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Santa Ana's top news & views blog

Category Archives: Civic Affairs

The City of Santa Ana announces the Ward 4 Special Election candidates

Posted on by Posted in 2019 Elections, Civic Affairs, Politics, Santa Ana Leave a comment

SANTA ANA – The following persons have been nominated for the Ward 4 Office designated to be filled at the Special Municipal Election to be held in the City of Santa Ana on Tuesday, November 5, 2019:

For Member of the City Council, Ward 4

Name & Ballot Designation

  • Brandon Sisco, Business Owner/Entrepreneur
  • Beatriz Mendoza, Victim Assistance Specialist
  • Manny Escamilla, Urban Planner
  • Gale Oliver, Bishop/Pastor
  • Jennifer Oliva, Business Owner
  • Phil Bacerr, Small Business Owner

All eligible Santa Ana residents are encouraged to Register to Vote, check and update their voter registration status, and/or request a vote-by-mail ballot at www.ocvote.com.

Polls will be open between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Election Day, November 5, 2019.

Daisy Gomez, MMC
Clerk of the Council

5 DE NOVIEMBRE DEL 2019, ELECCIÓN MUNICIPAL EXTRAORDINARIA
AVISO DE NOMINADOS PARA CANDIDATOS AL CONCEJO PARA EL SECTOR 4

SANTA ANA – Las personas siguientes han sido nominadas para el Curul del Sector 4, designado para ser llenado en la Elección Municipal Extraordinaria que tendrá lugar en la Ciudad de Santa Ana el martes, 5 de noviembre del 2019:

Para Miembro del Concejo Municipal, Sector 4

Nombre y Designación de la papeleta

  • Brandon Sisco, Propietario de negocio/Empresario
  • Beatriz Mendoza, Especialista de asistencia a víctimas
  • Manny Escamilla, Planeador urbano
  • Gale Oliver, Obispo/Pastor
  • Jennifer Oliva, Propietaria de negocio
  • Phil Bacerra, Propietario de negocio pequeño

Se anima a todos los residentes de Santa Ana que califiquen a empadronarse para votar, que revisen y actualicen su estatus de empadronamiento, y/o soliciten un a papeleta para votar por correo en www.ocvote.com.

Las urnas estarán abiertas de las 7:00 AM a las 8:00 PM en el Día de la Elección, el 5 de noviembre del 2019.

Daisy Gómez, MMC, Secretaria Municipal

The Ward 4 candidates to replace Reyna are set for the Nov. 5 special election

Posted on by Posted in 2019 Elections, Beatriz Mendoza, Brandon Sisco, Civic Affairs, Elections, Jennifer Oliva, Manuel Escamilla, Oliver Gale Jr., Phil Bacerra, Politics, Roman Reyna, Santa Ana 3 Comments

The nomination period for Ward 4 on the Santa Ana City Council closed on August 9. We now know who the candidates will be – and it is a crowded filed. They are vying to replace Roman Reyna, the Councilman who had to resign when he was sued for issues related to his campaign paperwork (essentially he fudged his voting address and got caught).

The candidates include:

  • Phil Bacerra – A former Santa Ana Planning Commissioner who barely lost to Reyna last time around. Check out his website here.
  • Beatriz Mendoza – A former staffer to U.S. Rep. Loretta Sanchez. Mendoza has previously run for the SAUSD School Board too.
  • Brandon Sisco – His website claims that  at 15 assisted the FBI. He owns a company called Android Genius. Their Yelp reviews are very entertaining! Another website claims he is a real estate developer.
  • Bishop Oliver Gale, Jr. – He heads up the Greater Light Family Church, located at 1600 W. 3rd St. in Santa Ana.
  • Manuel Escamilla – His website notes that Escamilla “grew up at the McFadden Public Library and Jerome Recreation Center in central Santa Ana.” He is a graduate of SAUSD, SAC, UC Berkeley, and UCLA. He served as a City representative on the Santa Ana Arts & Cultural Master Plan and remained on staff in the City of Santa Ana’s Planning Department until he left to run for Ward 4.
  • Jennifer Oliva – She is an Arts and Culture Commissioner in Santa Ana.

