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DTSA
  • Home
  • About
    • About DTSA
    • Downtown Inc.
    • Meetings
    • 2020 Annual Report
    • 2021 Highlights Report
    • Clean & Safe Program
  • Guide
    • Restaurants
    • Shopping
    • Professional Services
    • Virtual Walking Tour
    • Historic District Tour
  • Events
    • Artwalk
    • Butterfly Project
    • Savor Santa Ana
    • Calendar
    • Movies
  • News/Media
    • Newsletter
    • DTSA News
    • Photos
    • Videos
  • Getting Here
  • Contact

DTSA NEWS

Main Street Upgraded to Become Faster, Safer and Greener?

9/10/2020

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Main Street is a major thoroughfare bisecting our downtown. And soon, our main drag will be an astounding 15% faster to travel on, six million tons greener and part of an arsenal of engineering solutions aimed at making our downtown safer for many forms of transportation.

It sounds too good to be true but this sudden boost is because of lots of invested dollars and time by a multi-agency partnership to produce the Main Street Regional Traffic Signal Synchronization Project.
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The project is expected to begin this month and anticipated to be completed by December 2020. This project is in partnership with the Orange County Transportation Authority to improve and update the traffic signals along the main street corridor from Taft Ave., in the City of Orange, through the City of Santa Ana to Culver Drive, in the City of Irvine. This $4,663,729 project will provide new equipment, like traffic signals cables and other infrastructure, along with a software upgrade of the Traffic Management Center.
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We hope the synchronization will make Main Street safer in addition to the travel time and greenhouse gas-reducing benefits. Recently, a personal injury law firm in that works all over Orange County, collaborated with 1Point21 Interactive, a data visualization company, to inform the public of the 100 most dangerous intersections in Orange County. Four of these intersections are located in Santa Ana and two are in the downtown area along Main Street!

Aitken*Aitken*Cohen analyzed traffic patterns from the California Highway Patrols Statewide Integrated Traffic Reporting System from 2010 to 2019 to come up with a Crash Risk Index (CRI). The CRI weighs the volume of collisions and the severity of the injuries of the collisions. During the 2010 -2019 time period there were 60,000 traffic collisions that resulted in 55,891 injuries and 328 deaths.    
Fortunately for us, we don’t top the list of OC's Most Dangerous Intersections, but we are on it:

  • Ranked #42: 1st St. and Main St.
    • 31 crashes
    • 46 minor/moderate injuries
      ​
  • Ranked #69: Civic Center Drive and Main street
    • 32 crashes
    • 39 minor/moderate injuries
    • 7 serious injuries

We look forward to the coming changes on Main Street and until then, be extra cautious at the above listed intersections.

Story by Abraham Gomez
Photos provided by OCTA, Google Maps

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Santa Ana Businesses Reduce Waste for Climate Change

8/27/2020

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Downtown Businesses are Reducing and Diverting Food Waste and Recycling
Downtown Santa Ana businesses are always looking for ways to support our customers and our planet.

​Recently, some of your favorite downtown restaurants started recycling and diverting food waste to help avoid decomposition in landfills, which leads to greenhouse gasses like methane and carbon dioxide polluting our air and causing climate change.

51% of the waste in California restaurants is food waste, which decomposes into methane, a gas that is more harmful for the atmosphere than carbon dioxide. To help solve this problem, the City of Santa Ana is encouraging businesses to join the Santa Ana Recycle program. This is an effort to facilitate the transition to using recycle and organic containers to reduce the amount of landfill waste.
The guiding principles of this program were set forth by the State of California making recycling mandatory with Measure AB 341. This will require businesses that generate four cubic yards or more of waste per week to have a recycling service. The service can be a combination of reused, recycled or composted items and can be done by self-haul, subscribing to a hauler service, arranging a pickup of the recycled materials, or subscribing to a recycling service that may include mixed waste processing that yields diversion results comparable to source separation.
Businesses in Downtown Santa Ana are already joining the Santa Ana Recycle program:

  • El Rincon Mexicano – The owner, Martin Ocampo incorporated organic recycling in hopes of helping the community.
  • The Den Café - Nicole Walcott, a Den Café partner, mentioned that the recycling program has made their waste disposal cheaper and because of it their weekly waste pick-up has decreased. The Den Café  has served the Santa Ana community since 1994.

