Minutes of the Regular Meeting
of the City Council
City of Santa Ana,
California
May 20, 2025
CLOSED SESSION MEETING - 4: 00 P. M.
REGULAR OPEN MEETING - 5: 30 P. M.
Immediately following the Closed Session Meeting)
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER
22 Civic Center Plaza Santa Ana, CA 92701
CLOSED SESSION
CALL TO ORDER
MINUTES: Mayor Amezcua called the Closed Session meeting to order at 4: 12 P.M.
ATTENDANCE Council Members Phil Bacerra
Johnathan Ryan Hernandez
Jessie Lopez
David Penaloza
Thai Viet Phan
Mayor Pro Tem Benjamin Vazquez
Mayor Valerie Amezcua
City Manager Alvaro Nunez
City Attorney Sonia R. Carvalho
City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall
ROLL CALL
MINUTES: City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall conducted roll call.
Councilmembers Bacerra ( arrived at 4: 17 P. M.), Hernandez, and Phan, Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez, and Mayor Amezcua were present. Councilmembers Lopez and Penaloza arrived during Closed Session.
CITY COUNCIL 1 MAY 20, 2025
ADDITIONSWELETIONS TO CLOSED SESSION
MINUTES: None.
PUBLIC COMMENTS— MembersofthepublicmayaddresstheCityCouncilon Closed Session items.
MINUTES: City ClerkJenniferL. Hall reportedout the summaryof email comments received. ( 65) Closed Session Agenda Item No. 3.
The following individuals addressed the City Council in-person:
1. BulmaroVicenteurgedthe CityCouncilto appointa PoliceOversightDirector.
2. Autumn Overton urged the City Council to appoint a Police Oversight Director.
3. SandraDeAndaspokeregardinganexperiencewithSantaAna PoliceDepartment SAPD) and urged the City Council to appoint a Police Oversight Director.
4. Rain Mendoza expressed concern regarding the delay in the appointment of Police Oversight Director and urged the City Council to appoint a director.
5. Tanya Navarro spoke regarding the qualities of a qualified Police Oversight Director and the Police Oversight Commission.
6, David Pulido urged the City Council to appoint a Police Oversight Director.
The following individual addressed the City Council via teleconference:
7. Juliana Musheyev urged the City Council to appoint a Police Oversight Director.
RECESS:-- City Councilwill recessto ClosedSessionfor the purposeof conducting regular City business.
MINUTES: Mayor Amezcuarecessed to considerthe ClosedSession items at 4:29 P.M.
CLOSED SESSION ITEMS— The BrownAct permitslegislativebodiesto discusscertain matterswithout membersof the public present. The City Council finds, based on advice from the CityAttorney, thatdiscussionin opensessionof the followingmatterswill prejudicethe positionoftheCityinexistingandanticipatedlitigation:
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — EXISTING LITIGATION pursuant to Paragraph ( 1) of subdivision ( d) of Section 54956.9 of the Government Code:
A. Anchor Stone Christian Church v. City of Santa Ana et al., United States District Court Case No. 8:25-cv- 00215- JWH- DFM
CITY COUNCIL 2 MAY 20, 2025
2. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL POTENTIAL INITIATION OF LITIGATION pursuant to paragraph ( 4) of subdivision ( d) of Government Code Section 54956. 9: Three ( 3) cases — Drug Den Abatement Actions
1502 E. 1st Street, Santa Ana (" El Tapatio")
1504 E. 1st Street, Santa Ana (" Royal Roman")
1519 E. 1st Street, Santa Ana (" Royal Grand")
3. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE EMPLOYMENTIAPPOINTMENT pursuant to Section 54957( b)( 1) of the Government Code:
Title: Police Oversight Commission Independent Oversight Director CLOSED SESSION REPORT— The CityAttorneywill reporton any action(s) from Closed Session.
RECONVENE — City Councilwill reconveneto continueregularCity business.
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR OPEN SESSION
CALL TO ORDER
MINUTES: Mayor Amezcua reconvened the City Council Meeting to order at 6:16P.M.
