Read the December 2 meeting.

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© transcript Emily Beynon

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Jennifer L. Hall

Yes, Mayor, you can go ahead.

Valerie Amezcua

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

Jennifer L. Hall

Council Member Becerra? Here. Council Member Hernandez? Here. Council Member Lopez? Here. Council Member Penalosa?

David Penaloza

Here.

Jennifer L. Hall

Council Member Phan? Here. Mayor Potembesquez? Here. Mayor Mesquite? Here. That is four members present. You do have a quorum.

Valerie Amezcua

»» Madam Clerk, are there any additions or deletions to the closed session agenda? »» There are none. »» Do any Council Members need to announce their abstentions on closed session items? Hearing none, Madam Clerk, do we have any speakers for closed session?

Jennifer L. Hall

»» We did not receive any e-comments related to the closed session agenda nor do we have any in-person speakers. We do have one attendee on Zoom that I need to confirm if they're for closed session or not. William Strand, could you please unmute and let us know if you're speaking on a closed closed session item or a regular agenda item?

Jennifer L. Hall

William Strand?

Jennifer L. Hall

With no response we'll save his hand for the regular public comment section.

Valerie Amezcua

At this time we'll recess this portion of the meeting to consider the items on the closed session agenda. Thank you. .

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© transcript Emily Beynon

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Good thing I'm alive.

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© transcript Emily Beynon

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© transcript Emily Beynon

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so

Jennifer L. Hall

go ahead mayor

Valerie Amezcua

Okay. Madam Clerk, please start the meeting. Yes, you're ready to go. Thank you. I hereby reconvene the Santa Ana City Council meeting to order. Okay. And thank you to the carolers that were here seeking for all of you. Madam Clerk, please conduct the roll call.

Jennifer L. Hall

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. site please bear with us as the technology may disrupt the flow of the meeting this is a meeting to conduct the business of the city there's an opportunity to call for a recess or 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 we appreciate your cooperation for everyone's safety per the fire marshal please do not stand or place objects in

Jennifer L. Hall

the aisles in front of the dais along the back walls of the council chamber or in front of any entrances or exits during city council presentations guests of individuals being recognized are invited to come to the front to take photos for roll call council member becerra here council member hernandez president council member lopez council member penulosa president council member fan here mayor potent vasquez president mayor mesqua president the records show all seven members present thank you 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 in order to be in the speaker queue once public comments commence. This does not apply to Public Hearing Item Number 40 for which comments will be heard separately during the specific public hearing. Please hold your comments on that item until called upon. Thank you.

Valerie Amezcua

Thank you. The first item on the agenda is the Pledge of Allegiance. Jennifer, would you like to come up and lead us on the Pledge of Allegiance? Yes, Jennifer.

Can everybody please stand, please?

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

Valerie Amezcua

Thank you very much, Jennifer. At this time, words of inspiration will be provided by Pastor Pitts.

Good evening, everyone. And to this esteemed council, I'm honored to be here with you all for a moment. I'm struggling because they told me three minutes or less and a Baptist has never spoke for less than three minutes. So if you all would pray for me, maybe we can get through this in three minutes or less.

C-139. When I served in the Navy, that was my company. And there was 40 motley crew of people coming together. There were hippies and former drug addicts. There were blacks, white, Hispanics. There were some who were citizens and some who were trying to gain citizenship. All these people from all over the country came together. Nine weeks later, we graduated as a Hall of Fame company. I couldn't understand that. That was the highest rank that a group of people could get going through boot camp. And some years later, I asked the company commander, I ran into him and I said, How did you get this motley crew of people?

I mean, we were just so different. How did you get us to be together as one company to exceed expectations and graduate with Hall of Fame? C-139, Hall of Fame company. He said it was simple. He said, I got you all to love something more than yourself, to elevate something higher than our own positions, and that was to care for each other. I want to offer up to you in less than three minutes what this world needs is not more Democrats or more Republicans we don't need more policies we need to

lift something higher than ourselves the ethic of love caring about one another and we can begin here in this city and we can become a Hall of Fame city because we love and care for folks more than anything else that is my and words of inspiration I hope that you would take the challenge to be excellent lovers and carers for people more than any other difference that we have amen

Valerie Amezcua

thank you pastor Pitts madam clerk are there any additions or deletions to the

Jennifer L. Hall

City Council agenda I have two brief announcements one is a typographical Correction to Item Number 17 to correct the spelling of Gershon. The recommended action remains the same. And then consideration of Item Number 34, the resolution for exempt surplus land at 209 West Civic Center Drive includes revised exhibits that were distributed to the Council and posted online for public review.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 17

»» Thank you very much. We're going to do the presentations at this time. First one is by Mayor Pro Tem Vasquez recognizing Relampago de Cielo in honor of their 50th anniversary. Come on up please.

Benjamin VazquezItem 1

Thank you, thank you. Thank you and welcome everybody today. I'm so happy to be here. I'm honored because I used to organize Noche de Altares and the most beautiful part is when the dancers for El Rampago del Cielo would come and they were dressed up in their face painted. It was such a beautiful event to have you all there. We're going to, it's my pleasure to celebrate 50 remarkable years of El Rampago del Cielo's Folkloric Servicing, the Santa Ana community. We'll begin as a small folklorical class at Santa College, has grown into a vibrant and highly respected organization.

Benjamin VazquezItem 1

The Lampico's mission is to preserve and share the beauty of traditional Mexican dance and music, keeping cultural traditions alive while inspiring the next generation. The organization operates a dance studio for students ranging from ages three to adult, offering classes that develop skill and appreciation for cultural heritage. El Ampago also maintains a professional dance company that performs not only throughout the western United States, but also in Mexico, showcasing their artistry and bringing culture to the broader audience. They are well known as the resident performers at Disneyland's Retort Viva Navidad holiday show,

Benjamin VazquezItem 1

a beloved program that highlights Mexican traditions. Many at El Ampico's dancers also work professionally in the entertainment industry, while others teach youth throughout after school programs, extending the reach of dance and culture education throughout the community. Over the past 50 years, El Ampico has reached over 400,000 participants, awarded $300,000 in dance scholarships, ensuring that every participant is actively engaged in programs that promote health and well-being. Each year, approximately 15,000 students participate in their programs, and the organization has maintained 30 years of school programming,

Benjamin VazquezItem 1

enriching the lives of countless children and adults with cultural education. Looking ahead, the LAMPAGO is working towards establishing a cultural center that will celebrate the many artistic traditions of Mexican culture. The center will ensure the organization's impact continues for generations generations to come, providing a permanent home for the arts, cultural education, and community engagement. For 50 years, El Lampago de Cielos Folklóricos has transformed lives through dance and culture. Their work honors the past, celebrates the present, inspires the future, keeping Mexican

Benjamin VazquezItem 1

cultural traditions alive while empowering youth, enriching the Santana community. Today we recognize and celebrate the vision, dedication, and accomplishments at El Lampago as they continue to bring joy, education, cultural pride to thousands of participants and audiences each year. Thank you, thank you so much.

Thank you, Mayor Potembasquez, Mayor Emescuat, all city council members for the 50 years of service. We could never have dreamed 50 years ago that the students taking faculty classes classes at Santa Ana College would start an organization that has transpired and has been in this community for 50 years. We always say that we were born and raised in Santa Ana. This is where we come from. This is who we are. And as much as we reach the Southern California area, our home and the families and communities that we are most passionate about are our families here in Santa Ana. So this is an honor. Thank you so much.

on behalf of our board president, Norma Trujillo, our vice president, Luz Mendez, we're very honored to receive this, thank you.

Thank you.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 1

All right. All right, next presentation is Councilmember Lopez with Red Boy Productions and the Heritage Museum of Orange County declaring November 2025 as Native American Heritage Month.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 1

Come on up, everybody.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 1

Come down this side and come on up, please. Thank you.

Come on in.

Jessie LopezItem 1

Hi, everybody. We are here to recognize that November was Native American Heritage Month. And we have a lot of community members, constituents, folks that are involved with the Native American community accepting the proclamations that we are presenting today. So on behalf of the City of Santa Ana it is my honor to recognize and celebrate Native American Heritage Month, a time to reflect on the rich histories, cultures, contributions, the stories, the food of Native people across this land. This year we are especially proud to recognize the second annual Pow Wow, a powerful

Jessie LopezItem 1

collaboration between Red Boy Productions and the Heritage Museum of Orange County which is located here in the city of Santa Ana. This event brought by this event brought Native American culture to the heart of our city celebrating a vibrant and inclusive joyful space to celebrate to help educate and to be with our community with over a thousand attendees the powwow was a resounding success showcasing the beauty and the strength of our indigenous traditions. The powwow created a space for education, connection, and cultural pride right here in our city. Powers are a sacred thing that honor Native

Jessie LopezItem 1

American traditions through dance, music, storytelling, and ceremonies. By hosting this event, Redwood Productions and the Heritage Museum helped foster greater understanding and appreciation of indigenous heritage among our residents and visitors. Events like this remind us that Native American history is not just in the past, it is living, thriving, and part of our present and our future. And Native Americans are our constituents and we must do more to support them. We commend both organizations for their vision, dedication, and commitment to cultural preservation and community engagement. Your efforts have enriched

Jessie LopezItem 1

the cultural fabric of our city and have created lasting memories for all who attend. It is with great pride that I present these two proclamations tonight in honor of your outstanding contributions during Native American Heritage Month, but every day in the City of Santa Ana. Thank you for sharing your traditions, your stories, and your spirit with our community. And, you know, in preparation for next year, we would like to see more education from the city's social media channels, from the public library, talking and sharing the stories. And you know, sometimes we wait until people are not here and we don't have to do that, right?

Jessie LopezItem 1

You have a lot of connections here that can help you share that rich history and those stories that are so important. And I also just want to thank two important organizations, the museum, which you're going to hear from. Thank you for your beautiful partnership with our community organizations, for supporting programming that not other institutions always want to support. And additionally, I want to thank Sonana Community College because last month they had a very beautiful event on campus celebrating the history of Native Americans. And to see the

Jessie LopezItem 1

dances, the stories, to be able to, you know, have lunch with some of these delicacies, and not even delicacies, right? I think things that are celebrated in Native American cuisine was just a beautiful reminder of how big the world is and everything that we don't know. And so I encourage all of our constituents to always keep an open mind, get to know your neighbors and support the communities that have always existed here and that have helped make Sonata what it is today. So thank you.

Good evening Mayor, members of Santa Ana City Council, community leaders, friends and honoured guests. My name is Jacob Crane, I am an enrolled citizen of the Soutana Nation and I have been asked to speak on behalf of Red Boy Productions as it is our traditional way that we don't speak about ourselves, rather one is asked to speak on behalf of the individual of the company. company. Boc Garcia, owner of Red Boy Productions, and the entire Red Boy Productions team and family have stated to me that they are humbled with gratitude in receiving this proclamation today.

First, we want to extend our sincere appreciation to Councilmember Jesse Lopez and to the entire City Council for this recognition. This proclamation is not only an honour for us personally, but also a meaningful acknowledgement of Native American communities, of all tribal nations whose histories, cultures, and contributions contributions are woven into the fabric of Orange County long before its founding and still very much alive today. As we gather here in Santa Ana, we stand on the ancestral homelands of the original inhabitants of these lands, the Ahatchman people.

Yet too often Native Americans in Orange County are unseen despite our continued presence, despite our cultural resilience, and despite our contributions to the vitality of this region. Today's proclamation serves as a reminder that recognition matters, visibility matters. When local governments like the City of Santa Ana take the time to honor Native voices, it opens the door for deeper understanding and stronger community relationships. It also encourages us to confront the realities that Native people in Orange County still face, whether it's protecting sacred sites, improving access to culturally informed resources,

resources, or supporting Native youth who are working so hard to reclaim languages, stories and traditions. Our hope is that this proclamation inspires continued dialogue, continued learning, and continued partnership. Recognition is not the end. It is an invitation, an invitation to uplift Native voices, to include Native perspectives and community decisions, and to ensure that Native Americans are never treated as a footnote in its history. but there is still work to be done we must continue raising awareness about the inequalities that Native communities face uplifting Native voices and policy

decisions and ensuring that our histories are taught accurately and respectfully in schools we must continue advocating for programs that support Native families protect cultural resources and honor the sovereignty and self-determination of tribal nations to the city of Santana Red Boy Productions and American Indian community and allies, thank you for choosing to highlight Native American heritage, presence, and leadership. And to everyone here today, thank you for listening, for showing respect, and for being a part of the future that honors the past while creating space for Native communities to thrive.

Red Boy Productions accepts this proclamation with gratitude, responsibility, and hope. May we continue walking forward together and respect partnership and unity. C.S. Gus, thank you.

Good evening. Thank you so much, Jesse Lopez, and of course, all the council members and Mayor Emezcua. I'm Candace Cromie. I'm the director at the Heritage Museum of Orange County.

And at the museum, our mission goes beyond preserving and restoring the history of Orange County. We are equally committed to safeguarding the cultural traditions and stories that shape who we are today. That commitment is what inspires us to host events like our annual Pow Wow. We believe deeply in creating spaces where the cultures that built this region are not only remembered, but truly honored and celebrated. Too many of these stories, traditions, and voices have been overlooked in recent years. and it is our responsibility to ensure that they are seen, heard, and valued.

This year marked our second annual powwow. It was an extraordinary day of cultural celebration and education. Those who attended didn't just watch, they learned. They learned who the dancers were, what each dance meant, why these traditions hold such deep social and spiritual significance. We were privileged to welcome members of tribes from all across North America, each bringing their own history, pride, and artistry to the area. We are also honored to have a Maori tribal member join the celebration, participating in the dances and closing the day with a powerful and moving haka.

It was a beautiful reminder of the shared threads that connect Indigenous people across the world. More than 1,600 visitors came through our grounds that day. They watched the dancers, enjoyed Indian tacos and fry bread, supported native artisans through their crafts and goods. It was a day that truly embodied what we strive for, education, community, cultural appreciation coming together in a meaningful way. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Councilmember Jesse Lopez for issuing this proclamation. your recognition means so much to us because it affirms not only our work,

but the work we are committed to continuing with the support of the City of Santa Ana. Thank you all for celebrating with us, for supporting cultural preservation, and for helping us to ensure that these important traditions remain alive for generations to come. In addition, I would like to personally invite you all to next year's powwow on November 14, 2026.

Slaipai Massama. Hello everyone. My name is Bach Garcia. I am the owner of Red Boy Productions. I am very honored to be here and to accept this proclamation award. I just want to say thank you so much for being able to have us come here, speak on my behalf, on the Heritage Heritage Museum's behalf as well, and to hear our beautiful language, our teachings, and also about the powwow that we've worked together upon. And I just want to say thank you for being able to witness what we had to say, and it was a true honor. Thank you to the Council people for being able to hear and to give us this amazing award.

Thank you so much. S'a'pan.

Lastly, I just want to say thank you. Everybody that stands behind me is our American Indian community located here in Orange County where all of different tribes, respected members of our nations from north and south and central. And so we are Native Americans here in Orange County. We still exist. And let's work together moving forward, all of us. Thank you.

All right.

Yeah, we'll bet you're right. There you go. Perfect. Okay.

Here. Three.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 2

All right. Next presentation is by Councilmember Penalosa-Amontse. So if anyone has any responses, Antion, please come on up.

