About Us
Welcome to The Santanero
Santa Ana is more than just a city—it's a community of neighbors, families, students, workers, business owners, and local leaders. The Santanero exists to help keep that community informed, connected, and engaged.
Founded on April 20, 2022, by Daniel Diaz, The Santanero is a locally owned digital newspaper dedicated to covering the stories, events, and issues that matter most to Santa Ana residents.
The name "Santanero" reflects the people of Santa Ana. Our goal is to create a publication that belongs to the community and represents the voices, stories, and experiences that make our city unique.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide trusted, independent, and community-centered journalism that informs, connects, and serves the people of Santa Ana. We report on the issues, people, and events shaping our city through accurate, fair, and accessible local news that helps residents better understand their community and participate in civic life.
Our reporting is produced first and foremost for the people who live, work, learn, worship, and do business in Santa Ana. While our journalism may be read, shared, or cited beyond our city, our editorial priorities are guided by the needs and interests of the community we serve.
What Sets Us Apart
Unlike regional or national news organizations, our focus begins and ends with Santa Ana.
From neighborhood events and community celebrations to City Council meetings, local businesses, schools, public safety, and neighborhood developments, we are committed to covering the stories that directly affect the people who live, work, learn, and spend time in our city.
We prioritize accuracy, context, relevance, and community engagement over sensationalism. Our goal is to help residents stay informed, participate in local conversations, and better understand the issues affecting their neighborhoods.
By the Community, For the Community.
The Santanero is built on community involvement.
We believe local journalism works best when residents are active participants, not just readers. Whether you're sharing a story idea, reporting a local issue, highlighting a community success, or promoting an upcoming event, your voice helps shape our coverage.
Beginning in November 2024, community members have been able to submit local events for inclusion in CommunityCal (subject to our submission guidelines), helping residents discover what's happening throughout Santa Ana.
We are committed to:
- Reporting accurately, fairly, and independently.
- Covering the issues that matter to Santa Ana.
- Listening to community concerns.
- Providing accessible and understandable local news.
- Encouraging civic engagement.
- Highlighting the people, neighborhoods, businesses, and organizations that strengthen our city.
- Reflecting the diversity of the community we serve.
Get Involved
There are many ways to help strengthen local journalism in Santa Ana:
- Submit a news tip or story idea.
- Add a community event to CommunityCal.
- Share photos and information from local events.
- Tell us about issues affecting your neighborhood.
- Follow and engage with us on social media.
- Share our stories with friends, family, and neighbors.
Every contribution helps us better serve the community.
Follow Us
Join Us
Whether you've lived in Santa Ana your entire life or recently became part of our community, The Santanero is here to help you stay connected without paywall.
We invite you to read, participate, share your stories, and help us build a stronger, more informed Santa Ana—together.