Santa Ana City Council’s August 4, 2026, meeting highlights

Highlights from the Santa Ana City Council's Aug. 4, 2026, meeting.

• The City Council affirmed the Planning Commission's adoption of a resolution renaming Rosita Park, at 706 N. Newhope St., to Frank and Irene Palomino Park. The Palominos were among the plaintiffs in the landmark Mendez et al. v. Westminster et al. school desegregation case and the family has a longstanding connection to the surrounding neighborhood.
• The City Council voted to adopt a resolution requesting that the California State Legislature amend Assembly Bill 645 to authorize eligibility for the City of Santa Ana to establish and operate a Speed Safety System Pilot Program, pending future Council approval. These systems utilize radar or laser technology together with high resolution cameras to detect speeding vehicles and photograph the rear license plate to issue civil citations. If the Legislature adds Santa Ana to the pilot program, the City Council would still have full discretion to decide whether and how to implement a program at a future date.
• The City Council adopted a resolution supporting state legislation to improve utility affordability, strengthen ratepayer protections, and increase accountability of investor-owned utilities during the 2025-2026 California legislative session. The resolution formally establishes the City's support of 10 currently pending bills that collectively seek to better protect residential and small business ratepayers while maintaining a safe and reliable electric system.
• The City Council voted to accept a $1 million state grant award to support the CareerRx OC healthcare initiative. The City will serve as the lead agency and fiscal agent for the regional partnership. The project brings together workforce, education, and healthcare sector partners to address healthcare workforce shortages in Orange County while increasing access to training and employment opportunities for low-income and underserved residents.
• The City Council voted to adopt and conduct a first reading of an ordinance that allows for several sections of Chapter 30 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code (Places of Historical and Architectural Significance) to be amended, relating to modification of historic properties, demolition by neglect, historic property transfer disclosure, and other items.
• The City Council voted to adopt the City of Santa Ana's five-year strategic plan for fiscal years 2026-27 to 2031-32. The plan focuses on five strategic priorities: financial stability, community safety, modern facilities and infrastructure, efficient city services and economic diversification and expansion. Each strategic priority includes measurable goals and performance measures that are designed to guide City operations over the next five years.

CEREMONIAL PRESENTATIONS

• Councilmember Phil Bacerra presented certificates of recognition to OC Bomberos for outstanding contributions to the community.
• Mayor Valerie Amezcua presented a certificate of recognition to La Colmena for outstanding contributions to the community on behalf of Councilmember Jessie Lopez.
• Councilmember Johnathan Ryan Hernandez presented a proclamation declaring August 2026 as Chicano Heritage Month.