David PenalozaItem 3

Good afternoon everybody. It is my pleasure to introduce our very own Century High School located in Ward 6. school senior Montserrat Santillan Silva who won the division for yes a round of applause please

David PenalozaItem 3

who recently about two weeks ago two three weeks ago right what two weeks ago won the division for championship at the CIF southern section cross-country championship at Mount San Antonio College on November 22nd beyond her championship win, Monse has consistently stood out for her dedication, discipline, and competitive spirit. She has earned numerous recognitions including outstanding performances in regional and state competitions. Her work ethic, consistent training, and willingness to face new challenges makes her a role

David PenalozaItem 3

model for teammates and coaches alike. Beyond athletics, Monse demonstrates demonstrates leadership and commitment in every area of her life. She is focused, responsible, and motivated to grow personally, academically, and athletically. Her respectful nature, teamwork, and daily drive to improve set a strong example both on and off the field. Special thanks to all the Santa Ana coaches who have contributed to Monta's growth. Their support, guidance, and dedication have been instrumental in her journey. Her family, who's right here behind us, gives a very special acknowledgement to Antonio Raso for being a constant source of support,

David PenalozaItem 3

motivating her to push herself and encouraging additional training that strengthened her discipline and passion for sports. A special thank you also goes to her family, friends, and community for their ongoing support and encouragement. their guidance and encouragement have been invaluable in helping Monse pursue her goals and determination. Monse's achievements and character reflect the perfect combination of talent, hard work, and community support. She is an inspiration and a shining example for others in sports and in life and throughout this city. So Monse, congratulations on your athletic

David PenalozaItem 3

achievements. I know you got a very very bright future ahead of you in academically and athletically so congratulations we're proud here to join here the City Council my colleagues and recognizing your hard work with that we present you with this and please take it away whatever you'd like to share a few words of inspiration to anybody else

I just like to say thank you for this award and I feel really honored and grateful to be able to represent Santa Ana.

David PenalozaItem 3

Mama, papa, algo? No? Nada? Brother, sister? Nothing? Are you sure? All right. Okay everybody, that's give it up for Moonset. Thank you.

Thank you.

All right, right here, please. One, two, three.

Okay, ready? One, two, three. Thank you.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 3

All right. Thank you for those presentations. Mr. City Manager, can we have our staff presentation, please?

Alvaro NuñezItem 4

Yes, Executive Director Mike Garcia will do a presentation on our homeless update for this year.

Mayor, City Council, first slide, Ken.

So the item tonight is to talk about the census that CityNet put together. The City of Santa Ana directed CityNet to organize and implement a homeless survey and census that's extremely similar to the point-in-time count that the county undertakes every few years in March. March. The purpose of the census and survey was to identify a baseline number of unhoused individuals in our city and determine their demographics, the level of education, financial situations, and other characteristics to help inform our Homeless Services Division about

resource allocation. So in 2024, in October, on October 1st and October 3rd, one at 530 in the morning, one at 530 in the evening, early evening. A census was conducted. We did a similar one this October 28th and 29th at those same timeframes, and we went out to look and find individuals and do our own point in time count. Both were distinct and complimentary projects funded through our HHAP funding, and the census

was very specifically focused with more time spent on asking questions that were more specific than general in nature. Next slide.

And so what we ended up doing is putting multiple teams from Santa Ana PD, our our Colt officers and working with two CityNet surveyors. Each officer and CityNet surveyor went into the field based on hot maps, heat maps, and that were signed by quadrant, and they were mapped out ahead of time, and they went to areas where homeless individuals have been known to gather or sleep, and we prioritize these areas during the census, similar to what the point in time with the county is, because the goal of this project was to be comprehensive and to go to many of

the areas where homeless are known to gather and where they've been seen. They were deployed twice during that week as I mentioned on October 28th and 29th and and it was captured electronically through a secured GIS survey application. Duplicates were removed after the completion of the census comparing names and age ranges and survey areas were identified utilizing the same maps that are used by the county for their point-in-time count. Next slide. So this provides a summary of the count that was achieved in October

of 2024. 592 unsheltered homeless were identified in October 2025, 501. So And so altogether this demonstrates a 15.4% reduction from year over year. These are only the unsheltered. It doesn't include the homeless that are in shelters or other transitional housing. The duration of homelessness was also recorded. 83.9% of the respondents indicated they had been homeless for at least one year or longer.

While in 2025, the night that we did on the 29th, the number rose and we noticed that there was a 92.6% increase of the 92.6% of the respondents, which is a 10.6% increase from the year prior. Here's a summary on the demographics of veterans that were found. 21 individuals reported as veterans in 2024, in 2025-15, so this equates to a 28.6 reduction in

unhoused veterans and for both 2024 and 2025, 73 to 74 percent of individuals completing the survey mentioned that they had no income whatsoever. And so in In 2025, what we did find is that 55% of the individuals spoken with stated that they received between $1 and $500 per month. Next slide. Now, the next slides are going to go over a composite of the homeless individuals that were found in the field.

And the composite is based on highest frequency responses and those that are typically unsheltered homeless individuals in the city. we noticed that they were largely Hispanic or Latino males between the ages of 18 and 44, and they had been experiencing homeless for 3 to 10 years. The typical unhoused individual mentioned that they struggled with alcohol and drug, so substance use disorder issues, and started using illegal narcotics under the age of 18 prior to becoming homeless.

The employment status of the typical unsheltered individuals was that they had been unemployed for three to ten years. And most of them had already been working in the city. Their last job was in Santa Ana. The typical U.S. veteran experienced unsheltered homelessness has not worked with Veterans Assistance Programs. The main challenge is there is connecting them with VA resources and programs that are discharge-related ineligible because of the lack of information that they would be able to provide. Next slide.

Now this gives you an idea about how many people responded with 75% in 2025 saying they would not like to respond, which is a drop from the 76% that said they would not like to respond in 2024. Next slide. The demographics that are now up there are showing a difference between the age and the the gender information. So how old is our homeless population? The highest volume of homeless respondents were between the ages of 18 and 44. And this was a big increase this year

from 10 that are over the age of 65, where in prior years they were at 15. Next slide. Duration of homelessness.

We noticed that there were 82% of the respondents were experiencing homeless for a year or more. There's a lot of detail up there. I'm glad we gave you guys hard copies to spend some time reviewing it. Next slide.

This slide talks about the living arrangement prior to becoming homeless. homeless, most of the respondents reported that they had been living with relatives or friends or living in a home or rental by themselves or with a partner. And so there was a slight dip of 3.3% for them living by themselves or with a partner.

82% of them, as I mentioned, have been experiencing homeless for more than a year. And in the next slide, 86% you know what, we took this slide out, 86.8% of respondents reported that they're currently sleeping outdoors.

Next slide. In this employment slide, what we were able to find was that 3.4% of those who we contacted are retired. 6.1% of them or 23 of the 379 respondents in 2025 have some form of employment. 26 are identified as interested in employment. 33 stated that they are disabled and unable to work. And while 245% or 64.6% of the respondents stated they were simply unemployed. Next slide.

So how long has our homeless population been without work? Ten of the 379 stated in 2025 they've never worked. Over 50% stated that they were last employed three to ten years ago. And 20%, 20.5% told CityNet and our officers that they'd been jobless for one to two years. Next slide.

Where did folks last have a job?

We noticed that there was a 39.8% of our population stated that they had last worked in Santa Ana before becoming homeless, followed by other cities and outside the County of Orange, which each had 11.9%. Next slide.

How many of our homeless receive income and of those, how much do they make? So 277 of those contacted stated that they are receiving between $100 and $500. $100, 13 stated that they received between $500 and $1,000, and 25 state that they receive over $1,000 per month in some form of income. Next slide. This one got at where respondents are getting their income from.

from. 48.6%, the 52 in 2025, are receiving general relief. 16.8% are on SSI and 15% stated they have some form of employment or earned income, but they didn't state where. Next slide.

Many of our homeless are receiving CalFresh, 65.2% reported CalFresh, 78.9% or 299 stated they also had some form of health insurance. And from what we understand, most of that is through CalOptima. Next slide. What type of... Here we go. Here's the Medi-Cal coming through CalOptima. What type of medical insurance does our population currently utilize? 284 mentioned that they receive insurance for health through Medi-Cal,

and 166, or 58.5%, are currently using the Cal Optima benefits. Next slide. Community ties. We wanted to put this all together to show that we got responses from people from outside of the city, outside of the county, outside of the state, and folks that were from outside of the country. 61.2% of our population grew up somewhere other than Santa Ana. And 36.7% of our current population lived somewhere before they became homeless

in Santa Ana. So 164 of our population last lived in Santa Ana, which is about 43%. Next slide.

This is the information about where they last rented or had a permanent residence.

68.6 stated that they had rented, while 7.7% advised they had owned property, with 20% stating that they had neither rented nor owned, and they had been staying for free in a situation situation with a family relative or some other situation. Next slide.

47% of our population stated that between three and ten years they have been without rental or owning a place within our city and that it's an average length of homeless coincides slides very closely with this graphic here. Next slide. Where does our homeless population stay during the day?

334 stated that they stay during the day while only in Santa Ana, while only 39 or 10.3% of the population say that they routinely leave the city for the day. Next slide.

Next slide. Okay. Here we go. How did our population, I'm sorry about this. Our slides are a little, here we go. 71 of the 379 respondents, or 18.7%, stated that they stay or sleep at the flood controlled channels. They stay there for various reasons. 34% of them said because of the privacy.

22% said because of the lack of enforcement. How did our population arrive here? In Santa Ana, something that we heard was that 34% of them grew up here. 19.8 were brought here by bus. 11% took an Uber, Lyft, or drove themselves. themselves, 11% walked here, and 10% got a ride from family or friends. Next slide.

What we found is that 139 of the individuals we spoke to self-reported that they have some form of mental health concern. Next slide. This is very similar to what we found in 2024 with disability. disability. It changed a little bit where this year 41% stated that they have some form of permanent disability or health condition. Next slide. We also collected information about substance use disorder issues with drug and alcohol

with 32 or 8.4% stating in 2025 that they have an alcohol addiction while 53 of the the individuals contacted, or 14%, reported both an addiction to alcohol and drugs.

So 63, overall 63% stated that they suffer from some form of addiction. Next slide.

So that was the quote I just read off to you. But something I wanted to point out is, go to the next slide, is that 61% of those who stated that they were addicted to drugs were under the age of 18 when they started their drug use. I had mentioned that earlier. I thought I'd bring that up. It's a very, go to the next slide.

It's a bit alarming. I'm sorry. It looks like we've got a repeat of the U.S. military. So go to the next slide.

Okay. And then the final one is information about how Santa Ana is doing its best to work, to try to work with homeless, to get them into resources. we had 697 street exits into shelter and 48 individuals were placed into some form of drug rehab. So like a detox bed or and one of the positives we thought that came out is that CityNet in an 11 month timeframe

frame was able to get 28 exits into permanent housing and 168 exits or into temporary housing and where did they exit to again a lot of details uh here but what uh i would draw to the city council's attention is that carnegie hall our shelter that the city operates is by far the The main choice for shelter beds, Yale Navigation is another one that respondents said that they were sent to and that they had a tie to the city.

And permanently housed clients are folks that are renting a private residence where they receive ongoing subsidies or have moved into a residence with family or friends. And so that's a smaller number on this chart. But, you know, between the information that we gathered, the funding that we received from HHAP and PLHA funds from the State of California, we're able to operate our shelter, do outreach and engagement, and try to provide long-term services as best we can to folks if they're willing to accept those services.

Ken and I are ready for questions, or if you wanted to go over another slide with some

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

of the numbers that were presented thank you mr garcia um council if you'd like to speak please raise your mic it's easier um if we do that because it doesn't look like my computer appears working

David PenalozaItem 4

um so yeah go ahead council peloza thank you uh director garcia for the presentation the only question i had is in regards to the employment um did we get specifics on what type of employment employment, the ones that were employed, what type of employment, who their employer is, any of that. Not necessarily who their employer is, but the type of employment that they're in.

»» Yeah, yeah. »» Good question, Councilmember. We did not get into that level of detail on trades and specific areas, but Ken's got some details possibly. »» When the client was willing to tell us who they had worked for in the past, we did gather that information so we'd be able to look at it and say whether or not we could recontact some of those businesses to see if they would be interested in hiring homeless people again and our agreement was to not share that information which businesses they were but we're in the process of contacting protecting those businesses through homeless services.

David PenalozaItem 4

Thank you for that. Thank you.

Phil BacerraItem 4

Councillor Becerra.

Phil BacerraItem 4

Thank you, Madam Mayor. Mike, thank you, and Alvaro, thank you for doing this, because I think it's important, you know, to address a problem, you first have to understand what the problem is. And, you know, the counts that are done out there that are just more quantitative, not qualitative. So, thank you both for engaging in this. My question is, you have a statistic, you say that 890 positive exits, and then you have 697 exits to shelter. What's a positive exit?

Positive exit is when an individual is moved off of the street into shelter or some sort of stable living situation whether it's a family reunification with family or friends

going into transitional housing anything else there ken that a positive street exit would cover so there were as you said 697 shelter exits those are generally to some form of emergency type type shelter. The 890 comes from 697 plus things like hospitals, psychiatric facilities, transitional housing, living with family and friends, and the other things that Mike said.

Phil BacerraItem 4

So more, so in other words, the positive exits is inclusive of the exits to shelter plus these other options? Yes. Okay, perfect. And I was going to ask you about, you know, early on in my tenure on the council we'd um had a settlement with the county that involved shelter beds over at yale and i was going to ask you know actually never mind i was going to ask you about the availability of those but that's most likely going to be a discussion we're going to have soon in closed session because of the access issue that we're having at the yale shelter so i'll refrain from

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

asking that question out here thank you so are you up councilman phillips is your mic up no okay so I have a couple questions. So Ken, you just said the 890 includes the 697, is that correct? The 890 includes the 697, yes, ma'am. So then out of the 890, if you minus the 697, it's 193. I couldn't hear that last one. So out of the 890, you deduct 697. That leaves you with 193 people, people, is that correct?

Yes.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

Councillor Osanic Yes. Councillor Osanic So 697 went to Casa Teresa, Carnegie, all the lists down here. And 193 of them are hospital. I just want to say so the community here is at hospital, psych ward, traditional housing, family, friends, down the line, correct?

Councillor Osanic That's correct.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

Councillor Osanic That's correct. Councillor Osanic OK. So Mr. City Manager or Mike, if you could answer, How much money annually, annually do we spend on the shelter that Santa Ana runs and CityNet?

So our contract with our shelter operator is with Illumination Health and Home, and it's $3.7 million. and that is a hundred percent well not a hundred percent it's divided from the HHAP the housing homeless housing assistance program I don't need you to

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

tell me where it comes from I just want the amounts so three point seven million thank you Mike is for the illumination foundation and sitting three point six

million for city nets outreach and engagement okay so illumination

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

foundation running the shelter that includes everything that goes on in the shelter correct okay and then sitting at is working with the police department colt of whoever out is out there doing outreach in our community that's correct okay so we did meet mike and i know we had a conversation um because we had talked about some of the services that were being provided to the community or not being provided right or services that were taking place in shelter or not taking place in shelter um when i became mayor the shelter was already here So there's no going back, right? There's no take backs. So we talked about drug testing.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

And I have the contract here that I'm going to go through, completely read with a fine-toothed comb. So you had indicated at the last meeting, you were shaking your head no to me. So people go to our shelter. And previously, the first meeting we had when I was first elected, it was basically they sit on their bed and get three hots in a cot, as we call it. And they're not forced to seek employment or they're not, they don't have to be employed. We don't drug test them. Basically, you can stay there until you get your voucher for Section 8 housing. Is that correct? Yes or no?

That's correct.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

So I can move in there if I'm homeless and sit on that bed and watch novellas in the big living room that we have in the big area for how many days, Mr. Garcia?

120 days.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

And when did that change? Because I know when I was first elected, there was a gentleman had been there the entire time that the shelter was open.

We implemented that this year in July.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

So now there is the policy that they sign when they come in is that you could only be at the shelter for 120 days.

That's correct.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

And what happens after that, Mr. Garcia?

yeah we try to get them into transitional permanent housing if they're willing to take it we we go through the normal array of different resources and services to provide to them so i

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

always listen to words and you said we try what does that mean so the illumination health and home

hires case managers what we ended up implementing this year starting in january is every other Friday we meet with those case managers to make sure that they are doing their best to meet with the folks that are living there within the shelter we have started providing library services they bring the mobile out our work center come out and talk about employment services we provide those case manager with housing opportunities that and and lists that are throughout the county and and employment opportunities from throughout the county. Those go out every two weeks and it's really helped.

We believe that has helped folks who come in who are suspected of either having drugs or being under the influence of drugs are tested. I'll let Ken talk to that, because he knows a little better. So hold on one second,

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

I'm gonna get to the drug testing right now.

Okay, I'm sorry.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

So thank you, and so I appreciate all the information. So the work center, our work center, of the City of Santa Ana Works Center, now they did not previously, now they go out to the shelter.

