..100 Million Allocated for Road Improvement Plan |
 The City has begun a $100 million public works project to repair and restore the condition of its residential streets throughout the city. $60 million of the $100 million comes from bond financing which will be repaid using gas tax revenue. The remaining $40 million is derived from funs that are restricted by law from transportation or road improvement use only. In addition to the $100 million program, $1.2 million in slurry seal repairs on 35 miles of residential streets was completed this past summer. This major road improvement project is an addition to the $225 million project to continue the Bristol Street Widening and the $35 million project for major arterial streets. Expert engineers were consulted and the most effective and environmentally friendly technologies for street repair were researched to create a comprehensive plan. The City will make every effort to minimize construction impacts by notifying residents of upcoming work.
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..City of Santa Ana Awarded Grant for Bike Trail Improvements
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The City was awarded a $1 million Bicycle Transportation Account Grant for Flower Street Bike Trail Improvement by Caltrans. This award was made possible thanks to Sandpointe Neighborhood’s letter of support and commitment to pledge $75,000 to match this grant. This fund will assist the city in the continuous improvements of the Flower Street Bike Trail from the SA Golden Loop Bike Trail to Sunflower Avenue and connecting to the City of Costa Mesa Bike Trail system. The City will also be able to install an asphalt trail along the existing flood control channel, plant vines on the adjacent block wall, landscape the flood channel, and install decorative fencing and irrigation system. Because of the joint endeavors of the City, the County, and the Sandpointe Park Neighborhood Association this effort was a great success. Santa Ana was the only city in Orange County to receive this grant, and the city received the greatest allotment. |
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| ..Santa Ana’s Efforts to Address Risk to Homeowners |
In the last six months the City of Santa Ana has employed a grassroots approach to deal with the crisis faced by many homeowners with adjustable rate sub-prime mortgages. The city has attempted to contact those most affected by this financial crisis and inform them of their options to salvage their homes. The following is a timeline of the city’s endeavors to address risk to homeowners with adjustable rate sub-prime mortgages:
- September 2007 Mayor Pulido and I convened a special meeting of Key advisors from the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, Fannie Mae, the US Federal Housing Administration, the financial services industry, First American Financial and other private sector groups with expertise in sub-prime lending. The key priorities identified included:
- Education and outreach to home owners.
- Adequately maintaining bank owned properties in cases where foreclosure occurs.
- Positioning Santa to participate in future discussions intended to address long term modifications to sub-prime mortgage loans by lenders.
- November 2007 US Conference of Mayors issues report and recommendations for nationwide efforts which mirror local efforts to date and provide opportunities for Santa Ana to participate in future initiatives which promote greater private sector involvement.
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Other News
 City of Santa Ana Experiences a Decrease in Crime |
The Santa Ana Police Department announces that it has experienced a continued decline in homicide, rape assaults, burglary, larceny, and auto theft. Crime rate reports indicate a 20% decrease over the last two years. Chief Paul M. Walters stated, “This continued decrease in crime is a tribute to the dedication and hard work the men and women of the Santa Ana Police department do on a daily basis, in partnership with our residents, community leaders, and business owners that make the safety and security of our community a top priority.
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Incentives to Encourage Solar Energy Projects |
The City is considering at waiving permit and inspection fees as a way to conserve energy by maximizing the use of solar energy in the City of Santa Ana. The City has processed few solar energy projects in recent years, but there is anticipation that the number will grow. The plan check and inspection services for passive solar water heater projects and solar electrical systems are respectively approximately $165 and $550. A new incentive program for solar energy projects would waive permit/inspection fees as an incentive. The City is seeking to promote sustainability in the light of climatic changes and increasing energy cost.
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4th Street Improvement Project |
The city has secured BID funds in the amount of 300,000 to finalize the 4th street improvement project. Additionally, the City has allocated CDBG funds to the project along with tax increments funds from the Community Redevelopment Agency. The project will include improvements to the water main, the streetscape, and the street. The water main originally constructed in 1910 will be replaced in order to eliminate the main breaks and leaks associated with the older water pipes. In addition, new landscaping, irrigation, decorative furnishings, and light fixtures will be installed. The existing pavement will be replaced and the streets will be repainted and restriped. The project began in January and will continue for 7-9 months. In order to minimize the disruption to businesses and their customer’s most major construction will take place at night between the hours of 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.
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Projects January 2008 |
Projects Completed
- Centennial Park and Thornton Park: Lake Aeration System; Completed July 2007
- Stadium Scoreboard and Marquee: Completed.
Projects Under/ Or Beginning Construction
- Santiago Wildlife and Watershed Center: Construction Underway with Completion in March 2008
- Cabrillo Tennis Center/ Relocation of Twist Basler House. Construction underway and anticipated relocation March 1, 2008.
Projects in Construction Document Stage
- Jerome Center Renovation: Contract Documents being prepared
- Santa Ana Zoo “Tierra De Las Pampas: Phase I”: Contract Documents and Capital Campaign underway.
Adopt a Park/Volunteer Projects
- Jerome Park Playground KaBOOM Volunteer Project. New playground installation on March 29.
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Tax Breaks for Working Families |
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is available to low and moderate income families. The EIC returns $43 billion to 23 million families, however it is one of the most underutilized programs.7,000 Santa Ana individuals and families who qualify for the EITC do not claim it. The EITC can provide a refund of up to $4,716.
2007 EITC Tax Year Limits |
Number of Qualifying Children |
Single |
Married |
2 or more |
$37,783 |
$39,748 |
1 |
$33,241 |
$35,241 |
0 |
$24,241 |
$14,590 |
The City of Santa Ana has partnered with the Legal Aid Society of Orange County, the OC United Way and a variety of other agencies to provide free tax assistance and financial education to eligible households. You may obtain free tax assistance if your income did not exceed $50,000 in 2007. Please call (888) 434-8248 for FREE TAX ASSISTANCE and information on local Community Tax Days scheduled in Santa Ana.
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Enterprise Zone Designation Approval |
On January 31, 2008 the State of California approved the City of Santa Ana’s application for a continued Enterprise Zone designation. The Santa Ana Enterprise Zone encompasses more than 7,100 acres of industrial and commercial land. Santa Ana is the only “Zone” in Orange County. Businesses already in the Zone can qualify for benefits, as well as new businesses relocating or expanding into Santa Ana's Enterprise Zone.
Some of the tax credits and benefits include:
- Firms can earn $37,4440 or more in state tax credits for each qualified employee hired.
- Corporations can earn sales tax credits on purchases of $20 million per year of qualified machinery and machinery parts.
- Lenders to zone businesses may receive a net interest deduction.
For more information contact Enterprise Zone Representative listed below.
Ray White
714-647-5384
rwhite@santa-ana.org.
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