City of Santa Ana, CA
04/17/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/17/2026 18:15
COSAS Newsletter: April 17, 2026
In the April 17, 2026, edition of COSAS (City of Santa Ana Stories) learn about our Earth Day and Arbor Day activities, Santa Ana's first dog park, how we're generating new business investments in our community, and more City events, news and resources.
Kids Dash at Santa Ana Fun Run
Photo Credit: City Staff
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City Manager's Highlights
Celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day with us
We are proud to share some exciting news: the City of Santa Ana has once again been named a 2025 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation!
This designation is a meaningful milestone for our city. The Arbor Day Foundation, a global nonprofit dedicated to inspiring people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees, is celebrating the 50th year of its Tree City USA program. We received the 2025 Tree City USA distinction for our efforts to maintain a dedicated tree board or department, adopting a community tree ordinance, investing at least $2 per resident in urban forestry, and celebrating Arbor Day as a community.
In Santa Ana, trees are more than just part of our landscape. They help improve air quality, manage stormwater runoff, and support the mental and physical well-being of our residents.
On this note, we invite the community to a series of special events we'll be hosting this year to promote conservation and commemorate Earth Day (April 22) and Arbor Day (April 24). Working together, we can help protect and preserve our planet, and build community among our neighbors.
Community Tree Planting
Join us for a Community Tree Planting on Saturday, April 18. In celebration of Arbor Day and Earth Day, the City of Santa Ana is hosting tree planting events at seven parks, where residents can join us to help add to our urban forest of over 50,000 trees.
The event is free - just show up and we'll provide the trees, shovels and water. Please wear closed-toe shoes, comfortable clothes that can get dirty, and a hat or sun protection.
See all tree planting locations here.
Color Our World: Earth Day Bookmarks
Visit the library to celebrate Earth Day and color your very own Earth Day bookmark. Head to the Information Desk to get started. All supplies will be provided. The event runs from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Monday, April 20, at the Delhi Community Center, 505 E. Central Ave. Call 714-647-5358 for more information.
STEAM Teens: Earth Day - Mini Fairy Terrariums
Teens are invited to explore activities in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) that will teach you skills through hands-on activities. Celebrate Earth Day by making fairy mini-terrariums. The event runs from 4:30-5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21, at the Delhi Community Center, 505 E. Central Ave. Call 714-647-5358 for more information.
Catch the Rain Earth Day Events
Celebrate Earth Day with hands-on Water Catchment Workshops at three community gardens from 5:30-7 p.m. featuring real rain barrels and water catchment systems on display. Observe, learn about water conservation, and discover how you can bring these sustainable practices home - plus enjoy garden giveaways, native plants, seeds, and rain barrels (limited quantity and first come, first served).
- Wednesday, April 22: El Salvador Park Garden, 1825 W. Civic Center Drive
- Thursday, April 23: Pacific Electric Park Garden, 329 E. McFadden Ave.
- Friday, April 24: Madison Park Garden, 1528 S. Standard Ave.
Register here for Water Catchment Workshops.
Free Compost Giveaway and Paper Shredding Event
The City of Santa Ana is hosting a free compost giveaway and paper shredding event for Santa Ana residents from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, at Centennial Park, 3000 W. Edinger Ave. Proof of Santa Ana residency is required. Visit our website for additional details and guidelines.
Free Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Event
The City is sponsoring a free household hazardous waste collection event from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 3, at Saddleback High School, 2802 S. Flower St. The event is free to Santa Ana residents, and no appointment is required. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to safely dispose of unwanted household chemicals that cannot be disposed of in the regular trash. Please visit our website to view a list of what will and won't be accepted.
Mayor's Water Pledge
Lastly, Mayor Valerie Amezcua has once again joined the Wyland National Mayor's Challenge for Water Conservation. The City of Santa Ana is a leader in water conservation, quality and services. We encourage residents to support our efforts by taking the Wyland Foundation's Water Pledge to conserve water.
Join us on Saturday, April 25, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Plaza of the Sun (behind the Main Library), 26 Civic Center Plaza.
News
City of Santa Ana celebrates opening of first dog park as part of $13.4 million Centennial Park Improvements Project
We officially opened Santa Ana's first dog park on April 4, and also celebrated the broader $13.4 million Centennial Park Improvements Project that is transforming our largest park.
The new dog park represents a major milestone for the Santa Ana community, thoughtfully designed with both pets and their owners in mind. The space features three separate off-leash areas for small, medium and large dogs, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all. Natural turf grass, irrigated with recycled water, provides an environmentally friendly and comfortable surface for play.
The dog park is part of a broader transformation across Centennial Park. Enhancements throughout the park include installation of new synthetic turf fields for local athletes, major restoration of the park's lakes to improve water circulation and habitat health, new picnic and gathering areas for families and community events, and more.
