Read the January 21 meeting.

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Jennifer L. Hall

You're kidding me.

Oh, just kidding. Out of money.

Thai Viet Phan

Last I checked, somebody set the agenda and it wasn't me.

I'm not gonna put this straight. I can get it confirmed. Okay, I'm gonna put this straight. I said last I checked, somebody set the agenda and it wasn't me. Okay, all right. I didn't set the agenda. Hello. I'm the manager. Yeah. Hi. Hey. Hello. Not yet.

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Thai Viet Phan

Thank you.

recording in progress

Jennifer L. Hall

mayor you can go ahead when you're ready

Valerie Amezcua

madam clerk please start the meeting yes mayor we're live i hereby call the san anna city council 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. Council Member Becerra. Council Member Hernandez. Council Member Lopez.

Jennifer L. Hall

Here. Council Member Penalosa. Council Member Vasquez. Present. Mayor Pro Tem Fan. Here. Mayor Misqua? Present.

Valerie Amezcua

We have four present. That is a quorum. Thank you so much. 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 their abstentions on closed session items?

Valerie Amezcua

Hearing none, Madam Clerk, do we have any speakers for closed session?

Jennifer L. Hall

Mayor and City Council, there are no speakers in the chamber or on Zoom, and we did not receive any e-comments related to the closed session agenda.

Valerie Amezcua

Thank you. We will now recess this portion of the meeting to consider the items listed on closed session.

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That's the most famous bear. There is one right now. Probably it is.

That's good. I'll get you a big one. Go ahead.

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© transcript Emily Beynon

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Phil Bacerra

Recording in progress.

Recording in progress.

Jennifer L. Hall

That's one minute, Mayor.

Jennifer L. Hall

Mayor, you can come in.

Valerie Amezcua

Thank you very much. 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 am afforded the opportunity to call for a 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 taken.

Valerie Amezcua

We appreciate your cooperation. For everyone's sake, 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 FROM 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 INVITED TO COME TO THE FRONT TO TAKE PHOTOS. MADAM CLERK, PLEASE CONDUCT THEIR ROLL CALL.

Jennifer L. Hall

COUNCIL MEMBER Becerra. HERE. COUNCIL MEMBER HERNANDEZ. PRESENT. COUNCIL MEMBER LOPEZ. HERE. COUNCIL MEMBER PENALOZA. PRESENT. COUNCIL MEMBER VASQUEZ. Mayor Pro Tem Phan. Mayor Meszka. All members are present.

Valerie Amezcua

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

Jennifer L. Hall

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 Item Number 35 for which comments will be taken

Valerie Amezcua

separately. Thank you. Before we move to the Pledge of Allegiance, I would just like to, if you would allow me, I would like to take a moment of silence for the victims of the fires in Los Angeles. I want to thank the first responders and we have a lot of people in LA who are going through a heavy, heavy time and I know Chapman you're probably going to pray about that as well, but I just want to take a moment of silence so our thoughts and our prayers are with them. PLEASE.

Valerie Amezcua

THANK YOU VERY MUCH. CHAPLAIN, PLEASE COME FORWARD.

Valerie Amezcua

I'M SORRY, I'M GOING TO DO THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. I APOLOGIZE. I'M A LITTLE OUT OF ORDER HERE. LET ME CALL UP JASMINE QUILLIERES, PLEASE, TO LEAD US IN THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.

Audience. Audience. Audience.

To the front, please, for the microphone.

Audience.

Sonia R. Carvalho

Good evening, everyone.

Sonia R. Carvalho

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, to the republic for which it stands one nation under God indivisible liberty and justice for all

I just want to give a little word of inspiration in a simple prayer in light of what you said mayor about all the trauma that's been going on in Southern California. None of this is new to us. We've seen a lot of trauma in our lives. All of us have. Sometimes they wonder how we get through it. When I was driving here, I had a quote come to my mind that I heard yesterday on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. And that quote was simply this, love is the most powerful force in the universe. But that reference isn't referring to the feelings of love. In fact, next month we'll be talking about love and Valentine's Day, but this is a

a different type of love. This kind of love is an action. That's why when Paul wrote to a young church going through horrible times, he wrote an entire chapter on love. It's called the love chapter. So many weddings have it read. It says love is patient, love is kind, love is not arrogant, boastful, or rude. And it lists 16 attributes, and not one of them is a feeling. It's something we do, but when we do them, the byproduct of it are the feelings. We talked about first responders. We think of our own here. We think of our men and women in law enforcement, our fire authority, people working in the hospitals, even our teachers.

If they have this kind of love, it makes a powerful difference because it's an action. Almost all of our first responders live by this phrase. Greater love has no one than this than he laid down. his life for his friends. That's an action. You know, we don't have to be in law enforcement or a fireman or a military service, man or woman. We can all be first responders in this one thing, this kind of love. And I pray in the next moments that our whole city will be overwhelmed with this kind of love. It has so many times. We've got great people.

Some are going to be honored tonight. What a privilege. Father, I thank you for the people gathered here, our servants that are here, city council, our mayor, our chief, all of the people, Lord, that represent you in so many ways, but we can do it all by just being people of love, doing the things that make a difference, allowing ourselves to be strategic and significant. And in this day and age of great hurt, that we can do things to help the people that have been so hurt, felt so much loss. We can do it every day, Lord.

I ask that blessing to be upon us, that anointing to be upon this city. Thank you for the people here. In the name of the Lord, amen.

Valerie Amezcua

Thank you. Thank you very much. Madam Clerk, are there any additions or deletions to the City Council agenda?

Jennifer L. Hall

No there are not.

Valerie Amezcua

All right. I was just going to put a cough drop, but the first presentation is mine. I would like to welcome the Downtown Santa Ana Feel Good Events Board.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 1

got to stand together like y'all like each other the name says feel good so get close i like the name today it's an honor to be here to recognize the outstanding contributions of the downtown san anna feel good events board members who made the city's fifth annual the Mali festival possible so thank you thank you let's give a round of applause

Valerie AmezcuaItem 1

this year we had an astounding attendance of over 15,000 people demonstrating the festivals growing popularity 15,000 that's wonderful we proudly so they proudly sold I say we right like I mean no I didn't make any They proudly sold more than 25,000 tamales, showcasing the vibrant culinary traditions of our community. Thanks to the generosity and hard work of everyone involved, they also distributed over 5,000 toys to children in our Santa Ana community, spreading joy and holiday cheer. Thank you, thank you.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 1

The festival significantly boosted the local economy, infusing over $175,000 into downtown Santa Ana during the event. Let's give them a round of applause for that.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 1

This not only supports the local businesses, but also strengthens our community as a whole. These remarkable achievements would not have been possible without the strong commitment commitment and collaboration of our downtown Santa Ana Feel Good Events board members. Your hard work, your dedication, and your passion are the driving forces behind the festival's continued success. Together we have created, I say we because the city is part of it, we have created a cherished tradition that celebrates our culture, supports our community, and brings joy to thousands.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 1

Thank you all for your invaluable contributions for making the fifth annual The Mod Festival a resounding success. So I have to just say that I've done my holiday toy drive the last two years with all of you and it's small compared to the work that you're doing but I just have to say that the very first the Ballin Festival I went to before I was the mayor I was like this is great Eddie who thought of this and of course he gave you know all of the kudos to all of you working together and i just have to say for all of us that go down there during the event and the families that are there

Valerie AmezcuaItem 1

thank you for bringing our community together thank you for shining light on downtown santa ana we need to shine the light on downtown and so thank you for all of your work that you do especially during the holidays our families go get their toys some of the kids that may be the the only place they get their toys. And so we really appreciate all of your hard work. And so we're gonna recognize all of you today, but I think one of you is gonna come up and speak. Whether I'm looking at Eddie or who's going to do this?

You're all Eddie?

Valerie AmezcuaItem 1

Everybody's pointing at Eddie.

Thank you so much, Mary. Thank you so much.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 1

You're welcome.

Right here. I wasn't prepared for this, but I still.

Wow. Get out of your way. No, no, you're fine. Good evening Santa, Mayor, Valerie, and Meskwa, and fellow council members. First and foremost I want to thank Mayor Meskwa for recognizing DTSA feel-good events this evening. We're a nonprofit comprised of Santa business owners and community leaders. We host such events as our events such as Tamal Festival here in downtown Santa Ana, Pozolela, and also Sabor Santa Ana. We host, we also these events allow us to share our unique culture and our delicious gastronomy. Again, my name is Eddie Kew. This wouldn't be possible without these individuals behind me. I feel so fortunate to

work with such a great group that from day one in 2019 believed in a little dream, right? This all started in 2019. We had a small conversation with Chivita's restaurant owner and she said, I'm hurting. I don't know how I'm going to afford the rent the next couple of months and I'm already behind so i went back to my office sat there and i thought about why don't we have a tamale festival so in five weeks we hosted our first tamale festival in 2019 well over 2 000 people in attendance and we sold over 2 500 tamales i think by 6 30 we were celebrating already because we

had sold out so it takes a village i understand that's why i have to my right i have denise reynoso who's also a teacher at piopico for fifth graders yeah we have everyone here right we have Vanessa Pazoban, the owner of Mission Bar Restaurant, also Corazon, and also Rock'em Up. So thank you very much.

Ana Laura Padilla here, also the owner of Perla Mexican Cuisine, right, and also Temis Taxis. I said it in Spanish, I don't know why I said taxes. Taxis!

Xavier Arroyo, owner of Beat Mix International.

Jesse Marquez, who's the director of financial aid at Whittier College.

And lastly, Jose Romo, who's the owner of DTSA Services. Honestly, this group is incredible. I feel like I'm standing next to a bunch of giants. And I thank you for that. Thank you for your hard work. Can I just say one more thing? Sure, go ahead. I'm not a talker. I'm not a talker. I'm not a talker. We all know that. But also I wanted to say, you know, not simply because we host impactful events in our community, but because you continue to prove your love to Santa Ana, no matter what they ask. So I want to thank Mayor of Alamescua and also Claudio Perez.

Thank you for helping us in believing that this event can be used as a platform to donate toys to our Santa Ana youth. Each year, the number of donated toys keeps increasing. So thank you for that. Council members David Penaloza, Phil Becerra, and Benjamin Vasquez, this event would not be possible without your continuous generosity and financial support. Thank you very much. Also, community leaders such as Lou Correa, Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento, and Senator Tom Umberg, who helped us financially as well. This event would not be possible.

It's thousands and thousands of dollars that go into it. And it all goes up at 5 in the morning on Saturday, December 14, and it all goes down by 11 p.m. Right? On top of that, a couple more people, also Parks and Rec's Hawk, Rudy, Monique, and Elena, Thank you so much with your continued support. This event is possible. Franchella Aguilar with Republic Services, Community Relations Teams with SEUSD, Don Miguel with Northgate Gonzalez Markets, Paul Garcia Arsenal with Chase Bank, and lastly behind the scenes, Robert Gutierrez is our social media extraordinaire, Roberto Zavala with Cosmo Rentals, and Beto with Beto Construction.

Papel Picado, all the banners, that's all him from the very early days. And guys, just to finish it off, most importantly, the people of Santa Ana, we thank you. We established this event due to our local business owners needing help. You all jumped on board. And Senate leaders, please continue to be proud of this event. In just five years, we have one of the largest events in Orange County. Be proud of that. That's an amazing feat, guys. In just five short years with COVID and as a hiatus, that is an incredible feat. Can't wait to see you. I can't wait to see where the next five years take us. Sky's the limit.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 1

So I have certificates for everybody. Eddie, I'm going to give them to you so that you can pass them all out because it seems there's some people that are not here. So please get your certificate from Eddie. And then we'll take a photo just with me. And then the council will come down and we'll do a group photo. How's that?

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thai Viet PhanItem 2

Library Services, y'all know you're next. Come up here.

Thai Viet PhanItem 2

Come on down. I can say it in Vietnamese, too. Oh, you're all dressed up.

Thai Viet PhanItem 2

I'm going to do this in Vietnamese, so can we get that Vietnamese translation?

Thai Viet PhanItem 2

I'm just kidding.

Thai Viet PhanItem 2

kidding. Hi, everyone. Hello. No tamales today for me, but something even more fun coming

up. All right. So we're all dressed up. Come on. Come up here. I swear I don't bite. Anyway,

Thai Viet PhanItem 2

hi. This is I'm Ty Viet Phan, Mayor Pro Tem for the next three hours maybe left in my my term and we have Lunar New Year coming up also called Tết Nguyên Đăng in Vietnamese. And what is that? Well, it is celebrated on the second new moon of the winter solstice. I didn't know that. And it can fall anytime between January and the middle of February on the solar calendar. So according to a lot of Asian traditions, particularly Vietnamese because you know I'm Vietnamese. This year's Thet or Lunar New Year falls on January 29th 2025 and it's gonna mark the first day of the year of the snake.

