1. A Vibrant City in the Far Southwest Corner of California

Santa Ana is a vibrant city located in the far southwest corner of California. Situated in the heart of Orange County, it is the county seat and the fourth most populous city in the state. With its close proximity to the Pacific Ocean, Santa Ana enjoys a mild climate year-round, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The city is home to a variety of attractions, including the Santa Ana Zoo, the Bowers Museum, and the Discovery Science Center. With its diverse culture, vibrant nightlife, and abundance of outdoor activities, Santa Ana is a great place to live and visit.

Also → Santa Rosa: The Perfect Weekend Getaway

2. William H. Spurgeon's Vision Comes to Life: The Creation of Santa Ana

In 1869, William H Spurgeon had a vision to create his own city, and he made it a reality when he purchased the land that would become Santa Ana. With his ambition and determination, he was able to transform the area into a thriving city, and today it is the county seat of Orange County, California. Santa Ana is a vibrant city with a rich history, and it continues to be a popular destination for visitors and locals alike.

Also → Santa Clarita Attractions

3. Clown Houses: A Santa Ana Story

Santa Ana is a city with a large immigrant population, and the term 'clown house' was coined to describe the phenomenon of multiple families living in one home. This is a common occurrence in Santa Ana, where many immigrants are unable to afford their own housing and must share a single residence. As a result, the city has become known for its 'clown houses', which are a testament to the struggles of its immigrant population.

Also → Anaheim: A City Named After a River

4. Wells Fargo: A History of Success in Santa Ana

In 1874, Wells Fargo opened its first office in the city of Santa Ana, California, marking the beginning of a long and successful history in the area. This office was the first of many that would be established in the city, and it has since become a major financial hub in the region. Wells Fargo has been a part of the Santa Ana community for over 140 years, providing banking services to individuals and businesses alike.

Also → NCIS filmed in Santa Clarita, California

5. The Sexlinger Orchard: A City's Historic Orange Fruit Farm

Santa Ana is a city with a rich history, and one of its earliest landmarks was the Sexlinger Orchard. Established in the late 1800s, the Sexlinger Orchard was one of the first orange orchards in the city, and it quickly became a symbol of Santa Ana's agricultural heritage. The orchard was a major source of income for the Sexlinger family, and it was a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. Today, the Sexlinger Orchard is still a beloved part of Santa Ana's history, and it serves as a reminder of the city's agricultural roots.

Also → Santa Fe, New Mexico: Highest Capital City in the United States

6. The Dr. Laura Ella Howe-Waffle House: A Historic Landmark and Museum

The Dr Howe-Waffle house in Santa Ana is a historic landmark, named after its original owner, Dr. Laura Ella Howe-Waffle. She was one of the first female doctors in the state of California, and the house is a testament to her pioneering spirit. Built in the late 1800s, the house is a two-story Victorian-style home with a wrap-around porch and a turret. It is now a museum, open to the public, and is a reminder of the important role that women have played in the history of California.

Also → Santa's Workshop in the Far North of Finland

7. Santa Ana's Civic Revival

Santa Ana, California has experienced a remarkable civic revival in recent years, with a plethora of museums, a monthly art walk, and a variety of shopping opportunities. The art walk, in particular, has been a great success, drawing in locals and visitors alike to explore the city's vibrant art scene. The museums offer a wide range of exhibits, from historical artifacts to modern art, while the shopping opportunities range from small boutiques to large department stores. This civic revival has been a great success, and has helped to revitalize the city of Santa Ana.

Also → Glendale, California: A bustling city of over 200,000 people

8. The Santa Ana Army Air Base: A Legacy of Service

The city of Santa Ana was home to the Santa Ana Army Air Base during World War 11, a training center for the US Air Force. The base was constructed to provide a place for airmen to learn the skills necessary to become successful pilots and navigators. It was equipped with a variety of aircraft, including the B-17 Flying Fortress, the B-24 Liberator, and the P-51 Mustang. The base also had a number of other facilities, such as a hospital, a chapel, and a library, to ensure that the airmen had everything they needed to prepare for their missions. The Santa Ana Army Air Base played an important role in the war effort, and its legacy lives on today.

9. The Santa Ana Winds: A Powerful Force of Nature

The Santa Ana winds are a powerful force of nature that can wreak havoc on the area. These dry winds, which originate from the desert, can cause a lot of forest fires in the region. The winds can reach speeds of up to 80 mph, and can carry embers for miles, making them a major contributor to the spread of wildfires. The Santa Ana winds can be a destructive force, but they can also bring relief from the heat and humidity of the summer months.

10. A City of the Future

Santa Ana is one of the youngest cities in the United States, with nearly 31% of its population under the age of 18. This is reflected in the fact that more than 80% of the residents of Santa Ana do not speak English in their home, making it a truly diverse and vibrant city. With such a young population, Santa Ana is sure to be a city of the future.