The holiday season is here, and there’s nothing like the sparkle of festive lights, the warmth of family traditions, and the joy of giving to remind us of what truly matters. As we dive into December, I want to take a moment to remind everyone to stay safe during this busy time of year. Please be mindful of holiday scams, plan ahead for package deliveries to avoid theft, and let’s look out for one another as neighbors.
I’d like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our incredible City staff for their tireless work and to our Ward 3 families for everything you do to make our community a better place. Ward 3 is such a special place thanks to the generosity, kindness, and contributions of our residents.
This holiday season, I hope you and your loved ones have a chance to relax, enjoy each other’s company, and celebrate your blessings. I know I’ll be taking a few days to catch up on family hikes and some board games I’ve missed this year!
From my family to yours, Merry Christmas, happy holidays, and a very Happy New Year!
Warm wishes,
Jessie Lopez
Councilwoman, Ward 3
Ward 3 and Citywide Highlights
Santa Ana’s Plaza Navidena
I had a wonderful time at Plaza Navideña, handing out candy, spreading holiday cheer, and celebrating the season with our amazing community. It was heartwarming to see so many people come together to embrace the joy of the holidays. Wishing you all a festive season filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments with your loved ones!
Councilwoman Jessie Lopez opposes extreme policies that threaten our schools
COSA Letter of Opposition to S.5384
As a proud public school graduate and the daughter of a dedicated school employee who worked at Hoover Elementary, I understand firsthand the vital role public education plays in shaping our lives and communities. That’s why I strongly oppose S.5384, the bill introduced by Senator Mike Rounds to abolish the Department of Education (DOE).
This extreme and radical proposal would have devastating consequences for our community, eliminating countless jobs, deteriorating property values, and severely impacting our municipal budget. Most importantly, it threatens the foundation of public education, which we must protect — not abolish.
If enacted, this bill would strip schools of critical resources that help level the playing field for students:
- Title I funding: Essential for supporting under-resourced schools in districts like Santa Ana Unified, ensuring students have access to the tools they need to succeed.
- IDEA funding: Crucial for special education programs serving students with disabilities, without which districts would struggle to meet these students’ needs.
- Pell Grants and federal student loans: Vital for helping local students afford higher education, including many attending Santa Ana College. Losing these programs would make college unattainable for countless families.
The DOE plays an irreplaceable role in fostering equitable access to education and creating opportunities for all students, regardless of background or circumstances. Rather than dismantling this critical institution, we should focus on strengthening it to better serve our communities.
I have already written to the committee to express my opposition to S.5384, and I urge you to join me in standing against this extreme legislation. Together, we can protect public education, advocate for our students and educators, and ensure that opportunities for a brighter future remain available to all.
I believe in the transformative power of education, and I will continue to monitor this situation at both the state and federal levels to defend our schools against these radical attacks. Let’s stand united to safeguard public education for future generations.
Jags Reach Higher Celebration
I had so much fun celebrating our incredible students at Segerstrom High School! I joined Principal Dave Casper, ASB President Lillany Marquez, and Trustee Hector Bustos in celebrating over 800 incredible sophomores, juniors, and seniors at the Jags Reach Higher Celebratory Procession!
A huge thank you to the dedicated school staff—principals, counselors, teachers—and to the parents who support these bright students every step of the way.
Councilwoman Jessie Lopez with Trustee Hector Bustos and Local Santa Ana Moms.
Nicholas Academic 16th Annual Thanksgiving Dinner
I joined the Nicholas Academic Center for their annual holiday dinner. It was a wonderful opportunity to come together and express gratitude for the incredible work they do to support thousands of first-generation students. Their dedication to empowering young minds is truly inspiring, and I’m thankful to be part of such a meaningful celebration.
Santa Ana Active Streets 10th Year Anniversary
I was thrilled to join Santa Ana Active Streets for their 10th Anniversary, celebrating a decade of incredible work advocating for safer, more accessible streets in our community. Thank you to the entire team for your dedication to improving our city, and a special shout-out to Dorian for your relentless efforts and leadership in pushing for safer streets in Santa Ana. It was a fantastic celebration of the progress made and the amazing impact our residents have had over the years. Here’s to many more years of making a difference in our community!
