In celebration of Mexican Independence Day, the City of Santa Ana has lit up the city’s water tower in green, white, and red!
Sept. 16th marks the day when, in 1810, Father Hidalgo gave a cry for independence, “El Grito de Dolores,” which led to an 11-year battle ultimately resulting in Mexico’s independence from Spain.
¡Feliz 16 de septiembre, y viva México! Acompáñanos a celebrar compartiendo lo que adoras de México. ¡Salud!
The California Apartment Association has launched an investigation into several rental assistance programs administered by agencies throughout Southern California.
Among CAA’s top concerns is Santa Ana, a city that still has $35 million out of $42 million in funding. By comparison, cities in the region like San Diego have disbursed 100% of their ERA1 funds through a successful partnership with CAA. Property owners throughout California have received zero income for over a year and continue to pay several housing-related expenses under the statewide eviction moratorium.
Relief funds were intended to offset this impact. But according to the data, local governments such as Santa Ana have been slow to distribute those funds. While CAA has identified serious issues with the program, it continues to encourage its members to have their tenants apply for relief through the city’s website.
An analysis of a public records request received on Aug. 31, 2021, shows that:
Take the CAA survey regarding the Santa Ana rental assistance program here.
APPLY NOW FOR EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE TO COVER 100% OF YOUR PAST-DUE RENT OWED SINCE APRIL 1, 20APPLY NOW FOR EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE TO COVER 100% OF YOUR PAST-DUE RENT OWED SINCE APRIL 1, 2020, FOR LOW-INCOME FAMILIES IMPACTED BY COVID-19. Applications are available at www.santa-ana.org/cares-for-tenants or can be requested directly from Latino Health Access at (657) 229-5450 or LHARent@latinohealthaccess.org.
The State of California’s eviction moratorium, AB 832, ends on September 30, 2021. AB 832 was passed to provide eviction protections for tenants that were economically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Tenants received eviction protection by doing the following:
In response to the end of AB 832, Latino Health Access will be having an informational workshop on AB 832 and the Santa Ana CARES for Tenants Program via Zoom. Join Latino Health Access for the informative workshop on September 22, 2021 at 6 p.m. The informational workshop will be in English and Spanish. Please see the Zoom details below:
Topic: Informative Workshop on AB 832 and the Santa Ana CARES for Tenants Program
Time: Sept. 22, 2021, 6:00 PM Pacific Time (the US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://usc.zoom.us/j/91356149339
Meeting ID: 913 5614 9339
One tap mobile
+16699006833,,91356149339# US (San Jose)
+13462487799,,91356149339# US (Houston)
Find your local number: https://usc.zoom.us/u/aZDpbNceS
The City continues to work with Latino Health Access to inform as many Santa Ana residents as possible about AB 832 and the City’s CARES for Tenants Program.
If you do not have a computer with internet access or need assistance submitting an application, please contact the Santa Ana Work Center at (714) 565-2600 or by email at saworkcenter@santa-ana.org to schedule an appointment. Assistance is available by appointment only. Applications can also be mailed to you with return postage paid.
FOR TENANTS FACING EVICTION – Apply now for emergency rental assistance at the link above or go to www.santa-ana.org/SAVES to learn more about the SAVES Program and submit a pre-application. Families at risk of eviction can also call 2-1-1 or go to https://santaana.211oc.org/ to start the application process today. Santa Ana residents impacted by COVID-19 who are behind on rent and facing eviction within 21 days can apply for up to 12 months’ rent (which includes up to six months’ past-due rent owed since April 1, 2020) and receive free legal and mediation services.
Asistencia de Emergencia para la Renta Está Disponible
Hỗ trợ cho thuê khẩn cấp có sẵn
Please join the OC Streetcar team in a virtual open house on Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at 6 p.m. to learn about construction activities, lane closures, parking restrictions and property access as track construction moves along Santa Ana Boulevard, from Bristol Street to Parton Street.
A brief presentation will be followed by a Q&A session. This meeting will be held in English and Spanish.
This meeting will be hosted through Zoom. If you have internet access, you can participate in the meeting online; if not, you can call 1-669-900-6833 (Meeting ID: 817 0171 7916#). Please contact us if you would like a hard copy of the presentation.
To join online, visit us02web.zoom.us/j/81701717916.
Recordings of the open house will be available on OCstreetcar.com. You can get more project information by visiting the website, emailing OCstreetcar@OCTA.net or calling (844) 746-6272.
OC Streetcar Virtual Open House 8 de Septiembre de 2021, 6 pm
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The Santa Ana City Council will meet on Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2021. Regular closed session begins at 5:00 p.m. and the regular open meeting at 5:45 p.m. (or immediately following the closed session meeting).
The City Council meets in the City Hall Council Chamber, 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana.
