Santa Ana's top news & views blog

Santa Ana's top news & views blog

Category Archives: Parks and Recreation

Santa Ana welcomes a new Library Services Director from Rancho Cucamonga

Posted on by Posted in Brian Sternberg, Civic Affairs, Parks and Recreation, Santa Ana 1 Comment

SANTA ANA, CA – Brian Sternberg joined the City of Santa Ana this week as the new Executive Director of Library Services.

Sternberg’s arrival sets the stage for renewed growth at the City’s libraries, which in the current fiscal year became a standalone department. Among his responsibilities will be overseeing facility upgrades and expanded hours at the Newhope Branch Library.

“I’m looking forward to helping Santa Ana’s libraries modernize and evolve to better serve the community,” Sternberg said. “Public libraries are an essential cultural resource that not only offer a wide array of books and physical materials, but also should be community anchors that provide hands-on and interactive educational experiences through new and innovative programs and services.”

Prior to coming to Santa Ana, Sternberg served as Assistant Library Services Director at the City of Rancho Cucamonga since June 2015. His accomplishments in that role included the development of a regional children’s museum inside a local library and providing high-speed broadband service to library customers.

Sternberg also has served in several capacities at the Los Angeles County Library, including North County Regional Administrator for 14 libraries and two bookmobiles, and as Assistant Library Administrator for Public Services, where he provided space-planning expertise and project management support for a number of library refurbishments. A Chicago native, he previously worked as a branch manager and in other roles at the Chicago Public Library.

Sternberg received his bachelor of arts degree in Philosophy and Religious Studies from DePaul University in Chicago and his master’s degree in Library and Information Science from Dominican University in River Forest, Illinois. He is a graduate of the California Library Leadership Institute and attended the Planning and Design of Public Libraries Program at Harvard University, Graduate School of Design.

“I’m happy to welcome Brian Sternberg to our wonderful city,” said City Manager Kristine Ridge. “His years of experience at public libraries, large and small, and the many new ideas he has brought with him will help to transform our library system.”

Santa Ana’s first library opened in the 1890s and today the Santa Ana Public Library operates two branches that contain more than 238,000 books, thousands of videos and audio recordings, and numerous other materials.

The Main Library at 26 Civic Center Plaza has a computer lab, learning center and history room, and the Newhope Branch Library at 122 N. Newhope St. has a computer lab, learning center and teen space. Learn more at www.santa-ana.org/library.

Free Sinatra at the Park concert set for Dec. 21 at Birch Park

Posted on by Posted in Arts and Culture, music, Neighborhood Associations, Parks and Recreation, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Get read for a fun and free community concert at one of Santa Ana’s favorite parks. Birch Park will host the Sinatra at the Park concert, which will feature the Santa Ana High School Jazz Band from 1 p.m.-2:15 p.m., and then from 2:45-4 p.m. on Dec. 21.

The Elite Fitness Sinatra Jazz Band will perform music from the iconic singer Frank Sinatra. This event is produced by Elite Fitness Downtown, The Downtown Neighborhood Association, and the City of Santa Ana.

Birch Park is located at 400 West 3rd Street. This park has been around since the early 1900’s, as seen here. And Birch Park has been hosting bands since the 1920’s as seen here.

Opening of Fitness Court at Jerome Park and Ribbon Cutting for Mariposa Park set for this Saturday

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

The City of Santa Ana is hosting the opening of a Fitness Court at Jerome Park and a ribbon cutting ceremony for Mariposa Park, a new park at the corner of 6th and Lacy streets, this Saturday, Dec. 14.

The City received five $30,000 grants to participate as a Model City in the 2019 National Fitness Campaign. Approval of the funding was based on the City of Santa Ana’s commitment to free health and fitness options, development of stakeholder consensus, and the exceptional and active public spaces where we will launch our Fitness Courts and the NFC program. The Fitness Court is an outdoor bodyweight circuit training system that supports 28 simultaneous users on 30 separate pieces of equipment that are grouped into seven stations.

The 7 movement, 7 minute system provides a full-body workout to people of all ability levels. The integrated system includes a sports floor to simulate the indoor gym exercise, and the steel bodyweight training wall provides users with many exercise combinations. The first outdoor fitness court installation is at Jerome Park, which will be followed by courts at El Salvador Park, Delhi Park, Rosita Park and Memorial Park.

Mariposa Park is the city’s new park at the corner of 6th and Lacy streets. The site was formerly three vacant homes, acquired by the City of Santa Ana, demolished and rezoned as open space to provide more outdoor recreation opportunities for the Lacy Neighborhood community.