Beyond Downtown:
  • El Carbonero –Owner, Maria Ramirez, admits that the idea of recycling and coming up with a plan was difficult for her. With help and training from the recycling program, Maria was able to create and implement a plan within a month.
  • Irvine Pipe and Supply - They used to send 100% of their waste to the landfill. After signing up to the recycle program, they are now recycling 70% of their waste. And it was as easy as having one, two, three, four recycle bins in their yard.
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Now it’s your turn! The City of Santa Ana Recycle program is currently working with different businesses in efforts to transition them towards this mandatory community change. To join the lead to recycle and sign up for the program call (714) 780-2700 or email santaanarecycles@santa-ana.org.

Check out this training video to see how these businesses are Joining the Lead to Recycle!

Story by Abraham Gomez
Photos from the Santa Ana Recycles Video 

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Downtown Santa Ana Kid Friendly Menu Guide

8/4/2020

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Have you ever struggled to find a restaurant that you can take your young children to? Look no further! Downtown Santa Ana is the perfect place for all kinds of families! Whether you need a quick bite to eat in the afternoon, or you’re taking the family out for a weekend dinner, DTSA provides a family-friendly environment for everyone. We’ve compiled a list of great options so you can easily navigate DTSA. All of these restaurants are currently open for takeout, with adjusted hours of operation. 
​

Starting at 4th Street Market, the local hub for foodies, there are so many places to bring young kids. Their patio has been newly renovated, providing a safe and clean place for families to enjoy some good food.

Mar
4th Street Market is home to Mar, a latin-asian fusion seafood restaurant. Mar offers items like Poke, ceviche, shrimp tacos for you to enjoy, as well as a rather broad kids menu. The kids menu includes popcorn shrimp, chicken nuggets, corn dogs, a cheese quesadilla, and a kids teriyaki bowl. All options except for the teriyaki bowl come with your choice of fries or tater tots. Mar will be sure to satisfy your seafood craving, as well as give children a wide variety of options they’ll love! Mar is the perfect place for any picky eater! Each meal ranges from $4 to $6. Check out their menu on their website.
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Photo from @eatmardtsa
Deli Station
Sandwich fans rejoice! Deli Station in 4th Street Market is also an excellent choice for families. Deli Station is home to classics such as the turkey club or the Cuban, as well as specialties such as the ribeye philly cheesesteak. The Kids menu consists of grilled cheese with fries and a grilled ham and cheese Sandwich. Special combos include half a sandwich with chicken noodle soup or salad and a drink. The kids meals are $5 and $6. Check our their menu on their website.

Burritos La Palmas
Burritos La Palmas is not new to Santa Ana, but they are brand new to 4th Street Market! Although they don’t have a specific kids menu, their menu offers items that are quite popular with children. It includes items such as cheese quesadillas and bean and cheese burritos. Burritos La Palma is known for the amazing quality they provide, which even kids can enjoy! Check out the menu here.

​
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Photo from @burritoslapalma
Outside of 4th Street Market, DTSA offers a wide variety of food. From Asian cuisine to Mexican cuisine, any family can find amazing spots to enjoy good food. 

Las Cazuelas
​
Las Casuelas serves delicious Mexican food and is a great place to bring the family! Not only do they have amazing food, they have Kids Meals that come with rice and beans or fries. Kids can choose carne asada, a cheese quesadilla, a bean and cheese burrito, chicken nuggets, or a cheeseburger! Find out more details here.
​

Jugos Acapulco
Jugos Acapulco is a popular Mexican spot with a great menu for all ages! Any picky eater can’t go wrong with their kids menu. It includes a ham and cheese sandwich or cheese quesadillas, paired with fresh fruit and a refreshing beverage. Their website has a full menu, including the options for kids!

