Read the August 6 meeting.

Here I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say

I'm going to go.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

I'll see you next time. Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

guitar solo

guitar solo

guitar solo

guitar solo

guitar solo

guitar solo

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

I'm sorry.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

piano plays softly

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Recording in progress.

Mayor, you can go ahead. Thank you very much, Madam Clerk.

Alvaro Nuñez

I hereby call the Santa Ana City Council meeting to order. This meeting is taking place with in-person attendance and by teleconference via Zoom. The public may access the meeting via the Santa Ana YouTube channel or the city's website. Please bear with us. as the technology may disrupt the flow of the meeting madam clerk please conduct the roll call

Jennifer L. Hall

council member becerra council member hernandez council member lopez council member paneloza council member vasquez president mayor pro tem fan here mary mesqua president you do have four that

Alvaro Nuñez

is a quorum thank you madam clerk are there any additions or deletions to the closed session agenda there are none thank you do any council members need to announce or abstentions closed session items. Hearing none, do we have any speakers for closed session?

Jennifer L. Hall

Mayor, there are no speakers in the chamber on Zoom and we did not receive any emails related to closed session.

Alvaro Nuñez

Perfect, thank you. We're going to recess this portion of the meeting to consider the items on closed session.

Recording stopped.

Thank you.

I'll see you next time.

Thank you.

Thank you.

I'll see you next time.

Here I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say

Here I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say

guitar solo

Here I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say

I'll see you next time. Thank you.

guitar solo

Thank you.

guitar solo

guitar solo

Thank you.

piano plays softly

guitar solo

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Here I say I say

Here I say Here I say Here I say Here I say Here I say Here I say Here I say Here I say Here I say Here I say Here I say Here I say Here I say Here I say Here I say Here I say Here I say Here I say

piano plays softly

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

I'll see you next time.

I'll see you next time.

Thank you.

I'll see you next time. Thank you.

Thank you.

I'll see you next time. Thank you.

guitar solo

Thank you.

Here I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say

Thank you.

Here I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say

Thank you.

guitar solo

guitar solo

guitar solo

guitar solo

guitar solo

guitar solo

guitar solo

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

guitar solo

guitar solo

piano plays softly

Thank you.

Thank you.

Here I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say

Thank you.

piano plays softly

Thank you.

Thank you.

Here I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say

Thank you.

Thank you.

I'll see you next time.

I'll see you next time. Thank you.

Thank you.

Here I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say

Thank you.

guitar solo

I'll see you next time. Thank you.

Thank you.

guitar solo

Thank you.

guitar solo

guitar solo

guitar solo

guitar solo

guitar solo

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

I'm sorry.

Let's go.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

guitar solo piano plays softly

piano plays softly

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

I'll see you next time.

I'll see you next time.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

I'll see you next time.

Here I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say

Here I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say

guitar solo

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

guitar solo

Thank you.

guitar solo

guitar solo

guitar solo

guitar solo

guitar solo

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

I'm sorry.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Recording in progress.

Alvaro Nuñez

Madam Clerk, please start the meeting. Yes, Mayor, you're good to go. Thank you very much. Good evening, everybody. I hereby reconvene the Santa Ana City Council meeting to order. This meeting is taking place with in-person attendance and by teleconference via Zoom. the public may access the meeting via the Santa Ana YouTube channel or the city's website. Please bear with us as the technology may disrupt the flow of the meeting. As a reminder, this is a meeting to conduct the business of the city. As mayor, I'm afforded the opportunity to call for a recess or a

Alvaro Nuñez

break or even to clear the meeting room if a meeting becomes too disruptive to properly conduct business. Warnings will be provided prior to any action being taking place, we appreciate your cooperation. For everyone's safety, per the Fire Marshal, please do not stand or place objects in the aisles, in front of the dais, along the back wall of the council chamber, or in front of the entrances and exits. Guidelines for members of the news media and anyone else who wishes to film or photograph the meeting are available in the lobby. During City Council presentations and oaths of office, guests of individuals being recognized are

Alvaro Nuñez

invited to come to the front and take photos. Madam City Clerk, please conduct a roll call.

Jennifer L. Hall

Council Member Becerra? Here. Council Member Hernandez? Council Member Lopez? Here. Council Member Penaloza? Present. Council Member Vasquez? Present. Mayor Pro Tem Fan? Here. Mayor Mesqua? Present. You have six members present. That is a quorum.

Alvaro Nuñez

Thank you. Before we go any further, I'd like to read something to the public and to those watching at home.

Alvaro Nuñez

The City Council has been meeting in executive closed session for several months now to discuss the appointment of a permanent city manager. With the assistance of Jacob Green and associates, I am pleased to report that the City Council has negotiated an employment agreement and voted unanimously, unanimously, to appoint Mr. Alvaro Nunez as a city manager for the city of Santa Ana, effective as of today, August 6, 2024. Congratulations. Yes, congratulations.

Thank you.

Alvaro Nuñez

As required by the government code, the City Council will ratify the appointment and approval of his employment agreement in open session on August 20, 2024. Once again, congratulations, Mr. City Manager. All right, let's get down to business.

Alvaro Nuñez

Madam Clerk, before we proceed to the Pledge of Allegiance, please make an announcement.

Jennifer L. Hall

Thank you, Mayor. For members of the public on Zoom or teleconference to request to speak during public comments on agenda or non-agenda items within the city's jurisdiction, you must dial star 9 from your phone or click the button labeled Raise Hand from Zoom now to be in the speaker queue once public comments commence. This does not apply to public hearing items numbers 27 and 28 or the Housing Authority agenda for which comments will be heard during those specified times. Please hold your comments on such items until called upon. Thank you.

Alvaro Nuñez

Thank you. The first item on the agenda is the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Iker Reyes, please join us.

Please arise. Put your right hand on your heart. Ready? Let's begin. I pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God and invisible with liberty and justice for all. It has been an honor coming here. Thank you very much for inviting me, Mayor Valeria Mesqua.

I am happy to be here, and I couldn't have made it without the support of my family, my friends, and my school, and Mayor Valerie Amesqua. Thank you very much.

Alvaro Nuñez

Is this on? Okay. We took this a little, we're going out of order today, but especially for you because you're special. So Iker's a fifth grader. He'll be at Carver Elementary. And as you can all tell, Iker's going to be the next president of the United States. Believe me when I say that. He is going to be. So Iker, I know it was a lot of time for you and your family to come here and wait for us to come out and then lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. And we know that the Pledge of Allegiance is very important, right, to pay respect to our country. And so what we have here for you is a certificate of recognition for Iker Reyes

Alvaro Nuñez

and recognition of your outstanding contribution to the community. Thank you so very much for coming in and joining us tonight. And I know I'm going to see you in the community because I see you all the time and you and your family. So thank you.

Thank you.

Alvaro Nuñez

Thank you. This is why we do what we do. Pastor Mario Morales, please, if you could come up and lead us in words of inspiration.

Thank you for the opportunity. I just want to share a quick word of inspiration from the book of Psalms 133 about how good and pleasing it is when brethren dwell together in unity. As a community that comes together and we work together in unity, we can bring peace to this great city. We can bring understanding. And all I really want to do is pray for you guys today that you would have the wisdom. So if you would join me in a word of prayer and say, Father, right now in the name of Jesus, Lord, I thank you for this time, Father. speaking unto you for these great men and women, Father God, that are taking this time to guide

the city, to lead it. Father, right now, I ask for wisdom upon them, Lord. I ask you, Lord, right now that you would help them, God, to make good decisions, to show them, God, what you would have them do, Father, within this city for all people, God. And Lord, right now, that you would just have your way within this council meeting as you honor some, Father God, as you go and make decisions, Lord, that you would be in the midst of it, God, because you are pleased when we come together in unity for the same cause and the same effort. We thank you, Lord, and we love you in your precious

son's name, Jesus Christ. Amen and amen. Thank you. Thank you, Pastor. Appreciate that.

Alvaro Nuñez

okay madam city clerk are there any additions or deletions thank you mayor council agenda

Jennifer L. Hall

thank you mayor and city council just noting a correction to item number 14 an agreement with outdoor dimensions the recommended action number one states 25 for change orders and it should read 10 for change orders all stated dollar figures within the item remain the same thank

Alvaro Nuñez

Thank you, Madam Clerk, appreciate that. All right, first presentation is by our Mayor Pro Tem to the Comlink Board for outstanding contributions to the community. Please come on up.

Alvaro NuñezItem 1

Come on up, Comlink Board, come on.

Thai Viet PhanItem 1

Hi, everyone. So I'm gonna start calling out their fantastic names as they come up here.

Thai Viet PhanItem 1

so hi y'all I'm glad there was a separation between me and the child I don't like going after children they're always so cute so I am so proud to introduce your 2023-2024 board for Comlink that comprise of dedicated volunteers who are all Santa Ana residents and neighborhood leaders okay so I'm gonna start calling out your names and please wave so the residents know who you are. All right we have Carl Benninger president Metro

Thai Viet PhanItem 1

Classic. I can just start giving these to you. We have Desi Reyes vice president Saddleback View. Jeffrey Katz treasurer Floral Park. Mary Lou Branch secretary Terry Young Square. Martha Ramirez Rodriguez, board member, Wilshire Square. Irma Macias, board member, Mid-City. Felipe Guerrero, board member, Santa Anita.

Thai Viet PhanItem 1

Tay Astin, board member, Mayberry Park. And someone that I met at a CalmLink meeting, Patricia Linehan, board member, Washington Square.

Thai Viet PhanItem 1

So tonight, I'd like to recognize their leadership and accomplishments, especially through their annual Comlink Awards Night, held this year on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at the Bowers Museum. The board of Comlink secured over $10,000 in donations to underwrite the Comlink Awards Recognition Night. They successfully secured, excuse me, they successfully reached a working agreement with the city and SAUSD to restore access to all SAUSD school facilities for neighborhood association meetings. Congratulations.

Thai Viet PhanItem 1

That means that when any of our neighborhood associations need to have a meeting, we can be at a school for no fee. Right? Amazing. Windsor Village would be very happy. And they supported and participated in over 80 neighborhood association meetings held during fiscal year 23-24. Their dedication and hard work continue to make significant impacts in our community. So let's give them a huge round of applause. Thank you for your time. And please, anyone?

I just want to thank the council for this award. I also want to thank the city. I came from a small city. I see you. I come from a small city in Michigan, and we're one block from the police station, one block from the city hall, one block from the school. And could you get any of those administrators to come and talk to us? No. And here all it takes is a phone call. I don't care whether it's public works. I don't care whether it's Parks. I don't care whether it's Mr. Garcia or the mayor. All it takes is just one ask, and they are there. We're excited what we accomplished in the last year. We're more excited what's coming this year.

A, we do have our candidates forum on the 26th of September, which I'd like to let everyone know we'll be at the community center there in Orange County. We're also super excited because we may have a new neighborhood association. Thanks to Jeff's help and Victor Mendoza's. You want to tell us where it's going to be? Let me just say a couple of words first. Thank you, Carl. I've always believed that what really ails a city, the cure is not going to necessarily be found in the chambers of a city council or under the dome in Washington, but it happens in our neighborhoods. That's where the stories

unfold. That's where friends are forged, and that's where the spirit of a community really gets to thrive. It's the neighborhood block parties that we get to meet each other. It's the watchful eye that keeps an eye out for us. It's the neighbor down the block that's always willing to give a lens a helping hand. And it's that neighbor that always gives you a smile. More importantly, a neighborhood, a really strong, good neighborhood, is a place where diversity isn't simply accepted, but it's celebrated. And it creates a really vibrant community where we can thrive.

Comlink has always believed in the connections and the power of those connections. This board that's behind me and the boards that have served on Comlink for years. And I also want to recognize the city staff that has supported us, Margarita Macedonia, Scott Kuttner in the past, and most importantly, the heads of our department who suffer our meetings late in the evenings and come out and answer questions and sometimes feel some pretty pretty harsh criticism but they're patient and they're willing to answer because we all recognize we all work tirelessly to commit to create

those bridges between our residents to foster a sense of belonging and to really create a place where all voices are really heard but beyond simply the board of Comlink this recognition goes to the residents of Santa Ana to any resident that may have come to a single meeting to somebody who voiced a concern or somebody who simply came to a meeting to support their community and of course to our neighborhood heroes that we recognize this year and and to those people that were recognized for the beautiful landscape we all appreciate that a strong neighborhood is what truly makes our city flourish so

So I want to thank our city council for this recognition and we are looking forward to continuing our journey and as Carl said our journey continues into something momentous in the next couple of weeks. We have been a city of 64 neighborhoods up through 2009 when Mary Lou's Young Square was brought in as the 64th and that's where we stood for the last 15 years. but on April 15th we begin our newest and 65th neighborhood thanks in part to Victor Mendez and to the neighbors who live on First Street we will announce the 65th neighborhood to be known as the Zoo District and we look forward to

working with the city with the businesses with Mary Mesquah and really helping to create a neighborhood which is befitting the zoo and which truly welcomes not only members and residents of Santa Ana but residents throughout Orange County to one of our fantastic attractions so we thank you very much

Thai Viet PhanItem 1

so I do want to say for all of you have not been to a comlink meeting or a neighborhood association meeting please go out sign up for the newsletters they come out every month and when I'm joked about meeting Pat at a comic I really did I had never been to one before there was a budget presentation about measure X or something and now she's on the board and I'm mayor pro temp so definitely come out and join us and I'd like to invite my colleagues down for a photo

Jennifer L. HallItem 1

thank you

Thank you.

Thank you.

Alvaro NuñezItem 1

All right, next presentation, Councilman Hernandez, please. To the Artisa Prelod neighborhood leaders at Manita Aguilera.

Alvaro NuñezItem 2

Come on up everybody.

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 2

Bienvenido a su casa. Please come up to the front if we can have leaders of the Articia Pilar neighborhood, Ruby Woo, Lucy Solorzano, Leti Plasencia, and Artista Marina Aguilera. Please make your way here up to the front.

Thank you.

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 2

Today we are celebrating Chicano Heritage Month. Make some noise for Chicano Heritage Month, please.

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 2

In case you don't know where you're at, you're in Santana, the first city in the United States to ever declare the month of August Chicano Heritage Month. This is Chicano history happening right in front of you. Lucy Solorzano, we need you up here in the front before we can even begin. Por favor.

