City of Santa Ana, CA
11/01/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/01/2026 20:29
Ward 2 Newsletter: November 2026
Subscribe to the Ward 2 Newsletter
Dear Santaneros,
The holiday season is a time to lend a hand, prepare our homes, & find meaningful ways to support those around us. Whether you're looking to volunteer, access food resources, or get involved in your neighborhood, there are many ways to make a difference.
From local food distributions & Meals on Wheels to connecting with your Neighborhood Association, small acts of kindness can help make the season brighter. Neighborhood Associations are also a great way to meet your neighbors, build friendships, share ideas, & work together on projects that make your neighborhood a better place. Getting involved is an opportunity to stay connected, learn about local resources, & help create a stronger sense of belonging. Residents clean up their homes, remove unwanted items, & connect with neighbors working toward a cleaner, stronger Santa Ana.
As the holidays bring celebrations, busy schedules, & sometimes added stress, let's take a moment to look beyond our own to-do lists. Sharing a meal, lending a hand, attending a local workshop, or helping a family find needed resources can make a lasting impact.
Sometimes, the most meaningful holiday tradition is simply showing up for someone else - & getting to know the neighbors who make our neighborhoods feel like home.
In Solidarity,
Councilmember Vazquez
Ward 2
Learn More about Ward 2 & City
Recognition: Dr. Socorro Sarmiento Torres
Dr. Socorro Sarmiento Torres is an anthropologist, author, educator, & community radio producer who has dedicated decades to preserving Santa Ana's cultural identity and uplifting immigrant families through education, advocacy, & cultural preservation.
Her contributions include:
- Co-founding El Centro Cultural de México in 1994, creating a space to celebrate culture, share knowledge, and organize for change.
- Preserving Día de los Muertos traditions in Santa Ana, including the beloved Noche de Altares celebration.
- Advancing adult literacy and accessible education, helping people gain knowledge, confidence, and opportunities.
Thank you, Dr. Sarmiento Torres, for your lasting dedication to cultural preservation, education, & empowering generations of Santa Ana residents.
Enchanted Halloween
Celebrate Halloween at Discovery Cube Los Angeles with Enchanted Halloween: Abra-Cube-Dabra! Enjoy magical science activities, hands-on tricks, the Magician's Workshop, a haybale maze, & a corn maze for family-friendly spooky fun.
Now through November 8 | 10 AM-5 PM
11800 Foothill Blvd., Sylmar, CA
Included with general admission or membership.
Enchanted Halloween: Discovery, Tricks, and Treats
Serve the People: Free Thanksgiving Celebration
Join Serve the People for a free Thanksgiving Day celebration in Santa Ana. Families & individuals throughout Orange County are invited to enjoy a hot Thanksgiving meal, games, pony rides, a petting zoo, & festive activities for all ages!
Reserve Your Free Thanksgiving Meal. Early registrations will help prepare enough meals & activities for everyone attending.
Admission is free, & everyone is welcome.
Space & parking are limited, so advance registration is strongly recommended.
Thanksgiving 2026 Celebration | Serve the People
SEVA Collective: Thanksgiving Turkey Drive
Join SEVA Collective for a free food distribution- Thanksgiving Turkey Drive! SEVA Collective offers free drive through food pantry/distributions each month. Walkups are welcome & no pre-registration is required.
Thanksgiving Turkey Drive
Date: Saturday, November 21
Time: 9:30 - 11:30am
Location: Villa Fundamental School
Raymond A. Villa Fundamental Intermediate School, 1441 E Chestnut Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92701, USA
Science of Gingerbread & Gingerbread Wonderland
Discovery Cube OC & LA are bringing back Southern California's largest gingerbread competition! Bakers of all ages can submit creative gingerbread masterpieces November 21-29, with awards on December 4. Creations will be displayed at Discovery Cube Orange County December 5-January 3 and Discovery Cube Los Angeles December 5-January 10.
Enjoy even more holiday fun at Discovery Cube Orange County's Gingerbread Wonderland, featuring a holiday sing-along, Runaway Sleigh Theater, indoor toboggan slide, and Sugar Rush Arcade with festive games and challenges.
Location: Discovery Cube Orange County
2500 N. Main St., Santa Ana, CA 92705
Contact: 714-542-2823
Competition and display details coming soon!
