Madam clerk, please start the meeting. Yes, mayor. Please proceed. Thank you. I hereby call the Sana City Council meeting to order. This meeting is taking place with in-person attendance and by teleconference via Zoom. The public may access the meeting via the Sana YouTube channel or the city's website. Please bear with us as the technology may disrupt the flow of the meeting. Madame clerk, please conduct roll call. Council member Bera here. Council member Hernandez. Council member Lopez here. Council member Pylosa. Council member Fan here. Mayor Provasquez present. Mayor Mesa here. Five members present. You do have a quorum. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Are there any additions or deletions to the close session agenda?

23:07 – 23:47•0

There are none. I'm sorry. Did you say no? None. Thank you. Do any council members need to announce or abstensions on close session items? Yes. Uh I'd like to announce my abstension from close session item one as Thrive Santa Ana, Inc. is associated with Thrive LA and Thrive LA Pack, which is a client of my employer, Retan Tucker. Thank you. So item number one, council member Fan. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Do we have any speakers for close session? Yes, mayor and council. We do. We have four cards in person and two on Zoom. So we'll start with the in-person. Perfect.

23:46 – 25:44•0

Speakers, if you can please line up behind the podium. Luis Serento, Ricardo Munes, Cynthia Perez. Speaking time is three minutes. Hello. Good uh afternoon, good evening everyone uh council and mayor. Um thank you for hearing our item today. We've been working uh with city staff um around the potential acquisition of 1901 West Walnut Street. Uh the formerly known as the Walnut and Daisy site. Uh now since April we opened up as La Cola. Um some of you might have seen the popularity of La Mera Cafe which is an allwomenowned coffee shop, coffee and pastries. We host also uh a store that sells traditional textiles. Um and another urban farming co-op Salsa. Thrive, as you all know, is our community land trust, which started working in partnership with the city since back a little bit before since probably about 2015, 2016. We formed the formed the first CLT workg group with C with city staff and started developing the idea of a community land trust here in Santana which offers the opportunity for local residents to have a stake to have a seat at the table in local development and La Cola was our first uh opportunity to do that with the city. Um, and we included an option to purchase and we're very happy to share that we have state funding to make an offer to the city. Um, and we've been again working with city staff around that and I you all will hear from them about it um, today. Um, the important

25:41 – 27:08•0

thing to note is we are on a very tight timeline unfortunately due to the requirements of our funding. We already obtained an extension from the state um and due to just uh the craziness of the last few years um we're really trying to make this acquisition happen towards the tail end of the of the grant period. So hopefully um you all will be able to provide direction to staff today um to draft up the purchase and sale agreement as well as um an economic subsidy report which would allow for the the amount that we have available from the state. It's 850,000 852,000 is available from the state for this acquisition. and um we're just a little bit short from the most recent appraised value of the of the site. And so that's where that economic subsidy uh report would come in. And so that's what we're asking today. And hopefully um you all will be supportive of asking uh staff to bring that back for y'all's uh consideration at the next council meeting. And um we would love to if anyone does have any questions, we'd love to talk more. Um we have some community members out uh today that are going to be um sharing a little bit as well about the importance of this space for them. Thank you

27:06•0

Ricardo Munice followed by Cynthia Perez and Patricia Vasquez.

27:13 – 29:12•0

Well, thank you so much. I really appreciate the time and the consideration on item one on this close session. um just here representing a little bit on the um community engagement component of Thrive and kind of speaking a little bit on the programs and the development and and the things that have been happening. It's a really unique place. It's not as as Lu mentioned there is three operators there, LaPa, Duchi and Salsa, but not just them are using the space. We have community members that are using the space on a monthly basis. We have two groups that meet there on a monthly basis. Um, we have events that are different organizations have already like um reserved the space to use it either to fundra for their own organization or to fundra for a member that they needed help with or um just to promote one of the events. So, we had SAS come in with their bicyclist at one point, you know, over the summer we had a bunch of like uh events for the kids. Um, all summer long we had like pools where the kids come in and and have water and and have little activities. We had like activities with books. We we had activities with um kid works down the street. So, we're really partnering up with the surrounding. Um, we also in the in the process of identifying community members to be able to help us with the decision making and the governance of that place as well. So, it's a very unique place. is it serves is serving multiple um uses of the space. We have two markets that are showing up on a monthly basis as well. We have the Monach Marcado that comes every first Sunday and then there is the Monarch uh mecado carousel that comes every fourth Saturday. So there's so many things happening, not just the programming that Thrive brings to that community, but also the partnerships that we're developing with the organizations and with the community around the So it's a it's I really wanted to emphasize those those pieces that is just um creating a you know generating income not just for those

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individuals but for other individuals for those organizations. So, I think it's a unique a unique opportunity for the city to, you know, um keep investing in those in those in those programs that we could and those collaborations that we're bringing forward with with all the work that we're doing and the the community. So, it's a it's a really unique model, right? The the community could reserve that place as well to celebrate their birthdays at a way lower affordable uh rate. So, it's it's really accessible for the community and we really want to keep advocating for that for those to be accessible for the community. so the community could use that space and organization. So, we're here asking on that item uh and to consider it and and to hopefully grant us this and and solidify this for for Thrive. Really appreciate your time and your consideration. Thank you.

30:00•0

Cynthia Perez.

30:05 – 32:04•0

Hello everyone. Uh my name is India Perez. Um I haven't been here in almost 10 years and um it's just different coming from a different perspective of being a youth in Santana. So some of you might know me, some of you might not. Um but I've been in communion with a lot of organizations that you guys work with independently and have for the last 15 years. Uh most of the work that I do is very grassroots only because um unfortunately helping people doesn't pay and um capacity is always limited based on like what's happening in milestones whether it's going to school, you have a new job, you have children um or any position in your like status um in the group that you're part of. I myself um found myself in 2014 houseless because my I had just lost my brother and I um took refuge in a lot of community spaces that now became nonprofits um like Copas Santana. Um I was actually uh here and there part of um sacred and um there was also a youth at the time Miriam who um no longer is part of our environment but she set a lot of uh seeds to these projects and one of them is thrive and I wanted to um just encourage y'all here to just help in the phase that is happening in our city. Over 30 years I've have been seeing the lack of spaces here. I've taken my own child to Irvine intestant because there hasn't really been spaces for us to occupy that are fenced off and it's safe. Uh for this um this almost a year I've been taking my child and it's actually like our favorite third space that we go to. Uh we have been able me my partner and my child have been able to initiate mutual aid um through pantries free markets and um as I go and fly around our

32:01 – 33:13•0

environment in that space um I've met with the OC sheriff's department um they like to come and get coffee they actually um would like us to be more open but because we're still developing um you know some folks um we're just we're waiting for us to grow with our environment and part of of it is um there's a lot of folks not being able to be sustainable right now. So, the space has brought a lot of sustainability where money isn't available and where spaces are lacking. So, I I encourage y'all to just help us out in the new phase. And I assure you that this is going to be a place that will bring a lot of unity. Um the last thing I want to say is that um we um come from an environment that doesn't have accesses to space to parks as uh too much but the last couple of years I've seen the progress that has been made and for the first time in my whole life I feel like Santana is actually a good city to come through and I don't need to go outside of Santana to be. So thank you all for being here and for hearing us out as well. Patricia Vasquez. Please.

33:59 – 35:58•0

inclusch. [snorts] Sentinos infinitas. Professionalism. Supertoch. Uh, thank you. Hi to everyone. Uh, thank you um for allowing us to be here. My name is Patricia Vasquez. I am a mom and

35:55 – 37:33•0

a volunteer at Laaf Familia and LGBTQ and a member of La Cola. And uh we have been welcomed and received by the uh community. LaMa as its name implies has uh is an uh combination of different organizations. Um we meet La Familia and others. We meet once a month. This is a place where we can be safe. We can be exposed to nature. We can drink some coffee. We can enjoy some uh bread. We can even uh enjoy uh uh our crafts. We can even have parties there like Christmas parties, birthday parties. It's a safe place. It's a welcoming place. Uh that is more than anything is in the community. Uh we can get there by walking. We can get there uh by bicycle. It's a safe place for families uh for us to feel welcome and uh this is a place for the for the community and the community has welcomed us. Uh we don't want to forget to uh give thanks to Laa for opening up these spaces. La Familia and for el L LGBTQ families especially for people of my age is very difficult to find places like this a place this place is very professional uh we they make us feel like a family feel welcome it's a safe safe place and I hope that you can help us um not only for the LGBTQ community but for everyone uh so that we feel like a community because when the community is happy the leaders are happy and I hope that you can continue helping us on this. Thank you,

37:32 – 37:54•0

Mayor and City Council. That concludes the in-person speakers. We do have one hand raised in Zoom. Confirm that they're here to speak on close session. The OCA program, please unmute. Hi, can you hear me? Yes. Are you speaking on close session? Yes. Please go ahead.

37:53 – 39:52•0

Good evening, Mayor Meco, and city council members. My name is Anna Charco and I am proud Santa Ana resident of war 2 and a proud board member of Thrive Santana. I want to speak in favor of agenda item number one. My involvement in community work began at the age of 12 when I participated in kid works and sana building healthy communities. That experience introduced me to the power of collective action and community care and incredible beautiful and life-shaping feeling. I experience the same feeling every time I visit La Cola, whether I'm enjoying a cup of coffee from LaMLA or purchasing a revolo from Dellasio or buying fresh produce from Salsa Co-op. In April 2025, Thrive and the City of Santana celebrated the grand opening of La Colena, the city's first community land trust um project. Since then, LaMa has gained an um a lot of momentum and recognition across Orange County and social media. In fact, it is now often recommended as a must- vvisited destination in Santana because of its vibrant colors, community garden, delicious coffee, and traditional embroidered clothing. La Colna has always centered around Santana residents. From inviting community members to help paint murals to tasting and shaping the coughing offerings to opening its doors to a food pantry for residents in in need during this during this current um political crisis. This space truly reflects the heart of our city. It is a powerful representation of Santana and has become a recognized model of coot across California. Building on this important milestone, Thrive has been awarded the state funding to permanently acquire the site. I respectfully urge um you council members to make this property the first coot owned asset in Santana by directing staff to prepare to purchase cell agreement along with the required economic subsidy report enabling the city to accept thrice offer. Um this proposed sale would result in a highly positive fiscal and community impact to

39:49 – 40:59•0

the city. So, the city will generate um approximately $850,000 in unrestricted revenue for the general fund compared to only um 1,2 um $1,200 over the next 96 years under the current lease. So, this is really a legacy that you all could leave behind during your time here um on council. So Lena has also transformed a long long vacant and and blight property into a vibrant community hub that has definitely improved neighborhood safety, economic activity, and the quality of life of its current residents. Um the project has created at least five permanent full-time jobs, more than 10 temporary jobs, and over 30 construction jobs. Looking ahead, Thrive anticipates creating at least 10 more additional part-time jobs over the next five years through expanded programming and growing small business. Um, LANA has proven what is possible when community culture and care are prioritized. And I strongly urge you to support this item and help ensure LANA remains a permanent community asset for the city of Santana. Once again, time is up.

