City of Santa Ana, CA
11/13/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/13/2025 16:19
Ward 5 Newsletter: November 2025
Dear Ward 5 neighbors,
I hope you all enjoyed the Halloween season and the festivities that came with it. My office and I participated in a few Trunk or Treats in the Willard Neighborhood and Artesia Pilar. We also set up an ofrenda during our annual Noche de Altares celebration. These were incredibly fun and heartwarming events to take part in and I'm grateful that in the face of adversity our community is facing, we still find ways as Santaneros to come together in celebration.
In this newsletter, I want to share some resources on how to plug in to local groups doing wonderful work for our immigrant community. If you haven't done so yet, I urge you to get connected with local groups such as your neighborhood associations, the OC Rapid Response Network, or Defensa Santa Ana to stay informed on ongoing ICE activities within our city. There are many ways to get involved, whether out in the community or at home.
The OC Rapid Response Network provides training on how to ICE watch safely and gather all the information needed to report on ICE activities. Keep an eye out on their social media page for upcoming training dates. If you happen to spot ICE in your neighborhood, follow the acronym S.A.L.U.T.E. when you make a report.
Size/Strength - number of officers seen
Actions/Activity - are they conducting a raid or targeted arrest? Was anyone detained? If so, how many?
Location and direction - address
Uniform/Clothes - are they wearing anything visible that identifies them as ICE, DHS, or homeland security? What color uniforms were they wearing? What vehicles were they driving?
Time and date - example: October 21, 8:52am
Equipment and weapons
Please do not share an ICE sighting unless it is CONFIRMED; we do not want to spread misinformation or fear.
Another way to get involved on the ground is through LUCHA (Laborers United in Community Healing and Action) hubs at local Home Depots. The LUCHA hubs are in place to protect day laborers (jornaleros) in their search for work and are a great network of frontline patrollers watching ICE everyday. You can search your local LUCHA hub by city and join their watch teams!
If your schedule is busy, there are equally powerful ways to protect your neighbors other than patrolling. Donating to organizations like OCRRN and LUCHA goes a long way to help them continue their work. Also, choosing to buy from undocumented vendors helps them provide for themselves and their families, like from flower vendors or your local paletero.
Any way you choose, these actions can make a world of difference for your undocumented neighbors. As the holiday season continues, we need to look out for one another and come together in every way we can.
In solidarity,
Johnathan Ryan Hernandez
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Community News
Sariñana's La Jefa's Birthday Celebration
On the 21st of September, we celebrated the birthday of Teresa Nieves, the owner of Sarinana's Tamale Factory and the heart of the business. Classic cars took over the Sarinana's parking lot and neighbors came out to enjoy good food, music, and community. My office invited Mariachi Folklore to perform and they did a wonderful job singing Mexican classics and keeping the spirit festive. If you're ever in Artesia Pilar, come down to Sarinana's for a taste of tradition and community!
Sarinana's Tamale Factory
Roots on the Block
The first-ever Roots on the Block event took place at Jerome Community Center on September 27, hosted by the Orange County Heritage Council and attended by local vendors, businesses, and my office. We had our booth set up and shared City of Santa Ana resources such as rental assistance, Know Your Rights flyers, and local Southwest Community Center information for all attendees. This event was a wonderful reminder of Black and Brown solidarity and I'm honored my office was involved. I was also given the chance to spin some vinyls and meet a local musical group, Don Sleven!
Follow the Orange County Heritage Council for future events.
The Cambodian Family 45th Anniversary
My Council Aide Krystal Gallegos attended the Cambodian Family's 45th Anniversary Gala and enjoyed the wonderful community and festivities. The gala celebrated the array of programs and services the Cambodian Family offers to our Santa Ana community, including youth programming for mental health, drug use awareness, and ESL classes. The gala included a wonderful performance of "The Blessing Dance" by Sariah Sum of the Modern Apsara Company, and honored Orange County Supervisor Sarmiento with the Angkor Leadership Award.
Check out the Cambodian Family for their resources!