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Photo from Judos Acapulco
Ramen Tokudai
Ramen Tokudai is a hot spot in Santa Ana, known for their delicious ramen. Their kids menu has a lot to offer! Kids have the option to choose ramen, beef gyudon, katsudon, chicken teriyaki, or karaage bowl. They also have boba drinks that are not caffeinated. The taro, coconut, and honeydew flavors are really popular with kids! The kids options are $7.50. Check out their menu here.
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Photo from @ramentokudai
Downtown Santa Ana welcomes families to enjoy and experience all that the community has to offer. Finding a place that is kid-friendly is really easy to find, especially in a community that values family and good food!
Story by Breanna Policar
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A Plaza Outside the Plaza

8/3/2020

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Editor's Note: After watching a recent Latino Urbanism webinar entitled "Plaza Talk: Race and Place,"our intern, Abraham Gomez shared his thoughts on the meaning of "The Plaza" in Latino culture, in his parent's hometowns and in his own experience growing up in Santa Ana.
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El Granjenal is a little town in Michoacán where my mother’s story began. For as long as I can remember my family has returned to take part in this little town's December festivities. From the soccer tournament against the rival towns in La Plaza de Toros, to the nightly gatherings in a neighbor's front yard, the festivities are always centered around a space submerged with food, music, and people.

​In El Granjenal, the space is not officially a plaza, it is just some benches, common space, and people enjoying each other’s company. The church’s plaza was where all traditional events were held, and its small “placita” was used more as a social gathering ground. Apart from the “typical” plaza experience, there is an “afterlife” where younger crowds gather around nightly fogatas and enjoy the booming Banda playing music around them.
​
Whereas, in my father’s hometown of Ocotlan, Jalisco, the plaza is the center of the town. This plaza is a place where you are likely to end up after a Saturday morning of shopping in the tiangis or a Sunday afternoon walk after picking up some ice cream. It is the place to be.

Though they are all very different, these spaces brought me joy and a sense of belonging. But it seems to me that the plaza in Ocotlan was built for the community, and in El Granjenal the sense of community was what made them plazas.
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Clockwise: Church Plaza in El Granjenal (Fernando Lopez),
​Plaza in Ocotlan (Abraham Gomez), Placita in El Granjenal (Jessica Lopez)
In Santa Ana, the plaza is everywhere: from the hot Saturday afternoons around my dad’s grill to the Easter Sunday gatherings at Mile Square Park. Each gathering has a different sense of the plaza in them. Decembers not spent in Mexico were spent in a local aunt’s house. Christmas and New Year’s gatherings were always spent with the people we love, like most people usually do. In addition to holidays together, we had a baseball game-on-Memorial-Day tradition. We would get together on a Memorial Day, when most of my family was off and go to Morrison Park, where people that lived in the neighborhood could join in on action. The “carne asadas” -- communal meat cook-outs -- that my dad would randomly suggest were spontaneous plazas for bonding with our neighbors. He would call our neighbor and it would sometimes turn in to a potluck dinner even though it was last minute. The afternoon would be spent updating on each other lives including the occasional neighborhood chisme. The times spent in these different places made up the plaza space that we were missing.                  ​
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Fiesta Plaza, Downtown Santa Ana (2002)
​photo from the Santa Ana History Room
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Calle Cuatro Plaza, Downtown Santa Ana (2018)
​photo from Santa Ana Business Council
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"DTSA First Saturday Artwalk," Artists Village Promenade, Downtown Santa Ana (2016)
​photo from Brian Feinzimer
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"Dancing in the Streets," Spurgeon Paseo, Downtown Santa Ana (2020)
photo from Santa Ana Business Council
​The plaza in a community is a place that has a multitude of meanings, in most Latin
American countries it signifies the physical center of the city or the central gathering point
.

​This “dynamic space” as Professor Setha Low of the City College of New York explains, is where the
culture of the community takes place
. But what happens when the dynamic space of a plaza is
not an actual space? Is the community robbed of that plaza experience? Plaza Talk: Race and
Place
reminded me that the plaza can be in any space, even when there may be a lack of space.

