Coffee with Patty: A Conversation with Mayor Valerie Amezcua

Santa Ana Mayor Valerie Amezcua recently sat down with Patty for an in-depth discussion about her background and priorities for the city. As Santa Ana's first woman mayor in 153 years, Amezcua shared her unconventional path to public service—from being raised by her grandmother in a large extended family to working 30 years in law enforcement with the Orange County Probation Department. Her experience includes assignments in gang enforcement, domestic violence, and sex crimes, giving her a unique perspective on the challenges facing Santa Ana families.

The interview covers Mayor Amezcua's transition from law enforcement to the Santa Ana Unified School Board, where she served eight years and helped establish wellness centers at every school site. She discusses what motivated her 2022 mayoral campaign and her current focus on public safety and quality of life issues, including efforts to increase police staffing, address homelessness, and support local businesses. Throughout the conversation, Mayor Amezcua emphasizes the importance of community engagement and her commitment to making Santa Ana a safer, cleaner city for all residents. Watch the full interview to learn more about her vision for Santa Ana's future.