Ward 3 Newsletter: October/November 2025

Dear Neighbors,

Hope everyone had a fun and safe Halloween! I want to thank all of the incredible neighborhoods in Ward 3 that came together to make this year's celebrations so special for our kids. As someone born and raised here in Santa Ana, I vividly remember walking through some of these same neighborhoods as a little girl, and now I get to visit them again with my niece and nephew. Thank you for keeping that wonderful spirit of community and giving alive.

Whether we are ready or not, the holiday season is officially upon us. I was at a store this weekend and already heard Christmas music playing. But before we jump into the festivities, I want to take a moment to share an important update affecting many families in our city.

More than 310,000 low-income Orange County residents, many of them older adults and children, rely on CalFresh, known federally as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, to help put food on the table. While the recent federal government shutdown caused temporary delays in the distribution of November benefits, California has stepped in to ensure families continue to receive support. EBT cards remain active, and benefits are being processed as quickly as possible. If you or someone you know is experiencing food insecurity, several local organizations are available to help. An extensive list of resources is included below in this newsletter, and our office is always available to connect you with additional support.

On a brighter note, I am proud to share some good news for our community. The City of Santa Ana recently secured an important court action that strengthens our ongoing efforts to make East 1st Street safer. On November 3, an Orange County Superior Court Judge granted the City's request for a preliminary injunction in the drug den abatement case filed against the Royal Roman Motel, Royal Grand Inn, and a restaurant.

This work reflects the dedication and leadership of our office in bringing together residents, local businesses, and city staff to address long-standing challenges. When I launched the East First Street Task Force, I knew the work ahead would be difficult, but over the past four years, we have remained committed to collaboration, problem-solving, and learning from past experiences to make meaningful progress for our community. I am grateful to our City Attorney's Office, Police Department, and Code Enforcement team for their dedication and teamwork. The City Attorney's Office will continue legal enforcement efforts and pursue additional actions to address other nuisance properties along 1st Street.

As we head into the holiday season, I also want to take a moment to honor our veterans and their families. Veterans Day reminds us to recognize the sacrifices and service of those who have defended our country. Thank you to all veterans for your courage, dedication, and commitment.

I wish you and your loved ones a safe, warm, and joyful holiday season.

Councilwoman Jessie Lopez

Councilmember Lopez in our Community

Happy Halloween, Santa Ana!

October was full of fun and festive moments across our beautiful community - from school fall festivals to UDW's Trunk or Treat and so much more! I loved seeing all the creative costumes, smiling families, and neighborhood spirit that make Santa Ana such a special place to call home. Thank you to everyone who helped bring the Halloween magic to life and filled our days with treats, laughter, and community joy!

Santa Ana Earns Clean California Communities Designation!

I'm also excited to share some wonderful news: thanks to the work of my office, in partnership with OC Habitats, and our incredible volunteers, the City of Santa Ana has earned the Clean California Communities designation from Caltrans' Clean CA initiative! This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our community in reducing litter, enhancing public spaces, and inspiring pride in our neighborhoods. Congratulations to all the residents, local organizations, volunteers, and partners whose teamwork and commitment made this achievement possible. Team JLO is proud to bring this recognition home and remains committed to putting our values into action. We look forward to celebrating this milestone with you soon!

Celebrating The Cambodian Family's 45th Anniversary

What a joy it was to celebrate 45 years of The Cambodian Family's incredible work in Santa Ana and across Orange County! The celebration was filled with laughter, dancing, and delicious food - a true family gathering that felt just like a quinceañera! Congratulations to The Cambodian Family on this remarkable milestone, and here's to 45 more years of uplifting, empowering, and uniting our diverse communities.

Celebrating Floral Park's Historic National Registry Designation

It was a beautiful day at Sarah May Downie Garden celebrating a truly historic milestone - the official designation of Floral Park on the National Registry of Historic Places! This remarkable achievement represents 15 years of dedication and perseverance by the Floral Park Neighborhood Association, local historian Dylan Almendral, and countless residents who have worked tirelessly to preserve our city's rich history and charm.

