Mayor’s Newsletter: April 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,

I am excited to share that I have returned to City Hall as of April 1, 2026. In early February, I underwent a full knee replacement and have been working hard in physical therapy since then. While the recovery process has been challenging at times, I am healing well and grateful to be on the mend.

I also want to sincerely thank our community for the incredible outpouring of support. The flowers, treats, and prayers you shared meant so much to me and truly lifted my spirits.

As I return, I am looking forward to reconnecting with all of you and continuing the important work ahead. We have many exciting projects and City events underway, and more information will be shared soon. If you have submitted a request to meet or invited me to an event, thank you for your patience. I am eager to be back out in our beautiful Santa Ana.

I would also like to invite you to join me for my next Coffee with the Mayor, held in conjunction with the Festival del Niño Resource Fair in partnership with Mosaic Movement. The event will take place on Saturday, April 18, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at George Upton All Access Park. I hope to see you there.

In the meantime, please take a moment to review some of our upcoming events and share them with your friends and neighbors. There is something for everyone.

Warm regards,

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.

Santiago TK-8 Elementary School Drama Program

I presented Certificates of Recognition to the Santiago TK-8 Elementary School Drama Program for Outstanding Performance Achievements and Contributions to the Arts Community for the past 10 years.

Sister Cities Business Expo

The second annual Sister Cities Santa Ana & Sahuayo Business Expo was a success! Over 40 vendors displayed their products from our sister city in Sahuayo, Michoacan, connecting with Santa Ana businesses and receiving a crowd of community members interested in what they had to offer. Thank you to all that came out to support our sister city.

Chepa's Park Check Presentation with Congressman Lou Correa

Chepa's Park in Logan Barrio neighborhood has played a key part of the Mexican-American history in Santa Ana. On March 30, 2026, Congressman Lou Correa presented a $2 million dollar check that our City will use for renovations and upgrades to the historic park. Specifically, this funding will be used to demolish and reconstruct a new community center and other improvements such as: a new basketball court, new landscaping, picnic areas, site lighting, new playground equipment and accessible walkways. Thank you to Congressman Lou Correa for these earmark dollars.

Ryan's Reach

I had the privilege of visiting Ryan's Reach, a home that is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that provides a safe home environment with all the services and support needed to aid brain-injured individuals and their families. I was impressed and touched with the environment and services that Ryan's Reach has created in caring for their clients.

For more information on Ryan's Reach you can reach them at www.ryansreach.comor (949) 226-4376.

CITY NEWS AND RECOGNITIONS

Santa Ana City Council approved new smoke shop regulations to protect public health

The Santa Ana City Council recently approved new regulations for smoke shops to protect public health and neighborhood safety. The rules require new smoke shops to obtain a Conditional Use Permit, limit where they can open, and establish distance requirements from schools, parks, childcare facilities, residential areas, and other smoke shops. The ordinance also sets operating standards and annual inspections to support enforcement. City officials say the changes respond to the growing number of smoke shops and aim to reduce youth exposure while maintaining balanced business opportunities.

New smoke shop regulation.

Santa Ana to Host 2026 Lay's World Cup Soccer Tournament from April 3 to May 16

Santa Ana's Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Agency will host the 2026 Lay's World Cup Soccer Tournament, giving local teens the chance to showcase their skills and compete in a community-based event. The tournament is open to youth ages 16-18 and will take place at the Lay's RePlay Mini Pitch, located at 3311 W. 5th St. Participants will compete in a fast-paced format, with top players earning opportunities tied to the global World Cup celebration.

The event is part of ongoing efforts to expand youth recreation opportunities and promote healthy, active lifestyles through soccer programming in Santa Ana parks.

2026 Lay's World Cup Soccer Tournament

Arts & Culture Special Event Sponsorship

The City of Santa Ana offers a Special Event Sponsorship Program to support community events that provide meaningful public benefits. Through this program, eligible nonprofit organizations, neighborhood associations, businesses, and community groups can request financial assistance to help bring events and programs to life.

Applications are submitted online and reviewed by the Arts & Culture Commission, with funding awarded based on eligibility criteria and available resources. Applicants may request sponsorship funding to support community-focused events that promote cultural, educational, or recreational opportunities.

To learn more about eligibility requirements, funding guidelines, and application details, visit the Special Event Sponsorship Program webpage.

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS

Dog Park Ribbon Cutting Ceremony - April 4

Come explore the new park, meet fellow dog lovers, and let your pups enjoy a tail-wagging good time as we celebrate the grand opening of Santa Ana's first-ever dog park at Centennial Park, a new space designed for our community and their furry friends to play, connect, and enjoy the outdoors!

• Saturday, April 4
• 10-11 a.m.
• Centennial Park, 3000 W. Edinger Ave.

Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Agency hiring fair - April 9

Our Parks, Recreation & Community Services Agency (PRCSA) is hosting an in-person hiring fair for a variety of seasonal positions. This is a great opportunity to join a dynamic team and support programs that serve the community.

• Thursday, April 9
• 1-5:30 p.m.
• Jerome Recreation Center and Pool, 726 S. Center St.

Stop by to apply in person and get hired on the spot! Applicants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Learn more information and what forms of identification to bring.

Fun Run - April 11

Lace up your running shoes and join the community at the Santa Ana Fun Run! This exciting event welcomes runners and walkers of all skill levels for a fun-filled day promoting health, fitness, and community connection. Participants can choose from a 5K run/walk, 10K race, and a free Kids Dash for younger runners. The event will also feature a festive atmosphere with food vendors, a resource fair, and activities for the whole family.

Registration for the 5K and 10K closes on Sunday, April 5 at 9 a.m.Don't miss this opportunity to get active and enjoy a great community event.

• Saturday, April 11
• 7 a.m.-12 p.m.
• Santa Ana Stadium, corner of Civic Center Drive and Flower Street

Santa Ana Fun Run 2026.

Quarterly Bulky Item Dropoff Day - April 11

The City of Santa Ana hosts a Quarterly Bulky Item Drop-Off Day every quarter to help residents properly dispose of bulky items such as furniture, mattresses, carpets, and non-donatable clothes, bedding, books, or toys. The next one is coming up on Saturday, April 11, at Bomo Koral Park and Jerome Park.

This event is free to Santa Ana residents, and no appointment is necessary. Proof of Santa Ana residency will be required. Items NOT accepted include but are not limited to hazardous waste, such as paints, oils, chemicals, pesticides, and batteries; concrete, dirt, rocks, brick, asphalt; tires, refrigerators, freezers, and AC units.

For more information, call (714) 647-5411 or visit the Neighborhood Cleanup Program for the full 2026 Quarterly Bulky Item Drop-Off Days schedule

• Saturday, April 11
• 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
• Bomo Koral Park, 900 W. MacArthur Blvd.
• Jerome Park, 2115 W. McFadden Ave.

Día de los Niños, Día de Los Libros - April 25

The Santa Ana Public Library will host its 18th annual Día de los Niños, Día de Los Libros celebration on Saturday, April 25. Get ready for fun activities, live entertainment, free giveaways, and more! It is free for everyone to attend.

• Saturday, April 25
• 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Plaza of the Sun (Behind the Main Library), 26 Civic Center Plaza

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 FREEon the first Tuesday of every month! Get up to FOUR free ticketsper 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 admissionwith 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, April 10, 2026 - City Hall closed
• Friday, April 24, 2026 - City Hall closed

The next City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 7, 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 appnow supports English, Spanish and Vietnamese, making it easier than ever to report issues and request City services.

Download or update the app todayto:

• 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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