Previously they would try to get appointments with the case managers, but now we've made it

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

mandatory for them to go. Once a month at a minimum. Okay, so we're trying to do true wrap-around services. That's correct. Because before we were not, is that correct? That's correct. And so again, how much money? 3.7, 3.6, and then initially to start the shelter was it like around $30 million roughly?

We ended up buying it for I think $18.5 million and to develop it.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

It was over $30 million after it was said and done. Right, and Ken, I remember we had this conversation, so I just want to be really clear with the community. So we spent over $30 million as a city?

That's correct.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

Okay. So do we drug test?

We do when there's a suspicion of drug use or drug, them having drugs. They're tested every day. If they leave the shelter, they are tested and checked every single day. We don't do pat-downs, but we do explain it better, Ken.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

Yeah, so I want to hear about the drug testing because that's not what I was told. So every day, Ken, if they leave, when they come back, they're drug tested? Is that correct?

No.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

No. That's what you just said, Mr. Garcia. Did I hear incorrectly? I think he misspoke.

Yeah, there's a suspicion. Okay, let me, Ken, can you answer my question, please? So, if an individual comes back to the shelter and they are exhibiting signs and symptoms of intoxication, the shelter, according to their plan, can have the individual do a drug test?

So how often do we drug test, Ken? It all depends upon the individual and the circumstance, ma'am. It's not an every day in, every day out. Drug testing is not a common practice at the shelter.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

So like some other programs that people are actually placed at that do regular drug testing, we as the City of Santa Ana who own that shelter, contracting with the Illumination Foundation, who does a great job, we do not drug test on a regular basis.

Places that people are placed, as you said, that are not HHAP or PLHA funded can, in fact, force drug tests. However, if you are PLHA or HHAP funded, then you're not allowed to force drug testing.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

So I have that contract and I was kind of perusing it. it. So can you tell me on what page of the contract that it states that we cannot? Because you said cannot. Councillor Kiley St. Cannot. Councillor Boucher- So I want to know if you can... And you can tell me tomorrow because I want to read it so I don't have to read the 200 pages. I'll get there. But I want to see the page that actually says we cannot drug test. And here's why I'm asking these questions. Councillor Kiley St. Understood. Councillor Boucher- Is because... And we've had many meetings about this.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

Is that I think it's wonderful that we provide shelter to those that are on the street that want it. And Colt, the PD, Salvation Army, CityNet, probation, parole, you know, whoever's been going out and doing the operations, you know, I thank you because last Wednesday there was 109 people that were arrested at this operation early in the morning. One went to Salvation Army. Two went to the shelter. I want to say that again. 109 people were arrested. Probably more than that were contacted.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

and one went to the shelter and two I'm sorry one went to Salvation Army and two went to our shelter so we're dealing with the resistant population and I don't know if the chief I see DC Andrade's here somewhere can I mr. city manager I'd like to ask DC Andrade to come up is that okay oh the chief there you're there i'm so sorry i can't see you behind the tree i'm sorry i didn't see you i couldn't see the chief i apologize chief there you are so um do you know how many thank you very much

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

do you know roughly i mean i don't need an exact but roughly um with all the work that colt does in direct patrol and whatnot do you know roughly how many people homeless people have been so So there's 500, I don't want to get the number wrong. 500 and how many, Mike?

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

I can't see. Yeah, I can see. What's the number here? 501. So 2024, we had 592. Today, we have 501. Chief, how many contacts has the PD had roughly, not exact but a rough number, or if you have the exact numbers have we had with um the homeless population your agency your department your colt

all the officers i think on any any given day considering that we have anywhere between uh 15 000 calls or incidents generated uh monthly uh in every month anywhere between 13 000 and 15 000 A majority of our contacts are regarding quality of life. I would say at least half of that or even if it's 30% of that, that's going to bring us at least to about what, 3,000, over 3,000, 3,500 a month contacted.

That creates an incident. Doesn't mean that every person we contact we arrest. So it's safe to estimate anywhere about 4,000 a month.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

And what are the hours that CULT works, please?

I don't have the exact hours, but I have a team that starts early in the morning that works, I believe, between 5 or 6 in the morning, and they work 10 hours from there. And I have an afternoon team that works later in the evening into the night.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

I think it's from like 6 a.m. to midnight. At least that's what I believe I was told.

They've adjusted. It's now 6 to 11. 6 to 11, okay. CityNet was working until 9. We've adjusted CityNet to 11 to work with Colt officers as well the entire duration of their daily activities.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

And Ken, when did you make that adjustment?

When did we make it?

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

Within the last two weeks. Okay. Thank you, Chief. Thank you, Ken. So my last question, then I will open it up again. I'm sure other people have questions. I am asking these questions because I want the community to understand how much money the City of Santa Ana has put forward to assist the homeless population and offer their services, mental health services, shelter. And once they get to our shelter, I would hope, because that's the whole point of the shelter, that we get them on their feet, provide educational services, drug testing, drug and

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

alcohol program, college, high school diploma, employment, all those things. So just a few months ago is when our work center started to go there to offer employment. So prior to that, they basically again, because I know for a fact, sat on their bed and had three hots and a cock.

Correct? We implemented a move-in, move-up program in 2025 to move into our shelter and move move up into housing or other type of resource. About 120 days ago. Yes.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

Roughly. Okay. So my final question, on page 8, I hope it's my final question. On page 8, the age between 18 and 34, there was 77 people that you made contact with or they answered your question. Did you ask the question of how many of the 22 and below 18 aged out of foster care or placement? We did not. Can you please add that to your list of questions the next time you do this? Surely. Because it's very important that we find out how many have aged out of foster care because there are programs that can be offered to them.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

and i would hope that you would reach out to the county to ask what is available for our tay youth right and so i know they were opening um an apartment on beaulieu street in santa rita

correct it's not open yet it's not open yet and uh olive crest i believe is doing one on fourth street

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

yes yes and when will that one be open

the last time i heard how things were going within the next six to eight months

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

Councillor Osanic. So we have one opening on 4th Street for transitional age youth by Olive Crust. That's correct. And then we are contracting with the Illumination Foundation for the Bewley Street Apartments. That's correct. For transitional age youth, which will be seniors with transitional age youth.

Yes.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

There will be a case manager on site at all times, correct? That's correct. Okay. So that's a really good question to ask because I just want to make sure that at 18 years years old and you're already on the street full time, their needs are very different. And I'm sure there's a lot of terrible things that happen on the street anyways, but we're talking children that were either in group homes through the probation department or Orangewood and they've aged out and they definitely need assistance. And the VAs, I believe you said there's 15 that were contacted, Ken, is that correct roughly? I'm not looking through the numbers.

I think it was 25 this year.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

Did we connect them with VA services?

It went from 15 to 25. Those individuals have been attempted to be plugged into VA services. The issue generally is that they have issues with how they exited the military, which makes getting them VA access difficult.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

So then can you separate the VA, the actual veterans that are eligible for services and the veterans that are not eligible for services because of their discharge?

I do have those numbers.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

Okay. Do you have them with you?

I'll have to look through here.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

Okay. You can just send them to us. Because that's very important, right? Because if you're discharged, you know, with an honorable discharge, you get the services. Correct. If it's dishonorable, you don't get any services. Correct. Okay.

And Mayor, you are correct. It was 15 in 2025, 21 in 2024.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

Veterans? Yes. Okay. So the numbers have gone up a little bit.

They went down. I'm sorry. They went down from 21 in 2024 to 15.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

Okay, to 15. Thank you. And I know we have our veterans' apartment. I think that's the one that Councilmember Becerra was addressing at the last meeting that has a lot of issues with drug sales and people getting arrested.

We have two. We have Heroes Landing on First Street and we have Estrella Springs on Harbor.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

And since we're addressing the issue of drug use, prostitution or whatever may be going on in those apartments that are meant to be for veterans, I'm sure we'll have some openings that we can place people, is that correct?

That's correct.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

Okay, anybody else have questions? All right, Council Member Lopez?

Jessie LopezItem 4

Yes, thank you. You know, Ken, I think the last time I saw you in this chamber, and I hope I'm wrong, was about two years ago when we were talking about the state study that the state had released. And I'm sure that you already did this, but can you reintroduce yourself to the community and also say your title with the city?

My name is Ken Kaminski. I am a Homeless Services Division Manager working for the City Manager's Office.

Jessie LopezItem 4

Okay. And who else here works under the Homelessness Division or is responsible for helping address this issue?

The other three are in my department. We have a part-time Homeless Services Division Manager. Who's that? One, Montiel, who's a retired sergeant who started SMART and I think spearheaded Colt with Ken Gaminski, our former deputy chief. Then we have two analysts within community development that help with grant management and data collection.

Jessie LopezItem 4

Okay, got it. Thank you. And I think that's important for our residents to know, right, because oftentimes we get emailed about this issue, but we have staff that are supposed to be dedicated to this issue a hundred percent it's legitimately their role here right and you get a paycheck to help address these issues and so you know this is why I said I think the last time I saw you was about two years ago with the state study and so I would love to start seeing more of our staff that are responsible and helping us address this issue be more present in the community or provide the quarterly

Jessie LopezItem 4

updates when it comes to addressing homelessness in our community because I think it's important for them to get to know the work that you all have done and will continue to do in the city. The other thing I wanted to say was you know in the summer I talked about the point-in-time count right and my belief that I don't think it's a sustainable way of collecting data and having a true account of how many people are experiencing homelessness, whether it's because they sleep on a couch or whether it's because they're in an RV or it's because they're in a park or they're in another aspect of the city.

Jessie LopezItem 4

And ultimately, city manager, you know, we talked about this here in the chamber in the summer, and I'm hoping that that's something that you will take into account with the rest of the team that you have in place to help address this issue because I think it's incredibly important that when we are trying to solve issues, not only are we in consensus of the issue itself, the definition of the issue, but the things that are proving to be working and the things that are not working. And so I actually appreciate this is the most detailed presentation that we've ever gotten, that the public has ever received on this issue.

Jessie LopezItem 4

And so I appreciate it. and part of the data that people collected in the point in time count, right, reflects the trend that the state released two years ago of who were the demographics that were quickly being pushed into homelessness. And it was two demographics, and one of those demographics is your elderly community, 65 plus, right? You saw that difference here, that it is growing in homelessness and that was the trend two years ago that we discussed in this chamber you know when we said you know elderly people are quickly falling into homelessness for many reasons because

Jessie LopezItem 4

their SSI checks do not cover their entire monthly rent because they've lost somebody they've lost a partner and they no longer can live on their own or for whatever reason right and so I think it's I think it's important that we continue to look at that because that study also had a full index of solutions that local jurisdictions could implement to reduce homelessness and to really help end street homelessness And so I encourage you again to look through those solutions and to bring some of those solutions forward

Jessie LopezItem 4

You don't have to wait for somebody to write a council member requested item to implement good policy good policy that has been proven to work in other jurisdictions. And so I hope you'll take a look at that again. The other issue I wanted to talk about, or not issue, but I wanted to get clarity with the 100 time, 120 timeline. If in 120 days, I happen to be, you know, my time is up, right? I'm homeless, I'm working part time, I've been at the shelter for 120 days, you can't give me a voucher, you can't place me anywhere, Where do I go?

If they are working a program, we do have leniency where we can allow them to stay a little longer, correct?

Jessie LopezItem 4

And so me having not being considered homeless is really at the discretion of staff. staff?

The shelter has an established 120-day timeframe. Right. Which is consistent with virtually every other emergency shelter throughout the state. If you have a shelter that doesn't have a timeline associated with it, the Housing First model which is forced upon our communities or any community that accepts HHAP or PLHA money that model says that for no reason can you exit anybody from anywhere once you've put them someplace the only way that every emergency shelter within the entire state of California regulates how long

people can stay within shelters is to establish a timeline. Most emergency shelters have timelines that are 60 to 90 days. Ours is 120 days because we believe that our population is very difficult and as they are service resistant to get them into shelter it generally takes them longer. After 120 120 days individuals are exited from the program. If it turns out that that individual would like to come back to the program again because they're showing forward movement, then if there's

availability within the shelter, then they're allowed back in after being exited. Got it.

Jessie LopezItem 4

And I ask that question because to me, right, I don't speak for everybody, but to me it's most, Most, it's more importantly that people are in the shelter or that have access to the shelter, whether there's a 120-day timeline in place or not, which is why I'm asking, what would happen to me if in 120 days you tell me you have to go and there's nowhere you can place me? And also, I would love to know if every exit, because they've met the 120 days, has been

been placed in long-term permanent housing? I can tell you that of the exits that we have had so far, several decided to move in together and share a room. Several decided to reunify with family in other states. And we have had several individuals who prior to their 120 days have chose to leave the shelter and self-exit. Got it.

Jessie LopezItem 4

Okay. The other issue I wanted to talk to you about, city manager, was the creek. We've done, I will say, you know, it's incredible to see the difference five years from, you know, when we first started this really focused work in the creek, You know, and the City of Santa Ana did a lot back then to be proactive and to take on parts of the creek that were not under our jurisdiction. And so that's one of the things that I want to highlight to you is I would love for you to form a relationship with the City of Orange, with the city manager, because when I walk

Jessie LopezItem 4

the creek, when a lot of my constituents walk the creek, we can see the difference in the jurisdictions. And there's obviously signs that say, right, this is welcome to Orange. This part is especially under the underpass. And so I think about three years ago, you know, I sat here and I said I would love for the city to acquire that piece of property under the underpass. Because even though it's not in our jurisdiction, we were already cleaning that piece of property. We were already making sure that it was safe for our constituents to use.

Jessie LopezItem 4

and so I think it would be incredibly important to bring in Orange, the City of Orange, so that we can work together because it's not just the NANU residents that use the creek or use the park, it's our constituents too. I see it when we do park cleanups, I see it when we're out there during lunch and I think it would be beneficial to both of our communities for them to also be be aware of the issues that are going on and perhaps even establish a schedule where if the City of Orange is going to clean under the freeway underpass, perhaps we have Caltrans

Jessie LopezItem 4

coming in and cleaning under the freeway underpass, the City of Sonana cleaning under the freeway underpass. But again, so that it is not just us doing that work. I don't have to want to text you on a Saturday morning pictures of look at what's here, right? And so again, I bring that up because it's not in our jurisdiction, but we have been very very proactive about doing that cleanup and enforcement in the park and it's been really great to see that change and so I would like to continue that to stay on that positive track.

The other issue I wanted or not issue but

Jessie LopezItem 4

Let's see. Oh, the other thing I wanted to also note was for us, for the data to tell us like who is transitioning, like the Mayor said, out of the foster care system, since that was the other demographic that, you know, two years ago we were notified that would essentially increase, eventually increase. And so I would love to continue to figure out not just the data collection part of it, but how are we implementing what we're learning and what the data is telling us, right? Because obviously we don't want our elderly community struggling out in the streets. If we can build affordable housing, we should do that.

Jessie LopezItem 4

That should be a no-brainer. That should not be anything dramatic. That should not be something that is contentious because ultimately what do we care about? It's solving this issue. So thank you.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

Thank you, Council Member Lopez. Council Member Hernandez.

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 4

Thank you. Thank you, Madam Mayor. I'll be brief with my comments. Thank you, Ken Gaminski, for your work that you're doing in the city, and thank you to the City Manager's Office for giving us a very thorough update. I just want to reemphasize the importance to our City Manager that our shelter continue to have a housing-first approach. We don't want to add to the homelessness crisis that is already happening across this country. And so it is important that we have expectations on families who need shelter in our city to be minimal, to be transparent, and to be reasonable without any potential barriers to entry such as sobriety.