A heartfelt thank you to all past and present board members, and to current president Craig, for his outstanding leadership. I also want to recognize Ward 3 Historic Resources Commissioner Ed Murashie for his continued efforts to protect and honor Santa Ana's architectural and cultural heritage.

Congratulations to Historic Floral Park!

Construction Completed at Chestnut Avenue and Zoo Lane!

I'm happy to share that the traffic signal installation project at Chestnut Avenue and Zoo Lane has been officially completed! This upgrade includes three new traffic signals for eastbound, westbound, and southbound traffic improving driver safety, traffic flow, and pedestrian visibility.

To complement the nearby Santa Ana Zoo, the project also features a colorful decorative crosswalk that brings life to the intersection. Studies from organizations like Strong Towns show that vibrant crosswalks don't just look good - they help slow down traffic and make pedestrians more visible, encouraging safer, more walkable neighborhoods.

This project was funded by the Transportation System Impact Authority and is part of our ongoing effort to improve infrastructure and community safety across Santa Ana.

Beyond major projects, our team continues to stay active in the field - regularly visiting the Lyon neighborhood to report graffiti, trash, and other maintenance issues. We encourage all residents to use the mySantaAna app to report concerns and help us keep our neighborhoods clean, safe, and welcoming.

You may have also noticed that several city-owned utility boxes have been transformed with vibrant public art. These small touches help deter graffiti while promoting community pride and creativity - turning everyday infrastructure into reflections of Santa Ana's unique spirit.

Green-MPNA Stakeholder Meeting

I joined Green-MPNA as a panelist for their recent Stakeholder Meeting, which brought together City Council members, city staff, environmental agencies, and community partners to address air pollution and environmental health in Santa Ana. It was a productive and collaborative discussion centered on our shared goal of creating cleaner, healthier neighborhoods for all residents.

This meeting was also an opportunity to share updates on the progress we've made toward the commitments outlined in our General Plan, alongside partners like UCI, AQMD, and CARB. While we've taken important steps forward, we know there's still much more to do. Protecting our environment means protecting the health and future of our community - and we'll continue working together to ensure that every resident has access to clean air, safe water, and a healthy environment.

Celebrating Taft Elementary's Deaf and Hard of Hearing Resource Fair

I was proud to join Taft Elementary for their DHH Resource Fair! Taft is home to the only DHH program in the county, and it was wonderful to celebrate the amazing work of SAUSD alongside Board Member Magdaleno. I also had the chance to meet some of the incredible DHH support dogs, who bring so much joy and assistance to students. It was inspiring to see our community come together to support our students and their families!

Connecting with the Consulate of Mexico

I met with the Consulate of Mexico to discuss the everyday questions and concerns we hear from our constituents. It was inspiring to learn about the many programs and resources the Consulate offers to support our community, and we're excited to collaborate on future events that strengthen these connections.

The Consulate of Mexico in Santa Ana is located at 2100 E. 4th Street, Santa Ana, CA 92705, and is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Main Line: (714) 253-3906 | Fax: (714) 253-3960 | Email: [email protected]

Appointments for Passports, Consular IDs, and Voter Cards:
Call 1 (424) 309-0009 or visit citas.sre.gob.mx.

For Consular Assistance or Emergencies:
Call (714) 504-2796 or email [email protected].

For general information, contact the Information and Assistance Center for Mexicans (CIAM) at (520) 623-7874.

Fun Run Fun at Santiago Elementary!

We had an absolute blast at Santiago Elementary's Fun Run! Our amazing students gave it their all, from zombie walks to giddy-ups, bringing unbeatable energy to the event. A huge thank you to Corazon Coffee Bar for keeping us fueled with their delicious cafecito and treats. We're also grateful to our dedicated Principal, school staff, PTA, parents, donors, and of course our incredible students for making this day so special. And a very special shoutout to our favorite turtle … Speedy - slow and steady with style!

Food Resources for Orange County Residents

During the ongoing SNAP/CalFresh delay caused by the federal government shutdown, many local families are facing uncertainty about when their food benefits will be available. But here in Santa Ana, we take care of one another. Across our neighborhoods: churches, schools, and nonprofits are stepping up to make sure every family, senior, and student has a meal and a helping hand. Below is a list of trusted local food sources, pantries, and community programs ready to help right now. If you're able, consider donating or volunteering.

