COSAS Newsletter: May 15, 2026

In the May 15, 2026, edition of COSAS (City of Santa Ana Stories) learn about our award-winning projects, Summer Movies in the Park, our Pride Flag Raising Ceremony, Chinatown Memorial Unveiling, Memorial Day Flag Raising Ceremony, and more City events, news and resources.

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Salvador Quintana Park opening

Photo Credit: City Staff

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City Manager's Highlights

Honoring our fallen police officers

Today, May 15, is Peace Officers Memorial Day. This day of observance during National Police Week honors local, state and federal law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Through the years, four Santa Ana police officers have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our community: Motor Officer Edwin R. Jensen in 1931, Officer Daniel A. Hale in 1977, Officer Nelson Sasscer in 1969, and Sgt. John A. Aguilar in 1998.

We honor and thank these officers and their families for their service and sacrifice, and we are grateful to all of our Santa Ana police officers for their hard work and dedication. In recognition of Peace Officers Memorial Day, Santa Ana City Hall flags were lowered to half staff today, and the Santa Ana Water Tower will be illuminated blue tonight.

Police Chief Rodriguez testifies to Senate about DACA

Santa Ana Chief of Police Robert Rodriguez was invited to provide witness testimony at a Senate Spotlight Forum on May 12, 2026, in Washington D.C. to highlight concerns over threats to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients and to renew calls for passage of the Dream Act. Hosted by Senators Dick Durbin, Mark Kelly and Alex Padilla, the forum focused on reported delays in DACA renewals, deportation concerns and the legal uncertainty facing Dreamers under current federal immigration policies.

Chief Rodriguez provided testimony about immigrating to California from Tijuana, Mexico, serving in the Marines, receiving citizenship through the Reagan-era amnesty law in 1986, and ultimately, dedicating his career to public service as the 22nd Chief of Police of the City of Santa Ana. Chief Rodriguez added that delays in renewals for DACA recipients is directly affecting public safety at the local level. As a result, he faces difficult decisions about dismissing DACA employees, by law and not by choice, due to current Federal regulations.

News

City-supported FX Residences wins Affordable Housing Award

FX Residences received the Supportive Housing Development Award at the 2026 Affordable Housing Awards ceremony held this week. FX Residences is a new permanent supportive housing project built on City land through a 99-year ground lease.

Developed by HomeAid Orange County | Los Angeles in partnership with the City of Santa Ana, the Santa Ana Housing Authority, Mercy House, and other public and private partners, the project provides 17 residential units (16 for residents and one manager unit) for people at extremely low-income levels.

The development integrates on-site supportive services provided by Mercy House to promote long-term housing stability and includes amenities such as a community room, courtyard, and shared spaces that foster both privacy and community.

A key feature of the project is its innovative financing approach, which avoided reliance on Low-Income Housing Tax Credits by leveraging City-owned land through a 99-year ground lease, $1.6 million in City funding, three project-based vouchers, and private financing to reduce costs and accelerate completion. Through projects such as FX Residences, a 200-bed shelter, and street outreach and engagement teams, the City continues to reduce homelessness on behalf of our residents.

Public Works Agency wins civil engineering award for Rousselle Street Flood Protection Project

The City of Santa Ana's Public Works Agency has won an Outstanding Flood Management Project Award from the American Society of Civil Engineers (Orange County Branch) for the Rousselle Street Flood Protection Project.

The project featured the installation of approximately 1,350 linear feet of an 8-foot wide by 7-foot tall reinforced concrete box storm drain along Rousselle Street, from Warner Avenue to Saint Gertrude Place. The project also included stormwater biotreatment systems, drought-tolerant landscaping, educational signage, new asphalt and concrete paving, and Americans with Disabilities Act upgrades.

The project will help reduce local flooding and improve water quality in the Newport Bay Watershed.

Learn more about what you can do to improve water quality and protect our environment: www.santa-ana.org/stormwater-management/ or https://h2oc.org

Participate in the Santa Ana Vision Zero Survey

The City of Santa Ana is inviting the community to give important input that will help shape the future of mobility in Santa Ana by taking an online survey about the Santa Ana Vision Zero Plan Update.

The update is a continuation of the Santa Ana Vision Zero Plan adopted by the City Council in 2024, which evaluates mobility priorities and identifies innovative transportation solutions for an all-around safer Santa Ana.

