17February
2026
Regular City Council Meeting · One key issue

The council agreed to sell the city-owned property on West Walnut Street to the community group already farming it, for less than its market value.

Check this moment · 3:35:38
5.5 hours 24 agenda items 22 located in video 55% attributed to a named speaker
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Brief

What happened

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

  1. 01

    The sale comes with conditions that the buyer keep ownership and keep the site in its current use rather than change it.

    3:32:59
    Explore this issue
    Related agenda item 17

    Public hearing: Purchase and Sale Agreement for 1901 W. Walnut Street

    Open agenda item →

    What councilmembers said

    Representative transcript excerpts—not inferred positions.

    Phil Bacerra
    Phil BacerraCouncilmember

    be probably a blend of some of these i don't know that i'm going to just say two three or one um i think council member hernandez brought up some good points when it comes to concept two one thing and i've shared this with you director rosas is that i as much…

    4:36:27
    Jessie Lopez
    Jessie LopezCouncilmember

    Yes, thank you. I'm really thrilled to be having this conversation, right? It wasn't too long ago where I, you know, I said the number one reason why people are dying in our community is because of how dangerous our public streets are and so I know that this…

    4:43:33
    Johnathan Ryan Hernandez
    Johnathan Ryan HernandezCouncilmember

    I am very supportive of seeing more street trees alongside the first street corridor. I think that that will help us with having a cleaner environment, more aesthetically pleasing as well. Number two, the priority for me is the separated bikeways. I think…

    4:33:15
    Benjamin Vazquez
    Benjamin VazquezCouncilmember

    you very much uh for those comments and uh i agree with everything both council members have said and i do like the bus lanes i do appreciate like what's gonna come first the chicken or the egg and you gotta set the plan and right now is the time where we have…

    4:40:37
  2. 02

    Councilmember Lopez asked the council to loosen the park rules that require a permit for small family gatherings, and every member who spoke supported looking at it.

    3:44:58
    Explore this issue
    Related agenda item 18

    Discuss and Consider Directing the City Manager to Direct Staff to Update Park Rules to Allow Picnicking, Park Vending, Expanded…

    Open agenda item →

    What councilmembers said

    Representative transcript excerpts—not inferred positions.

    David Penaloza
    David PenalozaMayor Pro Tem

    there's a park and there's people that are trying to cross a wide stretch of st andrew and having to run half the time because of how fast cars are coming and i was told by the previous public works director uh that we couldn't put a crosswalk there because…

    4:56:09
    Alvaro Nuñez
    Alvaro NuñezCity Manager

    As part of the cultural component, we had again the opportunity to see the pilgrimage and the patronage of the saints of San Joselito. And this is the event where they actually hide that type of religious component. And for those who don't recognize and don't…

    5:02:06
    Thai Viet Phan
    Thai Viet PhanCouncilmember

    I think that's just really important as we move forward throughout the city and as we enhance our streets. I guess I'm not informed enough about the buses, and I think that is something that we should bring OCTA in to have a conversation with them, see what…

    4:49:59
  3. 03

    The council introduced an ordinance banning landlords from using algorithms that pool competitors' data to set rents.

    2:44:31
    Explore this issue
    Related agenda item 16

    Ordinance Prohibiting Anti-Competitive Automated Rent Price-Fixing

    Open agenda item →

    No named councilmember contribution could be reliably linked to this item.

  4. 04

    It also heard a study on redesigning First Street for buses, walking and cycling, paid for by a grant the city's own staff had won.

    4:35:14
    Explore this issue
    Related agenda item 17

    Public hearing: Purchase and Sale Agreement for 1901 W. Walnut Street

    Open agenda item →

    What councilmembers said

    Representative transcript excerpts—not inferred positions.

    Phil Bacerra
    Phil BacerraCouncilmember

    be probably a blend of some of these i don't know that i'm going to just say two three or one um i think council member hernandez brought up some good points when it comes to concept two one thing and i've shared this with you director rosas is that i as much…

    4:36:27
    Jessie Lopez
    Jessie LopezCouncilmember

    Yes, thank you. I'm really thrilled to be having this conversation, right? It wasn't too long ago where I, you know, I said the number one reason why people are dying in our community is because of how dangerous our public streets are and so I know that this…

    4:43:33
    Johnathan Ryan Hernandez
    Johnathan Ryan HernandezCouncilmember

    I am very supportive of seeing more street trees alongside the first street corridor. I think that that will help us with having a cleaner environment, more aesthetically pleasing as well. Number two, the priority for me is the separated bikeways. I think…

    4:33:15
    Benjamin Vazquez
    Benjamin VazquezCouncilmember

    you very much uh for those comments and uh i agree with everything both council members have said and i do like the bus lanes i do appreciate like what's gonna come first the chicken or the egg and you gotta set the plan and right now is the time where we have…

    4:40:37
  5. 05

    Mayor Amezcua was absent, and Mayor Pro Tem Penaloza chaired.

