Ward 2 Newsletter: April 2026

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Dear Santaneros,

March was a time of reflection and celebration as we honored Women's History Month, recognizing the dedication, resilience, and achievements of our local Valley girls' basketball and volleyball teams. Their hard work not only brought success on the court but also created lasting, historic moments for our school community. Congratulations to both teams on their remarkable achievements and commitment.

March also marked my second Books & Café at LibroMobile, and I am truly grateful to everyone who took the time to stop by and have a conversation with me. I deeply value your willingness to build partnerships, strengthen relationships, and foster trust so we can keep Ward 2 united and strong. If you're interested in activating your neighborhood, have questions, or want to address concerns, I encourage you to come meet with me. These gatherings are a chance to share ideas, collaborate, and even take the lead on initiatives like dumpster clean-ups or forming a neighborhood association - making a tangible difference in our community.

At the heart of this work is a continued commitment to fostering stronger relationships with our constituents and creating meaningful opportunities to connect. I am grateful for the time and partnership with the hardworking communities in Ward 2, including Heninger Park, Pico-Lowell, and Pacific Park, and I'm inspired by Central City neighbors coming together with my staff to organize clean-ups. I look forward to strengthening these connections and using this energy to engage more neighborhoods across Ward 2, including Mid-City, Casa Bonita, and New Horizons so together we can build a more connected and thriving community.

In Solidarity,

Councilmember Vazquez

Ward 2

Read my Bio

Learn More about Ward 2 & City

Proclamation: Valley Girls Basketball

I am a proud teacher and Valley alum, honored to recognize Valley Girls Basketball in celebration of Women's History Month. Today, we celebrate not only the trailblazers who paved the way for women in sports, but also the young athletes who are making history right here in our community.

This Valley High School basketball team has marked its first league championship in eight years - a true testament to perseverance, teamwork, and unwavering dedication. For the first time in two decades, the team has gone undefeated in league play, an extraordinary accomplishment that reflects their discipline and competitive spirit. Even more impressive, they advanced to the second round of CIF competition for the first time in over 20 years, proving their success extends far beyond league play.

These milestones are more than just statistics-they represent barriers broken, standards raised, and a new legacy being built. That is exactly what Women's History Month is about: honoring progress, resilience, and the continued pursuit of excellence.

I am incredibly proud of these student-athletes for making history and inspiring the next generation of young women leaders.

Proclamation: Valley Girls Volleyball

As we continue to celebrate Women's History Month, we honor the young athletes in our community. I am proud to recognize the Valley Girls Volleyball team for their remarkable achievements.

This team captured the Orange Coast League Championship in 2025, adding to their previous titles in 2022 and 2023. These victories represent the only three league championships in the program's history, marking a significant milestone for the school.

Special recognition goes to Sophia Guzman, Jackie Gill, and Daniela Samosa, who were part of two championship teams in 2023 and 2025. Their leadership, dedication, and commitment exemplify the strength and power of women in sports. Their experience has been instrumental in guiding the team to continued success.

This year, the team also advanced to the CIF quarterfinals, showcasing their competitiveness and resilience.

During Women's History Month, we celebrate these young athletes for setting records and inspiring future generations - both at Valley and throughout the community.

Books Y Cafe w/Councilmember Vazquez

March marked my second Books & Café at LibroMobile, and I am truly grateful to everyone who took the time to stop by and have a conversation with me. I deeply value your willingness to build partnerships, strengthen relationships, and foster trust so we can work together to keep Ward 2 united and strong. The more our constituents engage, the more connections are made, ideas are shared, and opportunities to improve our neighborhoods arise. With each event, my goal is to continue growing these conversations and expanding our community connections.

Taco Trucks at every Mosque

The Latino Muslim Unity (LMU) is a grassroots movement and nonprofit that unites latinos and muslims through community building and healing projects. Taco Trucks at every Mosque was created to be a space that brings and celebrates community unifying under common ground and learning from one another. Healing and fighting injustices facing both communities building partnership between "The Taco Truck At Every Corner," a halal meat market, a local Mosque and the local Latino and Muslim Communities to celebrate one another's identity and tradition in the holy month of Ramadan.

Taco trucks at every mosque

Santa Ana WORK Center: Who are we?