40:57 – 41:27•0

Mayor and city council, that concludes the public speakers that were in the queue when we began. Noting for the record, we did receive 15 e comments related to close session item number one. Those were distributed to the city council and posted online for public access. Thank you, madam city clerk. At this time, we'll recess this portion of the meeting to consider the items listed on the close session agenda. [music]

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Oh, we'll wait. Mr. City Manager, you get started. Thank you. I know it's really important. All right, [clears throat] Madam Clerk, please start the meeting. Yes, mayor. Please go ahead.

2:37:56 – 2:38:53•0

Thank you. I hereby reconvene the Sana City Council meeting to order. Madame Clerk, please conduct the roll call. This meeting is taking place with in-person attendance and by teleconference via Zoom. The public may access the meeting via the Santa Ana YouTube channel or the city's website. Please bear with us as the technology may disrupt the flow of the meeting. 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 marshall, please do not stand or place objects in the aisles in front of the dis along the back wall of the council chamber or in front of entrances and 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 Bisera

2:38:52 – 2:39:12•0

here. Council member Hernandez, present. Council member Lopez here. Council member Pyosa present. Council member Fan here. Mayor Proen Vasquez present. Mayor Mesqua present. All seven members present. Madam clerk, before we proceed with the pledge of allegiance, please make an announcement.

2:39:10 – 2:39:52•0

For members of the public on Zoom or teleconference to request to speak during public comments on agenda or non-aggenda items within the city's jurisdiction, you must dial star9 from your phone or click the button labeled raise hand in Zoom now in order to be in the speaker queue once public comments commence. This does not apply to public hearing item number 29 or the housing authority and successor agency meetings for which comments will be heard separately. Please hold any comments on those items until specifically called upon. Thank you. Thank you very much. First item on the agenda is a pledge of allegiance. Um if Daniel from Santo can come up and lead us in the pledge, please. Did I say that right? Daniel? No. Yeah, that's you.

2:39:51 – 2:40:36•0

Would you like to come and lead us in the pledge, please? Thank you. All right. Try to remember from my high school days. [clears throat] Put your right hand over your heart. Ready? Begin. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. You may not be Oh, never mind. high school. Sorry. Thank you so very much. Words of inspiration will be provided by the police chaplain. Police Chaplain Bob Bernett. Please join us. Thank you.

2:40:35 – 2:42:17•0

I think you know over the years one of the things I like to bring to every place I go is some kind of encouragement and bring faith and hope to people. And there's often a lot of life lessons we can learn from. We learned one last night and it wasn't just about a football game. It was about a young man, Fernando Mendoza. a young man who came out of high school as a two-star quarterback that really nobody initially looked at. In fact, growing up in Miami and it encouraged me last night to see that he went to Miami and they wouldn't even take him as a walk-on. And so, as a result of that, he wasn't deterred. He kept going. That means you don't give up, you don't give out. There's good things ahead if you press through. And resilience is a great quality. And last night, it wasn't so much about the teams. I didn't go to either of those schools, so it wasn't a personal thing, but I was inspired to see what came through him. Gives us a challenge for this year. We may face obstacles and difficulties, but we can overcome and we can press through and this is a team here. And so, the best thing I can do is pray a blessing over this year and over you that this would be a very [clears throat] powerful, successful year. So, Lord God, we thank you for this place, these people, our leaders. Lord God, please Lord, give us wisdom and insight as we move ahead into this year. Let this be a year of great fruitfulness and blessing and joy. And we pray Lord for our city that you would prosper our way. You would bring safety and health always into this place. Guard and protect our men and women of law enforcement, those that are serving in the fire authority. And we thank you for the gifted and talented people that work throughout our city. and bless those tonight to be honored here in the name of the Lord. Amen.

2:42:16•0

Amen. Thank you. [clears throat and cough]

2:42:27•0

Thank you, Madam Clerk. Are there any additions or deletions to the city council agenda? There are none.

2:42:32 – 2:44:31•0

Thank you. First presentations by council member Bera, please. Certificate of recognition presented by Council Bera to Alton Gomez for acts of bravery. I probably didn't say that right, so I apologize. Come on up, please. [applause] [applause] [clears throat and cough] So tonight we are honored to recognize an individual whose actions on the night of December 6, 2025 represent the very definition of courage, of selflessness, and of heroism. So, at approximately 100 a.m. while a family of five slept, a fire broke out inside their home right in the metroclassic neighborhood, not too far from where I live. And this was not just a house. It was a family home. One where children were raised and memories were made. Inside that home at the time was his wife, Blanca, his 35-year-old son, his 11-year-old son, and an elderly woman that they rent a room to. Blanca woke up after smelling smoke and then immediately alerted her husband. By then, thick smoke and flames had already begun to fill the home. As Uniel rushed into the hallway to wake everyone, he was met by intense flames, making it impossible to reach the stairs or move anywhere further in the house. So, in that critical moment, he had he made a life-saving decision. With no safe path forward, Antonio returned to

2:44:27 – 2:44:45•0

his bedroom, opened a window, and get this, and then jumped. He jumped from the second story of the home at 68 years old. Don't mean to share, but 68 67. All right, we'll say 70, whatever. But still,

2:44:43 – 2:45:45•0

I know. I know. In my 40s, I'm not trying to jump out of a second story window, okay? But this gentleman did. Once he was outside, though, he didn't stop. He ran to retrieve 20- foot ladders from the backyard, tools from his landscaping business, and then began immediately rescuing his family. He placed ladders so that his wife and adult son could escape through their windows, guiding them with calm instructions. Calm instructions. Hell, I would have been a lot less calm in that situation. So, I'm glad to hear you were calm." So, as the flames were following, he then went to his adult son, who was able to call 911 while he was escaping. Antonio then turned his attention to his 11-year-old son who was still asleep, which is probably be me as well. I'd be earthquake fire. I'd be asleep, too. So, he was unaware of the fire. He was carrying a ladder and a shovel. Antonio then climbed up, broke the window, and calmly instructed his son to come toward the window. I'm still getting over this calm part because you're just like, "Hey, um, there's a fire. You should come on down."

2:45:43 – 2:46:53•0

That's really scary. [laughter] So without hesitation, he returned once more to help the elderly woman who was unable to climb down on her own and carried her safely to the ground. So when the OC fire authority arrived, all five individuals were already safely outside. Although the family tragically lost their homes and all of their belongings, every single life there was saved and no one suffered serious injury or smoke inhilation. So, Chief Henry had shared with me that Antonio waited, had he waited even one minute longer or panicked, obviously we know he wouldn't panic, the outcome would have been very different. So, tonight we recognize Antonio Gomez because five people here in Sana are alive today thanks to this father's extraordinary courage, strength, and selflessness. Antonio's actions remind us of the amazing people that we have living here in Sana and that heroes, true heroes, often rise when we least expect it. So, Antonio, on behalf of the Saint City Council, I would love to present you with this certificate and just say thank you for all that you've done. [applause]

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[applause] [applause]

2:47:11 – 2:47:59•0

I just want to say is thank you to Conilio for inviting me and my family to be here with you guys. I really give a lot of thanks to the fire department where I think they only take probably five six minutes after my son called to the emergency because I don't have time to call. He did and I just say thank you to the fire department. He helped me a lot because it was really quick to when they start to work with the fire. We already was safe but uh the way they did it was really really fast that because it was the fire was right inside. So I want to say thank you uh every everybody here and uh to inviting me here. Thanks [applause]

2:48:03 – 2:48:39•0

ladies and gentlemen. This is uh Chief Henry, our Division 6 fire chief. I I don't know what else to say other than um I'm glad that uh it worked out as well as it did, right? I can tell you so many tragedies where it hasn't and um so just grateful the family as well and um got to get your house rebuilt, right? So, and um just remind everybody, right, check your smoke detectors, make sure they work, and um you know, twice a year when we change our clocks. So, thank you [applause]

2:49:33 – 2:49:55•0

I know. Superman.

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[laughter]

2:50:43 – 2:51:24•0

Please. Next up is Council Member Lopez certificate of recognition presented to Francis uh Coco Co for outstanding contributions to the community. Come on up, please. [applause]

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[applause]

2:51:41 – 2:53:39•0

Okay, good evening everybody. Today I'm really proud to recognize Francis Go um which is his artist name um the artistic name of Francisco um a modernday troador whose work captures the soul of sana Francisco is known for his unique sound described as everything from mex americanana to kinetta surf punk but the one word that defines all his work is honest his powerful song I ice out of sana refct refcts the pain, fear, and resilience felt by immigrant families facing today's challenges. While still holding on to hope and unity through his art, he gives voice to those who are often unheard. Francis Co is not only an artist, he is a community builder. He has spent years uplifting local musicians, hosting showcases, open mics, creating spaces for other artists to share their voices and have a space to be able to create. He is deeply rooted in Saint Ana, a graduate of Roosevelt Elementary, St. An's Modern Day, and Saint Ana College, raised in the Delhigh neighborhood, and now a proud resident of Washington Square. His songs like Sana Sun and Memphis celebrate everyday beauty, love, and culture of our city. Francisco has performed in numerous events from artwalk to movies in the park, holiday festivals, and becoming a familiar and beloved presence in our local art scene, not just in the city, but in the county as well. Beyond music, Francisco is also a gifted photographer documenting Siana's people, events, and neighborhoods. In his professional life, Francis serves our community as a therapist and case manager at the County Sana Mental Health Clinic, supporting transitional age youth, individuals experience experiencing homelessness, and those dealing and battling with

2:53:36 – 2:55:22•0

addiction and Spanish speaking and undocumented families. His artistry, advocacy, and service reflects the strength, compassion, and cultural richness that exists in our city. We are honored to recognize Francisco, also known as Francisco Isai, for his outstanding contributions to our community. Thank you for all that you've done um with your family, for our community at large. Um and I really encourage all of um our constituents to support our local artist community now and always. Thank you. [applause] It's an honor to be recognized by uh the city that I grew up in and I love and um in the face of everything that's going on. It's easy to to get despared, but um I'm also moved by what I've seen in the community, people coming together to support our undocumented folks and fund raise and and educate and um everything from ICE watch to to protest. And I encourage everyone to find ways to build the community that is actively being uh attacked. You know, connect with your neighbors, connect with local organizations, um support our local businesses, our our our vendors. Um do everything you can. Thanks. [applause] Okay.

