COSAS Newsletter: February 26, 2026

In the February 26, 2026, edition of COSAS (City of Santa Ana Stories), learn about community budget meetings, local artist grants, the My First Home mortgage assistance program, the Santa Ana Fun Run, and more City events, news and resources.

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ArtSPARKS campers create posters

Photo Credit: Connor K.

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City Manager's Highlights

Join our community budget meetings and share your thoughts on City spending

The City of Santa Ana is inviting residents, business owners and community members to participate in a series of community budget meetings to help shape funding priorities for the 2026-2027 City budget.

These workshops, hosted by our neighborhood associations and City commissions, are an opportunity for the public to provide input on how City resources should be allocated to best serve our community. Feedback gathered will help guide decisions on dedicating funding to public safety, parks, youth programs, infrastructure and other services.

Can't make it to an in-person meeting? You can also share your thoughts on priorities for City spending by taking the Community Priorities Survey online at www.santa-ana.org/budget.

Community Budget Meetings: https://www.santa-ana.org/community-budget-meetings/

Support Santa Ana eateries during OC Restaurant Week

Seventeen Santa Ana eateries are set to showcase their menus and cuisine to the public during Orange County Restaurant Week from March 8-14. Now in its 18th year, OC Restaurant Week is an opportunity for diners to explore new restaurants and sample prix fixe menus from 125 of the best restaurants across Orange County.

Participating Santa Ana locations will offer special Restaurant Week menus featuring everything from smash burgers to shabu shabu to Maine lobster ravioli. It's the perfect time to leave the cooking and dishes at home and support local businesses.

OC Restaurant Week: https://ocrestaurantweek.com/explore-santa-ana

News

Local artists can apply until March 23 for Investing in the Artist Grant Program

The City of Santa Ana's Arts & Culture Office has officially opened applications for the 2025-2026 Investing in the Artist Grant Program. A total of $180,000 is available to support qualified individual artists and nonprofit organizations that contribute to the city's vibrant creative community.

This year's theme, "Stories That Unite Us in Santa Ana," celebrates artistic projects that reflect the shared experiences, cultures and narratives that shape the community. The Investing in the Artist Grant Program plays a key role in advancing Santa Ana's cultural vitality by supporting innovative artistic work, fostering economic sustainability for creatives, and strengthening neighborhood engagement through the arts.

Applications are due by March 23, 2026.

Investing in the Artist Grant: https://www.santa-ana.org/investing-in-the-artist-grant-program-25-26/

My First Home downpayment assistance program reopens

The City of Santa Ana's My First Home 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.

Starting March 5, information sessions will be offered to provide more details to the community about program eligibility, the application process and frequently asked questions. Workshops are designed for prospective applicants, but lenders, real estate agents and community resources providing homeownership education to Santa Ana homebuyers are also welcome.

My First Home: santa-ana.org/my-first-home

My First Home information sessions: https://www.santa-ana.org/events/?filter_categories[]=My+First+Home

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's the Santa Ana Fun Run!

The City of Santa Ana invites the community to unleash their inner superhero at the annual Santa Ana Fun Run on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at Santa Ana Stadium, featuring a superhero theme. Participants can look forward to a 10K, 5K and kids dash. Space is limited, and registration is required.

Early bird registration runs through March 8, with general registration available March 9 to April 5. This year's event also includes a resource fair, food vendors, a beer garden for those 21 and older, and more. Let's get ready to run!

Register for Santa Ana Fun: www.santa-ana.org/fun-run

Environmental Justice Action Committee seeks two new members

The City of Santa Ana is seeking two new members to serve on the Environmental Justice Action Committee, which collaborates and provides guidance on the prioritization of environmental justice-related policies and actions referenced in the City's General Plan. These areas include community, land use, mobility, open space, conservation, safety and others.

The committee aims to develop ongoing community engagement for disadvantaged environmental justice communities and hosts quarterly roundtable meetings with stakeholders to guide and evaluate implementation of environmental justice policies.

Applications are now being accepted from Santa Ana residents seeking to represent the West and Southwest geographic clusters on the committee for a two-year term.

Environmental Justice Action Committee: https://www.santa-ana.org/environmental-justice-action-committee

Nominations open for Hometown Heroes military banner program

The City of Santa Ana is proud to recognize Santa Ana's military heroes for their service through our Military Banner Program. Family members and loved ones may nominate an active duty service member from any branch of the military to be honored with a street banner with the service member's name and photo.

The banner will be prominently displayed on one of the City's streetlight poles along MacArthur Boulevard or Civic Center Drive.

Nominate for Hometown Heroes: https://www.santa-ana.org/hometown-heroes-military-banner-program/

Register children for Spring Camp at Garfield Community Center

With many local schools observing spring break the week of April 6, families looking for a safe, engaging and enriching way to keep their children active are invited to register for Spring Camp at the Garfield Community Center, 501 N. Lacy St.

