City of Santa Ana, CA
10/05/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/05/2026 17:18
Mayor’s Newsletter: October 2026
Official newsletter of Santa Ana Mayor Valerie Amezcua.
Keeping the community informed about local events, City news, and resources.
Dear Neighbors,
October is here, bringing the beauty of autumn, festive traditions, and plenty of opportunities to celebrate the people and cultures that make our community so special. From harvest gatherings to Halloween festivities, this season is all about family, togetherness, and embracing the rich diversity that makes Santa Ana shine.
October is a time of meaningful reflection and celebration across our city. We honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and recognize the vibrant heritage of Filipino Americans during Filipino American History Month.
This October is especially historic as we celebrate the 157th birthday of our beloved City of Santa Ana! It is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on our city's deep roots, dynamic culture, and the strong community spirit that continues to make Santa Ana such a special place to call home.
With Halloween just around the corner, there are plenty of festive decorations, fun costumes, and trick-or-treating ahead! On October 22, the Santa Ana Police Department invites families to its annual Trunk-or-Treat, where our little ghosts and goblins can enjoy costumes, treats, and festive fun with friends and neighbors.
October 31 also marks the beginning of Día de los Muertos, which continues through November 2. This beautiful tradition honors the lives and memories of our departed loved ones through colorful altars, marigolds, and cherished family gatherings.
I hope this season brings you and your loved ones warmth, laughter, and wonderful memories. Wishing you a happy, safe, and spooktacular October, Santa Ana! Let's continue to celebrate the traditions, diversity, and community spirit that make our city shine!
With gratitude,
Mayor Valerie Amezcua
Email: [email protected]
MAYOR & COMMUNITY IN ACTION
Follow the Mayor on social media for daily updates! Stay connected to learn about upcoming news, meetings, and community events.
VISION MAKERS BREAKFAST
Vision Makers highlighted the President of Orange County School of the Arts, Teren Schaffer and his commitment to education that is seen in his work. I want to say I had a delicious breakfast that was made by students in the Culinary Program.
OC LABOR DAY FEDERATION PICNIC
What a wonderful day in the park to celebrate our working families that work in the trades and are an important piece of labor in our city. We gave out 200 backpacks and interacted with our families at our booth.
COMMUNITY IMPACT & PARTNERSHIP LUNCHEON
It was a great gathering of community partners and leaders coming together to share the difference they are making in our communities.
9/11 REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY
It was a somber morning as many community leaders gathered at the Orange County Fire Authority to remember the horrible loss we incurred and to remind those families that we will never forget their loved ones.
216th ANNIVERSARY OF THE INDEPENDENCE OF MEXICO
It was an honor to be invited by the Consul of Mexico in Santa Ana Maxaira Baltazar to speak on the important connection between our Santa Ana residents and the Mexican Consulate. It is always beautiful to watch and listen to the El Grito ceremony.
FIESTAS PATRIAS
Santa Ana Fiesta Patrias is one of a kind that many come to attend and enjoy from all over Southern California.
OCBC 2026 FIRST RESPONDERS DINNER
It was an honor to be present, alongside his wife Ann, to see one of our own, Division Chief Jim Henery of the Orange County Fire Authority who serves our city, receive an award as a First Responder. Help me thank DC Henery for his service and commitment to our city.
POWER 106 & K-DAY INTERVIEWS
I was invited to go on two popular radio morning shows, POWER 106 and K-Day, to speak about the importance of using our voices by voting and participating in the electoral process. Your voice matters, please vote.
COFFEE WITH THE MAYOR
Coffee with the Mayor is one of my favorite events as I get to interact with residents and hear their concerns and make connections with City services to address issues. Over 60 residents showed up! Thank you and I am grateful to have shared time on a Saturday morning.
DANCING WITH THE STARS
What a night of talented performances! Congratulations to all participants who are people that work and serve our communities but made time to raise funds and awareness for non-profits that matter to them and are making a difference in our community. I was one of the judges, and in my eyes they all were winners!
CRISTO REY OC HIGH SCHOOL FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
Cristo Rey OC High School opened a new campus and I had the honor to be part of the ribbon cutting. The mission of Cristo Rey is to integrate rigorous academics with a professional Corporate Work Study Program that gives high school graduates an edge.
VACOC MID-AUTUMN MIXER
I was honored to join the Vietnamese American Chamber of Commerce for an evening of networking and celebration at their Mid-Autumn Mixer. It was a fun event where people could forge new connections and share ideas. VACOC is a great organization for anyone interested in professional networking
FAITH-BASED MEETING
It is a blessing for our community when our faith-based leaders come together to pray, share and discuss issues that matter to their churches and our residents no matter what denomination. Thank you for always showing up and for serving our communities with love.
LEAGUE OF CITIES - SANTA ANA RECEIVES AN AWARD
I was proud to join City staff at the League of California Cities Conference to accept the 2026 Helen Putnam Award for Excellence for Planning and Environmental Quality. Out of 161 statewide submissions, the City of Santa Ana was selected to receive the League of Cities' highest municipal honor for our Transit Zoning Code update. The Transit Zoning Code was created to address environmental impacts and inequities in our historic Logan and Lacy neighborhoods. Congratulations to our staff on winning this award, and thank you for your hard work to serve and improve our community!
SANTA ANITA NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION MURAL UNVEILING
What a beautiful mural that reflects and embraces the essence of the Santa Anita Neighborhood. Thank you to the muralist that shared their talents and created community through art.
