Santa Ana offices entitled for redevelopment sell for $19.2M Harbor Associates LLC has sold a more than 111,000-square-foot office building at 2020 E the company announced late last month.  Meritage Homes acquired the site, which was initially developed in the 1980s. The property has seen occupancy crater in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The property has already been approved this year for redevelopment with 86 two-, three-, and four-bedroom townhomes. “The COVID pandemic changed the way users live and work Our recent adaptive reuse business plans are reflective of markets that have an excess supply of office inventory but are dramatically undersupplied for housing industrial and life science uses,” said Harbor principal Paul Miszkowicz  “We anticipate more change in the built environment over the next 10 years than in the previous 30 years combined and are prepared to meet the needs of our local communities head on.” Harbor Associates has also secured approvals for the redevelopment of an office property in the City of Los Angeles with 228 homes and is developing several other projects within Los Angeles County and the City of Denver Greg Sullivan and Anthony Delorenzo of CBRE advised Harbor on the sale of the property Twitter / Facebook / LinkedIn / Threads / Instagram / Bluesky The views expressed here are the author's own The residential neighborhood of French Park in Santa Ana California is a community of single and multi-family residences designated as a local historic district in 1984 and a national historic district in 1999 Tour-goers will appreciate French Park's unique street pattern and architecture dating to the late 19th century Craftsman and Modernist are all in evidence here in large and small houses and apartment buildings Also in evidence is the history of the first generation of city dwellers that shaped the new city of Santa Ana and the new county of Orange Tickets $20-25 (not including Eventbrite fee) Wednesday, 10:00 amNewport Beach-Corona Del Mar, CA After seeing office demand wane in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic Harbor started working with the City of Santa Ana to re-entitle the site for the conversion of the 1980’s vintage office building for residential use “The COVID pandemic changed the way users live and work industrial and life science uses,” said Harbor Principal Paul Miszkowicz “We anticipate more change in the built environment over the next 10 years than in the previous 30 years combined and are prepared to meet the needs of our local communities head on.” In 2023 Harbor secured approvals from the City of Los Angeles for an office to residential conversion that will add 228 apartment units to the housing stock More recently the firm secured approvals to demolish a 118,750-square-foot office building in the Santa Clarita area of unincorporated Los Angeles County and replace it with a 115,000-square-foot industrial building The firm is currently finishing up the final touches of a 119,000-square-foot R&D-to-life science campus conversion in the City of Agoura Hills 35 miles west of downtown Los Angeles The firm is also planning for an office-to-116 residential unit conversion in the City of Denver and a 6.75 acre industrial-to-IOS business plan in the Harbor Gateway area of unincorporated Los Angeles County Greg Sullivan and Anthony Delorenzo of CBRE advised Harbor in the sale to Meritage LLC is a value-add operating platform focused on acquiring and repositioning under-performing commercial real estate assets throughout Southern California and Denver Harbor has been involved in the renovation repositioning and development of 40 office projects totaling over 4.5 million square feet with a portfolio value in excess of $1.0B The company is a joint venture with The Bascom Group By celebrate Small Business Week and find resources for your business enjoy fun AAPI Heritage Month activities from the library participate in our budget process and our Zoning Code Update Subscribe to COSAS See more Día de los Niños photos here. To submit your own original photo of Santa Ana to be featured in the next newsletter, complete this form and there’s no better time to show your love for the local shops restaurants and entrepreneurs that make Santa Ana shine We have made supporting businesses both large and small and fostering business growth a top priority We want to make it easy to do business in Santa Ana Learn more about our Economic Development programs The Santa Ana City Council is working diligently to finalize the City budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year and we have many opportunities for you to share your ideas about which services and programs are important to you Take our Community Budget Priorities Survey by May 11 to weigh in on how City funds should be spent Take the Community Budget Priorities Survey Join the City Council Budget Workshops this month. The City Council will have budget workshops at their regular meetings and one at a special meeting on May 6, May 15 and May 20. Please join us to hear the discussion and provide public comment, or you can watch the meetings on the City’s YouTube channel and on Spectrum Channel 3 See City Council meeting agendas Santa Ana has been recognized as a leader in affordable housing with three City-supported developments earning top honors at the 2025 Affordable Housing Awards in April: All of these projects received City funding and support reflecting our commitment to finding innovative solutions to provide safe stable and affordable housing for those who need it most The City shared the awards with developers Related California we led all Orange County cities in the Affordable Housing Awards receiving three of six development awards countywide With more than 1,000 affordable units approved over the past decade Santa Ana continues to lead Orange County in addressing housing needs Learn more about these affordable housing communities In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May the Santa Ana Public Library is hosting a variety of cultural programs that showcase and celebrate our diverse community From a special talk by AAPI children’s author Ann Chau to a documentary screening at Frida Cinema the library will have fun events for both children and adults All of our AAPI events are free and open to the public View SAPL’s AAPI Month events and design professionals to join the second round of stakeholder workshops for the Comprehensive Zoning Code Update this month Building on feedback from last year’s sessions, these workshops offer a valuable opportunity to help guide how properties are developed and used throughout the city. Your input will help create a modern and easy-to-understand zoning code that supports the goals of our General Plan by encouraging vibrant neighborhoods and successful business districts We look forward to seeing you there and hearing your ideas Check out the full schedule of Zoning Code workshops The City of Santa Ana is now accepting applications for exhibitors interested in participating in our 4th of July Celebration and our Movies in the Park events that run June 6 through July 25 Movies in the Park is a free event that takes place in a different park every Friday from June 6 through July 25 Food vendor and exhibitor/vendor applications will close on May 14 The 4th of July Celebration has an expected attendance of more than 10,000 people and provides a fantastic opportunity to connect with the community and engage with local families in a fun and relaxed outdoor setting Food vendor and exhibitor/vendor applications close on June 9 Learn more about 4th of July and apply Learn more about Movies in the Park and apply Santa Ana Police Department now has a Text-to-911 service available for those moments when calling just isn’t safe If you’re in an emergency and need to stay quiet you can still reach help by sending a text to 911 Street closures will be in effect for the OC Marathon on Sunday The following street closures are planned in Santa Ana on May 4: See a map of Santa Ana closures See the full list of OC Marathon street closures the City of Santa Ana hosted community tree planting events at seven parks on Saturday Neighbors and volunteers came together with City Councilmembers and City staff to plant 29 new trees: 🌲 Western Redbud and Coast Live Oak at Santiago Park led by Mayor Valerie Amezcua 🌳 Japanese Flowering Cherry Trees at Ed Caruthers Park led by Mayor Pro Tem Benjamin Vazquez 🌲 Italian Stone Pine at Centennial Park led by Councilmember Thai Viet Phan 🌲 Red Oaks at Cabrillo Park led by Councilmember Jessie Lopez 🌲 Gambel Oak and Deodar Cedar at Thornton Park led by Councilmember Phil Bacerra lime and persimmon trees in the community garden at El Salvador Park led by Councilmember Johnathan Ryan Hernandez 🌲 Coast Live Oak at Delhi Park led by Councilmember David Penaloza Thank you to all of the residents who came out to add to Santa Ana’s urban forest of over 60,000 trees CTV3 (channel 3 on Spectrum.) If you’d like to provide public comments on agenda and non-agenda items or join the Zoom webinar online or by phone May 6 Meeting Agenda Find more City of Santa Ana events on our website Join us on the first Saturday of every month at Newhope Library for an exciting and fun-filled bilingual storytime in English and Vietnamese Each session ends with a creative craft activity Join Bowers Museum on May 4 to kick off the Cinco de Mayo spirit a day early with vibrant music This festival includes a special student art exhibition by Santa Ana Unified with generous funding provided by the California Cultural Heritage Endowment Celebrate International Composting Awareness Week with this year’s theme “Sustainable Communities Begin with Compost!” Whether you’re a seasoned composter or a beginner join us for engaging free workshops at Santa Ana’s Community Gardens from May 5-9 providing an opportunity to explore the wonders of composting or simply marvel at the process Each of the five gardens will host a unique Don’t forget to pick up your International Compost Awareness Passport at one of the sessions and start your composting journey See the Composting Week schedule and register Attention all craft beer and animal lovers Join us for a unique evening at the Santa Ana Zoo’s annual fundraiser Wander through the zoo as you sample a selection of the finest craft beers from Orange County so be sure to bring your ID and ticket for entry Santa Ana Zoo Brew at the Zoo The City of Santa Ana’s Economic Development Division hosts monthly Business Start-Up Workshops designed to support new and growing businesses Whether you’re launching something new or looking to expand this workshop will connect you with valuable tools You’ll also have the chance to get your questions answered directly by City staff Workshops are offered in both English and Spanish to better serve our community Register for a Business Startup Workshop Discover how we can support you in maintaining your housing stability and security This is your chance to empower yourself with essential knowledge and resources Find all upcoming Tenant’s Rights Workshops Celebrate Mother’s Day with a festive event at the Southwest Senior Center and at the Santa Ana Senior Center and special activities honoring all the amazing moms of our community Participation is free and open to registered and active members at the senior center of their choice Recreation and Community Services Agency in collaboration with the Center for Applied Research Solutions (CARS) this open house offers exciting activities focused on health and wellness wellness activities and a community picnic family-friendly event welcomes all ages and is dedicated to supporting veterans and individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds — all in a welcoming and uplifting environment Bring your loved ones and make a day of it Register for the Roosevelt-Walker Open House and start preparing for the Santa Ana Fun Run This year’s Fun Run has a ’70’s theme and we invite all participants to wear their best ’70s gear Registration is required for the 10K and 5K and the price includes a 2025 Santa Ana Fun Run T-shirt The Kids Dash is free and no registration is required Register for the Santa Ana Fun Run don’t miss this chance to engage with one of Orange County Soccer Club’s top talents This exclusive event will include a meet and greet with OCSC defender Nico Benalcázar Register for the OCSC Meet and Greet The mySantaAna mobile app puts the power of the City of Santa Ana government in the palm of your hand Download the app to quickly and easily report issues such as potholes Download the mySantaAna app Find more phone numbers for all City services Get directions to City Hall This content is for decoration only skip decoration. Print A demonstration at the home of a man suspected in a string of cat killings in Santa Ana resulted in vandalism over the weekend prompting police to urge residents to remain calm and warn of potential consequences in the event of similar disturbances Authorities estimate that 100 people attended a vigil Sunday evening at the home of Santa Ana resident Alejandro Oliveros Acosta who was arrested and booked last week on suspicion of felony animal cruelty Police allege that he killed at least a dozen neighborhood cats That home was the site of a “Vigil for Justice,” where pet owners and community and animal groups gathered for what was advertised on social media as a peaceful protest. California An Orange County man who police believe killed more than a dozen neighborhood cats after luring them to his property has been arrested a nonprofit organization that aims to help manage Orange County’s stray and feral cat population posted about the event but told The Times it was not the main organizer The protest was promoted on various social media platforms “People are angry and afraid,” the organization wrote in an emailed statement “We are tired of abusers getting slapped on the wrist Animal cruelty needs to be taken more seriously In a statement posted to social media the Santa Ana Police Department acknowledged “the strong emotions this case has generated” but urged residents to allow the investigation and judicial process to take their course “While we support the community’s right to peacefully assemble the Santa Ana Police Department will not tolerate acts of violence or any threats to public safety,” the statement continued “Any damage to life or property will have consequences and those engaging in criminal behavior will be held accountable.” According to OC Community Cats, the protest moved from the home identified as Acosta’s to a nearby one believed to be a family member’s. A neighbor, the group said, had told protesters that Acosta was staying there. TimesOC Police fielded mulitple calls about missing felines and when they went to the suspect’s home on the the 2300 block of West Wilshire Avenue the found evidence of “dozens” of dead cats Acosta had posted bail but was not in the area at the time according to the Santa Ana Police Department some protesters threw objects at the second house and attempted to break down a fence “Several individuals became unruly, vandalized property, and threw objects in a neighborhood,” the department wrote in a social media post. Demonstrators carried signs reading, “We Demand Justice” and “Today cats, tomorrow humans,” in Spanish. “We are asking the public to let us conduct our investigation and not to vandalize or damage anyone’s home,” said Officer Natalie Garcia, a Santa Ana police public information officer. The protest was conducted primarily on public streets, Garcia said. “People have the right to assemble