Anaheim City Council
January 24, 2023

ANAHEIM CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING OF AUGUST 23, 2022
The regular meeting of August 23, 2022 was called to order at 3:08 P.M. in the Council Chamber of Anaheim City Hall, located at 200 S. Anaheim Boulevard. The meeting notice, agenda, and related materials were duly posted on August 18, 2022.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Pro Tem Trevor O’Neil and Council Members Gloria Sahagún Ma’ae, Jose F. Moreno, and Stephen Faessel. Council Member Jose Diaz joined the meeting at 3:09 P.M. Council Member Valencia joined the meeting during Closed Session. [Mayoral vacancy]
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Jim Vanderpool, City Attorney Robert Fabela, and City Clerk Theresa Bass
ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO CLOSED SESSION: None
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS:

City Clerk Theresa Bass announced that no electronically submitted public comments pertained to the Closed Session agenda.

Mike Robbins, President of the People’s Homeless Taskforce, stated that the criminal intent in the Angel Stadium sale started with corrupt money funneled to candidates by Los Angeles Angels owner Arte Moreno and his friends. He added including the sale of the adjacent land should make this a Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) case. He encouraged City Council to find a new buyer for the land who would pay a higher price and requested a soccer stadium for the site if the Angels move.

CLOSED SESSION: At 3:10 P.M., Mayor Pro Tem O’Neil recessed to closed session for consideration of the following:

1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION
Subdivision (d)(1) of Section 54956.9 of the California Government Code) Name of Case: People’s Homeless Task Force of Orange County v. City of Anaheim, OCSC Case No. 30-2020 01135406-CU-WM-CJC

2. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
(Section 54957 (b) (1) of the California Government Code) Title: City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk

3. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Subdivision (a) of Section 54957.6 of the California Government Code) Agency Designated Representative: Linda Andal, Human Resources Director Name of Employee Organizations: City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk At 5:27 P.M., Mayor Pro Tem O’Neil reconvened the Anaheim City Council.

ITEM # 10
City Council Minutes of August 23, 2022

MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Pro Tem Trevor O’Neil and Council Members Jose Diaz, Gloria Sahagún Ma’ae, Jose F. Moreno, Avelino Valencia, and Stephen Faessel [Mayoral vacancy]
INVOCATION: Preacher Jimmy Gaston, State College Blvd Church of Christ FLAG SALUTE: Council Member Jose Diaz
ACCEPTANCE OF OTHER RECOGNITIONS (Top be presented at a later date):

Recognizing September 2022, as World Alzheimer’s Awareness Month Recognizing September 2022, as National Preparedness Month Anaheim Fire Chief Patrick Russell accepted the proclamation.

Recognizing September 2022, as National Library Card Sign-Up Month Anaheim Public Library Communications Specialist Alessandra Gonzalez accepted the proclamation, discussed activities to encourage library usership in September, and thanked the City Council.

Recognizing September 2022, as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month Recognizing September 2022, as Hunger Action Month
Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County Director of Marketing and Public Affairs Sara Bazant accepted the proclamation on behalf of the Orange County Hunger Alliance, spoke of the good deeds for the community done by Alliance members, and thanked City Council. She noted the Alliance serves 332,000 people monthly in a County where one (1) out of every 11 residents is food insecure, including one (1) out of every eight (8) children.

ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA:

City Clerk Theresa Bass announced that consideration of Item No. 13 would include a revised resolution per a request by the Council of American-Islamic Relations to include an additional four organizations in the resolution.

PUBLIC COMMENTS (all agenda items):

City Clerk Theresa Bass reported that a total of 24 public comments were received electronically prior to 5:00 P.M. related to City Council agenda items and matters within the jurisdiction of the Anaheim City Council. [A final total of 27 public comments were received electronically, distributed to the City Council, and made part of the official record]. - See Appendix.

Hassam Ayloush, Chief Executive Officer of the California Council on American-Islamic Relations, stated he and his wife chose to reside in Anaheim in 1993 due to the large Arabic-speaking community. He noted people around the country know the Brookhurst Street corridor as Little Arabia and the City itself is the only group not using this culturally celebratory designation. He called on City Council to approve Item No. 17 and join everyone else in celebrating the City’s diversity by formally designating Little Arabia.

City Council Minutes of August 23, 2022

Nadia Al-Said, Arab-American Civic Council, encouraged City Council to approve Item No. 17 by noting the area’s strong cultural heritage. She added the designation would strengthen the unity of the communities in response to strong anti-Arabian sentiments. She stated she has found a home away from home after moving to Little Arabia from the City of Fresno. She noted Little Arabia would be the first Arab cultural district in the nation.

Mark Richard Daniels stated the Little Arabia designation should have happened a long time ago and added it was time for the designation to happen. He theorized that Major League Baseball is behind Mr. Moreno’s rumored intention of selling the Angels. He stated that Council Members are likely involved in this considering it is an election year. He stated Mayor Pro Tem O’Neil’s intention of running for Mayor is abhorrent to democracy and added he is running for his own ego and the good of the cabal rather than doing it for the people. He stated connections with former Mayor Harry Sidhu would hurt election chances for the other Council Members as well. He stated the Council Members do not have the trust of the people, only the trust of wealthy donors. He stated it is an embarrassment to the City to have candidates under Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) suspicion. He added that Mayor Pro Tem O’Neil received a Payroll Protection Plan (PPP) loan from the federal government during the pandemic but never disclosed how much of it he personally received. He believed the election is an embarrassment.

Cecile Sarruf reported her immigrant parents passed away years ago in Northern California missing their distant former homeland of Egypt, but she was able to find a traditional Egyptian burial garment in Little Arabia. She added she frequently traveled to Anaheim to be close to her mother’s memory by soaking up her native culture, leading her to eventually move to Orange County. She called for an all- inclusive cultural center in Little Arabia. She stated the area’s residents and merchants have shown a commitment to the City over the past 30 years and stated it was time for the City to show its commitment to a neighborhood whose economic contributions have served the City well by approving Item No. 17.

R. Joshua Collins encouraged everyone to give their lives to Jesus Christ, stated he has Lebanese family members but noted many in the Arabian culture reject Jesus Christ, and encouraged all non- believers to follow Jesus Christ. He stated the City needs more affordable housing and added Item No. 14 works towards this goal. He encouraged City Council to pass Item No. 14 and encouraged more transparency from the Council considering the Angel Stadium deal controversy. He encouraged Muslims in attendance to speak to him about following Jesus Christ.

Tom Alkam reported he immigrated from Palestine in 1987 and runs a successful law practice on Brookhurst Street. He stated everybody knows this area as Little Arabia. He stated the area has grown with many successful businesses over his 21 years in the area. He requested City Council pass Item No. 17, noted the designation had been tabled by City Council for over 20 years, and it was time to approve it. He added the designation would do no harm to the City and would only benefit its residents like himself.

David Duran addressed the inability for residents to participate in City Council meetings remotely, causing his need to speak on behalf of Patricia Davis. He stated the City does not care about the public’s ability to comment. He stated that, as District 1 residents, he and Ms. Davis demand support for the Little Arabia designation from Council Member Diaz. He stated that not designating it would show that City Council may possess racist intentions for not being inclusive. He asked City Council to consider making meetings more accessible for those who cannot attend for reasons ranging from illness to transportation issues. He stated the Council Members would be judged at the voting booth and expressed hope that there would be a new District 1 representative.

City Council Minutes of August 23, 2022

Jeanine Robbins submitted records and reported she and her husband Mike Robbins have spoken many times in favor of the Little Arabia designation over the past 15 years. She added her family spends a lot of time in Little Arabia. She noted Council Member Ma’ae had the taxpayers pay for a study of the Brookhurst corridor as a diversionary tactic, so people think she is doing something and added that Council Member Ma’ae has publicly stated many times that she is opposed to the designation. She noted staff has already conducted many studies of Brookhurst Street and that this sort of neighborhood study is why Anaheim First was created and given taxpayer money. She stated Council Member Ma’ae has failed in her Anaheim First role. She stated Council Member Ma’ae only wants to commission another study of Brookhurst Street so the Arab community thinks she is doing something. She encouraged audience members to not donate to Council Member Ma’ae who follows in the footsteps of failed former Council Members Lucille Kring and Jordan Brandman. She expressed shame on the City for approving a meager $34,000 affordable housing donation from a developer on Broadway and called for an affordable housing mandate. She addressed Council Member Valencia for only appearing to be helpful to Arab residents when he chose not to agendize Little Arabia over his 18 months on City Council.

Mike Robbins, President of the People’s Homeless Taskforce, reported there was a Grand Jury investigation of all the Council Members, other than Council Member Moreno, for taking hundreds of thousands of dollars from puppet masters. He stated none of the majority of Council Members would be on the dais without receiving hundreds of thousands of dollars from Disneyland. He added the Council Members only won by small margins, even with the large donations. He encouraged the Council Members to cut the line for a vote on Item No. 17 and lauded the restaurants on the Brookhurst Street corridor. He stated he would be happy when the Council Members were all gone from the dais and/or end up in prison.

Estee Chandler, Founder of the Los Angeles Chapter of Jewish Voice for Peace, reported on her enjoyable experiences in Little Arabia and expressed her shock at the lack of a formal designation of the area. She noted how many other cultures are celebrated in Southern California. She stated the Little Arabia residents have created an asset for Anaheim and the lack of a formal designation smells fishy to her. She requested City Council approve Item No. 17 to make history for being inclusive as opposed to making history for being racist. She stated the study proposed in Item No. 16 reeks of gentrification and stated it would be vile to squeeze out Arab businesses.

Doris Bittar, Southern California Organizer for the Anti-Arab-American Discrimination Committee, reported her organization’s national office is looking closely at this item. She stated the City has not been as accepting of the Arab community as it should be. She added she has been assigned to write about the meeting by the San Diego Union-Tribune. She stated Little Arabia is a beautiful and diverse community accepting all religions, noting she is Christian and her husband Jewish, yet both consider themselves Arabs. She stated the whole country is waiting for City Council to do the right thing. She stated the study in Item No. 16 is ridiculous, adding that City Council should thank its local Arab community as opposed to dismissing it. She lauded positive contributions to global society made by Southern California Arabs who come to Anaheim to shop.

Carolina Mendez commended the City’s cultural riches and stated it should be honored. She encouraged City Council to approve Item No. 17, noting how long overdue the designation is extending back 20 years. She expressed disappointment as a Latina that her fellow residents of Arab descent have had to fight for so long for something so basic. She stated there is hope in the Arab community’s determination and added many are proud to stand with them tonight despite their non- Arab ethnic backgrounds. She commended the community’s organizers for creating a metaphorical garden for the area’s youth to grow and improve the City in the future. She called on the Council Members to prove their campaign statements about valuing diversity.

City Council Minutes of August 23, 2022

Chelsea Inthavong expressed support for Item No. 17 to state Anaheim is a world leader in inclusivity and to support its Arab community. She stated many foreign countries hold prejudices against Arabs and she has shared with others globally the proud story of the Little Arabia community. She added the United States affects people around the world and Anaheim could be a positive model. She stated the designation is not a political issue but rather a unifying topic of recognizing the contributions of immigrants along with providing opportunities for Arabic and Middle Eastern businesspeople. She stated Anaheim is a city with an ethnic mix, but the Arabic people do not have an official enclave of their own. She encouraged City Council to change this and make history.

Rashad Al-Daggagh, Arab-American Civic Council, encouraged City Council to approve Item No. 17.