Where were all these candidates last time around? I am glad to see that there is so much interest now in the Ward 4 seat. This is a crowded race with a lot of high quality candidates.

The election is set for November 5, 2019.

Santa Ana’s 150th Anniversary Pool Party set for Aug. 31 at Memorial Park

Posted on by Posted in Civic Affairs, Parks and Recreation, Santa Ana, Swimming, Youth Activities Leave a comment

You’re invited to the City of Santa Ana’s 150th Anniversary Pool Party on Saturday, August 31, 2019 at Memorial Park located at 2102 South Flower Street, Santa Ana, CA 92707 from 3 pm-4:30 pm. Free admission and free ice cream for attendees.

The City of Santa Ana is celebrating it’s 150th Anniversary this year and we want you to be there every step of the way. Join us for a pool party and help us make a splash as we celebrate the City’s 150th Anniversary.

Additional Information:

The City of Santa Ana was founded in October 27, 1869 by William H. Spurgeon and later incorporated as a city in 1886. The City of Santa Ana is the County seat, the second-most populous city in Orange County, and is widely known as “Downtown Orange County.” The City is proud to celebrate Santa Ana’s history, people, businesses, culture, public services, and vision.

Stay informed of future events by visiting: https://www.santa-ana.org/SA150

Usted está invitado a la Fiesta en la Piscina del Aniversario de 150 Años de la Ciudad de Santa Ana el sabado 31 de agosto en Memorial Park ubicado en 2102 South Flower Street, Santa Ana, CA 92707 de 3pm-4:30pm. Entrada gratuita y nieve gratis para los participantes.

La ciudad de Santa Ana está celebrando su 150 aniversario este año y queremos que estés allí en cada paso del camino. Únase a nosotros para una fiesta en la piscina para celebrar el 150 aniversario de la ciudad.

Información Adicional:

La ciudad de Santa Ana fue fundada el 27 de octubre de 1869 por William H. Spurgeon y luego se incorporó como ciudad en 1886. La ciudad de Santa Ana es la sede del condado, la segunda ciudad más poblada del Condado de Orange, y es ampliamente conocida como “Downtown Orange County”. La ciudad se enorgullece de celebrar la historia, las personas, las empresas, la cultura, los servicios públicos y la visión de Santa Ana.

Manténgase informado de futuros eventos visitando: https://www.santa-ana.org/SA150

Questions/Preguntas: jcastro-cardenas@santa-ana.org

Who will be Santa Ana’s next Mayor?

Posted on by Posted in 2020 Elections, Civic Affairs, David Benavides, Elections, Jose Solorio, Miguel Pulido, Nam Pham, Politics, Santa Ana 5 Comments

Santa Ana Mayor Miguel Pulido is finally going to term out of office next November. He is already making plans to run for the First Supervisorial District.

So far three candidates have created committees to run for Mayor of City of Santa Ana – Municipal Government in 2020:

I cannot imagine many folks are excited about voting for Benavides, who was on the City Council for years but left no legacy and made no impact on the community.

Solorio has had a very successful political career including serving in the State Assembly. However he faces a strong headwind as there are a group of residents in Ward 3 who are trying to launch a recall election against him. They are mad about a development he is backing and are alleging he does not live in Ward 3.

Solorio however already has a ton of campaign cash on hand and he has vast connections in Orange County and in Sacramento.

Pham has no chance. He should find something else to do with his time.

There will be other candidates filing of course. Possibly including former City Councilman Sal Tinajero who barely lost to Pulido in the last Mayoral election.

Don’t be surprised if City Council Member Ceci Igliesias runs for Mayor. If she does she will be the only fiscal conservative in the race. She already enjoys broad support in our city and would be a dangerous candidate to be sure.

