COSAS Newsletter: Sept. 12, 2025

In the Sept. 12, 2025, edition of COSAS (City of Santa Ana Stories), learn everything you need to know for Fiestas Patrias weekend, get involved in future development guidelines and a redesign of First Street, and find classes, events, resources and more Santa Ana news.

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Spotlight Photo

Santa Ana 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

All about Fiestas Patrias: What you need to know

Santa Ana Fiestas Patrias returns this weekend, Sept. 13-14, downtown with free live music, cultural traditions, food, rides, a parade and family fun. The free two-day festival honors the independence day of Mexico and several other Latin American countries, and celebrates Latino heritage across Orange County.

Festival hours:

• Saturday, Sept. 13: 12-11 p.m.
• Sunday, Sept. 14: 12-10 p.m.

Street closures and parking:
Portions of Main Street and surrounding streets will be closed for the festival and parade. Visitors are encouraged to use nearby parking structures or rideshare services. Signs and staff will direct traffic and parking.

Parking cost is $10 per day. Special event parking rates will apply, and cash and credit cards accepted.

Find more information on street closures, parking and the event layout here.

Highlights

El Grito de Independencia:

Saturday, Sept. 13, 7 p.m. on the main stage

Santa Ana will host the traditional call to arms that commemorates the start of Mexico's fight for independence.

Parade:

Sunday, Sept. 14, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Main Street
Floats, community groups, schools and cultural organizations will fill downtown with music, dance and color.

See the parade route here.

Performances:

Saturday: Luis Coronel, 8 p.m.; Roberto Tapia, 9:15 p.m.

Sunday: El Dasa, 7 p.m.; La Septima Banda, 8 p.m.

See the program schedule here.

Other highlights:

• Vendors and cultural exhibitors
• Carnival rides and games
• Beer garden at Plaza Calle Cuatro, hosted by DTSA Feel Good Events (21+, $5 wristbands sold on site; proceeds support community programs).

For more information on Fiestas Patrias please visit santa-ana.org/fiestas-patrias.

News

Join our Zoning Code Update workshops

We are updating our Zoning Code, the set of regulations that guide how neighborhoods and business areas develop, grow and thrive. Community input is essential to ensure the updated code reflects the needs and vision of our residents.

We invite you to participate in one of our upcoming open house workshops, Sept. 23-26:

Tuesday, Sept. 23

• 10-11:30 a.m. | Virtual - Zoom (Register here)
• 56:30 p.m. | Roosevelt Walker Community Center, 816 E. Chestnut Ave.

Wednesday, Sept. 24

• 10-11:30 a.m. | The Village, 1505 E. 17th St., Suite 101, 2nd Floor
• 5-6:30 p.m. | McFadden Institute of Technology, 2701 S. Raitt St.

Thursday, Sept. 25

• 10-11:30 a.m. | Santa Ana College, School of Continuing Education at Centennial Park, 2900 W. Edinger Ave.
• 5-6:30 p.m. | Southwest Senior Center, 2201 W. McFadden Ave.

Friday, Sept. 26

• 10-11:30 a.m. | Delhi Center, 505 E. Central Ave.

In-person workshops welcome drop-in attendance, while the virtual session begins promptly at 10 a.m. Spanish interpretation will be provided at all sessions.

For more information about the Zoning Code update and its impact on different areas of the city, visit santa-ana.org/zoning-code-update

Now accepting nominations: 2025 Historic Preservation Awards

We are seeking nominations for the 2025 Historic Preservation Awards, which honor outstanding restoration and rehabilitation projects, as well as efforts that promote preservation in our community.

Award winners will be recognized by the Historic Resources Commission and City Council and will receive a commemorative plaque in appreciation of their contributions to preserving Santa Ana's heritage.

Nominations are due by Thursday, Oct. 2, at 4 p.m. and may be submitted online or in person.

Learn more and access the nomination form at santa-ana.org/historic-preservation

For additional information, contact Contract Planner James Williams at (714) 647-5899.

Innovative Outdoor Library at Jerome Park opens

We are proud to open one of the only permanent public outdoor libraries in the nation at Jerome Park. This project is part of the largest expansion of the Santa Ana Public Library system in 50 years, along with the new Delhi Library Branch. We are investing a historic $50 million in library facilities with these projects, the Main Library renovation, and the Newhope Library renovation.

On Aug. 21, the Santa Ana City Council hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Outdoor Library, joined by residents and community members. The new outdoor library is the first of its kind in Santa Ana, and provides a vibrant, interactive space for all ages. Its design includes a kiosk to check out books and other items, reading areas, recreation and play spaces and features that are inclusive and welcoming for individuals of all abilities.

Located near the Southwest Senior Center, schools and community centers, the library will become a neighborhood destination for years to come.

Take the First Street survey by Sept. 30

Thank you to everyone who participated in our Moving Forward on First workshops. We heard valuable feedback from residents and community members about the future of First Street.

There's still time to get involved! Share your ideas on how we can make First Street safer, more accessible and more enjoyable for everyone who walks, bikes, rides or rolls between Bristol Street and Tustin Avenue.

Take this interactive survey by Sept. 30 to share your thoughts at Bit.ly/FirstStreetSurvey

City Council approves agreement with Caltrans to clean up freeway corridors

The City of Santa Ana has partnered with Caltrans to clean and maintain freeway on/off ramps and underpasses throughout the city.

Under this agreement approved by the Santa Ana City Council, the City will do the cleanup work and Caltrans will reimburse us up to $400,000 over two years. This partnership will help keep our freeway gateways clean, safe and welcoming for everyone who lives in or visits Santa Ana.