The new park amenities include a playground, picnic area, benches, picnic tables, skateboarding element, bike racks, walkways, drinking fountains and areas with shade, rock bio swale, water wise landscaping.

Along with the functional amenities of the park, two large butterfly sculptures were installed with flowers planted on its wings that will change annually.

The public is invited to the fitness court opening at 10 a.m. Saturday and the ribbon-cutting ceremony and celebration for Mariposa Park at 11 a.m. The events are free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Community Service Supervisor Juan L. Lara at (714) 571-4259 or email JLara@santa-ana.org.

El Público Está Invitado a las Ceremonias de Inauguración de la Corte de Ejercicio en Parque Jerome y de Parque Mariposa

La Ciudad de Santa Ana va a tener las inauguraciones de la Corte de Ejercicio en el Parque Jerome y de Parque Mariposa, un parque nuevo en la esquina de las calles 6ta y Lacy, este sábado 14 de diciembre.

La Ciudad recibió cinco subvenciones de $30,000 para participar como Ciudad Modelo en la Campaña Nacional de Fitness 2019. La aprobación de los fondos se basó en el compromiso de la Ciudad de Santa Ana con las opciones gratuitas de salud y estado físico, el desarrollo del consenso de las partes interesadas y los espacios públicos excepcionales y activos donde lanzaremos nuestros cortes de ejercicios y el programa NFC. El Fitness Court es un sistema de entrenamiento de circuito de peso corporal al aire libre que admite 28 usuarios simultáneos en 30 equipos separados que se agrupan en siete estaciones.

El sistema de 7 movimientos y 7 minutos proporciona un entrenamiento de cuerpo completo para personas de todos los niveles de habilidad. El sistema integrado incluye un piso deportivo para simular el ejercicio en el gimnasio bajo techo, y la pared de acero para el entrenamiento del peso corporal ofrece a los usuarios muchas combinaciones de ejercicios. La primera instalación de cancha de fitness al aire libre es en Jerome Park, que será seguida por canchas en El Salvador Park, Delhi Park, Rosita Park y Memorial Park.

Mariposa Park es el nuevo parque de la ciudad en la esquina de las calles 6ta y Lacy. El sitio era anteriormente tres casas vacías, adquiridas por la Ciudad de Santa Ana, demolidas y rezonificadas como espacios abiertos para proporcionar más oportunidades de recreación al aire libre para la comunidad de Lacy Neighborhood.
El nuevo parque incluye una zona de juegos interactivos, áreas para picnics, elemento de patinaje, estacionamiento para bicicletas, pasarelas y fuentes de agua, y áreas con estructura para sombra, veredas de granito y paisajismo. Junto con las comodidades funcionales del parque, se instalaron dos grandes esculturas en forma de mariposa y sobre sus alas se han plantado flores intercambiables anualmente.

El público está invitado a la ceremonia de inauguración de la Corte de Ejercicios a las 10 a.m. y a la ceremonia de inauguración y la celebración del Parque Mariposa a las 11 a.m. Los eventos son gratuitos y abiertos al público.

Para obtener más información, comuníquese con Juan L. Lara, Supervisor de Servicios Comunitarios, al (714) 571-4259 o vía correo electrónico a JLara@santa-ana.org.

Come celebrate Christmas at the annual O.C. free concert event on 12/21

Posted on by Posted in Andrew Do, Entertainment, Family, Fountain Valley, music, Parks and Recreation, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Join Supervisor Andrew Do on Saturday, December 21 for a free Christmas Concert at Mile Square Park!

This family-friendly holiday concert will be accompanied by a face-painting booth hosted by Beauty Glam Academy, reindeer antlers for children, and free cookies and hot cocoa for all guests. Children will also get the opportunity to speak with Santa and get their photo taken!

This annual Christmas celebration is a great opportunity for families to bring their kids and experience an evening together full of music, dance, activities, food, and good company. Everyone is invited to come down and join in the celebration.

This FREE event will feature performances by:

• The All-American Boys Chorus
• Ca Ðoàn Church Choir – St. John the Baptist Church
• Abbey Singers – Westminster High School
• Chamber Singers – Santa Ana High School
Christmas Concert at Mile Square Park – Event Information:

Date: Saturday, December 21
Time: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Location: Freedom Hall at the Mile Square Park
16801 Euclid St., Fountain Valley, CA 92708

Please use the entrance located at Edinger and Ward to enter, see map below. Parking is FREE inside the park.