LILLIE KING PARK BASKETBALL COURT RIBBON CUTTING
It's important to keep creating parks that are safe and clean spaces for our youth and families to play and live in. The city will continue to deliver these types of projects. Help me congratulate this young man as he is the first ever to make a basket on this court!
ANGELS COMMUNITY PARK BASKETBALL COURT RIBBON CUTTING
Thank you to NOVA Academy students and Teen Challenge for coming out to support and celebrate a new basketball court that students after school and families on the weekend can enjoy.
NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION MEETING
We had a productive meeting discussing issues that are important to our residents such as, Flock, parking, zoning and much more. Thank you to our Neighborhood Association presidents for showing up to take back important information to your neighbors.
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
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.
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.
Memorial Park Aquatic Center Preview - October 17
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. To celebrate the project's completion, residents are invited to join us for a ribbon cutting ceremony where attendees will enjoy tours of the new Aquatic Center and a preview of upcoming swimming programs.
- Saturday, Oct. 17, 12 p.m.
- Memorial Park, 2102 S. Flower St.
Main Library Ribbon Cutting Ceremony - October 24
The wait is almost over! After a two-year, $34 million modernization project, the Santa Ana Public Library's Main Library is reopening this month. Join us for a ribbon cutting ceremony and grand reopening featuring live musical and dance performances, a magic show and a chance for everyone to see and use the new library facilities.
- Saturday, Oct. 24, 11 a.m.
- Santa Ana Public Library Main Library, 26 Civic Center Plaza.
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.
CITY NEWS AND RECOGNITIONS
Boo at the Zoo returns for four nights starting Oct. 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
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].
Discovery Cube Orange County Resident Free Days!
Great news, Santa Ana residents! Enjoy a day of fun and learning at Discovery Cube Orange County for FREE on the first Tuesday of every month! Get up to FOUR free tickets per government-issued photo ID with a Santa Ana address.*
When: First Tuesday of every month
Where: Discovery Cube Santa Ana
Learn more: Discovery Cube Promotions
Free Resident Day at Santa Ana Zoo
Santa Ana residents, enjoy a wild day at the Santa Ana Zoo - for FREE!
When: Every third Sunday of the month
Where: Santa Ana Zoo, 1801 E. Chestnut Ave., Santa Ana
Free admission with proof of residency (driver's license or utility bill required).
Learn more: Santa Ana Resident Days
Bowers Museum free admission for residents
Offers free general admission to all Santa Ana residents on Sundays through a generous donation in memory of Dorothy Goerl and courtesy of the Lockhart Family. Santa Ana residents will need to provide proof of residency through an ID, driver's license or utility bill.
Fair Express, the Youth Ride Free Program, and the Community College Pass to enjoy convenient, affordable transportation while saving on travel costs. Learn more and see if you qualify at www.octa.net.
City Hall
Upcoming Holiday and Closed Friday schedule: (City Hall non-essential offices are closed on alternating Fridays throughout the year)
- October 9, 2026
- October 23, 2026
The next regular Santa Ana City Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 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. Official City meetings are open to the public and I encourage you to participate. Council agendas and minutes may be accessed here.
CITY AND COMMUNITY RESOURCES
The Santa Ana City Council and City leadership remain steadfast in their commitment to protecting the rights, safety, and dignity of every member of our community.
Ayuda Sin Fronteras (Help Without Borders)
The City Council approved an additional $150,000 in funding to provide financial assistance for residents impacted by recent immigration enforcement operations.
Call: (714) 565-2655
Learn more: https://santa-ana.gov/ayuda-sin-fronteras
Immigration Legal Defense Services
The City Council approved funding for deportation legal defense services through the Immigrant Defenders Law Center (ImmDef). Santa Ana residents in need of assistance can contact ImmDef directly.
Call: (213) 634-0999
Email: [email protected]
Learn more: https://immdef.org/
Find additional community resources here.
Request City Services Online & Important City Contacts You can request City services.
Important City Contacts:
- City Hall Main Line - (714) 647-5400
- Code Enforcement - (714) 667-2780
- Emergency Water Services - (714) 953-8026
- Graffiti Hotline - (877) 786-7824
- Homeless Services - (714) 242-3706 or report via the mySantaAna app.
- Public Works Dispatch (street sweeping, tree maintenance) - (714) 647-3380
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION RESOURCE FOR FAMILIES
Created in collaboration with the Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) and made possible through the support of Chevron, this series brings the LEA 10 Education Essentials for Families. You can listen to the podcast that contains resources for families below:
Families can access the episodes through the OCBC LEA webpage. We will be expanding to other platforms soon, New episodes will be released every other Tuesday, each exploring another Education Essential.
Download the SantaAna app today
Stay connected with your city right from your smartphone. The mySantaAna app now supports English, Spanish and Vietnamese, making it easier than ever to report issues and request City services.
Download or update the app today to:
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Report street or park issues
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Request City services
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Stay informed about important City updates
Available on: App Store | Google Play
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
The City of Santa Ana's Human Resources Department, Talent Acquisition Division, works with City departments to identify staffing needs and recruit talented individuals to serve our community.
We are looking for people who are results-oriented, creative, and passionate about public service.
Explore career opportunities: Career opportunities
Learn about our internship program: Internship program
Invite me
If you'd like to invite me to attend an event in your neighborhood or in connection with your organization, please feel free to make that request via email: [email protected]
For more City news, please follow City of Santa on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and share my newsletter with friends and family.
City of Santa Ana, CA published this content on October 05, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on October 05, 2026 at 23:18 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]