Together, we can make sure that, even during tough times, no one in Santa Ana eats alone.

Santa Ana Food Resource List with Details

Here is a consolidated list of Santa Ana food assistance providers with detailed information on services, hours, populations served, and current response to the SNAP government shutdown:

2-1-1 Orange County

Phone: 2-1-1

Website: 211oc.org

Details: 2-1-1 Orange County connects callers with the nearest food banks, pantries, meal sites, and utility help. It is the primary referral service for emergency food and social services during the SNAP shutdown. Open 24/7; Spanish speakers available. Groceries

Assistance League of Santa Ana - SOC It to Hunger

Address: 1037 W. Memory Ln., Santa Ana, CA 92706

Phone: (714) 664-0547

Website: assistanceleague.org/santa-ana

Details: Monthly pantry for 40 families offering staple groceries and fresh produce. Open-air distributions at Madison Elementary during school breaks serve 125+ families. Works with Santa Ana Unified School District. Call for scheduled dates and eligibility.

Calvary Church of Santa Ana (with Mary's Kitchen Pop-Up)

Address: 1010 N. Tustin Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92701

Phone: (714) 973-4800

Website: calvarylife.org

Details: Monthly drive-through pop-up pantry (in partnership with Mary's Kitchen Pantry) provides boxes of groceries; next events are November 25 and December 16. Open 5:30-7:00 PM or while supplies last. Call for event details.

Catholic Charities of OC: Doris Cantlay Food Distribution Center

Address: 2020 W. Chestnut Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92703

Phone: (714) 347-9602

Website: ccoc.org/programs/life-sustaining-services/cantlay-food-distribution-center

Details: Pantry serves anyone in need. Food distribution Tues-Thurs, 7:30 AM-12:00 PM. Diaper distribution (ages 0-5) Tues-Thurs, 1-3 PM. Special holiday distributions. Spanish available.

Delhi Community Center

Address: 505 E. Central Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92707

Phone: (714) 568-0496

Website: delhicenter.org

Details: Weekly food distributions on Mondays and Wednesdays. Serves 1,400+ monthly. Also provides free diapers, casework, medical clinic partnership, and utility assistance. Open 8:30 AM-6:00 PM. Call or visit the website for the full schedule.

El Sol Academy - Food Distribution Center

Address: 1002 N. Broadway, Santa Ana, CA 92701

Phone: (714) 543-0023

Website: elsolacademy.org

Details: Partnered with multiple food programs and Second Harvest. Community food distributions-call for current dates and times.

Food with Love - Love Community Outreach

Address: 1920 W. Chestnut Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92703

Phone: (714) 852-3738

Website: foodpantries.org

Details: Drive-through pantries, hot meals, and outreach to unsheltered and low-income families. Food, hygiene kits, and other emergency supplies available. Call for updated hours of operation.

Immaculate Heart of Mary Church - Food Distribution Center

Address: 1100 S. Center St., Santa Ana, CA 92704

Phone: (714) 751-5335

Website: ihmsantaana.org

Details: Food pantry and daily community meals. Open Mon-Fri 10:00 Sat 1:00-6:00 PM. Provides emergency groceries and produce for families. Spanish available.

Latino Health Access - Weekly Food & Diaper Distribution

Address: 450 W. 4th St., Santa Ana, CA 92701

Phone: (714) 542-7792

Website: latinohealthaccess.org

Details: Weekly Friday food distributions, 11:00 AM-2:00 PM, walk-through only. Diapers second Friday monthly. Serves 1,000+ families per week-no photo ID or documents needed.

Mary's Kitchen Pantry & Mobile Pop-Up

Address: Varies-see website for pop-up locations

Phone: (714) 633-0444

Website: maryskitchenpantry.org

Details: Mobile pop-up pantry delivers fresh produce, groceries, diapers, and hygiene products. Operates 6 days a week in Santa Ana and nearby cities. See website for event calendar.

Meals on Wheels Orange County

Phone: (714) 823-3294

Website: mealsonwheelsoc.org

Details: Free daily meal delivery for homebound seniors (age 60+) and lunch cafes at senior centers. Call to enroll, eligibility required.