Story by Abrham Gomez

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@TheCoollabProject celebrates arts, individuality and love for DTSA

7/7/2020

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Photo from @rockyangelini
The Coollab Project is not an event. It’s a community and a platform to showcase art, which is based on love, support, and respect. Artists are able to express themselves on a different platform, creating a culture that simultaneously celebrates individuality and community.

​
The Coollab Project was created about three years ago, when an artist from Georgia, named Alaze (@alaz4life), came to Downtown Santa Ana. When he couldn’t find a space where he felt encouraged by other artists, he created his own. It kind of happened by chance, the location and the connections. This lead him to the Fourth Street Market, where it is still held today. The Coollab Project was really intended to make an encouraging space for artists, resulting in collaborations and a tight-knit family. This was born in the surrounding presence of competition, often a negative force for artists. As a result, this gave people hope and allowed them to thrive.
The Coollab Project was really intended to make an encouraging space for artists, resulting in collaborations and a tight-knit family.
Before you even arrive to Fourth Street Market, you can hear music pouring into the streets. The Coollab Project is held on the patio of the Market, which is perfect because it’s an open space with plenty of room. With plenty of tables and string lights, it’s a very comfortable and warm environment to be in. Apollo Bebop, a local jazz and hip-hop fusion group, is the house band for The Coollab Project. They always start the night off, setting the tone for people to have a good time. Rocky, the host, gets the crowd pumped and excited to see all of the performers. As the night begins, Rocky sets the ground rules: to be supportive and respectful of one another. This is unique to The Coollab Project, proving that the intentions of each person should be positive and encouraging. Artist after artist is introduced with overwhelming support from Rocky and the audience. Mutual respect is the core for these gatherings. Singers, rappers, and musicians, all overflowing with talent, perform in one setting. ​​
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Photo from @thecoollabproject
Rocky Angelini is the current host of the Coollab Project. To him, this is an important resource for artists because it is an opportunity for people to network and collaborate. It’s a place where his spirit can feel inspired, healed, and lifted. Rocky has a unique, personal relationship with music, describing it as therapeutic. According to Rocky, it’s a “spiritual experience where [he] can get filled up.” Being a naturally introspective individual, writing music allows him to release toxicity and negativity that builds up internally. Music is infinitely complex, and the pursual of knowledge will never be complete. It’s about that desire to always learn and improve in the knowledge and skill. Rocky uses The Coollab Project to explore this and to develop his own knowledge as a musician. Speaking with Rocky, it’s obvious that he has so much passion, love, and care for this community. It shows through the way he interacts with people and they way he approaches his own music. ​
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Photo from @apollobebop
Brian To Earth is part of the house band, Apollo Bebop. Every week, The Coollab Project provides a “platform to be [his] most authentic self.” He is a self-described loud, obnoxious, and confident person, so the stage allows him to be vulnerable and honest without feeling any judgement. It’s also a positive, competitive environment where he feels challenged and encouraged by other artists to push his creativity. Brian has seen so many artists who have grown and developed by coming and participating in The Coollab Project.

Ash has been coming to The Coollab Project since August of 2019. He has a deep love for music and wanted to be surrounded by like-minded people. He felt excluded by the world, but after being introduced to the community of The Coollab Project, he feels so included that it’s home to him. Everyone is there out of love, and it “gives you the confidence to express yourself.” It usually starts off with a jam session, being casual and having no pressure. Ash always feels welcomed here and it has grown to become a significant part of his life.
​

Touche is an artist that recently discovered The Coollab Project. He is a lo-fi rapper, singer, and producer that performed here for the first time in March. Being new to the community, he said “you can meet someone for the first time and feel immediately connected.” One of his goals as an artist is to become a successful lo-fi rapper, which is kind of a hidden genre. He was inspired by his best friend who passed away about three years ago. It was her dream to pursue music, and he has taken on that dream for himself. The Coollab Project is yet another platform for him to do so.