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 4

We know that homelessness is a traumatic experience for people to sleep on the street. and oftentimes when people do sleep on the street, they turn to substances. So if anything, when we do have people who do come to this shelter who are struggling with substance abuse disorders, that provides us the opportunity and the framework to truly actually help them. We can use the drug test as an opportunity to come closer. We can use the drug test as a trigger to get them referrals to detox clinics. We can use the adverse drug test

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 4

to trigger drug counseling, you know, rehabilitation, supportive services, we can have a very fundamentally different approach to that crisis, and we can solve that issue. For the folks that are ready to work, that do have their right-to-work documents, Social Security, driver's license, ID, those are the folks we want to do more intensive case management with. Weekly case management, you're sitting down with them over several hours throughout the week helping them apply for jobs helping them update their resume um following up with them

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 4

and hey if you haven't got a response in that job let's send an email let's get a call and we work with them we hold their hand until they're employed and then they're sheltered and then those families where there's more barriers like substance abuse we got to work with them that's why there's 30 million dollars in our budget um i think that all of us here want the same thing we want a shelter where people feel safe. And it's not all the time where, you know, if you're around substances, you're going to feel safe. But we are in the area of service here. We're a government. So that means sometimes we're going to have to help people

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 4

through their toughest times. And substance abuse is a disorder for a reason. So I just want to reemphasize the importance of having compassion in, you know, the services that we are implementing and that we implement a ethical drug testing strategy. One where we are not discriminating people and I think some of those key principles for ethical implementation are gonna be clear policies. You've communicated that very clearly. Our shelter is a no alcohol, no drug use shelter. Which means we encourage voluntary participation when we ask people to drug test. If they do have an adverse drug test,

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 4

I wouldn't want to have a punitive approach to their first error. I would want us to approach that with case management, connecting them to drug counseling, detox clinics, what have you. So that's just some direction I want to provide to the city manager's office, and that will be my final comment. Thank you, sir.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

Thank you, Councilman Hernandez. Mayor Pro Tem?

Benjamin VazquezItem 4

Thank you so much. I do appreciate the comments of all the council members and the mayor, and how difficult the situation is. Thank you for the thorough presentation. This is a complicated issue, and every demographic is a little different to resolve their issues for them and take them out of houselessness. So it is different for every person that you take out. So I appreciate all the work and everything the mayor mentioned of how we're helping each people. I want to note that we did drop 15% of houseless people in Santa Ana and across the state.

Benjamin VazquezItem 4

You know the numbers across the state, Garcia? No. Like 5%. I was trying to do some research. And not every city has gone down. If they did, there's like five or 10. Santa Ana is pretty high, given the services that we're giving as well. So given as much work and as much investment we give in, I know there's many issues we can resolve to make better, especially for the elderly, especially for women who have gone through domestic violence or foster children. As we get more intricate, as we resolve these issues, we get better at it.

Benjamin VazquezItem 4

So I'm looking forward to another drop next year as we've shared the information. The more data we get, the better we can resolve for these issues. So I appreciate the work that you have put forward, Vice-Chief. Looking forward to better work in the future. Thank you.

CHAIRPERSON WONG.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

Thank you, Mayor Proctor. Councilmember Becerra, please.

CHAIRPERSON WONG.

Phil BacerraItem 4

Thank you, Madam Mayor. So this wasn't covered in tonight's presentation, but it was something that was brought up, and the Mayor kind of briefly mentioned this, and that is, so back in October when we had at our meeting, direction was given to post the calls for service quarterly for each of the permanent supportive housing unit developments here in our city. And I asked for them to be placed on the community development agency's page and on the PD's page so that the data was very readily available. I checked both those sites today and I did not see anything. So my question to you, Director Garcia, is will I see those?

Phil BacerraItem 4

will the community see those postings by the end of this year they will yes okay so we heard that

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

everybody heard that great thank you was that it councilman so i just have um final comment um thank you councilmember lopez for bringing up seniors um when someone is wheelchair bound what What do we do? Because we receive, I'm sure everybody up here does, but I receive a lot of emails about some of the homeless that we see on the street every single day, the same people. What do we do with those that are wheelchair bound?

We do have accessible restrooms and shower facilities. No, Mike, what I want to know. Mike, hold on. Okay.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

Where do you place them when you're trying to find them housing? Or do they just stay with us?

I'll turn that over again. So individuals that go into any emergency shelter have to do what's called their ADLs. That's the ability to go to the bathroom, clean themselves, take showers by themselves. Individuals that are incapable of performing their ADLs can't go to virtually any emergency shelter. The response is always an attempt to try to get them into some type of recuperative care facility.

At a recuperative care facility, they're to be put into a position where they can improve from whatever is keeping them from completing their ADLs so that they'll be able to move on to something else. If there are issues and problems in finding recuperative care facilities, in the past that has been extremely difficult.

However, recuperative care is a growing market within Orange County with a lot more recuperative beds open because recuperative care is financed through medical fees and is not straight homeless money. So if we find people in wheelchairs and they are not capable of doing their ADLs, then we would attempt to get them into recuperative care if they're willing to go. So if they are unwilling to go, and there are numerous people that we all see every

day who are unwilling to do that, the only thing that is possible is to have some government agent perform a 5150 and make them gravely disabled, unable to care for their own safety, and then place them. And out of that 5150 hold, the hope would be they would be sent to recuperative care. But if that person is on the street and they don't want help short of 5150,

we cannot force them into services or anywhere else.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

Thank you for that explanation. So for the community listening at home, What is the ADL?

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

For the community what, ma'am? At home? Yes. You used the alphabet, Supra, ADL, ADS. What does that mean? What does that stand for? So I want them to understand what that means.

Activities for daily living?

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

Daily living. So basically, the daily living, if they cannot care for themselves, they go to recuperative care?

Yes.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

Okay. And so, the CityNet, take them them there, the city staff take them there, the PD?

Who takes them there? For the most part, if anybody is to be transported either to shelter or to a program or recuperative care, it is our hope that CityNet will transport. That's because CityNet is much cheaper than law enforcement, and law enforcement needs to focus on what they're best at, which is law enforcement, not transportation services.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

Councillor Osanic Thank you. Mr. City Manager, I really want to just say thank you for this presentation. As Council Member Lopez had stated earlier, I know when I was first elected, we were doing these, I believe, quarterly, and then it said we're going to do them every six months, and then they just fell off, and we didn't get these updates anymore. And so I would appreciate it if we get them twice a year, I mean, at minimum.

Alvaro NuñezItem 4

So I think when we started, I think part of the issues that we had, and you saw it today, day, right? Both Council Member Lopez mentioned, you mentioned it, that there's this disconnection, right? So if you notice, this year we worked very hard to make sure we introduce new processes, right? Even if they seem some recent within two weeks and the stuff with the 120 days, right? There's stuff we've been working on this whole year to ensure that our presentation is a little bit more in depth than just the quarterly report you were getting before and then having

Alvaro NuñezItem 4

the same type of discussion as the stuff that apparently we as staff kept missing. Hopefully today at least we acknowledge that that we have added a lot more services, a lot more stringent requirements, a lot more requirements and expectation within our shelter and we're working better with other uh our non-profits and even trying to work with the county. So when we question like you thought what are we going to do with the person in the the wheelchair right we can't guarantee immediate action right or guarantee that that person would get help right and it's a multitude of factors but but at

Alvaro NuñezItem 4

least that's the key so we commit as part of the direction to do two presentations a year and hopefully show that growth in communication again working with the city of orange working with the county working with the nonprofits that's the key for us how do we expand and keep increasing and showing a sense of improvement within how we produce and how we affect this assistance with shelter and the unsheltered.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

No, and I agree with you and thank you very much because it was a very thorough presentation and we haven't had it, I think Council Member Lopez, for like two years. And so this is very thorough and I'm pleased with it. And we've had many meetings about this. I know I've asked for them and asked for very clear information. And you mentioned the county and that was not mentioned by Mr. Garcia or Ken earlier about the county and they also have a responsibility my biggest frustration and all the emails that I receive and neighborhood association meetings and business meetings and coffee with the mayor meetings faith-based meetings is

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

that Santa Ana bears the brunt of everything we're responsible for all the homeless people and that's what people think in our community that we take everybody right they get out of the jail they come to us and I don't know that that that's necessarily true. You know, they come from out of state, they stay here. They came looking for drugs, they come here. So, and the changes you've made at the shelter, thank you, because that was, those were many conversations about what is truly wraparound services. And if you're saying we're spending, we're not spending 30 million a year, and Council Member Hernandez mentioned that,

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

that's not what we're spending every year. Are we, Mr. City Manager? That was just a purchase and...

Alvaro NuñezItem 4

That was the user purchase, what, four or five years ago. So the item that he indicated where, one, how we do illumination foundation within the shelter, and then also contract with CityNet. Does this come into addressing law enforcement, public works, or court enforcement as it relates to some of these cult actions?

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

So the item that's on the agenda today that we'll look at in a few minutes is if we accept the HHOP money again.

Alvaro NuñezItem 4

We should accept it.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

I'm just saying if the votes are there, then we'll have money to provide vouchers again, Section 8 housing, do more work at the shelter.

Alvaro NuñezItem 4

Exactly. Is that correct?

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

And as far as the drug testing, I don't want anybody in the community or for you or Ken or anybody to think that I want everybody drug tested and kicked out. However, I do want people to not go into our shelter and sit on a bed for 365 days watching their favorite novella or their show and we're feeding them every day and they're not motivated elevated to do anything because when I was elected, that's what was happening. They sat on their bed. They did nothing, nothing, Mr. Garcia, nothing. We had this conversation. They waited for their Section 8 voucher. I think I fell out of my chair when you shared that with me.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

Like, they waited. So, yeah, if we're going to have a shelter and we're going to take this responsibility on, let's provide the services to get people back on their feet. That's the goal. We want them to get back on their feet, get the help that they need and become responsible again and reunite with their families or whatever it may be and become drug free. And I understand if they have severe mental health issues, we get them into a program. Is that correct?

Mayor Redekopal We connect them with the county who runs the mental health services for the County of Orange. Yes. Councillor Osanic Can you make sure you put those numbers in

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

here, what the county provides to us, please? The next presentation. Mayor Redekopal How many people? I want to know what the County of Orange under our supervisors providing to us as a city of Santa assistance for homeless Okay, can you add that in there, please? I'm gonna just end with this. So I think you know, Mr See your staff and everybody. I know that I was at an event and one of the Colt corporals and met Salvation Army and that's how they started working with with CULT and coming out. They said, yeah, we'd love to come out and help. And I mentioned Salvation Army before.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

Because it's not just CityNet or Illumination Foundation or a couple of our city staff that does the work. CULT has made from January 1st of 2025 to December 1st of 2025, 3,800 contacts on the street. Let me say that again, 3,800 contacts.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

And the number of people that they have taken to shelters with cult involvement is 380.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

They've done warm handoffs to CityNet and they've done direct placements to Salvation Army and five have had successful family reunification with assistance of CityNet. And then there's the numbers of arrests. And why do I share that with the community is because it takes a village as we always we say. It's CityNet. It's City Staff, Mike's division, City Manager, and it's also our police department with Colt and the leadership of our chief and the two corporals that are out there now. And I think we have 12 officers out there. Is that correct, Chief? 10 or 12?

It's either 10 or 12.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

So they're out there every day. And so they are addressing the needs of the community community because we get calls every single day for this homeless person. They're running around naked, this homeless person defecating on somebody's yard, this homeless person is assaulting somebody. So everybody's out there doing the best they can. And so I just want to say, Mr. City Manager, thank you because I know you've made this a priority. But I want us in the community to know that how can we... I mean, that's a question for you, you don't have to answer tonight. tonight, how do we keep funding all of this?

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

It's a question we could talk about at the next budget. I want to help. I'm sure everybody up here does. I can't speak for them. But how are we going to keep funding this? Once HHAP is gone, what are we going to do? And so that's a conversation for a later date. But the homeless issue is in our city. We have more homeless than anybody, I think. Am I correct, Ken? Yes. And so we keep bearing the brunt of everything. We're like Mikey in the cereal. We carry it all. So I would hope, Mr. City Manager, and I know that you are, working with the county supervisor

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

and the county agency to see what they can also provide for us as the county seat to address this homeless issue. Yes, Ken.

I would be remiss if we didn't talk about what Public Works has done throughout throughout the year as part of their participation in the homeless responses. Thank you for mentioning that. We encourage everybody to routinely report issues by way of the My Santa Ana app. So far this year, Public Works teams have responded to 11,246 My Santa Ana apps. That's roughly 1,023 My Santa Ana apps per month.

While so doing, they have picked up over 6,240 tons of trash. Now, I had to look and see that one ton equals 2,000 pounds. As such, I did the math, 6,240 tons times 2,000 pounds is 12,480,000 pounds of trash and debris off of the streets of Santa Ana. That's what our public works team has done. It's not clean trash.

It's trash. It's trash and debris. Yeah. And they deserve recognition for the fantastic work that they do in support of CityNet and the police department 365 days a year.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

Thank you, Ken, for mentioning that. And Public Works, thank you very much for all the work that you do. Thank you. Appreciate it. I believe somebody mentioned that we pick up enough trash as a city to cover Eddie Westville three times. I think, is that what we said, Rudy? Something like that. And so thank you, Public Works, very much because it is not just trash. It's needles. It's clothes. You know, just awful stuff. And so thank you very much. Can you give me the My Santa app number again, please? 11,000?

The number of apps, ma'am?

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

That they've called 11,000.

Let me find my cheat sheet.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

And the only reason I'm asking for this information so the community can hear it because, again, Again, the emails that come in of the city doesn't do anything or thank you, city, or the PD doesn't do anything or thank you, PD. I want people to understand how much work is truly being done.

According to Santa Ana Public Works, who reports out on the My Santa Ana apps, they have responded to 11,246 My Santa Ana apps year to date.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

Perfect. Thank you very much. All right. There's no other comments. Thank you, Mr. Garcia. Thank you, Ken. Thank you, Mr. City Manager. I'm sorry. Oh, yes. Go ahead, Council Member Lopez. Yeah.

Jessie LopezItem 4

Just quickly, I wanted to share with you, Ken, and with the City Manager that starting in January, I can't remember the name of the bill, but the county can start to hold people gravely disabled and that are, you know, proven to be on substance abuse and that are experiencing all those issues. So they can, they will be able to do that, and I really encourage you to sit down and have a conversation to figure out how we're going to work together to maximize all the tools in the toolbox.

Alvaro NuñezItem 4

So we are in communication with Supervisors of Mieto's office exactly to deal with the details on that new bill coming into effect in January.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

Excellent, thank you. Can you please provide a presentation so the community understands?

Alvaro NuñezItem 4

Once we get the details.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

Great, thank you. All right. Let's move on now. Okay. Thank you, Mr. City Manager. Madam City Attorney, do you have anything to report out of closed session?

Sonia R. CarvalhoItem 4

Mayor, Council Members, and members of the public, I do have one item of reportable action. We had several closed session items this evening with respect to item number two. By a vote of five to zero with Council Members Hernandez and Lopez absent, the City Council authorized the City Attorney's Office to file a drug den abatement and red light abatement action concerning the property which is the sun sunshine village and that's all the reportable

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

action that i have thank you madam city attorney this is the time of the meeting for the city council to receive comments from the public on agenda non-agenda items madam city clerk please explain the public comment procedures and call the first speakers thank you mayor pursuant to

Jennifer L. HallItem 4

resolution number 2025-004 speakers are requested to address the city council directly and to to refrain from profane language, racial epithets, and libelous or slanderous statements that disturb the decorum of the meeting. Pursuant to the Brown Act, the City Council may not enter into discussion at this time. Speakers will have three minutes for their comments. Before calling speakers, I'll report on the summary of emails provided as of today at 2 p.m. We received a total of eight e-comments on non-agenda topics. Those were distributed to the City Council and posted online for public review.

Jennifer L. HallItem 4

We'll now hear from members of the public that are physically present in the Council Council Chamber followed by those on the conference call or Zoom to provide comments on agenda or non-agenda items. When you approach the podium, please state your name and the ward or neighborhood that you reside in for the record. I'll be calling three names at a time. When you hear your name, if you could please line up in the center aisle behind the podium. Susana Rios, Bruce Senator, and Melissa Aburto.