Designed for kids ages 6-12 to make the most of the week off, Spring Camp offers a full schedule of organized games, creative activities and exciting surprises that keep campers moving, learning and having fun. Beyond the daily activities, the program provides children with the opportunity to build confidence, develop new skills, and form lasting friendships in a supportive environment led by experienced staff.

Spring Camp runs April 6-10 from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily. Cost is $115 for residents, $136 for non-residents.

Register for Spring Camp: https://www.santa-ana.org/garfield-community-center-spring-camp/

Kick off spring with Adult Co-Ed Kickball

The Santa Ana Parks, Recreation and Community Services Agency Athletics Team is gearing up for spring 2026 with another exciting season of Adult Co-Ed Kickball.

Registration is open through March 25 for the 18-and-older league, offering participants a fun and active way to stay fit while enjoying friendly competition. Teams will compete for the title of Santa Ana Kickball Champions during an eight-week season packed with energy and camaraderie.

Games will be played Wednesday evenings beginning at 6 p.m. at Carl Thornton Park, 1801 W. Segerstrom Ave. Team registration is $600 for a full roster of up to 15 players ($40 per player) and includes an eight-week regular season, guaranteed playoffs, official fees, and awards for first- and second-place teams.

Register for Adult Co-Ed Kickball: https://www.santa-ana.org/spring-adult-kickball-2026/

Tales of the City

Made in Santa Ana: Flame Broiler

The newest video in our Economic Development Division's "Made in Santa Ana" series highlights a Southern California staple, Flame Broiler. Headquartered in Santa Ana, the company operates 125 restaurant locations.

Follow along as company executives and family members behind the successful Flame Broiler chain talk about the company's history, evolution and many positive reasons for staying rooted in Santa Ana.

We're proud that Flame Broiler is one of 25,000 businesses, large and small, that call Santa Ana home!

City Council Meetings

Santa Ana City Council continues to strengthen tenant protections by banning anticompetitive rent-setting software

The Santa Ana City Council is taking another step to protect renters with a new ordinance banning rent-setting computer software that can artificially inflate rents.

The ordinance, approved on Tuesday, Feb. 17, for a first reading and set for a final vote on March 3, prohibits the sale, licensing, provision and use of certain algorithmic rent-setting software for residential rental properties. It addresses the growing use of algorithmic devices that set rental rates in the private housing market using nonpublic competitor data, including real-time rents, lease renewals and occupancy levels.

National analyses and federal lawsuits suggest that such algorithmic tools may contribute to double-digit rent increases, higher eviction rates and artificial housing scarcity. The City's review of local rental market conditions, along with findings from federal investigations and national research, indicates that algorithmic rent-setting tools pose a risk to housing affordability in Santa Ana.

Learn more in our press release: https://www.santa-ana.org/anticompetitive-rent-setting-software/

Santa Ana City Council approves land sale for community microfarm

The Santa Ana City Council has approved the sale of a lot on the west side of the city to be used as a community microfarm that will create jobs, encourage civic participation and bring more healthy, organic produce to the surrounding neighborhood.

The City Council on Tuesday, Feb. 17, authorized the City Manager to execute a purchase and sale agreement with THRIVE Santa Ana, Inc. for the sale of City-owned property at 1901 W. Walnut St. in the amount of $852,000. The fair market value of the property is $1.03 million, but the City Council accepted THRIVE's below-market value offer of $852,000, granting a $178,000 economic development subsidy to make up the difference. THRIVE will use state grant funds to acquire the property.

In 2020, the City Council approved a Disposition and Development Agreement (DDA) and a 99-year ground lease with THRIVE for the development and operation of a community microfarm on the property. THRIVE has developed a community microfarm on the property called La Colmena, featuring a regenerative farm, a café, artisan retail space, and gathering areas for markets and events. Operated under the principles of a community land trust, it promotes local food access, small business development and community engagement.

Per the sale agreement, THRIVE must continue to operate the property as a community microfarm for 30 years.

Learn more about THRIVE here and about La Colmena here.

March 3 City Council meeting

The next regular Santa Ana City Council meeting will take place on Feb. 17, 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 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.

Feb. 17, 2026, Meeting Agenda

Events

Find more City of Santa Ana events on our website.

See the Parks and Recreation class catalogue here.

Conquer the Canvas: Black History Month - February 28

Unleash your creativity at the library! From painting to textured art, our program offers the perfect mix of artistic exploration and community fun. Open to adults.

• Saturday, Feb. 28
• 1-2:30 p.m.
• Delhi Community Center, 505 E. Central Ave.