First Ever Willard Neighborhood Association Trunk or Treat
The Willard Neighborhood Association hosted their first annual Trunk or Treat at Willard Intermediate and brought out the entire Willard community! I sponsored this event and am always happy to see programming like this that brings youth and families out in the neighborhood. My office also coordinated with the Water Resources Division and the Santa Ana Public Library to connect residents with resources. The night was filled with treats, tricks, and community spirit and I'm happy we could take part in this event!
Follow the Willard Neighborhood Association to see their calendar of events.
Connecting with Youth: School visits in Ward 5
In late October, I spoke to 3rd graders at Orange County Educational Arts Academy about how our local Santa Ana government runs and what my role as a Councilmember includes. I was happy to share with these young students my responsibilities and favorite parts of being a councilmember, such as representing our beautiful city and advocating for affordable housing and educational resources. It was wonderful to see the level of engagement in the class and I'm incredibly grateful I could speak on the importance of being engaged in local politics. Thank you, Mike Limon and Ms. Campuzano for inviting me!
Additionally, that same week I visited Vista Heritage Global Academy where I had the privilege to share my favorite Santa Ana landmarks with their 4th grade classes. It was really awesome to hear the students' own personal favorite spots in Santa Ana, such as El Toro Carniceria, the Santa Ana Stadium, and MainPlace Mall. I also got to share some lesser known landmarks such as the Alex Odeh statue and the Yost Theater. Huge thank you for leadership at Vista Heritage Global Academy for inviting me and I hope to visit again soon!
Almas y Altares with The Main Cave
In conjunction with Noche de Altares, we hosted a booth outside of The Main Cave Barbershop where my team and I put together an ofrenda with photos of our dearly missed loved ones. I brought some personal effects to give the ofrenda a personal touch and I was incredibly pleased with the altar we put together and shared with the community. We were also joined by local business Angel's Flowers and local community groups, LUCHA Santa Ana and the Anaheim Free Bodega who gave out ICE watching materials and mutual aid resources. Overall, I hope everyone had an enjoyable evening and got a chance to see the beautiful altars all around la Calle Cuatro!
Upcoming Events & Meetings
11/13 - Funding Our Future: The Economics of Youth Investment
We are so pleased to have you join us at Mayor Pro Tem's Vazquez's first research presentation and youth panel titled: "Funding Our Future: The Economics of Youth Investment."
Our office is excited to bring this presentation and discussion forward to impactful community members of Santa Ana who work directly with our youth and those involved in decisions shaping their future.
At this event, you can expect:
- A presentation highlighting youth investment programs and their impact on local crime rates.
- A youth panel featuring representatives from Project Kinship, KidWORKS, VietRise, and more!
- A Q&A session followed by closing comments.
Please RSVP here to save your spot!
11/13 - Artesia Pilar Neighborhood Association Meeting
The community is welcome to attend the Artesia Pilar Neighborhood Association meeting on Thursday, November 13, at 6:30 pm at El Salvador Community Center.
11/15 - Quarterly Bulky Items Drop-off Day
Our Public Works Agency, in partnership with Republic Services, will host the quarterly bulky item drop-off day. 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.
- Saturday, November 15
- 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
- Memorial Park, 2102 S. Flower St.
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 visitsanta-ana.org/trash-recycling.
11/15 - Sister City Mural Unveiling
The City of Santa Ana and the City of Sahuayo, Michoacan, Mexico, invite the community to the unveiling of our new Sister City Mural at Plaza Calle Cuatro in downtown Santa Ana. Artists from Santa Ana and Sahuayo collaborated to create a mural that celebrates blending cultural traditions and shared stories such as themes of heritage, migration and community unity. The event will feature performances from Sahuayo and dignitaries from both cities.
- Saturday, November 15
- 12-2 p.m.
- Plaza Calle Cuatro, 325 E. 4th St.