Hello. My name is Susana. My last name is Rios. I live in Ward 5. I'm born and raised here in Santa Ana and I just want to first of all thank you, Valerie, for all your hard work, everything you do. I appreciate you. I love you. Thank you so much and thanks for everybody up here. I wanted to thank you for everything you guys have done. Chief, you're doing an amazing job. And I want to thank you guys. I wanted to come up here today because this weekend I was driving down Civic Center and

I was headed to have dinner with Cecilia Aguinaga, which is the owner of the Corner Market. I happened to be passing by and I see F Troop really big. that is my neighborhood. The writing was super beautiful, an artist did that work. But it's not something we want to see because we all know what it brings to our city. And it really hurts me, but I called and I wanted to come here today because I wanted to thank our police department. Because in less than 15 to 20 minutes, it got painted. I went to the My Santa Ana app and I reported it on the

graffiti i called my mayor i texted our chief and business got taken care of and i appreciate it because that is the hard work that people don't recognize in our city and there's changes and i hear multiple multiple people complaining but when you're born and raised here and you see what an improvement it's been now we're appreciated and somebody needs to come up and thank you guys for it and thank you but at the same time I am very honored

to be a part of a event that we're having on Friday and this event is the Christmas caroling from the Romero Cruz course the Romero Cruz kids are gonna be be out and they're going to be doing the Christmas caroling. But I spoke with Lucy because she called me, which is from Articia Pilar. And she tells me, okay, we're doing all this. I still need other people in different blocks. So we get all that information. But as we're having that, she tells tells me, I just hope I don't get shot.

And for somebody who has a family member who was shot, who's no longer with us, it really hurts that at 56, that's still our conversation and what we're crying about, and it really hurts. And then I tell her, well, I don't feel like that because I think I could walk in my neighborhood and I don't fear that.

Besides everything I've gone through.

Jennifer L. HallItem 4

Susan, I know your time is up.

But, thank you.

Good evening, Bruce Senator from Ward 6. I submitted four documents earlier this afternoon. The first one was regarding the potential ballot initiative. I did notice this evening that I submitted one one that was not the latest revision, so I will be submitting an update and I'll change the date for December the 3rd. There is an additional section that we're going to ask to amend the city charter and it has to do with the revenues that would be generated from public-private participation for sports complexes and sports parks, so that'll be posted tomorrow. The second one here is involving the people assisting

persons who are homeless on the railroad rights-of-ways. And as I posted here, you have one of the members that you spoke regarding Teen Challenge a couple months ago, and he's out there giving the Mayor's name saying that she approves it, which is not true. And so we need to have some way of seeing that these groups are properly registered with OC Health, and through that registration they're trained on how to give out food and clothes and separately to be permitted by the city so the city can show them where and and when they're allowed to do it, so it's done in a safe manner. Because right now they're out there in that filth

and disease-laden railroad rights-of-ways with boxes handing out food and clothes. And it's just very unsafe, very unsanitary. And then the third thing here goes back to what I talked about with 49 U.S.C. 201-51. And when you read the language of that, of that federal legislation, There is an opportunity here for the city attorney, Ms. Carbajo, to get together with county council and to work on language from the county side and the city side to see about passing ordinances which would require the rights of ways to be fenced and gated with

anticlimbing, anticutting fencing material and gates that can be closed, which would would prevent access from anybody except for those in the train, then they could open the gates and close them. So we need to look at that, because there could be a way of passing an ordinance and then enforcing it upon the transportation companies. And then there's another issue here regarding parking. There is, of course, a parking problem throughout our city. And there's also an issue of you're using street parking and park parking, which has caused a lot of convolution. pollution. And so there's ways of looking at it.

And I'm thinking if we have a one parking rule and we use parking permits, and then we work on a program on limiting the number of cars that you can have in a particular residence based on the size of the residence, and then use the rights of ways that are not used for railroads as vehicle parks so that we can move parks, cars from the streets, STREETS OVER CREDIT STREETS INTO THESE CONTROLLED VEHICLE PARKS. IT'S SOMETHING FOR THE CITY TO LOOK FORWARD TO. FIRST, YOUR TIME IS UP. THANK YOU.

Jennifer L. HallItem 4

NEXT SPEAKER IS MELISSA ABERTO, BRIAN LEOS AND ALICIA ROJAS.

GOOD AFTERNOON, MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS. MY NAME IS MELISSA AND I RESIDE IN WARD FOUR. I'M HERE TO EXPRESS MY GRATITUDE TO THE MAYOR AND THE CITY STAFF FOR THE RECENT MEETING REGARDING THE ISSUES WITH OUR ORGANIZATION. CATHERINE, THANK YOU FOR YOUR PROP RESPONSE. THIS IS MORE THAN JUST A facility issue it's about investing in proven success i am proud to recognize our u14 u16 and u19 teams for their championship victories this holiday season especially their remarkable win over f over fc dallas and mls franchise team these teams are bringing expedit expectational

recognition to our city these champions deserve facilities in our city to match their world-class level of talent and commitment we urge you to continue prioritizing the necessity improvements to to ensure their safety and success thank you for your support and we wish you a wonderful christmas and a happy new year with your loved ones

good afternoon mayor and city council my name is brian leos and i reside in ward 4. First of all, I want to say I hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving. Now, I'm here today to thank you, Mayor and City Manager, and all your city staff for the meeting that we had not too long ago. It went really well, and now that the meeting has taken place, we have revised all the list of items that we will send to staff. Once again, thank you, Mayor and City Manager, for taking the time to meet with us.

I also want to share that this past Saturday and Sunday we had a tournament with our U16s and it was the Thanksgiving tournament and I'm proud to say that we won. I also want to say, lastly, I want to say that on November 1st and November 2nd, our teams, our U14s, our U16s, and our U19s, we went to Coachella and we participated in the tournament called the O6. Day of the Dead tournament. And our U14s, they beat all of their teams in the bracket, and they're all from Coachella.

And our U16s, you already know, you already know.

And our U16s merged with our U19s, and I'm proud to say that we did beat FC Dallas, an MLS franchise that they merged with Coachella FC. Lastly, I just want to say thank you again, City Manager and his staff and to you, Mayor. And I wish all of you guys, the City Council members, the City staff and City Manager, a wonderful Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thank you, guys.

Jennifer L. HallItem 4

Alicia Rojas, Daniel Diaz, Danielle Cano.

Good evening, Mayor Mezcua and Council members and staff. My name is Alisa Rojas, local artist, Ward 6, speaking on behalf of the Restore Art grant recipients, Rayo Reyes, Marina Aguilera, Roberto Del Hoyo, and OC Fine Arts Studio. You should have received our signed letter earlier today via public comment. First, I want to say thank you. We are sincerely grateful that this council invested in public art and moved this program forward after approving funding back in 2022. Your leadership has made restoration possible, so we're already making history. But tonight we must address something very serious.

Last week, old Restore Art grantees received a third contract from the Arts and Culture Department requiring us to waive our federal visual artist rights of our protections. This waiver would allow the city to remove, alter, or even destroy murals at its sole discretion, including murals on private property, which is confusing. This is not limited. This is not standard. This is not maintenance. this is a total federal rights surrender and what makes this especially troubling in Santa Ana's documented history Chicano Gothic as you know was nearly demolished last year during the Memorial Park remodel until the

community intervened in 1999 Sergio Cadiz stood outside this very building publicly mourned the partial destruction of his concrete relief mural at City Hall thrown down by the city without notice and Marina Aguilera's 1976 1976 Salvador Park mural, the very one she won this grant to restore, was stand-blasted by the city in the early 1980s. This is a pattern. Decades of mural loss, no accountability, and no protections. And now the city is asking us through the Arts and Culture Department to waive the very rights meant to prevent this exact history. The process itself has also been troubling.

The restore grant was three years late. The city did not follow its own timeline. staff did not respond to emails and phone calls to artists for months, over four months. We were issued three different contracts, the first with wrong names and Navarra waiver, the second corrected and signed by all of us, and the third in November reinstating the same waiver staff had already admitted it was a mistake. This shows not only a lack of understanding, but a lack of care and respect for artists. and we must be honest right now, we cannot trust the Arts and Culture Office to do the right thing

because Santa Ana still has no preservation guidelines, no policies, no procedures, no funding for public art maintenance, and a department that consistently fails to communicate with artists, even with its own commissioners, is simply unacceptable. For years, this department has failed to follow basic best practices under the Brown Act, regularly omitting public comments for many minutes withholding staff reports and advancing decisions without Commission review including the recent failed culture arts district proposal so when our department clearly lacks structure and what feels like apathy to most of us and they want artists to

surrender their federal rights we cannot accept it tonight we ask for one clear action please direct the city manager and city attorney to remove the borrower

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

waiver and issue a new contract. Your time is up ma'am thank you so very much.

Jennifer L. HallItem 4

Daniel Diaz, Danielle Cano, Carl Benninger.

Hello I'm Daniel Diaz of the Santa Nero so most of you might know who I am but But I'm basically here just to talk about my pending PRA requests that have been pending since May and June and August. So I've already been in contact with the city manager. I texted her, I guess, what, November? And she said, hey, we'll give you an update soon. And of those pending requests, several of them were updated to give me a later date in December. one of which has not been given any update at all.

And, you know, these, I know the requirements for PRAs are up to 14 days and then you get an extension. But all these are over at least 60 days, 90 days, 120 days. So I'm just saying I need to get this information because I've been waiting patiently.

I'm still waiting on answers from the people who are supposed to respond to the press. From Paul and from the police department, homegirl, I forgot her name. But I'm still waiting on all my answers to my almost 100 questions from what happened in June. and you know I'm trying to get it all together because I'm trying to get information from both sides of what happened because I was clearly there at the protests but I can't write an article on what happened if I don't have

the other point of view and especially what happened on June 12th at like midnight right there on 4th and main you know the cops pulled up the in the SWAT team they just shot at the crowd that didn't have any sort of antagonizing and throw anything at them they were just protesting on the sidewalk and I have asked for body cam footage of that incident I've been denied four times because of some investigative code I mean I've asked for a case number who's running the investigate nothing so I need this information ASAP just straight Straight up.

So, yeah. If Santa was here, he'd sit on his lap and ask for the city to give me this information that I've been patiently waiting on for almost six months. So please, just give me what I'm asking. And if you deny it, cool, but give me a better reason than just hiding behind state laws. because the city is when I write that article it's gonna say they didn't respond because of this and based on my what I was witnessed I'm also gonna write that and I want to be fair so please work with me.

Jennifer L. HallItem 4

Daniel your time is up.

I'm not that.

Jennifer L. HallItem 4

Danielle Cano. Carl Benninger.

.

I don't like public speaking, but hi, my name is Danielle, and the last time I stood here, I told you about how ice in the share was broken to the wrong apartment and terrorized an elderly couple who were just trying to live their lives. I'm here again because the violence didn't stop. It actually multiplied and evolved, and it came for us. On October 25th, I drove up to an unmarked car and a federal agent named Aaron pulled a gun on me. It felt like three guns. That's what it felt like, three guns aimed at my life. My body went numb and my voice dropped into stutters in my lisp. Cold sweat ran down my back.

My hands tightened around the wheel and I began shaking because my body recognized the harm before my mind fully processed what was happening. but all I knew was that one wrong move, that's all it would have taken. I could see in his eyes he was contemplating, shoot or don't shoot. I was so lucky to drive away. I am not special. I am one of the many women, many citizens, and many humans who have been stared at a weapon pointed at a federal officer for doing absolutely nothing wrong. I didn't cry until I went to Santa Ana PD to file a police report. To put my fear on record, and they slammed the door on me.

No paper, no pen, no accountability, just silence. The days later after this happened, another U.S. citizen named Carlos was shot, and again, federal agents twisted the story to justify their violence. This is the pattern that we've been seeing. Violence first, the story later. Then it happened again to another unarmed woman in Santa Ana. And if you think it stops there, let me tell you about an incident that happened in San Bernardino. On August 16th, a U.S. Customs and Border Patrol officer opened fire on Francisco Longoria's truck.

While his family was inside, neither the police department nor the district attorney opened an investigation into the unlawful detention of gunfire. The article read, from a deputy chief of Los Angeles Police Department, he said, If a civilian had fired into a truck with a family inside, charges would be swift. When government agents do it, silence is the response. That is not the rule of law. That is the rule of impunity. This is coming from inside the system. So when law enforcement leaders say it's impunity, you know the rod is deep.

After that, I experienced a strange dance with death where I felt watched, followed, and the quiet threat set... Sorry, I want to watch my time, but...

I'm done pretending any of this is normal, and I'm tired of this evil. I'm tired of watching our own men and women being turned into agents of fear I'm tired of seeing young men like Aaron being shaped into obedient weapons for someone else's profit profit Aaron looks like somebody I went to school with that's the guy who pointed the gun at me I have a lot of empathy for him. I feel awful that he's in this position, too But the federal government bricked his brain so hard. He looked at me like I was a threat like my existence was dangerous

Daniel your time is up time, but yeah, it was just that's a bummer

Thank you.

Jennifer L. HallItem 4

Carl Benninger.

Thank you. This is the last meeting of this year. I just want to take a moment to thank all of you for your time and effort to the council. I moved in Santa Ana in 1979, and I saw a dip and I seen it come back. And I think the quality through the city is improved immensely. I want to thank the police department because you brought security to the city when I remember people bringing in bags of bullets just in the neighborhoods of this wild gunfire on weekends and we don't have that anymore. I really want to thank the fire department.

I think OCTA did not get proper recognition last January and there's a reason why Orange County didn't suffer the same fate as LA. It was because talking with the chief was interesting hearing stories of how they prepared versus all the horror stories you hear coming out of LA. So I want to thank them and hope they're prepared this year for when the winds begin. I also want to remind this council as we have time off now and time to think, I want to ask for your help again because we have a law right now with immigration. Now is the time to push citizenship.

I know many of you here, some of you up here do not believe in citizenship, but it is a pathway. And I know that Vince Sarmento was pictured going to Santa Ana College, talking to a class of people that were becoming citizens. And he called them brave, and they were, because during all the riots, they were there getting their citizenship. I call them smart, because now they're enjoying the same benefits that I have and that you have because they became a citizen. I love immigrants. I love when they become citizens because it says that they are putting a stake in this country and they

want to be here in this country. They want to be part of this country. But I don't like our folks to say I deserve this, I deserve that and constant complaints. Want to be part of the city, this country, enjoy the benefits, then then become a citizen. And I would like, I hope the city has a way that a person can find out where they can become a citizen, because unfortunately there's too many lawyers out there that take advantage of our immigrants. And so I hope the city will put together a STEP program, identify where they can get their training to become citizens, and the steps to become a citizen.

Because it's not that hard, it's not that expensive, if done the right way. Thank you, and Merry Christmas to everyone.

Jennifer L. HallItem 4

Mayor and City Council, that concludes the public speakers that are present. We'll now begin with 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.

Jennifer L. HallItem 4

William Strand.

William Strand. I'm the civil engineer for the Extra Space Storage Redevelopment Project at 1030 East 4th Street. I just want to let council know I'm available to answer any questions regarding consent item number 37. It's for the vacation at 144 Square Street easement, which was not vacated when Breeden Street right-of-way was vacated. It will remove this small triangle that is no longer needed and allow extra space to fully utilize the Breeden Street right-of-way. Thank you.

Jennifer L. HallItem 4

Aurora Zavala, please unmute and make your comments.

Good evening, mayor and council members. My name is Aurora Zavala and I'm a mom of four girls, three of whom attend King of Kings Christian Academy, a small private school, just minutes from Santa Ana. It's located on Trask and New Hope. I wanted to share with you this incredible nearby option for families. King of Kings serves students from preschool through eighth grade and offers flexible preschool schedules, including half day and full day options and all day kindergarten that has been wonderful for working parents like myself. What makes King of Kings so special isn't just the small caring environment,

it's also one of the most affordable private schools in Orange County, thanks to the church subsidizing tuition to keep it accessible for all families. Our students come from diverse cultural backgrounds and the school embraces that. The kids even sing Spanish and Vietnamese songs during chapel and school events, a beautiful reflection of the community we serve. My girls are thriving and our alumni regularly come back to tell us how more they are prepared for high school, both public and private. King of Kings Christian Academy is a hidden treasure

that we have in the Trask and New Hope neighborhood. And we'd love for Santa Ana families to know what's available so close by. If anyone is interested and would like to do a tour, please call 714-530-2152, or look up King of Kings Christian Academy. Thank you for your time and for all you do for our surrounding communities. Thank you.

Jennifer L. HallItem 4

Mayor and City Council, that concludes the public speakers this evening.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 4

Thank you very much. We're going to go to the consent calendar at this time. Items 5 through 37 are before us. Council members, I'll call upon you and you want to let me know, let Madam Clerk know what you'll be pulling or excuse me, what you'll be abstaining from due to conflict at this time. Mayor Pro Tem.