ATTENDANCE Councilmembers Phil Bacerra
Johnathan Ryan Hernandez
Jessie Lopez
David Penaloza
Thai Viet Phan
Mayor Pro Tern Benjamin Vazquez
Mayor Valerie Amezcua
City Manager Alvaro Nunez
City Attorney Sonia R. Carvalho
City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall
ROLL CALL
MINUTES: City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall conducted roll call.
Councilmembers Bacerra, Hernandez, Lopez( arrived 6: 19 P. M.), Penaloza, and Phan, Mayor Pro Tern Vazquez, and Mayor Amezcua were present.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Orange County Fire Authority Division Chief James Henerey
WORDS OF INSPIRATION Pastor Johnny Dunning
CITY COUNCIL 3 MAY 20, 2025
ADDITIONSIDELETIONS TO THE AGENDA
MINUTES: None.
CEREMONIAL PRESENTATIONS
1. Certificates of Recognition presented by Mayor Amezcua recognizing Santa Ana' s Annual Youth Poster Contest Winners
MINUTES: Mayor Amezcuapresentedcertificatesof recognitionto SantaAna's annual youth poster contest winners.
2. Proclamation presented by Mayor Pro Tern Vazquez to Santa Ana Active Streets declaring May 2025 as National Bike Month
MINUTES. Mayor Pro Tem Vazquezpresented a proclamation to Santa Ana Active StreetsdeclaringMay 2025as NationalBikeMonth.
3. Proclamation presented by Councilmember Bacerra and Councilmember PhandeclaringMay2025as Asian Americanand Pacific IslanderHeritage Month
MINUTES: Councilmember Bacerra and Councilmember Phan presented a proclamationdeclaringMay2025asAsianAmericanandPacificIslanderHeritage Month.
4. Proclamation presented by Councilmember Lopez to First 5 Orange County declaring May 2025 as Early Childhood Month
MINUTES: Councilmember Lopez presented a proclamation to First 5 Orange CountydeclaringMay2025as EarlyChildhoodMonth.
5. Certificates of Recognition presented by Councilmember Penaloza recognizingPio Pico's InauguralIntermediateSportsTeamfor Exceptional Sportsmanship
MINUTES: Councilmember Penaloza presented certificates of recognition to Pio Pico' s inaugural intermediate sports team for exceptional sportsmanship.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT— The CityAttorneywili reporton any action(s)from Closed Session.
MINUTES: City Attorney Sonia Carvalho stated there was no reportable action.
PUBLIC COMMENTS— Publiccommentswill be heldduringthe beginningof the meeting for ALL comments on agenda and non-agenda items.
MINUTES: CityClerkJenniferL. Hallreportedoutthesummaryof emailcomments received. three (3) Agenda Item No. 27, one (1) Agenda Item No. 28, and five (5) non- agenda comments.
CITY COUNCIL 4 MAY 20, 2025
The followingspeakers addressed City Council in-person:
9. Sandra DeAnda spoke in support of Agenda Item No. 27.
2. Natalia Perez ( translation: Spanish) requested assistance in finding affordable housing for her family.
3. Sue Palak thanked Councilmember Bacerra, the Santa Ana Police Department, and the Qualityof Life Teamfor improvements over thepast fiveyears to the South Coast Metro area.
4. Alex Hernandez expressed concern regarding public safety around Cabrillo Crossing.
5. Kanan Durham expressed concern regarding public safety related to Immigration and Customs Enforcement( ICE).
6. RayDiazrequestedtransparencyregardingICE andHomelandSecuritypresence in the City.
7. Mia Verdin spoke in support of Agenda Item No. 27.
8. Diego Sarmiento spoke in support of Agenda Item No. 27,
9. Rain Mendoza spoke regarding Noe Rodriguez' s and spoke in support of Agenda Item No. 27.
10. Diego Sanchez spoke in support of Agenda Item No. 27.
11. Abraham Quintana spoke in support of Agenda Item No. 27.
12.Matthew Compton requested that police officers be held accountable for their actions.
13.David Pulido spoke regarding Noe Rodriguez and requestedjustice, release of the police report, and accountability.
14. Erika Armenta ( translation: Spanish) spoke regarding Noah Rodriguez and requestedjustice, release of the police report, and accountability.
