COSAS Newsletter: Oct. 31, 2025

This edition features highlights from Mayor Valerie Amezcua's 2025 State of the City address, recent public works and community updates and important holiday reminders. It also includes resources for residents affected by ICE actions, information on local recycling programs, and coverage of the Domestic Violence Awareness Month Vigil.

Subscribe to COSAS

Spotlight Photo

Spooktacular Open House at Jerome Center

Photo Credit: City staff

To submit your own original photo of Santa Ana to be featured in the next newsletter, complete this form.

City Manager's Highlights

State of the City 2025

Mayor Valerie Amezcua delivered the 2025 State of the City address on Wednesday, Oct. 29, sharing Santa Ana's progress, key accomplishments and vision for the future.

Hosted by the Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the City of Santa Ana, the event showcased major infrastructure improvements, community-driven initiatives and upcoming projects that will strengthen the city's economy and improve quality of life for residents.

Mayor Amezcua was joined by City Manager Alvaro Nuñez and members of the City's executive leadership team, who emphasized continued investment in public safety, economic development and neighborhood programs that reflect the City's commitment to inclusive growth and opportunity.

The full address is available to watch on the City's YouTube channel.

News

Immigration legal services and financial assistance, food pantries and other resources available

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.

The City Council directed the City Manager to continue the Ayuda Sin Fronteras (Help Without Borders) programwith at least an additional $100,000 in funding to provide financial assistance for residents who have been impacted by recent immigration enforcement operations. Call (714) 565-2655or visit the link below to learn more.

The City Council also approved funding for deportation legal defense servicesthrough the Immigrant Defenders Law Center (ImmDef). Santa Ana residents in need of assistance can contact ImmDef at (213) 634-0999or [email protected].

Due to the possible delay in federal SNAP food assistance, the City has compiled a list of local food assistance resources. Learn more about these and other City resources below.

Ayuda Sin Fronteras

Immigration Legal Defense

Know Your Rights

Food Assistance

Community Resources

ICE Detainee Locator

Recycle your used oil filter and get one for free

Through Nov. 30, residents can recycle used oil filters and receive a new one for free at participating auto parts stores in Santa Ana!

Bring used filters to O'Reilly Auto Parts (1312 W. Edinger Ave.) or AutoZone (2413 W. 17th St). Each household may receive up to two replacement filters of equal value, up to $15 each.

City completes NE Annexation Water and Sewer Main Improvements Project

Our Public Works Agency has completed the NE Annexation Water and Sewer Main Improvements Project on 17th Street, Deodar Street, Medford Avenue and Pasadena Street.

The project included 2,250 feet of new water main to improve service, 660 feet of new sewer main with resident connections and 69,000 square feet of pavement repair in residential areas. We're proud to provide these services to Santa Ana's newest residents who were annexed into the city from unincorporated county areas.

These upgrades will provide more reliable water and sewer service for the community.

Learn more

Downtown street closures planned Oct. 31-Nov. 2 for special events

Several streets in Downtown Santa Ana will be closed this weekend, Oct. 31 to Nov. 2, for Día de los Muertos and other events. Drivers should expect road closures on Third, Fourth and Fifth streets and plan for extra travel time.

Find street closures here

Vote centers open for the November 4 statewide special election

The statewide special election is Tuesday, Nov. 4, and vote centers are open now. Find your local polling location in Santa Ana at ocvote.gov/elections/vote-center-locationsor drop off a Vote-By-Mail ballot at a drop box or Vote Center in the county by 8 p.m on Nov. 4 to ensure that your vote counts and your voice is heard.

Daylight Savings Time reminder

Don't forget to set your clocks back one hour this weekend! Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, Nov. 2, at 2 a.m. This is also a great time to check and replace the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to help keep your household safe.

City Hall closed for Veterans Day

Santa Ana City Hall, libraries and community centers will be closed Tuesday, Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day. There will be no street sweeping, but trash and recycling pickup will be on the regular schedule.

