chief of Police Announcement at Russell Language Academy
Congratulations to Chief Rodriguez! He is now the 22nd Chief of Police for the Santa Ana Police Department.
It was uplifting to see the Chief of Police be appointed at Russell Elementary School where he formerly attended elementary school. Students from Russell Elementary had the opportunity to witness Chief Rodriguez’s appointment and listened to his speech as the new Chief of Police for the City of Santa Ana. I look forward to seeing his dedication and leadership continue at the Santa Ana Police Department.
Downtown Holiday Celebration
Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento hosted a Holiday Celebration on Christmas Eve where many families received free meals and toy giveaways. It was amazing to see many families receive holiday joy!
Remembering Former President Jimmy Carter (1924-2024)
Bowers Museum hosted a touching ceremony where Former President Jimmy Carter was commemorated with moving speeches. He led the nation through difficult times and was an important figure to the Vietnamese community and aided people during their time of need. Thank you, President Jimmy Carter!
Santa Ana Tết Festival
Chúc mừng năm mới! The City of Santa Ana’s 2nd annual Tết Festival was a huge success. I was so happy and excited to see many residents enjoy the various entertainments and arts of Asian culture. The Ward 1 Team had a blast giving out goodies and providing City resources to the residents. I am always delighted to see everyone who attended wear their beautiful Áo dài. It fills my heart with joy!
A huge thank you to Santa Ana Parks, Recreation and Community Services and Santa Ana Public Library for welcoming the Year of the Snake. Looking forward to next year!
Lunar New Year 2025 Board Presentation Invitation
Thank you Supervisor Sarmiento for inviting me to the board presentation of the 2025 Lunar New Year and presenting me with a resolution!
SAPD Oath of Office Ceremony
Congratulations to the new Santa Ana Chief of Police and Deputy Chiefs!
It was heartwarming to witness the Oath of Office Ceremony for Chief Rodriguez as well as the Promotional Ceremony for Deputy Chiefs Chuck Elms, Roland Andrade, and Jose Gonzalez. I am enthusiastic and cannot wait for what they have in plan for the community.
UVSA Tết Festival
I had the pleasure of participating in the Union of Vietnamese Student Associations, 43rd annual Vietnamese New Year Festival! I enjoyed the live performance and the delicious foods from the various vendors. The Ward 1 Team and I provided goodies and City resources at our booth. I had a fun time meeting and talking to folks. A special thank you to the Lobo volunteers for making our booth extra fun! Can’t wait til next year!
City of Westminster Tết Parade
I had an absolute blast being part of the Westminster Tết parade once again this year. This parade displayed and celebrated the Vietnamese-American community through so many beautiful and creative floats along with many performances.
Santa Ana Quarterly Neighborhood Cleanup
This was the City’s first Quarterly Neighborhood Cleanup that took place in Ward 1. The Ward 1 Team had the opportunity to witness the ongoing initiative to help residents properly dispose of bulky items and keep the city clean. Thank you, Santa Ana Public Works team!
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