Santa Ana's top news & views blog

Santa Ana's top news & views blog

Category Archives: Parks and Recreation

Flatten the COVID-19 curve at Santa Ana’s Parks

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Even in parks and open spaces, it’s essential to take precautions to protect yourself and others from the COVID-19 virus. Everyone should do their part to flatten the infection curve.

  • Maintain social distance of 6 feet or more when walking, hiking, jogging or biking.
  • Don’t shake hands, give hugs or touch your face.
  • Use soap & hand sanitizer.
  • Don’t congregate in groups.
  • Cover mouth when coughing/sneezing with a tissue or your elbow. Stay home if you’re sick.
  • Don’t get in close contact with sick people.

For video updates from Mayor Miguel A. Pulido, the latest on City of Santa Ana services, and other resources and information about COVID-19, go to the City website at www.santa-ana.org/covid19.

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Incluso en parques y espacios abiertos, es esencial tomar precauciones para protegerse y proteger a otros del virus COVID-19. Todos deben hacer su parte para aplanar la curva de infección.

• Mantenga distanciamiento social de 6 pies o más cuando camine, trote y ande en bicicleta.

• No salude con su mano o de abrazos. No se toque la cara.

• Use jabón y desinfectantes para sus manos.

• No se congregue en grupos.

• Cubra su boca al toser/estornudar con un pañuelo o su codo. Quédese en casa si está enfermo/a.

• No se acerque a personas enfermas.

Para ver las actualizaciones en video del Alcalde Miguel A. Pulido, lo último sobre los servicios de la Ciudad de Santa Ana, y otros recursos e información sobre el COVID-19, visite el sitio web de la Ciudad en www.santa-ana.org/covid19.

Parking lots and exercise zones closed at Santa Ana’s parks

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The City of Santa Ana today closed some parking lots and exercise zones at local parks to prevent people from gathering during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Additionally, the River View Golf Course has been closed until further notice.

The parking lot gates have been closed at the following parks:
• Cabrillo
• Cesar Chavez
• Memorial
• Jerome Park (north gate)
• Santa Ana Zoo (at Prentice Park)

These steps follow previous closures of skate parks, community centers, the Zoo, libraries, the Cabrillo Tennis Center, Santa Ana Stadium and senior centers. All Parks and Recreation programs and reservations, except for the take-out senior meal program, have been canceled.

Santa Ana’s outdoor, unenclosed park areas remain open to the public, but everyone should avoid group sports and gatherings and stay at least 6 feet away from others.

For video updates from Mayor Miguel A. Pulido, the latest on City of Santa Ana services, and other resources and information about COVID-19, go to the City website at www.santa-ana.org/covid19.

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La Ciudad de Santa Ana cerró hoy algunos estacionamientos y zonas de ejercicio en los parques locales para evitar que las personas se reúnan durante la pandemia de COVID-19.

Además, el campo de golf River View ha sido cerrado hasta nuevo aviso.

Las puertas de estacionamiento se han cerrado en los siguientes parques:
• Cabrillo
• Cesar Chavez
• Memorial
• Parque Jerome (la puerta norte)
• Zoológico de Santa Ana (en el Parque Prentice)

Estos pasos siguen los cierres anteriores de los parques de patinaje, centros comunitarios, el zoológico, las bibliotecas, el centro de tenis Cabrillo, el estadio de Santa Ana y los centros para personas de la tercera edad. Todos los programas y reservaciones de Parques y Recreación han sido cancelados, excepto el programa de comida para llevar para personas mayores.

Las áreas de parque no cerradas y al aire libre de Santa Ana permanecen abiertas al público, pero todos deben evitar los deportes grupales y las reuniones y mantenerse al menos a 6 pies de distancia de los demás.

Para ver las actualizaciones en video del Alcalde Miguel A. Pulido, lo último sobre los servicios de la Ciudad de Santa Ana, y otros recursos e información sobre el COVID-19, visite el sitio web de la Ciudad en https://www.santa-ana.org/covid19.

The City of Santa Ana is closing the skate parks due to COVID-19

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All skate parks operated by the City of Santa Ana will be temporarily closed to the public beginning on Wednesday, March 25, to fight the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus).

The California State Public Health Officer has ordered all individuals living in California to stay home except when going out for necessities such as buying food, medicine and gas and going to work at certain essential jobs.

City of Santa Ana parks remain open for public use and people may still go outside to exercise, but people should avoid gathering in groups and practice social distancing, as required by the State and County health agencies.