For more information call (714) 834-3110 or email Joyce.Rivero@ocgov.com.

Snow Days with the Critters storms into town this weekend at the Santa Ana Zoo

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

The Santa Ana Zoo’s annual Snow Days with the Critters event will take place Saturday, Dec. 14, and Sunday, Dec. 15.

Watch animals receive icy treats and snow enrichment, listen to festive music, enjoy the winter decorations, discover how animals adapt to surviving in freezing environments, create cool crafts and listen to delightful winter stories. There also will be a special area for children to play in “snow.” Snow enrichment for the animals is being provided by Kona Ice, which also will be selling their delicious and colorful shaved ice at the zoo.

The event is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on both days. Residents of Santa Ana receive free admission to the zoo on Dec. 15. Proof of residency (such as a utility bill or ID with a Santa Ana address) is required for free admission.

The Santa Ana Zoo in Prentice Park is located at 1801 E. Chestnut Ave., Santa Ana.

More information at santaanazoo.org

Stanbridge University plants 15 live oaks at Santiago Park

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

As a part of the continuing Root for Change Tree Planting Initiative, Stanbridge University volunteers will plant 15 Live Oaks at the Santiago Park Nature Center, for the institution’s inaugural tree-planting event in the City of Santa Ana.

Stanbridge University plans to continue planting 10,000 trees across Southern California to help build a better environment for all. As a direct response to the terrible environmental loss caused by recent wildfire and other natural causes, Stanbridge University created the Root for Change Tree Planting Initiative, aimed at enhancing the environment through water catchment.

Stanbridge University is planting trees and wildlife to enrich and enhance the environment.

As Santa Ana celebrates its 150th Anniversary, residents remember its founder William H. Spurgeon. When he first bought the downtown area, he wanted the area enriched with trees. This legacy has lasted until today. Now, the City of Santa Ana spends $2.6 million per year on its tree programs.1 Recognizing the importance of this effort in the community, Stanbridge University offers assistance with tree planting at no cost to the City of Santa Ana.

“Protecting and enhancing our environment is critical for the health of our community and I’m proud to have this important event here in Santa Ana,” Councilman Jose Solorio said. “As we face unprecedented environmental challenges, initiatives like this one create greater resiliency in our own backyard and ensure we’re taking steps now to address climate change. I thank Stanbridge University and the other partners, and look forward to enjoying the new trees at Santiago Park!”

Stanbridge University looks forward to further partnership with the City of Santa Ana as Stanbridge seeks to make a positive impact locally and globally for the greater good.

Shadetree Partnership Nursery works alongside Stanbridge University to provide native plants at no cost for the entire initiative in order to promote community growth. Shadetree Partnership Inc. is a volunteer-based organization that promotes more livable communities through the planting and stewardship of shade trees and other nursery stock.

About Stanbridge: Stanbridge University is an award-winning private institution that offers degrees in nursing and allied health in both Los Angeles and Orange County. Stanbridge University received the 2019 Gold Award for Excellence in Community Service from the California Association of Private Postsecondary Schools (CAPPS). To learn more, visit www.stanbridge.edu.

#

If you would like more information about this topic, please call Sarah Hamilton at (949) 794-9090 ext. 5266, or email shamilton@stanbridge.edu.

1 “Tree Program – Tree City USA.” The City of Santa Ana. https://www.ci.santa-ana.ca.us/green/tree-program-tree-city-usa (As viewed on November 1, 2019).

The City of Santa Ana won a $1M grant to improve Santiago Park

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

The Board of the California State Coastal Conservancy awarded $10.8 million to 17 projects to protect and restore the California coast and San Francisco Bay, and increase public access to these natural resources.

The projects funded include $1,500,000 to Monterey County to construct a segment of the California Coastal Trail in Moss Landing, $1,000,000 to the City of Santa Ana for improvements to Santiago Park, and $900,000 to the Redwood Community Action Agency for planning, design, and environmental review to develop the Little River Trail, a section of the California Coastal Trail from Little River State Beach to Scenic Drive, in Humboldt County.

The Board also authorized $3,067,000 of grant funds from the California Natural Resources Agency’s Regional Forest and Fire Capacity Program to four public agencies and non-profit organizations in the Central Coast region for projects that will improve forest health and wildfire resiliency, $900,000 in funds provided by the Marin Community Foundation for five projects that address the impacts of climate change and sea level rise in Marin County, and a block grant of $1,400,000 to Association of Bay Area Governments to fund projects to complete the San Francisco Bay Trail.

