City of Santa Ana, CA

08/26/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/26/2026 18:13

COSAS Newsletter: August 26, 2026

In the Aug. 26, 2026, edition of COSAS (City of Santa Ana Stories) learn about the City's roadmap for the next five years through the new Strategic Plan and key takeaways from the 2026 State of the City address. We also cover exciting neighborhood updates like the Mabury Dog Park opening, along with important community resources including the new Public Works Helpline, SBA disaster loans, the latest allowable rent increase and where to find official voting information for the upcoming municipal election - plus more City events, news and resources.

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Spotlight Photo

Chicano Heritage Festival

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

Our Five-Year Strategic Plan

The City of Santa Ana's Five-Year Strategic Plan provides a roadmap for the City's priorities, investments and services over the next five years. Shaped by community input, the plan establishes a shared vision for Santa Ana and focuses on five key priorities:

  • Financial Stability
  • Community Safety
  • Modern Facilities and Infrastructure
  • Efficient City Services
  • Economic Diversification and Expansion

Each priority is supported by specific goals, initiatives and performance measures that will help guide City efforts, track progress and ensure resources are aligned with community needs.

Read the Five-Year Strategic Plan

Highlights from the 2026 State of the City

City Manager Alvaro Nuñez joined Mayor Valerie Amezcua and Chief of Police Robert Rodriguez at the 2026 State of the City on Aug. 6 for a panel discussion highlighting Santa Ana's progress and priorities for the future.

Together, they shared updates on major city initiatives, economic development, public safety, infrastructure improvements and ongoing investments aimed at enhancing quality of life throughout Santa Ana. The annual event, hosted in partnership with the Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce, brought together residents, business leaders, elected officials and community partners to reflect on the City's accomplishments and look ahead to what's next.

Photos from the event

News

Second Dog Park opens at Mabury Park

Santa Ana's second dog park is officially open! The City of Santa Ana celebrated the grand opening of the Mabury Park Dog Park on Aug. 8 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by community members, neighbors and City leaders, including City Manager Alvaro Nuñez.

The new dog park features separate fenced areas for small, medium and large dogs, shaded seating, new grass and irrigation, waste bag dispensers and a hydration station for both pets and their owners. The new amenity provides a safe, welcoming space for dogs to play and exercise while creating another place for neighbors to connect.

Photos from the event

New shade sails installed at Cabrillo Park Playground

The City of Santa Ana recently completed the installation of new shade sails at the Cabrillo Park playground, providing more relief from the sun and creating a more comfortable space for families and park visitors.

The project was completed in-house by Public Works Agency staff, showcasing their skill and teamwork while helping the City make efficient use of existing resources. The experience gained from the project can also help guide similar improvements at other parks in the future.

The new shade sails are part of the City's continued investment in welcoming, functional and well-maintained neighborhood parks.

Portola Park Splash Pad open weekends in September

The new Portola Park splash pad is shifting its schedule in September to weekends only, opening from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. The splash pad is open every day from June through August, and on weekends in May and September.

Santa Ana's first dedicated splash pad opened July 18, featuring 10 water elements, including sprays, jets and a large tipping bucket. The project also added shade structures, outdoor showers and renovated accessible restrooms.

Get answers with new Public Works Helpline

The City of Santa Ana now has a dedicated Public Works Helpline. Call 714-647-3380 if you have a question about a Public Works project, service, requirement or request.

The helpline is part of Public Works' ongoing effort to strengthen customer service and make it easier for residents, businesses, contractors and property owners to reach the right service, team or contact.

The mySantaAna app and online form remain important tools for reporting something at a specific location that city crews may need to inspect, repair, clean up or address. Residents should use these tools to report concerns such as graffiti, illegal dumping, potholes, sidewalk damage, streetlight outages, tree issues, weeds, rubbish or other maintenance needs.

By helping people choose the right option, the City can respond more efficiently and better serve the community.

Learn more

Extreme Heat Warning through Aug. 28; City cooling centers available

The National Weather Service issued an updated extreme heat warning this week, which is in effect through 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, for the Santa Ana Mountains and foothills.

Temperatures are expected to reach the mid- to upper 90s in inland Orange County. Extreme heat can increase the risk of heat-related illness, so residents are encouraged to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity and use city community centers, senior centers, pools or libraries to cool down.