2:55:23 – 2:56:26•0

Okay. All right. Thank you very much. Uh, Madam City Attorney, [applause] I'm sorry I jumped up. Final presentation by Council Member Panalosa. It's a proclamation presented to the United States Postal Workers in Saint Ana. Come on up, please. Come on up. Come on up. [applause]

2:56:28 – 2:58:27•0

Don't be shy. Everybody come on up. You guys probably been sitting there for a while. How's it going everybody? Good evening. Uh, please give a round of applause to the United States Postal Service, our workers. [applause] Um, tonight we are proud to recognize the 250th anniversary of the United States Postal Service and its dedicated service to our community. 2025 marked 250 years since the creation of the United States Post Office. The predecessor of today's postal service established even before our nation itself and later enshrined in the Constitution. Over the years, the postal service has played a critical role in connecting people and communities from building roads, railways, and airlines to serving as a vital lifeline for residents across the country. Today, the United States Postal Service delivers to approximately 169 million addresses six and in some cases 7 days a week, operating entirely on its own revenue without taxpayer funding. Beyond mail delivery, the postal service supports the$ 1.3 trillion dollar mailing and package industry and provides good union living wage jobs, including being one of the nation's largest employers of veterans. On behalf of the city of Santa Ana, we are honored to present this proclamation to Priscilla Dennis. Although Miss Stannis is unable to be with us this evening, her wife Jennifer Borha, also a

2:58:24 – 3:00:24•0

former city carrier, is here to accept the proclamation on her behalf. Miss Stannis serves as a US Postal Service clerk and APWU union steward. And this proclamation recognizes the indispensable service of the United States Postal Service and the dedication of its employees. with Priscilla. While Priscilla lives in Irvine, Santa Ana is a community she serves every single day, working at multiple postal stations throughout the city. Though her work, she sees through her work, she sees firsthand how important USPS is to our residents, especially seniors, people with disabilities, low-income families, and community members who face language barriers. At the counter, Priscilla helps residents with social security documents, medical supplies, legal paperwork, ballots, and other essential mail, often serving as a trusted and familiar point of connection to important services. As a bilingual clerk, she regularly helps residents who may struggle with English by walking them through forms, explaining mailing requirements, and making sure they feel supported and understood. These moments may seem small, but for many people, the poster service is a lifeline. their most reliable and affordable way to stay connected to essential services. We also want to recognize the dedication of Saint Ana's postal workers who continue to show up every day despite staffing shortages, operational challenges, and increasing demand. Their work ensures that every household in Santa Ana receives mail, no matter their income, background, or neighborhood, something that's fundamental to access and civic participation. On behalf of the city of Saint Ana, we're proud to present this proclamation recognizing the essential service provided by the United States Postal Service, the dedication of postal workers, and the important role USPS and all of you play in supporting our community. So, thank you so much. Uh I please I invite every single one of you

3:00:22 – 3:00:45•0

to if you want to say something, but the floor is yours. Go ahead. Here's this [applause] Uh, hold on. I'm sorry. I had to go ahead. [laughter] Go ahead. Um, Council Member Danielsa, thank you so much for that.

3:00:42 – 3:01:35•0

Of course. Um, so my name is Jennifer and I'm accepting this in uh on behalf of my wife Priscilla who has been dedicating so much of her time to make sure that everyone in the postal community um under her union is um is fought for and is um just treated fairly. um she's not able to be here today, but she is deeply grateful and honored uh for this proclamation. Um thank you to the city of Santa Aner. Thank you, Mayor U for honoring the 250th anniversary of the United States Postal Service. The postal service is more than a job. It's a public service that connects and supports communities every day. So, thank you so much for keeping it public and not private. Thank you.

3:01:36•0

[applause]

3:01:39 – 3:03:02•0

All right. They just want to say thank you. So wonderful. Um, I say we don't mind. One, two,

3:03:54 – 3:04:38•0

Okay, madam city attorney, do you have anything to report out in close session? Yes, thank you, mayor, uh mayor, council members, members of the public. We held a lengthy close session this evening. I want to thank you for your patience and we have two items for reportable action under the Brown Act. For item 2B is listed on the agenda. uh the Irma dela Cruz case, the council approved a settlement of $135,000 by a unanimous vote of all seven members. And for item 2G, the Rita Ramirez case by unanimous vote of all seven members. The city council voted to appeal the verdict in this case. And that is all of the reportable action that I have. I'm so sorry that it was not a unanimous vote. It was a 61 vote. Um and with council member Hernandez declining to support the appeal.

3:04:37 – 3:04:54•0

Thank you. I just was going to remind you that. Thank you very much. Okay, this is the time of the meeting for the city council to receive comments from the public on agenda and non-aggenda items. Madame city clerk, please explain the public comment procedures and call the first speakers, please. Thank you.

3:04:52 – 3:06:08•0

Thank you, mayor and council. Pursuant to resolution number 2025-004, speakers are requested to address the city council directly and to refrain from profane language, racial epitaps, and lielist 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 the summary of emails provided. As of today at 2 p.m., the city received a total of 43 e comments. 12 of those were on non-aggenda topics and 31 of those were related to item number 16. Those were distributed to the city council, made part of the record, and made available online for public review. We will now hear from members of the public that are physically present in the council chamber, followed by those on the conference call or Zoom to provide comments on agenda or non-aggenda items. 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. If you could please line up in the center aisle behind the podium. Patricia Huerta, Bruce Senator, and Robera Herrera. Patricia,

3:06:11 – 3:07:48•0

happy new year to everyone. Today I want to introduce you guys to a dear friend um and he's a here a nonprofit here in Santa. His name is Cory Vual. He served eight years in the US Navy. Deployments include Operation Desert Strike, Operation Southern Watch, Operation Iraq Freedom. Currently works full-time as a leader navigator with Strong Family, Strong Children, and supports military connected families transition with peer and clinical services located in Santa Ana. Cory has volunteered for 10 years as a post service officer of American Legion Newport Beach Harbor Post 291. Recent awards include the presidential lifetime achievement award by the Biden administration. He has also received the PBSA which is a president volunteer service award gold award by the Trump administration. numerous OC veteran of the year and AD74 veteran of the year. His expertise with VA programs, homelessness issues, re-entry and diversion courts and veteran benefits is remarkable. Membership also includes the Anaheim Veterans of Foreign War and also an Elk member. He have he has also started the coffee talk at the Elks Lodge. Now I'd like to introduce him. Corey Vel.

3:07:45 – 3:09:11•0

Hi, city uh city council mayor. I just wanted to say I'm from uh Strong Family Strong Children in uh 600 West Sana Boulevard. Uh we're on the sixth floor. We just received uh $3.9 million grant. So it's 1.3 uh million for each year. I think it's critical because Santa Ana is the target for veterans. Um so we we provide the clinical services. Uh according to the Census Bureau and a little bit more information I received from the Veteran Service Office in Santa Ana, uh we found out that we have 4,500 uh veterans living in Santa Ana and 500 of them are female veterans. So just to end with a little bit of time we have here. We have clinical services. I passed out the flyers. Uh it's important that we make a connection. Uh Patty Wertha invited me here because she has some relationships with some of you on the board. So, it's important that we try to get services maybe out to the fire department, the police department. We have the capability to put them in a motel the same day. There's no wait on the clinical services. And just to end quickly, um the suicide rate is extremely high for California. More than 63% of veterans that are killing themselves are 61 and older, we just found out. So, the official number on that right now is 17 and a half veterans committing suicide a day. Thank you for your time. Thank you.

3:09:15 – 3:11:14•0

Good evening. Uh, Bruce, Senator Ward 6. Um, I had submitted the notice of intent to uh circulate the petition regarding the um public parks and I received uh this afternoon the u ballot title and summary uh from the uh city attorney. So, we'll get working on that. And this is the first time I brought something like this forward and we're going to try for 2026. However, if I cannot bring it to fruition for this election, I'm going to keep saving our sports public benefit corporation active and then we will keep building a base and we'll come back in 2028, but we're going to try here for 2026. you know, the children of the city are are definitely in need of this sort of protection and and and their futures are are dependent upon this sort of protection and to stave off the terrible uh effects that the gangs have. So, if the kids are not fully engaged in our public parks and they're walking outside the parks, they're going to be subject to gang influence. And so, we're going to keep pushing for this. Um there's another document that I had submitted and it's a followup uh to what I submitted back in October I believe or December excuse me on functional auditing and as I pointed out the city of San Diego went through an internal review and they really evolved their city operations and recently in working with our city hall in whether it's finance planning and permitting it turns out there's a lot of convoluted information um that comes out of there and it leads to a lot of a lot of problems. And so we really need to take a look at the municipal code and how it's presented by staff because when staff on the front counter have to continuously go back and talk with their superiors and you get conflicting information, not just in when you're present before them, but when they send emails with conflicting information,

3:11:12 – 3:12:11•0

it's really difficult. So we need to be able to sit down with the department heads and we need to sit down with contractors and residents and discuss these things and figure out how can we amend the municipal code and how it in integrates with the various departments and divisions so things and information flow smoother and much more accurately. Now Mr. Pinoloza, you gave an interview a while ago. I believe I I saw it online about supporting our immigrant community and I would hope that the city goes much further. You know, we could have immigration celebration events throughout the city in our parks, our community centers. They've supported our us for generations and we can support them for the years of torment that they have already gone through under Trump and that we're going to be going through for three more years. So we need to see about how we can be much more involved in that. Thank you.

3:12:08•0

Next three speakers, Roberto Roberto Herrera, Daniel Diaz, Daniel Chamel.

