Ward 2 Newsletter: December 2025

Subscribe to the Ward 2 Newsletter

Dear Santaneros,

This year has had its challenges, but if I had to capture it in one word, it would be community. Time and time again, I've witnessed the unwavering strength of our people - showing up for one another, standing together, and proving what makes Santa Ana so special.

From our City staff, who worked tirelessly to bring new parks, services, and community developments to life - such as the addition of two new beautiful libraries, the Delhi Library Branch and the Outdoor Library at Jerome Park - to our nonprofits like United Across Borders, who support families with food, clothing, and essential assistance; to efforts like OCRRN, providing wraparound services and protecting immigrant communities from ICE, our city has shown tremendous unity and care.

I've seen constituents rally for one another in difficult moments, from supporting families affected by ICE activity to stepping up during changes to SNAP benefits. In Santa Ana, we don't look away when times get tough-we step in.

Today, I want to take a moment to thank YOU. Whether you are a neighbor offering a helping hand, a member of a Neighborhood Association strengthening your block, a nonprofit serving our most vulnerable, a volunteer giving your time, or simply someone who shows kindness in everyday moments - you are what makes Santa Ana home.

Our community is resilient, compassionate, and united. And as we look toward the year ahead, I am filled with gratitude and hope because I know that, together, we will continue to lift each other up.

In Solidarity,

Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez

Ward 2

Read my Bio

Learn more about Ward 2 & City

Funding Our Future: The Economics of Investing in Youth

I had the privilege of hosting my office's first-ever youth presentation and panel, "Funding Our Future: The Economics of Investing in Youth." We explored how investing in young people is directly linked to reductions in crime, highlighting successes in cities like Baltimore, Chicago, and Los Angeles. After the presentation, local youth leaders shared powerful testimonies on how meaningful investment transforms lives and communities.

A special thank you to our Youth Representatives from Project Kinship, KidWorks, Neutral Ground, VietRise, and SAY Vote. Your voices and stories underscored why investing in our youth matters.

Thank you also to our City team and partners - City Manager Alvaro Nuñez, Library Director Brian Sternberg, Parks & Rec Director Hawk Scott, Councilmember Johnathan Ryan Hernandez, and SAUSD's Hector Bustos - for your support and commitment to Santa Ana's young people.

United Across Borders - Shoe Drive

It was an honor to support Founder Erika Robles and United Across Borders at this year's shoe drive, where more than 800 brand-new Nike sneakers were gifted to Santanero youth. Thank you, Erika, for the incredible work you do for our community. Santa Ana is stronger because of leaders like you who step in and fill resource gaps when our families need it most.

Collaboration Pico Lowell NA - Turkey Drive

The Pico Lowell Neighborhood Association Team has the biggest heart for their community. I am always proud to partner up with an amazing team. This year we brought more resources to the table at our second annual Turkey Drive. Over 40 Turkeys were gifted grocery bags full of goods thanks to our amazing partners showing up for the community again, United Across Borders, Pico Lowell Neighborhood Association, SAUSD FACE, Serve The People, Santa Ana's Parks & Recreations, Rent Stabilization, Water Services, and OCRRN.

SAD BOYZ - Turkey Drive

Sad Boyz knows how to cook up a successful event. We gave away over 400 turkeys and tons of Sad Boyz gear to our community - the love was real! A huge thank you to our sponsors for showing up for Santa Ana: Amor y Tequila, Panecito Cafe, Fundr Mortgage, Lion Heart Escrow, Triple 7 Marketing, Our Home Realty, Star Financial, and TF.

A special shoutout to Valley High School's Football Team and the Global Business Academy for bringing an army of hardworking volunteers. You all powered this event - lifting boxes, loading cars, organizing lines, and spreading nothing but good energy.

This is what community looks like. This is what giving back looks like. And this is what Santa Ana is all about.

Century High School - Turkey Giveaway

I am always humbled by the powerful work led by Mireya Vazquez at Century High School. Every year, I partner with her and the Vazquez family to support our students through a turkey and clothing giveaway. I am grateful for leaders who show up for our community and meet needs at every level - schools, the city, and our nonprofits - ensuring that everyone has access to these essential resources and opportunities.

