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Dear Santaneros,
As we step into another exciting month, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible work happening in our community. From neighborhood clean-ups to new parks, business recognitions, and essential City resources, Santa Ana continues to grow and thrive — thanks to all of you.
This past month, I had the privilege of joining neighbors in celebrating the unveiling of the Pacific Park Street Topper and witnessing the grand opening of George Upton All Access Park, a complete renovation of our city’s first barrier-free playground for children of all abilities. These milestones remind us of the power of community and the importance of investing in spaces that serve everyone.
Supporting our local businesses remains a priority, and I was proud to recognize Reyna Market for 24 years of incredible service to Santa Ana. Additionally, our continued efforts to connect residents with valuable resources — like the Santa Ana WORK Center, Rent Stabilization Office, and community workshops — are essential in ensuring that everyone has access to the tools they need to thrive.
We also understand the importance of supporting and protecting our immigrant community. That’s why we are committed to providing Know Your Rights workshops and highlighting organizations that offer resources to help ensure that every individual in Santa Ana feels informed, safe, and supported. By strengthening these efforts, we foster a community where everyone can flourish without fear.
I am especially grateful for the partnerships that bring us together, like the “Taco Trucks at Every Mosque” initiative, which fosters unity through food and cultural appreciation. Moments like these remind us of the strength in our diversity and the importance of building bridges within our city.
As we move forward, I invite you to stay engaged, join us at upcoming events, and continue making Santa Ana a place we are all proud to call home. Your voice, participation, and dedication make all the difference.
In Solidarity,
Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez
Ward 2
Learn more about Ward 2 & City
Pico Lowell Neighborhood Clean Up Day
Pico Lowell kicked off March with a Neighborhood Clean Up Day. A big shout out to our amazing Neighborhood Co- Presidents Valerie Madgaleno and Lizbeth Fuentes for setting up a clean up day for our neighbors to clear out space. Thank you to all of our Pico Lowell neighbors for coming, filling up the bins and following disposable guidelines ensuring that nothing unpermitted is dumped. These are all important steps we must follow to keep this program running. Thank you to everyone who participated, and I hope everyone got to declutter! We look forward to having another successful clean-up day.
George Upton All Access Park Ribbon Cutting
George Upton, a longtime member of the Kiwanis Club, championed the idea of a barrier-free playground for children with disabilities, which opened in 1995. I am thrilled to announce that the City of Santa Ana has completely renovated and transformed the playground, which we reopened as the George Upton All Access Park at Thornton Park. This playground features equipment designed for children of all physical abilities, ensuring that every child, including those with disabilities, can play and enjoy the space.
It fills me with pride to stand here and witness the ribbon-cutting of our first barrier-free playground for children with disabilities. Seeing families and their little ones step foot onto this newly renovated park, I am forever grateful to George for his advocacy and dedication to making this vision a reality. As this is our first barrier-free park, it is crucial that we continue to support and uplift all members of our community while ensuring they have access to the resources they need. I would love to see the addition of an adult changing station at George Upton All Access Park, further enhancing accessibility for all.
Pacific Park Street Topper Unveiling
The sun came out to greet us Saturday morning as we unveiled the new Pacific Park Street Topper along the Pacific Electric Bike Trail. A heartfelt thank you to our Pacific Park neighbors who joined us in celebrating this meaningful addition to our community. This new street topper is more than just a sign — it represents who we are and the neighborhood we proudly call home. I am grateful to have shared this moment with all of you. A special thank you to Selica Diaz and Dolores Bustos for joining me in unveiling this symbol of our community’s identity and pride.
Reyna Market
I am filled with gratitude to present Chef Gabe of Reyna Market with a Certificate of Recognition! As a longtime customer, it’s an honor to highlight a local small business that truly loves its community. Stop by for lunch, pick up your carne, grab some tortillas hechas a mano, in-house salsa, frijoles, arroz, snacks — they have it all! My go-to dish? Las costillitas de puerco en salsa verde. Thank you, Reyna Market, for 24 years of incredible service, quality food, and dedication to our community. Follow them on their instagram to see all their savory deals!
