March brings both moments of reflection and important conversations that could impact our community. As we celebrate Women’s History Month and Nowruz, the Persian New Year, we are reminded of the power of renewal and the strength of our diverse community. At the same time, critical federal discussions are taking place, and I want to reaffirm my commitment to opposing cuts to Medicare and Medicaid — programs that provide essential support to children, veterans, seniors, and people with disabilities. I will continue to stand strong in protecting these vital programs.
This month also brings a time to reflect on important cultural and historical moments. Here in Santa Ana, we celebrate Women’s History Month — a time to honor the incredible contributions women have made to society. Countless women in our community have led the charge to build more parks, establish micro-businesses, fight for stronger public schools, and serve as the backbone of our city. Let’s also take a moment to recognize all the hardworking mothers who tirelessly support their families and enrich our lives.
As we continue forward, my focus remains on my oath of office — to uphold the Constitution and serve you, my constituents. This commitment guides every decision I make, whether standing up for our democracy, protecting our values, or working at the local level to support and strengthen our community.
March is a time of renewal for all of us. Personally, I look forward to celebrating my birthday this month 😉 and encourage you to take time to enjoy life’s simple pleasures — whether it’s picking up a new hobby, spending time with loved ones, or finding joy in our vibrant community.
This newsletter is filled with exciting updates, including opportunities to support our small businesses, upcoming programming, and a reminder to join me during office hours. Let’s stay engaged as we move forward into the year. I look forward to connecting with you and working together for a brighter future!
Warm wishes,
Jessie Lopez
Councilwoman, Ward 3
Ward 3 and Citywide Highlights
CalOptima selects Santa Ana for Street Medicine Program Expansion
I want to extend my sincere thanks to the CalOptima Board and staff for expanding the CalOptima Health Street Medicine Program to our city. This initiative has already made a tremendous difference in the lives of our most vulnerable residents, providing critical healthcare services and offering a path toward securing housing. Santa Ana is making significant strides in addressing homelessness, but we must do more, and this program will undoubtedly enhance our ongoing efforts. By bringing primary care, behavioral health support, and case management directly to those in need, we are making meaningful progress in improving health outcomes and creating lasting stability for our unhoused neighbors. CalOptima’s commitment to health equity and its recognition of the vital link between housing and well-being is deeply appreciated.
I also want to thank Supervisor Sarmiento for his unwavering support and continued collaboration with our office, the City Manager’s office, and our City staff. His partnership in advocating for this program is invaluable. I am thrilled to have helped bring this proven model to our city and am grateful to our dedicated City staff and the individuals working every day to combat homelessness and address critical needs like healthcare. I look forward to continuing our collaboration in addressing the most pressing issues facing our city.
Thank you for your leadership, vision, and commitment to innovative solutions that uplift those who need it most.
Community Park/Creek Clean-up with Caltrans, Clean CA and OC Habitats
We had a fantastic time at the Santiago Park/Creek Cleanup, hosted in partnership with Caltrans, OC Habitats, and Supervisor Sarmiento’s office. With over 40 dedicated volunteers, we were able to remove a total of 253.94 lbs of waste from the park and creek, including 227.02 lbs of trash and 26.92 lbs of invasive plants. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make our community cleaner and safer!
Stay connected with us on social media and sign up for our newsletter to join future cleanups and community events. We look forward to continuing these efforts with your support!
Councilwoman Jessie Lopez is Standing Strong Against Medicaid Cuts that Threaten the Health and Well-Being of Santa Ana Families
While no one is opposed to ensuring that government spending is done responsibly, our office stands in full opposition to any budget cuts that jeopardize the lives and well-being of our constituents. Medicaid, through California’s Medi-Cal program, is a lifeline for our elderly residents and people with disabilities, providing critical long-term care and support for independent living — services that would be severely impacted by these cuts.
Thousands of California’s children rely on Medi-Cal for essential healthcare, including preventive care and vaccinations, and reductions in funding could have devastating effects on their health and development. Veterans, many of whom depend on Medicaid for supplemental coverage beyond what the VA provides, would face even greater barriers to accessing the care they deserve.
In Santa Ana, where so many families, seniors, and vulnerable individuals rely on these programs, proposed cuts are not just numbers on a budget — they are a direct threat to our community’s health and stability. Residents have already voiced their deep concerns, sharing stories of how these cuts could force them to choose between basic necessities and medical care. We must stand firm in protecting these essential services.
For more information on the potential impact of these cuts, read this article.