Read more about the Centennial Park dog park and renovation
Watch the ribbon cutting video
GROW Conference highlights Santa Ana's economic progress, promise
Business leaders and community partners recently came together to highlight the progress, partnerships, and opportunities shaping Santa Ana's future during the 2026 Santa Ana GROW Conference.
Presented by the City of Santa Ana and the Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce, the event highlighted new developments, businesses and economic growth in Santa Ana, and featured four industry leaders speaking about why they choose to conduct business in Santa Ana. In his remarks to the crowd, City Manager Alvaro Nuñez shared how the City is leading the way in streamlining development to support business success and long-term investment.
The video below was presented at the conference, showcasing two major projects coming to town, along with national and regional brands that have opened locations in Santa Ana. Having a strong, vibrant business community can help Santa Ana's economic growth by creating jobs, generating tax revenue, and supporting essential city services.
Take our Community Priorities Survey for the 2026-27 City budget
Which City of Santa Ana services and programs are important to you? Take our Community Priorities Survey to share your ideas with the Santa Ana City Council as we plan the 2026-27 City budget. Time is running out - complete the survey today!
The budget survey is available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. You can also join upcoming community meetings where City staff will be discussing the budget and listening to your comments.
Take the Community Priorities Survey
Help shape new Little Saigon design guidelines
The cities of Garden Grove, Fountain Valley and Santa Ana invite community members, business owners and stakeholders to attend the Little Saigon Community Design Workshop on Saturday, April 25, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Garden Grove Courtyard Center, located at 12732 Main St.
In collaboration with the three Orange County cities, the world-renowned architectural firm Gensler has conducted extensive community outreach over the past several months to incorporate public feedback into a final report that will be presented to each city for adoption later in the year. The workshop represents a culmination to this outreach effort and will give the community another opportunity to share ideas and help form architectural and urban design guidelines for Little Saigon.
Read more about the Little Saigon design workshop:
Deadline approaching to participate in military banner program
Just a few days remain for the community to participate in the City of Santa Ana's Hometown Heroes Military Banner Program.
Through April 30, family members and loved ones may nominate an active duty service member to be honored with a street banner featuring the service member's name and photo. The banner will be prominently displayed on one of the City's streetlight poles along MacArthur Boulevard or Civic Center Drive. Cost is $205, or you can request a sponsorship.
We're also seeking businesses that would like to sponsor a military banner. As a sponsor, your business name will be displayed at the bottom of each banner you support, and you'll receive a special letter with the name of the military member you sponsored. The military family will also receive a warm letter letting them know that you or your business sponsored a banner for their loved one.
Orange County Sanitation District to rehabilitate 3 miles of sewer line
The Orange County Sanitation District is starting the Santa Ana Trunk Sewer Rehabilitation project to update a portion of the Santa Ana Trunk sewer in the cities of Santa Ana and Costa Mesa. Nearly 3 miles of existing sewer line are being relined to extend its service life. The existing sewer line was constructed in the 1960s and needs to be rehabilitated to continue providing reliable sewer service.
In Santa Ana, crews will conduct preparation and exploration work along Alton Avenue (from Raitt to Fairview streets) as early as April through August 2026. Residents can expect to see traffic control measures, such as lane closures and turn restrictions, implemented. In addition, construction-related dust, noise, and increased activity may occur near the work area.
Santa Ana Trunk Sewer Rehabilitation Project
Residents encouraged to combat mosquito breeding as California Mosquito Awareness Week 2026 begins
The arrival of warmer spring weather signals more than flowers blooming across Orange County - it also marks the start of mosquito season.
In recognition of California Mosquito Awareness Week 2026, observed from April 19-25, the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District district is urging residents to take simple, proactive steps to reduce mosquito breeding and protect public health.
To help stop mosquitoes at the source, the District encourages residents to dump standing water, refresh water sources regularly, and report mosquito issues in their area. To help prevent mosquito bites, residents are called to close all unscreened doors and windows, repair broken or damaged screens, and wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants as well as opt for lighter-colored clothing.
Get resources and tips on fighting mosquitoes
Sign up to receive seismic alerts during Earthquake Preparedness Month
As seismic activity continues to remind Californians about the state's unpredictable geology, officials are urging residents to take preparedness seriously during Earthquake Preparedness Month this April.
The California Governor's Office of Emergency Services is encouraging residents to sign up for alerts through the state's Earthquake Early Warning System, the country's first publicly available, statewide warning system that could give California residents crucial seconds to take cover before they feel shaking.
It also recommends that the public sign up to receive Wireless Emergency Alerts, no-cost text messages delivered by county or local officials during emergency situations.
