City of Santa Ana, CA
07/30/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/30/2026 18:02
COSAS Newsletter: July 30, 2026
In the July 30, 2026, edition of COSAS (City of Santa Ana Stories) learn about our proposed land use and development regulations in the draft zoning code update, see the amazing new additions to Santa Anita Park and Portola Park, enjoy music and community at the Chicano Heritage Festival, and find more City events, news and resources.
Spotlight Photo
Little Picasso
Photo Credit: Emma U.
To submit your own original photo of Santa Ana to be featured in the next newsletter, complete this form.
City Manager's Highlights
Celebrating Chicano Heritage Month
In August we celebrate Chicano Heritage Month, marking the many contributions of our Mexican-American community to Santa Ana's culture, history and growth. The Santa Ana City Council was the first in the country to declare August as Chicano Heritage Month in 2021.
Please join us to celebrate this important part of Santa Ana's multicultural community at our annual Chicano Heritage Festival on Sunday, Aug. 23. Santa Ana Public Library is also hosting a Chicano Heritage Month educational event on Saturday, Aug. 29. Learn more below in Events.
News
Comprehensive Zoning Code Update's draft zoning map and code available for public review
The City of Santa Ana is pleased to announce a major milestone in the Comprehensive Zoning Code Update Process. The draft Zoning Map and Code are now available for public review and comment. This is a significant step forward in the City's efforts to modernize land use regulations, streamline development, address health and environmental justice issues, promote economic prosperity and housing production, and enhance quality of life.
Please submit comments in advance of the Planning Commission Public Hearing by 3:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 24. Further comments will be received prior to the City Council Public Hearing.
In addition to the public review and comment on the draft Zoning Map and Code, the final phase of the Comprehensive Zoning Code Update includes two Planning Commission Study Sessions, a City Council Study Session, a Planning Commission Public Hearing, and a City Council Public Hearing.
Please find details about the upcoming Planning Commission Study Session below:
Part B: Zoning Map and Code
- When: Monday, Aug. 10, 2026 at 5:30 p.m.
- Where: City Council Chamber, 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701
We look forward to your participation and value your feedback as the City moves forward with the Comprehensive Zoning Code Update process.
City of Santa Ana celebrates grand reopening of Santa Anita Park following $18 million transformation
The City of Santa Ana celebrated the grand reopening of the reimagined Santa Anita Park, marking the completion of an $18 million, multi-year investment that modernizes the 55-year-old neighborhood park with a new community center, renovated swimming pool and expanded recreational opportunities. The Santa Ana City Council, City and neighborhood leaders, and community members gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, July 25 to commemorate the transformation.
The centerpiece of the project is a new 8,000-square-foot community center that will serve as a hub for recreational programs and Santa Ana Police Athletic and Activity League (PAAL) activities. The facility also includes a Santa Ana Police Department substation, providing officers with a dedicated space to support public safety efforts and strengthen relationships with neighborhood residents. In addition, the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Agency now has on-site offices to support park operations and facility reservations.
The project features a fully renovated swimming pool and pool deck, which have reopened for aquatics programming and recreational swimming. Other park improvements include a new playground, renovated basketball court, expanded parking lot, enhanced site lighting, walking paths, and new landscaping and irrigation systems.
The park's former undeveloped grass and dirt fields have been transformed into synthetic turf soccer fields with Musco sports lighting, bleachers, shade structures and upper terrace areas designed to accommodate group and vendor canopies during sporting events, creating a premier venue for youth sports and community events.
Learn more about Santa Anita Park
City of Santa Ana celebrates grand opening of first-ever splash pad at Portola Park
The City of Santa Ana proudly celebrated the grand opening of its first dedicated splash pad on Saturday, July 18, at Portola Park, marking a major milestone in the City's continued investment in parks, recreation and quality of life for residents. The Santa Ana City Council, City and neighborhood leaders, and community members gathered for the ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the opening.
The Portola Park Splash Pad features 10 exciting water elements, including funnel twists, rooster sprays, stream jets and a large tipping bucket that is expected to become a favorite attraction for young visitors. The project also included new shade structures, outdoor showers and renovated ADA-accessible restrooms, ensuring the park is welcoming, comfortable and accessible for everyone.