The Santa Ana WORK Center is committed to connecting you to services, resources and 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, and others to deliver a high quality product for you. A few of the services and resources include

Services

• Job Search Strategies -Highlight how job hunting will shift to the digital world. Covering the importance of optimizing resumes for automated tracking systems.
• Orientation -Provide information about programs, educational opportunities, tools, and resources to help your job search.
• Resume Building Workshops - Hands-on help to create strong, professional resumes, along with tips on cover letters, interviews, and job search strategies. Every first and third Thursday.
• Interview Workshop - Designed to help job seekers improve their interview skills. These sessions are part of the center's ongoing efforts to support individuals in their job search. Every first and third Thursday.
• Job Openings - What do you like to do? What are your skills? And how can you obtain and use those skills to get a better job? The WORK Center can help you answer those questions. Our staff is ready to assist and guide you through the entire job-seeking process to put you on the right career path.
• Business Start Up Workshops - Learn how to navigate zoning and use regulations, apply for a business license, secure a certificate of occupancy, and choose the right legal structure for your business. This workshop also connects you to valuable resources, tools, and support services to help you successfully launch and grow your business.
• Youth Services - The Youth Service Provider Network (YSPN) is a coalition of agencies serving Santa Ana youth ages 16-24, funded by the Department of Labor through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. We provide free, innovative programs that help youth transition into the workforce, with all services following nondiscriminatory and equal opportunity practices.

Resources

• Job Search Facilities -Free access to internet, fax machines, phones, copiers, and computers. Our computer labs include Word and Excel.
• Job Fairs - WORK Center events provide job seekers the opportunity to interact with employers and find their next career. Explore our events here and sign up for the next one.

Trainings

• On-The-Job-Training - Helps employers by reimbursing up to 50% of a trainee's hourly wage for up to 1,040 hours. Employers must provide participants with job opportunities that offer the knowledge and skills essential for successful job performance, along with appropriate guidance and supervision during the training period.
• Vocational Training - Get personalized support to discover your strengths, explore career options, and create a clear plan toward your next job or training opportunity. Access resources like job search assistance, scholarships, and support services to overcome barriers and succeed in high-growth industries.

AND SO MUCH MORE!

Santa Ana WORK Center

Open: Monday-Thursday and alternating Fridays | 8 AM-5 PM

Interested in what the WORK Center has to offer?

WORK Center Events

Rent Stabilization

Did you know that Santa Ana is the only city in Orange County that has rules in place to make sure rent increases are fair and that renters are treated fairly by landlords? Meet Santa Ana's Rent Stabilization Office - here to assist you with any concerns about rent increases, evictions, or other housing issues.

• What is Rent Control?

Your landlord can only raise your rent by a certain amount each year. The increase cannot be more than 3% of your current rent or 80% of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) change, whichever is less.

• What is Just Cause Ordinance

Your landlord must have a valid reason to evict you. It can be for not paying rent, breaking the lease, or if the landlord wants to move into the property themselves.

• Tenant Resources

The City of Santa Ana offers Tenant's Rights workshops to provide tenants with knowledge and discover how the Rent Stabilization Division can support you in maintaining your housing stability and security. This is your chance to empower yourself with essential knowledge and resources. Offered both in Spanish and English.

Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction

Workshop Dates

Business Licensing

Calling all entrepreneurs! The City of Santa Ana welcomes you to the business community. Need a business license? Here you will be guided through the business license process, including understanding the taxes or fees applicable to you. Apply in person at City Hall or online via E-mail.

Regular Operating Hours

Monday-Thursday 7:30 AM-5:30 PM

Alternating Fridays 8 AM-5 PM

Apply in Person at City Hall

Visit the Business License Tax Section, located on the 1st floor of Santa Ana City Hall

Hours:Monday-Friday 8 AM-5 PM

Location:20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, 92701

Apply Online Via Email

To apply online via e-mail, see the link below.

Business Licenses

Revamping Parking Permits - We need your input!

Residential Parking Study: We are revamping the permit-parking program and are seeking your input, comments and suggestions that will define the new Residential Permit Parking Program for years to come. The citywide permit parking program is intended to provide balanced parking to support residents' quality of life, visitors, businesses and commuters.

Parking Survey (English)

Parking Survey (Spanish)

Parking Survey (Vietnamese)

Community Free Days for Santa Ana Residents

Enjoy these free local events and bring your friends and family to the fun!