Hernandez Thanksgiving Dinner

Councilmember Hernandez graciously invited me to partner in this year's Thanksgiving dinner at the Southwest Senior Center. Big Redd's came out, and - as always- they did not disappoint. A hearty, warm, and delicious meal was served to our constituents, and the first few families were able to walk away with a free turkey for their holiday celebrations.

The holidays are a time to show our community and loved ones that we care and are grateful, and this year I was honored to take part in recognizing two remarkable individuals at the Southwest Senior Center: Rosa Renteria, Center Manager for over 10 years, and Leroy Zúñiga, Maintenance Lead for over 20 years. Each received an individual certificate acknowledging their dedication and service. Thank you again, Councilmember Hernandez, for an amazing event!

Homelessness Update

I'm proud to share that at our last City Council meeting, the Community Development Agency provided a homelessness update that showed positive results in our efforts to help people experiencing homelessness. The City's Point-in-Time Count found that the number of unsheltered individuals in Santa Ana dropped by 15.4% from 592 in 2024 to 501 in 2025. This past year, the City helped 890 individuals move from the streets into shelter, housing, drug rehabilitation programs or other locations. You can watch the presentation below to learn more.

SAUSD Wellness Center

The Wellness Center acts as a hub where parents, family, staff, community members and partners can collaborate and engage in meaningful interactions, sharing information and experience with each other to benefit students, the school, and the entire community. FACE Partners are available and provide resources available at SAUSD Wellness Centers. For more information:

Wellness Center Workshops/Classes

Each Wellness Center offers a variety of workshops and opportunities for engagement that are reflective of the community.

Learn more here

Calendar

Scholarships

1. The Dream.US Scholarship

The Dream.us scholarships are for highly motivated undocumented students with or without DACA or TPS who want to get a college education but are unable to afford the cost. They have no access to federal aid, limited access to state aid, and they sometimes face paying out-of-state tuition.

Awards

The National Scholarship: Up to $16,500 for an associates degree and $33,000 for a bachelors degree.

The opportunity scholarship: Up to $100,000 to help cover tuition fees, and on-campus housing and meals for bachelor's degree.

Eligibility

• The National Scholarship is for students eligible for in-state tuition at one of our partner colleges.
• The opportunity scholarship is for students who live in targeted, locked-out states where they cannot get in-state tuition.
• Visit the website for additional eligibility requirements.

Deadline

The Opportunity Scholarship closes on Jan. 31, 2026.

The National Scholarship closes on Feb. 28, 2026.

Website

Scholarships for Undocumented Students | TheDream.US

2. Harriet Evelyn Wallace Scholarship

The Harriet Evelyn Wallace scholarship was established from a bequest given to AGI by Harriet Evelyn Wallace, who was one of the founding members of the Geoscience information Society (GSIS). This scholarship is for the support of female graduate students in the United States studying geosciences.

Awards

Each year, we receive over a hundred applications and name one Master's student and a Ph.D student a $5,000 scholarship.

Eligibility

• Enrolled full-time, or accepted for full-time enrollment, in a graduate program in geosciences.
• Attending (or planning to attend) an accredited U.S. college or university.
• U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
• Identities as a woman.
• Visit the website for additional eligibility requirements.

Deadline

Feb. 1, 2026

Website

Association for Women Geoscientists

Deadline

February 1, 2026

Website

HDF Scholarship | Beca HDF - Hispanic Development Fund

3. Latinos in Technology Scholars Initiative

This scholarship is funded by The Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley (HFSV) who is dedicated to empowering the lives and futures of Latinos in Silicon Valley through community philanthropy, investment in educational excellence, leadership development, and the convening and engaging of the region's dynamic Hispanic community.

Awards

Up to $18,000 over three years (up to $6,000 per year)

Eligibility

• Must be Latino or Hispanic origin.
• Have a declared major in and been accepted into a STEM program.
• Minimum cumulative college grade point average of 3.0.
• Visit the website for additional eligibility requirements.

Deadline

Feb. 28, 2026

Website

https://www.svcf.org/scholarships/latinos-in-tehnology-scholarship

4. Samuel Huntington Public Service Award

The Samuel Huntington Public Service Award provides stipends for graduating college seniors to pursue one year of public service anywhere in the world. The award allows recipients to engage in a meaningful public service activity for one year before proceeding on to graduate school or a career.

Awards

$30,000 stipend

Eligibility

• All graduating students from accredited U.S. Colleges.
• Visit the website for additional eligibility requirements.