    2:43:11
    Explore this issue
    Related agenda item 18

    Discuss and Consider Directing the City Manager to Direct Staff to Update Park Rules to Allow Picnicking, Park Vending, Expanded…

    Open agenda item →

    What councilmembers said

    Representative transcript excerpts—not inferred positions.

    David Penaloza
    David PenalozaMayor Pro Tem

    there's a park and there's people that are trying to cross a wide stretch of st andrew and having to run half the time because of how fast cars are coming and i was told by the previous public works director uh that we couldn't put a crosswalk there because…

    4:56:09
    Alvaro Nuñez
    Alvaro NuñezCity Manager

    As part of the cultural component, we had again the opportunity to see the pilgrimage and the patronage of the saints of San Joselito. And this is the event where they actually hide that type of religious component. And for those who don't recognize and don't…

    5:02:06
    Thai Viet Phan
    Thai Viet PhanCouncilmember

    I think that's just really important as we move forward throughout the city and as we enhance our streets. I guess I'm not informed enough about the buses, and I think that is something that we should bring OCTA in to have a conversation with them, see what…

    4:49:59
How this brief was made

The current summaries were prepared during an in-session review of the transcripts. This prototype shows only sentences with a timestamp citation. 0 uncited sentences were withheld from this page.

Agenda

Every item

24 items in agenda order

1
Closed Session Items

Closed-session conference with legal counsel

Not located
  • The council met privately about legal action the city might start itself.2:09:22
Official agendaSupplied summaryNot located
Full official agenda title

CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – POTENTIAL INITIATION OF LITIGATION pursuant to Paragraph (4) of subdivision (d) of Government Code Section 54956.9: Two (2) cases

2
Closed Session Items

Closed-session conference with legal counsel

Not located
  • The council met privately to discuss ongoing litigation against the city.2:09:22
Official agendaSupplied summaryNot located
Full official agenda title

CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION pursuant to Paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9 of the Government Code: a. Hermila Arroyo v. City of Santa Ana, et. al. , Orange County Superior Court Case No. 30-2024-01411763-CU-PA-WJC b. Corey Slayton v. City of Santa Ana, et al. , Orange County Superior Court Case No. 30-2021-01204216-CU-OE-WJC c. Anthony Cardenal v. City of Santa Ana , Orange County Superior Court Case No. 30-2022-01293127 d. John Kachirisky v. City of Santa Ana , Orange County Superior Court Case No. 30-2023-01348299 e. Manuel Moreno v. City of Santa Ana , Orange County Superior Court Case No. 30-2024-01372127 f. Nelson Menendez v. City of Santa Ana , Orange County Superior Court Case No. 30-2023-01339537 g. Judith Valdez v. City of Santa Ana , Orange County Superior Court Case No. 30-2023-01359457 h. S anta Ana Police Officers Association and Gerry Serrano v. City of Santa Ana , Orange County Superior Court Case No. 30-2021-01230129 i. Gerry Serrano v. City of Santa Ana , Orange County Superior Court Case No. 30-2023-01330782

1
Ceremonial Presentations

Certificates of Recognition presented by Councilmember Bacerra to David Moreno and Ismael Guevara for Heroic Actions

3:01:03
  • Councilmember Bacerra presented certificates to David Moreno and Ismael Guevara for heroic actions.1:57:10
Official agendaSupplied summaryClerk timestamp
2
Ceremonial Presentations

Certificate of Recognition presented by Councilmember Lopez to Arelli Munguia for Exceptional Service to the Community

3:07:17
  • Councilmember Lopez presented a certificate to Areli Munguia for exceptional service.2:03:18
Official agendaSupplied summaryClerk timestamp
3
Ceremonial Presentations

Proclamation presented by Councilmember Phan to Thai Nguyen in recognition of 2026 TET Lunar New Year (revised 2/11/26)

3:12:58
  • Councilmember Phan presented a proclamation to Thai Nguyen marking the 2026 Tet Lunar New Year.2:09:28
Official agendaSupplied summaryClerk timestamp
4
Consent Calendar

Excused Absences

3:45:43
  • A routine item excusing members who missed earlier meetings, approved with the consent calendar.2:43:11
Official agendaSupplied summaryConsent blockCity Clerk’s Office
Official recommendation
  1. Excuse the absent members
5
Consent Calendar