He stated he used to commute to Anaheim before he moved to the City because Little Arabia was a home away from home and a source of community. He stated the overdue designation would uplift small businesses, support immigrant families, and honor the community. He stated the study in Item No. 16 is not the best use of taxpayer funds and added the results may negatively impact hard- working immigrants and small businesses operating since the 1980s. He stated a study should empower and uplift what already exists.

Jodie Mosley thanked Anaheim Police Department (APD) Sergeant Brian Paqua for all he does in west Anaheim. She stated the city has studied and promised to improve Beach Blvd. for decades, but it is still in the same unsafe and blighted place. She stated District 1 is part of Anaheim and deserves better from the City. She lauded Middle Eastern food and commended the restaurants on Brookhurst Street but cautioned against designating Little Arabia because it may squeeze out other ethnic businesses, citing Little Saigon’s designation’s negative impacts on non-Vietnamese businesses. She stated designating one ethnicity discriminates against all the others.

Fatmah Muhammad, owner of Knafeh Queens restaurant, expressed hope that her four children in the audience would witness approval of Item No. 17. She added the designation would speak to millions of Arabs globally. She stated her mother lives in the City of Rancho Cucamonga and always wants to come over an hour on her birthday to celebrate it in Little Arabia. Her young, unidentified son encouraged City Council to approve the Little Arabia designation.

Hani Haidar reported his family originally immigrated to Wisconsin but decided to relocate to Little Arabia instead because it felt more like home. He reported his family has lived in Little Arabia for 38 years and runs businesses. He encouraged City Council to formally designate Little Arabia after waiting for decades. He questioned why City Council would not approve the designation and inquired why the area has had to undergo such a painfully long process to reach this point. He cited the diversity of his homeland of Lebanon’s 18 religions as an example of how not all Arabs are Muslims.

Austin Lynch, UNITE HERE Local 11, stated the union’s members are overwhelmingly immigrants who know what it means to fight for respect. He stated the Little Arabia designation is respect owed to the community for what it has done for the City. He pledged the assistance of Local 11 if the designation is not approved.

Nathan Bass, representing State Senator Josh Newman, reported Senator Newman has authored and submitted a letter to City Council about the Little Arabia designation. He read the letter expressing Senator Newman’s strong support for the designation. The letter noted the area is already a well-known landmark and cultural destination welcoming thousands weekly. The letter stated Little Arabia has played a role in Southern California’s diverse cultural fabric since the 1980s through a thriving enclave of small businesses and faith-based institutions creating an economic engine out of City Council Minutes of August 23, 2022

an underused retail area. The letter added the designation would recognize the tangible benefits the City receives from the area and noted a majority of residents support an official designation.

Samia Alkam reported her doctoral research at the University of California at Riverside is on youth civic involvement. She encouraged City Council to designate Little Arabia to instill a sense of community and belonging for the City’s Arab youth. She lauded the positive impacts on education, mental health, and civic involvement among those who feel attached to a community. She stated the Anaheim Unified High School District (AUHSD) and Superintendent Michael Matsuda are seen as leaders in the field of access to civic education. She stated the designation could further assist with developing a generation of civically oriented and culturally aware residents. She stated the designation is not just a sign but rather evidence that the residents are valued.

Ayah Shiadah urged the designation of Little Arabia, lamenting it is 20 years too late. She stated Little Arabia is the only place residents feel connected to their ancestral homes halfway around the world.

She added Little Arabia could help paint a better picture for the United States and the world to see who Arab-Americans truly are and not just what is negatively portrayed in the news. She added it would help Arabs of all generations feel connected to their heritage and help directly educate others about Arab culture without relying on hearsay.

John Acosta stated that as a 40-year District 1 resident he is opposed to Item No. 17 because there is already diversity. He stated he does not need to go back to understand his Hispanic culture. He stated having Disneyland, In-N-Out Burger, Stater Brothers Markets, Cortina’s Italian Market, Honeybaked Ham, and many other establishments already make Anaheim a great city. He stated many of his friends who work at tire shops are opposed to the Little Arabia designation to keep Anaheim American. He stated that City Council should be focused on safety, decrying the City’s “Anacrime” nickname. He stated the City also must take care of homeless issues. He noted the Arab population is only 1.5% of the City.

Afaf Annan encouraged City Council to support the Little Arabia designation. She stated surviving the pandemic has brought the community closer. She added that they can enjoy other cultural centers such as Little Saigon in other cities recognizing their diversity. She stated residents would like to enjoy a similar recognition and invited Council Members to enjoy their community.

Wayne Woodward expressed concerns about the designation. He requested information about the location, number, size, and illumination of the signs. He expressed concerns the designation would cloud the City’s name if it does not come first over its Arabic community. He stated it is acceptable to branch cities off into smaller communities but pondered where it stops before the community overtakes the City itself.

Jonathan Echavarria, representative for Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva, reported Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva wholeheartedly supports the designation. He recited a letter of support from Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva supporting the Little Arabia designation, noting the community’s contributions to the City’s character. The letter noted she authored the State Assembly resolution designating April as Arab-American Heritage Month for the community’s many contributions to the State. The letter noted the designation’s strong public support for designating all that Arab immigrants have done to transform the once run-down area without any City subsidies. The letter cited how people come from around the country to visit the welcoming and vibrant Little Arabia.

Vern Nelson questioned what happened between when Council Members pledged support for a designation while running for office and now. He inquired if the lack of Council support is for not wanting a tourist destination not controlled by the Walt Disney Company, racism, or catering to City Council Minutes of August 23, 2022

racists. He expressed his support for the designation. He stated the City would have to write an alternative response to the Grand Jury in Item No. 02 because the proposed response disagreed with the Grand Jury’s notion that the 2013 dismissal of former Mayor Tom Tait’s concerns reflects the more recent dismissal of Council Member Moreno’s and former Council Member Denise Barnes’ concerns. He noted former Council Member Brandman was on both Councils and both Councils remained under the control of the same cabal. He stated he ran out of time at the last meeting to discuss how Mayor Pro Tem O’Neil and Council Members Ma’ae and Diaz killed the Clean Up Anaheim Act. He disputed Mayor Pro Tem O’Neil’s reasoning for voting against campaign finance reform, noting the largest spending public employee unions are the Anaheim Police and Anaheim Fire and Rescue unions who align with the cabal candidates. He stated there is not enough transparency or the City would not be in its current position. He reported discussing the campaign finance report frequently cited in the discussion with its author, who admitted Anaheim should have received an F grade for his mistakenly not including the lack of limits on independent expenditures.

He expressed hope that Mr. Moreno would sell the Angels to someone who would restore the Anaheim Angels name and win more games.

Aref Farahi stated it is a historic day to see the Little Arabia designation. He added the designation would provide economic growth, improve the area’s value, and be a source of pride. He added the increased business would provide more revenue for the City and empower the community. He added that City Council should investigate all possible ways to address homelessness and the dislocation of area businesses. He stated Little Arabia has improved the quality of life in the neighborhood and added the designation would help enhance the area’s security and public safety through a stronger sense of ownership. He requested City Council approve the official designation.

Ada Tamayo spoke on behalf of Pablo Cerrato who had to leave the meeting to go to work. She identified herself as a member of UNITE HERE Local 11 and spoke of the organization’s Arab members’ work to bring prosperity to Anaheim. She stated that as a Hispanic immigrant she understands how it feels for Arabs to have to fight for representation and to be heard along with not understanding why this is the case. She lauded Little Arabia’s food and culture. She stated it is America and encouraged City Council to recognize Little Arabia as part of America. She encouraged City Council to approve Item No. 17 and noted it is a moral thing and does not cost any money. She stated many Local 11 members in attendance of various ethnicities are tired from work but wanted to be in the Council Chamber hoping that City Council would recognize them as Americans.

Fayaz Nawabi reported he is a Pakistani-born son of Afghan natives who came to the United States as a refugee. He stated his family has been driving from the City of San Diego to purchase halal food in Little Arabia since the 1990s. He added he moved to Little Arabia in 2018 and his daughter was born in Anaheim. He stated that City Council would be wasting hundreds of thousands of dollars in Item No. 16 to study what residents already believe of the area known as Little Arabia. He called for the designation of Little Arabia.

Khalil Devaji stated he is a resident of the City of Fullerton who goes to Little Arabia to shop and dine along with his wife. He questioned why this designation has taken 20 years. He encouraged City Council to make history by approving Item No. 17. He noted his friends across the country go to Little Arabia to dine when they are in Orange County because they feel at home. He noted he is from East Africa and feels at home in Little Arabia.

Wes Jones stated that according to the City Charter they do not have either a Mayor or Mayor Pro Tem. He stated the Grand Jury response in Item No. 02 should be amended to indicate the criminal malfeasance of two Council Members for voting to reinstate the original lease in a secretive and corrupt manner and robbing the citizens of Anaheim. He stated Angel Stadium and the adjacent land City Council Minutes of August 23, 2022

would have been appraised at $2 billion if the City Council was not involved. He disagreed with the stadium sale’s Community Benefits Agreement for not benefitting residents but rather serving to get the price down to former Mayor Sidhu’s target of $150,000,000. He stated Council Member Faessel and Mayor Pro Tem O’Neil should resign immediately. He encouraged the designation of Little Arabia.

Al Jabbar, Anaheim Union High School District Trustee and Board President, expressed his support for the designation of Little Arabia. He noted the designation is long overdue and thanked Council Member Moreno for agendizing the item. He stated the study in Item No. 16 would only serve to waste money the Council is supposed to steward. He stated there are already many studies of Brookhurst Street done by the community and City staff in the past looking to study the same things listed in the proposal. He added the study should not stall the designation of Little Arabia. He encouraged approving the designation before approving the study. He noted former Mayor Sidhu was offended because the leaders of the Little Arabia community would not host a campaign fundraiser and encouraged City Council to put these politics aside to make history and approve Item No. 17 to support Anaheim’s small businesses and immigrant communities. He added that increased business in Little Arabia would bring more revenue to the City. He thanked UNITE HERE Local 11 for its representation at the meeting. He stated they are America and designating Little Arabia would not take money away from anyone but rather unite citizens, noting how non-Arab business owners are supporting the designation. He encouraged City Council to do the right thing.

Souhail Toubia reported he is a resident of the City of San Juan Capistrano who serves on the national board of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) and noted several years ago Disney produced movies insulting Arabs with negative stereotypes. He noted that ADC leadership met with Disney and the company realized its mistake as reflected in the better portrayal of Arabs in its more recent films. He noted a great cross-section of professions represented by the Arab speakers at the meeting, reflecting its diversity. He questioned why it took City Council 20 years to agendize the designation and pondered if the Council Members were having thoughts like Disney’s of the past. He encouraged City Council to correct the course by approving Item No. 17. He encouraged City Council to use the $250,000 for the proposed study in Item No. 16 to make signs, throw a party, and celebrate Little Arabia’s designation.

Anh Pham, as a Brookhurst area resident, encouraged City Council to approve Item No. 16 and accountably support its community. He stated it would be responsible to study the potential impacts on the area before following through with a designation. He stated the designation would be an investment in the area to increase tourism, which brings both positive and negative impacts. He stated it would be an injustice to have a designation without a plan to support the district, noting Congressman Lou Correa’s comments at the last meeting encouraged such an analysis. He encouraged the City to gather data and plan for a successful improvement before designating. He added this should also include investigating how to designate the area in a manner to maximize potential State and federal grant funding to improve the quality of life.

Mohammed Abdelhaq stated he was immediately drawn to Little Arabia when he moved to California 15 years ago because it felt safe and welcoming to him as a Palestinian-American. He added the area has grown significantly to house and employ thousands of residents, helping the local economy.