Green MPNA Stakeholders Meeting
I attended the Green MPNA Stakeholders Meeting, which was incredibly important as we heard directly from community members about the environmental issues that matter most to them. The room was filled with passionate individuals committed to advocating for change, and it’s inspiring to see our community so actively engaged.
Celebrating Thanksgiving with our Community
This past Thanksgiving, I hope you had the chance to spend meaningful time with loved ones, creating cherished memories and reflecting on the blessings in our lives. For me, Thanksgiving is always a special time to return to the places that shaped me, like the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Ana.
I was honored to join their Thanksgiving event, where I helped serve holiday dinners to families in our community. Additionally, I teamed up with Councilmember Hernandez for his annual Turkey Giveaway and Thanksgiving dinner, two events that truly captured the spirit of giving back and the importance of family.
I hope your holiday was filled with joy and gratitude. Thank you for being an integral part of our community, and may the spirit of Thanksgiving continue to inspire kindness and generosity in all of us.
Councilmember Lopez’s Site Visits
During one of my recent walks on the trail behind my house, I noticed graffiti on some of our trash cans. I reported it using the mySantaAna app, a great tool for residents to report issues like graffiti, illegal dumping, and more. Thanks to quick action, the problem was resolved, and our city is looking cleaner.
Exciting news: the City Council recently approved upgrades to the mySantaAna app, which will soon be available in Spanish and Vietnamese, with plans to include more languages in the future. This ensures more residents can access this resource and help keep our neighborhoods beautiful.
On a larger scale, we partnered with Senator Umberg’s Office to replace a completely unreadable freeway sign at one of Santa Ana’s key entry points off the 22 Freeway. These collaborations demonstrate our commitment to addressing both the small details that impact our daily lives and the bigger projects that improve our city’s infrastructure.
By working together and taking action—no matter how big or small the issue—we can all take pride in our community. I encourage you to download the mySantaAna app and join us in keeping Santa Ana a place we’re proud to call home.
Addressing Constituent Concerns
We were recently notified of a significant gap in Caltrans fencing and promptly partnered with our Public Works Department to address the issue. As part of the solution, additional bars were added to the Caltrans fence. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office.
Report an issue to Caltrans at https://csr.dot.ca.gov/
UPDATE: Harm Reduction Institute (HRI) Withdraws Needle Distribution Application
The City of Santa Ana was recently informed by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) that the Harm Reduction Institute (HRI) has officially withdrawn its application to provide syringe services in our city. According to CDPH:
“Good morning – Harm Reduction Institute (HRI) has withdrawn their application with CDPH/Office of AIDS to provide syringe services in the City of Santa Ana. HRI has informed us that they will continue to provide harm reduction and social services for people who use drugs in Santa Ana, but those services will not include the provision of safer injection or smoking supplies.”
This outcome follows months of discussions, requests for more data, and efforts to understand why Santa Ana was chosen as a proposed distribution site. These conversations began in early 2023 under City Manager Ridge and involved significant collaboration.
I’m relieved by this decision and want to extend my gratitude to the Orange County delegation, including Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento and the Orange County Health Care Agency for their hard work and support. I also want to thank you, our engaged residents, for sharing your concerns and actively reaching out to our office about what this proposal would have meant for our community.
Your voices matter, and together we will continue to advocate for solutions that prioritize the well-being of Santa Ana.
Zoning Code Update Community Outreach
The Planning Division, in collaboration with four Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), the Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce, and other City agencies, successfully completed the first round of a three-phase public engagement process for the comprehensive Zoning Code Update. This project spans all 27 square miles of the City and aims to update the Zoning Code to reflect the General Plan’s vision for sustainable growth and economic development.
The first round of public engagement was a robust effort that included:
- In-depth interviews with architects, developers (both market-rate and affordable housing), community groups, Planning Commissioners, City Councilmembers, and other stakeholders in the development industry.
- Six community workshops held across the City, specifically designed for residents and Community-Based Organizations.
- Two business-focused workshops.
- Door-to-door outreach targeting hard-to-reach residents and small business owners.
The success of this initial phase was made possible through strong partnerships, traditional marketing efforts, and grassroots outreach to promote participation.
As the Zoning Code Update progresses, the Planning Division is committed to fostering ongoing community engagement and collaboration. The next round of workshops, set to begin in March 2025, will use similar outreach strategies to gather input on draft amendments to the Zoning Code. This collaborative approach ensures the new Zoning Code supports economic opportunities, promotes sustainable development, and upholds the quality of life for all residents.
