10/12/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/12/2026 18:57
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Dear Santaneros,
Fiestas Patrias took over Fourth Street!
The City of Santa Ana's Annual Fiesta's Patrias took over Fourth Street & Downtown with vendors, carnival games, music, performances & all of you! I am grateful to have shared my fourth Fiestas Patrias as your Councilmember. In Santa Ana celebrating national independence & cultural heritage is celebrated year round & that is a beautiful thing we have here.
Our neighborhoods continue to lock in on dumpster days!
Heninger Park & Pico Lowell Neighborhood Association both held a Neighborhood Dumpster Day utilizing this FREE program. Neighborhood Associations have access to 5 free dumpsters starting in June & resetting in July. Thank you to HPNA & PLNA for continuing to show up for your neighbors & bring these resources to the community. Both were a successful clean up.
Curious to know how to tap into your Neighborhood Association? Find below how to find your Neighborhood & corresponding association. Join your neighbors in building a stronger, safer, more connected Ward 2!
SABIL USA
Providing security & support to vulnerable individuals & families takes a community effort. From Mutual Aid groups to Non-Profits, the goal is the same, to assist & uplift our neighbors. SABIL USA is a pillar of that continued effort. This month SABIL USA was recognized at a Santa Ana City Council meeting for their outstanding contributions & commitment to serve, & uplift families & individuals in Orange County. I saw this first-hand at their monthly drive-through food distribution where families lined up to receive fresh produce, pantry staples, & a water filter!
SABIL USA efforts don't stop there, their variety of other programs offered continues to meet individuals & the community at their needs. Thank you SABIL USA, every volunteer, partner & Executive Director, Dr. Samar Aziz who made this work happen. Families & Individuals deserve access to basic resources & support.
The holiday season is approaching us.
As we enter holiday seasons - a reminder to take a moment to connect with your community. Attend, donate, volunteer - there are plenty of ways we can connect, support & take care of each other this season. Attend ArtWalk, support our local business & vendors. Volunteer with organizations like SABIL USA, United Across Borders, Latino Health Access who host food distributions, holiday distributions, etc. I invite you to be physically present in the community. Your presence makes all the difference even if it is as much as showing up.
In Solidarity,
Councilmember Vazquez
Ward 2
I am honored to share recognition & recognize SABIL USA for outstanding contributions to our community & its continued commitment to uplift individuals & families throughout OC. Since its founding in 2012 Sabil has worked to create a community of support for immigrants, refugees, & other underserved populations by providing critical health & human services to help erase economic hardships & create pathways towards greater stability & self-sufficiency. Sabil serves some of Santa Ana's most vulnerable residents, including refugees, immigrants, low income families, youth, seniors, & families facing food, housing, health & financial insecurity. What began with a simple goal helping vulnerable immigrant families has grown into a comprehensive organization providing food pantry assistance, rental assistance, & mental health services, case management & financial assistance & education & skill building opportunities. Sabil USA's approach is especially meaningful because its services are provided with dignity, compassion & respect. Recognizing that every individual & family deserves to live a healthy, secure & fulfilling life. From food distribution & emergency assistance, mental health support, etc. SABIL USA continues to meet people where they are & provide them with the resources they need to move forward.
Heninger Park Neighborhood Association organized & hosted another clean-up for their neighbors! Two dumpsters were out in the Heninger Park neighborhood for the Heninger Park community to throw away unwanted items. HPNA & neighbors have previously discussed actively picking up trash around the neighborhood during dumpster day for an all around Neighborhood clean up! I love to see these initiatives take fruition & grow. My office will be providing trash bags & trash pickers for neighbors to check out during dumpster days to clean up the surrounding neighborhood.
Thank you to Heninger Park Neighborhood Association for continuing to utilize this FREE program & working alongside neighbors committed to building a united, safer, & clean Heninger Park community.
Interested in learning more about your neighborhood? Check in with your Neighborhood Association below.
Pico Lowell Neighborhood Association organized & hosted another clean up for their neighbors! Two dumpsters were out in the Pico Lowell neighborhood open for the Pico Lowell community to throw away unwanted items. Heninger Park Neighborhood Association, thank you for constantly thinking about your neighbors and supporting them through initiatives like dumpster days, turkey drives, and for continuing to advocate for safety and green space.
