Dear Friends,
As we step into September, a month rich with reflection and celebration, I want to take a moment to acknowledge two important dates—Labor Day and the anniversary of 9/11. These days remind us of the strength, resilience, and unity that define our community. They also serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of coming together to support one another.
In that spirit, I warmly invite you to our upcoming blood drive in honor of Anthony Garcia, someone whose story has touched my heart since our days at the Santa Ana Boys and Girls Club. This event is not just a chance to give back but also a way to celebrate the impact we can all have on our community.
Additionally, our office hours are open, and I encourage you to stop by. Whether you have questions, suggestions, or simply want to chat, we’re here for you.
September is bursting with events that highlight our vibrant cultural diversity, and I hope to see you at some of these celebrations. Let’s make this month one of connection, support, and joy.
Looking forward to seeing you soon!
In Service,
Councilwoman Jessie Lopez
Ward 3 and Citywide Highlights
Back to School Giveaway
Growing up, I didn’t always have the money or resources to start the school year off right. That’s why it’s so important to me to ensure our students are prepared and confident. They are our future, and supporting them is a core part of my philosophy: strong public safety means investing in public education, supporting our young people, and making sure they have what they need to prosper.
We recently came together to give away over 600 backpacks, along with mental health resources, food boxes, and school supplies, to ensure SAUSD students have the tools they need to succeed this school year. This event was a true community effort, and I’m deeply grateful to our amazing partners, volunteers, and the families who joined us. Let’s start this school year strong!
Edna Dumpster Day
My office continues to support neighborhoods that are less active than others, and we have consistently supported Edna Park.
Most recently, we hosted another Dumpster Day to keep the neighborhood and park clean. Together we managed to fill two dumpsters, and we’re enthusiastic about the upgrades to the park you’ll be seeing soon. We’ll keep you updated via our newsletter and social media channels.
CHICANO HERITAGE FESTIVAL 2024
I had a wonderful time attending the Chicano Heritage Festival, where we came together as a community to celebrate our rich Chicano culture. This event was a true family affair, filled with vibrant music and traditions that brought everyone closer. It was heartwarming to see families of all generations enjoying the festivities and taking pride in our shared history.
Grand Opening Celebration for Playful Learning Landscape Project
I was thrilled to celebrate the launch of the Playful Learning Landscapes. An initiative in partnership with SAUSD, SAELI, First Five Orange County, and UC Irvine’s School of Education. This groundbreaking project transforms our community spaces into hubs of fun and learning, creating environments where children and families can grow together and cultivate a lifelong passion for education.
The giant abacus at Main Street and McFadden Avenue is just the beginning—designed to inspire math learning while families wait for the bus. It’s the first of many innovative installations, with more to come this fall at Madison Park and Angels Community Park.
I’m deeply proud to stand with our community partners, families, and especially our children, as they engage with STEM and its role in shaping a brighter future. A special thanks to Andres Bustamante, UC Irvine professor and lead researcher, and Wendy Gomez, director of the Santa Ana Early Learning Initiative, for their unwavering commitment. And to our madres, who, despite juggling multiple jobs, found the time to learn, contribute, and make this vision a reality.
Orange County Update: Vegetation Management along Santiago Creek in Santa Ana
Thank you for attending last week’s meeting, and a special thanks to Fisher Park for helping us coordinate. As I mentioned, the city has previously assisted homeowners with clean-up efforts near their properties, so please let me know if this is of interest this year as we continue to work on fire prevention and risk reduction, particularly during this heat. I’m also including a recap of our meeting.
Key points discussed during the meeting included:
· Expanding Radius & Neighbor Notification: The project team confirmed that the notification radius for neighbors will be expanded. This will ensure that affected residents are informed prior to the County’s subsequent work in the creek.
· Work Confirmation: The planned vegetation management work in Santiago Creek has been confirmed and will proceed as discussed.
· Tree Tagging: Tree tagging will take place to help identify trees that may be impacted by the possibility of trimming. This ensures careful management and protection where necessary. Again, no aggressive topping of trees will occur, and no work will be performed during bird nesting season. The County confirmed that they will be working with a biologist.
· Supervisor Sarmiento’s Office: The Supervisor’s office is offering support to homeowners whose property lines are near their jurisdiction. We recommend staying in touch with the Supervisor’s office by reaching out to his Senior Policy Advisor, Manuel Escamilla at manuel.escamilla@ocgov.com. Mr. Escamilla can also be reached by phone at 657-401-5554.
- Specific requests for County services should be routed to the Orange County Public Works Agency through their online portal: https://myoceservices.ocgov.com/ServiceRequest
· Pedestrian Bridge Update: My office is handling the upgrade to the pedestrian footbridge. I have secured $600,000 to upgrade the flooring. The bridge will be resurfaced with new pavement designed to reduce heat during the summer. A contractor is currently evaluating the structure, and we will continue to provide updates as the repairs progress.