and we cannot infringe on their right to protest,” she said. Fresno County’s taxpayers are expected to pay at least $2 million after an appeals court ruling upholds a lower court’s decision that sheriff’s deputies unnecessarily killed a dog in 2018. Garcia said Santa Ana police were monitoring the protest and confirmed that a report of vandalism and battery was taken. But she said she could not confirm any other details. Garcia urged members of the public who feel victimized — either by the theft of their pets or by the protest — to contact the department. OC Community Cats said it’s aware some pet advocates are planning to attend Acosta’s next court hearing, and have reached out to the Orange County district attorney’s office to ask for the maximum penalty in this case. Kimberly Edds, a spokesperson for the district attorney’s office, said Santa Ana police had yet to submit a case involving Acosta to prosecutors as of Wednesday morning. She said once prosecutors received one, they would determine what charges could be proved beyond a reasonable doubt. “Our office has a prosecutor who is specially trained to prosecute animal cases, and our district attorney takes these cases extremely seriously,” she said. Andrew J. Campa is a member of the Fast Break team at the Los Angeles Times, having previously covered the Eastside and San Gabriel Valley. Before, he worked at several medium and small daily newspapers and has covered education, sports and general news. He’s a proud University of Alabama (#RollTide), Cal State Fullerton and Pasadena City College alumnus. World & Nation Subscribe for unlimited accessSite Map By This content is for decoration only skip decoration operator and president of Tamaya Horse Rehab in the Santa Ana Pueblo in 2024 SANTA ANA PUEBLO — The Tamaya Horse Rescue Program a nonprofit organization located at the Stables at Tamaya on the Santa Ana Pueblo in New Mexico announced tickets are now on sale for the Tamaya Horseshoes & Heels Gala “The Tamaya Horse Rehabilitation Program raises funds to rescue and rehabilitate surrendered and neglected horses It is dedicated to giving them a second chance and providing horses with all the support and resources they need to lead happy the charity event will bring awareness to the "plight of unwanted horses" in New Mexico and raises funds for its ongoing efforts to rescue and rehabilitate animals in need anyone who purchases a ticket or table to the gala by June 1 will receive one complimentary admission to the Rodeo at The Stables at Tamaya The rodeo will feature local cowgirls and cowboys participating in traditional competitions seen on the national rodeo circuit The event also includes a stick horse race for children “We are thrilled to open ticket sales early for the 2025 Tamaya Horseshoes & Heels Gala and provide guests with a complimentary admission to the Rodeo at The Stables at Tamaya during the summer,” Collis said The money raised during the gala will be used for veterinary care Many of the horses that are part of the rehabilitation program participate in the rodeo The Tamaya Horseshoes & Heels Gala includes a cocktail reception three-course meal specially prepared for the event and live music with dancing from the Austin Van band Guests will also have the opportunity to be photographed with some of the rescued horses The release stated the Tamaya Horse Rescue Program has helped and rescued more than 350 horses Thousands of horses are abandoned annually in New Mexico and several factors can lead to unwanted including a horse’s decline in health or behavioral problems and the owner’s financial or physical hardships To purchase tickets and receive complimentary admission to the Rodeo at The Stables at Tamaya, visit TamayaHorseRehab.com/Events. For more information regarding the Tamaya Horse Rescue Program, contact Collis at 505-269-5410 or visit TamayaHorseRehab.com Email notifications are only sent once a day Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: Account processing issue - the email address may already exist Have the latest local news delivered every afternoon so you don't miss out on updates Receive our newspaper electronically with the e-Edition email Invalid password or account does not exist Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account (FOX26) — A single-vehicle crash late Saturday night killed five individuals and left a teenager hospitalized in Santa Ana The Santa Ana Police Department responded to the report of a crash at 11:22 p.m When officers and the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) arrived they found a vehicle that had collided with a tree [RELATED]Police seize large quantity of nitrous oxide in gang-related stop in Santa Ana Three females were ejected from the vehicle; two were transported to area hospitals The driver and two other passengers were trapped inside and required extrication by OCFA using the "Jaws of Life." The driver and three passengers were pronounced dead at the scene A 15-year-old female passenger remains in stable condition at the hospital Those killed have been identified as 18-year-old driver Emmanuel Gonzalez The preliminary investigation suggests the vehicle was traveling westbound on Segerstrom Avenue at a high rate of speed when it lost control and struck a palm tree on the raised center median Detectives are investigating whether drugs or alcohol were factors in the collision The Santa Ana Police Department's Collision Investigations Unit is handling the investigation Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective K Catlin at (714) 245-8224 or the Santa Ana Police Department's Traffic Division at (714) 245-8200 Rafael Emmanuel Garcia was accused of attacking the man about 11 p.m. Monday at Pacific Coast Highway and First Street, police said. The victim sustained significant facial and head injuries and was rushed to a hospital, police said. Garcia was charged with attempted murder, mayhem and robbery, all felonies, with sentencing enhancements for inflicting great bodily injury on the victim. Garcia did not enter a plea at his arraignment in the jail courtroom in Santa Ana Thursday. His arraignment was rescheduled for May 16 in the West Justice Center in Westminster. City News Service is the nation’s largest regional wire service and is headquartered in Los Angeles. there was little firefighters could do to control the flames Jon Keeley a research ecologist in California with the U.S Geological Survey and adjunct professor at UCLA explains what causes extreme winds like this in Southern California and why they create such a dangerous fire risk powerful winds that blow down the mountains toward the Southern California coast The region sees about 10 Santa Ana wind events a year on average typically occurring from fall into January these winds can become a severe fire hazard The Santa Ana winds occur when there is high pressure to the east Air masses move from high pressure to low pressure and the more extreme the difference in the pressure As the winds rush downslope from the top of the San Gabriel Mountains That’s a function of the physics of air masses By the time the winds get to the point where the Eaton Fire broke out in Altadena on Jan it’s not uncommon for them to have less than 5 percent relative humidity and we would get days during Santa Ana wind events when the wind wasn’t present at all where we lived These strong, dry winds are often around 30 to 40 mph. But they can be stronger. The winds in early January 2025 were reported to have reached 60 to 70 mph The current wildfires continue to have a devastating effect on Los Angeles County’s people and infrastructure With thousands of residents displaced and many having lost their homes and businesses UCLA and local organizations have mobilized to support both the campus community and the broader public Here’s how you can donate, help and find assistance. Typically, Southern California has enough rain by now that the vegetation is moist and doesn’t readily burn. A study a few years ago showed that autumn moisture reduces the risk of Santa Ana wind-driven fires Southern California has very dry conditions with very little moisture over the past several months we have the perfect storm for severe fires It’s very hard to extinguish a fire under these conditions The firefighters in the area will tell you they will evacuate people ahead of the fire front and control the edges – but when the wind is blowing like this there’s very little chance of stopping it until the wind subsides Have the Santa Ana winds changed over time but we’re seeing them more often this time of year My colleagues and I recently published a paper comparing 71 years of Santa Ana wind events We found about the same amount of overall Santa Ana wind activity but the timing is shifting from fewer events in September and more in December and January Due to well-documented trends in climate change it is tempting to ascribe this to global warming but as yet there is no substantial evidence of this California is seeing more destructive fires than we saw in the past That’s driven not just by changes in the climate and the winds More people now live in and at the edges of wildland areas, and the power grid has expanded with them. That creates more opportunities for fires to start. In extreme weather, power lines face a higher risk of falling or being hit by tree branches and sparking a fire. The area burnt because of fires related to power lines has greatly expanded; today it is the major ignition source for destructive fires in Southern California The Eaton Fire is at the upper perimeter of the San Gabriel Basin some parts of the basin were surrounded by citrus orchards and fires in the mountains would burn out in the orchards before reaching homes Today, there is no buffer between homes and the wildland. The point of ignition for the Eaton Fire appears to have been near or within one of those neighborhoods allowing fires to spread quickly through neighborhoods and creating a great risk of destructive fires This article was originally published on The Conversation and has been republished under a Creative Commons license. View the original article here we’re celebrating stories from the past year of UC research that illustrate the resilience of life on our planet As their traditional dining options dwindle and natural areas give way to restaurants the coyotes of San Francisco are shifting what they eat The University of California opened its doors in 1869 with just 10 faculty members and 40 students the UC system has more than 295,000 students and 265,000 faculty and staff with 2.0 million alumni living and working around the world By The City of Santa Ana Public Works Agency is sponsoring a free household hazardous waste collection on Saturday at Saddleback High School located at 2802 S This is a wonderful opportunity for you to safely dispose of unwanted household chemicals that cannot be disposed of in the regular trash What can you bring to the household hazardous waste collection Up to four tires per vehicle are also accepted (no commercial tires are accepted) Proof of Santa Ana residency is required (CA driver’s license For details on what items are acceptable to bring to the household hazardous waste collection, click here By Mexico will be displaying their products to build business opportunities with local companies March 28-30 – Get ready to ignite new business connections and expand your horizons The City of Santa Ana proudly invites local businesses and professionals to the inaugural Sister Cities Santa Ana & Sahuayo Business Expo 2025 on March 28-30 This unique event is designed to foster international business collaborations and open doors to new opportunities between Santa Ana Over 30 Mexican businesses will showcase their products “This inaugural business expo represents a remarkable opportunity to deepen the strong bond between the cities of Santa Ana and Sahuayo,” Mayor Valerie Amezcua said we are fostering cross-cultural collaboration and new economic opportunities we will strengthen global business ties to benefit both of our communities for years to come.” Santa Ana & Sahuayo: A Growing Partnership Santa Ana and Sahuayo officially became sister cities on October 20 following a unanimous resolution by the Santa Ana City Council Mayor Valerie Amezcua visited Sahuayo from July 28 to July 31 This partnership fosters collaboration in business further strengthening the deep-rooted connections between the two communities Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your business network and build powerful international partnerships. Confirm your attendance and pre-schedule your B2B meetings by March 26, 2025, register with this link. please contact the City of Santa Ana Business Resource Hotline at (714) 647-5477 Flags fly under heavy winds before sunset as a plume of smoke from the Franklin Fire rises over the ocean Tuesday re common in Southern California during cooler months Here’s a look at the often-fierce winds that topple power lines and trees and can turn a spark into a raging wildfire: warm and gusty northeast winds that blow from the interior of Southern California toward the coast and offshore moving in the opposite direction of the normal onshore flow that carries moist air from the Pacific into the region Santa Anas are created by high pressure over the Great Basin — the vast desert interior of the West overlapping several states The sinking air loses its moisture and flows in a clockwise direction toward Southern California where it must get past towering mountain ranges that separate the desert from the metropolitan region lining the coast Like a slow-moving river that suddenly narrows and turns into rapids the air speeds up as it squeezes through mountain passes and canyons Humidity levels often plunge to single-digit percentages during a Santa Ana wind The extreme lack of humidity in the air causes vegetation — living and dead — to significantly dry out and become susceptible to fire The tremendous wind speeds can stoke any spark — from a fallen power line for example — into a rapidly spreading conflagration Santa Anas are linked to some of the worst wildfires Southern California has experienced A commonly accepted explanation is that the name is linked to Santa Ana Canyon in Orange County along with other nicknames such as “devil winds.” Santa Ana winds can sweep urban pollution away the extreme lack of moisture dries out lips In the short story “Red Wind,” Raymond Chandler captured the emotional effect: “There was a desert wind blowing that night It was one of those hot dry Santa Anas that come down through the mountain passes and curl your hair and make your nerves jump and your skin itch.” By Join us for an in-person hiring fair on Wednesday Recreation & Community Services Agency (PRCSA) will be hiring for various positions PRCSA will also be seeking applicants who are innovative and results oriented individuals for the  following program sections: Stop by to apply in-person and get hired on the spot! Add the following hiring fair dates to your calendar March 12, and April 2 Outside Courtyard by the City Council Chambers Address: 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701 Please bring one (1) of the following for work authorization: bring two (2) of the documents listed below—one (1) from each list: Parking validations will be provided for all applicants in attendance located on the cross streets of West Santa Ana Boulevard and Civic Center Plaza: Structure: P6 Appellate Court Parking Structure #19 601W W Santa Ana Blvd, Santa Ana, CA 92701 and Community Services Agency (PRSCA) is getting ready to offer daily summer