Orange County Rescue Mission - Chili Van Mobile Food Ministry

Address: 1 Hope Dr., Tustin, CA 92782 (activity in Santa Ana)

Phone: (714) 247-4300

Website: rescuemission.org/services

Details: Chili Van delivers hot meals, bread, clothing, and hygiene kits on scheduled routes. Check the website or call for Santa Ana stops and current schedules.

Santa Ana College - Basic Needs Food Support

Address: 1530 W. 17th St., Santa Ana, CA 92706

Website: sac.edu/sce/student-services/basicneeds/pages/food.aspx

Details: Food support, pantry referrals, and basic needs navigation for students and local families.

Saint Joseph Church - Loaves & Fishes

Address: 727 N. Minter St., Santa Ana, CA 92701

Phone: (714) 241-9016

Website: stjosephsa.org

Details: Weekly Loaves & Fishes pantry and hot meal program serving all in need. Call or visit website for hours.

Santa Ana Senior Center

Address: 424 W. 3rd St., Santa Ana, CA 92701

Phone: (714) 647-6540

Website: santa-ana.org

Details: Serving seniors 60+, monthly emergency food distributions, and daily meals (Meals on Wheels OC). Registration required; open Mon-Fri.

Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County

Address: 8014 Marine Way, Irvine, CA 92618

Phone: (949) 653-2900

Website: feedoc.org

Details: Supports 250+ local pantries with food deliveries; does not distribute directly to individuals at Irvine HQ. Website offers a map to find Santa Ana partner pantries and pop-up events.

Serve the People Community Food Bank

Address: 1206 E. 17th St., Santa Ana, CA 92701

Phone: (714) 352-2911

Website: servethepeople.org/food-pantry

Details: Bi-weekly Saturday distributions, 4:00 Spanish spoken.

Seva Collective Drive-through Food Pantry

Address: Villa Fundamental Intermediate School, 1441 E. Chestnut Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92701

Phone: (714) 584-7573

Website: facebook.com/sevacollectiveofficial

Details: Drive-through food pantry open weekly/monthly. Fresh produce, protein, dairy, and shelf-stable staples; check Facebook page for exact days/times.

Southwest Community Center

Address: 1601 W. 2nd St., Santa Ana, CA 92703

Phone: (714) 547-4073

Website: capoc.org

Details: Emergency pantry on Monday and Wednesday, 9:30 AM-11:00 AM. Partnerships for rental/utilities help. Open to all; Spanish spoken.

Fisher Park Neighborhood Association Meeting

Our office joined the Fisher Park Neighborhood Association meeting to hear updates from the City's Public Works Department on the Flower Street and Memory Lane Improvement Project. This project, originally developed between 2017 and 2022, aims to enhance neighborhood safety by reducing speeding, improving traffic flow, and creating safer spaces for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Thanks to a $5 million state grant and $1.26 million in city funds, the project will feature new bike lanes, raised crosswalks, safety bumps, and drought-tolerant landscaping with smart irrigation systems. The design phase is expected to be completed by January 2026, with construction beginning in June 2026, a full year ahead of schedule.

We appreciate everyone who participated in this important community discussion and look forward to seeing these improvements make our neighborhoods safer and more connected!

"Know Your Rights" Bus Shelter Ads Installed Across Santa Ana

On September 17, 2025, new "Know Your Rights" bus shelter ads were installed at 29 locations throughout the city - including 19 in Spanish, 5 in English, and 5 in Vietnamese. These multilingual ads help ensure that important information reaches our diverse community.

The ads were placed at no cost under the city's existing contract with the bus shelter advertisement vendor and will remain up for at least three months, with the possibility of an extension. My office is proud to advocate for this initiative, which empowers residents to stay informed and protected.

Advancing Infant and Maternity Care in Orange County

Team JLO attended the "Advancing Infant and Maternity Care in Orange County"event at The Village at 17th Street. The discussion focused on the growing challenges surrounding access to maternity care and the urgent need to protect labor and delivery (L&D) services across California. Key findings highlighted that maintaining access to L&D care requires addressing issues such as workforce shortages, hospital financial instability, and systemic barriers impacting service delivery. Without action, hospitals may be forced to close L&D units, further limiting care for expectant mothers and families. Collaboration and strong partnerships between hospitals, clinics, and community organizations were emphasized as vital solutions to ensure continued access to quality maternity care. Thank you to all who participated in this important conversation about the future of maternal health in our state.