Learn more in the official press releaseand watch this videofor details on the agreement.

Get up to $10,000 to pay for vocational training

Are you interested in vocational training? Get up to $10,000 of vocational training tuition covered. You may be eligible if you were recently laid off, are low-income or are a veteran. Attend an orientation at the Santa Ana Work Center to take the first steps! The next orientation sessions are at 10 a.m. Sept. 15 and Sept. 29 at the Work Center, 801 W. Civic Center Drive, Suite 200, Santa Ana.

Learn about vocational training

Tales of the City

Learn, move and connect with Community Classes in Santa Ana

Santa Ana's community education classes, also called contract classes, are more than just fun. From fitness and dance to arts, sports and personal growth, these instructor-led programs help you stay active, learn new skills and meet others in your community.

The City partners with local instructors, small businesses and organizations to offer a wide variety of classes at low cost. Popular classes are toddler tumbling, parent-and-me classes, aerobics, sewing and adult dance.

Classes take place in community centers and parks, turning public spaces into lively places to learn and connect. Many classes also celebrate the City's diversity, like martial arts and folklorico dance, helping people feel included and proud of their community.

Sign up for Community Classes

City Council Meetings

The next regular Santa Ana City Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, at 4 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 channeland 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 hereto receive City meeting agenda notifications.

Sept. 16 Meeting Agenda

Events

Find more City of Santa Ana events on our website.

Fiestas Patrias - Sept. 13-14

The annual Fiestas Patrias festival is this weekend in downtown Santa Ana, celebrating Mexican and Latin American nations' independence with live music, cultural traditions, food, rides and family activities. These festive events include an El Grito ceremony and a Sunday parade. The two-day event also features performances by Luis Coronel, Roberto Tapia, El Dasa and La Septima Banda.

• Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 13-14
• 12-11 p.m. Saturday, and 12-10 p.m. Sunday
• Downtown Santa Ana

Learn more about Fiestas Patrias

Junk It!, Wreck It!, Bullet It!: Creative Journaling - Sept. 13

Delhi Library is hosting a free creative journaling program for teens on junk journaling, Wreck-This journaling and bullet journaling. Learn how to express your creativity and build your artistic skills. All supplies will be provided; all you need to do is show up!

• Saturday, Sept. 13
• 2-3:30 p.m.
• Delhi Library, 505 E. Central Ave.

For more information, call (714) 647-5358or visit santa-ana.org/event/junk-it-wreck-it-bullet-it-creative-journaling-program-2025-08-09-2025-09-13/

Taller Lanzar Tu Negocio (Business Startup Workshop in Spanish) - Sept. 17

El Departamento de Desarrollo Económico de la Ciudad de Santa Ana lo invita al Taller Lanza Tu Negocio.

Este taller es gratuito y abierto a la comunidad. El taller está diseñado para cualquier persona interesada en iniciar un nuevo negocio o en expandir un negocio existente en la Ciudad de Santa Ana.

Las personas que asisten aprenderán pasos esenciales al igual que técnicas para impulsar su idea o visión, incluyendo información sobre licencias, permisos, tipos de negocios, y otros pasos importantes que le ayudarán a fomentar buenas comunicaciones con empleados al igual que cumplir su meta empresarial.

• El miércoles 17 de septiembre
• 11 a.m. a 12:30 p.m.
• Ayuntamiento de Santa Ana, 20 Civic Center Drive, Sala 1600

Para más información, comuníquese con Fernando Chavarría al (714) 647-5530.

Baila Baila at Delhi Library - Sept. 19

Delhi Library presents a free bilingual children's show by Baila Baila, featuring interactive Spanish and English songs and dancing to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.

• Friday, Sept. 19
• 4-4:45 p.m.
• Delhi Center, 505 E. Central Ave.

For more information, call (714) 647-5358or visit santa-ana.org/event/hispanic-heritage-month-baila-baila-bilingual-show

Inner Coastal Cleanup Day - Sept. 20

Join us in making a difference this Inner-Coastal Cleanup Day! We are seeking volunteers to help remove trash and debris from the Santa Ana Gardens flood control channel and nearby park areas.

• Saturday, Sept. 20
• 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
• Jerome Park, 2115 W. McFadden Ave.

All volunteers must complete a waiver, and volunteers under 18 will need a parent or guardian to sign it on their behalf. Remember to wear closed-toe shoes and bring sunscreen and a hat! Drinks and snacks will be provided.

If you would like to participate in the cleanup, contact Craig Foster at (714) 647-5659or at [email protected]or register here.

Fall Equinox - Sept. 24

Join Santa Ana's Health and Wellness team at the Madison Park Community Garden as we celebrate the Fall Equinox with a special gathering focused on the spirit and purpose behind farmers markets. The free event will cover how local markets support community health, promote sustainable agriculture and strengthen connections between growers and consumers.

• Wednesday, Sept. 24
• 4-6 p.m.
• Madison Park, 1528 S. Standard St.

Register for Fall Equinox

Older Adults Celebration - Oct. 3

The Parks and Recreation Senior Services section invites Santa Ana's older adult community to come together and join us for our annual International Older Adults Celebration on Friday, Oct. 3! The free event is open to everyone ages 55+.

• Friday, Oct. 3
• 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Jerome Park, 2115 W. McFadden Ave.

Guests can enjoy festivities and activities, including:

• Food
• Prizes
• Performances
• Music and dancing
• Senior resources
• Health screenings

Register for Older Adults Celebration

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

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