ANAHEIM HOUSING AUTHORITY
REGULAR MEETING OF AUGUST 25, 2026
The Anaheim Housing Authority regular meeting of August 25, 2026 was called to order at 5:17 P.M. in the Council Chamber of Anaheim City Hall located at 200 S. Anaheim Blvd., in joint session with the Anaheim City Council. The meeting notice, agenda, and related materials were duly posted on August 20, 2026.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chairperson Ashleigh E. Aitken and Authority Members Carlos A.
Leon, Ryan Balius, Natalie Rubalcava, Norma Campos Kurtz, Kristen M. Maahs, and Natalie Meeks.
STAFF PRESENT: Interim City Manager Greg Garcia, City Attorney Robert Fabela, and Secretary Theresa Bass
ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDAS:
No additions/deletions related to the Anaheim Housing Authority agenda.
PUBLIC COMMENTS (all agenda items):
No in-person or remote speakers or electronic public comments were received related to the Housing Authority agenda.
COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS:
Authority Member/Council Member Kurtz thanked CHIRLA (The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights) for coming to neighborhoods in District 4 to meet with residents and talk about their rights in the immigration process, how they can move forward, and how they can seek protection. She thanked Director of Public Works Rudy Emami and the Public Works Department for removing palm trees on Katella Avenue near Harbor. She noted that it is the beginning of work that would be completed on Katella, increasing lanes, and installing new sewers. She thanked Public Works for working with the business community, including large and small hotels, and small businesses, to notify them of the impacts of the work and to develop a plan that would not impact them negatively. Authority Member/Council Member Kurtz highlighted the rehabilitation of Boysen Park. She thanked Congressman Lou Correa, the Parks team, staff, and a third-grade class from Roosevelt Elementary who participated in the groundbreaking. Authority Member/Council Member Kurtz thanked the Older Adults Commissioners who provided public comments to advocate for a dedicated senior center. She provided an update for Olive Street residents awaiting information about a potential walkway and bike path, stating that initial information is available and a community meeting will be scheduled in the coming weeks. Authority Member/Council Member Kurtz recognized two winners of a recent art contest focused on how youth can impact their community and the legacy of the United Farm Workers. She noted that one winner’s artwork featured flags representing different countries and conveyed the message that, despite different backgrounds, people are fundamentally alike and share the same humanity. She thanked the young artists, staff, and Council Members who supported the contest.
Authority Member/Council Member Maahs highlighted Wheelchair Softball at Pioneer Park. She announced that they would be playing almost every Saturday with a $5 entry. She noted that all ITEM # 01
Anaheim Housing Authority Minutes August 25, 2026
are welcome regardless of ability. She shared a note that she had received from a parent highlighting the impact the accessible field has had on her child’s life and the ability for the child to experience freedom and independence. She acknowledged the Angels Foundation, which provided financial assistance for the field and the City staff who maintain it. Authority Member/Council Member Maahs highlighted the park clean-up at Rio Vista Park. She noted that residents from West Anaheim, commissioners, and Riverside residents joined the clean-up efforts. She announced that the next clean-up would be held on Saturday, September 25th at Miraloma Family Resource Center. She noted that everyone is welcome to participate and supplies would be provided. Authority Member/Council Member Maahs highlighted a group of parent leaders from Ponderosa who host parent and me classes at the Miraloma Family Resource Center. She shared that the group had worked together for a year on common goals and came together for the shared goal of uplifting their neighborhood. She featured a community garden that the parents had raised money for and recognized their leadership.
Authority Member/Council Member Maahs announced that the City offers Anaheim Senior Wheels trips that provide free transportation to the senior center for older adults to enjoy. She added that trips to social activities, recreational activities, shopping, and medical appointments are available for $2 and within a 10-mile radius of an Anaheim home. She shared that for needs outside of the radius, OCTA (Orange County Transportation Authority) has access buses that are available. She announced that her team would be scheduling a workshop to inform people on how to use the system. She added that participants would be provided a 30-day bus pass.