Cubbon & Bishop St. Maintenance Patch Repairs
Recognizing hard work — thank you to Public Works for responding to resident requests and getting our streets repaired! And a big thank you to our community for reporting issues, whether through the mySantaAna app or by reaching out to me directly for graffiti removal, street/sidewalk repairs, and more. If you ever need assistance — or just don’t want to be seen taking pictures for a report — contact me! My staff and I are here to help however we can.
Santa Ana WORK Center Visit
What a resource we have in the Santa Ana WORK Center! Huge thank you to Carlos De la Riva, WORK Center Director, and staff for showing us around during renovations — it’s exciting to see so much care being put back into this space. We were also glad to meet the incredible team from the Rent Stabilization Division, who work tirelessly to support tenants and landlords right here at the center.
The WORK Center is dedicated to connecting our community to opportunities, whether you’re a job seeker looking to find work or transition careers, a youth ready to thrive in the workforce, or a business looking to build a strong team. They offer unemployment assistance, job training, employment listings, workshops (robotics, resume building, etc.), a computer lab, and youth employment services. With strong partnerships between the Employment Development Department, Orange County Social Services Agency, the City of Santa Ana, and more, they’re here to assist you.
City of Santa Ana Youth services
Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction
Taco Trucks at every Mosque
On Thursday, March 27, community members joined us at the Islamic Center of Santa Ana to enjoy free halal tacos and meaningful conversations. The Latino Muslim Community sponsors the “Taco Trucks at Every Mosque” initiative with the mission of “fighting hate one halal taco at a time.” I am humbled and proud to continue building partnerships with the Latino and Muslim communities alongside my co-founder, Rida Hamida. This initiative has brought over 500,000 tacos to communities across Santa Ana, Garden Grove, Los Angeles, Sacramento, and beyond, using food as a bridge to foster unity and understanding.
The event also created a space for children to engage in arts and crafts, including button and bracelet making. Many children expressed their creativity by designing unique buttons and making matching bracelets with friends. Additionally, free henna designs were offered, giving attendees the chance to enjoy beautiful, intricate artwork. It makes me happy to see individuals from the Latino and Muslim communities come together, share food, and participate in activities that celebrate culture and friendship. Events like these highlight the power of food in creating an inclusive and welcoming space for all.
To learn more about this initiative and other ongoing projects, visit the Latino Muslim Community website: Latino and Muslim Unity.
Budget Survey
The Community Budget Priorities Survey gives Santa Ana residents, business owners, and stakeholders the opportunity to help shape the City’s 2025-26 fiscal year budget by sharing their priorities for City services and programs. The feedback collected will be presented to the Santa Ana City Council as we determine spending allocations and approve the new budget, which takes effect on July 1, 2025.
Upcoming Budget Meetings and Information
New project coming to Santa Ana Zoo!
We’re excited to see construction on the Santa Ana Zoo’s Giant River Otter and Primate Trails Habitat nearing completion! The new exhibit will showcase giant river otters swimming through a waterfall, an underwater viewing area, and monkeys playing above in a new treetop trail system and habitat. Watch the construction update videos from Zoo Manager Ethan Fisher on the Zoo’s YouTube channel below.
Subscribe to Santa Ana Zoo’s YouTube channel for future updates.
Santa Ana Zoo River Otter & Primate Habitat Behind the Scenes Update February 2025
Santa Ana Eviction Prevention Program
Low-income Santa Ana renters affected by COVID-19 who have received an eviction notice due to unpaid rent may apply for assistance to cover past-due rent. This one-time payment is made directly to landlords to help prevent eviction and promote housing stability.
The City of Santa Ana has partnered with Families Forward to review applications and determine eligibility. Applications must be complete with all required documents. Rent payments will be issued directly to landlords, with documentation provided to both tenants and landlords.
