City of Santa Ana, CA
08/05/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/05/2026 12:12
Mayor’s Newsletter: August 2026
Official newsletter of Santa Ana Mayor Valerie Amezcua.
Keeping the community informed about local events, City news, and resources.
Dear Neighbors,
As we move through the heart of summer, I hope you and your loved ones are enjoying the season, staying cool during these hot days, finding time to reconnect, and making lasting memories together. Summer always reminds us of the importance of family, community, and taking a moment to appreciate the people and places that make Santa Ana so special.
July was an exciting and productive month for our City. We celebrated several ribbon cuttings, welcomed new businesses, and marked the completion of important projects that continue to enhance our neighborhoods and improve the quality of life for our residents. Each milestone represents our commitment to delivering on promises, investing in our community, and creating opportunities that strengthen Santa Ana for generations to come. It is inspiring to see the progress taking shape, and I am grateful to everyone who plays a role in helping move our City forward.
As we turn the page to August, many of our students, teachers, and families are preparing for the start of a new school year. I wish every student a successful, exciting, and rewarding year ahead. To everyone traveling through our neighborhoods, please remember to slow down, stay alert, and watch carefully for children walking and biking to and from school. Together, we can help ensure a safe start to the school year for everyone.
This week also marks two important community events. On Thursday, August 6, we will gather at Templo Calvario Church for the annual State of the City, where we will celebrate Santa Ana's accomplishments, reflect on the progress we've made together, and share our vision for the future. You can watch the livestream beginning at 11 a.m. on the City's YouTube channel. Then, on Sunday, August 9, I hope you'll join us at the Elks Lodge for our Back to School Resource Fair, where students can receive school supplies and families can connect with valuable community resources to help them prepare for a successful school year.
Thank you for being an important part of our Santa Ana community. Your involvement, support, and pride in our City continue to make Santa Ana a vibrant place to live, work, and raise a family. I look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming events, and I wish you and your family a safe, enjoyable, and memorable remainder of the summer.
With gratitude,
Mayor Valerie Amezcua
Email: [email protected]
MAYOR & COMMUNITY IN ACTION
Follow the Mayor on social media for daily updates! Stay connected to learn about upcoming news, meetings, and community events.
PONY U-8 BASEBALL RECOGNITION
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What a privilege to have watched this incredible team win the Championship Game against Culiacan, Mexico on Memorial day. I was also honored to recognize them for their determination and hard work. This team and their coaches displayed top notch sportsmanship on and off the field! Congratulations.
WASHINGTON NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION MEETING
One of my favorite parts of being your Mayor is coming out to the neighborhoods and meeting our residents and hearing their concerns as well as what they would like to see addressed. At this meeting I was able to discuss the city's budget, and share information about the Re-entry project.
NEWHOPE LIBRARY RIBBON CUTTING
What an incredible day to deliver to our community a brand new renovated library. I was so proud of the state-of-the-art library. Our children have access to not only books, but 3D computers, sewing, photography, arts and crafts, laptops for check out and so much more. Please stop by and apply for a library card to enjoy your new library.
COMMUNITY POLICE ACADEMY #15 GRADUATION
Congratulations to the #15 graduating class of SAPD Community Police Academy. This Academy exposes our community members to the various opportunities and careers there are within the Santa Ana Police Department.
PORTOLA PARK SPLASH PAD RIBBON CUTTING
I couldn't resist and I joined the kids under the water bucket and was soaked and refreshed. It was so fun to engage with our families and see the smiles that warmed my heart. I am committed to continue to work with our Councilmembers and City Staff on delivering for our community.
UCI STUDENTS AND LABOR
These young students from UCI have been interning with OC Labor Federation. These ladies came in with inquisitive questions and incredible insight about how our city is run and what it is to be a woman in leadership. I wish them a great school year, ZOT ZOT ZOT!
RECOGNITION AT CITY COUNCIL
I had the pleasure of presenting a Certificate of Recognition to Jaime Velasco, the maker of Mazapan de la Rosa, a legacy passed on from his father. We are thankful for all of the outstanding work Mr. Velasco has contributed to our community.
SANTA ANITA PARK RIBBON CUTTING
A proud moment in our community with the delivery of a completely renovated park, pool, community center and soccer field! Santa Anita is a park with lots of history, families and happy kids now with the amazing new pool, again, I couldn't resist and jumped into the pool. Please come out and visit Santa Anita Park, I know you will love it.
3rd ANNUAL BACK TO SCHOOL BACKPACK STUFFING
What an impressive day at the Santa Ana Elks. We had over 150 volunteers from our community show up to stuff backpacks for our kids in two hours! Our children will be ready to learn because of all who showed up to give of their time! Thank you.
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
Mabury Park Dog Park Ribbon Cutting Ceremony - August 8
Join the City of Santa Ana to celebrate the official opening of our second dog park, located at Mabury Park. This new spot for dogs to play, run and socialize provides separate off-leash enclosures for small/medium dogs and large dogs, along with shade trees and benches for owners, and a drinking fountain for both people and their pets.
Fan-Faire: Cottagecore at the library - August 8
Come, fans from all over, and step into a cozy fairytale world in this special edition of Fan Faire, celebrating Santa Ana Public Library's Summer Reading Program theme with Cottagecore. Enjoy a slower pace of life with nostalgic crafts, cozy board games, anime, music and films.
- Saturday, Aug. 8
- 1-3:30 p.m.
- Newhope Library, 122 N. Newhope St.
Bookmarks In Bloom - August 15
Celebrate Book Lovers Day with Santa Ana Public Library! Young readers are invited to create pressed-flower bookmarks to enjoy with a book they love.