“This series of Board authorizations underscore the value of partnerships in conservation,” said Sam Schuchat, Executive Officer of the Coastal Conservancy. “The state, non-profit organizations and regional agencies all collaborate to take advantage of each other’s expertise and make sure funding flows to the projects that will do the most good.”

Santiago Park Gas House

The Santiago Park project develops the undeveloped area north of the old gas house between Valencia Street and the restroom. Scope of work will include picnic area, park walking/jogging path, renovation of restroom and gas house, amphitheater, security lighting, irrigation, landscape, and removal of Valencia Street. Total project cost $2,030,000. There is $1,030,000 of funding identified for this project and this grant award of $1,000,000 will fully fund this project forward. In addition, the Santiago Main Street Entry project includes $250,000 to prepare design plans for Santiago Park from Main Street entrance to restroom and playground.

“The City Council had allocated half of the funding needed to complete the Santiago Park project, but the project was placed on hold temporarily until additional funding was identified. Now with this grant award the project is fully funded and I am happy to announce that we can now move forward with this project forward and turn this dream into reality,” said Mayor Miguel Pulido.

“This grant award will activate the undeveloped area of Santiago Park north of the old gashouse between Valencia Street and the restrooms with wonderful amenities for the entire community to enjoy,” said Councilmember Solorio. “As the City’s representative on the Santa Ana River Conservancy Local Advisory Group, a project we’ve been working on with now-Congress Member Lou Correa for over a decade and more recently with our local state legislators, Assemblymember Tom Daly and Senator Tom Umberg, I’m very grateful we’re receiving this funding.”

For more information, call (714) 647-5400 or keep up with the Santa Ana Parks, Recreation and Community Services Agency on social media @SantaAnaPRCSA

Help plant new trees at Lillie King Park this Saturday

Posted on by Posted in Charities, Nature, Parks and Recreation, Santa Ana Leave a comment

People and Trees invites you to take part in their new tree-planting event
this Saturday morning, October 26, from 9 am to 11 am at Lillie King Park, located at 498 West Alton Avenue.

This time, they will plant 12 Afghan pine trees in the South part of Lillie King Park. As these trees grow, they will provide shade on hot sunny days, for walking on sidewalks and playing on lawns.

Directions: Coming on W. Alton Ave, turn onto South Birch St, then turn right on West Columbine Ave and follow 500 ft. to the Park on its right. Parking is available there on the street. They will be meeting near there.

They will give instructions how to plant trees, and then you will plant a tree with you own hands in group of two or three volunteers with our guidance. Wear comfortable work clothing and closed-toe shoes. Bring water to drink, hat for sun, and work gloves if you have them.

Pre-Registration is Required for this Event. Please register in advance, sending email to peopleandtreesoc@gmail.com our joining in event page posted at 6.

Boo at the Zoo starting on Oct. 19

Posted on by Posted in Entertainment, Family, Parks and Recreation, Santa Ana, Santa Ana Zoo, Youth Activities Leave a comment

SANTA ANA, CA – Mark your calendars, grab your costumes, and join us for our annual “merry not scary” Boo at the Zoo, OC’s Premier Halloween Event for Kids.

The Friends of Santa Ana Zoo present the 29th Annual Boo at the Zoo located at the Santa Ana Zoo. The event will take place from 5:30 PM to 8 PM on Saturday, October 19; Sunday, October 20; Saturday, October 26; and Sunday, October 27, rain or shine.

Boo at the Zoo is one of Orange County’s longest-running Halloween events, providing a fun, safe, and family-friendly event for trick-or-treaters and children of all ages who love to wear costumes and embrace the Halloween spirit!

Guests will have the opportunity to explore 10 prize stations on our Trick-or-Treat Trail, enjoy a variety of Halloween-themed games and activities – including storytelling and sing-alongs, and visit with our nocturnal animals. This will be our second year proudly supporting the OC Teal Pumpkin Project, ensuring kids with food allergies are presented with friendly treats and takeaways! Guests will also be able to participate in our nightly costume parade, led by SAZOO (our monkey mascot).

Our exciting “Boofari” Express Train, Conservation Carrousel and Fifty Monkey Ferris Wheel rides will be entertaining little ghouls and goblins all night long. Parents, don’t forget your cameras! Boo at the Zoo provides great photo opportunities that will last a lifetime.

General Admission is $24.95 per non-member ages 3 and up, and only $12.95 per Zoo Member ages 3 and up. Bonus: Children under the age of 3 are free. Join as a Member to receive your half price tickets! “Boofari” Express Train, Carrousel and Ferris Wheel rides will be available for an extra charge. Food and drinks will be available for purchase nightly.

