Santa Ana knows how to let freedom ring! I hope you had the opportunity to attend one of our many Fourth of July events, celebrating family, friends, and our independence. A huge thanks to all the neighborhood associations and volunteers who made these celebrations possible!
As we embrace the warmth and joy of summer, let’s come together to ensure that every member of our community can enjoy these beautiful days safely. Violence has no place in our city. It threatens the future of our youth and the well-being of our entire community. By supporting proven methods to reduce and prevent violence, and by fostering understanding, compassion, and respect, we can create a safer, more vibrant Santa Ana for everyone. Let’s make sure that every summer is filled with laughter, friendship, and countless memories.
This newsletter contains several updates on ongoing projects in our ward. I’d also like to remind you about the upcoming Back to School Giveaway we’re hosting. I vividly remember calling my family to help me buy school supplies, and my hope is that we can come together to ensure no child starts the school year without proper supplies.
Once again, I wish you all a safe and enjoyable summer. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out. Lastly, congratulations to our local businesses for being highlighted in the LA Times’ 101 BEST Tacos! Personally, I think more of our eateries could have been included, but we are so thrilled for our friends: Alebrijes Taco Truck, Sarinana’s Tamale Factory, Carnitas Uruapan, Lola Gaspar, and Bandito Tacos!
Thank you for your continued support and engagement in our community.
In service,
Councilwoman Jessie Lopez
Ward 3 and Citywide Highlights
Celebrating our Independence in Ward 3
What an amazing 4th of July filled with back-to-back celebrations. I started the day by kicking off festivities in the beautiful Fisher Park neighborhood. Thank you to the residents, the SAHS marching band, firefighters, and volunteers. I also had an amazing time at Park Santiago’s neighborhood parade, and the cool hot rod was a hit. Right after, I went to the Riverview Neighborhood Association’s block party.
I finished my day at our annual 4th of July Celebration at Centennial Park! Thank you to everyone who invited me to celebrate with them this 4th of July. I had an amazing time celebrating our Nation’s Independence, and I really want to thank Richard for letting me ride with him.
Orange County Fire Authority Best and the Bravest Awards
I attended the Orange County Fire Authority Best & Bravest award night, where it was truly inspiring to see all the hardworking men and women who serve our community being recognized for their dedication and bravery. One of our very own Santa Ana residents, Kalil Bey, received the Civilian Award, highlighting his actions on September 26, 2023.
Khalil was driving when he noticed an unconscious person lying in the middle of a major road. He quickly stopped his vehicle to protect the individual from traffic, assessed the situation, and identified signs of a potential narcotic overdose due to his experience assisting the homeless. Khalil administered Narcan from his vehicle, significantly improving the patient’s respiratory rate and consciousness by the time OCFA units arrived less than two minutes later. Khalil’s courageous actions not only prevented further harm but also saved a life. In recognition of his bravery and life-saving efforts, the Orange County Fire Authority proudly awarded Khalil Bey with a Certificate of Merit.
Councilwoman Lopez and the Carpenters at the Lawn Bowling Center
Earlier this month, I joined our hardworking carpenters at Santiago Park’s lawn bowling center, where they installed over 30 new benches for everyone to enjoy. A big thanks to the workers who showed up to help us give back to our community and enhance our parks. Their efforts truly are a key part of improving our quality of life. I hope you all enjoy the new benches!
Latino Health Access – Las Poderosas Public Art Project
Grateful for the incredible work of America Bracho and our LHA poderosas. When the system failed, everyday heroes — mothers, tias, vecinas — stepped up as community health workers, bridging gaps with compassion and dedication. Like bees, we came together for the well-being of our community. Their tireless work brought hope, healthcare, and support to the most vulnerable.
Our city celebrated these American heroes for their life-saving efforts, and soon they will be enshrined in the Congressional Library. Thank you to local resident and artist Alicia Rojas for recognizing our residents’ hard work during the pandemic, her dedication, and her contributions to our community.
Santiago Park Lighting Update
Santiago Park is in the final stages of its lighting project. Musco lighting products were scheduled to arrive on-site on Monday, July 15, so you might have already seen our team working at the park! The project includes adding new lighting to the ball field, tennis/pickleball courts, lawn bowling areas, security lighting along the path and oak grove, and under the bridge. We are excited and can’t wait for the completion of this project.
King Street Urban Greening Project
I was thrilled to celebrate the King Street Urban Greening Project with the Artesia Pilar neighborhood. What was once a vacant plot is now a beautiful 10,000-square-foot pocket park with bicycle and pedestrian pathways, drought tolerant landscaping, lighting, waste receptacles, seating, interpretive signage, art installations, and a stormwater infiltration system that will capture and infiltrate stormwater runoff from the surrounding neighborhood. Huge thanks to Caltrans and the Clean CA initiative for the $1.49 million grant! Our office looks forward to continuing to strengthen our partnership.
Portola Park Drinking Fountain Update
I am thrilled to announce the addition of a brand-new water amenity at beautiful Portola Park! This new feature includes a doggy bowl for our furry friends, a cool water dispenser for those on the go, and a traditional water fountain for everyone to enjoy.
