Ward 3 Newsletter: May 2026

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Hello, Ward 3!

May was a month that reminded me why I love this community so much. From honoring history at the Chinatown Memorial unveiling, to celebrating young women pursuing higher education, to seeing neighbors come together to care for our creeks and public spaces, this month was filled with moments that showcased the strength, compassion, and resilience of Santa Ana.

May also allowed us to celebrate and reflect on the many cultures and communities that help make our city vibrant. We recognized Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Jewish American Heritage Month, and Mental Health Awareness Month, honoring the contributions, histories, and experiences that enrich our community every day. These observances remind us that our diversity is one of our greatest strengths and that building a welcoming city means ensuring every resident feels seen, valued, and respected.

There is so much progress to share, and so much more ahead. Thank you for being part of it all and for helping make Ward 3 such a special place to call home.

Your Councilwoman,

Jessie Lopez

Councilmember Lopez in our Community

Girls Inc. of Orange County College 'Shower'

I also joined Girls Inc. of Orange County for their annual College Bound celebration at Samueli Academy, where we recognized an incredible group of young women who have completed rigorous college and career readiness training and earned acceptance to colleges and universities across the country. Each graduate received a tote filled with essentials for her first year of college, and five students went home with laptops thanks to Spectrum's generous support.

As someone who was born and raised in Santa Ana and worked my way through college, I know firsthand how much access to support and community encouragement can mean. Seeing these young women celebrated and sent off with the tools they need filled me with so much pride. The future is bright - and it looks like them. Many thanks to Charter Communications and all of our business partners for their support.

Public Service Recognition Week Luncheon

I want to take a moment to thank our City staff for their dedication and service to our community. Every day, they show up ready to solve problems, respond to residents' needs, maintain critical services, and keep our city moving forward. Much of their work happens behind the scenes, but its impact is felt in every neighborhood, park, street, and public service our residents rely on.

I am deeply grateful for their professionalism, commitment, and unwavering support of our entire city. Their hard work and passion for public service make a difference in the lives of thousands of residents, and our community is stronger because of their efforts. Thank you for all that you do.

Honoring Santa Ana's Chinatown

The City Council unveiled a memorial monument honoring Santa Ana's historic Chinatown, recognizing both the immense contributions of the Chinese community to our city's foundation and the painful injustice they endured. The ceremony took place nearly 120 years to the day after Chinatown was burned down on May 25, 1906.

Acknowledging this history matters. Not to divide us, but to ensure we learn from it and continue building a community rooted in dignity, respect, and belonging for everyone. At a time when divisive rhetoric tries to pull people apart, moments like this remind us that our communities have far more in common than what separates us.

In 2022, the Santa Ana City Council formally apologized to Chinese immigrants and their descendants for this and other acts of injustice. This monument stands not only as a remembrance of the past, but as a commitment to moving forward together.

Happy AAPI month.

Santiago Creek Cleanup

What a turnout! Over 60 volunteers came out to the Santiago Creek cleanup near Jack Fisher Park on May 2, and together they removed more than 3,000 pounds of debris from the creek. I'm so grateful to OC Habitats for leading this effort, to our City staff for working through the permitting process to make it happen, and to every single volunteer who showed up and got to work.

This creek is a natural treasure in the heart of Ward 3, and the care our community shows for it month after month is something I never take for granted. Thank you.

While our team was out there, we also reported a pole that was down and requested our city flags to be replaced since many of them are faded and ripped due to the weather. Thank you to Fisher Park residents for their advocacy.

Salvador Quintana Park Grand Opening

What was once a vacant, unused lot is now a beautiful community park where families can gather, play, and build memories together, and I couldn't be more proud.

Salvador Quintana Park opened on May 9, and this one is personal. The park is named for a true Santa Ana hero whose integrity and service helped support Japanese American families during World War II. His legacy now lives on in a space dedicated to community.

Beneath the surface, this park is also doing something remarkable. It features a 2,000-square-foot bioretention basin that filters stormwater runoff from the surrounding neighborhood, plus two underground cisterns that capture and store rainwater to supply the park's irrigation system, helping conserve water and reduce pollutants flowing into the Newport Bay Watershed.

This park exists because our community never gave up. I want to give a huge thank you to Thrive Santa Ana CLT for identifying this public land years ago and fighting to transform it into something meaningful, to the Pico Lowell Neighborhood Association for their steady advocacy, and to everyone who said yes when others said no. A portion of this project was funded by Proposition 4 of 2024, your tax dollars invested back into parks, neighborhoods, and the well-being of our families.

I am also incredibly proud of the work my office has led to expand and protect park space in our city. Before I was elected, one of my very first community campaigns was advocating to protect public land. When I first joined the Council, there was so much negative rhetoric surrounding our parks because they had been neglected for years. Programs were reduced, resources were shifted away from Parks and Recreation, and many people stopped seeing parks as valuable community assets.