- Saturday, Aug. 15
- 2-3 p.m.
- Newhope Library, 122 N. Newhope St.
Chicano Heritage Festival - August 23
Join us on Sunday, Aug. 23, at Centennial Park for a full day of culture as the City of Santa Ana hosts the 5th annual Chicano Heritage Festival!
We invite everyone to come together and celebrate our community's rich Mexican-American heritage. Guests can enjoy live performances, a car cruise and show, delicious food, a kids zone, and exhibitors. This free, family-friendly event is open to all. Chicano musician Baby Bash is headlining the show. Don't miss it!
- Sunday, Aug. 23
- 3-7 p.m.
- Centennial Park, 3000 W. Edinger Ave.
Our Culture/Nuestra Cultura: Celebrating Chicano Heritage - August 29
Join the Santa Ana Public Library for a community educational celebration with family-friendly cultural activities highlighting Chicano history. The event features an exhibit by the Santa Ana History Room on the Delhi and Madison Park communities, plus giveaways and treats.
- Saturday, Aug. 29
- 12-2 p.m.
- Delhi Library, 505 E. Central Ave. Unit B
Garage and Yard Sale Weekend - September 5-6
Residential garage and yard sales are allowed the weekend of Saturday, Sept. 5, and Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026. Sales may begin at 8 a.m. and must end at 5 p.m. each day. Garage and yard sales for residential properties are permitted in Santa Ana on the first full weekend of March, June, September and December each year. No permit is required.
- Saturday, Sept. 5, and Sunday, Sept. 6
- 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
CITY NEWS AND RECOGNITIONS
Help Shape Santa Ana's Future: Draft Zoning Map and Code Now Available for Public Review
The City of Santa Ana has reached an important milestone in its Comprehensive Zoning Code Update. Residents, business owners, and community stakeholders are invited to review the draft zoning map and zoning code and provide feedback before they are finalized.
The Comprehensive Zoning Code Update is designed to implement the City's General Plan by modernizing development regulations, supporting housing and economic opportunities, protecting neighborhoods, and creating a more user-friendly zoning code. The draft documents reflect extensive community input gathered throughout the planning process.
Community members are encouraged to participate by reviewing the draft materials online and attending upcoming Planning Commission study sessions to learn more and share their comments. Public feedback will help shape the final zoning code that will guide Santa Ana's growth and development for years to come.
To view the draft zoning map, zoning code, meeting schedule, and additional project information, visit the City's Comprehensive Zoning Code Update webpage.
The City of Santa Ana has officially transitioned its website from santa-ana.org to santa-ana.gov, reinforcing our commitment to security, transparency, and public trust. The move complies with California Assembly Bill 1637, which requires local government agencies to adopt .gov domains to help residents easily identify official government websites and reduce the risk of fraudulent or impersonation websites.
Residents can continue to use the previous santa-ana.org address during the transition, as it will automatically redirect to the new santa-ana.gov website. City email addresses will also transition to the .gov domain later this year. While the web address has changed, all City services, online resources, and information remain easily accessible.
We encourage everyone to update bookmarks and begin using santa-ana.gov when visiting the City's official website.
Ride OC Fair Express for more fun, less stress
Planning to go to the OC Fair? Take the OC Fair Express! Park free at pickup locations across Orange County - including the Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center - and ride straight to the fairgrounds. Skip traffic and parking hassles and arrive steps from the fun.
OC Fair Express details:
- Direct rides from six locations
- Service offered Saturdays and Sundays
- $2 each way
- Buses arrive every 30 minutes
Discovery Cube Orange County Resident Free Days!
Great news, Santa Ana residents! Enjoy a day of fun and learning at Discovery Cube Orange County for FREE on the first Tuesday of every month! Get up to FOUR free tickets per 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 admission with 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.
Fair Express, the Youth Ride Free Program, and the Community College Pass to enjoy convenient, affordable transportation while saving on travel costs. Learn more and see if you qualify at www.octa.net.
City Hall
- Friday, August 14, 2026 - City Hall closed
- Friday, August 28, 2026 - City Hall closed
The next City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. (open session) at the 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.
CITY AND COMMUNITY RESOURCES
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.
Ayuda Sin Fronteras (Help Without Borders)
The City Council approved an additional $150,000 in funding to provide financial assistance for residents impacted by recent immigration enforcement operations.
Call: (714) 565-2655
Learn more: https://santa-ana.gov/ayuda-sin-fronteras
Immigration Legal Defense Services
The City Council approved funding for deportation legal defense services through the Immigrant Defenders Law Center (ImmDef). Santa Ana residents in need of assistance can contact ImmDef directly.
Call: (213) 634-0999
Email: [email protected]
Learn more: https://immdef.org/
Find additional community resources here.
Request City Services Online & Important City Contacts You can request City services.
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
Download the SantaAna app today
Stay connected with your city right from your smartphone. The mySantaAna app now supports English, Spanish and Vietnamese, making it easier than ever to report issues and request City services.
Download or update the app today to:
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Report street or park issues
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Request City services
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Stay informed about important City updates
Available on: App Store | Google Play
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
The City of Santa Ana's Human Resources Department, Talent Acquisition Division, works with City departments to identify staffing needs and recruit talented individuals to serve our community.
We are looking for people who are results-oriented, creative, and passionate about public service.
Explore career opportunities: Career opportunities
Learn about our internship program: Internship program
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]
For more City news, please follow City of Santa on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and share my newsletter with friends and family.
City of Santa Ana, CA published this content on August 05, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on August 05, 2026 at 18:13 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]