A special thank you to our volunteer Maria- your support in helping the Pico Lowell Community is immensely appreciated!
Interested in learning more about your neighborhood? Check in with your Neighborhood Association below.
Fiestas Patrias 2026 was a success! From live performances, music, vendors, food, a CARNIVAL. It was truly a huge celebration of cultural heritage, reflected through the hard work of our City staff to make this Fiesta pop off. To every vendor, partner, & Santanero filling up fourth street, your presence is the heartbeat of this event. Thank you to everyone who celebrated & supported the local businesses here in Downtown. Our Parks & Recreation team keep outdoing themselves, making sure that each year is enjoyable, clean, & safe for our community to enjoy.
Providing security & support to vulnerable individuals & families takes a community effort. From Mutual Aid groups to Non-Profits, the goal is the same, to assist & uplift our neighbors. SABIL USA is a pillar of that continued effort. This month SABIL USA was recognized at a Santa Ana City Council meeting for their outstanding contributions & commitment to serve, & uplift families & individuals in Orange County. I saw this first-hand at their monthly drive-through food distribution where families lined up to receive fresh produce, pantry staples, & a water filter!
SABIL USA's aid does not stop there, they offer a variety of other programs such as:
Thank you SABIL USA, every volunteer, partner & Executive Director, Dr. Samar Aziz who made this work happen. Families & Individuals deserve access to basic resources & support.
Drive-thru distributions - Every third Sunday of the month.
Reserve your spot, grab your costumes, & join The Friends of Santa Ana Zoo for the annual "merry not scary" Boo at the Zoo, OC's Premier Halloween Event for Kids!
Dates: Saturday, Oct. 17; Sunday, Oct. 18; Saturday, Oct. 24; & Sunday, Oct. 25
Hours: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Photo Opportunities!
Make sure to bring your cameras for great photo opportunities. FREE photo opps available, with one grand photo opp at the exit!
What to expect?
Guests can explore 10 prize stations on the Trick-or-Treat Trail, enjoy a variety of Halloween-themed games & activities- including storytelling & sing-alongs- & visit with the nocturnal animals. "Boofari" Express Train, Conservation Carrousel, & Fifty Monkey Ferris Wheelrides will be entertaining little ghouls & goblins all night long. "Spooky Search" games & prizes will be available as an add-on purchase in the Gift Shop.
*The Zoo supports the OC Teal Pumpkin Project, ensuring kids with food allergies are presented with friendly treats & takeaways!*
Boo at the Zoo 2026 | Ticketing Administration
Boo at the Zoo - Santa Ana Zoo
It's Boo time at the Santa Ana Zoo! Join us for OC's premier Halloween event for kids
DANCE PARTY & FESTIVAL
Witches, wizards, ghosts, & goblins, welcome to the spellbinding fun of Pumpkin Palooza presented by OC Waste & Recycling. Join Jack-O-Lynn for an electrifying Pumpkin Palooza dance party! Spinning today's hottest dance hits mixed with Halloween favorites. Immerse yourself with thrilling activities, spooky science, & an interactive pumpkin maze.
Dates: October 10-11, 17-18, 25-25, 31, November 1
Hours: 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
*Pumpkin Palooza is an additional cost to attend & enjoy. Guests can go to any dance party show & attend multiple parties if desired. A ticket includes access to the dance party, festival, & trick-or-treating!*
Discovery Cube- Pumpkin Palooza Information & Tickets
Get ready for the fall activities to activate! Starting off the month, The Pumpkin Factory will be at MainPlace Mall on October 2. Bring your family, little ones, & friends for exciting rides, games, & delicious food. There will even be a petting zoo! Come enjoy the new season & pick out your pumpkins for this Halloween.
