Mayor’s newsletter: October 2025

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Official newsletter of Santa Ana Mayor Valerie Amezcua.

Keeping the community informed about local events, City news, and resources.

Dear Neighbors,

September was filled with meaningful and memorable moments in Santa Ana. I had the opportunity to attend several important events across our city, including the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) 9/11 Memorial, my monthly Coffee with the Mayor, and the 45th Annual Fiestas Patrias celebration. From Saturday's Grito de la Independencia ceremony to riding in Sunday's parade with the Girl Scouts, it was a joy to see our community come together. Celebrating the culture and traditions that make our city so special truly filled me with pride!

One especially moving moment was standing alongside Maxaira Baltazar, the newly appointed Consul of Mexico, Mexican Senator Karina Ruiz, and Dr. Manuel Gálvez Sánchez, Mayor of our sister city Sahuayo, Michoacán, for the Grito de Independencia ceremony. It was a true honor to be part of such a meaningful tradition. Events like this remind us of the deep cultural connections and shared values that bring our communities closer together, no matter the distance.

I'm also proud to share that the City of Santa Ana was recently recognized with three awards from the American Planning Association's Orange Section, honoring our work in urban design, inclusive planning, and public sector leadership. These awards reflect the City Council's commitment to fair and transparent planning, and the outstanding efforts of our Planning Division staff. Together, we continue working toward a city that is vibrant, welcoming, and built for everyone who calls Santa Ana home.

Another important step forward in September was the City Council's unanimous approval of the first reading of an ordinance to redevelop South Coast Plaza Village into The Village Santa Ana. This new mixed-use development will bring housing, office space, retail, and public parks to an underused commercial area, transforming it into a vibrant place where residents can live, work, and gather. The project reflects our General Plan's long-term goals and our ongoing commitment to addressing Santa Ana's housing and economic needs.

The City Council also approved a Sober Living Ordinance to regulate group homes and sober-living facilities. The new rules improve housing safety for people with disabilities and protect the character of our neighborhoods while ensuring compassion and support for residents in recovery.

Upcoming Events - October 2025

3rd Annual InfluenceHER Conference

Saturday, October 11, 2025 | 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

I'm excited to host the 3rd Annual InfluenceHER Conferencein partnership with Girls Inc. and Santa Ana College. This free event uplifts SAUSD girls through leadership, mentorship, and inspiration. I invite you to use the QR code to register.

Coffee with the Mayor

Saturday, October 20 | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Delhi Center, 505 E Central Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92707.
Let's talk about the future of our city. Join me for casual conversation and community updates.

As the City of Santa Ana moves into the final months of the year with energy and optimism, I want to thank you for being an active part of our community. Together, we will keep our city vibrant, welcoming, and strong.

Sincerely,

Mayor Valerie Amezcua

Email: [email protected]

I invite you to follow me on social media for daily updates! Please connect with me, and stay tuned for upcoming news, meetings, and events in our community!

MAYOR ON THE MOVE

Classics with SAPD Car Show

The inaugural Classic Cars with SAPD event brought our community together, featuring an impressive showcase of vendors, food , and live music. Everyone loved seeing all the stunning classic cars and it was heartwarming to see our community come together for a fantastic event in Santa Ana.

Happy 75th Anniversary to Gospel Light Church of God!

It was an honor to join your congregation in celebrating this incredible milestone and share a few words. Thank you for welcoming me to be a part of such a joyful occasion.

Coffee with the Mayor

Thank you to the almost 70 people who joined me at Coffee with the Mayor! I'm grateful for the meaningful conversations, questions, and ideas shared.

Welcome our new Consul of Mexico, Maxaira Baltazar

I had the honor of joining the welcome event at Santa Ana College for our new Consul of Mexico, Maxiara Baltazar.

OCLF Labor Day Picnic

Joined our friends at the Orange County Labor Federation Annual Labor Day Picnic at the Santa Ana Zoo!

Vision Maker Breakfast

Santa Ana Chambers Vision Maker Breakfast with SAPD Chief Robert Rodriguez, who shared his vision for public safety.

Ribbon-cutting for our new skate park in DTSA!

A huge thank you to Ryan Chase and his family for making this possible and for their ongoing support of Santa Ana!

New Fire Engine - Push in Ceremony

Joined Orange County Fire Authorityfirefighters and staff in welcoming another new fire engine to the Golden City with a traditional push-in ceremony at Station 73 in Santa Ana.

SCAG Future Leaders Initiative

Are you a young adult passionate about making a difference in your community? The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is now accepting applications for its Future Leaders Initiative - a six-month leadership program for residents ages 18-26. Participants will explore regional planning, policy, and civic engagement through monthly sessions with experts and elected leaders, with the final session held in person in Los Angeles.

Learn more and apply.

Support Chief Rodriguez on Dancing with the Santa Ana Stars!

Don't forget to join the Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce for a spectacular night of dance as 10 community leaders compete to support great causes! We're proud to share that one of the performers will be Santa Ana Police Chief Robert Rodriguez, who is raising money for the Greater Santa Ana Vitality Foundation and to support families of police officers who have been injured or lost their lives in the line of duty.

Born in Tijuana and raised in Santa Ana, Chief Rodriguez is a U.S. Marine veteran who rose through Los Angeles Police Department and Santa Ana Police Department to become our 22nd chief of police! He is a servant leader known for unity and inclusivity, and leads with strength, empathy, and community pride.

Please join me in supporting Chief Rodriguez and these important causes.

