COSAS Newsletter: July 2, 2026

In the July 2, 2026, edition of COSAS (City of Santa Ana Stories) learn about our 4th of July Celebration, get involved in City events, share your ideas about street safety, join us for library and community center openings, and find more City events, news and resources.

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Spotlight Photo

Enjoying the new Centennial Park dog park

Photo Credits: Alexandra H., Rosangel D., David G.

To submit your own original photo of Santa Ana to be featured in the next newsletter, complete this form.

City Manager's Highlights

Celebrate Independence Day safely

The 4th of July is a wonderful opportunity to come together as a community to celebrate our nation's independence and the freedoms we cherish. As you enjoy the holiday, we encourage everyone to do their part to help keep our neighborhoods safe and join us at our annual 4th of July Celebration.

We wish you and your loved ones a happy, safe, and memorable Independence Day!

4th of July Celebration

Celebrate Independence Day and America's 250th birthday at the City of Santa Ana's annual 4th of July Celebration from 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, at Centennial Park, 3000 W. Edinger Ave. Join family, friends, and neighbors for an unforgettable evening of community pride and patriotic fun featuring live music, food vendors, inflatables, and a colorful fireworks finale at 8:45 p.m. Guests are encouraged to arrive early and bring a lawn chair, blanket, and picnics. Learn more here.

'Safe and Sane' fireworks permitted through July 4

The Santa Ana Police Department would like to remind the community that only fireworks bearing the "Safe and Sane" seal are permitted to be used within city limits until 10 p.m. tonight (July 2), until 10 p.m. Friday, July 3, and until 9 p.m. on July 4. The use of illegal fireworks may contribute to serious injuries and fires in our community. Possession and/or use of illegal fireworks is a crime that can result in a minimum fine of $1,000 or up to six months in jail. To report illegal fireworks: Call (714) 245-8771. Learn more here.

Tips for handling 'Safe and Sane' fireworks

The Orange County Fire Authority is reminding the community to stay safe this July 4 when handling fireworks. Among its top tips: Never allow young children to handle or ignite fireworks, keep a bucket of water or garden hose nearby and never relight a "dud" firework. Watch the video below for more tips and visit ocfa.org for more resources.

City Hall closed, no street sweeping July 3

In observance of Independence Day, Santa Ana City Hall, community centers, libraries and non-essential facilities will be closed on Friday, July 3. There will be no street sweeping, but trash and recycling will be collected on the normal schedule.

News

Allowable rent increase for 2026-27 is 2.87%

The City of Santa Ana Community Development Agency has released the official allowable rent increase calculation under the Rent Stabilization and Just Cause Eviction Ordinance.

From September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2027, the allowable rent increase for residential units and mobilehome spaces covered by the ordinance is 2.87%. By law, landlords are restricted to only one rent increase per 12-month period.

An increase is only valid if the property owner has completed the Rental Unit Registration, kept up with property maintenance/repairs, and provided the tenant with a written notice regarding the ordinance.

The complete guidelines are available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese online at www.santa-ana.org/renter-protections. For direct assistance, contact the housing office at (714) 667-2209 or [email protected].

Candidate nomination period opens July 13

The City of Santa Ana will hold a General Municipal Election on Tuesday, Nov. 3, to elect a Mayor and a Councilmember for Ward 2, Ward 4 and Ward 6.

If you are interested in becoming a candidate, please visit www.santa-ana.org/elections for more information. Contact the City Clerk's Office at 714-647-6520 or [email protected] to make an appointment to pull papers starting Monday, July 13. The candidate nomination period runs from July 13 to Aug. 7.

More information

Plan reviews and permit services are now online

Effective July 1, 2026, all plan reviews, permits and applications related to development, construction, and building projects/modifications must be submitted electronically through the online Accela Citizen Access (ACA) Portal.

We are excited to introduce Accela, a leading provider of online services, as our new permit portal and land management system. This new online portal system will provide convenient, all-in-one access to all of our development services, including submitting plans, paying fees, obtaining permits and scheduling inspections.

Developers, contractors and all members of the public can use Accela for a variety development and construction services, including:

• Submitting construction plans
• Building permits
• Mechanical, electrical and plumbing permits
• Planning and Zoning applications
• Public Works applications
• Water heater installation permits
• Paying fees
• Scheduling inspections
• And other services related to building projects and modifications

Learn about Accela

Celebrating the World Cup in Santa Ana

As the world continues to gather to celebrate the FIFA World Cup, we invite residents and visitors to shop local in Santa Ana for all your World Cup needs.

Restaurants, bars, and businesses across Santa Ana are offering specials and hosting watch parties, while retail shops are selling merchandise proudly highlighting participating teams. When we choose to dine, shop, and celebrate in Santa Ana, we strengthen the small businesses that are the backbone of our community.

To find World Cup watch parties and special events, follow the City of Santa Ana on social media and visit Travel Santa Ana's website. To submit your event for listing, click here.

World Cup Watch Parties and Events

Give us your ideas on how to make local streets safer

Join the City of Santa Ana on Saturday, July 11, to help create a safer Santa Ana!