Recognizing Organización Osos de California - Banda de Guerra

I was proud to recognize Organización Osos de California - Banda de Guerra, a vibrant nonprofit that is enriching our community through music, culture, and civic pride. The organization is dedicated to preserving the traditions of Mexican war bands while inspiring youth through discipline, teamwork, and cultural engagement. Open to participants of all ages, Osos de California trains members in traditional instruments such as drums and bugles and has become a familiar presence at parades, festivals, and civic events across Orange County. Their commitment to inclusivity and cultural preservation serves as a bridge between generations, fostering unity and pride in our shared heritage. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Osos de California for their outstanding contribution to this year's El Grito ceremony and the 45th Annual Fiestas Patrias celebration, helping make these events both memorable and meaningful.

Neighborhood Improvement Update

In response to community requests from Edna Park residents, a new City streetlight pole was installed on Downie Place, just east of Fairview Street, on October 6. This upgrade enhances safety and visibility in the area, reflecting our continued commitment to improving neighborhood infrastructure and quality of life for residents.

Welcome Fire Engine 71 to Station 71 in the City of Santa Ana

Team JLO proudly welcomed new Fire Engine 71 to its home at Station 71 in the City of Santa Ana with a traditional push-in ceremony. We extend our gratitude to everyone involved in the design, acquisition, and preparation of this new engine.

OCFA Division 6 Chief James Henery, who serves the City of Santa Ana, shared his appreciation for the teamwork and dedication that made this addition possible, ensuring our firefighters have the resources they need to keep our community safe.

Santiago Fall Festival!

Our incredible interns had an amazing time at this year's Santiago Fall Festival! It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with residents, enjoy the festivities, and celebrate the spirit of our community. We loved seeing our students in their creative costumes and want to extend a big thank you to all the staff and Santiago PTA for organizing such an incredible event.

International Older Adults Celebration

Our office was thrilled to attend the International Older Adults Celebration, honoring the contributions, wisdom, and achievements of our senior community members. It was a joyful event filled with meaningful connections, inspiring stories, and a shared commitment to celebrating and supporting our older adults.

City completes NE Annexation Water and Sewer Main Improvements Project

Our Public Works Agency has completed the NE Annexation Water and Sewer Main Improvements Project on 17th Street, Deodar Street, Medford Avenue and Pasadena Street.

The project included 2,250 feet of new water main to improve service, 660 feet of new sewer main with resident connections and 69,000 square feet of pavement repair in residential areas. We're proud to provide these services to Santa Ana's newest residents who were annexed into the city from unincorporated county areas. These upgrades will provide more reliable water and sewer service for the community.

Santa Ana Items of Interest

Central Pointe Mixed-Use Development Breaks Ground

Construction is officially underway on the Central Pointe Mixed-Use Development at 1801 E. Fourth Street. Approved in 2021, the project will feature 644 new residential units, 15,200 square feet of commercial space, and 1,318 parking spaces across two buildings. The first phase, Elio, will include 325 residential units and is expected to be completed in about 28 months.

After overcoming earlier financing delays, Westport Construction has begun mobilizing crews, and City staff have met with the developer to coordinate the construction process.

For more details, visit the project webpageor contact Ali Pezeshkpour, Executive Director of the Planning and Building Agency, at (714) 667-2706 or [email protected].

New "Knowledge Mobile XL" Arriving Soon

I am thrilled to share that the new Knowledge Mobile XL was scheduled for delivery on October 15, 2025, from Matthews Specialty Vehicles in Greensboro, North Carolina. Built on a custom Ford F-59 chassis, this larger and fully equipped vehicle will allow the library to expand its service routes and reach more community centers, schools, parks, nonprofits, and special events across Santa Ana. The upgraded mobile library will feature more space for collections, technology, and public engagement, creating a welcoming environment for visitors onboard. It will also include a state-of-the-art technological platform with an exterior LCD panel, sound system, and multimedia capabilities to enhance outreach and programming.