He stated the area would benefit further from the designation, noting people across the country are familiar with the area. He stated this should not be a controversial issue or questionable. He stated the delay is questionable and pondered what the reasoning would be for continuing to wait. He stated racism toward the Arab community has gone on for too long. He stated the simple ask for a designation keeps getting postponed for no good reason. He stated if the delay continues the driver of the decision must be prejudiced by the City Council over what is in the best interest of the City Council Minutes of August 23, 2022

community. He stated that City Council’s vote tonight should be to benefit the City’s economy and protect a minority group and encouraged approval of Item No. 17.

Lily Karam stated she is a frequent visitor to Anaheim while coordinating events. She expressed her support for the designation, noting what the Arab community has contributed to the country and Anaheim over the past two decades. She added the Little Arabia businesses attract people from all over Southern California, noting she drives over an hour and a half to shop in the unique stores. She stated it has been a home away from home for herself and many others. She stated constituent voices are very important and there is massive support for the designation. She stated the concept of needing more study is a politically motivated delay tactic, expressed confidence that Council Members would want to be on the right side of history, and encouraged them to approve the designation.

Masih Fouladi, Deputy Executive Director for the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), stated there are undoubtedly Muslim residents in all six districts and noted the strong levels of support for the Little Arabia designation. He reported that CAIR worked with Council Member Ma’ae on Item No. 13 and expressed hope that it shows the organization’s goodwill in working with her after Item No. 17 is approved. He reported CAIR’s concerns about Item No. 16 have been aired to her. He stated a recession is not a time for a study. He stated it is not a good use of City funds at this time and added it would not be completed accurately during a recession. He stated there has been an insufficient amount of community outreach done by the City about the need for a study but reported CAIR’s research of Brookhurst Street businesses found near universal disapproval for fears of an improvement district designation taxing them out of business. He noted the timing of the Council’s request to hear the study before the designation smells of the designation being undercut. He stated the Little Arabia area should be from Crescent Ave. to Katella Ave. and not extending it north to Interstate 5 like the study proposes.

Ayah Maaytah stated she is a high school freshman born in Anaheim Hills whose City means a lot to her. She stated her family visits Little Arabia two to three times a week and she and her siblings have many fond memories in Little Arabia where she feels like she belongs, is safe, and is included. She listed her favorite stores and restaurants in Little Arabia. She stated the hijab is positive there and without the negative connotations that she sees elsewhere. She encouraged City Council to designate Little Arabia because the City would not be the same without the community. She noted people come from all over Southern California to visit Little Arabia. She noted her mother’s long-term fight for the designation and implored City Council not to let the fight extend to her generation.

Salma Maaytah stated she is in fifth grade and was born in Anaheim Hills. She stated her favorite restaurant is Little Arabia Café where they know her by name and know her order in advance, making her feel special. She expressed her love for Little Arabia because it allows her to participate in her culture and has created many beautiful memories. She spoke fondly of the community’s welcoming nature and its energy. She stated that City Council should officially designate Little Arabia because it has been there longer than she has been alive, and the businesses deserve credit. She stated she would feel overjoyed and acknowledged as an Arab-American if she saw a Little Arabia sign. She encouraged City Council to approve Item No. 17.

Kaurosh Karimi urged City Council to officially designate Little Arabia. He stated he helps immigrants and refugees and many who are Arab and Muslim still feel like they are not included. He stated the designation is a step towards the goal of inclusion. He stated this is an important opportunity for City Council to listen to community members and do something good for them. He lauded the vibrant culture of Little Arabia and stated the people in the room want respect and dignity.

City Council Minutes of August 23, 2022

Diane Shammas supported the designation of Little Arabia and expressed shock at the comments against Little Arabia made at the September 14, 2021, City Council meeting which reeked of both implicit and explicit racial bias against Arab Americans, particularly when coming from people of color.

She disputed negative comments about neighborhoods like Koreatown made by Council Members at the meeting. She cited several Little Arabia businesses supportive of the designation but not run by Arab owners. She added the fight for Arab ethnic recognition continues beyond Anaheim. She added everyone already calls the area Little Arabia so there is no big deal about making the designation official.

Daisy Chavez expressed support for the designation of Little Arabia. She lauded the community’s attendance at the meeting and called on City Council to show its support after waiting decades. She thanked City Council for voting at the last meeting to keep the opioid settlement funds within the City.

She echoed Council Member Faessel’s surprise at learning just how rampant drug use is across the City. She reported Park Rangers told her they are also frustrated that naloxone is not available to them having seen the crisis. She expressed hope that the City could find a way to provide Park Rangers with naloxone to save lives.

Sarah Jamal-Eddine stated she recently moved to Southern California for the rich diversity, beautiful culture, and opportunity found in Little Arabia. She reported finding a renewed sense of belonging, a job at CAIR, and a home away from home in Little Arabia. She added the growing community has filled commercial vacancies, increased property values, sparked entrepreneurship, and provided revenue to the City. She stated Anaheim could set a national precedent by designating Little Arabia while helping change the narrative of fear and xenophobia. She added that it would help Anaheim’s Arab community thrive into the future and this designation would be a part of the Council Members’ legacies.

Mike Ortega, District 3 resident, stated the designation of Little Arabia is not just a District 2 or Arabic issue. He stated he is Puerto Rican and Ecuadorian and is one of many non-Arab immigrants or children of immigrants who love Little Arabia’s atmosphere. He stated the lack of an official designation is a shame. He noted many designated ethnic regions see growth and economic boom.

He relayed his experiences being in Koreatown while attending Los Angeles City College and noted, for all its fame, that a majority of Koreatown residents are not Korean but rather Latino. He stated the district itself promotes the City of Los Angeles and questioned why Anaheim would not want to attract the businesses Koreatown attracts. He noted future larger businesses in Little Arabia could operate independently from the resort economy, making it smart business for stewards of the City to lure motorists off I-5 to visit. He stated there is no downside to the designation, noting the long-term success of the local businesses there and what they bring to the corridor and the City. He encouraged City Council to make the designation.

Ahmad Mukedad expressed his appreciation for the Council Members listening to the speakers attentively. He stated the community has spoken loudly with an overwhelming majority calling for a designation. He noted Arab-Americans contribute to the community and added that he sees no reason to object. He encouraged City Council to vote on the right side of history and do the right thing by designating Little Arabia.

Fatmah Judeh expressed her love for the City after serving as an educator for many years. She urged City Council to look at the issue through the lens of humanity and designate Little Arabia. She stated to not acknowledge something so basic and nationally known seems like an attempt to obliterate her personal cultural experience and the social experience of her entire family that has benefited from the immense contributions Little Arabia has made to the City. She stated that not designating Little Arabia amounts to political erasure and noted that it is already called Little Arabia. She lauded how it has City Council Minutes of August 23, 2022

made living in America easier for her as the daughter of Palestinian immigrants and made her proud of her cultural identity. She added that creating a true sense of belonging for any community involves creating structures perceived to be assets to society and Little Arabia would do this for generations to come. She believed that designation would empower a community that is historically marginalized and disenfranchised.

Mirvette Judeh submitted a letter on behalf of the Democratic Party of Orange County and expressed hope that her past direct conversations with Council Members would be realized tonight. She stated that Little Arabia is not little because it has a big impact on the Anaheim community at large. She noted visiting Little Havana in the City of Miami, Florida did not erase her identity but allowed her to enjoy a different culture. She added that going to Little Saigon did not make her Vietnamese but rather allowed her to embrace the beauty of diversity. She stated it is the first time in 20 years the topic is on public notice and added her community would not forget what is said at the dais. She stated her family has worked hard and the only place she ever goes back to is Anaheim despite living in several other cities around Orange County. She stated Little Arabia is as valuable as Disneyland in attracting Arab Americans to visit the City, except it is organic. She stated that they do not need a study to determine if Little Arabia exists because it exists and for any Council Member to deny its existence would be a shame. She stated that the City looks terrible right now and this could be a change. She challenged the Council Members to take the opportunity to make history around the country and create a happy story. She encouraged City Council not to waste its money to determine if the area is Little Arabia because it is Little Arabia. She stated it should be designated first to show good intent before looking into potential improvements.

Mohammed Aly expressed pride as the first member of his family born in the United States to Egyptian parents at how this issue has brought so many from the community to the meeting. He stated Council Member Moreno introduced this item after a long history of supporting the Arab American community. He noted a policy by former Mayor Sidhu prevented Council Member Moreno from agendizing the designation without the support of two other Council Members, but former Mayor Sidhu has resigned under FBI investigation allowing the item to be agendized. He noted Little Arabia is in Council Member Ma’ae’s District 2 who has introduced an item to conduct a lengthy study of the Brookhurst Corridor taking well over a year. He stated the other four Council Members would have to choose between Item No. 16 and Item No. 17. He added the most important issue should be what the community is asking for and it is a designation. He called on City Council to listen to its community.

Abdullah Zikria stated he descends from Afghanistan and is not Arab but is a community organizer working for non-profits in the City. He stated he cannot conduct his community events if he cannot connect with a neighborhood and added he connects best with Little Arabia to provide his free services. He added none of the 81,000 people he has worked with since 2000 have expressed concerns over the designation, noting many of them come from across the region to be served. He added that City Council should not only designate Little Arabia but to keep the idea in mind for other minority communities.

Rida Hamida reported on seeing the Brookhurst corridor develop into Little Arabia since she was a child in the 1980s. She reported on November 20, 2020, as the Chair of the City’s Cultural and Heritage Commission, she was part of a unanimous vote to recommend designating the area. She added it was never acknowledged by City Council and they are only there today because of the hard work of the business owners. She reported on discussions spanning a decade with stakeholders about how designating Little Arabia would uplift the entire City by ensuring public safety and a better quality of life. She stated as Commission Chair she was directed to meet with former Chamber of Commerce President Todd Ament and the City Manager to lay out goals for Little Arabia but lamented how nothing happened. She stated it is starting to feel like a charade to get basic dignity City Council Minutes of August 23, 2022

and respect. She requested that City Council support the designation because the residents did their part.

Wuo Darek stated that Little Arabia should be officially designated. He questioned why Orange County does not want to employ African Americans. He noted he is a doctorate student and knows other smart African Americans who cannot get hired. He encouraged the City and County to better appreciate diversity.

Faisal Qazi stated Little Arabia is an iconic cultural landmark only lacking the official designation it so deserves. He stated his Pakistani family is spread around Los Angeles County and Orange County but spends more time in Little Arabia than any other place. He stated the community has sparked social service programs for the elderly populations he advocates for. He reported doing his medical residency in Detroit, Michigan, and spending time in the vibrant suburb of Dearborn, Michigan which has the largest Arab population outside of the Middle East. He added the Dearborn vibrancy has only grown in the 20 years since he left and stated the same would occur for Little Arabia with a designation. He stated that it would benefit the City and County, with no more studying necessary. He added the designation would bring positive national recognition to the City and tonight is the night to approve it.

Mohssen Kassir expressed his support for the designation of Little Arabia. He stated the designation would bring attention and business to the area from Disneyland tourists. He added the designation is a matter of respect for the hard-working immigrants who deserve to be acknowledged for what they have done. He added the majority of residents support the designation and the overwhelming majority of comments tonight are supportive. He encouraged City Council to support Item No. 17.

Carlos Leon expressed his support for Item No. 17, adding he stands in solidarity with the Arab community. He added he is inspired by the two children speaking in support of the designation, noting they are the future of the City. He encouraged City Council to build a better future for them.