As a friendly reminder, the work you will see happening in this particular section of the creek is supported by the Orange County Fire Authority. All dead vegetation and debris will be removed. No tree trimming will take place. Please reach out if you have any questions. For any inquiries, please contact OC Public Works at (714) 667-8800 or our office at (714) 647-6900.
Orange County Fire Authority – Vegetation Management Resources
Our fire personnel recommend that all homeowners look at the vegetation management sheet. They strongly encourage you to consider removing all dead vegetation and reduce the amount of combustible debris from your property. OCFA has information available on how residents can harden their homes and create defensible spaces on their website. These items can help reduce the risk of home ignitions:
- Free Online Home Assessment covering basic Home Hardening and Defensible Space principles: https://ocfa.org/RSG/HomeAssessment
- Defensible Space Information: https://ocfa.org/SafetyPrograms/ReadySetGo.aspx
- Ready, Set, Go (RSG) information to help prepare in case there is a fire: https://ocfa.org/SafetyPrograms/ReadySetGo.aspx
If Santa Ana residents are interested in having a free home assessment by the OCFA Fire Prevention team, they may contact the Assistant Fire Marshal Juan Huerta:
- Email: juanhuerta@ocfa.org
- Mobile Phone: 714-483-0899
Orange County Housing Finance Trust Meeting
The Board of Directors of the Orange County Housing Finance Trust
In August, I was re-elected as Vice Chair of the Orange County Housing Finance Trust (OCHFT). During our meeting, we discussed state and federal advocacy strategies to secure funding for housing projects. We also approved a Pre-Development Loan to match a $3 million commitment from the CalOptima Health Board for new affordable housing. I reaffirmed my commitment to making housing attainable for all residents.
Welcoming Enchanted Coffee to Ward 3
Our office continues to support our local businesses and this month we’re excited to support another new local business, Enchanted Coffee! I absolutely love their soft serve and Hojicha tea. I hear their most popular drink is the New London—can’t wait to try it! Remember to support local, shop local, and eat local!
Cheech Marin Presents The Chicano Collection
I hope you’ll consider exploring ‘The Chicano Collection’ by Cheech Marin, a free exhibit featuring unique giclee digital prints from his private collection. This exhibit reflects the complexity and contributions of Chicano artists over the past 40 years.
Thank you to Supervisor Sarmineto for bringing this collection to the heart of Orange County. I’m excited to announce that The Chicano Collection will remain on display at the Old Orange County Courthouse through the end of the year. Admission is free, and the exhibit is open for viewing Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 4:30 pm. Normally, to view the exhibit, you have to visit Riverside County and pay.
OC Parks is delighted to offer tours of our historic courthouse, including the art exhibit, to any interested groups.
Chicano Heritage Month At Santa Ana College with Congressman Lou Correa
I was thrilled to return to my old community college and reconnect with my former professors like Mrs. Angie Veyna, whose teachings on Mexican American history profoundly shaped my worldview.
Celebrating the latest art addition “Cesar Chavez 1991” oil on canvas from Kathryn Bowers and Higgy Vasquez was a powerful reminder of Emigdio Vasquez’s enduring legacy. His art offers a universal expression of humanity, highlighting his unwavering dedication to human rights. Emigdio masterfully captures the Chicano identity and community empowerment, connecting these messages to a broader human experience. It’s incredible to see our local college honor this legacy with such an extraordinary new piece.
Many thanks to the family, Congressman Correa, and Supervisor Sarmiento.
Neighborworks Housing Workshop
As a councilwoman, I was proud to support increased funding for initiatives that help more people become homeowners. Recently, I hosted an important housing workshop in collaboration with NeighborWorks Orange County. This free, in-person event provided valuable information about the City of Santa Ana’s down payment assistance program, which offers up to $120,000 to help our residents achieve homeownership. It was a fantastic opportunity for community members to learn about the financial support options available to them. For more information, please email info@nwoc.org.
Santa Ana College Family Night
It was such a joy to return to my alma mater, Santa Ana College, and chat with students about their bright academic futures! Despite a busy workday, running into family and friends made the experience even more special. Thank you, Santa Ana College, for hosting a fun and memorable Family Night—it was truly a pleasure to be a part of it!
Santa Ana Items of Interest
Update on vacant lot on 1302 N. Grand Avenue
Our office frequently addresses concerns about vacant properties, and we’re committed to ensuring these sites are maintained and developed in compliance with local regulations. This month, we’re spotlighting 1302 N Grand, which recently received a Notice to Abate Public Nuisance. Our team has conducted several compliance inspections to verify adherence to property maintenance standards, including SAMC 10-96 signage, and to ensure the vacant lot remains secure and graffiti-free.