programs for youth All camps will take place from June 2 to August 8 Register early to guarantee your spot and ensure a summer filled with activities that keep Santa Ana youth active and engaged Summer Splash Day Camp caters to campers ages 6-12 where they will enjoy ten weeks of fun and creative summer programming This action-packed camp includes weekly off-site excursions every Thursday We’re excited to bring back the Red Cross Learn to Swim program Campers will also enjoy supervised recreation swim under the watchful eyes of our certified city lifeguards The camp is designed to foster personal growth by providing safe Each week’s excursions are thoughtfully selected to match the weekly theme offering cultural enrichment and memorable experiences Some of this year’s exciting excursions include trips to the Aquarium of the Pacific It’s a fantastic way for campers to explore new places while having fun and learning along the way Guardians and parents can enroll their campers in individual weeks at one of three available sites: The weekly all-inclusive fees for residents are $110 with a rate of $70 per additional family participant Non-residents are also welcomed to enroll in our exciting camps for $130 weekly with a rate of $90 per additional family participant These weekly fees will include all activities Registration opens April 3! Pricing is subject to change – don’t miss out on the chance to save while securing your camper’s spot before July 1st in this exciting program We look forward to making your camper’s summer extra special with 10 weeks of adventure, learning, and fun. Visit www.santa-ana.org/summer-splash-day-camp/ for more information Getty ImagesMatt TaylorLead Weather PresenterPublished8 January 2025Santa Ana winds can bring disruptive impacts to daily life in Los Angeles and parts of southern California but when coupled with wildfires they can escalate the situation rapidly causing the fires to take hold and spread at great speed These strong and gusty east or north-easterly winds blow from inland towards the coast They can occur numerous times throughout the year and have been known to happen on over 20 occasions during some years A Santa Ana event usually occurs during the cooler months from late September to May and generally lasts just a couple of days but on rare occasions can continue for up to a week Santa Ana winds are the result of high pressure over the Great Basin The weather set-up is key to the Santa Ana winds blowing They occur when a large area of high pressure becomes established over the interior of western US which includes much of Nevada and parts of Utah which means the winds that arrive in California are lacking in moisture With winds flowing clockwise around high pressure systems they move south and west into southern California where they descend over the inland Sierra mountains Wind speeds can increase further as they funnel through the valleys and gorges in the area much like water increases its speed as it passes through a hose Santa Ana winds not only cause ripe conditions for wildfire development but they can also be responsible for the scale of destruction that follows The low humidity of the air is key to the initial fire taking hold The air is initially dry due to the desert locations where it originated from but it dries out even further as it rolls down off the mountains it then strips the vegetation of a lot of its moisture meaning that fire can catch quicker and the vegetation burn more readily Winds can be strong enough to topple large trucks The strength of the wind is what helps to spread fires rapidly Speeds of 60 to 80mph (95-130km/h) are common but gusts of up to 100mph (160km/h) can occur during the worst Santa Ana events When these sort of strengths continue for days on end it can prove incredibly difficult for the emergency services to contain the fire The gusty nature of the winds add to the unpredictability of the spread Latest BBC Weather forecast for Los Angeles No one is completely sure where the name originates from It's most commonly thought that it stems from the Santa Ana canyon in Southern California's Orange County however the winds affect more places than just one canyon Other names for the Santa Ana winds include "devil wind" or "red wind" Thousands told to abandon homes as three wildfires rip through Los Angeles suburbs Timelapse shows rapid spread of Palisades wildfire FeaturesWhat role did weather forecasters play in WW2 victory UV – how to stay safe in the sun Which pollen is making you sneeze Watch: How Turner's masterpieces inspired a BBC Weather forecaster The final series of Man Like Mobeen has arrived Louis Theroux visits the West Bank to meet Israeli settlers Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking. – Dust off your bell-bottoms and tie-dye shirts The Santa Ana Fun Run is back with a far-out ’70s theme Runners and walkers of all levels are invited to join this groovy community event featuring 5K and 10K races Registration is required to participate and is now open Early birds can boogie down with discounted fees: $10 for the 5K and $25 for the 10K with prices increasing after April 17 to $15 for the 5k and $30 for the 10k All participants will receive a race bib with a timing chip and a commemorative medal The 10K runners fee includes an event T-shirt A free Kids Dash for ages 3-10 will take place after the 5K and camaraderie at the Santa Ana Fun Run,” Mayor Valerie Amezcua said “This annual event is a wonderful opportunity to come together as a community everyone is invited to enjoy this day of fitness and togetherness join the post-race festivities at the beer garden Wristbands will be available for pre-sale for $2 before the event The beer garden is proudly supported by the Frida Cinema Participants can also look forward to special activations from our Title Level Partner Whether you’re a seasoned runner, a casual walker, or a family looking for a fun-filled day, the Santa Ana Fun Run promises an energetic atmosphere, great community spirit, and an opportunity to promote health and wellness. Don’t miss out — mark your calendar and sign up early! Visit the Fun Run website for more details and to register. Parking for the entire event will be located at P1 Stadium Parking Structure For more information, visit www.santa-ana.org/fun-run/ Recreation & Community Services Agency expands partnership with Anaheim Ducks in 2025 to support teen programs – The City of Santa Ana is proud to announce its growing partnership with the Anaheim Ducks through another City of Santa Ana Anaheim Ducks Night offering discounted tickets to residents The Ducks face off against the St. Louis Blues at 7 p.m. Friday, March 7, 2025, at the Honda Center. Discounted tickets are now available for Santa Ana residents and employees to purchase at AnaheimDucks.com/SantaAna “We are thrilled to partner with the Anaheim Ducks in bringing affordable access to live hockey for our community,” Mayor Valerie Amezcua said “This collaboration not only strengthens the bond between the team and our city We thank the Ducks for their commitment to making hockey accessible and for supporting the Santa Ana community.” This game follows the success of the first Santa Ana night this season on February 4 The March 7 game will spotlight Santa Ana’s Teen Excursion Program with the Anaheim Ducks generously donating tickets to give Santa Ana volunTEENS the opportunity to experience a NHL game in person The Anaheim Ducks have been a long-time supporter of the Santa Ana Parks Recreation & Community Services Agency (PRCSA) events and programs the Ducks will have an active presence at multiple Santa Ana events Through this collaboration, the City and the Ducks will continue to create unique opportunities for Santa Ana residents to engage with professional sports while celebrating their community. Stay up to date with information about the City of Santa Ana’s annual partners and sponsors: santa-ana.org/annual-partners-and-sponsors/ I am happy to announce the return of my monthly newsletter where my team and I will be sharing news and events happening in our beautiful city of Santa Ana so I will do my utmost in supporting my constituents and sharing all the resources the City of Santa Ana has to offer Please know you are valued and respected under my leadership I want to highlight some of the impressive work my office and our local residents have accomplished such as the La Raza Mural Restoration with the Artesia Pilar Neighborhood Association and the ongoing renovation of the Main Library I believe that arts and education are key components to our residents’ well-being so I am proud that we have accomplished this rejuvenation of public amenities I also personally believe that access to green space helps our neighbors thrive so I am excited that we are underway with the new park at 10th and Flower near the Willard Neighborhood which is estimated to be completed by next spring Another important issue I’ve advocated for recently is the expansion of the Street Medicine Program by CalOptima into the City of Santa Ana I spoke at the CalOptima meeting in March asking for approval of this program to bridge the healthcare gap for our unhoused neighbors I’ve also advocated for increased police accountability since being in office and plan to continue doing so along with protecting our undocumented community every chance I get through the wonderful work of my Council Aides my office has held a variety of events in less than a year including: the Annual Toy Giveaway at Placita Cinco a Town Hall in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity OC to inform residents of their new affordable homeownership opportunities coming to Washington a first-of its-kind “Walk and Talk” with Black leaders for Black History Month and my office’s first Viva Bien: Health and Wellness fair held less than two weeks ago we have a lot to celebrate and there’s only more to come Sign Up for the Ward 5 Newsletter Through the steadfast leadership of the Artesia Pilar Neighborhood Association (APNA) a beloved mural was restored and celebrated at the heart of Artesia Pilar in September 2024 The La Raza mural is a reminder to the community of the cultural roots that built Santa Ana and of the families that defined the neighborhood since the ’90s APNA applied for an arts grant and the original artists came out to restore their work: Steve Martinez If you would like your art to be featured in future newsletters, please submit it to ycruz5@Santa-Ana.org. Read more about this project Everyone should be able to create and be creative in their own way Below are a few Santa Ana resources for art and arts education: Through the advocacy of Councilmember Hernandez and his colleagues for a $34 million renovation project set to add new amenities These upgrades are expected to be completed by spring 2026 Read more about the Main Library transformation Councilmember Hernandez advocated for expansion of Street Medicine Program at the CalOptima meeting Santa Ana is the latest city to be included in CalOptima’s Street Medicine Program which has so far been active in Anaheim and Garden Grove This program will benefit the unhoused population and bring medical care to them bridging the gap that has allowed too many to go without medical care Councilmember Hernandez attended the March 6 CalOptima meeting to speak about the program and how it will serve the community “If we are given the privilege of having a street medicine program in our city I know that Santa Ana would greatly benefit in allowing us to be able to treat our neighbors who are experiencing homelessness and be able to closer connect them with services that can help them services like our partnered agencies that focus on serving foster youth or serving the formerly incarcerated We can have a collaborative approach to a public health crisis.” said Councilmember Hernandez Watch the full public comment here (5:40) Read more about the Street Medicine Program on our COSA website Learn more about the Playful Learning Landscapes Travel Santa Ana has a new program where residents can learn about Santa Ana and receive recognition as an official “enthusiast.” Learn how at the link below Become a Santa Ana Enthusiast The Chicano Heritage Festival is back this summer as we celebrate Santa Ana’s rich Mexican-American history Guests can look forward to live musical performances Check out a video of the 2023 Chicano Heritage Festival. the Ward 5 team partnered with Habitat for Humanity OC to host an informational session on the new properties on Washington Street check out their website to see the homes they need families to fill Habitat for Humanity homes Did you know that in the court case Westminster v local Santa Ana parents challenged and effectively ended segregation in schools left a legacy of entrepreneurship and service in Orange County Councilmember Hernandez had the honor to lead the establishment of street toppers commemorating Virginia & William Guzman who made valuable contributions as a Black business owner and freemason Read more about their contributions at the links below Virginia & William Guzman Warren Bussey Councilmember Hernandez teamed up with local organization Santa Ana Active Streets to host a first-of-its-kind “Walk and Talk” for Black History Month with local Black leaders Graced by the presence of Dorothy Mulkey (local housing rights activist) Daniel Michael Lynem (former Santa Ana Black Panther) Dwayne Shipp (OC Black Parade and Festival organizer) and Ed Caruthers (silver Olympic medalist) participants were led on a walkthrough the Little Texas Neighborhood and were given firsthand accounts of history by the legends themselves Check out how the day went Councilmember Hernandez and his team highlighted the importance of health and wellness by collaborating with local health organizations to provide resources to the community Students from Lydia Romero-Cruz Academy also took part in the event performing songs they had personally chosen under the guidance of Ms The day was a vibrant celebration of community connection and empowering Santa Ana’s youth to express themselves Which City of Santa Ana services and programs are important to you Take our Community Budget Priorities Survey to share your ideas Your responses will be shared with the Santa Ana City Council as we work to set spending priorities and approve the new budget for the coming year You can also join upcoming community meetings to learn about the budget Take the Community Budget Priorities Survey The City of Santa Ana Public Works Agency is hosting a free compost giveaway and paper shredding event for Santa Ana residents on Saturday Guidelines for the event are at the link below Compost Giveaway and Paper Shredding Event Santa Ana Public Library will hold its 17th annual Día de los Niños The free event will take place from 10:30 a.m which is located between the Main Library and Santa Ana City Hall The free festivities will include a book giveaway for children and a presentation featuring award-winning author Naibe Reynoso and author and songwriter Heidi Rojas featuring their books “How to Stuff a Piñata” and “I Am Enough.” Día de los Niños, Día de los Libros join SAUSD for their annual Mariachi Festival and listen to the wonderful talent of our Santa Ana youth represented by five wonderful schools Check out the SAUSD Arts page for more events – City Manager Alvaro Nuñez is pleased to announce the appointments of Minh Thai and Kathryn “Kat” Downs to the position of Assistant City Manager for the City of Santa Ana Both Assistant City Manager Downs and Assistant City Manager Thai bring a wealth of expertise and experience that