Honoring Jesse Soto for 31 Years of Dedicated Service
The City of Santa Ana proudly presented a proclamation honoring Jesse Soto in recognition of his retirement and 31 years of dedicated service to our community. A proud Santa Ana resident, Jesse has made a lasting impact through his work in the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Agency, running multiple community centers and leading the Teen Excursion Program before his retirement.
Fun fact: Our Community Engagement Director, Valerie Magdaleno, previously worked under Jesse in the Parks and Recreation Agency before joining our office!
We extend our deepest gratitude to Jesse for his years of service and dedication to Santa Ana’s youth. He will be greatly missed!
UC Irvine School of Education: Another Playful Learning Installation Unveiled!
I was thrilled to once again join UCI’s School of Education and Early Learning Initiatives to celebrate the unveiling of new Playful Learning Landscape installations at Madison Park. If you recall, the first unveiling took place last year at a bus stop, and it’s exciting to see how this project continues to grow.
I’m excited to announce that the City of Santa Ana and our Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Agency have helped introduce four innovative installations that bring learning to life:
- Parkopolis at Madison Park
- Eye Spy Mural at Madison Park
- How Tall Am I? at Angels Park
- Giant Lotería Game at Angels Park
I still vividly remember the early days when this project was first introduced to me. It’s incredible to see how far we’ve come, and I want to thank Dr. Rigo Rodriguez and our school district for making these important connections and investments in our public spaces. His commitment to education and his tireless work connecting UCI to the City of Santa Ana have been invaluable.
A special thanks also goes to UCI School of Education Professor Andres Bustamante for hosting this wonderful celebration. His passion for bringing education into the community has made a profound impact, and I encourage you to listen to his latest podcast, where he discusses his work and vision for these projects. You can hear the conversation here.
Santa Ana High Frosh-Soph Soccer Team Wins Big!
I joined Trustee Magdaleno in celebrating the Santa Ana High School Boys Soccer Frosh-Soph Team for their impressive victory at the Huntington Beach Frosh-Soph Tournament! It was truly inspiring to recognize these dedicated student-athletes. I look forward to watching their growth and success in the seasons ahead. As a proud SAHS graduate, I couldn’t be more excited for what’s to come. Go Saints!
Anaheim’s Black History Parade
I was back in Anaheim to participate in the Anaheim Black History Parade in celebration of Black History Month, honoring the rich contributions and resilience of the Black community. This annual event serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of unity, cultural pride, and reflection on our shared history. It was an incredible experience to connect with community members, celebrate Black excellence, and reaffirm our commitment to equity and inclusion. A special thank you to everyone who participated and made this celebration so meaningful, especially our student volunteers!
Councilwoman Jessie Lopez participates in the groundbreaking for a new affordable housing project benefiting Orange County families, including dedicated housing units for students
Left photo: Councilwoman Lopez is pictured alongside representatives from Supervisor Sarmiento’s office, the Orange County Housing Finance Trust (OCHFT), Supervisor Doug Chaffee, and CalOptima. Right photo: Councilwoman Lopez stands with Congressman Derek Tran, highlighting the collaborative effort to expand housing opportunities in the region.
It was an honor to represent the Housing Finance Trust at the groundbreaking of the Lincoln Family Apartments, a vital project advancing affordable housing in Orange County. Made possible through a $1,154,290 loan from the Orange County Housing Finance Trust, this 55-unit development will provide much-needed housing for households earning between 30–70% of the Area Median Income. The project will serve a diverse group of residents, including military veterans, student families, and formerly homeless households, reinforcing our commitment to expanding housing opportunities for all.
Attending the MLK Prayer Breakfast with Newsong Church
I had the privilege of attending the MLK Prayer Breakfast hosted by Newsong Church, and it was an incredibly powerful and moving experience. Gathering together as a community to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. reminded me of the strength we have when we come together with a shared purpose. This event highlighted the importance of unity, compassion, and continuing the work of justice and equality. Being part of such a meaningful gathering reinforced the power of community and the impact we can have when we stand together. It’s a reminder that we must continue to uplift one another and work toward a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
Honoring Cultural Legacy: Recognizing Japanese American Citizens League
I proudly supported the adoption of a resolution recognizing the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) South East Los Angeles, North Orange County as a Community Stakeholder of the Civic Center Japanese Garden and Teahouse. Established in 1969, the Japanese Garden and Teahouse hold a significant cultural legacy in our community, reflecting the vision of those who sought to foster cross-cultural understanding and appreciation. This beautiful asset to our city is one that we are committed to protecting. I encourage any resident who has not yet had the chance to visit the Teahouse Garden to do so — it is a truly peaceful place that offers a moment of tranquility. My office looks forward to collaborating with our partners and supporting them in every way possible.