Of course being the Mayor in our city is a part-time job that demands full time hours. And you still have to get a majority of the City Council to work with you or nothing will get done. It is a tough job.

Pulido has had a heck of a time dealing with unfriendly City Councils over the years. Who knows what his successor will have to deal with as our city teeters on the edge of financial ruin?

Why won’t our police union admit that they are trying to recall City Council Members Iglesias and Villegas?

Posted on by Posted in 2019 Elections, Cecilia Iglesias, Civic Affairs, Elections, Gerry Serrano, Juan Villegas, Politics, SAPD, SAPOA 2 Comments

Following three failed attempts, the pro-recall group Neighbors Supporting the Recall of Santa Ana City Councilman Juan Villegas is seeking an order from the Orange County Superior Court that would mandate the city to accept its petition. LooA hearing on that request is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 9. Meanwhile, a petition filed by the Neighbors Supporting the Recall of Cecilia Iglesias is pending following another couple of failed submissions, leading Rosen, the committees’ attorney, to blame city officials for what he said are delaying tactics, according to the O.C. Register.

Iglesias is fighting back – she has already talked to those who signed the recall petition and has submitted to the O.C. District Attorney signed affidavits from 11 of the 35 petitioners who said they were misled into signing. If the OCDA verifies that fraud took place this will be considered a misdemeanor crime – interfering with an election.

The head of the Santa Ana Police Officers Association, won’t admit that his union is behind the recall campaigns. But his attorney, Mark Rosen, is helping the folks who turned in the recall petitions.

The POA President told the Register “The families and businesses in our city deserve a professional elected official that will work to make Santa Ana a safer place to live, visit and work. Based on the will of the voters and her actions, at this time we are evaluating this as it progresses.”

Why be coy? The POA should just admit what is damn obvious. The POA is trying to recall two great Council Members because they refused to vote for the huge raise the City Council gave to the police officers.

This is all so unnecessary. The POA got their raise. Serrano should have just moved on. Instead he and his cohorts are now trying to get their revenge on Iglesias and Villegas. It is ridiculous.

These recalls will fail. What the POA doesn’t understand is that Iglesias and Villegas have united the left and the right. The majority of our residents are happy that these Council Members are trying to stop the City Council from wasting more money.

Iglesias and Villegas support our police and are believers in law enforcement. Serrano should be working with them – not trying to undo the will of the voters.

The POA better watch it. These recalls are only going to make Iglesias and Villegas even more popular. One of them just might end up running for Mayor and if they do they will win. That will work out even worse for the POA.

Senator Umberg’s district office grand opening & school supply giveaway set for August 7

Posted on by Posted in Civic Affairs, Education, Politics, Santa Ana, SAUSD, Tom Umberg Leave a comment

State Senator Thomas “Tom” J. Umberg is celebrating the Grand Opening of his new District Office in Santa Ana on Wednesday, August 7, form 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center, located at 1000 E Santa Ana Blvd., Suite 220B, in Santa Ana .

For this event, Senator Umberg is pleased to be collaborating with the City of Santa Ana, Santa Ana unified School District, and Community Action Partnership of Orange County (CAP-OC) in order to give over 100 families backpacks filled with school supplies for this upcoming school year.

The new office is in the heart of the community, and at the focal point of public transportation within Orange County: a building that combines services from Amtrak, Metrolink, OCTA, and intercity bus routes. The new office promises to be an access point for all members of the public to communicate issues relating to governmental services, or expressing thoughts on local issues and public policy.

Retired SAPD police officer charged with using unreasonable force and filing false reports

Posted on by Posted in Civic Affairs, Courts, Federal Government, Justice, Police Brutality, Public Safety, Santa Ana, SAPD 1 Comment

SANTA ANA, California – A retired Santa Ana Police officer was charged today by a federal grand jury that accused him of violating the civil rights of a man by using unreasonable force during an arrest and then lying about the incident in official reports, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Brian Patric Booker, 50, of Chino Hills, was named in an indictment that charges him with one felony count of deprivation of rights under color of law and two felony counts of falsification of records. He will be arraigned on the indictment on August 12 in United States District Court in Santa Ana.

