Santa Ana City Council plans summer events with movies and public initiatives

Santa Ana City Council convened on June 3, 2025, to discuss several community-focused initiatives and events aimed at enhancing local engagement and services. One of the key highlights was the announcement of extended hours at the Santa Ana Zoo, which will remain open until 8 PM on weekends and select Wednesdays in July. This initiative aims to provide families with more opportunities to enjoy the zoo during the summer months.

In addition, the council opened applications for food vendors and exhibitors for upcoming city events, including the Fourth of July celebration and the Chicano Heritage Festival. Local businesses are encouraged to participate, fostering community involvement and support for local enterprises.

Mayor Pro Tem Vasquez expressed enthusiasm for the recent approval of the transit zoning code, which is expected to contribute to a cleaner and safer environment for families in the Logan and Lacey neighborhoods. He also highlighted the summer movie series, with "Inside Out" scheduled for June 27 at Jerome Park, and reminded residents about the Santa Ana Unified School District's free breakfast and lunch program for children aged 1 to 18, running from June 6 to July 20.

Council Member Lopez invited the community to a family movie night featuring "Despicable Me 4" on June 13 at Santiago Park, and announced the groundbreaking for the Bristol Tolliver Street urban greening project on June 16. This project aims to enhance green spaces in areas lacking such facilities, reflecting the council's commitment to improving community infrastructure.

Councilman Hernandez emphasized the importance of housing resources, announcing a free housing expo on June 7 at Santa Ana College, which will provide information on fair housing and home-buying assistance. He also mentioned the upcoming Juneteenth celebration at Centennial Park on June 14, marking a significant cultural event for the community.

The meeting concluded with a call for public participation in the Chicano Heritage Festival, encouraging residents to sign up their vehicles for the car show and to apply as vendors. These initiatives reflect the city council's ongoing efforts to engage the community and promote local culture and services.