Recognition of Lightning Youth Academy
I was thrilled to recognize the Lightning Youth Academy for their incredible achievements at the AAU Cross Country National Meet, where they earned an impressive 28 national medals! Lightning Youth Academy continues to demonstrate unparalleled dedication, talent, and commitment to excellence. Your hard work and perseverance have not only brought pride to our community, but also serve as an inspiration to future generations of athletes. Congratulations on your remarkable success! We are proud to celebrate your achievements and look forward to seeing all that you will accomplish in the future. Keep shining bright!
Happy Lunar New Year from Santa Ana
I was thrilled to welcome the Year of the Snake at the City of Santa Ana’s second annual Tet Festival at Centennial Park. Our community came together to honor tradition, embrace culture, and kick off the new year ahead! 🐍💫 Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating this special occasion. Wishing you prosperity, happiness, and good health in the Year of the Snake! Happy Lunar New Year.
Items of Interest
Keep Santa Ana Clean
During my site visits, we make it a point to utilize the mySantaAna app to report any graffiti in the city. We want to take a moment to highlight the outstanding work of our Public Works team, who consistently respond quickly to these reports.
During a recent site visit to the Edna Park neighborhood, I encountered a large wall tagged with graffiti, and thanks to their swift action, the area was cleaned up promptly, helping to restore the beauty of our community. We are grateful for their dedication in keeping Santa Ana clean.
Recently, I advocated maintaining this service level during the preliminary budget discussion. I use it, and I encourage you to use this service too!
Parking Study Update: Next Steps
The City has completed its parking analysis, and our consultant has developed recommendations to address parking challenges in our community. As we move forward, we are committed to gathering public feedback before finalizing any proposals.
Upcoming Outreach Efforts:
- Community Input Sessions: Recommendations will be shared with the public for feedback through Com-Link, neighborhood associations, and the ETAC committee.
- Finalizing Recommendations: After incorporating community input, the final recommendations will be prepared for City Council review.
- City Council Presentation: Public Works aims to present the finalized recommendations for Council adoption in September.
Stay tuned for more details on how to participate and share your input!
Enhancing Transparency: Lobbyist Registration Program
Our office has been actively pushing for the full implementation of the Lobbyist Registration and Reporting Program, originally adopted by the City Council via Ordinance No. NS-3022 on July 19, 2022. While implementation was previously delayed, the City is now ensuring compliance with the Santa Ana Municipal Code and fulfilling Council’s direction.
To streamline filings and improve public access to lobbyist records, an item was presented to the City Council on February 4, 2025, to amend the NetFile agreement and add a Lobbyist component to the City’s electronic filing system. This will provide an efficient and user-friendly portal for both lobbyists and the public.
Moving forward, the City Clerk’s Office will collect all registration forms, quarterly reports, annual reports, and required fees. Future ordinance updates may be considered to refine the program as needed.
Building Permits Issued for South Coast Technology Center
On January 28th, the City of Santa Ana Planning and Building Agency (PBA) issued building permits for a new industrial building located at 3600 S. Susan St. This marks the first of three buildings in the redevelopment project known as the South Coast Technology Center, located at 3100-3120 Lake Center Drive.
The City Council unanimously approved the project by C.J. Segerstrom & Sons on August 6, 2024. The project involves the demolition of three three-story office buildings and a vacant land parcel in south Santa Ana. The site will be transformed into a state-of-the-art industrial park, featuring over 313,000 square feet of modern “Class A” industrial buildings. This redevelopment will bring new opportunities and revitalization to the area, further strengthening our community’s economic growth.
Learn more about this project.
Le Hut Dinette
Featured in AAA’s Westways Magazine
I’m thrilled to share that Santa Ana’s very own Le Hut Dinette, located at 730 N. Poinsettia St., Unit A, has been featured in AAA’s Spring 2025 Westways magazine with a full-page spread! Originally named Les Brisket Hut, Le Hut Dinette is a beloved offshoot of the popular Heritage Barbecue from San Juan Capistrano.
The restaurant, which recently received approval for beer and wine sales by the Planning Commission on August 26, 2024, worked diligently with the Planning and Building Agency to bring the vision to life. After completing construction, Le Hut Dinette received its final certificate of occupancy on January 15, 2025. The AAA magazine spread highlights the restaurant’s stunning renovations, showcasing the high-quality finishes resulting from the owner’s commitment to restoring the Quonset hut while preserving the historic elements of the structure.
We congratulate Le Hut Dinette for this well-deserved recognition and look forward to seeing this local gem continue to thrive in our community!