According to the indictment, on June 19, 2014, Booker used unreasonable force in connection with the arrest of the victim. The victim was not resisting arrest.

Following the incident, Booker allegedly caused false police reports to be filed. Booker falsely claimed that the victim reached toward Booker and grabbed Booker by his right leg, the indictment alleges. Booker also falsely stated that he delivered three or four punches to the back of the victim’s head because he believed the victim was about to tackle him and possibly have access to Booker’s firearm, according to the indictment. Booker allegedly knew these statements were false when the reports were filed.

Booker retired from the Santa Ana Police Department last year after approximately 19 years of service.

If convicted of all counts, Booker would face a statutory maximum sentence of 60 years in federal prison.

An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Santa Ana Police Department cooperated fully with the FBI’s investigation.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer L. Waier and Robert J. Keenan of the Santa Ana Branch Office.

The City of Santa Ana is going to get blessed on August 3

Posted on by Posted in Churches and Religion, Civic Affairs, Santa Ana Leave a comment

The City of Santa Ana cordially invites you to participate in the first ever Blessing of the City. To help commemorate the City of Santa Ana’s 150th Anniversary, we are inviting leaders from local interfaith groups to pay tribute to the City’s diversity and endurance.

The event will take place Saturday, August 3, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (noon), at the steps of the Old Orange County Courthouse, located at 211 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana, CA 92701. Formally dedicated in 1901, the Old Orange County Courthouse in Santa Ana is symbolic of the longevity of our great City.

For more information please follow the link below:

https://www.facebook.com/events/404078340465362/

The Santa Ana Arts Collective is now accepting pre-applications

Posted on by Posted in Affordable Housing, Arts and Culture, Civic Affairs, Housing, Santa Ana Leave a comment

The Santa Ana Arts Collective is located at 1666 N. Main Street in the City of Santa Ana. The project will offer 42 affordable apartments for households who are income eligible, with a preference for artists and/or those who live or work in the City of Santa Ana. An additional 15 units will be for MHSA-eligible families/individuals referred through Orange County’s Coordinated Entry System.

Santa Ana Arts Collective is now accepting pre-applications. Pre-applications will be accepted only via mail and must be postmarked by August 10, 2019.

To learn more about eligibility and application requirements please attend one of the three optional workshops listed below. The property management company will be conducting these Affordable Housing Workshops, which are designed to teach attendees about eligibility, the resident selection criteria, application requirements, and common pitfalls. They anticipate move-ins to begin in November 2019.

Please join us at any of the 3 times and dates listed below:

WORKSHOP #1:
Date/Time: Saturday, July 27, 2019 at 11:00AM
Where: Grand Central Art Center
125 N Broadway
Santa Ana, CA 92701

Grand Central Art Center is located on a promenade on Broadway and 2nd Street in the heart of downtown Santa Ana.

PUBLIC TRANSIT
The closest bus stops to Grand Central are 2nd/Broadway, 1st/Main, and 1st/Ross. Busses with routes that stop at these locations are 64/64X, 53/53X, and 66.

PARKING
The closest parking is available at the Artists Village Parking Structure on 3rd and Sycamore. Rates are $0.50 (first 30 mins); $1 Per Hour; $7 Daily Max.

Metered street parking is also available. Rates are $1.00 per hour with a 2-hour maximum limit. Parking rates and availability is subject to change with downtown events. Bike racks are available on the promenade.

WORKSHOPS #2 and #3:
Date/Time: Monday, August 5, 2019 at 2:00 pm OR
Monday, August 5, 2019 at 6:00 pm
Where: City Hall
20 Civic Center Plaza
Ross Hall Annex, Room 1600
Santa Ana, CA 92701
PARKING
City Hall Parking Lot – 2 entrances:
• Santa Ana Blvd and Civic Center Plaza/Parton
• Flower Street and 6th
• (The entrance to the Ross Hall Annex is located on the side of the building closest to N. Ross St. on the right)

*If you arrive after 6:00 PM, there will be a number posted on the door to call for someone to let you in.