City Hall and all municipal buildings, including libraries and community centers, are closed to the public. The City is continuing to provide essential services, including Police and Fire emergency services, road repairs, street sweeping and trash collection.

For more information and updates about City services and COVID-19, please visit www.santa-ana.org/covid19.

Orange County to close parking lots at beaches and parks due to COVID-19

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Today, the Orange County Board of Supervisors, in order to maintain consistency with coastal cities, directed staff to close parking lots at County beaches and parks, while ensuring access for restaurants and beachfront businesses. The OC Parks Service confirmed that they were planning on having the parking lots closed by daylight on the morning of Wednesday, March 25th. The direction was provided during an update on COVID-19 at the Board of Supervisors meeting.

“We want our residents to go out and enjoy the fresh air, and therefore our county beaches and parks will not be closed,” said Chairwoman Michelle Steel. “In order to limit the number of crowds gathering at beaches and public parks in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak, the county has directed the closure of all parking lots for beaches and parks. This action will act as a deterrent against large groups congregating. While enjoying ourselves at our beaches and parks we should also remember to be practicing social distancing in order to reduce the risk of exposure to this virus,” added Chairwoman Steel.

First elected to the Orange County Board of Supervisors in 2014, Michelle Steel represents the residents of the Second District, which includes, Costa Mesa, Cypress, Huntington Beach, La Palma, Los Alamitos, Newport Beach, Seal Beach, Stanton, the unincorporated area of Rossmoor, and portions of Buena Park and Fountain Valley. Steel, a successful businesswoman and renowned taxpayer advocate, previously served as Vice Chair of the State Board of Equalization where she represented more than eight million people in Southern California, including all of Orange County, as one of the state’s 12 constitutional officers.

The City of Santa Ana closes the Libraries, Community Centers and Zoo in response to COVID-19

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The City of Santa Ana took further action today to address the growing threat of COVID-19 (coronavirus), closing all libraries, community centers, recreation facilities and the Santa Ana Zoo and canceling related programs and services, City Manager Kristine Ridge announced.

The City additionally is expanding upon its decision last week to cancel City-sponsored events of 250 or more people to now include gatherings of 50 or more indefinitely, in accordance with new guidance announced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. City Manager Ridge also is restricting the ability of outside groups to obtain permits for hosting gatherings in excess of 50 or more attendees. Restrictions are also in place for general public access to police and fire facilities.

The City previously closed the Santa Ana Senior Center and canceled adult recreation classes in order to protect those most at risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Those who rely on the senior meals program will be able to pick up frozen to-go meals. In addition, the City implemented enhanced cleaning measures at all City facilities.

“I am in communication with the governor and other California mayors to ensure that we have a coordinated effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19,” Mayor Miguel Pulido said. “The measures we have put in place in Santa Ana will help protect the public health while we continue to provide essential services to the community.”

On Tuesday, March 17, the City Council will meet in closed session to discuss public safety impacts related to COVID-19. During the Council’s open meeting, they will consider other possible actions, including Declaration of an Emergency, which may further expand closure of non-essential services and actions to alleviate financial hardships for our community due to business interruptions.

Please go to www.santa-ana.org/coronavirus for updates, links to updates from local school districts and other agencies, health resources and more. Details about City services impacted by the closures and cancelations are below.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The Santa Ana City Council will meet on Tuesday, March 17, but the City is encouraging the public to watch the meeting on television or online instead of attending in person. The meetings are broadcast live on Spectrum TV Channel 3 and AT&T U-verse Channel 99 and livestreamed at www.santa-ana.org/cc/city-meetings. Members of the public who wish to comment on matters before the council, instead of doing so in person, may submit comments by emailing ecomment@santa-ana.org. The comments will be provided to the City Council as part of the meeting record and will be uploaded to the City’s website.

SANTA ANA SENIOR CENTER
The Santa Ana Senior Center is closed and adult recreation classes have been canceled. Beginning on Tuesday, March 17, seniors will be able to pick up frozen to-go meals at the Senior Center provided by Meals on Wheels. The Senior Center is located at 424 W. 3rd St. and can be reached at (714) 647-6540.