Deadline

Jan. 9, 2026

Website

The Samuel Huntington Public Service Award

5. Taco Bell Live Más Scholarship

We're all about fueling the doers, dreamers, and cultural rebels who know how to Live Más. Whether you're just discovering what fires you up, chasing your passion every day, or turning it into something bigger, the Live Más Scholarship is here to help you level up.

Award

Total scholarship funding in 2026: Up to $14.5 million

Eligibility

• Legal resident of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia.
• Between 16-26 years of age.
• On track to apply for (pending receipt of a high school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent) or currently enrolled in accredited post-high school/post-secondary program (two-year, four-year, vocational-technical, or trade.)
• Visit the website for additional eligibility requirements.

Deadline

Jan. 6, 2026

Website

Live Más Scholarship - Taco Bell Foundation

Food Support

SAUSD, Santa Ana College, and community partners like Second Harvest and SEVA Collective provide free food distributions and pantry access for families and students. In addition, CalFresh helps households buy healthy groceries, and 211 OC connects residents to local food assistance programs - ensuring our community has access to nutritious meals.

SAUSD Food Support

SAUSD's FACE program partners with Second Harvest and SEVA Collective to provide free food distributions for families in need.

FACE Food Resources- December

Serve the People

Established 2008, Serve the People's Food Pantry has been a cornerstone resource in Santa Ana, providing nutritious and shelf-stable food to individuals and families in need across our community and surrounding areas. Open from 4 a.m. to 7 a.m. every first & third Saturday of each month. For more info, please contact (714) 352-2911 or via email at [email protected].

Locations | Serve the People

Second Harvest Food Bank

Second Harvest Food Bank of OC provides access to nutritious food, creating a foundation for community health.

Second Harvest Food Bank

Santa Ana College

Food distributions, Pantries and food program

Food Support - Basic Needs

CalFresh & Cash

Helps low-income households buy healthy food (formerly known as Food Stamps).

Cash & CalFresh | County of Orange Social Services Agency

211 Orange County

Many Orange County residents face food insecurity, and 211 Orange County can help connect you to programs that keep you and your family healthy and well-nourished. They provide referrals to CalFresh, local food banks, meal delivery programs, the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, and more.

Food Assistance | | 2-1-1 Orange County

OC Food Bank & Pantries

Food distributions, pantries, and meal locators. Orange County Food Bank & Pantries

Important Dates

• December 19: City Hall regular Friday closures
• December 25: Christmas Day
• December 26-January 2: City Hall Holiday Closure

Events & Meetings

City Meetings

• Youth Commission Regular Meeting: December 15

View meeting agenda and minutes.

View meetings live on our Santa Ana YouTube Channel.

Universal Waste Program

PICK UP

If you live in a single-family home or duplex, Republic Services provides FREE door-to-door collection of household batteries, fluorescent tubes and bulbs, electronic devices (such as TVs, computers, and cell phones), and mercury-containing items (such as old thermometers and thermostats). Schedule an appointment to have items collected by Republic Services.

Call (657) 467-6220 to schedule an appointment.

DROP OFF

All residents may take their universal waste to the Household Hazardous Waste Collection centers at the County landfills for FREE disposal.

Call (714) 834-6752 to find a location near you, or to visit http://oclandfills.com/hazardous/.

Meals on Wheels OC

As the holiday season approaches, Meals on Wheels is continuing its mission to deliver not only nutritious meals but also comfort, connection, and joy to seniors in our community. For many older adults, a friendly visit from a volunteer and a hot meal can make all the difference - especially during this time of year. Ensure your loved ones are taken care of. Learn more here: Our Services - Meals on Wheels Orange County

Weekly Senior Activities

In the spirit of colder weather, come to meet new people, connect with friends, and keep your body moving, check out the fantastic weekly activities offered by the City of Santa Ana Parks & Recreation. From arts & crafts, dance and music, fitness, enrichment classes, to leisure activities - there's something for everyone!

To learn more or register, visit the Weekly Activities page.

Santa Ana Senior Center at (714) 647-6540

Southwest Senior Center at (714) 647-5306.

HIS-OC Winter Wonderland Holiday Toy Drive

Spread Holiday Cheer! Help HIS OC bring joy to families and children in need this holiday season! Donations are accepted by appointment only - please call (714) 993-5774 or email [email protected]to schedule your drop-off. We also need volunteers for our Wrapping Party on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. To learn more about this opportunity, contact Kacy at [email protected].