Support Chief Rodriguez here

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

City of Santa Ana jobs and internships links:

The City of Santa Ana's Human Resources Department, Talent Acquisition Division, collaborates with City agencies and departments to identify staffing needs and recruit top talent to serve our community. We are looking for results-oriented individuals who possess a positive attitude, demonstrate creativity and innovation, work efficiently, have a proven track record of success, and are passionate about public service.

Career opportunities

Internship program

CITY RESOURCES

Need help with City services or community programs? Here's a quick guide to available resources in Santa Ana.

Find more community resources here.

You can request City services online.

Important City Contacts:

• City Hall Main Line - (714) 647-5400
• Code Enforcement - (714) 667-2780
• Emergency Water Services - (714) 953-8026
• Graffiti Hotline - (877) 786-7824
• Homeless Services - (714) 242-3706 or report via the mySantaAna app.
• Public Works Dispatch (street sweeping, tree maintenance) - (714) 647-3380
• Santa Ana Police Department Non-Emergency Line - (714) 245-8665

MySantaAna app expanding language support!

The mySantaAnamobile app is even more accessible! Since I took office, I have been pushing for this important tool to be available in Spanish and Vietnamese to better serve our diverse community. The new app has all functions available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese, making it easier for everyone to report issues and request City services.

Download and update the mySantaAna app:Be sure to get the app update if the old app hasn't already automatically updated on your smartphone.

CITY NEWS AND RECOGNITIONS

Memorial Park Aquatics Facility

The new Memorial Park Aquatics Facility, currently under construction, has received a Design Merit Award from the American Institute of Architects Orange County Chapter (AIAOC)!

Scheduled for completion in Fall 2026, the reimagined facility will provide a state-of-the-art destination for recreation, competition and community pride.

Learn more about the project.

Santa Ana Zoo earns prestigious national Association of Zoos & Aquariums Accreditation (AZA)

I'm proud to share that our Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park has earned full national accreditation from the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), a recognition of excellence in animal care, education, and conservation. Fewer than 10% of zoos nationwide hold this prestigious distinction.

With exciting additions like Flight! A Live Butterfly Experience and the upcoming River's Edge exhibit, our Zoo is growing as a premier destination for families and a leader in wildlife conservation. This achievement reaffirms our promise to provide the very best for our animals, guests, and future generations.

I encourage every resident to experience the Zoo, visit, volunteer, bring your family, and continue supporting this exceptional community treasure.

Learn more about the accreditation.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

SAPD Trunk or Treat - October 16

Join us at the Santa Ana Police Department for Trunk or Treat on Thursday, October 16th from 6 PM to 8 PM! Wear your costume and have a spooktacular time! There will be arts and crafts, games and music, food and snacks. We hope to see you there!

• Thursday, October 16
• 6:00-8:00 p.m.
• Santa Ana Police Department, 60 Civic Center Plaza

Boo at the Zoo - October 18, 19, 25 & 26

Join us for a spooktacular evening full of family fun: trick-or-treating, lighted décor, nocturnal animal shows, scavenger hunts, rides, and more!

️ Admission required. Friends of Santa Ana Zoo members get discounts. City of Santa Ana residents can access reduced-price tickets with advance reservations.

Dress up, bring your little ghouls and goblins, and get ready for a howl of a time!

• October 18, 19, 25 & 26
• 5:30-7:30 p.m.
• Santa Ana Zoo, 1801 East Chestnut Ave

For more information, visit https://santaanazoo.ticketsauce.com/e/boo-at-the-zoo-2025

Spooktacular Open House - October 25

Get ready for a ghoulishly good time at the Jerome Recreation Center's Spooktacular Open House! This free, family-friendly event is open to all ages and promises a fang-tastic afternoon filled with Haunted House, Fun Games and Activities, Costume Contest and much more.

• Saturday, October 25
• 2:00-5:00 p.m.
• Jerome Recreation Center, 726 S Center St.

For more information, visit https://www.santa-ana.org/event/jerome-recreation-center-spooktacular-open-house/.

Discovery Cube Santa Ana - Resident Free Days

Great news, Santa Ana residents! Enjoy a day of fun and learning at Discovery Cube Santa Ana for FREEon the first Tuesday of every month! Get up to FOUR free ticketsper government-issued photo ID with a Santa Ana address.*

When:First Tuesday of every month
Where:Discovery Cube Santa Ana

Learn more: Discovery Cube Promotions

Free Resident Day at Santa Ana Zoo

Santa Ana residents, enjoy a wild day at the Santa Ana Zoo - for FREE!

When: Every third Sunday of the month
Where:Santa Ana Zoo, 1801 E. Chestnut Ave., Santa Ana

Free admissionwith proof of residency (driver's license or utility bill required).

Learn more: Santa Ana Resident Days

Bowers Museum free admission for residents

Offers free general admission to all Santa Ana residents on Sundays through a generous donation in memory of Dorothy Goerl and courtesy of the Lockhart Family. Santa Ana residents will need to provide proof of residency through an ID, driver's license or utility bill.

Learn more here

City Hall

Upcoming Holiday and Closed Friday schedule: (City Hall non-essential offices are closed on alternating Fridays throughout the year)

• Friday, October 10 - City Hall closed
• Friday, October 24 - City Hall closed

The next City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 7, at 5:30 p.m. (open session) at Santa Ana Council Chamber, 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana. Official City meetings are open to the public and I encourage you to participate. Council agendas and minutes may be accessed here.

Invite me

If you'd like to invite me to attend an event in your neighborhood or in connection with your organization, please feel free to make that request via email: [email protected]

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