Santa Ana, CA

Discovery Cube Orange County: Sea Lab & Ocean Encounter

Ocean Encounter: June 21-Sept. 4, 2023Sea Lab: Open year-round beginning June 21, 2023

Discovery Cube Orange County, 2500 N Main St., Santa Ana, CA

From Discovery Cube:

"Dive into an unforgettable summer adventure at our brand-new Discovery Cube Sea Lab & Ocean Encounter coming only to Discovery Cube Orange County!

"Experience the thrill of touching a live shark and learn why their skin helps them glide through the water.

"Discover the captivating wonders of a tidepool community and how their diversity supports the entire planet.

"Also, for a limited-time this summer, immerse the whole family in an interactive aquatic wonderland known as Ocean Encounter where you’ll explore all the zones of the ocean and discover what makes them each so unique.

"Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to connect with the wonders living just beneath the surface and be inspired to protect the most valuable resource to our coastal community coming June 21 to Discovery Cube Orange County.

"Discovery Cube Sea Lab will open to the public on June 21 and will be available to all Discovery Cube Orange County visitors with paid admission year-round.

"Ocean Encounter will also open on June 21 and will be open to all guests until September 4.

"General admission to Discovery Cube Orange County is $19.95 for adults and $14.95 for children ages 3-14. Members enter Discovery Cube free year-round.

"Established in 1989, the Discovery Cube is an award winning 501(c)(3) nonprofit children’s science museum committed to serving the needs and interests of children, educators, and the community at large."

MORE INFO & TICKET LINKS HERE

Image credit: Discovery Cube

Santa Ana, a bustling city in Orange County, California, is not only renowned for its historical landmarks, museums, and picturesque parks, but also for its proximity to some of the most beautiful beaches in Southern California. In this article, we will explore the top beaches near Santa Ana, highlighting their unique features, accessibility, and fascinating histories. Pack your sunscreen and get ready to embark on a coastal adventure!

Address: W Oceanfront, Newport Beach, CA 92663

Newport Beach, the closest beach to Santa Ana, is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Boasting a pristine stretch of sand, it is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing. The beach is easily accessible, with ample parking options available at nearby lots and meters. Newport Beach has a rich history, dating back to the early 20th century when it served as a popular destination for Hollywood's elite.

Address: 315 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92648

Known as "Surf City USA," Huntington Beach is famous for its consistent surf and vibrant surf culture. Its vast sandy shoreline and iconic pier make it an ideal destination for beach lovers. Parking is available at the beach's multiple lots, with a small fee required during peak hours. Huntington Beach has a storied past, with its surf roots going back to the early 1900s and the establishment of the annual US Open of Surfing competition.

Address: 17851 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92649

Bolsa Chica State Beach, a tranquil haven for beachgoers, offers a more laid-back atmosphere compared to its bustling neighbors. Its calm waters make it perfect for swimming and stand-up paddleboarding. Accessible via Pacific Coast Highway, Bolsa Chica State Beach provides ample paid parking and picnic areas. This beach is also home to the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, an important wetland habitat with a rich history dating back thousands of years.

Address: 902 Ocean Ave, Seal Beach, CA 90740

Seal Beach, a charming seaside town, is known for its quaint Main Street, lined with unique shops and eateries. The beach itself is a peaceful retreat, ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and surf fishing. Parking is available in the nearby lots and along residential streets. Seal Beach's rich history includes its former status as a popular amusement park destination in the early 1900s and the presence of the Naval Weapons Station, which played a crucial role during World War II.

Santa Ana's proximity to some of Southern California's most stunning beaches makes it a perfect starting point for memorable coastal excursions. Whether you're drawn to the vibrant surf scene of Huntington Beach, the serene environment of Bolsa Chica State Beach, or the charming atmosphere of Seal Beach, there is a seaside haven waiting to be discovered. With their unique highlights, fascinating histories, and convenient accessibility, these beaches are sure to leave a lasting impression on all who visit.

SANTA ANA, Calif. – Santa Ana’s first female mayor and three City Councilmembers took the oath of office on Tuesday, Dec. 13, at Santa Ana City Hall.

Mayor Valerie Amezcua is the first woman elected to the citywide office in Santa Ana’s 153-year history. Newly elected Councilmember Benjamin Vazquez took the oath of office to represent Ward 2, Councilmember Phil Bacerra was sworn in to serve another term for Ward 4, and Councilmember David Penaloza will again represent Ward 6.

The new Santa Ana City Council’s first official action was to elect Ward 3 Councilmember Jessie Lopez as mayor pro tem. The other members of the City Council are Ward 1 Councilmember Thai Viet Phan and Ward 5 Councilmember Johnathan Ryan Hernandez.