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 2

Now it's Chicano Heritage Month. We got everybody here. But this is a monumental time for Mexican-Americans and multi-generational Chicanos. Specifically, the city of Santana made history in taking the bold steps for us to acknowledge the sacrifices, the plights, and the struggles that Mexican Americans have endured to make this country what it is. Today we are recognizing a stellar group of individuals from the city of Santana. Neighborhood leaders from the Articia Pilar Neighborhood Association, Esther, Ruby Woo, Lucy Solorzano, Leti Plasencia,

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 2

and Santana's own Articia Pilar's native, La Artista Marina Aguilera. Today, the city of Santa Ana proclaims August as Chicano Heritage Month. We acknowledge the wealth and the achievements of Chicanos, the outstanding wealth of Chicano culture, the diversity of Chicano people, and the contributions to the civil rights activists who have advanced the Chicano movement. Chicano pride takes form in some of the most beautiful mediums that we've seen. One of my favorites is art. Murals in particular play a crucial role in

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 2

community engagement and urban revitalization. These public artworks transform ordinary spaces into cultural landmarks. They transform them into spaces where we can bring community together and we spark conversations around important social issues. Murals often depict themes of empowerment, struggle, hope, solidarity, and they serve as both a reflection of the community's struggles and the aspirations and a catalyst for positive change. By involving local artists from the communities that they come from,

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 2

residents have created a process in Articia Pilar where these projects not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of our neighborhoods, but they strengthen community bonds and they promote civic pride. Since the age of 14, Marina Aguilera, La Artista, has diligently served her community through her artwork. In her own words, she aims to capture the essence of the community. And she does. She hopes to continue sprinkling artistic gems throughout the city of Santana. And in her process, Marina Aguilera speaks to neighbors she conducts research with the purpose of creating meaningful art

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 2

that connects people across generations. The Articia Pilar neighborhood Association has undertaken various projects aimed at the preservation of artistic landmarks, specifically artistic Chicano landmarks. They are currently working on the restoration of the La Raza mural which is located on Civic Center and Holly. They are working on other public art installations that they've dubbed our hidden treasures. Articia Pilar Neighborhood Association member Lucy Solorzano, her family moved into the neighborhood in 1977. She has been a part of the neighborhood association for the last 20 years and

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 2

is an integral part of our neighborhood success. President Ruby Woo has been involved with the Articia Pilar Neighborhood Association for over 25 years and she's been the president for the last 25. She was the found one of the founders of SANO, Sanana Neighborhood Organizing. All of these women that are up here in front of us and they are exemplifying what the city represents. All of these women are shining examples of the dedication to one's community and the importance of art and Chicano culture. Join me in acknowledging Marina Aguilera and the Artisa Pilar Neighborhood Association leaders for their outstanding

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 2

contributions to our community as we celebrate Chicano Heritage Month in the city of Santana.

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 2

Now, because we are the first city in the country to ever declare the month of August, Chicano Heritage Month, this is only the third time that this has happened in the history of the United States, in our city specifically. And so, before I can give them the proclamation, I want to read it, because all of you are a part of Chicano history today, whether you are a Chicano or whether you are somebody who just, you know, lives here for two years or what have you. You guys are a part of this history, and it's important that you also hear about it. This proclamation recognizing Chicano Heritage Month reads,

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 2

Whereas Chicano Heritage Month, celebrated in August, honors the significant contributions of Mexican-Americans to the history of the United States. whereas Chicana or Chicano is used interchangeably with Mexican-American and was claimed by Mexicans in the 1960s and 1970s to express political empowerment, ethnic solidarity, and pride of being of indigenous and native descent. Whereas the Chicano movement was inspired by prior acts of resistance among people of Mexican descent through the advocacy work of Vicky Castro who who led the student walkouts. Ruben Salazar, a journalist who was from Santa Ana,

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 2

who was tragically killed during the Chicano moratorium August 29, 1970. He was a Santa Ana resident at the time of his death. Corky Gonzalez, Silvia Mendez, Articia Pilar's own Virginia and William Guzman, who represented themselves as plaintiffs suing Santa Ana Unified to desegregate the Fremont school that I'm an alumni of. Dolores Huerta, Lydia Romero Cruz, Josephine Chep Andrade and countless others. Whereas Chicanos and Chicanas are a significant growing demographic in Santa Ana, contributing greatly to the community, the contributions of the Articia Pilar Neighborhood Association

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 2

have helped shape Santa Ana into a hub of Chicano historic significance, including the Guzman's family's legal action against Fremont Elementary resulting in the desegregation of Orange County Schools. Cesar Chavez visiting and speaking to residents at El Salvador Park in 1972 and Articia Pilar's participation in the protests during the Chicano moratorium of 1970 and 1972. And whereas, La Artista Marina Aguilera, a native of the Articia Pilar neighborhood, has contributed to the Chicano art in Santa Ana. She plays a crucial role in community engagement and urban revitalization.

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 2

She has broke barriers for Chicanas in the art industry. Through her art, she has demonstrated decades of service to the community, including her murals at El Salvador Park in 1974, in 1976, and more recently in 2023 with her El Salvador Park mural. Her murals and mosaic tiles at the most recent 2024 Urban Street Greening Project are a shining example of her commitment to the city of Santa Ana. Lastly, whereas the city of Santa Ana was the first city to proclaim the month of August as Chicano Heritage Month in 2022, followed by the County of Orange, followed by Congressman Lou Correa, followed by Santa Ana Unified School District,

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 2

and followed by the cities of Anaheim and Española New Mexico. Now, therefore, we, the mayor and city council in the city of Santa Ana, do hereby proclaim August 2024 Chicano Heritage Month. We encourage our residents to join us in acknowledging and celebrating this cultural diversity amongst our community. Si se pudo.

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 2

So if the neighborhood leaders and Marina Aguilera would do us the honor of sharing some words, I'll defer to you leaders, if you can please join us here.

I guess you just said, Stacy Puebla, yes we can, and we can, thank you, yes we can, and we have done with resources with the city. Jonathan has been very helpful for our community and brining using the the tools that we have with the city one of the local of floral Park has been an inspiration if they could have a street topper so can we and so could all the neighborhoods if you worked all together it's always working together as a group and I wholeheartedly support comlink please go to their meetings please come to the neighborhood meetings because if you see something that's wrong it's

look at yourself for not fix helping to the community to fix it so that's what we brought and we brought the resources if they're there and the community with resources Lucy you want to say something hello everybody my name is Lucy Solorzano I'm just really quick you know I I've been here to volunteering for more than 20 years we volunteer okay we're not paid staff or anything like that this is of our own time and i just want to say that we that i got started because my dad at one point in time for a brief

moment was the artisa pilar neighborhood association president through neighborhood works they provided leadership opportunities for community members in our area but i just want to share that we are restoring the the raza mural on civic center and we hope to celebrate it and just waiting for the final approval but we're hoping to celebrate it on september the 7th you guys are all invited it's a free event we're gonna have some music food and we're gonna bless the

mural it's 33 years old the mural started because there was a Santa Ana College student by the name of Jorge Ruiz who went to a city council a city meeting because of the gang violence that was happening in the 1990s a lot of drive-by shootings were happening in our neighborhood he went to that neighborhood meeting trying to figure out how he can help to improve the neighborhood right so he had asked that then city city manager if he could do a mural and

unbeknownst to him to his surprise they said yes get the residents approval to do it on the wall and you can do it we have a QR code we have a Facebook that tells his story through Santana radio a local radio station here by El Centro so if you want further information about that story that can be up there but it started by one person trying to make a difference and here we are 33 years later trying to restore it because it's a piece of public art in our community and it's important and we want to make sure that other generations can enjoy it.

Hello everyone. I just wanted to say my roots run deep here in the city of Santa Ana. I'm a third generation here and I want to thank you all, all of you. It takes a village to continue the process of the art and inspiration for this beautiful city. I am so blessed and very honored to still have my paintbrush after all these years go all around Santa Ana and create beautiful art for my beautiful city. Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you. We're going to take a photo and

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 2

And then I just want to say once more, thank you guys. This is truly an impactful and historic day for Santa Ana. Thank you.

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 2

One quick thing, I would not, I'd be remiss if I didn't say this. This Sunday, August 11th, we have the Chicano Heritage Festival at Centennial Park, Lakeside, Delphonics, McCharmley's, Funk Freaks, Diamond Ortiz. It's a free festival.

please come on out.

Alvaro NuñezItem 2

Okay, next presentation by Council Member Lopez. We can have the carpenters please. Come on up. Thank you.

Phil BacerraItem 3

Thank you.

Come on down.

I'm sure you're all safe.

Here I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say I say

Jessie LopezItem 3

All right. Hi everyone. Good evening.

Jessie LopezItem 3

All right. So tonight, it really is my distinct honor to recognize an organization that exemplifies the highest standards of craftsmanship and community impact and who the people that you see here behind me are community members of our city and throughout Orange County as well and they are the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters. A round of applause please.

Jessie LopezItem 3

And so the carpenters really to me they stand as a beacon of excellence in in the construction industry representing nearly 90,000 dedicated members across 12 states from southern California to Alaska. Their commitment to elevating standards in construction and improving living conditions for workers is unparalleled. At the heart of their mission lies a profound commitment to brotherhood, fostering a culture where excellence in workmanship and personal integrity define their reputation. Their union strength is not just in their numbers, but in the

Jessie LopezItem 3

unmatched skills and expertise they bring to every project. That includes projects that they help build here in the city of Santa Ana. They deliver consistently high-quality work on time and within budget. Their skilled union jobs play a pivotal role in fostering thriving communities. Throughout economic growth and security they create pathways to prosperity and improve education and neighborhoods. Guided by a vision of a better future built with union labor they uphold quality efficiency and integrity in every project that they undertake ensuring sustainable success and tonight I am

Jessie LopezItem 3

here to recognize them because they also go above and beyond to give back to the communities that they belong to. One recent project that the men and women that you see behind me worked on in our community are the renovations to the benches at the Lawn Bowling Center in War III. And I know that they have helped and use their labor and their time off, think about this, when they shouldn't be working on weekends, they came to our city and invested their skills to help parks and rec department in different parts of the city like the Jerome Park planters and other projects that you'll see in the future like the sign

Jessie LopezItem 3

renovation at Grissett Park I was out there early with them as they were working helping us save money and installing the benches at the lawn bowling center so please please give them a big round of applause and thank them for their work

Jessie LopezItem 3

I am thrilled to be presenting this recognition to them, to Jimmy Elrod who could not be here tonight and I really want to thank all of you for your contributions to our communities whether it's in Orange County, Santa Ana or beyond.

Do we have a representative that would like to address? Yes.

Thank you everyone and on behalf of over 4,000 union carpenters and their families that live in Santa Ana and surrounding cities. We'd like to thank you for this recognition and more importantly thank every one of you out here and your families for helping create community wealth, putting skin in the game, and giving back to our communities. Thank you. You are the ones who make this happen. Thank you very much

you guys my name is Francisco Gomez I live in Ward 1 I've been a carpenter for 20 years I'm the PAC committee co-chair and a delegate of local 714 thank you to the city to that recognized us of the work that we've done and I'm also thankful for the city for trusting us and doing the needs that they needed for the community Just one other person. I want I know for a fact. I want to recognize is Nettie behind me he's one of the Volunteers that's always out there every weekend

So I want to thank him and the amongst many others who showed up on on those weekends that that we were needed. So thank you very much

Jessie LopezItem 3

Okay, we're gonna try and get a group photo.

Carpenters on three. One, two, three. Carpenters.

Thank you.

Alvaro NuñezItem 3

We're going to let them leave the room and then we'll continue.

Phil BacerraItem 3

Let's have another round of applause for our carpenters.

Phil BacerraItem 3

I can appreciate these guys not just because they build but also because my grandfather was the first non-white master carpenter here in Orange County. So love seeing those guys. Thank you guys for being here. But now I want to celebrate another essential group of folks and that is the best and bravest, our OC firefighters. So if I could have a couple folks come up. Let's see. Edwin Solano, Andrew Robles, Gabriel Flores, Lee Nishanian, Derek Bering, Ray McQueen, and I know tonight our Chief Jim Henry ain't here, but we'll have some folks come up.

Phil BacerraItem 4

so back on uh well let me start at the beginning so for those of you that don't know why am i calling up the orange county fire authority so san anna fire department these are our guys these are the folks that you call when you are in danger when you need life-saving assistance So the OC Fire Authority or OCFA provides Santa Ana along with 22 other cities, including the county, with fire protection and medical emergency services. Again, they're our fire department.

Phil BacerraItem 4

So on July 11th, OCFA hosted their annual best and bravest award ceremony where those who go above and beyond their already courageous, benevolent, and life-saving duties are celebrated. so of course and I'm always proud to say this of course some of the best and bravest either currently or have served the city of Santa Ana so those individuals heroic actions go beyond duty showing a profound commitment to those that they serve and safeguard here in the city of Santa Ana so we want to take this opportunity to express our deepest gratitude councilman Hernandez can

Alvaro NuñezItem 4

you hold on one second we don't have a quorum I don't know why people are leaving the dais

Alvaro NuñezItem 4

no no it doesn't work that way i need you guys to come in and be part of this meeting please can one of you call one of the other council members we need to have a quorum we have a quorum where okay councilman becerra thank you go ahead well i don't want councilman vasquez leaving he's going to run out we don't have a quorum it doesn't matter go ahead let's

Phil BacerraItem 4

do this no i appreciate that thank you mayor it's kind of shocking we don't have a full house for our firefighters. I agree. But again, so we want to celebrate these folks because while they got their accolades at the Best of Bravest, I wanted our community here in Santa Ana to also see them and be able to celebrate them as well. So I'd like to begin with Edwin Solano. Edwin?

Phil BacerraItem 4

So Edwin, why is Edwin up here? He was named the Battalion 9 Cadet of the Year for Division 6. As a member of Post 9, Edwin participated in numerous ride-alongs at stations here in Santa Ana, and he gained extensive hands-on experience. He's also been involved in several community events throughout the year and successfully completed the OCFA Fire Cadet Academy number 23. He's demonstrated his commitment to personal fitness and he's completed a half marathon this year, or last year, I'm sorry, and he plans to do a full marathon this year. I hope to get to the half marathon part at some point, but in the meantime, this gentleman

Phil BacerraItem 4

here is going to be running a full marathon. He's a first-generation college student, so first in his family, and he's currently studying fire technology and looks forward to a career as a firefighter.

Congratulations.

Phil BacerraItem 4

So next up, it's a group effort here. I want to call up Andrew Robles, Gabriel Flores, and Lee Nishnanian, better known as the O.C. Bomberos.

Phil BacerraItem 4

So these...

Benjamin VazquezItem 4

Surround me.

Phil BacerraItem 4

So these gentlemen, they were given the Unsung Hero Award at the ceremony. So they started the OC Bomberos back in 2020 in response to a recognized need within our community to support youth in low-income households in pursuing their goals in fire service through educational and fire academy scholarships. So after two years of their fundraising efforts, they've been able to provide 23 scholarships. Now, this is achieved through the solicitation of private donations, as well as various fundraising initiatives.

Phil BacerraItem 4

The OC Bomberos are dedicated to showing future generations that there are avenues to improve their lives and reach their full potential. So, in addition to financial support, the organization provides mentorship before, during, and after the completion of the academy, EMT, or paramedic school. Despite the demanding nature of their mission, the members of the OC Bomberos invest countless hours away from their families and off-duty time to fundraise and mentor the youth of Orange County and Santa Ana. Their commitment and selflessness serve as an inspiration to many driven by the purest of intentions.

Phil BacerraItem 4

So let's give them a round of applause.

Phil BacerraItem 4

so now this gentleman doesn't have the honor of currently serving Santa Ana but we could not not recognize him Ray McQueen come on up where are you Ray

Phil BacerraItem 4

Ray is amazing when I first became the appointed member to the OC Fire Authority Board Ray was one of at one of the fire stations that I first toured and gave me quite a tour and we you know it's just a lot of great things that came out of race so I'm just happy to have him here but Ray as I'm sitting there at the awards I see Ray go up on stage and he's getting an award of course he is I was I wasn't shocked he was receiving a special operation citation along with his team in their response to pneumonia leak in a building over in Buena Park Ray and his team helped Lee

Phil BacerraItem 4

a successful evacuation of the site and mitigate the impacts to those on the site and those surrounding the site. Now he may not be currently serving in Santa Ana but let me give you a little reason why we want to recognize and acknowledge him. So Ray for most of his career right most of your career served the city of Santa Ana on engine 75 and truck 75 from 2015 to 2018 and then when I met him he is a fire captain on engine 71 from 2020 to 2022. He earned battalion 9 firefighter of the year in 2017 as an engineer on engine 75 and again in 2021 as a captain on engine 71.