Amin Nash suggested a good slogan would be “welcome to Anaheim’s Little Arabia where a kanafa is as American as a churro.”
Kathy Tran thanked City Council for its efforts to rebuild Beach Blvd. She congratulated and thanked Sgt. Paqua for all he does for Beach Blvd. She encouraged City Council to approve whatever the Anaheim Police Department is requesting in Item No. 18 to help ensure residential safety.

James Guziak commended the community involvement and the willingness of the Council Members to accommodate all of them. He stated he is among the Geologic Hazard Abatement District (GHAD) Directors in Anaheim Hills and reported at the last meeting he noted the important dates of 1993 for the landslide, 1996 for the passage of Proposition 218, and 1999 for the formation of the Geologic Hazard Abatement District. He stated that City Council has created a monster because they cannot assess Proposition 218 and the GHAD will run out of money in a.year or a year and a half. He added that they are required to have proportional voting so the people benefitting the most get the largest vote. He cited numerous examples of how much votes are weighed towards large projects and questioned if those people would vote to self-assess extra money. He cautioned that the City must step up or the GHAD will fail.

Mazatl Tepehyolotzin called for the City to move to a more dignified future by removing the Colonist's nickname from Anaheim High School’s athletic teams. He stated many schools and professional sports teams have removed mascots negatively affecting Native Americans and reflecting racism, oppression, and inequality. He stated their removal is a step towards healing. He stated the German City Council Minutes of August 23, 2022

colonists who settled in Anaheim are not the same as the ones who settled on the east coast of the United States in the early 1600s and were never in California. He decried how the colonists who settled what later became the United States took indigenous lands as their own through violent and unscrupulous methods that should not represent Anaheim High School students. He clarified the Germans who settled in Anaheim were investors. He stated the term Colonists is a cruel reminder of the treatment of Native-American ancestors. He quoted Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s words about how America was born out of genocide embracing the notion that the Native American was an inferior race and calling for a new way of thinking. He expressed support for Little Arabia’s designation, lauded the neighborhood’s food, and stated he enjoyed learning more about Arab culture there.

COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS:

Council Member Valencia reported that the District 4 office participated in the Youth Conference last Saturday at the Anaheim Convention Center, noted the wonderful turnout, and looked forward to more Anaheim students attending in the future. He wished all students and educators a blessed start to the school year, particularly his wife with her new role as the principal of Price Elementary School.

Council Member Faessel requested the City Manager find ways to provide services and support to the Rubio family of nine (9) that was recently displaced from their home by a fire.

Mayor Pro Tem O’Neil reported he participated in a ride-a-long last week with the Community Policing Team, and thanked Sgt. Lillemoen for teaching him throughout the day, and noted that he values the work done by the Anaheim Police Department.

Council Member Ma’ae thanked Sandra Lozeau for her work, recognized the support she provides throughout the City, and expressed gratitude on behalf of residents.

Council Member Diaz highlighted Tana Ethiopian Restaurant and Market at 2622 West La Palma Avenue and encouraged support for small, immigrant-owned businesses.

Council Member Moreno thanked City staff and Fair Housing for meeting with residents last Thursday to address neighborhood concerns for Pauline Street and Neighbors Street, specifically regarding apartment conditions and organizing clean-up events. He reported a neighborhood clean-up event is scheduled for Saturday, September 10, 9:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M. in the Onondaga neighborhood.

CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE:

City Manager Jim Vanderpool reported that Access California is assisting the Rubio family displaced by the fire. He reported that the Anaheim Police Department and other City staff met with the Edison Elementary School community on August 10 to field questions about crime and quality of life issues in the neighborhood. He further noted that the Police Explorers participated in the 92nd Academy with eight (8) graduates and five (5) trophies and he thanked the Police Department for preparing the next generation of law enforcement. He noted that the Anaheim Convention Center was recognized with a Smart Stars 2022 Award by Smart Meetings Magazine. On behalf of the Community Services Department, Anaheim Public Library, he invited the community to the OC Zinefest on Saturday, September 10, 11:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M., at the Central Library, with more information available at www.anaheim.net/library.

City Council Minutes of August 23, 2022

CONSENT CALENDAR: At 8:19 P.M., the Consent Calendar was considered with Council Member Moreno pulling Item Nos. 02 and 13 and Council Member Ma’ae pulling Item No. 13 for separate discussion and consideration.

MOTION: Council Member Faessel moved to waive reading of all ordinances and resolutions and adopt the consent calendar in accordance with reports, certifications, and recommendations furnished each City Council Member and as listed on the consent calendar, seconded by Council Member Ma’ae. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES – 6 (Mayor Pro Tem O’Neil and Council Members Diaz, Ma’ae, Moreno, Valencia, and Faessel); NOES – 0. Motion carried.

1. Receive and file minutes of the Library Board meeting of July 11, 2022.

3. Authorize an increase to the current master agreement with AAA Oil, Inc., in the amount of $1,078,000 to an increased not to exceed amount of $3,239,626.36, to account for the increases in petroleum prices in the purchase of automotive fuel during the 2022-23 term, and authorize the Purchasing Agent to adjust the maximum amount of the agreement as needed to cover costs in subsequent years, should the agreement be renewed.

4. Waive the sealed bid requirement of Council Policy 4.0; and ratify an increase to the current master agreement with Bound Tree Medical, in the amount of $84,195.62 to an increased not to exceed amount of $420,981, due to purchases of medical supplies under this agreement that were to be made using other available agreements.

5. Waive the sealed bidding requirement of Council Policy 4.0 and authorize the Purchasing Agent to issue a purchase order to Cues, Inc., in the amount of $16,955 plus applicable tax, which is in conjunction with a recent purchase agreement of $39,079 for related software products, to complete the upgrade of existing Granite municipal asset inspection software by adding web application software for use by the Public Works Department, Streets Division; and authorize the Purchasing Agent to exercise annual maintenance and support service renewals subject to available budget appropriations.

6. Award the contract to the lowest responsible bidder, CEM Construction Corporation, in the amount of $1,048,898.70, for the North Vine Street Sanitary Sewer Improvements from the alley north of Lincoln Avenue to East Cypress Street, the alley west of North Vine Street, and the North Rose Street Sanitary Sewer Improvements from the alley north of Lincoln Avenue to East Cypress Street Project; authorize the Director of Public Works to execute the contract and related documents and to take the necessary actions to implement and administer the contract; determine that the Project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Class 3, Section 15303 (d) and Section 15061 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations; authorize the Finance Director to execute the Escrow Agreement pertaining to contract retentions.

7. Approve a Professional Design Services Agreement, in substantial form, with Pacific Advanced Civil Engineering, Inc., in the amount of $7,930,627, to design and engineer the OC River Walk Project; authorize the Director of Community Services to increase the contract amount by up to 10%, if necessary; authorize de minimis changes that do not substantially change the terms and conditions of the Agreement, as determined by the City Attorney; and authorize the Director of Community Services, or designee, to execute the agreement and related documents and to take the necessary actions to implement and administer the agreement.

City Council Minutes of August 23, 2022

8. Approve an Agreement with Kana Substructure Engineering, Inc., in the amount of $762,450 for a one year term with five one-year automatic extensions with Consumer Price Index adjustments for each one-year extension, plus an additional 15% for as-needed extra services to perform underground utility locating services; authorize the Public Utilities General Manager, or designee, to execute the Agreement and related documents and to take the necessary actions to implement and administer the agreement; and determine that the locating services are categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Sections 15061(b)(3) and 15301(b) of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations.

9. Approve the Second Amendment to the Information System Agreement with Systems & Software, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $1,114,000 plus a 15% contingency for extra work, for the upgrade of the Customer Information System (CIS), which includes post- implementation services and updates to software licenses and other agreement terms; authorize support and maintenance fees in an annual amount not to exceed $311,000 with an annual escalator not-to-exceed 3%; and authorize the Public Utilities General Manager, or designee, to execute order forms, work orders, and related documents for software licenses, subscriptions, maintenance, and services for CIS improvements in an annual amount not-to- exceed $200,000; authorize the Public Utilities General Manager, or designee, to execute the Second Amendment and related documents and take the necessary actions to implement and administer the amended agreement; and authorize de minimis changes to the Second Amendment and related or associated documents that do not substantially change the terms and conditions of the Information System Agreement as amended, as determined by the City Attorney’s Office.

10. Approve the Fifth Amendment to Concessions Agreement and the Fifth Amendment to Parking License Agreement with Nederlander-Grove, LLC to extend the term of the agreements for one additional year through December 31, 2023, and add a one-year optional extension to the agreements for management of the City National Grove of Anaheim and use of the common area parking in support of the City National Grove of Anaheim; and authorize the Executive Director of the Convention, Sports & Entertainment Department to execute any related documents and to take the necessary actions to implement and administer the amended Concessions and Parking License Agreements.

11. Approve the First Amendment to Coronavirus, Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Subrecipient Agreement with Mind OC, doing business as Be Well OC, extending the pilot program for a mobile crisis response program for an additional nine (9) months in order to spend CDBG funds and amend the termination date from September 30, 2022 to June 30, 2023; and authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute and administer the amendment.

12. Approve the 2023 Health and Welfare Plan Carriers and Rates and authorize the Human Resources Director to enter into and execute all required provider agreements and to take the necessary actions to implement and administer the agreements.

City Council Minutes of August 23, 2022

14. ORDINANCE NO. 6533 (ADOPTION) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM amending the Zoning Map referred to in Title 18 of the Anaheim Municipal Code relating to Zoning (Reclassification No. 2021-00336) (DEV2020-00248) [reclassifying the property at 1661-1673 West Broadway from the “C-G” General Commercial zone to the “RM-3.5” Multiple-Family Residential zone; introduced at the City Council meeting of August 9, 2022, Public Hearing Item No. 30].

ORDINANCE NO. 6534 (ADOPTION) AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM approving a Development Agreement by and between the City of Anaheim and Anaheim 1 INV, LLC, and authorizing the Mayor Pro Tem to execute said agreement for and on behalf of the City (DEV2020-00248) [to permit a voluntary financial contribution, in the amount of $34,000, to support the City’s affordable housing programs; introduced at the City Council meeting of August 9, 2022, Public Hearing Item No. 30].

Determine that the proposed Reclassification No. 2021-00336 and Development Agreement (DEV2020-00248) were adequately analyzed pursuant to the Mitigated Negative Declaration approved in conjunction with the project.

15. Approve minutes of the City Council meeting of May 24, 2022.

END OF CONSENT CALENDAR:

2. Approve response to the 2021-2022 Orange County Grand Jury Report, “The Big A Lack of Transparency,” and direct the City Manager to execute a letter and forward the response to the Presiding Judge of the Orange County Court and the Orange County Grand Jury (continued from the City Council meeting of August 9, 2022, Item No. 4).

DISCUSSION: Council Member Moreno expressed appreciation for his colleagues agreeing to continue the item. He reported that he could not meet with the City Manager until last Thursday. He stated he could not get documents requested at that meeting before this meeting to help augment language in the response. He stated he thus does not have anything to add. He added that he would not be supporting the response as currently written.

Council Member Valencia reported he also asked for the continuance at the last meeting. He stated the tone of the letter is dismissive and does not sit well with him. He noted that he was not on the City Council when most of the actions cited by the Grand Jury occurred and thus, he is challenged to request changes to the response for not being a part of City Council at the time. He stated that he would be voting no on the item but would be happy to move the item.

MOTION: Council Member Valencia moved to approve response to the 2021-2022 Orange County Grand Jury Report, “The Big A Lack of Transparency,” and direct the City Manager to execute a letter and forward the response to the Presiding Judge of the Orange County Court and the Orange County Grand Jury, seconded by Council Member Ma’ae. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES – 4 (Mayor Pro Tem O’Neil and Council Members Diaz, Ma’ae, and Faessel); NOES – 2 (Council Member Moreno and Valencia). Motion carried.