Learn more

Tales of the City

Domestic Violence Awareness Month Vigil

The Santa Ana Police Department, in partnership with Human Options, hosted a Walking Vigil on Thursday, Oct. 30, at Centennial Park to honor survivors and remember victims of domestic violence. The event brought the community together in solidarity during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, reinforcing Santa Ana's commitment to safety, compassion and support for all residents.

Participants joined City leaders, advocates and community members to raise awareness and stand united against relationship violence. Attendees carried candles along a pathway to read stories about domestic violence survivors, domestic violence statistics and resources. The evening served as a reminder that healing and justice begin with community connection and access to critical resources.

About the Santa Ana Family Justice Center

Established in January 2020, the SAFJC is a partnership between the Santa Ana Police Department and 17 social service organizations, offering survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, human trafficking and elder abuse a one-stop location for support, safety planning and legal assistance.

Recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice as a best practice model, the SAFJC continues to strengthen community trust and provide critical services to survivors.

If you or someone you know needs help, contact the Human Options 24/7 Hotline at 877-854-3594or visit humanoptions.org/DVAM2025.

Learn more about the Santa Ana Family Justice Center at santa-ana.org/family-justice-center.

City Council Meetings

The next regular Santa Ana City Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 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 channeland 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 hereto receive City meeting agenda notifications.

Nov. 4 Meeting Agenda

Events

Find more City of Santa Ana events on our website.

DTSA ArtWalk and Viva la Vida - November 1

Celebrate art, culture and community at the special Día de Muertos Edition of the Downtown Santa Ana Art Walk in partnership with Viva la Vida. This vibrant event will feature live music, local art, family activities and cultural traditions honoring life and remembrance. The event is 2-10 p.m. at several downtown locations. The City of Santa Ana is proud to be a sponsor.

Main Stage Performances at Plaza Calle Cuatro

Enjoy performances by My Machete, El Haru-Kuroi, Joamber, Mewtone, Showtime Dance, and DJ Ricky Baby, along with guest DJs Motown Mami, Nativo and Laura G featuring Saint City Session.

Viva La Vida Día de los Muertos Festival

Experience community altars, artisan vendors and cultural performances along Sycamore and 2nd Street and Artist Village.

Small Shop Saturday

Browse more than 30 local artisan vendors offering art, handmade goods and creative treasures. Don't miss the Small Shop Saturday Pop-Up on 4th Street from 5 to 10 p.m.

Pumpkins with Purpose Composting Event - November 1

Give your Halloween pumpkin a second life! Don't toss your holiday pumpkins - compost them instead! ️Visit Discovery Cube Orange County on Saturday, Nov. 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the annual Pumpkins with Purpose composting event. Sponsored by the City of Santa Ana.

Drop off your Halloween pumpkin at Discovery Cube's satellite parking lot and receive a free child admission coupon, valid with the purchase of a regularly priced adult ticket.

Scan the QR code or call (714) 542-2823for more details.

Noche de Altares - November 1

A family friendly celebration of arts, culture and Day of the Dead in Downtown Santa Ana, organized by Centro Cultural de Mexico. Enjoy music and artistic performance, altar displays, food vendors and artisans. The event takes place Saturday, Nov. 1, from 12 to 10 p.m. on 4th Street between Ross Street and Broadway. The City of Santa Ana is proud to be a sponsor of this event.

Learn more

Día de los Muertos: Magic of the Altars celebration - November 1

Celebrate life and honor the past at the third annual Día de los Muertos: Magic of the Altars event at Roosevelt-Walker Community Center. This vibrant celebration will feature color, culture and remembrance, with activities including face painting, art-making, a community commemoration altar and more.

The event will take place on Saturday, Nov. 1, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Roosevelt-Walker Community Center, 816 E. Chestnut Ave.

This event is made possible through the generous support of annual title-level partners, the Anaheim Ducks and Project Kinship.

Learn more and RSVP here.

Centennial Park Improvements Groundbreaking Ceremony - November 5

Join the City of Santa Ana for a groundbreaking ceremony for several new investments in Centennial Park. These improvements include restoration of the lake with a lakeside event area, a new walking trail connecting to the Santa Ana River, picnic and open play spaces, new lighting throughout the park, Santa Ana's first dog park and a state-of-the-art police training facility nearby.

