From:
Sent:
To:
Subject: Tenant Rights
Tuesday, May 13, 2025 8:51 PM
Council WebMail
Hello City Council,
This is to be read at the next City Council meeting;
I would like to remain anonymous. Existing California protections for tenants should be more accessible to tenants seeking help.
Many Port Hueneme Tenants have experienced harassment, unjust threats of eviction and many other unfair practices.
As we all know not all complaints are actionable complaints, there must be accountability.
Currently this sadly is my reality, an over bearing threatening landlord’s behavior is extreme when unchecked.
Tenants need immediate assistance in certain circumstances, especially when the tenant have disabilities or vulnerable individuals.
In closing, much attention should be granted in seeking guidance to implement fair practices between Tenant and Landlord in Port Hueneme.
Let’s join our neighbor communities and implement existing fair housing practices that ensure laws are being followed.
Relevant Legal Citations:
• California Fair Employment and Housing Act: Cal. Gov’t Code §§ 12900–12996, specifically § 12955 and § 12927(c)(1).
• Unruh Civil Rights Act: Cal. Civ. Code § 51.
• Landlord Harassment Protections: Cal. Civ. Code § 789.3. • Retaliation Protections: Cal. Civ. Code § 1942.5.
• Federal Fair Housing Act: 42 U.S.C. §§ 3601–3619, specifically § 3604 and § 3613.
Finally, I would like to thank you for your attention at this moment.
Anonymous.,
From: Jessica Baca
Sent: Sunday, May 18, 2025 9:06 PM
To: City Clerk
Subject: City Council Public Comment: Public Hearing (5) BIENNUAL BUDGET FISCAL YEARS 2025-26 AND 2026-27 BUDGET WORKSHOP #2(*379 words)
Request for Independent Audit of City Employee Compensation Amid Budget Challenges
I am writing as a concerned resident regarding the city's current budgetary challenges and the compensation packages of several VERY highly paid city employees.
Upon reviewing public salary data, I was alarmed to find that some of our city's top earners receive total compensation packages ranging from approximately $250,000 to over $424,000 annually. For instance, in 2023, a police department employee earned a total compensation exceeding $424,000. These figures are particularly concerning given that Port Hueneme's median RESIDENT household income is approximately $76,655. Moreover, many of these highly compensated employees do not reside within our city, raising questions about the equitable distribution of our hard-earned local tax dollars.
The recently presented draft budget for Fiscal Years 2025–26 and 2026–27 highlights the city's efforts to address economic uncertainties by proposing reductions across departments, freezing vacant positions, and delaying certain projects. While these measures are commendable, it is crucial to ensure that all aspects of the budget are scrutinized for sustainability and fairness.
This is a call for greater transparency, equity, and responsible fiscal management.
It is imperative that we assess whether such compensation practices align with the city's financial realities and priorities. A lack of transparency and perceived inequities in compensation may contribute to a culture where some city employees feel insulated from accountability, potentially leading to less respectful interactions with residents - some of which I have witnessed.
Additionally, I am concerned about the appearance of potential conflicts of interest. It has come to public attention that several of the highest-paid city employees have close associations with a current Councilmember. Given that this Councilmember served in a leadership role during the time of these employees' promotions, it is essential to ensure that all compensation decisions are made impartially, transparently, and in the best interest of the community.
Therefore, I respectfully urge the City Council to commission a comprehensive, independent audit of all city compensation packages. This audit should assess the sustainability and fairness of current compensation practices and explore adjustments that align with the city's size, needs, and budgetary constraints.
Our community deserves leadership that prioritizes the well-being of all residents and ensures that public funds are allocated in a manner that promotes equity, sustainability, and are in the best interests of the community.
Thank you for your time.
From: Baca, Abraham
Sent: Monday, May 19, 2025 4:57 PM
To: City Clerk
Subject: City Council Public Comment: Public Hearing (5) BIENNUAL BUDGET FISCAL YEARS 2025-26 AND 2026-27 BUDGET WORKSHOP #2 (336 words))
Dear Honorable Members of the Port Hueneme City Council, I am writing as a concerned resident to formally request that the City Council authorize an independent audit of all city employee compensation packages. This request is grounded in concerns regarding fiscal responsibility, transparency, and adherence to principles of equitable governance, particularly in light of the city’s current budgetary constraints and ongoing community fundraising efforts.
Publicly available salary records, including those published via Transparent California, indicate that certain city employees receive compensation packages that appear disproportionate relative to the median household income of Port Hueneme residents. Such disparities warrant a thorough review to ensure alignment with the city’s financial capacity and applicable statutory guidelines.
The recent community-led fundraising effort to secure $15,000 for a police K9 unit —an initiative aimed at addressing urgent public safety concerns such as the fentanyl crisis—exemplifies the city’s current financial limitations. Reliance on private donations to fund essential law enforcement resources raises significant questions about budgetary priorities and the sustainable allocation of public funds, particularly when juxtaposed with high compensation levels paid to certain city employees.
Moreover, there are concerns regarding the integrity of internal promotion processes, including potential conflicts of interest involving senior staff appointments. An independent audit would provide an impartial evaluation of these matters, reinforcing public confidence in the city’s governance.
Therefore, I respectfully urge the Council to commission a comprehensive, independent audit of all city employee compensation and promotion practices.
Such a review should assess compliance with applicable laws, fiscal prudence, equity standards, and best practices in public sector governance. This measure is essential to ensuring that limited municipal resources are managed responsibly and transparently, in alignment with the priorities and needs of the Port Hueneme community.
Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. I look forward to the Council’s consideration and appropriate action.
Sincerely,
Abraham Baca