These small but significant improvements are designed to enhance your experience at our public park and contribute to the overall quality of life in Santa Ana. Clean, accessible water is a crucial part of a healthy community, and we are proud to provide award-winning water for all our residents and visitors.
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our incredible Public Works Agency for their dedication and hard work in making this enhancement possible. Their efforts are vital in our ongoing mission to create a more enjoyable and welcoming environment in our parks. As always, we value your feedback and suggestions. Please feel free to reach out via email, text, or comment if you have any ideas or encounter any issues. Enjoy your time at beautiful Portola Park, and stay hydrated!
Retirement Celebration: Adela Montanez
I recently recognized Adela Montanez for dedicating 28 years of her career to Latino Health Access (LHA), where she was among the first promotoras hired. Adela made significant impacts in neighborhoods such as The Lacy Neighborhood, Logan Neighborhood, Townsend Street Community, and Minnie Street Community. Adela led community leadership development programs and projects, including the Santa Ana Wellness Corridor, Proyecto FAITH, Citizenship Courses with Pasa la Voz, and Las Escuelitas. She played a pivotal role in initiatives like the Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance, Santa Ana Emergency Rental Assistance, and the community agreement between Monte Vista Elementary and Jerome. Additionally, she contributed to the development of a community space and soccer field at Standard and McFadden. Notably, her decade-long effort to bring park space to this corner helped transform an unused dirt lot into the Gerardo Mouet Park, which will be a cherished amenity for the Minnie community. Adela’s unwavering dedication to improving lives has left an enduring legacy — and her legacy is all around us in the materialized change she fought for. Thank you Adela for all your work through the years, and I hope you have an amazing retirement in Veracruz!
Santa Ana Zoo Construction Updates
Construction on the river otter project is progressing quickly with a new contractor. While an exact completion date hasn’t been provided by the general contractor, it’s expected around fall or by the end of the year. Santa Ana Zoo is currently working with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to secure permits for the otters, a process that has been lengthy.
Regarding pathways, the project is fully designed and awaiting advertising for construction by the Public Works Agency (PWA). Phases one and two will include pathways leading from the front entry to the Otter exhibit, toward the Children’s Zoo, around the ocelot exhibit and anteater area, and near the butterfly exhibit. These phases aim to address the most problematic dirt pathways within the zoo.
Additionally, the wall project is fully designed and will soon be submitted to the Planning and Building Agency (PBA) for plan check, anticipated within the coming weeks. The wall, intended to be at least 10 feet high for security and sound dampening, will have a light texture and natural earthy color to blend into the surroundings. It will also be treated with an anti-graffiti sealer to prevent tagging. This project will also include adding a small section of sidewalk that was overlooked during the reconstruction of Zoo Lane. We are excited about all the new updates and we will keep you updated in our newsletter and social media.
Grand Sunrise Sidewalk and Street Improvements
After attending the Grand Sunrise Neighborhood Association meeting and hearing residents’ concerns about uneven sidewalks and cracked streets, I partnered with the Public Works Agency to address these issues immediately. We prioritized sidewalk repairs, ensuring that cracked and uneven sections were replaced to make the walkways safer and more accessible for all residents. Public Works’ diligent efforts will not only enhance the neighborhood’s infrastructure, but also demonstrate our commitment to responding to community needs and improving the quality of life for our residents. Thank you to our Public Works Agency for their hard work! Check out the before and after photos.
The Twisted Tiki 5th Anniversary
I continue to support and uplift our local businesses, and most recently we were thrilled to cheers 5 years of unforgettable memories at The Twisted Tiki Bar! From life’s celebrations to catching up with friends, they’ve been a cornerstone of our community. Join Team JLO in raising a glass to their continued success and endless aloha vibes! Here’s to many more years of fun, friendship, and good drinks, Happy 5th Year Anniversary!
North Mainplace Drive Streetlights
After receiving concerns from the community at North Mainplace Drive about the streetlights that have been out on that stretch of the street, I took immediate action.
I collaborated with the Public Works Agency to get an update and expedite the process of updating all the lights on this street. The streetlights were installed by the Mainplace development project and are awaiting Southern California Edison (SCE) to energize them. As of late May, SCE has been working on a re-design necessary due to changes during construction. They are scheduled to complete the design by the end of July and will connect and energize the lights within 30 days of the design’s completion. We are actively coordinating with the developer and SCE to ensure the lights are energized promptly. Thank you to the residents for bringing this issue to our attention and for your patience and understanding as we work to resolve these issues. Our office will continue to monitor this progress.
CalOptima Community health
I’m thrilled to celebrate that the Community Health Initiative of Orange County has moved to a bigger and better space in The Village at 17th Street!
Their open house was a wonderful chance to highlight our latest efforts to expand healthcare access across Orange County. I’m proud to support CHIOC’s mission of helping residents lead healthier lives.