We are asking community members to provide input on the improvements they would like to see in seven new corridors identified within City wards 4 and 6. The expansion aims to enhance traffic safety measures, reduce traffic-related fatalities and severe injuries, and promote a more pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly urban environment in more areas of the City of Santa Ana.

The City has seen traffic collisions resulting in serious injuries or fatalities for pedestrians and bicyclists remain unacceptably high for several years. The Santa Ana Vision Zero Action Plan is an initiative to eliminate fatalities and serious injuries in Santa Ana by 2040.

Complete the survey in English here or in Spanish here.

Santa Ana Vision Zero Plan Update

Public Works Agency conducts stormwater program education and outreach

The City of Santa Ana's Public Works Agency implements the City's Stormwater Program by regulating stormwater runoff and preventing pollutants from entering our creeks, rivers and ocean.

The goal of the program is to improve water quality in our watersheds and protect the environment. As part of the program, City staff actively engage the public and conduct outreach through presentations at Santa Ana schools and by participating in public events.

In January, City staff gave a presentation to 11th grade students at Samueli Academy. The presentation featured an overview of the City's Stormwater Program and highlighted career opportunities by encouraging students to explore pathways in environmental science, engineering, and public service.

In April, City staff participated in the Children's Water Education Festival, which aims to inspire children to understand their role in protecting water quality. Children participated in activities that promote everyday actions like properly disposing of waste, reducing runoff pollution, and protecting storm drains.

To learn more about what you can do to improve water quality and protect our environment visit our website.

Homeless Services Division partners on park outreach

This year, the City of Santa Ana's Homeless Services Division began a coordinated homeless outreach operation in some of our most impacted parks. This collaboration among our homeless outreach contractor City Net, Public Works staff and Lyon Security allows us to engage individuals and offer services while helping ensure our parks remain safe, clean and welcoming spaces for residents and families.

These homeless outreach teams have made contact with over 30 individuals in local parks since February, helping connect them with shelter, case management, and referrals to other support programs. While people sometimes initially decline to accept shelter or help, with a little persistence and patience, we were able to enroll 10 unhoused individuals in long-term case management programs and two began the process of moving into local shelters.

Through partnership and proactive outreach, we continue to support our community - one person at a time.

If you believe someone is experiencing homelessness in Santa Ana and needs help, please contact our homeless outreach team at (714) 242-3706.

Homeless Services Division

Summer Santa Ana Movies in the Park series begins June 5

Grab your blankets, lawn chairs and loved ones - it's time for Movies in the Park! Join us on select Friday evenings beginning June 5 for six weeks of free family-friendly movies at different parks throughout Santa Ana.

Each movie night will feature themed crafts for kids, fun games, community resources, and complimentary popcorn (while supplies last). Activities start at 6:30 p.m.; movies begin at dusk.

Summer Santa Ana Movies in the Park

Summer Splash Day Camp kicks off June 1

It already feels like summer, and the City of Santa Ana's Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Agency is ready to dive into the season with the 2026 Summer Splash Day Camp!

From June 1 to August 7, kids ages 6-12 can spend 10 weeks full of adventure at:

• El Salvador Community Center, 1825 W. Civic Center Drive
• Jerome Recreation Center, 726 S. Center St.
• Salgado Recreation Center, 706 N. Newhope St.

Campers will enjoy creative arts and crafts, exciting off-site field trips, swimming lessons, recreational swim, and games. Each week brings new experiences and endless opportunities to explore, learn, and play with friends.

Sign up for all 10 weeks or choose the weeks that fit your camper's summer schedule.

2026 Summer Splash Day Camp

Important dates for June 2 statewide direct primary election

Voting in the June 2, 2026, Statewide Direct Primary Election has begun.

If you haven't registered yet to vote in the June 2 primary, the voter registration deadline is May 18.

Ballots are being mailed to all active registered voters in Orange County, and voters have four options to cast a ballot during this election:

• Mail the ballot on or before Election Day
• Use one of 128 secure ballot drop box locations in Orange County
• Drop off the ballot in person at any Vote Center in Orange County
• Vote in person at any Vote Center in Orange County

Starting May 23, select Vote Centers will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. From

May 30 through June 1, all Vote Centers will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

On Election Day, all Vote Centers will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For more resources, visit the Orange County Registrar of Voters website at ocvote.gov or call the Registrar's Voter Hotline at 888-OCVOTES or 888-628-6837.