will significantly contribute to the continued success and development of Santa Ana Assistant City Manager Downs and Deputy City Manager Sylvia Vazquez are committed to the continued success and development of Santa Ana Their focus will be on key areas such as community development and preparing for the sunset of the Measure X sales tax with an emphasis on initiatives that improve public safety “With over 100 years of combined experience we are united in our mission to make Santa Ana a safer more vibrant city where residents can thrive and take pride in their community,” City Manager Nuñez said we will continue to build on our successes and tackle challenges to ensure Santa Ana remains a city we are all proud to call home.” Assistant City Manager Thai has over 30 years of experience in urban planning He has served as the Executive Director of the Planning and Building Agency since 2018 Assistant City Manager Thai’s deep expertise in economic development and his collaborative leadership style will enhance the City’s efforts in managing critical programs including the sunset of Measure X and initiatives to increase sales tax He holds a Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Planning Under Assistant City Manager Thai’s leadership the City enacted its first Comprehensive General Plan Update in 40 years the American Planning Association-California Chapter honored our Planning and Building Agency with the Award of Merit for the Comprehensive General Plan Update Assistant City Manager Downs has over 30 years of professional experience She has served as the City’s Executive Director of Finance and Management Services Agency since 2018 and will now take on the broader responsibilities of Assistant City Manager Assistant City Manager Downs’ financial acumen and leadership will be instrumental in overseeing the City’s operational and administrative matters She is a CPA with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Management Under Assistant City Manager Downs’ leadership the City refinanced its employee pension debt at a lower interest rate saving the City and taxpayers $138 million The Finance Agency has received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award several times from the Government Finance Officers Association Congratulations to Assistant City Manager Thai and Assistant City Manager Downs on their well-deserved promotions The Postal Service Has Exciting Career Opportunities Postal Service recently welcomed employees to an event celebrating the opening of the Burbank Sorting & Delivery Center (SDC) The special event offered employees a first look at the Postal Service’s latest investments to improve the employee experience and provide the community and surrounding regions with faster more reliable service under its strategic 10-year plan.  The modernized Burbank SDC is a culmination of the cultural change permeating throughout the Postal Service USPS facility investments across the state continue to make workplaces safer Investments to transform and modernize local facilities like the Burbank SDC are a core tenet of the 10-year strategic plan As the Postal Service continues its path toward financial sustainability and high operating performance these investments not only enhance operational precision and delivery efficiency but also prioritize a better working environment for its employees  The modernized Sacramento SDC is a culmination of the cultural change permeating throughout the Postal Service Investments to transform and modernize local facilities like the Sacramento SDC are a core tenet of the 10-year strategic plan ensuring a safer and healthier workplace.  USPS is transforming into a more efficient high-performing logistics and delivery enterprise supported by a dedicated workforce of nearly 640,000 men and women nationwide Throughout its aggressive facility investments aimed at making service more reliable and affordable across the state the Postal Service has emphasized the safety and wellbeing of its more than 62,500 employees in the state.  As it works to become the nation’s preferred delivery provider USPS has committed more than $17 billion aimed at revitalizing its delivery networks and national infrastructure.  nearly $640 million in strategic local investments has been allocated to enhance operations in California This includes more than $16 million to construct 24 new facilities more than $233 million to renovate 473 existing structures and more than $176 million to purchase 60 state-of-the-art package sorting machines across the state.  to better serve the more than 15 million addresses across the state and fulfill its universal service obligation the Postal Service has also invested nearly $200 million to strengthen its delivery fleet and deploy nearly 5,000 new vehicles in California.  These inspiring changes are part of more than $40 billion in strategic investments aimed at transforming and modernizing the organization Upgrades across California and the nation continue to put the Postal Service on a positive trajectory and create a high performing financially stable organization capable of providing the American public with the world-class service they expect and deserve.  For more information on the Postal Service’s remarkable progress under its ambitious 10-year plan, please visit usps.com The United States Postal Service is an independent federal establishment, mandated to be self-financing and to serve every American community through the affordable, reliable and secure delivery of mail and packages to 169 million addresses six and often seven days a week. Overseen by a bipartisan Board of Governors, the Postal Service is implementing a 10-year transformation plan, Delivering for America restore long-term financial sustainability dramatically improve service across all mail and shipping categories and maintain the organization as one of America’s most valued and trusted brands The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage products and services to fund its operations Copyright© 2025 United States Postal Service The City of Santa Ana is proud to announce its growing partnership with the LA Clippers through a City of Santa Ana Family Game Night where the LA Clippers are offering discounted tickets to residents and the Santa Ana community The Clippers take on the Dallas Mavericks at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the brand-new Intuit Dome. Discounted tickets, as low as $15, are now available for Santa Ana residents and employees to purchase at tinyurl.com/SAClippersNight The Santa Ana Teen Excursion Program is expanding programming with the Family Game Night excursion to the LA Clippers game on April 5. Santa Ana volunTEENS can register for the opportunity to experience an NBA game in person and bring up to four additional family members The LA Clippers have been a long-time supporter of Santa Ana PRCSA programs and events Clippers youth basketball program is an essential part of youth sports programming in Santa Ana the LA Clippers have leveled up access to NBA experiences for Jr Clippers program participants with additional basketball clinics Residents can also look forward to interacting with the LA Clippers street team as a Title Level Partner this year at the Fiestas Patrias event on September 13 and 14, 2025 Through this collaboration, the City and the LA Clippers will continue to create unique opportunities for Santa Ana residents to engage with professional sports while celebrating their community. Stay up to date with information about the City of Santa Ana’s annual partners and sponsors: santa-ana.org/annual-partners-and-sponsors/ Crossroads at Washington and Estrella Springs all received accolades – The City of Santa Ana is honored to have three projects recognized for our creative approach to development and affordable housing at the Orange County Business Council’s 14th Annual Turning Red Tape into Red Carpet Awards last week This is the third year in a row that the City of Santa Ana has won an award from OCBC “We are incredibly proud to see the City of Santa Ana recognized for its commitment to innovation and progress,” Mayor Valerie Amezcua said Estrella Springs and Crossroads at Washington reflects the power of collaboration between public and private sectors to create solutions that meet the needs of our community These awards highlight our ongoing efforts to encourage new development by streamlining processes and investing in affordable housing.” In the Public-Private Partnership category the City’s investment in two transformative projects — The Crossroads at Washington and Estrella Springs — was also celebrated Related California won the category for the Crossroads at Washington affordable housing development received Honorable Mention for the Estrella Springs permanent supportive housing project In 2019, the City of Santa Ana and the County of Orange selected developer Related California to build an 86-unit affordable housing development on land owned by the City and the County. The Crossroads at Washington provides housing and on-site services for low-income families and special needs populations to more than 200 residents the Santa Ana City Council also provided $4.6 million and 15 project-based vouchers Jamboree Housing partnered with the City of Santa Ana, the County of Orange and CalOptima Health to transform an underused motel in Santa Ana into the 89-unit Estrella Springs project. The development offers housing and supportive services for individuals and veterans experiencing homelessness and individuals earning up to 30% of the area median income (AMI) the Santa Ana City Council provided $1.6 million and 89 project-based vouchers the City received an award for its Down Payment Assistance Loan Program the City won an award for the MainPlace Specific Plan These awards underscore Santa Ana’s leadership in fostering economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for its residents through efficient processes and impactful partnerships As recognized by Western City Magazine, Santa Ana’s development renaissance has captured national attention Santa Ana has developed more affordable housing than any other city in Orange County It reached 74% of its state-mandated housing goal of 3,137 units less than three years into the current housing cycle putting it on pace to exceed the requirement for the second cycle in a row Notifications can be managed in browser preferences. Alejandro Oliveros Acosta is accused of killing ‘a lot’ of cats in Santa Ana I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A vigil turned violent Sunday after an angry mob targeted a home they believed was connected to an alleged serial cat killer — except It’s still unclear exactly how many cats may be dead, but police say it’s “a lot.” While the gathering was originally supposed to be a vigil for the animals, the group quickly turned violent. They tried to knock down a fence, pushed their way onto the property and broke the windows, Fox 11 reports. One person even pepper-sprayed the resident. Video captured the moment the mob stormed the house. But the house has no connection to Oliveros Acosta. Instead, a relative of Oliveros Acosta’s brother-in-law lives there with his family, according to Fox 11. He said his young children were in the home and terrified. "The peaceful protesting wasn't so peaceful. They're scaring kids here. It's scaring the whole family,” the resident told Fox 11. “There are kids, seven kids in this house. Two little babies, one that is autistic. You know, breaking our fences… pepper spraying us for no reason. If you did what you did, I didn't know anything about it. You know, when we found out, we were shocked.” Other residents are now concerned they could face similar harassment if they’re mistaken for Oliveros Acosta. One truck driver told Fox 11 he’s worried “they might do something” to him because he drives a similar truck to Oliveros Acosta. Some attendees told Fox 11 they were surprised by the sudden turn of events. "We did expect a vigil,” one attendee told Fox 11. “We thought it was going to be peaceful, but it did get a little violent here today.” "I don't think it needs to be like this. I think it should have remained a vigil… I knew it'd be a protest, but I didn't think I'd get violent. I don't think anybody should be touching property," another told the outlet. Santa Ana police arrived to disperse the crowd after an hour, according to Fox 11. "While we support the community’s right to peacefully assemble, the Santa Ana Police Department will not tolerate acts of violence, vandalism, or any threats to public safety,” the department said in a statement. “Any damage to life or property will have consequences, and those engaging in criminal behavior will be held accountable." Then they realize they got the wrong house","description":"Alejandro Oliveros Acosta is accused of killing ‘a lot’ of cats in Santa Ana How to watch California high school boys lacrosse: JSerra Catholic vs May 6Data SkriveJSerra Catholic High School is hosting Foothill High School - Santa Ana at 5 p.m How to watch Foothill vs. JSerra Catholic boys lacrosseFoothill and JSerra Catholic will take the field on Tuesday, May 6, at 5 p.m. PT. Don't miss out on any of the action with NFHS Network The NFHS Network gives you access to live high school sports around the country Follow your favorite team and never miss a game Want to track your alma mater, local team or family member's school throughout the playoffs? NFHS Network has high school lacrosse streaming live plus on-demand replays and highlights of all the action from thousands of schools across America Watch JSerra Catholic vs. Foothill on NFHS Network! All NFHS Network events are available to watch online at and through the NFHS Network Mobile Apps for iOS and Android and TV Apps for ROKU – In commemoration of the community’s Asian and Vietnamese cultures the City of Santa Ana is celebrating the Year of the Snake at the second annual Tết (Lunar New Year) Festival on Saturday “As we welcome the dawn of a new lunar year I am thrilled to invite the entire community to join me at our annual Santa Ana Tết Festival,” Mayor Valerie Amezcua said “This special occasion brings us together to share in the spirit of renewal while honoring Santa Ana’s rich Vietnamese and Asian heritage and traditions unity and the promise of a bright year ahead!” During this collaboration event between the Santa Ana Parks and Community Services Agency and the Santa Ana Public Library guests can look forward to special participation from Title Level Partners: Santa Ana’s Tết Festival is family-friendly and open to all. On-site event parking is available at no cost. Guests are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs, blankets, and picnics. Additional information regarding the event is located at www.santa-ana.org/tet-lunar-new-year-festival/ Synthetic turf sports fields are needed in order to increase the program time on grass fields Experience shows if grass fields are used more than 20 hours per week they will end up as a dirt field At Santa Anita Park we have the ability to change an existing grass field to a synthetic turf field for the community and Community Services Agency was successful in obtaining a multiple grants to make this happen The new synthetic field project will also include other park improvements that will help make the park patron's experience at Santa Anita Park enjoyable The project also includes a new 8,000 square foot community center that will house Recreation SAPD Substation and PAAL (Police Athletics and Activities League) programming as well as a fully renovated swimming pool and deck Below