Mayor’s Newsletter: May 2026

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Official newsletter of Santa Ana Mayor Valerie Amezcua.

Keeping the community informed about local events, City news, and resources.

Dear Neighbors,

Spring is in full bloom and summer is around the corner.

By now, as you drive around our city, you may have noticed several construction projects. These projects include new parks, street widening, new sidewalks, a new dog park and so many others.

I want to thank everyone that came out to Día del Niño at George Upton All Access Park. It was amazingly successful as we served over 500 families with resources, food, games and helped the environment by planting beautiful trees.

And as we begin to prepare for the end of the school year and plan our kids' and families' summer, please take a look at what the city has to offer at the following links for ideas:

• Parks and Recreation
• Santa Ana Public Library
• City Events

In remembrance of Memorial Day, a solemn day, I would like to take a moment of silence and reflection to honor the men and women that gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Thank you.

If you see me around town, please say hello and let the May flowers bloom.

Blessings,

Mayor Valerie Amezcua

Email: [email protected]

MAYOR & COMMUNITY IN ACTION

Follow the Mayor on social media for daily updates! Stay connected to learn about upcoming news, meetings, and community events.

APPRENTICESHIP CAREER FAIR

Our 2nd annual Apprenticeship Career Fair was a huge success with over 1,000 people wrapped around City Hall. There is definitely a need for stable earning jobs, and the Trades is a pathway to achieving this. Thank you to the labor unions for providing information and job opportunities.

DOG PARK RIBBON CUTTING

What an amazing day at the ribbon cutting of our city's first dog park! Families came with their fur babies to explore the three different areas designated for large, medium and small dogs, and it was a site to watch and interact.

The park for our furry friends is part of a larger investment in Centennial Park that includes new walking paths, upgraded restrooms, restored lakes, improved lighting and other recreational enhancements. These improvements aim to create a more welcoming, accessible and vibrant community space for residents and families across Santa Ana.

The project reflects the City's ongoing commitment to expanding amenities, improving parks and promoting community wellness.

Read more about the dog park.

RECOGNIZING AND HONORING 35 YEARS OF TOYAMA KARATE - DO ACADEMY

On April 7, 2026, I had the honor of presenting a formal proclamation to the Academy for its 35 years of service to our community. I want to thank the Cazales Family - Shihan Rodolfo, Araceli and Jerry - who started Toyama and who have remained dedicated and committed to our youth.

FRESH START & THE GOOD PROJECT

I had the pleasure of meeting Victor Oliviera, also known on Instagram as victorthegoodboss. Victor reached out to see how he could partner with our homeless efforts in Santa Ana. His non-profit is dedicated to the same things we are: supporting individuals in need with essentials like food, transportation, and temporary shelter until folks can stand on their own. We agreed that it takes one person at a time to start seeing a difference.

ORANGE COUNTY HISPANIC CHAMBER'S 35TH ANNUAL ESTRELLA AWARDS

A star-studded night for Orange County with close to 800 community leaders, electeds and rising students. It was great to catch up after being away and to discuss opportunities with leaders. Congratulations to Alberto Sandoval, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Community and Government Relations, who became the new incoming President of the Orange County Hispanic Chamber.

MOTHER'S MARKET

I was invited by UFCW Local 324 to show up and support workers from Mother's Market and stand beside them for fair wages and working conditions. We had a positive discussion and it was a great turnout of community and electeds to support.

38TH ANNUAL ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT MEDAL OF VALOR CEREMONY

Public service was on full display at the Annual Medal of Valor Ceremony. It was incredible to listen and see footage of how law enforcement saved lives while on duty. True selfless acts of bravery and commitment to community.

4TH ANNUAL ORANGE COUNTY WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP SUMMIT

Inspiration, motivation and self awareness was felt in the room. Women leaders, educators, electeds, CEOs and more were present and sharing their stories of struggle and achievement. Women surrounding themselves with other women that elevate and mentor one another was the theme. I left with the love of my community in my heart.