Thai Viet PhanItem 2

It's the wood snake in particular. People born in the year the snake are known as and please no one tell my sister this charismatic intelligent and naturally lucky and gifted. So she is a doctor so my mom loves her more. So today I am presenting this proclamation to our library services team many of whom are up here that's right to recognize them for their contributions to the Vietnamese American and API communities I have to say as a Vietnamese American kid growing up in Santa Ana on the west side going to a different school district speaking a different language living on the other side of the river that people don't

Thai Viet PhanItem 2

think of Santa Ana I have to say that this team under the leadership of Brian Steinberg has been an incredible has been an incredible influence in the Vietnamese American community here in Santa Ana so just to name a few because I heard Brian wrote a five-page memo about all the incredible things that the library services team has done so we trimmed it down just a little bit but a couple of things that they have done to make sure that the Vietnamese American culture Asian American culture has has been elevated has been shared with every person in Santa Ana and throughout the county includes bilingual Vietnamese

Thai Viet PhanItem 2

Vietnamese basic computer classes, because my mom don't know how to use her phone, but she can come to library services and figure out how to send me photos. Monthly Vietnamese story time, citizenship clinics that we've worked on together right at New Hope Library with Vietnamese translation. We've had Vietnamese book collections that have been expanded. I can't read most of them, but I will try. Translation services, appearances on Vietnamese media like Little Saigon TV with our Vietnamese committee liaison, Tina Doe Lee, online tutoring in both Spanish and Vietnamese for K-12 students,

Thai Viet PhanItem 2

and Vietnamese read-along books. My favorite thing that they've ever done actually, well two things, one is they have the lion dances at New Hope Library for Lunar New Year and Mid-Autumn, but the second best thing they have ever done in my opinion is when we had our first annual Tet Pet Festival in 2024, they brought a local author, Carolyn Nguyen, to talk about her book, The Fortunes of Jaded Women. It's written about a Santa Ana family, a Vietnamese-American immigrant family who grew up here in Santa Ana, who still has roots here in Santa Ana, and that is now being

Thai Viet PhanItem 2

optioned for TV. This is the incredible work that Brian and the library services team has done to elevate the culture and the history of Vietnamese-Americans here in Santa Ana, and I'm so proud to declare January 29th, 2025 as or Lunar New Year and present this incredible proclamation to our fearless leader and his incredible team, the Library Services Department. And would you like to say a few words?

Jessie LopezItem 2

Okay, now clap, please.

Thai Viet PhanItem 2

I messed it up, okay, there you go. Oh no, now we gotta take a picture.

I just wanted to say thank you so much Mayor Pro Tem Phan and the entire Santa Ana City Council Mayor and everyone else for this proclamation. I have to say when I first heard the news that we would be receiving this proclamation I was thrilled because I can't do it without these people behind me. My staff are there day in day out. they get it done when I ask them to they do the programs every day at the New Hope library on our bookmobile at our main library which is under renovation

right now it's going to be beautiful opening in early 26 this is this is this is everything I'm not anything without without these staff members so the recognition goes to them and the wonderful services and programs that we put on every day. The library is about the community. Community. We bring people together. We are that kind of organization. So just thank you again, everyone, and thank you for this wonderful honor. I'm so appreciative of it.

Thai Viet PhanItem 2

So I invite the mayor and the council to come down for a photo, but I would be remiss, because Hawk would kill me, if I didn't mention that this Saturday, January 25th, is Lunar New New Year at Centennial Park from 1 to 6 p.m. There will be fireworks at 545. So please come out, have an amazing time, learn more about Lunar New Year, the Vietnamese American culture and maybe try on an Aoyai because we'll have them out there for you. All right. 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. Thank you. Thank you.

Phil BacerraItem 2

Thank you. Thank you. If I could have the modern day football team come on up.

Phil BacerraItem 3

I would tell you to give them applause, but let's wait because I got some big things to talk about before we do that.

Mike, Mike.

Phil BacerraItem 3

So tonight, I have the honor of recognizing an outstanding achievement that has brought immense pride to our city. Now only one city can say that they have the number one high school football team in the entire nation. And that city is Santa Ana. And that team is Mater Dei High School.

David PenalozaItem 3

In Ward 6.

Phil BacerraItem 3

Mater Dei has been in Santa Ana for 75 years, since 1950. And they play their home games right here in downtown Santa Ana at the Bowl. and they've been crowned the number one high school football team in the entire United States for 2024. So this national championship is an accomplishment that is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and talent of the Monarch players, coaches, and everyone involved in the program. Monterey finished the season with a perfect 13-0 record. The Monarchs impressive 31-15 win over Bishop Gorman. I was hoping Eddie would stick around so so I could talk about the 59-14 route of St. John Bosco,

Phil BacerraItem 3

along with the 11 other victories against nationally ranked teams that included their win against De La Salle of Concord for the CIF State Championship and solidified their position as the top team in the nation. So not only did the Monarchs emerge as national champions, but they also showcased the true spirit of sportsmanship and teamwork. In a league as competitive as the Trinity League, where all six teams are in the national rankings, Mar Day's triumph stands as a beacon of success and a reminder of the incredible talent that plays right here in Santa Ana. Mar Day's defense was one of the best in recent memory,

Phil BacerraItem 3

as well as the offense on the other side of the ball. The defense allowed just 14 and a half points per game, while the offense was generating about 36.8 points per game. So I'll let Coach talk about some of the players that shined on that team. So I can say that you guys, you've made Santa Ana proud, especially my wife Wendy who happens to be an alumna of modern day, and you've shown what can be accomplished through teamwork, perseverance, and dedication to excellence. So on behalf of the city of Santa Ana, Coach if I can get you to come on up here,

Phil BacerraItem 3

I want to present this certificate to you on behalf of the city of Santa Ana and just say congratulations.

Thank you.

First of all, thank you so much, Phil. I really appreciate this. Our players appreciate this. Our coaching staff appreciate it. And so I'm going to introduce everybody that's up here. First person is Mike Brennan. He's our president of the school.

These are our two players that we brought. The first one played center for us. His name is Joseph, better known as JoJo Genova.

The next person, obviously, is a player. Lucas Campiza played middle linebacker for us.

On this side, I have coaches, offensive line coach, Richard Torres.

Offensive line coach and assistant head coach, Collette Holmes.

And this one, the players really loved this coach because he was our disciplinary coach. coach. So Aaron Adjie. Look I want to say something. I coached for 33 years. This year was my first year at modern day. Obviously I inherited a very talented group. Not only that, I inherited a very good staff. Probably one of the best I ever had. I heard Phil talk about all the accolades that we had. National championship, Trinity league championship, championship, CIF championship, and state championships. There's no doubt that they accomplished tremendously a lot of things.

But the thing that I really like the most about what I experienced last year is the kids and the coaches, just very good citizen, good people. And it's neat. You know, Santa Ana does have something unique here, and especially that modern day school. Many years ago I played at Long Beach Poly and I coached at Long Beach Poly. And we used to battle modern day all the time. In fact, if it wasn't for modern day, Poly wouldn't be running them years and being dominant. They made us dominant because we wanted to be at their level.

And now I'm part of this and I feel like I did a complete circle and it's pretty neat seeing this. And I'm telling you right now, Santa Ana, if you haven't been to a game at the Santa Ana Bowl and watch us play you need to go because it's pretty exciting like I said I've been doing this for 33 years I coach in championship games at the Coliseum Anaheim Stadium back then was the stub hut and all that but there's nothing like the Santa Ana Bowl so you need to come by and again thank you so much for presenting this to us

Thank you.

Oh man.

Y'all feel comfortable standing in front of the boys? We'll still see you.

Yeah.

Thank you.

David PenalozaItem 3

Thank you.

Hawk Scott and the entire Parks and Rec team. Incredible job keeping us safe and the entire police staff thank you for keeping us safe every single game. It's a beautiful place like we said to spend time down there at the Bowl but you guys the hospitality is incredible so thank you thank you.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

Next we have Council Member Lopez, please.

Jessie LopezItem 4

Thank you.

Jessie LopezItem 4

Hi, hello.

Jessie LopezItem 4

Hello, so tonight we're gonna be recognizing recognizing the outstanding contributions to our community by Jose Rea. And so for me, it really is both an honor and a privilege to be here today to recognize such a truly remarkable community member. And not just for who he is and for his values, but really for the work that he's done in our community. And so on behalf of the City of Santa Ana, I am proud to present the certificate of recognition to Jose Rea for his work with green MPNA and his exceptional contributions to the

Jessie LopezItem 4

betterment of his immediate neighborhood, the Madison Park neighborhood and our city as a whole. And so the work that Jose and many people like Jose that are affiliated, involved or work directly with green MPNA and other organizations that they do, they've been involved in empowering residents, fostering community engagement and creating a more vibrant sustainable and connected neighborhood which is something that I believe we can all take pride in and his dedication to improving the quality of life in Madison Park serves as an inspiration to all of

Jessie LopezItem 4

us one of the corner stores corner store cornerstones of his success has been their unwavering commitment to community engagement through neighborhood meetings outreach efforts and a focus on resident driven initiatives Jose has helped bring together individuals from all walks of life to work towards a common goal normally people that you don't see involved in these processes people that government structures themselves don't take the time to outreach or consider an important stakeholder when it comes to develop development in the city building parks in the city specifically in the context of green and P&A when we're

Jessie LopezItem 4

talking about all of the environmental issues that a lot of residents in that area experience on a daily basis and so they really have shown us that when residents collaborate and support one another they can transform their environment for the better and not just their environment they can transform how how local governments respond to everyday people in this city.

Jessie LopezItem 4

So additionally, Jose Real's efforts in neighborhood beautification have significantly enhanced public spaces, creating areas that residents can take pride in.

Jessie LopezItem 4

And beyond that, Jose has been instrumental in organizing a variety of community events that bring people together, from block parties to cultural celebrations. His efforts have helped create connections and build relationships that strengthen the social fabric of the neighborhoods surrounding Madison Park and Madison Park itself and the city as a whole. Today we celebrate the dedication and hard work of Jose. His efforts are a shining example of what happens when people come together to make a difference in their community. On behalf of the city of Santa Ana, I would like to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation

Jessie LopezItem 4

for everything you've accomplished and have done for our city and all of the education that you have shared with so many of us. I remember sitting in a Zoom meeting with you about five or six years ago and you telling me the experiences of your neighbors, the experiences of your families, and really just explaining why government should care and that is an experience that I'm never gonna forget so thank you and so it is my honor to present the certificate of recognition to Jose I look forward to seeing all the continued positive impact that you will continue to bring to our community that look but that will also

Jessie LopezItem 4

continue to flourish through all the connections that you've made and through the different members of your family so thank you Jose and congratulations

Just a few words. First of all, I would like to thank you, also, woman, Lopez, for this distinction and honor. And this is on behalf of our community, our neighborhoods, my family, and myself and so also wanted to congratulate you in your election and I just wanted to briefly introduce my my family my wife Christina who is a retired teacher from Santa Ana Unified first grade teacher at Pio Pico Elementary for close to 30 years and then my son Rodrigo and my

son Pepe but I also wanted to take this opportunity to introduce to the community our new executive Director for Green MP&A, and that's Dr. Erika Ramirez Mayoral.

And throughout the decades, I've been, by the way, Erika is also a resident of Santa Ana. And so throughout the decades, we have collaborated with multiple neighborhoods, and one of them that is present here is what's your square in my how to get from what's your square and so green stands for getting residents engaged in empowering neighborhoods and MPNA is the Madison Park neighborhood associations thanks to the California endowment MP&A began its transformation as a community-based organization in 2011 33 residents from cornerstone village Sierra Evergreen and

and MPNA participated in the leadership training. They aligned the changes needed to improve our community. For the last 13 years, Green MPNA has been documenting and implementing those changes. More educational opportunities for the entire family, more health education programs, a more clean and safe environment, and empowering the residents to make the necessary changes. Our community advisory board is formed by 50% partners and 50% plus one residents of Santana. All of our paid staff members also come from our community and they speak both English

and Spanish, including paid high school interns.

The Dr. Francisco Saldivar Alma Pipeline and Scholarship Fund is a combined effort with the Santa Ana Unified, the Nicholas Endowment, UC Irvine, and Green MP&A. The Pacific Park, and Irma knows very well the park that you make reference to, it was a nine-year advocacy effort by four neighborhoods, Wilshire Square, Henninger Park, Pacific Park, and MP&A working together in the Santa Ana Healthy Neighborhood Alliance, SANA, and we work closely together with then executive director of parks and rec gerardo moed to make the pacific

park a reality nine years through a partnership between local businesses and residents we prevented the opening of 200 plus beds overnight shelter for unhoused population and drug addiction and mental health issues one block from the cornerstone village apartments in the the Kennedy Elementary. During the COVID-19 crisis, we hired 15 community leaders to help us dispel the rumors of they were running around wild and about the, and also to promote

the vaccinations. We collaborated with community clinics, the school district, and the school district to establish vaccination clinics in the community at the schools we run a 20-month bilingual health talks about covet by doctors that was seen sometimes we had 500 people on in zoom

the safe and clean environment recruiting organization and training residents from more than 12 neighborhoods in the city of santa ana to develop and implement the first resident led that pollution monitor network in the city and county. The Planted Pueblo Coalition, a group of community based organizations, worked very hard to include 77 environmental justice policies in the city of general plan update in 2022. So the city is looking really good on paper. Now we need to implement those policies.

And now we seek to expand the Logan and Lacey neighborhood moratorium to include Southeast Santa Ana, which is the most polluted part of the city.

I'm extremely confident and enthusiastic about what the next chapter for Green MP&A will bring under the new executive director. Green MP&A will continue documenting and amplifying the voices of the Santa Ana disadvantaged communities because political Correctness and cultural humility are detrimental to the health and well-being of the residents from our community particularly the very young and the elderly. Green MP&A will continue to invite city staff and council members to partner with us to address public health issues. Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 5

Thank you. The next, the final presentation is by the City of Santa Ana. Mr. City Manager, please.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 5

We are going to honor Jesse Soto for 31 years of dedication.