Bowers Museum Celtic Festival - March 1

Bowers Museum's monthly free family festival returns March 1 with crowd-favorite Irish band Craic in the Stone! Enjoy high-energy performances by the award-winning McNulty Irish Dancers, plus free family fun including art projects, face painting and complimentary Walker's Shortbread cookies. Wear a green hat for a chance to win a special Walker's Cookies prize! Learn more here.

• Sunday, March 1
• 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Bowers Museum, 2002 N. Main St.

My First Home Information Session - March 5

This information session introduces My First Home - a first-time homebuyer program for those looking to purchase a home in Santa Ana. The presentation includes information on eligibility, the application process, and frequently asked questions. Visit Civic Rec Access to register for the workshop.

• Thursday, March 5
• 6 to 7 p.m.
• Roosevelt Walker Community Center, 816 E. Chestnut Ave.

City of Santa Ana Anaheim Ducks Night - March 6

Calling all Santa Ana Anaheim Ducks fans! Get ready for an unforgettable night as the Ducks take on the Montreal Canadiens. Santa Ana residents have two ways to join the action: attend through the City's Teen Excursion Program or purchase discounted resident tickets. Click herefor details.

• Friday, March 6
• 4-9 p.m.
• Honda Center, 2695 E. Katella Ave.

The Man Behind the Cat in the Hat - March 6

Celebrate Read Across America Week with Ina, the Sunshine Storyteller, as she presents "The Man Behind the Cat in the Hat," a fun and engaging look at the life and stories of Dr. Seuss. Open to children and their families.

• Friday, March 6
• 4-5 p.m.
• Delhi Community Center, 505 E. Central Ave.

Family Fun Night - March 6

It's Family Fun Night at the Jerome Recreation Center. For a total of $20, families will create seasonally-themed arts and crafts and games together. Available to all ages, pre-registration is required.

• Friday, March 6
• 6-8 p.m.
• Jerome Center, 726 S. Center St.

Wilderness Club: Hagador Canyon - March 7

The Wilderness Club will host a two-part excursion to Hagador Canyon in partnership with OC Habitats. Transportation to and from the excursion will be provided from the Roosevelt Walker Community Center. To register, visit tinyurl.com/sawcmarch.

• Saturday, March 7
• 1:10-5:30 p.m.
• Roosevelt Walker Community Center, 816 E. Chestnut Ave.

DTSA Art Walk - March 7

Downtown Santa Ana's monthly Art Walk is back with an evening full of creativity, music, and community. Hosted by The Frida Cinema and the City of Santa Ana, this community event brings together local artists, DJs, vendors, and interactive activities throughout the Artists Village and beyond.

Enjoy live music from DJ Ricky Baby and guest DJs, art shows, pop-ups, and dancing in the streets while browsing over 30 local artisan vendors. Family-friendly activities include kids' art and coloring stations, plus special small-shop pop-ups along 4th Street.

• Saturday, March 7
• 5-10 p.m.
• Downtown Santa Ana - Artists Village, Sycamore Street & Plaza Calle Cuatro

DTSA ArtWalk

Garage and Yard Sale Weekend - March 7-8

Santa Ana residents can host garage and yard sales on Saturday, March 7, and Sunday, March 8, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Residential sales are permitted citywide during the first full weekend of March, June, September and December, and no permit is required.

Residents are reminded to follow all City rules and regulations, which can be found at the link below.

Garage and Yard Sale Rules

Business Start Up Workshop (English) - March 11

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. Register at: https://forms.gle/n8GdPaGJ3ohdfbRHA

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

AStounD Robo-Fun Time - March 14

Neurodivergent youth: Meet QT, Kebbi, and Milo, our ASD Robots! Come learn and practice reading, socialization skills, and life skills. Interact with our cast of robots as well as sensory toys and virtual technology in a group setting.

• Saturday, March 14
• 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• Delhi Community Center, 505 E. Central Ave.

St. Patrick's Day Celebrations for Seniors - March 17

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with games, dancing, giveaways and themed activities at the Santa Ana Senior Center and the Southwest Senior Center. Participation is free and open to registered and active members of the senior center of their choice.

• Tuesday, March 17
• 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Santa Ana Senior Center, 424 W. Third St.
• Southwest Senior Center, 2201 W. McFadden Ave.

Sister Cities Business Expo - March 27-29

Join us for the Sister Cities Santa Ana And Sahuayo Business Expo 2026, which bridges business opportunities between Santa Ana and our sister city Sahuayo in Michoacán, Mexico. Explore new international business ventures and connect directly with partners, clients and suppliers from Sahuayo.

• Friday, March 27, 12-5 p.m. (businesses only)
• Saturday, March 28, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Sunday, March 29, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Santa Ana Elks Lodge #794, 1751 S. Elk Ln.

Register for the Business Expo: https://www.santa-ana.org/sister-cities-santa-ana-and-sahuayo-business-expo-2026/

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