April 19: Santa Ana Zoo Free Day for Residents

Santa Ana Public Library: Free State Park Passes

The sun is getting warmer and spring is upon us! Now is the perfect time to take yourself, your friends, or your family out for some fresh air and outdoor fun at California's beautiful state parks. Did you know the Santa Ana Public Library offers cardholders the opportunity to check out a California State Park Pass for free? This pass allows you to explore participating state parks without paying the day-use parking fee. It's a great way to enjoy nature, go for a hike, have a picnic, or simply spend time outdoors while discovering the incredible parks our state has to offer. Stop by your local library to learn more about checking out a pass and start planning your next outdoor adventure!

California State Library Park Pass

Santa Ana Public Library

SAUSD Food Distribution

Santa Ana Unified School District's FACE program offers free food distributions throughout the month.

FACE Food Resources

Community Food Pantries

Support your community in donating goods or if you need any groceries your community is here for you! Below you can find a small list of local food pantries.

Collectiveaidoc- The Collective Aid OC has two food pantries in Santa Ana for community members to access.

#1 La Colema- 1902 W. Walnut St., Santa Ana, CA 92703

#2 Libro Mobile- 1150 S. Bristol St. A3, Santa Ana, CA 92704

Serve The People- Serve The People offers a bi-weekly food pantry. In addition to food items, Serve The People also offers free articles of clothing, shoes, baby food, diapers, feminine hygiene products, educational supplies, toiletries, and other household products, all subject to availability. See below for the 2026 Food Pantry Schedule.

2-1-1 OC

Find a local Food Pantry: FoodPantryOCSearch

Tap in with your Neighborhood Association

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. Each Neighborhood Association has a president (elected in) that coordinates agenda related items for meetings, neighborhood clean up, essential drives and more. The purpose of the NA is for residents to meet, discuss local issues relevant to their neighborhood, stay informed about updates within the Santa Ana community and build a stronger partnership amongst your neighbors! NA meetings can consist of discussion of local issues relevant to your neighborhood and Santa Ana, City staff presentations on projects, and or residents' concerns.

Come connect and get involved with your local NA.

See if your neighborhood is active and connect with your Neighborhood Association:

Pico Lowell

Heninger Park

Pacific Park

Central City

Mid-City

Bella Vista

New Horizons

Community Priorities Survey

​Your opinion matters! Tell us which City services and programs are important to you by attending our community budget meetings and taking our Community Priorities Survey. Learn more about the 2026-27 fiscal year budget process here.

Community Budget Meetings

Community Priorities Survey

City of Santa Ana Employment Opportunities

The City of Santa Ana is an equal opportunity employer. We offer open opportunities for jobs within the city. You can now search and apply online by clicking on the job title you are interested in and clicking on the "Apply" link! Applications must be submitted online. No paper applications will be accepted. If you have a disability that would prevent you from applying online, please call (714) 647-5340 for further instructions.

To view open jobs and more information, please visit:

City of Santa Ana Employment Opportunities

City of Santa Ana Promotional Job Opportunities

The City of Santa Ana encourages and offers internal promotional opportunities to Santa Ana employees. If you are a current Santa Ana employee and are interested in growing in your position, check out promotional opportunities.

Promotional/Internal Opportunities

City of Santa Ana Internship Program

The City of Santa Ana offers an internship program to students to give them opportunities to gain real world experience working in local government, while attending college or graduate school. This program offers experiences to:

• Apply academic skills to various "real world" assignments within the city
• Attend quarterly workshops to improve professional skills
• Develop mentorships with department leadership
• Expand their knowledge on how Santa Ana delivers services to the community
• Network with other interns and City employees

Please note: Interns are typically recruited once a year or as needed. Be sure to check back later if there are no open recruitments at this time.

Intern Requirements

• Administrative intern
  • Current enrollment in college or university (freshman or sophomore level)

• Budget intern
  • Current enrollment in a Bachelor's degree program majoring in Accounting, Business, Finance, or
    Information Systems (junior or senior level)

• Engineering intern
  • Current enrollment in a community college or university engineering curriculum

• Management intern
  • Current enrollment in a Master's program

• Senior administrative intern
  • Current enrollment in a Bachelor's degree program (junior or senior level)

• Student Intern
  • Current enrollment in high school
  • Must be able to obtain a work permit

Maintaining Eligibility

In order to maintain eligibility for the internship program, all interns must submit the following to the human resources department after each semester:

• Proof of school enrollment
• Current GPA

Internship Program

Click here to apply!