Rent Stabilization Board: Rent Control & Just Cause Ordinance
Rent Stabilization Board, who are we?
The Santa Ana Rent Stabilization Board plays a crucial role in protecting tenants and ensuring fair housing policies in our city. They oversee the Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance, which helps prevent excessive rent hikes and unjust evictions while allowing landlords to maintain their properties. Their team provides valuable resources for both renters and property owners, offering guidance on tenant rights, rent regulations, and eviction protections. They also host community workshops and maintain a rental registry to promote transparency. If you have questions or need assistance, you can reach the Rent Stabilization Office at (714) 667-2209 or visit them at 801 W. Civic Center Drive, 2nd Floor, Santa Ana, CA 92701. Meetings are held every third Wednesday of the month.
Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction
Past & Upcoming Agenda & Minutes
Watch meetings live on the City YouTube channel
Subscribe to the Rent Stabilization Newsletter
Rent Stabilization Ordinance community resources
If you believe the owner or property manager for your rental unit or mobile home may not be in compliance with our ordinance, or you need help with our rules, please reach out to one of our community partners.
Community Legal Aid SoCal
- Website
- Address: 2101 N. Tustin Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92705
- Phone: (714) 571-5200
Public Law Center
- Website
- Email: info@publiclawcenter.org
- Address: 601 W. Civic Center Drive, Santa Ana, CA 92701
- Phone: (714) 541-1010, ext. 303
Fair Housing Council of Orange County
- Website
- Email: info@fairhousingoc.org
- Address: 2021 E. 4th St., Suite 122, Santa Ana, CA 92705
- Phone: (714) 569-0823 and select Option 4
Latino Health Access
- Website
- Address: 450 W. 4th St., Santa Ana, CA 92701
- Phone: (714) 542-7792
Know Your Rights
The Orange County Rapid Response Network (OCRRN) is dedicated to educating and empowering our immigrant community through its Know Your Rights initiative. This program provides crucial information on how to safely interact with immigration enforcement, what to do if confronted by authorities, and how to access legal resources. OCRRN also offers emergency assistance, connects families with trusted legal aid, and ensures that residents are aware of their rights regardless of their immigration status. If you or someone you know needs support, reach out to OCRRN for guidance and protection.
Print your own Red Cards / Tarjetas Rojas | Immigrant Legal Resource Center | ILRC
National Immigration Law Center
Santa Ana WORK Center- Job openings
The City of Santa Ana has many job opportunities for full-time and part-time work. Please visit the link below to learn more. I encourage you to apply to work in public service for your community!
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 for more information.
10 Steps to Starting Your Business
Important Dates
- May 24: Heninger Park Neighborhood Dumpster Day
- June 14: Heninger Park Neighborhood Dumpster Day
Events & Meetings
City Meetings
- Planning Commission Meeting: April 14 & 28
- City Council Meeting: April 15
- Rent Stabilization Board Meeting: April 16
- Arts & Culture Commission Meeting: April 17
- Youth Commission Regular Meeting: April 21
- Community Development Commission Meeting: April 23
View meetings Agenda and Minutes here.
View meetings live on our Santa Ana YT here.
Neighborhood Association Meetings
- Pico Lowell: April 23
- Heninger Park: May 14
Business Start-Up Workshops – April 9
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. You’ll learn about the resources available to help entrepreneurs and have the opportunity to get your questions answered by City staff as you begin your business journey. The workshop will be offered in English and Spanish.
For more information, please call the Business Hotline at (714) 647-5477 or email at econdev@santa-ana.org.
Please click here to register.
WORK Center Orientation – April 14 & 28
After visiting the Santa Ana WORK Center and seeing firsthand the dedication and valuable resources available, I’m excited to share that the WORK Center is hosting its bi-weekly orientation sessions at 801 West Civic Center Drive, Suite 200. These sessions provide an introduction to the many services offered, including job training programs, educational opportunities, and tools to enhance your job search. Attendees will also gain insights into the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and learn about various community resources and partnerships designed to support career development. Whether you’re looking for a new job, considering a career change, or hoping to develop new skills, the WORK Center Orientation is a great place to start. No registration is required — just arrive a few minutes early to sign in.