The $2.5 million project was funded entirely through the City's Cannabis Public Benefit Fund, demonstrating Santa Ana's commitment to reinvesting in community spaces that benefit residents. The City has made significant improvements to Portola Park in recent years, including resurfaced tennis courts, a refurbished decorative basketball court with new LED lighting, new fitness zone workout equipment, monument signage, and a hydration station featuring a bottle-filling dispenser and drinking fountain for dogs.
The Splash Pad is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily June through August, and on weekends in May and September.
Fiestas Patrias applications are open until August 14 for vendors, exhibitors, performers and parade participants
Applications are now open for the 2026 Fiestas Patrias celebration!
The City of Santa Ana invites food vendors, exhibitors, community performers, parade participants, cultural groups, businesses, and organizations to be part of Orange County's largest celebration honoring Hispanic and Latino cultures.
Join thousands of community members for a weekend filled with live entertainment, authentic food, artisan and community vendors, and more as we celebrate Mexico's Independence Day while honoring the rich traditions and contributions of the people who make up our community.
The event takes place Saturday, Sept. 12, from 12 to 11 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 13, from 12 to 10 p.m. The Fiestas Patrias Parade is on Sunday, Sept. 13, at 11 a.m. Both are in Downtown Santa Ana.
Applications are open until Aug. 14 at 5 p.m. Apply today at www.santa-ana.gov/fiestas-patrias.
Enroll in August contract classes with Parks and Recreation
Our Parks, Recreation and Community Services Agency offers fun and educational classes for all ages and interests. From sewing classes to aerobics to skateboarding camp, expand your horizons this summer!
Extreme heat warning July 31 to August 2: Cooling centers available
The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat warning for inland Orange County areas, including Santa Ana, from 10 a.m. Friday, July 31, to 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2. Conditions are expected to be dangerously hot, with high temperatures in the mid to upper 90s east of the 5 freeway.
Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat events. Please remember to drink lots of water, limit activity outside, and visit our community centers, senior centers, pools or libraries if you need to cool down.
Visit our website for a list of City-run locations where you can beat the heat: santa-ana.gov/cooling-centers
Ride the OC Fair Express for more fun, less stress
Planning to go to the OC Fair? Take the OC Fair Express! Park free at pickup locations across Orange County - including the Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center - and ride straight to the fairgrounds. Skip traffic and parking hassles and arrive steps from the fun.
OC Fair Express details:
- Direct rides from six locations
- Service offered Saturdays and Sundays
- $2 each way
- Buses arrive every 30 minutes
City Council Meetings
The next regular Santa Ana City Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 4, at 4:30 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 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.
Aug. 4, 2026, Meeting Agenda: https://www.santa-ana.gov/cc/city-meetings
Highlights from the Santa Ana City Council's July 21, 2026, meeting:
The City Council approved the following actions related to the County of Orange's proposal to redevelop the former Youth Guidance Center property, located at 3030 Hesperian Way in Santa Ana, into a coordinated reentry center intended to provide services for justice-involved individuals transitioning back into the community:
- Direct the City Manager to draft a resolution formally opposing the proposed Orange County Coordinated Reentry Center at the former Youth Guidance Center site.
- Direct the City Manager to communicate the City's opposition to the Orange County Board of Supervisors, Orange County Executive Officer, and other appropriate agencies, and to advocate for the identification and evaluation of alternative locations elsewhere in Orange County.
- Direct the City Attorney to evaluate and report to the City Council regarding any legal remedies available to the City related to the proposed project, including, but not limited to, applicable land use regulations, procedural requirements, and any other potential legal or administrative actions.
The City Council approved an agreement with the California Department of Transportation that will allow the City to receive $25 million in federal RAISE grant funding for the Santa Ana Boulevard Grade Separation Project. The proposed project aims to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution, and make the area safer for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists by replacing an at-grade rail crossing with a new four-lane underpass on Santa Ana Boulevard, adjacent to the Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center.
Events
Find more City of Santa Ana events on our website.
See the Parks and Recreation class catalogue here.
DTSA ArtWalk - August 1
Downtown Santa Ana's monthly Art Walk is back with an evening full of creativity, music, and community. Hosted by The Frida Cinema and sponsored by the City of Santa Ana, this community event brings together local artists, DJs, vendors, and interactive activities throughout the Artists Village and beyond. Join friends and neighbors for live art, outdoor vendors, live music, dancing under the stars, and over a dozen art galleries and studios featuring rotating exhibitions, performances, and more.
