Picture this — strangers transformed into friends, barriers shattered by a shared language that bypasses words. As a former Santa Ana Arts & Culture Commissioner, I believe that the arts can create a space where we can gather, dance, laugh, and cry together. They are the threads that weave us into a united community, where differences are celebrated, and bonds are forged. We’re able to ditch the virtual world and immerse ourselves in the tangible magic of concerts, art exhibits, and poetry slams, where connection thrives and souls come alive.
In an era marked by division and discord, where the fabric of community often frays under the weight of societal tensions, Jeffrey was determined for his neighborhood to stand as a beacon of hope—a testament to the transformative power of embracing diversity and celebrating cultural heritage.
Through this transformative initiative, we were all reminded of the profound truth that lies at its core: In celebrating the cultures of our neighbors, we not only honor their heritage but also strengthen the bonds that unite us as a community. In Floral Park, diversity is not merely tolerated—it is embraced, celebrated, and cherished as the foundation upon which our vibrant community thrives.
Below is a list of the events the remarkable series that Jeffrey conceived and executed:
The Lunar Near Year (Chinese/February) – Jeffrey orchestrated a Lunar New Year Party with neighbors Allan and Candace Tea. Traditional lanterns adorned the yard, while tantalizing aromas of authentic cuisine filled the air. Festivities included mesmerizing face changers, a majestic dragon procession, and a poignant moment of reflection, honoring the memory of Santa Ana’s Chinatown which was burned to the ground on May 26, 1906 in an act of racism and xenophobia.
Classical Piano (Korean – March) – Jeffrey produced a piano recital in the home of Mike and Denise Silva. The performance Mark and Lauren Rothenberg’s son, Alex (Ross St.), a student at the local Orange County School of the Arts. Alex delighted the crowd with his own arrangement of movie scores from the 1990s. The main event, was a 30-minute performance by Ross Street neighbor Dr. June Jin. Juilliard-trained and a globe-trotting concert pianist who was born and raised in Korea. June played Rachmaninoff, Mozart and more, masterfully.
Musical Drama (Hispanic/American – April) – Jeffrey raised neighborhood funds to support Santiago Elementary’s drama department, benefiting a predominantly Hispanic student body. In April, the community came together to attend “The Descendants: a Disney Musical.”
Art Exhibit (Multi-Cultural – April) – Jeffrey curated an innovative art exhibit, funded by a generous $2,500 grant from Santa Ana’s Arts and Culture Commission. With this support, Jeffrey acquired (and assembled) 25 Adirondack chairs, symbolizing the neighborhood’s ethos of openness. Local Santa Ana artists from diverse cultural backgrounds (Hispanic, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, American, European) and age groups (two high school art program submitted pieces) were commissioned to transform these chairs into unique art pieces. The exhibit debuted during the neighborhood’s Home & Garden tour, adorning the neighborhood with creativity. Following the tour, the artworks embarked on a citywide journey, showcasing the talent of our community. Through a charitable auction on eBay, 100% of proceeds directly supported the gifted artists.
Memorial Day Ceremony/Classical Music – (Multi-Cultural – May) – In May, Jeffrey produced and wrote the scripts for the neighborhood third Memorial Day Ceremony. Linda Duffy (Greenleaf St.) brought her French horn and Brass Quintet to play Aaron Copeland’s “Fanfare for a Common Man” – a salute to the common men and women who gave their lives to protect our country. The Second Baptist Church (African American) choir performed the Battle Hymn of the Republic. The program director of the Santa High School Mariachi program played taps. The OC Sheriffs brought their bagpipes. The reverend from New Covenant Fellowship Church delivered the invocation. The SAHS Chamber Orchestra and Choir (Hispanic) presented moving pieces of music and “American the Beautiful.”
Poetry (Hispanic – June) – Neighbors gathered in an intimate setting in the backyard of Matt and Ana Llamas (Heliotrope Dr.) to immerse themselves in the beauty of language and experience the profound impact it can have on our souls.