Alvaro NuñezItem 5

So just quickly and and we don't often do this but it's kind of unique only in the sense that it's not so much to celebrate Jesse's accomplished working working with the city almost 30 years since 1994. But particularly, and I'll say it this way, right? Not only has Jesse been a dedicated professional, but he's also a proud member of the Santa Ana community. Jesse and his family have lived in Santa Ana since 1969.

Let's go Jesse.

Alvaro NuñezItem 5

Right. They first moved to the Del High neighborhood, followed by move to second and flower, where he has resided since 1972 near Angel Community Park. He attended Santa Ana High School and Santa Ana College. I said it up front, Jesse, so that you understand that folks that come and live in this city and grew up in this city and still be able to do a career of 30 years plus, I think something that should be acknowledged and magnified. When I started working with the city, my sign area was Santa Anita. And I remember at community meetings, we would go at Jesse where he was working,

Alvaro NuñezItem 5

And he was always the guy I called for time of a meeting, let's play at some site, and we would do it. And I think for me it's a pleasure to actually acknowledge JC's commitment to the city and acknowledge the progression for his retirement. One of JC's most impactful roles was his commitment to mentoring at-risk youth through the Safe Haven Youth Gang Prevention Program. Through his guidance, he helped steer young people toward brighter futures, organizing outdoor activities like camping and hiking. This program gave teens the opportunity to explore their professional growth and develop life skills.

Alvaro NuñezItem 5

Again, from a person who grew up in the city. I think that's significant. His influence went beyond Safe Haven Youth Grand Prompter Friendship Program. He was frequently invited as a court-appointed guest speaker at youth retreats. Let me say that again. He was frequently invited as a court-appointed guest speaker at youth retreats, where he inspired countless youth, young members, including the founders of Suavecito, who credit him him for playing a key role in shaping both their personal lives and their successful businesses.

Alvaro NuñezItem 5

Over the years, Jesse earned the trust and admiration of families throughout the Santa Ana, especially in the Santa Anita, Jerome, Logan, and Memorial Centers. He was dedicated to ensuring the needs of youth, where he made the pride program and developed other essential programs such as ceramics, after school activities, and boxing, much of which continue to positively impact our community today.

Alvaro NuñezItem 5

Throughout his career, Jesse has remained deeply connected to the community, not just as a mentor, but as a devoted family man, always keeping his family and the community at the forefront of his life. A proud father of seven, his family has benefited from the programs he helped implement and support. As Jesse approaches his well-deserved retirement after 31 years of service to the city of Santa Santana. We celebrate his contributions and the county's lives he has touched throughout his career. After retirement he will be returning to serve at-risk youth with local nonprofits. There you go, always working. Jesse, your dedication and

Alvaro NuñezItem 5

passion for serving the youth and families of Santana will never be forgotten. Your legacy lives on in the community you've built and the future will help shape. On behalf of all of us, we thank you, Jesse, for your exceptional service, your heart for the community, and the difference you have made in so many lives. We wish you the very best in your retirement and we know that your legacy will continue to inspire for generations to come. Thank you and congratulations. Congratulations.

Thank you very much.

Can I say something? Yeah, yeah. Okay. I want to thank, first of all, I want to thank God, okay, because I know that it was because of him and by his grace that I survived working in the city for 31 years. That's a good thing. That's a good thing. I've seen many executive directors come and go. I've seen the ups and downs. But you know what? I grew up in Santa Ana, and I love the city of Santa Ana. Santa Ana is a beautiful, beautiful city. Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 5

All right. Thank you. Congratulations. congratulations thank you mr city manager we appreciate that very much madam city attorney do you have anything to report out of closed session

Sonia R. CarvalhoItem 5

mayor members of the council members of the public we do not have any reportable action this evening

Valerie AmezcuaItem 5

thank you this is the time of the meeting for the city council to receive comments from the public on agenda and non-agenda items madam city clerk please explain the public comment procedures and

Jennifer L. HallItem 5

call the first speakers 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 meetings 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'll report the following summary of emails provided as of of today. The City received 10 e-comments in total, 2 related to item number 29 and

Jennifer L. HallItem 5

8 on non-agenda topics. Those were distributed to the City Council and posted online for public review. We'll now hear from members of the public that are physically present in the Council Chamber followed by those on the conference call or Zoom to provide their comments. Please state your name and the ward or neighborhood that you reside in for the record. I'll call three speakers at a time. If you could please line up in the center aisle behind the podium first three speakers ryan gasha alan wu and joseph goo

Thank you. Good evening, everyone. My name is Ryan Takeshi-Gasha. I am the current chapter president of the Salonico Orange County Chapter of the Japanese american citizens league i'd like to first off start and express my gratitude to the city of santa ana for helping preserve the japanese garden and tea house i would also like to note that this preservation would not be possible without mayor valeria mwiska mayor pro tem tai fan ward 5 council member jonathan ryan hernandez and council members benjamin vasquez jesse lopez phil bassetta and

david penaloza in addition today's resolution was developed with the collaboration of city of santa ana public works director nabil saba deputy director and city engineer rudy rosa and melissa burrella of the santa ana public work agency with mr brandon sabatier of the city attorney's office working alongside our chapter representatives kenneth inoue and patty hirahara

To have the Japanese Garden and Tea House become a part of the City of Santa Ana is a momentous occasion for the Japanese American community here in Orange County as well as the Japanese pioneers who helped build the community in Santa Ana. For those who are not aware, the Japanese Garden and Tea House was built as a gift and also a symbol of friendship and gratitude to thank the people of Orange County for allowing allowing Japanese Americans to resettle in the area after their unjust incarceration during the Second World War.

The Salonico-Orange County chapter of the JCL would be honored to take on the responsibility as the Japanese Garden's custodian and community advisor, and will work diligently with the city to ensure its survival for its upcoming 100th year anniversary on November 15, 2070. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the Japanese Garden Tea House's existence, but we hope with this new partnership between Salonika-Orange County and the city that more people will be made aware of this historic site. With Santa Ana being such a diverse community and one with such a rich cultural history,

this new diamond that was created 55 years ago will shine brightly in the city and highlight the Japanese American community art in its rich multicultural heritage. heritage. We therefore hope that when item 29 comes before the City Council tonight, that the City Council supports the resolution and votes yes. Thank you.

I'm Alan Wu. I reside in Riverview neighborhood. I've been a long time resident of Santa Anna and a member of the Planning Commission, Automobile Mayor, and member of the City Council. I represent I represent the older generation and remember the history of how we got here today with the Japanese Garden. Imagine if you will, you have a farm, you have a garden, you have a home, you have a business. To have that taken away and then you get rounded up with others and put on the train down in Santa Anita and ship up to Manzanar, Heart Mountain, and other places and there you live in your life until the end of the war.

Meanwhile, your sons, your nephew, your brothers and sisters are fighting with the 442, the most decorated unit defending our democracy in the foreign shore in Europe and in the Pacific. And you come home and you see your family still locked up in camps. And after the war is over, you start walking across California back home and there are signs, Jap, go home. Keep going. Keep going. and you finally come back to Orange County, to Santa Ana, you're so grateful to be welcomed back,

you decide to build a garden, a garden to represent being welcomed back and being appreciated as human beings, as part of the community. So you put an oak tree, one of the oldest and biggest ones that you have, and the roots of that tree have grown and spread throughout that garden, and all the Japanese community want is some assurance and be part of any future discussion. That's why all the folks like me are not going to be here, but this young folks, this younger generation with the JCO and I am a member too. I joined them because I was asked to and as I joined their group I realized how

the issues that they fought with that internment and rounding up is facing us us today. And that's a reminder that our democracy is fragile unless we can stand up. And there are symbols of our liberty and our justice and our belonging that place is ours too. We built this nation. We've got to be a part of it. And our history is important to it. So I ask you to look favorably on item number 29. If Santa Ana is a community for all people, we need a place. Thank you very much.

Jennifer L. HallItem 5

Next three speakers, Joseph Gu, Audrey Yamagata-Noji, and Lupe Lopez.

Good evening and happy early new year, lunar new year, excuse me. My name is Joseph Gu, and I'm the Pacific Southwest District Governor of the Japanese American Citizens League, as well as a board member of the Salonica Orange County chapter of the JSCL. I'm here today to voice my support for Gen Item 29 regarding the Orange County Japanese Garden and Tea House and designating the Salonico Orange County chapter of the JACL as a community stakeholder. This garden and tea house was a gift given to the county by Japanese Americans and now lies under the management of the City of Santa Ana.

and I believe that it is prudent that we properly establish this line of communication between the city and the Salonica Orange County JCL chapter with all matters regarding the garden and tea house. I also want to take a brief moment to recognize some of the audience members that have also come in support of this resolution today. You've just heard from Ellen Wu and we'll soon be hearing from Audrey Yamakata-Noshi, who are longtime residents of the City of Santa Ana. I am also joined by three representatives from Tomonokai, that is the UC Irvine Nikkei Student

Union, who hold cultural and social events for the students of the body. And of course, there's also Patty Hirahara and Kenny Noya, both of whom were our chapter representatives that worked extensively with City of Santa Ana staff and of course have long served the Japanese community here in Orange County with all of this community support for item number 29 I hope that the council will vote yes on this resolution since the gardens construction it's been 54 years so let's get it to 100 and beyond thank you to mayor Mezca and council for your time

Good evening, Mayor, members of the City Council, City Manager. I'm just proud of the City of Santa Ana for wanting to work with the community to keep the Japanese garden alive. The first time I experienced it was actually for a political rally, but it was a great place because it spoke to our work and what we were doing. You know, the Japanese Americans have a very rich, long history in Santa Ana. A lot has gone away with time. The farms, the stores, and other remnants.

But this is a way to keep history alive and to recognize the cultural contributions and political contributions of the Japanese American community. community. So being able to work together with the community is excellent. As a long-time member of the City of Santa Ana, it gives me a great deal of pride to know this resides in Santa Ana and that this council and the mayor is fully supportive of this. Because we're so diverse in Santa Ana, but sometimes we get swallowed up and smaller numbers disappear disappear from the radar.

So this will keep it alive, but also, as Alan Wu so clearly stated, will remember the tragic history as well as the contributions of Japanese Americans for a long time to come. So thank you and urge your support for item 29. Thank you.

Jennifer L. HallItem 5

Lupe Lopez.

Happy New Year to you all. Congratulations on your return of service to our community and our business community. My name is Lupe Lopez and I'm a leader and the Native American community in Orange County, along with the Chicano community, especially those who carry indigenous heritage. I'm here to speak on an issue that I have needed to publicly come here and speak my truth, and many are supporting my bravery here today. My topic is of the Chicano Heritage Day and Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations. I can recall back in November 27th, 2021,

I met Councilmember Hernandez at the Roxy in Hollywood with Commissioner Legaspi. He was on stage providing his vision of Indigenous Peoples Day, big event, and also land back. I was very surprised and excited to see somebody from Santa Ana in Hollywood. I approached Councilmember Hernandez and I said, hey, how can I be involved? you know and ever since then I've tried to have a seat and information table a voice and planning by bringing in community grassroots organizations to the Chicano and indigenous people's day event I've even tried to outreach to

parks and recs you know emailed and in person and nothing just nothing and in 2023 I come to realize it was just so evident that you know under his guidance and Commissioner Legaspi, you know, just kept us shut out. And, you know, many organizations have never been able to even have an information table or be a part of the community planning. It was always told no room. In an article by the Voice of OC on October 25th, 2024, it says that Hernandez has said members of the Black, Chicano, Indigenous communities

asked him to sit on meetings with staff about cultural events because of concerns of racism and from staff. Never heard of such a thing. I feel like I'm there's racism against me. I wish the voice of OSE or somebody can interview me about what I've gone through and many of us feel the racism. I think you know when I was out pouring outreach to like hey why are we not involved in the Indigenous Peoples Day, I thank Jesse Lopez, Councilmember Lopez, who did it, did an outreach and said, hey, you know what, let's get these organizations together, let's plan a really good

Native American Indigenous event. I mean, look, look at what happened in November 2024. Two events celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day on the same day. The Heritage Museum, the one that, it was a community-run event 1500 people in attendance and where santa ana pays like what the parks and recs maybe almost 35 000 very small event hardly nobody was there everybody from that event came to ours and i just want to say one last thing is that you know ma'am your time is up i appreciate

Jennifer L. HallItem 5

it thank you mayor and city council that concludes the public speakers that are present we'll now begin the zoom speakers speakers on zoom when unmuted please announce your name and the ward or neighborhood that you reside in within the city of santa ana for the record first speaker fernando devaros please unmute and make your comments good evening first off could you speak

up please yeah can you hear okay it's very low hello i'll try to amplify my voice can you hear Can you hear me okay now?

Jennifer L. HallItem 5

Please hold on a minute. We're going to check with our team.

Thank you.

Jennifer L. HallItem 5

Whatever you can do to speak louder. Otherwise, unfortunately, we'll not be able to hear your comments.

Can you hear me now?

Jennifer L. HallItem 5

Yes, that's better.