The meeting agenda includes:
City Council meetings now have both in-person attendance and virtual participation via Zoom.
Go here to see the agenda and to learn more about how to participate and comment.
To watch or listen:
Santa Ana City Hall will be closed on Monday, Sept. 6, 2021, in observance of Labor Day. There will be no street sweeping. Trash pickup will be delayed one day during the week of Sept. 6.
Please see the City Hall holiday and Friday closures schedule for more information: https://www.santa-ana.org/holiday-and-closed-friday-schedule.
To report issues such as street lights not working, downed trees, flooding, potholes, graffiti and more, download the mySantaAna app: https://www.santa-ana.org/residents/mysantaana-app.
El Ayuntamiento está cerrado, no hay barrido de calles el 6 de Septiembre
Translations: Español Tiếng Việt
For several months now, the City of Santa Ana has been aware of the fact the President of the Santa Ana Police Officers Association (SAPOA), Mr. Gerry Serrano, threatened to lead a vote of no-confidence against the Santa Ana Police Chief, David Valentin if he did not get what he wanted from the City. Indeed, Mr. Serrano stated that if he did not get what he wanted, he would “burn the City down” and bring this vote of no-confidence. This vote is his way of, “burning the City down”. Because this directly involves the police department and critically impacts public safety, the public must understand the outcome of this unwarranted vote is a result of the City holding Mr. Serrano, who is currently on paid administrative leave, accountable for his alleged actions, inappropriate influence and intimidation of City staff.
No police chief ever wants to be faced with a vote of no-confidence. It is a serious action meant to address significant deficiencies in the organization or in the Chief’s performance or leadership. That is absolutely not the case here. This vote is not based on actual legitimate reasons. Rather, it is a result of Mr. Serrano furthering his personal and political attack against the Chief.
The Chief, who has dedicated 31 years of his law enforcement career to the City, stated as follows in response to the outcome of this agenda-driven vote, “I will diligently and effectively continue to lead the dedicated women and men of this Department, in service to the 340,000 residents of Santa Ana. This unwarranted vote does not, and will not in any way, distract, disturb or deter me and the members of this Department from effectively delivering public safety services to the needs of the community we have been sworn to serve.”
Santa Ana Mayor Vicente Sarmiento stated, “Although I respect our officers’ opinions, and their right to collectively bargain for wages, benefits and workplace conditions, only the City Manager has the responsibility to decide who fills this essential public safety role. Police Chief Valentin has my full support and confidence. The community should rest assured that our police department will continue to operate professionally and ethically despite distractions that stem from a personal, rather than structural, problem.”
City Manager Kristine Ridge stated, “The Police Officers Association’s vote today is hardly an overwhelming display of opposition to Chief Valentin, but it is a sad day for the POA membership. It’s disappointing that the POA president’s desire for personal financial gain and use of misinformation have led to a vote that is not in the best interest of our police officers. I’m confident that in the future, the truth about these misstatements will come out. Furthermore, this vote is a union process that doesn’t result in any action by the City. I have complete faith in Chief Valentin’s leadership. I hope that we can move forward, heal the Santa Ana Police Department and focus on serving the residents of Santa Ana.”
The Santa Ana Police Officers Association voted to express No Confidence in SAPD Chief David Valentin today, by a vote of 157 – Confidence to 187 – No Confidence, according to one of our pajaritos.
As Valentin attested in a letter to his police officers today the war on him is being led by the head of the SAPOA, Gerry Serrano. While he has made up several beefs with Valentin the real issue is that Serrano wants to inflate his retirement pension, by any means necessary.
Valentin recently placed Serrano on paid administrative leave.
Today’s vote is meaningless as Serrano no longer owns the Santa Ana Mayor or the Santa Ana City Council. He is to blame for that in part as his political machinations backfired over the past few years. He targeted the two most conservative members of the City Council – Ceci Iglesias and Juan Villegas, recalling one and defeating the other. But they were replaced by young liberals Jessie Lopez and Johnathan Ryan Hernandez. Neither of them are fans of Serrano or the police.
Serrano also bet on the wrong candidate for Mayor as the former Mayor, Miguel Pulido, termed out. The current Mayor, Vince Sarmiento, is also no fan of Serrano.
Sources tell us that the FBI is looking into the shenanigans at the SAPOA.
Here is a video about Chief Valentin, who grew up here in Santa Ana and is a class act:
The City of Santa Ana is extending the deadline for submittal of nominations for the 2021 Historic Preservation Awards. The Historic Preservation Awards are intended to recognize outstanding historic rehabilitation and restoration projects, as well as efforts that have furthered the cause of historic preservation in the City.
Award recipients will be honored by both the Historic Resources Commission and the Santa Ana City Council. In addition, those selected will receive a plaque commemorating their contribution to the City and to preserving Santa Ana’s historic resources.