11/22 - OCRRN ICE Verification Training and CLUE Non-Violence Workshop
Two training workshops in one day! If you want to mobilize for your community, learn from the pros at OCRRN and CLUE who are on the ground working to defend our immigrant neighbors everyday. On Saturday, November 22, consider attending this set of workshops if you wish to feel empowered and informed while protecting your community.
Check out the QR code or the OCRRN Instagram page to RSVP!
11/22 - IMMORTAL TECHNIQUE
A multigenre showcase of high caliber emerging talent on Saturday, November 22, at 5 p.m.. Join us for a night of crafted beverages, vendors, & music in Orange County. Live music and sets by Immortal Technique, Poison Pen, DJ Static, and Sage One the Wise and Friends, along with local talented artists all under the same roof at La Santa OC.
Find tickets here.
11/22 - Plaza Navideña Tree Lighting Ceremony
Join us in celebrating the start of the holiday season and supporting local businesses, as we light a tree right in the heart of downtown Santa Ana.
- Saturday, November 22
- 5-8 p.m.
- Plaza Calle Cuatro, 325 E. Fourth St.
For more information, visit https://www.santa-ana.org/plaza-navidena/
11/25 - Thanksgiving Celebration at Southwest Community Center
You're invited to our annual Thanksgiving Celebration on Tuesday, November 25, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Southwest Community Center! Santa Ana Redd's will be cooking up a warm meal and we'll come together in community to support each other. First come, first serve, and we look forward to seeing you!
12/13 - SAVE THE DATE: La Posada Celebration by Artesia Pilar Neighborhood Association
The Artesia Pilar Neighborhood Association will be hosting their annual La Posada Celebration at El Salvador Park on Saturday, December 13. This celebration is a tradition of the neighborhood and includes caroling, music, warm food and drink shared between neighbors. Save the date and check out the Artesia Pilar Neighborhood Association's social media pages for more details!
12/20 - Garry Templeton Christmas Senior Luncheon
The Orange County Heritage Council will be hosting their Garry Templeton Christmas Senior Luncheon this December 20th at Southwest Senior Center. I'm excited to support this yearly tradition for our elders. Come through for good food, music, and holiday cheer!
Please RSVP at [email protected]
City of Santa Ana Resources
Local Food Assistance Programs
Due to the ongoing government shutdown, many families around the country are struggling from limited food resources as SNAP benefits may be cut. To fill this gap, please know we have many great organizations in Santa Ana filling the gap with food pantries, drive through food distribution, and walk-up distribution options. Please consider going to one of these sites if you and your family are facing difficulties and need additional food resources as the holidays approach.
If you or someone you know needs such assistance, visit santa-ana.org/foodfor more information.
Ayuda Sin Fronteras Immigration Fund Now Available on City Website!
At the City of Santa Ana, we understand that the current federal immigration enforcement activity in our community is creating fear and uncertainty. We are committed to empowering every resident with the tools they need to support themselves and their families. That's why I'm happy to share our immigration fund program, Ayuda Sin Fronteras, which is now active on the COSA website.
On July 1, 2025, the City Council unanimously approved an emergency housing assistance program for Santa Ana families impacted by immigration enforcement. The program uses local funds from the City's events budget; $100,000 has been set-aside for this program.
We offer emergency housing assistance grants for families that have been impacted by immigration enforcement (ICE/CBP/Border Patrol) activity. We offer up to one month's worth of housing expenses to help with past due rent and utility bills.
If you or someone you know needs such assistance, please direct them to the website to submit!
Access the Ayuda Sin Fronteras page here!
Need help with an ongoing problem? Report it on the mySantaAna app!
Download the mySantaAna app
Free Santa Ana Days
Resident Days at the 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
Finding Art Near You
Everyone should be able to create and be creative in their own way. Below are a few Santa Ana resources for art and arts education:
- Orange County Children's Therapeutic Arts Center
- Media Arts Santa Ana (MASA)
- The Wooden Floor
- The Academy of Dance
- Segerstrom Center for the Arts
- Arts and Learning Conservatory
City of Santa Ana, CA published this content on November 13, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on November 13, 2025 at 22:19 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]