COSAS Newsletter: May 1, 2026

In the May 1, 2026, edition of COSAS (City of Santa Ana Stories) learn about our Small Business Incentive Program, our new park opening next week, OC Marathon road closures, composting workshops, and more City events, news and resources.

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Día de los Niños, Día de los Libros (Children's Day, Book Day)

Photo Credit: City Staff

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City Manager's Highlights

Supporting Our Small Businesses

May 3-9 is National Small Business Week, and here in Santa Ana we know that small businesses are the backbone of our local economy. Over 25,000 businesses, large and small, call Santa Ana home. This week and every day, remember to shop local and support small Santa Ana businesses!

To make it easier for new small businesses and entrepreneurs to start up in Santa Ana, we're proud to announce the launch of our Small Business Incentive Program.

This program provides up to $5,000 for eligible new businesses to help offset qualified start-up costs and also offers technical assistance during their first three years of operation. For program criteria and to apply, visit the grant webpage below.

Small Business Incentive Program

News

City of Santa Ana, CalOptima and AltaMed announce launch of Street Medicine Program

The City of Santa Ana celebrated the launch of a new Street Medicine Program in Santa Ana with a press conference at Santa Ana City Hall on April 22.

After years of advocacy by City of Santa Ana officials, CalOptima agreed last year to expand their Street Medicine Program into our community. The program started here in March and is operated by AltaMed, joining the cities of Garden Grove, Costa Mesa and Anaheim. The Street Medicine Program uses a vehicle that is essentially a mobile doctor's office on wheels to deliver medical care, behavioral health services, peer support and housing navigation.

The expansion of this program into Santa Ana builds on our ongoing leadership in Orange County to address homelessness through our street outreach teams operating seven days a week, our 200-bed homeless shelter with wraparound services, and helping fund nearly 500 units of permanent supportive housing in recent years.

Read more about the Street Medicine Program

City of Santa Ana commemorates Denim Day 2026

City of Santa Ana and Santa Ana Police Department leadership and staff wore denim on Wednesday, April 29, to recognize international Denim Day, helping spread awareness about sexual violence and assault and to support survivors.

Denim Day began after a ruling by the Italian Supreme Court in 1992 in which a rape conviction was overturned because the justices felt that since the victim was wearing tight jeans, she must have helped the attacker remove her jeans, thereby implying consent. The following day, the women in the Italian Parliament went to work wearing jeans in solidarity with the victim.

Anyone who needs support can call the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or locally, you can call the Santa Ana Family Justice Center at (714) 245-8278 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The Family Justice Center is a partnership between Santa Ana Police Department, local nonprofit organizations and government agencies where survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, human trafficking and elder abuse can receive the assistance and support they need.

Santa Ana Family Justice Center

Learn about My First Home mortgage assistance program during May 6 workshop

The City of Santa Ana's My First Home mortgage assistance program is helping make homeownership more affordable for individuals and families. Through the program, qualified income-eligible, first-time homebuyers may obtain a deferred loan of up to $120,000 at 0% interest to purchase a residence in Santa Ana.

Information sessions are currently being held to provide more details about program eligibility, the application process and frequently asked questions. The next one will be held from 6-7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6, at the Garfield Community Center, 501 N. Lacy St. Spanish and Vietnamese translation will be available.

Prospective applicants, lenders, real estate agents and community organizations providing homeownership education to Santa Ana homebuyers are welcome to attend.

Learn more and register for My First Home workshops

Community invited to Salvador Quintana Park ribbon cutting ceremony on May 9

Join us in celebrating the opening of Salvador Quintana Park with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 9, at 712 S. Bristol St.

The new 1.25-acre park has a basketball court, shaded playground, fitness equipment, lighting, picnic area and other amenities. It also includes a 2,000-square-foot bioretention basin that filters stormwater runoff to help improve water quality in the Newport Bay Watershed.

Located at the corner of Bristol and Tolliver streets, the new space pays tribute to Salvador Quintana, a longtime Santa Ana resident whose life exemplified compassion, resilience and service. Quintana played a vital role during WWII by safeguarding a local Japanese American family's farm and supporting interned families with monthly supply deliveries.

Learn more about the project here

International Compost Awareness Week workshops coming to Santa Ana community gardens May 4-8

Whether you're a seasoned composter or just getting started, join us for a week of fun, free workshops at Santa Ana's five community gardens in honor of International Compost Awareness Week, May 4-8.

Each evening, from 5 to 7 p.m., a different garden will host a free composting workshop where you'll learn how food scraps transform into nutrient-rich compost - and meet the bugs and microbes that make it all happen.

Pick up your passport at any workshop and collect a stamp for each session you attend. All workshops are free and open to all ages. For more details and a full schedule, visit the link below.

International Composting Awareness Week

Lane reductions on Flower Street through May 15

Concrete is being replaced on Flower Street, from First Street to Washington Avenue, through Friday, May 15. As a result, traffic flow will be restricted to one lane in each direction. Please note that there may be delays for both motorists and pedestrians, and keep an eye out for advisory signs.