Phil BacerraItem 4

All of those by the way happened here in Santa Ana right? All right so Ray has contributed significantly to training and mentorship within OCFA serving as a recruit academy lead instructor fire apparatus engineer academy instructor and fire captain academy lead instructor so even though we're not talking about something you did in Santa Ana we are so happy and proud that you serve this city and we always want to see you thrive and succeed and we always know where your heart really is we know it thank you

Phil BacerraItem 4

all right and last but not least he could not be here tonight but our chief uh Jim Henry so come on up now he looks a little different than Chief Henry but that's okay come on in here so Santa Ana's own battalion chief Jim Henry he helped her see he received see a lot of a lot of stuff in here so he received as part of a team a unit citation for the Tustin hangar fire and we all know about that and how much work went into that. Now before, or I'm sorry, yeah before he

Phil BacerraItem 4

received that, Chief Henry was original Santa Ana Fire. So Chief Henry has been a Santa Ana fixture for many, many decades. He began his fire service here in 1984 as a reserve firefighter with the Santa Ana Fire Department. Over the years he has held numerous positions including firefighter, paramedic apparatus operator captain training officer incident command system and technical rescue instructor and a member of the urban search and rescue team sounds like I read the whole darn directory didn't it right but no he did all that and I actually left a couple out don't tell him in 2006 he was

Phil BacerraItem 4

promoted to battalion chief leveraging his extensive knowledge of the city's history and his management skills in March 2019 chef chief Henry was promoted to division chief in other words he was selected to be Santa Ana's fire chief in this role he has strengthened relationships with residents through community programs and events and focuses on engaging local youth through programs like the fire cadet program so we miss chief Henry he couldn't be here with us tonight also that were recognized at the awards from Santa Ana or have

Phil BacerraItem 4

Dolan Special Operations Citation and Eric Payne Firefighter of the Year Battalion 9 and I realized there's actually one more that I skipped over real quick and I apologize for that and that was don't worry we're getting to you we're getting to you Fire Captain Derek Beering so Derek was awarded Staff Firefighter of the Year he was previously served as uh Admin Captain for Chief Henry. See how he teed up? You're for Chief Henry now, right? It worked out. He's had 29 years of experience in the fire service with 12 of those years dedicated to OCFA. Captain Behring was

Phil BacerraItem 4

recognized as Staff Firefighter of the Year due to his exceptional dedication and willingness to go above and beyond his normal duties as a fire captain. Captain Behring is a key member of OCFA's peer support team where his dedication to the well-being of OCFA personnel contributes significantly to maintaining mental health and resilience of personnel in the field. And we know how important that is for our firefighters. So this gentleman has done a lot to help the OCFA. So thank you, sir, for all you do. Let's give one more round of applause for all of our OCFA personnel up here. And my colleagues would like to come down.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Alvaro NuñezItem 4

Next we have Council Member Vasquez, our final presentation, honoring Salvador Quintana.

Benjamin VazquezItem 5

Thank you. Thank you. Can we have the Quintana family come up?

Benjamin VazquezItem 5

Oscar, come up, Quintana. And also the Nita family come up, please. Can we have the Nita family as well?

Benjamin VazquezItem 5

I'll...

Alvaro NuñezItem 5

So if you can all come up and gather around, go all the way down. If you need to come behind us, feel free. It seems like there's a lot of people.

Thank you. Thank you.

Alvaro NuñezItem 5

So if some of you need to come up behind us, that's fine. You can come up behind us. I don't know if you'll all fit down here. You're more than welcome to come up.

Benjamin VazquezItem 5

So.

Alvaro NuñezItem 5

I love it.

Benjamin VazquezItem 5

I love it.

Benjamin VazquezItem 5

Hello, beautiful family. It's a beautiful day to be a Santanero today. and we're we're gonna celebrate our legacy of how Santaneros learned to love each other take care of each other and this history tells that history of how we came to have that character this history tells us of how we Santaneros are united and we love each other and today we're gonna it's a story of how the Nita family cared and loved and nurtured Salvador Quintana and then

Benjamin VazquezItem 5

Salvador Quintana in return gave him the love that they gave him. We gathered today to celebrate and honor the extraordinary life of a legacy of Salvador Quintana. Salvador arrived in Orange County in 1923 at the age of 17 escaping the Cristero War in Mexico. He traveled with his brother Antonio and grandmother Mama Lipa to find refuge and a new beginning in Delhi. Salvador Salvador initially managed the grocery store demonstrating his resilience and commitment. In the early 1930s, he worked for the Nita Family's Farm in Santa Ana, showcasing his adaptability and work ethic.

Benjamin VazquezItem 5

Salvador learned Japanese to bond with Mr. Shuzuke Nita, highlighting his respect for diverse cultures and his willingness to go an extra mile. Amidst World War II and the internment of Japanese Americans, Salvador played a crucial role in preserving the Nita's family's farm. He was entrusted with the property and worked to support the internal families, demonstrating exceptional empathy and integrity. Salvador made monthly trips to the internment camps, delivering essential supplies and collaborating with Mr. Nita to meet the needs of those affected. After the war, Salvador returned the land to Mr. Nita for

Benjamin VazquezItem 5

just a dollar, a gesture reflecting his honesty and respect. His stewardship continued for 65 years until his retirement at the age of 90, reflecting his dedication to his work and community. Salvador's personal life, including his marriage to Margarita and later Sarah, revealed his deep sense of community and family. Salvador's legacy lives on through his children who were Rosalia, Richard, Helen, and Frankie, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and godchild Oscar, who continue to contribute to Santa Ana

Benjamin VazquezItem 5

with the same spirit of service and compassion. On behalf of the mayor and city council, we proclaim and honor the celebration of Salvador Quintana, remarkable life and legacy. Salvador's contribution and principles have left a lasting impact in our hearts and community. His memory will forever inspire future generations as a symbol of dedication, resilience, and selfless service.

hello I am the guts godson Oscar I just want to say thank you to Benjavid Vasquez and the rest of the City Council for this recognition yeah my uncle he was a great man and you know as you can see here with all the family is just an honor. Thank you. Thank you.

On behalf of my very loving community of friends and family, we are so very, very proud of this moment. Thank you for the City of Santa Ana for recognizing my grandfather's good works. Again, the Nita family who did take excellent care of my grandfather, treated him with respect, dignity, and love, and taught us a great lesson to do so with our entire families. We really appreciate it. It's a proud moment for us all. Thank you.

My grandfather, the one thing he did teach all of us, he said, in life you're born with nothing and you leave with nothing it's what you do in between that matters the honor and your word and he taught that to all of us and he loved our family and he loved the city of santa anna and the city of santa anna was family to him and he loved the nita family and we're very grateful

that they have been a big part of our life as well thank you

Benjamin VazquezItem 5

Amparo? And Amparo. Sorry I got a list.

Pero, you know, we still love you from Willard.

Benjamin VazquezItem 5

She's telling me I can't mess with her because she's protected by the streets and people in Santa Ana.

But thank you, everybody.

Benjamin VazquezItem 5

Thank you to the Nita family for the love that you showed us how to love. And we were just graceful enough to give you the love back and to learn from Salvador Quintana and his family. It comes directly from your family, so we really appreciate you.

Thank you, everybody. Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Alvaro NuñezItem 5

Okay, we'll resume the meeting. We need to move everybody.

Thank you.

Congratulations.

Thank you.

Alvaro NuñezItem 5

All right, at this point, we're going to continue. Great presentations by all.

Alvaro NuñezItem 5

Madam City Attorney, do you have anything to report out of closed session?

Sonia R. CarvalhoItem 5

Mayor, council members, and members of the public, I think our mayor did an excellent job in reporting out reportable action this evening, and there's no other items to report.

Alvaro NuñezItem 5

Thank you, Madam City Attorney. This is the time of the meeting for the City Council to receive comments from the public. on agenda and non-agenda items, with the exception of public hearing items number 27 and 28 and the Housing Authority agenda. Madam City Clerk, please explain the public comment procedures and call the first speakers.

Jennifer L. HallItem 5

Thank you, Mayor. Pursuant to resolution number 2023-047, speakers are requested to address the City Council directly and to refrain from profane language, racial epitaphs, and libelous or slanderous statements that disturb the decorum of the meeting. Pursuant to the Brown Act, the City Council may not enter into discussion at this time. Speakers will have three minutes for their comments. Before calling speakers, I would like to report the following summary of emails provided as of today. 2.30 p.m. we received 10 total e-comments on consent and non-consent items, five related to item number 11, and five on non-agenda topics.

Jennifer L. HallItem 5

Those were distributed to the Council and posted online for public review.

Jennifer L. HallItem 5

We'll now call speakers to the podium. Please state your name and the ward or neighborhood that you reside in for the record. The first three speakers, if you could line up in the aisle behind the podium, Claudia Morales, Ray Diaz, Ana Charco.

I'm a member of the Safe Families for Elecciones Justas. and I'm here today to talk about what are the challenges that are happening, the ola of challenges that are happening. Why I'm talking about that is because we are living it, and because we are living it, we are working with organizations that make

the housing housing and, above all, I want to talk about my experience, because in the 2022 I wanted to spend a happy Christmas like all of us, but they told me that I had to leave my apartment. And I said, wow, on December 20th. It was very hard for me because I said, I don't want to tell my family to not let him lose the Christmas. But I didn't have to. In December, the owner told me, I asked the owner to help Fair Housing to be able to take this procedure.

It was very difficult because we didn't have resources to be able to appeal. They gave me a letter of desalojo because I applied. Then the owner told me that I wanted to sell the apartment. After they told me about Fair Housing, he told me that I was not. I was not desalojando because I had a lot of people in my house, which is not so. So, today I'm going to appeal to the apartment, if we had a legal help to defend ourselves, the owners are afraid of us. I was going to move to San Bernardino Riverside to see if we could rent something, because we were living all day,

and I realize that we can't even go there. Thank God, now we are realizing that there are options, that there are resources, but we are currently seeing in periods of elections what will happen with this situation, right? I'm from District 4, I'm sorry, I said it. I'm very happy because for approximately the next two years we're going to be able to choose for the first time our representatives in our district. And that makes me feel very happy because we're focused on that struggle to see who's supporting us to give us that legal representation

to be able to defend our homes. So, thank you very much for being here and for thinking about us and our lives.

Good evening, my name is Claudia Morales, I'm a resident of Santa Ana for 23 years. I'm in Ward 4 with Tenants United Santa Ana and also safe and fair housing. And I've been suffering and helping people protect people from evictions because I am living it. And I was living it. I'm living this situation now. And I'm seeking counseling. And this happened in 2022 during Christmas.

My landlord told me I had to leave the apartment. I got the letter on December 20th, 2022, and I didn't want to tell my family so as not to ruin their Christmas, but I couldn't help it. I had to tell them, and in February, I sought some help from Fair Housing, and it's hard. It's hard because we're not respected. The landlords do not respect us. I received the eviction letter and I was told that I was being evicted because the landlord wanted to sell

but when he received the fair housing letter he changed his tune saying that's not true it was because I have too many people living in the place which is not true So I applied for help, and I'm appealing to you because we need legal help, and the landlords make us afraid to live there or to complain. And I was looking for opportunities to live somewhere else, San Bernardino and Riverside, but in looking at those situations, it's the same. It's still too difficult.

But thank God that I found the resources here and the help. And now that we're coming to this election period, I'm wondering what you guys will do. Again, I don't know if I mentioned it. I'm from District 4. And I'm happy because in the next two years, we'll be having fair elections so that we are able to select, to elect our representatives for our districts. So I'm here looking to see who will help us in these legal issues. So thank you for listening and for helping us with this housing issue.

Jennifer L. HallItem 5

Next three speakers, Ray Diaz, Ana Charco, Edith Gee.

Jennifer L. HallItem 5

Ray Diaz.

Jennifer L. HallItem 5

Ana Charco.

ANNA CHARCOA, Hello, good afternoon, Mayor Mezcua and Council Members. My name is Ana Charco and I'm here on behalf of Latino Health Access. At Latino Health Access we have a tenant counseling service where we provide education on tenant protections and help tenants with communication letters with their landlord regarding unjust evictions, accommodations, repairs, and rent increases. Today I'm here to raise awareness about three primary reasons why we continue to see evictions, continue to rise in the city of Santana, despite the just cost eviction law.

One of the primary reasons we're seeing tenants be evicted are that landlords continue to use intimidation tactics to evict tenants. We have seen managers verbally accuse tenants and randomly show up to create a hostile environment for our tenants. Landlords are charging for fees and services that were not included in their initial contract. These charges include costs for trash, maintenance, water, cleaning, and even gardening that were not included in their initial contracts as a way to evict them. Another tactic we're seeing is that managers are avoiding to collect rent

in order to issue notice of unpaid rent, which became a valid reason for eviction. This hostile environment has led many tenants to self-evict, what we are calling now the self-eviction way. While the Just Cause Eviction and ordinance have been very helpful. I do wanna bring to your attention that these issues are happening, and how could we continue moving forward in order to address them?

Especially when we see that our tenant, in a city that is primarily tenant-made, we're continuing to see these tactics and how could we avoid having them and have evictions in our cities. Thank you.

Jennifer L. HallItem 5

Edith Gee.

Jennifer L. HallItem 5

Followed by Mario Alvarado.

where we have lived for the last 20 years or more, thanks to the new owners take possession of the properties without making the appropriate procedures for what causes a disaster here in the city of Santa Ana. They buy properties without knowing what are the rules in each city and they want to do things in their way, until they get to us to get to us, so that we can get to the game, sucios, hasta de poner diferentes real estates para negociar y no darnos nada por escrito, para que no se haga la evidencia de lo que están haciendo. Está mal y no haya pruebas

en contra de ellos. Han sido meses desgastantes, que no tenemos paz, y de lo cual de los 20 inquilinos que teníamos, muchos de ellos decidieron irse para quitarse el estrés, It's fear, thinking that it's affected by the migrator, which they feel frustrated and think that they don't have the right to fight for their home. The lack of information, that we don't have resources, that we don't know today, that we have tried to find solutions to find solutions for not to lose their home.

We could find support in Latino Health Access and they connected us to Public Law Center to help us and help us to guide us this process. Although we are still in the fight, we know that there are families who were not so lucky and lost their house and their home for lack of knowledge. And knowing that there are rights in Santana is a city where we have control of rents. And the new owners can't raise us a high percentage that is stipulated by our city. We don't want to pay the increase, but when they want to pay more than 100%

and Santana is only 2.54% and we know that in September will enter the 3%. Today, I ask you to keep supporting these families who don't have voice and vote and who are passing by the same pain, anger, stress, and that every cause, that no only is in the parents, but in our children, that they feel that one day we will lose the struggle and we will have to go to our homes, perdiendo schools, their dreams that they have made, only because they are interested in their own well-being and economic life. Thank you.

I hope to take into account this message, that we are many in the city of Santana, that we have not been heard.

Good evening to all. My name is Edith. Thank you, City Council members. I am here representing Mimi Tenants in Santa Ana, and I'd like to share the story of stress and other things that we are suffering because we do not have a roof over our heads or proper housing. We have been accosted by the landlords verbally and in our minds as well. I've been dealing with this for over 20 years. The landlords do not follow the eviction process that is required in Santa Ana

because they don't want to follow the rules and they do things their own way. They hire different real estate agents to negotiate, but they don't give us anything in writing so that we do not have proof of what is going on. And we've been living like this for months with no peace of mind. And of the 20 tenants that we were trying to help, many have left because they're afraid, because they're frustrated, because they're afraid that their immigration status or immigration is going to get them. They don't know their rights. They have no information about the resources.