For those who are a little older and more adventurous, Boo at the Zoo will once again have a separate area for our “Teen Scream” haunted house (included in the regular price of admission). This is sure to provide chills and thrills for those who dare to enter.

To avoid the lines, admissions are now available online at www.santaanazoo.org (valid any night of the event, nonrefundable – bring your receipt to Will Call on the night of the event). You may also purchase admissions at the main gate on the night of the event. For more information, please call (714) 953-8555. So grab your costume and we’ll see YOU at the BOO at the Santa Ana ZOO!

The Santa Ana Zoo is home to more than 260 animals, including 60 of the most interesting and engaging monkeys and several endangered species, like the golden lion tamarins. The Zoo is open daily from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. To become a Member of the Zoo, please call (714) 953-8555 x13. 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.

Register now for the free Santa Ana 5K Run coming up on Oct. 19

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

SANTA ANA – Join us for the 6th Annual Santa Ana 5K Run! This FREE event will take place on Saturday, October 19, 2019 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. beginning on Flower and Sixth Streets, directly next to the Santa Ana Stadium. Bring your family and friends out for a community fun run, passing by interesting landmarks such as the Santa Ana Civic Center, the Old Orange County Courthouse, and the Howe-Waffle House.

First, second and third place winners in both the men and women’s divisions will receive a custom plaque. The first 2000 finisher will receive a custom medal to commemorate the event. Post – race refreshments will be provided to race participants. Those interested in participating in the FREE 5K run are encouraged to pre-register for an opportunity to receive a free event t-shirt. T-shirts and participant medals are limited and will be provided while supplies last. To register for the Santa Ana 5K Race, visit https://register.chronotrack.com/r/53843.

Pre-registered runners will have the opportunity to skip the lines on race day and pick up their runner’s bib on Friday, October 18 at the Southwest Senior Center between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. The Senior Center is located at 2201 W. McFadden Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92704.

After the 5K run, all event attendees are invited to stay and visit the Health Resource Fair taking place between 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. on Flower Street. Local health and wellness organizations will be handing out free giveaways, discount coupons to classes or services and sharing exciting information on available community resources to stay fit, healthy and thriving in Santa Ana! Booth spaces are still available for health organizations who would like to participate in the Fair.

For more information on the Santa Ana 5k Run or the Health Resource Fair, visit www.santa-ana.org/events/SA5Krun or call the Special Events Office at (714) 571-4227.

#

SANTA ANA – ¡Acompáñenos a la 6ª anual Carrera de 5 Kilómetros (5K) en Santa Ana! Este evento gratuito se llevará a cabo el sábado 19 de octubre, 2019 de 8:00 a.m. a 10:00 a.m., iniciando en las Calles Seis y Flower, junto al Estadio de Santa Ana. Traiga a su familia y amistades a una divertida carrera comunitaria, pasando monumentos interesantes como el Centro Municipal de Santa Ana, la Corte Antigua del Condado de Orange, y la Casa Howe-Waffle.

Los ganadores del primer, segundo y tercer lugar en las divisiones de hombres y mujeres recibirán una placa como premio. Los primeros 2000 participantes en cruzar la meta recibirán una medalla conmemorativa del evento. Después de la carrera habrá refrescos disponibles para los participantes. Pre-inscríbase para tener la oportunidad de recibir una playera gratis. El número de playeras y medallas es limitado, se proporcionarán hasta agotar existencia. Para inscribirse gratuitamente en la carrera de 5K visite la página: https://register.chronotrack.com/r/53843.

Los corredores pre-inscritos tendrán la oportunidad de evitar las largas líneas el día de la carrera y recoger su dorsal el viernes 18 de Octubre, en el Southwest Senior Center entre 4:00 p.m. y 8:00 p.m. El Centro está localizado en 2201 W. McFadden Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92704.

Después de la carrera, todos los presentes están invitados a visitar la Feria de Salud que se llevara a cabo de 8:00 a.m. a 10:00 a.m. en la Calle Flower. ¡Organizaciones locales de salud y bienestar estarán repartiendo regalos, cupones de descuento para clases y servicios al igual que compartiendo información sobre recursos disponibles para mantenerse en forma y saludable en Santa Ana! Todavía hay espacios disponibles para las organizaciones de salud que deseen participar en la Feria.

Para más información sobre la Carrera Santa Ana 5K o la Feria de Salud, visite www.santa-ana.org/events/SA5Krun o llame la oficina de Eventos Especiales al (714) 571-4227.