Councilmember Pan.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 5

Thank you so much. Councilmember Lopez. Oh, she's not here. Councilmember Panalosa.

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 5

Nothing to pull, Mayor. I'll make a motion to approve. I'll second the motion with a no on item 32.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 5

Thank you. I'll support it as well.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 5

Councilman, I'm sorry, Councilmember Fan.

Thai Viet PhanItem 5

Thank you, Mayor. I'd like to recuse myself or I have to recuse myself from number item 18 as the cities of City of Anaheim and Irvine are clients of my employer, Rattan and Tucker, and I will recuse myself from item number 32 as a City of Anaheim. It's also a client of my employer. And after speaking with Madam City Attorney due to some confusion, but I wanted to stay on the record that I was recused from item number three in the closed session agenda as 209 West Civic Center, LLC is a subsidiary of Caribou Industries, which is also a client of my employer, Rattan and Tucker. Thank you.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 5

Thank you very much, Councilmember Becerra.

Phil BacerraItem 5

I'm only going to pull item 18. Sorry, Ty.

That's fine by me.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 5

Okay. There's a motion from Councilmember Penalosa, seconded by Councilmember Hernandez. Let's prepare to vote, please.

Jennifer L. HallItem 5

Motion by Councilmember Penalosa, seconded by Councilmember Hernandez to approve consent calendar items 5 through 37.

Jennifer L. HallItem 5

Councilmember Hernandez?

Jennifer L. HallItem 5

The vote is 6 ayes, no nays with a reported absence by Councilmember Lopez, a no vote on Item Number 32 by Councilmember Hernandez, recusal on Item Number 32 by Councilmember Phan, and Item 18 pulled for separate discussion and consideration. Motion carries.

Jennifer L. HallItem 5

So Mayor, we would go to item number 18. That's correct. Council member, um, Bacera, please.

Phil BacerraItem 5

Thank you, Madam Mayor. So this item is the MOU between the county acting as the admin entity for the County of Orange, Orange County Continuum of Care, City of Anaheim, City of Irvine, and the City of Santa Ana for HAP funding. We heard about that earlier in the, um, homeless presentation. Mr. City Manager, I don't know if you want to have possibly Director Garcia come up, I'm not sure. So this item, in order for us to receive this HAP funding, we have to enter into an MOU.

Phil BacerraItem 5

And the MOU, it states in Article 1, Section 1, Subsection AV, that the City of Santa Ana will continue to provide outreach and engagement services to unsheltered individuals and will exit homeless individuals from the streets by linking persons to shelter and housing within their jurisdiction right keywords within their jurisdiction but subsections a's one through four or 1v does not have that same language for the county the city of anaheim or the city of irvine

Phil BacerraItem 5

Irvine, could you clarify why they don't have that language for their respective jurisdictions?

Yes, Councilmember Mayer, Mayor Pro Tem, and thank you for the question. We enter into a regional memorandum of understanding. However, each jurisdiction must specify how they're going to provide their services. And in particular, with Irvine, they do not contract for outreach and engagement similar to the county, Anaheim, or the city of Santa Ana. And so, there are little changes in the way the language is written.

And the way ours is written allows the city to do family reunification with folks that that maybe have family or relatives that are in another part of the county. And so we can take folks that we encounter to a shelter if they're from San Bernardino to housing with a family or friend and that's what the family reunification. So we can take the homeless individual to their jurisdiction where they were from.

Phil BacerraItem 5

So thank you for that explanation. So I just wanna make sure I'm clear and that everybody hears the same thing. thing. So when we say, I'm sorry, when the MOU says within their jurisdiction, that means then the person, their jurisdiction, in other words, if that person is not from Santa Ana and our services are trying to, as you say, reunite them with their family and their family may not be in Santa Ana, when it says here within their jurisdiction, that's saying that that we could reunite them within that person, not the city, not the county, but that person's jurisdiction.

That's correct.

Phil BacerraItem 5

Okay, I just wanted to make sure, because when I read that initially, it looks like we're saying we're gonna keep everything internal and then everybody else can do what they need to do. So I just wanted to make sure that that's on the record.

It was a very good question, thank you.

Phil BacerraItem 5

Okay. It was. And then the other issue, or I guess question I had was, was why doesn't the MOU require coordination of a countywide provider of street outreach and engagement services, especially because the MOU states that HCD requires eligible applicants to jointly apply for HAP grant funding as a part of a region. So, in other words, I guess when I look at this MOU, I, from what you said earlier, Director Garcia, I get that each jurisdiction handles things slightly different. And, you know, as we saw, thank you to you and to our city manager, we went the extra

Phil BacerraItem 5

step to do the, you know, I'm going to say the more detailed point-in-time count regarding our homeless situation. But so when it comes to engagement services, shouldn't the county be that umbrella that does everything from Brea to Santa Ana to San Clemente and not have this kind of patchwork of different operators because, excuse me, especially because we have the county shelter, Yale, and you would think that rather than have different operator, I'm sorry, different operators, different service providers trying to gain access, it would seem easier to have it seamless. And then when I read this language here

Phil BacerraItem 5

that HCD requires eligible applicants to apply jointly, why then do we have the separate service providers or engagement services providers.

Yes, Councilmember Mayer, we have updated information. The county has 14 individuals assigned to the central service, the central spa, the service planning area. City net alone, we have a contract for 20 individuals. So Anaheim and Santa Ana, we want a higher level of service than is provided within our spa, within the central spa. SPA, and that at 14 is for all nine cities within Central SPA. So we just wanted to do a higher level of outreach and engagement.

Phil BacerraItem 5

But so if we didn't have a contract with CityNet, would the county come in through the group that you just said, would they come in and do outreach and engagement?

They would. And they do. They do. They are within our city. They even twice a week go into the Santa Ana Riverbed. They do not go into the appendages that flow into Santa Ana Riverbed. They do not, as far as we know, do not go into flood controlled channel areas unless they're accompanied by a sheriff. But if we did not have funding, we would have to rely upon the county's funding and we would prevail upon maybe our county supervisor and council members to help encourage the county to increase the number of outreach and engagement members in our

Phil BacerraItem 5

city so and I don't expect to solve this problem tonight but just something I want to put out for everybody so we have the most homeless in the county Santa And then Anna does.

We do.

Phil BacerraItem 5

And yet, we have the most outreach and engagement people out on our streets. We have whatever the amount the county does provide, which I'm not sure how many they provide, but we also, on our own as a city, we engage in a contract with CityNet, and yet we still have the most homeless in the county.

That's correct.

Phil BacerraItem 5

That doesn't seem right, does it? Or at least it shouldn't, regardless, it shouldn't. And you mentioned that the county has their folks in Santa Ana. You said they don't go into the appendages of the Santa Ana River. So I'm assuming you're referring to the county's flood control channels.

That's right.

Phil BacerraItem 5

So the county outreach and engagement folks won't go in to county flood control channels unless a sheriff's there.

That's correct.

Phil BacerraItem 5

And the sheriffs typically other than maybe downtown at the Civic Center right or their county facilities Are the sheriffs typically out and about in the flood control channels? No, not to our knowledge That's troubling so so part of this agreement We're entering into to get this funding and I get this is not obligating the county at that granular level But I think people need to hear and understand that that number one, the city of Santa Ana has entered into a contract with an outreach and engagement services provider, yet we have more homeless than the rest of the county, number one, and number two, where the county seat,

Phil BacerraItem 5

where the capital of the county, and yet the county will not put outreach and engagement folks in there, in the counties, not the cities, the county's flood control channels.

That's correct.

Phil BacerraItem 5

Okay. It's very troubling, but thank you for that. So it's very important for people to understand, because I get a lot of calls about the county's flood control channels and the activity that's in there. And in fact, our county supervisor voted against a measure that would have, well, it thankfully passed four to one with him dissenting, but he voted against outlawing encampments in the county flood control channels. and then on top of that so so he won't outlaw or he won't support outlawing encampments but then on top of that won't even get us the necessary outreach and engagement services so you won't

Phil BacerraItem 5

provide the enforcement and you won't provide the helpful services I hope you'll provide something because I know my residents which are also your voters are demanding something in those county flood control channels but again that's not before us tonight it's the mou and so with that i'll go ahead and move the item i'll second your motion with that we'll take the vote

Jennifer L. HallItem 5

motion by council member becerra seconded by council member hernandez to approve the first amendment i'm sorry to approve the mou between the county of orange the city of anaheim the city of irvine the city of santa ana for the homeless housing assistance and Prevention Program Regional Coordination.

Jennifer L. HallItem 5

Vote is four ayes, no nays, with a reported recusal by Councilmember Fan, and absences by Mayor Emeskwa and Councilmember Penalosa. Motion carries. Mayor Pro Tem and Council, that concludes the consent calendar.

Benjamin VazquezItem 5

Great, we move on to the business calendar. Item number 38 is the nomination of the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control Board representative madam clerk may we have the staff report do we need a staff

Jessie LopezItem 5

report we don't we see it every other two years and I would like to nominate

Benjamin VazquezItem 5

NPT is there a second I'll take it I'll say take the second

Phil BacerraItem 5

and BTF I could I want to ask staff and nothing against the nomination but I just might my question would be vector seems to be a very technical entity and And so what I'm wondering is, I think it's the Newport Watershed. There's some entity that we actually have as our city representative. Rather than one of the elected officials up here, we have public works staff serving in that capacity. Is this another entity where perhaps we could have staff serve on this board?

So for this one, it does need to be a council member or a city resident. That doesn't prohibit that city resident from being a city employee. They would just be working under the resident component, not necessarily as a city staff.

Sonia R. CarvalhoItem 5

And I'd also just like to mention these districts have special rules. So if you do nominate someone or if you were to select someone, let's say they're an employee, and they were to cease to be an employee, you could not remove them. them. So this district comes with very special rules under state law that they can only be removed for cause. So keep that in mind as you make that decision, that determination.

Benjamin VazquezItem 5

Okay. Thank you. So we have a nomination in a second?

Jennifer L. HallItem 5

Yes. And if I could just get clarity, because it is within your discretion on if you would like to appoint this person to a two-year term or to a four-year term.

A two-year term would be great. Who's in?

Jennifer L. HallItem 5

So the nomination on the floor right now was made by Councilmember Lopez and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Vasquez to appoint Mayor Pro Tem Vasquez as the representative to the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control Board of Trustees.

Phil BacerraItem 5

Real quickly, one quick question, I'm sorry. Are the meetings during the day or are they? Why are you asking that? He's going to take it. Let's just vote. I know, I know. I shouldn't temptate there. I noticed that.

Jennifer L. HallItem 5

The meetings are on the third Thursday of each month at 3 p.m. Okay, go ahead. We're going to take the vote. Go ahead.

Phil BacerraItem 5

Okay.

Jennifer L. HallItem 5

Sounds good.

Jennifer L. HallItem 5

The vote is open. Again, this is to appoint Mayor Pro Tem Vasquez to the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control Board of Trustees to serve a two-year term.

Jennifer L. HallItem 5

That's my opinion, Alyssa.

Okay. I vote.

Jennifer L. HallItem 5

Oh, okay.

But yes.

Jennifer L. HallItem 5

Thank you. Council Member Hernandez? Yes. Yes.

Jennifer L. HallItem 5

VOTE OF 7 AYES, NO NAYS. MOTION CARRIES. MAYOR PROTEMBASKAS IS APPOINTED.

Alvaro NuñezItem 5

THANK YOU, MPT VASQUEZ.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 5

CONGRATULATIONS. THANK YOU. ALL RIGHT. ITEM NUMBER 39 IS A RESOLUTION ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE UPDATED CALIFORNIA INTERNATIONAL BUILDING AND FIRE CODES. DO YOU ALL NEED TO REPORT? NO? ALL RIGHT. IS THERE A MOTION? I'LL MAKE A MOTION. SO MOVED.

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 5

SECOND.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 5

OKAY. LET'S PREPARE TO VOTE. IF THERE ARE NO COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS. OKAY. let's prepare to vote please

Jennifer L. HallItem 5

motion by mayor mesqua seconded by council member hernandez to find that the proposed ordinance is exempt under sequa pursuant to the guideline section 15061b3 adopt a resolution of the city council of the city of santa ana setting forth findings with respect to local conditions within the city of santa ana that justify certain modifications and changes to the california building code california residential code california green building standards code california electrical code california mechanical code california plumbing code Code, California Energy Code, California Fire Code, California Existing Building Code, California

Jennifer L. HallItem 5

Historical Building Code, and International Property Maintenance Code as amended by the State of California. Introduced for first reading an ordinance of the City Council of the City of Santa Ana amending chapters 8 and 14 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code to adopt and amend the most recently enacted California Building Code, California Residential Code, California Green Building Standards Code, California Electrical Code, California Mechanical Code, California Plumbing Code, California Energy Code, California Historical Building Code, California Fire

Jennifer L. HallItem 5

code california existing building code and international property maintenance code and authorize and direct the city clerk to schedule a public hearing on this ordinance for january 20th

Valerie AmezcuaItem 5

2026. madam kirk can you do that again no i'm just kidding if you'd like you do a great job we were all looking at you like yeah that's amazing okay thank you very much We have a buyer. Does it pass or do you get the votes?

Jennifer L. HallItem 5

Just to confirm the final votes, Councilmember Phan?

Jennifer L. HallItem 5

Bless you. Bless you. You can do a roll call if you need to, please. Okay. Councilmember Penalosa? It's a yes. Okay, perfect. Thank you so much. Vote of seven ayes, no nays. Resolution is adopted. Ordinance is introduced for first reading and a public hearing will be scheduled for

Valerie AmezcuaItem 5

January 20th, 2026. All right. Next item is item 40. It's a resolution authorizing ceremonial street naming of Philippa and Juan Sariano Way. Mr. City Manager, I just have a question. I know we talked about this, but I just want you to share with the community. Why is it now for the very agenda.

Alvaro NuñezItem 5

August 2, 2022 city council adopted an ordinance to recognize individuals so it has to have a public hearing.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 5

So previously when we were doing it I mean when I came on three years ago they were already doing it was it being done incorrectly?

Alvaro NuñezItem 5

We're doing it the way the city council has approved for a resolution and having a public hearing.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 5

I don't have a problem with I just want to know. I was like, okay, so we're following the rules now.

Alvaro NuñezItem 5

Yes.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 5

All right. I like that. Thank you very much. Okay.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 5

So item number 40. And comments, please. Council members. Council Member Hernandez.

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 5

Thank you, Madam Mayor. Well, first and foremost, I want to thank you all for your leadership, and I want to thank the city staff for working with our community on what was submitted to my office by residents from Artesia Pilar. In accordance with the ordinance, my office submitted a request to honor Felipa and Juan Sarinana. I would like for us as a city to recognize the profound and lasting impact that their lives have had on preserving cultural heritage here in Santa Ana Orange County. They have helped us foster community and connection and have contributed to the social and economic

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 5

fabric that makes the city of Santa Ana so special. Felipe and Juan are immigrants who came from the beautiful state of Durango, Mexico. They laid the foundation for what would become today the oldest Mexican restaurant in all of Orange County. After settling in Santana in 1921, the family opened their restaurant in 1939 in the heart of Articia Pilar in the neighborhood that they began their family. family. Their culinary legacy is deeply rooted in Duranguese tradition. Introduce generations of Santa Ana residents to their authentic tamales, their tacos dorados, their taquitos,

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 5

their menudo, and other traditional Mexican dishes. Now operated by their fifth generation descendant, the honorable Teresa Rodriguez Nieves, we are very proud to see subsequent of the Sari Nana family as well as her children and grandchildren, ensuring that this restaurant continues to serve their loyal customers and many of whom have been dining there for generations and for decades. The ceremonial Felipa and Juan Sari Nana Way signs are proposed to be installed adjacent to the restaurant along 5th Street at Holly and 5th Street at Sunset. The accordance requires a resolution for the approval of the ceremonial sign.

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 5

I will be making a motion to move this item. Thank you.

David PenalozaItem 5

I'll second.

Jennifer L. HallItem 5

If I could just pause for a moment. This is a public hearing that needs to be opened and closed prior to motions. We can hold for a few minutes. Yeah.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 5

I now open the public hearing for members of the public that would like to provide their comments in person and virtually Madam City Clerk. Do we have any speakers?