Nominations will now be accepted until Thursday, September 30, 2021 at 4:00 p.m., and may be made by any member of the public. Details regarding eligibility for this award are included with the nomination form on the City’s website (https://www.santa-ana.org/pb/planning-division/historic-preservation), and based on the following selection criteria:
Applications can be submitted online or in person in person at the public Planning Counter, located on the first floor of the City Hall Ross Annex at 20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92702.
For more information, contact: Pedro Gomez, Associate Planner at (714) 667-2790.
La fecha límite para premios de preservación histórica se extendió
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The Revive Santa Ana 5K Run is taking place on Saturday, October 23, 2021. Registration is free and open to runners and walkers of all ages and fitness levels. Register today.
For additional event information, please visit: https://www.santa-ana.org/SA5krun
Plaques will be presented to the top 3 finishers in the male and female categories and medals will be provided to all finishers while supplies last.
For more information on the Revive Santa Ana 5K Run, contact the City of Santa Ana Special Events Office at specialevents@santa-ana.org or call (714) 571-4227.
Registro de la Carrera de 5K ya Está Abierto
Đăng ký cuộc đua Santa Ana 5K hiện đã mở
The City of Santa Ana Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Sept. 13, 2021, to discuss and receive comments from the community about the Draft General Plan Update and Recirculated Environmental Impact Report.
The City’s Planning and Building Agency led public outreach including community forums and surveys to assess what issues were most important to residents, such as what kind of housing and development should be encouraged; what type of road improvements and transportation options we need; and how important parks are.
The City’s General Plan is the blueprint for future policy changes, meaning that it sets long-range planning policies that reflect the aspirations and values of residents, landowners, businesses, and organizations within the community. Now it is time to complete the General Plan update process, and the City of Santa Ana is once again seeking your input and participation.
On Sept. 13, 2021, the Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the Recirculated Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Comprehensive General Plan Update. It will also have a study session on the Draft General Plan elements.
By State law, the General Plan must address seven topic areas, called “elements.” The mandatory draft elements are land use, transportation, open space, conservation, housing, safety, and noise. The City prepared additional “optional” elements, which reflect local issues. Although the City did not prepare an environmental justice element, policies and programs have been incorporated throughout the elements.
Additional information related to the project can be found at www.santa-ana.org/general-plan.
Meeting Details: Monday, September 13, 2021, at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, located at 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701. Members of the public may attend this meeting in-person or join via Zoom. For the most up-to-date information on how to participate virtually in this meeting, please visit www.santa-ana.org/pb/meeting-particpation.
Written Comments: If you are unable to participate in the virtual meeting, you may send written comments by e-mail to PBAeComments@santa-ana.org (reference the Agenda Item # in the subject line) or mail to Sarah Bernal, Recording Secretary, City of Santa Ana, 20 Civic Center Plaza – M20, Santa Ana, CA 92701. Deadline to submit written comments is 4:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting. Comments received after the deadline may not be distributed to the Commission but will be made part of the record.
If you require translation services to participate in this meeting, please contact Sarah Bernal at sbernal@santa-ana.org no later than 48 hours prior to the scheduled meeting.
If you cannot attend this hearing, join us at one of the following upcoming scheduled public hearings:
For more information, contact Melanie McCann with the Planning and Building Agency at mmccann@santa-ana.org or call (714) 667-2781.
Translations:
Audiencia Pública sobre la Actualización del Plan General
Điều trần Công khai về Kế hoạch Chung
The Santa Ana City Council is seeking Santa Ana residents interested in serving on the following Boards and Commissions that have vacancies and expired terms.
Please visit our website at santa-ana.primegov.com/public/committees to apply and for more information.
The City of Santa Ana encourages residents to become involved in your community. One way to do so is to serve in an advisory capacity on one of the City’s various boards and commissions. The City accepts applications on an on-going basis and keeps them active for a two-year period.
Members may serve for a term of four (4) years, with a maximum of three (3) full terms and until their respective successors are appointed and qualified. The terms run concurrent with the duration of the appointing City Council member. The Mayoral representatives serve for two (2) years, up to four (4) consecutive terms.
Please visit our website at santa-ana.primegov.com/public/committees to apply and view specific qualifications, membership and/or vacancy information for the various boards and commissions. For any questions please contact the Clerk of the Council by email at cityclerk@santa-ana.org or by calling (714) 647-6520.
SANTA ANA, Calif. – The Santa Ana City Council this week approved agreements to provide childcare services at two community centers and conduct a feasibility study on creating a municipal public health agency.
These are two of the first programs to move forward under the Revive Santa Ana pandemic recovery initiative.
