Streetcar Testing Rolls On, Protests Planned, County Meetings Ahead in Santa Ana

It’s shaping up to be a busy stretch in Santa Ana, with transit testing underway, demonstrations on the horizon, and several public meetings coming up.

OC Streetcar Testing Continues

The OC Streetcar has officially entered another visible phase of testing along Santa Ana Boulevard. Crews began street-level testing in late February between Raitt Street and Sasscer Park, and activity has continued this month as the long-delayed project inches closer to opening.

The 4.1-mile route will connect the Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center to Garden Grove, with 10 stops in each direction. Transportation officials have previously pushed back the launch date, now targeting a 2026 opening after construction challenges. For downtown drivers and pedestrians, that means continued test runs and traffic adjustments in the weeks ahead.

No Kings Protests Planned March 28

Organizers are planning coordinated No Kings protests across the country on March 28, with events expected throughout Southern California. The demonstrations follow a series of earlier rallies tied to immigration enforcement operations and recent high-profile incidents involving federal agents.

While specific Orange County event details are still being finalized, advocacy groups have signaled that local participation is likely. Residents can expect additional announcements in the coming days as organizers confirm times and locations.

County Homelessness Meeting Set for March 25

Looking ahead to next week, the Orange County Continuum of Care Board will meet Wednesday, March 25, at the County Conference Center on West Santa Ana Boulevard. The board oversees regional homelessness funding, policies and program coordination.

The meeting is scheduled for the afternoon and is open to the public. Housing and homelessness remain central issues locally, and these sessions often include updates on funding allocations, shelter programs and supportive housing efforts.

What to Watch

With transit testing becoming more visible, potential demonstrations later this month, and ongoing policy discussions at the county level, Santa Ana residents may notice both street-level activity and civic engagement picking up as March wraps up.

Sources

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OC_Streetcar
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/March_2026_No_Kings_protests
https://ceo.oc.gov/sites/ceo/files/2026-03/Presentation_Revised%20Final%2026.03.04%20-%20TAY%20Collaborative%20Committee.pdf