Science of Gingerbread - Discovery Cube
KidWorks Annual Christmas Store
KidWorks collects over 1,500 gifts each year for its Annual Christmas Store, giving parents the opportunity to purchase affordable holiday gifts for their children. This cherished tradition empowers families to experience the joy, dignity, & pride of providing Christmas gifts for their loved ones. Proceeds support KidWorks' benevolence fund, helping families in need throughout the year.
KidWorks Amazon Christmas Store
Friendly Center- Operation Food Relief, District 2
Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento and Friendly Center are partnering to provide free, healthy groceries to families impacted by reduced SNAP benefits. Eligible District 2 residents can receive assistance through Friendly Mart's Orange Food Pantry. Residents must register in advance, and Friendly Center staff will contact them to confirm an appointment.
Free groceries | Appointment required
When: Thursdays | 10 AM-12 PM & 2-4 PM
Location: Friendly Mart - Orange Food Pantry
Eligibility: District 2 residents, including Santa Ana and portions of Anaheim, Garden Grove, Orange, and Tustin.
Catholic Charities of OC
Catholic Charities of OC continues to support members in our community with a variety of programs & services such as food distributions, citizenship & immigration services, health & wellness services, counseling, peer-to-peer support line, & a garden of hope. Catholic Charities of OC mission is to exist to serve God's people in need without regard to their religious affiliation.
Cantlay Food Distribution Center
Programs Flyer- Catholic Charities of OC
Edible Food Recovery
Edible food recovery is important to prevent edible food from going to waste & instead go to individuals & families to combat food insecurity. OC landfills states, "more than 30% of material that enters California landfills is considered organic material. Organic material includes edible food…" With a collective effort on educating & taking action, recovering edible food preserves valuable landfill space & serves back to our community.
View a list ofFood Recovery Organizations that service Orange County.
For more local options, please contact your City Recycling Coordinator.
City Recycling Coordinator
Oscar Gudino
[email protected]
20 Civic Center, Plaza M-21
Santa Ana, CA 92702
(714) 647-3328
Solid Waste and Recycling - City of Santa Ana
Edible Food Recovery | OC Waste & Recycling
City Recycling Coordinator List
Food Assistance: Santa Ana & OC
Santa Ana residents can access a variety of food support through community partners, upcoming food distributions events, senior meal programs, & countywide food resources all within the link below.
For a most up-to-date list of food pantries & distribution sites, visit the 2-1-1 Orange County Food Resource Search Portal by visiting 2-1-1 Orange County Search Portal. Providing real-time information on food pantries, walk-up distributions, drive-thru events, & emergency food services throughout Orange County.
If you need additional assistance, call 2-1-1 Orange County or visit 2-1-1 Orange County. for countywide food support.
Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels mission is to nourish the wellness, purpose, & dignity of older adults & their families in our community. Offered throughout Orange County, Santa Ana Seniors & families can have confidence & trust that their loved ones will be taken care of by the various programs offered for Seniors by Meals on Wheels, such as Home Delivered Meal program, Adult Day Services & more!
Programs Offered:
Lunch Café - Meals on Wheels Orange County
Home Delivered Meals - Meals on Wheels Orange County
CHOICE - Meals on Wheels Orange County
Our Services - Meals on Wheels Orange County
Adult Day Services - Meals on Wheels Orange County
Friendly Visitors & Friendly Callers - Meals on Wheels Orange County
Southwest Community Center X Community Action Partnership
The Southwest Community Center in collaboration with Community Action Partnership offers community members a variety of services such as support, youth, & food/resource distributions.
Support Services
- Medi-Cal & CalFresh Enrollment Support (by appointment)
- Financial Empowerment Workshops
- Information & Referral Services
- Free Tax Preparation for Qualifying Individuals (Feb-Apr)
Youth Services
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Youth (Ages 7-18) Empowerment Program
- Mon & Wed: Afterschool - 5:00 PM
- 3rd Friday of Every Month: Afterschool - 5:00 PM
- "Friday Night Live" on Wednesdays
- Kids Café, Free Afterschool Meals (Mon & Wed 3:30 - 4 PM)
- "Be a Bookworm" Free Book Library
Food & Resource Distribution
- Free Hot Meal Served from Monday - Friday (Lunch Mon-Fri 12-1PM)
- Free Diaper Distribution (Mon & Wed 9-11 AM)
- TEFAP Food Distribution (Mon & Wed 9-11 AM)
https://www.capoc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/SWCC-Flyer-2025-040126.pdf
SAUSD Food Distribution
Check the link for the updated November calendar soon.