Mayor Amezcua is a former member and president of the Santa Ana Unified School District Board of Education. She is a graduate of the University of La Verne and worked for the Orange County Probation Department for 30 years before retiring as a supervising probation officer in 2017.

“I am humbled and honored that the voters of Santa Ana elected me as their mayor. This wonderful city is my home, and I am ready to work with everyone, from grassroots, businesses, and other elected officials who want to see our city flourish,” Mayor Amezcua said. “We may have complex problems, but I am confident working together we can reach solutions and usher in an amazing new chapter in Santa Ana. Let’s get started!”

Councilmember Vazquez works as a teacher at Valley High School in Santa Ana and is chair of the Board of Directors of El Centro Cultural de Mexico in Santa Ana. Born and raised in Santa Ana, he received his undergraduate degree from Cal State Long Beach and his master’s from UCLA.

“As a councilmember, my focus will be on making sure our limited city-wide resources benefit working-class families and improve quality of life for all Santa Ana residents,” Councilmember Vazquez said. “Our City budgets, policies, and resources need to be centered on nurturing the families and communities of our city, instead of special interest groups. I believe that our City plan and budgets need to reflect a vision that prioritizes working class families.”

Councilmember Bacerra was elected to the City Council in 2019 to represent Ward 4. A graduate of USC with a bachelor’s degree in urban planning, Councilmember Bacerra has worked for various city government agencies, including the City of Los Angeles. He served on the City of Santa Ana’s Planning Commission, General Plan Advisory Group and Historic Resources Commission.

“I look forward to serving the residents of Santa Ana for another four years and continuing the work to make our city safer, address homelessness, provide and enhance municipal services, and advocating for business-friendly policies so that our Golden City will continue to shine,” Councilmember Bacerra said.

Councilmember Penaloza was elected to the City Council in 2018. Born and raised in Santa Ana, he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English from Cal State Los Angeles. He works as a senior regulatory engineer for Color Science, Inc., a local company specializing in compounding raw materials and resins to produce plastic.

“What an honor it is to be elected to serve the residents of Santa Ana another four years,” Councilmember Penaloza said. “By connecting with thousands of residents this election cycle and hearing their positive feedback, I am confident we’re on the right track. From expanding our parks and libraries, to strengthening our economy and public safety, we’re just getting started. I am looking forward to continue building on the foundation we laid out during my first term.”

The new mayor and councilmembers were elected in the Nov. 8, 2022, General Municipal Election. Under the City Charter, the mayor serves a two-year term and councilmembers’ regular terms are four years.

Watch the City Council installation ceremony at https://youtu.be/Febvh3-MtpQ.

Watch the full City Council meeting, including farewells to the outgoing former mayor and councilmember, at https://youtu.be/Urh6Dzgvluk.

From its bustling downtown area and thriving arts scene to its historic neighborhoods and beautiful parks, Santa Ana offers a unique blend of urban amenities and natural beauty. With a diverse population, growing economy, and vibrant community, Santa Ana is a city that has something for everyone. Whether you’re a long-term resident or you’re considering moving here, let’s explore some fun facts about Santa Ana.

1. Santa Ana is the county seat of Orange County, CA

Santa Ana secured the title of county seat in 1889 after successful lobbying efforts, establishing itself as the center of political power in the region.

Interested in moving to the area?

This Santa Ana landmark was built in the 1920s and features Spanish Colonial Revival-style architecture, with stucco walls, red tile roofs, and arched doorways. Over the years, the Santora Building has been home to a variety of businesses, including the popular Daninger’s Tea Room that drew in celebrities for its home cooked meals and great ambiance. Today, the Santora Building is home to restaurants, retail stores, and galleries.

3. Santa Ana was originally developed for cattle grazing and farming

Santa Ana’s farming history dates back to 1769 when a Spanish expedition party leader discovered the stunning valley. The city was used for farming and cattle grazing and known as Rancho Santiago de Santa Ana.

4. Orange County’s oldest courthouse is located in Santa Ana

Located in the historic downtown district of Santa Ana, Old Orange County Courthouse first opened back in 1901. It’s a two-story, Beaux-Arts style building with a dome and clock tower. The interior features marble flooring, stained glass windows, and intricate woodwork.

5. Santa Ana is surrounded by an abundance of natural beauty

Nearby, you’ll find the Santa Ana Mountains, which offer opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, and the Santa Ana River, which is a popular spot for fishing and kayaking.