The new Santa Ana park security guards are starting on Sep. 20

Posted on by Posted in Crime, Parks and Recreation, Santa Ana 1 Comment

SANTA ANA, CA – On Friday, September 20, the City of Santa Ana, in partnership with Allied Security Services, will deploy seven security officers to patrol the City’s parks and bike trails. The officers are scheduled to patrol 18 hours, 7 days a week. The security services are funded by Measure X and part of the City of Santa Ana’s effort to reduce crime and increase safety at the City’s parks and bike trails.

“Our city parks should provide a relaxing and safe environment where residents can enjoy the outdoors and spend time with family and friends,” said City of Santa Ana Mayor Miguel Pulido. “With our new park security services, we are committing to providing physical spaces where our community feels safe. Our incoming security officers will be on duty day and night to ensure our parks remain secure at all hours.”

The new security services includes six security officers and one floating security officer supervisor. The officers will be identifiable through uniforms with City of Santa Ana logos on them, as well as official security vehicles. Officer duties include foot patrol of restrooms, community centers, pool and playground areas, parking lots, sports field and court areas, skate parks and all other park amenities.

Continuous patrolling from security officers is expected to deter vandalism, theft, illegal activities, non-approved park usage, break-ins to park facilities, and loitering in the parks after they have been closed. Security officers will lock park restrooms and parking lot gates each night.

City Staff will be working with the security officer supervisor to coordinate patrol schedules and resolve issues that may come up. The City’s Parks, Recreation and Community Services Agency, the Santa Ana Police Department and Allied Security Services had a kick-off meeting on Thursday, September 5 to discuss logistics. They are continuing to work on setup logistics, such as updating park maps and equipping security vehicles.

“I am confident that this deployment of resources and our partnership with Allied Security Services will make our parks safer,” said Councilmember Solorio. “As we continue to fill police officer and Park Ranger vacancies, we wanted to provide some additional security for our families and residents that use our local parks.”

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.

Centennial Park Skate Park renamed after recently deceased former City Councilmember Pat McGuigan

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

SANTA ANA, CA – On Tuesday, September 17, the Santa Ana City Council voted to rename Centennial Park Skate Park to “Pat McGuigan Skate Park” in honor of former City Councilmember Patricia A. McGuigan who recently passed away of natural causes at the age of 85.

“During her tenure, Councilmember McGuigan made a lasting impact on the wellbeing of Santa Ana residents,” said Mayor Pulido. “It’s our duty to preserve her legacy within the community that she cared for so much.”

Councilmember McGuigan, the City of Santa Ana’s first councilwoman, was one of the longest-serving councilmembers in Orange County history. She served on the Santa Ana City Council from 1981 to 1992, was reappointed in 1993 to fill a vacancy, and retired in 2002 after two successful elections. McGuigan served during a time period when the City’s Latino and Asian populations increased significantly, and she is often credited for building relationships with the City’s new immigrant communities. In 1994, she created the Asian-Pacific Advisory Council of Santa Ana, which she led for eight years.

“Pat dedicated so much of her time to improving this community’s quality of life,” said Mayor Pro Tem Villegas. “She played an important role in the opening of Centennial Park Skate Park back in 2002 and it is with great pride that we are renaming the same park in her honor.”

McGuigan was also instrumental in the opening of the Salgado Community Center, which was the first of its kind on Santa Ana’s west side, providing youth with a gymnasium, pool, and game room. She was a member of Santa Ana’s Historic Resources Commission, the Orange County Senior Citizens Advisory Council and the Soroptimist International of Santa Ana-Tustin, in which she served as a director. McGuigan was also an advocate in creating Santa Ana’s Downtown Artist Village.

“Pat McGuigan was my Councilmember for Ward 6 for many years,” said Councilmember Iglesias . “She was such a people person and I will always admire her for what she stood for. Being the first women elected to City Council, she has always been my role model. My sincere condolences to the family. She will be deeply missed.”

The Santa Ana City Council is able to name and rename City facilities based on guidelines established in the Santa Ana Municipal Code (SAMC). Pat McGuigan Skate Park meets the fourth criteria under SAMC criteria: “A name that recognizes a person or family who made a significant contribution to the wellbeing of the City, including City Council, Commissioners, Officers and employees of the City, but not anyone who currently holds such position.”

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.

Register now to run in the Santa Ana 5K set for Oct. 19

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

Hello runners! Registration is now open for the 2019 SA 5K Run. The City of Santa Ana’s annual fun run will take place on Saturday, October 19, 2019 beginning at 8:00 a.m.