Parenting OC
Looking for family-friendly activities, seasonal celebrations, and fun things to do with the kids? Parenting OC offers an event calendar featuring local family events, entertainment, educational activities, and community experiences throughout Orange County.
Trash Clean Up Opportunities
The City of Santa Ana offers opportunities for residents to get rid of unwanted items from their homes. Residents can access resources such as the Neighborhood Clean Up Program, Bulky Item Clean Up, and the Quarterly Bulky Item Drop-off Day. Take advantage of these opportunities to clean up your space!
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Connect with City of Santa Ana: Neighborhood Initiatives - Check if your neighborhood has an active Neighborhood Association to access this resource!
- Find what Ward you live in - City Council ward map
- Check the map to find your neighborhood - Council Wards and Neighborhood Map - City of Santa Ana
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Santa Ana residents with curbside trash collection are entitled to free bulky-item pickups four times each year, with up to four items accepted at each pickup.
- To access this resource call Republic Services (657) 467-6220
Quarterly Bulky Item Drop-Off Day
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This event is free to Santa Ana residents, & no appointment is necessary. Proof of Santa Ana residency will be required. U-Haul trucks & commercial vehicles excluded. The event may end before 12:00 p.m. if capacity is reached.
- Saturday, November 07, 2026 (9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.) - Heritage Park, 4812 W. Camille Street
- Saturday, November 07, 2026 (9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.) - Portola Park, 1700 E. Santa Clara Avenue
Tap in with your Neighborhood Association!
YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION (NA) NEEDS YOU!
Tap in, meet your neighbors, discuss local issues relevant to your neighborhood & Santa Ana.
Neighborhood Association meetings can consist of discussion of local issues, City staff presentations on projects, & residents' concerns & initiatives such like Dumpster Days, Food Drives, & more.
The Neighborhood Association (NA) is a neighborhood-driven effort that is in partnership with the City of Santa Ana Neighborhood Initiatives and Environmental Services (NIES) program.
See if your neighborhood is active & connect with your Neighborhood Association:
Co-President: Valerie Magdaleno
Co-President: Lizeth Fuentes
Meetings at: Pio Pico Elementary School
President: Nicholas Davis
Meetings at: Heninger Elementary School
Meetings at: Roosevelt Walker Community Center
Meetings at: Southwest Senior Center or Immaculate Heart of Mary Church.
Join your Neighborhood Association at their next meeting and build a stronger partnership amongst you & your neighbors!
Preparation for weather
Rain hasn't started but don't let that stop you from being prepared! Know where to go for emergency supplies such as sand bags. The County of Orange & The City of Santa Ana both offer residents free sandbags to help with heavy downpour. Supplies depend on availability.
Streets, sidewalks, and curbs - City of Santa Ana
OCFA- Preparing for Severe Weather
WORK Center Calendar & Services
The Santa Ana WORK Center is committed to connecting you to services, resources & opportunities available. If you are looking for a job, in transition of careers, a youth looking to thrive in the workforce or a business looking to build a strong workforce, the WORK Center is here to help. The WORK Center has a strong collaboration between the Employment Development Department, OC Social Agency, City of Santa Ana, & others to deliver a high quality product for you.
Santa Ana WORK Center
Open: Monday-Thursday & alternating Fridays | 8 AM-5 PM
For questions, please contact us at 714-565-2600.
Interested in what the WORK Center has to offer?
Santa Ana Library Calendar & Programs
The Santa Ana Public Library offers a variety of free educational & enrichment programs for children, teens, & families. From leadership development & STEAM activities to technology assistance, tutoring, & early literacy programs, these resources provide opportunities for learning, creativity, & community engagement throughout the year.
https://www.santa-ana.org/library-events/?tlpage=9
Groundswell Programs
Groundswell fosters places of connection, growth, & assistance to bring its mission into reality by creating places of connections, growth, & assistance through schools & youth programs, & mediation services and bringing people together to build a more equitable future.