Over the years, you have seen me consistently advocate for more green space, stronger investments in our parks, and a vision that recognizes public land as a public good. Seeing projects like Salvador Quintana Park come to life represents a meaningful shift in that narrative. This park is proof of what can happen when we invest in our neighborhoods, trust our community's vision, and refuse to give up on public spaces. This is a win for all of Santa Ana.

Celebrating Eid

I had the privilege of celebrating Eid with many members of our city's Muslim community, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to share in such a meaningful tradition. Eid is rooted in family, generosity, faith, peace, unity, and community, values that strengthen not only households but our entire city.

I am continually inspired by the contributions of our Muslim neighbors, from supporting local small businesses and creating economic opportunity to the warmth and hospitality with which they welcome me every time I visit. Their partnership, civic engagement, and care for community wellbeing help make our city stronger and more connected.

I am thankful for the chance to celebrate alongside them and for the many ways they enrich the cultural and economic fabric of our community. Eid Mubarak.

Memorial Day

This Memorial Day, we honored Marine Lance Corporal Jose Luis Elizarraras Jr., a Santa Ana native who served our country before tragically passing away during a training exercise 30 years ago. It was powerful to hear from his father, Jose Luis Elizarraras Sr., as we remembered his life and service.

Today's ceremony was a reminder of the sacrifice so many families have made for our country. We honor the Americans who gave their lives in service by protecting our democracy, staying engaged in our communities, and continuing the fight for justice, freedom, and opportunity for all people.

Pride Flag Raising at Santa Ana City Hall

I had the honor of leading the annual Pride Flag raising ceremony at Santa Ana City Hall, continuing a tradition our City proudly began in 2015 as the first city in Orange County to raise the Pride Flag. For the past five years now, my office has taken the lead in flying our Pride flag with pride.

Each year on Harvey Milk Day, we raise the flag as a symbol of love, inclusivity, equality, and pride for our LGBTQ+ community, and it will continue to fly through the end of Pride Month in June.

In a moment when LGBTQ+ communities are facing significant hostility across the country, I want to be clear that recognizing and affirming the humanity of a group of people takes nothing away from anyone else in our city. It is deeply important to me and to many of my constituents that we continue to show up with visibility and respect. This is not about imposing or dividing our residents. On the contrary, it is about bringing people with different perspectives and backgrounds together in a shared commitment to dignity and belonging.

I am grateful to City Manager Alvaro Nuñez, our community leaders, advocates, and every community member who joined us to celebrate this meaningful moment together. Santa Ana continues to lead with compassion, visibility, and a commitment to making every member of our community feel seen, valued, and welcomed, and I am thankful for everyone who continues to recognize and honor other people's humanity.

Policy Wins and Council Actions

Nearly $3 Million Coming to Santiago Park

Santiago Park is the only wilderness park in Santa Ana, with 35 acres of open space along Santiago Creek, and it remains one of Ward 3's greatest treasures. At our May 19 City Council meeting, I accepted nearly $3 million in funding from the California Coastal Conservancy for the Trail and Habitat Improvements Project at the eastern end of the park. The Coastal Conservancy Board approved this award unanimously, and remarkably, no local matching funds are required.

This is especially exciting news because, without this grant, the City simply would not have had the resources to complete a project of this scale. Securing nearly $3 million in competitive funding with no local match requirement is an incredible achievement, and I am thrilled to see this long-awaited work finally move forward. The project will deliver approximately five acres of improvements, including a new ADA-accessible pedestrian walkway, restored native landscaping, upgraded security lighting, a new pedestrian bridge across Santiago Creek, benches, drinking fountains, viewing areas, and stronger trail connections from surrounding neighborhoods.

This investment marks the third major improvement project in Santiago Park in recent years and helps complete the vision for the full length of the park. I want to thank the Santiago Park neighborhood for their advocacy and partnership throughout this process. I also want to recognize our Parks, Recreation and Community Services team, our Public Works staff, and the many current and former City employees who spent years advancing this project. Their persistence, expertise, and commitment made this funding award possible, and our community will benefit from their efforts for generations to come.

River View Golf Course

River View Golf Course is one of only two publicly owned golf courses in the area, and it sits right here in the heart of Ward 3. This month, we completed the final step in transitioning the course to direct City management and operations, closing out the equipment component of that transition.

This is an important milestone because River View has not been operated directly by the City, and bringing operations in-house gives us greater oversight and accountability for this valuable asset. It will help ensure that we can better maintain the course, make improvements more efficiently, address long-standing concerns such as golf balls damaging nearby homes, invest in stronger protective netting, and preserve River View as a quality public golf course for years to come.