Okay. Okay. So first off, I wanted to highlight for anyone listening who missed it, it's ready for today's meeting. You'll see at the top of the agenda, there are more than a dozen lawsuits involving our police department. Some of the lawsuits named disgraced former president, who even after being forcefully retired by the city, seems to still be throwing the tantrum legally. Another involves current president of the BLG, John Kacharik. One case has described the atmosphere of harassment and retaliation is still rampant in the police department. with descriptions of internal police gang rivalries.

If you see some examples, you can go online and search L.A. Ramirez versus City of Santa or Cardinal versus City of Santa. And as our city faces a budgetary cliff, these lawsuits are the last we need, and I hope that the residents are paying attention. Second, I wanted to speak a bit to the anxiety and the fear that I've heard from so many families in our community. The incoming administration has declared war, essentially, on undocumented immigrants in our country and has promised to conduct the largest mass deportation in our country's history. And I've heard from families personally

that they are nervous, scared, and don't know what to expect. I myself am a son of Mexican immigrants. My mom is from a country age of seven. And luckily, I made it across in time to receive amnesty in 86. But I know that my family is still in limbo. And when I hear talk of deportations, I think of me. I think of my parents. I think of my family. And I just encourage everybody here to research are mass deportations. Mexican.

Jennifer L. HallItem 5

Mayor and City Council, it does appear that his connection to Zoom has terminated.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 5

Okay.

Jennifer L. HallItem 5

That does conclude the public speakers.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 5

Thank you, Madam City Clerk. Appreciate it. At this time, we're going to go to consent calendar items 6 through 32.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 6

Starting with Council Member Vasquez. Are there any items you'd like to pull?

Valerie AmezcuaItem 6

Council Member Lopez. Council Member Lopaz. 29, please. Council Member Panalosa.

David PenalozaItem 6

No items, Mayor.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 6

Council Member Becerra.

Phil BacerraItem 6

Item 18, please.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 6

I'm sorry?

Phil BacerraItem 6

Item 18.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 6

Item 18. Seeing that there's no other Council Members in here and I have no items to pull, can I have a motion and a second, please?

Phil BacerraItem 6

So moved. I'll second.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 6

I'll second by Council Member Panalosa. Let's prepare to vote.

Okay.

Jennifer L. HallItem 6

Mayor and City Council, unfortunately, I'm having issues bringing up the vote, so if I could do a roll call, please. This is to approve the consent calendar, items number 6 through 32, with the exceptions of item 18 and 29 that are pulled for separate consideration. Council Member Becerra?

Phil BacerraItem 6

Yes.

Jennifer L. HallItem 6

Council Member Hernandez?

Yes.

Jennifer L. HallItem 6

Council Member Lopez?

Yes.

Jennifer L. HallItem 6

Council Member Vazquez?

David PenalozaItem 6

Yes.

Jennifer L. HallItem 6

Council Member Penaliza?

Thai Viet PhanItem 6

Mayor Pro Tem Phan. Yes on everything but I have to recuse myself from item 13 and item 14 as Illumination Foundation and the Bowery are clients of my employer, Rattan and Tucker. Thank you. Mayor Meswa.

Jennifer L. HallItem 7

Yes. Vote is 7 ayes, no nays. Motion carries.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 7

Madam Clerk, appointed members if they're present here, can they come up to take the oath of office please?

Jennifer L. HallItem 7

Yes. Thank you. If we could have Maria Baeza, Edward Marashi, Roberto Herrera, and Gabriel Castillo-Lautin up to the front for their oath of office.

I, Admiral Roushey, 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 born in the best of faith and allegiance 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, and I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of which I am about to enter.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 7

Thank you very much. Thank you very much, Madam Clerk.

Jennifer L. HallItem 7

The first item pulled is item number 18 by Councilmember Becerra.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 7

Thank you, Madam Clerk.

Phil BacerraItem 7

ITEM 18 IS IN REGARDS TO A TRAFFIC SIGNAL INSTALLATION AT SEGASHRAM AVENUE AND ROSEWOOD DOWN IN WARD 4. MR. CITY MANAGER, IF I COULD HAVE DIRECTOR SABA COME FORWARD. THE STAFF REPORT STATES THAT THE FIFTH RECOMMENDED ACTION ON THIS ITEM IS TO AWARD A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE TRAFFIC SIGNAL INSTALLATION FOR A TERM BEGINNING JANUARY the traffic signal installation will be completed on January 21, 2025, and ending upon the very finite date of upon project completion. So when will the traffic signal installation be complete?

Good evening, Mayor, Mayor Patent, member of the City Council. Is it on? Hello? It's not on. It's green. Can you hear me? There you go. Got it. Good evening, everyone. We have 60 days for the completion of the project, working days. However, we have experienced delivery issues with the traffic

the project. The project is going to be completed in the fall of this year.

Phil BacerraItem 7

So it will be fall of this year. That's great. When I looked at the staff report for it not to have a completion date, I just feel like there's not a metric to hold the contractor with. Is that me?

Valerie AmezcuaItem 7

I'm sorry, is that somebody's mic's on?

Phil BacerraItem 7

How's this? We're close. How are we doing? All right. We're good. So anyway, so with that being said, so just I would have expected in the staff report and the contract to have an estimated completion date. So is this typical that we don't have one? And I understand that there's going to be potential issues with procuring materials, but even once you factor those in, couldn't we have come up with a set date or at least some sort of metric so we could say, yes, this contractor met their obligations or no, they did not?

We do have a schedule we require at the beginning of the contract itself. We have a pre-contract meeting with the contractor at that time. They do provide us with a schedule for the delivery of the project. However, like I mentioned, the material itself and delivery of the materials varies, especially initially on poles of this nature, the traffic signals. So we do allow the contractor a number of days to finish the contract, the project. That's how contracts are really written.

Phil BacerraItem 7

I would say because we're the ones approving it, and I would like to be able to have the assurance. I mean, I have your assurance here from the podium tonight, which I appreciate. But going forward, Mr. City Manager, I'd like these items to actually have an end date so that both the and the council can hold this accountable because I again I don't know who this particular contractor is I trust your guys's judgment but again it would be good for all of us to understand when this will be completed so again I'm looking forward to seeing it completed in the fall and with that I'll go ahead move the item

Valerie AmezcuaItem 7

I want to say understood yes thank you for coming up I'm just piggyback really quick so we have a lot of projects in the city just like this one and so i also i want to really emphasize that i agree with councilman sarah that i'd like to see some dates as well we know that they change sometimes you know when emergency comes up and whatnot we hear a lot about the supplies and back orders with the fires there's probably going to be some back orders but it's also holding accountable the people that we contract with because when we start projects

Valerie AmezcuaItem 7

they tend to go on and go on and go on and sometimes you have no control over them but sometimes we do I know in Morrison Park we saw the construction started and then it I showed the city manager like everybody vanished for a couple weeks or a couple months and then they came back and so I have to explain to the constituents why and and thank you to Cesar Barra, Mr. Barra for sharing with me information but it's important that we could share that up here as well so the community can see why it could be the company we hired. It could be a lot of things. So it's just really important to be transparent and give information.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 7

Thank you very much.

Sonia R. CarvalhoItem 7

If I may just bring your attention to Exhibit 4 that's attached to the staff report. It's the actual contract, the actual construction contract does state a term of 60 days. Yes, I saw it. Okay, so I want to make sure.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 7

I read it. Yeah, thank you. I'm just more concerned about giving, like, dates or if there's going to be a lag. Why? Thank you.

Phil BacerraItem 7

If I might just say, I get that it says 60 days and I also saw that. But as our Executive Director just said, it's going to be completed in the fall. I'm not a mathematician, but if I do 60 days out from today, correct. Thank you.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 7

All right. That's where I'm going. Go ahead.

David PenalozaItem 7

Thank you, Council Member Becerra, for bringing that point up. and to that point of the 60 days. And I just want to get clarification on what exactly that means. Because does it mean 60 days consecutively? Or does it mean Monday through Wednesday for the next 40, 50, 60 weeks until they eventually become 60 working days? So, what is the definition of 60 working days? And I ask that because it was related to another item we approved tonight in Consent Calendar under where your deputy director, in regards to another project, said 200 working days. Can you define what the contractor

David PenalozaItem 7

would define as working days?

Robert Nussbaum, What working days is, if the contractor has the equipment and the material that is needed to do the installation, those would count as 60 working day. And I can have Rudy explain that a little bit better, but it's days that are available to us. If the contractor does not meet the 60 days work, and then we would be liquidated damages after such time. If he's ready and the material is there, and the labor is available, and there's no delays in weather-wise and other obstructions, then that day would count as a working day.

And if they don't meet the 60 days, again, that becomes liquidated damages, and it can have .

David PenalozaItem 7

Male Speaker 1 Look at that contractor, for example, work 30 days in calendar year 2025 and 30 days in calendar year 2026, and legally he would be under the definition of 60 working days, but now it took two years that the public had to deal with the construction happening for this intersection.

Male Speaker 2 If there is delays in material and underground issues or even-Male Speaker 1 Oh, yes. Male Speaker 2 The answer is yes. Male Speaker 2 So, yeah, so 60 working days

David PenalozaItem 7

could potentially take two years.

Male Speaker 2 Well, I'm not counting waiting for the equipment and the, not equipment, but the material. The procurement of the material takes a long time, and especially in this case.

David PenalozaItem 7

Male Speaker 1 So, I guess that's why I'm trying to get a definition of what, or clarity on what their definition, or not sure if it's the contractor or public works, what the definition of 60 working days is. Male Speaker 2 Yeah, I think that's a good question.

I'll let Rudy explain it.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 7

If I can even add your 200 working days. Yeah.

David PenalozaItem 7

What exactly? That was the Russell Street flood, which I didn't want to open, but...

Valerie AmezcuaItem 7

Go ahead. Thank you, Rudy.

David PenalozaItem 7

The item's approved, but if you could just give us clarity on what that means.

Sure. Good evening, Mayor, Council. Really simply, working days means what you and I physically see as working days, contractors out there working. working. For the majority of our projects, when a contractor starts working, it's pretty continuous. Traffic signals are very special in how we actually get these done. Where the contractor starts, they dig around, they do some investigation, they pause, they order the poles, they make sure that everything's going to go in the right spot. When the poles show up they start again and what my team does is we keep a very tight documentation letters as in

days working days start today get out get to work we get it contractor we've reached a pause we will pause your working days you know go away until materials show up and then once the material shows up here's your new start so that we stay within those total 60 working days if they exceed those 60 working days where it takes some 61 days there is now a penalty that the contractor owes the city for being late in their schedule and the way we control this up front is as director salva mentioned at our pre-construction meeting we ask for a schedule from the contractor that essentially

becomes our binding schedule for the project if things change we go off of that initial schedule the contractor provides and we say how do you for example in this project in these 60 working days where do you pencil these in where how do you plan to deliver this project and if we agree with their schedule that they provide up front we give them the notice to proceed and then we watch them like

David PenalozaItem 7

a hawk so okay i i personally not a fan of that i would rather we give contractors from deadlines lines, hey, we want restrooms here, for example. We want these restrooms done by December 1st. You have two months to install three restrooms. Shouldn't be that hard, right? But if now the contractor says, I'm going to do, I could do it in 15 working days, but they work one day a week for the next 15 weeks, then that, I mean, I don't see the purpose of that. At the end of the day, we're trying to oversee these contracts and be efficient with it and deliver a service and a

David PenalozaItem 7

utility to the residents in a timely manner and limit that inconvenience. So I guess you would also say that 60 working days could equate to two years, potentially. If we reviewed and agreed with

that schedule um in this case we don't we understand what a acceptable lead time is for traffic signal polls in today's market and so we gauge that in um the the reason why we do business this way and just to explain it is um we you know we advertised this project out for bids months ago these plans and specs were prepared months ago it takes It takes a lot of time from when we bid this out, make sure that there's no protest, no irregularities with bids to get a contract up here for the body to vote on.

And a lot of times, really, it's not practical to set a, you know, so to speak, a December 31st date because there's a little bit of unknown of when we actually will start. And the contractor has to provide us a bid, and that bid is official. So, it provides the contractor and staff, I guess, the appropriate flexibility in time delivery to make it working days rather than a specified date.

David PenalozaItem 18

Yeah, that's something that's going to, obviously, we can't really adjust that now, but that's something I'm not sure if that's just standard policy of working that way, but I don't see that as being efficient. I know that there's anticipated delays coming from Southern California Edison because they're sending a lot of their resources and teams to L.A., and rightfully so, to deal with that infrastructure that they need to get back up online, which I understand. So I know that there's going to have to be some electrical stuff going on in here,

David PenalozaItem 18

and i don't see if if we're still waiting on on these anomalies southern california edison for other areas i don't see this being completed by the fall so i would be very careful in saying that this could be completed by the fall because i could see the 60 working days being stretched out to mid next year just my opinion because i've seen it a dozen times um since i've been here but

Phil BacerraItem 18

Those are my comments, Mayor. Thank you. Thank you. Council Becerra. Just one last question, and that is, so that schedule that you talk about, so we approve the contract, you then meet with the contractor to obtain the schedule. I guess what I'm wondering is, so I get that you put it out to bid, it takes a lot of time to go through the process, but now that you're at the point of bringing it to council, why wouldn't that schedule that you're going to obtain after this vote, why wouldn't that have been done prior to the vote just to at least give the council kind of an estimate?