Tales of the City

City of Santa Ana celebrates opening of Salvador Quintana Park

The City of Santa Ana celebrated the opening of Salvador Quintana Park, a 1.25-acre community park that creates a vibrant space for recreation, relaxation, environmental sustainability and community gathering, on Saturday, May 9, 2026.

Originally developed as the Bristol-Tolliver Street Urban Greening Project, the new park brings a wide range of amenities to residents, including a basketball court, shaded playground, outdoor fitness equipment, picnic areas, benches, pedestrian pathways, decorative fencing, educational signage and enhanced lighting.

The park is located at 712 S. Bristol St. along one of the City's major arterial roadways, and enhances the ongoing work to improve and beautify the entire Bristol Street corridor.

In addition to its recreational features, Salvador Quintana Park incorporates innovative green infrastructure designed to improve water quality and sustainability. These systems reduce demand on the City's drinking water supply and help protect water quality in the Newport Bay Watershed.

In October 2025, the Santa Ana City Council voted to name the park in honor of Salvador Quintana, whose actions during World War II reflected extraordinary integrity and compassion. Mr. Quintana worked for the Nitta family's farm in Santa Ana during the 1930s. When the Nitta family and other Japanese Americans were forcibly interned during the war, Mr. Quintana safeguarded the family's property, regularly delivered supplies to internment camps, and ultimately returned the land to Mr. Nitta for just $1 after the war ended.

Read more about Salvador Quintana Park

City Council Meetings

Highlights from the Santa Ana City Council's May 5, 2026, meeting:

• The City Council received a report on the City's new Public Art and Preservation Policy that will provide guidance on the planning, evaluation, installation, maintenance and preservation of public art across Santa Ana. The policy establishes consistent standards to ensure that public art reflects Santa Ana's cultural identity and outlines procedures for the conservation of public art.
• The City Council approved actions to advance the Civic Center redevelopment project, including expanding the City's contract with Bernards Bros., Inc. by $923,076 for construction management services related to demolition of the former State Building at 28 Civic Center Plaza and the adjacent Plaza of the Fountains. The approval increases the total contract value to $1.77 million, to be funded through a state grant. The Council also approved a land transfer agreement with the County of Orange to transfer 0.7 acres of County-owned land in the plaza to the City for future redevelopment.
• The City Council approved actions related to the Santa Ana Boulevard Grade Separation Project, a major project adjacent to the Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center to replace an existing rail crossing on Santa Ana Boulevard with a new four-lane underpass. The actions include accepting and appropriating $7 million in state Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program grant funds, and authorizing a nearly $6.86 million agreement with Mark Thomas & Company, Inc. to provide professional design phase services.
• The City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance establishing staffing and operational standards for self-service checkout stations in drug and food retail establishments in Santa Ana. Among other guidelines, the new ordinance states that retailers should provide at least one non-self-service checkout station staffed by an employee while the self-service checkout option is open, limit self-service checkout to purchases of no more than 15 items, and assign at least one employee to supervise the self-service checkout station at all times that it is in operation. The ordinance aims to provide a balanced and enforceable framework to ensure that self-service checkout systems operate safely, responsibly, and serve the needs of Santa Ana residents, workers, and businesses.

The next regular Santa Ana City Council meeting will take place on May 19, 2026, at 5 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 channel and 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 here to receive City meeting agenda notifications.

May 19, 2026, Meeting Agenda: https://www.santa-ana.org/cc/city-meetings

Events

Find more City of Santa Ana events on our website.

See the Parks and Recreation class catalogue here.

SAPD Hutton Centre Substation Community Open House - May 15

Join us as we celebrate the grand opening of the new Santa Ana Police Department substation at Hutton Centre. This space will provide officers operating in SAPD's Southeast District with a location to file reports and handle other business between calls without needing to return to SAPD headquarters downtown, improving their ability to serve and protect residents and businesses in the area.

• Friday, May 15
• 4-6 p.m.
• 4 Hutton Centre Drive

Seoul Much Fun! K-Pop Party - May 16

Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with music, dance, and fun! Kids are invited to enjoy K-Pop-inspired activities, games, and crafts while learning about this exciting part of Korean culture.

• 2-3 p.m.
• Saturday, May 16
• Delhi Library, 505 E. Central Ave.

Party for the Planet / Endangered Species Day - May 17

It's time for Party for the Planet! Join the Santa Ana Zoo on May 17 to celebrate all things Earth Day and Endangered Species Day. Community organizations and resources will be at the zoo with special information and activity stations, all included with Zoo admission! May 17 is also Santa Ana Resident Day. Residents of Santa Ana receive free zoo admission. Proof of address is required for all adults.