Bridges School Program
Working with schools to build campus environments that are respectful of diversity, where all students, staff & parents feel safe, welcome & respected.
Restorative Schools Program
Addressing the ineffectiveness that arises in more traditional school discipline systems by bringing a Restorative Justice perspective to the school setting.
Human Relations Ambassadors Program
For young people who are looking to take the next step in their social justice journey by turning their belief in equality & respect into action.
Youth Leaders Institute
Bringing together diverse students from high schools across Orange County to participate in activities, dialogues & skill building exercises.
Walk In My Shoes
Walk in My Shoes Youth Conferences bring together high school & middle school students from all over Orange County to attend a day long youth conference.
Important Dates
- November 6, November 20 : City Hall regular Friday closures
- November 11 : Veterans Day - City Hall closed, no street sweeping Holiday street sweeping schedule
Events & Meetings
City Meetings
- City Council Meeting: November 17
- Police Oversight Commission meeting: November 12
- Rental Housing Board: November 18
- Planning Commission Meeting: November 9
View meeting agenda and minutes.
View meetings live on our Santa Ana YouTube Channel.
Neighborhood Association Meetings
- Communication Linkage Forum (Com-Link) General Meeting:
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Pico Lowell :
- Time: 6:30-7:30 PM
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Location: Pio Pico Elementary
- 931 W. Highland St, Santa Ana, 92703
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Heninger Park:
- Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
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Location: Heninger Elementary School
- 417 W. Walnut St.
Community Free Days for Santa Ana Residents
Enjoy these free local events and bring your friends and family to the fun! (Bring ID-proof of residency)
November 1,8,15,22: Bowers Museum Free Day for Residents
November 15: Santa Ana Zoo Free Day for Residents
Bring Your Own Baby Tour & Tea- November 4
Bring Your Own Baby Tour & Tea is a free event offered by UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Arts. Tickets are free, required, & available on a first-come, first-serve basis. This half hour tour for new parents of babies one & under to connect with each other & explore exhibitions. Complimentary tea from an onsite café after the tour.
Held every first Wednesday of every month.
Bring Your Own Baby Tour & Tea | UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art
City Hall public counters closure - November 5
All City Hall public counters for the Public Works Agency and Planning and Building Agency, including construction and development services, business licenses, parking permits, dog licenses and other in-person services, will be closed on Thursday, November 5, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
If you have any Planning and Building Agency questions, please call (714) 667-2700.
For Public Works Agency questions, please call (714) 647-3380.
Time: 11:30 AM-2:00 PM
Location: Santa Ana City Hall
Thank you for your understanding
https://santa-ana.gov/event/public-works-counter-closure/
Art Happy Hour - November 6
Enjoy a creative evening at the Orange County Museum of Art with Art Happy Hour, featuring a special talk about artwork from current exhibitions. Guests can enjoy a cocktail or mocktail inspired by the featured artwork before the talk. Admission is free, and drinks are available for purchase.
First Friday of each month
Drinks at 4:30 PM | Talk begins at 5 PM
Location: Orange County Museum of Art
3333 Avenue of the Arts, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Art Happy Hour | UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art
Antics: Fiction & Poetry Reading- November 7
Enjoy an evening of original fiction and poetry at Antics, a free reading series organized by UC Irvine's MFA Programs in Writing. Featuring emerging writers Ferdia Burke, Amy Cameron, Ray Reidenbaugh, and Camila Valle, the event showcases diverse voices and creative works by talented authors. The series highlights the university's fiction and poetry programs and provides an opportunity to experience live literary readings.
Free admission
Event Information
https://langson.uci.edu/calendar/antics-a-poetry-and-fiction-reading/
Quarterly Bulky Item Drop-Off Day: Heritage Park - November 7
The City of Santa Ana's Public Works Agency (PWA) is proud to host the Quarterly Bulky Item Drop-Off Day. Every quarter, PWA, in partnership with Republic Services, will host drop-off days throughout the City in an effort to help residents properly dispose of bulky items such as furniture, mattresses, carpets, and non-donatable clothes, bedding, books, or toys. This event is free to Santa Ana residents, and no appointment is necessary. Proof of Santa Ana residency will be required. U-Haul trucks and commercial vehicles excluded. The event may end before 12:00 p.m. if capacity is reached.
