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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 Holidays!

November was filled with special moments as our community came together to celebrate and support one another through a variety of special events. We kicked off the month with the Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce's inaugural Dancing with the Santa Ana Stars. The event raised money for local charities and showcased the talent of our community leaders, including our own Chief of Police.

We also unveiled a beautiful new mural at Plaza Calle Cuatro in partnership with our sister city, Sahuayo, Mexico. Later in the month, our annual tree lighting brought friends and families to downtown Santa Ana, filling the streets with laughter, music, and holiday cheer.

A November of Giving

My office proudly hosted three separate events distributing more than 1,800 food boxes and turkeys to households across our city. These efforts were made possible through partnerships with Congressman Lou Correa, Assemblymember Avelino Valencia, Councilmembers Phil Bacerra and David Penaloza, the Orange County Labor Federation, Mosaic Movement, SEVA Collective, the Santa Ana Police Officers Association and Santa Ana Police Department, and countless volunteers who generously gave their time to help families have a brighter holiday season and feel the support of their community.

'TIS THE SEASON OF GIVING

My office invites everyone to two special holiday events this season:

The 3rd Annual Tamalada Festival - Downtown Santa Ana on Saturday, December 13

Come celebrate the 3rd Annual Tamalada Festival in Downtown Santa Ana with me and Santa. My office is excited to pass out toys to children while supplies last. This festive tradition is always a highlight of the season, and it is truly heartwarming to see the smiles on the children's faces as they choose a toy.

3rd Annual Toy Drive - Downtown Santa Ana on Saturday, December 13

The 3rd Annual Toy Drive will take place in Downtown Santa Ana on Saturday, December 13, from 3 to 8 p.m., while supplies last. Thank you to Councilmembers Phil Bacerra and David Penaloza for partnering with me to organize this meaningful event that brings joy to children and families in Santa Ana. I look forward to seeing you there.

Holiday Food Distribution - Salgado Park on Sunday, December 14

Join us at Salgado Park for our Holiday Food Distribution. Families will be able to pick up food and other essentials while supplies last. This event is a wonderful way to come together during the holidays and help ensure everyone can enjoy a warm and joyful season.

MOVING INTO THE NEW YEAR TOGETHER

As Mayor, I recognize that this year brought challenges for families across our city. Throughout these difficult moments, City leadership and my office have continued to provide support and resources to our community. We also saw countless acts of kindness as our community came together to support one another. That spirit of care and connection defines us, a community that comes together to lift each other up.

Finally, I want to express my appreciation to our City staff. Day in and day out, they work tirelessly to provide the essential services our city relies on. Their dedication and care touch the lives of so many in our community, making Santa Ana a place we are all proud to call home.

From my family to yours, I wish you a holiday season filled with peace, joy, and good health, and a New Year that brings hope, inspiration, and continued blessings for all.

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.

Find more 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 ON THE MOVE

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

Annual Tree Lighting Event

I loved seeing our community come together for Santa Ana's annual tree lighting ceremony, Plaza Navideña, at Plaza Calle Cuatro. Families enjoyed live entertainment, arts and crafts, photos with Santa, and the lighting of the community Christmas tree, kicking off the holiday season.

Food Distribution at SAPD

We partnered with agencies, nonprofits, SAPD, local officials, and volunteers to serve over 700 families with food for their holiday tables. This incredible community effort ensures families can enjoy meals together and celebrate the season.

SEVA Collective Drive Thru Giveaway

I was proud to join the SEVA Collective Drive-Thru Giveaway, where we provided 600 families with turkeys, chicken, vegetables, and more. Thanks to the incredible volunteers, churches, and organizations, families in need will have food to enjoy this holiday season.

The Seva Collective Gala

I had the honor of speaking at the SEVA Collective Gala, celebrating the incredible impact this organization has on our community. Their dedication to serving families and bringing people together is truly inspiring, and I'm grateful for all they do.

OCSA student Sailee Charlu visits my office

Sailee Charlu, a student at OCSA, visited my office to share her recently published book, showcasing her inspiring passion for education and dual immersion. We connected over our mutual love for dual immersion education, and her enthusiasm was truly contagious.