Supporting Affordable Housing: Valencia Garden Apartments
Celebrating the launch of affordable housing in the City of Orange highlighted the importance of prioritizing this issue. As Vice Chair of the Housing Finance Trust, I urge all cities in Orange County to support veterans, seniors, growing families, and young adults facing unaffordable home prices. I extend my gratitude to the City of Orange, Mayor Dan Slater, the Trust, C&C Development, HUD, and Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento for their efforts in making this project a reality. We had the opportunity to listen to Christina, an Orange County resident that was living in motels and has been able to transition into a stable home. Christina’s story exemplifies the profound impact affordable housing can have, and it inspires us to continue creating more success stories like hers.
Santa Ana Triangle fence
I’m thrilled to announce that, after many conversations with neighborhood leaders from Santa Ana Triangle, Caltrans, and the Supervisor Sarmiento’s office, Caltrans has successfully updated the fencing in the Santa Ana Triangle area. This project, which has been a priority for our office, came to fruition through persistent advocacy from our local residents. The new fencing not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of our neighborhood but also significantly improves safety and security for all. This initiative exemplifies our commitment to working together with state and county agencies to address community concerns.
We’re thrilled to have this new fencing and help reduce the nuisance issues, but I know we must continue to do more – and I hope to share more updates on this soon.
Santa Ana’s Ward 3 Highlighted as a Top Tourism Spot
Sometimes we get so wrapped up in all that is happening that we forget that Santa Ana is a great place to live. The June edition of the Orange County Business Journal highlighted our very own Ward 3 as a top tourism spot in Orange County. Featured destinations include the Bowers Museum, Discovery Cube and MainPlace Mall. In 2023, Bowers Museum had over 150,000 visitors, Discovery Cube attracted over 460,000 visitors, and MainPlace Mall generated over $185 million in sales. Travel Santa Ana, in partnership with the City of Santa Ana, continues to promote these unique amenities to attract visitors and boost local tourism. I am proud to represent Ward 3, which showcases some of Santa Ana’s most vibrant and popular attractions and proves that our city has so much to offer!
Santa Ana Items of Interest
PSA to Ward 3 residents
The City of Santa Ana does not charge residents to paint public curbs. Please be cautious of potential scams. If you need support or have any concerns, please call the City at 714-647-3380. Stay informed and protect your community!
Gelson’s Launches Recharge Premium Convenience Format in Partnership with Rove EV Charging Centers
You might have noticed the ongoing construction on a formerly used lot on the corner of 17th Street and Lincoln. If you’re wondering what is being built, a Gelson’s, known for its premium food markets in Southern California, has partnered with Rove, a developer of full-service electric vehicle (EV) charging centers, to introduce “ReCharge by Gelson’s” at six initial locations, expanding to 20 by 2026. This innovative concept will offer a variety of quality foods and beverages, including coffee, snacks, meals like poke bowls and sushi, sandwiches, salads, and more. Rove’s EV charging centers will feature over 40 ultra-fast chargers, a 24/7 lounge with amenities, and eco-friendly car washes at select sites, catering to both EV drivers and local patrons. The partnership marks a milestone in retail brand collaboration for Gelson’s, enhancing their presence and sustainability efforts in the community.
Santa Ana Public Library Participates in California State Library Park Pass Program
The California State Library Park Pass Program offers vehicle day-use entry to over 200 participating State Parks for Santa Ana Public Library cardholders. Despite initial concerns that the program might lose funding, it will continue thanks to the Governor’s signing of SB 108, the budget bill ensuring its continuation.
As a participant in this program, the Santa Ana Public Library has received 238 Parks Passes and 41 Parks Pass Backpacks, which are available for checkout through our Library of Things collection. We invite residents to visit the Newhope Library to check out a park pass and enjoy our beautiful State Parks.
Santa Ana Library’s Zip Books Program
With the Main Library closed for renovation, staff are striving to maintain service quality. They have applied for a $15,000 grant from the California State Library to continue the popular Zip Books Program. This program allows users to request books (print or audio) that the Santa Ana Public Library does not own. The Library purchases the requested books from Amazon with grant funds, and they are shipped directly to the patron’s home. Once finished, the patron returns the book to the Library, where it is added to the collection. This user-driven program helps align the Library’s collection with the community’s needs. Check them out today!
SB 478 Prohibits Hidden Fees in California
As SB 478 goes into effect, I want consumers to be aware of their rights and feel confident to advocate for the price transparency it provides.
SB 478 in California prohibits hidden fees, ensuring price transparency for consumers. It empowers consumers to report violations to the Office of the Attorney General at https://oag.ca.gov/report. The law can be enforced by district attorneys, certain county counsels, and city attorneys, as well as through private litigation under the Consumer Legal Remedies Act. This measure aims to protect consumers’ rights and promote fair competition among businesses.
Upcoming Events
Volunteer with our Office
Volunteer with our office and make a difference in your community! Get involved with City-sponsored events, community cleanups, and office hours! Connect with your neighbors, contribute to meaningful projects, and earn volunteer hours that make a real impact. Volunteer with Councilmember Jessie Lopez’s office and gain valuable experience. Email us today at JessieLopez@santa-ana.org to sign up and learn more!
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.
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Wishing you all a joyful and safe summer! May this season bring relaxation, adventure, and cherished moments with loved ones. Have a wonderful summer filled with celebration and pride. Take care and enjoy every moment!