COSAS Newsletter: Oct. 17, 2025

In the Oct.17, 2025, edition of COSAS (City of Santa Ana Stories), learn about how we're making it easier to do business in Santa Ana and protecting neighborhoods, check out videos of the Fiestas Patrias celebration, and find more news, events and resources.

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Spotlight Photo

National Walk to School Day

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 Recap

Thank you to everyone who joined us in Downtown Santa Ana for this year's Fiestas Patrias celebration!

Over 60,000 residents and visitors came together on Sept.13 and 14 to enjoy live music, cultural traditions, delicious food, carnival rides, the annual parade and the historic El Grito de Independencia ceremony.

From headliner performances by Luis Coronel, Roberto Tapia, El Dasa and La Séptima Banda to colorful community floats in the parade, the weekend was a vibrant showcase of Latino heritage and community pride across Orange County.

Check out the video recap and the full livestream of the parade below.

News

We are Moving Forward on First Street

The First Street Multimodal Boulevard Study is the City's comprehensive plan to redesign this key east-west corridor to better serve people walking, biking, rolling, driving, and using public transit. From road safety to beautification, this project is about creating a First Street that reflects the needs and aspirations of the community it connects.

After hearing from the community this summer, our Public Works Agency created eight design concepts. If you missed the workshops, watch the videos below to learn about the design concepts and tell us which ones you prefer by taking this poll.

Memorial Park Aquatics Center receives design award

The new Memorial Park Aquatics Center, currently under construction, has received a Design Merit Award from the American Institute of Architects Orange County Chapter!

Scheduled for completion in fall 2026, the reimagined facility will provide a state-of-the-art destination for recreation, competition and community pride.

Learn more about the project at santa-ana.org/memorial-park-pool-reimaginedand in the City's official press release.

Inner Coastal Cleanup Day Recap

On Saturday, Sept. 20, more than 150 volunteers gathered at Jerome Park for Inner-Coastal Cleanup Day and removed over 1,000 pounds of trash and debris from the Santa Ana Gardens flood control channel.

Their efforts help keep Santa Ana's waterways clean, protect local wildlife, and prevent trash from reaching the ocean.

Thank you to all the volunteers who made a difference in our community! Remember to always dispose of trash properly to protect our city and environment.

Learn more about stormwater management and eco-friendly tips:

• santa-ana.org/stormwater-management
• h2oc.org

Santa Ana Zoo Earns National Accreditation

The Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park has been granted accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the global gold standard for modern zoos and aquariums.

The zoo was one of 31 institutions accredited this year by the AZA's independent Accreditation Commission. Founded 75 years ago, the Santa Ana Zoo has grown from its "50 monkeys" origins into a zoological park and arboretum.

It is home to a diverse collection of animals and plants and continues to expand with new exhibits, including "Flight! A Live Butterfly Experience," renovated monkey habitats, and the upcoming River's Edge primate and giant river otter habitats.

The zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1801 E. Chestnut Ave.

Read more via the City's official press

City of Santa Ana recognized with three prestigious awards from the American Planning

Association

The City of Santa Ana has been honored by the American Planning Association (APA) California Chapter, Orange Section, with three awards recognizing outstanding contributions in urban design, inclusive planning and public sector excellence.

These awards highlight the City of Santa Ana's persistent commitment to innovative and people-focused planning efforts to guide and manage growth and change on a city and regional scale.

Learn more about the APA Awards: santa-ana.org/city-of-santa-ana-recognized-with-three-prestigious-awards-from-the-american-planning-association

Santa Ana expands advertising options for local businesses

The Santa Ana City Council approved a new ordinance allowing the use of A-frame signs - also known as sandwich boards - by local businesses.

The move is part of the City's ongoing efforts to support economic growth and increase visibility for small businesses. Previously prohibited, A-frame signs will now be permitted under specific guidelines designed to maintain public safety and align with the city's streetscape. Each business will be allowed one A-frame sign per location.

This change offers businesses a flexible and cost-effective way to reach customers and enliven commercial corridors across Santa Ana.

For more information, visit

santa-ana.org/santa-ana-city-council-approves-ordinance-allowing-a-frame-signs-to-help-local-businesses-advertise.

Santa Ana City Council approves group home ordinance to protect neighborhoods and provide safer housing for people with disabilities

The Santa Ana City Council unanimously approved a landmark ordinance to better regulate group homes and sober-living facilities in residential neighborhoods.

The new rules will improve living conditions for individuals with disabilities and establish a comprehensive regulatory framework that strengthens oversight, ensures compliance with state, and federal laws and protects the integrity of Santa Ana's residential communities.

For more information, visit: santa-ana.org/santa-ana-city-council-approves-group-home-ordinance-to-protect-neighborhoods-and-provide-safer-housing-for-people-with-disabilities

City Council approves The Village Santa Ana Specific Plan that will transform South Santa Ana

The Santa Ana City Council has approved the redevelopment of a 17.2-acre, underperforming commercial center near South Coast Plaza into a vibrant mixed-use village, creating modern commercial spaces, housing, jobs and open space, completely reimagining the future of this area.

Learn more about this project here: santa-ana.org/city-council-advances-segerstrom-familys-the-village-santa-ana

Applications open for Plaza Navideña Community Performers

The City of Santa Ana invites you to take part in this year's Plaza Navideña celebration at Plaza Calle Cuatro, 325 E. 4th St., on Saturday, Nov. 22, from 5 to 8 p.m.

