As the weather cools down and we welcome October, I can’t help but look forward to cozy sweaters, warm coats, and my favorite—pumpkin pie! This season is all about comfort and community, and I’m excited to share updates on our continued work in economic development, community investments, and keeping Ward 3 residents informed about important updates.
We have some exciting and meaningful events lined up this month! Join us for Chucky Fest, participate in our park clean-up, and most importantly, let’s rally together to support our very own Marching Saints. They have the incredible opportunity to perform at the Rose Parade, and we can make that dream a reality by contributing to their fundraising efforts. Every bit of support counts!
With Halloween around the corner, many of our families will be out celebrating, so let’s all be extra careful. Remember to drive safely, watch out for pedestrians so that everyone can enjoy a safe and fun holiday.
As we head toward Election Day on November 5, I want to remind you that your voice and your vote matter. Voting is now underway, and I encourage you to continue making your voice heard. Check your registration status and make a plan to turn in your ballot by November 5!
In service,
Councilwoman Lopez
Ward 3 and citywide highlights
Santiago Fall Festival
I had a spooktacular time celebrating Halloween with our families at Santiago’s Fall Festival! It was wonderful to see the community come together for an evening of fun, treats, and school spirit. A special shoutout to the amazing Santiago Booster Parents and PTA for organizing such an unforgettable event that brought so much joy to everyone. Thank you to everyone who stopped by our table and shared some sweet moments with us—your support and conversations mean the world. Let’s keep the Turtle pride going strong! Go Turtles!
Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento’s State of the District
I attended Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento’s State of the 2nd District address, where he highlighted the significant progress made across the district. Supervisor Sarmiento and his team have worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life for residents, focusing on issues such as housing, public safety, and community resources. I am grateful for the positive impact they’ve had on our communities, and we look forward to continuing our strong partnership. Together, we can keep building on this momentum to create even greater opportunities and a brighter future for our community. Thank you to the Orange County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for their work and hospitality.
City Council Recognizes CRECE
In October, I recognized CRECE, a community-based organization founded in 2016 that is dedicated to improving the quality of life for Santa Ana’s families by addressing the lack of healthy food options in our community. CRECE is working to promote food sovereignty and empowering local urban farmers. Under the leadership of Abel Ruiz, who reconnected with agriculture after migrating from Zacatecas, and Steve Anticona, who emphasizes sustainable practices and community education, CRECE supports emerging food stewards to build a community-owned food system. Their efforts go beyond providing food; they aim to create long-term economic, social, and environmental wealth while fostering relationships, healing, and ensuring that all voices in our community are heard. CRECE’s dedication is paving the way for a future where food justice and community empowerment thrive.
Mid-Autumn Festival
I had a wonderful time celebrating Santa Ana’s Mid-Autumn Festival! This special occasion is a time for unity, celebration, and gratitude, with traditions that honor family and the full moon. It’s events like these that remind us of the cultural richness our thriving Vietnamese community brings to Santa Ana. Celebrations like the Mid-Autumn Festival not only strengthen our bonds as a community but also highlight the importance of honoring the diverse cultures that make up our city. I’m grateful for the opportunity to take part in this beautiful tradition, which enriches our shared experience and deepens our appreciation for one another.
ROVE
I had the exciting opportunity to tour ROVE, Santa Ana’s first EV Charging Center and the first of 10 planned locations in the region! This innovative center boasts 40 covered EV charging stations and a convenient ReCharge by Gelson’s market, where customers can shop while charging their vehicles — and even have groceries delivered directly to their cars! A huge thank you to ROVE for their commitment to supporting local businesses by hiring local companies for security, maintenance, and construction subcontracting. We look forward to seeing how this growing network of green energy continues to contribute to our city’s sustainability efforts!
Orange County Pride
I was happy to walk in OC Pride this morning and represent our city. Walking in the parade was an incredible reminder of the power of love and unity. As we celebrate our LGBTQIA+ community, let’s stand firm against the forces of misinformation and bigotry that seek to divide us. Supporting each other, in all our beautiful diversity, is how we build stronger, more compassionate communities.
Discovery Cube
I was honored to support the Discovery Cube’s Gala! The Cube is an incredible partner, investing in our children’s future through hands-on science-based education/programming. Together, we’re planting seeds of possibility for our kids, ensuring they have the tools to dream, innovate, and thrive.
Every dollar raised goes back into programs that inspire curiosity and build brighter futures for Santa Ana families. Let’s continue working together to make a lasting impact!