Vice-Chairperson/Mayor Pro Tem Leon thanked the City Attorney’s Office for the opportunity to sit in on several cases through Anaheim’s ACCESS (Anaheim Collaborative Court Evaluating Strategies and Solutions) Program. He explained that ACCESS provides a different approach to difficult cases that come through the justice system, particularly those involving individuals experiencing homelessness and other underlying challenges, which bring accountability together with treatment services and a path towards stability. He shared that he attended the graduation of an individual who had spent years unhoused and struggled with substance abuse.
He noted that the individual is now housed and has celebrated a year of sobriety. He highlighted the process and the reinforcement of how much work goes into each case. He thanked Chief Assistant City Attorney Jennifer Contini, the City Attorney’s Office, and Judge Geller. He recognized the City Attorney’s Office for their vision to push the model forward and rethink the use of the justice system to address homelessness. Vice-Chairperson/Mayor Pro Tem Leon announced that he visited Legacy Farms, one of the largest employers located in District 2. He noted that the farm produces more than 500 million pounds of produce that moves through the company. He added that they supply major brands and restaurants across the county. He expressed appreciation for the opportunity to meet with the Legacy Farm team and learn more about their business, operations, and the workforce. Vice-Chairperson/Mayor Pro Tem Leon highlighted a recent District 2 community meeting where residents would have the opportunity to discuss concerns in their neighborhood. He thanked the Police Department, Code Enforcement, Public Utilities, and City staff who addressed questions from the public.
Authority Member/Council Member Rubalcava thanked members of the public for participating in the democratic process. She highlighted the importance of tree trimming in District 3 and noted that the contractor West Coast Arborist provides tree-trimming services throughout the City and emphasized the importance of its union workforce. She stated that Anaheim has approximately 40,000 neighborhood trees and 326 tree varieties, making tree maintenance a significant priority. She highlighted the City's tree-trimming transparency process, which allows residents to view when trees in their neighborhoods are scheduled for trimming. She added that with assistance from Public Works, the tree-trimming budget was increased by $350,000, allowing for additional tree maintenance opportunities throughout the City. Authority Anaheim Housing Authority Minutes August 25, 2026
Member/Council Member Rubalcava thanked the Community Services Department and the Anaheim Police Department Youth Engagement Team, who partnered with her at an event in the Glen Neighbors community to bring school supplies to kids. Authority Member/Council Member Rubalcava highlighted a new District 3 business, Crab N Spice, that recently opened.
She shared that they offered free meals to the first 50 people and held a raffle for Bruno Mars tickets. Authority Member/Council Member Rubalcava requested to adjourn the meeting in memory of Anthony Deloya. She stated that he was an asset to the Anaheim Police Department as a non-sworn officer. She thanked Hilgenfeld Mortuary, who are helping the family through the process, along with the Anaheim Municipal Employees Association. She read his obituary honoring Mr. Deloya, who passed away on August 20, 2026. She stated that he was a six-year member of the Anaheim Police Department and a graduate of Cal State Fullerton. She added that he would be remembered as a compassionate, hardworking, humble, and dedicated individual who was deeply committed to his family, friends, and community. She shared that he will be leaving a legacy of courage and kindness and will be greatly missed and remembered by his loved ones. She announced that visitations would be held at Hilgenfeld Mortuary on September 10th, and the funeral would be held at St. Boniface Church on September 11th.
Authority Member/Council Member Balius thanked Ms. Cortes, who spoke during public comments to address issues on Beach Boulevard. He reported that Senate Bill (SB) 357 removed loitering as a citable offense. He explained that Assembly Bill (AB) 63 would allow Police Department’s to issue citations for loitering. He encouraged the public to write letters to State representatives requesting support of AB 63. He reported that there have been 39 arrests on Beach Boulevard in July and acknowledged ongoing issues in the area. He stated that City staff are working to address the problems but expressed the view that they may persist until some of the existing hotels are converted to residential uses. He shared his intention to help facilitate the sale and conversion of certain hotels and noted that a nuisance-related agenda item was placed on the meeting agenda to address these concerns. Authority Member/Council Member Balius highlighted the removal of power lines on Beach Boulevard. He thanked the Public Utilities Department for facilitating the process and reported that removal of the communication lines would take approximately 12 months.