We have been knocking on doors, and we have not gotten a lot of solutions. but we were fortunate enough to go to encounter Latino Health Access, who directed us to the Public Law Center, who are helping us with the process. And the people, many of the people, unfortunately, have not been fortunate to have their help, and they have lost their housing just because they don't know the information. They don't know that there's rent control here in Santa Ana, that they cannot raise the rents too much.

And we're not saying we do not want to pay the rent, but we do not want to pay a 100% increase, only the current 2.54%, and in September 3%. So we are asking you to help these people who do not have a voice, these families who do not have a voice, because they're afraid, because they'll be evicted. Not only the parents are stressed and afraid, but also their children because they see the situation and they're afraid that they have to leave their homes, they have to leave their school and their dreams of the community.

And the landlords are only looking for their own monetary interest for the money. So please listen to us in Santa Ana and help us in this difficult situation.

Jennifer L. HallItem 5

Mario Alvarado followed by Carlos Perea and Victor Mendez.

Good evening, City Council Mayor, those in attendance and those watching at home. My name is Mario Alvarado. And before I start with my comments, I was out at the Santa Ana Police Department night out event. Congratulations on an amazing event. there was about a thousand people that I saw when I was out there so congratulations chief and and all the staff that made it happen I wanted to comment today and on one of the items on item 13 with regards to the funds that are earmarked I want to publicly thank our congressman representative Lou Correa for the 2.5 million dollars that he's been given to the Santa Ana with regards

to those funds if the people have not the residents have not seen what those ones are for it is for needed infrastructure in downtown Santa Ana and also for a much-needed Wi-Fi in downtown if you guys are don't visit downtown area when you're down there you can't really text or even record or send messages because you know whatever the infrastructure is in the downtown area it doesn't call for having much signal for many of the providers and so seeing the uh the item and uh the attachments that it's coming with a fiber which is the top of the line

i hope that the city council can uh you know vote on this i don't know whether it's going to be pulled for discussion but uh please uh thank you so much representative luke correa thank you for the council people that are going to be voting on this and and hopefully pushing it forward um and also hopefully all that work will be done by our brothers and sisters in the local labor Thank you so much guys.

Jennifer L. HallItem 5

Carlos Perea.

Good afternoon members of mayor and members of the City Council. I'm not here to do politicking. I cannot run for office. But I'm here in my individual capacity as a resident of the City of Santa Ana and also as a Police Oversight Commissioner. I'm here to discuss two items. But first, the first one is I'm respectfully urging the Santa Ana City Council to prioritize moving the process of hiring an independent oversight director to provide critical support to the Police Oversight Commission. I have raised this urgency with the council member that has appointed me, Council Member

Vazquez, but I'm here to also urge the rest of you to do so. Over the last couple months, the absence of a director has significantly hindered the Commission's ability to effectively carry out our responsibilities to oversee the police department. It is crucial that we address this urgently to ensure that our Commission is fully, full operational capacity and we can again fulfill or oversight duties. The second item that I also am here to speak on is regarding the issue of freedom of press. I am very concerned as one as a resident,

but as a commissioner that is in charge of transparency and accountability of one of the city's departments about this anti-freedom of press move that the Santana City Council has done. I believe it was in fall and winter, under your leadership, Mayor M. Esquan. And so we need to make sure that we have freedom of press in City Hall and remove those restrictions that we have that have raised a lot of concerns. You have a lot of journalistic entities, very credible journalistic entities, that have raised concerns about the restriction that journalists have in the city. So I really hope that this is removed.

This is something we never had before. So I'm not sure why in the last year we have it now. So thank you very much.

Jennifer L. HallItem 5

Victor Mendez.

Victor Mendez, Ward 3. I'm going to use part of my time to thank Mayor Ameska for recognizing that disabled senior citizens have First Amendment rights. I was held up there in line. Unfortunately, staff didn't want to reasonably accommodate me. And until she interceded, she got my right to speak. So thank you. Thank you for recognizing that old people, maybe they're not young anymore, who have a little bit of firmity, but still want to speak their mind, can speak it in this city. So thank you very much. Thank you for being you. That said, I want to talk about money. Lots of money. Let's talk money and politics.

It's quite all right. I don't have a problem with it. As long as it's legal, I donate. My name's wherever. And that's fine. Okay? And it's part of our system. Keep it legal, keep it clean. But I just want to make our people out there be aware that today the Southwest or the Western States Carpenters, great organization, I know them well, they endorsed me when I ran for office, gave $5,000 to Jessie Lopez against her recall. So let's be clear that sometimes we give, we have the POA out or whatever, and I hear all the hackles and the clutching pearls. It works

both ways. It's okay. Just don't be a hypocrite about it. You have your people, you have your supporters just don't be a hypocrite about it that they were known as a Southwest Mountain Street carpenter at the time they merged into a regional organization I confirmed that today with the Western state with their what their title is and it's all there on the sheet United Food and Commercial Workers also gave Ms. Lopez $50,000 I believe that's reported again I'm just going off the reports perfectly legal perfectly fine but realizing the United Food and

commercial workers are looking to merge with Elliot Lewis to try to monopolize the cannabis trade here in Santa Ana. So just be aware where the money is going and who is deciding what. And the point being, get all the money you want. I don't care. Everything is fine by me. Just use it legally and please don't be a hypocrite about it. Somebody is raising money to do their thing from whatever source. If it's legal, it's the fine. It's the same first amendment rights to everybody under Citizens United. So just like I said, let's be adult about it. Let's be big people about it and go forward from there.

With that said, I only have 30 seconds, so I'll just go to item 15. I'd urge you not to approve this. That's $2.2 million the taxpayers are being asked to fund for something that's way out of their control just to offset liabilities. that's 2.2 million should have been available for parks. It should have been available for the master plan, for the arts. A lot of things could have been done with that 2.2 million. It just sat there and somehow magically appears. And the taxpayers are the lesser for it. And this has just got to stop. This game should have been done. Thank you.

Jennifer L. HallItem 5

Victor, your time is up. Ray Diaz.

Good evening, Mayor and members of the council. It's good to be back here with y'all. I'm here to speak also in strong condemnation of the media policy that currently exists here in City Hall in terms of restricting the press to do their jobs and report on the policies that are being passed within this chamber. It seems clear to me that the only reason why this policy was implemented in the first place was because there's members on this council who, for some weird reason, disagree with reporters and don't want them to do their jobs in the aftermath of that.

And so for me, I wanted to speak in strong condemnation and ask if there's a way for the council to have a public vote on whether this policy is in accordance with state law, whether it's in violation of the Brown Act, and for that to be a public discussion, because the fact that this media policy was implemented without a public conversation or how it was even going to be implemented is really a shame. For a city where a resident by the name of Ruben Salazar, who covered the Chicano movement in the 1960s, was persecuted and was murdered by a Los Angeles sheriff deputy for reporting on police brutality that

was being experienced under the Chicano community in Los Angeles and reporters in Gaza are being targeted and murdered for reporting the truth and there's not just one credible news outlet voice of OC I know there's members on the council that for some weird reason want to go after reporters at voice of OC but it's also Orange County Register we're in Santa Ana trust Wayne's after former city manager's resignation and $163,000 payout. So clearly there's a lack of transparency going on in City Hall. There's a power imbalance between members of the council and staff that is clearly not being transparent in any way.

So I'm here to just again ask for some way for there to be a public discussion on the media policy and for there to be a transparent City Hall here in Santa So thank you for your time.

Jennifer L. HallItem 5

And Mayor and City Council, that concludes the speaker cards. There are no speakers on Zoom, so that concludes the public speakers tonight.

Alvaro NuñezItem 5

Thank you, Madam City Clerk. Really appreciate it. Consent calendar items 6 through 26 are before us. Council members, please announce any items that you'll be abstaining from due to a conflict. And if there are any requests to pull an item from the consent calendar for further discussion.

Alvaro NuñezItem 6

Councilmember Hernandez.

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 6

Thank you, Madam Mayor. I just have comments on items 12, 13, and 18. With that, I'll make a motion to move the consent calendar.

Alvaro NuñezItem 6

Thank you. Councilmember Panalosa. I'm sorry, Becerra. Mayor Proton.

Thai Viet PhanItem 6

Yes. I'd like to recuse myself from item number 18. Excuse me. From item number 18, SPCL Construction Services is a client of my law firm, Rattan & Tucker, and as well as from item number 25, as Orange County Water District and the City of Anaheim are clients of my employer, Rattan & Tucker. If those items are pulled, I will leave the room. Thank you. Councilor Penelosa.

David PenalozaItem 6

Thank you, Mayor. I'd like to pull items 14 and 20.

Jessie LopezItem 6

Councilmember Lopez. No items to pull. I just want to say thank you staff for taking time to meet with us and answering any questions prior to this council session.

Alvaro NuñezItem 6

Council Member Vasquez. No items to pull. Thank you. There was a motion by Councilman Hernandez. Can I get a second? I'll second the motion. Thank you.

David PenalozaItem 6

Mayor, I'd like to register a no vote on item 24.

Alvaro NuñezItem 6

A no vote?

David PenalozaItem 6

Yes.

Alvaro NuñezItem 6

Perfect. Thank you. There is a motion and a second. Let's prepare to vote, please.

Jennifer L. HallItem 6

A motion by Council Member Hernandez, seconded by Council Member Lopez, to approve the consent calendar, with the exceptions of items number 14 and 20, pulled for separate discussion and consideration, and a noted...

Alvaro NuñezItem 6

I'm sorry, Madam City Clerk, I didn't give you my item. I apologize. Okay. I'm pulling item 13, please.

Jennifer L. HallItem 6

So to approve the consent calendar with the exception of items 13, 14, and 20, hold for separate discussion and consideration. Council Member Penaloza.

Alvaro NuñezItem 6

You vote.

Jennifer L. HallItem 6

The vote is seven ayes, no nays, with a recorded no vote by Council Member Penaloza on item number 24, and noted recusals by Mayor Pro Tem Fan on items 18 and 25. Motion carries.

Alvaro NuñezItem 6

Thank you. Can we have the Youth Commissioner and the Parks and Rec Commissioner, Edith Hernandez and Joshua Jagua, I apologize if I say that wrong, come forward please. Thank you.

I, Edith Hernandez. I, Josh Jagway.

Do solemnly swear. Do solemnly swear that I will support and defend. the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of California against all enemies foreign and domestic that I will bear truth and faith and religion to the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of California that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation,

or purpose of evasion,

that I will well and faithfully discharge duties upon much. I'm about to answer.

Sonia R. CarvalhoItem 6

Congratulations. Congratulations.

Sonia R. CarvalhoItem 6

Mayor, may I just make a comment as people come back to their seats on the dais? I just want to remind City Council that when a council member pulls an item for comment only, it's intended that way because the item is passed as your consent calendar. I went back and reviewed some meetings and noticed that sometimes when a council member pulls an item for comment only, we end up getting into a discussion and that's not the right process. So those items, when they're pulled for comment only because a council member chose to do that, it's for their comment only.

Alvaro NuñezItem 6

Right, but then I pulled item 13. I never had the opportunity to pull it.

Sonia R. CarvalhoItem 6

If you pulled an item, then that will be pulled, but the ones that were pulled for comment only, I think at this point it's only number 12 because 13 and 18 were both pulled separately. Actually, 18 wasn't pulled. So just 12 and 18, when he makes comments on 12 and 18, it's just for his comments. Then you go back to pull the items on 13 and 20.

Alvaro NuñezItem 6

You're right. Thank you.

Sonia R. CarvalhoItem 6

Just wanted to remind you. Thank you very much.

Jennifer L. HallItem 6

So, Mayor, the first item is item 12 for a comment by Councilmember Hernandez.

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 7

Thank you, Madam City Clerk. Today we approved a Youth Workforce Services under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. We have an agreement with the Orange County Children's Therapeutic Arts Center for Youth Work Services for Program Year 2024-2025. This is a fantastic organization that serves residents in both Ward 3 as well as Ward 5. Today, we executed an agreement with the city manager's office that is not to exceed $300,000. And the fantastic thing about this organization is that they have been helping children and families for many decades in Santa Ana.

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 7

and this will specifically help 20 Santa Ana youth in the areas of paid work experience, readiness preparation, workforce preparation, tutoring, mentoring, counseling, and supportive services. OCTAQ is on track to meet WIOA youth performance measures. In addition, per federal regulations, youth providers are enrolling and must spend at least 80% of their funds out of school youth and 20% on work experience, participants' stipends, and or wages. This is what community investment looks like. I want to thank all my colleagues here at the dais for supporting OCTAQ. Thank you.

Jennifer L. HallItem 7

Mayor, the next item is item 13 that you pulled.

Alvaro NuñezItem 7

Yes, I pulled that item. So thank you. And I know Councilman Hernandez has a comment when I'm down and I'm going to be very short. I just want to be clear because I received some phone calls from downtown merchants that this item was going to give them money for their business. And actually, it is not going to do that. And I just want to clear up the confusion. I'm not sure who shared that with them. And it doesn't matter. It's irrelevant to me. What I want to share is that this money was given by our congressman. The agenda was posted on July 30th. That gives the council eight days to review this information.

Alvaro NuñezItem 7

There's two significant projects, infrastructure projects that are going to happen. There's going to be wireless Wi-Fi networks to enhance coverages and services across this area that will improve all of downtown. The second project is going to be for city-owned parking structures. We're going to upgrade lighting, signage, elevators, as Victor Mendez earlier talked about, ADA, elevators, security cameras, and accessibility features, improving the aesthetics and functionality of the structures. It'll yield a safer environment. It'll increase revenue. And it'll serve to boost the local businesses.

Alvaro NuñezItem 7

And then I want to thank Congressman Correa for this. And the city staff for a great report on this. It was very clear in here that nothing stated. And again, I got multiple calls from downtown businesses. And I went to the city manager's office, and I was like, what are we doing? Are we giving money? I was very concerned, so thank you, Mr. City Manager. And I went back and read it again. I read it three times. And so I just want to share with the downtown businesses the confusion. I don't know where it came from, but this money will revitalize downtown, so it will help the businesses in that sense. And that's a plus, right?

Alvaro NuñezItem 7

that's a good thing. Lightings, cameras, Wi-Fi, I mean those are all things that we all want. And so, but it is not for loans, and I hate to say that, it's not for loans to businesses. Again, I don't know where that information came from, but it is incorrect. And I apologize that you received incorrect information, but it will help the downtown area because with all of the improvements that we're making, we will hopefully generate some revenue. And so that's the only comment I have, and that is why I pulled item 13, because I was very concerned

Alvaro NuñezItem 7

for the downtown businesses that were under the assumption that they were going to get money. And so I just want to say my apologies again. I don't know who shared that with you, but that is not accurate. But you will see Wi-Fi, lighting, elevators, infrastructure improvements, and a whole bunch of other things and so I am looking forward to those improvements in downtown for all of our visitors that come in so thank you that's

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 7

all I have councilman Hernandez thank you madam city mayor I want to thank the members of the public who who have been a part of the demands for the accountability and robust change when it comes to the areas of the streetcar When the streetcar construction began in 2021, my office met hand in hand with the businesses, and we responded by funding $1.5 million with the leadership of my office and supervisor, Mayor Sarmiento at the time. We created a fund of $1.5 million in 2022. We then doubled that fund with an additional $1.5 million. We had Senator Tom Umberg as well help us with additional monies.