*Admission is Free Wednesday & Thursday and $5 on Friday - Sunday. Kids 2 & under are always free admission. Parking is free.*
Main Place Mall - Santa Ana - The Pumpkin Factory in Corona and Santa Ana, CA is open Oct 2-31
Apply to participate as a vendor in the 12th annual Viva La Vida Dia De Los Muertos event on 4th street. Interested in being a part of the celebration, want to connect & share your skills, resources, or time? Viva La Vida is looking for:
About Us:
"The Viva La Vida Committee is a Santa Ana-based nonprofit organization (EIN: 61-1848907) made up of passionate community members, artists, & organizers dedicated to celebrating & preserving the cultural traditions of Día de Muertos in Santa Ana. Rooted in community pride & cultural authenticity, the nonprofit works year-round to plan & produce the annual Viva La Vida Festival-bringing together families, local talent, & visitors for a meaningful & vibrant experience. Through collaboration, creativity, & a shared respect for tradition, the committee curates altars, performances, art installations, & cultural programming that honor the lives & memories of loved ones. Its mission is to create an inclusive space that uplifts the community, supports local artists & vendors, & educates future generations on the significance of Día de Muertos."
Join Serve the People for a free Thanksgiving Day celebration in Santa Ana. Families & individuals throughout Orange County are invited to enjoy a hot Thanksgiving meal, games, pony rides, a petting zoo, & festive activities for all ages!
Admission is free, & everyone is welcome. Space & parking are limited, so advance registration is strongly recommended. Reserve Your Free Thanksgiving Meal
Early registrations will help prepare enough meals & activities for everyone attending.
Thanksgiving 2026 Celebration | Serve the People
Join SEVA Collective for a free food distribution - Thanksgiving Turkey Drive! SEVA Collective offers free drive through food pantry/distributions each month. Walkups are welcome & no pre-registration is required.
Thanksgiving Turkey Drive
Date: Saturday, November 21
Time: 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Location: Villa Fundamental School
Raymond A. Villa Fundamental Intermediate School, 1441 E Chestnut Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92701, USA
Catholic Charities of OC continues to support members in our community with a variety of programs & services such as food distributions, citizenship & immigration services, health & wellness services, counseling, peer-to-peer support line, & a garden of hope. Catholic Charities of OC mission is to exist to serve God's people in need without regard to their religious affiliation.
Cantlay Food Distribution Center
Programs Flyer- Catholic Charities of OC
Edible food recovery is important to prevent edible food from going to waste & instead go to individuals & families to combat food insecurity. OC Landfills states, "more than 30% of material that enters California landfills is considered organic material. Organic material includes edible food…" With a collective effort on educating & taking action, recovering edible food preserves valuable landfill space & serves back to our community.
View a list ofFood Recovery Organizations that service Orange County.
For more local options, please contact your City Recycling Coordinator.
City Recycling Coordinator
Oscar Gudino
[email protected]
20 Civic Center, Plaza M-21
Santa Ana, CA 92702
(714) 647-3328
Edible Food Recovery | OC Waste & Recycling
City Recycling Coordinator List
Santa Ana residents can access a variety of food support through community partners, upcoming food distributions events, senior meal programs, & countywide food resources all within the link below.
For a most up-to-date list of food pantries & distribution sites, visit the 2-1-1 Orange County Food Resource Search Portal by visiting 2-1-1 Orange County Search Portal. Providing real-time information on food pantries, walk-up distributions, drive-thru events, & emergency food services throughout Orange County.
If you need additional assistance, call 2-1-1 Orange County or visit 2-1-1 Orange County. for countywide food support.
Meals on Wheels mission is to nourish the wellness, purpose, & dignity of older adults & their families in our community. Offered throughout Orange County, Santa Ana Seniors & families can have confidence & trust that their loved ones will be taken care of by the various programs offered for Seniors by Meals on Wheels, such as Home Delivered Meal program, Adult Day Services & more!
Programs Offered:
Lunch Café - Meals on Wheels Orange County
Home Delivered Meals - Meals on Wheels Orange County
CHOICE - Meals on Wheels Orange County
Our Services - Meals on Wheels Orange County
Adult Day Services - Meals on Wheels Orange County
Friendly Visitors & Friendly Callers - Meals on Wheels Orange County
The Southwest Community Center in collaboration with Community Action Partnership offers community members a variety of services such as support, youth, & food/resource distributions.
Support Services
Youth Services
Food & Resource Distribution
https://www.capoc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/SWCC-Flyer-2025-040126.pdf
The City of Santa Ana offers opportunities for residents to get rid of unwanted items from their homes. Residents can access resources such as the Neighborhood Cleanup Program, Bulky Item Pick-Up, and the Quarterly Bulky Item Drop-off Day. Take advantage of these opportunities to clean up your space!