Important Dates

• April 10 and April 24: City Hall regular Friday closures

Events & Meetings

City Meetings

• City Council Meeting: April 21
• Police Oversight Commission Meeting: April 9
• Youth Commission Regular Meeting: April 20
• Rental Housing Board: April 15
• Arts & Culture Commission Meeting: April 16
• Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission Meeting: April 23

View meeting agenda and minutes.

View meetings live on our Santa Ana YouTube Channel.

Neighborhood Association Meetings

• Communication Linkage Forum (Com-Link) General Meeting: April 23
• Heninger Park: April 15
  • Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
  • Location: Heninger Elementary School
    • 417 W. Walnut St.

Parks, Recreation and Community Services Agency Hiring Fair - April 9

Come explore opportunities at the City of Santa Ana's Park, Recreation & Community Services Agency (PRCSA) in-person hiring fair on Thursday, April 9! PRCSA is seeking innovative, enthusiastic and results oriented individuals for the following program sections:

• Aquatics
• Youth & teens
• Zoo

Take advantage of this opportunity to skip the application line and introduce yourself in person.

Attend, apply on-site, and get hired on the spot! Applicants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Learn more information and what forms of identification to bring.

Time:1:00 PM-5:30 PM

Location:Jerome Center and pool

726 S. Center St., Santa Ana

Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Agency hiring fair

2026 Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Agency hiring fairs

Quarterly Bulky Item Drop-Off Day: Jerome Park - April 11

It's time for spring cleaning! Missed your neighborhood cleanup or have bulky items to dump? The City of Santa Ana's Public Works Agency (PWA) is hosting their Quarterly Bulky Item Drop-Off Day. Dump unwanted bulky items such as furniture, mattresses, carpets, beddings, books, non-donatable clothes, or toys. Show up and line up early! Lines start an hour before open and bins fill up fast!

This event is free to Santa Ana residents, and no appointment is necessary. Proof of Santa Ana residency will be required.

Items NOT acceptedinclude but are not limited to hazardous waste, such as paints, oils, chemicals, pesticides, and batteries; concrete, dirt, rocks, brick, asphalt; tires, refrigerators, freezers, and AC units.

Time:9:00 AM-12:00 PM

Location:Jerome Park

2115 W. McFadden Ave., Santa Ana, California 92704

For more information, call (714) 647-5411 or visit the Neighborhood Cleanup Programfor the full 2026 Quarterly Bulky Item Drop-Off schedule.

Quarterly Bulky Item Drop-Off Day: Jerome Park

Quarterly Bulky Item Drop-Off Day: Bomo Koral Park - April 11

It's time for spring cleaning! Missed your neighborhood cleanup or have bulky items to dump? The City of Santa Ana's Public Works Agency (PWA) is hosting their Quarterly Bulky Item Drop-Off Day. Dump unwanted bulky items such as furniture, mattresses, carpets, beddings, books, non-donatable clothes, or toys. Show up and line up early! Lines start an hour before open and bins fill up fast!

This event is free to Santa Ana residents, and no appointment is necessary. Proof of Santa Ana residency will be required.

Items NOT acceptedinclude but are not limited to hazardous waste, such as paints, oils, chemicals, pesticides, and batteries; concrete, dirt, rocks, brick, asphalt; tires, refrigerators, freezers, and AC units.

Time: 9:00 AM-12:00 PM

Location:Bomo Koral Park

900 W. MacArthur Blvd., Santa Ana 92707

For more information, call (714) 647-5411 or visit the Neighborhood Cleanup Programfor the full 2026 Quarterly Bulky Item Drop-Off schedule.

Quarterly Bulky Item Drop-Off Day: Bomo Koral Park

AstounDRoboFun - April 11

Neurodivergent friends, come meet and interact with QT, Kebbi, and Milo - our ASD Robots! Our RoboFriends, Teen Mentors and staff are here to help participants learn and practice reading, socialization skills, and life skills. Join us to explore sensory toys and virtual technology in a supportive group setting.

Contact us at (714)647-5358 for more information.

AStounD Robo-Fun Time

STEAM Teens - April 14

Build your skills and explore Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math with hands-on activities! The Delhi Library Branch offers robotics, photography, craft beats, arts and craft projects.

