Mayor’s Newsletter: June & July 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 Santa Ana Neighbors,

As we welcome the summer season, I want to take a moment to thank you for the opportunity to serve this incredible community. Every day, I am inspired by the strength, diversity, and compassion of our residents. It is an honor to work alongside you to make Santa Ana an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.

Our special June/July Welcome Summer Edition is filled with updates, community highlights, upcoming events, and resources that showcase the great work happening throughout our city. Whether you've called Santa Ana home for decades, recently joined our community, or enjoy spending time in our neighborhoods, parks, and local businesses, I hope you'll find something in these pages that informs, inspires, and keeps you connected.

As always, my door is open. I encourage you to reach out with your ideas and concerns, attend an upcoming community meeting, or simply say hello when our paths cross. Your voice matters, and together we can continue building a stronger, safer, and more vibrant Santa Ana.

Thank you for being an engaged and valued part of our community. I wish you and your loved ones a safe, happy, and memorable summer, and I look forward to seeing you at the many events and celebrations taking place throughout our city.

With gratitude,

Mayor Valerie Amezcua

Email: [email protected]

Santa Ana Fourth of July Celebration - July 4

The City of Santa Ana's annual Fourth of July celebration will once again take place at Centennial Park. This free community event will include live music, food vendors, inflatables, and a firework show finale at 8:45 p.m. Guests are encouraged to arrive early and bring a lawn chair, blanket, and picnics. On-site event parking is free, but limited. Information: www.santa-ana.org/fourth-of-july.

• Saturday, July 4
• 6-9 p.m.
• Centennial Park, 3000 W. Edinger Ave.

Safe and Sane Fireworks

Celebrate Safely This Fourth of July

As we prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July and commemorate our nation's 250th anniversary, I want to wish everyone a happy and safe Independence Day. This holiday is a wonderful opportunity to gather with family, friends, and neighbors as we celebrate the values of freedom, unity, and community that define our nation.

As you enjoy the festivities, I encourage everyone to make safety a top priority. Fireworks can cause serious injuries, start devastating fires, and damage homes and businesses. The safest way to celebrate is by attending a professionally organized public fireworks display.

Throughout the holiday weekend, our Police, Fire, and emergency medical personnel will be working diligently to protect our community. I am grateful for their dedication and service, and I ask that you do your part by celebrating responsibly and looking out for one another.

Together, we can ensure that everyone enjoys a fun, memorable, and safe holiday. Wishing you and your family a joyful Fourth of July!

MAYOR & COMMUNITY IN ACTION

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

SEIU Employee Appreciation Lunch

On May 5, 2026, SEIU held an employee Appreciation Lunch for their members. It was nice to stop by to say hello and thank them for all their hard work.

SCAG - Southern California Association of Governments

I was proud to represent the City of Santa Ana at the Annual SCAG Conference, the largest metropolitan planning organization, which represents six counties, including Orange County. I made new connections and learned about many programs and projects in the areas of regional planning, housing allocations and transportation improvements.

Santa Ana's Annual Youth Water Poster Contest Winners

I had a great time awarding the winners of our annual Youth Water Poster Contest! Winners ranged from elementary school to high school and they wore their medals with pride.

Orange County Labor Federation Family Reunification Day

I was blessed to be invited to witness families being reunited, some of which had not seen each other for up to 30 years! My heart was full and I was in tears. Truly incredible moments.

Ribbon Cutting of a new Police Substation at Hutton Centre

The opening of a new SAPD substation makes the work of our officers in this area more efficient and proactive and gives them the ability to have a larger presence. It's also a new resource for the community.

Planning Ahead for Disasters

I had an opportunity to tour Abound's solar-powered cold storage, and it was an important reminder that we must plan ahead for our children and families in case of an emergency. Where and how will we have access to food? How should we be storing food for a disaster? All great questions that Abound is unfolding in its work.

Santa Ana Pony Baseball Closing Ceremonies

I had a blast celebrating a great season of baseball with our kids and their families! The energy was contagious, and I'm grateful I was able to thank our coaches and parents for all of their time and hard work to support Pony Baseball.

Coffee with the Mayor & Mother's Day Celebration

It was a great turnout and a wonderful time at my Coffee with the Mayor & Mother's Day Celebration! We have the best seniors and community in our City. City staff joined me in answering questions from our seniors and community in attendance along with a little bit of dancing, selfies and great food.

Memorial Day Flag Raising Ceremony at Memorial Park

It was a somber but special moment as we honored Marine Lance Corporal Jose Luis Elizarraras Jr. who died in the line of duty for our country. I presented a flag to his family as a token of gratitude for their son's dedication, bravery and ultimate sacrifice.

Santa Ana 8U All Stars Memorial Day Tournament

What a thrilling game to watch! Our very own 8U All-Star baseball team played against Culiacan-Araujo from Mexico and won 9 to 1! Both teams played well and showed great sportsmanship. Thank you to the coaches and parents that make all this possible.