Several south Santa Ana streets to close during OC Marathon on May 3

The 22nd annual Hoag OC Marathon is coming up on Sunday, May 3, bringing with it runners, spectators, and temporary street closures in south Santa Ana.

The marathon will travel through Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Irvine and Santa Ana, with road closures from approximately 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. Closure times vary based on runners' location, and vehicle traffic may be delayed for safety after the last runner passes.

The closures will affect several south Santa Ana streets and the Performing Arts Center area. Find more details here.

Hoag OC Marathon

Tales of the City

Santa Ana Public Library holds 18th annual Día de los Niños, Día de los Libros celebration

Santa Ana's Civic Center area came alive with fun and revelry during the Santa Ana Public Library's 18th annual Día de los Niños, Día de los Libros (Children's Day, Book Day) celebration on April 25. The popular annual event, held at the Plaza of the Sun, highlighted the importance of children, literacy and families.

Participants enjoyed a range of activities, including a book giveaway, trackless train rides, crafts, face painting, a meet-and-greet with the Cat in the Hat, and a rocking performance by Grammy Award-winning Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band.

View more Día de los Niños photos

City Council Meetings

The next regular Santa Ana City Council meeting will take place on May 5, 2026, at 4 p.m. for closed session and at 5:30 p.m. for the open meeting in Council Chambers, 22 Civic Center Plaza.

City Council meetings are held on the first and third Tuesdays of each month, with the closed session beginning at 5 p.m. or earlier. The open meeting session begins at 5:30 p.m. Meetings have both in-person and virtual participation and attendance and are live-streamed onthe City's YouTube channel and our TV channel, CTV3 (channel 3 on Spectrum.) If you'd like to provide public comments on agenda and non-agenda items, you can email, attend in person, or join the Zoom webinar online or by phone. Subscribe here to receive City meeting agenda notifications.

May 5, 2026 Meeting Agenda: https://www.santa-ana.org/cc/city-meetings

Highlights from the Santa Ana City Council's April 21, 2026, meeting:

• The City Council approved an agreement with Discovery Science Center of Orange County for solid waste public education services from April 21 to Oct. 31, 2026. Through this program, Santa Ana residents receive free admission to the DiscoveryCube OC once a month to participate in customized educational programming.
• The City Council approved a $4.6 million construction contract with Doja, Inc. that covers multiple items related to the construction of a new park and a stormwater capture project at 10th and Flower streets. The one-acre neighborhood park will feature a restroom, playground, exercise equipment, skate park, basketball court and more.
• The City Council approved a $1 million construction contract with Onyx Paving Company, Inc. for road improvements at MacArthur Place, from First American Way to Columbine Avenue. In addition to other work, sections of failed asphalt and damaged concrete, sidewalk, curb ramps, curb and gutter, and driveway approaches will be replaced.
• The City Council approved a $4.6 million construction contract with All American Asphalt for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of industrial streets, including segments of Susan Street, Garry Avenue, Carriage Drive, Yale Street, Moore Avenue and Shannon Street. Work includes the removal and replacement of asphalt concrete pavement, pedestrian facility improvements that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and more.
• The City Council approved a $21 million construction contract with Los Angeles Engineering, Inc. for the construction of Warner Avenue Street improvements, from Oak Street to Grand Avenue. Work includes installing street lighting, landscaping, raised medians, sound walls, traffic signals, water and storm drain improvements, and more.
• The City Council held a public hearing on the Bella Terra Residential Community and Temple project at 4006, 4010, and 4018 W. Hazard Ave. The Council approved a conditional use permit and tentative tract map for the project, and adopted the first reading of an ordinance approving a zoning ordinance amendment.
• The City Council held a public hearing and approved the annual action plan and budgets for the 2026-27 fiscal year for the Community Development Block Grant, HOME Investment Partnerships Grant, and Emergency Solutions Grant for submission to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This $5.6 million in funding includes investments in parks, housing, libraries, homeless services, and $1.2 million in grants for 14 local nonprofits.

Events

Find more City of Santa Ana events on our website.

See the Parks and Recreation class catalogue here.

DTSA First Saturday Art Walk - May 2

Downtown Santa Ana's monthly Art Walk is back with an evening full of creativity, music, and community. Hosted by The Frida Cinema and sponsored by the City of Santa Ana, this community event brings together local artists, DJs, vendors, and interactive activities throughout the Artists Village and beyond. Join friends and neighbors for live art, outdoor vendors, live music, dancing under the stars, and over a dozen art galleries and studios featuring rotating exhibitions, performances, and more.

• Saturday, May 2
• 5-10 p.m.
• Downtown Santa Ana - Artists Village, Sycamore Street & Plaza Calle Cuatro

More information: https://dtsaartwalk.org/

Free Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Event - May 3

The City of Santa Ana Public Works Agency is sponsoring a free household hazardous waste collection this Sunday. The event is free to Santa Ana residents, and no appointment is required. This is a great opportunity for you to safely dispose of unwanted household chemicals that cannot be disposed of in the regular trash. For details on what items are acceptable to bring, click here.

• Sunday, May 3
• 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Saddleback High School, 2802 S. Flower St.