Time:4:00 PM-5:00 PM

Location:Delhi Library Branch, 505 E. Central Ave., Santa Ana

• 4/14/26
• 4/21/26

Business Start-Up Workshop (Spanish) - April 15

Calling all aspiring business owners! Start your journey with a business start-up workshop hosted by the City of Santa Ana's Economic Development Division.

SPANISHWorkshops - held on the 3rd Wednesday of the following months from 11:00AM - 12:00 PM.

• 4/15/26
• 5/20/26
• 7/15/26
• 9/16/26
• 10/21/26

Time: 11:00 AM-12:00 PM

Location: Santa Ana City Hall

20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, 92701

1st Floor, Room 1600

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

Para mas información o preguntas, por favor comuníquese a (714) 647-5477 or [email protected]

Business Start Up Workshop (Spanish)

Community Tree Planting - April 18

April is a special time of year as we celebrate both Arbor Day and Earth Day, occasions that remind us of the importance of caring for our environment and investing in a greener future for our city.

Everyone is invited to join our community tree planting events taking place at parks across our city. This is a wonderful opportunity to come together as neighbors, give back to our community, and help grow our urban forest, which already includes more than 60,000 trees.

Join us on the morning of Saturday, April 18, at one of seven park sites.

Find Community Tree Planting times and locations here.

Rent Stabilization Division: Tenant's Rights (Spanish) - April 20

The City of Santa Ana recognizes the importance of tenant's rights and your protection of keeping our families safe in their homes. Join the Tenant's Rights workshop offering support in maintaining housing stability and security. Empower yourself with essential knowledge and resources.

Time:9:00-10:30 AM

Click on this Zoom link to join.

Meeting ID:955 2751 7796
Passcode:683932

Rent Stabilization Division: Tenant's Rights (English) - April 20

The City of Santa Ana recognizes the importance of tenant's rights and your protection of keeping our families safe in their homes. Join the Tenant's Rights workshop offering support in maintaining housing stability and security. Empower yourself with essential knowledge and resources.

Time:5:00-6:30 PM

Click on this Zoom link to join.

Meeting ID:955 2751 7796
Passcode: 683932

Free compost giveaway and paper shredding event for Santa Ana residents - April 25

Free compost giveaway and paper shredding event for Santa Ana residents! Thank you to our City of Santa Ana Public Works Agency for hosting this event for our community.

Proof of Santa Ana residency is required (California driver's license, water on utility bill).

Not for commercial use, please see guidelines below.

Time:7:00 AM-12:00 PM

Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026

Location: Centennial Park

3000 W. Edinger Ave., Santa Ana

For free compost giveaway

• Bring your buckets or reusable plastic containers to collect up to 80 gallons of garden compost.
• Compost will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, while the supply lasts.
• Please keep in mind that you will need to carry filled containers and load them into your vehicle.
• Republic Services staff will answer questions about the Santa Ana organic recycling services.
• Kitchen pails (two-gallon size) will be available for purchase from Republic Services.

For free on-site paper shredding

• Bring paper for safe and secure on-site shredding.
• Maximum of five boxes (10" x 12" x 15") of paper.
• Residents will be able to observe the materials being shredded.

For more information, please call our Trash and Recycling Hotline at (714) 647-5411 or click here.

Día de los Niños, Día de Los Libros - April 25

Join Santa Ana Public Library for an exciting day filled with activities and entertainment during the 18th annual Día de los Niños, Día de los Libros (Children's Day, Book Day) event.

Festivities include a book giveaway, train ride, face painting, and a meet-and-greet with the Cat in the Hat. In addition, Grammy-winning author and musician Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band will perform, and Diaz will present his book, "Paletero Man."

Join us on Saturday, April 25, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Plaza of the Sun (behind the Main Library), 26 Civic Center Plaza.

Día de los Niños, Día de los Libros

Free Local Events

Free Resident Days at Santa Ana Zoo• Third Sunday of each Month

Bowers Museum free Sundays• Santa Ana residents get in free each Sunday

Discovery Cube Waste Free Days• Santa Ana residents get free admission to the Discovery Cube on the first Tuesday of the month

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 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

Home Occupation Permit

Download mySantaAna App to Report Issues

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.

Download the mySantaAna App

USEFUL RESOURCES

Parking Tickets

Public Works

Neighborhood Initiatives

Utility Services

Schedule a bulky item pickup: Call Republic Servicesat (657) 467-6220

Police Non-Emergency Line: (714) 245-8665

Emergency Water Services: (714) 953-8026

Who Do I Call?