is a project description of all the proposed improvements Total project cost of $18 million with five funding sources: The story of Santa Anita Park began on September 13 when residents from an eight-block area along South Figueroa Street were invited to help shape their neighborhood park The first community meeting took place on September 25 where local citizens gathered to discuss their vision for the space the City outlined the construction process and presented preliminary design sketches for the park a permanent advisory committee was formed under the name Organization for the Betterment of the Santa Anita Community One of the committee’s first initiatives was selecting a name for the park Ballots with five proposed names were distributed and more than 400 residents voted in favor of Santa Anita Park in the spring of 2025—fifty-five years later—Santa Ana will once again celebrate this beloved community landmark This is a developing story. For the latest local updates head to LAist.com and sign up for breaking news alerts The intense and fast-moving fires that have cut a path of destruction through the suburbs of Los Angeles, killing at least two people, are being driven by the region's powerful Santa Ana winds with gusts that in some cases surpass hurricane-strength The two largest blazes — the Palisades and Eaton Fires — have consumed more than 10,000 acres each and prompted mandatory evacuations for almost 70,000 people as of Wednesday Another 58,000 people have been warned to be prepared to leave at a moment's notice Although the Santa Anas are a routine part of life for people living in southern California the winds are particularly violent and destructive this time around Ferocious winds are likely to make it difficult or impossible for firefighters to contain the blazes until conditions improve the National Weather Service is warning of sustained winds up to 40 mph in the region with gusts up to 80 mph in the area of the wildfires Mike Wofford, a lead forecaster at the National Weather Service's office in Oxnard, Calif., says the Santa Ana winds are most common during the cooler months from September through May They are caused by high pressure over the desert of the southwestern U.S. that pushes through the mountain passages in Southern California toward an area of lower pressure off the Pacific coast "The high pressure that develops over that region coupled with lower pressure down over southern California creates this strong flow of air that comes out of Nevada and hits our coastal mountain range and out to the Inland Empire area," Wofford says The key characteristic is that the winds are what's known as katabatic a professor at Columbia University's Climate School it compresses and heats up — by about 10 degrees Celsius per kilometer (18 degrees Fahrenheit per 0.6 of a mile) It's a "very effective way of warming up the air," she says it also speeds up in much the same way that air moving through a tunnel or the wind between buildings is stronger dry Santa Anas that can be reach 40–60 mph ➡️ The Santa Ana winds: A cultural and destructive force in Southern California But "this one is not typical," Wofford says the Santa Anas are coupled with "very strong winds in the upper atmosphere In addition to funneling through the mountains they went up and over the mountains and then they descended down into the basin area," he says The result is wind gusts as high as 100 mph in some places adding that the current dry conditions mean "everything is just primed and ready to go" for wildfires overheats and someone pulls over next to an area where there's some dry brush a professor of geography who heads the HyFiVeS Research Group (Hydroclimate and Society) at UCLA describes the current scenario as a "highly improbable sequence of extreme climate and weather events over the past two years." the Los Angeles area experienced an exceptionally wet climate and this led to the growth of an extraordinary amount of new vegetation biomass in the hills and mountains surrounding the city." What role might climate change play? As NPR has reported previously a hotter atmosphere due to climate change can lead to the rapid spread of wildfires As for having an impact on the frequency and intensity of Santa Ana winds if you wanted to say anything about the role [that] global climate change plays The California Newsroom is following the extreme weather from across the region. Click through to LAist's coverage for the latest Become an NPR sponsor The project area is on the west end of the park and on the south side Santiago Creek This area dubbed "The Gas House Area" has been undeveloped for many years The approved project removed a portion of Valencia Street and in an effort to turn a formerly empty dirt area into one that will become alive with park users Improvements include accessible concrete walkways around the park that provide a walking loop connecting a series of new amenities: multi-level playground and a restoration of the historic gas house the community suggested improvements in this area and provided a sketch of their ideas; regular meetings were held with the Santiago Park Neighborhood Association to help and develop the concept plan The plan and estimates were submitted to the California Coastal Conservancy for grant funding The PRCSA was successful in obtaining a $1 million dollar grant for the park development and provided additional funding from Park Development fees and Capital Outlay Funds Total project cost of $3.5 million will three funding sources: Subscribe to the Ward 4 newsletter and we have some exciting changes at City Hall I am happy to announce that Robert Rodriguez has been promoted to Chief of Police Chief Rodriguez has selected Roland Andrade Chuck Elms and Julian Rodriguez to become Deputy Chiefs of Police City Manager Alvaro Nuñez has promoted two new Assistant City Managers: Minh Thai and Kathryn Downs Assistant City Manager Thai previously served as the Executive Director of the Planning and Building Agency Assistant City Manager Downs previously served as the Executive Director of the Finance and Management Services Agency I look forward to seeing you at my Monthly Community Office Hours on Saturday Read my Bio Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) Board Members from throughout Orange County selected me to serve as the Chair of the OCFA Board I have been fortunate to serve as Santa Ana’s representative on the OCFA since 2023 I want to thank my OCFA Board colleagues who put their faith in me to lead this great agency that serves a vital role in providing fire safety and emergency medical services that ensure the safety and well-being of residents in Santa Ana and county wide I attended an event hosted by the Santa Ana Lions Club at Century High School where they provided free vision screenings and distributed eyeglasses to our community Remember to get your eyes checked and your prescription up to date I also attended a retirement ceremony at American Legion Post 131 in Santa Ana for young Marine Gunnery Sergeant Diego Johnson We were honored to present him with an American flag that had been flown over Santa Ana City Hall I presented OCFA Assistant Chief and Fire Marshal Lori Smith with a Certificate of Recognition for her 44 years of service in the fire services Assistant Chief Smith began her career with the Santa Ana Fire Department in 1980 She served as Fire Marshal for Santa Ana from 2002-2012 When Santa Ana fire services were moved under the Orange County Fire Authority she joined OCFA and served as Assistant Chief and Fire Marshal for your incredible contributions to the fire service and to our community I am proud to have begun the Hometown Heroes military banner program to recognize Santa Ana’s military heroes for their service Family members and loved ones may nominate an active duty service member from any branch of the military to be honored with a street banner with the service member’s name and photo The banner will be prominently displayed on one of the City’s streetlight poles along MacArthur Boulevard businesses are invited to sponsor these banners to show their support for our service members Military Banner Application  Hometown Heroes Business Sponsorship We are currently planning the annual City budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year business owners and other community stakeholders You can also join upcoming neighborhood association meetings where City staff will be discussing the budget and listening to your comments The City Council agenda can be accessed here All job seekers are invited to attend the Orange County Job Fair organized by Saddleback Church at Santa Ana College on April 24 The job fair invites Santa Ana College Students and all job seekers in Santa Ana to attend The Santa Ana Work Center is proud to sponsor this event with the Pizza Press and the Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce RSVP The Santa Ana Public Library will hold its 17th annual Día de los Niños at the Plaza of the Sun behind the Main Library This family-friendly event celebrates the importance of children Youth will also enjoy a meet-and-greet with our favorite book character The Santa Ana City Council is expected to discuss the City budget during work study sessions at the May 6 A special City Council meeting dedicated to the budget discussion will also be held on a date to be determined Let us know what the City’s budget priorities should be for the Fiscal Year 2025-2026. You can fill out the official City of Santa Ana Budget survey here. Discovery Cube Santa Ana Resident Free Days: On the first Tuesday of every month Santa Ana residents can receive FOUR free tickets per government issued photo ID with Santa Ana address Free Resident Day at Santa Ana Zoo: On the third Sunday of each month residents of Santa Ana may visit our Zoo for free Proof of Santa Ana residency (driver’s license utility bill) will be required upon arrival The Bowers Museum: Free general admission to the Bowers Museum to all Santa Ana residents on Sundays through a generous donation in memory of Dorothy Goerl and courtesy of the Lockhart Family Santa Ana residents will need to provide proof of Santa Ana residency through an ID The mySantaAna mobile app puts the power of the Santa Ana city government in the palm of your hand Residents with an iPhone or Android smartphone can now download the mySantaAna application for free allowing them to quickly and easily report issues with photos to the City for clean-up Download the mySantaAna App Orange County Fire Authority firefighters responded to a structure fire at 414 W When crews arrived on scene they found a single-story residence and two vehicles on fire and a nearby residence starting to catch fire To the rear of the structure a powerline had dropped and two sheds were burning OCFA crews began an aggressive interior attack on the fire outside and inside of the home but had to withdraw from the inside of the structure because the roof was starting to collapse The fire was contained and heavy equipment was on scene assisting with the removal of debris the residents were able to escape the fire and no injuries were reported The impacted residents indicated they will stay with other family members and to the Santa Ana Police Department for assisting By The Santa Ana City Council unanimously selected Ward 2 Councilmember Benjamin Vazquez to serve as Mayor Pro Tem on Tuesday Mayor Pro Tem is a one-year appointment and serves in the Mayor’s place if the Mayor is absent Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez replaces Councilmember Thai Viet Phan who served in the position for the past year Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez is a teacher at Valley High School a cultural worker at El Centro Cultural de México and a proud homeowner in the Heninger Park neighborhood Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez attended Santa Ana Unified School District schools and Santa Ana College before earning a bachelor’s degree at Cal State Long Beach and a master’s from UCLA Please join us in congratulating Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez In this edition of the City Manager’s newsletter learn about the latest City projects and new developments underway job seekers and our entire Santa Ana community Spring Fest Open House at El Salvador Community Center City staff has been busy on new projects that will benefit the Santa Ana community from new pedestrian improvements to a new aquatics center to bringing in new developments that create jobs and housing We recently completed work on the Santa Ana-Delhi Channel Bike Trail Fencing project and new pedestrian mobility improvements Read more about that below in Tales of the City We also had a groundbreaking ceremony for the $29.3 million Memorial Park Aquatics Center that will open next year and we’re getting closer to finishing one of Santa Ana Zoo’s largest expansions ever Watch the video update below from our zoo manager hosted by the City of Santa Ana and the Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce the business community learned about all of the amazing new developments and economic growth that’s happening here The video below was presented at the GROW Conference to highlight three unique new projects and the Rove electric vehicle charging center We’re excited to announce that Santa Ana Public Library will hold its 17th annual Día de los Niños Día de los Libros will feature a variety of fun-filled activities and entertainment including children’s book authors Naibe Reynoso and Heidi Rojas and a special meet-and-greet with Biscuit from the popular book series Read more about Día de los Niños   we will be hosting community tree planting events at seven parks on Saturday We invite neighbors and community members to join us to help plant a tree and add to our urban forest of over 60,000 trees The City of Santa Ana has been a part of the Tree City USA program since 1999 Find all tree planting locations Construction of the new Memorial Park Aquatics Center is officially underway we hosted a groundbreaking ceremony attended by City Councilmembers and community members for the $29.3 million project that will replace the original Memorial Park swimming pool built in 1956 The 6,100-square-foot Aquatics Center will have a 25-meter pool for lap swimming as well as a recreational pool that will feature a water slide and spectator seating with overhead sunshades equipped with solar panels This facility will be the first all-electric complex in Santa Ana pools and hot water all powered by electricity We look forward to an even bigger celebration when the Memorial Park Aquatics Center opens in fall 2026 Learn more about the Aquatics Center we joined UCI School of Education and Santa Ana Early Learning Initiative to celebrate the unveiling of two new Playful Learning Landscape installations at Angels Community Park This was the second park to receive these educational activities donated by UCI We celebrated the Madison Park installation earlier this year We invite the community to take your children to Angels and Madison parks to enjoy these great new activities: These projects continue to be a testament to the power of collaboration and partnership that strengthens the connection between parks Our Public Works Agency has been busy this year and we want to share two projects that were recently completed One project improves pedestrian mobility and ADA access at locations throughout the city and the other is a fencing project that will beautify and improve safety along the Santa Ana-Delhi Channel Bike Trail Santa Ana-Delhi Channel Bike Trail Fencing See a map of all