We are currently updating the 2024 Santa Ana Vision Zero Plan, an initiative to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries in Santa Ana, to include seven new corridors. We need your input to identify the most effective traffic improvements.

Join us at our Vision Zero Plan Update workshop from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. July 11 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Delhi Church, 541 E. Central Ave.

Vision Zero Plan Update

Support events and programs in Santa Ana

The City of Santa Ana invites businesses to sponsor citywide events that bring together thousands of residents and visitors from across Southern California.

Sponsorship opportunities provide valuable brand visibility through event participation, marketing recognition, and direct community engagement. Sponsors may support individual events or establish an annual plan that enhances community events while increasing their presence throughout Santa Ana.

Many businesses choose to help enhance event experiences, fund activities and amenities, and create memorable opportunities for residents and visitors alike, while aligning their brand with Santa Ana's high-profile community events.

For more information and to submit an interest form, please visit www.santa-ana.org/become-a-partner-or-sponsor and/or contact [email protected].

Become an event sponsor

Applications open for Chicano Heritage Festival vendors, booths and car show

Do you enjoy our annual Chicano Heritage Festival and want to become more involved? Here's your chance!

The fifth annual event is scheduled to take place from 3 to 7 p.m. on Aug. 23 at Centennial Park, featuring live performances, a car cruise and show, food, community art, crafts, a kids zone, and much more.

The City is now accepting applications from those interested in selling goods or food, setting up an informational booth, or participating in the car show. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. July 27.

Chicano Heritage Festival applications

Santa Ana Public Library Reimagined Survey

The Santa Ana Public Library is growing and has launched two new branches, the Delhi Library and the Outdoor Library at Jerome Park, and will soon reopen the remodeled and modernized Main Library and Newhope Branch Library. To make sure they have the best resources, services and spaces, we would like to hear from residents about what you value.

Take the library survey

City Council Meetings

Santa Ana City Council approves balanced 2026-27 budget that protects services, continues investments in public spaces

The Santa Ana City Council unanimously approved a balanced budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year on Tuesday, June 16, that protects essential City services while continuing to invest in neighborhood improvements, parks, streets, youth, arts and public safety.

The City's general fund budget totals $435 million and supports core services such as libraries, parks, youth programs, police and fire protection, code enforcement, building safety and street repairs. The total City budget, which also includes housing, water, sewer and other dedicated funds, is $786 million.

While the City faced a projected $13 million budget shortfall, staff balanced the budget without cutting core services, laying off or furloughing full-time employees. The City will maintain a healthy reserve to help prepare for future economic challenges.

Read more here.

Other highlights from the Santa Ana City Council's June 16, 2026, meeting

• The Santa Ana City Council approved a three-year agreement with the County of Orange for law enforcement helicopter services from July 2026 through June 2029, for up to $731,775. Under the agreement, the county will provide 100 hours of helicopter service per year to support police operations such as responding to major crimes, locating missing persons, and assisting emergency response efforts.
• The Santa Ana City Council agreed to award $600,000 in federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds for the 2026-2027 program year to the Orange County Children's Therapeutic Arts Center, Working Wardrobes for a New Start, and Taller San Jose Hope Builders, with each receiving $200,000. These organizations will provide youth workforce development services from July 2026 through June 2027.
• The Santa Ana City Council agreed to accept a $1.5 million grant from the State of California's Volunteers Youth Service Corps program to fund the Santa Ana Youth Employment Program through December 2027. The program is expected to serve about 100 young people ages 16 to 30, providing paid work experience, training and workshops to help participants prepare for education and employment.
• The Santa Ana City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance to dissolve five advisory bodies: the Arts and Culture Commission; Environmental and Transportation Advisory Commission; Historic Resources Commission; Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission; and Youth Commission as part of the 2026-27 fiscal year budget adoption. The City's mandated boards, commissions and committees will remain in place and will continue to provide public engagement opportunities for the Santa Ana community. The roles and duties of the boards and commissions that are being dissolved will be integrated into the mandated boards and commissions.

The next regular Santa Ana City Council meeting will take place on July 7, 2026, 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 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.

July 7, 2026, Meeting Agenda

Events

Find more City of Santa Ana events on our website.

See the Parks and Recreation class catalogue here.

• Centennial Park, 3000 W. Edinger Ave.

City of Santa Ana 4th of July celebration - July 4

The City of Santa Ana's annual 4th of July celebration will once again take place at Centennial Park. This free community event will include live music, food vendors, inflatables, and a firework show finale at 8:45 p.m. Guests are encouraged to arrive early and bring a lawn chair, blanket, and picnics. On-site event parking is free, but limited. Information

• Saturday, July 4
• 6-9 p.m.
• Centennial Park, 3000 W. Edinger Ave.

Summer Movies in the Park Week 4: 'Goat' - July 10

Grab your blankets, lawn chairs and loved ones - it's time for another installation of Movies in the Park! Each movie night features themed crafts for kids, fun games, community resources, and complimentary popcorn (while supplies last). Activities start at 6:30 p.m.; the movie begins at dusk.