More information: https://www.santa-ana.org/event/free-household-hazardous-waste-drop-off-event-5_3_2026/

Free Cinco de Mayo Festival at Bowers Museum - May 3

Enjoy an early Cinco de Mayo celebration this weekend at Bowers Museum, as part of its monthly Free Family Festival series. Get creative with hands-on art projects like mini piñatas and paper animalitos, enjoy free face painting, and treat yourself to a delicious sampling of pan dulce. There will also be festive performances by Mariachi Kids and Relámpago del Cielo Grupo Folklórico.

• Sunday, May 3
• 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Bowers Museum, 2002 N. Main St.

More information: https://bowers.org/index.php/programs/family-programs/cinco-de-mayo

Decorate a Mother's Day Flower Bouquet - May 4-9

Visit the Delhi Library Branch on May 4-9 to decorate a flower bouquet for your mom or another special person in your life. Supplies will be provided. Head to the information desk to get started! Call 714-647-5358 for more information.

• Monday, May 4 - Saturday, May 9
• 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Delhi Community Center, 505 E. Central Ave.

Apostille Pop-Up Shop in Santa Ana - May 6

The California Secretary of State is hosting an Apostille Pop-Up Shop in partnership with the Orange County Clerk-Recorder's Office in Santa Ana. Need a document authenticated for use abroad? Looking to register a Domestic Partnership? Come by for same-day Apostille and Domestic Partnership registration services.

For questions, please email [email protected].

• Wednesday, May 6
• 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Orange County Clerk-Recorder's Office, 601 N. Ross St., Room 103

More information: www.sos.ca.gov/business-programs/popup-shops

Teen Leadership Committee: Mindful Making - May 7

The Delhi Library Branch's Teen Leadership Committee invites teens and their families to engage in calming activities to focus and unwind. Work on miniatures and mindful coloring.

• Thursday, May 7
• 4:30-5:30 p.m.
• Delhi Community Center, 505 E. Central Ave.

Mother's Day Celebrations at local Senior Centers - May 13

Join us in celebrating Mother's Day at the Santa Ana Senior Center and the Southwest Senior Center. Participants are invited to enjoy a warm and welcoming event with activities, refreshments, and time to connect with others. Participation is free and open to registered and active members of the senior center of their choice. To see how you can participate, please call: Santa Ana Senior Center: 714-647-6540; Southwest Senior Center: 714-647-5306.

• Wednesday, May 13
• 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Santa Ana Senior Center, 424 W. Third St.
• Southwest Senior Center, 2201 W. McFadden Ave.

Business Start-Up Workshop (English) - May 13

The City of Santa Ana's Economic Development Division regularly hosts Business Start-Up Workshops in both English and Spanish. Participants will learn about zoning, business licenses, certificates of occupancy, and more. For more information or questions, please contact (714) 647-5477 or [email protected]. Register here: https://forms.gle/n8GdPaGJ3ohdfbRHA.

• Wednesday, May 13
• 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
• Santa Ana City Hall (Room 1600), 20 Civic Center Plaza

Brew at the Zoo 2026 - May 16

This 21-and-up-only annual fundraiser includes: animal encounters, complimentary food tastings, food for purchase, plus zoo glass and unlimited beverage tasting at craft brewery stations throughout the zoo. General ticket: $75. Discounts available for early birds, Santa Ana residents, and Zoo members. Information: www.santaanazoo.org/brew2026/.

• Saturday, May 16
• 5-8 p.m.
• Santa Ana Zoo, 1801 E. Chestnut Ave.

Get Involved

Apply to serve on a Santa Ana board or commission

Are you looking for a volunteer opportunity and the ability to advise on City business? The City of Santa Ana is looking for passionate residents to serve on our Boards & Commissions! The City has current vacancies on multiple Boards, Commissions, and Committees. Submit an application today for consideration by the City Council: www.santa-ana.org/boards-and-commissions. Questions: [email protected].

Resources

Report issues with the mySantaAna app

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, graffiti, downed trees and much more. The new app is now fully functional in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.

Download the mySantaAna app

Immigration, Food and Community Resources

The City of Santa Ana provides a variety of resources and information about non-City services and programs to help the community.

Know Your Rights: Legal services and immigration information

Ayuda Sin Fronteras: Assistance for residents impacted by immigration enforcement

ImmDef Legal Services: The City of Santa Ana has a contract with Immigrant Defenders Law Center to help residents facing deportation.

Food Assistance: Santa Ana and Orange County food distributions and assistance programs

Community Resources: A variety of other programs and resources are available.

City Hall Friday and Holiday Closures

Santa Ana City Hall is open Monday through Thursday and every other Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. City Hall and non-essential City offices are closed on alternating Fridays, in addition to several observed holidays throughout the year.

See the holiday and closed Friday schedule

See our holiday street sweeping schedule

Who do I call at City Hall?

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

Utility services

• City utility services
• Southern California Edison: Call (800) 447-6620
• Southern California Gas: Call (800) 207-8567
• Trash pick-up: Call (657) 467-6220

Starting a small business?

• How to start a business in Santa Ana
• Home Occupation Permit

Apply to work for the City of Santa Ana

• Career opportunities
• Internship program