PUBLIC TRANSIT
• The closest bus stops to City Hall are Santa Ana/Ross, Civic Center/Parton, and Flower/6th. Busses with routes that stop at these locations are 55, 83, 150, and 462.

Applications can be obtained by joining the interest list at http://santaanaartsapts.com/

You may also call (714) 294-0000 for more information. Please do not leave multiple messages. Calls will be returned as soon as possible.

*Please do not visit the project location, as it is an active construction site where NO visitors are allowed.

The Santa Ana Public Works Agency reduces development permit processing time by 67%

Posted on by Posted in Civic Affairs, Development, public works, Santa Ana Leave a comment

The City of Santa Ana’s Public Works Agency has been increasing its efforts to streamline processes for homeowners, utility companies and developers. A permit process that used to take 18 weeks can now be completed in six. Every Tuesday for the next three months from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Public Works Director Fuad Sweiss will be available at the City Hall Public Counter to work with his staff to expedite requests and reviews.

“The City strives to serve its residents and stakeholders and I am pleased that Public Works is actively seeking to improve the level of customer service provided by staff,” said Santa Ana Councilmember Vincent Sarmiento.

The Public Works Agency is responsible for a large number of City services and programs, namely: building and maintaining all public streets, storm drains, sewers, and water facilities; coordinating the collection and recycling of refuse; street sweeping, landscaping and tree-trimming; and removing graffiti. Public Works also oversees the system that produces national award-winning drinking water, and works with developers to ensure that City development standards are met.

The permit process can require extensive staff time to make sure it meets city codes and standards. In the past, certain permits could take over 18 weeks to be reviewed and processed. In an effort to streamline the permit process and provide better customer service, Public Works has begun adding staff to the Development Engineering counter on the first floor of City Hall Ross Annex.

The Public Works Agency has been hiring additional employees, contracting out certain services, and exploring new methods to categorize permits according to complexity and establish certain thresholds for approving various types of permits. With the recent help of additional resources and a streamlined process, the permit process now only takes six weeks to complete.

“Last week, I brought a set of plans for the construction of a new Starbucks store to the Public Works counter. Mr. Sweiss and staff reviewed the plans and gave me their comments on the spot, which saved me time and helped my project go smoothly,” said Amir Houriani, a developer with several projects in Santa Ana.

In the last 12 months, Public Works staff has served approximately 3,500 Public Counter customers and completed/issued an estimated:
• 4,560 Permits
• 1,850 Plan Checks
• 1,200 Street Work and Utility Permits
• 850 Building Permit Releases
• 550 Wide Load Permits
• 110 Site Plan Reviews

“In recent months, the level of coordination for the issuance of maintenance permits has improved between Southern California Edison and the City of Santa Ana thanks to enhanced permit processes and regular meetings with the Public Works senior managers and staff,” said Karalee Darnell of Southern California Edison.

In addition to offering utility plan check support on Tuesday mornings, the Public Works Agency offers Development and Permit Parking assistance at the Public Counter on the following days and times:
• Development: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and every other Friday from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Permit Parking: Monday – Thursday and every other Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

For more information about Development Engineering services, please visit the Public Works counter at City Hall, call (714) 647-5039, or visit www.santa-ana.org/pw/engineering-services.

About City of Santa Ana
Santa Ana is downtown for the world famous Orange County, California. As the County Seat, home to a vibrant evening scene and one of the most diverse communities in California, Santa Ana is gaining national attention for its efforts to innovate and address a changing County. Over 1,200 City employees work hard every day to deliver efficient public services in partnership with our community to ensure public safety, a prosperous economic environment, opportunities for our youth, and a high quality of life for residents. Learn more at http://www.santa-ana.org.