current Public Works projects April 15 Meeting Agenda Join Santa Ana Public Library for a captivating live animal show to celebrate National Library Week Experience the wonders of nature as expert handlers introduce a variety of fascinating creatures igniting curiosity and a love for reading in all ages Older residents are invited to join us for a spring celebration at Santa Ana Senior Center and Southwest Senior Center The event is free for registered and active members at their chosen center call Santa Ana Senior Center at (714) 647-6540 or Southwest Senior Center at (714) 647-5306 Join us for our Tenant’s Rights Workshops Rent Stabilization 2025 community workshops Pack a blanket and join Santa Ana Public Library for Storytime at the Park! Immerse your little ones in the magic of storytelling amid the beauty of nature. Storytime begins at 10:30 am. View a flyer or contact us at 714-647-6992 for more information join the Santa Ana WORK Center and our other partners at the Orange County Job Fair @ SAC This free event is open to all job seekers including Santa Ana College students and Santa Ana Unified School District high school students It’s your chance to connect with employers across various industries Saddleback Church will also be offering free professional headshots on a first-come Registration is required for all attendees Register for the Orange County Job Fair @ SAC The Santa Ana Parks, Recreation & Community Services Agency (PRCSA) is hosting a job fair for summer, part-time and full-time positions, including camp counselors, lifeguards, cashiers, pool managers, and more. Complete the job applications online to move through steps even faster! and results-oriented individuals for aquatics Stop by to apply in-person and get hired on the spot Learn what documents and where to park for the hiring fair. Please enter the email address you use for your account so we can send you a link to reset your password: The legendary winter gusts have long freaked out Angelenos and it does so by rushing down and south through the mountain passes to the low-pressure area on the coast: Los Angeles The wind can pick up a lot of speed — on Wednesday morning, gusts topped 100 miles per hour in the San Gabriel Mountains It can also become drier and warmer — by as much as 50 degrees Fahrenheit — as it rushes through the passes toward the coast which is what gives the Santa Anas their signature warmth the current Santa Anas are on the upper end of the spectrum for velocity which is part of why they have such a significant impact — and cause firefighters so much trouble there is a “rare placement of upper-level jet stream winds” giving the system a more northerly flow as opposed to the usual north-easterly orientation an atmospheric scientist and the head of Atmospheric Data Solutions “many areas that are typically not impacted by Santa Ana winds were impacted.” If climate change is doing anything to warm or accelerate Santa Anas the data would appear to suggest“an increasing potential of warmer and drier [Santa Ana winds] to dry out coastal vegetation and enhance the coastal wildfire season even into spring,” the authors went on While it’s far too soon to link the California disaster to climate change, the study’s authors now seem prescient: dry vegetation and an unusually dry winter both go far in explaining why this week’s fires are so destructive Jeva Lange Current conditions: Spring rainshowers and thunderstorms will move over the Central and Eastern U.S. at the start of the week • The Eta Aquarids meteor shower peaks Monday night and Tuesday morning in the Northern Hemisphere • It’s another sunny day in Rio de Janeiro where authorities are investigating an attempted attack on Lady Gaga’s Sunday outdoor concert at Copacabana Beach A view of a proposed nuclear facility in Port Augusta we at AMS see it as vital to support and help expand this collaborative scientific effort for the benefit of the U.S The administration can’t have it both ways on the Clean Air Act The Trump administration filed lawsuits this week against four states that are pursuing compensation from oil and gas companies for climate change-related damages But Trump’s separate aim to revoke the government’s “endangerment finding,” the conclusion that greenhouse gases pose a threat to public health and should therefore be regulated under the Clean Air Act could directly undercut the legal basis for the suits the Trump administration is arguing that the Clean Air Act preempts the states’ actions But if the Environmental Protection Agency rules that the Clean Air Act does not require the federal regulation of greenhouse gases Two of the lawsuits target Vermont and New York for their new “climate superfund” laws that require the companies responsible for the greatest amount of emissions over the last three decades to pay into a fund supporting adaptation and disaster response The Department of Justice is also suing Hawaii and Michigan to block them from suing fossil fuel companies for damages for climate change-related harms Neither state had actually filed such a lawsuit yet although both had expressed interest in doing so (Hawaii went ahead and filed its suit on Thursday night.) “I just want to start by saying that these lawsuits by the government are totally unprecedented,” Rachel Rothschild an assistant professor of Law at the University of Michigan never before has the federal government tried to preemptively stop a state from filing a liability case against companies Trump had directed Attorney General Pam Bondi to “stop the enforcement” of state climate laws and actions that “may be unconstitutional” or “preempted by federal law.” The order singled out lawsuits against oil companies as well as climate superfund laws calling both a form of “extortion” and a “threat to economic and national security.” Nevermind that climate change is a major threat to economic and national security and states have filed these lawsuits and created these laws because they are scrambling to find ways to pay to address the unprecedented damages brought by the increasing severity of wildfires and floods the federal government had warned states that they were going to need to take more responsibility for preparing for and responding to increasing natural disasters “[States] do not have the resources alone to address this problem,” said Rothschild “These companies have engaged in an activity that causes external harms that they’ve not taken into account as part of their business practices they’'re imposing all the costs of those harms on states and citizens and they should be liable to help us deal with the resulting problems That’s a very normal activity for tort suits.” that some states are testing to get oil companies to pay up The DOJ’s lawsuits claim that states cannot fine oil companies for their emissions because that authority lies with the federal government under the Clean Air Act That argument is underpinned by the Environmental Protection Agency’s endangerment finding which stems from a 2007 Supreme Court ruling that greenhouse gases are a pollutant as defined by the Clean Air Act and therefore the EPA must determine whether these emissions pose a threat to public health The court said that if the agency finds there is enough scientific evidence to say greenhouse gases are harmful it must develop regulations to rein them in This was a big headache for Trump during his first term He wasn’t allowed to simply repeal Barack Obama’s greenhouse gas rules — by law If he’s able to reverse the endangerment finding he could undo climate protection rules and that would be that At the same time, he’d make oil companies much more vulnerable. “There is great concern that reversing the finding would open the door to a lot more nuisance lawsuits against all types of energy companies,” Jeff Holmstead, a partner with Bracewell, a lobbying firm, told E&E News “It would eliminate one of the best arguments that oil companies have used to get lawsuits against them dismissed,” he added is confident that states’ superfund laws and tort suits are defensible regardless of what happens to the endangerment finding These actions have nothing to do with the Clean Air Act because they are not an attempt to regulate emissions “They're trying to impose liability for local and public health harms from past activities,” she said One thing is for certain: Between states’ lawsuits suing oil companies and probably future suits against any actions the Trump administration takes on endangerment there’s going to be a whole lot of new case law about greenhouse gases over the next four years The fundamentals are the same — it’s the tone that’s changed At some point in the past month, the hydrogen fuel cell developer Plug Power updated its website Beneath a carousel explaining the hydrogen ecosystem and solutions for transporting fuel the company’s home page now contains a section titled “Hydrogen at Work.” reliable power while reducing reliance on imported fuels,” the text in this new box reads “Plug’s hydrogen and fuel cell solutions strengthen the energy grid and enhance national security as a leader in the global energy transition.” It is fairly ordinary website copy, but to a keen reader, the text jumps out as an obvious Trump 2.0 tell. Plug Power — like many green economy companies — has pivoted to meet the political and economic moment, where “energy independence” and “energy dominance” are in and “climate” and “sustainability” are out “I am actually shocked every time I look at the website of a climate tech company that still uses the language from 12 months ago from four months ago — that doesn’t do them any good,” Peter Atanasoff the managing director and vice president of Scratch Media and Marketing which helps B2B technology companies and climate tech businesses achieve growth and recognition The shift in language is more significant than just brands chasing the latest buzzwords “The real trigger” for resulting differences in branding between the first and second Trump administrations has been “the change of tone and change of economic policy,” Atanasoff told me “It is explicit opposition to any of these technologies." Lobbyists and clean energy companies that want to be in the administration’s good graces have adapted That has changed the tenor of green business at large office of Browning Environmental Communications told me over email that tweaking brand language is “typical after any change of administration particularly when there are significant shifts in policy.” But especially for organizations in the public eye “it’s more important than ever to highlight the historic and potential economic benefits of environmental solutions — and show how they are supported by the president of the management consulting service Green Strategies and the chairman of the White House Climate Change Task Force under President Bill Clinton “It’s what I refer to as climate capitalism which is the realization that by incorporating climate change and its risks and opportunities into your business strategy you’re actually going to be a more successful Companies are attempting to match the frequency of the administration and the broader policy ecosystem — a frequency that tends to be aggressive and heavy on words like “dominance” and “security.” It might also take the form of decreasing the volume at which companies had previously shouted their climate bona fides the senior vice president of public relations at Scratch M+M said her team has also advised touting “American-made production” in brand messaging and reframing copy to focus on “the positive impacts and immediate business benefits” of the companies rather than more idealistic messaging about climate goals that may have had stronger resonance during the Biden administration and at a time when even the word “green” can give you a black mark dismissed reading too much into how language itself changes under President Trump “If yesterday a new technology company was touting itself as a climate solution and now it’s touting itself as a way to achieve energy dominance — I don’t care,” he said “Good business remains good business,” Ballentine went on It might sound like branding agencies are encouraging companies to “play along” with the administration but Nelson of Scratch M+M stressed that wasn’t what she was trying to say “To be a thriving company that is going to change the world you need to make sure you don’t go out of business.” The message might be more accurately summarized as “read the room.” is currently undergoing a complete renovation of its water filtration system 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 the exhibit will be a multi-species habitat that is home to Giant River Otters and large primates Total project cost of $7.4 million with three sources of funding: — The City of Santa Ana Water Resources Division is proud to announce the launch of its 10th Annual Youth Water Poster Contest an exciting educational initiative for all students who live or attend school in Santa Ana “Everyone Has a Role: Save Water,” encourages young artists to express their creativity while learning about the importance of water conservation “Educating our youth about water conservation is vital to safeguarding our community’s future,” said Mayor Valerie Amezcua who is a board member of the Orange County Water District which manages the water basin supplying over 85% of Santa Ana’s drinking water “This contest offers students the chance to creatively explore their role in protecting this vital resource inspiring their families and communities to join in our efforts.” Participants will create artwork on a 12-by-18-inch white poster board or drawing paper with a 1-inch blank border on all sides Photography or computer-generated artwork is not allowed The contest deadline for submissions is 4 p.m City of Santa Ana Water Resources Division Winning posters will be judged on originality Prizes include sought-after items such as a PS5 or MacBook Air with one grand prize winner and two finalists from each of the following age categories: For more information about the contest, including rules and submission guidelines, visit santaanawater.org The America Connects Heart & Home National Mural Mosaic will be unveiled on February 19 at Jerome Recreation Center SANTA ANA, Calif. – The City of Santa Ana is proud to announce its selection as the only city in California to receive a new public arts installation provided by international arts organization Mural Mosaic in its winter 2025 tour Santa Ana’s Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Agency (PRCSA) and Mural Mosaic’s Global Roots Project will unveil the new America Connects Heart & Home National Mural Mosaic on Wednesday “We are deeply grateful to Mural Mosaic for selecting Santa Ana as the home for this groundbreaking art installation,” Mayor Valerie Amezcua said “This mural is more than just a piece of art; it is a vibrant celebration of the rich diversity within our community It will serve as a lasting symbol of unity We are proud to have it as a centerpiece at this neighborhood community center where it will inspire generations to come.” The America Connects Heart & Home National Mural Mosaic showcases the creative collaboration of hundreds of individual artists from across the United States and around the world This collaboration offered a unique opportunity not only to install meaningful art in a park but also to engage the Santa Ana community in the creative process Throughout the month of January, community seniors, students, athletes, neighborhood associations, and other recreation participants crafted individual tiles as part of the mural