15. Oscar Torresexpressed concern regarding affordable housing in the city and short term rentals.
16. Emma Gottfried spoke regarding Noe Rodriguez, requested justice and accountability, and spoke in support of Agenda Item No. 27.
17. Basha Jamil spoke in support of Agenda Item No. 27.
18. Khalid Hudson spoke in support of Agenda Item No. 27.
CITY COUNCIL 5 MAY 20, 2025
19. Indigo Vu spoke in support of Agenda Item No. 2 7.
20.Carlos Perea (translation: Spanish) spoke in support of Agenda Item No. 27.
21. Diana Torreros spoke in support of Agenda Item No. 27 and spoke regarding justice for Noe Rodriguez.
22. Camila Guzman spoke in support of Agenda Item No. 27.
23. Tanya Navarro spoke in support of Agenda Item No. 27.
The following speaker addressed City Council via teleconference:
24.Erica Gonzalez spoke regarding ICE activity in the city,justice for Noe Rodriguez, and in support of item 27.
At 8. 10 P. M. AGENDA ITEM NO. 28 WAS MOVED OUT OF ORDER AND
CONSIDERED PRIOR TO THE REMAINDER OF THE AGENDA
WORK STUDY SESSION
28. Fiscal Year 2025- 26 Budget Work Study Session
Department( s): Finance and Management Services
Recommended Action: Discuss and provide direction to staff.
MINUTES:ActingExecutiveDirectorof FinanceManagementServicesAlexTrinidad gaveapresentationregardingtheproposedFY25126Budget.
Mayor Pro TernVazquez thanked staff for the presentation and for adjustments made to the budget based on Council' s recommendations.
CouncilmemberHernandezthankedstaffforthepresentation, a balancedbudget, and for including Bristol- Tolliver Park.
CouncilmemberBacerrathankedstafffor theadjustmentsmadeto thebudgetbased on resident' s and Council priorities.
CouncilmemberPenaloza thanked staff for the presentation and asked for clarification regardingfundingfor theMacArthurandFlowerleft turnsignal.
CityManagerAlvaroNunezexplainedthefundingfortheMacArthurandFlowerleft turnsignalwouldcomefromCityearnedsavingsanda nominalamountwouldcome from the City of Irvine as part of a regional water venture.
Councilmember Penaloza expressed support for the Cypress Street Fire Station's allocatedfundsandrequestedtheprojectdesignplansbesharedwiththecouncil, as well as a breakdown of expenses for this project and similar future projects.
CITY COUNCIL 6 MAY 20, 2025
Public Works Executive Director Nabil Saba stated $ 9 million has been allocated to the Cypress Fire Station and $ 500, 000 has been spent on design.
Deputy Public Works Director Mike Ortiz stated $ 80,000 was spent on removing hazardous materials and clearing the interior for safety and police access. Following this, $ 357,000 was spent to bring in professional staff to design plans. He stated the adaptive reuse project for a public facility has triggered additional requirements not found in residential properties, such as ADA compliance and a seismic retrofit, necessitating a team of specialists and a historian. He stated these factors contribute to higher costs and are consistent with industry standards for public sector projects.
Councilmember Lopez expressed concern regarding the lack of capital improvements previously requested being included in the future budget and requested a meeting with staff to get further details on the current proposed budget.
Councilmember Phan thanked staff for the presentation and expressed support for the budget.
Mayor Amezcua thanked staff for the presentation and budget, and requested an update on the number of surveys submitted, and stated public safety and quality of life have been the top concerns.
Acting Director Trinidad stated there were approximately 9,100 surveys received, Discussion ensued regarding the timeframe of ongoing city projects.
Mayor Amezcua asked whether the requested fence in Riverview would be completed within the current budget cycle.
City Manager Nunez stated the majority of the project would be able to be completed within the current budgef.
Councilmember Penaloza spoke in favor of funding for sidewalk repairs and requested an update regarding sidewalk branding.
Director Saba reported the stamp has been set as a standard and will be added to new sidewalks moving forward.
CouncilmemberPenalozarequestedan updateonpreviouslyrequestedsplashpads, a printed budget, capital improvement projects for future meetings, and ongoing updates to Council on similar projects.
City Manager Nunez clarified the timeline and funding for the splash pads and similar projects.