DIA DEL NINO & TREE PLANTING

The weather was great for families to come out with their children to enjoy an incredible day of fun, activities, food, music and community resources. I'm grateful for all our community partners that came out and took their time to talk and laugh with our community. We fed over 500 people, gave away two bikes, toys, resources and clothes to our families and helped the environment by planting three trees with the help of our local Girl Scouts.

TACONAZO RIBBON CUTTING

I am always grateful and proud when a business decides to set roots in our beautiful Santa Ana. With mariachis, delicious food, family and friends along with the community, we welcomed TACONAZO to Santa Ana. I know they will succeed because their fish tacos are tasty!

THANKING LABOR FOR THEIR PARTICIPATION IN THE APPRENTICESHIP CAREER FAIR

It was a pleasure to recognize our local Labor Leaders that made our Apprenticeship Career Fair a huge success! We're already planning the next one.

CALOPTIMA, ALTAMED AND CITY OF SANTA ANA PARTNER ON STREET MEDICINE PROGRAM

Caloptima, AltaMed and Santa Ana have partnered to bring a Street Medicine Program to those on our streets that need mental health and medical services. It takes committed partnerships to make changes with one person at a time. If you see a worker wearing an orange shirt, say hello!

Read more about the Street Medicine Program.

SEGERSTROM HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL SENIOR NIGHT

Congratulations to all of the Segerstrom High School senior baseball players and their families as they prepare themselves to go on to college or a trade. Go JAGS!

CITY NEWS AND RECOGNITIONS

Another project completed. On Raitt and Moore between Segerstrom and Alton the sidewalk was no longer walkable. In 2 ½ days the sidewalk was broken up and re-cemented, making this important route for students and families usable again!

Santa Ana named Tree City USA for 27th Consecutive Year

The Arbor Day Foundation has recognized Santa Ana as a 2025 Tree City USA, marking the 27th consecutive year the City has received this honor for its commitment to urban forest management.

Santa Ana met the Tree City USA program's four requirements by:

• Establishing the Environmental and Transportation Advisory Committee, made up of City Council appointees who provide oversight on tree-planting programs.
• Creating a Tree Care Ordinance in 1999 that provides guidelines for maintaining a healthy urban forest.
• Establishing a Community Forestry program with an annual budget of at least $2 per capita.
• Celebrating an Arbor Day observance annually.

The City's tree program cares for more than 50,000 City-owned street trees, helping keep Santa Ana green, healthy, and beautiful.

For questions about City trees, contact Public Works Maintenance Services at (714) 647-3380.

Read more.

GROW Conference

The 2026 GROW Conference presented by the City of Santa Ana and Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce highlights new developments, businesses, economic growth in Santa Ana and a Panel of four industry leaders on "Why Santa Ana?" This video was presented at the conference to showcase two major projects along with national and regional brands that chose Santa Ana as their next business location. The video highlights the various stages of development for these projects and the experiences that the developers and business owners had working with the City of Santa Ana to bring these additions to our community. Santa Ana is open for business!

Denim Day

City of Santa Ana staff joined communities around the world in observing Denim Day on Wednesday, April 29, wearing denim to raise awareness about sexual violence and stand in support of survivors.

Support is available for those who need it. The National Sexual Assault Hotline can be reached at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). Locally, the Santa Ana Family Justice Center is available at (714) 245-8278, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Family Justice Center is a collaborative partnership between the Santa Ana Police Department, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies, providing comprehensive services and support for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, human trafficking, and elder abuse.

Santa Ana Family Justice Center.

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS

Chinatown Memorial Unveiling Ceremony - May 23

The community is invited to attend the unveiling ceremony for a memorial monument commemorating the historic location of Santa Ana's Chinatown, honoring the resilience and lasting legacy of the city's Chinese community, and recognizing the historical significance of Santa Ana's Chinatown.