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 7

We also had Katrina Foley at the time who was the supervisor in 2022 who gave toward the city to help the businesses who were impacted. In 2023, when we had a town hall with Congressman Luke Correa and he visited the downtown businesses, media was there. And at the time, the House of Representatives had not approved this fund of money. And we didn't have all the logistics that we have today. But that is where the confusion came from, is businesses have been impacted for many years when it comes to the impacts of the streetcar and their ability to pay rent. And so the aspirations for them to get additional assistance is real.

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 7

But we want to clarify that, unfortunately, this $2.5 million, it's not going to be in direct assistance to businesses who are affected with back pay, whether it be due to COVID or the streetcar. But what this will do is Congressman Lucaria is supporting the city with 2.5 million in funding grants designated for economic development initiatives in the nation. As our mayor, Valerie Mesquo, stated, there's going to be two significant infrastructure projects. And the first project involves implementing a downtown wireless solution, which is going to combine Wi-Fi networks. It's going to enhance coverage and services across the area.

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 7

As a councilman, I actually ran on a platform to expand citywide Wi-Fi. I'm very happy to see this come to the downtown. This technological improvement is going to improve connectivity for our visitors, our residents and our businesses while promoting economic development and enhancing public services. It's going to give an overall social, community benefit. The second project I'll briefly go over is going to focus on enhancing city-owned parking structures. It's going to upgrade lighting, signage, elevators, security cameras, accessibility features.

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 7

It's going to improve the aesthetics and functionality of the features and the structures in the downtown. The goal is to create a safer environment, increase utilization and revenue, and serve as a boost to local businesses and provide some energy-efficient cost savings. With that being said, I will make a motion to move this item.

Alvaro NuñezItem 7

Councilman Becerra?

Phil BacerraItem 7

Thank you, Madam Mayor. I, too, want to thank Congressman Correa for this funding, and my excitement in seeing this funding come to us is that when we were discussing the budget, one of the big issues was the fact that we are upside down on our parking structures and our parking meters. And what do I mean by that? I mean, we take in less money than what we spend on it. So we're spending more money to collect money. So we're upside down. And so I think that, you know, I had a very productive meeting with our staff to talk about what the next steps will be. and I believe that our, I can now say, city manager

Phil BacerraItem 7

will be bringing this back to us when? Second meeting in August or will that be in September?

September.

Phil BacerraItem 7

Great. Well, and I appreciate that. And it'll give you some time to recalibrate the numbers because when we had our meeting, we talked about the numbers and those numbers did not include this funding, which I'm not sure why, but it didn't. So going forward, it will include that. And I'm sure it'll probably paint a more rosier picture because if we're not going to be in the black on those, then I think we need to look at some more drastic measures when it comes to our parking downtown. In other words, I don't want us to continue to be upside down on our parking structures and our parking meters.

Phil BacerraItem 7

So this money, thank you, Congressman Correa. This is a welcome addition, and so hopefully that will help us when it comes to the economic situation with our structures and our meters. So with that, I'll support the motion.

Alvaro NuñezItem 7

Thank you. Is it prepared to vote?

Jennifer L. HallItem 7

motion by council member Hernandez seconded by council member Becerra to approve item number 13 vote is 7 ayes no nays motion carries mayor the next item is item 14 pulled by council member Penaloza council member thank you madam

David PenalozaItem 7

mayor and thank you city staff for making yourselves available for your for questions regarding these items the question i have um with number 14 the reason i pulled it was it's because it's to award an agreement with outdoor dimensions loc for digital marquees throughout city parks and various other areas in the city i pulled it because of the initial error that was in the staff report as staff has not relayed to us and the city clerk mentioned earlier in the meeting about the contingency amount that's listed in here I appreciate that there's been a change made and it was made because of an error.

David PenalozaItem 14

However, within the, not sure if the system needs to get updated or another staff report had to get uploaded, but I haven't seen it change in what's available to the public. So I'm not comfortable moving forward with the item, at least personally, until that is fixed. I know that with the staff report number 14, you know, it says the total estimate construction delivery cost is $1.8 million, which includes construction testing and an authorized contingency.

David PenalozaItem 14

The proposed contract enables staff to authorize a construction cost increase of up to 25% if necessary for contingencies. Now, was that an error or was that still part of this staff report?

Thank you, Councilmember. Steven Mendoza, Assistant City Manager. That is an error in the staff report. The monetary numbers, the dollar amounts are correct. The percentages were wrong.

David PenalozaItem 14

So what is the correct percentage? I know that in the email you stated it was 10%.

Yes.

David PenalozaItem 14

And is that reflected anywhere in the staff reports that are currently available to the public?

Not, we didn't amend the staff report. We were going to do it verbally, and the city clerk executed that for us tonight to go on record to make sure that that was the case.

David PenalozaItem 14

Okay. So, um, so the authorized amount is 10% now? Correct. Okay.

If there is action tonight, it'll be reflective of the correction that the city clerk made on staff's behalf.

David PenalozaItem 14

Okay, because 25% of that is close to half a million dollars. So that's a, you know, I don't want to approve something that isn't reflective of what it really is. So with that, I will still not be supporting the item because I don't, I think that there is environmental impacts, especially when it comes to light pollution. that is, I mean, when you drive past the San Ana Stadium on Civic Center and Flower, that whole intersection is lit up in the middle of the night of how bright that marquee is. There's no homes new around. There's a courthouse and an office building, so it doesn't affect anybody.

David PenalozaItem 14

But many of these digital marquees are facing residences in various parts of the city. So I cannot support this item, but I'm happy to know that that 10% was or that change was made so those are my comments mayor

Alvaro NuñezItem 14

thank you thank you I don't see anybody else is that councilman Lopez is here speak yes I wanted

Jessie LopezItem 14

to move that item forward I wanted to thank staff the city manager's office Paul's team I know you were out in different parts of the city unfortunately in war three nobody showed up when we came to the Bowers to do this presentation. And that is unfortunate, right? Because we're asking you to go out into the community, do this different engagement. We advertise it and it's difficult when we don't hear anything back. However, I want to move it forward, but I do want to add a requirement that you notify us via email when all of these agreements are finalized because that's one consistent question that has come from my office

Jessie LopezItem 14

due to all of the exhibits and the dollar amounts. And so I just want to make sure that we understand what are the final locations, particularly in my district. And again, I want to thank staff for the extra outreach that they've done. That was something that Council Member Becerra and other council members requested here a while ago. Yeah, and so I will make a motion to move the item.

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 14

I'll second your motion.

Alvaro NuñezItem 14

I'm sorry, we're looking at our systems here, they're not working correctly.

Jennifer L. HallItem 14

Yes, unfortunately the request to speak button is not working at the moment. We have informed our software provider and they're looking into a solution for us.

Alvaro NuñezItem 14

I'm just used to it. I just tell everybody, put their microphone up please. I think that's where we're going to go, Mr. City Manager, if we can take care of this. Yeah, I'm not sure what the cost would be. Mayor Pro Tem, did you want to speak? Yes. Okay, go ahead.

Thai Viet PhanItem 14

Thank you so much and thank you to Paul and his team, thank you to staff for bringing this item back to us. You know we had the Ward 1 meeting also for this marquee program and again neighbors didn't show up and in fact from what I've heard I think there were a couple people that my staff said but they were there for something else but they learned a lot about the marquee and they're excited about it but I think the one thing I want to say is in Ward 1 we're really excited for this. Ward 1 often takes a lot longer to get information. We don't have as many

Thai Viet PhanItem 14

neighborhood associations to disperse information, and so this is really going to help revitalize certain parts of the city that has historically been less engaged, less involved. So I'm excited to see some of these new items come up, and I look forward to seeing them unveiled. Thank you.

Alvaro NuñezItem 14

I don't see any more mics up. Let's prepare to vote, please.

Jennifer L. HallItem 14

A motion by Council Member Lopez, seconded by Council Member Hernandez, to approve item number 14.

Jennifer L. HallItem 14

The vote is six ayes, one nay, nay by Council Member Penaloza. Motion carries.

Jennifer L. HallItem 14

Mayor, the next item is item 18 for a comment by Council Member Hernandez.

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 14

Thank you, Madam City Clerk. I just wanted to share with the members of the public, Today, we approved a historic investment in the Santa Ana Public Library, an investment of 19-plus million dollars for the Santa Ana Public Library located right here off of Civic Center. As many of you know, our public library is very old, but the Santa Ana Public Library recently allocated the American Rescue Plan Act, ARPA funding to advance educational equity and support for impoverished and underserved Sinana communities within the qualified census tract areas.

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 18

This project of 19 plus million dollars investment in our library meets the intent of the funding source by enhancing the library's physical, digital and technological environment that will expand access and provide free, innovative and interactive spaces for children, teens and their families. The scope of work includes site work for surface parking, site utility improvements, entrance walkways, pedestrian lighting, renovation of exterior public spaces, site furnishings, irrigation, landscaping, and the main library building consists of 39,790 square feet. It does have two floors and a below-grade basement.

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 18

Additional improvements will include the following, hazardous material removal, demolition, repair, restoration of exterior marble facade, an accessible elevator, repair and revitalization of the north-facing windows, full historic restoration of interior spaces, mechanical plumbing and electrical improvements, low voltage systems, communications equipment, electrical security. Investing in youth and families looks like this. I'm very happy that this item passed. This is a victory for Santa Ana residents and residents in Ward 5. Thank you.

Jennifer L. HallItem 18

Mayor, the final item of the consent calendar is item number 20, pulled by Councilmember Penaloza.

Alvaro NuñezItem 20

Councilmember Penaloza.

David PenalozaItem 20

Thank you Mayor Ameskua and thank you City staff for this item. This is actually very exciting to know that the San Antonio Regional Transportation Center in District 6, Ward 6, is getting these upgrades, especially with that water fountain. Our train station is a destination, hundreds of people use it, thousands of people use it every day, and it's in movies and TV shows because of how nice it looks. I know Disney has turned it into Panama for one of their Disney Plus series, which was pretty cool to see a couple of years ago. So I'm happy to see these investments going into our train station.

David PenalozaItem 20

The only thing I have an issue with when it comes to this construction contract is in the staff report. under fiscal impact it also it has the amount of about you know a little over half a million dollars in construction costs and delivery costs but it also the proposed contract also enables staff to authorize a construction cost increase of up to 25% if necessary for contingencies now these are to the now two Public Works staff reports that are in here that have 25% contingencies

David PenalozaItem 20

authorized by city staff in them. I know things are expensive and I know there's always anticipated cost. The contingencies I've seen in the past are always 10%, 15% at the most. So to have 25% repeatedly, not sure if this one's an error like the previous one was but I would like to see what if this is in fact 25% because this is a hundred and ten thousand dollars give or take that we are now giving staff full authority to decide whether they want to expand or

David PenalozaItem 20

not as this project moves forward so mr. city manager I don't know if if you'd like to answer if this is also an error or is it in fact staff asking for 25% contingency?

Thank you, Councilmember. For your question regarding the replacement of the fountain at the San Ana train station, I will call upon Nabil Saba and his team to respond to your question regarding the contingency. Good evening, Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, Councilmembers. The amount that is in contingencies for this particular project is 20%. However, the 25% is in the green book, and you will notice that that 25% is in all of our construction contracts. We have few in this agenda, and it's standard 25, what we call a green book standard.

This allows us, if it happens that we need additional contingencies, we can go up to 25 percent, but that's not always the case. In this particular situation, it is 20 percent, as indicated in the analysis.

David PenalozaItem 20

So, thank you for that, Director Saba. So, was the previous one with the billboards, was that also?

That was not a construction project. It was an RFP, request for proposal. Therefore, it was a 10 percent. But if you notice the others, we have, I believe, a signal, a traffic signal here that is 25%, just like this one.

David PenalozaItem 20

Okay. Thank you for that. Thank you for that information. I know that there's probably discussions that need to be had between the executive team, because I've heard otherwise from contingency amounts by city management, and that it's usually around the 10%, or should be around the 10%, and the city attorney's office has also alluded to that. I don't know if it's standard, you know, but for now, I am not comfortable moving forward with contracts that have 25% contingency.

Sonia R. CarvalhoItem 20

So, Councilor, may I just chime in since you referred to me real quick? Sure, thank you, Madam City Attorney. I just want to clarify that our public works director did indicate that the Green Book, this is a document that the public works officials use, says that you can have a contingency of up to 25%. The real issue here is how much money is the city council allocating. Some city councils won't give staff the full 25%. They'll say, well, I know you can do a change order up to 25%. If you're going to be exercising change orders at 15%, 20%, 25%, we want to know about it. We want to know why. Some cities do give the full allocation.

Sonia R. CarvalhoItem 20

Sometimes they use it. Sometimes they don't. I just want to let you know, I know this is an issue, some of you have raised it with me, and I think on average our contingencies are, we don't usually exercise 25%, but we always ask for it. So I do have some recommendations I'd like to make to Public Works and the Finance Department as to how we can do this and give them what they need for flexibility, but not have you announce to a contractor that they can change the project up to 25%. 25% is a lot of money on some of these projects, millions of dollars sometimes.

Sonia R. CarvalhoItem 20

So I think there are some things we can do to modernize our practices and be more prudent with how we make recommendations to you.

David PenalozaItem 20

Perfect. Thank you, Madam State Attorney. That is excellent. I think that's something that should be had. But for now, I will make a motion to approve this item with the 10% contingency. If it's, instead of the 25%, it's a fountain. Already half a million dollars allocated. if there goes more than 25% I think there's issues to other conversations to be had but I will make a motion to approve the staff report with a 10% contingency

Alvaro NuñezItem 20

I'm sorry, did you say something?

Phil BacerraItem 20

Second his motion. I'd like to comment

Alvaro NuñezItem 20

real quick. Yeah, I know you're going to comment were you finished, Council Member Bussain? Yes. Council Member Bussain?

Phil BacerraItem 20

Thank you, Madam Mayor. I want to thank Council Member Bussain for bringing this forward I've administered contracts for other public agencies and when i saw 25 i thought wow that's pretty uh rich or generous i get it you know you may go over right but i've usually seen them at 10 maybe 15 contingency if we're going to start wading into the waters of 25 i think then we need to have some sort of trigger maybe this is where our city attorney might have been going i don't want to put words in your mouth but maybe we have something that comes back to us if you're going to go over that

Phil BacerraItem 20

10 contingency i think you need to have a tighter leash on your contractors i mean we shouldn't have that much room to wiggle so I appreciate council member paneloza bringing or pulling this item and I'll be supporting the motion as is thank you

Alvaro NuñezItem 20

anybody else want to speak on this item council member Lopez is your bank up yeah

Jessie LopezItem 20

just for the record city manager can you clarify for me if the percentage change would impact the grant that we're talking about with this item it's it's

not so much the it's like the city attorney can you speak into your mic please it's kind of like the city attorney said right there's there's aspect that the like she called the green book allows for so would impact the grant not necessarily because it goes back to the whole point of the key component right how are we transparent how we have a make sure that our contractor stays within the existing parameters the contingency is just to have that aspect that it might change so we don't have to come back so so for us we can set up internal parameters to make sure that we're very diligent and

vigilant and making sure we're within certain milestones and parameters but it

Alvaro NuñezItem 20

won't pick the grant no thank you see no other there's a motion in a second let's prepare to vote

Alvaro NuñezItem 20

thinking of you and this is with a 10% correct councilman this is a motion by

Jennifer L. HallItem 20

Councilmember Penaloza seconded by Councilmember Hernandez to approve item 20 as amended to lower the contingency for change orders from 25% to 10% thank

Jessie LopezItem 20

you sorry quick question is 10% standard 10 to 15 yeah okay understood but to

clarify and again as the new city manager the ton of high contingency component has been part of the typical grant application to public works which is the maximum it allows and again it is permitted it's just a practice that maybe we can reflect and evaluate moving forward

Jennifer L. HallItem 20

vote is seven eyes no nays motion carries mayor that concludes the

Alvaro NuñezItem 20

consent calendar perfect thank you before hearing public item number 27 madam clerk please provide instructions to the public who we're going to go into public hearing now who would like to make a comment on this public hearing item only

Alvaro NuñezItem 20

item number 27 is related to the abatement of dangerous and abandoned buildings

Jennifer L. HallItem 20

madam city clerk yes thank you mayor for any members of the public joining us by way of zoom or conference call who would like to make a comment for public hearing item number 27 only please dial star 9 from your phone or select raise hand from zoom now

Alvaro NuñezItem 20

Any comments, Madam Secretary? No, Mayor. Item number 27, Mr. City Manager, is there a staff presentation?

