Across Santa Ana, residents continue to speak out about issues affecting their daily lives, including rising housing costs, construction projects, public safety concerns and trust in local government. During interviews about problems facing the city, community members shared personal experiences and frustrations about the future of Santa Ana.
Maria Lopez, a longtime Santa Ana resident, said the increasing cost of housing has become one of the biggest problems affecting local families.
“My neighbors, families, are all being pushed out of their apartments,” Lopez said. “A lot of people are struggling to keep up with rent, and it feels like families are being forced out of the city.”
Lopez explained that many residents feel city leaders need to focus more on affordable housing and helping working-class families remain in Santa Ana.
Construction projects and traffic disruptions were also mentioned during conversations with community members. Alex Vargas, a downtown Santa Ana business owner, said recent road closures and city activity have negatively affected local businesses.
“It’s so freaking slow,” Vargas said. “When streets close or people avoid downtown, businesses lose customers and it hurts everyone trying to make a living.”
Concerns about police actions during protests were another major topic brought up during my interviews.
Sandra De Anda, coordinator for the OC Rapid Response Network, shared her perspective on how recent demonstrations were handled by law enforcement.
“I think everyone’s mad — everyone’s mad that the response to people’s fear and personal suffering of having their loved ones separated is being met with a militaristic approach,” De Anda said.
De Anda explained that many residents felt frustrated because they believed the city responded too aggressively during moments when community members were already feeling afraid and emotional.
Some residents also questioned whether local officials are listening to the concerns of the community.
Mia Verdin, a Santa Ana resident who attended a city council meeting, said she believes leaders need to be more accountable to residents.
“We voted you in, and we will certainly vote you out,” Verdin said.
Verdin said many residents feel unheard when they speak about issues involving housing, policing, and city decisions.
Other residents described feeling uncomfortable during public meetings.
Daisy Calderon, who attended a city council meeting for the first time, explained how tense the environment felt.
“This is my first city council meeting and I feel intimidated,” Calderon said.
Calderon said the atmosphere made it difficult for some residents to feel comfortable sharing their opinions openly.
Despite concerns about housing, policing, and communication from city leaders, residents interviewed said they still care deeply about Santa Ana and want to see positive changes in the future. Many community members said they hope city leaders will improve transparency, listen more closely to residents, and create solutions that directly help the people most affected by these ongoing issues.