Orange County Council of Government's(OCCOG) 2026 Annual Conference

It was an honor to represent our City at the OCCOG 2026 Annual Conference where issues of transportation, housing, technology and wildlife were discussed.

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS

Summer Movies in the Park

Summer Movies in the Park are back! Grab your blankets, lawn chairs, families and friends and watch free movies under the stars throughout the month of July.

• July 10: "Goat": Jerome Park
• July 17: "Guardians of the Galaxy": Centennial Park
• July 24: "Zootopia 2": Lillie King Park

More info

Dive Into Summer with Santa Ana Swim Lessons

Make a splash this summer with the City of Santa Ana's Swim Lessons! Whether your child is just getting comfortable in the water or ready to build stronger swimming skills, our certified instructors provide a safe, fun, and supportive learning environment for all skill levels.

Registration is available online through the City of Santa Ana Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department. Visit the Parks and Recreation webpage for class schedules, fees, and enrollment information, or call (714) 571-4227 for assistance.

Summer 2026 Recreation Swim

Flight - A live butterfly experience

Come to see Flight from June 1 to October 15, the Santa Ana Zoo's immersive live butterfly experience featuring hundreds of tropical butterflies from dozens of species across North, Central and South America. Wander through a vibrant habitat filled with pollinator-friendly flowers, learn about butterfly species through educational exhibits, and observe the fascinating butterfly life cycle in the emergence window where new butterflies emerge daily.

This exciting attraction was made possible through City of Santa Ana Youth Benefit Improvement Funds.

For more information, visit https://www.santaanazoo.org/flight/

Celebrate the Grand Reopening of Newhope Library - July 11

Join us as we celebrate the grand reopening of the newly renovated Newhope Library! Explore the library's modernized spaces, including a new Innovation Center for STEM learning, a welcoming entrance and lobby, an updated outdoor patio, and enhanced amenities designed to better serve our community. Enjoy a ribbon-cutting ceremony, family-friendly activities, and be among the first to experience this exciting new community space.

• Saturday, July 11
• 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Newhope Library, 122 N Newhope St

Portola Park Splash Pad Ribbon Cutting - July 18

Join us in celebrating the opening of Santa Ana's first dedicated splash pad at Portola Park, featuring a variety of interactive water play and spray elements designed to provide a fun, safe, and accessible experience for children and families. The project also includes new shade structures, outdoor showers, and renovated ADA-accessible restrooms, creating a vibrant community destination that expands recreational opportunities and enhances quality of life for Santa Ana residents.

• Saturday, July 18
• 9 a.m.
• Portola Park, 1700 E. Santa Clara Ave.

Santa Anita Community Center and Pool Ribbon Cutting - July 25

Santa Anita Park is entering an exciting new chapter with the completion of a transformative renovation that will officially open on Saturday, July 25, at 10 a.m. Made possible through multiple grant awards, the project features a new synthetic turf sports field that will provide safe, high-quality, year-round play, a re-imagined community center and community gathering space, and a revitalized pool. Additional improvements include a new playground, basketball court, outdoor fitness equipment, an expanded parking lot, and enhanced park amenities that will serve residents and visitors for years to come.

• Saturday, July 25
• 10 a.m.
• Santa Anita Park, 300 S. Figueroa St.

CITY NEWS AND RECOGNITIONS

Santa Ana Moves Permit and Plan Review Services Online

Beginning July 1, 2026, the City of Santa Ana will launch the new Accela Citizen Access (ACA) Portal, making it easier than ever for residents, contractors, developers, and businesses to access development services online. Through the new system, users can submit plans and applications, pay fees, obtain permits, track project status, and schedule inspections - all in one convenient location. Paper submissions will no longer be accepted after June 26, 2026, as the City continues its commitment to improving customer service and streamlining operations through technology.

Learn more about Accela.

City of Santa Ana named Client of the Year

The City of Santa Ana was honored as Client of the Year by the Orange County chapter of the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC-OC) for its leadership, collaboration, and commitment to delivering impactful infrastructure projects.

I joined City staff in accepting the award at ACEC-OC's annual awards ceremony on June 3. The recognition highlights Santa Ana's strong partnerships with engineering professionals and its ongoing investment in projects that improve quality of life for residents.

Read more

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 FREE on the first Tuesday of every month! Get up to FOUR free tickets per 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 admission with 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

Business Spotlight - Ride, Save, and Explore with OCTA

Whether you're heading to the OC Fair, commuting to class, or exploring Orange County this summer, the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) has you covered. Check out the OC Fair Express, the Youth Ride Free Program, and the Community College Pass to enjoy convenient, affordable transportation while saving on travel costs. Learn more and see if you qualify at www.octa.net.

City Hall

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

• Friday, July 3, 2026 - Independence Day Observed; City Hall closed, no street sweeping

The next City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 7, 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.

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 app now supports English, Spanish and Vietnamese, making it easier than ever to report issues and request City services.

Download or update the app today to:

• 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

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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