So we have a presentation if the City Council wants to hear it. If that's the case, the Executive Director of Planning and Building Mente will do the presentation.

Alvaro NuñezItem 20

Would you all like a presentation or we're good with just voting on the item?

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 20

I'll make a motion to move the item.

Alvaro NuñezItem 20

I'll second.

Alvaro NuñezItem 20

All right, let's prepare to vote if there's no comments.

David PenalozaItem 20

I have a question for city staff. Go ahead. Thank you, Mayor. Does the staff report, does it have, does it go into detail of the type of properties that,

David PenalozaItem 20

oh, we do, of course we do. Never mind. Carry on, Mayor.

Jessie LopezItem 27

I think we can do roll call.

David PenalozaItem 27

What?

Where are we at?

Jennifer L. HallItem 27

Mayor, I think there's just a little, you can hear some discussion across the aisle. If you could officially open and then hearing no comments, close. We need those specific words.

Alvaro NuñezItem 27

Let me be very specific because some are not paying attention. I'm going to close the consent calendar because you're all talking over here. And I'm going to now open for public hearings. And we are on item number 27.

Jennifer L. HallItem 27

Each public hearing requires specific action. And so typically after you hear the staff presentation is when you would open the public hearing to hear comments, if any, close the public hearing, have additional commentary across the dais before the vote.

Alvaro NuñezItem 27

So I'm reading it the way you wrote it. And I believe the staff, the council made a motion. They don't want the presentation.

Jennifer L. HallItem 27

The motion was out of order because the public hearing hadn't been opened and closed yet.

Alvaro NuñezItem 27

So I'm opening and closing.

Sonia R. CarvalhoItem 27

Just say I open up the public hearing. I open the public hearing. Is there anyone who wants to speak? Nobody wants to speak. Anybody? I close the public hearing.

Alvaro NuñezItem 27

You guys, because you're all here, that's why this problem. I never have this problem. And now I'm going to close it. All right. And then you can take a motion.

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 27

I'll make a motion and move the item now.

Alvaro NuñezItem 27

And I second it. Okay. All right. We're ready to go. And we agreed no presentation.

Yes.

Alvaro NuñezItem 27

Okay. We don't have this problem. Okay. We're good. Okay, let's vote.

Jennifer L. HallItem 27

A motion by Council Member Hernandez, seconded by Mayor Mesquah, to approve the actions for public hearing item number 27, including a resolution of the City Council of the City of Santa Ana confirming the cost of securing and or demolition of various structures declared to be public nuisances, making, confirming, and levying assessments for such costs, and ordering such costs to be recorded with the Orange County Recorder's Office and the associated CEQA determination. And the vote is seven ayes, no nays. Motion carries.

Alvaro NuñezItem 27

So now I'm going to say no further comments. I hereby close the public hearing.

Aye, hombre, por favor.

Alvaro NuñezItem 27

All right, we've made a motion, we second. It says, before hearing, this is what I'm doing, I'm gonna read exactly what she wrote. Before hearing public item number 28, Madam Clerk, please provide instructions to the public who would like to make a comment on this public hearing item only. Thank You mayor. For members of the public who may be

Jennifer L. HallItem 28

joining us by way of Zoom or conference call who would like to make a comment for public hearing item number 28 only please dial star 9 from your phone or select raise hand from Zoom now.

Jennifer L. HallItem 28

We do not have anyone on Zoom but we do have cards that are submitted for when you open the public hearing I'll call the speakers forward. Item number 28 is

Alvaro NuñezItem 28

related to the zoning ordinance amendment for 3100 Westlake Center Drive. Mr. City Manager, let me ask the council if they'd like a presentation. Would the council like a presentation? If not, we can just move forward. I'm okay, I've been briefed. I've been briefed as well, we're all good. Seeing no need for a presentation. Mayor, with these

David PenalozaItem 28

These presentations, I've been pretty consistent since the beginning. I've seen them. I know what the project is, but I think that for the public's sake, for people watching that don't know what this is, we should have these presentations. My opinion, I'll defer to the majority.

Alvaro NuñezItem 28

Is there a motion to have no presentation?

Alvaro NuñezItem 28

So you all want the presentation?

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 28

I'll move the item.

Alvaro NuñezItem 28

You're moving the item, Councilman Hernandez.

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 28

No presentation. I'll move the item.

Alvaro NuñezItem 28

I'll second. Let's prepare to vote on that. Madam City Clerk, can you take a...

Sonia R. CarvalhoItem 28

Just for correction, the motion is just no presentation. That's correct. Because you can't move the item yet. So no presentation.

Alvaro NuñezItem 28

Yes. Okay. We're having problems tonight. Okay.

Jennifer L. HallItem 28

A motion by Councilmember Hernandez, seconded by Mayor Mesquita, to not hear a presentation during this public hearing.

Alvaro NuñezItem 28

That is correct.

David PenalozaItem 28

Mayor, and then just a point of clarity. clarification. That's just so that the public doesn't see the presentation, correct?

Alvaro NuñezItem 28

The motion is no presentation

David PenalozaItem 28

at all. Okay. Alright.

Jessie LopezItem 28

But the presentation is available online via

David PenalozaItem 28

the agenda. It's all about transparency.

Alvaro NuñezItem 28

That's correct. Councilman Lopez, that is correct. Thank you, Councilman Pantanosa. I appreciate it. On the motion,

Jennifer L. HallItem 28

Councilmember Becerra?

Phil BacerraItem 28

Yes.

Jennifer L. HallItem 28

Councilmember Hernandez? Yes. Councilmember Lopez? Yes. Council Member Penaloza? No. Council Member Vasquez?

Alvaro NuñezItem 28

Yes.

Jennifer L. HallItem 28

Mayor Pro Tem Fan? No. Mayor Mesquah?

Alvaro NuñezItem 28

Yes.

Jennifer L. HallItem 28

Vote is five ayes, two nays. Nays by Mayor Pro Tem Fan and Council Member Penaloza. Motion carries to not hear the presentation.

Alvaro NuñezItem 28

I'm going to read it just the way she wrote it. Do any members of the council need to disclose ex parte communications with any questions or comments by the council? I believe there are none. Council Member Penaloza covered his. I now open the public hearing for members of the public that would like to provide their comments in person and virtually. Madam City Clerk, do we have any speakers?

Jennifer L. HallItem 28

Yes, Mayor, we do. We have several cards. I'll call all three names at a time, if you could please line up behind the podium. Wanye McDonald, Zach Strasters, John Tafoya.

Hello. Good evening, Honorable Santa Ana Mayor and City Council. My name is Juanye McDonald, and I'm here tonight to speak in support of the South Coast Technology Center. As I mentioned during the planning commission hearing for this project, the approval permitting construction and tenancy of this project proposed industrial and corporation building presented before you today will result in hundreds if not thousands of jobs over the project's lifetime. When we consider the future of our city and the

decisions that produce favorable outcomes for our working class, we must we must look at opportunities like this to encourage private development such as this as a blessing and a benefit that we cannot afford to ignore. Please approve of this project before you this evening. Thank you. God bless. Zach Strasters.

All right. Good evening, mayor and city councilors. It's been a lively night. I'm not going to take up too much of your time. I'm not sure if you guys followed when we were here. Care California, by the way. Not sure if you followed while we were here during planning commission. I think we said the bulk of really what needed to be said there, but just to reiterate, in the arc of development that we have for industrial, we know that private development isn't going to continue for a whole lot longer, even in areas that are really desirable to build in, like Orange County.

And just like the previous speaker mentioned, these are great entry-level job opportunities. So you have the intermediate with construction. You have long-term with entry-level workers. And then one of the things that we're really interested in is the quality of the development based on the nature and the footprint of the organization involved. So Care California does not make it a habit of endorsing developers writ large. What we do is we look at projects on a case-by-case basis.

And so when we took into account the nature of the developer and their relationship with the area, and then we started to look at what they were actually proposing, we said, you know what, this does have the potential to really bless and benefit this community. So as you look at it, I think you're going to find just like we did, there is a strong project here. There is a project that labor components are asking for, the community is asking for. We see a good opportunity for anti-recidivism with this. We see a good opportunity for entry-level jobs for high school students and for those that are in community colleges,

those that are looking for secondary jobs. Those are coming out of any form of rehabilitation. So for a community perspective, these are the really essential times, again, in the arc of industrial development where we really have to take advantage of these. So because we don't find any outstanding reason to oppose the project and because of the nature of the developer, this is an absolute slam dunk. Yes, please approve this project. Thank you and God bless you.

Jennifer L. HallItem 28

John Tafoya followed by Randy Wettmer and Michael Garcia.

Good evening, everyone. Again, I'm John Tafoya. Thank you for that recognition. Like we said earlier, you know, over, represented with the Western States Carpenters Union, over 4,000 members who live in the city and surroundings. We are in strong support of this project. it is clear that the Sigurdsman family understands the importance of building quality projects. By partnering with us, they are committed to creating a project that will not only be best in class, but also best in supporting good-paying wages and benefits for the workers building it.

Moreover, as highlighted by the staff report, the South Coast Technology Center project would result in various on-site and off-site improvements that would enhance the community experience and foster dynamic local economy, create employment opportunities for all residents in the city. This is the type of projects that the city of Santa Ana and its residents deserve, one that creates high-quality construction jobs, supports the local skilled workforce, and contributes to the local community. Thank you for your time.

Good evening, Mayor, Council members. Randy Wettmer, Ironworkers Local 416. So, you know, this project here, this is one of them that checks all the boxes. The developer's done his homework. We're going to have members working on this project, live here in Santa Ana. They're not going to be driving to L.A., San Diego. They're going to be able to come home, sit down and have dinner with their family, go watch their kids' baseball games. They're going to build something in their community. They're going to go out and have dinner with their families in the community instead of saying, oh, I'm too tired, maybe this weekend.

So this is a win-win for the city of Santa Ana. It's a win-win for our members. It's a win-win to build this community. I encourage you guys to give full support on this one. Thank you.

Jennifer L. HallItem 28

Next three speakers, Michael Garcia, Jonathan Daly, Henry Hillenbrecht.

Good evening, Honorable Mayor and City Council. My name is Michael Garcia. Speaking in favor of the South Coast Technology Center project, as a member of the community who has benefited from organizations that help individuals reenter the workforce, I am keenly aware of the importance of entry-level jobs and the impact those jobs have. These particular employment opportunities are essential for helping people to rebuild their lives and restore their families. They are a vital buffer to defend our society against recidivism and relapse.

The Vera Institute determined that the state of California spent over $18 billion in the fiscal year of 2023 on a criminal legal system.

And when we ask ourselves what we can do at the city and local levels to deter the young people from entering into that system, I am reminded of the words of Father Greg Boyle, nothing stops a bullet like a job.

As a man who's been saved through Jesus Christ and rehabilitated through programs who generally care about my future, I'm now praying and preparing for a job. And approving this project today will open the door for me to step into a life where I am whole, healthy, healed, and gainfully employed. For these reasons, I ask you to approve the project in order to help successfully place those hungry for our opportunity on a path of success. Thank you and God bless you.

Good evening. My name is Jonathan Daly. I'll try to be quick because I know you guys don't really want to stare at me on this TV for too long. I'm a Marine Corps veteran. I'm a proud member of LIUNA, the labor's union over here in the back corner. We would have been up front, but it was a packed house. I'm here on behalf of my family, these guys' family, and a lot of members that can't be here tonight because they're traveling, they're commuting from job site to home.

I'll keep it brief. We're lucky enough to be a part of this project, if approved, and we hope it is approved. We get to provide a stable lifestyle for our families. I have a one-year-old son. He just turned one. So I'm a regular at the Santa Ana Zoo. I grew up here, which I'm very happy about. Not a homeowner yet because, I mean, money's money. Trying to make more of it. That's why we're here. But it all starts at these meetings. Without these meetings, we don't get jobs.

And that gives us the health care that we need, the food on our tables. and like a couple have said, you know, being able to work at home, it provides us more time to be with our families, spend more time with my wife, spend more time with my son, and most importantly, football season is here, so watch football and not have to miss any Bears games, so thank you. Ah, and hey, hey.

So proudly, proudly, go Bears, and we ask for your support on this project. Thank you.

Alvaro NuñezItem 28

We were going to offer you the first-time homebuyers.

Alvaro NuñezItem 28

We're not going to offer him first-time homebuyers no more. We're not going to offer it to him.

Good evening, Mayor. City Council members, my name is Henry Hellebrick. I represent over 1,000 members of Local Union 582, plumbers and steamfitters. This project hits all the marks for us. We have hundreds of our members that live in the city of Santa Ana. Have a go to school there. So we just ask you to please approve this project so we can move forward and get this thing done. Thank you

Jennifer L. HallItem 28

Daniel Osborne

Jennifer L. HallItem 28

Daniel Osborne ironworkers local 433

I'm going to hear your other names. I must be the last one. I'll try to make it quick then. So good evening.

I'm representing over 5,000 members of Iron Workers Local 433. We're supporting this project because we have a developer who's committed to building responsibly. They've agreed to use a skilled and trained workforce. which ensures that job is going to be built efficiently, but more importantly, it's going to be built safely. You guys will be able to trust those buildings to remain standing long after the workforce is gone. It's an important consideration. They've also agreed to pay a fair wage. That way the men and women working on this project will be appropriately compensated for their back break in labors.

I think we can all agree that nobody working construction should be making minimum wage or anything close to that, which is really not an uncommon practice in private ventures. So my hat's off to developers who are responsible about the way they treat their workers. And lastly, you've already heard about the local hire aspect. When I was still in the field, it was pretty common for us to say if your drive home was an hour and a half or less, you were doing pretty good. You usually expect to be two to three hours. End of the week, that's 10 plus hours you're not sitting at home with your family, right?

How many people here are like 10 more hours a week with their family? That's all of us. It's a luxury we don't often get. This project will provide that. Like my colleague Randy said, this checks literally every box you could check on a project. I see no reason not to support it. I hope that you all see it the same way. Thank you.

Jennifer L. HallItem 28

Mayor and City Council, that concludes the speaker cards. There are no speakers on Zoom. Noting for the record that we received nine e-comments that were distributed to the Council and posted online for public review.