POW-MIA veterans event
I’d like to take a moment to acknowledge the immense sacrifices our veterans have made for our country. It was an honor to pay tribute to those still missing in action and to their families, who hold onto hope for their return. Thank you to the American Veterans Assistance Group for your unwavering dedication to this important cause. Together, we will ensure they are never forgotten.
Business Startup Workshop
This month, our Economic Development Division hosted a successful Business Startup Workshop at City Hall, providing valuable insights for prospective and new business owners in Santa Ana. Attendees had the opportunity to hear from representatives of our Planning and Building, Business License, and Economic Development teams, who shared essential information on zoning, permits, and licensing — critical steps for entrepreneurs looking to start or expand their businesses. The workshop was offered in both English and Spanish, ensuring it catered to our diverse community. Participants left feeling equipped and motivated to take the next steps in their business journey.
Bowers Museum Voted Best Museum in Orange County
Congratulations to the Bowers Museum for its outstanding achievement in being voted the Best Museum in Orange County! This remarkable milestone reflects the dedication of the museum’s staff and the unwavering support of our community. We commend the Bowers Museum for its commitment to providing exceptional cultural experiences, educational programs, and a welcoming environment for all. Thank you for enriching our community and for making such a lasting impact — your success is a testament to the vibrant cultural landscape of Orange County!
Read more on the OC Register’s website.
CAIR-LA 28th Annual Gala
I had the pleasure of attending the CAIR-LA (Council on American-Islamic Relations – Los Angeles) 28th Annual Gala, an inspiring event that brought together community members, leaders, and advocates dedicated to promoting justice and civil rights for all. The evening was filled with uplifting speeches, highlighting the organization’s vital work in addressing issues facing the Muslim and Arab community. It was heartening to witness the dedication and passion of those in attendance, united in their commitment to combating discrimination, hate and fostering a more inclusive society. It was a wonderful opportunity for me to learn more about their work and support their vision for a more inclusive Orange County that doesn’t discriminate.
Santa Ana Unified youth mental health convening
I attended the Santa Ana Unified Youth Mental Health Convening, where I had the invaluable opportunity to hear directly from students about the challenges they face, particularly in areas related to mental health. Their insights underscored the urgent need for increased support, especially in group therapy and the establishment of safe spaces across all school sites. It was evident that creating an environment where students feel secure and understood is crucial for their overall well-being. We also need to address the pressures our students encounter and strive for a balanced approach to their academic and personal development. Hearing from our students first hand emphasized the importance of mental health acceptance and the necessity for open conversations surrounding it. This dialogue is vital as we work together to foster a supportive community for our youth.
Follow-up on Caltrans fence in Mabury Park and Saddleback View
I observed that several Caltrans fences were inadequately secured, which raised significant concerns about safety and potential unauthorized access. In response, our office promptly coordinated with Caltrans and Public Works to address the issue. As a result of our collaborative efforts, both fences are now equipped with secure locks, significantly enhancing safety in the area. This swift action reflects our on-going commitment to ensuring the security and well-being of our community.
Roundtable with medical students
I recently hosted a Health Policy Night with UC Irvine medical students, providing an engaging platform to discuss key health policy issues affecting Santa Ana. The event emphasized the importance of collaboration between future healthcare professionals and local policymakers in shaping impactful solutions. Throughout the evening, we explored critical topics such as mental health, environmental pollution, and reproductive health. Students asked insightful questions about how our city is addressing mental health challenges, combating lead and air pollution, and promoting reproductive health in light of national changes. It was a valuable evening that fostered meaningful dialogue and allowed students to connect directly with a Policymaker on these pressing issues.
AB 2243 impact on Santa Ana’s local land use control
Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2243 into law on September 19, 2024, effective January 1, 2025. This bill modifies the Affordable Housing and High Road Jobs Act (AB 2011) to streamline approvals for mixed-income and affordable housing along commercial corridors, allowing qualifying projects to bypass CEQA review and local discretion.
Key amendments that particularly affect Santa Ana include the removal of restrictions on residential developments near freeways and public parks. The Planning and Building Agency is assessing the broader impacts of AB 2243 on local land use control and its implications for future planning. A comprehensive update will be provided to the City Council before the bill’s effective date, though options for local response may be limited.
For more details, refer to the CalMatters’s summary on the bill.
Update: 17th and Ross commercial property
The property at 17th and Ross streets has been cited multiple times, accumulating approximately $8,500 in fines. Following a recent citation, the property owner submitted incomplete plans. Code enforcement is actively monitoring their progress and the property’s overall maintenance.