City Council Minutes of August 23, 2022

13. RESOLUTION NO. 2022-087 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM to recognize August 2022 as American Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month.

DISCUSSION: Council Member Ma’ae thanked the Little Arabia community for coming out tonight.

She stated she listened intently to their experiences and added that she has been meeting with members of the Arab community since she was appointed last fall and learning a lot. She stated it is an honor to be able to sponsor the resolution. She agreed with the speakers that Little Arabia is an essential part of the City of Anaheim’s character. She encouraged her colleagues to vote in favor of the resolution. She added by approving the resolution the recognition would repeat annually for the foreseeable future.

Council Member Moreno stated Council Member Ma’ae’s last comment clarified his concern about whether the City Council needs to move to include the recognition in the annual calendar.

In response to Council Member Moreno’s inquiries, City Clerk Theresa Bass clarified that annual recognitions are brought to City Council by staff. She stated this direction would place the recognition on the annual recognition calendar. She confirmed this direction is sufficient and it did not need to be included in the motion.

Council Member Moreno stated the resolution reflects Anaheim as being a welcoming city. He thanked Council Member Ma’ae for bringing the resolution forward.

In response to Council Member Faessel’s inquiry, Ms. Bass confirmed that this recognition would be added to the annual list in coordination with the City Manager’s Office.

Council Member Diaz stated the Arab community in Anaheim is hard working and has a low crime rate.

MOTION: Council Member Ma’ae moved to approve RESOLUTION NO. 2022-087 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ANAHEIM to recognize August 2022 as American Muslim Appreciation and Awareness Month, seconded by Council Member Diaz. ROLL CALL VOTE:

AYES – 6 (Mayor Pro Tem O’Neil and Council Members Diaz, Ma’ae, Moreno, Valencia, and Faessel); NOES – 0. Motion carried.

16. Direct staff to commission a Request for Qualifications/Request for Proposals of Planning firms to procure consulting services to study the various district options for the Brookhurst Street Corridor (continued from the City Council meeting of August 9, 2022, Item No. 26).

Economic Development Director Sergio Ramirez reported that at the July 12 City Council meeting Council Member Ma’ae directed staff to explore a study to research improvement options for the Brookhurst Street Corridor. He stated that the City could consider a cultural district, business improvement district, historical district, enhanced infrastructure district, zoning overlay district, community facilities district, and specific plan areas.

Mr. Ramirez reported staff recommends preparing a Request For Qualifications/Request For Proposals (RFQ/RFP) from planning consulting firms. He reported staff has reached out to a couple of firms to assess a potential process along with meeting with the Arab American Civic Council. He reported an RFQ/RFP process would take between 60-90 days followed by 30 days of evaluation to bring a recommendation to City Council. He stated that a study of this nature would take six (6) to nine (9) months to complete. He stated there was no budgetary impact to issuing the RFQ/RFP, but the eventual study would likely cost between $100,000-$200,000.

City Council Minutes of August 23, 2022

DISCUSSION: In response to Council Member Ma’ae’s inquiry, Mr. Ramirez stated the company selected would have to have experience in such a study, including community outreach and economic and real estate analysis.

Council Member Ma’ae stated the study intends to look at the corridor on a long-term basis and not only to assess where the boundaries of Little Arabia should be set. She added it should investigate zoning and other matters indicative of a comprehensive all-inclusive study. She confirmed the study should include the designation of Little Arabia. She thanked staff for their work developing the study.

Council Member Ma’ae stated she has been working with the Arab American community ever since she came into her seat, noting her first community meeting fell on October 27 after being seated in September. She stated she reached out for the meeting out of her interest in helping the community.

She thanked her colleagues and stated she wants to do what is best for all of District 2, including Little Arabia. She thanked the Arab American community for educating her about the history and culture of Little Arabia.

Council Member Ma’ae stated the study is not a random or arbitrary request, nor was it a delay tactic.

She stated it is an effort to make a responsible investment after a lot of thought. She stated a comprehensive study of residences and businesses is the responsible approach. She added the study would be an independent, objective analysis of all factors along the corridor. She stated she intends to have any final plan include a Little Arabia district. She stated she would like a long-term plan to help not only Little Arabia but the entire corridor to increase the quality of life in surrounding neighborhoods. She added she is thankful they can begin the process today and stated this investment is the best way to improve the corridor.

Council Member Ma’ae stated Anaheim’s diversity is the strength of its community and added everyone wants to honor Little Arabia as well as the other cultures intertwined along the corridor. She stated her long-term goal is to help the community by creating another attraction along the corridor by helping existing small businesses rather than eliminating them. She clarified the item is simply to approve an RFQ/RFP and would not raise taxes. She stated the point of the study is to encourage multi-cultural businesses to make the corridor a destination and not to push Arab American businesses out of town. She noted the last study of the corridor is 30 years old, so it is no longer current. She stated the poor economy makes the study timely because it is the first step to delivering resources to the area. She spoke of her personal history of working with the City to improve areas of west Anaheim in the past and encouraged her colleagues to approve the study.

MOTION: Council Member Ma’ae moved to direct staff to commission a Request for Qualifications/Request for Proposals of Planning firms to procure consulting services to study the various district options for the Brookhurst Street Corridor.

DISCUSSION: Mayor Pro Tem O’Neil called for decorum from the audience.

Council Member Diaz stated Council Member Ma’ae should be celebrated and not criticized. He stated this study would be like the one recently conducted for Beach Blvd., which allowed the City to better understand what the community wants for the corridor.

Council Member Diaz agreed with an audience member who called for an official designation of Little Arabia before doing the study.

City Council Minutes of August 23, 2022

In response to an audience inquiry, Council Member Diaz stated they must determine what the community wants and how much it would cost. He stated that City Council could move forward with the designation but should also do a study to better understand where they want the district to go. He added one thing goes with the other. He noted eventually the community would vote on what it wants for the district.

In response to Mayor Pro Tem O’Neil’s inquiry, Council Member Diaz seconded the motion but with the condition, that this item is viewed the same as Item No. 17.

MOTION: Council Member Ma’ae moved to direct staff to commission a Request for Qualifications/Request for Proposals of Planning firms to procure consulting services to study the various district options for the Brookhurst Street Corridor.

DISCUSSION: Mayor Pro Tem O’Neil determined Council Member Ma’ae’s attempt to respond as being out of order.

Council Member Moreno deferred to Council Member Ma’ae if she was responding to the ongoing conversation.

Council Member Ma’ae confirmed she intends to vote for the Little Arabia designation. She added the City needs to conduct a study of the entire Brookhurst corridor. She added she is not opposed to the designation. She clarified she believes boundaries create division, but she is attempting to compromise to help put a spotlight on Little Arabia. She stated the study is an enhancement and not a deterrent.

Mayor Pro Tem O’Neil called for the audience to contain comments while City Council deliberates.

Council Member Moreno stated he supports the idea of studies but has questions about this study as proposed. He agreed with Council Member Diaz’s statement that Item Nos. 16 and 17 are not mutually exclusive but rather complementary. He stated there would have to be an upcoming discussion of how to implement and engage the designation. He clarified the designation would guide the planning and build trust with the community.

Council Member Moreno noted the specter of a real estate analysis in the proposal raises concerns about gentrification. He added he agreed with the need for this information along Beach Blvd., which is why he has called for benchmarks to be attached to small businesses and rents along the corridor.

He stated the people who have invested their livelihoods into a neighborhood should benefit from the City’s investment in improvements.

In response to Council Member Moreno’s inquiry, Mr. Ramirez clarified that one of the options is to create a Business Improvement District (BID) or Community Facilities District (CFD). He advised one option sees property owners self-assessing for improvements and the other is merchant based. He added an initial real estate analysis is required to establish a benchmark for measuring return on investment. He clarified the real estate analysis is not for gentrification and staff is recommending having a consultant explore all the different types of districts to provide options for Little Arabia.

Council Member Moreno agreed with Mr. Ramirez about the need for a real estate analysis but questioned if the wording of the study is clear.

In response to Council Member Moreno’s inquiry, Mr. Ramirez reported physical improvements were requested at meetings with community stakeholders. He clarified that economic analysis is needed to City Council Minutes of August 23, 2022

identify the corridor’s potential sales tax generation, job creation, and economic benefits derived from the district. He added it is a large area, including 19,000 residents, and the City needs an economic snapshot. He noted in 1993 the area was included in the Brookhurst Redevelopment Area but the funding for this program was lost in 2012.

In response to Council Member Moreno’s inquiry, Mr. Ramirez confirmed that data like what the City intends to collect for the study is often incorporated into applications for a variety of State and federal grants.

Council Member Moreno stated one way to help clarify the study would intend to do the official designation of Little Arabia first.

In response to Council Member Moreno’s inquiry, Council Member Ma’ae stated that real estate analysis and economic analysis are important for the grant application. She reported she has heard from the community they would like to pursue grant funding for community improvements. She added this is part of what would make it a comprehensive study.

Council Member Moreno clarified he is not questioning the importance of the data but noted residents are wary of the study. He added this hesitancy is why he would like to see those analyses done after deliberative consultation with the community. He stated it would meet the intent and spirit of the study while building trust. He clarified his friendly amendment would be to change the language to “may,” making the analyses optional at the community’s discretion.

In response to Mayor Pro Tem O’Neil’s inquiry, Council Member Ma’ae stated she would like to ask if staff could have time to work with the language.

In response to Council Member Valencia’s inquiry, Mr. Ramirez stated the study would include focused outreach to stakeholder groups, including the Arab business community, the non-Arab business community, residents, non-profits, and community activists. He added walking tours have been beneficial to consultants in other cities for engagement opportunities.

In response to Council Member Valencia’s inquiry, Mr. Ramirez confirmed Little Arabia would be the first cultural district of its type in Anaheim. He added there are many special districts, with the Anaheim Resort being the City’s largest CFD, but none of the City’s districts are so designated for cultural reasons.

In response to Council Member Valencia’s inquiries, Mr. Ramirez stated there is no template for how other cities have officially designated cultural districts and added the search for relevant and consistent case studies is part of why staff is recommending the study. He discussed the nuances and history of many cultural districts around Southern California. He reported in 2017 the State launched a Cultural Districts Program, identifying 14 districts like Little Tokyo in the City of Los Angeles. He added part of the study would be the process behind establishing a district. He confirmed, from staff’s research so far, comparable designations have been made as part of a City- led process.

In response to Council Member Valencia’s inquiry, Council Member Ma’ae confirmed the study would include a commitment to designate a Little Arabia district upon its completion.

Mayor Pro Tem O’Neil expressed appreciation for the passion and conviction of the public speakers in support of the designation. He stated he enjoyed his meeting with Arab-American community leaders last week. He stated he stands with the community on making the designation for the City Council Minutes of August 23, 2022

business contributions and cultural value a designation would bring to Little Arabia. He added he also wants to see the district done right. He stated the designation is more than just a sign, echoing a public commenter. He added he disagrees with the public speaker who called to designate the district before studying the district. He stated there is a governmental process when an action like this is taken. He added this is the first time that City Council has discussed the designation and many things have not yet been vetted, including the official boundaries, most-needed improvements, signage, promotional needs, and funding for these things. He stated a study of the entire Brookhurst Corridor, in partnership with the Arab American community, of how Little Arabia fits in is a necessary step. He called on residents to let the government do its work to let the designation be the best it could be.