3:12:16 – 3:14:15•0

Uh good evening, mayor and city council. My name is Roberto Herrera and I'm the chair of the parks and reccks and community services commission. I've I've been since 2022 when our logo um was nice, this nice little sunshine here. Um but not anymore. So sad we don't have this logo anymore. And for the record, the Santana, the city of Santana has stripped all parks and wrecks logos from every inch of the city, but not from my pride and love for this department. I come before you tonight as an individual of the commission, not on behalf. I've overseen this department's growth from when I was first appointed in early 22 2022 in the midst of the pandemic. Then we've only had commission meetings virtually and executive director Hawk Scott was brought in to revitalize the department. As chair and in collaboration with the executive director, we've transitioned our meetings from virtual to in person and worked with this team to reimagine community engagement, park planning, and park reinvestment. Together, we've worked hard to make parks safe, clean, and green, and ultimately popular. I've come before you tonight to speak highly of Executive Director Hawk Scott. The department under his leadership has served the city of Santana well. As of late, I've been extremely disappointed at this council for your failure and leadership and accountability over the loss of $7 million for parks and wrecks. This failure falls squarely on the mayor and city manager. I do not accept nor understand your reasoning for returning $7 million, turning down community centers, child care, programming for our youth and families. This is unacceptable and frankly embarrassing. I request your presence, city manager, um at our parks and reccks commission meeting in February to explain to the public in detail your reasoning for cancelling these contracts. My my aim is not to be

3:14:12 – 3:14:49•0

political here. But there comes a point when corruption forces me to speak out. This was not a financial decision. It was purely political and you owe the public an apology. You owe the youth and the next generation of this city an apology for your failure. I am Parks and Rex. I come to speak for the countless on the ground workers of the parks and Rex department who only seek to serve our youth and families. And I hope to see you at our February commission meeting. city manager and thank you to the city council and the public [applause]

3:14:52 – 3:16:50•0

Daniel Chamel Ruben Salazar Victor Pian Good evening mayor honorable council my name is Dan Chamel I'm a resident of Ward 3 uh I'm here to talk tonight about the killing of Renee Nicole Good and the broader implications that has for the city of Santa Ana. Um, I note that on the agenda today, this meeting is being called in part in memory of of Miss Good. I think that's commendable. Uh, but it's not policy. It's not a plan, and it's not enough. And what I'm calling on the city council tonight to do is to set policy, set a plan, and give clear direction to city staff, including but not limited to the police department, as to how it is to respond to continuing unlawful enforcement actions by ICE and other federal agencies. Uh, and I'm not just talking about the ongoing uh violations of the Fourth Amendment and people's rights that we've been seeing for months in this city. Uh, but I'm also talking about for when they come here in force as they've done in Minneapolis, as they've done in Chicago, and as they're threatening to do uh to blue states throughout the country. Now, I note uh there was a policy, an ordinance adopted in July uh in which the city expressed its support for the immigrant community. I think that's good, but again, it stopped short of actual tangible action. Now, in releasing that policy, the council noted that the city doesn't have the authority to unilaterally block federal enforcement, and that's true. Uh, but it is not powerless to act. I want to be very clear about this. The city council and this city has general police power to protect the health, safety, and welfare of its residents. The federal government does not. ICE does not. They are not the police. They do not have that right. They are a limited agency with limited statutory authority. So, what can the city do? As a few examples

3:16:49 – 3:18:48•0

that I might suggest the city council look at and give staff direction on, when a ICE vehicle speeds, cite them. When they park illegally, cite their vehicle and tow them. Use your social media to amplify calls about unlawful enforcement actions from local community organizations. If an officer sees someone from ICE without a warrant without probable cause, breaking someone's car window, dragging them from that vehicle, arrest that officer for assault. Arrest them for vandalism. If an ICE officer approaches a person's private property without consent, without a warrant, guess what? They're trespassing. They should be cited and removed from that property. I'll close. I see my time is about to expire. I just want to say that the people of this city, including myself, we're scared, we're angry, and we're looking to you for leadership. And I'm asking that you provide it. Thank you. [applause] Ruben Salazar, Victor Payen, Hello, city council mayor Victor Payon. Ward two. I'm a 15-year resident of Santa Ana and an arts leader in the community. I'm founding director of media arts Santa Ana, co-founder of United Artists of Santa Ana, um co-founder of the OC Film Fiesta, member of the Santa Ana Arts Master Plan Steering Committee, lead artist for the Vottos Locals Video Game, California Creative Corps Fellow, and California Arts Council Individual Artist Fellow. I'm here today to respond to the false and misleading comments made by Alicia

3:18:46 – 3:20:45•0

Roas at the last city council meeting regarding UASA and the proposal we prepared for the CAC cultural district program to submit historic Main Street for designation as a state cultural district. Miss Roja sent a letter to the CAC and circulated it to the city attacking the proposal. Unfortunately, her attacks are based on several key falsehoods and her long-standing grudge against UASA, of which she is a disgruntled former member. Her attack was also based on the failures of the 2017 CAC cultural district proposal which was submitted by Downtown Inc. Grand Central Arts Center and the city of Santa Ana. To be clear, none of the people who worked on the 25 proposal had anything to do with the 2017 proposal. We are all too familiar with Miss Roa's calculated tactic of manufactured outrage and performative scandal to play to play politics and defame her enemies or better said her competitors. When confronted at the November Arts Commission meeting with allegations that her letter was full of falsehoods, she responded, quote, "The signatures can speak for themselves. Interestingly, she did not defend the letter," which was a tacit admission that she knew it was bogus. We have spoken with individuals who felt the issue was misrepresented to them by her, felt pressured to sign a letter they did not agree with, and were made uncomfortable by her attack. It is our belief that the purpose of Miss Roa's attack was to damage our reputation and our economic well-being. Unfortunately, attacking the proposal didn't benefit anybody and in fact cost the city of Santa Ana money, resources, reputation, and opportunities. The city, this incident demands that I ask the following questions. What is the city doing to protect its residents, partners, organizers, and businesses from vicious attacks and defamation by unscrupulous actors? What process does a city have to place uh to vet the veracity of accusations before just accepting them? And what process does the city have to inform uh people that unscrupulous and false accusations have been made against them so they can defend themselves? The 2025 cultural

3:20:43 – 3:21:26•0

district proposal is vis visionary in alignment with the city's arts master plan and reflects deep understanding of community priorities and input from the master plan community sessions plus more than 15 years of working with city staff, artists, and arts organizations on Main Street. from the five to the 55 freeways. I commend the city for partnering with us on the proposal and do not believe it would have done so if it was bad, exploitive or prog gentrification as alleged by Miss Rojos. It is my hope that the city council, mayor, and staff will familiarize themselves with the proposal and work with UASA to make the plan a reality. We formed a steering committee and we'll be contacting you all to follow up. Thank you. Daniel Diaz, Ruben Salazar, Dale Helvig.

3:21:29 – 3:22:44•0

Hello. Uh, my name is Ruben Salazar and I'm a resident of Washington Square here in Santa Ana. I have also worked in downtown Santa Ana for over 10 years. The clean and safe program along with dedicated staff and manager. Joseé Romo has been an integral part of the maintaining a clean, welcoming and vibrant downtown for many years. Their efforts have been laid have laid a strong foundation for preserving this historic part of our city. The team works tirelessly around the clock to ensure that downtown Santa Ana remains safe and enjoyable, not only for residents and visitors, but also during the many special events held throughout the year. The individuals who are part of the clean and safe program play a vital role in maintaining our streets and public spaces. They are truly a part of the fabric of our thriving city and community. They take pride in the work and it shows in the condition and atmosphere of our downtown. I strongly believe this program should remain in place for years to come. It not only benefits our city but also provides meaningful employment and financial stability for the workers and their families. Thank you,

3:22:46•0

Del Helic.

3:22:56 – 3:24:53•0

Good evening, mayor, city council, city staff. Uh wasn't here in December to wish you a happy holiday, so I'll do that. Hope you had a good holiday, and I hope you all have a good and successful and happy uh 2026. Uh, I'm here tonight to address uh what I brought to you guys in October uh to discuss the city council special event spons sponsorship policy. I said I'd get back to you with all the data. I provided you guys a letter that showed the the data that I obtained through public records and uh hopefully you had a chance to take a look at it. Uh I did get feedback from several of you concerning the data that was provided. I was able to make the corrections necessary and clarify some of the issues that uh I saw during my analysis. Uh I was able to clear up everything but one event and that's listed in the in the letter that I sent to you and I'm hoping that you guys take a look at what the policy is and moving forward you take the corrective actions necessary. I think it's important that we go ahead and hold everybody accountable to the policies that are there. Uh they're there for a reason. We want to hold other people accountable for their actions and whatever. And we need to hold council members uh accountable as well. Uh I think the true character of an individual is what they do after they make a mistake. How do they correct it? How do they deal with it? Right now, it seems like it's just gone on silent ears. I know it's been brought up by a couple other residents and uh they have received zero feedback on what's going to happen. I'm hoping that we can uh get this corrected, put it behind us, and

3:24:50•0

move on. So, uh with that, you guys have a good night. Thanks,

3:24:58 – 3:25:39•0

Mayor and City Council. That concludes the public speakers that are present. We'll now begin the Zoom speakers. When unmuted, please announce your name and the ward or neighborhood that you reside in within the city of Santa Ana for the record. Pocha Pñena, please unmute and make your comments. Okay. Um, okay.

3:25:35 – 3:27:33•0

Please go ahead with your comments. City Council and staff. I'm Sandra Pocha Pñena Serento from Pacific Park and I'll be reading a letter by Tomas Bonitez uh which uh was submitted to uh e comment earlier today in support of the historic Main Street Cultural District. My name is Tomas Bonitz and I'm an arts and cultural planning consultant from Los Angeles. I had the pleasure and honor to work with Jerry Allen and associates to create the arts master plan for the city of Santa Ana in 2016 and 2017. Our mission was not to impose our expertise on what a healthy arts plan is, but to inculcate from the community itself what their priorities and needs were and to forge a plan that benefits the community. Thus, we needed to create bridges with local leadership at all levels from government officials to artists and students. I had the opportunity to work with a nexus of arts leaders and organizations and I was fortunate to work with Victor Payan and Pocha Pena from United Artists of Santa Ana. They demonstrated true insight into the value of arts and culture in the daily lives of the people of Santa Ana and proved to be critically helpful in their overall contribution and effort, including helping our team create pathways to different segments of the community. Victor and Pocha lent their effort and love of the arts towards every step of our work. They were vital in ensuring that the Latinx community voice was a part of the vision and planning and they further helped us with

3:27:31 – 3:28:50•0

meetings with Spanish speakers and non-arts community leaders as well. I found them to be seinal examples of community arts leadership. I applaud the work of Victor and Pocha in creating the historic Main Street cultural district plan that aligns with the arts master plan and is visionary. But I am sorry to hear that it was not presented to the California Arts Council. I was also disappointed to learn that the plan was undermined by a few opponents who acted in their own self-interest rather than the public good, which the cultural district plan provided. I would advise the council in future consider looking at who's doing the work needing to be done and not merely the accusations being made. I was at every public meeting during our planning for the arts master plan. I know very well who the hardworking and caring individuals were, who gave the effort and time and opinion and who worked with us and collaborated with other arts leaders.