Phil BacerraItem 18

We estimate by the fall, but as Council Member Paloza said, due to circumstances outside outside of our control, it may go into the winter. I mean, just something that would at least, maybe it's not a hard date, but again, when I read this and it just, you know, it's very ambiguous, there's not even a sense of like, as Council Member Penalosa said, 60 working days, but could that be two years, right? There's nothing in here that says, oh no, it won't be. We're 99% sure, 75% sure. So how could we, or why don't we get that schedule

in advance this is something we can work with the contractors moving forward to get that to you again historically what happens is the contractors you know they don't really lock in their subcontractors formally you know notice purchase orders materials all this you know mobilization work until an an agreement is approved because until then, they don't have the legal authority, so to speak, to get going on a project. So there's a hesitancy from the contracting world to

commit to anything until there's a contract awarded.

Phil BacerraItem 18

And again, in the future, I'd just like to see at least some sort of estimate rather than just an ad infinitum date because especially with this particular intersection, the reason WHY THIS SIGNAL IS BEING INSTALLED IS BECAUSE OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE HIGH SCHOOL STADIUM OVER AT SADDLEBACK, WHICH IS A WONDERFUL, BEAUTIFUL FACILITY. SO IF THIS THING IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION DURING THE FALL AND THEY'RE PLAYING THEIR FOOTBALL GAMES AT HOME, NOW I SEE A MESS GOING ON OVER THERE IN ADDITION TO THE IMPACTS THAT YOU'RE ALREADY GOING TO HAVE FROM CONSTRUCTION.

Phil BacerraItem 18

SO I MEAN, THOSE ARE THINGS THAT I THINK FOR ALL OF US UP HERE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW BECAUSE IT GOES BEYOND JUST SIMPLY THE CONTRACTOR PROCURING MATERIALS AND DOING THOSE THINGS because in my ward there's real life impacts beyond just simply oh today uh secretary avenue's gone from three lanes down to two or two lanes down to one now you've got these other bigger impacts which again this ironically this traffic signal is meant to mitigate so it just would be helpful

Valerie AmezcuaItem 18

for us to see that in the future so i'll just this is my last comment is that um so i've been sitting here this is the start of my third year and it's sometimes difficult to get a hold of like when like pram or when things are going to be completed and so mr city manager i i had asked that and i think we've had a conversation about it just tightening it up so that when we come up here as councilman becerra and penlis were saying you know we know sometimes we can't meet the deadlines because things happen right um but we need to be able to share with our constituents that a light's

Valerie AmezcuaItem 18

not going to take two years and if it is why 200 working days calendar days working days the time we sign the contract or we approve this today we're going to start counting they sign tomorrow or they agree tomorrow are we starting to count 200 days excluding saturdays and sundays i think we just from what i hear from the two council members and myself is is that we just like to tighten it up because we live in the city we work here we travel here our constituents do and so as councilman becerra was saying football season will start they'll still be working on it and we'll get

Valerie AmezcuaItem 18

all the emails and the calls which we'll send to you and our deputy city manager to say hi why isn't this done you know so we just would like more information when these items are brought to us with tighter deadlines if that's what i'm hearing correctly thank you understood it's

Alvaro NuñezItem 18

AND AS A REMINDER, THAT THE PARTY AND MYSELF ALSO LIVE IN THE CITY, SO WE APPRECIATE THAT. YEAH, WE'LL DO BETTER.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 18

THANK YOU VERY MUCH. LET'S PROCEED TO VOTE.

Jessie LopezItem 18

I WANTED TO THANK PUBLIC WORKS FOR HELPING TO INSTALL THIS NEW TRAFFIC LIGHT. IT'S GOING TO BE REALLY IMPORTANT FOR THE SAFETY OF KIDS IN THE AREA. AND I THINK WE NEED TO BE DOING EVERYTHING THAT WE CAN TO PROVIDE THAT SAFETY MECHANISM, given that the council did vote to remove some of the crossing guards in some of these locations so i think this will help with some of those issues and i also just want to thank the school board the trustees and their team for this partnership they are paying for this fully and they're contracting the work with the city and so i know that i have confidence that our team is

Jessie LopezItem 18

going to do a great job and so being somebody that sits on the joint school board committee It's a really great first step to establishing a respectful working relationship with the board. And so I want to thank them too. Thank you.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 18

CHAIRPERSON WONG.

Jennifer L. HallItem 18

Thank you. Let's vote.

CHAIRPERSON WONG.

Jennifer L. HallItem 18

Mayor and City Council, if you could please try your electronic voting. This is a motion by Councilmember Becerra, seconded by Mayor Emeskwia, to approve the recommended action for item number 18, the traffic signal installation at Segerstrom IN ROSEWOOD.

Jennifer L. HallItem 18

VOTE IS 7 AYES, NO NAYS. MOTION CARRIES. MAYOR, THE NEXT ITEM PULLED IS ITEM NUMBER 29 BY COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ.

Jessie LopezItem 18

COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ. YES. THANK YOU, CITY CLERK. WELL, FIRST I WANT TO START BY THANKING OUR STAFF. THIS IS A REQUEST THAT CAME IN, I BELIEVE, LATE 2022 BY DAVID, THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE ORGANIZATION THAT YOU HEARD from many speakers of um here today and so um you know when we did the land swap with the county this is something that they were really concerned about and so i'm happy to be following in the steps of the county i know like they did it two years before us but i again wanted to thank staff for bringing this item back to us so that we can finally cement and convey that this is a beautiful

Jessie LopezItem 29

asset to our city that we also want to see protected and I encourage any resident in our city that has not visited the tea garden to visit it to spend time there it's a really peaceful place and I want to thank you all for your advocacy for all of your emails these past two years I still have them saved and it's really great to see you here and be advocating for this beautiful tea house in the chambers and with that i'll move the item i'll suck it i have her cheeks

Valerie AmezcuaItem 29

actually mpt yes i mean if you second this i do have a comment and if you want to speak because this is not working so i apologize please raise your mic so i just want to say that thank you to the speakers that came today and the emails that we've received and i'm honored to support this item you know as the mayor I read your emails and I look at it I'm like this is great and I've been there and I see it it's beautiful in our city and so I am extremely honored to support this item so councilman Hernandez Thank You madam

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 29

mayor I'll be very brief with my comments I want to begin by thanking our public works staff for working hand in hand with the community and the Japanese leaders who wanted to ensure that there was a resolution that reflected them and their values and their aspirations in this community as well. I want to thank my colleagues here on the City Council. It looks like all of us are equally excited to see this pass and to see our city work closer with the Japanese community. The resolution is outstanding. Our staff did a fantastic job on the resolution. I had the privilege of meeting with Ryan Gasha, the

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 29

the president of the Orange County JACL. And in meeting with them, I was able to learn about what it is that their vision truly is about, and how far this work really goes, several decades. And we're going to be seeing the Japanese community use this tea house location as a place of empowerment. In order for us to truly do that, I want to indulge my colleagues if we could add some additional language and amendment to this resolution although the resolution has done a tremendous job I think that there's an area where we can be stronger I would like for us to include this language the Orange County

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 29

Japanese community under the supervision of the Selinoko Orange County JACL will be able to hold events four times a year at the Orange County Japanese garden and tea house free of charge in addition the city of Santa Ana will provide services event equipment and coordination and support for each of these events free of charge to provide a unique Japanese cultural and historical experience for our community. This was language that I was provided by the organization I would like to put a motion on the floor for us to add this amended language to the resolution

Valerie AmezcuaItem 29

See none comes from the Sarah. Go ahead. Thank you madam mayor. I

Phil BacerraItem 29

Just wanted I want to thank everybody that came out to speak and support the item tonight I want to thank our public works staff and all the city staff that worked on this. You know, I'm sitting up here today because of the legacy of Japanese Americans in our community. The first Asian American elected to the Santa Ana City Council was Harry Yamamoto. I was the second and I'm sitting next to the third Asian American elected. So we stand on the shoulders of the Japanese community here in Santa Ana. So I want to say thank you and I really appreciate

Phil BacerraItem 29

I appreciate your desire to keep that legacy alive and right here in the heart of the city, right here in the heart of the county. As I always tell people, Santa Ana birthed this county and it's great to have such a piece of wonderful legacy of the Japanese American community right here in our Civic Center. So thank you very much for that.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 29

Council Member Vasquez.

Benjamin VazquezItem 29

Thank you. I want to thank my peers for supporting this and everybody came out and spoke upon this issue is a beautiful thing. HISTORY IS IMPORTANT AND SPACE IS VERY MUCH IMPORTANT TO KEEP OUR LEGACIES ALIVE OF THE PEOPLE THAT HAVE BEEN HERE AND WORKED THIS LAND AND WORKED ALONG EVEN THE MEXICAN FAMILIES AS WE'VE SEEN IN SAN ANA. SO WE REALLY MUCH WANT TO APPRECIATE AND BRING LIFE TO THIS AND I SUPPORT OUR SECOND COUNCILMEMBER HERNANDEZ ON HIS MOTION AND I'M HONORED TO DO THIS.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 29

yeah council member Lopez made the motion it was second I made a sub motion to keep the resolution

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 29

language but to include an amendment allowing the Japanese community to use the garden four times a year because in addition to celebrating the history what is history without access to the

Jessie LopezItem 29

space want to just make a friendly amendment to my original motion yes that'd be perfect thank you

Valerie AmezcuaItem 29

so i just want to ask mr city manager the only concern that i have supporting the item is that there are other organizations other groups and with the budget coming up can we can you put a limit on it councilman hernandez like a cap absolutely that we don't have other groups coming and asking absolutely any free any amount i think that would be absolutely and after meeting

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 29

with the leaders in the japanese community they requested four events um within the one calendar under a year. And so given that they have their own infrastructure and organizations that they work with, I think we'd leave that to the Japanese community to figure out how you want to. But I think the city would do a great service to the Japanese residents if we just provide that space at least four times per year at no charge. I think it really starts a strong partnership with the City of Santa Ana and our Japanese American community.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 29

Thank you. So I hear you added amounts. I appreciate that. Okay, that's fine. Let's prepare to vote.

David PenalozaItem 29

Thank you, Madam Mayor.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 29

Councilman Penalosa, I'm sorry.

David PenalozaItem 29

Yeah, I have just a quick comment to the resolution. And thank you to everybody that came out to speak in support. Very happy to support this. I want to just point to section three of the resolution where it says, in the event that it becomes necessary to redesign or relocate the Orange County Japanese Garden and Tea House due to the redevelopment or for any other reason prior to such redesign or relocation, city will consult with JCL, AND ORANGE COUNTY AND JACL AND ORANGE COUNTY WILL COOPERATE IN PROVIDING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SUCH RELOCATION. I WANT TO ADD A LANGUAGE THAT NOT ONLY DO THE STAFF DO THAT BUT THAT THEY NOTIFY CITY

David PenalozaItem 29

COUNCIL UPON IMMEDIATELY THINKING OR EVEN ENVISIONING A REDEVELOPMENT OF THAT SITE BECAUSE I KNOW THERE IS CIVIC CENTER PLANS AND I WANT STAFF TO READ THE ROOM AND KNOW THAT this is important for us to have here uh culturally and it's important for the japanese community so i've seen it before where staff will go two three years down the line with redevelopment plans and it isn't until somebody brings it up to us that we're made aware so i would that's one sentence that i would add is that aside from from reaching out to the respective groups

David PenalozaItem 29

staff also immediately notifies the City Council that these plans are going to be taking place so that we could then prepare and and and and pivot if we need if we whoever's here at the time is esteemed so so that's the sentence I would add I would make a sub motion to approve the resolution I'M GOING TO ADD A LITTLE BIT OF A SOLUTION AS IS WITH THAT ADDED LANGUAGE.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 29

DO YOU WANT TO MAKE A FRIENDLY AMENDMENT? FRIENDLY AMENDMENT.

David PenalozaItem 29

OH, YEAH, SURE. I'LL MAKE A FRIENDLY AMENDMENT TO ADD THAT SENTENCE TO SECTION 3.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 29

SO MUCH BETTER THAN SUBMOTION AFTER SUBMOTION. THANK YOU FOR THAT. COUNCILWOMAN. MR. CITY MANAGER, DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?

Alvaro NuñezItem 29

SO, MAYOR, JUST TO QUALIFY TIMES, WE SAY FOUR TIMES, YOU MEAN FOUR DAYS OR FOUR TIMES? ONCE A QUARTER? NO, THAT'S FINE. but i'm saying the time versus four days now very distinctive what i'm talking about it's it's a time we say four times saturday sunday counts as one and i say that because it gets four days okay because it gets lost and it goes back to uh councilman penales commentary right we have a way of enacting something from the diets and then we have an intention and then we misrepresent

Valerie AmezcuaItem 29

what is being understood and then here we are again four days and there's been a friendly and you've got them and Mayor Prochamska has a comment. She's been waiting.

Thai Viet PhanItem 29

Thank you, Mayor.

Thai Viet PhanItem 29

So I wanted to just bring up something because the Metropolitan Water District actually has a relationship with, well, a history with Japanese internment.