Jennifer L. HallItem 5

That said, we have no speakers and no emails.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 5

I'm sorry?

Jennifer L. HallItem 5

There are no speakers and there were no emails for this public hearing. Okay.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 5

No comments. I hereby close the public hearing. public hearing excuse me council members so councilman Hernandez you made a motion after speaking yes I'll make a motion to move the item madam mayor councilman panellosa you second yes any other comments by council members if

Jennifer L. HallItem 5

not let's prepare to vote motion by councilmember Hernandez seconded by councilman Pena Loza to adopt a resolution of the City Council of the City of Santa Ana directing and authorizing a ceremonial street name Philippa and Juan Serena way along Fifth Street from Holly Street to Sunset Street directing the installation of two ceremonial signs at the intersections of 5th Street at Holly and at Sunset and waive the requirements of the application process pursuant to Santa Ana Municipal Code Section 33-262E including all applicable fees and charges in the

Jennifer L. HallItem 5

amount of $2,494. Councilmember Becerra? Yes. Councilmember Hernandez? Si. Councilmember Lopez?

Thai Viet PhanItem 5

Yes. Councilmember Penaleza? Yes. Councilmember Phan? Yes but can we have them can we buy food for for a closed session from them.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 5

Jennifer, you got that?

Jennifer L. HallItem 5

I made a note. Okay, thank you. Mayor Pro Tem Vasquez?

Benjamin VazquezItem 5

Yes.

Jennifer L. HallItem 5

Mayor Meskweth? Yes. Vote is seven ayes, no nays, motion carries.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 5

Perfect, there you go. All right, item number 41.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 5

Item number 41 is requested by Council Member Lopez. Council Member Lopez, go ahead.

Jessie LopezItem 5

Yes, thank you. Thank you. So I have brought this item forward because, you know, we meet with neighborhood meetings in the district all the time, and we hear from our constituents as well and engage with them. And this is something that truly is coming from the community and some retailers You know and just for a little bit of context. It was a couple weeks ago that my office also brought forth the item Banning knock sales in the city of Sonana because of how dangerous the substance is And you know, I also know that the county moved forward with banning

Jessie LopezItem 5

I think it's Kratom and other cities in Orange County are moving forward because it's essentially an opioid That has been legalized and we can all think the corporate pharmaceuticals that legalized Essentially heroin to be sold or to be prescribed to people in medication. And so this is really something That I feel very strongly about and I don't think that anyone should just of any age really should be able to to have access to this type of, I would say, substance that is really harmful to not just individuals and their families, but to entire communities.

Jessie LopezItem 5

And so under the current zoning code, smoke shops without on-site smoking are treated as ordinary retail. And so they don't necessarily need to come before a planning commission. They don't necessarily need to follow some of the other processes that some businesses are required to in the City of Santa Ana. And so this is an issue for us. And so this is why I'm bringing this item forward. I'm hoping that the rest of the Councilmembers will support this item because the City lacks zoning tools that could limit the number of smoke shops in a given area, prevent clustering,

Jessie LopezItem 5

or restrict their proximity to schools, parks, or other sensitive uses. And so the lack of clear land in use category for smoke shops has created different challenges in War Three and outside of War Three for enforcement, managing, I know PD along with the code department just had a big operation and you know, I have talked to you directly about some of these things that we hear and how can we actually prove them because we We can't just go into a business and ransack a business or close a business down. We have to follow processes, state laws, whatever they might be.

Jessie LopezItem 5

And so this is an area that I'm looking, my office is looking to close the loophole that exists and to assess the current inventory that we have. It doesn't need to be a moratorium. I have also spoken to you about the options of directly fixing our code, city manager, and I'm looking forward to when the code changes and updates and recommendations will be brought forward to the council as an entire body so that we can start already not just fixing this issue but other issues that exist in the city.

Jessie LopezItem 5

And so with that, I ask my colleagues to read the report and to also hopefully support my constituents who are asking for this. Thank you.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 5

Thank you, Council Member Lopez. Really appreciate this item. I know that supervisor Foley had reached out to you. She had reached out to me about addressing this and I too had spoken to the chief. So thank you chief and thank you to your officers for Encode enforcement for all the work that's been done. There's been multiple smoke shops that you guys have, I'll say made contact with and closed down and made some arrests. Council member Lopez, would you, I totally support this. Would you allow for something more permanent in your, I'd like to add an ordinance, come back, ask the city manager to come back in 90 days with

Valerie AmezcuaItem 5

an ordinance so it's permanent. And then we put in place a process like you had indicated. We remove the bad players. The city attorney establishes a due process and with revocation of bad players. So I would totally support that if you'd be... I mean, I'm gonna support it anyways, but I think an ordinance for something more permanent.

Jessie LopezItem 5

it yeah i think that's ultimately the process for this um because we have to you know hear from the public as well if that's what we ultimately want um and so i am looking for something that is going to be immediate so again i think the ordinance is like the ultimate goal but the code change is something that can happen quickly if the moratorium process seems too lengthy and bureaucratic to

Valerie AmezcuaItem 5

follow so mr city manager how quickly can you bring this back so we have something permanent

Alvaro NuñezItem 5

if we have the flexibility and and we keep them to the 90 days in the council request that item i do think we can bring an ordinance with with the key specifics aspects we already have certain language in chapter 18 we have certain access uses in chapter 41 i think it's just a matter of us connecting the dots in a way that allows us to maximize this this particular aspect within the code work with the city attorney's office to establish a due process so if you if we maintain to the 90-day component maybe 30 days more maybe 30 days less i can probably bring an ordinance

Jessie LopezItem 5

yeah sorry let me know let us all know you know how important communication is but as long as this is on your rate on it and you guys are working on it thank you i have a question you

Valerie AmezcuaItem 5

You said something, 30 days more, 30 days less.

Alvaro NuñezItem 5

So my comment- Not within 90 days. I want to do it within 90 days.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 5

That's all I want to know. Right. Okay, because 30 days more, 30 days less.

Alvaro NuñezItem 5

Given the holidays and what's coming up, but I do think this is an important component. As you indicated yourself, we have the police department and court enforcement, and we have a lot of complaints from the neighborhood, not just in Ward 3, but throughout the city regarding this certain proliferation of smoke shops and other non-essential type of issues along this type of business.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 5

I appreciate this because I know that when I've read as the police department has gone in, it's not just the dogs, it's, you know, their gambling and other illegal activity happening in these smoke shops. So thank you. Any other comments?

Benjamin VazquezItem 5

Mayor Pro Tem. I want to support the item. Thank you, Council Member, for bringing it forward. Thank you, Mayor, for proposing that we come up with something heavier. And I appreciate it, especially making sure they're not around schools, as we saw a smoke shop being built around Lathrop. rope a second one a century high school places that are close to mini malls so i do appreciate you bringing this council member lopez any other council member sarah thank you madam mayor um so

Phil BacerraItem 5

real quick uh city manager if you could walk me through so if we could probably on january 20th when we next convene we would have the um oh goodness we're going to do the moratorium so So we'll do the moratorium.

Alvaro NuñezItem 5

Well, actually, I'm choosing not to go the moratorium. If I can focus staff's energy, and I can bring an audience within 90 days, I think it's more permanent. It's more essential. And this will allow for the little caveat to happen. We are monitoring. There's certain language within Chapter 18 that really allows the chief of police certain restrictions when we permit some of this business license. And we have other language within Chapter 41 and public news is a bit of an action. My idea is to try to capture language we already have in different parts of the code and just strengthen this component dealing with this issue.

Phil BacerraItem 5

So you don't think a moratorium in the interim to bolster it until you get to?

Alvaro NuñezItem 5

I'd rather focus something permanent, restrictive, and something that can sustain a challenge.

Phil BacerraItem 5

Okay. And with that, I would ask, I know we mentioned something about distance from sensitive uses, probably separation buffers from each other. The other thing I would like to have you consider bringing back is something more along the lines of a conditional use permit process, something where public hearings are held, folks within a certain radius are notified of these uses. So in addition to all the development standards that would limit where they could locate in the city, very specifically, but also too that for the areas that if there is places that they can locate, that the community is made very aware

Phil BacerraItem 5

through the public hearing process.

Alvaro NuñezItem 5

That would be one of the options.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 5

Council Member Hernandez, please.

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 5

Thank you, Madam Mayor. I just wanna be fully supportive of the item, Mr. City Manager. Something else I'd like to bring to your attention is my office has been very communicative with you as to our concern with the black market. We are a city that has legal cannabis that is able to bring taxes to the city, and in turn, we fund youth development, libraries, and community centers. There are smoke shops that are circumventing that process and they're selling hemp products. So I would also like for us to enforce whatever laws are applicable to anybody who is not in accordance with our cannabis ordinance.

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 5

So that means ensuring that there's no flavored tobacco, there's no NOx usage, usage and that we're also very aggressive with code enforcement on visiting smoke shops along 17th, Grand, some of those, Bristol as well, to ensure that we're also supporting our cannabis industry, which is legal and pays into our taxes here. So I would also like us to have that two-pronged approach. Thank you, sir.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 5

Councillor O' Councilman Penalosa.

David PenalozaItem 5

Councilman Penalosa. Thank you, Mayor. And thank you, Councilmember Lopez, for agendizing this. It's something that's important. and we should definitely consider in a full ultimate ban would be my preference. I know that we've been working on Main Street and shutting down a lot of these throughout Ward 6 and as soon as we shut them down it's whack-a-mole, right? And that's across the board with the legal dispensaries, the smoke shops, and a lot of these smoke shops, through Council Member Hernandez's point, operate, you know, you go in and you say the magic word and the secret code and guess what?

David PenalozaItem 5

but you could probably buy cannabis in there, is from what I've heard from a lot of our residents. I'm very supportive of this, 100%. Let's bring this back and have something enforceable. The question I had, if this could be, and I know there's different, state law is applicable to different, these types of businesses, but is this something that we could, and thank you, Sonia, for walking in at the perfect time. Oh, is this something that we would be able to apply to, aside from smoke shops, I've

David PenalozaItem 5

heard from residents of the proliferation of sex shops and massage parlors and all these other types of uses that we've had discussions about over the last couple of years, or is this, what would that look like? like?

Sonia R. CarvalhoItem 5

So you have the ability under the law to decide if you want to put a pause, like this moratorium, so that you can direct your planning staff to study these issues. Whether you can ultimately have an entire ban would have to be decided on a case-by-case basis because you cannot completely just ban a use arbitrarily. You'd have to have reasons. and there may be some uses that enjoy protections like adult shops enjoy First Amendment protections so that's why we can't completely ban them there are other types of uses that don't have that same protection and you could say you

Sonia R. CarvalhoItem 5

know some cities say we don't want any drive-throughs in our community well drive-through restaurants don't have any protected status so then you can ban them if you want so we'd have to look at it on a case-by-case basis and remember the moratorium is not a complete ban forever it's just a pause to be studied

David PenalozaItem 5

Okay. And I guess, go ahead, City Manager.

Alvaro NuñezItem 5

And I think that's one of the reasons why I want to focus on the smoke shops and then more specific on the ordinance. As the Council Member Hernandez said, we already have regulations, right, in Chapter 18 regarding smoke shops. We have Chapter 40 regarding cannabis sales. We have specific use to NOx uses. So there's language for us to address current enforcement actions, right? The idea is how do then we address specifically and allows us to study. This is why I don't just want to do like city attorneys, an emergency moratorium, spend time from staff, and then be back again within 60 days.

Alvaro NuñezItem 5

If I can focus and look at the stuff that we have, since we in the city attorneys have done that since 2014 when it deals with illegal cannabis, illegal gaming, and there's a connect component. Here's where I think we can excel.

David PenalozaItem 5

Yeah, and that's what I was thinking, you know, the idea of a moratorium on the smoke shops is fantastic and I'm 100% supportive, but it opens up that other conversation, right? Like, we've seen it on Bristol Street from, what is it, Dyer all the way down to McFadden. It's like you see a sex shop, a smoke shop, a massage parlor, a sex shop, and it just never ends and it keeps happening. And residents are not happy. You know, we had a lot of great businesses on Bristol Street that closed down and then you have a smoke shop move in. And then another one closes down and you have a massage parlor move in.

David PenalozaItem 5

So it's trying to limit these types of businesses in these residential communities, which I know I'm sure we're all supportive of up here. But 100% yes, I thank you, Councilmember Lovitz, and those are my comments. Thank you.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 5

Okay, let's prepare to vote. It's just a correction. Oh, no, we're good. Sorry, I apologize. I'm a yes. I'm trying to get through this. Yes. You got it, Mr. City Manager? Yes. All right. Okay. Thank you, Council Member Lopez. All right. Mr. City Manager, do you have any comments that you want to make, please?

Alvaro NuñezItem 5

Yes.

Alvaro NuñezItem 5

Just a reminder to residents, we have the community priority survey. Again, that's the survey for folks to take. So we can prioritize when we start discussing budget, city services and programs. and so we want to encourage our residents to continue to take advantage of the survey. The survey is available on our website in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. In addition to during this holiday season our economic development division excited to launch this year's shop local shop Santa Ana campaign. Businesses and shoppers both can participate by sharing their products

Alvaro NuñezItem 5

and purchases on social media using hashtag shop Santa Ana. This Saturday SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6th, SANTA POLICE DEPARTMENT IS HOSTING THEIR ANNUAL PANCAKES WITH SANTA EVENT FROM 9 A.M. TO 11 A.M. IN FRONT OF THEIR POLICE HEADQUARTERS AT 60 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA. FAMILIES ARE INVITED TO ENJOY A FESTIVE MORNING OF PANCAKES, HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES AND A SPECIAL VISIT FROM SANTA CLAUS. THIS WEEKEND, SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6 AND 7, GARAGE SALE WEEKEND FOR PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN SANTA ANA FOR THE

Alvaro NuñezItem 5

record uh we get the calls um uh it's too early for that um the river's edge opening a san anna zoo finally i'm excited to announce that the san anna zoo will celebrate the grand opening of its nearest and largest expansion ever the river's edge on saturday december 20 we invite our city council and the senate community to join us at 11 a.m for a ribbon cutting celebration to visually unveil this transformational addition to the zoo the river's edge will introduce a guest to an immersive reimagined habitat that will become the new home for several species including north

Alvaro NuñezItem 5

american river otters finally the black collar monkeys the golden lion tamarins and nine spider monkeys we look forward to seeing you all there mr city manager will the community have free access

Valerie AmezcuaItem 5

to the zoo that day?

Alvaro NuñezItem 5

Free access? Sure. We'll make it work.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 5

Thank you, I appreciate that. I mean, we're doing a ribbon cutting and we want to allow them to come in. Oh, I saw those antlers, I was like, what is that? Is there a dog in here? Sorry.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 5

So, she bent down, all I saw was the ears. I'm so sorry. It's been a long week for me. Okay, so yes, free access on December 20th for the River's Edge at Santa Ana Zoo. Yay, everybody heard that, okay. All right, let's do closing comments. Mayor Pro Tem, please.

Benjamin VazquezItem 5

Thank you, thank you. Thank you, everybody, and thank you, Council, for giving me the responsibility of being Veteran Control Commissioner and having the confidence in me. And I really just had a week off of work, nine days, and I think I worked every day. and like every council member and the mayor we were working this last week and I appreciate you guys I mean each one of you were out there giving out food or turkeys or giving away tinny shoes and I'm really grateful for the work that I saw this this whole council put in last week very appreciative of it as well as

Benjamin VazquezItem 5

I'm appreciative of my family what we did I want to wish everybody a Merry CHRISTMAS. BUT I DO WANT TO SAY I DO WANT TO SUPPORT THE ARTISTS WHO REQUESTED NOT TO GIVE UP THEIR VARIOUS RIGHTS FROM THE RESTORE ART GRANT PROCESS. I KNOW I'VE TALKED TO THE CITY MANAGER AND I THINK WE KIND OF TRIED TO SWITCH IT OUT ON THEM BUT I WANT TO MOVE FORWARD AND IF THAT WANTS TO BE TALKED ABOUT LATER ON ABOUT POLICY BUT THIS IS HOW THEY WERE WROTE THE GRANT AND ACCEPTED THE GRANT UNDER CERTAIN TERMS SO I DON'T WANT TO SWITCH IT OUT ON THEM them thank you have a good night thank you councilmember lopez please yeah well first i just

Jessie LopezItem 5

want to extend um gratitude to our two incredible interns brandon and joe um as they conclude their time with our office and the city uh you know brandon and joe have attended neighborhood meetings meetings, major city events, park cleanups, sunshine ordinance meetings, staff meetings. There really is not a whole lot that we did not throw them into. And I thought that was important because it's important for young people in these positions to not just think about policy in theory, but how it actually plays out.