The groundbreaking ceremony will take place 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5, at the dog park project site at the south end of Centennial Park, 3000 W. Edinger Ave.

Business Startup Workshops in English and Spanish - November 12 and 19

The City of Santa Ana's Economic Development Division invites you to attend its monthly Business Start-Up Workshops at City Hall (20 Civic Center Plaza, Room 1600). These free sessions are designed to help anyone interested in starting a new business or expanding an existing one in Santa Ana.

The English-language workshop will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 12, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Participants will learn about available City resources, permitting and support for entrepreneurs and will have the opportunity to ask questions directly to City staff.

The Spanish-language workshop, "Taller Lanza Tu Negocio," will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 19, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This session will cover essential steps and techniques to help new entrepreneurs launch or grow their businesses including licensing, permits, business types and best practices for success.

Both workshops are free and open to the community.

Register online to secure your spot.

• Call the Business Hotline at (714) 647-5477 or email [email protected].
• For Spanish-language inquiries, contact Fernando Chavarría at (714) 647-5530.

Virtual Lunch & Learn about turf watering ban - November 13

California's new water conservation law, AB 1572, will ban the use of potable (drinking) water to irrigate non-functional turf - decorative grass not used for recreation - at commercial, industrial, institutional, and HOA common-area properties. The phased ban begins in 2027, giving property owners time to prepare and plan for compliance.

Santa Ana's Water Resources Division invites property owners and managers to a free virtual Lunch & Learn on Nov. 13, 12-1 p.m., hosted by CalWEP and SoCalGas to learn about AB 1572. Topics include identifying non-functional turf, understanding compliance timelines, exploring available rebates, and transforming landscapes for beauty, savings, and sustainability.

Register for Lunch & Learn

Bulky Item Drop-Off Day - November 15

The City of Santa Ana's Public Works Agency, in partnership with Republic Services, will host its fourth quarterly bulky item drop-off day on Saturday, Nov. 15, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The free event allows Santa Ana residents to properly dispose of items such as furniture, mattresses, carpets and non-donatable clothes, bedding, books and toys. No appointment is necessary, but proof of residency is required.

The event will end by noon or earlier if capacity is reached. Items not accepted include hazardous waste (paints, oils, chemicals, pesticides and batteries), construction materials (concrete, dirt, rocks, brick and asphalt), tires, refrigerators, freezers and air conditioning units.

For more information, call 714-647-411 or visit santa-ana.org/trash-recycling.

Turkey Bowl Tournament - November 22

Get ready for the second annual adult kickball Turkey Bowl tournament hosted by the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Agency! Happening on Saturday, Nov. 22, at Jerome Park (2115 W. McFadden Ave.) from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Bring your coworkers, friends and family for a day packed with fun, and Thanksgiving cheer! The tournament is open to all participants ages 18 and up and is a great way to stay active this holiday season.

• Registration is now open through Nov. 9.
• $300 per team or as low as $20 for a full team of 15 players.
• Trophies, prizes for 1st and 2nd place and most creative uniform will be awarded.

To participate and register, sign up at tinyurl.com/SATurkeyBowl2.

Plaza Navideña Tree Lighting - November 22

Celebrate the start of the holiday season in the heart of Downtown Santa Ana! Plaza Navideña will take place 5-8 p.m. at Plaza Calle Cuatro, 325 E. 4th St.

This free, family-friendly event will feature live entertainment, arts and crafts, photo opportunities with Santa and a festive tree-lighting ceremony. Enjoy an evening of community spirit while supporting local businesses and kicking off the holidays with neighbors, friends and family.

Community Performer Applications:

Applications are open through Nov. 7 at 5 p.m. Groups and individuals are invited to apply to perform and showcase their talent during the celebration. Performances are voluntary, 20 to 30 minutes long, and will be selected by City staff.

Apply here

For more information, please visit: santa-ana.org/plaza-navidena.

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

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