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Ward 5 Newsletter: July 2024

Posted on July 25, 2024


Hernandez Newsletter Header

Dear neighbors,
Welcome back to Ward 5’s newsletter! It’s been a while since we last connected, and I want to bring all of you up to date with everything we’ve been able to accomplish in the nearly four years together. Every one of you has played an important role by voicing your opinion and fighting for what we believe is necessary. Let’s keep pushing forward with the same determination and collaboration that has brought us this far.
I’m proud to be advocating on your behalf on issues like affordable housing, renter protections, and the expansion of arts & culture, which I have supported since I became your councilmember. My focus has always been on ensuring that our communities have equitable and accessible services. The addition of new parks, a new outdoor library at Jerome, and the push for more accountability and transparency is a testament to the work we’ve put in together. The Rent Stabilization Ordinance my colleagues and I helped pass was monumental not just for our city, but Orange County. As I continue to advocate for you, it is important to acknowledge that solving issues in our city can be a complex and sometimes lengthy process, but that will not deter me from advocating for what we believe is important, and I couldn’t be happier to do so for Ward 5 and Santa Ana.
Lastly, I want to invite you to our 3rd annual Chicano Heritage Festival next month on August 11, 2024. This year’s festival is going to take place at Centennial Park. I can’t wait to see all of you there! As always, feel free to reach out to me with any concern.
Your councilmember and neighbor,
Johnathan Ryan Hernandez
#OneOfUs

Wins for our Community

Investing in our Youth

Front of Main Library in Santa Ana Displaying Alex M. Odeh Statue

Investing in our youth remains one of my highest priorities. With your help, this has translated into projects like protected bike lanes, Safe Routes to Schools improvements, and additional funding for recreation, early childhood education, and gang intervention and prevention services. I also advocated for increased funding for the library, including the expansion of the Main Library, the Play and Learn Children’s Patio, extended services like the TeenSpace program at El Salvador Park, the introduction of our mobile library, and the Jerome outdoor library, which will be opening very soon!


Outdoor Library Coming to Jerome Park!

Jerome Outdoor Library Project Area Aerial View

I’m extremely proud to have supported the effort to expand our libraries beyond the two existing locations we currently have. Residents will be able to enjoy an outdoor library with a 24-hour kiosk in Jerome Park in the near future. I advocated to set aside millions of dollars for this project, and I cannot wait to see it come to life!


Play and Learn Children’s Patio at the Santa Ana Public Library

SAPL Children's Patio

The installation of the library’s Play and Learn Children’s Patio in 2022 includes a Luckey Climber play structure, seating areas, reading and learning areas, lighting, hardscape, and drought tolerant landscape and irrigation. The project was funded entirely by the City’s Cannabis Public Benefit Fund.


Increased Special Events budget in 2022

Juneteenth performanceInaugural Chicano Heritage Festival 2022MidAutumn Festival Lion Dance 2022

After the COVID-19 pandemic halted our City events until 2022, I proudly supported the celebration of our many cultures with the creation of new events – Juneteenth, Chicano Heritage Festival, and the Mid-Autumn Festival. I advocated to increase our Special Events budget in order to provide the same experience at all of our events, especially the three new festivities, in addition to the City’s first Winter Village celebration in Downtown Santa Ana.
I’m particularly proud of bringing awareness to our Chicano heritage not only in Santa Ana, but Orange County and beyond! The City of Santa Ana kicked off recognizing August as Chicano Heritage month in 2022 and soon after, the County of Orange made the same proclamation, followed by Congressman Lou Correa and eventually, the Santa Ana Unified School District Board of Education.

Continued Support for Arts and Culture

Santa Ana Murals Art Collage

I cannot speak enough about the importance of art in our community. Giving artists the platform to express themselves by partnering with the City was an aspiration of mine, and I’m glad we were able to set aside grant money for local artists. The Arts & Culture Special Event Sponsorship program was created to disburse funds to sponsor special events produced by nonprofit organizations, businesses, City recognized neighborhood associations, individuals, and community organizations. The first sponsorship program was a huge success, awarding $100,000 to 31 recipients across the city. The equitable and inclusive process allowed for more artists and organizations to submit applications with a total of 70 applications submitted that ranged from muralists to events in our city. In 2023, I championed the effort to increase the Arts and Culture sponsorship grants from $100,000 to $200,000 annually. Public art remains a staple in Santa Ana’s culture and below are some of the murals I supported for our community.

El Salvador Park Mural

SAAS Willard Crosswalk Art Unveiling


Increasing Police Accountability and Transparency

Anti Cruising Council Discussion

The creation of a Police Oversight Commission is a big step in the right direction for Santa Ana, and I am grateful my City Council colleagues and I were able to pass this historic legislation. I will continue to advocate for more accountability and transparency from law enforcement. In addition to advocating for a Police Oversight Commission, I also fought to ban the spotlighting of moving vehicles and to repeal the anti-cruising ordinance in our city. Our conversation regarding cruising was not in vain, as Governor Gavin Newsom officially lifted the state ban on cruising through a bill last year that took effect on January 1, 2024.