Mayor Amezcua asked for an update regarding pending projects.
CITY COUNCIL 7 MAY 20, 2025
CityManagerNunezstatedheis prioritizingprojectsbyanalyzingreallocatedfunds withstaffto completeprojects, explainedprogresscanbe seenat El Salvadorand Memorial Parks, the Centennial lighting project, and the allocation for the Cypress StreetFire Stationthis fiscalyear. He statedcompletionof similarprojectswithin 18 months.
Councilmember Bacerra echoed Councilmember Penaloza' s comments regarding sidewalk funding and branding.
Councilmember Penaloza requested additional lighting at the zoo afterhours to offer extended hours.
Parks, Recreation, and CommunityServicesExecutiveDirectorHawk Scott stated staffis workingtoaddadditionallightingduringthesummerandannouncedthesale of alcohol at the zoo.
CONSENT CALENDAR
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve staff recommendations on the following Consent Calendar Items: 6 through 24 and waive reading of all resolutions and ordinances.
MINUTES: At 8:48 P.M., the Consent Calendar was considered.
Councilmember Phan recused herself from Agenda Item Nos. 20 and 21 as the listed entities, PsomasandOrangeCountyWaterDistrict, areclientsof her employer, Rutan and Tucker.
CouncilmemberPenaloza recused himself fromAgenda Item No. 20per the Levine Act asthelistedentity, Psomas, hasmadecontributionstohiscampaignwithinthepast12 months.
MOTION: Councilmember Hernandez moved to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 6 through 24, seconded by Mayor Amezcua.
The motion carried, 7-0, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER
HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ,
COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZA, COUNCILMEMBER PHAN
MAYOR PRO TEM VAZQUEZ, MAYOR AMEZCUA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
Status: 7— 0 — Pass
CITY COUNCIL 8 MAY 20, 2025
6. Excused Absences
Department( s): City Clerk' s Office
Recommended Action: Excuse the absent members.
7. Minutes from the Regular Meeting of May 6, 2025
Department( s): City Clerk' s Office
Recommended Action: Approve minutes.
8. Regional and Unified Local Workforce Plans for Program Years ( PY) 2025- 2028 as Required Under the Federal Title I Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
Department( s): Community Development Agency
Recommended Action: Approve the Regional and Unified Local Workforce Plans for PY 2025-2028 and authorize the submission to the State as required by the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Title I grant.
9. Local Area Subsequent Designation and Local Board Recertification Program Year ( PY) 2025- 2027
Department( s): Community Development Agency
Recommended Action: Authorize the submission of the application for Subsequent Local Area Designation and Local Board Recertification for PY 2025- 2027.
10. Quarterly Report of Investments as of March 31, 2025 Department( s): Finance and Management Services
Recommended Action: Receive and file.
11. Quarterly Report of Contracts up to $ 50,000 for Non-Public Works and up to 500,000 for Public Works Authorized by the City Manager as Permitted by Charter Section 421
Department( s): Finance and Management Services
Recommended Action: Receive and file Quarterly Report of Contracts entered into between January 1, 2025 to March 31, 2025.
CITY COUNCIL 9 MAY 20, 2025
12.Contract to Cherry Bekaert Advisory LLC for Governmental Accounting Standards Board ( GASB) Consulting Services ( General Fund) Department( s): Finance and Management Services
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with CherryBekaertAdvisoryLLC to provideConsultingServicesto implementnew GASB standards for a total amount not to exceed $ 156,000 for a two-year period beginningwiththefiscalyearendingJune30, 2025throughJune30, 2026, witha provisionforthree, one-yearextensionsforthefiscalyearsendingJune30, 2027, June 30, 2028, and June 30, 2029. ( Agreement No. A- 2025- 068).
13. Agreement with ProudCity for the Licensing of a Website Content Management System ( CMS) and Services
Department( s): Information Technology
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Managerto execute an agreement with ProudCity, Inc. for website content management system ( CMS) software subscriptionsand professionalservices, for a three-year term beginningJuly 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2028, for an annual amount not to exceed $ 103, 827, for a total aggregate amount not to exceed $ 311, 481 over the life of the agreement Agreement No. A- 2025- 069).