Get updates on the National Weather Service heat advisory at NationalWeatherService.gov.

Santa Ana Cooling Centers

SBA Disaster Loans available for businesses impacted by Garden Grove hazmat incident

Santa Ana businesses that experienced economic impacts related to the Garden Grove hazmat incident may be eligible for disaster loan assistance through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

To help local businesses learn more about available assistance, the SBA is hosting a free information session on Sept. 2, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Salgado Recreation Center. RSVP Here.

Representatives will provide guidance on eligibility, the application process and available resources. Sessions will be presented in English, with Spanish and Vietnamese interpretation available.

Learn more

November 3 General Municipal Election ballot information available

Santa Ana voters will consider candidates for mayor and City Council Wards 2, 4 and 6, along with Measure N, in the Nov. 3 general municipal election.

Ballot drop boxes open Oct. 5, and vote centers open Oct. 24.

Learn more about candidates, Measure N and voting information: santa-ana.gov/elections.

Coastal Cleanup Day volunteers needed

Help keep Santa Ana clean during the 2026 Inner-Coastal Cleanup Day on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 9 a.m.-noon at Jerome Park, 2115 W. McFadden Ave.

Volunteers will help remove trash and debris from the Santa Ana Gardens flood control channel and surrounding park area before it can reach local waterways and the ocean.

To volunteer, contact Craig Foster at (714)-647-5659 or [email protected].

Allowable Rent Increase is 2.87% for Sept. 1 - Aug. 31, 2027

The City of Santa Ana has announced a 2.87% maximum allowable rent increase for applicable residential properties and mobile home spaces from Sept. 1-Aug. 31, 2027.

Under the City's Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance, rent may only be increased once within a 12-month period, and properties must meet registration and City housing requirements before an increase can take effect. Tenants must also receive written notice explaining their rights.

For more information, please contact the Rent Stabilization Division at (714)-667-2209 or [email protected].

Learn more about renter protections and view the ordinance in English, Spanish or Vietnamese.

Zoo Lane from 1st Street to Chestnut Avenue closed to through traffic Aug. 19 - Oct. 30.

Zoo Lane, between First Street and Chestnut Avenue, will be closed to through traffic through Oct. 30 for utility work related to a stormwater capture and diversion project at the Santa Ana Zoo.

Drivers should follow posted detours and use Lyon Street to access Chestnut Avenue from First Street. Visitors heading to the Santa Ana Zoo should use Chestnut Avenue. Access to apartments on Zoo Lane will remain open.

Learn more

City Hall closed, no street sweeping on Labor Day

Santa Ana City Hall, community centers, libraries and non-essential facilities will be closed on Monday, Sept. 7, in observance of Labor Day. There will be no street sweeping, and trash and recycling collection will be delayed by one day. Regular city services and office hours will resume on Tuesday, Sept. 8.

Holiday and Closure Schedule

Tales From the City

Celebration of Culture at Chicano Heritage Festival

Thank you to everyone who joined us at Centennial Park on Sunday to celebrate Chicano Heritage Month with an afternoon of family, music and culture.

The City of Santa Ana's fifth annual Chicano Heritage Festival provided an opportunity to honor the history and traditions that shape our community. The event featured a car cruise and show, food, local exhibitors and a kids zone.

Hosted by Becky Lou, the live entertainment lineup was headlined by Baby Bash. Other performers included Aalon, Diamond Ortiz, Funk Freaks, La Union and The McCharmlys.

More Chicano Heritage Festival photos

City Council Meetings

The Santa Ana City Council's next regular meeting will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026. The meeting agenda will be posted here one week in advance.

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 on the City's YouTube channel and our TV channel, CTV3 (channel 3 on Spectrum.)

Sept. 15 Meeting Agenda

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.

Highlights from the Santa Ana City Council's Aug. 4 meeting: Aug. 4 council wrap up

Events

Find more City of Santa Ana events on our website.

See the Parks and Recreation class catalogue here.