- Saturday, Aug. 1
- 5-10 p.m.
- Downtown Santa Ana - Artists Village, Sycamore Street and Plaza Calle Cuatro
More information: https://dtsaartwalk.org/
Bowers Museum Pacific Islands Festival - August 2
Join Bowers Museum for their free, family-friendly Pacific Islands Festival! Make a lei, get faces painted, sip island fruit, and enjoy live Polynesian dance performances. Kids and adults alike will love wandering into Bowers' permanent galleries afterward to explore the Art of the Pacific Islands exhibit.
- Saturday, Aug. 2
- 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
- Bowers Museum, 2002 N. Main St.
National Night Out 2026 - August 4
Join the Santa Ana Police Department for National Night Out! Come out to Jerome Park to meet the officers in your community, connect with community partners, and enjoy an evening with your neighbors and friends. During this free community event, the first 100 kids will receive a goodie bag (while supplies last).
- Tuesday, Aug. 4
- 4-6 p.m.
- Jerome Park, 2115 W. McFadden Ave.
My First Home Information Session - August 5
This information session introduces attendees to My First Home, a first-time homebuyer program for those looking to purchase a home in Santa Ana. The presentation includes information on eligibility, the application process, and frequently asked questions. Visit the link below to register for the workshop. Please contact us two weeks in advance if additional translation services are needed. Phone: (714) 667-2250.
- Wednesday, Aug. 5
- 6-7 p.m.
- Salgado Recreation Center, 706 N. Newhope St.
Register for My First Home workshop: www.santa-ana.gov/my-first-home/
Mabury Park Dog Park Ribbon Cutting Ceremony - August 8
Join the City of Santa Ana to celebrate the official opening of our second dog park, located at Mabury Park. This new spot for dogs to play, run and socialize provides separate off-leash enclosures for small/medium dogs and large dogs, along with shade trees and benches for owners, and a drinking fountain for both people and their pets.
- Saturday, Aug. 8
- 10 a.m.
- Mabury Park, 1801 E. Fruit St.
Fan-Faire: Cottagecore at the library - August 8
Come, fans from all over, and step into a cozy fairytale world in this special edition of Fan Faire, celebrating Santa Ana Public Library's Summer Reading Program theme with Cottagecore. Enjoy a slower pace of life with nostalgic crafts, cozy board games, anime, music and films.
- Saturday, Aug. 8
- 1-3:30 p.m.
- Newhope Library, 122 N. Newhope St.
Bookmarks In Bloom - August 15
Celebrate Book Lovers Day with Santa Ana Public Library! Young readers are invited to create pressed-flower bookmarks to enjoy with a book they love.
- Saturday, Aug. 15
- 2-3 p.m.
- Newhope Library, 122 N. Newhope St.
Chicano Heritage Festival - August 23
Join us on Sunday, Aug. 23, at Centennial Park for a full day of culture as the City of Santa Ana hosts the 5th annual Chicano Heritage Festival!
We invite everyone to come together and celebrate our community's rich Mexican-American heritage. Guests can enjoy live performances, a car cruise and show, delicious food, a kids zone, and exhibitors. This free, family-friendly event is open to all. Chicano musician Baby Bash is headlining the show. Don't miss it!
- Sunday, Aug. 23
- 3-7 p.m.
- Centennial Park, 3000 W. Edinger Ave.
More information: santa-ana.gov/chicano-heritage-festival
Our Culture/Nuestra Cultura: Celebrating Chicano Heritage - August 29
Join the Santa Ana Public Library for a community educational celebration with family-friendly cultural activities highlighting Chicano history. The event features an exhibit by the Santa Ana History Room on the Delhi and Madison Park communities, plus giveaways and treats.
- Saturday, Aug. 29
- 12-2 p.m.
- Delhi Library, 505 E. Central Ave. Unit B
Garage and Yard Sale Weekend - September 5-6
Residential garage and yard sales are allowed the weekend of Saturday, Sept. 5, and Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026. Sales may begin at 8 a.m. and must end at 5 p.m. each day. Garage and yard sales for residential properties are permitted in Santa Ana on the first full weekend of March, June, September and December each year. No permit is required.
- Saturday, Sept. 5, and Sunday, Sept. 6
- 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
More information: santa-ana.gov/garage-and-yard-sales
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
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City of Santa Ana, CA published this content on July 30, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on July 31, 2026 at 00:02 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]