Revive Santa Ana, which is funded by the federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA), is designed to provide short-term financial and health assistance as well as address long-term health, education, youth and other service needs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In July, the City Council approved a spending plan for the first, $80 million phase of the initiative.
On Tuesday, Aug. 17, the City Council authorized the City Manager to execute a facilities use agreement with Training and Research Foundation to operate childcare centers at Corbin Community Center and El Salvador Community Center, through Aug. 31, 2026. This program fits into one of the City Council’s priorities in Revive Santa Ana of providing more early childhood education opportunities for Santa Ana families.
The City Council also authorized the City Manager to execute an agreement with Health Management Associates, Inc. to provide feasibility and fiscal evaluation services for a municipal public health agency, for a total project cost not to exceed $200,000. The Council included this in Revive Santa Ana in order to explore whether the City of Santa Ana could create its own health agency and not have to depend on the Orange County Health Care Agency for services such as COVID-19 testing and vaccination.
Childcare Centers
The Training and Research Foundation (TRF) is a non-profit organization that serves low-income preschool children and families by providing school readiness services that include education, health and nutrition. The childcare that TRF provides is crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic for parents who need to return to the workforce.
The agreement between the City and TRF offers the usage of the Corbin and El Salvador community centers for a wide variety of services. TRF will provide services to children up to age 3 who are Santa Ana residents, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. TRF will be able to serve 65 to 75 infants and toddlers based on this agreement, with class sizes consisting of 6 to 12 infants or toddlers.
Eligibility for these services will be done through applications reviewed by TRF, which will determine the criteria of need for services of Santa Ana residents. A proper recruitment process will also be done by TRF, which will include a community information session and the creation of a waiting list for interested family members.
Health Agency Study
The COVID-19 pandemic has raised community and public awareness of the importance of public health agencies. This unprecedented pandemic has also raised the expectations for public health departments to address substantial local health inequities amongst jurisdictions in Orange County.
The City of Santa Ana, like many other California jurisdictions, is considering whether the current public health delivery structure is meeting the needs of its residents. Currently, the County of Orange provides all public health services to County residents, including Santa Ana.
Under California law, municipalities have responsibilities for public health functions, but they can transfer this authority to counties. Most communities have chosen to do this due to the extent of the duty, required infrastructure, and associated expenses. Four California cities have their own health departments: Pasadena, Long Beach, Vernon and Berkeley.
The feasibility and fiscal evaluation for a municipal health agency for the City of Santa Ana is expected to be completed in about eight months and will be presented to the City Council.
More information on the childcare program and the results of the study will be on the Revive Santa Ana webpage when available.
Would you like to shape the future of housing in Santa Ana? Complete the Santa Ana Housing Element Survey!
The City of Santa Ana is in the process of updating its long-range housing plan, called the Housing Element, and needs your feedback. Please take our community survey and share your thoughts on how the City can address housing needs for all Santa Ana residents. The survey is available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese, and will be open until Thursday, September 9, 2021.
Your input is critical to developing a housing plan that addresses the community’s needs, values, and preferences. To complete the survey and for additional information on the General Plan Housing Element process, please visit www.santa-ana.org/housing-element-update-2021.
Paper copies of the survey are available upon request. For additional information, you can contact the Planning Division by phone at (714) 667-2781 or by email at SAHousingElement2021@santa-ana.org.
Santa Ana City Manager Kristine Ridge has announced that she will require City employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to better protect staff and members of the public against the virus.
“Santa Ana has the highest case rate in Orange County, and more than 800 Santa Ana residents have died from this disease,” City Manager Ridge said. “With case numbers rising again, almost entirely among the unvaccinated, it’s essential that we as a City lead the way and do everything we can to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among our employees and in our community.”
This decision reflects similar policy changes in both the public and private sectors across the country in response to the pandemic and follows public health officials’ recommendations.
City employees who are unable to get vaccinated for health or religious reasons will be provided reasonable accommodations, such as regular COVID-19 testing. Unvaccinated City employees are already required to wear facemasks while at work and vaccinated employees are encouraged to wear masks when in close proximity to others indoors.
The City Manager will discuss this policy change with employee labor groups before it goes into effect.
From the outset of the pandemic, the City of Santa Ana has made employee and public safety paramount. Last year, the City began requiring the use of masks at City facilities and checking temperatures of anyone entering municipal buildings. The City installed protective Plexiglas shields at workspaces and public counters, increased sanitization and cleaning, installed air purification systems, made more services available online, and began having virtual meetings and events.
About Santa Ana
Santa Ana is downtown for the world famous Orange County, California. It is the County Seat, the second-most populous city in Orange County, and is home to a vibrant evening scene and arts community. 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 www.santa-ana.org.
Vacunación contra COVID-19 para los Empleados de la Ciudad
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