While the property owner has not yet submitted plans to the Planning and Building Department, we are actively working with our Economic Development team and Planning Department to advance the development of long-neglected areas like this one. Our goal is to transform these inactive spaces into vibrant, productive parts of our community.
Streetlight Request On Grand
Please be informed that the request for a streetlight at 1259 14th Street is currently in progress. Southern California Edison (SCE) is actively working on the design for the installation of the light. The design phase is expected to take approximately 2-3 months, followed by an additional 2-3 months for the actual installation. We appreciate your patience and will continue to keep you updated on the progress.
Habitat for Humanity
I am thrilled to celebrate the official launch of construction for six new homes on West Washington Ave. My planning commissioner, Isuri Ramos, joined Habitat for Humanity for the groundbreaking ceremony. These are not just houses; they represent our community’s spirit and provide six families with a bright future, knowing they now have a place to call home. I want to thank Habitat for Humanity of Orange County for their commitment to making homes affordable for our Santa Ana families and strengthening our community.
Santa Ana office park to become industrial business complex in latest economic revitalization effort
I was proud to support the transformation of three outdated office buildings and a vacant land parcel into the South Coast Technology Center, a modern industrial campus. This development, part of a broader effort to adapt to changing economic trends, is expected to generate 687 permanent jobs and 555 construction jobs, contributing $256.1 million annually to the local economy. The project, led by C.J. Segerstrom & Sons, includes new Class A industrial flex buildings with light industrial uses, outdoor amenities, and infrastructure improvements, reflecting the City’s updated General Plan and commitment to economic growth.
Blackstone Unlimited
The Library Services Agency is excited to officially announce the launch of Blackstone Unlimited Audio, a digital library platform with best-selling digital audiobooks.
Anyone with a library card can check out these audiobooks for free, and listen to them anytime, anywhere. With unlimited availability of over 6,500 titles to choose from, there are no holds or waiting for books. The Blackstone app is available for free download via Apple store for iOS and Google Play for Androids.
Please visit the Virtual Library to view the online services offered by the Santa Ana Public Library.
Guidelines for Neighborhood Meetings During Political Season
The Neighborhood Initiatives and Environmental Services office of the Planning and Building Agency has developed the following guidelines regarding community meetings during political seasons or surrounding “hot” political topics.
- Neighborhood Associations receiving financial or staff support from the City of Santa Ana either in the past or anticipated in the future, are prohibited from becoming involved in political campaigns for the purpose of endorsing a particular candidate.
- Generating revenue on behalf of the neighborhood association through paid advertising received from political campaigns will result in a review of any and all financial and in-kind support by the City of Santa Ana to the neighborhood association.
- At the outset of any meeting in which staff will be a participant, ground rules will be announced (such as staff members are in attendance to assist the group with logistical questions, specific project updates, etc). Should the discussion or agenda move into political topics, staff should then excuse themselves from the meeting and allow the group to continue their discussion.
- It is recommended that flyers for political candidates or issues not be permitted at group meetings.
- Campaigning Incumbents will be treated the same as other political candidates — except when invited to meetings to address specific projects or activities. However, if political discussion is initiated, staff should then excuse themselves from that meeting, but please do not put our staff in that position.
Hackers may have stolen the Social Security numbers of every American. How to protect yourself
LA Times
In a massive data breach, hackers have reportedly stolen 2.9 billion personal records from National Public Data, including Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and phone numbers of individuals in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. Much of this sensitive information has already been made available for free on a hackers’ forum, putting millions at risk of identity theft. Experts strongly recommend that you take immediate action by placing a freeze on your credit accounts with the three major credit bureaus to safeguard your personal information and prevent unauthorized access. Stay vigilant and monitor your accounts for any suspicious activity.
Source: https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2024-08-13/hacker-claims-theft-of-every-american-social-security-number
Housing costs are driving people out of Orange County, poll says.
A UC Irvine poll found that over a third of Orange County residents are considering moving away, primarily due to the high costs of housing and limited housing options. This trend highlights the urgent need for affordable housing solutions to maintain the vibrancy of our community. Affordable housing isn’t just about providing shelter; it’s about ensuring that long-time residents, working families, and younger generations can continue to call Orange County home. As we address these challenges, we must prioritize policies and developments that support sustainable, affordable living for all.
Read here: Many Orange County residents are thinking about moving away – Los Angeles Times (latimes.com)
Santa Ana Public Library Student Success Cards
The Santa Ana Public Library and Santa Ana Unified School District have partnered to provide every SAUSD student with a fine-free “Student Success Library Card,” which doubles as their school ID. This initiative, established through a memorandum of understanding (MOU), grants students access to educational and recreational resources, including the ability to check out up to five items, borrow Wi-Fi hotspots and Chromebooks, and use library computers without incurring fines. Additionally, students can access a range of online e-resources, participate in reading programs, receive online tutoring, and engage in interactive programs and volunteer opportunities.