Being prepared for an earthquake isn't just about safety. It's about protecting your loved ones, reducing panic in critical moments, and giving yourself the power to act when every second counts.
Find earthquake preparedness tips
Tales of the City
Santa Ana Fun Run draws thousands to the heart of Orange County
Santa Ana showed its superpowered side recently as the annual Santa Ana Fun Run returned to the heart of Orange County - this time with a lively Superheroes theme that brought capes, community spirit, and plenty of excitement along for the ride.
On April 11, residents of all ages laced up and joined in, whether racing toward the finish line, cheering from the sidelines, or simply soaking in the festive atmosphere.
Participants took on their choice of a 10K, 5K or the Kids Dash, with over 3,000 participants taking over the streets. This year's route ended on a high note inside Santa Ana Stadium, giving runners a memorable finish on the field.
This year's top finishers include:
- 10K Male: Nicholas Spector, Raul Rodriguez, Marco Cisneros
- 10K Female: Arielly Conde, Dolores Castro, Priscilla Ornelas
- 5K Male: Nicholas Spector, Josh Finkle, Bradley Rodriguez
- 5K Female: Sarah Bowden, Andi Aguilar, Dolores Castro
Beyond the races, the guests enjoyed a beer garden, sampled offerings from local food trucks, and explored a resource fair filled with information on community organizations and services.
View photos of the Santa Ana Fun Run
City Council Meetings
April 21 City Council meeting
The next regular Santa Ana City Council meeting will take place on April 21 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.
April 21, 2026, Meeting Agenda
Events
Find more City of Santa Ana events on our website.
See the Parks and Recreation class catalogue here.
Community Tree Planting - April 18
In celebration of Arbor Day and Earth Day, the City of Santa Ana is hosting community tree planting events at seven parks. Neighbors and community members are invited to join us to help plant a tree and add to our urban forest of over 50,000 trees. Visit our website for locations and more information.
- Saturday, April 18
- 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
- Various locations
Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival - April 19
Enjoy a day of traditional music and dance, including taiko drumming with audience participation, at Bowers Museum's upcoming Free Family Festival. Take part in cherry blossom-themed art projects and face painting, savor a special cherry pie treat, and experience live bonsai demonstrations and displays by Kofu Bonsai Kai. To view a schedule of events and more information, visit the museum's website.
- Sunday, April 19
- 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Bowers Museum, Key Courtyard, 2002 N. Main St.
Orange County Job Fair at Santa Ana College - April 23
The Santa Ana WORK Center, in partnership with Santa Ana College Career Center, invites you to the Orange County Job Fair - a free event connecting job seekers with hiring employers across multiple industries. This event is open to students and the community. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet employers, explore career pathways, and take the next step toward employment.
- Thursday, April 23
- 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.
- Santa Ana College, 1530 W. 17th St.
City Budget Presentation at Communication Linkage Forum General Meeting - April 23
The Communication Linkage Forum strives to promote positive leadership, community participation, unity and pride in all neighborhoods by improving the quality of life in Santa Ana "block-by-block." Come participate in a presentation on the City budget during this upcoming meeting.
- Thursday, April 23
- 6-7 p.m.
- Santa Ana Police Department Community Room, 60 Civic Center Plaza
Compost Giveaway and Paper Shredding Event - April 25
The City of Santa Ana is hosting a free compost giveaway and paper shredding event for Santa Ana residents. Proof of Santa Ana residency is required. Visit our website for guidelines and more information.
- Saturday, April 25
- 7 a.m.-12 p.m.
- Centennial Park, 3000 W. Edinger Ave.
Día de los Niños, Día de los Libros Celebration - April 25
The Santa Ana Public Library will hold its 18th Annual Día de los Niños, Día de los Libros celebration at the Plaza of the Sun behind the Main Library. This family-friendly event celebrates the importance of children, literacy, and families. The free festivities will include a variety of fun-filled activities, a community outreach fair, entertainment, and more. Call 714-647-5358 or visit our website for more information.
- Saturday, April 25
- 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Plaza of the Sun at the Santa Ana Civic Center, 22 Civic Center Plaza
City Budget Presentation at Planning Commission Meeting - April 27
Learn more about the City budget and share which City services and programs are important to you at the next Santa Ana Planning Commission meeting.
- Monday, April 27
- 5:30-6:30 p.m.
- City Council Chambers, 22 Civic Center Plaza
Free Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Event - May 3
The City of Santa Ana Public Works Agency is sponsoring a free household hazardous waste collection event at Saddleback High School. It's free to Santa Ana residents, and no appointment is required. Visit our website for details on what can be dropped off during the event.
- Sunday, May 3
- 8 a.m.- 2 p.m.
- Saddleback High School, 2802 S. Flower St.
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.
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 April 17, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on April 18, 2026 at 00:15 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]