Due to the concern for public safety and health, The Coollab Project will be held virtually for all to view! Check out their Instagram page for more details on how to participate: https://www.instagram.com/thecoollabproject/

The Coollab Project has become one of the most important aspects of the community of Downtown Santa Ana. Encouraging artists to collaborate and support one another, it holds a special place in the hearts of many.

​The Coollab Project is held every Thursday night from 7pm to 9pm on their Instagram page. Artists are encourage to participate and perform live!


Special thanks to:
    Rocky Angelini @rockyangelini
    Brian To Earth bgomz
    Ash @arshiaway
    Touche @____touche____

Story by Breanna Policar
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5 Things I Wish I Knew Grewing Up in Santa Ana

7/3/2020

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©Gomez Family Photo Album
This is my story of Santa Ana from the beginning to the middle, and stretching into the future all the way towards the end.

Santa Ana is one of the oldest cities in Orange County, California. It is a city that treasures its unique culture and its sense of community. Although, I have spent my whole life in Santa Ana I still feel like there’s more to discover because this city has so much to offer.

I attended Santa Ana schools from K-12, continuing on to Santa Ana College, which gave me plenty of time to explore and experience what Santa Ana is all about. This made me think that I knew everything about Santa Ana, only to realize I had only scratched the surface. I was missing out on resources, activities, and so much more. Growing up, venturing out, and having more of those experiences has led me to discover these five things I wish I knew growing up in Santa Ana. ​

1. Santa Ana Public Library (SAPL), Teenspace 
I admit, I was not the best student growing up. I was enrolled in one afterschool program, but other than that I did not go out looking for help. Little did I know, within walking distance, SAPL has a dedicated area just for teens. Located in the basement of the SAPL is a Teenspace. This space focuses on giving teens a safe space to hangout, do homework, but also providing them with workshops and activities that teach resiliency and life skills. If you ever make it down to the Teenspace you’ll be lucky enough to meet a welcoming staff and Cheryl Eberly, the Young Adult Principal Librarian, who has made the Teenspace a White House award winner.
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©Odalys Gomez
2. Heritage Museum of Orange County 
The Heritage Museum is a hidden gem in Santa Ana. Their mission is to preserve and promote the heritage and culture of Orange County. Located next to Centennial Park, the museum sits on federally protected wetlands that is used as a nature area. The museum holds public and school tours of their Victorian style home. They also host events for the community such as their stargazing night, Día de Los Muertos sugar skull painting event, and an Easter egg hunt. I know that growing up I would’ve loved to stroll through their nature area, collect funky rocks, and possibly catch a glimpse of their local coyote.
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©Jessica Flores
3. Downtown Santa Ana Art Walk
The Downtown Santa Ana Art Walk is an event that could very easily turn into a bonding Saturday night for the family. I say this because I’m pretty sure that’s what would’ve happened for me and my family, and there’s nothing I treasure more than those bonding moments. The Art walk takes place on the first Saturday of every month. The Art Walk is a space for community bridging where artists come to display their work, the public comes out to support and everybody gets to enjoy the FREE live entertainment. Attending the Art Walk would’ve been a huge change from my usual Saturday nights of playing video games. I see myself at the Art Walk now and think of all the moments I missed with my family, friends and community. ​
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©Aaron Moctezuma @moctezuma._
4. El Salvador Community Center
Community centers are a huge part of a neighborhood’s harmony. I had El Salvador Community Center in my own neighborhood, yet I can count the times I participated in their events, and those were because my parents didn’t want my siblings and I to stay home and watch TV all day. In retrospect, I wish I would’ve joined the gardening workshops, used the community pool, and participated in the family PRIDE projects. Now I understand the value that these centers bring, and I wish I had taken advantage of the opportunities they offer.
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©Fabiola Gomez
5. Old Orange County Courthouse Museum 
The Old Orange County courthouse is the oldest courthouse in Southern California. The 30,000 sq. ft. building is full of Santa Ana and Orange County history. Many items are displayed in the Old Orange County Courthouse Museum that is nestled away under the stairs. Like many students, history was not always my favorite subject, but something in me always appreciated it. This small but mighty museum served to spark my interest in history. ​
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©OCparks.com
Story by Abraham Gomez
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Downtown's Open Stage Pairs Performances with Patios

6/23/2020

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DTSA Open Stage, a new Facebook Live open-mic broadcasted from the heart of downtown launched this Spring with help from Downtown Inc and Calle Cuatro Marketplace.

