Subscribe to the Ward 2 Newsletter
Dear Santaneros,
February marked Black History Month, and I was honored to take part in events like the OC Black History Parade and The People’s History: Walk and Talk. Celebrating Black culture and its deep ties to our city’s history was truly a privilege. Meeting Santa Ana’s own impactful Black leaders — Dorothy Mulkey, Daniel Michael Lynem, Dwayne Shipp, and Ed Caruthers — served as a profound reminder of the City’s rich history and contributions that shape our community. A special thank you to Santa Ana Active Streets and Councilmember Hernandez for launching the very first People’s History event — I look forward to watching this initiative grow. I also want to thank Dwayne Shipp for welcoming me to the OC Black History Parade.
As we look toward March, I’m excited to share key developments in our library system coming soon for our community to enjoy. Currently, Santa Ana has two libraries and provides services at four community centers, and we are expanding this network with the addition of a new library branch in partnership with the Delhi Community Center, set to open in July 2025. Jerome Park will also have an outdoor library opening in June 2025. Additionally, the historic Main Library is undergoing a major transformation, with a redesign set to unveil in April 2026, and Newhope Branch Library will also be renovated. Libraries are vital hubs that foster education and connection, strengthening our city. I am excited and proud to see our community benefit from these developments.
As part of my ongoing commitment to improving the quality of life for all residents, I continue to address key issues such as rent stabilization. Affordable housing is a priority, especially considering that 55% of Santa Ana residents are renters. I want to remind you that the City of Santa Ana has established a Rent Stabilization Ordinance, which includes a Rental Housing Board to ensure the protection of renters’ rights to safe and fair housing. If you need assistance or have questions, please see below for resources on rent stabilization.
March also marks Women’s History Month, a time to honor the resilience, achievements, and contributions of women who have shaped history and continue to lead us forward. From trailblazers like Marsha P. Johnson, María Lorena Ramírez Hernández, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Angela Davis, to the women in our own community — mothers, caregivers, educators, healthcare workers, small business owners, and community leaders — this month is a reminder of their invaluable impact. Women in Santa Ana continue to advocate for change, build businesses, and uplift families, forming the backbone of our city. I encourage everyone to take a moment to celebrate and recognize the women who make our communities stronger — not just this month, but every day.
Finally, I was proud to be unanimously elected Mayor Pro Tem by the Santa Ana City Council in January. Mayor Pro Tem is a one-year appointment and serves in the Mayor’s place in her absence. Thank you for your continued support and for everything you do to make Santa Ana a great place to live.
In Solidarity,
Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez
Ward 2
Learn more about Ward 2 & City
The People’s History: Walk & Talk
Thank you to Santa Ana Active Streets (SAAS) and Councilmember Hernandez for inviting me to be part of such a meaningful event. Santa Ana is rich in culture and history, with a diversity that extends beyond any single community. It is important to recognize and celebrate all the cultures that contribute to the fabric of our city.
Constituents, Councilmember Hernandez, Supervisor Sarmiento, and SAAS participants enjoyed a two-mile walk, starting at the Southwest Senior Center and stopping at various historical locations in the neighborhood. After the walk, attendees enjoyed free food from Gus’s Fried Chicken, refreshing sweet tea, and music from DJ Rizzkay and D. Mar, bringing the community together in celebration.
We were honored to have guest speakers at each stop:
- Dorothy Mulkey – 1960s housing rights advocate whose case helped strike down racial housing discrimination nationwide
- Daniel Michael Lynem – Founder of the first Black Panther Party chapter in Santa Ana
- Dwayne Shipp – Son of Helen Shipp, founder of the Orange County Black History Parade, and current event organizer
- Ed Caruthers – Two-time Olympic silver medalist in high jump at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics and Santa Ana native
It was an inspiring event that highlighted the significant contributions of Black leaders in Santa Ana’s history. Thank you to everyone who showed up, to our guest speakers, SAAS, and Councilmember Hernandez for making this event such a success.
OC Black History & Unity Parade
It was an honor to support OC Heritage Commerce at their 45th Annual Black History Parade and to be a part of such a vibrant and meaningful celebration. Bringing communities together and celebrating culture knows no bounds — it was truly inspiring to witness the unity and joy that filled the streets of Anaheim. Events like these serve as a powerful reminder of the rich contributions of Black history and culture, uniting people to celebrate, uplift one another, and provide valuable resources to our communities. I look forward to continuing to support and engage in events that foster inclusivity and community pride!