• Saturday, May 23
• 9:30-10:30 a.m.
• DTSA, 3rd and Bush streets

Chinatown Memorial Monument

Memorial Day Flag Raising Ceremony - May 25

Please join us at the Memorial Day Flag Raising Ceremony at Memorial Park as we honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

• Monday, May 25
• 9-10:00 a.m.
• Memorial Park, 2102 S. Flower St.

Discovery Cube Orange County Resident Free Days!

Great news, Santa Ana residents! Enjoy a day of fun and learning at Discovery Cube Orange County for FREE on the first Tuesday of every month! Get up to FOUR free tickets per government-issued photo ID with a Santa Ana address.*

When: First Tuesday of every month
Where: Discovery Cube Santa Ana

Learn more: Discovery Cube Promotions

Free Resident Day at Santa Ana Zoo

Santa Ana residents, enjoy a wild day at the Santa Ana Zoo - for FREE!

When: Every third Sunday of the month
Where: Santa Ana Zoo, 1801 E. Chestnut Ave., Santa Ana

Free admission with proof of residency (driver's license or utility bill required).

Learn more: Santa Ana Resident Days

Bowers Museum free admission for residents

Offers free general admission to all Santa Ana residents on Sundays through a generous donation in memory of Dorothy Goerl and courtesy of the Lockhart Family. Santa Ana residents will need to provide proof of residency through an ID, driver's license or utility bill.

Learn more here

City Hall

Upcoming Holiday and Closed Friday schedule: (City Hall non-essential offices are closed on alternating Fridays throughout the year)

• Friday, May 22, 2026 - City Hall closed
• Monday, May 25, 2026 - City Hall closed in observance of Memorial Day

The next City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. (open session) at the Santa Ana Council Chamber, 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana. Official City meetings are open to the public and I encourage you to participate. Council agendas and minutes may be accessed here.

CITY AND COMMUNITY RESOURCES

The Santa Ana City Council and City leadership remain steadfast in their commitment to protecting the rights, safety, and dignity of every member of our community.

Ayuda Sin Fronteras (Help Without Borders)
The City Council approved an additional $150,000 in funding to provide financial assistance for residents impacted by recent immigration enforcement operations.

Call: (714) 565-2655
Learn more: https://www.santa-ana.org/ayuda-sin-fronteras

Immigration Legal Defense Services
The City Council approved funding for deportation legal defense services through the Immigrant Defenders Law Center (ImmDef). Santa Ana residents in need of assistance can contact ImmDef directly.

Call: (213) 634-0999
Email: [email protected]
Learn more: https://immdef.org/

Know Your Rights

Food Assistance

Community Resources

ICE Detainee Locator

Find additional community resources here.

Request City Services Online & Important City Contacts You can request City services.

Important City Contacts:

• City Hall Main Line - (714) 647-5400
• Code Enforcement - (714) 667-2780
• Emergency Water Services - (714) 953-8026
• Graffiti Hotline - (877) 786-7824
• Homeless Services - (714) 242-3706 or report via the mySantaAna app.
• Public Works Dispatch (street sweeping, tree maintenance) - (714) 647-3380

Download the SantaAna app today

Stay connected with your city right from your smartphone. The mySantaAna app now supports English, Spanish and Vietnamese, making it easier than ever to report issues and request City services.

Download or update the app today to:

• Report street or park issues
  
• Request City services
  
• Stay informed about important City updates
  

Available on: App Store | Google Play

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

The City of Santa Ana's Human Resources Department, Talent Acquisition Division, works with City departments to identify staffing needs and recruit talented individuals to serve our community.

We are looking for people who are results-oriented, creative, and passionate about public service.

Explore career opportunities: Career opportunities

Learn about our internship program: Internship program

Invite me

If you'd like to invite me to attend an event in your neighborhood or in connection with your organization, please feel free to make that request via email: [email protected]

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