Together, we can make the holidays brighter for every child!

HIS-OC Winter Wonderland Toy Giveaway!

Winter Wonderland Celebration! Join HIS OC for a magical evening on Friday, December 19, 2025, from 4 to 7 p.m. at HIS-OC in Placentia! Everyone is welcome - first come, first served - for a festive night filled with holiday cheer, fun activities, and a toy giveaway you won't want to miss.

Bring your family and friends and celebrate the season with us!

Library Calendar

Learn, Explore, and Create at the Library! The Santa Ana Public Library offers programs for all ages! Students can access online K-12 tutoring, and anyone needing help with technology can visit the Tech Desk for one-on-one support with computers, eBooks, mobile devices, and more. Little ones can enjoy Preschool Story Time, while teens can join the Teen Leadership Committee or participate in STEAM Teens, exploring hands-on activities in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math - including robotics, photography, and arts & crafts. For more information and to register, visit Library Events.

Friends of the Santa Ana Public Library (FOSAPL)

Support the Friends of the Santa Ana Public Library. The Friends are dedicated volunteers who work to support the Santa Ana Public Library through book sales and fundraising events. Their efforts help fund projects, programs, and equipment that fall outside the City's budget.

You can support the Friends in several ways - purchase items like thumb drives, book bags, earbuds, pencils, pens, stamps, and envelopes at the checkout desk at the Main or Newhope Library, or donate directly by writing a check to Friends of the Santa Ana Public Libraryand mailing it to:

Friends of the Santa Ana Public Library
Attn: Vannie Tran
P.O. Box 173
Santa Ana, CA 92702

For more information, call (714) 647-5265 or visit Friends of the Library.

Garden Workshops

The Community Garden Program hosts free monthly workshops for all ages at Santa Ana's five community gardens.

December theme: Yearly Reflection and Restorative Practices

View schedule and register here: tinyurl.com/SANovWrkshps

Jerome's 2026 Mood and Vision Board - December 17

Join the Health and Wellness team at the Jerome Park Community Garden for a collaborative workshop where participants will create a community vision board that highlights both garden goals and personal aspirations.

Time: 3:00-4:00 PM

Location: Jerome Park

2115 W. McFadden Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92704

Free and open to all ages. For more information and to register, please visit tinyurl.com/SADecWkshps25.

Resume Building - December 18

Join us at the Santa Ana WORK Center for a resume building workshop every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month from 10 to 11 a.m.! 801 W. Civic Center Dr. Suite 200, Santa Ana, CA 92701

For more info and to RSVP, call us at 714-565-2600.

https://www.santa-ana.org/event/resume-building-workshop-3-2025-12-18/

Appy Hour Extreme - December 19

The first hour is drop-in technology assistance. Seniors can bring their devices and receive one-on-one assistance. The second hour is a fun, educational, and engaging session dedicated to learning about specific technology topics that will rotate weekly on the following themes:

• Gaming Play- Introduce participants to gaming apps and other gaming technology, such as virtual reality, game consoles, and robots.
• Creative Technology - Introduce participants to creative technology, such as the Cricut machine, 3D pens, and augmented reality.
• Memory Lab - Enhance memory scrapbooks with technology such as a photo printer, Cricut machine, and apps.

Time: 10:00-12:00 PM

Location: Southwest Senior Center

2201 W. McFadden Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92704

Contact us at 714-647-5358for more information.

Appy Hour Extreme

Orientation - December 22

Join the Santa Ana WORK Center for a resume building workshop. Every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month from 10 to 11 a.m. Bring in your resume for tips. 801 W. Civic Center Dr. Suite 200, Santa Ana, CA 92701

Orientation

Local Events

Resident Days at the Zoo • Santa Ana Zoo offers free admission for residents every third Sunday

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.

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 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

• Home Occupation Permit

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.

Download the mySantaAna App

USEFUL RESOURCES

Parking Tickets

Public Works

Neighborhood Initiatives

Utility Services

Schedule a bulky item pickup: Call Republic Servicesat (657) 467-6220

Police Non-Emergency Line: (714) 245-8665

Emergency Water Services: (714) 953-8026

Who Do I Call?