Quarterly Bulky Item Drop-Off Day
YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION (NA) NEEDS YOU!
Tap in, meet your neighbors, discuss local issues relevant to your neighborhood & Santa Ana.
Neighborhood Association meetings can consist of discussion of local issues, City staff presentations on projects, & residents' concerns & initiatives such like Dumpster Days, Food Drives, & more.
The Neighborhood Association (NA) is a neighborhood-driven effort that is in partnership with the City of Santa Ana Neighborhood Initiatives and Environmental Services (NIES) program.
See if your neighborhood is active & connect with your Neighborhood Association:
Co-President: Valerie Magdaleno
Co-President: Lizeth Fuentes
Meetings at: Pio Pico Elementary School
President: Nicholas Davis
Meetings at: Heninger Elementary School
Meetings at: Roosevelt Walker Community Center
Meetings at: Southwest Senior Center or Immaculate Heart of Mary Church.
Join your Neighborhood Association at their next meeting and build a stronger partnership amongst you & your neighbors!
Rain hasn't started but don't let that stop you from being prepared! Know where to go for emergency supplies such as sand bags. The County of Orange & the City of Santa Ana both offer residents free sandbags to help with heavy downpour. Supplies depend on availability.
OCFA- Preparing for Severe Weather
The Santa Ana WORK Center is committed to connecting you to services, resources & opportunities available. If you are looking for a job, in transition of careers, a youth looking to thrive in the workforce or a business looking to build a strong workforce, the WORK Center is here to help. The WORK Center has a strong collaboration between the Employment Development Department, OC Social Agency, City of Santa Ana, & others to deliver a high quality product for you.
Santa Ana WORK Center
Open: Monday-Thursday & alternating Fridays | 8 AM-5 PM
For questions, please contact us at 714-565-2600.
Interested in what the WORK Center has to offer?
The Santa Ana Public Library offers a variety of free educational & enrichment programs for children, teens, & families. From leadership development & STEAM activities to technology assistance, tutoring, & early literacy programs, these resources provide opportunities for learning, creativity, & community engagement throughout the year.
https://www.santa-ana.org/library-events/?tlpage=9
Need a ride to work, have places to go around Orange County? Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) provides two programs at discounted to no-cost prices. Youth ride free & reduced fares are provided to eligible applicants.
Youth Ride for Free Program:
Ages 6 to 18 get free travel on safe, clean & reliable buses! OCTA is offering free rides that expire on September 30 for youth riders.
To keep rides free, two things must happen:
Once approved, Youth Ride Free is added to the Wave account linked to the rider's Wave card. Without approval, the rider's Wave card may be charged the regular fare.
Youth Ride Free Program - Orange County Transportation Authority
Reduced Fairs:
OCTA offers discounted fares for riders who are eligible! To receive a discounted fare when riding OCTA's transit services you will need to:
Reduced Fares - Orange County Transportation Authority
The OC Workforce Solutions team is dedicated to assisting people & businesses overcome obstacles, reach their goals, fulfill their potential & contribute to their community. Offering services & programs personalized for community job seekers, youth & business.
OC Workforce Solutions Interest Form
United for Students Success offers a variety of programs aimed at empowering local students to reach their fullest potential. Each program connects on different goals for students on different stages of their academic career. Programs such as:
Student Programs - Orange County United Way
Head Start is a comprehensive child development program designed to meet the educational, emotional, social, health, & nutritional needs of children & families. The overall goal of Head Start is to bring about a greater degree of "social competence" to children & their families. Social competence refers to the everyday effectiveness in dealing with both the present environment & later responsibilities in school & life. Children & families leave Head Start more confident in their own abilities & ready to succeed.
Address : 1002 W. 2nd St., Santa Ana
Direct : (714) 541-8164
Email : [email protected]
Find a Center | Orange County Head Start - Child Care
Groundswell fosters places of connection, growth, & assistance to bring its mission into reality by creating places of connections, growth, & assistance through schools & youth programs, & mediation services and bringing people together to build a more equitable future.