Alvaro NuñezItem 28

Thank you, Madam City Clerk. With no further comments, I hereby close the public hearing. Do any council members have any additional comments or questions?

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 28

I'll move the item with a brief comment, Madam Mayor.

Alvaro NuñezItem 28

Go ahead, Councilman Hernandez.

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 28

Thank you, Madam Mayor. I just want to thank members of the public and my colleagues here. Thank you all of our brothers and sisters in the labor movement. The Carpenters, Local 582. The Labors, Local 652. Santa Ana looks like this. And when we have development that is happening in our backyard, you best believe we want our neighbors at the table. And so I want to thank the developer for working hand in hand with working class people. At the end of the day, that is the forefront of what we want to see development, is we want to see our residents included.

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 28

We want our residents to be able to drive past these beautiful buildings and say, your dad built that, your grandfather, your uncle did, your tia, what have you. And that instills a sense of community pride. That is how you create community safety. the residents being at the table is one of the most important pillars in Santa Ana. So I just want to thank my colleagues and I'm ready to take a vote.

Alvaro NuñezItem 28

Councilman Becerra, excuse me.

Phil BacerraItem 28

Thank you, Mayor Mesquat. I want to thank all our brothers and sisters in labor that came out tonight to support this project. I also want to thank the Segerstrom family because some get confused. They think they're a Costa Mesa family, but we all know that the Segerstroms are a Santa Ana family and they have a legacy here in Santa Ana. And when I met with representatives from the family, they told me something I was not surprised about, and that is they've used union labor before. So they understand what it means to use union labor. So it's not a shocker tonight to see this project come forward and see all of our brothers

Phil BacerraItem 28

and sisters in the House of Labor here tonight. So I'm very happy to support this project, very happy to see workers from Santa Ana building projects in Santa Ana. So happy to go ahead and second this item. Thank you, Madam Mayor.

Alvaro NuñezItem 28

Thank you, Council Member Penelissa.

David PenalozaItem 28

Thank you, Mayor. You should have picked on me first. He said everything I was going to say. I'm sorry, he waved at me first. Thank you to our brothers and sisters who are in here. This is a labor house and we're happy to have you here. And thank you, thank you for coming out to support this project. Very excited. And thank you to the Segerstrom family for bringing this project to our city. This is not only going, like one of the gentlemen that spoke checks every box, but it's a win-win as well. It revitalizes an entire area of our city. it brings jobs it brings construction jobs it's gonna bring jobs for the next

David PenalozaItem 28

50 60 hundred years to that area so I'm very happy about it excited to see it come and excited for that whole area to see it just get a much-needed facelift so thank you happy to support this project councilmember Vasquez thank you

Benjamin VazquezItem 28

to the Seegerstrom's for this work that you're putting together and working with our brothers and sisters in the union we appreciate coming together and working out a plan but not but also developing a space that's going to bring more jobs to Santa Ana that's going to pay for working class because here in Santa Ana we we we love our labor and we love our working-class families and we appreciate the care that you bring to that thank you

Jessie LopezItem 28

that's remember Lopez yes I'm gonna be supportive of this project and for transparency purposes as it was already stated the family owns the land they're not going to sell it and this is really a process where the council is saying yes go ahead and essentially remodel reconstruct these buildings because we live in a day and age now that commercial space has been changed because of the pandemic and so people that own commercial spaces they are within their right to say specifically when they own the land and the buildings to say we need to now do something

Jessie LopezItem 28

different in order to help generate generate revenue not just for the city but for the people that own the buildings and so this project is consistent with our general plan this project is consistent with the zoning action which zone or designated the parcel on which the project is located on to accommodate a particular density and so you know you're seeing when you look at the report online you're gonna see that a lot of beautification is happening with this project and we want to take we want to thank the applicants I want to thank the applicants and again as I said I want to

Jessie LopezItem 28

thank the applicants for briefing our staff about this staff on your end for answering any questions that we had and again I'm gonna be very happy to support

Thai Viet PhanItem 28

this project. Mayor Prochen. Thank you mayor. There's nothing more that I like than development in Santa Ana than development in Ward 1 and so I'm just so excited that this project is squarely in Ward 1 in the west side and for those of you who haven't had the opportunity I do want to briefly read from the executive summary of the fiscal impact analysis, the executive summary. It says that overall, the project is

Thai Viet PhanItem 28

anticipated to add 687 permanent new jobs, 425 on-site, and 262 off-site within the city. The project would also provide 555 one-time jobs associated with its construction. That's all of our friends in labor. Notably, the project would deliver a substantial boost to the city's economy with the production of goods and services increasing by 256.1 million dollars annually. That is going to be a huge boon to the city of Santa Ana. And it's not just these individual

Thai Viet PhanItem 28

jobs. It is not just these individual workers. It's the thousands of families that are going to benefit from this project. And everyone has thanked staff, and I do want to thank staff, because Min, Alro, the team, you have worked to usher in this new general plan, this new vision for the city of Santa Ana in working with our residents and our neighborhoods. And this is what we get to see. I want to thank our friends in labor for coming out and supporting this and for working with the developer. And I want to thank the Seegelstroms because I live

Thai Viet PhanItem 28

on Seegelstrom and so I'm very familiar with the work. And I want to say that to any developers looking to improve the city of Santa Ana, we welcome you. But we welcome you with the expectation that you bring community benefits, that you provide good paying union jobs, and that you make sure that you hire Santa Ana residents. With that, I will support this project. Thank you.

Alvaro NuñezItem 28

Thank you, Mayor Pro Tem. So, we all know I am a labor sister. Have been and will always be. So, I say that proudly and loud all the time. So, thank you all for showing up tonight really appreciate it I'm looking forward to this project I love hearing that our men and women on these projects can be able to go home at a reasonable time and then to be able to spend time with their families and their children and go to those baseball games I don't know about the football games the football team you mentioned but but you know we're gonna be able you're gonna be able to spend time with your families you'll be home you won't have

Alvaro NuñezItem 28

to drive to LA or wherever you got to go right because first and foremost it's local, Santa Ana residents local, right? And then we also are going to be hiring, I say we, you will be hiring this project, justice impacted, right? That's very important. It is incredibly important, and I thank you for always opening your door to that because we know, as one of the speakers indicated, yes, Father Boy always says nothing saves a life better than a job, right? And that is so important, and it brings honor to people and gives them life back when they can support their

Alvaro NuñezItem 28

families with a good paying job and i'm honored to sit up here and say my son is a member of local 12 and i say that proudly proudly proudly so thank you all for being here and i will be supporting the item as well so let's all prepare to vote motion by council member hernandez seconded by

Jennifer L. HallItem 28

council member becerra to approve public hearing item number 28 the first reading of an ordinance approving zoning ordinance amendment number 2024-01 and a secret determination that the project is exempt pursuant to section 15183.

Jennifer L. HallItem 28

vote is seven ayes no nays motion carries thank you very much madam clerk thank you all for being

Alvaro NuñezItem 28

here at this time we're going to end the public hearing we're going to recess the city council meeting and convene to the housing authority meeting i hereby call the housing authority meeting to order. Madam Secretary, please conduct a roll call.

Jennifer L. HallItem 28

Authority member Becerra? Here. Authority member Hernandez? Present. Authority member Lopez? Here. Authority member Penaloza? Present. Authority member Vasquez? Present. Vice chair Fan? Here. Chair Mesquia? Present. All members present.

Alvaro NuñezItem 28

Madam Secretary, are there any additions or deletions to the housing authority agenda? There are none. Do we have any speakers for the housing authority agenda? There are no speakers in the chamber on Zoom or via email. Does any authority member wish to pull this item an item for separate discussion or wish to make a motion and a second, please announce your name for the record. This is Councilwoman Lopez. I'll move the agenda.

David PenalozaItem 28

I'll second.

Alvaro NuñezItem 28

Moved by authority member Lopez, seconded by authority member Panalosa.

Jennifer L. HallItem 28

Let's prepare to vote. To approve consent calendar items 1 through 3 of the housing authority.

Alvaro NuñezItem 1

That's correct.

Jennifer L. HallItem 1

vote is six eyes no nays with a noted temporary absence by authority member hernandez motion

Alvaro NuñezItem 1

carries all right at this time we are going to recess the housing authority meeting and reconvene to the City Council meeting. Mr. City Manager, please hear your comments at this time.

As a reminder, this Sunday with the Chicano Heritage Festival, again we want to make sure that people attend, look out for the information on social media. So we have quite a few bands, most of them born and raised here in Santa Ana, and so that's one of the things we want to be definitely announced. I want to echo the sentiments especially on this last project that just passed as Mayor Portem mentioned. We have been working very diligently to usher a new era and then with the change of the general plan and the no zoning amendments. Not just the environmental justice concerns that people are talking about and we're looking

to implement. As you probably heard in our press release last week, we have the two people, two staff members from the planning and building agency representing the city of Santa Ana at the statewide California APA conference on two different issues again a reflection of the staff and professional components that we offer here in the city of Santa Ana so where we were part of those activities especially in planning and building again as the newly appointed city manager as long as the contract is signed right I want to thank again the mayor the mayor

pro temp and the city council for the trust you have a place in me again as a employee over 30 years I started as an entry here with the city of Santana and living in the city for almost 33 years as a reminder and I've said it many times my daughter my son went to Pio Pico Elementary at Highland and Flower and Tremendous Elementary so I enjoy high excuse me so I'm very proud of what the city has given me and I look to provide more to the city that's give me much

Alvaro NuñezItem 1

more thank you thank you mr city manager and congratulations again all right we're going to go to council member comments at this time council member vasquez please uh thank you first i want to

Benjamin VazquezItem 1

congratulate the new city manager alvarez nunez thank you for your work thank you for your service and your leadership uh you got seven votes to become our new city manager and we really appreciate your work that you've done. I'm excited to be participating in the Chicano Heritage Festival. It's going to be a great time for family. I invite everybody to come out.

Benjamin VazquezItem 1

And as well, so school starts on Monday, and I just want to welcome back all the children and everybody, all the kids, to back to school. We're going to be there with our open arms to greet him as i'm a teacher at valley high school so shout out to all the falcons coming back to school uh and one last thing um at the last meeting um council member of the setta uh called out vaness market and i i live on i lived on vaness from 2015 to 2022 and i appreciate council member vasetta looking out for the residents of vaness but i know that market

Benjamin VazquezItem 1

it and I know that family and they know me so I went down to talk to them and before I went I asked the city manager Nunez I'm what's happening what has happened there since I moved a year and a half and he's like there's a lot of phone calls there's a lot of things I'm like let me check I went I talked to the family and they're like yes there is a lot of phone calls we make the phone calls we have a camera we have lights we get rid of people and when we call police nobody comes or police or citizen I'm going to be when they call for help nobody comes so they

Benjamin VazquezItem 1

are diligent and they saw the social media post and they went and talked to the man they went to the man's house talked to his family they did the work they're doing the community work to keep that place safe. Well I do appreciate Councilmember Vaseta looking out for the residents. Venice Market and their family didn't deserve to be called out in that manner and they are diligent in the work of keeping that place as safe as they can. They are good quality

Benjamin VazquezItem 1

people. It's a good quality family. I've lived there for years. I bought my first home. I I was lucky enough to buy a first house in Santa Ana. That makes me proud. That neighborhood is proud. A neighbor has reached out to me, concerned about how they were being depicted in Vanessa. One of my commissioners, she just comes out to people who try to change their house and try to do things to historical homes. And she's on top of it. And she was disturbed by the comments. so I just want to make sure that the Vaness market the owners and that family

Benjamin VazquezItem 1

have been doing their due diligence I just want the public to know thank you

Alvaro NuñezItem 1

that it councilman Penelosa

David PenalozaItem 1

thank you mayor I just wanted to also wish every student and teacher out there a happy and wonderful school year and safe school year everyone here there's a couple school districts and different organizations that service our our city everyone from san anna unified to orange unified garden grove unified tustin unified all the private schools in our city and all the great charter schools in our city as well um it wish you a very happy back to school year and i I hope you all do very well. I also want to congratulate two very, very

David PenalozaItem 1

delicious businesses in our city on their milestone anniversaries that we celebrated over the last couple of weeks. We had Cafe Cultura in downtown Santa Ana, owned by Santa Ana young men who I had the privilege of going to school with and knowing since I was a child. and it's nice to see that there's Santa Ana residents and born and bred that are contributing to our downtown, contributing to our businesses and helping drive our city and our downtown. They celebrated 10 years of operating our city so

David PenalozaItem 1

congratulations to Cafe Cultura and also benchmark in the Lacey neighborhood and And also in Ward 6, Cafe Cultura is not in my ward, but happy to celebrate them. But Benchmark is celebrating five years. So anybody listening, check these restaurants out. They're great, they're delicious, they're a great vibe.

David PenalozaItem 1

Dwayne, the Benchmark owner is also a Santa Ana resident. So a lot of these businesses are our own residents that are helping contribute to our economy. So thank you to them. congratulations on five years and that is it mayor and Ms. Watt thank you thank

Jessie LopezItem 1

you councilmember Lopez yes thank you I really want to thank city staff specifically the city manager's office and Senate Anazu staff for all of their help with our back-to-school event Friday night it was a really really beautiful event we had a lot of families we originally only wanted to hand out about 400 backpacks and we ended up handing out over 600 there's a lot of people that came and not just you know grabbed a backpack and a box of food but visited all the different resource resources that we had specifically

Jessie LopezItem 1

for mental health for kids and their families and the school district and the McKinney Vento information which is so critical at this moment in time and so again I want to thank our staff all of the organizations all of our partners that made that event so successful. And it was said earlier, but I really wanna encourage all of our constituents to come out and support parks and recs programming with Chicano Heritage Festival happening on August the 11th at Centennial Park. And we also partnered with Neighborhood Works Orange County. And so we're hosting two separate sessions and we wanna thank housing staff

Jessie LopezItem 1

for agreeing to be part of two different sessions As I said, the first one is going to talk about first-time home buyer workshop. There's a lot of questions about what does having a 3% down payment mean? What is the process to work with banks? And so I think it's important to really break down those expectations for our constituents because I often hear about, hey, I applied, I didn't get accepted. And so it's important for them to have that financial knowledge and that knowledge of the process in general. And then the second workshop is going to be held at the Long Bowling Center.

Jessie LopezItem 1

And we're going to share information about both of the workshops on our social media and newsletter. And they will be in English and Spanish. And lastly, we want to encourage everybody to come out to Zufari at the Sanana Zoo on August 17th at 530. Support the zoo. all of the proceeds go back to investing back in our local amenities that we have here. And lastly, we are hosting office hours. It's something that we do often with our office, and we always pick a different park in Ward 3. And so we're going to release that information on our social media and on our newsletter as well. And thank you, staff. Good job on the agenda.

Jessie LopezItem 1

You've heard from me that I like them short, sweet, and to the point. And so thank you for

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 1

your work. Thank you. Councilman Hernandez. Thank you, Madam Mayor. I just want to thank members of the public as well as my colleagues, our city staff, more importantly, for putting an agenda together that got a lot of important city business done. $19 million invested in the public library, $2 million invested in workforce grants with OCTAQ, and we have a new city manager, Alvaro Nunez, a 30-year resident of the city of Santa Ana, somebody who's been working in the city a very long time. and our first city manager with the Chicano Studies degree. I think it's important that I talk about that because we are living in a day and age

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 1

where it is being more and more normalized to hear the term Chicano. At one point in the 60s, this was a term that people fought and died for. As we are celebrating Chicano Heritage Month this month, it is important to invite our neighbors to come out to this Sunday's Centennial Park celebration. It's a free event. It's family-friendly. It's picnic style. You bring your loved ones, you bring a blanket, you get comfortable, you enjoy some good music. The city will have some resources for you. There's going to be some art. And more importantly, it's a family-friendly event.