​The second installment of DTSA Open Stage airing this Saturday, June 27th will bring together performances and pop-up patios that have opened across downtown. Join us for a quick tour of some of the tastes and sounds you're likely to encounter this weekend through the DTSA Open Stage program.

 Chevita's and Ayn Liu

Ayn Liu is 12 years old and started piano lessons at age four followed by guitar and ukulele lessons at the age of nine. She began playing in front of crowds at 11 and she has already performed at Segerstrom Center for the Arts talent competition “OC Center Stage” and on Season 4 of NBC’s “Little Big Shots with Melissa McCarthy.”

Ayn will be performing from the new patio at Chevita's where they specialize in cool, refreshing juices like this Coconut, Nuts and Tamarindo Raspado.

Native Son Alehouse and SAINT

Native Son Alehouse's patio is one of the coolest places to hang out in downtown with great views of 4th Street and the Spurgeon Clocktower. Right now, they are featuring Spanish Coke and Frozé, two delicious slushees, perfect for cooling you down and putting a smile on your face. 

Speaking
of smiling faces, SAINT will be performing from the patio for DTSA Open Stage. Just like the Frozé's, SAINT creates a versatile blend of English and Spanish lyrics with her Cuban-American piano compositions that fuse the rhythm of soul, blues, and pop. 

Coffee Muse and Briana Harley

Downtown's Coffee Muse is synonymous with the words "community" and "coffee." The friendly owner, Ricardo, says "This is your community. Your coffee shop. We built this together." His mantra has attracted a loyal following of "bean-worshipping" fans. Many of these fans have musical talents like regulars DJ LexiKhan, Briana Harley and Kilson Street.

On the patio this week, the coffee will be "on the rocks" and singer/songwriter Briana Harley will be rocking with her own original music inspired by her life-long expsorue to contrasting energies from rock to pop, film scores and the avant garde, chamber and chorale pieces.

The Den Cafe and John Roseboro

John Roseboro shares his music with the hopes he has a light to shine that makes lasting connections with those who have an ear to hear. What better place to pour sweet honey in our ears than from the heart of the Artists Village and The Den Cafe. Amidst the most romantic setting in the City, we'll enjoy John Roseboro featuring Lizzy and the Palm for a special drop-in set as he entertains the mask-clad patrons at The Den Cafe's Daily 3pm-4pm Happy Hour.
Beyond these great patio pairings, there will be additional performances streamed from Mega Furniture and Next Round DTSA. Tune in Saturday on DTSA's Facebook Live.
Story by Maria @thehottortilla and Ryan Smolar
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Innovative Dining Options Open in Downtown Santa Ana

5/28/2020

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Since the start of the statewide stay-at-home order issues on March 19th, members and business owners of Downtown Santa Ana have ensured all covid-19 related safety guidelines and protocols are being implemented.

The OC is now in early 
Stage 2 of the Resilience Roadmap which allows DTSA restaurants to be able to accommodate dine-in guests and allow retailers will open their doors, with specific regulations.

Santa Ana has innovatively joined a handful of US cities to deploy al fresco dining by creating eight temporary parklets along 4th St/Calle Cuatro along with opening restaurant patios and limited-capacity indoor dining.


Special measures that are reinvigorating downtown's dining ecosystem at this time:
  • Sidewalk Dining – Santa Ana is one of the first cities in the country to allow restaurants to place small tables & chairs for outdoor dining (without impeding pedestrians from walking)
  • Food Island – around 22+ parklet dining areas have been added in downtown
  • Indoor Dining - businesses have re-opened indoor dining (update: revoked in July)
  • Outdoor Patios –  limited-capacity with social distancing in place
  • Free Takeout Parking - there are 18 take-out only Free parking spaces across downtown
  • Free 2 Hour Parking Structures - the parking structures provide 2 Hours Free Parking​​
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Along with these temporary enforcements restaurants and retail shops are asking their customers to continue wearing face masks, and are limiting their operation hours and restricting their capacity. As a result, reservations may be the best bet to secure your dining spot! 