Chairperson/Mayor Aitken thanked Congressman Lou Correa and Assemblymember Avelino Valencia for their support in securing funding to begin construction on the City’s ninth skate park at Boysen Park. She thanked City staff for selecting the park and ensuring Boysen Park remains a legacy park. Chairperson/Mayor Aitken reported her attendance at a Big City Mayors trip in Sacramento. She explained that Big City Mayors includes the 13 largest cities in California who advocate in a bipartisan manner for issues that affect the largest cities. She noted that they discussed Proposition 1, a housing bond that would help bridge the gap for housing. She added that the Big City Mayors were able to sit down with former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and local representatives including Assembly Members Sharon QuirkSilva, Cottie Petrie-Norris, and Avelino Valencia. She shared that they discussed Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) funding and advocated for cities like Anaheim and how to use the funding. Chairperson/Mayor Aitken highlighted the groundbreaking of the new parking structure that would connect the back of Harbor Boulevard and hotels through a pedestrian bridge to a new landmark entrance for DisneylandForward. She noted that it had been more than a decade of planning. She added that the pedestrian bridge would improve safety for pedestrians and the Disneyland Resort would be paying for the structure. She thanked all of the union representatives who were present, City staff, and members of the business community.
Anaheim Housing Authority Minutes August 25, 2026
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE:
Interim City Manager Garcia provided updates on the Anaheim Tech Scholar Program, noting that eligible high school juniors and seniors may apply through September 28 for free laptops or tablets to support their pursuit of higher education. He explained that the program provides free laptops or tablets to students who are ready to continue their education in college. Interim City Manager Garcia announced a Career Expo at the Anaheim Convention Center on September 29, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., featuring more than 80 employers and opportunities for networking, career information, and on-the-spot interviews. Interim City Manager Garcia invited the community to celebrate the 130th anniversary of the Woelke-Stoffel House, built in 1896, on September 5 from 9:00 a.m. to noon at Founders Park. He shared that there would be a treasure hunt, refreshments, and appearances by descendants of Peter and Mary Stoffel.
At 7:58 P.M., Chairperson/Mayor Aitken recessed the Anaheim Housing and Public Improvements Authority, Anaheim Housing Authority, and Anaheim City Council to address the Anaheim Public Financing Authority agenda.
At 8:00 P.M., Chairperson/Mayor Aitken reconvened the Anaheim Housing Authority.
CONSENT CALENDAR: At 8:00 P.M., the Consent Calendar was considered.
Authority Member Balius moved to approve the consent calendar as presented, in accordance with reports, certifications, and recommendations furnished each Authority Member and as listed on the consent calendar, seconded by Authority Member Meeks. ROLL CALL VOTE:
AYES – 7 (Chairperson Aitken and Authority Members Leon, Balius, Rubalcava, Kurtz, Maahs, and Meeks); NOES – 0. Motion carried.
5. Approve the Anaheim Housing Authority’s Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Amended Annual Public Housing Agency Plan and Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Amended Administrative Plan as an attachment of the Annual Plan; and authorize the Executive Director, or designee, to execute required certifications and related documents.
6. RESOLUTION NO. AHA-2026-002 A RESOLUTION OF THE GOVERNING BOARD OF THE ANAHEIM HOUSING AUTHORITY amending the dates and times for regular meetings of the Authority for the 2026 calendar year and rescinding Resolution No. AHA-2026-001 [rescheduling the meeting of September 15 to September 22, 2026].
7. Approve minutes of the Anaheim Housing Authority meeting of July 28, 2026.
Anaheim Housing Authority Minutes August 25, 2026
ADJOURNMENT:
With no further business to conduct, without objection, Chairperson Aitken adjourned the meeting of the Anaheim Housing Authority at 8:00 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Theresa Bass, CMC
Secretary, Anaheim Housing Authority