• Friday, July 10
• 6:30-9 p.m.
• Jerome Park, 2115 W. McFadden Ave.

Newhope Branch Library Grand Reopening - July 11

Join us for the ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the reopening of the Newhope Branch Library! Children and families are invited to enjoy a special performance and activities after the ceremony. Library upgrades include a glass storefront-style entrance and a colorful, inviting façade. Inside, the renovated library features an Innovation Lab designed to provide hands-on STEM learning for all ages. The outdoor patio also received a complete makeover, with new seating and a shade structure, creating a welcoming space for reading and community gatherings.

• Saturday, July 11
• 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Newhope Library, 122 N. Newhope St.

More information

Summer Tech Institute: Photography - July 15

Take beautiful pictures with the fundamentals of photography! Learn the basics, including how to frame a subject and lighting. No equipment or experience is required.

• Wednesday, July 15
• 3-4 p.m.
• Newhope Library, 122 N. Newhope St.

More information

Summer Movies in the Park Week 5: 'Guardians of the Galaxy' - July 17

Grab your blankets, lawn chairs and loved ones - it's time for another installation of Movies in the Park! Each movie night features themed crafts for kids, fun games, community resources, and complimentary popcorn (while supplies last). Activities start at 6:30 p.m.; the movie begins at dusk.

• Friday, July 17
• 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.
• Centennial Park, 3000 W. Edinger Ave.

Quarterly Bulky Item Drop-Off Day at El Salvador Park - July 18

The City of Santa Ana is proud to host the Quarterly Bulky Item Drop-Off Day, an opportunity for residents to properly dispose of bulky items such as furniture, mattresses, carpets, and non-donatable clothes, bedding, books, or toys. This event is free to Santa Ana residents, and no appointment is necessary. Proof of Santa Ana residency will be required. The event may end before 12 p.m. if capacity is reached.

For more information, call (714) 647-5411 or see the link below.

• Saturday, July 18
• 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
• El Salvador Park, 1825 W. Civic Center Drive

More information

Quarterly Bulky Item Drop-Off Day at Cabrillo Park - July 18

The City of Santa Ana is proud to host the Quarterly Bulky Item Drop-Off Day, an opportunity for residents to properly dispose of bulky items such as furniture, mattresses, carpets, and non-donatable clothes, bedding, books, or toys. This event is free to Santa Ana residents, and no appointment is necessary. Proof of Santa Ana residency will be required. The event may end before 12 p.m. if capacity is reached.

For more information, call (714) 647-5411 or see the link below.

• Saturday, July 18
• 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
• Cabrillo Park, 1820 E. Fruit St.

More information

Portola Park Splash Pad Ribbon Cutting Ceremony - July 18

Join us in celebrating the opening of Santa Ana's first dedicated splash pad at Portola Park, featuring a variety of interactive water play and spray elements designed to provide a fun, safe, and accessible experience for children and families. The project also includes new shade structures, outdoor showers, and renovated ADA-accessible restrooms, creating a vibrant community destination that expands recreational opportunities and enhances quality of life for Santa Ana residents.

• Saturday, July 18
• 9 a.m.
• Portola Park, 1700 E. Santa Clara Ave.

OC's Safer Summer Pool Party - July 18

The City of Santa Ana's Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Agency is hosting the 2026 OC's Safer Summer Pool Party presented by the Orange County Drowning Prevention Coalition and the Jasper Ray Foundation. The day includes water safety stations, both on land and in water, and helps educate the public on drowning prevention efforts and pool safety. There will be information about swimming lessons, CPR, safety, and more! Register now and secure your spot. For questions, email [email protected].

• Saturday, July 18
• 3-6 p.m.
• El Salvador Community Center, 1825 W. Civic Center Drive

More information

Santa Anita Community Center and Pool Ribbon Cutting Ceremony - July 25

Santa Anita Park is entering an exciting new chapter with the completion of a transformative renovation that will officially open on Saturday, July 25. Made possible through multiple grant awards, the project features a new synthetic turf sports field that will provide safe, high-quality, year-round play, a re-imagined community center and community gathering space, and a revitalized pool. Additional improvements include a new playground, basketball court, outdoor fitness equipment, an expanded parking lot, and enhanced park amenities that will serve residents and visitors for years to come. Join us for the unveiling!

• Saturday, July 25
• 10 a.m.
• Santa Anita Park, 300 S. Figueroa St.

Free admission to local attractions for Santa Ana residents

Did you know that Santa Ana residents can enjoy free admission to popular local attractions through special community programs and partnerships? Check out these deals to start planning your next adventure:

• Discovery Cube Orange County offers free admission to Santa Ana residents on the first Tuesday of every month. Residents get four free tickets per government-issued photo ID with address. Get more details here.
• The Santa Ana Zoo offers free admission to Santa Ana residents on the third Sunday of every month. ID is required for adults. Click here for rules and dates.
• Bowers Museum offers free general admission to all Santa Ana residents on Sundays. Proof of residency is required. Get more details here.

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