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
Time: 9:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: Heritage Park
4812 W Camille St, Santa Ana, CA 92704
Quarterly Bulky Item Drop-Off Day: Heritage Park
Quarterly Bulky Item Drop-Off Day: Portola Park - November 7
The City of Santa Ana's Public Works Agency (PWA) is proud to host the Quarterly Bulky Item Drop-Off Day. Every quarter, PWA, in partnership with Republic Services, will host drop-off days throughout the City in an effort to help residents properly dispose of bulky items such as furniture, mattresses, carpets, and non-donatable clothes, bedding, books, or toys. This event is free to Santa Ana residents, and no appointment is necessary. Proof of Santa Ana residency will be required. U-Haul trucks and commercial vehicles excluded. The event may end before 12:00 p.m. if capacity is reached.
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
Time: 9:00 AM-12:00 PM
Location: Portola Park
1700 E. Santa Clara Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92705
Quarterly Bulky Item Drop-Off Day: Portola Park
Art & Play - November 11
Come join this free monthly program introducing art & creative thinking to your little one! Catered to ages 0-2 Art & Play creates a space for your little loved ones to enter a world of creative play & fun!
Held every second Wednesday of the month from 11:00 AM-1:00 PM.
Tickets are available two weeks before the program date at 3:00 PM.
*SPOTS FILL UP QUICK!*
MAKE: Painting Poetry - November 15
Free | All ages welcome
Explore the connection between words and images at UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art! Inspired by current exhibitions, families can use watercolor and oil pastels to create artwork based on poetry and other texts. This free, drop-in activity is open to all ages and offers a fun, creative experience for families.
Location: Level 2, UC Irvine Langson OCMA
Adult supervision required; families must participate together.
https://langson.uci.edu/calendar/make-painting-poetry/
Art & Play (Ages 3-5) - November 18
Come join this free monthly program introducing art & creative thinking to your little one! Catered to ages 3-5 Art & Play creates a space for your little loved ones to enter a world of creative thinking & fun!
Held every third Wednesday of the month from 11:00 AM-1:00 PM.
Tickets are available two weeks before the program date at 3:00 PM.
*SPOTS FILL UP QUICK!*
3rd Annual Kickball Turkey Bowl- November 21
Gather your team for the annual Turkey Bowl Kickball Tournament! Bring your coworkers, friends, or teammates together for a day of friendly competition and team spirit. Each team is guaranteed four games, with awards presented for 1st Place, 2nd Place, and Most Creative Uniform. For ages 18 and up.
Fee: $300 per team (maximum of 15 players)
Registration is open through November 15. To register, visit tinyurl.com/SATurkeyBowl26.
Plaza Navideña- November 21
Celebrate the holidays at Santa Ana's annual Plaza Navideña! Enjoy an evening of community resources, local vendors, arts and crafts, live entertainment, photos with Santa, and a festive tree lighting ceremony. Bring family and friends for a joyful holiday celebration!
Free | All ages welcome
MAKE: Painting Poetry - November 22
Free | All ages welcome
Explore the connection between words and images at UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art! Inspired by current exhibitions, families can use watercolor and oil pastels to create artwork based on poetry and other texts. This free, drop-in activity is open to all ages and offers a fun, creative experience for families.
Location: Level 2, UC Irvine Langson OCMA
Adult supervision required; families must participate together.
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
Southern California Edison:Call 1-800-447-6620
Southern California Gas:Call 1-800-207-8567
Trash pick-up: Call (877) 328-2074
Starting a small business?
How to start a business in Santa Ana
Download mySantaAna App to Report Issues
The mySantaAna mobile app puts the power of the Santa Ana city government in the palm of your hand! Residents with an iPhone or Android smartphone can download the mySantaAna application for free allowing them to quickly and easily report issues with photos to the City for clean-up. You can report potholes, downed tree branches, graffiti, trash and much more! The app is now available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.
USEFUL RESOURCES
Schedule a bulky item pickup: Call Republic Services at (657) 467-6220
Police Non-Emergency Line: (714) 245-8665
Emergency Water Services: (714) 953-8026
City of Santa Ana, CA published this content on November 01, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on November 02, 2026 at 02:30 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]