Adopting Renters’ Protections and Fighting for Affordable Housing

Rent Stabilization Ordinance Signing

The adoption of a Rent Stabilization and Just-Cause Eviction Ordinance was another important milestone for our City that I advocated for. Two ordinances went into effect in November 2021 and have since been amended to include both rent stabilization and just-cause evictions under a single ordinance that limits rent increases and creates new protections for tenants. Other wins for our community that I supported regarding housing are:
  • Affordable Housing Opportunity and Creation Ordinance – 2022
  • Down Payment Assistance Program
  • ADU Loan Program
  • Habitat for Humanity Homes
  • La Placita Cinco
  • Archways Santa Ana (pictured)
  • Habitat for Humanity OC – 6 Affordable homes – West Washington Ave Project

Groundbreaking Ceremony Ward 5


Honoring Pioneers from our Community

Chepa Andrade Street Topper

The City’s first street sign toppers recognized Santa Ana’s African-American heritage, honoring Helen Shipp with the inaugural ceremonial street name, in addition to the intersection of Willits and Raitt streets designated as Black History Square. The second set of honorary street toppers honored Lydia Romero Cruz and Josephine “Chepa” Andrade, both in the Logan Neighborhood. Lydia was one of the city’s pioneers in providing children with access to dual immersion education programs and Chepa’s efforts were instrumental in combating industrialization, freeway expansions, and thoroughfare developments that threatened to disrupt and displace residents. Below is a list of honorary street toppers that are currently in the process of formalizing:

Pride Flag Raising Ceremonies at City Hall

Pride FlagPride Flag

Santa Ana leads Orange County in embracing diversity and inclusivity. For the last couple of years, my colleagues and City staff have raised the LGBTQ Pride flag in front of Santa Ana City Hall during a small ceremony for Harvey Milk Day and Pride Month. Other notable projects and program wins for our community I advocated for include:
  • Community Workforce Agreement – 2023
  • Fought to keep waste management worker jobs through stability in the new trash contract, including community benefit agreements and a neighborhood trash request clause.
  • 3rd and Bush Parking Lot Renovation
  • Angels Community Park Renovation – Restrooms, New Playground Equipment

Reimagining Green Space in our City

Ed Caruthers Park

Ed Caruthers at Park Monument SignEd Caruthers Park Playground

One of my priorities as your Councilmember is to enhance and expand green space in our city. I’m proud to say we have added four new parks in addition to renovating El Salvador Park.
Ed Caruthers Park opened in October of 2023. The park is located in a neighborhood that was historically black on the northeast corner of Raitt and Myrtle streets. Funding for the park came from a state grant and the City’s Cannabis Public Benefit Fund.

King Street Urban Greening Project

Artesia Pilar Sign at King Street Urban GreeningKing Street Urban Greening Project

Our Public Works Agency was awarded a nearly $1.5 million grant from Caltrans for the King Street Urban Greening Project, which features the transformation of approximately 9,000 square feet of unused public space at the intersection of King and 10th streets. This project created much-needed green space in the Artesia Pilar neighborhood and includes bicycle and pedestrian pathways, drought-tolerant landscaping, lighting, waste receptacles, seating, interpretive signage, art installations, and a stormwater infiltration system that will capture stormwater runoff from the surrounding neighborhood.


New park on 10th and Flower for Willard neighborhood

10th and Flower Park Location

10th and Flower Park Aerial

The City has officially added more acreage to the City-owned property on the southwest corner of 10th and Flower streets. I have been advocating to build a new park on this location that the Willard neighborhood will enjoy. I will provide more updates about this property as soon as the design of this new park is finalized!


Gerardo Mouet Park

Gerardo Mouet Park Design

We broke ground on Gerardo Mouet Park earlier this year, honoring Santa Ana’s former Parks and Recreation director who passed away in 2023. The park at Standard Street and McFadden Avenue will have a skate area, basketball court, playground, green space and more. The park will provide a much-needed recreational and outdoor space in the Minnie Street area.


River’s Edge at Santa Ana Zoo

Giant River Otter Design Plan

The Santa Ana Zoo’s River’s Edge exhibit is currently undergoing a complete renovation of its water filtration system, moat, and visitor observation area. The project is an extensive transformation that is a redesign and reconstruction of existing facilities, installation of an underwater viewing area, and incorporation of an elevated primate trail system that opens up to large mesh habitats. Once complete, the exhibit will be a multi-species habitat that is home to giant river otters and large primates.


Bike Trail by Friendship Park from 1st Street to Monte Vista

Friendship Park Bike Trail Ribbon Cutting

I am extremely proud to bring this new bike path connection to Jerome Park and Monroe Elementary. Working together with Orange County Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento, we were able to use this as an opportunity to update Friendship Park for a new generation of kids. This couldn’t have been done without the robust partnership between City staff and County staff. Thanks to their efforts, Santa Ana families have a new safe path to ride their bikes or walk to Monte Vista Elementary.