Santa Ana selected as only California city to receive Mural Mosaic installation
I was proud to join in the unveiling of an incredible new mural at Jerome Recreation Center on Feb. 19. Santa Ana was the only city in California to receive a new public arts installation provided by international arts organization Mural Mosaic in its winter 2025 tour. The America Connects Heart & Home National Mural Mosaic is composed of over 2,000 individual tiles each with their own, unique painted design created by artists from around the country. Contributors included seniors from Southwest Senior Center, young athletes from our Boys Youth Basketball League, members of TKO Boxing, and students from Monte Vista Elementary School.
Learn more about the Mural Mosaic
Santa Ana Zoo River Otter & Primate Habitat construction update
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 latest construction update above from Zoo Manager Ethan Fisher.
Subscribe to Santa Ana Zoo’s YouTube channel for future updates.
Santa Ana Public Library construction updates
Exciting changes are happening at your library! Stay tuned as these projects come to life and bring new opportunities for learning and connection. Take a look at our progress:
Main Library transformation
For the first time in over 35 years, the historic Main Library is getting a major upgrade! This transformation will create a more modern and accessible space to better serve the community. The library is expected to reopen in April 2026.
New Delhi Library Branch
We’re thrilled to partner with the Delhi Community Center to bring the first library branch to the south side of the city! This new space will feature an inviting outdoor seating area open to everyone, along with classes and programs for all ages. The Delhi Library Branch is expected to open in July 2025.
Outdoor Library at Jerome Park
This unique project will enhance Jerome Park with a book kiosk for borrowing and returning books, interactive family-friendly seating, and free public Wi-Fi. Our goal is to create a welcoming space where youth and families can gather, read, and learn together. This location is expected to open in June 2025.
Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Ordinance
Santa Ana’s Rent Stabilization Division helps protect tenants from unfair rent hikes and evictions. The city’s Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance limits rent increases to no more than 3% per year or the Consumer Price Index (CPI) change, whichever is lower. Additionally, most tenants who have lived in a rental unit or mobile home for at least 30 days are protected under “just cause” eviction rules, meaning landlords must have a valid reason to evict.
Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction
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 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
National Immigration Law Center
Print your own: Red Cards / Tarjetas Rojas | Immigrant Legal Resource Center | ILRC
Santa Ana WORK Center- Santa Ana Youth Employment Program (SAY)
The Santa Ana WORK Center is happy to announce that we are accepting applications for the Santa Ana Youth (SAY) Employment Program for winter 2025. The City of Santa Ana has allocated funds to operate the SAY Employment Program. The SAY Employment Program administered by the Santa Ana WORK Center will provide paid work experience to youth ages 16-30 years old. Youth must complete the application and upload the required documents. Hours are flexible around your school schedule. The selection process is first-come, first-served, and spaces are limited.
Santa Ana Youth Employment Program
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
Events & Meetings
Rent Stabilization 2025 Community Workshops
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
Business Start-Up Workshops
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.
Please click here to register.
International Justice Clinic Workshop on Human Rights Advocacy at Home – March 18
UC Irvine School of Law Clinics has launched a workshop series for community members in partnership with El Centro Cultural de México in Santa Ana. Coordinated with the help of inaugural Santa Ana Legal Empowerment Attorney Sarah Beydoun (’23), the workshops aim to empower community members with critical knowledge about the law and their legal rights as they navigate a shifting policy landscape over the coming months and years.
UC Irvine Law Clinics Launch Community Workshop Series at El Centro Cultural de México in Santa Ana
Instagram:
UC Irvine School of Law (@ucilaw)
El Centro Cultural de Mexico (@elcentrocultural)
Sister Cities Sahuayo & Santa Ana Business Expo – March 28-30
Get ready to ignite new business connections and expand your horizons! The City of Santa Ana proudly invites local businesses, entrepreneurs, and professionals to the inaugural Sister Cities Santa Ana & Sahuayo Business Expo 2025 on March 28-30.
This unique event is designed to foster international business collaborations, strengthen economic ties, and open doors to new opportunities between Santa Ana and our Sister City, Sahuayo, Michoacán, Mexico. Over 30 Mexican businesses will showcase their products, from leather sandals, purses and belts, to mezcal, tequila, candies and desserts.
Register for the Business Expo
Neighborhood Association Meetings – Communication Linkage Forum (Com-Link) General Meeting – March 27
The Com-Link General Meeting for all neighborhood associations and residents will be on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at 6 p.m. in the Santa Ana Police Department Community Room located at 60 Civic Center Plaza. Social hour with snacks and refreshments begins at 5:30 p.m. Parking validation will be provided.
View the Com-Link agenda here.
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