Registration for the event is free for all runners and walkers. Plaques will be presented to the top 3 overall male and female finishers. Invite your friends and family to join you in this year’s run or cheer you on along the course and through the finish line.

Space is limited, so register early at: https://register.chronotrack.com/r/53843 More information on new course route and packet pick-up to follow. See you on October 19th!

Santa Ana parks security officer update

Posted on by Posted in Civic Affairs, Crime, Parks and Recreation, Santa Ana 1 Comment

The New Santa Ana Park Security program that the City Council approved is expected to start in mid-September.

City staff is meeting with Allied Security Service on September to confirm a deployment date and discuss logistics. On a daily basis, six-security officers will patrol all City Parks, Bike Trails, and the Santiago Creek. Each security officer will have a vehicle and uniform that includes the City of Santa Ana logo. Security officer duties include foot patrol of restrooms, community centers, pool areas, playground areas, parking lots, sport field/court areas, skate parks, and any other amenities within assigned areas.

The expectation for security officers is to provide continual patrol to deter vandalism, theft, illegal activities, non-approved use of parks, break-ins to site facilities, and loitering in the parks after closing.

Each night, security officers will lock park restrooms and parking lot gates when the park is closed. In addition, a security officer supervisor will work in coordination with City staff (1 from Parks and Recreation and 1 from Parks and Facilities Divisions) regarding patrol schedules, issues, solutions, etc.

More information to follow regarding a deployment date.

41st Annual Santa Ana Fiestas Patrias Festival performers announced

Posted on by Posted in Civic Affairs, Entertainment, Family, Food, mexico, music, Parks and Recreation, Santa Ana Leave a comment

The City of Santa Ana’s 41st annual Fiestas Patrias Festival is taking place on Saturday, September 14 and Sunday, September 15, 2019. The festivities begin at 12:00 p.m. each day on Flower Street and Santa Ana Blvd. This annual tradition celebrates Santa Ana’s vibrant Mexican culture with A-list performers each night, delicious food, affordable shopping, interactive activities, exciting carnival rides for children of all ages, and a beer garden open for adults only to enjoy cold, refreshing beverages while enjoying on stage performances.

On Saturday, September 14, the festivities begin with a performance by Angeles Ochoa. Ms. Ochoa’s talents go beyond expectations; her versatility and great personality have opened many doors and have led her to be recognized not only for her voice, but also for her presence and hard work. She was host of “Noches Tapatias,” a program dedicated to Mexico’s cultural and musical richness. She received multiple awards and recognition for her work; “El Canto de Oro” (Golden Voice), and “Embajadora de Turismo” (Tourism Ambassador), “La Reyna de la Cancion Ranchera” (The Queen of Mexican Folk Music) and the list goes on.

Thereafter, the City of Santa Ana along with the Consulate of Mexico will host the annual El Grito Ceremony on the Festival’s main stage, located on Flower Street beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 14, The ceremony honors the traditional call to arms on the eve of Mexican Independence Day and is a massive, synchronized call that dates back to 1810 and celebrates the anniversary of the fight for Mexican Independence.

Following the El Grito ceremony, acclaimed Mexican Singer El Dasa will be performing on the festival’s main stage. At age 15, El Dasa became the lead singer of Banda Costa Azul, from Hermosillo, Sonora. He also participated in the edition of Mexico’s La Academia 6: Última Generación, At age 18, he was hired by Vicente Fernandez as his driver, where El Dasa would sing for his idol. The Mexican icon was moved by El Dasa’s singing and invited him on-stage with him at the Gibson Amphitheater for an “Amor de los Dos,” duet and encouraged the audience to support his career.

The festival celebration continues on Sunday, September 15 as the Rieleros del Norte take the stage. Since the ’80s, Los Rieleros del Norte have been one of the top bands in traditional Mexican music. Their specialty is norteño, an exuberant, often sentimental style that is also known as conjunto or Tex-Mex. Los Rieleros del Norte have recorded many albums over the years. These include; Estampida Norteña, Prieta Orgullosa, Aventura Pasada, and many other albums which have now become classics in regional Mexican music. One of their biggest hits was 1999’s “Te Quiero Mucho,” which reached number one on Billboard’s Hot Latin Tracks chart. Between 2003 and 2015, they placed no less than five albums in the Top 200, and ten more on Top Latin and Mexican Regional charts including Abriendo Caminos, Y Que el Mundo Ruede, En Vivo Para Ti, and 2015’s Corridos y Canciones de Mi Tierra.