Lay’s Pitch at Cesar Chavez Campesino Park

Cesar Chavez Campesino Lays Pitch Ceremony

Some of you might remember, last year we joined Lay’s snack brand and soccer stars Mia Hamm and Javier “Chicharito” Hernández to celebrate the opening of the first mini soccer field made from disposed Lay’s Potato Chip bags to open in the United States at our very own Cesar Chavez Campesino Park.


El Salvador Park Renovation

El Salvador Park Basketball Courts Renovation

I was honored to be able to be a part of El Salvador Park’s renovation grand opening last year. The project included beautiful new basketball courts and a fitness court.


New Park Restrooms

Revive New Park Restrooms

In addition to providing more green space, I supported the investment in new restrooms for parks in dire need of them. With the help of federal funds through our Revive Santa Ana initiative, seven parks are getting new, prefabricated restrooms by the end of July 2024: Cesar Chavez Campesino, Madison, Angels, Heritage, Windsor, Riverview, and Memorial. These new restrooms provide residents with new facilities that enhance the park experience and create better opportunities for recreational activities.


Helping our Local Businesses

Grants for Impacted Businesses

4th Street Lights

To help the businesses affected by the construction of the OC Streetcar, the City Council approved a $1.5 million Business Interruption Fund in 2022 and we added an additional $1.5 million for a total of $3 million. The City also administered $1.2 million that the County of Orange provided to help 4th Street businesses. Through these programs, eligible businesses received grants to support their operations. In addition to these funds, I also supported lowering parking garage rates and subsidies during high foot traffic days/hours in Downtown Santa Ana, and I supported the removal of the Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) that was requiring businesses to pay dues.


Keeping Cannabis Competitive

I joined the Santa Ana City Council in amending our cannabis ordinance to make our legal cannabis businesses more competitive with lower tax rates, the ability to open consumption lounges, and hold off-site cannabis events that will ultimately bring more revenue to our City. I also fought for social equity incentives in the cannabis ordinance to help hire local workers and unionization in order to lower the distribution of cannabis tax from 8% to 1%.


Opening an Additional Parking Garage in DTSA

P8 Public Parking Opening with Supervisor Sarmiento

I was excited to announce the opening of the County’s P8 parking structure to the public in May of 2024. My office partnered with the office of Orange County Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento. This effort will benefit everyone from our local businesses in the downtown area to people visiting our wonderful shops, eateries, bars, coffee shops and community events. Exploring downtown Santa Ana and the Civic Center area just got a lot easier!


Monthly Santa Ana Flea Market

Santa Ana Flea Market

It’s important to shop local and bring more business to our downtown area. Supporting the Santa Ana Flea Market was a no brainer. Their inaugural event brought thousands of locals out to support local businesses and vendors. Make sure to catch them every third Saturday of the month on 4th Street!


Fighting for the Underserved

Annual Toy Drives

Hernandez Toy Drive

Hernandez Artesia Pilar Toy Drive 2021

I have partnered with various members and organizations from our community to help bring a little joy to the community of Artesia Pilar over the last four years. Our joint efforts have been able to provide thousands of toys for children during the holidays. I’d like to express my gratitude toward the amazing partners that helped serve our beautiful community. I have also collaborated with other colleagues and community members to provide:
  • Turkey Drive and Giveaways in November
  • Annual Gary Templeton Senior Christmas Lunch at Southwest Senior Center

Support for the Little Saigon Monument Sign

Little Saigon Monument Sign

I was proud to support the replacement of our City’s Little Saigon monument sign that was damaged by a car crash in 2008. The sign, located on a median on 1st Street just west of Harbor Boulevard, honors the important contributions of the Vietnamese community to Santa Ana and provides an entry point into the Little Saigon area of Santa Ana and neighboring cities.


Immigration Defense Fund Increase by $100K to $300K

Keeping families together and the community strong by protecting due process and providing legal representation remains at the core of my beliefs. I championed the effort to increase the City’s Immigration Defense Fund by an additional $100k to $300k. The lack of a right to government-funded counsel in the immigration justice system violates due process and I am proud of our City for maintaining this fund.


Don’t Forget to Check Out These Upcoming Events!

Summer Night Lights 2024 – Friday July 26 and August 2

summer night lights flyer 2024

Launched in 2018, Neutral Ground’s Summer Night Lights is vital to building community trust by offering positive alternatives to gang-impacted communities. Join us Fridays at El Salvador Park and enjoy delicious free meals, ball games, extended programming, and fun carnival games for kids. My office has donated food from local vendors including Gus’ Chicken, Loosie’s Pizza, and others. Feel free to stop by and enjoy delicious food while supplies last!
  • El Salvador Park, 1825 W. Civic Center Drive
  • 7-10 p.m.

Chicano Heritage Festival – August 11

Chicano Heritage Festival branded image

Celebrate Santa Ana’s rich Mexican American history at the third annual Chicano Heritage Festival! Join the community and enjoy music, food, carnival rides, arts, a kids zone, cultural exhibits, and much more. This celebration will be free, family-friendly, and open to everyone. There will be live musical performances, a car cruise and show, carnival rides, and guest speakers.
  • Centennial Park, 3000 W. Edinger Ave.
  • 2-7 p.m.

Learn more about Chicano Heritage Festival


 

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