3:28:48 – 3:29:32•0

Mayor and city council, that concludes the Zoom speakers that were in the queue when comments commenced. Thank you, Madam Clerk. All right, at this time we're going to the consent calendar. Items 4 through 25 are before us. Council members, please announce any items that you'll be abstaining from due to conflict if there are any. Request to pull an item. Let me know or let our um Madame Kirk know, please. So, um I'm going to pull item 16. Any coun mayor prom? I'm not going to pull anything. But I'm not going to pull anything, but I'm a no on 13. I'm sorry. Did you say you're a no on 13? Yeah.

3:29:30 – 3:30:15•0

Okay, that it. That's it. Council member Lopez, no items to pull. Thank you. Council member Panalosa, no items to pull, Mayor, but I'm just registering a no on item eight. No on eight. Thank you, Council Member Fan. Nothing. Mayor, thank you. Council member Bisera. Mayor, I won't be pulling anything, but I would like to register a no vote on item eight, please. Thank you, Council Member Hernandez. I'd like to register a no vote on item 13 and 15. 13 and 15. Council Hernandez. That is correct, Madame Mayor.

3:30:13 – 3:30:58•0

Thank you so much. So, I'm going to pull item 16 and also I'm going to register no vote on item eight. Okay, Madam Clerk, you already pulled item 60. Yes, I did. Wonderful. Um, I'll make a motion to approve the rest of the items. Second your motion, madam. Thank you, sir. Roll call, Madam Clerk. Motion by Mayor Mesqua, seconded by Council Member Hernandez to approve consent calendar items number four through 25 with the exception of item number 16 that's pulled for separate discussion and consideration. Um, Council Member Bera, yes. Council member Hernandez,

3:30:57 – 3:31:13•0

yes. Council member Lopez, yes. Council member Posoa, yes. Council member Fan, yes. Mayor Prove Vasquez, yes. Mayor Mesa, yes.

3:31:11 – 3:31:49•0

The vote is seven eyes, no nays for consent calendar items 4 through 25 with the exception of item 16 that has been pulled for separate discussion and consideration. Item number eight, for which the vote is 43 with no votes registered by Mayor Aesqua, council members Basera, and Pyoza. And item number 13, which the vote is 52, with a registered no vote by Mayor Prom Vasquez and Council Member Hernandez. And item number 15, for which the vote is 61 with a registered no vote by Council Member Hernandez. Motion carries. Thank you, Madam Clerk.

3:31:52 – 3:32:20•0

The item pulled is um 16. Madam clerk, you want to read it out loud or you want me to do it? Sure. Item 16 is an agreement with DTSA services for downtown Santa Ana Clean and Safe Program presented by the Community Development Agency.

3:32:18 – 3:33:04•0

Thank you very much, Madam Clerk. So, I'll be brief. Um maybe we'll get out early. Um, on item 16, first of all, I just want to say thank you very much, Mr. Romo, and all of you that came tonight to support this item. Um, I am going to vote yes because I know how important this is to our downtown merchants. I'm downtown quite a bit and I see the work that's being done and so I just want to say thank you to all of you who did send in emails. We received many emails of support. Mr. Romo, thank you for your services. um you make downtown look good. And so we want pe we want it to look that way so that people will come and visit us. And so I just wanted to make those comments that I am supporting the item and I'll make a motion to support it. Councilman Hernandez.

3:33:02 – 3:34:29•0

Oh, second your motion, Madame Mayor. And um I also want to echo the comments about um the clean and safe um program being something that brings people to downtown San. It ensures that the events are safe [clears throat] and presentable. And so I want to applaud and thank Jose Romo for his leadership and um and for making sure that the downtown is clean. And um and then lastly, I just want to verify um given that this was a 5-year contract for a number of years, Mr. City Manager, could you help me understand the contract that's in front of us just very briefly? So we we are trying to be very fiscally conservative so forth. So this is probably the first time where I think we're going to come very um even to make sure that the parking revenue generates the some of the parking expenses. So this um contract allows to review each year and make sure we're making the corresponding u right decisions when it comes to fiscal responsibility. I I want to ensure that this remains a priority given that the downtown is is a location that brings over a thousand people daily uh at any given time. Um there are you know tons of business owners who rely on the clean and safe so that their business you know is presentable and and is welcoming. So I want to ensure that we are protecting that longevity and that we have a sustainable contract where you know we're able to ensure you know long-term you know continued success.

3:34:28•0

Understood. Thank you Councilman Council Member Sarah.

3:34:32 – 3:35:29•0

Thank you Madam Mayor. Um first I just want to say thank you to everybody that communicated to the council how important this program is. I want to thank Mr. Romo for all the good work that he does and has been doing for years. Um, the thing I loved about all the communication from the downtown merchants, it just it shows the the the energy, the the vibrantness of downtown and how how much people care about how downtown is and the passion. So, just seeing that on an item that was on consent, it just shows how much concern and care there is. So, I appreciate that. And I was going to ask a question of the city manager, but he's good. He was a little bit ahead of me on this one. and that was I wanted to make sure that with this program it's self- sustaining and that was through the parking structure and meters revenue and thank you assistant city manager um Sylvia Vasquez for giving me the um information earlier but we're ahead right so we're we're in the black not in the red when it comes to the revenues and being able to fund this program

3:35:31 – 3:36:09•0

yes we're not losing money I I think years past and I and so not to sound redundant but this is the Right. Um years past we we were at 1.6 million 1.7 million at a deficit. I think this year with the park construction aspects I think people returning to the downtown us trying to maintain a clean um atmosphere and yes give credit to Mr. Ro for doing a great job. Um we're balancing it out and so that's the key right. We want to make sure that each year we present a a balanced approach to this type of programs and you see where the money is going. Perfect. Thank you for that Mr. S manager. I'll go ahead and support the item. Thank you council. Council Member Lopez.

3:36:07 – 3:36:33•0

Yes, thank you. Um, I just want to thank everybody that does the work in downtown. Uh, you know, oftentimes it goes unseen. It goes unrecognized, discussed, but you know, as somebody that spends a lot of time in the in the downtown area, just thank you for your work. Um, you know, this is something that I've supported throughout my entire time here, and this is something that I'll continue to support. Thank you, Council Member Panalosa.

3:36:31 – 3:37:40•0

Thank you, Mayor. I just wanted to thank um the downtown sana uh enhancement services on Joe Roma for for your work and leadership in this. Uh it's definitely noted and seen and noticed uh when when our streets are getting cleaned and and the how tidy it's kept in downtown San. I've heard from the merchants of how supportive they are of these services. Um so very supportive of this item. I wish it was a fiveyear back to a 5-year contract, but I understand why we're looking at a three-year contract. Uh so very supportive of a 5-year contract if that would be an option. Uh just wanted to also reiterate to our downtown merchants that when parking fees and parking structure meters are raised, I mean this is what these services are are getting funded by. So I I I was like I heard from a lot of merchants about the parking uh last summer and then uh some supportive of the services. But these are the types of of uh services that we wish to to fund with these parking uh um fees and revenue. So I'm happy that it's here before us and very supportive of it. So thank you.

3:37:38 – 3:37:58•0

All right. There's a motion that I've made and there's a second by Councilman Hernandez. Let's prepare to vote, please. Motion by Mayor Masquest, seconded by Council Member Hernandez to approve the agreement with DTSA services for downtown SA Clean and Safe Program. Vote is seven eyes. No nays. Motion carries.

3:37:57 – 3:38:39•0

All right. Thank you. At this time, we're going to go to the business calendar. Item number 26 is the nomination for mayor. Can I pull it? I'm sorry. No, you cannot pull it. [laughter] I've never heard that one. Mayor Prom for 2026. Um, I don't think we need a staff report. Do we need a staff report? I see you, Council B. We We have a staff report. Mayor Prom Council Sarah, go ahead. Thank you, Madam Mayor. I I want to thank uh our current mayor, Pro Ten Vasquez, for his service this year. And I'm going to go ahead and nominate uh Council Member Pyolza. I'll second that. All right, let's uh no other nominations. Let's prepare.

3:38:37 – 3:39:21•0

I would like to nominate uh Council Member Jonathan Hernandez. You're making a a second motion here. Second motion. All right, I'll second your motion. All right, Madame Clerk. Um so seeing no other nominations before you mayor closing nominations. Yes I'm closing nominations. The first one was for Council Member Panalosa. Then uh the current MA mayor prom made another nomination. Yes. So we will take a vote on each motion in the order that they were received. So the first one is on Council Member Pulosa um nominated by Council Member Visera and seconded by Mayor Mesa. Council member Bisera [sighs] I guess. Yes. Council member Hernandez,

3:39:20 – 3:39:57•0

no. Council member Lopez, no. Council member Pyosa. I suppose yes. Council member Fan, yes. Mayor Proan Vasquez, no. [laughter] That was painful, huh? Mayor Pro, now you know how it feels. I'm the last one. I'm I'm sorry. I I didn't No. Okay. You said no very softly. [laughter] Mayor Mesa, I'm a yes for council member Panalosa.

3:39:56 – 3:40:40•0

Okay. So, that vote is four eyes and three nays. We'll now vote on the second nomination which was made by Mayor Prom Vasquez, seconded by council member Hernandez to appoint council member Hernandez as mayor prom. Council member Visera. Real quick, uh madam clerk, if the first motion passes, we still need to vote on the second motion. No, I don't think we do. Madam cl. So the process that we've used in previous years is to vote on both nominations in the order received and then the one with the highest affirmative votes is the one that's selected. Okay. I just want that clarification. Thank you. Uh so we're currently voting on council member Hernandez to serve as mayor proton for 2026. Go ahead. Council member Bera. No. Council member Hernandez. Yes.