Introducing the "Pod" Plan Check Service

We are excited to announce the launch of the "Pod," a new appointment-based plan check service designed to streamline project reviews. The Pod allows applicants to meet in person with multiple City departments - including Planning, Building, Fire, Public Works, and Economic Development - for concurrent plan check reviews. This service helps expedite approvals for common project types such as office, retail, restaurant, and medical office improvements by reducing the need to formally submit plans. During appointments, applicants receive real-time feedback and redlines, saving staff time and eliminating the need for lengthy correction letters. For more details or to request an appointment, visit the PBx Pod Appointment Service webpage.

Santa Ana continues program to help residents affected by ICE

At our last Council meeting, I was proud to advocate to continue the Ayuda Sin Fronteras program to support our residents impacted by recent immigration enforcement operations. Since its creation in July, this program has provided emergency financial assistance for rent and utilities to families who have been detained, deported, or financially affected.

As your Councilmember, I remain committed to protecting our immigrant community and ensuring that every person in Santa Ana is treated with fairness, dignity, and compassion. Alongside this program, the City Council also joined a federal lawsuit challenging unlawful immigration stops and approved a $250,000 partnership with the Immigrant Defenders Law Center (ImmDef) to offer legal defense services to residents facing deportation.

Get Help:
Ayuda Sin Fronteras:(714) 565-2655
Legal Defense (ImmDef):(213) 634-0999

Policy Watch: Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative

Nearly half of Californians experiencing homelessness rate their health as poor or fair - four times higher than in the general population. Poor health can both lead to and result from homelessness, trapping people in a cycle that deepens over time.

Join the UCSF Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative (BHHI) for a conversation about our upcoming report, Toward Thriving: Understanding Health & Homelessness. We'll explore how coordinated solutions across housing, health care, and social services can break this cycle.

Wednesday, December 4

12 PM - 1 PM PT

Virtual (Zoom) Register: homelessness.ucsf.edu/calendar/webinar-understanding-health-homelessness

Panelists:

• Margot Kushel, MD: BHHI Director and lead report author.
• Robynne Rose-Haymer, MEd: VP, Capitol Impact; BHHI Lived Expertise Advisory Board
• Michelle Schneidermann, MD: CHCF Director of Advancing People-Centered Care
• Corrin Buchanan, MPP: California Health & Human Services Undersecretary

Register for the Webinar

Councilmember Lopez Requested Items

Across the country, states and cities are beginning to push back against the growing use of artificial-intelligence-driven pricing tools by private-equity-backed firms that manage large portfolios of rental housing. These software platforms - most prominently one developed by RealPage, Inc. - collect competitively sensitive data from multiple landlords, then feed that data into algorithms that suggest rent increases that maximize profit rather than reflect truly independent market competition. Federal investigations and state-level actions contend that what looks like automated pricing is, in effect, collusion-enabling: landlords using the same algorithmic recommendations limit competition and keep rents elevated, violating antitrust laws.

Here in California, and at the local level in cities like ours, I introduced policy measures to curb this practice in recognition of how deeply it undermines housing affordability and fairness for residents in our community. It matters because when rents are algorithmically aligned across large portfolios, renters lose the benefit of competition, and the burden falls disproportionately on older adults, working families, and children - the same groups we have pledged to protect. By regulating or banning the use of such pricing-algorithms in our jurisdiction, we help restore transparency, competition, and accountability to the rental housing market - making sure the housing tools we invest in actually serve the people rather than inflate profits at their expense.

COUNCILMEMBER-REQUESTED ITEM TITLE

Read my report to City Council

Read more

I also introduced the implementation of in-car video recording systems with automatic activation during pursuits and emergency responses is an important step toward strengthening transparency, accountability, and trust between law enforcement and the community. These systems provide an objective record of events as they unfold, helping ensure that both officers and the public are protected. Automatic activation during critical incidents, such as vehicle pursuits and Code-3 responses, removes the uncertainty of manual recording and ensures that vital moments are captured accurately.