• Sunday, May 17
• 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Santa Ana Zoo, 1801 E. Chestnut Ave.

Rent Stabilization Division Tenant's Rights Workshop (English) - May 18

Struggling with housing issues? Want to know your rights? Join us for a Tenant's Rights workshop! Discover how we can support you in maintaining your housing stability and security. This is your chance to empower yourself with essential knowledge and resources. Don't miss this opportunity.

• Monday, May 18
• 9-10:30 a.m.
• Zoom link

Rent Stabilization Division Tenant's Rights Workshop (Spanish) - May 18

Struggling with housing issues? Want to know your rights? Join us for a Tenant's Rights workshop! Discover how we can support you in maintaining your housing stability and security. This is your chance to empower yourself with essential knowledge and resources. Don't miss this opportunity.

• Monday, May 18
• 5-6:30 p.m.
• Zoom link

Orange County Fire Authority Water Safety Pop-Up Event - May 20

Memorial Day weekend is right around the corner, and Orange County Fire Authority - Division 6 wants your family to stay safe around the water! Join OCFA for a free, fun and educational afternoon before summer begins. Kids can take the Water Safety Pledge, meet their firefighters, see the fire engine, and learn important water safety tips.

• Wednesday, May 20
• 3-4:30 p.m.
• Division 6 Fire Station 75, 120 W. Walnut St.

Pride Flag Raising Ceremony - May 22

The community is invited to join us for our annual Pride Flag Raising Ceremony on Friday, May 22 in front of Santa Ana City Hall. By City Council resolution, the Pride Flag is to be raised on Harvey Milk Day (May 22) and to continue flying through the end of LGBTQ+ Pride Month (June 30.) Please join us and show your Pride!

• Friday, May 22
• 10 a.m.
• Santa Ana City Hall, 20 Civic Center Plaza

Chinatown Memorial Unveiling Ceremony - May 23

The community is invited to an unveiling ceremony for a memorial monument commemorating the historic location of Santa Ana's Chinatown. In May 2022, the Santa Ana City Council unanimously approved a resolution apologizing to Chinese immigrants and their descendants for acts of fundamental injustice and discrimination, including the burning of Santa Ana's Chinatown in 1906, seeking forgiveness and committing to the rectification of past policies and misdeeds. Please join us in honoring the culture and contributions of the Chinese community in Santa Ana and recognizing the city's historical Chinatown.

• Saturday, May 23
• 9:30 a.m.
• Third and Bush streets

'The American Quilt: Cloth and Commerce' Opening Day - May 23

Join Bowers Museum on the opening day of its newest exhibition, "The American Quilt Cloth and Commerce." From the Revolutionary Era to the present day, quilts have served as cherished heirlooms and silent witnesses to the evolution of American industry, politics, and global trade. The exhibit explores how the materials, dyes, and techniques used in quiltmaking reflect centuries of economic shifts and technological innovation.

• Saturday, May 23
• 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Bowers Museum, 2002 N. Main St.

More information

Where Wellness Meets Purpose - May 23

In honor of Mental Health Awareness month, meet the founder of Kompashion, Maria Luisa Case. Kompashion is a Latina nonprofit community organization on a mission to bring more compassion to the world. Learn about mental health services and resources, wellness events, and how they aim to bring together families and friends who are feeling lost or struggling with mental illness.

• Saturday, May 23
• 2:30-4 p.m.
• Delhi Library, 505 E. Central Ave.

Memorial Day Flag Raising Ceremony - May 25

The community is invited to attend a Memorial Day Flag Raising Ceremony on May 25 at Memorial Park, hosted by the City of Santa Ana. The ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. on the north side of the park, off St. Gertrude Place. Please join us in honoring the men and women who gave their lives in service to their country.

• Monday, May 25
• 9 a.m.
• Memorial Park, 2102 S. Flower St.

Housing Resource Fair - June 13

Mark your calendars! The City of Santa Ana will be participating in the Orange County Community Housing Corporation's 2026 Housing Resource Fair. Come learn about our My First Home mortgage assistance program and other great resources for current and future homeowners.

• Saturday, June 13
• 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
• Santa Ana College, 1530 W. 17th St.

My First Home Program

Register for the Housing Resource Fair

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