14.Agreement with StandUp for Kids to provide Rapid Re-Housing Services Paired With Services Coordination for Homeless Youth from the Age of Eighteen to Twenty- Four ( Non-General Fund)
Department( s): Community Development Agency
Recommended Action: Approve an agreement with Standup for Kids Orange County, in an amount not to exceed $ 375,000, for Rapid Re-Housing and Services Coordinationfor a two-year period, beginningMay20, 2025, and endingMay 19, 2027, with the option for the City to grant a one-year renewal in writing by the City Manager and the City Attorney (Agreement No. A-2025-070).
15.Historic Property Preservation Agreement for the Property Located at 2301 N. Westwood Avenue
Department( s): Planning and Building Agency
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute the attached Mills Act agreement with the below-referenced property owner for the identified structure( s) ( Agreement No. A- 2025- 071). [ Includes determination that the proposedprojectis exemptfromfurtherreviewin accordancewiththeCalifornia EnvironmentalQualityAct as CategoricalExemption/EnvironmentalReviewNo. 2025- 05 will be filed for the project]
CITY COUNCIL 10 MAY 20, 2025
Table 1: Mills Act Agreement Approved bv the Historic Resources Commission HRC
Property Historic Property
Owner( s)
Preservation Address/ House Vote by HRC
Agreement No.
Kevin T.
2301 N. 6: 0: 0: 1
Nguyen
2025- 01 Westwood Commissioner
venue Padilla absent
16. Agreement with Kim Turner, LLC for Recruitment, Training, and Staffing Consulting Services ( Specification No 25- 009) ( Non- General Fund) Department( s): Police Department
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute a one-year agreement with Kim Turner, LLC, to provide recruitment, training, and staffing consulting services for the period of May 20, 2025 through May 19, 2026, with provisions for two, one- year extensions, in an amount not to exceed $ 197, 500 Agreement A- 2025- 072).
17.Purchase Order to Tolar Manufacturing Company for Bus Shelters and Related Amenities ( Specification No. 25- 063) ( General Fund) Department( s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action: Authorize a Purchase Order to Tolar Manufacturing Company for bus shelters and related amenities, in a total amount not to exceed 250, 000.
18. Agreementwith HDR Engineering, Inc. to Conduct the First Street Multimodal Boulevard Study ( Non- General Fund)
Department( s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with HDR Engineering Inc. to provide traffic engineering and transportation planning services for the First Street Multimodal Boulevard Study in the amount of 3,870,000, for a term beginning May 21, 2025 and ending on May 20, 2027, with the option for two, one- year extensions ( Agreement No. A- 2025- 073).
CITY COUNCIL 11 MAY 20, 2025
19.Agreement with Robert D. Niehaus, Inc. for Long- Term Financial Planning and Water and Sewer Cost of Service Study ( Specification No. 25- 013) ( Non- General Fund)
Department( s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action: Approve an agreement with Robert D. Niehaus, Inc. to conductlong-term financialplanninganda water andsewercostof servicestudy for an amount not to exceed $ 130,850, for a term beginning May 20, 2025 and expiringMay 19, 2028, with a provisionfor two one-yearextensions (Agreement No. A- 2025- 074).
20. Agreements with Butler Engineering, Inc., Z& K Consultants, Inc., Berg & Associates, Inc., Psomas, Willdan Engineering, and EEC Environmental for On- Call Construction Management and Inspection Services ( No. 25- 011) Non- General Fund)
Department( s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute agreements with Butier Engineering, Inc., Z& K Consultants, Inc., Berg & Associates, Inc., Psomas, WilldanEngineering, andEECEnvironmentalforon-callconstructionmanagement services and inspection services, for a shared aggregate amount not to exceed 1,500,000, for a term beginningMay21, 2025 and expiringMay20, 2028, with provisionsfortwoone-yearextensions (CoreAgreementNo. A-2025-075).
MOTION: Councilmember Hernandez moved to approve the recommended action for Item No. 20 as part of the Consent Calendar, secondedby MayorAmezcua.