Minutes from the Special Meetings of January 23, 2026 and January 26, 2026 and Regular Meeting of February 3, 2026

3:32:59
  • The council approved the written record of its January special meetings and its regular meeting.2:43:11
Official agendaSupplied summaryMatched to recordingCity Clerk’s Office
Official recommendation
  1. Approve minutes
6
Consent Calendar

Quarterly Report of Contracts up to $50,000 for Non-Public Works and up to $500,000 for Public Works Authorized by the City Manager…

3:45:43
  • The council received the quarterly list of smaller contracts staff signed without needing a council vote.2:43:11
Official agendaSupplied summaryConsent blockFinance and Management Services
Full official agenda title

Quarterly Report of Contracts up to $50,000 for Non-Public Works and up to $500,000 for Public Works Authorized by the City Manager as Permitted by Charter Section 421

Official recommendation
  1. Receive and file Quarterly Report of Contracts entered into between October 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025
7
Consent Calendar

Receive and File Quarterly Report of Investments as of December 31, 2025

3:45:43
  • The council received the quarterly report on how the city's cash was invested as of 31 December 2025.2:43:11
Official agendaSupplied summaryConsent blockFinance and Management Services
Official recommendation
  1. Receive and file
8
Consent Calendar

Report of Settlements up to $50,000 for General Liability Claims and up to $150,000 for Worker’s Compensation Claims Authorized by…

3:45:43
  • The council received the routine report of legal claims settled by staff below the limits it has set.2:43:11
Official agendaSupplied summaryConsent blockHuman Resources
Full official agenda title

Report of Settlements up to $50,000 for General Liability Claims and up to $150,000 for Worker’s Compensation Claims Authorized by the City Manager, City Attorney, and Human Resources Director as Permitted by City Council Resolution 2018-045

Official recommendation
  1. Receive and file Report of Settlements entered into between July 1, 2021 to December 31, 2025
9
Consent Calendar

Agreement for Legal Counsel Services with Horvitz & Levy LLP (General Fund)

3:45:43
  • An outside law firm was engaged to handle appeals work for the city.2:43:11
Official agendaSupplied summaryConsent blockCity Attorney’s Office
Official recommendation
  1. Authorize the City Manager to execute a legal services agreement with the law firm of Horvitz & Levy LLP for legal services for appellate and litigation legal services for the period of February 17, 2026 until February 16, 2028, with an option to extend for up to one year, in an amount not to exceed $275,000 (Agreement No. A-2026-XXX)
10
Consent Calendar

Agreement with California Forensic Phlebotomy, Inc. for Blood Technician Services (Specification No. 25-135) (General Fund)

3:45:43
  • A contractor was engaged to provide blood technicians, used when the police need legally valid samples taken.2:43:11
Official agendaSupplied summaryConsent blockPolice Department
Official recommendation
  1. Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with California Forensic Phlebotomy, Inc. to provide blood technician services for a term beginning on March 5, 2026 and expiring March 4, 2029, with provisions for two, one-year extensions in an amount not to exceed $374,030 (Agreement No. A-2026-XXX)
11
Consent Calendar

Purchase Order Contract to Magnet Forensics, LLC for Digital Forensic Annual License Subscription (Specification No. 26-010)…

3:45:43
  • The council renewed the annual licence for the software the police use to examine phones and computers as evidence.2:43:11
Official agendaSupplied summaryConsent blockPolice Department
Full official agenda title

Purchase Order Contract to Magnet Forensics, LLC for Digital Forensic Annual License Subscription (Specification No. 26-010) (General & Non-General Fund)

Official recommendation
  1. Authorize a Purchase Order to Magnet Forensics, LLC for digital forensic annual license subscription for a one-year term beginning February 21, 2026 and expiring February 20, 2027, in an amount not to exceed $61,395
12
Consent Calendar

Purchase Order Contracts to AM Signal, LLC, Econolite Control Products, Inc., NexTech Systems, Inc., and Western Systems, Inc. for…

3:45:43
  • Several suppliers were put under contract for traffic signal equipment.2:43:11
Official agendaSupplied summaryConsent blockPublic Works Agency
Full official agenda title

Purchase Order Contracts to AM Signal, LLC, Econolite Control Products, Inc., NexTech Systems, Inc., and Western Systems, Inc. for Traffic Signal Control Devices (Specification No. 25-141) (Non-General Fund)

Official recommendation
  1. Award Aggregate Purchase Order Contracts to vendors listed below for traffic signal control devices on an as-need basis, in a total aggregate amount not to exceed $200,000, for a one-year term beginning February 17, 2026 through February 16, 2027, with provisions for four, one-year renewal options for a total aggregate amount not to exceed $1,000,000 over a five-year period. Vendor Location AM Signal, LLC Econolite Control Products, Inc. NexTech Systems, Inc. Western Systems, Inc. Littleton, CO Anaheim, CA Irvine, CA Everett, WA
13
Consent Calendar