Bridges School Program
Working with schools to build campus environments that are respectful of diversity, where all students, staff & parents feel safe, welcome & respected.
Restorative Schools Program
Addressing the ineffectiveness that arises in more traditional school discipline systems by bringing a Restorative Justice perspective to the school setting.
Human Relations Ambassadors Program
For young people who are looking to take the next step in their social justice journey by turning their belief in equality & respect into action.
Youth Leaders Institute
Bringing together diverse students from high schools across Orange County to participate in activities, dialogues & skill building exercises.
Walk In My Shoes
Walk in My Shoes Youth Conferences bring together high school & middle school students from all over Orange County to attend a day-long youth conference.
View meeting agenda and minutes.
View meetings live on our Santa Ana YouTube Channel.
Enjoy these free local events and bring your friends and family to the fun! (Bring ID-proof of residency)
October 18, 25: Bowers Museum Free Day for Residents
October 18: Santa Ana Zoo Free Day for Residents
Come join this free monthly program introducing art & creative thinking to your little one! Catered to ages 0-2 Art & Play creates a space for your little loved ones to enter a world of creative play & fun!
Held every second Wednesday of the month from 11:00 AM-1:00 PM.
Tickets are available two weeks before the program date at 3:00 PM.
*SPOTS FILL UP QUICK!*
Location: UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art
3333 Avenue of the Arts, Costa Mesa
Art & Play (Ages 0-2)- October
Tap into the mind of artist Raymond Saunders & create an art piece each unique to the artist. Raymond Saunders often used found objects & images to create layered artworks full of personal meaning & symbolism. Inspired by Saunder's art-making process, participants will use found objects, collage materials, & mixed media to create assemblage boxes that tell a personal story.
This free, drop-in program is open to all ages & hosted on Level 2. Families must sit together for the duration of the project, as it may involve components that involve adult supervision.
Time: 11:00AM- 4:00PM
Location: UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art
3333 Avenue of the Arts, Costa Mesa
MAKE: Inside the Box | UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art
Come join this free monthly program introducing art & creative thinking to your little one! Catered to ages 3-5 Art & Play creates a space for your little loved ones to enter a world of creative thinking & fun!
Held every third Wednesday of the month from 11:00 AM-1:00 PM.
Tickets are available two weeks before the program date at 3:00 PM.
*SPOTS FILL UP QUICK!*
Location: UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art
3333 Avenue of the Arts, Costa Mesa
Enter a night of Spooktacular fun of trick or treating, games, music, food & more! Come consume ready & join in on the festivities with KidWorks free community event for a family friendly night of fun.
Contribute to the ghouly fun & check off an item off of Kids Works Trunk or Treat Wishlist!
Date: October 23, 2026
Time: 5:00 PM- 7:00 PM
Location: KidWorks Dan Donahue Center
Kids Works- Trunk or Treat Wishlist
Jerome Center is turning spooky for a night of thrills & fun! Free & open to all ages, guests can look forward to a costume contest, haunted house, contract class performances, resource booths & more! Bring your little ghouls & goblins for a frightening night of family fun!
Time: 2:00 PM-5:00 PM
Location: Jerome Center
Jerome Recreation Center: Spooktacular
Join the Economic Development Division virtually for a Business Start-Up Workshop! Learn about zones, business licensing, business formation, understand inspections & approvals.
Virtual Business Start-Up Workshop
Important phone numbers:
City Hall main line: (714) 647-5400
Code Enforcement: (714) 667-2780
Graffiti Hotline: (877) 786-7824
Emergency Water Services: (714) 953-8026
Public Works dispatch (street sweeping, trees): (714) 647-3380
Find more phone numbers for all City services
Southern California Edison:Call 1-800-447-6620
Southern California Gas:Call 1-800-207-8567
Trash pick-up: Call (877) 328-2074
Starting a small business?
How to start a business in Santa Ana
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 download the mySantaAna application for free allowing them to quickly and easily report issues with photos to the City for clean-up. You can report potholes, downed tree branches, graffiti, trash and much more! The app is now available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.
Schedule a bulky item pickup: Call Republic Services at (657) 467-6220
Police Non-Emergency Line: (714) 245-8665
Emergency Water Services: (714) 953-8026