Showcase your talent and help spread holiday cheer in the heart of Downtown Santa Ana! Submit your applications by Friday, Nov. 7, at 5 p.m.

Submit your applications here: santa-ana.org/plaza-navidena

Dancing with the Santa Ana Stars

Our very own Police Chief Robert Rodriguez will be one of 10 community leaders competing to support great causes at Dancing with the Santa Ana Stars on Saturday, November 8. Chief Rodriguez is raising money for the Greater Santa Ana Vitality Foundation and to support families of police officers who have been injured or lost their lives in the line of duty.

Born in Tijuana and raised in Santa Ana, Chief Rodriguez is a U.S. Marine veteran who rose through Los Angeles Police Department and Santa Ana Police Department to become our 22nd chief of police. You can donate to support Chief Rodriguez or attend this event, hosted by the Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce, at the link below.

Dancing with the Santa Ana Stars

Tales of the City

New park to honor local hero Salvador Quintana

The Santa Ana City Council has officially named the city's newest park - located at Bristol and Tolliver Streets - Salvador Quintana Park, in honor of a remarkable local figure whose legacy of compassion and service continues to inspire.

Quintana, a longtime Santa Ana resident, played a vital role during WWII by safeguarding a local Japanese American family's farm and supporting interned families with monthly supply deliveries. His selfless actions and dedication to community earned him a posthumous proclamation from the City Council in 2024.

Salvador Quintana Park, set to open in January, will serve as a space for connection, play, and community pride - reflecting the values Quintana stood for.

Learn more: santa-ana.org/city-council-to-honor-salvador-quintana-with-new-park-name

City Council Meetings

The next regular Santa Ana City Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 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 channeland 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 hereto receive City meeting agenda notifications.

Oct. 21 Meeting Agenda

Events

Find more City of Santa Ana events on our website.

Boo at the Zoo returns for two weekends

Join the Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park for an evening of silly and spooky fun with trick-or-treating throughout the zoo, special animal presentations and other family-friendly activities. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are only $2 for Santa Ana residents (there is a limited number each day.)

Boo at the Zoo takes place 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. nightly on the following dates:

• Saturday, Oct. 18
• Sunday, Oct. 19
• Saturday, Oct. 25
• Sunday, Oct. 26

Buy Boo at the Zoo tickets here.

Day of the Dead celebration at the library

Join us for a special Day of the Dead celebration! Experience traditional Aztec dances and a moving performance inspired by La Llorona by Ballet Folklórico Leyenda.

In addition, local artist Marina Aguilera, representing La Vida, life through her eyes, will lead a free art workshop for attendees.

The celebration will take place on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Delhi Library, 505 E. Central Ave.

Santa Ana Work Center Apprenticeship Career Fair

Ready to build your career? Join us for the Apprenticeship Career Fair on Tuesday, Oct. 28, at the Santa Ana WORK Center, 801 W. Civic Center Drive, Suite 200, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This fair is in partnership with Western States Carpenters and Laborers Local 652.

The free event includes:

• Explore high-paying, hands-on careers
• On-site interviews
• Networking opportunities
• Informational sessions

Register for Career Fair

Día de los Muertos: Magic of the Altars celebration

Celebrate life and honor the past at the third annual Día de los Muertos: Magic of the Altars event at Roosevelt-Walker Community Center.

The event will take place on Saturday, Nov. 1, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Roosevelt-Walker Community Center, 816 E. Chestnut Avenue.

This event is made possible through the generous support of annual title-level partners, the Anaheim Ducks and Project Kinship.

Learn more and RSVP here: santa-ana.org/roosevelt-walker-dia-de-los-muertos

Resume Building Workshop

The Santa Ana WORK Center is hosting free resume building workshops every first and third Thursday of the month from 10 to 11 a.m. Participants will learn strategies to strengthen their resumes and improve their chances in today's job market.

Workshops take place at the Santa Ana WORK Center, (801 W. Civic Center Drive, Suite 200).

For more information or to RSVP, call 714-565-2600.

Harvest Festival at El Salvador Park Community Garden

Celebrate the season at the Harvest Festival on Thursday, Oct. 24, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the El Salvador Park Community Garden (1851-1899 W. 9th St.). The free family-friendly event will feature a mini pumpkin giveaway, pumpkin decorating, craft booths, snacks, games and a costume contest.

Bring your friends and family to enjoy an afternoon of festive fun.

Register here.

Spooky Night at Jerome Recreation Center

Get ready for a night of thrills on Saturday, Oct. 25 at the Jerome Recreation Center (726 S Center St.).

The free, family-friendly event will feature games, music, activities, a haunted house and a costume contest.

Guests will also have the chance to learn more about the many programs and services offered by the community center.

The event is open to all ages.

For more details, please visit: santa-ana.org/spooktacular-open-house

Bulky Item Drop-Off Day

The City of Santa Ana's Public Works Agency, in partnership with Republic Services, will host its fourth quarterly bulky item drop-off day on Saturday, Nov. 15, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The free event allows Santa Ana residents to properly dispose of items such as furniture, mattresses, carpets and non-donatable clothes, bedding, books and toys.

No appointment is necessary, but proof of residency is required.

The event will end by noon or earlier if capacity is reached. Items not accepted include hazardous waste (paints, oils, chemicals, pesticides and batteries), construction materials (concrete, dirt, rocks, brick and asphalt), tires, refrigerators, freezers and air conditioning units.

For more information, call 714-647-411 or visit santa-ana.org/trash-recycling.

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

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