Free live performance of Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors at Birch Park on July 25

Posted on by Posted in Arts and Culture, Civic Affairs, Entertainment, Plays, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Join us for a free live performance of William Shakespeare’s highly acclaimed The Comedy of Errors at Birch Park on Thursday, July 25, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. The outdoor performance will be presented at Birch Park, located at 400 W. 3rd Street in Santa Ana and will be presented by the talented Shakespeare by the Sea Theatre Company.

The Comedy of Errors is the story of two young visitors who arrive in the city unaware that their long-lost twins already live there. Over the course of a single day, everything that can go wrong does go wrong: a marriage at breaking point, a missing gold chain, an unpaid debt, and a dubious arrest. A classic Shakespearean romp of mistaken identity-it’s mischief and mayhem galore!

The performance begins at 7:00 p.m. but the public is encouraged to arrive 30 minutes prior to obtain their spot. Public Parking is directly adjacent to the park. The public is welcomed to bring their own chairs, blankets and picnics or pick up dinner before the show from their favorite local Santa Ana eatery. Join us for a dramatic night of theater under the stars!

For more information: https://www.santa-ana.org/events/shakespeare-park

Santa Ana, California – Acompáñenos a disfrutar una presentación gratuita de la aclamada obra Shakesperiana “La Comedia de Errores”, presentada por la talentosa compañía de teatro Shakespeare by the Sea. La obra se presentará este 25 de julio, 2019 a las 7:00 p.m. en el parque Birch, situado en el 400 al Oeste de la Calle Tercera, en la esquina de las calles Tercera y Ross en Santa Ana.

“La Comedia de Errores” es el cuento de dos jóvenes visitantes que llegan a la ciudad sin saber que sus gemelos perdidos ya viven allí. En el transcurso de un solo día, todo lo que puede ir mal va mal: un matrimonio a punto de ruptura, una cadena de oro perdida, una deuda impaga y una dudosa detención. ¡Un clásico jugueteo Shakesperiano de identidad equivocada, con travesuras y desorden a montones!

La obra inicia aproximadamente a las 7:00 p.m., pero es recomendable llegar 30 minutos antes para acomodar sus sillas en un buen lugar. Se recomienda traer sillas, cobijas, y canasta de picnic, o recoger su cena de alguno de los muchos restaurantes cercanos. Estacionamiento público cercano al parque. ¡Acompáñenos a disfrutar de una noche de drama bajo las estrellas!

Para más información: https://www.santa-ana.org/events/shakespeare-park

“Zoofari Safari” gala tickets now on sale; Sponsorships available

Posted on by Posted in Charities, Civic Affairs, Santa Ana Zoo Leave a comment

The Friends of Santa Ana Zoo (FOSAZ), a non-profit organization, is pleased to announce its 27th annual gala fundraising event, “Zoofari Safari,” taking place Saturday, August 24 from 5:30 pm to 11 pm at the Santa Ana Zoo in Prentice Park, located at 1801 East Chestnut Avenue in Santa Ana. Throughout the fundraiser guests are welcome to bid on wonderful trips, unique baskets, artwork and one-of-a-kind gifts during the event’s live and silent auctions.

Tickets sales, media and sponsorship opportunities are now available to the public for purchase online at www.santaanazoo.org or by calling (714) 953-8555 x10.

With an expected attendance of more than 400 people, Zoofari guests are treated to complimentary valet parking, a first-class catered dinner by Parties by Panache, and a hosted bar of spirits, wine and beer. Partygoers will enjoy a “Serengeti Sunset” signature drink, themed photo op, décor by R.W.B. Party Props and dancing to the “Groove Factory” live band.