project. As part of the mural’s progression, Mural Mosaic offers an active view of submitted tiles on their website where participants can further engage with their artwork In its commitment to the City’s 2022 Parks Master Plan to improve quality of life and address inequities in green spaces PRCSA increased efforts to produce public art in park spaces and applied for the opportunity to work with Mural Mosaic the Jerome Recreation Center was selected as one of only six communities across the United States and Canada to participate in the winter 2025 tour This selection was based on demonstrating the ability to provide: The organization stated: “The Mural Mosaic team is elated to have the opportunity to have the America Connects Heart & Home National Mural installed in Santa Ana We hope to inspire those who visit it to explore their creative side and to create works of art that bring them happiness; we encourage everyone to find their own unique way of expressing themselves through art.” Community members are invited to join the mosaic unveiling ceremony Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. at the Jerome Recreation Center, 726 S. Center St., Santa Ana. Additional information regarding the mural project is located at www.muralmosaic.com/heart/ It is with a heavy heart that I write this month’s newsletter we’ve experienced a tragic and deeply painful loss five young individuals lost their lives in a heartbreaking car crash This is a loss that touches every corner of our city and as a lifelong resident and someone who cares deeply for our youth and their absence leaves a space that will never be filled We also keep the surviving passenger in our prayers hoping for strength and recovery during this difficult time it’s more important than ever that we come together I encourage all of us to lift each other up and support the families in need One way to do this is by contributing to the GoFundMe campaigns set up for the families of the victims These donations will help alleviate the financial burden during this incredibly difficult time In response to concerns regarding traffic safety our Public Works team has taken immediate action by installing speed radar and message trailers on Segerstrom Avenue These measures are part of our ongoing efforts to make our streets safer for everyone I also want to acknowledge that April is both Arab Heritage Month and Sexual Assault Awareness Month These observances are important reminders of the strength and resilience of our communities and the importance of continuing to advocate for safety Let’s hold each other close in these moments of loss and continue to foster a community of compassion In Support of Natalie, Cynthia, Jacky Torres Zarate Funeral Expenses & Medical Expenses For Arely & Arlene The GoFundMe for Emmanuel has been fulfilled I’ve always been a strong supporter of affordable housing for our community and I will continue to fight for solutions that address our housing crisis I was proud to join the opening of this new housing community which provides 85 affordable apartment homes with 1 and 4-bedroom floor plans for households earning 30%-60% of the area median income or below This development is a major step forward in ensuring that families in our city have access to stable Affordable housing is essential for not only the stability of our families but also the overall well-being of our community equitable city where everyone has the opportunity to succeed Given the massive affordability challenges we face in our county I’m honored to have supported this development and look forward to more projects like it in our city This is my ongoing commitment to our residents A huge thank you to all our partners at the county and the many others who helped make this project possible Link to apply/learn more I spoke with ABC7 about the ongoing efforts our team has led over the past four years to improve compliance and safety in the East 1st Street corridor I established the East First Task Force to bring together various City departments and create an action plan for addressing the everyday issues we see in the area Every day, whether I’m heading to work or attending a community meeting, I witness these challenges firsthand. In collaboration with city departments, we introduced Agenda Item 10 which authorizes the City Attorney to file Drug Den Abatement Actions — a critical step in enhancing public safety The safety of my constituents remains my top priority and I want to thank the City Manager’s office for their dedication and support in addressing these pressing concerns has faced significant challenges with Caltrans-managed properties The lack of infrastructure and unclear responsibility often leads to delays in services and increased strain on local resources As the representative of a district with the most state land I’ve seen firsthand how complicated it can be to secure services and Senator Umberg’s office to ensure Caltrans cleaned up the I-5 Broadway a couple of weeks ago it’s clear that more coordination is needed That’s why I strongly support Senate Bill 569 which would require Caltrans to work more closely with local governments SB 569 would establish a dedicated liaison office and ensure funding for services like housing and cleanup the bill calls for advisory committees in each Caltrans district giving local voices a direct role in decision-making This level of collaboration is long overdue and essential for providing our community with the coordinated and effective solutions it deserves I’m glad to have brought this item forth and encourage our state representatives to ensure it is implemented Read my request to City Council I had an incredible time joining the amazing students at Madison for Career Day As an #SAUSD alum and now a proud councilwoman it meant so much to share my journey and remind the kiddos that I work for them and the incredible team at Madison for making the morning so special I absolutely love College & Career Week and the chance to inspire our bright young minds I joined the Grand Sunrise neighborhood for a community meeting and I’m so grateful to everyone who came out to share their concerns and ideas We had a productive conversation and identified several key action items to move forward together — including requests for additional street lighting full funding for long-awaited traffic mitigation plans I remain committed to advocating for the needs of our neighborhoods and building a safer I attended the grand opening of the HSK by AltaMed Pediatric Dental Sedation Unit — a true milestone for pediatric dental care in Orange County It’s amazing to see this essential service available right here in Santa Ana especially as it’s the first and only clinic in the county offering specialized sedation services for Medi-Cal patients This is a huge step forward in ensuring equitable compassionate care for all families in our community A heartfelt congratulations to AltaMed on this incredible achievement I had a wonderful time celebrating Read Across America at McFadden Institute of Technology I truly believe that reading opens doors to endless possibilities and it was such a joy to share the magic of storytelling with our bright young scholars Their curiosity and excitement were contagious A heartfelt thank you to the incredible staff at MIT for creating a nurturing environment where the love of learning thrives every day recently joined the Santa Ana Zoo District Neighborhood Association and Commander Gutierrez to discuss concerns in the area property managers and workers shared their challenges related to unhoused individuals they explored ways to provide support and collaborate on effective solutions The QOLT team is actively responding to calls and working diligently to address these issues Our office continues to partner with SAPD and various departments to address East 1st Street I recognized Stanford Sound and Stage for their incredible contributions to our community this business reflects the rich musical history of Santa Ana building on their journey that began with the YouTube channel Kilson Street in 2013 Dedicated to spotlighting local artists and fostering talent they expanded to provide professional live sound they’ve remained committed to serving the community with integrity and passion They partner with The Frida Cinema to support the First Saturday Art Walk and offer free classes to aspiring sound engineers and DJs through Suavecito Headquarters helping local youth pursue careers in music Stanford Sound and Stage’s success is a testament to the unwavering support of their community I was thrilled to recognize the outstanding contributions of the Santa Ana Lawn Bowling Club a cherished institution in our city’s history the club has been dedicated to preserving and promoting the sport of lawn bowling bringing people together through friendly competition and community engagement Their commitment to the sport and to fostering a sense of camaraderie has made a lasting impact on our city We are grateful to have the Santa Ana Lawn Bowling Club as part of our city’s legacy and look forward to celebrating their continued success for years to come It was an honor to proclaim February as We Care Month in the City of Santa Ana to raise awareness about suicide prevention and mental health education for our youth Mental health is fundamental to the well-being of our community and the work we do now to support our young people will shape the future of our city I want to commend the Santa Ana Youth Mental Health Sub-Committee (SAYMHSC) for their tireless efforts since 2018 in enhancing youth mental health programs and advocating for mental health services in our schools they hosted the first-ever SAUSD Youth Mental Health and Wellness Convening bringing together over 130 community members and stakeholders to strengthen mental health support continues to provide crucial suicide prevention resources and mental health services from Pre-K to 12th grade It was an honor to recognize We Care Month and encourage everyone to support the ongoing efforts to prioritize the mental health and well-being of our youth I was thrilled to share in the excitement of our community members as they embark on a new vocational journey A traditional college pathway isn’t for everyone and it’s important to support our residents in exploring different career paths and learning new skills and thank you for allowing me to be part of your special day Are you looking to own a home at below-market prices in partnership with Toll Brothers and Brandywine Homes is offering affordable for-sale units for income-eligible buyers at two locations which has 2- and 3-bedroom condos starting from the mid-$200,000s which offers 3-bedroom townhomes starting from the mid-$400,000s These homes were provided through the City’s 2021 Affordable Housing Opportunity and Creation Ordinance Learn More About Homeownership Opportunities I had the pleasure of attending and supporting Breath of Fire Latina Theater Ensemble’s Toast to Amor y Amistad a truly unique event that beautifully blended creativity This event not only celebrated the amazing work of the ensemble but also underscored the importance of supporting their mission to amplify the voices of Latina women in the theater community It was inspiring to see our Santa Ana community come together to support this important cause and I’m excited to continue supporting Breath of Fire and look forward to the incredible projects they’ll create next A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make this event such a success My office continues to monitor state properties in the district regularly reporting any issues along the Santiago Creek Trail we conducted a survey of the area next to the 22 Freeway where our team identified an open storm drain and damaged fencing on State/Caltrans property These safety hazards have been reported to Caltrans for follow-up Thank you to our residents for staying vigilant and helping us keep our community safe and clean. Please continue to report graffiti and other concerns to my office or through the mySantaAna app Please help us report issues to Caltrans I had the pleasure of hosting my monthly office hours at Edna Park on the west side of Ward 3 Thank you to all the families who took the time to visit me at their local park I truly appreciate you spending your Saturday morning with me I attended the MIX Gala and presented a Certificate of Recognition to the Dragon Kim Foundation an organization dedicated to empowering young leaders through mentorship and funding for student-led community service projects Their unwavering commitment to uplifting youth and fostering the next generation of changemakers aligns deeply with our mission to support and nurture the potential of young people in our community It was a privilege to celebrate their remarkable impact and I look forward to seeing the continued success of their inspiring initiatives we broke ground on the new Memorial Park Aquatics Center marking the beginning of a $29.3 million transformation that will replace the original pool built in 1956 The new 6,100-square-foot Aquatics Center will feature a 25-meter pool designed for lap swimming It will also include a recreational pool with fun features like a water slide and lap lanes — offering something for everyone Additional amenities include a community room and shaded spectator seating with solar panel-equipped sun shades In a significant step toward sustainability this will be Santa Ana’s first all-electric facility and hot water powered entirely by electricity As we reimagine Memorial Park for future generations we’re also preserving its powerful history A key part of the project includes the preservation of the iconic Chicano Gothic mural painted in 1978 by celebrated artist Emigdio Vasquez which depicts working-class Mexican Americans and has long been a cultural touchstone for the community will be thoughtfully integrated into the park’s new design the mural will serve as a welcoming entry marker to the revitalized park — honoring the past while looking boldly toward the future We can’t wait to celebrate even bigger when the Memorial Park Aquatics Center officially opens in fall 2026 Memorial Park and Pool Reimagined Click here to register. Our Economic Development team is here to help our local business community or have questions about growing your business I was proud to sign onto a recent letter led by Democracy Forward along with fellow public servants and members of the legal profession Attorney General Pam Bondi to defend the independence and integrity of the legal system The letter raises serious concerns about recent actions and statements by the President targeting law firms and even judges for their participation in good faith litigation These actions — including memos aimed at specific law firms and inflammatory rhetoric labeling courtroom opponents as “scum” — threaten the very foundations of our democracy As someone committed to justice and public service I believe strongly that lawyers must be able to do their work without fear of political retaliation and that our courts must remain a place where everyone has the right to be heard This letter is a powerful reminder that the rule of law must prevail over partisanship and personal attacks I stand with those calling on the Department of Justice to uphold its responsibility to protect the legal profession and ensure equal justice under the law for all Get ready to mark your calendars for the second window of the E-Bike Incentive Program We’re excited to announce that the next application window will open on April 29 With a total of $2 million allocated — approximately 