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 1

Make sure that you bring your kids, your grandmother, your loved ones, and everybody who's important. As we're talking on the heels of this history, the Chicano Moratorium's anniversary is August 29, 1970. And the reason why the Chicano Heritage Festival exists is to commemorate that historic day. It is a day that speaks to 20,000 to 30,000 demonstrators marching down the streets of East Los Angeles to protest the Vietnam War. There was a disproportionate amount of Mexican-American Chicanos who were losing their life in the war. This protest was a landmark for the civil rights movement for Mexican-Americans.

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 1

Unfortunately, on that day, August 29th, Thomas Wilson did shoot Ruben Salazar in the head at the Silver Dollar Bar. He was a sheriff. There were two additional Chicanos who were killed that day by law enforcement, Angel Diaz, as well as Gustavo Montag. It goes to show you that when Mexican-Americans use their voice to move the country forward, sometimes our government can recognize us as a threat. It is important to remind our neighbors that Mexican-Americans in the 1940s dared to make this country better. Those families in Orange County were the Thomas Estrada

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 1

family, William Guzman in Virginia of Santa Ana, Frank Palomino family of Garden Grove, and Lorenzo Ramirez family of Orange. But four families worked hand in hand with the help of a lawyer, Thurgood Marshall, and they were able to desegregate schools in Orange County, which then set the precedent for Brown versus Board of Education, which helped ensure that children of all colors, of all backgrounds, exist in the same classroom. So I just want to thank my ancestors and Chicano people for opening the doors for us to have the dialogues that are

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 1

happening here. We have a Chicano city manager and there's history that will be made on Sunday. And then lastly, I just want to share with the city manager, I am not supportive of a policy that limits how the media can cover and talk about the city's business. I don't want us to fringe on their right to report and I believe in the freedom of press. Thank you.

Alvaro NuñezItem 1

Thank you. Councilmember Becerra, please.

Phil BacerraItem 1

Thank you, Madam Mayor. And I swear this is totally coincidental, but literally as we were, as you were talking, Councilmember Vasquez, I got a message from that constituent who was asking for more enforcement because, and I'm going to look at our acting chief of police, I want to thank you, Councilmember Vasquez, for actually reaching out to the Van Ness market and talking to those folks. What I wanted to make sure that we all appreciated and that staff heard from us going forward is that conditional use permits are not just a guarantee. Conditional use permits are a responsibility.

Phil BacerraItem 1

And if you are given a conditional use permit, we can take your conditional use permit. And if the Van Ness market is able to tighten up their operations, that's wonderful. That's one less hearing that we have to schedule. But with that being said, we also talked about a couple of other establishments, and I want to thank staff, our city manager, and Director Menti for discussing those items along with Council Member Paloza.

Phil BacerraItem 1

We had a couple of other problem properties that I know staff will be working on, and Acting Chief Rodriguez, I mean, I don't want to be crass about it, but they're still going to the bathroom behind Van Ness Markets. So we need officers. There's a lot of great things that RPD does, but it's the quality of life stuff that I would argue that probably the majority of my colleagues up here get calls about the most. And so whatever your officers can do when they see something, not just say something, obviously do something. So I appreciate that. For folks that don't know, Bowers Museum is free for all Santa Ana residents

Phil BacerraItem 1

all the way through September 8th. So take advantage of that. Go with your ID, utility bill, shows that you're a Santa Ana resident. go to the Bowers Museum and enjoy the exhibits that they have. Again, free for Santa Ana residents through September 8th. I want to also talk real quick. I want to actually thank my colleagues for supporting my nomination to the Youth Commission, Edith Hernandez. And the reason I bring her up is that, so I made a point for myself, because I do have the blessing of three high schools in my ward, Valley High School, Saddleback, and Saggerswim High School.

Phil BacerraItem 1

modern day is just across the street but they shop in my ward it's okay but um with that being said last uh year i had a student from modern day that served as my youth commissioner and so last week my council aide andrew lenares and i we went to soundback high school and interviewed a very exceptional group of uh individuals and uh just to see if they were interested in serving on the youth commission and i was very impressed and it was a very hard decision to make on selecting edith Hernandez but what I left with it the impression of Edith and I think Hawk you and staff will see

Phil BacerraItem 1

this is she embodies being a young adult I mean she came off very professional and I think she's going to do an amazing job on the commission so um looking forward to seeing her shine there and last but not least Alvaro congratulations man really if there's somebody that deserved it you know one of the things that always struck me as we were going through the process is we interviewed some amazing candidates for city managers so for you to be selected you know you definitely beat out some very very qualified folks but what you did what you what stood out with you was the fact

Phil BacerraItem 1

that when you were answering our questions you didn't answer it in the more i'm going to say generic sense right you didn't just say oh that falls under public work so that falls under planning you knew who to go to and not just to the directors but you knew who was the one that was going to be doing the work. So I'm really excited because I know that you've already been running, so it's not about you hitting the ground running, you're already running. So I'm looking forward to seeing you shine and seeing you keep up the good work and seeing all the good things that we can

Phil BacerraItem 1

see accomplished here in this city. So with that, good night, everybody. Thank you. Mayor Pro Temp.

Thai Viet PhanItem 1

Thank you. So first off, congratulations, Mr. City Manager. So excited to have a long-time resident city employee rise to the top. I'm always so excited for staff who are you know from within the city who have been here a long time who have risen through the ranks because we value our employees. So congratulations I look forward to working with you more closely. I like to thank staffs Parks and Rec for having the movies in the park it was so fun we had it at both Rosita and Heritage Park this year. My team was just out there. We gave out juice and snacks and all the

Thai Viet PhanItem 1

kids had an amazing time. I want to say, I guess let everyone know, and she's sitting right here in the audience, my chief of staff, Liz Beth Rosales. We are so sad to see her go. This is her last week as my chief of staff, as a member of the Ward 1 team officially, but she's on to bigger and brighter things she is going to law school and i just dubbed the term we're going to be lobo lawyers right because there's a group of us from los amigos high school who are lawyers and i look forward to seeing what you do in your future thank you so much for your commitment to

Thai Viet PhanItem 1

the city for coming up to me at a santa anita neighborhood association event and and asking to how you can help and really committing yourself toward one we couldn't have done this without you and I can't wait to see when you come back and run for office. And lastly, he did just walk off the dais, this most Mr. Important, Councilwoman Benalosa. I want to thank him, not thank him, I want to say congratulations to Councilwoman Benalosa and my dear, dear friend, Kim Nguyen Benalosa, for the recent wedding. It was gorgeous, it was amazing. I was so happy to be a part of it.

Thai Viet PhanItem 1

and there was not a dry eye in the room or outside. It was incredible, and I can't wait to see Kim be a Santa Ana resident in the future. Have a good night, everyone.

Alvaro NuñezItem 1

Thank you. So I'm going to try to cover this quickly. On Sunday, July 28th, we hosted a back-to-school resource fair. It was absolutely wonderful. We had partners, a committee from the Power of One Foundation, Mosaic Movement, Cal Optima, Santa Ana Chamber, Sunrise Church, Santa Ana Kiwanis, Asian American Senior Citizen Service Center, Santa Ana Alex. We had over 2,200 people, and of course the city of Santa Ana. We had over 2,200 people that came through, 65 vendors. We gave away over 2,000 backpacks. We had dental, vision, medical checkups. We had so many resources. The tables were just amazing.

Alvaro NuñezItem 1

Everybody was super happy, and I'm very proud of the work. by everybody. It's not the mayor, it's the committee and it's the community and all the organizations that came together in partnership with the city. So it was a beautiful, beautiful event. I can say there was a lot, a lot of people there. So after that now, I'm going to say congratulations. You're a Cochellano, like my husband. I can say that now. And since since that's where you come from, the valley as we call it. And I believe if you graduate from Coachella Valley High School,

Alvaro NuñezItem 1

you're with the likes of Congressman Ruiz, Eduardo Garcia, Manuel Perez, and of course my husband. So thank you for taking on the position. It is a lot of work. You are now like the CEO of a giant Fortune 500 company. That's what I used to say when I was on the school board, right? That budget's over a billion dollars. And here, not only do you have the budget, but you have the staff and all of us to work with and deal with. And so in the short time you've been here, you have truly shown leadership. And there's been issues. You address them. You don't get excited or emotional. You just address them. Conganas, as we say.

Alvaro NuñezItem 1

And I really appreciate that about you. And I appreciate your honesty. And you don't dance around. If you disagree with, I'm speaking for me, you just say, Mayor, no, I disagree with you. And here's wrong. And I really appreciate that style. I don't want to walk out of your office and, you know, hear from five different people, because nothing is a secret in this hallways. Absolutely nothing. I don't want to hear from five different people like, oh my god, you know, the city manager disagrees. No, you tell me. And I really, really appreciate that. That is true leadership, because to have those hard conversations. And we've had some.

Alvaro NuñezItem 1

You, me, the chief, and others in your office, we've had some hard conversations. And similar to the chief, he says, nope, this is why mayor can't do it. And I appreciate that. And so thank you for your leadership. And I look forward to where you are about to take the city with your team. So thank you for that.

Alvaro NuñezItem 1

The resource fair. Okay, school starts. Councilman Vassquez talked about school starts on Monday the 12th. Good luck to everybody. Have a beautiful year. I want to share that we have brought up families that are in our shelters. And Mike, you're still here. And I don't know how many families are still there. but the last time I got information, we had multiple children. And then I learned that our case managers spend a lot of time transporting our children to and from school. So therefore, they cannot do the job that we really hired them to do

Alvaro NuñezItem 1

because Santa Ana Unified has not been cooperative again with our children, for our children, picking them up. They are McKinney-Vento children. We can all look up at the Ed Code because I have it at home. I know it. Some of us up here know it or know parts of it, pieces of it. They are supposed to provide transportation. Preschool children, how do they expect them to know you're going to give them a bus pass? No. In our case, managers should not be driving our children to and from school. That is why Santa Ana Unified, with their over-billion-dollar budget

Alvaro NuñezItem 1

and many of their McKinney-Vento students, they have the largest number of McKinney-Vento students in the county. And yet, I was very disappointed to hear that they could not pick up the 21 children, 25 children that we have at our shelter. So I don't know how long it takes the two or three case managers to drive them to and from school every day, but that is very sad, incredibly sad. and how um i'll be careful let's just say that we need to make sure that santa unified is doing

Alvaro NuñezItem 1

their job and picking up the mckinney dental students um madam city attorney i hope that we will be sending them a letter because if we have to proceed in other ways with them we will because they have a responsibility mr city manager and i don't know there's a joint committee that i don't even know when the last time they met yesterday first time and how long six months three months four months three months three months was that was that on the agenda the McKinney Vento students okay so maybe you should call or somebody should call an emergency meeting of that committee because McKinney Vento

Alvaro NuñezItem 1

students should be picked up and if they are not and the school district refuses to I hope that the city proceeds with litigation because it is a lot of work for our case managers to drive them to and from school every single day that is the responsibility of the school district the responsibility so i just want to be really clear on that because the school board doesn't respond they don't answer emails maybe only to a few people up here but they don't answer emails they don't and they know most of you here they don't respond and again i'm say shame on them shame on them they can say that the city's a bad you know we don't agree

Alvaro NuñezItem 1

to a lot of things shame on them that they don't pick up and since we've opened the shelter they have not picked up our students correct so therefore we've had the shelter for a little while and none of those students have been picked up to go to school school starts on monday i will say that again. Victor Mendez talked about the ADA issue. I want to be really clear that we must comply with the law. We must abide by the law. If we have people that are disabled, I would hope that the staff and security and everybody's well trained on what are the ADA

Alvaro NuñezItem 1

requirements. He's not the only one that has brought it to my attention. So I want to make sure that we do not fall in a situation where again we have to address that so mr. city manager if we can look at that also can I get or can we please get Fiesta Patria's a schedule for Fiesta Patria's I know we have the Chicano Heritage on Sunday looking forward to it but I'd like to schedule for Fiesta Patria's as well because some of us that are scheduled in advance and so I just want to know the schedule please. Thursday, this Thursday Memorial Park is the last concert in the

Alvaro NuñezItem 1

park and so we're really excited about that. The concerts in the park have been amazing. So hopefully we'll see you all there. Finally the app, if I can get an update on when the translation of the My San An app will be taking place in Spanish and Vietnamese. I think I've been asking for over a year now many of us up here have been so if i can get an email on when that occurs will be taking place union pacific put up a fence on borchard avenue and within four hours some of you may already know within four hours it was cut homeless moved all their

Alvaro NuñezItem 1

and councilman vassari you like to call them criminals well we'll call them what they are They cut the fence that Union Pacific put up, four hours, not even four hours. And they moved their mattresses back in and their couches, and they just went right back to living there. So when we say we want a holistic approach to homelessness, or we don't want poor people, you know, it's really sad. It is. Some of them have severe mental health issues. But Union Pacific just put up a fence. And when we put up a fence, they're going to do the same exact thing. So if somebody has the answer, please put it in a bottle and sell it.

Alvaro NuñezItem 1

You're going to make millions of dollars. What we need to do is go in there, clean it up again. If they're under the influence, take them to jail. If they're breaking the law, take them to jail. If they're not, we offer them services. If they don't want to take them, we tell them to move along. Because with grants passed and everything is happening, I'm noticing, and I've shared with you, that there are more homeless in our city. We cannot afford that. We cannot afford it. and I would like, I hope publicly everybody up here is very clear about their position about

Alvaro NuñezItem 1

homelessness because what is the answer? Because if you've got a better answer, again I would say take them to your home because they're defecating on people's yards, they're masturbating in front of children, they're running around naked in front of children. We had a meeting with Memorial Park residents, you know this woman got arrested, she's running around naked. Wilshire Square concert, I was there and I helped a lady and I actually did a private citizen's arrest because everything was hanging out and there were families and children there and it was very disturbing and I can go on and on about everything that goes on in this

Alvaro NuñezItem 1

city with the homeless slash criminal behavior and I don't want to do that what I want to say is that I know mr. city manager that you have a plan or you're putting a plan together how to address this and let's not forget that the county we hold the county accountable if there's social workers they need we connect them mental health we connect them we cannot carry the brunt and we have people up here council members that are very close with the supervisor council member lopez i believe you work part-time for him so this is great right bring the resources to santa anna because i know when the supervisor

Alvaro NuñezItem 1

was running for office he said i'm going to make santa anna priority that's what he told the voters I'm gonna make Santa Ana priority and he has a homeless program and it helps with if you're about to be evicted it gives you some money helps with your bills we need more than that and their eight billion dollar budget and they have each of them have a discretionary fund I would hope that they're going to use a discretionary fund our supervisor on the homeless issues and the crime that's happening in our city and not on other things that are not as important so the

Alvaro NuñezItem 1

needs of our constituents that want to have a good quality of life and be safe is a priority and again with that congratulations mr city manager i look forward to working with you i look forward to you telling me know when you need to and um thank you to the staff that put everything together today and thank you to all the people that attended that are watching from home and i don't think i forgot anything and this meeting is adjourned

Reporting stopped.