Beyond enhancing accountability, this policy also supports officer safety, training, and professional standards. Video footage can be used to review procedures, identify areas for improvement, and provide valuable evidence in investigations or court proceedings. By equipping every patrol vehicle with these systems, Santa Ana reinforces its commitment to modern, transparent policing practices that uphold the highest standards of public service and community trust.

Read my report to City Council

What I'm Reading & Reflecting On

I recently came across a powerful brief from Community Solutions titled "The Costs and Harms of Homelessness" that explores how homelessness affects not only individuals and families but entire communities and systems. The research shows that beyond the visible costs such as emergency health care, shelter services, and criminal-justice interventions, there are human costs that cannot always be captured in dollars. These include disrupted childhoods, diminished life expectancy, trauma, and the compounding effects of structural inequities.

For our Ward 3 community here in Santa Ana, this kind of data matters. It reinforces why our investments in prevention and housing stability are more than charity, as some residents call it. These investments are smart policy, cost-effective, and morally imperative. I encourage you to read the brief yourself and reflect on how these insights strengthen our collective work toward ending homelessness in our city.

Read the article.

Events and Resources

Business Start-Up Workshop

The City of Santa Ana's Economic Development Divisionwill host the Business Start-Up Workshop at Santa Ana City Hall on the second Wednesday of each month. The final workshop for this year is on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, from 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM in Room 1600.

This workshop is beneficial to anyone interested in starting a new business or expanding an existing one in Santa Ana. You'll learn about the resources available to help entrepreneurs and have the opportunity to get your questions answered by city staff as you begin your business journey. The workshop will be offered in English and Spanish.

For more information, please call the Business Hotline at (714) 647-5477 or email at [email protected].

Business Start-Up Workshop (Spanish)

El Equipo de Desarrollo Económico de la Ciudad de Santa Ana presentará el taller de negocio: "Lanze Su Negocio en Santa Ana." Este taller será gratuito a todo miembro del público y se ofrecerá en tres fechas. Dicho taller se ofrecerá en el ayuntamiento municipal: Santa Ana City Hall, 20 Civic Center Plaza, Primer Piso, Cuarto 1600, Santa Ana 92701. El taller comenzará puntualmente a las 11:00 AM y terminará a las 12:30 PM.

Gracias de antemano por registrarse. Agradecemos su confirmacion y esperamos el placer de conercerlo!

Councilmember Lopez Community Office Hours

Join me for my Community Office Hours on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Riverview Park, 1817 W. 21st St., from 10 to 11 a.m. Your input is valuable, and we look forward to hearing from you. Whether you have concerns or ideas, or just want to connect, we encourage you to stop by and be part of the conversation. See you there!

Upgrade to Cleaner Energy & Save

The GO ZERO Small Business Program by South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD)offers $4,000 rebates for small businesses that replace natural gas or propane water heaters with Energy Star-certified electric heat pumps.

Eligibility:

Located within South Coast AQMD's jurisdiction

Independently owned & operated small business (≤10 employees or <$500K annual receipts)

Apply Online & learn more about eligibility using the button below.Contact: 844-437-0481 | [email protected]

Recycle your used oil filter and get one for free

Santa Ana residents can take part in the Used Oil Filter Exchange Program now through November 30 and help keep our community clean and sustainable! Bring your used oil filters to either O'Reilly Auto Parts (1312 W. Edinger Ave.) or AutoZone (2413 W. 17th St.) and receive a new filter for free. Each household can exchange up to two filters of equal value (up to $15 each). This is a great way to recycle responsibly, protect the environment, and keep your vehicle running smoothly. Don't miss out, visit a participating store today!

Other Local Events

• Resident Free Days at the Zoo • Third Sunday of each Month.
• Bowers Museum free Sundays • Santa Ana residents get in free each Sunday.
• Discovery Cube Waste Free Days • Santa Ana residents get free admission to the Discovery Cube on the first Tuesday of the month.
• Councilwoman's Office Hours • Santa Ana residents are invited to come and ask questions, share your concerns, and make suggestions about your neighborhood or the City of Santa Ana.

Thank you for taking the time to read this month's newsletter and for staying engaged in our community. Your involvement is what keeps Ward 3 thriving, and I'm grateful to serve you and your families.