Upcoming Events & Resources
Economic Development Division Office Hours
Starting February 2025, the Economic Development Division has launched dedicated office hours to support the Santa Ana business community. These office hours, held Monday through Thursday from 8 to 11 a.m. in Room 1303 (1st floor, next to the Planning Counter), offer valuable guidance for starting new businesses, accessing resources, and coordinating with Planning and Public Works. Assistance is available for navigating regulatory processes, including zoning information and plan check support.
For businesses unable to attend in person, assistance remains accessible via our Business Hotline at (714) 647-5447. This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to fostering a thriving business environment in Santa Ana.
Stuck in Traffic on I-5 Again?
We’re working on a plan to fix that! Caltrans is developing a strategy to ease congestion, improve safety, and expand travel choices along the I-5 Corridor — but we need your input.
Help shape the future of I-5! Share your feedback
Santa Ana College – Family Preparedness Plan
Join Santa Ana College every Saturday this spring for workshops focused on completing a Family Preparedness Plan. These sessions are designed to help families develop the skills and knowledge needed to respond effectively in the event of an emergency. Don’t miss this opportunity to ensure your family’s safety and preparedness for any situation.
The 2025 SCAG Scholarship Program is now accepting applications! This program, in partnership with the California Transportation Foundation, awards nine $4,000 scholarships to high school seniors and community college students from the SCAG region.
Students of all fields are encouraged to apply, with preference given to those pursuing careers in community planning, regional planning, urban planning, civil engineering, political science, public administration, sustainable development, or related fields.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Residency: Must live in Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, or Ventura counties, or on Tribal lands within the SCAG region.
- School Enrollment: Open to graduating high school seniors and community college students who plan to continue their education at a two- or four-year college or university immediately after high school.
- GPA Minimum: 3.0 or higher (unweighted, 4.0 scale).
- Additional Requirements: Proof of U.S. work eligibility may be required.
Application Materials:
📌 500-word personal statement on interest in public service and career goals.
📌 Two letters of recommendation from non-relatives who can speak to leadership and service.
📌 School transcripts (high school and community college, if applicable).
📌 Completed online application.
Deadline: All materials must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 21, 2025.
For more information or to apply, visit scag.ca.gov/scholarship. Questions? Contact Rachel Wagner at (213) 236-1960. Spread the word and encourage eligible students to apply!
Know Your Rights
Knowledge is power! I’m proud to share that Santa Ana now has a “Know Your Rights” tab — offering vital resources for our mixed-status families, DACA recipients, and immigrant community. Stay informed and protect your rights! Visit the city’s website today.
Help Us Improve Health & Literacy in our Community
Undergraduate researchers from UC Irvine’s Free Clinic Project are conducting a study to evaluate health and technology literacy in Southern California. By gathering insights from diverse communities, the research aims to identify barriers and opportunities to improve health education, digital resource accessibility, patient-provider trust, and overall healthcare outcomes.
The findings will help guide the development of tailored interventions to support equitable healthcare access. No personal or identifying information will be collected, and eligible participants will have the opportunity to enter a gift card raffle as a token of appreciation.
Looking to enhance your live audio skills? Check out the Elements of Live Audio Workshop Series by Stanford SoundCo! This hands-on workshop series is designed for both beginners and experienced audio enthusiasts, offering valuable insights and practical knowledge in live sound production. Whether you’re aiming to improve your technical skills or dive deeper into the world of live audio, this is the perfect opportunity to learn from industry professionals. Don’t miss out — register today!
Join Us for Our Office Hours: Saturday, March 15, 2025
We invite you to attend our upcoming office hours on Saturday, March 15, 2025, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Fisher Park, 2501 N. Flower St., Santa Ana, CA 92706. This is a great opportunity to discuss important topics, share your thoughts, and ask questions about the issues that matter most to you and our community. Your input is valuable, and we look forward to hearing from you. Whether you have concerns, ideas, or just want to connect, we encourage you to stop by and be part of the conversation. See you there!
Make a Difference in Your Community – Volunteer with Us!
Join Councilmember Jessie Lopez’s office as a volunteer and help create a positive impact in Santa Ana!
📍 Get involved with City-sponsored events, community cleanups, and office hours.
🤝 Connect with your neighbors, contribute to meaningful projects, and make a real difference.
📚 Earn volunteer hours while gaining valuable experience!
Ready to get started? Email us today at JessieLopez@santa-ana.org and Vmagdaleno@santa-ana.org to sign up or learn more.
Together, we can build a stronger community!
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.
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.
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.
We refrain from selling or sharing your personal information with anyone, and we make every effort to avoid filling your inbox with spam. Thank you for staying connected with us.
To schedule a meeting with Councilwoman Lopez, please contact aulmer@santa-ana.org.