Drive Thru Food Distribution at Centennial Park

Thank you to our wonderful volunteers and donors for making the Drive Thru Food Distribution at Centennial Park such a success. By distributing 600 food boxes, we showed the incredible impact our community can have when we come together to help one another.

Unveiling our Sister Cities Mural

I was thrilled to celebrate the unveiling of a collaborative mural with our sister city, Sahuayo, Mexico. This beautiful artwork reflects our shared culture and the strong bond between our communities.

Dancing with the Santa Ana Stars

This event was unforgettable. I loved serving as a judge, the dancers were phenomenal, and the Santa Ana Chamber's event raised more than its financial goal thanks to strong community support.

CITY NEWS AND RECOGNITIONS

Take our Community Priorities Survey

What kind of services and programs do you want from your local government? The City of Santa Ana invites residents to help shape future spending decisions by participating in our Community Priorities Survey. The survey will remain open year-round, but responses received through early May will be shared with the City Council at the May Budget Work Study Sessions.

The survey is available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. Make your voice heard and take the Community Priorities Survey today!

Take the Community Priorities Survey

Learn about the City budget

Support Small Business Saturday and shop local all holiday season

The holiday season is here, and there's no better time to support the small businesses that make Santa Ana such a vibrant and unique community. The City's Economic Development Division is excited to launch this year's Shop Local, Shop Santa Ana campaign, celebrating the restaurants, retailers, makers and service providers that keep our city thriving.

Every time you shop local, you support jobs, strengthen neighborhood businesses and help keep more sales tax dollars circulating right here in Santa Ana, a powerful "multiplier effect" that boosts our entire community.

Support Shop Local, Shop Santa Ana: www.santa-ana.org/shop-local.

Centennial Park Improvements Project breaks ground

The City of Santa Ana celebrated the start of the Centennial Park Improvements Project with a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 5. The project includes Santa Ana's first dedicated dog park, creating a safe, welcoming space for families and their pets. The park's lakes have also undergone a major restoration to improve water circulation and support healthier habitats.

In total, the $13.4 million project will deliver wide-ranging improvements such as:

• New synthetic turf sports fields
• Expanded walking trails and picnic areas
• Additional green space and access to the Santa Ana River Trail
• A lakeside event area
• Security cameras and upgraded lighting for sports fields, the skate park and the soccer complex
• Remodeled restrooms
• A modern Santa Ana Police Department simulation training center

The lake renovation is already complete. The full project is expected to be completed in 2026, with the new dog park anticipated to open in March.

Learn more about the dog park.

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS

SAPD Pancakes with Santa - December 6

Kick off the holiday season with Santa Ana Police Department's annual Pancakes with Santa event on Saturday, Dec. 6. Families are invited to enjoy a festive morning of pancakes, holiday activities and a special visit from Santa himself.

The event will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Santa Ana Police Department, 60 Civic Center Plaza. This celebration is made possible through our continued partnership with Loaded Café and My Panecito. We look forward to welcoming the community for a joyful start to the season.

Garage and Yard Sale Weekend - December 6-7

Moving Forward on First Community Meetings - December 9 and 11

Join us for the final two community workshops about the First Street Multimodal Boulevard Study. The workshops will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 9, and Thursday, Dec. 11, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Roosevelt-Walker Community Center, 816 E. Chestnut Ave.

These workshops will present the top three conceptual designs based on community input, field evaluation, and data analysis. You're encouraged to attend and let us know which features you like and want to see advanced to the next phase of design. Brief overview presentations will be provided at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. each day.

Learn more about Moving Forward on First at bit.ly/MovingForwardOnFirst.

Job Search Strategies at Santa Ana Work Center - December 11

Job seekers are invited to attend a Job Search Strategies workshop on Thursday, Dec. 11, 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.

Discovery Cube Santa Ana - Resident Free Days

Great news, Santa Ana residents! Enjoy a day of fun and learning at Discovery Cube Santa Ana 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, December 5, 2025 - City Hall closed
• Friday, December 19, 2025 - City Hall closed
• December 25, 2025, through January 2, 2026 - Holiday closure

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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