Thai Viet PhanItem 29

Our Cesar Barrera and I were on a Sacramento, excuse me, the Colorado River inspection tour with Metropolitan Water District. and we had the incredible honor of visiting Poston in Arizona, which is the location of one of the Japanese internment camps, with Director Lois Fong Sakai from San Diego. And so we got to learn a lot more about the history of Japanese internment here in America, the relationship that these public agencies such as the Metropolitan Water District and now here the City of Santa Ana has with that community. And I think that the one thing we all have to remember, whether it's with this Japanese

Thai Viet PhanItem 29

garden, whether it's watching movies or reading books, is that this is not just history, but it is current events. And when we choose to remember and we choose to preserve these, the legacies of the communities that come before us and recognize their contributions to our history, to our culture, and to our city we are doing nothing more than making sure that future generations can build upon that legacy and make Santa Ana as well as our state our country a better place to be so I recommend that anyone who hasn't visited an internment camp or excuse me a memorial such as Posen or Manzanar

Thai Viet PhanItem 29

that you do so because I think it is an incredible opportunity and maybe the first step would be to visit the Japanese tea garden thank you thank you is there any other comments councilman Becerra

Phil BacerraItem 29

and then we'll take a vote just one one suggestion i'd like to ask the city manager for input on this so just to hopefully dispel everything with this whole four events four days for whatever would my colleagues be open to saying a minimum of four events per year anything additional would be at the discretion of the city manager because the reason i say that is if our japanese community i'll just say it's my personal opinion if you guys want to use it 25 times a year i'm excited because because that area could use a lot more activity. You have a parking structure right there. I don't see this as, oh, they're blocking off Bristol.

Phil BacerraItem 29

I don't see this as they're blocking off the 22 freeway. This is an area that if you wanna activate it more than four times a year, I would say, please do that. So I would just say-With a permit? With a permit? That's why we're gonna look at the city manager and say upon his discretion. So I would just say if my colleagues were open to it, let's say minimum four times per year, but anything additional at the discretion

Valerie AmezcuaItem 29

I think Council Member Lopez there's another friendly amendment are you okay with that?

Jessie LopezItem 29

Yeah I mean I would I would if it was up to me I would leave it up to the organization right because I don't want to bind them to four events per year but I'm fine with the friendly amendments that my peers have made.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 29

So we'll leave it up to the city manager it's good to have that control you know make sure things other other people are going to come in and ask for the same thing I just want to be really clear on that so let's vote at this time please.

Jennifer L. HallItem 29

And just confirming Mayor Pro Tem you agree with the friendly amendments? I'm just kidding. Yes.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 29

And mine's not working. It's not on yet, Mayor.

Jennifer L. HallItem 29

Hold on one moment.

Jennifer L. HallItem 29

A motion by Councilmember Lopez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Phan, to approve a resolution of the City Council of the City of Santa Ana identifying the Japanese American Citizens League Southeast Los Angeles North Orange County, Orange County Chapter as a community stakeholder in the preservation of the Orange County Japanese Tea House and Garden as amended to add language to allow at least four events at no cost per year additional events to be approved at the discretion of the city manager and language to section 3 that City Council be notified by staff immediately upon any discussion

Jennifer L. HallItem 29

or thoughts of redevelopment of the site that's prepared to vote please I'm gonna

Jessie LopezItem 29

to be a yes.

Jennifer L. HallItem 29

Vote is 7 ayes, no nays. Motion carries. Thank you very much, Madam Clerk.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 29

We will be looking forward to events. Thank you. Now we're going to end the consent calendar and go into the business calendar. Item number 33 is the election of the mayor pro tem for 2025. Madam City Clerk, do you have a staff report?

Jennifer L. HallItem 33

I'm not particularly there was a brief one included in the packet this is an item at your discretion to select one of your colleagues to serve as the mayor pro tem for calendar year 2025 as stipulated in the city's Charter

Valerie AmezcuaItem 33

perfect Thank You councilman I'm panelosa Thank You mayor I'd like to

David PenalozaItem 33

nominate councilmember Benjamin Vasquez to be mayor pro tem for the next

Valerie AmezcuaItem 33

calendar year I'll second that motion if he accepts

Valerie AmezcuaItem 33

Mayor, are there any other?

Thai Viet PhanItem 33

Mayor, I'd like to change our charter so that I can be Mayor Potem again.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 33

I want you to know that I was going to do that, but they told me that I couldn't do it. Dang it. I wonder who put that charter amendment. I worked for 40 years for that. I wonder who put that charter amendment. Seriously, I tried, you know, but it's okay. All right, let's prepare to vote at this time for Councilmember Vasquez. I think you have to move out of your office, too.

Thai Viet PhanItem 33

Make me? Yes, you do.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 33

I had to.

Benjamin VazquezItem 33

I HAVE THE SMALL I CURRENTLY HAVE THE SMALLEST OFFICE OF ALL OF US JUST SO YOU KNOW

Valerie AmezcuaItem 33

THAT'S ALL RIGHT YOU GET TO BE NEXT TO ME NOW THERE YOU GO OKAY SO LET'S PREPARE TO VOTE PLEASE

Jennifer L. HallItem 33

I HEAR ACCLAIMATION THAT NOMINATIONS ARE CLOSED THERE IS A NOMINATION BY COUNCILMEMBER PENALOSA SECONDED BY MAYOR MEZCLA TO NOMINATE AND ELECT COUNCILMEMBER BENJAMIN VASQUEZ TO SERVE AS MAYOR

Valerie AmezcuaItem 33

PROTEM FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2025. THERE'S NO OTHER NOMINATIONS OF THE ARMY PREPARE TO VOTE PLEASE

Jennifer L. HallItem 33

yes well but a seven eyes no nays motion carries congratulations do you want to

Valerie AmezcuaItem 33

switch seats with her now all right item number 34 is a resolution resolution oh jennifer amazing work my heart jennifer he has to switch seats when i give you this gavel gotta use it all right that was so efficient i'm kind of shocked

Valerie AmezcuaItem 33

IT'S SLICK. I'M SORRY. I TRIED.

I TRIED TOO. THE GAVEL WORK TEACHER BOYFRIEND.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 33

OH, NO. YOU HAVE TO USE THE GAVEL. OKAY. ALL RIGHT. ITEM NUMBER 34 IS A RESOLUTION RELATED TO THE RULES AND PROCEDURES FOR CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS. MR. CITY MANAGER, DO YOU HAVE A STAFF REPORT OR DOES THE COUNCIL NEED A STAFF REPORT? EVERYBODY READ THE ITEM. IT'S CLEAR. HEARING THAT WE DO NOT NEED A STAFF REPORT?

Alvaro NuñezItem 34

THERE IS NO STAFF REPORT. PERFECT.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 34

ALL RIGHT. IS THERE A MOTION?

Alvaro NuñezItem 34

I'LL MOVE THE ITEM.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 34

I'LL SECOND.

Jessie LopezItem 34

I ACTUALLY HAVE THINGS I WOULD LIKE FOR US TO DISCUSS BECAUSE I KNOW WE'VE BEEN TALKING ABOUT THIS FOR A REALLY LONG TIME SINCE THE FIRST AMENDMENT COALITION POINTED OUT THAT THE CITY WAS NOT IN LINE WITH THE BROWN ACT, RIGHT? AND SO WE HAVE HAD THOSE DISCUSSIONS INTERNALLY. and I do appreciate you city manager bringing something forth that you think is going to be able to work for everyone and I think the the majority of the text here I'm I'm fine with because it's what we've had and so I appreciate the clarification about people not being able to

Jessie LopezItem 34

block the hallways things that aren't compliant with fire code I'm never going to have an issue with the city actually being in alignment with the state but under section section 7 subsection 8 uh i would be supportive you know of a resolution that reads as set forth in the brown act any person attending an open session of a city council meeting shall have the right to record the proceedings with an audio or video recorded video recorder or camera i don't think that you YOU KNOW, UNLESS THE FOLLOWING TEXT WHERE IT STATES UNLESS THE CITY COUNCIL BY MAJORITY

Jessie LopezItem 34

VOTE DETERMINES THAT THE RECORDING CANNOT CONTINUE WITHOUT NOISE, ILLUMINATION OR OBSTRUCTION OF YOU IS A NECESSARY LANGUAGE FOR ME THE WAY THAT I SEE IT. AND ALSO UNDER SUBSECTION B, I WOULD APPROVE A RESOLUTION THAT STATES NO PERSON SHALL OBSTRUCT THE AISLES, ENTRANCES OR EXITS OF THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS PERIOD. I think that when you're adding while recording of Photography and or filming the City Council meeting is unnecessary It actually kind of brings us back to the original issue of again having something that is targeting media And I'm not in supportive of that. I'm not going to be in alignment of that

Jessie LopezItem 34

And so I think that again requiring that nobody regardless if they're taking a photo or not is Not obstructing the aisles and turns those or exits is something that I would be supportive of. Thank you

Phil BacerraItem 34

I'm sorry, which ones are those again? Could you go through them? It's on the very back.

Jessie LopezItem 34

Yeah, 7A and 7B.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 34

Page 506. I don't have a problem. I'll support that. Thank you. Any other comments or questions?

David PenalozaItem 34

Just a quick clarification.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 34

Yes, go ahead, Professor.

David PenalozaItem 34

You're removing, Councilwoman Lopez, you're removing the majority vote thing, right?

Jessie LopezItem 34

Yeah, I would, I'm asking the maker of the motion TO REMOVE BASICALLY THE LAST THREE SENTENCES OF SUBSECTION A, ANYTHING AFTER THE PROCEEDINGS WITH AN AUDIO OR VIDEO RECORDER OR CAMERA. I DON'T THINK THE PROCEEDING WORDS, SENTENCES ARE NECESSARY. AND ALSO FOR SUBSECTION B, I WOULD LIKE FOR IT TO SIMPLY READ, NO PERSON SHALL OBSTRUCT THE AYO'S ENTRANCES OR EXITS OF THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, PERIOD. AND THEN YOU CAN REMOVE THE REST.

Phil BacerraItem 34

SO I'M SORRY. OH, GO AHEAD.

David PenalozaItem 34

I was going to suggest city council buy a super majority vote just so that there's more buffers, but that works for me. So I'm okay with it.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 34

Thank you. Councilor Becerra, did you have something? You're good. I'm good. All right. There's a motion. Second. Thank you. Let's prepare to vote.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 34

Ay, otra vez. Okay, go ahead. So close.

Thai Viet PhanItem 34

I'm actually looking over to Madam City Attorney. So section 7 says audio, video, and photographic recording. If we do make edits pursuant to Council Member Lopez's request, shall we also just update that section? Because it seems like you're expanding the provision to say, as set forth in the Brown Act, any person attending an open session of a City Council meeting shall have the right to record the proceedings, period. Right? Yes. And then for B, no person shall obstruct the aisles, entrances, or exits of the Council Chambers, period. Yes. Okay. Yes.

Sonia R. CarvalhoItem 34

Yes, let me just go back real quick to the section that addresses the conditions upon the recording, just so that you know that language is explicit in the Brown Act. And as a city, we are preempted by the Brown Act even though we're a charter city. So even though you might take it out of your policy, just know that in accordance with the law, the state law, a majority of the legislative body could still do that. so even though you would say this is our policy let's just say that we did have an incident in chambers and I was asked can we the council do something I'm

Sonia R. CarvalhoItem 34

going to say yes the state law is gonna override your policy with this language that's why it was in there yes it comes straight from the state law totally fine

Jessie LopezItem 34

I understand we can't preempt the state but okay this is technically something that shouldn't even be in front of us because the council did not enact this

Valerie AmezcuaItem 34

policy thank you I think that's what Madam City Attorney that's what Councilman Panalosa was talking about so we know the state will definitely be following the rules yeah no thank you I appreciate that because if there is a distraction if something happens we will make sure that you know we're following

Thai Viet PhanItem 34

the letter of the law well with that then I'm so sorry issue for consistency

Sonia R. CarvalhoItem 34

we can address your issue just for consistency sure but I guess you know

Thai Viet PhanItem 34

Because we're saying as set forth in the Brown Act and because we're trying to say that this policy tracks the language of state law by removing the provisions that are tracking the language of state law, I think that actually obfuscates the transparency here, right? Someone reading the section might think that that's a city of Santa Ana policy and then when we do something differently, for example, with a majority vote, a member of the public might say, well, you're violating your own policy, but in fact, we're actually following state law.

Thai Viet PhanItem 34

So I actually would like to keep it in there because it does say I set forth in the Brown Act and we might even In be say I set forth in the Brown Act No person shall that way it's clarified that we are merely following state law

Jessie LopezItem 34

I totally get that and I guess I just want clarity from our city attorney. You're saying that the Brown egg explicitly tells cities that The Brown egg explicitly has the language of unless the City Council by majority vote Determines that the recording cannot continue with that noise, etc, etc You are saying that specific language? I can read you the text.

Sonia R. CarvalhoItem 34

It says, any person attending an open and public meeting of a legislative body of a local agency shall have the right to record the proceedings with an audio or video recorder or a still or motion picture camera in the absence of a reasonable finding by the legislative body of the local agency that the recording cannot continue without noise, illumination or obstruction of view that constitutes or would constitute a persistent disruption of the proceedings. That is the explicit language, and that is why we presented it to you, because we believe your policy should be consistent.

Thai Viet PhanItem 34

Mayor Procham. So my follow-up question, Madam City Attorney, my apologies, is that obviously the Brown Act typically is the floor for purposes of transparency.

Thai Viet PhanItem 34

You know what, never mind. I retract my question. Thank you.

Phil BacerraItem 34

Could you read that one more time, what it said after camera?

Sonia R. CarvalhoItem 34

Recorder or still motion picture camera in the absence of a reasonable finding by the legislative body of the local agency that the recording cannot continue without noise illumination or obstruction of view that constitutes or would constitute a persistent disruption of the proceedings.