In response to Mayor Pro Tem O’Neil’s inquiry, Mr. Ramirez clarified this is an item brought by Council Member Ma’ae, and staff’s recommendations could be amended.

In response to Mayor Pro Tem O’Neil’s inquiry, Council Member Ma’ae accepted a friendly amendment to her motion to clarify the City’s commitment to the designation of Little Arabia.

City Attorney Robert Fabela clarified the motion is to approve staff’s recommendation and Mayor Pro Tem O’Neil is referring to a passage in the staff report and not a portion of the recommendation.

In response to Mayor Pro Tem O’Neil’s inquiry, Mr. Fabela confirmed the language could be added to the motion, but he wanted to ensure that City Council was aware of the proper starting point to add the language. He added the item is requesting authorization to issue an RFQ/RFP.

In response to Mayor Pro Tem O’Neil’s inquiry, Council Member Ma’ae accepted a friendly amendment to her motion including the direction that the study is being conducted with a commitment to designate Little Arabia.

Council Member Diaz reaffirmed his second of the motion. He added he does not see a contradiction between Item Nos. 16 and 17, with the latter still needing to be discussed.

Council Member Moreno called for a point of order because his conversation about adding a friendly amendment to change “should” to “may” never concluded.

Mayor Pro Tem O’Neil apologized and added there was no intent. He echoed Mr. Fabela’s comment about the framework for the motion but added there are ways to work Council Member Moreno’s tweak into the motion.

Council Member Moreno stated he is also working off the staff report. He restated the real estate analysis and economic analysis should be included only with agreement from the community stakeholders to increase trust in the planning process.

In response to Mayor Pro Tem O’Neil’s inquiry, Council Member Ma’ae accepted the friendly amendment. Council Member Diaz restated his second of the motion.

Council Member Valencia expressed appreciation for the productive dialogue. He added he has discussed the designation with many members of the Arab American community. He stated their shared experience personally resonated with him as his father owned a small grocery store specializing in Latin American products drawing customers from around the region in search of unique goods offered there. He added his father’s Latin American store was in the heart of Little Saigon in the City of Westminster. He recalled the family never felt out of place running a Latino City Council Minutes of August 23, 2022

business in a Vietnamese community. He stated this is part of why he supports the Little Arabia designation. He expressed appreciation that they could finally discuss the matter from the dais.

Council Member Valencia stated, like with many Council actions, a City process is needed to implement the designation and achieve the desired goal. He expressed his pleasure a designation commitment would be included in the study. He stated the study would provide an outreach effort and in-depth analysis to enhance the Brookhurst Corridor, including Little Arabia. He commended Council Member Ma’ae’s balanced approach to a collaboration resulting in the likely designation.

Council Member Faessel stated he is fine with the designation, but his issue remains with an insistence that residents in adjoining neighborhoods be at the table. He questioned the validity of the poll showing strong support for Little Arabia for its small sample size of 332. He clarified that he has always supported the designation but questioned the process and lack of community engagement.

Mayor Pro Tem O’Neil called for decorum in the Council Chamber.

Council Member Faessel restated he has always told Arab American community leaders he supports the designation provided adjacent communities are at the table and added that he still feels this way.

He stated there must be a process and his top issue is having the voices of residents not currently in the Council Chamber. Council Member Faessel stated he supports the designation but wants more residential engagement.

Council Member Valencia noted that despite the sample size of 332, the percentage is accurate. He added the institution conducting the poll is credible and stated it is valid as a representation of community sentiment.

Council Member Moreno stated the author of the survey was hoping to join them tonight, but he could not drive up from the City of San Diego due to family commitments. He stated polling is often connected to politics and can be biased in terms of how they engage. He stated this poll was done in academia by the highly respected United States Immigration Policy Center at the University of California at San Diego. He added that Associate Professor Tom Wong is considered to be at the top of his field. He stated the academic methodology behind the poll is trustworthy and sound, adding it captures the community sentiment.

Council Member Moreno stated he is worried they are mixing two agenda items. He stated everyone agrees the designation should happen but not now and added it does not feel right. He added they must face the political reality that they may not be there when the study is completed, and the next Council may or may not honor what they are saying tonight.

In response to Council Member Moreno’s inquiry, Mr. Fabela confirmed that a future Council could always change tonight’s action.

Council Member Moreno stated they should state their commitment first and have this commitment jump-start the planning study. He stated it would be a mistake to assume a future Council would honor what they do tonight. He expressed concerns over asking residents to wait through the process of the study to learn for sure if City Council would honor the commitment written into the study. He stated that City Council is deciding on Item No. 17 by the way the motion is being amended. He expressed a preference for the study focusing on the type of district Little Arabia would be and not if the district would be. He clarified that he did not specify the type of district when agendizing Item No. 17, including a cultural district, because of what it means in terms of policy and budgets. He clarified that he only agendized naming the district with the ideal type of district to be determined by this study.

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Council Member Moreno requested assurances from his colleagues about their intentions on Item No. 17 before he votes for Item No. 16.

In response to Council Member Diaz’s inquiry, Mr. Fabela clarified this is only a study and that the City Council must act in the future based on its results. He confirmed if Little Arabia becomes a type of district requiring a property owner vote, the property owners would make decisions on things like tax assessments.

Council Member Diaz clarified property owners' taxes would only increase if they wanted to tax themselves, due to Proposition 218.

Council Member Ma’ae added that this conversation was going in a good direction toward a designation after many years. She expressed disappointment at Council Member Moreno because he agreed that a comprehensive study is critical. She questioned why City Council is still in this challenging spot after the issue lingered for so many years, noting the community has a lack of confidence in their elected officials after all these years. She noted Council Member Moreno could not make the designation happen even for the two years where he was part of a Council majority.

Council Member Ma’ae confirmed the study should include the residents along the Brookhurst Corridor to assuage Council Member Faessel’s fears. She clarified the study would include the residents and businesses he is referring to.

Council Member Ma’ae expressed hope that they could move this forward tonight.

Council Member Moreno stated that not having agendized Little Arabia when there was a one-person agenda rule and he sat on the Council majority is one of his regrets. He noted there was a lot of work for those two years while transitioning into a district-oriented Council. He noted in hindsight so many elected officials over the years expressed appreciation for the designation so he figured it did not have to be done right away but he learned the hard way when the Council changed, and he could not get the subject agendized. He added they now know that he could not get it agendized because former Mayor Sidhu squashed the matter out of political spite. He added they all agree on doing the study, but he has learned his lesson over the years about what can happen when the Council changes. He stated the Arab American community has come out for two decades asking for this designation and a study. He stated the best thing they can do is to frame the study around a Council- approved designation. He expressed fears of voting against the study if it is being done instead of Item No. 17 and then there is no conversation to have on Item No. 17.

SUBSIDIARY MOTION: Council Member Moreno moved to table Item No. 16 until after Item No. 17 is heard. The motion failed for lack of a second.

MOTION: Council Member Ma’ae moved to direct staff to commission a RFQ/RFP to procure consulting services with a commitment of a designation of Little Arabia and deliverables from the RFP/RFQ to include 1) company qualifications and prior relevant work experience, 2) proposed project schedule, 3) corridor outreach and engagement plan, 4) facilitated community workshops and online engagement methods, 5) study area physical conditions report, 6) may include market and real estate analysis, 7) parking analysis, and 8) report to City Council with findings, recommendations, and funding options, including the branding for the area, seconded by Council Member Diaz. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES – 5 (Mayor Pro Tem O’Neil and Council Members Diaz, Ma’ae, Valencia, and Faessel); NOES – 0; ABSTAIN – 1 (Council Member Moreno). Motion carried.

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17. Discuss and potentially take action to designate a portion of the Brookhurst Street Corridor as “the Little Arabia District”.

Economic Development Director Sergio Ramirez reported that on July 12 Council Member Moreno requested an item to discuss and potentially act to designate a portion of the Brookhurst Corridor as a Little Arabia district. He reported the area is located on Brookhurst Street between Crescent Avenue and Katella Avenue.

DISCUSSION: Council Member Moreno stated the conversation is going well and disagreed with Council Member Ma’ae’s assessment that it had gone downhill. He clarified that he abstained on Item No. 16 because of the sentiment around the study but expressed hope that it turns out to be productive.

Council Member Moreno clarified his goal is to create an inclusive recognition of substantive Anaheim history and culture, and to affirm and formally recognize a valued cultural and economic space in Anaheim. He added the item is not to determine what type of district Little Arabia would be classified as, noting this would be determined by the just-approved planning process. He provided a historical context of the mistreatment of Arab-Americans and Muslims dating back over a century, including the widespread xenophobia following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. He added the Arab American population is undercounted because the United States Census has considered them white since 1944.

Council Member Moreno clarified why he chose Crescent Ave. and Katella Ave. as the boundaries of Little Arabia, noting that Crescent Ave. is the home of the Council of American-Islamic Relations and Katella Ave. is home to several retailers of Middle Eastern goods and the Masjid al Ansar religious institute. He added there are 140 Arab businesses and service providers along Brookhurst St. between the two intersections. He added his request of the Council is only to designate Brookhurst St. and not neighboring areas. He noted tourist information sites, including Visit Anaheim, and national media outlets use the phrase Little Arabia to describe the district. He stated the world already sees the area as Little Arabia and called on his colleagues to not wait a year until the study is completed but rather to formally designate it tonight.

Council Member Moreno added the City itself uses the phrase Little Arabia in places such as its identification as a community of interest in the 2015 districting process, 2021 redistricting process, the District 2 description on the City’s website, and other places. He added the designation would demonstrate acceptance and celebration of the Arab community, boost the local economy, enhance the City’s reputation as a tourist destination, and promote diversity.

MOTION: Council Member Moreno moved to officially designate the Little Arabia District from Crescent Ave. to Katella Ave. and determine what type of district it would become based on the study approved in Item No. 16.

DISCUSSION: Council Member Diaz stated he visited Little Arabia while campaigning two years ago, entering with a mental image of Little Havana in the City of Miami, Florida, or Chinatown in the City of San Francisco. He stated there is a passion behind Little Arabia, including economic and cultural interests. He added that he recently drove to Little Ethiopia in the City of Los Angeles and observed there are more Mexican restaurants there than Ethiopian restaurants. He cited this as an example of how these neighborhoods do not have to be exclusively one culture. He stated there is nothing to lose with a designation. He added that a designation would not impact his family or how he does his day-to-day business. He stated this item is to accept what they already know.

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Council Member Diaz requested a friendly amendment to the motion clarifying that the area should just be called “Little Arabia” and not the “Little Arabia District” so he could second the motion.

Council Member Moreno accepted the friendly amendment and added it aligns with the previous discussion about the community’s involvement in the study to help determine what is the ideal type of district for Little Arabia.

Council Member Ma’ae expressed concerns about the boundaries and stated her preference would be to let the study determine Little Arabia’s boundaries.

Council Member Moreno stated he likes Council Member Ma’ae’s idea because it involves a community process. He added he needs to give the idea more thought and requested the thoughts of his colleagues in the meantime.

Mayor Pro Tem O’Neil questioned what the Council would be approving without the distinction of boundaries and stated that he struggles with this. He clarified that he supports a formal process as was approved in Item No. 16, but he also supports an official designation. He noted several steps are needed to be taken to do it right.

Council Member Diaz stated it is important to have a conclusion tonight for the community. He stated his goal for tonight is to recognize Little Arabia’s existence. He added after the study they can establish boundaries and what type of district Little Arabia is. He stated tonight they should focus on making it Christmas for the people in the audience. He added that he supports an official designation and would like to approve it tonight.

