City of Santa Ana, CA

01/01/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/01/2026 11:18

Mayor’s Newsletter: January 2026

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Official newsletter of Santa Ana Mayor Valerie Amezcua.

Keeping the community informed about local events, City news, and resources.

Dear Neighbors,

Happy New Year!

I hope you and your families shared a joyful holiday season surrounded by loved ones, laughter, and meaningful time together. As we welcome 2026, I want to take a moment to reflect on December and look back with gratitude on all that we accomplished together in 2025.

December was a time of unity and hope, and we were proud to bring our community together through my 3rd Annual Toy Giveaway at the Downtown Santa Ana Tamalada and the Holiday Food Distribution at Salgado Park. Together, we provided more than 1,000 toys and 600 food boxes to families across our city. Seeing the joy on children's faces and the gratitude of parents served as a powerful reminder of the generosity and care that define Santa Ana. These events were made possible through the incredible collaboration of local nonprofits, community organizations, faith groups, volunteers, and my office. Thank you to everyone who helped spread joy and support our families during the holiday season.

December also marked an exciting milestone for our city with the grand opening of the long-awaited River's Edge exhibit at the Santa Ana Zoo. This celebration brought residents together for a special ceremony and community gathering. As a holiday gift to our community, Zoo admission was free for Santa Ana residents throughout opening weekend, allowing families to experience this new exhibit together and create lasting memories.

As I reflect on 2025, I see a year defined by collaboration, progress, and shared purpose. Together, we remained focused on what matters most: keeping our neighborhoods safe and welcoming, supporting our local businesses, and creating opportunities for our residents to thrive. Working alongside community members, business owners, and our City Hall team, we made meaningful strides toward these goals. I am proud of what we achieved together and look forward to building on this momentum as we move into the new year with optimism and hope.

Here are some highlights of our accomplishments in 2025:

AWARDS:

2025 brought its challenges, and we faced difficult moments together. Yet it was also a year of growth and celebration, with new park openings, library expansions, affordable housing projects, and recognition from organizations across the state. These achievements belong to all of us and reflect the strength and resilience of our community.

As we step into 2026, I am committed to staying connected with you. Progress happens when we listen to each other and work together. I want to hear your ideas and concerns, whether at neighborhood meetings, city events, or simply running into each other around town. Your voice is essential in shaping the next chapter for Santa Ana.

Looking ahead, the 2026 Mayor's Prayer Breakfast, hosted by the Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce, will take place on Thursday, February 5, 2026, from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at Templo Calvario Church, 2501 W. 5th St., Santa Ana. This annual event provides an opportunity for community and civic leaders to come together to reflect and share hopes for the year ahead. For more details, please visit the Chamber's website.

I am truly honored to serve this community as your Mayor. Let us continue supporting each other and building a Santa Ana filled with hope, connection, and opportunities for every family who calls it home.

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful, healthy, and inspiring 2026.

Sincerely,

Mayor Valerie Amezcua

Email: [email protected]

I invite you to follow me on social media for daily updates! Please connect with me, and stay tuned for upcoming news, meetings, and events in our community!

CITY AND COMMUNITY RESOURCES

The Santa Ana City Council and City leadership remain steadfast in their commitment to protecting the rights, safety, and dignity of every member of our community.

Ayuda Sin Fronteras (Help Without Borders)
 The City Council approved an additional $150,000 in funding to provide financial assistance for residents impacted by recent immigration enforcement operations.

Call: (714) 565-2655
 Learn more: https://www.santa-ana.org/ayuda-sin-fronteras

Immigration Legal Defense Services
 The City Council approved funding for deportation legal defense services through the Immigrant Defenders Law Center (ImmDef). Santa Ana residents in need of assistance can contact ImmDef directly.

Call: (213) 634-0999
 Email: [email protected]
 Learn more: https://immdef.org/

Know Your Rights

Food Assistance

Community Resources

ICE Detainee Locator

Find additional community resources here.

Request City Services Online & Important City Contacts You can request City services.

