City of Santa Ana, CA
09/10/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/10/2026 19:20
COSAS Newsletter: September 10, 2026
In the Sept. 10, 2026, edition of COSAS (City of Santa Ana Stories) find everything you need to know about this weekend's Fiestas Patrias festival and parade, celebrate Library Card Sign-Up Month, read about our recent homeless outreach operation, learn about street closures and train service disruptions and find more City news, resources and ways to get involved.
Spotlight Photo
City of Santa Ana Youth Baseball
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
Fiestas Patrias: everything you need to know
Santa Ana's annual Fiestas Patrias festival and parade returns to Downtown Santa Ana on Saturday, Sept. 12, and Sunday, Sept. 13, for a free, family-friendly celebration of Mexican Independence Day and the cultures, traditions and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities.
The two-day celebration will feature live entertainment, authentic food, artisan and community vendors, carnival rides, a beer garden and cultural activities.
Saturday, Sept. 12 | Noon-11 p.m.
Saturday's festivities will include live performances throughout the afternoon and evening, culminating with Lorenzo Mendez con Banda at 9 p.m. At 7 p.m., the City will host the traditional El Grito de Independencia ceremony on the main stage, commemorating Mexico's fight for independence.
Sunday, Sept. 13 | Parade: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Festival: Noon-10 p.m.
The annual Fiestas Patrias parade will travel along Main Street beginning at 11 a.m., featuring colorful cultural displays, community groups, local schools, and live performances. The parade will also be live streamed on the City's official YouTube channel and Spectrum TV Channel 3.
Following the parade, the festival continues with entertainment throughout the day, including performances by Mariachi Los Camperos at 8 p.m. and Legado 7 at 9 p.m.
The beer garden will be open from noon to 9:30 p.m. Saturday and noon to 8:30 p.m. Sunday. Guests must be 21 or older with a valid ID, and a $5 wristband is required for entry. Beer is sold separately.
News
Public Works shares 'sponge park' success at national conference
Our Public Works Agency was invited to present about the City's "sponge parks" at the 2026 American Public Works Association (APWA) PWX conference in Houston this month. The PWX conference includes Public Works professionals from all over the country and features sessions and seminars focused on improving our communities.
The City's presentation highlighted how our Public Works Agency has obtained several grants to implement stormwater capture and treatment projects in City parks, including Ed Caruthers Park, King Street Park and Salvador Quintana Park. These "sponge parks" capture stormwater runoff from the surrounding community and allow it to drain back into the ground or be treated and reused for park irrigation. These parks help replenish our local groundwater supplies, improve water quality in our watersheds, reduce flooding, and provide new recreational opportunities for Santa Ana residents.
Watch the video above to learn more about these projects. To learn more about the City's Stormwater Program and steps you can take to help improve our environment, please visit www.h2oc.org.
Check it out! September is Library Card Sign-up Month
A library card is your key to books, digital resources, educational tools, programs and so much more. Whether you're a student, a lifelong learner or simply looking for your next great read, there's something for everyone at the library.
Celebrate Library Card Sign-Up Month by getting your card and discovering everything your library has to offer. Santa Ana Public Library offers several different fun and cool designs for your library card. Which one will you choose?
New Santa Ana representative joins metropolitan board
Deputy Public Works Director Cesar E. Barrera was seated Aug. 18 as the City of Santa Ana's new representative on the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) Board of Directors.
Barrera, who also serves as Santa Ana's acting city engineer, has worked for the City for nearly 30 years and brings extensive experience in water resources, infrastructure management, operations and maintenance. A licensed professional civil engineer in California, Barrera holds advanced certifications in water treatment, distribution and wastewater operations.
The City relies on a blend of local groundwater and imported water to serve about 45,000 service connections in Santa Ana. Approximately 85 percent of the City's water supply is provided by groundwater from the Lower Santa Ana River Groundwater Basin, with the remaining 15 percent supplied by MWD.
Sign up for alert OC; emergency test planned for Sept. 16
Stay informed when emergencies happen by signing up for AlertOC, Orange County's free emergency notification system. Residents can receive official alerts by text, phone call and/or email and register up to five locations. AlertOC provides critical information like evacuation orders and safety instructions during earthquakes, fires and other emergencies.
On Wednesday, Sept. 16, the Orange County Sheriff's Department will conduct the annual AlertOC Regional Test. You may receive a test emergency notification on your cell phone, home phone or email.
Signing up for AlertOC only takes a few minutes and can help you get important information when it matters most. After registering, visit ReadyOC.com for additional emergency preparedness resources.
OC Streetcar testing expands along full route
OC Streetcar testing is becoming more frequent along the full route between the Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center and the Harbor Boulevard/Westminster Avenue stop in Garden Grove.
As testing continues, residents and businesses may notice increased streetcar activity, including more frequent horn and bell sounds. Testing is part of ongoing preparations for the start of passenger service early next year.
Please stay alert when driving, walking or biking along the OC Streetcar route and when crossing the tracks.
Five-month westbound Alton Avenue closure begins Sept. 14
Beginning Sept. 14, westbound Alton Avenue will be closed between Fairview and Susan streets for approximately five months as part of the Orange County Sanitation District's Santa Ana Trunk Sewer Rehabilitation Project.
