City of Santa Ana, CA
10/02/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/02/2026 19:27
COSAS Newsletter: October 2, 2026
In the Oct. 2, 2026, edition of COSAS (City of Santa Ana Stories), join our Memorial Park Aquatic Center ribbon cutting ceremony and the grand reopening of the Main Library after a two-year renovation, check out our new and improved basketball courts, revisit Fiestas Patrias in photos and video, and find more City events, news and resources.
Spotlight Photo
Angels Community Park basketball court opening
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
Get a preview of Memorial Park Aquatic Center at our Oct. 17 ribbon cutting ceremony
A new chapter is taking shape at Memorial Park, as we complete construction of the Memorial Park Aquatic Center, replacing the original pool that served the community for over 60 years.
Residents are invited to join us for a ribbon cutting ceremony at 12 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at 2102 S. Flower St., to celebrate the project's completion. Attendees will enjoy tours of the new Aquatic Center and a preview of upcoming swimming programs.
The new center is designed to offer more ways for residents to swim, play and cool off. It features both a competition pool and a recreational pool with a water slide. It also has new locker rooms, a community room, seating around the pool deck, and shade structures with solar panels, which will power the all-electric facility. The restored "Chicano Gothic" mural painted by Emigdio Vasquez in 1987 was incorporated into the new Aquatic Center.
Main Library to reopen Oct. 24 after two-year modernization project
The wait is almost over! Following a two-year, $34 million modernization project, the Santa Ana Public Library's Main Library is reopening this month.
We are excited to invite the community to the Main Library ribbon cutting ceremony and grand reopening at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at 26 Civic Center Plaza. The event will include live musical and dance performances, a magic show and a chance for everyone to see and use the new library facilities.
The project is the largest renovation of the historic facility since it opened in 1960 and includes a new children's interactive learning area, improved and reimagined Teen and Maker Space, reimagined east patio with amphitheater seating and reading areas, enhanced and expanded History Room, restoration of the Italian marble façade, and upgraded building mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.
The work is part of a broader investment in Santa Ana's library system, which included a major renovation of Newhope Library and opening the new Delhi Library Branch and Outdoor Library at Jerome Park.
News
City unveils new basketball courts at Angels and Lillie King parks
Santa Ana residents now have two new places to play basketball! The City celebrated the opening of new and renovated basketball courts this week at Lillie King Park and Angels Community Park.
The celebrations also included free basketball programming and activities offered by the City's Parks, Recreation and Community Services Agency.
Lillie King Park's court is brand new, while the Angels Community Park project renovated an aging court with special cooling pavement that reduces heat absorption, adding new lighting and restrooms.
Both projects included ADA-compliant paths to ensure accessibility to the new courts.The courts are located at Lillie King Park, 500 W. Alton Ave. and Angels Community Park, 914 W. Third St.
See photos of Lillie King Park opening
See photos of Angels Community Park opening
Over 150 volunteers join Inner-Coastal Cleanup Day
Santa Ana community members came together in honor of 2026 Inner-Coastal Cleanup Day on Saturday, Sept. 19. More than 150 volunteers joined us at Jerome Park to remove over 500 pounds of trash and debris from the Santa Ana Gardens flood control channel.
Each piece of trash picked up is one less piece that can end up in a storm drain or waterway. Thank you to everyone who gave their time to make a difference.
Thinking about starting a business? Join a free workshop
Starting a business can bring up a lot of questions. The City's Economic Development Division offers free virtual Business Start-Up Workshops to help aspiring entrepreneurs understand the steps involved and find resources to get started in Santa Ana.
Upcoming workshops are scheduled for the following Wednesdays: Oct. 7, Nov. 4 and Dec. 2, from 11 a.m. to noon on Zoom. If you have a business idea or are ready to take the next step, join an upcoming workshop using this zoom link.
For questions, contact the Economic Development Division at 714-647-5477 or [email protected].
Ballot drop boxes open and vote-by-mail begins Oct. 5
The Orange County Registrar of Voters will mail Vote-By-Mail ballots to all Orange County voters starting no later than Oct. 5, marking the start of the voting period for the 2026 General Election that will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 3. On that same day, 128 Ballot Drop Boxes will open countywide and will remain open through 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
The City of Santa Ana's Nov. 3 General Municipal Election will be for the Mayor, for a term of two years; and three Councilmember Ward Seats (Ward Nos. 2, 4, and 6), each for a term of four years. The election will also be for one Measure placed on the ballot by the Santa Ana City Council.
Santa Ana Drop Box and Vote Center locations
All Orange County Drop-Box locations
Boo at the Zoo returns for four nights starting October 17
Costumes, treats and zoo rides are back this October. Boo at the Zoo takes place Oct. 17, 18, 24 and 25, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Santa Ana Zoo, 1801 E. Chestnut Ave.
The zoo's "Merry Not Scary" Halloween festival features trick-or-treating, lights and decorations, nocturnal animal encounters and a scavenger hunt. Families can also visit 10 toy and treat stations and enjoy the zoo's rides; ride tickets are required. Guests are encouraged to wear child-friendly costumes.
Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for children ages 3-12 and $10 for zoo members and Santa Ana residents. Children 2 and younger are free. Admission must be purchased online and each ticket is valid for one of the four event nights.
Purchase Boo at the Zoo Tickets
OCTA encourages residents to explore alternative transportation during Rideshare Week
The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) is encouraging residents to explore alternative transportation options during Rideshare Week, Oct. 5-9. Participants can pledge to use OC Bus, Metrolink, vanpool, biking or carpooling at least once during the week for a chance to win a Commuter Essentials Kit valued at more than $300, which includes AirPods and a Kindle.
Participants can also count free rides on OC Bus and Metrolink offered on Oct. 7 in recognition of Clean Air Day toward their pledge. To participate, visit Octa.net/rideshareweek.
Tales From the City
A look back at Santa Ana Fiestas Patrias 2026
Downtown Santa Ana filled with music, food and community spirit during the City's Fiestas Patrias festival and parade on Sept. 12-13. The community gathered for two days of performances, cultural activities and a celebration of Mexican Independence Day.
Fiestas Patrias also offered a chance to recognize the cultures, traditions and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities during Hispanic Heritage Month.
Whether you joined us downtown or watched the parade from home, take another look at the people and moments that made the weekend memorable.
See more festival photos here.
City Council Meetings
The next regular Santa Ana City Council meeting will take place onTuesday, Oct. 6, 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.
Downtown Santa Ana ArtWalk - October 3
Spend an evening exploring galleries, meeting artists and discovering the creative businesses of Downtown Santa Ana. The City of Santa Ana is proud to sponsor Artwalk!
- Saturday, Oct. 3, 5-10 p.m.
- Downtown Santa Ana
OCFA Division 6 Open House - October 3
Meet local firefighters and learn more about the Orange County Fire Authority at its Division 6 open house. Stop by to connect with the crews who serve our community and see what they do.
- Saturday, Oct. 3, 9 a.m.-noon
- 120 W. Walnut St.
- Free parking at 100 S. Main St., courtesy of El Vaquero Mexican Grill
Watercolor Flower Bouquet - October 3
Make your own watercolor flower bouquet with the Santa Ana Public Library's Knowledge Mobile. Experiment with colors and brush techniques, then take home your one-of-a-kind painting.
- Saturday, Oct. 3, noon-2 p.m.
- 830 N Ross St.
Mehregan Persian Festival - October 4
Celebrate Persian culture at the Bowers Museum's free Mehregan Persian Festival. Bring the family for live performances, art activities, face painting and treats in the museum's Key Courtyard.
- Sunday, Oct. 4, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Bowers Museum, 2002 N. Main St.
Coffee with a Cop - October 7
Have a conversation with Santa Ana police officers over coffee. This informal event gives community members a chance to ask questions, share concerns and get to know local officers.
- Wednesday, Oct. 7, 3-4:30 p.m.
- Starbucks, 1702 N. Bristol St.
OC Pride - October 10
OC Pride returns to Downtown Santa Ana for a festival and parade celebrating Orange County's LGBTQ+ community. The parade begins at 11 a.m., followed by a free festival with live performances, food vendors, artists and spaces for families and teens. The City of Santa Ana is proud to be this year's parade sponsor.
- Saturday, Oct. 10; parade at 11 a.m., festival noon-10 p.m.
- Downtown Santa Ana
Santa Ana Vision Zero Update Plan workshop - October 16
Share your thoughts on how to make Santa Ana's streets safer at the final workshop for the Vision Zero Update Plan. The Santa Ana Vision Zero Action Plan (Plan), adopted by City Council on June 4, 2024, is an initiative to eliminate fatalities and serious injuries in Santa Ana by 2040. Join the project team to learn about the plan and provide feedback before the update is completed.
- Friday, Oct. 16, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
- Christ Our Savior Church, 2000 W. Alton Ave.
Taste of Santa Ana - October 17
Come hungry for Taste of Santa Ana: Frights & Bites at MainPlace Mall. This Halloween-themed tasting event brings together more than 30 restaurants, wineries and breweries, along with live music. Hosted by the Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by the City of Santa Ana. Tickets are required.
- Saturday, Oct. 17, 6-11 p.m.; VIP entry begins at 5 p.m.
- MainPlace Mall, 2800 N. Main St.
Monster Mask Lab - October 17
Get creative with the Santa Ana Public Library's Knowledge Mobile. Make and decorate a spooky or silly monster mask, then show off your creation at the photo booth.
- Saturday, Oct. 17, noon-2 p.m.
- 830 N Ross St
Secretary of State Pop-Up Shop - October 21
The California Secretary of State's Office is bringing in-person apostille and domestic partnership registration services to Santa Ana. An apostille authenticates a California public official's signature on a document for use in another country. Check the event information before visiting to learn what documents and payment to bring.
- Wednesday, Oct. 21, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Orange County Clerk-Recorder's Office, 601 N. Ross St., first floor, Room 103
Jerome Center Spooktacular - October 24
Bring the family to Jerome Recreation Center for its annual Spooktacular. Celebrate the Halloween season with your neighbors and check the event page for this year's activities and other details.
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 October 02, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on October 03, 2026 at 01:27 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]