A major event highlight on Sunday is the City’s annual Fiestas Patrias Parade from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Over 100 parade entries will be showcased this year. The Fiestas Patrias parade will march down Main Street towards Civic Center Drive. This year’s parade theme is “Celebrando Nuestro Legado” or “Celebrating our Legacy”.

The 2019 Fiestas Patrias event is being produced by the City of Santa Ana. For more information, please visit link www.santa-ana.org/events/fiestaspatrias or contact the Special Events Office at (714) 571-4227.

SANTA ANA – La Ciudad de Santa Ana celebrara el 41o Festival Anual de Fiestas Patrias el sábado, 14 y domingo 15 de septiembre, 2019. Las festividades darán inicio ambos días a las 12 del mediodía en la Calle Flower y Santa Ana Blvd. Esta tradición anual celebra la vibrante cultura Mexicana de Santa Ana con entretenimiento que incluye artistas de primer nivel, comida deliciosa, artesanías tradicionales, actividades interactivas con grandes juegos mecánicos para niños de todas las edades, y un jardín de cerveza (abierto sólo para adultos) para disfrutar bebidas refrescantes.

El sábado, 14 de septiembre las festividades darán inicio con la presentación de Ángeles Ochoa. El talento, versatilidad, y gran personalidad de la Sra. Ochoa le han llevado a abrir muchas puertas y ser reconocida no solo por su voz, sino también por su presencia y excelente trabajo. La Sra. Ochoa fue anfitriona de “Noches Tapatías”, un programa dedicado a la riqueza musical y cultural de México. Recibió múltiples premios y reconocimientos por su trabajo tales como “El Canto de Oro”, “Embajadora de Turismo”, “La Reyna de la Canción Ranchera”, y muchos más.

Continuando con las festividades, la Ciudad de Santa Ana en colaboración con el Consulado de México será el anfitrión de la ceremonia anual del Grito de Independencia, que se realizará el día 14 de septiembre a las 7:00p.m. en el escenario principal del Festival, localizado en la calle Flower. La ceremonia representa la tradicional llamada al levantamiento en armas en la víspera del día de la independencia de México. El llamado masivo y sincronizado se remonta a 1810 y celebra el aniversario de la lucha por la independencia de México.

Después de la ceremonia del Grito, el aclamado cantante El Dasa, se presentará en el escenario principal del festival.
A sus 15 años, El Dasa se convirtió en el vocalista de la Banda Costa Azul, de Hermosillo, Sonora. También participó en la edición de La Academia 6 de México: Última Generación. A los 18 años fue contratado por Vicente Fernández como su conductor, donde El Dasa acostumbraba cantar para su ídolo. El icono mexicano fue movido por el canto de El Dasa, lo invitó a cantar a dúo “Amor de los Dos” en el escenario del Anfiteatro Gibson y animó al público a apoyar su carrera.

La celebración continúa el domingo, 15 de septiembre con la presentación de Los Rieleros del Norte. Desde los años 80, Los Rieleros del Norte han sido una de las mejores bandas de música tradicional mexicana. Su especialidad es el norteño, un estilo exuberante y a menudo sentimental también conocido como conjunto o Tex-Mex. A través de los años Los Rieleros del Norte han grabado muchos álbums; estampida Norteña, Prieta Orgullosa, Aventura Pasada y muchos otros que se han convertido en clásicos de la música regional mexicana. Uno de sus mayores éxitos fue el de “Te Quiero Mucho,” y alcanzó el número uno de Hot Latin Tracks Billboard en 1999. Entre 2003 y 2015, colocaron nada menos que cinco álbumes en el Top 200, y diez más en las listas de Top Latino y Regional Mexicano incluyendo; Abriendo Caminos, Que el Mundo Ruede, Vivo Para Ti y Corridos Canciones de Mi Tierra.

Un destacado acontecimiento que también se llevará a cabo el domingo será el Desfile Fiestas Patrias de las 4:00 p.m. a las 6:00 p.m. Más de 100 unidades se presentarán este año. El desfile de Fiestas Patrias marchara por la Calle Main hacia la zona centro de la ciudad y sobre la Civic Center. El tema del desfile este año es “Celebrando Nuestro Legado”.

Fiestas Patrias es producido por la Ciudad de Santa Ana. Para más información sobre el evento, visite www.santa-ana.org/events/fiestaspatrias o llame a la oficina de Eventos Especiales al (714) 571-4227.