The motion carried, 5-0-2, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER
HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ, MAYOR PRO
TEM VAZQUEZ, MAYOR AMEZCUA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZA ( recusal),
COUNCILMEMBER PHAN ( recusal)
ABSENT: NONE
Status: 5— 0 -- 2 — Pass
CITY COUNCIL 12 MAY 20, 2025
21.First Amendment to Interagency Agreement with the Orange County Water District and Moulton Niguel Water District
Department( s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute the first amendment to the agreement with Orange County Water District and Moulton Niguel Water District, to extend the term of the agreement to June 30, 2028, and to amend the scope of work to include a final design of the proposed infrastructure based on the preliminary design analysis ( Agreement No. A-2025- 076).
MOTION: Councilmember Hernandez moved to approve the recommended action for Item No. 21 as part of the Consent Calendar, seconded by Mayor Amezcua.
The motion carried, 6-0-1, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER
HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ,
COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZA, MAYOR PRO TEM
NOES: VAZQUEZ, MAYOR AMEZCUA
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBER PHAN ( recusal)
NONE
Status: 6-- 0 — 1 — Pass
22.Second Amendment to the Waste Disposal Agreement with the County of Orange ( Non- General Fund)
Department( s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action: Approve a second amendment to the Waste Disposal Agreement with the County of Orange for an additional one-year term ending June 30, 2026 for continued importation of waste to the County's three landfills Agreement No. A- 2025- 077).
23. Resolution Authorizing the City of Santa Ana to Donate Surplus Public Works Equipment to Sister City, Sahuayo de Morelos, Michoacan, Mexico Department( s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action: Adopt a resolution authorizing the City of Santa Ana to donate surplus Public Works equipment to Sister City Sahuayo de Morelos, Michoacan, Mexico.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025- 015 entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA AUTHORIZING DONATION OF SURPLUS
PUBLIC WORKS EQUIPMENT TO SISTER CITY SAHUAYO DE MORELOS CITY COUNCIL 13 MAY 20, 2025
24.SecondReadingof an OrdinanceAddingArticle XIVto Chapter10 (Crimes and Miscellaneous Law Enforcement Provisions) of the Santa Ana Municipal Code Prohibiting the Sale or Distribution of Nitrous Oxide FirstreadingconductedattheMay6, 2025CityCouncilmeetingandapprovedby vote of 7-0. Legal notice published in the OC Reporter on May 9, 2025 Department( s): Police Department
Recommended Action: Conduct a second reading and adopt an Ordinance addingArticleXIVto Chapter10 (CrimesandMiscellaneousLawEnforcement Provisions) of the Santa Ana Municipal Code prohibiting the sale or distribution of Nitrous Oxide:
ORDINANCE NO. NS-3079 entitled AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA ADDING ARTICLE XIV TO CHAPTER 10 OF THE
SANTA ANA MUNICIPAL CODE ( CRIMES AND MISCELLANEOUS LAW
ENFORCEMENT PROVISIONS) PROHIBITING THE SALE OR DISTRIBUTION OF NITROUS OXIDE [Includes determination that the ordinance is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA and Sections 15060(c)(2) and 15060(c)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines because it will not result in a director reasonablyforeseeableindirectchangein the environmentand is not a project" asdefinedinSection15378of theCEQAGuidelinesaswellaspursuant to the " common sense" exemption set forth in CEQA Guidelines Section 15061( b)( 3)]
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR**
BUSINESS CALENDAR
MINUTES: At 8:50 P,M., the Business Calendar was considered.
25. Resolutions Supporting California Senate Bills 28 and 38 ( Umberg), 569 Blakespear), and 757 ( Richardson)
Department( s): City Manager's Office
Recommended Action: Adopt the following resolutions in support of state legislative efforts aligned with the City's goals of enhancing the quality of life for residents through community safety, housing stability, and criminal justice reform;
1. RESOLUTION NO. 2025- 016 entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA IN SUPPORT OF CALIFORNIA SENATE BILLS 28 AND 38 BY SENATOR THOMAS J. UMBERG TO
STRENGTHEN TREATMENT COURT STANDARDS AND REENTRY
OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH THE SECOND CHANCE PROGRAM; and
CITY COUNCIL 14 MAY 20, 2025
2. RESOLUTION NO. 2025- 017 entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA SUPPORTING CALIFORNIA
SENATE BILL 569 BY SENATOR CATHERINE BLAKESPEAR, THE
HOMELESS ENCAMPMENT COLLABORATION ACT, TO STRENGTHEN
LOCAL COLLABORATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION; and
3. RESOLUTION NO. 2025- 018 entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA IN SUPPORT OF SENATE BILL 757
BY SENATOR STEVEN RICHARDSON, THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT --
NUISANCE ABATEMENT, TO EXPAND AND STRENGTHEN LOCAL
AUTHORITY AND CONTROL
MINUTES: Councilmember Bacerra requested amending section I of Resolution No. 2025-016 to include a Whereas clause regarding the percentage of support for Prop. 36 and amending Resolution No. 2025-017 to include language requiring funding for reimbursement to cities.