Student Success Perks:
-Check out up to 5 items
-Check out a T-Mobile Wi-Fi hotspot and/or a Chromebook
-No fines or fees
-Use of library computers
-24/7 Access to Online E-Resources
-E-books
-E-audiobooks
-E-magazines and newspapers
-Video streaming
-Online databases
-Interactive Programs and Services
-Summer and Fall Reading Programs
-Online Tutoring
-Volunteer Opportunities
-Interactive programs for K-12th grade
Please share this resource with the students in your life and help our community read more!
Upcoming Events
Office Hours at Saddleback View Park
Join us for our upcoming community office hours on Wednesday, September 11th, from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Saddle Back View, located at 621 Patricia Ln, Santa Ana, CA 92701. This is an excellent opportunity to meet with me and discuss the issues that matter most to you. We look forward to seeing you there!
GIVEHOPE-It’s in your blood
Join us on September 5th for a special blood drive in honor of our beloved community member and friend, Anthony Garcia. As a former Ward 3 resident, Anthony will always be remembered as an incredible father and friend who left a lasting impact on our community. I had the privilege of knowing Anthony since my early days at the Boys and Girls Club, and it’s a privilege to support City of Hope patients in his name.
Your donation could be the lifeline someone needs—let’s come together to give hope and keep Anthony’s spirit alive.
You are invited to attend a community meeting to learn more about a proposed for-sale townhome residential project. The meeting will be on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 at 6 p.m. at First Point Apartments Community Room – 2112 E 1st St. Click here to view the site plan and FAQs.
Upcoming Community Sunshine Meeting
Santa Ana Time Capsule Opening Event
Mark your calendar for Saturday, September 7th at 6 PM, as we unlock and open the ten-year Santa Ana Time Capsule at GCAC. Originally created in 2014 by artist Daniel Tucker during his residency, this event will feature a discussion with Tucker and Rosten Woo about the video *Future Perfect: Time Capsules in Reagan Country,* which documents the time capsule’s creation.
Local historian Manny Escamilla will read a letter to the future before we reveal the capsule’s contents. If you contributed to the time capsule or are passionate about local and political history, this is an event you won’t want to miss!
Breath of Fire Latina Theater Ensemble Presents the Culmination of Cantos, Cuentos, and Corridos of Santa Ana: Stories of the Heart
Join us for a powerful day of storytelling through song, spoken word, and poetry, brought to life by the Breath of Fire Latina Theater Ensemble (BOFLTE), local artists, and community participants. *Cantos, Cuentos, and Corridos of Santa Ana: Stories of the Heart* is the culmination of a series of community workshops that reimagine the untold stories of Santa Ana’s people, history, and culture.
These two FREE performances offer a unique blend of tradition and innovation, inspired by the “CORRIDO,” a centuries-old storytelling form cherished in Mexico and the U.S. Over 100 community members, including those who live, work, and study in Santa Ana, contributed their voices to this project.
Seating is limited, and reservations are highly recommended. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with Santa Ana’s rich heritage and vibrant spirit through the arts.
For more information or to reserve your spot, please email: breathoffirelatinatheater@gmail.com.
BOFLTE proudly continues its programming and collaborations as Artists-in-Residence at GCAC
At Grand Central Art Center Theater Space
SEPTEMBER 8 @ 2:00pm and 6:00pm
Community Legal Aid SoCal
Trying to do something meaningful this summer, volunteer at the remote Eviction Defense Clinic with SoCal Legal Aid. As a volunteer, you’ll play a crucial role in helping families stay in their homes, providing vital support to those facing housing challenges. Whether you’re a legal professional, a student, or someone passionate about making a difference, your time and effort can have a lasting impact on our community. Sign up today and be part of a team dedicated to protecting tenants’ rights and preventing homelessness. Ready to make a difference? Email probono@clsocal.org to get started!
Other Local Events
Resident Days at the Zoo • Third Sunday of each Month.
Bowers Museum Santa Ana Summer • Santa Ana residents get in free every day 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.
Councilwoman’s Office Hours • Santa Ana residents are invited to come and ask questions, share your concerns, and make suggestions about your neighborhood or the City of Santa Ana.
You are receiving this email because our records show that you reside in Ward 3 or because you have subscribed to Councilwoman Lopez’s newsletter. If you need
assistance, please reach out directly via email at jessielopez@santa-ana.org or by phone at (714) 822-0891. To access previous newsletters, please visit https://www.santa-ana.org/jessie-lopez/. If you would like to opt out of this newsletter, please email aulmer@santa-ana.org. Don’t forget to follow us on our social media platforms. Thank you for staying connected with us.
We refrain from selling or sharing your personal information with anyone, and we make every effort to avoid filling your inbox with spam. To schedule a meeting with Councilwoman Lopez, please contact aulmer@santa-ana.org.