Council Member Faessel stated there may be some movement on the boundary issue. He agreed with Council Member Moreno’s comment about the boundaries being subject to the study’s results.

He echoed his comments from the Item No. 16 discussion about the importance of the community being involved. He stated his inclination to follow Council Member Ma’ae lead if she feels the motion is satisfactory as Little Arabia is in her district.

Council Member Moreno reported listening to a show on National Public Radio about a Palestinian refugee living in the United States and his life experiences in a state of statelessness. He stated a community needs boundaries or it too closely echoes the experience of those forced to migrate from their homeland. He stated his desire is to set boundaries of Crescent Ave. and Katella Ave. tonight but make the final boundaries contingent on the study approved earlier.

Council Member Ma’ae believed they were so close but should not set a boundary tonight and then have to change it after the study. She stated she wants to make the designation tonight in agreement with Council Member Moreno’s stated concern during the discussion of Item No. 16 that the next Council may possibly be against the designation. She requested he accept her amendment to the motion so the designation could move forward.

Council Member Moreno expressed concerns over designating a stateless district.

Mayor Pro Tem O’Neil suggested a resolution affirming support for the designation subject to the study.

In response to Mayor Pro Tem O’Neil’s inquiry, Mr. Fabela stated a resolution would be permissible within the Brown Act so long as the language is clear and the resolution could be drafted without City Council Minutes of August 23, 2022

requiring staff to return to Council. He added the agenda stated there was a possibility of acting and a resolution is an action.

Mayor Pro Tem O’Neil stated he could support a resolution affirming support for a designation.

Council Member Diaz stated that when he meets with the community, recognition is in their hearts above all else. He stated boundaries could be determined in the future, but he wants the community to go home tonight with recognition in the form of a designation.

Council Member Faessel requested patience from Council Member Moreno on boundary setting. He stated a delay in setting formal boundaries until after the study is reasonable and inquired if the City staff has a way out of their conundrum.

Mr. Ramirez stated the majority of the Arab businesses are located between Broadway and Ball Road. He noted this is a smaller area than identified by Council Member Moreno but stated the core of Little Arabia is between those streets.

Council Member Valencia stated the Council is between a rock and a hard place and called for the search for a middle ground with options to change the boundaries after the study. He stated Mr.

Ramirez’s idea of a smaller area is a good one and would be his recommendation.

Council Member Valencia requested a friendly amendment to set the Little Arabia boundaries at Broadway and Ball Road with the understanding that the district’s size could grow based on the results of the study.

Council Member Moreno stated he would be open to setting the boundaries as Crescent Ave. to Ball Rd.

Council Member Valencia stated this is why he believes the study is needed but added he is open to moving in this direction now to ensure a good faith effort for the community.

Council Member Moreno clarified the business core of Little Arabia is between Broadway and Ball Rd. but noted the cultural and human services corridor extends beyond there. He noted Crescent Ave. is also closer to I-5.

Mayor Pro Tem O’Neil stated the continued discussion reinforces the need for a study.

Council Member Ma’ae stated she could get behind Broadway to Ball Road boundaries, with the caveat that the boundaries could be expanded based on the study’s conclusion.

In response to Council Member Moreno’s inquiry, Mayor Pro Tem O’Neil clarified his option is to accept the friendly amendment or there could be a motion to amend his motion.

In response to Council Member Moreno’s inquiry, Council Member Diaz and Council Member Valencia both confirmed their respective friendly amendments are to designate just “Little Arabia” instead of the “Little Arabia District,” and to shorten the boundaries from Broadway to Ball Road with direction to the study to recommend potential expansion.

Council Member Moreno stated his preference is to have the district extend north to Crescent Ave. but added even if it were only from Broadway to Ball Road, he would feel good about what the Council has done tonight. He stated he is comfortable with the amendments.

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In response to Council Member Moreno’s inquiry, Council Member Ma’ae confirmed they could move forward on this together.

Council Member Diaz reaffirmed his second to the motion as amended.

Council Member Faessel stated it is extraordinarily important for the Council to vote on this unanimously. He stated it is reasonable to expect the study results to suggest different boundaries.

Mayor Pro Tem O’Neil stated he wants the designation to happen. He added there is also a process to make it happen and he is not ready to make this determination tonight. He stated he would have to abstain from the item but clarified this does not mean he does not support an official designation of Little Arabia.

In response to City Clerk Theresa Bass’ inquiry, Council Member Moreno clarified the study would determine the ideal type of district and assigning a district type is not included in his motion.

MOTION: Council Member Moreno moved to formally designate Brookhurst Street from Broadway to Ball Road as “Little Arabia” with any changes to the boundaries to come in the future following the process and recommendations from the Brookhurst Street Corridor Study, seconded by Council Member Diaz. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES – 5 (Council Members Diaz, Ma’ae, Moreno, Valencia, and Faessel); NOES – 0; ABSTAIN – 1 (Mayor Pro Tem O’Neil). Motion carried.

18. Receive and file an update on Rebuild Beach and as necessary provide direction to staff with the possibility of allocating additional appropriations based on Council direction.

Senior Administrative Analyst Lylyana Bogdanovich reported staff held a workshop in December 2021 about the Rebuild Beach effort to help improve the quality of life by removing criminal elements and promoting redevelopment. She reported a robust interdepartmental group meets at least once a month to discuss issues along Beach Blvd.

Police Chief Jorge Cisneros reported the City has been addressing Beach Blvd. through a community governance model. He lauded the Anaheim Police Department’s (APD) role in addressing concerns along Beach Blvd. to protect business owners and residents while reducing the impact of crime. He added technology is involved along with the officers with eight (8) overt cameras recording 192 hours of video daily. He added more high-impact locations have been identified for cameras whenever equipment and funding allow.

Police Chief Cisneros reported that in the last two months alone there have been 97 arrests and 78 criminal reports in the area. He added there has been a 14.7% decrease in citizen calls for service in the area compared to the same point in 2021. He reported on APD’s ongoing outreach efforts to the area’s transient population with the assistance of partners including the Community Care Response Team (CCRT). He added that over the past 18 months, the APD has spent over 8,000 proactive hours over 1.5 miles of Beach Blvd. He added the APD plans to soon add 1,100 more hours of proactive hours into the area.

Police Chief Cisneros recommended, as part of a short-term solution, 10 additional overt camera packages, 10 automated license plate readers, a new APD technology support vehicle, and additional overt camera monitoring capability.

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Planning and Building Director Ted White reported the City started working on several proactive enforcement and improvement efforts following the workshop. He reported on staff’s outreach efforts to motels in the area to encourage better management. He added that staff initiated Conditional Use Permit (CUP) modification proceedings on the Travel Inn and Anaheim Lodge with Council approval received on April 12, 2022 to add operational and security requirements. He reported the modifications have significantly improved the operations of the motels in coordination with the APD.

He added that staff is evaluating options for motel operations in the area, including the feasibility of a Zoning Code amendment to establish operational standards for all motels on Beach Blvd. and potentially citywide. He cited the Covered Wagon Motel as an example of a motel suffering from severe mismanagement and neglect deemed unsafe for occupancy by the City.

Mr. White reported on the progress of code enforcement officers assigned to Beach Blvd. conducting a door-to-door educational campaign about the City’s quality expectations with business and property owners. He added the goal is to inspire voluntary compliance and investment in the business but noted enforcement measures may be necessary to gain compliance. He reported the Rebuild Beach team has conducted seven community and business watch meetings while also taking part in a sustainability fair. He added staff has created a comprehensive website to learn more about the initiative and added that staff is working to improve circulation at the corner of Beach Blvd. and Rome Ave.

Mr. White provided an update on the 39 Commons residential development at the corner of Beach Blvd. and Lincoln Ave., noting the Nolin townhomes portion is now selling. He added the commercial portion of 39 Commons, including an In-N-Out Burger and Starbucks coffee shop, is expected to begin construction in early 2023.

Mr. White reported the Economic Development Team has launched a Façade Improvement Program for eligible businesses that can apply for one-time City grants to help improve their properties. He stated improvements have been made to the corridor since the December workshop. He added the City is also looking into the strategic acquisition of properties with an update to come to City Council in the future.

DISCUSSION: Mayor Pro Tem O’Neil expressed appreciation for the work staff has done so far on improving Beach Blvd. He added he is primarily focused on finding ways to limit the criminal activity in the area to uplift the area.

In response to Mayor Pro Tem O’Neil’s inquiries, Police Chief Cisneros reported that APD is working on hiring more officers for the long-term but in the short-term, the extra enforcement efforts do cause officers to exceed 40-hour weeks. He reported in July, APD officers averaged 10.68 hours of weekly overtime. He added additional resources would be beneficial for officer wellness, but hiring officers takes time and it is not a short-term solution. He added the requested technological items would enhance the capabilities of the officers. He added the collaboration with other City departments has been extremely beneficial to the Beach Blvd. efforts and commended the group’s synergy. He added issues of criminality must be handled by a sworn officer and City staff cannot assist with certain components of an officer’s role.

In response to Mayor Pro Tem O’Neil’s inquiries, Police Chief Cisneros stated enforcement efforts have continued following the three-week sweep. He added officers worked an average of 9.62 overtime hours per week for Fiscal Year 21/22. He stated part of his role as APD’s leader is to find the right balance of overtime hours and focus on Beach Blvd. without breaking his staff. He confirmed that APD has positions available that it cannot fill fast enough. He stated they have 378 officers hired but noted 25 new officers are currently in training and 25 more are currently either injured or on leave.

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Mayor Pro Tem O’Neil stated he would leave it to Police Chief Cisneros to best manage the balancing act of the area’s policing needs and officer availability.

In response to Council Member Faessel’s inquiry, Mr. White stated the façade grant program is being advertised and emphasized on Beach Blvd. but added it is available citywide.

Council Member Faessel encouraged City Manager Jim Vanderpool to do something for State College Blvd. He added he hears from multiple residents daily about issues on the corridor. He expressed doubt that he can wait much longer to plan the next steps for State College Blvd. He advised that affected residents and small businesses also cannot wait much longer. He added the stretch of State College Blvd. north of Ball Road is deteriorating as Beach Boulevard did. He commended the patience of Police Chief Cisneros and Mr. White but added everyone on State College Blvd. is running out of patience. He informed Mr.; Vanderpool that he would be hounding all involved to figure out the next steps to improve State College Blvd.

Council Member Diaz stated the item is close to his heart and the main reason why he ran for office.

He stated they are heading in the right long-term direction but cautioned the redevelopment would not happen overnight. He stated he wished he could direct staff to have two APD officers at the corner of Ball Rd. and Beach Blvd. 24 hours a day but knows it is unrealistic. He commended Sgt. Paqua and Police Chief Cisneros’ team. He noted the cameras were very effective for a couple of months until the criminals realized they were being watched in those areas.

In response to Council Member Diaz’s inquiry, Police Chief Cisneros noted part of the recommendations he made earlier is for $118,000 for a contracted third party to help monitor the cameras.

Council Member Moreno stated he also hears about issues along State College Blvd. and noted he drives through it regularly. He congratulated Police Chief Cisneros on how well the APD handled a bomb scare at a local school earlier this week and also thanked him for notifying the Council Members of the situation.

Council Member Moreno noted the City did not cut funding for the APD. He echoed Police Chief Cisneros’ past statements about an inability to enforce your way out of all social ills. He added the Council unanimously voted at the last meeting to maintain funding for drug support systems.