​Some restaurants that are now open for sidewalk, patio or inside dining include:
4th St Market 
201 E 4th St 

Bird & Barrel 
305 E 4th St

​Cafe Cultura 
324 W 4th St

Chapter One: the modern local
227 N Broadway

Chevita's Juice and Bagels
​
209 W 4th St


Coffee Muse
​
310 E 4th St

El Rincon Mexicano
104 E 4th St
​
Hectors on Broadway
409 N Broadway 

I Can BBQ 
414 W 4th St

Loaded Cafe  
451 E First St and 3760 W McFadden 


Lola Gaspar
​
211 W 2nd St

Kaizen Shabu
303 N Spurgeon

Kebab Place
306 W 4th St

​
Mix Mix Kitchen Bar 
300 N Main St
​
​Munchies Diner 
313 N  Bush St

​Omakase by Gino
304 N Main St

Perla Bar 
400 W Fourth St

Pizza Press
117 W 4th St

The West End Kitchen & Pub
300 W 5th St

Please let us know if a business is open or closed!
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(Above) billed as the world's first social distance omakase dining experience. Wild! (photo by Niyaz Piryani)
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(Above) Proposed pop-out proposal for Mission Bar
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(Above) Social distance patio at Lola Gaspar
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(Above) Happy customers at Chevita's Bagels and Juice
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(Above) Restaurants that have been open for Delivery/Takeout

​For the latest updates on the reopening of DTSA be sure to follow us on Instagram @dtsantana.

If you run a restaurant, find guidance for dine-in restaurants here: 
​
https://covid19.ca.gov/pdf/guidance-dine-in-restaurants.pdf


Story by Jennifer Morones
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OC Streetcar Construction Proceeds at Full Speed

5/24/2020

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OC Streetcar is the first modern streetcar project to be built in Orange County and will serve Santa Ana’s historic and thriving downtown, courthouses, government offices, education and cultural institutions, and the thriving DTSA restaurant scene. Expected to begin carrying passengers in 2022, construction is rolling along now to build the tracks along a 4.15-mile route.

The development of this project requires collaboration between the government with local residents and the business community. Therefore, many communication platforms have been explored and pursued to accommodate as many people as possible during construction.

Business Resource Directory

OCTA initially developed a resource guide for local businesses to provide support during OC Streetcar construction. Highlights of the Business Resource Directory that encourage support of local businesses include information on how to obtain construction updates, where to get free business and support and promotional programs including free signage, business spotlights, one-on-one project briefings and a coupon program. ​
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OCTA’s Eat Shop Play Promotes Local Businesses

OCTA also developed the Eat Shop Play program to support businesses located along the future OC Streetcar route. Eat Shop Play offers marketing assistance to increase exposure and foot traffic during construction. Participation is free. OCTA's Eat Shop Play program supports businesses located along the future OC streetcar route. Learn more at octa.net/eatshopplay.

OCTA Partnership with Downtown Business Improvement District Organizations

Over the past five years, OCTA has worked closely with the downtown business district management organizations to ensure businesses are aware, informed and able to provide input on the OC Streetcar project. OCTA Staff have spoken and made appearances at downtown events including DTSA Summer Business Lunches, Downtown Annual Gatherings, DTSA First Saturday Artwalk, DTSA Sidewalk Sales and information sessions OCTA hosted and co-marketed through the business district’s communication channels. 
In April 2020, the OCTA Board of Directors decided to grant $100,000 to each of the downtown management organizations this year and next year to enhance their efforts to market downtown and create more events to help offset the effects from the crux of the construction.

The downtown groups are currently soliciting ideas, getting quotes from vendors, board members and organization working groups on how to best use these funds to help downtown businesses 
within the specific spending arena of enhancing the marketing reach of the district.