Important City Contacts:

  • City Hall Main Line - (714) 647-5400
  • Code Enforcement - (714) 667-2780
  • Emergency Water Services - (714) 953-8026
  • Graffiti Hotline - (877) 786-7824
  • Homeless Services - (714) 242-3706 or report via the mySantaAna app.
  • Public Works Dispatch (street sweeping, tree maintenance) - (714) 647-3380

Download the SantaAna app today

Stay connected with your city right from your smartphone. The mySantaAna appnow supports English, Spanish and Vietnamese, making it easier than ever to report issues and request City services.

Download or update the app todayto:

  • Report street or park issues
  • Request City services
  • Stay informed about important City updates

Available on: App Store| Google Play

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

The City of Santa Ana's Human Resources Department, Talent Acquisition Division, works with City departments to identify staffing needs and recruit talented individuals to serve our community.

We are looking for people who are results-oriented, creative, and passionate about public service.

Explore career opportunities: Career opportunities

Learn about our internship program: Internship program

MAYOR & COMMUNITY IN ACTION

Follow the Mayor on social media for daily updates! Stay connected to learn about upcoming news, meetings, and community events.

Drive-Thru Food Distribution at Salgado Park

The Drive-Thru Food Distribution at Salgado Park was a wonderful success thanks to our amazing volunteers and community partners. Together, we provided 600 food boxes to families, sharing care and support throughout our community.

3rd Annual Toy Giveaway

At my 3rd Annual Toy Giveaway during the Downtown Santa Ana Tamale Festival, I celebrated the season with our community and gave away over 1,000 toys to children, bringing smiles to many families.

OCLF Annual Christmas Event

Thank you to the Orange County Labor Federation for inviting me to their annual Christmas event. It was wonderful to see everyone come together, bring toys for families in need, and enjoy delicious tamales.

Edward B. Cole and Templo Calvario's Christmas event


I enjoyed attending the Edward B. Cole and Templo Calvario Christmas event. The students' energetic performance created a festive atmosphere, and awards were presented to community members for their outstanding contributions.

Orange County Probation Mobile Resource Vehicle Launch

I was honored to attend and speak at the Orange County Probation Department's unveiling of its new Mobile Resource Vehicles in Santa Ana. This innovative initiative brings critical probation services directly into the community, including employment assistance, internet access, live court services, and connections to healthcare and housing support. By reducing logistical barriers, these mobile units aim to lower recidivism and better serve youth, transitional-age individuals, and people experiencing homelessness. It was meaningful to stand alongside county leaders, service providers, and advocates to highlight how accessibility, accountability, and community-based support can create stronger outcomes for individuals and for Orange County as a whole.

CITY NEWS AND RECOGNITIONS

Explore River's Edge at Santa Ana Zoo

The City of Santa Ana celebrated the grand opening of River's Edge at the Santa Ana Zoo on December 20, marking the most expansive and innovative habitat project in the Zoo's history.

The $8.6 million project, funded through a combination of City investment and support from the Friends of the Santa Ana Zoo, transforms the former Amazon's Edge area into an immersive river-themed habitat. River's Edge is now home to Asian small-clawed otters, black howler monkeys, golden lion tamarins, and spider monkeys, providing enhanced spaces that support animal well-being and conservation education.

River's Edge is part of the Zoo's broader modernization efforts, which include improved habitats, upgraded pathways, new guest amenities, and expanded educational signage. These improvements played a key role in the Santa Ana Zoo regaining accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) earlier this year.

The new habitat is designed to be accessible and engaging for visitors of all ages and reflects the City's ongoing commitment to investing in high-quality public spaces that promote learning, recreation, and family-friendly experiences.

Residents and visitors are invited to explore River's Edge and experience this exciting new chapter at the Santa Ana Zoo.

Read more

Public Works Agency wins Project of the Year Award for Downtown Flood Reduction and Stormwater Infiltration Project

On December 9, 2025, our Public Works Agency was awarded a BEST Project of the Year Award from the American Public Works Association (APWA) for the Downtown Flood Reduction and Stormwater Infiltration Project. The award recognizes projects that contribute to cleaner waterways and sustainable urban environments.