Councilmember Lopez thanked Senator Umberg for Senate Bills 28 and 38, and staff for their responsiveness to Council requests.
MOTION: Councilmember Penaloza moved to approve the recommended action for Item No. 25, as amended to support California Senate Bills 28 and 38 and include a Whereas clause regarding the percentage of support for Prop. 36 and supporting California Senate Bill 569 as amended to include language requiring funding to reimbursement for cities, seconded by Councilmember Bacerra.
The motion carried, 7-0, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER
HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ,
COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZA, COUNCILMEMBER PHAN,
MAYOR PRO TEM VAZQUEZ, MAYOR AMEZCUA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
Status: 7— 0 — Pass
CITY COUNCIL 15 MAY 20, 2025
26.Ordinance Adding Article XII Entitled Disclosure of Certain Enforcement Actions to Chapter 2 of the Sana Ana Municipal Code Requiring Disclosure of Federal Election Commission and California Fair Political Practices Commission Enforcement Actions
Department( s): City Manager' s Office
Recommended Action: Conduct a first reading and adopt an ordinance adding Article XII entitled Disclosure of Certain Enforcement Actions to Chapter 2 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code requiring disclosure of Federal Election Commission and California Fair Political Practices Commission enforcement actions:
ORDINANCE NO. NS-3080 entitled AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF SANTA ANA ADDING ARTICLE XII ENTITLED DISCLOSURE OF CERTAIN ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS TO CHAPTER 2 OF THE SANTA ANA
MUNICIPAL CODE REQUIRING DISCLOSURE OF FEDERAL ELECTION
COMMISSION AND CALIFORNIA FAIR POLITICAL PRACTICES COMMISSION
ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS FOR CERTAIN LICENSES, PERMITS OR OTHER
ENTITLEMENTS FOR USE
MINUTES: Councilmember Bacerra spoke in support of the item.
Councilmember Phan requested an amendment to section 2- 921( a) of the ordinance to change the word " involving" to "against." Councilmember Lopez expressed concern regarding the 10year requirement possiblyburdeningstaffto do researchandrequestedan economicdevelopment analysis to determine if it might discourage developer applicants.
Discussionensuedregardingtransparencyand reportingrequirementsreferenced in the ordinance.
CityAttorneySoniaCarvalhoprovidedclarificationregardingthedecisiontousethe definitions referenced in the Government Code.
CouncilmemberPhan spoke in favor of continuing to use the definitions as provided in the Government Code for consistency.
Councilmember Lopez expressed concern with the ordinance language and expressed support for campaign finance reform.
CITY COUNCIL 16 MAY 20, 2026
MOTION: Councilmember Bacerra moved to approve the recommended action for Item No. 26, as amended to update section 2- 921( a) to change the word " involving" to " against", seconded by Councilmember Hernandez.
The motion carried, 6-1, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER
HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZA,
COUNCILMEMBER PHAN, MAYOR PRO TEM VAZQUEZ,
MAYOR AMEZCUA
NOES: COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
Status: 6— 1 — Pass
END OF BUSINESS CALENDAR**
COUNCILMEMBER REQUESTED ITEMS
27.Discuss and Consider Providing Direction to the City Manager to Develop and Implement a Policy Requiring Immediate Disclosure of All ICE Courtesy Notifications Received by the Santa Ana Police Department— Councilmember Hernandez and Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez
MINUTES: Councilmember Hernandez spoke regarding transparency, the city's history as a sanctuary city, the legality of the proposed direction, and the 48- hour buffer designed to prevent obstruction of investigations withjudicial warrants.