Jeffrey brought in Gustavo Hernandez, a remarkable poet whose verses bring to life the essence of Santa Ana and its vibrant spirit. Gustavo, a resident of Santa Ana has become an emblematic figure in the local poetry scene.
Gustavo read selected poems from his debut poetry collection, “Flower Grand First” — a nod to the Santa Ana streets on which he grew up after his family moved from Jalisco.
In his words, Gustavo channels the voices of the unheard, amplifying their stories and shining a light on the struggles and triumphs of marginalized communities. His poems are like slices of life, sprinkled with a generous dose of humor that leaves you laughing in the most dignified way possible. He takes the ordinary and turns it into something extraordinary, reminding us that even the simplest moments can be infused with poetry.
Freedom Fest/Immigrants (July) – In July, Jeffrey produced and wrote a ceremony dedicated to neighbors who immigrated to the US with a focus on Jaime Salata, an Argentinean, who earlier that month became a citizen of the United States. The message delivered by the neighborhoods president focused on the fact that we don’t simply welcome new immigrants, we don’t simply welcome new arrivals — we are born of immigrants. That is who we are. Immigration is our origin story. The ceremony began with the marching band from Santa Ana High School marching down the street toward the ceremony. The band was led by a 10-year old neighbor carrying a new American flag which was gifted to Jaime during the ceremony. Jaime was urged “You will not and should not forget your history and your past. That adds to the richness of American life. But you are now American. You’ve got obligations as citizens. And I’m absolutely confident you will meet them.”
The ceremony also included performances from the Santiago Elementary School drama department including a song and dance number from their upcoming performance of “Peter Pan.”
Improvisational Jazz (July) – There’s something truly magical about the warm embrace of a Friday evening in the heart of summer, especially when it’s spent amidst the enchanting ambiance of the neighborhood. On a Friday evening, jazz aficionados and music enthusiasts alike gathered on the front lawn of The George, the exquisite Victoria Dr. residence of Patrick and Denise Johnson, for an unforgettable jazz concert.
This evening featured the immensely talented John Reynolds Jazz Quintet. John a Ross Street resident, is no stranger to the soul-stirring world of jazz. Beyond the borders of our little Floral Park, John directs the Jazz Program at the esteemed Orange County School of the Arts. But tonight, it was our cozy community that had the honor of basking in the brilliance of his musical prowess.
Symphony – (Russian – July) – At the end of July, Jeffrey Jeffrey brought to the neighborhood members of the Pacific Symphony. The orchestra was led by a Russian violinist who shared some traditional Russian pieces. Over 250 neighbors gathered under the large redwood and pine trees (as the temperature was over 90 degrees) in front of a neighbor’s home on Victoria Drive.
Jazz Concert (American – August) – This second jazz concert featured Steve Cerra, a neighbor and jazz drummer. This outdoor concert focused on the American songbook.
Harvest Moon Festival (Vietnamese – September) – In September, Jeffrey, with neighbors Chan and Quon Quie, hosted the enchanting Harvest Moon Festival, a celebration steeped in Vietnamese tradition. The festival featured lantern-making workshops for children and a captivating parade adorned with these handcrafted creations. Attendees were treated to mesmerizing traditional entertainment, fostering community spirit and cultural appreciation.
Halloween Party (Egyptian – October) – With the assistance of a committee of our Middle Eastern neighbors (Suzee Muzila who is Lebanese), Floral Park enjoyed a Halloween party which was Egyptian themed. The event featured a belly dancer and a fire breather. Over 200 neighbors came dressed in middle eastern garb.
Menorah Lighting (Jewish – December) – Jeffrey, and his wife, hosted a Menorah Lighting ceremony. Jeffrey delivered a universal message about the meaning of Channukah. Traditional latkes and jelly doughnuts were served. The culmination of this year-long cultural celebration was the lighting of the Menorah on the 6th night of Channukah by these 6 people: (1) a Black Baptist minister; (2) a Hispanic pastor; (3) a native Indian; (4) an Islamic Imam; (5) a Buddhist; and (6) the mayor of Santa Ana.
Paid for by Jeffrey Katz for Santa Ana City Council 2024 FPPC ID #1467072