1,000 vouchers — income-eligible applicants can receive up to $2,000 towards the purchase of an eligible e-bike For more information, visit the California E-Bike Incentive Project website or contact them at info@ebikeincentives.org We’re proud to support the Santa Ana Youth Employment Program — a vital initiative that connects local youth with meaningful job opportunities This program not only helps young people earn a paycheck but also empowers them with real-world experience Make sure to apply — there are amazing opportunities waiting for you! Work Center Join Santa Ana College for an exciting afternoon of music as they present its Spring Concert featuring a vibrant repertoire of classic and contemporary concert band literature Their performance will showcase beloved works from The Beatles and more — perfect for music lovers of all ages Don’t miss this celebration of musical talent and timeless tunes Join us as we commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Fall of Saigon a pivotal moment in history that marked the end of the Vietnam War This event will include meaningful reflections and a tribute to the resilience of the Vietnamese community Don’t miss this opportunity to honor the past and engage in thoughtful discussions about its lasting impact Thanks to a new initiative from the California State Library every Californian with an email address and internet access can now enjoy free unlimited access to over 300,000 eBooks and eAudiobooks through California’s Bookshelf This exciting resource was highlighted in the April 1 City Council agenda under the CONNECT program which aims to bridge the digital divide and expand access to educational and cultural opportunities To start reading or listening, visit California’s Bookshelf and dive into a world of stories — anytime Join us for one of our upcoming Tenant’s Rights Workshops and get the information you need to stay informed and empowered These community workshops are part of the Rent Stabilization 2025 outreach initiative designed to support Santa Ana residents in understanding their housing rights and protections Hosted in partnership with Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD) and Community Legal Aid SoCal these events are a great opportunity to ask questions and learn how to protect your housing stability Join us for the Clean Slate Clinic & Resource Fair at Santa Ana College This event offers free legal assistance to help clear eligible criminal records Take the next step toward a fresh start — all are welcome You’re invited to the 17th Annual Día de los Niños Book Day) celebration hosted by the Santa Ana Public Library on Saturday behind the Main Library (20 Civic Center Plaza Lace up your sneakers and break out your best ’70s gear — the Santa Ana Fun Run is back on Saturday This year’s retro-themed event features a 10k and a Kids Dash — something for every fitness level and pre-registration is required to participate A 2025 Fun Run T-shirt is included with all 10K registrations Don’t miss this groovy day of fitness and fun — register early and join us at the starting line Register for the Fun Run 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 and make suggestions about your neighborhood or the City of Santa Ana I am deeply grateful for your ongoing support and for the strength of our community Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or ideas for how we can make a positive difference 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 To schedule a meeting with Councilwoman Lopez, please contact aulmer@santa-ana.org Councilmember Lopez and Councilmember Hernandez were re-elected on Nov – The City of Santa Ana celebrated the installation of the Mayor and three City Councilmembers who took the oath of office on Tuesday Mayor Pro Tem Thai Viet Phan representing Ward 1 Councilmember Jessie Lopez representing Ward 3 and Councilmember Johnathan Ryan Hernandez representing Ward 5 were all re-elected to serve second terms in the Nov Mayor Valerie Amezcua made history in 2022 as the first female mayor of Santa Ana in its 153 years Known for her collaborative leadership and commitment to community building She previously served on the Santa Ana Unified School District Board and served over 30 years in public service including as a Supervising Probation Officer specializing in gang suppression and domestic violence intervention Mayor Amezcua is proud to have the support of her father former Rancho Santiago Community College District Trustee Alfredo Amezcua; her husband Michael Melendrez and daughter Natassia Knutson “Santa Ana is a city where energy meets opportunity where determination turns vision into action From our vibrant neighborhoods to our thriving businesses we made significant strides — expanding our police force and fostering new opportunities for our youth I remain committed to prioritizing the quality of life for our residents ensuring Santa Ana is a place where families can thrive we will continue to build a better future.” Read more about Mayor Amezcua. Mayor Pro Tem Phan was the first Vietnamese American and first Asian woman to serve on the Santa Ana City Council when she was elected in 2020 As a first-generation Vietnamese refugee and Section 8 Housing Voucher beneficiary she was the first in her family to attend college ultimately obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from UCLA and a dual Law/Master of Public Policy degree from USC providing legal advice and counsel to cities and other public agencies throughout Southern California “I am honored to be re-elected to serve Santa Ana residents I will always be committed to championing policies that support families and that grow our economy,” Mayor Pro Tem Phan said “By centering the needs of our families and businesses rather than outside interests and working collaboratively with our partners we will continue to make Santa Ana an even better place to live and work.” Read more about Mayor Pro Tem Phan. Councilmember Lopez takes immense pride in her deep roots in the community She attended the city’s public schools and continues to live and work in the place she has always called home she is proud and humbled to be reelected on a platform of equity and transparency Councilmember Lopez passionately champions working families Dedicated to building a brighter and more inclusive future for all she remains a tireless advocate for the people of Santa Ana “I want to thank our Ward 3 families and local businesses for their unwavering support and for trusting me once again with their vote I am deeply honored to continue serving my hometown and am prepared to build on the progress we’ve made over the past four years we will continue to invest in our local infrastructure responsive leader who listens to the concerns of my constituents Read more about Councilmember Lopez. Councilmember Hernandez is a lifelong resident of the Artesia Pilar neighborhood His family has called Santa Ana home for five generations A graduate of SAUSD schools with over 10 years of experience serving as a community health worker he has served children in the foster system with mental health services and family wraparound services He previously worked in the field of re-entry and gang prevention Councilmember Hernandez was instrumental in recognizing August as Chicano Heritage Month and introducing the City’s Chicano Heritage Festival He also advocated for parks expansion and investment in our public libraries “I am humbled and honored to have been re-elected by the people of Santa Ana I have led with Christ in my heart,” Councilmember Hernandez said “I am proud to have been overwhelmingly re-elected for a second term on the Santa Ana City Council I have led efforts to pass public policy that improves the quality of life for all of our residents my leadership is a reflection of my neighbors Santa Ana deserves more than a fighting chance I am committed to moving our City forward and celebrating all of what is Santa Ana Read more about Councilmember Hernandez. the Mayor serves a two-year term while Councilmembers serve four-year terms the City Council also adopted a resolution declaring the election results Watch the Dec. 10 City Council special meeting on the City’s YouTube channel here. Watch the meeting video in Spanish here. share your ideas about fair housing and street lighting The City of Santa Ana is committed to the safety of all residents arrested or detained by immigration or other law enforcement agencies have certain rights Please watch a community message from Santa Ana Chief of Police Robert Rodriguez and visit our Know Your Rights page to learn more below Know Your Rights Exciting changes are happening at your library Stay tuned as these projects come to life and bring new opportunities for learning and connection the historic Main Library is getting a major upgrade This transformation will create a more modern and accessible space to better serve the community The library is expected to reopen in April 2026 We’re thrilled to partner with the Delhi Community Center to bring the first library branch to the south side of the city This new space will feature an inviting outdoor seating area open to everyone along with classes and programs for all ages The Delhi Library Branch is expected to open in July 2025 This unique project will enhance Jerome Park with a book kiosk for borrowing and returning books Our goal is to create a welcoming space where youth and families can gather Library construction updates  We’re excited to see construction on the Santa Ana Zoo’s Giant River Otter and Primate Trails Habitat nearing completion The new exhibit will showcase giant river otters swimming through a waterfall and monkeys playing above in a new treetop trail system and habitat Watch the latest construction update above from Zoo Manager Ethan Fisher Subscribe to Santa Ana Zoo’s YouTube channel for future updates. Learn more about the Mural Mosaic Our Economic Development team is here to help our local business community Stop by Santa Ana City Hall for Business Assistance Office Hours from 8 to 11 a.m This free service is your opportunity to get personalized advice and take the next step toward building your dream business Call the Economic Development Division at (714) 647-5477 for more information 10 Steps to Starting Your Business Join a public meeting in March to share your ideas about fair housing issues in Santa Ana and Orange County The 2025-2029 Orange County Regional Assessment of Fair Housing (AFH) is a five-year plan that looks at housing patterns and population data to address unfair housing practices and make sure everyone has equal access to housing The plan’s goals include finding issues with fair housing the AFH focuses on ending housing inequalities and expanding access to important resources like jobs and education to create lasting fairness in housing across Orange County for an opportunity to provide feedback on fair housing issues Fair Housing Public Meetings community centers and the Santa Ana Work Center are closed but trash and recycling will be collected on their regular schedule fire and emergency services will operate normally 2025 holiday street sweeping schedule Find the locations of upcoming permitted events and road closures in Santa Ana at the link below Please drive slowly and safely in construction zones and around crowded events If a weather event occurs on the anticipated start date the street closures for construction activity will be delayed until the weather clears Street closures and permitted events in partnership with the City of Santa Ana Parks and Community Services Agency and the Santa Ana Early Learning Initiative held a community celebration to unveil four interactive learning installations at Madison Park and Angels Park These installations are designed to transform public spaces into playful learning environments sparking conversations about science and math while promoting family engagement and informal STEM education The Playful Learning Landscape project was funded entirely by UCI with support from our Parks and Recreation staff We want to give a big thanks to UCI for their generous donation we are adding innovative activities to our local parks Bring your kids by to check out these fun new learning activities Photos of the UCI Playful Learning Landscape unveiling February 18 Meeting Agenda Find more City of Santa Ana events on our website. Enjoy the Santa Ana Public Library’s X-STREAM Lab at home Children ages 5 and up are invited to pick up a free Air Dry Clay Kit and use it to make something fun and unique Air dry clay is a versatile material that doesn’t require baking simply shape your design This activity is a wonderful opportunity to learn and create together with family and friends and Community Services Agency (PRCSA) will unveil a mural through a collaboration with Mural Mosaic’s Global Roots Project This mural showcases the creative collaboration of hundreds of individual artists from across the United States and around the world Learn more about the project Join Santa Ana Parks and Rec and Santa Ana Zoo at Madison Park for animal meet-and-greets Don’t miss out as we bring the best of our community centers and the Santa Ana Zoo directly to you – come explore Register for Madison Park Pop-up. For questions, please contact (714) 647-5220 or email wellness@santa-ana.org Join Orange County Transportation Authority for an in-person meeting to learn more about the new Wave fare payment system that will use pay-as-you-go technology that lets you pay for rides on OCTA transit based on what you use versus the fixed amount on a paper pass The new system will include a contactless reloadable smart card new robust mobile app and a new account-based system You will have the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback on the new Wave fare payment system RSVP for OCTA Wave fare payment meeting Learn more and take the Wave survey Get ready for an unforgettable Kids Night Out with Shake It Off: Team Edition Join Santa Ana Parks and Rec for a Taylor Swift-themed evening where all activities will be centered on teamwork with exciting challenges and games that help build new friendships while having a blast and don’t forget to show up in your favorite Taylor Swift swag Register for Kids Night Out Our Public Works Agency (PWA) is proud to host their first quarterly neighborhood cleanup event will be hosting cleanup days throughout Santa Ana in an effort to help residents properly dispose of bulky items such as furniture This event is free to Santa Ana residents and no appointment is necessary Proof of Santa Ana residency will be required City trash and recycling Bring your favorite Dungeons & Dragons characters to life The Santa Ana Public Library’s D&D program is hosting a Miniature Painting Workshop that will teach the simple basics of miniature painting and essential techniques for shading and highlighting and will offer tips and tricks for free-hand designs for your miniature and you’ll leave with your own painted miniature to take home Register for D&D Miniature Painting Join us to learn about the Santa Ana Street Lighting Master Plan and provide feedback at a virtual community meeting hosted by Latino Health Access  Santa Ana Street Lighting Master Plan  Join the Laguna Canyon Foundation and the Santa Ana Parks and Recreation crew for an unforgettable 4-mile hike through the South Coast Wilderness this is the perfect beginner-friendly hike for every nature lover Free and open to all participants ages 7 and up Meet up at the Roosevelt-Walker Community Center where transportation will be provided to the hike and back Reserve your Wilderness Club spot now