Phil BacerraItem 34

So here you have unless the council by majority vote determines that. Yes. The Brown Act is saying make a finding. To me, making a finding is different from just simply taking a roll call vote or a vote. So I guess to my colleague's concerns, there's a little...

Sonia R. CarvalhoItem 34

We could use the specific language of that. We were trying to clarify because normally when it says by the legislative body, that's usually a majority vote. So we were just trying to make it seem practical and easily readable to a member of the public. If you prefer, we could take the explicit language and just dump it into your policy.

Phil BacerraItem 34

I mean, I personally like this language because I agree with you, Madam City Attorney. This is clearer. But I think to everybody's concern up here, we do want that consistency. But if we left it as is, personally, I could support it as is based on what I've heard up here tonight and the fact that we do want to stay consistent with the Brown Act. So I'm going to go ahead and support. I'm going to stay with my original motion to leave it as staff presented.

Jessie LopezItem 34

Yeah, I agree with you. Would you be open to just verbatim just copying what the Brown expects as opposed to what is presented today?

Phil BacerraItem 34

I would, but I think from what our city attorney read to us and then what's here, it's consistent, but I think this is more clear because to me when we're adopting policy, I look at it as what we're going to use it for, but also what folks that succeed us are going to use it for and I want to make sure that is a it's as simple and easy to read and understand because I think if somebody down the road were to say well I don't know I want to revisit this I think they would have the same exact discussion probably be satisfied that it's consistent with state law and I think to

Jessie LopezItem 34

your point that's why I'm saying maybe we should just take the language that already exists under state law that way nobody in the future can say well it's you you worded it differently so then we're gonna apply it differently I'm

Phil BacerraItem 34

open to keeping it as is like I said I just I think this is clear it really is because that's why I asked our city attorney to reread that portion because it just you know making a finding it just sounds like we're gonna ask men tie to come up and do something you know what I mean it just it's it's a different animal I think this is just clearer for folks to understand that the council by majority vote and so i'm just i'm i i totally respect what you're asking but i i'm going to err on the side of keeping it as staff presented madam attorney can i ask you

Valerie AmezcuaItem 34

a question so maybe maybe i can make a friendly amendment to council besides there's a section there in the brown act correct so you can put that section information and prins in this section are

Sonia R. CarvalhoItem 34

you okay with that um yeah we can do that but let me without overly complicating it it's like not when you take like the state law on harassment or discrimination or retaliation we could just develop a city policy for you and HR and just copy the state law I mean how come but right but we don't do that what we do is a policy is an explanation of that law and that's what we were trying to present to you we could do that that's no problem at all but then it's not a policy it's just a reinstatement of the state law a policy is a document that explains the law and

Sonia R. CarvalhoItem 34

how you are going to apply that law in your city i understand i just want to make sure that so you

Jessie LopezItem 34

yeah and i guess that leads me to my next question is this necessary if we're saying that we want to abide by the brown act which is state law because we're not uh telling the public how we're going

Alvaro NuñezItem 34

to apply it so so again so this came as a request council director request because there's a there's there's an intent out there that supposedly we had a policy. I know there was guidelines accepted by, or presented by the previous city manager. We decided to do it this way, one, so that it's prescribed as a resolution of conformant and that applies to everybody. So we don't have a per se, a media specific exception or anybody, that's one. What the city attorney is saying is by allowing the four votes, that's the findings that are mentioned in the Brown Act that's the key right so

Alvaro NuñezItem 34

absent that's what the city attorney is saying if the findings right are indicated that now that's that's the disturbance if you will are passed to the presiding aspect so how do you determine that and that's the aspect of the linear logic that the sony is presenting the four votes that's the determination of the findings and that's to the City Council majority and if you

Sonia R. CarvalhoItem 34

look at this resolution in its entirety this resolution tracks the Brown Act and all the other ways that it applies to your meetings this is just one section now rather than having a policy it's one section on how you run your meetings and that's why the recommendation was made to do it this way of course it's up to you if you I mean I could we could have a policy that says we the city of Santa Ana follow the Brown Act see it attached that might be the better way to do it but it's not going to clarify it's not going to really help you apply those

Jessie LopezItem 34

those rules. Are we good, Council Member Lopez? Yeah, I guess from the maker of the motion, we could just hear what it is that you... I'm making a motion to approve what staff's presented to us. You're also going to leave in subsection B, the language we discussed?

Jessie LopezItem 34

Or you're just talking about leaving what presented under subsection A? No, no, that's a

Phil BacerraItem 34

That's a good point. Madam City Attorney, so for subsection B, for what Councilmember Lopez had recommended, is there anything that doesn't track with the Brown Act?

Sonia R. CarvalhoItem 34

Sorry, we're just pulling that up real quick again.

Sonia R. CarvalhoItem 34

Those changes are not directly set forth in the Brown Act. that's a clarification so those changes if you they're acceptable to you can be made so so uh

Phil BacerraItem 34

councilmember lopez so you would want subsection b to read no person shall obstruct the aisles entrances or exits of the council chambers period correct makes sense okay thank you so perfect so move to approve staff recommendation but just would be um the one sentence that's it all right

Valerie AmezcuaItem 34

I'm sorry.

David PenalozaItem 34

That just brought up a, you know, because when we have public speakers, when we have a lot of them, the clerk does ask that the speakers line up. Is this going to become a thing where it's like, well, you have a policy that nobody could stand or obstruct? Would that be standing or obstructing in an aisle? No.

Jessie LopezItem 34

No, I think it's like the proceeding member of the body.

David PenalozaItem 34

Okay. All right. Now I'm thinking.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 34

so we are waiting let's move on yeah it's a very simple process here it is so just let's move away let's prepare to vote because now we're digging into who's the second all right we're good oh

Jennifer L. HallItem 34

okay a motion by council member becerra seconded by mayor mesqua to approve a resolution of the city council of the city of santa ana amending the council rules and procedures to add provisions regarding audio video and photographic recording during city council meetings and repealing resolution number 2023-047 as amended for Section 7B to remove all text following the first instance of the term council chambers. So it would read no person shall obstruct the aisles, entrances, or exits of the council chambers. All other sections to remain as presented by staff. So it is 7 ayes, no nays. Motion carries.

Jennifer L. HallItem 34

Madam Clerk, do you need to still conduct a roll call?

Alvaro NuñezItem 34

we're good no we're good the system is working okay public hearing may I can if I can yes and just to clarify then so this is the official component this is the official resolution that's approved by the City Council there is no specific other either media specific group specific type of guidelines that the city will act upon this is the formal policy that we'll be following beautiful

Valerie AmezcuaItem 34

Thank you. Okay. At this time we're going into the public hearing. Before the public hearing, item 35, Madam Clerk, please provide instructions to the public who would like to make a comment on this public hearing item only.

Jennifer L. HallItem 35

Members of the public joining us by way of Zoom or conference call who would like to make a comment for public hearing item 35 only, please dial star 9 from your phone or select raise hand from Zoom now to be called once the public hearing is opened.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 35

item number 35 is a public hearing zoning ordinance amendment number 2024-03 an ordinance of the city council of the city of Santa Ana amending article 2 use of districts of chapter 41 zoning of the Santa Ana municipal code relating to accessory dwelling units adus mr city manager may we have a staff presentation if it is needed city council do you need this presentation EVERYBODY READ IT. WE'RE GOOD. SOUNDS LIKE WE ALL ARE. ARE THERE ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS BY THE COUNCIL AT THIS TIME? PLEASE RAISE YOUR MIC BECAUSE I CAN'T THIS IS NOT WORKING. COUNCIL MEMBER LOPEZ. JUST A QUICK COMMENT.

Jessie LopezItem 35

HAPPY AGAIN TO BE YOU KNOW KEEPING OUR ZONING CODE OF TODAY WITH STATE LAW. BUT ALSO JUST WANT TO SHARE WITH OUR COMMUNITY THAT THE TRUST THE HOUSING FINANCE TRUST IS ROLLING OUT AN ADU PROGRAM AND SO WE'LL BE SHARING THAT INFORMATION WITH OUR CONSTITUENTS AND IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CAL OPTIMA BECAUSE THEY RECOGNIZE THE SIGNIFICANT IMPORTANCE OF HOUSING AND RESIDENTS HAVING STABLE HOUSING AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING AS WELL AND SO WE'RE HAPPY TO SHARE THAT INFORMATION OUT AS TO HOW OUR CONSTITUENTS CAN APPLY FOR THE ADU PROGRAM

Valerie AmezcuaItem 35

THANK YOU I NOW OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC THAT WOULD LIKE TO PROVIDE THEIR COMMENTS IN PERSON OR AND VIRTUALLY MADAM CITY CLERK DO WE HAVE ANY SPEAKERS

Jennifer L. HallItem 35

Mayor and City Council, there are no in-person speakers. There are no speakers on Zoom and we did not receive any e-comments related to this public hearing.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 35

Thank you. With no further comments, I hereby close the public hearing. Any council members have additional comments or questions?

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 35

I'll make a motion to move the item, Madam Mayor.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 35

Thank you very much. I'll second. Let's prepare to vote, please.

Jennifer L. HallItem 35

Motion by Councilmember Hernandez, seconded by Mayor Emescuah, to introduce for first reading an ordinance of the City Council of the City of Santa Ana amending Article 2, use districts of Chapter 41 zoning of the Santa Ana Municipal Code relating to accessory dwelling units to be in compliance with changes to state law enacted under Senate Bill 1211 and make other minor clarifying changes and determine that adoption of the ordinance is not subject to CEQA pursuant to Section 15282 of the CEQA guidelines. So there's seven ayes, no nays. Motion carries.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 35

Thank you, Madam Clerk. At this point we're going to enter to the special—we're convening to the Special Successor Agency Meeting. I hereby call the Special Successor Agency Meeting to order. Madam Secretary, please connect the roll call.

Jennifer L. HallItem 35

Agency Member Becerra. Agency Member Hernandez. Present. Present. Agency Member Lopez. Here. Agency Member Penalosa.

David PenalozaItem 35

Present.

Jennifer L. HallItem 35

Agency Member Phan. Here. Vice Chair Vazquez.

Present.

Jennifer L. HallItem 35

Chair Emeswa. Present. Six members present, that is quorum.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 35

Thank you, Madam Secretary. Are there any additions or deletions to the successor agency agenda? There are none. Thank you, Madam Secretary. Do we have any speakers for the items within the special successor agenda? We do not. If any Councilmember wish to make a motion and a second, please announce your name for the record.

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 35

I'll make a motion to move the items. This is Councilmember Hernandez.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 35

I'll second. Seconded by Councilmember Panellosa. Ms. Castor, vote please.

Jennifer L. HallItem 35

A motion by Agency Member Hernandez, seconded by Agency Member Penalosa to approve Consent calendar items one through three of the special successor agency agenda

Jennifer L. HallItem 35

vote is six eyes no nays with a temporary absence by agency member

Valerie AmezcuaItem 35

becerra motion carries great thank you the special successor agency meeting is adjourned we'll reconvene to the city council meeting at this point mr city manager any comments sir

Benjamin VazquezItem 35

We want to make sure we invite everybody to Saturday to the TED Festival.

Alvaro NuñezItem 35

And that's Centennial Park from 1 to 6, right?

Alvaro NuñezItem 35

That's it. No comments.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 35

I'm sorry. I caught you off guard. Do you want me to come back to you?

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 35

okay councilmember hernandez thank you madam mayor i just want to begin by thanking our city staff for organizing today's council meeting i want to thank our members of the public who came on out and i want to invite each of my neighbors to come out to the tet festival that is happening this saturday at centennial park it'll be occurring from one o'clock to six o'clock pm and um please spread the word this is one of our brand new events and we're excited to see our neighbors in large numbers just want to also wish my daughter a happy 15th birthday she turned 15

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 35

january 4th we had a quinceanera it was really beautiful and i wouldn't be an elected official if i wasn't a father being evany maya hernandez's father is the very reason why i decided to get involved in my community and to my daughter i just want to say thank you for being such a amazing young lady and a tremendous student and a powerful artist i'm proud to be your father and thank you for being such a beautiful little human being thank you councilmember fan that also took me

Thai Viet PhanItem 35

off guard i wanted to say mbt but um well you know i hope everybody had an amazing holiday season as as well as a great start to their new year. A couple things, I do want for us to commemorate former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away at 100 years old this year. For those of you who don't know, the Vietnamese American community as refugees, such as myself, came to the United States of America through the grace and openness of President Carter. Despite the fact that the majority of Americans did not want to accept Vietnamese refugees, President Carter said, let them come. And because of that generosity,

Thai Viet PhanItem 35

our community has built a home here away from home we have thrived and we are working to every day continue to contribute to this great country so I do want to say that and I hope that all of you can learn more about President Carter and think about his contributions to this country as president as well as after with that I hope that everybody has an amazing Lunar New Year it will officially start well New Year's Eve is the 29th or the 28th going into the 29th but that you all come out this Saturday to the Santa Ana TET Festival at

Thai Viet PhanItem 35

Centennial we will all have a great time and then the next weekend go to the UVSA TET Festival in Garden Grove where we'll also have a booth out there so with that have a wonderful evening and I'll see you soon

Valerie AmezcuaItem 35

Thank you, Council Member Fenn. Council Member Lopez, please.