Update: MainPlace Mall
Due to the limited progress in the demolition at the former Nordstrom site, our Planning and Building Agency staff took proactive steps by reaching out to Centennial for an update and scheduling monthly meetings with their executive management team. These recurring meetings will help us closely monitor the demolition progress and provide support for their Mall redevelopment efforts. Centennial had delayed the demolition due to unsuccessful refinancing for the redevelopment project, but they are now finalizing a new financial proposal, which is expected to be ready for market within the next 90 days.
OCTA set to close on new headquarters, saving millions in taxpayer money
The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) is purchasing a new headquarters in Santa Ana, projected to save $50 million over 30 years compared to leasing. Located on 2677 N. Main St., the building will house OCTA’s operations and offer modern amenities. This move strengthens Santa Ana’s role as a key player in regional infrastructure, bringing jobs and stimulating local economic growth while generating additional revenue streams for the city.
Read more on OCTA’s website.
Library Knowledge Mobile: 2nd Edition – Coming March 2025
In Fiscal Year 2023-24, the Knowledge Mobile made an impressive impact by visiting 247 sites and serving 23,897 patrons. It checked out 6,523 library items, created 536 new library cards, and participated in 25 special events. The mobile library reached 15 community centers, 28 parks, and 65 schools.
Due to this success, we are customizing a second, larger mobile library vehicle, which will provide more space for books and materials, as well as cutting-edge technology. This upgraded vehicle will feature a large exterior screen, sound system, and multimedia capabilities, enhancing our ability to serve the community. The improved mobile library service will better meet educational and recreational needs throughout the City.
Santa Ana Zoo launches new website
The Santa Ana Zoo website was maintained by the Friends of Santa Ana Zoo (FOSAZ) for many years and had become outdated. Santa Ana Zoo staff worked with the IT Department to create a new website using the City’s Web Content System that will be maintained by Santa Ana Zoo staff. A separate project is also currently in progress to implement a new ticketing system that will allow online ticketing through the website.
Please visit the Santa Ana Zoo website: www.santaanazoo.org.
Upcoming events
Fundraiser for The Frida Cinema
Join me at Chucky Fest on November 16 from 2 p.m. to 12 a.m. for a thrilling marathon fundraiser benefiting The Frida Cinema! Get ready for a full day of back-to-back screenings of your favorite “Child’s Play” films, including “Child’s Play,” “Child’s Play 2,” “Child’s Play 3,” “Bride of Chucky,” and “Seed of Chucky.” This exciting event promises fun, frights, an educational panel, and fundraising for a great cause. It’s a perfect opportunity to show your support for The Frida Cinema while enjoying an iconic horror movie marathon. Get your tickets now at go.rallyup.com/chucky-fest and be part of this fantastic event!
Santa Ana High School Marching Band
I’m thrilled to share that our incredible SAHS Marching Saints have been invited to join the All Star Marching Band Mexico in the prestigious Tournament of Roses Parade on January 1, 2025! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our students to showcase their talent on an international stage, but we need your support to make it happen. Let’s come together as a community to help fund their journey and ensure they represent Santa Ana with pride at this historic event. Every contribution counts in helping our students reach this exciting milestone!
Santiago Creek litter clean-up
Join us for our upcoming Santiago Creek litter cleanup on October 23 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.! Let’s come together as a community to help keep our beautiful park clean and protect our local environment. This is a great opportunity to make a positive impact while enjoying the outdoors and meeting fellow neighbors who share a passion for preserving our green spaces. Bring your friends, family, and plenty of energy — together, we can make a difference! We look forward to seeing you there!
Don’t forget to vote by November 5
Don’t forget to cast your vote in the upcoming election! Your voice is crucial in shaping the future of our community, and there are multiple ways to make your voice heard — by mail, drop box, or in person. Early voting is already underway, and ballots have been mailed to all registered voters. You can mail your completed ballot (no postage needed), drop it off at one of the 123 ballot drop boxes across Orange County, or bring it directly to the OCRV office at 1300 S. Grand Ave., Santa Ana. Starting October 26, 38 Vote Centers will open for in-person voting, with all 184 centers open by November 2. Make sure your ballot is postmarked by November 5 if mailing, or drop it off by 8 p.m. on Election Day. For more information and to sign up for OC Ballot Express to track your ballot, visit ocvote.gov/voting. Every vote counts!
Thank you for taking the time to read this month’s updates. I hope you and your loved ones have a safe and fun Halloween filled with joy. Council will be back in session in November, and I look forward to continuing our work to keep Ward 3 thriving. Stay safe, stay engaged, and let’s keep moving our community forward!
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.
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To schedule a meeting with Councilwoman Lopez, please contact aulmer@santa-ana.org.