3:40:37 – 3:41:22•0

Council member Lopez. Council member Pulysa. No. Council member Fan. No. Mayor Provasquez. Yes. Mayor Mesa. No. That vote is three eyes, four nazs. Eyes by Mayor Pot Vasquez and council members Fernandez and Lopez. The first motion passed with the vote of 43 with Mayor Potm Vasquez and council members Hernandez and Lopez dissenting. Um, council member Pilosa will serve as mayor Potm for 2026. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Council member Penalosa, congratulations. Thank you to all seven of you. We're looking forward to the rest of the year. All right. Thank you. Council member Vasquez, you have something you want to give them? No, [laughter] I'm just kidding. I'm kidding.

3:41:21 – 3:41:59•0

No, we're good. Just kidding. All right. At this time, we're going to go to item number 27 is a nomination and appointment of an alternate representative to Southern California Association of Government's General Assembly business meeting. I'd like to nominate Council Member Lopez, please, if she'd be willing to accept of delegate or No, you're an alternate Oh, got it. But don't worry, you'll be soon because I don't I know. I know you'll be going to all the meetings. Okay, [laughter] I accept. Thank you. Thank you. So, I'm going to make a motion. And you're seconding that motion? Happy to second.

3:41:57 – 3:42:35•0

Okay. Thank you. All right. Any other nominations? Motion by Mayor Mesqua, seconded by Council Member Lopez to nominate Council Member Lopez as the alternate representative to the Southern California Association of Government's General Assembly business meeting. Council member Basera, yes. Council member Hernandez, yes. Council member Lopez, yes. Council member Puloza, yes. Council member Fan, yes. Council member Vasquez, yes. Mayor Mesa, yes. Vote is seven eyes, no nays. Motion carries.

3:42:33 – 3:43:09•0

Perfect. There you go. Congratulations, Council Member Lopez. Okay. On to item 28 is an amendment to chapter 2 of the San Municipal Code regarding the procurement and contracting procedure for vehicle and vehicle related equipment purchases. Do does the council need a report at this time? Seeing none, is there a motion? I'll make a motion. I'll second the motion. See no comments. Let's prepare to vote, please.

3:43:07 – 3:43:52•0

Motion by Mayor Masca, seconded by Council Member Hernandez to introduce her for first reading and ordinance of the city council of the city of Santa Ana amending chapter 2 of the Santa Ana municipal code as to section 2-748 specifying the procurement and contracting procedure for vehicle and vehicle related equipment purchases. Council member Bera. Yes. Council member Hernandez, yes. As long as it's not cops. Council member Lopez, yes. Council member Fan, yes. Council member Vasquez, yes. Mayor prompilosa, yes. Mayor Mesa, yes. I have to get to used to the mayor prompo. Take me like a meeting or two. Vote is seven eyes, no names. Motion carries.

3:43:50 – 3:44:28•0

Doesn't have the same ring. [laughter] Y'all can call me whatever you run it back. run it back. All right, here we go. Without the POA influence. It's the end of uh business calendar. Now, at this time, we're going to go to the public hearing. Before hearing public item number 29, Madame Clerk, please provide instructions to the public who'd like to make a comment on this public hearing item only. Members of the public joining us by way of Zoom or conference call who would like to make a comment for public hearing item number 29 only, the adoption of building and fire codes, please dial star 9 from your phone or select raise hand from Zoom now to be called once the public hearing is opened.

3:44:32 – 3:45:02•0

No speakers. Madam clerk, open the hearing. Let me open the hearing. With the hearing opened, um there are no in-person speakers, there are no Zoom speakers, and we received no emails related to this public hearing. Any comments by the council? Seeing none, I hereby close the public hearing. No comments at all by council. Okay, let's make a motion. I'll move the item.

3:45:00 – 3:45:45•0

I'll second. Let's prepare to vote, please. Motion by council member Basera, seconded by Mayor Emesa to um find that the proposed ordinance is exempt from SQA pursuant to guidelines section 15061B3 and to adopt 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 Code, California Existing building code and international property maintenance code. Council member Bisera, could you read that one more time? I'm joking. Yes. Yes. [laughter] Council member Hernandez, yes. Council member Lopez,

3:45:44 – 3:46:27•0

yes. Council member Fan, yes. Council member Vasquez, yes. Mayor Prompila, yes. Mayor Mesa, yes. Vote is seven eyes, no naysay. Motion carries. Thank you. We are going to recess the city council meeting and convene to the housing authority meeting. I hereby call the housing authority meeting to order. Madam secretary, please conduct the roll call. Authority member Bera here. Authority member Hernandez here. Authority member Lopez here. Authority member Fan here. Authority member Vasquez present. Vice Chair Penolsa present. Chair Mesa present. All seven members present.

3:46:26 – 3:47:10•0

Thank you [snorts] madam secretary. Are there any additions or deletions to the housing authority agenda? There are none. Do we have speakers on the item within the housing authority agenda? Excuse me. We do not. Does any authority member wish to make a motion and a second and announce your name for the record, please? I'll make a motion to move the item. Second. Motion by authority member Hernandez, seconded by authority member Lopez to approve housing authority consent calendar items 1 through three. Authority member Basera. Yes. Authority member Hernandez, yes. Authority member Lopez, yes. Authority member Fan, yes. Authority member Vasquez, yes. Vice Chair Penula, yes. Chair Mesa, yes.

3:47:08 – 3:47:53•0

Vote of seven eyes, no naysay. Motion carries. Okay. Um, let's see. The housing authority meeting is adjourned and we're going to reconvene back to the city council meeting. Um, Mayor Mesa, actually, we do have the special successor agency meeting. I have a what? I'm sorry. Page. Oh, the housing successor. I'm so sorry. That's okay. Go ahead. If you could call to order. I'm calling it to order. Okay. So, [laughter] with with the with the mayor calling the special successor agency meeting to order, I'll conduct roll call. Agency member Basera here. Agency member Hernandez here. Agency member Lopez here. Agency member Fan here. Agency member Vasquez present. Vice Chair Penolza

3:47:53 – 3:48:38•0

present. Chair Mesa present. All seven members here. Thank you. At this time, Madam Secretary, are there any additions or deletions to the successor agency agenda? There are none. Do we have any speakers? We do not. Does any agency member wish to make a motion or a second or announce? I'll make a motion to move the items. I'll second. And no comments by the council. Seeing none, let's prepare to vote. Motion by uh agency member Hernandez, seconded by Chair Meza to approve consent calendar items one through three for the successor agency. Agency member Basera, yes. Agency member Hernandez, yes. Agency member Lopez, yes. Agency member Fan, yes. Agency member Vasquez, yes. Vice Chair Pyosa, yes. Chair Mesa,

3:48:38 – 3:48:51•0

yes. Vote of seven eyes, no nays. Motion carries. Thank you. The special successor agency meeting is adjourned and we will reconvene to the city council meeting. U Mr. City Manager, you have any comments?

3:48:51 – 3:50:10•0

No comments. Um well, one January 20, 2026. Um as um many of your calendars have a hold for this Friday. It's going to be a working uh kind of a goal setting type of meeting. I don't think we have ever done it this way. So our our idea is to uh set the priorities and working priorities for this uh pivotal and critical 2026 for us. Um in addition um be on the lookout. Uh we've did a lot of work um last year and I think you're going to see the fruits uh this 2026. Uh we're going to have a lot of openings. Uh you know today you just approved for example the addition to lights at the um playground and Centennial. uh in your spot you will get a second request a second contract and a second review. As you can see we were able to pivot current contract expand the contract and still be on on on cast to finish that accomplishment exactly by by August of 2026. Uh so we are trying to work in a different way a very definite way and when city council approves u an item we're looking to be effective within a year. So that's that's the goal whenever possible. Thank you. Thank you, Council Member Fan, because you're so excited. I see you.

3:50:07 – 3:51:29•0

Yes. Hi, everyone. Happy Western New Year. The real new year starts next month, February 17th. Um I for Okay. I was super excited because um as some of you may know, during the budget for 2526, um the city council with obviously staff's uh help allocated $4.8 8 million to rehabilitate, redesign portions of Uklid, which is the second busiest street in the city of Santa Ana. The busiest street in the city of Santa Ana is Harbor Boulevard, both of which are in Ward One. It's not Bristol. Um, but I want to say that over uh the holidays with the incredible leadership of our city manager and director Rudy Rosas and our engineering team, public works team, we have um been allocated, we have been granted, is this too soon? This is not too soon, right? Okay. We have been granted $15 million. So with that and the $5 million in CIP funding, we will have we have the funding to completely redesign, fix, and create a brand new Uklid to make sure that it is one of the safest cities in the city. Very of one of the safest seats uh streets in the city.

3:51:27 – 3:51:39•0

Super excited. And so now we need money for New Hope. Thank you. Done. Done. She's done with her comments. All right. Uh Council Member Vasquez.

3:51:37 – 3:53:37•0

Thank you, Mayor. I appreciate it. Um, I want to congratulate Mayor Pro Tim Pña uh for the new seat. Uh, enjoy it. It was It's fun. [sighs] Uh, also, you know, uh, we had a presentation today by Council Member Vetera and I appreciate it. It was beautiful. I was sitting on my about a week ago on a Sunday. I was sitting on my balcony overlooking beautiful First Street and Pacific at Elpo Norteno and I turned to my side and there's a a cypress tree on fire on my on my house and uh I'm no hero. I'm not jumping off out a window uh or off the balcony, but I called the fire department and and they came really quick and uh put out the fire. And not only that, but they came in my house and checked checked the addict and make sure everybody was great and cleared the house and they were just wonderful and I appreciate the work of Firehouse 73 and 75 uh for the work and their their diligence that they did that day. We uh uh my family felt safe and we we do appreciate you. Uh you know, so thank you. Uh also, you know, um ICE has been out in Sana today and people want to help and not everybody wants to go with the camera and put their bodies in the line. You know, we have a lot of courageous people doing this work and and they do that. But not that doesn't have to be your role. There are many roles we can take uh and whatever capacity you could take on like repost. If you see that there's ice in the city, you can repost there's ice in the city or where it's at. Or you can make phone calls. You could get on on um on you can make phone calls to all our networks that are that are doing the work. You could drive neighbors who feel

3:53:34 – 3:54:55•0

scared to drive to grocery stores or work. You can donate money for mutual aid. uh you can organize food uh fundraisers or food drives. Uh so there's no there's not a need and whatever capacity you feel you can take uh to be in your faith and be confrontational, you could do it. We we'll take all the help we can get and whatever you feel comfortable with, but it's going to take everybody in the city working together to uh overcome this and to go through this together. Uh, but thank you to all the ice watchers out there and thank you to everybody who has been putting in time and and and this is this is going to take a lot of hard work and it's going to take a lot of love and loving our neighbors and doing the work uh so we get through this so our families stay intact. Um, you know, we it's it's difficult when students and children just stop coming to work and we see these issues. I see it in my classroom and I saw it in summer school, but it's going to take uh strong leadership on our part to stay together for the seven of us to be united in this and um uh just keep working hard. I I'm asking everybody to to to keep putting in the work and I appreciate all the work that's been up to date. Thank you.