Jessie LopezItem 35

Thank you. Well, first I want to thank staff. What a beautiful agenda. I mean, I'm going to be home before nine, so I'm very happy about that. But thank you for your work, staff. And so I also want to invite the public to join me and other community members for Santiago Creek cleanup on Saturday, January the 25th from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and we've been doing these park cleanups, creek cleanups for more than four years now. And I think it's important that the public understand that it might seem like we're just cleaning up one

Jessie LopezItem 35

particular area of the city, but we're actively stopping trash, debris, and invasive plants. You know, one of the items that we pick up a lot is styrofoam and plastic from the creek. and so we're actively stopping all of this pollution from ending up in the Santa Ana River in the wetlands and ultimately in the ocean and so I encourage you to come out help us pull out some dead weeds pick up any trash that you'd see not just in the creek but in the park and we want to thank our county partners the office of supervisor Sarmiento for sponsoring this event and

Jessie LopezItem 35

Caltrans for their partnership as well something we really have worked hard to to establish from our office. And I think, you know, I keep thinking about the chaplain's words earlier on in the meeting. And this is a moment in time that, and I agree with him that all of us can be first responders. Our immigrant community, our refugee community, our Latino community at large is under attack. And I implore residents to get educated, to learn their rights, and to stop and think before you share anything on social media that is not going to be helpful, factually correct, or that is only gonna

Jessie LopezItem 35

incite panic in people. We're going to need people who want to learn how to take legal notes at ICE enforcement actions and people in general that have a good heart and that understand that this attack on our community is wrong for so many reasons. I don't have to, I hope that I don't have to remind people but I'm happy to do it. Refugees and immigrants bring invaluable valuable contributions to our economy. They enrich our culture and embody the values of resilience and hope. Programs like refugee resettlement, asylum, and family

Jessie LopezItem 35

reunification are essential not only for those seeking safety, but also for building stronger, more vibrant communities. Please know that I, as a council member, will continue to advocate for initiatives that protect and uplift our immigrant and refugee neighbors, promoting unity and equity as central pillars of my work. I hope that you will all support each other, uplift one another, and ultimately in these very dark times that you help protect the public from the new administration's attack on our hardworking community. And to this extent, City Manager, I'm requesting that our city's website

Jessie LopezItem 35

have an informational tab providing factual information about reminding people what their rights are as folks that live in our city, in this county, and in this country. Sharing a list of legal resources that exist, partnerships that we already have, that we contract with, and many other resources that my office is happy to share with you via email after tonight. And last but not least, I want to wish everybody a Happy New Year. I'm super thrilled to be welcoming the year of the snake um and happy belated birthday to ebony

Jessie LopezItem 35

what a wonderful accomplishment her quinceanera congratulations thank you councilman panalosa

David PenalozaItem 35

uh thank you mayor mesquite i just wanted to wish everybody a happy new year happy to be back uh also happy birthday to your daughter councilman hernandez who shares my who shares a birthday with my daughter uh on the same day january 4th uh good day the capricorn uh uh girls so um and uh happy birthday to our director of library service i think he's still here mr brian sternberg has a birthday yesterday and mayor pro tem vasquez has a birthday in a couple of days i i believe so happy there's a lot of good birthdays in january including mine so um and my mom january 15th too along with MLK.

David PenalozaItem 35

So that is it. And good night everybody.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 35

All right, I think I called on everybody. Under AB 1234, I want to share that I was in Washington DC. Mayor. Oh, I'm so sorry.

Benjamin VazquezItem 35

Mayor protest.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 35

I usually go first. I think Council Member Lopez said, oh, we're gonna end soon or somebody said that. I was like, we're out of here. I apologize. I was really excited to get out. Council Member Becerra.

Phil BacerraItem 35

Wow.

Phil BacerraItem 35

Well, I am not as good as Council Member Peloza at remembering everybody's birthday, so I'm just going to wish all the January birthdays a happy birthday. While I may remember some historical things, Council Member Peloza is a lint trap for everybody's birthday, so thank you for doing that. I'm going to be hosting my next monthly community office hours on Saturday February 8th at 10 a.m over at Sandpoint Park on MacArthur and Birch. The reason why I'm going to be doing on February 8th is because I will be attending the TET parade and the UVSA TET opening ceremony event so that's why I'll be holding my office hours on February 8th.

Phil BacerraItem 35

As we wrap up our first council meeting of 2025 we've adopted the second reading of the safe access to public spaces ordinance and the soon to be completed construction of the fence between the county's flood control channel and the flower street bike path the city manager has promised me that it will be completed by our city construction crews by the end of the month so we are taking action continuously to improve the safety of our city so as we wrap up our first council meeting we should be proud that back in 2024 we successfully shut down mha on south main street

Phil BacerraItem 35

we successfully stopped the proposed needle distribution program and this council adopted adopted a resolution that stated our support for Prop 36, which over 70% of Santa Ana voters supported. Let me say that again. Over 70% of Santa Ana voters supported Prop 36. And I know that there's much more work to do to make Santa Ana a safer place to live, to work, to shop and play. And that means also making sure that we continue to hire more police officers. We have a lot of funded positions that we need to fill those positions. So I'm looking forward to continuing that work both in ward 4 and throughout the city so with that happy new

Phil BacerraItem 35

year and good night everybody

Benjamin VazquezItem 35

and protein baskets hey thank you i think i got it first i want to thank everybody who has gone out to support the victims of the la fires especially my godson who's six and he's gone twice to give uh folks the necessary resources they need also my fiance's daughter nelly espindola who went to the store and used her own money to buy purchase items to give my brother George and my family, my coworkers who gave N95 masks and wipes and did what they can to support the families out there. And we went out to NDLON, National Day Labor Organization Network, as they always have a list on their Instagram if you need to know what to buy.

Benjamin VazquezItem 35

That being said, I wanna give a shout out to LibroMobile in Santa Ana. WE HAVE A SMALL BOOKSTORE THAT'S NECESSARY WITH THE CITY THAT ONLY HAS THREE LIBRARIES. IT'S VERY NECESSARY. MANY OTHER CITIES HAVE THREE TIMES OR FOUR TIMES AS MANY LIBRARIES. SO IT'S VERY NICE TO HAVE A BOOKSTORE THAT'S IN NOW IS IN NEED OF OUR HELP. LIBERAL MOBILE, IT'S NOT ONLY A BOOKSTORE, IT'S A COMMUNITY CENTER. THEY SUPPORT FAMILIES, CULTURE, ENRICHMENT, LITERATURE. AND THEY HAVE A PROGRAM. If you go buy for your families, if you buy books as presents as I did for all my nephews and nieces when they were young, it worked out.

Benjamin VazquezItem 35

Many of them graduated college. So I would buy them books. And it was a beautiful thing for them to become readers. So we want to have this reading culture. And they have a program where you could sponsor a classroom. And guess whose classroom I sponsored? Mine. But all my students are able to go and get a book, and I'll pay for it later. I'm like, let's go pick up a book. Talen Vasquez sent you, here's my card, and let him know I'll buy you. So if you want to sponsor a classroom at Martin Elementary, Pio Pico, at Low, at Lathrop, at Hedinger, what school was, I'm forgetting, Roosevelt, Amanavista, Diamond, Carr,

Benjamin VazquezItem 35

Carl Harvey, Valley High School, all in the area, feel free to call one of those teachers. I'm sure a commissioner of yours, is a commissioner in a fifth grade class of beautiful children so if you want to sponsor somebody sign up uh as i already sponsored mine um uh i you know i also i also share a holiday with uh with an officer who's uh been retired and unfortunately has passed away in santa ana his His name is Jose Vargas, born on January 25th. Jose Vargas was known as the best hire of police officers in all of Orange County.

Benjamin VazquezItem 35

And if you pass the community, the Police Community Outreach Center, you might see a dedication to him. He came to work in Santa Ana Police Department and worked very hard to earn the respect and care of the community. He worked with the community to find him resources. He would walk, his daughter, I know his daughter Jeanette Vargas and she said he could walk down the street and People loved him because he would find him jobs. He would figure out what they needed and supported our families

Benjamin VazquezItem 35

He he was a he won an award from the International Association of Chief Chief Police Jose Vargas was special. He was born in Mexico and he came on here undocumented documented. He was an undocumented child, much more like our Chief of Police now, Rodriguez, and the work that you've done to become a Chief of Police as from an undocumented youth to now our police of police. Jose Vargas was deported 15 times. He was chased by police and he took on this role that he wanted to be a police officer and he did. He became a police officer and we were able to have him

Benjamin VazquezItem 35

here in Santana. He worked in Anaheim for a moment and while there they had a immigration agent at a jail and he went to speak to get the immigration officer out of the Anaheim jail and he stated this when he said that people do not understand that we come to this country to make this country great. We search for the American dream. We contributed to something. these are our neighbors and the possibilities of the people who are around us right so I say this to our residents and these challenging times as

Benjamin VazquezItem 35

the federal government and extrinsic immigration policies our commitment to our undocumented community remains in wavering Santa Ana has a proud history of supporting all its residents exemplified by our sanctuary ordinance with safeguards immigrants rights we recognize the invaluable contributions of our undocumented neighbors, which enrich our city's cultural and economic fabric. Despite national directives, we will continue to provide essential services and uphold policies that protect and include everyone. Together, we stand resilient, fostering a community where every individual feels safe, value, and respected.

Thank you.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 35

Thank you, Mayor Pro Tem. At this time, I'd like to disclose under AB 1234 that I was at Washington, D.C. at the 2025 U.S. Conference of Mayors, along with the city manager and the deputy city manager. We attended many seminars around immigration, transportation, small businesses, and key opportunities for the 2025 tax bill, and so much more. We met with many people, including Senator Padilla and Senator Schiff. It was a very, very productive conference, working from sunup to sundown. It was a lot of work. We came home tired so thank you for joining us joining me and i'm they're looking forward to you all coming back

Valerie AmezcuaItem 35

next year also it's been a very productive january but before i go into that i want to thank the tamale festival again i also gave away toys um and i have to say we had the best santa in town that's all i'm going to say we had the best sign in town and on i don't know all the january birthday so happy birthday to all the january birthdays but i do know that on january 8th it It was our city manager's birthday. So thank you, Mr. City Manager. Happy birthday.

Alvaro NuñezItem 35

And don't forget Elvis.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 35

And Elvis. Okay, well, and Elvis too.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 35

And I guess all the January birthdays. Happy birthday. I'm not like Councilmember Penalosa that I can remember everybody. I can barely remember my own. And yes, David, you too. too. I do want to congratulate Chief Rodriguez again on becoming permanently our chief. I'm honored to have you as our chief sir and I look forward to the great things that you're going to do. I also want to congratulate our new deputy chiefs Chuck Alms, deputy chief Jose Gonzalez, and deputy chief Roland Andrade. And if I'm not mistaken there is a celebration on the 30th at

Valerie AmezcuaItem 35

the Bowers Museum and that will be a wonderful event to celebrate and I really want to thank the chief because it's not just about him he's actually going to celebrate his promotion as well as the deputy chiefs and that is the first time in the history I believe of the city of Santa Ana so thank you sir for doing that says a lot about your leadership also in January I had the honor of attending the OSHA Community Connects Arts Festival it was wonderful if you've never been you should go it was great to see so many Santa Ana of residents there and kids and it was just great a habitat for you mean humanity as council member

Valerie AmezcuaItem 35

fan has indicated jimmy carter the passing at 100 years old i was able to go to the bowers museum and sign the jimmy carter memorial and it was really a privilege and an honor to do that and then i was asked to speak i'm all here i was asked to speak yesterday with the orange county minister's conference in the Orange County Heritage Council for Martin Luther King Day at the celebration of the Gospel-like Church of God. And let me tell you, it was a beautiful event, and it was full of amazing people, and it was the best three hours of my week that I could say we celebrated

Valerie AmezcuaItem 35

Martin Luther King yesterday. And it was a blessing to be there. I also want to invite everybody to the 2025 Mayor's Prayer Breakfast that is hosted by the Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce that is on February 11th at 7 30 a.m. at Templo Calvario Church. If you're interested in attending please contact the chamber at 714-541-5353 and also I want to share because I did share it on social media but it's really important to share it publicly from the dais city calendars are coming

Valerie AmezcuaItem 35

they're coming yay they're coming um mr city manager has indicated that they'll be here the end of the month roughly so we'll be passing them out again and that is wonderful thank you for bringing them back everybody wants one so thank you so much and with that i'm going to close I opened at the moment of silence for our first responders in our fire department that have rallied around Los Angeles in time of need. Thank you from those who have traveled far from Mexico and Canada and other numerous agencies and states to come out and help with this crucial time. But I want to close in the honor of firefighter Kevin Skinner.

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He passed on January 5th, 2025, and he was battling a fire in Laguna Niguel. And, you know, when we think about first responders, you know, sometimes we don't take a moment to think about their families and their lives. And so Firefighter Skinner was fighting a fire, and he passed. And so he will be greatly missed. And so when I close, as we close in his honor, please understand that the officers and the firefighters that have responded to the fire in L.A., they also have trauma.

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And so please give grace and thank them. And D.C. Henry, I see you in here. Thank you, sir, for your service. And thank you for sending our firefighters from Orange County to help in Los Angeles. It means a lot to us. And so with that, again, I will close in honor of Kevin Skinner, who passed on January 5th, serving all of us. Thank you.