Learn more at https://www.santa-ana.org/departments/zoning-code-update/
Warning for Consumers of Shopping Scam and Fraud from Attorney General Rob Bonta
The holidays are here and Californians should stay alert and take action to protect themselves and their loved ones from purchases that can cause headaches and heartbreak. I urge shoppers to be on the lookout for common scams this holiday season and take action to shop safely. Learn more at the link below and in the Resource Center at the end of the newsletter.
Upcoming events
California E-Bike Incentive Project Announcement
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to join Santa Ana’s green movement while enjoying the convenience and benefits of e-bike ownership. Beginning on December 18th at 6 PM, the California E-Bike Incentive program will open applications for their program that offers vouchers of up to $2,000 to help low-income residents purchase an electric bike.
In order to apply, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Age: Applicants must be 18 years old or older.
- Income: Your income must be below 300% of the Federal Poverty Rate. For example:
- $45,180 for a single-person household.
- $61,320 for a two-person household.
- For other household sizes, refer to the income table at https://ebikeincentives.org/eligibility/
Be sure to visit ebikeincentives.org/apply to apply. There is limited availability, so we encourage you to apply as soon as the applications open.
Business Workshops Continuing into 2025
We continue to offer a series of workshops designed to support both new and established businesses. These workshops provide tailored assistance, addressing technical questions and offering practical, hands-on guidance to help businesses succeed. Entrepreneurs will gain valuable knowledge and tools to start their businesses, enhance operations, and seize opportunities in the local market.
This initiative highlights Santa Ana’s dedication to driving economic growth and empowering its business community. The next workshop is scheduled for January 8th, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in the Ross Annex, Room 1600.
Join Us at the 45th Annual OC Black History Parade and Unity Festival!
Save the date for an incredible celebration of culture, history, and unity on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at the 205 W. Center Street Promenade, Anaheim, CA 92805. The event runs from 9 AM to 4 PM, with the parade kicking off at 10 AM.
Don’t miss this vibrant community event filled with joy, connection, and entertainment for all ages.
For more information, contact (714) 579-9966 or visit the Orange County Heritage Council’s social media pages. Let’s come together to honor history.
United to End Homelessness
Join the Conversation with United to End Homelessness: Learn About Their Campaign and Efforts to Support Unhoused Individuals. Visit unitedtoendhomelessness.org to learn more.
Real ID Deadline
If you are planning on flying anywhere within the U.S. after May 7, 2025, you will need a Real ID, an upgraded, federally compliant version of your California driver’s license.
Here are the steps to help you get a Real ID:
1) Gather your documents
- Proof of who you are: ONE identity document that includes your full name (first, middle and last) and date of birth. For example, this could be your U.S. Passport, birth certificate, or green card. (If your current name is not what is on your proof of identity, bring documents like a marriage certificate or court order to show the change.)
- Proof of where you live: TWO different documents that show your California mailing address. This could be a utility bill, state or national bank records, insurance documents (medical, dental, vision, home, rental, vehicle), rental agreement, mortgage statement, or tax return. (If you use a P.O. Box, one document MUST show both your P.O. Box and physical residence address and one document may show only the P.O. Box.)
2) Start Your Application Online
- Save time and begin your Real ID application online before you even step into the DMV. You’ll need to visit the DMV in person, but this will make things quicker when you get there. Click here to get started.
3) Go to the DMV
- After you have filled out your online application and have gathered your documents, head to your local DMV. Find your nearest office here. Making an appointment can make this process faster. You can do so here.
- When you get to the DMV, they will take your pictures and scan your fingerprints, and you will also need to pay a small fee.
4) Wait for Your New Real ID
After your visit, your Real ID will arrive in the mail within two weeks. During that time, you will have a temporary paper version you can use until the real one shows up!
Thank you for taking the time to read this month’s newsletter and for staying engaged in our community. Your involvement is what keeps Ward 3 thriving, and I’m grateful to serve you and your families. Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a wonderful start to the new year!
Other local events
Resident Days at the Zoo • Third Sunday of each Month
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.
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.
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/. 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 would like to opt out of this newsletter, please email aulmer@santa-ana.org.
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To schedule a meeting with Councilwoman Lopez, please contact aulmer@santa-ana.org.