3:54:52 – 3:56:52•0

Thank you, Council Member Lopez. Um, well, first I'd like to invite members of the public to join us this Saturday at Santiago Park for our first monthly office hours of the year beginning at 9 at 9:00 a.m. We are also partnering up with Orange County Habitats from 9 to 11:00 to help once again uh remove debris from the creek and the park in general. And we invite the public um to participate and get involved with OC Habitats. And lastly, but most importantly, I did request that um tonight's meeting was adjourned in honor of Jesus Alejandro Valdez, also known as Alex, one of our constituents who left an enduring mark on Sana through his commitment to community compassion and service. a standout runner at Godz Fundamental High School, he turned his love of running into a way to uplift others, mentoring youth and adult adults through Keep Running Sana in the Lightning uh youth running club, which I've been so proud to recognize in the past. He has inspired many family members, friends, students, and even strangers using running as a bridge to connection, belonging, and shared purpose. His dedication and spirit were on full display at the 2025 Siana Fun Run where he placed second in the 10K and then immediately returned to win first place in the 5K um just minutes later. Uh he is known locally for his luxurious curls, his charismatic presence, their vibrant energy. Alex was deeply admired not just for his talent but for his authenticity and warmth. The same thoughtfulness shaped every part of uh their life. Alex believed in improving the well-being of others whenever they could. He supported individuals with mental health conditions, fostered over 200 at risk uh

3:56:49 – 3:57:48•0

kittens from the o county animal care and rescued injured cats throughout the community. He was also a vegan for six years. uh lived very intentionally thrift shopping, making eco-conscious choices, and striving to be kind, not just to the planet, but to his friends and neighbors, even if he didn't know them. His compassion was never performative. It was simply how he lived. Alex is remembered for far more than his accomplishments. whose joy, empathy, and generosity has created a lasting legacy in Saint Ana, in the hearts of many of our residents who are mourning the unexpected loss of Alex, one defined by care for others, connection, and the belief that small acts done with heart can change a community. Thank you for serving our community in more ways than one. Alex, you've left an example for the rest of us to follow. Thank you everybody. Have a good night.

3:57:44 – 3:59:43•0

Thank you, Councilman Hernandez. Thank you, Madame Mayor. I want to thank members of the public as well as our city staff for for today's agenda and I thank members of the public for their comments. I want to um echo sentiments that my colleagues shared um by beginning with um my sincere condolences um to Renee Nicole Good, Jesus Alejandro Valdez, and Keith Porter. um their families are going through a very difficult time right now as they were uh victims of injustice. We see state sanctioned violence, you know, happening all around us since Trump took office and um we are now seeing that this this violence sees no political boundaries and it is non discriminative. It will murder anybody in its way. whether you are black, whether you are an immigrant, whether you are white, whether you're a citizen, whether you're a laborer, or whether you are a community member who is simply just advocating for your neighbors. And that is a dangerous precedent for Americans in this country. We are seeing a government that is uh mirroring an authoritarian government where they are stripping us of our right daily and in more excessive cases, they are murdering us. I want to uh raise my voice and demand justice um that our congressional rep, Luc Korea, you know, not support ICE. I want to ask our congressional representatives in Orange County to challenge ICE and to abolish them. We are seeing ICE tear our country apart. They are not targeting violent criminals. They are targeting workingclass people and American citizens. I also want to echo my concerns with um a article that was recently um written by the voice of OC talking in depth about Sana PD costing taxpayers nearly $5 million in lawsuits related to accidents.

3:59:40 – 4:01:39•0

Since 2020 to 2010, Sana PD has cost taxpayers $24.5 million. From 2020 to 2026, t taxpayers have paid over $5 million and counting for accidents related to police officers. We're talking about $30 million in misconduct and lawsuit money and your hard-earned taxpayer money. Now, you tell me if your department trusts you and respects you. I am having a very difficult time telling you they do. And I think that one of us on this council has to stand up unequivocally for our residents. And so I am demanding that our officers respect the streets that they drive on. That you drive like your child is in the car and that if you see anybody, you know, you have a call for emergency, you turn on your sirens. If there is an emergency, you take every precaution necessary to make sure that you are safe and that the people that you are taking an oath to serve are safe as well. Because not only are we losing, you know, people to these accidents where in very extreme cases, you know, people have lost their lives, but we are also now seeing, you know, an abundance of taxpayer money that is that is going to be lost during a potential budget shortfall. I also want to echo my concerns with Sana PD's use of militarized equipment. We just saw last Friday two young people um who were shot at by federal agents at the Sana Ice Building. One of which may lose his eye and another young Sana resident who was also very close to uh losing vision in his eye. The weapons that are being fired at the the the public, you know, these are dangerous weapons. This is military equipment. the equipment that was used on June 9th in Santa Ana on protesters. I take issue

4:01:37 – 4:03:36•0

with that equipment that Sana PD has adopted through this council. And I want to ask, you know, our city manager to ensure that our police chief and our police department gives a thorough public presentation that is calendarized and agendaized through our city council meeting because I did not feel it was appropriate when the city had a public meeting on militarized equipment and the very people holding that meeting were the same officers and the same department that fired at them on June 9th. To then hold a meeting at Sana PD is inappropriate and it does not build community trust. So, I want to give Sana PD and our city of Saint Ana another opportunity to establish that trust, and that is for us to revisit the equipment that was used on the members of the public. Under AB481, it requires law enforcement agencies to gain approval from their local governing bodies for the acquisition and continued use of previously acquired military equipment. Sana city council did adopt that in August of 2025, but it does have the condition of coming back to the council. So, I'm asking for this to be a priority given that we are seeing people, you know, be shot at by, you know, ICE there. You know, there's a number of of of residents who were shot at, including myself by Sana PD. And so, I just want to list before I end my comments some of the military equipment that has been adopted. unmanned, remotely piloted, par powered, aerial or ground vehicles, mind resistant ambush protected MRAP vehicles or armed personnel carriers, high mobility purpose wheeled vehicles, two and 1/2 ton trucks, 5-tonon trucks or wheeled vehicles that have a breaching or entry apparatus attached, tracked armored vehicles that provide ballistic protection to their occupants, command and control vehicles that are either built or modified to facilitate operational control, direction of public safety, units, weaponized aircraft, vessels or vehicles of any time of any kind, battering rams, slugs, breaching

4:03:33 – 4:04:30•0

apparatuses, and explosives that are explosive in nature. That does not include a oneperson ram. Firearms and ammunition of 50 caliber or greater, excluding standardisssued shotguns, specialized firearms and ammunition of less than 50 caliber, including firearms and accessories identified as assault weapons, noise flash diversionary devices, and explo explosive breaching tools, munitions containing tear gas or OC, excluding standard service issued handheld pepper spray, taser, shockwave, microwave weapons, water cannon, longrange acoustic devices, kinetic energy weapons, and munition. missions. I don't think that a public agency um has the evidence to dis to display that Santa Ana is a threat to the extent that we need this equipment. And so those are my final comments, Mr. City Manager. I do not want to see residents brutalized as they continue to protest ICE violence. Thank you.

4:04:29•0

Thank you, Councilman Palosa. I'm sorry, Councilwoman Bera.

4:04:33 – 4:06:31•0

Thank you, Madam Mayor. Uh, I wish I wasn't asking this, but I would like to ask our um council and mayor to also adjourn tonight's meeting in the memory of Stephen Arthur C. I think it's Kate. Steven was a longtime resident of Sana and he previously served as the president of the historic French park neighborhood association. Uh, I want to also thank city staff for finally getting the uh, calls for service posted uh, regarding the permit supportive housing projects because I think it's important that we are accountable to those residents. I'm not going to go into my old diet tribe like I did last time, but let's just say I haven't lost any of the passion. We really need to help those folks and we need to be accountable. So, thank you for posting that data. Um, as I do every month, I'll be hosting my monthly uh community office hours on February 7th at 10 a.m. at Lily King Park. And since February is Black History Month, I'm going to get a leg up on it and uh share a little history. Uh, the namesake of Lily King Park. Uh, Miss King served as a coordinator of the Corbin Community Center from 1977 to 1982, and she was recognized for the founding of the Syanna Human Relations Commission. Unfortunately, she died on November 23rd, 1982 at the age of 50. And so, Lily King Park was dedicated in her honor shortly after. Um, with that, I would just say to everybody, and this isn't just to our undocumented community. This is to everybody. Be careful out there. As we're seeing right now, ICE is not committing targeted enforcement. They say that. They want to keep saying that. Just like they call everybody that disagrees with them an agitator. Just because you say it doesn't make it true. So, I ask everybody, no matter what your status is, be careful out there. We're seeing some horrific images on TV. We're seeing a lot of just tragic incidences that are unnecessary out there. So, I just ask that we all be vigilant, be resilient, and just be mindful, and stay safe out

4:06:30 – 4:06:55•0

there because again, these are very trying times, and we're not seeing anything precedented. So, just please be careful out there. Um, and with that, I just want to wish everybody a good night, happy new year, and look forward to seeing you all in February. Thank you, Mayor Protown Panalosa, please. I'm already [laughter] Thank you, Madam Mayor. Member Vas,

