Santa Ana's Public Works Agency recently presented on its "sponge parks" initiative at the 2026 American Public Works Association (APWA) PWX conference in Houston. The presentation highlighted the city's efforts to implement stormwater capture and treatment projects within city parks, including Ed Caruthers Park, King Street Park, and Salvador Quintana Park. These "sponge parks" are designed to capture stormwater runoff from surrounding communities, allowing it to drain back into the ground or be treated and reused for park irrigation. This approach supports local groundwater replenishment, improves water quality in watersheds, reduces flooding risks, and creates new recreational opportunities for residents. The agency has secured several grants to fund these projects.
In water infrastructure leadership, Deputy Public Works Director Cesar E. Barrera was appointed as the City of Santa Ana's new representative to the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) Board of Directors on August 18. Barrera, who also serves as Santa Ana's acting city engineer, brings nearly 30 years of experience with the City, specializing in water resources, infrastructure management, operations, and maintenance. He is a licensed professional civil engineer in California and holds advanced certifications in water treatment, distribution, and wastewater operations. Santa Ana relies on a blended water supply, with approximately 85 percent sourced from the Lower Santa Ana River Groundwater Basin and the remaining 15 percent supplied by MWD, serving about 45,000 connections.
Orange County's transit infrastructure is seeing increased activity as OC Streetcar testing becomes more frequent. Testing is now underway along the entire route, which connects the Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center to the Harbor Boulevard/Westminster Avenue stop in Garden Grove. This intensified testing is a key part of the preparations for the commencement of passenger service, anticipated early next year. Area residents and businesses along the route should expect to notice a rise in streetcar activity, including more frequent horn and bell sounds, as this phase of readiness continues.
Significant road closures in Santa Ana are planned as part of ongoing Orange County Sanitation District (OC San) infrastructure work. Beginning September 14, westbound Alton Avenue will be closed for approximately five months between Fairview and Susan streets. This closure is critical for the safe rehabilitation of a regional sewer pipeline, which is part of OC San’s Santa Ana Trunk Sewer Rehabilitation Project. Westbound drivers will be rerouted, and additional travel time or alternative routes are advised. Eastbound Alton Avenue will remain open to traffic during this period. The Santa Ana Trunk Sewer Rehabilitation Project encompasses the rehabilitation of approximately three miles of regional sewer pipeline, contributing to OC San’s objectives of maintaining essential infrastructure, safeguarding public health and the environment, and ensuring dependable sewer service.
Additionally, another segment of westbound Alton Avenue, specifically between Bristol Street and Bear Street, is currently closed. This closure is scheduled to continue until September 28 for utility work focused on relining the sewer main line. During this temporary closure, access for businesses and residences in the affected area will be maintained.
Travelers relying on Metrolink services will experience disruptions on Saturday, September 12, and Sunday, September 13. Metrolink service on the Ventura County, Orange County, and Inland Empire-Orange County lines will be suspended to allow crews to complete multiple track improvement projects. No alternative train service or transportation will be provided by Metrolink during this weekend closure. Amtrak Pacific Surfliner service will also be impacted by these track improvements.