As part of this transition, the City partnered with local school districts to recruit local workers to staff the course. These are Santa Ana jobs going to Santa Ana residents, exactly the kind of opportunity our public assets should help create.

I also want to thank the Riverview Neighborhood Association for their steady engagement throughout this process. Their advocacy has helped shape the City's approach to the course's future, and their ongoing efforts to keep the neighborhood clean, safe, and livable have been invaluable. I am excited about the opportunities ahead and look forward to working with residents, golfers, and City staff to ensure River View continues to be a community asset that serves both the neighborhood and the broader public.

Learn more about the course at playriverview.com.

Recognizing Voice of Refugees OC

At our May 19 City Council meeting, I was honored to present certificates of recognition to Voice of Refugees OC for their outstanding dedication to supporting refugee and immigrant families throughout Orange County. Founded in 2009 by former refugees and immigrants from the Middle East, the organization began with a simple mission of helping newly arrived families with basic necessities and has since grown into a trusted community resource helping families stabilize, integrate, and thrive.

Voice of Refugees provides holistic support through food assistance, mentorship, transportation support, ESL connection services, youth empowerment programs, and community integration efforts. Through strong partnerships with volunteers, churches, local organizations, and companies, they continue to create meaningful opportunities that help families build sustainable futures and feel welcomed in our community.

Most importantly, Voice of Refugees restores dignity, creates belonging, and empowers refugee and immigrant families to become leaders and active contributors within our communities. Their work reflects the very best of Santa Ana and Orange County's values of compassion, inclusion, resilience, and service. Thank you to Voice of Refugees OC for the incredible work you do every day to uplift families and strengthen our region.

Recognizing Airborne Systems - Artemis II

At our May 5 City Council meeting, I was proud to present a certificate of recognition to Airborne Systems for their outstanding contributions to the successful landing of NASA's Artemis II Orion Capsule. Based in Santa Ana, Airborne Systems has built a remarkable legacy of innovation and engineering excellence that continues to make a global impact while strengthening our local economy and workforce.

Their team played a critical role in designing and manufacturing the parachute recovery system for the Orion spacecraft, helping ensure the safe return of astronauts as NASA prepares for the next era of human space exploration. Beyond Artemis II, Airborne Systems has contributed to major aerospace and defense programs, including SpaceX Dragon, Boeing Starliner, Blue Origin's New Shepard, and advanced military aircraft recovery systems.

We are proud to have companies like Airborne Systems connected to our community, organizations that not only advance science and technology, but also inspire future generations of engineers and innovators right here in Santa Ana.

Honoring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

The Santa Ana Water Tower was illuminated red this month in recognition of the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. We remember and honor the lives of Indigenous women and girls who have been lost, and we stand in solidarity with their families and communities. Statistics indicate Indigenous women face disproportionately high rates of violence, with murder rates on some reservations over 10 times the national average. This is a crisis that demands our continued awareness and action.

Ward 3 Updates and Neighborhood Progress

Our Response to the Garden Grove Chemical Leak

The situation was understandably very concerning for families living near the facility. Evacuation orders were issued for areas near the site, primarily in Garden Grove, and Governor Newsom declared a state of emergency in Orange County.

While Santa Ana was not within the evacuation zone, that did not mean we stood by. I immediately issued a public statement expressing my concern for the safety and well-being of affected residents and asked the City Manager to evaluate the availability of our community centers and facilities should additional shelter capacity be needed. My office actively monitored regional air quality conditions and remained in close communication with Supervisor Sarmiento's office throughout the incident.

I also want to express my appreciation for the Orange County Fire Authority who worked tirelessly to protect lives and contain the situation. While the circumstances were frightening, their professionalism helped keep our communities safe during a challenging event.

Public health and safety will always be my top priority, and when our neighbors are facing a crisis, even if it is in the next city over, we show up and stand ready to help.

Shade Coming to Baseball Dugouts Citywide

A parent reached out to my office in March asking whether the City could install shade over the dugouts at Madison Park. With temperatures continuing to rise, kids were sitting in full sun during afternoon games, and I agreed that this was something we needed to address right away. I brought the request directly to our Public Works team.

I am happy to report that Public Works is already installing shade solutions, including chain link fencing and cloth canopies over the dugouts and benches, using existing operational budgets and in-house staff. Even better, this will become the new standard for baseball fields where shade is currently lacking, with citywide implementation planned in the coming months. When a parent speaks up for their kids, I listen and our team acts.

ADA Ramps Coming to East Virginia and Valencia Street

Earlier this year, a resident wrote to my office about the intersection of East Virginia Avenue and Valencia Street North, a busy access point to a popular park, where most of the curbs are not cut for strollers, wheelchairs, or anyone who has difficulty with steps. She described having to walk her young children into the street just to cross safely.