4:06:53 – 4:08:53•0

I just again want to thank my colleagues for for your support uh to be mayor pro 10 for 2026. Um I and and thank you city staff for for adding my request to adjourn today's meeting uh in honor of Renee Nicole Good. Um, never in in my wildest dreams or a million years did I ever think that we'd be here on January 20th, 2026, exactly one year after the Trump administration took office, closing our city council meeting in honor of someone, a US citizen who was murdered by immigration enforcement agents on our streets in in in this country. Um I it's unfortunate what's what's happening. We're seeing it and uh Council Member Baser said it. Please be vigilant out there. Be careful when you're out there. They're they're not doing targeted operations. They're just profiling and and and literally murdering people. Uh and so just wanted to thank staff for for adding that name. I want us to remember her and just think of how many times this is happening throughout our country. Um, but with that said, on a much lighter note, I just want to again thank staff for all the construction work that I see happening throughout our city. uh every whether it's Bristol and Toiver, whether it's Warner, whether it's uh South Bristol Street, uh uh Centennial Park, I I see the work quick memorial park, memorial pool, which is very important. I see uh a lot of movement happening and happening quickly and that's something that our residents deserve and our residents deserve to see. I've always said it that that uh for years and years we've seen these projects just drag and and and delay after delay and sometimes with no

4:08:51 – 4:10:20•0

questions with no responses of of what's going on and and uh we I'm happy to see that work and see the these these uh projects be completed. I know we were just last month at the Sana Zoo. Thank you parks and rec staff uh Hawk and then and Ethan our zoo director for the incredible work in in the the river exhibit that's now open. Uh very beautiful exhibit. So thank you so much for for that work. Um and with that I just want to uh I I told everybody here that I was going to uh record my daughter's milestones and her and her accidents uh for the public record. Um but uh she just turned two uh just a couple weeks ago. So happy birthday uh Penelope. And the week before her second birthday, she broke her foot. Uh so we were at the emergency room and her she's wearing a little boot and the little boot is the cutest thing. Uh the the the boot is a little is the cutest thing I've ever seen. Um but remember it's a two-year-old, right? So think of how tiny this boot is. So they the the the orthopedic surgeon had to go find one uh that was appropriate for her size. But uh um also happy birthday to my mom who just turned on on the same day as Martin Luther King January 15th. So happy birthday. Uh with that uh that is it. Thank you colleagues again for your support uh to be this year's mayor prom. Thank you.

4:10:18 – 4:12:17•0

Thank you mayor prom. Um yesterday for MLK, my husband and I were at the OC food bank um working a shift of putting boxes of food together. It was absolutely beautiful and it was a lot of fun and they had three shifts and we boxed a total of 9,957 boxes of food that'll be going out to seniors. So it's a great event and so hopefully next year some of you will join us um at the OC food bank to pack boxes. There was a lot of people there. It was absolutely wonderful. Um, I also want to echo Mayor Prom Panalosa's comment. Thank you, Council Member Biser, for your comments about being careful out there. Um, yes, you see what's happening and we do need to be very careful. Um, there are consequences and it's terrible what's happening, but there are a lot of people out there who want to help. So, please ask those around you to help. Um, whether it's giving you your kids a ride to school, whether it's helping you get food, there's just so many things. And please do not forget that the city of Santa Ana has MDEF or the immigration defense and audas infrontteras. It's on our web page and you can get assistance for food and rental assistance. You have to live in Santa Ana, fill out some paperwork. However, we do not share that information at all. I want to be very clear on that. We do not share as a city any of that information. And that is just for the city to gather to see who we are helping and confirm that they are um Santa Ana residents. And so um Mr. City Manager, I want to thank you because I've been sitting up here. I believe this is my fourth year and this is the first time that we are having a goal setting event on Friday, January 23rd. I asked for it my first year in office. I asked for it my second year in office and I was told we don't do that here. And so I want to really thank you and I hope the entire council shows up so that we can some be on the same page if we can um have you know we want the same things for our city. We want what's best for our constituents. Um and I'm hoping that that's what we'll find. So

4:12:15 – 4:13:59•0

thank you Mr. City Manager to you and your staff for um putting this together this Friday even though it's at 8:00 a.m. I think it's at starts at 8:00 a.m. Oh 9. That's good. Okay, even better. 9 to 2 p.m. So I want to just say thank you. Um, on February 5th, there will the chamber, Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce is putting on the prayer breakfast at Templo Calvario. You can go on to their website and purchase tickets if you'd like. Um, we do this, well, we've been doing this since I, um, got elected. So, this will be the fourth year of the prayer breakfast. And so, um, I really want to thank the chamber because it's called the mayor's prayer breakfast. Mr. Mr. City Manager, before I close, um I asked, I believe at the last council meeting or two council meetings ago, um happy new year to everyone, by the way, before I ask this. Um about the [laughter] about the um the shelter and about what we're doing at the shelter. So, I was given all this information and I read it. It's ugly, right? such a huge packet. Um, and I was told that in here it states, Mr. Garcia, you said that it says we cannot drug test because it's part of housing first. I did not see that anywhere. So, if somebody can give me the page and the paragraph, I'm not asking for your analysis testing because it's a gotcha. I'm not asking for that. What I'm asking for is comprehensive services to those who live in the shelter because it benefits not only them, their families, but it benefits all of us. And earlier, Councilman Hernandez talked about $30 million. Well, the city has spent well over $30 million at our shelter. Is that correct, Mr. City Manager?

4:13:59 – 4:14:15•0

Yes. And we purchased that building, didn't we? Yes. And how much did we purchase that building for? Uh, I don't recall. 1 four 18 million.$ 18 million.

4:14:14 – 4:16:12•0

So then on top of the 18 million. Thank you, Mr. Garcia. On top of the $18 million, you ask that you add the contract to CityNet, which is, let me see if I get this right, Mr. Garcia, $3.6 million a year, and then how much we pay Illumination Foundation to run the shelter. And so all I'm asking is that, and I don't know what that is, and I'm not saying that Illumination Foundation is doing a bad job. What I'm simply saying, I'll be really clear on this because I don't want anybody to leave here and blog that, "Oh my god, the mayor's trying to close the shelter." That is not what I'm trying to do at all. Yes, you can laugh because that is not what I'm trying to do. Um, you know, when you bundle up all the services that we can give to those that are in our shelter and do really comprehensive case management, it includes employment. It includes how to maintain a checking account or a savings account. It teaches them how to, you know, get the bus and go to NA or AA meetings. Um, there's an educational program, whether it's the trades or college or a high school diploma or a GED. Um, we can look at all kinds of ways to do this. There are people who specialize in wraparound services and maybe you can send them to the shelter, have a conversation with whoever is working there right now. But so when I say your analysis testing, you know, there's no way again shape or form was I targeting anybody to say, well, if you drug test positive, we kick you out. What I would say is that if you take a urine analysis test and it is positive, that we address those services. We provide services for whatever your issue may be because the city of Sana with taxpayer money has a shelter. We actually have two. We have one put on by the county, paid for by the county with 400 beds and we have one here in Santa Ana that the city of Saint Ana pays for with 200 beds. So, I just want to make sure that we're doing the best that we possibly can with the funding that we have. And as you say, Mr. City Manager, we're tightening up the belt and we are. And so I I'm not okay with people

4:16:11 – 4:18:11•0

sitting on their bed getting three hots in a cot because that's not okay. That's truly not what shelter services are about. And we've can watch and Google what's happening in LA County with the millions upon millions of dollars that they cannot find. Um that was for shelters and homeless. That is not happening here in Santa Ana at all. We can account for every penny. Thank you, Mr. City Manager. But I think we can account, we can do a better job and how we're doing services and providing services at our shelter. Um, again, as the mayor and when I speak to constituents, it's always public safety and the homelessness. Those are the two things they talk about. We just had a business uh meeting with our business partners and we walked away with three priorities. PR for the city which is a great idea and we're I believe you're addressing that and public safety which is just what constituents always vote about on the budget and business permit process and how to under that big umbrella. So I bring this back up because I think it's very important that when I read this I was told because of housing first model we cannot drug test. I didn't find it and prove me wrong Mr. sugar. Yeah, please. Cuz maybe I fell asleep or something while I was reading this. I don't know. Um but I could have. And so show me the page and the paragraph and where it states that we cannot do your analysis testing. And um well, I'm in DC. I'm going to ask the federal government the same question with if we're getting funding from them. Where does it state that we cannot do your analysis testing? Um and it's again the whole kitten kaboodleoodle wraparound services, right? is how you provide wraparound services because you cannot address well I don't have a high school diploma if I have a drug problem because you can't go to school right you you have a drug problem so let's address that if that is the case or I have a problem with alcohol so I need to address that and then go to college or go to a trade school because you can't

4:18:09 – 4:20:08•0

we can't put somebody in with the trades if they have a drug and alcohol problem so that's the whole goal we want to get people on their feet I know I do and I think the entire council wants to up here so with that also we'll be starting coffee with the mayor, our faith-based meetings and our neighborhood associations will start again. And again, I just want to thank city staff for everything that you do. I know that when I call and thank you, especially Sylvia, when I call and I say, "Who can help this family with um my youthless infrontas, you're on it?" And you're just like, "Mayor, give me the number." And you refer them and you connect them. And so, um, we're the great connectors in this city. We connect people with services that they need. And so I really appreciate all of you and happy new year. And we are closing early tonight. This meeting is a Oh, before I forget, I apologize. Before I adjourn, sorry, councelor Ber, I know you're about to jump up. So there were a couple of um people that we closed the meeting in. So I have one. Her name is Doris Anne Herro Heroid Herita N Derlith. She was born in Rochester, New York on April 14th, 1932, just as the nation headed into the start of the Great Depression. She was the youngest of seven children. She eventually moved to Chicago, Illinois, where she attended nursing school and met Tomio, a resident assigned to teach the student nurses how to scrub for surgery. They fell in love at a time when marriage between Japanese and Caucasian people was not allowed. It was unusual, but it was really frowned upon by society at that time. barely 10 years after the end of World War II, during which Tamo and his family were incarcerated in an Arizona internment camp. It's where they got married. In 1965, she and Tamo, who was then an OBGYn doctor at St. Joseph Hospital, bought their home in Santa Ana, where they raised eight beautiful children and countless grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was an active member of Holy Family Church Parish and attended mass on a daily basis. It was

4:20:05 – 4:20:43•0

in this same house on January 14th, 2026, she passed away at the beautiful age of 93. Saying she was surrounded by family to help with her transition would seem the right thing. But the truth is, the family held on to her as long as they could. After decades of sharing her with so many people in the community and everywhere that she went to, it was their time to have the last little bit of her for themselves before sending her back to heaven where we all believe she came from. And so with [clears throat] that, I am closing this meeting in her honor. And thank you all very much and have a nice evening.

This transcript was automatically generated from the official public meeting video and is presented unedited. It reflects remarks made on the public record by elected officials, staff, and public commenters. Transcript accuracy may vary; view the original recording for reference.