Award an Agreement to Creative Outdoor Advertising of America, Inc., for Management of Advertising Services at Bus Stops…

3:45:43
  • A company was engaged to manage advertising on city bus shelters and benches.2:43:11
Official agendaSupplied summaryConsent blockPublic Works Agency
Full official agenda title

Award an Agreement to Creative Outdoor Advertising of America, Inc., for Management of Advertising Services at Bus Stops (Specification No. 25-107) (General Fund)

Official recommendation
  1. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute an agreement with Creative Outdoor Advertising of America, Inc., to sell space to advertisers at bus stops throughout the City for a term beginning February 17, 2026, and expiring February 16, 2029, with provisions for two, one-year extensions (Agreement No. A-2026-XXX)
14
Consent Calendar

Award of a Construction Contract to Excel Paving Co. for the Construction of the Bristol Street and Memory Lane Intersection…

3:45:43
  • A construction contract was awarded for work on Bristol Street.2:43:11
Official agendaSupplied summaryConsent blockPublic Works Agency
Full official agenda title

Award of a Construction Contract to Excel Paving Co. for the Construction of the Bristol Street and Memory Lane Intersection Improvements Project (Project No. 17-6883) (General & Non-General Fund)

Official recommendation
  1. Approve an appropriation adjustment to recognize $200,000 of spendable fund balance in the Public Works Water Revenue and Water Utility Capital, Transfer from Fund 060 revenue accounts, and appropriate to the Water – Interfund Transfer, Transfer to Fund 066 and Water Utility Capital Projects, Water Capital Project expenditure accounts (Requires five affirmative votes)
  2. Approve an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Capital Improvement Program to include an additional $200,000 in construction funds for the Bristol Street and Memory Lane Intersection Improvements Project (No. 17-6883)
  3. Approve the Project Cost Analysis for a total estimated construction delivery cost of $2,362,238, which includes $1,889,790 for the construction contract, $283,469 for contract administration, inspection, and testing, and $188,979 for unanticipated or unforeseen work
  4. Award a construction contract to Excel Paving Co., the lowest responsible bidder, in accordance with the base bid in the amount of $1,889,790, subject to change orders, for construction of the Bristol Street and Memory Lane Intersection Improvements Project (No. 17-6883), for a term beginning February 17, 2026, and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract
15
Consent Calendar

Award of a Construction Contract to GEMS Environmental Management Services, Inc. to Construct the Fire Station 71 Fuel Station…

3:45:43
  • A construction contract was awarded to an environmental services firm.2:43:11
Official agendaSupplied summaryConsent blockPublic Works Agency
Full official agenda title

Award of a Construction Contract to GEMS Environmental Management Services, Inc. to Construct the Fire Station 71 Fuel Station Replacement Project (Project No. 24-6054 ) ( General Fund)

Official recommendation
  1. Approve an amendment to the Fiscal Year 20 25 -20 26 Capital Improvement Program to include an additional $ 935,150 in construction funds for the Fire Station 71 Fuel Station Replacement Project (Project No. 24-6054 )
  2. Approve the Project Cost Analysis for a total estimated construction delivery cost of $ 935,150 , which includes $ 748,120 for the construction contract, $112,218 for contract administration, inspection, and testing, and $ 74,812 for unanticipated or unforeseen work
  3. Award a construction contract to GEMS Environmental Management Services, Inc. , the lowest responsible bidder, in accordance with the base bid in the amount of $ 748,120 , subject to change orders, for construction of the Fire Station 71 Fuel Station Replacement Project (Project No. 24-6054 ), for a term beginning February 17, 2026, and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract
  4. Determine that, pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act, the recommended actions are exempt from further review. Categorical Exemption Environmental Review No. ER-2026-15 will be filed for Project No. 24-6054
16
Business Calendar

Ordinance Prohibiting Anti-Competitive Automated Rent Price-Fixing

3:47:38
  • The council introduced an ordinance banning the use of automated software that sets rents by pooling data from competing landlords.2:43:42
  • Staff explained the practice relies on an algorithm built from several companies' data, of which RealPage is one, which can push market rents up unfairly.2:44:31
  • They noted a lawsuit between the city of Berkeley and RealPage had already been settled.2:44:51
Official agendaSupplied summaryClerk timestampCommunity Development Agency
Official recommendation
  1. Adopt an ordinance of the City Council prohibiting anti-competitive automated rent price fixing software. ORDINANCE NO. NS-XXXX entitled AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA PROHIBITING ANTI-COMPETITIVE AUTOMATED RENT PRICE FIXING
17
Public Hearing Public Comments