That is not acceptable. I brought it to our Public Works team, and ADA-compliant curb ramps are being installed at this intersection by in-house construction crews, with completion expected by May 29.

Safe, accessible sidewalks aren't extras - they're basics every neighborhood deserves.

Centennial Secures Multi-Million Dollar DOOH Media Deal with Lamar at MainPlace Mall

Residents may notice changes to the existing digital signage at MainPlace as part of a newly announced agreement that would convert current on-site signs into off-premise digital advertising billboards, pending final permits and approvals. Because of MainPlace's highly visible location near major freeways, the project is expected to attract regional and national advertisers and create a new revenue stream for the property.

For those who live, work, or travel near MainPlace, the project may result in updated digital billboard displays and increased advertising content visible from surrounding roadways. Property owners state that the effort is part of a broader strategy to reinvest in the shopping center, support its long-term economic viability, and maximize the value of existing infrastructure while maintaining MainPlace as a regional destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

More here

Happy Birthday Valerie Magdaleno

Today we're celebrating a very special member of our team, Valerie Magdaleno, on her birthday.

Valerie has been with our office since 2023, and from day one she has played an instrumental role in supporting our community engagement work. She is often the steady presence at neighborhood meetings, City Council meetings, and community events, making sure resident concerns are heard, tracked, and followed through. Her commitment to community care and responsiveness has strengthened the way our office serves Ward 3.

What makes Valerie even more remarkable is that she does all of this while also working another job and continuing to be a strong advocate for her own neighborhood. It has been incredible to witness her growth, leadership, and deep dedication to the community she comes from and continues to uplift.

Valerie is truly instrumental to the success of our office, and we are so grateful for everything she brings every single day.

Please join me in wishing Valerie a very happy birthday and thanking her for all that she does for our community.

Upcoming Events and Resources

Teen Camp at Garfield Community Center

Have a teen at home this summer? Don't wait to register for Teen Camp at Garfield Community Center, a 9-week program with weekly excursions, swim days, STEM activities, games, and more. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., at $35 per week. Spots are limited. Register at santa-ana.org/summer-teen-camp.

Housing Resource Fair, June 13

Join us at Santa Ana College on Saturday, June 13, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. for the Orange County Community Housing Corporation's Housing Resource Fair. Learn about the City's My First Home mortgage assistance program and other resources for current and future homeowners. Learn more at santa-ana.org/my-first-home.

Free Residential Insurance Webinar, June 17

The California Department of Insurance is hosting a free webinar on residential insurance on Wednesday, June 17, 6 - 7 p.m. Experts from the FAIR Plan, the California Earthquake Authority, and FEMA will cover homeowners insurance, earthquake coverage, flood insurance, and more. Register at qrco.de/CDI2026.

Juneteenth Festival, June 20

We are proud to sponsor the Orange County Heritage Council's Juneteenth celebration on Saturday, June 20, 12 - 6 p.m. at Centennial Park. Come celebrate culture, community, and freedom. Vendor opportunities are still available.

Summer Movies in the Park

2026 Summer Movies in the Park event flyer

Free outdoor movies are coming to Santa Ana parks this summer. Activities start at 6:30 p.m., movies begin at dusk. Bring blankets, lawn chairs, and the whole family.

• June 5 - "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" at Delhi Park
• June 12 - "Frozen" at El Salvador Park
• June 26 - "How to Train Your Dragon" at Portola Park
• July 10 - "Goat" at Jerome Park
• July 17 - "Guardians of the Galaxy" at Centennial Park
• July 24 - "Zootopia 2" at Lillie King Park

More info

Vote - Primary Election, June 2

The 2026 Statewide Direct Primary Election is Tuesday, June 2. All 128 ballot drop boxes throughout Orange County are open now, 24 hours a day, through 8 p.m. on Election Day. Find your nearest drop box at ocvote.gov/voting.

Local Events

• Free Zoo Days • Third Sunday of each month for Santa Ana residents
• Bowers Museum Free Sundays • Santa Ana residents get in free every Sunday
• Discovery Cube Free Days • Free admission for Santa Ana residents the first Tuesday of each month
• Councilwoman's Office Hours • Come share your questions, concerns, and ideas about your neighborhood or the city

Thank you for reading May's newsletter! If you need assistance, please reach out directly via email at [email protected] or by phone at (714) 822-0891. To access previous newsletters, please visit https://www.santa-ana.org/jessie-lopez/. You are receiving this email because our records show that you reside in Ward 3 or because you have subscribed to Councilwoman Lopez's newsletter. If you would like to opt out of this newsletter, please email [email protected].

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To schedule a meeting with Councilwoman Lopez, please contact [email protected].