“Zoofari is a first-class fundraising event that demonstrates the love and investment that the local community, surrounding businesses and FOSAZ have for the Zoo,” says David Exline, President of the FOSAZ Board. “Our 2019 gala promises to be full of fun and laughter. Thank you to our local community, sponsors, and loyal FOSAZ members for your continued sponsorship and support of the Santa Ana Zoo. We have an awesome master plan in play at the Zoo and are accomplishing so much thanks to the Zoo’s amazing leadership team, staff, and all those who support and advocate for the Zoo.”

Honorees this year are Jane Olin and Tim Jerkovich who have supported the conservation programs at the Zoo over the years and most recently the “Frog Pod” saving endangered species.

“Zoofari has and will continue to play an integral role in raising the funds needed for all the special projects and improvements going on here at our favorite community Zoo including educational programs, breaking ground on new animal habitats, tackling important conservation initiatives, introducing new rides and upgrading service facilities for our guests to use and enjoy,” says Cathi Decker, event manager and Executive Director of FOSAZ.

Tickets to this exclusive black-tie, fundraising gala under the stars are $325 each. Private tables for 10 are available for a special rate of $3,000 each. Space is limited. Guests must purchase tickets and tables in advance of the event.

The Santa Ana Zoo is home to more than 260 animals, including 60 of the most interesting and engaging monkeys and several endangered species. The parking, park and grounds are wheel-chair accessible. The Zoo is beautifully landscaped and showcases a wide array of succulents, flowers and other conservation-friendly varietals. Inside the Zoo there is a wonderful playground with nearby seating for parents and guardians. Also available throughout the Zoo are picnic tables and rest areas, and tons of shade, as well as the famous Zoofari Express Train, the Conservation Carrousel and the new Fifty Monkey Ferris Wheel.

Open daily from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, the Santa Ana Zoo participates in conservation efforts to save local and South American species, including frogs, turtles, and lion tamarins. To become a Member of the Zoo, please call (714) 953-8555 x12. The Santa Ana Zoo in Prentice Park is located at 1801 East Chestnut Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92701.

For more information call 714-836-4000 or visit our website at www.santaanazoo.org. You can also follow us on Twitter, join us on Facebook, or discover us on Instagram.

Celebrate Santa Ana’s 150th birthday at a Street Breakfast on July 28

Posted on by Posted in Civic Affairs, Food, Santa Ana Leave a comment

In honor of the City of Santa Ana’s 150th birthday, you are invited to partake in a re-enlivening of the Santa Ana Historic Street Breakfast, a civic tradition that dates back to 1928 on Sunday, July 28th from 9 am to 1 pm in Downtown Santa Ana (4th/Spurgeon).

Join us for GIGANTIC ENTERTAINMENT, homemade chilaquiles, good ol’ fashioned pancakes or even Vegan migas and stick around for arts and crafts, Santa Ana merchandise, micheladas, historic re-enactments and dress-up for our group photo, special guests and speeches, sing the City happy birthday, live music and dancing, visit with the mounted police’s horses, meet town founder William Spurgeon, lotería games, fun kids zone and more!

This event will bring together Santa Ana for an epic community-building event and celebration of our city. Group tables are available for businesses, neighborhoods and non-profits.

ABOUT THE FOOD

  • Chilaquiles will be provided by Chef Richard Espinachio, Caged Chameleon Catering
  • Pancakes provided by DTSA’s Loaded Cafe
  • Vegan migas breakfast also by Chef Richard Espinachio
  • Coffee and other treats provided by downtown restaurants, cafes and markets Please buy your tickets online before the event. This event may sell out!

Kids/Babies/Friendly Pets totally welcome to the event and do not need their own ticket if not eating. We only ask you try to reserve table seating for diners by bringing blankets to pitch on the lawn, strollers, kiddie chairs, etc.

For more information, click here.

SPONSORED BY THE CITY OF SANTA ANA, DOWNTOWN INC and the SANTA ANA BUSINESS COUNCIL.

Historic photo provided by the Santa Ana History Room. A re-enactment group photo will be taken by the California Center for Digital Arts.