The Downtown Flood Reduction and Stormwater Infiltration Project is a multi-benefit flood reduction and stormwater capture project. The project featured an underground stormwater detention system and 13 drywells designed to infiltrate (capture) approximately 32,000 cubic-feet of stormwater per storm from the 19.3-acre drainage area. The project also included installation of over 1,000 linear-feet of new storm drains and reconstruction of the City-owned parking lot at 3rd and Bush streets with new drought-tolerant landscaping and interpretive signage. The City received funding from the California Natural Resources Agency's Prop 68 Urban Flood Protection program for the project, which was completed in June 2025.

Learn more about our stormwater management program.

H2OC Stormwater Program

Community Development Block Grant Public Service Application 2026-2028 open until February 4

The City of Santa Ana is accepting applications from qualified nonprofit organizations for the 2026-28 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Public Service Program. Funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the CDBG program supports vital community services that strengthen neighborhoods, expand economic opportunities and improve the quality of life for low- to moderate-income residents.

CDBG Public Service funds may be used for a wide range of eligible activities that meet community needs, including housing support services, youth programs, senior services, crime prevention, employment initiatives and other efforts that help build a more resilient and equitable Santa Ana.

We encourage nonprofit organizations with programs that serve Santa Ana residents to apply. The deadline to apply is Feb. 4, 2026, at 5 p.m.

Learn more and apply for CDBG grants.

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS

Job Search Strategies at Santa Ana Work Center - January 8

Job seekers are invited to attend a Job Search Strategies workshop on Thursday, Jan. 8, from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Santa Ana WORK Center, 801 W. Civic Center Drive, Suite 200.

The workshop will focus on how job searching is shifting to the digital world, including the importance of optimizing résumés for applicant tracking systems. Attendees will also learn practical strategies for using CalJOBS, California's official career platform. The session will conclude with an open Q&A.

The Job Search Strategies workshop is offered every second and fourth Thursday of the month. For more information or to RSVP, call 714-565-2600.

Learn more about the Santa Ana Work Center.

Business Startup Workshop - January 14

Turn your business idea into reality! Ready to launch your own business in Santa Ana? Join the City's Economic Development Division for a free Business Start-Up Workshop on Wednesday, Jan. 14. Whether you're a first-time entrepreneur or looking to expand an existing business, this workshop covers the essential resources and steps to get you started.

  • Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026
  • 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
  • Santa Ana City Hall, Room 1600

Register: Click here to RSVP

For more information or questions, please contact us at (714) 647-5477 or [email protected]

Discovery Cube Orange County Resident Free Days!

Great news, Santa Ana residents! Enjoy a day of fun and learning at Discovery Cube Orange County for FREEon the first Tuesday of every month! Get up to FOUR free ticketsper government-issued photo ID with a Santa Ana address.*

When:First Tuesday of every month
 Where:Discovery Cube Santa Ana

Learn more: Discovery Cube Promotions

Free Resident Day at Santa Ana Zoo

Santa Ana residents, enjoy a wild day at the Santa Ana Zoo - for FREE!

When: Every third Sunday of the month
 Where:Santa Ana Zoo, 1801 E. Chestnut Ave., Santa Ana

Free admissionwith proof of residency (driver's license or utility bill required).

Learn more: Santa Ana Resident Days

Bowers Museum free admission for residents

Offers free general admission 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 residency through an ID, driver's license or utility bill.

Learn more here

City Hall

Upcoming Holiday and Closed Friday schedule: (City Hall non-essential offices are closed on alternating Fridays throughout the year)

  • Friday, January 2, 2026 - City Hall closed
  • Friday, January 16, 2026 - City Hall closed
  • Friday, January 30, 2026 - City Hall closed

The next City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. (open session) at the Santa Ana Council Chamber, 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana. Official City meetings are open to the public and I encourage you to participate. Council agendas and minutes may be accessed here.

Invite me

If you'd like to invite me to attend an event in your neighborhood or in connection with your organization, please feel free to make that request via email: [email protected]

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City of Santa Ana, CA published this content on January 01, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on January 01, 2026 at 17:18 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]