The closure is necessary to safely rehabilitate the regional sewer pipeline along Alton Avenue. Westbound drivers will be detoured around the work area and are encouraged to allow extra travel time and use alternate routes. Eastbound Alton Avenue will remain open.
The Santa Ana Trunk Sewer Rehabilitation Project includes the rehabilitation of approximately three miles of regional sewer pipeline. The work is part of OC San's ongoing efforts to maintain critical infrastructure, protect public health and the environment and ensure reliable sewer service.
OC San appreciates the community's patience and cooperation during construction.
Alton Avenue westbound lane closed between Bristol and Bear streets through Sept. 28
The westbound lane of Alton Avenue between Bristol Street and Bear Street is currently closed until Sept. 28 for utility work relining the sewer main line. During this time, access to any affected businesses or residences will be maintained.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Metrolink service suspended Sept. 12-13
Metrolink service on the Ventura County, Orange County and Inland Empire-Orange County lines will be suspended Saturday, Sept. 12, and Sunday, Sept. 13, while crews complete multiple track improvement projects.
Train service and alternate transportation will not be available during the closure. Amtrak Pacific Surfliner service will also be affected.
Tales From the City
Police operation addresses quality of life issues
The Santa Ana Police Department recently conducted an enforcement and outreach operation focused on public safety and connecting individuals with supportive services.
During the operation, 97 people were arrested for offenses including drug-related crimes, outstanding warrants and probation violations. Outreach partners also connected individuals experiencing homelessness or seeking assistance with services through City Net, Teen Challenge and The Salvation Army. One person was reunited with family in Chicago and 11 dogs were taken to OC Animal Care.
The operation was conducted with support from the Orange Police Department, California Highway Patrol and Orange County Fire Authority.
City Council Meetings
The next regular Santa Ana City Council meeting will take place onTuesday, Sept. 15, at 5 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 on the 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.
Events
Find more City of Santa Ana events on our website.
See the Parks and Recreation class catalogue here.
My First Home Information Session - September 10
Interested in buying your first home in Santa Ana? Join the City's My First Home information session on Sept. 10 to learn about the first-time homebuyer program, including eligibility requirements, the application process and frequently asked questions.
- Thursday, Sept. 10
- 6-7 p.m.
- Valley High School, 1801 S. Greenville St.
Fiestas Patrias Festival and Parade - September 12 & 13
Celebrate Mexican independence, culture and community at Santa Ana Fiestas Patrias on Sept. 12-13 in Downtown Santa Ana. The free two-day celebration will feature live entertainment, food and vendors, carnival rides, cultural exhibits, the traditional El Grito ceremony and the annual Fiestas Patrias Parade.
- Saturday, Sept. 12, noon-11 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 13, noon-10 p.m.
- Downtown Santa Ana
Fan-Faire: Meowcore - September 12
Calling all fans and feline enthusiasts to FanFaire: Meowcore edition! Join us for a purr-fectly cozy afternoon featuring cat-themed crafts, tabletop games and themed snacks.
- Saturday, Sept. 12
- 1-3:30 p.m.
- Newhope Library, 122 N. Newhope St.
Bowers free Mid-Autumn Moon Festival - September 13
Celebrate the Asian Mid-Autumn Festival at Bowers Museum on Sunday, Sept. 13, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. This free family festival in the Key Courtyard will feature live performances, art activities, face painting and complimentary treats.
- Sunday, Sept. 13
- 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Bowers Museum, 2002 N. Main St.
Inner-Coastal Cleanup Day - September 19
Join us in making a difference this Inner-Coastal Cleanup Day! The City of Santa Ana Public Works Agency is seeking volunteers to help remove trash and debris from the Santa Ana Gardens flood control channel and nearby park areas.
- Saturday, Sept. 19
- 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. Drinks and snacks will be provided.
Important reminders:
- Wear closed-toe shoes
- Bring sunscreen and a hat
If you would like to participate in the cleanup, please contact Craig Foster at (714) 647-5659 or [email protected] or register using this form.
Career Expo - September 29
Join us at our next Career Expo that connects local job seekers with employers across a variety of industries.
The City of Anaheim, in partnership with the City of Santa Ana and the County of Orange, is hosting this event to help individuals explore career opportunities, find trade apprenticeships, connect directly with hiring employers, and take the next step in their career journey.
- Tuesday, Sept. 29
- 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Anaheim Convention Center - Exhibit Hall E, 800 W. Katella Ave.
Job seeker registration link. Click here to register today!
Admission is free, and all job seekers are welcome!
Homebuyer Day - October 3
The City of Santa Ana is excited to participate in NeighborWorks Orange County and Garden Grove's 2026 Homebuyer Day! The City will be promoting the My First Home program. Join us to learn more about My First Home and other great homeownership resources.
- Saturday, Oct. 3
- 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Garden Grove Community Meeting Center, 11300 Stanford Ave.
Virtual Business Start-Up Workshop - October 7
Thinking about starting a business in Santa Ana? Join the City of Santa Ana Economic Development Division for a free virtual workshop designed to help you understand the key steps to getting your business started.
- Wednesday, Oct. 7
- 11 a.m. - noon
- Join via Zoom: Zoom link
For questions, contact the Economic Development Division at (714) 647-5477 or [email protected].
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: santa-ana.gov/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.
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?
Apply to work for the City of Santa Ana
City of Santa Ana, CA published this content on September 10, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on September 11, 2026 at 01:20 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]