Jessie LopezItem 5

and to see you know the community meetings staff meetings and what happens in between and so they didn't just sit behind a desk they were really out in the community learning skills and what it means to be in public service they are smart they are thoughtful thoughtful they are hard-working and they approached every single you know challenge with a can't do attitude and And we're deeply, we are so sad, and we're going to miss you guys. You guys have been the best. And so, you know, people always joke. They always tell me, have you seen Parks and Recreation, right? And I always say, no, I haven't seen the show.

Jessie LopezItem 5

But apparently in here it's really funny. But I have seen Veep. And so people always talk to me about these shows because I guess it compares real life working in government. I can see you nodding your head. And so, you know, Brandon and Joe don't have to be told about Parks and Rec or VEEP. They've actually experienced it and lived it. And I just want to thank you for your professionalism, for your kindness, for always being available to support not just the city manager's office, but the work of our office. And so I can't wait to see what you will do in the future.

Jessie LopezItem 5

And I just want to say that we're gonna always be here to support both of you guys. So thank you for your work Additionally, I just wanted to thank our public works director and our parks and recs director because they did tour Santiago Park Phase two is complete. It looks incredible You know, I always love running into constituents or we're either tabling out there doing some sort of cleanup or when we're out there seeing the upgrades and so just thank you guys for all the work a lot of energy effort money time has gone into that park and you know it looks incredible I can't wait for phase three I know

Jessie LopezItem 5

we're going to have an event soon at the park celebrating it and so we really invite the entire community to come out and see the work that we've done at the park with other agencies you know You know, moreover, city manager, I would like to have a meeting with you about what I heard today regarding the arts and culture. I have talked to you at length about this issue that you have here. You know, and you need somebody in that office that cares about the artists of this community. You need somebody in that office that understands art and that is going to fight for public

Jessie LopezItem 5

art in the way that we need somebody to do that and so I want to have a sit down with you about that like the issue that I see at hand that has been going on for as long as I've been here and before my time on the City Council and also I want to talk to you about what was it asking artists to waive their rights to the work product that's another issue that I don't support so I would love to learn more and speak with you about our vision of how we can support artists in our community so please have your secretary work with mine to schedule that for december moreover um

Jessie LopezItem 5

i would also i just want to thank everybody for the work that they've done year round and i want to wish you all a happy new year and finally i just want to say happy birthday to my dad i love my dad so so much and so we're looking forward to celebrating thank you have a good night

Valerie AmezcuaItem 5

Thank you, Councilmember Lopez. Councilmember Paloza.

David PenalozaItem 5

Thank you, Mayor. I just want to thank our city staff for helping with all these different events that the Mayor Pro Tem mentioned. All the different food distributions and I know the police department has been front and center as well. And to see the record breaking amount of people come to our police department and continue continue to build that community and trust with our police department in every type of way and we're going to continue to do it with with pancakes with santa i mean that that's really nice to see and i want to be supportive of that and just want to thank you for for your leadership chief

David PenalozaItem 5

rodriguez on that end um i also want to uh just wish everybody a safe and joyous holiday season There's a lot of celebrations coming up. I mean, everything from Hanukkah to Christmas to New Year's to here in Santa Ana, we celebrate Dia de la Virgen de Guadalupe. It's very special to our community. And I was fortunate enough to dress up as Juan Diego many, many years as a child. and so to see that tradition carry and that culture tradition carry over year

David PenalozaItem 5

after year with our community is very heartwarming so just be safe out there there's posadas happening too and and just encourage safety with our community when they're out and about celebrating with that that is it thank you everyone

Valerie AmezcuaItem 5

thank you Seth Thank You councilman Hernandez thank you madam mayor I'd like

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 5

to start by thanking our city staff for their hard work to put today's council meeting together i'd also like to thank our residents for tuning in to today's meeting i would like to wish all of our neighbors a merry christmas and happy holidays this is a time about doing more for others and uplifting your neighbors and so i hope that in the month of december we can really challenge ourselves to be better with each other that means you know looking out for your neighbors and saying saying hi to more people as you're walking on our streets. And the topic came up today of the arts,

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 5

and that is a topic that's important to all of us in the city. When I was elected in 2020, I championed the mural restoration fund that we now have as a line item in our city budget. You were a city manager, Mr. Nunez, that came in and saw the value of restoring community art. And not only that, you took it a step further. you prioritized opening up these funds to members of the public as a result various artists have been selected and there have been really outstanding projects that have been approved for murals to be brought back i want to be very clear mr city manager that i would like to ensure

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 5

that we are not asking artists to waive their vera their visual artist rights act protections i want to ensure that the artists are not asked to waive those rights those rights should be upheld they should be respected. I know that other neighboring cities have adopted a very similar ordinance and it's very much a blanket ordinance. I want us to go a step further and to do something very different and that's not ask artists to waive their rights. So I want to work with your office. I know that you are a city manager that works hand in hand with your community so I don't think

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 5

that's going to be an issue. I want to make sure that any contracts that we're executing through through the arts, through Parks and Rec, through libraries or what have you, that we're ensuring that these contracts are correct, that we're not putting the incorrect names, incorrect addresses, incorrect email addresses. So it's really important that we're on top of that. Does that sound good, Mr. City Manager? Thank you. And lastly, I want to uplift the family of Noe Rodriguez, his daughters. He was shot and killed last year, December 1st of 2024. He leaves behind two daughters, and I just want to uplift their father and his memory

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 5

and just pray for them and ask that through these difficult times that they know they're not alone. I also want to uplift my cousin, Brandon Lopez. Today is his birthday, and it is a difficult day for my family. Every day is always more challenging, but I just want to tell my cousin I love him, and God bless him, and thank you for standing with me. And to my neighbors, this holiday season is one where we need to be there for each other more than we always are. And in closing, I just want to also uplift my beautiful daughter, Evany.

Johnathan Ryan HernandezItem 5

She will be turning 16 on January 4th of 2026, so happy birthday, baby girl. Daddy loves you.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 5

Thank you.

Phil BacerraItem 5

Thank you, Madam Mayor. Tonight I just want to begin by thanking our Council. We had some really good items on consent tonight. We approved the budget appropriation adjustment item 10. Sounds a little wonky, but bear with me. The NPDES permit revenue that we used to install steel storm drain barriers over the Dyer stormwater channel. So that's been a place where not only have we seen from an environmental standpoint debris going into that channel, which obviously warrants utilizing this funding, but also too, we've seen the accumulation of trash and we've also seen folks camping out in that little area.

Phil BacerraItem 10

Yeah, hard to believe, but that's been happening. So I want to thank my colleagues for approving that appropriation. And another one that I'm really excited about is that, and I want to thank our CDA staff for this one, and that is we were awarded $4.8 million in Cal Home funds. And why does that matter? Because the Cal Home funds go towards promoting affordable home ownership. So this is one of the biggest hurdles to home ownership is down payments. and this will provide down payment assistance. And this should provide about 37 new homeowners in Santa Ana with some sort of gap financing to help get them in homes. This is wonderful.

Phil BacerraItem 10

Over the past five years, our city has helped 49 families from Santa Ana become homeowners in Santa Ana. So this is great that we'll be able to help another 37 new homeowners. Remember, we all pay a mortgage. It's a matter of whether you wanna pay your own and build equity and build generational wealth or pay somebody else's and build their wealth I'd prefer I think all of us would prefer that we build our own and so these sorts of programs help to make sure that more people are able to do that I want to thank commanders Gutierrez and Lopez for allowing me to

Phil BacerraItem 10

join them last week in the wee hours of the morning and along with the Colt team for a ride-along which I think the mayor alluded to earlier resulted in 109 arrests for a variety of violations from narcotics activity to trespassing. The sad thing about that whole experience was watching these folks get offered services and seeing almost every single one reject those offers of service. As the mayor also mentioned earlier, we had two individuals that accepted services through CityNet and one that accepted through the Salvation Army. So out of all

Phil BacerraItem 10

the folks that were contacted by our PD only three of them were willing to accept services I personally spoke to some of them and some of them or I'm sorry some of them none of them that I spoke to were from Santa Ana or even California to be honest so but I do want to thank our officers for being out there that early in the morning they were absolutely professional compassionate I mean there's nothing I could say that I would second guess what they did they did an amazing job so I I think um just job well done I want to thank our chief for that thank thank

Phil BacerraItem 10

them for what they've been doing um and chief I have a question for you you probably know what it is so how many funded vacancies do we have among our officers as of today we have uh 35 funded

vacancies but the good news is that we have six approved for hire five on Monday and one the following monday through the 6th which will we end the year at 29 vacancies that's good because

Phil BacerraItem 10

that's really good yes because because our last meeting i think you had us at 30 so we're making progress on the way down so that's good absolutely well since this is our last councilman of the year i just want to as i see all our staff out here i just want to thank each and every one of you guys you guys put up with all seven of us and you know you field calls from our residents and our businesses and you guys do an amazing job so i just want to thank all of you guys for all the work that you put in all year and it's great to work with each of you even alvaro and with that

Phil BacerraItem 10

merry christmas happy hanukkah and happy holidays everybody council member fan yay hit it team

Thai Viet PhanItem 10

uh so hi everyone merry christmas um so it's been a busy year it's been a busy time but i have i I'm showing and telling today because

Thai Viet PhanItem 10

Konakai Mobile Home Park is in Ward 1 and it's one of the mobile home, one of many mobile home parks in Santa Ana, most of which are in Ward 1, who, it's mostly seniors on fixed income. The property managers have been, as Director Garcia could attest to, nitpicking a variety of things on each of these lots. For those who don't know, when you have a mobile home, you lease the land, but you own the mobile home. And so even if you've paid off the cost of the home, every month you're still paying rent for the lot.

Thai Viet PhanItem 10

And a lot of these spaces have gone from $25, $50 a month, 30 years ago, to in some cases, is $500, $800, $1,000 or more, depending on the size of the lot. And so this one particular senior, he received a seven-day notice to fix or quit. Essentially, they were just telling him that he needed to slurry seal and repave his driveway. And I don't know about you, but I don't have that money, and a senior on fixed income does not have that money. Well, luckily for us, and luckily for Santa Ana residents, I put out a call to Robert

Thai Viet PhanItem 10

Ruiz with Labor's, Leona, and they came with, and I need to make sure I get, so there's a program called Labor's Rising that they're doing in order to support the communities where they work, because the laborers are located here in Santa Ana. and they worked with Mario Sandoval with MD rubberized crack filling to donate their time and energy and material to slurry seal this driveway for this senior. I think I called him, and within two weeks, they took care of it.

Thai Viet PhanItem 10

And, you know, the senior is just so grateful. We're hoping that we can help other seniors and other residents in the mobile home park. and so this is them finishing up the last corner and he was just so excited and I think there's one other picture don't judge me I just got out of the gym and ran right over but you know this is just why we support great union work in this community because they're giving back to the community where they come from and where they work so with that I hope everybody has a wonderful Christmas and holiday season a safe and happy new year and happy birthday to all those

Thai Viet PhanItem 10

coming up including all the Sagittarius out there like me thank you

Valerie AmezcuaItem 10

oh my god I can't go after her um all right first of all I just want to start mr. city manager thank you to you and your staff it has truly been a very long year many projects and I appreciate the comments up here made to you about the the artists, and I support them, as you know, I always have and I always will. But I think one of the comments was, the contract was three years late. You haven't been here for three years. I just wanna remind everybody. I think you've been here 18 months, maybe? And so when we start talking about what's been hanging for three years, five years, six years,

Valerie AmezcuaItem 10

that's not the current city manager that we have right now. That's the previous city manager and the previous leadership that did not follow through on things. And so I'm gonna say it loud and I'm gonna say it very clear that we had things that were sitting in a bookshelf that were not taken care of by previous people that were here and so now since we have new leadership for 18 months with the Chief and with our city manager and all the city staff things are getting done and so I have total complete faith that the artist issue will be taken care of it is taxpayer

Valerie AmezcuaItem 10

money and so there's a lot of things that you have to do and I'm sure you'll you'll take care of it with staff. So I'm not gonna give you any direction around that other than to say, I know you'll do the right thing to do. And so again, I wanna remind people that 18 months that you've been here, let's just start with Logan taking that off the shelf and taking care of it. And like sitting there for 25 years, we're getting lights at Centennial Park first time and we've never had them, it took 20 years, you know, whatever it may be. So I mean, I'm not gonna take my chunk off and say, I said, get it done.

Valerie AmezcuaItem 10

What I'm gonna say, I know you did, what I'm gonna say is thank you to you, your staff, the deputy city manager, the assistant city managers, Sue, all the staff up on the eighth floor, the chief, all the deputy chiefs, all of our officers that are out there with Colt,

Valerie AmezcuaItem 10

making contact with the homeless and the criminal element, going to the shops, taking care of the, I mean, there's so much that's gone on in 2025 We're dealing with very serious issues, you know, the immigration issue, we've been dealing with that. We're dealing with the CalFresh issue. So thank you for all the work, whether it's putting things on the website, whatever it may be. I would never want to be a city manager. I watch city managers. I would never want to be one. I'm sorry you could not pay me enough money to be one. Working for, you know, seven people is probably the most challenging thing ever because we

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We all have different personalities.

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I love it.

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I know you do. I know you do. You're a glutton for punishment. So I'm just going to say that. But I want to remind people that in the City of Santa Ana, and I won't take 20 minutes, I'll be quick, Councilman Panalosa. In the City of Santa Ana, there are 50,733 people that are on CalFresh. And thank you, Mayor Pro Tem, for talking about all the food that we've distributed as a council, different areas that we've done it, whether it's food, shoes, clothes. I know my office along with Mosaic, the Labor Fed, and many volunteers, and Councilman Penalosa,

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Councilman Becerra, the police department, POA, and Legado Siete, but just so many community volunteers. We gave 2,000 turkeys and food boxes. And so I really want to thank you. And I want to thank the city staff that came out and joined us in front of the police department. I really want to thank the leadership at the police department that set it up, the explorers. it went off it's these food distributions have been like clockwork and there are people that are lined up at five four or five in the morning to get food because they need it because they're

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again there are 50 733 people in the city of Santa Ana um on CalFresh and so we're all doing our part and so I just want I just want to thank everybody on Saturday December 13th the downtown Santa Ana at the Tama Lava. My office along with some other organizations will be giving and Councilman Becerra and Penalosa will be giving toys away starting at 4 p.m until supplies last till they run out and Santa will be there and this is our third year doing it I believe so please come out and join us at the Tama Lava and then on the 14th at Salgado Park we'll be starting at 9 a.m with another food

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distribution with Council of Becerra and Penaloza, Mosaic and the Labor Federation and we'll start at 9. People will be lining up I'm sure a lot earlier than that. Lots of volunteers and we'll give out food until it's all gone and there is nothing like watching and seeing people come together to help our neighbors and help each other. It's beautiful and we have families that are in need and so we We want to all do our part. It's just been a rough year for some people. It's been a beautiful year in other ways. And there's just, there's a lot of good things that have happened and there's some things

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that we have to continue to take care of our community. Mr. City Manager, I'm sure two months from now I'll be asking you to put on the agenda another $150,000 in February for the Ayuda Sin Fronteras. I'm sure we'll hit a million dollars at some point soon. And so with that, I'd like to wish you all a very happy holiday. Merry Christmas. Happy New Year. Enjoy your posadas. Enjoy your time with your family. And I want to congratulate my son, Michael, and his new wife, Stephanie. They were married on November 29th of 2020. This year, yes, on Saturday. So congratulations to my mijo. And then I'll be waiting for grandbabies very soon.

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This meeting is adjourned.

Thank you.