​Downtown Inc and Santa Ana Business Council are the two groups that have been granted the funds on behalf of the businesses in. Please share your ideas, input, and feedback on ways to promote Downtown by 
contacting info@downtown-inc.com.
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About the Construction

The OC Streetcar Construction has increased to take advantage of many businesses being closed or doing limited business during COVID-19. Current efforts are closing-out the heavy utility relocation work:

Sewer Installation
Sewer installation work continues along the project route with activities including excavation, trenching, installation of sewer pipelines, and road work and restoration. Sewer installation work requires temporary parking and lane restrictions. Drivers traveling to downtown Santa Ana and to the Santa Ana Transportation Center from the 5 Freeway will encounter detours on Santa Ana Boulevard to accommodate the work activity. Please leave extra time.

Water Pipeline
Crews will also continue to perform water pipeline work and storm drain installation work along the project route, which requires temporary lane and sidewalk restrictions. Access will be maintained for all residents and businesses. 

Get the latest construction updates from OCTA

Get DTSA updates weekly from the Downtown Santa Ana Newsletter

Story by Ryan Smolar and Madeleine Spencer with information obtained from octa.net/streetcar
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Artwalk goes Live on Facebook

4/3/2020

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​​DTSA is proud to present our very first Digital Artwalk! This Saturday, on April 4th, some of our favorite local artists will be joining us in sharing their work. This will be our first ever, LIVE stream on our Downtown Santa Ana Facebook Page starting @ 6pm! ​
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Artist Lineup

The Hot Tortilla / Host
Moises Camacho / Kids Art Show
Saint/Live Music / Piano performance
Marcos Camacho
Julio Chavez & Mandie Bee / Live Music Duo
Roger Eyes R / Live Painting 
Joy Fire / Live Metal Work 
JesseJFR / Visual Artist
Miguel Pulido /Live Music
Mr. Lerc / aka Juan Guzman: Visual Artist lesson /WaterColors
Chris Kallmyer from CSUF Grand Central Art Center
Adriana Martinez 
Martin Ross/Live Painting
Cody Jay (Singer/Composer)
Anna Beck Nalle/ Gallery Showcase
DJ MXR 
Cross-promotion with Apart Together: The Copper Door's Artwalk Livestream
Special thanks to Briana Harley, Breanna Policar and Artwalk Coordinator, Yenny Bernal
Photonic Playground Virtual Exhibition
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We're looking forward to staying connected with one and we believe art has the ability to bring people together in a very powerful way. All of these artists are bringing something unique to the table. From singers to painters to blacksmiths, we will get a very personal look into their creative processes. 

Before settling-in for the DTSA Digital Artwalk, hit-up your favorite Downtown Santa Ana food and beverages for enjoying the DTSA Digital Artwalk. Order pick-up or delivery. 

When to place your order? Many DTSA restaurants who remain open at this time are closing earlier thse days, so get your food before the event starts!
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  • ​Lola Gaspar Taco Package
  • La Vegana Mexicana Curbside Pick-up & Delivery Menu
  • The Pizza Press, Chunk-N-Chip & Copper Door Restaurant Pizza Specia
  • Takeout from Chapter One: the modern local
  • Chai Packs from The Den Cafe - Santa Ana
  • Bird & Barrel Takeout and Curbside​
  • Native Son Alehouse Pickup
Having a virtual Artwalk provides a more personal and available insight into the perspectives of the artists. It’s not always that you get to meet the artist in person and hear about their creative process or pieces they’re working on. There will be live performances and demonstrations. Also, if you’re not in the area, that doesn’t matter anymore! Anyone around the world can experience the Artwalk, making it an experience that will be unforgettable. 

As the community continues to come together and support each other, we want to offer everyone a moment of positivity and inspiration. Please join us online this Saturday as we connect with artists and the community!
LIVE stream on our Downtown Santa Ana Facebook Page starting Saturday April 4th @ 6pm! ​

Story by Breana Policar
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