For more information, contact the WORK Center at 714-565-2600 or visit their official website. Let’s take advantage of these valuable resources to empower our community and build a stronger workforce in Santa Ana!
Parent University Cyber Safety – April 15
Pio Pico Dual Language Academy is hosting a Parent University Cyber Safety workshop. This session aims to equip parents with essential tools and knowledge to help their children navigate the digital world safely. It’s a valuable opportunity for parents to stay informed and proactive in ensuring their children’s online well-being. You can attend in-person at the school or on Zoom.
Join the virtual Cyber Safety Workshop
Tenant’s Rights Community Workshop – April 16
Struggling with housing issues? Want to know your rights? Join us for our Tenant’s Rights Workshops! Discover how we can support you in maintaining your housing stability and security. This is your chance to empower yourself with essential knowledge and resources. Don’t miss out on this opportunity
Rent Stabilization 2025 community workshops
Resume Building Workshop – April 17
Join us every first and third Thursday at Santa Ana WORK Center. The Santa Ana WORK Center offers resume-building workshops to help job seekers create strong, professional resumes that stand out to employers. Whether you’re starting from scratch or need to refine your existing resume, these workshops provide hands-on guidance on formatting, highlighting skills, and tailoring resumes for specific job opportunities. The WORK Center team also offers tips on cover letters, interview preparation, and job search strategies to give applicants the best chance at success. If you’re looking to enhance your resume and improve your job prospects, visit the Santa Ana WORK Center to take advantage of this free resource! To register please call 714-565-2600.
Interview Workshop – April 17
Join the Santa Ana WORK Center for a workshop designed to help job seekers improve their interview skills. These sessions are part of the center’s ongoing efforts to support individuals in their job search and are typically held on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month. To register please call 714-565-2600.
Orange County Job Fair at Santa Ana College – April 24
Get ready for the Orange County Job Fair at Santa Ana College on Thursday, April 24, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.! This free event is open to all job seekers, including Santa Ana College students and Santa Ana Unified School District high school students. It’s your chance to connect with employers across various industries. Saddleback Church will also be offering free professional headshots on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is required for all attendees, so be sure to sign up! For more details and to register, visit the Santa Ana College Career Center website.
Día de los Niños, Día de los Libros – April 26
Join us for the 17th Annual Día de los Niños, Día de los Libros celebration, a fun-filled event that honors children, literacy, and families! Hosted by the Santa Ana Public Library, this free event features live entertainment, interactive games, free giveaways, and a community outreach fair. It’s a great opportunity for families to come together, celebrate reading, and enjoy activities that foster a love for books and learning. The fun will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the plaza between the Main Library and City Hall. Don’t miss out on this exciting day of fun and education for all ages!
Día de los Niños, Día de Los Libros 2025
Día del Niño at Pio Pico Elementary – April 30
Pío Pico Elementary School in Santa Ana is gearing up to celebrate Día de los Niños! This annual event honors children while emphasizing the importance of literacy and cultural heritage. Come enjoy a day filled with activities that foster a love for reading and provide enriching experiences for students and their families.
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
Utility services
- City utility services
- Southern California Edison: Call 1-800-447-6620
- Southern California Gas: Call 1-800-207-8567
- Trash pick-up: Call (877) 328-2074
Starting a small business?
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!
Local Events
Resident Days at the Zoo • Santa Ana Zoo offers free admission for residents every third Sunday
Bowers Museum free Sundays • Santa Ana residents get in free each Sunday
Discovery Cube Waste Free Days • Santa Ana residents get free admission to the Discovery Cube on the first Tuesday of the month.
USEFUL RESOURCES
Schedule a bulky item pickup: Call Republic Services at (657) 467-6220
Police Non-Emergency Line: (714) 245-8665
Emergency Water Services: (714) 953-8026