Public hearing: Purchase and Sale Agreement for 1901 W. Walnut Street

4:04:13
  • This was the public hearing on selling the city-owned property at 1901 West Walnut Street to the community organisation that farms it.3:32:59
  • The city manager explained the agreement does not approve any particular tenant, only requires that the site keeps its current use as a farm and food retail space.3:32:59
  • Councilmember Vazquez asked whether the buyer could change tenants without returning to the council, and was told they could.3:34:33
  • The city attorney said the restriction is really about the buyer not divesting or transferring its ownership interest, and that they can come back to the council if they need to raise capital against the property.3:34:39
  • She explained the conditions exist because the city is selling below fair market value.3:35:38
  • The sale was approved on a motion by Councilmember Hernandez seconded by Councilmember Vazquez, five votes to nothing with two members absent.3:36:31
Official agendaSupplied summaryClerk timestampCommunity Development Agency
Full official agenda title

Public Hearing - Purchase and Sale Agreement for 1901 W. Walnut Street Legal notice published in the OC Reporter on February 2, 2026

Official recommendation
  1. Conduct a Public Hearing required pursuant to California Government Code 53083
  2. Authorize the City Manager to execute a Purchase and Sale Agreement with THRIVE Santa Ana, Inc. for the sale of City-owned Real property at 1901 W. Walnut Street (APN 007-332-08), in the amount of $852,000 (Agreement No. A-2026-XXX)
18
Councilmember Requested Items

Discuss and Consider Directing the City Manager to Direct Staff to Update Park Rules to Allow Picnicking, Park Vending, Expanded…

4:48:54
  • Councilmember Lopez asked staff to update the park rules so that ordinary family gatherings do not need a permit.3:44:58
  • She said the current threshold is set so low that a family celebration, or a gathering to remember someone who has died, is caught by it.3:47:38
  • Councilmember Hernandez said he fully agreed, describing parks as safe places for families.3:49:35
  • Councilmember Bacerra supported it and said there is a lot about the park rules that needs updating.3:51:05
  • Councilmember Vazquez welcomed the part about letting mobile food vendors operate in parks.3:53:22
  • Mayor Pro Tem Penaloza said he was generally supportive but had reservations on some points.3:57:30
Official agendaSupplied summaryClerk timestamp
Full official agenda title

Discuss and Consider Directing the City Manager to Direct Staff to Update Park Rules to Allow Picnicking, Park Vending, Expanded Skate Park Use, and Simplify Permit Requirements – Councilmember Lopez

19
Work Study Session

City Council Work Study Session Regarding the First Street Multimodal Boulevard Study

5:03:25
  • Staff and a consultant presented progress on a study of how First Street could be redesigned for buses, walking and cycling.3:59:53
  • The consultant described starting from a project goal, analysing data, and taking options through community workshops.4:09:50
  • Councilmember Hernandez said he was pleased with the presentation and the opportunity it opens.4:31:18
  • Councilmember Bacerra established that the study was paid for by a grant the city won through the regional planning association in partnership with the county transport authority, and credited staff for securing it.4:35:14
  • Councilmember Vazquez said he liked the bus lanes.4:40:37
  • Councilmember Bacerra also asked whether First Street has the systems that let emergency vehicles hold traffic signals, and was told it does not.4:42:40
Official agendaSupplied summaryClerk timestampPublic Works Agency
Official recommendation
  1. Discuss and provide direction to staff
1
Council Comments Ab1234 Disclosure

February 8 – 12, 2026 Councilmember Hernandez – Sahuayo Sister City Visit in Sahuayo, Michoacan

6:10:19
  • Councilmember Hernandez disclosed travelling to Santa Ana's sister city of Sahuayo in Michoacan.5:03:29
Official agendaSupplied summaryConsent block
2
Council Comments Ab1234 Disclosure

February 8 – 12, 2026 Councilmember Phan – Sahuayo Sister City Visit in Sahuayo, Michoacan

6:10:19
  • Councilmember Phan disclosed travelling on the same sister city visit to Sahuayo.5:03:29
Official agendaSupplied summaryConsent block
3
Council Comments Ab1234 Disclosure

February 8 – 12, 2026 Councilmember Vazquez – Sahuayo Sister City Visit in Sahuayo, Michoacan

6:10:19
  • Councilmember Vazquez disclosed travelling on the same sister city visit to Sahuayo.5:03:29
Official agendaSupplied summaryConsent block
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