Our Culture/Nuestra Cultura: Celebrating Chicano Heritage at the Library - August 29

Celebrate Chicano history and culture on Saturday, Aug. 29, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Santa Ana History Room in the Delhi Library. This free, family-friendly event will feature cultural activities, an exhibit highlighting the history of the Delhi and Madison Park communities, giveaways and treats.

  • Saturday, Aug. 29
  • noon-2 p.m.
  • Delhi Library, 505 E. Central Ave.

More information

KCRW Summer Nights at Bowers Museum - August 29

Join Bowers Museum for their free, family-friendly KCRW Summer Nights! Enjoy live sets from KCRW DJs Chris Douridas & John Tejada, then step inside for after-hours access to the galleries.

More information

Discovery Cube Free Day for Residents - September 1

Santa Ana residents can enjoy free admission to Discovery Cube Orange County on Tuesday, Sept. 1, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Residents can receive up to four complimentary tickets with a valid government-issued photo ID showing a Santa Ana address.

More information

SBA Disaster Loan Information Session - September 2

Santa Ana businesses economically impacted by the Garden Grove hazmat incident may be eligible for disaster loan assistance through the U.S. Small Business Administration. Attend a free information session:

More information

Innovation Lab Demo: Cricut Machine - September 3

Join a short 30-minute demo to discover how you can unleash your creativity using our free, professional tools.

DTSA ArtWalk - September 5

Explore the arts in Downtown Santa Ana during the DTSA First Saturday ArtWalk on Sept. 5 from 5 p.m.-10 p.m. This free, all-ages event features live art and music, outdoor vendors, dancing, galleries, studios and rotating exhibitions throughout downtown.

  • Saturday, Sept. 5
  • 5-10 p.m.
  • Downtown Santa Ana

More information

Garage & Yard Sale Weekend - September 5 & 6

It's Garage & Yard Sale Weekend in Santa Ana! Residents can host residential garage and yard sales on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 5-6. Whether you're clearing out your home or searching for a great find, be sure to review the City's garage and yard sale guidelines before getting started. The dates are also listed on the City's 2026 calendar.

  • Saturday, Sept. 5 and Sunday, Sept. 6
  • 8 a.m.-5 p.m. each day

More information

My First Home Information Session - September 10

Interested in buying your first home in Santa Ana? Join the City's My First Home information session on Sept. 10 to learn about the first-time homebuyer program, including eligibility requirements, the application process and frequently asked questions.

More information

Fiestas Patrias Festival and Parade - September 12 & 13

Celebrate Mexican independence, culture and community at Santa Ana Fiestas Patrias on Sept. 12-13 in Downtown Santa Ana. The free two-day celebration will feature live entertainment, food and vendors, carnival rides, cultural exhibits, the traditional El Grito ceremony and the annual Fiestas Patrias Parade.

  • Saturday, Sept. 12, noon-11 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 13, noon-10 p.m.
  • Downtown Santa Ana

More information

Fan-Faire: Meowcore - September 12

Calling all fans and feline enthusiasts to FanFaire: Meowcore edition! Join us for a purr-fectly cozy afternoon featuring cat-themed crafts, tabletop games and themed snacks.

  • Saturday, Sept. 12
  • 1-3:30 p.m.
  • Newhope Library, 122 N. Newhope St.

Bowers free Mid-Autumn Moon Festival - September 13

Celebrate the Asian Mid-Autumn Festival at Bowers Museum on Sunday, Sept. 13, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. This free family festival in the Key Courtyard will feature live performances, art activities, face painting and complimentary treats.

More information

Free admission to local attractions for Santa Ana residents

Did you know that Santa Ana residents can enjoy free admission to popular local attractions through special community programs and partnerships? Check out these deals to start planning your next adventure:

  • Discovery Cube Orange County offers free admission to Santa Ana residents on the first Tuesday of every month. Residents get four free tickets per government-issued photo ID with address. Get more details here.
  • The Santa Ana Zoo offers free admission to Santa Ana residents on the third Sunday of every month. ID is required for adults. Click here for rules and dates.
  • Bowers Museum offers free general admission to all Santa Ana residents on Sundays. Proof of residency is required. Get more details here.

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: santa-ana.gov/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

Starting a small business?

Apply to work for the City of Santa Ana

City of Santa Ana, CA published this content on August 26, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on August 27, 2026 at 00:14 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]