6. Southern California experiences extreme wind, referred to as the Santa Ana winds

The Santa Ana winds are hot, dry winds that originate in the high-pressure desert regions of the Great Basin and blow towards the California coast, particularly the Southern California region. These winds can increase the risk of wildfires, as they bring low humidity and strong gusts that can quickly spread any sparks or flames.

The Santa Ana winds can also bring uncomfortable conditions with hot temperatures, low air quality, and blowing dust and debris. The winds are most common in the fall and winter months and are a well-known weather phenomenon in the region.

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The mom-and-pop street vendors — the paleteros, the eloteros, the ladies selling fruits from rolling carts — all good.

But those other street vendors from outside Santa Ana, who set up big red tents on sidewalks without the needed permits to sell tacos and other hot foods, are bad for the city, according to local officials.

On that, the Santa Ana City Council agreed on Tuesday night. But councilmembers differed on what approach to take next following an influx of unpermitted taco stands in the city.

In a 5-2 vote, the council majority adopted a resolution that urges state legislators to amend two laws relating to street vendors, seeking more local control. The resolution asks legislators to amend the laws to give local jurisdictions “the right of self-determination” to enact their own regulations, including rules to maintain sanitary conditions on city sidewalks.

In the resolution, city officials say they want changes to legislation that decriminalized street vending across California as of January 2019, and to another bill that took effect this year, making it easier for smaller vendors to obtain local health permits by, among other things, revising equipment requirements.

The resolution blames the laws for a rise in street vendors — including those selling “food deemed unfit for human consumption” — and who block sidewalks and hinder people with disabilities from using sidewalks, posing a danger to the public’s health and safety.

“The Bills have eliminated key food health and safety requirements intended to keep food safe for public consumption, such as water requirements and handwashing stations, and prohibit the regulation of where food vendors can be located,” the resolution reads in part.

Related: What do Orange County restaurant health inspectors really do?

Sen. Lena Gonzalez who authored Senate Bill 972, the legislation pertaining to health permits for smaller vendors, said the new law “reduces barriers to obtaining a food-vending permit, promotes greater food safety, and improves public health.”

The law, she said Wednesday, does not affect “a local jurisdiction’s ability to regulate sidewalk vending in response to objective health, safety, and welfare concerns. If a particular location is not suitable for sidewalk vending for safety or accessibility reasons, local jurisdictions continue to have the ability to regulate or prohibit vending in those areas.”

Local health officials can also issue administrative citations, she said.

“We must not go back and undo the progress that has been made to achieve a more inclusive food economy that allows all Californians to thrive and achieve their California Dream,” Gonzalez, D-Long Beach, said in an email.

Sidewalk food vendors are typically low-income and immigrant workers.

Late last year, vendors that Santa Ana officials said were coming in from Los Angeles set up taco stands, also run by immigrant workers, on sidewalks under large red tents but without proper permits. The stationary taco stands, some residents complained, took over large sections of sidewalks, involved open flame heating equipment and left food and grease residue behind. During a six-week period, inspectors from the city and the Orange County Health Care Agency shut down more than 100 of them.

Related: Santa Ana, OC health officials shut down more than 100 sidewalk food vendors

“Food vendors who are run by and owned by large corporations from outside of the city of Santa Ana, who know full well that they are violating the law … who flout the regulations and safety protocols and do not care what happens to our water systems, our trash or the safety of our residents, those are the people we are trying to prevent from working here in the city,” Councilmember Thai Viet Phan told colleagues Tuesday.

“I don’t believe any of us are interested in preventing our typical mom-and-pop sidewalk vendors,” she said.

Councilmember Benjamin Vazquez said the resolution was “blaming” the new state law for the recent influx of unpermitted sidewalk taco vendors in Santa Ana. He unsuccessfully sought to amend the resolution to include an educational component, urging Santa Ana to work with the county to implement the latest law while ensuring local vendors are aware of the permit process.

Vazquez also sought to include street vendors listed in the resolution among those the city is looking to protect.

Johnathan Ryan Hernandez, the lone councilmember who supported Vazquez’s proposed amendments, cautioned against taking any action that could hurt street vendors, which make up an important part of the city’s culture.

“I was fed by street vendors my whole life,” Hernandez said. “When I hear that campana (bell), I’m outside. So is my little girl.”

“In theory, this resolution is accomplishing a lot of what our residents are asking for,” Hernandez said. “We don’t want the large corporations coming here and bringing the red tent and corporatizing and monopolizing and pushing us out. We don’t want that in Santa Ana. But what I don’t want is for this resolution to then be weaponized and to turn against food trucks.”

Vazquez and Hernandez voted against the resolution. In support were Phan, Mayor Valerie Amezcua and Councilmembers Phil Bacerra, Jessie Lopez and David Penaloza.