ABOUT THE BREAKFAST CLUB

The Santa Ana Breakfast Club is comprised of downtown’s improvement groups: Downtown Inc., the Santa Ana Business Council and the City of Santa Ana and all of our friends, neighbors and acquaintances. The historic slogan of the Santa Ana Breakfast Club is “Once a Breakfasteer, Always a Breakfasteer”

The City of Santa Ana has hired a new City Clerk

Posted on by Posted in Civic Affairs, Santa Ana Leave a comment

SANTA ANA, CA – On Tuesday, July 2, 2019, the City of Santa Ana City Council voted to appoint Daisy Gomez to the position of Clerk of the Council. As City of the Council, she will oversee City records and official archives, conduct all City elections, and assure compliance with the Brown Act, Public Records Act, and public notice requirements. Ms. Gomez’s prior work experience includes the Cities of Long Beach, Los Angeles, and the City of Santa Rosa, where she served as the appointed City Clerk.

“I am truly honored to be appointed by the City Council and be a part of the community,” said Gomez. “I look forward to putting my 19 years of experience to work for Santa Ana, under the Council’s leadership, to usher in a new future for what is truly the heart of Orange County.”

Ms. Gomez has a 19-year distinguished public service career. During her career, Ms. Gomez led the design and deployment of modern technologies involving: state-certified municipal voting system systems; preparation of elections related guides and forms; legislative management systems; public records management workflow processes; boards and commission management, orientation, and support; city directed civic engagement initiatives; and online filing of campaign finance reports and FPPC statements of Economic Interest.

Ms. Gomez holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix as well as the certification of Municipal Clerk. She holds a Master Municipal Clerk Certification. Very active in the community, Ms. Gomez’s community involvement includes Participatory Budgeting, School Mock Elections, and school Mock City Council Meetings.

Ms. Gomez’s begins serving the City of Santa Ana as the Clerk of the Cou ncil on July 16, 2019

Santa Ana Parks and Rec is hosting public community meetings on July 8 and 9

Posted on by Posted in Civic Affairs, Parks and Recreation, Santa Ana Leave a comment

The Santa Ana Parks, Recreation and Community Services Agency is gathering community input on their future programs and are inviting community members to public workshops on Monday, July 8th and Tuesday, July 9th. Your input will help guide the future of Santa Ana to improve the quality of life in our community for generations to come.

  • July 8 workshops are at the Garfield Community Center – Dance Room at 501 N. Lacy Street
  • July 9 workshop are at the Southwest Senior Center – Dining Room at 2201 W. McFadden Avenue

For more information about the Parks, Recreation and Community Services evaluation project, visit www.santa-ana.org

5 Workshop offerings:

  • Monday, July 8
    • 1:00 – 2:30pm
    • 3:30 – 5:00pm
    • 6:00 – 7:30pm
  • Tuesday, July 9
    • 8:00 – 9:30am
    • 10:00 – 11:30am

¡Su Opinión Cuenta!

Únase a la Agencia de Parques, Recreación y Servicios Comunitarios para dar su opinión y ayudar a determinar los programas, servicios y tarifas asociados con los servicios de
parques y recreación en Santa Ana según los valores de la comunidad.

Su opinión ayudará a guiar el futuro de Santa Ana para mejorar la calidad de vida en nuestra comunidad para generaciones futuras.

  • Los talleres se llevaran a cabo el día 8 de julio en el Garfield Community Center – Dance Room en 501 N. Lacy Street
  • Y el día 9 de julio en el Southwest Senior Center – Dining Room en 2201 W. McFadden Avenue

Para obtener más información sobre el proyecto de evaluación de La Agencia de Parques, Recreación y Servicios Comunitarios, visite nuestra pagina en internet www.santa-ana.org.

Ofrecemos 5 Talleres

  • Lunes, 8 de Julio
    • 1:00 – 2:30pm
    • 3:30 – 5:00pm
    • 6:00 – 7:30pm
  • Martes, 9 de Julio
    • 8:00 – 9:30am
    • 10:00 – 11:30am