In response to Council Member Moreno’s inquiry, Police Chief Cisneros stated crimes along Beach Blvd. include drug sales, gun recoveries, vehicle thefts, and robberies – all leading to the numerous resources the APD has focused on the area. He added the stool of success requires all three legs of prevention, intervention, and enforcement. He added the APD is careful to use Be Well Orange County and the CCRT for those in the area who have not committed crimes. He added residents and businesses in the area should have a safe environment.

In response to Council Member Moreno’s inquiry, Police Chief Cisneros stated the collaborative approach among City departments helps with encouraging individuals to take some responsibility for their properties through things like having them illuminated at night, maintaining shrubbery, and not leaving the community in a state of disarray. He added many of these issues are addressed through code enforcement and business licensing. Mr. White stated the ongoing door-to-door education efforts by code enforcement officers and the economic development team are done to communicate the accountability expectations and take pride in your property. He added the façade grant program is City Council Minutes of August 23, 2022

a good incentive. He added that staff lets businesses and property owners know that the City means business with its concerns for Beach Blvd.

Council Member Moreno referenced the 2010 documentary “The Motel Kids of Orange County” and encouraged staff to continue to consider families who must live in these motels and live in such subpar conditions. He thanked staff for proactively engaging families like those in the documentary who live in the motels out of sense of desperation and should be transitioned to better housing.

Council Member Diaz stated this program is the business version of a neighborhood watch.

MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem O’Neil moved to approve staff’s recommendations of 10 additional overt camera packages, 10 Automated License Plate Reader cameras, one (1) new Anaheim Police Department technology support vehicle “bucket truck,” and additional overt camera monitoring capability via contractor with an estimated cost of $308,000, seconded by Council Member Diaz.

ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES – 6 (Mayor Pro Tem O’Neil and Council Members Diaz, Ma’ae, Moreno, Valencia, and Faessel); NOES – 0. Motion carried.

19. Discuss and approve holding a State of the City event in 2022.

City Manager Jim Vanderpool reported the item is to discuss the concept of having a staff-driven and City-sponsored State of the City in the early fall of 2022 in the form of a public luncheon at the City National Grove of Anaheim. He listed potential invitees and a proposed program, adding proceeds from the event would go to benefit the Anaheim Community Foundation. He added attendance costs would be nominal to encourage public attendance, with a budget comparable to the $10,000 the City has historically spent on the State of the City.

DISCUSSION: Mayor Pro Tem O’Neil reported the event was redesigned four (4) to five (5) years ago to mirror one held in the City of Buena Park when Mr. Vanderpool served as its City Manager. He stated the event balanced competing interests and left attendees feeling like the City was in a good place. He stated that with all going on in the City, he does not want to send a message to the community that things are in disarray because Anaheim has a lot of great things to highlight.

In response to Mayor Pro Tem O’Neil’s inquiry, Council Member Faessel stated that the City has held some sort of a State of the City event for many years.

Mayor Pro Tem O’Neil stated the proposed format would be a wonderful benefit to schools involved and the Anaheim Community Foundation and added that staff is adept at running events of this magnitude.

In response to Mayor Pro Tem O’Neil’s inquiry, Mr. Vanderpool stated staff would envision doing this sometime around the end of September.

Mr. Vanderpool clarified an earlier comment, noting the event would not be business-focused but rather include a balanced community focus.

Council Member Faessel reported attending the City of Cypress’s State of the City and other municipalities’ similar events. He stated he would look forward to an event more community centric.

He lauded the school and non-profit involvement in the proposed format. He thanked Mr. Vanderpool for considering the Community Foundation as a Board member. He stated this ground-up format would be refreshing for the City.

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Council Member Moreno commended the format and intent. He noted that former Mayor Tom Tait had a comparable format with proceeds going to Accelerate Change Together (ACT) Anaheim. He added using staff moves away from having people from outside the City run the show. He expressed concern that the proposed date would be seen as an election-time promotion and could create issues. He stated that former Mayor Sidhu’s scandal created a lot of consequences and suggested doing the event in February, adding it could be good for the new Council’s agenda-setting. He stated fall would take away from the authentic goal due to its proximity to the election.

Council Member Valencia agreed with Council Member Moreno’s concerns about timing and added that he would be open to having the event after the election, suggesting mid-November before Thanksgiving.

Mayor Pro Tem O’Neil clarified the intent is to have a State of the City in the 2022 calendar year. He added moving it to February 2023 skips 2022 and moving it to after the election presents challenges because the transition time between Councils is usually truncated by business. He stated it is important to highlight and showcase the good things in Anaheim in 2022.

MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem O’Neil moved to approve holding a State of the City event in 2022, as presented, with a target date at the end of September, seconded by Council Member Diaz.

DISCUSSION: Council Member Ma’ae lauded the idea of doing something positive on a high level after the challenging year. She stated she loves everything about the event and does not care when it is held.

Council Member Moreno agreed with Council Member Valencia’s idea of having the event after the election to help it be viewed as being clean. He lamented that it could create an awkward space where some of them are leaving the Council and others have been elected to replace them. He stated that he could not support the motion because it would be seen as a Council with a majority vote voting to promote its positives at election time. He added that this is the kind of cloud they would see at this event in late September. He urged his peers to support doing it in February instead.

Council Member Faessel thanked Council Members Moreno and Valencia for bringing up the sensitivity of the event’s timing. He added that he is not up for reelection, so the thought had not occurred to him. He agreed with Council Member Ma’ae about holding something in 2022, noted Mr.

Vanderpool restored Employee Appreciation Day for similar celebratory reasons, and added they could use an event to remind the community and themselves a lot of good things happened in 2022.

He acknowledged the cloud from former Mayor Sidhu still hangs over things in Anaheim. He agreed with Council Member Valencia’s idea about having the event after the election but also agreed with Council Member Moreno’s concern about the transitional period’s awkwardness. He commended the proposed format.

Council Member Diaz stated he does not believe the event would be used for political gain or it could be used because so few people watch it. He added even fewer people would want to watch it shortly after the election, and even fewer would want to watch it after New Year’s. He stated the sooner the better and people are not thinking about elections yet in September.

Council Member Moreno stated he could live with Council Member Valencia’s mid-November target despite holding some reservations. He stated it would be cleaner if held then with better optics yet still in the 2022 calendar year. He stated the proposed program is community-heavy, which is wonderful, but noted on the eve of elections it creates the perception of a political event and the Council should avoid it. He added the Council transitional period in November could be beneficial to show solidarity City Council Minutes of August 23, 2022

as the baton passes and added that the current Council could remind the new Council about Little Arabia.

Council Member Valencia refuted Council Member Diaz’s point about a lack of coverage for the event by displaying the Orange County Register’s story about the last State of the City event. He added the current scandal would only serve to increase coverage of a 2022 State of the City. He stated he does not feel comfortable having the event before the election and his moral compass initially feels like he should not participate if held then.

Mayor Pro Tem O’Neil agreed with Council Member Diaz that this should be done as soon as possible. He added that he would have preferred to do it over the summer, noting his talks with Mr.

Vanderpool about the event began then. He stated the State of the City is not about an election but rather showcasing good things the City is doing. He noted there is always going to be the next election and there is always speculation about the event being political. He stated the event has an apolitical structure.

MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem O’Neil moved to approve holding a State of the City event in 2022, as presented, with a target date at the end of September, seconded by Council Member Diaz. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES – 3 (Mayor Pro Tem O’Neil and Council Members Diaz and Ma’ae); NOES – 3 (Council Members Moreno, Valencia, and Faessel). Motion failed.

DISCUSSION: City Attorney Robert Fabela noted that City Council could also move to approve the item with a time frame set for after the election.

MOTION: Council Member Faessel moved to approve holding a State of the City event in 2022, as presented, with a target date after the November 8, 2022 election, seconded by Council Member Ma’ae.

DISCUSSION: Council Member Ma’ae suggested October and then backtracked realizing it is still during election season. She agreed with Council Member Diaz’s comments about getting good vibes going in the City again regardless of when it is done. She stated it is a community event and the Council needs to embrace the community. She noted many people go on vacation in November and December due to the holidays.

In response to Mayor Pro Tem O’Neil’s inquiries, Mr. Vanderpool stated staff is prepared to produce the event whenever the Council dictates. He stated mid-November would have fewer staff conflicts than December.

Council Member Moreno stated he was willing to support the mid-November option out of compromise but noted it is the holiday season. He stated it is a massive production and staff should be able to enjoy their holidays. He lauded doing the production in-house. He noted how much turmoil staff has also been under. He suggested a highlight video could go out from staff promoting the good things the staff has done in 2022 without promoting City Council. He endorsed having the event in February, noting it has been done in February in the past.

Council Member Diaz stated he does not want it done in November because it is too much work by staff for three people to watch it. He stated that staff should be enjoying Thanksgiving with their families.

Council Member Valencia agreed with his peers. He added there are very few available days in November between scheduled Council meetings, Veterans’ Day, the election, and other events. He City Council Minutes of August 23, 2022

lamented this mid-November window may be too complicated. He stated he likes the concept of the State of the City event but agreed with Council Member Moreno about the idea of highlighting the City’s 2022 accomplishments in a format such as a video.

Council Member Faessel stated he made the motion because one or two of his colleagues suggested the mid-November timeframe would be workable but observed both have now changed their minds leaving him out on the ledge. He suggested they vote to wrap up the discussion and at least put it on the record.

In response to Mayor Pro Tem O’Neil’s inquiry, Council Member Faessel stated he would not reconsider his previous vote and support the original motion.

MOTION: Council Member Faessel moved to approve the item, as presented, with a target date after November 8, 2022, but before the end of the 2022 calendar year, election, seconded by Council Member Ma’ae. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES – 1 (Council Member Faessel); NOES – 5 (Mayor Pro Tem O’Neil and Council Members Diaz, Ma’ae, Moreno, and Valencia). Motion failed.

Council Member Moreno expressed appreciation for Council Member Faessel’s attempts to compromise and added that after deeper thought he changed his mind.

REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION ACTIONS: None
PUBLIC COMMENTS (non-agenda items): None
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS:

Council Member Faessel thanked the City Manager for recognizing the Edison School meeting, displayed photos of an Edison Community meeting and park cleanup, and thanked neighborhood residents, volunteers, and staff for their efforts. He acknowledged his 50th anniversary with his wife, Susan. He announced that Bottle Logic Brewing was honored by State Senator David Min with a 37th Senate District’s 2022 Small Business of the Year Award and congratulated the business owners.

Council Member Diaz congratulated teachers and students for a new school year. He requested staff and Council be conscious of the number of items placed on each meeting agenda as well as the time that the meetings end.

Council Member Moreno wished college students and their families good luck as they start that part of their education. He noted that a student recognized Anaheim as the home to the Kobe and Gigi basketball court and thanked the Community Services Department, Nancy Lieberman Charities, and the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation for providing that amenity.

COUNCIL AGENDA SETTING:

Council Member Ma’ae requested an agenda item to consider limiting the number of agenda items at each City Council meeting.

Council Member Moreno requested a presentation on the Community Schools program in the Anaheim Union High School and Anaheim Elementary School Districts on September 27. He also requested an agenda item regarding street racing and speeding on October 4, allowing both items to be on different dates dependent on the volume of items and in consultation with the City Manager.

City Council Minutes of August 23, 2022

Mayor Pro Tem O’Neil requested a presentation by the Fire Chief on September 13 of recommendations to help be better prepared for fire season, whether via equipment purchases, staffing allocations, or other items.

ADJOURNMENT:

At 11:34 P.M., with no further business to conduct, Mayor Pro Tem O’Neil adjourned the City Council.

Respectfully submitted,
Theresa Bass, CMC
City Clerk