COMMUNITY/RECREATION CENTERS
All community centers, recreation centers and sports facilities have been closed, and all classes and activities have been canceled. Existing field reservations at City facilities will be honored, but the City is requesting that organizers cancel their activities. For more information, call the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Agency at (714) 571-4224. The closed locations include:
• Corbin Center, 2215 W. McFadden Ave.
• El Salvador Community Center, 1825 Civic Center Drive.
• Jerome Park Recreation Center, 726 S. Center St.
• Logan Recreation Center, 1009 N. Cluster St.
• Memorial Recreation Center, 2102 S. Flower St.
• Salgado Recreation Center, 706 N. New Hope St.
• Santa Anita Recreation Center, 300 S. Figueroa St.
• Garfield Center, 501 N. Lacy St.
• Roosevelt/Walker Community Center, 816 E. Chestnut Ave.
• Nature Center, 2535 N. Main St.
• Santa Ana Zoo, 1801 E. Chestnut Ave.

LIBRARIES
The Main Library and the Newhope Library have been closed and all programs and classes have been canceled. For information, call the Main Library at (714) 647- 5250. For digital books and other eLibrary services, go to www.santa-ana.org/library/elibrary.

POLICE DEPARTMENT
The Santa Ana Police Department front lobby, Santa Ana Family Justice Center and the Santa Ana Jail front lobby will be closed until further notice.

FIRE STATIONS
The Orange County Fire Authority, which provides fire and emergency services to Santa Ana, announced that it has closed all fire stations to the public for non-emergency matters. The fire stations are still staffed and available for all emergency needs.

Cierres de los Vestíbulos Delanteros de Santa Ana PD y Cárcel y El Centro de Justicia Familiar de Santa Ana

Por extrema abundancia de cautela y siguiendo las medidas establecidas por los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades y la Agencia de Salud del Condado de Orange, el vestíbulo delantero del Departamento de Policía de Santa Ana, El Centro de Justicia Familiar de Santa Ana, junto con el vestíbulo frontal de la cárcel de Santa Ana, permanecerán cerrados hasta nuevo aviso para minimizar la exposición a COVID-19.

La seguridad de NUESTRA comunidad es nuestra máxima prioridad y estos cierres no tendrán ningún impacto en nuestra capacidad para proporcionar servicios de vigilancia.

NÚMEROS DE TELÉFONO IMPORTANTES PARA RECORDAR

Línea de no emergencia
(714) 245-8049

Centro de Justicia Familiar de Santa Ana
(714) 245-8278

Le agradecemos su paciencia y comprensión durante este tiempo. Manténgase atento y conectado para recibir actualizaciones.

Volunteers sought for tree planting at Thornton Park this Saturday

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Volunteers are needed for a People and Trees tree planting event this Saturday, Feb. 29, at Thornton Park.

The tree planting will take place 9-11 a.m. at Thornton Park, 1801 W. Segerstrom Ave.

Pre-registration is encouraged via email to PeopleAndTreesOC@gmail.com or by joining the event page.

Volunteers will plant 17 ferns and will be given guidance on how to plant the trees. Please wear comfortable outdoor work clothing, closed-toe shoes, a jacket and a hat.

The City of Santa Ana’s Parks, Recreation and Community Services Agency is partnering with nonprofit group People and Trees and the OC Interfaith Coalition for the Environment for the park beautification activity.

The City of Santa Ana has been awarded $5.2M to build two new parks

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SANTA ANA, CA – The City of Santa Ana has received $5.2 million in state grants for the construction of two new parks on currently vacant land.

One grant provides $3.6 million to develop a 0.75-acre park on the northwest corner of Standard and McFadden avenues. The second grant, for $1.6 million, will help fund a 1.9-acre park at the northeast corner of Raitt and Myrtle streets.

The funding is part of $254.9 million in grants announced today by the California Department of Parks and Recreation’s Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Grant Program. The grants are funded by Proposition 68, the California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection, and Outdoor Access for All Act of 2018.

The park at Standard and McFadden will include a skate area, exercise area, playground, walking loop, open space and basketball court. The project also has a river-rock bio swale, picnic area, and landscaping and lighting throughout the park. The total cost is $4 million, with the remaining $400,000 to be paid through City funds.

The Raitt and Myrtle park will have a skate area, exercise area, tot lot, butterfly interpretive garden, walking loop, open space and restroom. The project additionally includes drought tolerant landscaping, a river-rock bio swale and a picnic area. The park’s total cost is $4 million, the remainder of which will be funded by an almost $2.4 million North OC Watershed Management Area grant.

The Park Development grants require completion of both parks within two years.

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

Santa Ana welcomes a new Library Services Director from Rancho Cucamonga

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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.