Mayor Pro Tem Vazquezspoke regarding transparency and advocating for mutual grace between police and the public during street encounters.
Mayor Amezcua spoke regarding the letter from Congressman Correa cautioning not to leak law enforcement sensitive information that may put officers in danger or obstruct U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement ( ICE). She requested Police Chief Rodriguez address this matter and asked regarding the difference between Department of Homeland Security ( DHS) and ICE.
Police Chief Robert Rodriguez spoke regarding S854 the California Values Act, public safety, safety of officers, other agencies, and ensuring compliance with both state and federal law. He clarified the focus of DHS is investigating human trafficking, drug trafficking, instances of national security, and acts of terrorism.
Councilmember Lopez spoke regarding transparency, looked forward to the legal review by the CityAttorney's Office of the policy, and spoke in support of the item.
CITY COUNCIL 17 MAY 20, 2025
Councilmember Phan asked for clarification regarding the type of information received when notified from DHS and ICE, specifically whether the type of activity is enforcement, investigation, or immigration related, and asked whether there is a risk related to funding, how the current administrationis interpretingthe term interference" with immigration enforcement, whether employees, councilmembers, andthe communitycouldfacerepercussionsfor releasinginformation, whetherthe citycanprotectitsemployees, andwhetherthereisaneedtohaveaclosedsession discussion regarding these risks, including the potential for litigation and its associated costs.
Mayor Amezcua asked for clarification regarding the definition of a courtesy call, echoed Councilmember Phan's comments, and asked whether the City of Santa Ana would be liable should a City Council member receive information and choose to release information to the community using their personal devices.
ChiefRodriguezstateda courtesycallisgivenby theoutsideagencywhentheywill bein theareainordertoavoidcompromisingeachother's investigations, andstated that there is no additional details given on the investigation.
Councilmember Lopez requested a report be provided to Council stating the numberof courtesycalls the SantaAna PoliceDepartment (SAPD) has received and responded to since 2018.
Councilmember Penaloza asked for clarification regarding the 42 courtesy calls received related to ICE incidents and asked regarding the criteria for receiving federal grants, including those received from DHS.
ChiefRodriguezstated, of the42 courtesycalls, about15of themwereICErelated.
Councilmember Bacerra echoed Councilmember Phan's questions and concerns.
Councilmember Hernandez stated the policy would focus on transparency and communicatinginformationto the public but stated the informationwouldnot be released if there is a warrant attached or the release of information would obstruct an active investigation.
Councilmember Phan asked whether state law requires the Santa Ana Police Departmentor any local policedepartmentto complywith ajudicial warrantfrom iCE or DHS, clarification regarding the information provided to SAPD by other agencies, and asked regarding other transparency initiatives SAPD has taken including the publishing of firearm seizures.
ChiefRodriguezclarifiedthatjudicial warrantsaremandatedtomakean arrestand administrative warrants are covered under SB 54. He explained that the firearms seizuresareonlypublishedwhentheyarenotpartofanongoinginvestigationand are usuallyafterthefact that the firearmsare seized.
CityAttorneySoniaCarvalhoconfirmedthe informationwouldbe providedto Council although no formal policy would be drafted yet.
CITY COUNCIL 18 MAY 20, 2025
Mayor Amezcua asked whether any surrounding cities have had similar discussions regarding the release of information.
Chief Rodriguez stated no other cities have had similar discussions.
City Attorney Carvalho stated the City of Los Angeles has had a similar discussion with a resolution asking businesses to disclose the information but staff will continue to do research to gather additional information.
Mayor Amezcua asked regarding an estimated timeline of when staff could come back with answers and stated updates throughout the process would prove helpful until staff returns with completed requests.
City Manager Alvaro Nunez gave an estimate of 45 days but acknowledged the importance of the item and stated staff would provide it sooner if possible.
WORK STUDY SESSION
AGENDA ITEM NO. 28 WAS MOVED OUT OF ORDER AND HEARD PRIOR TO THE CONSENT CALENDAR ( see page 6).
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
MINUTES: Deputy City Manager Sylvia Vazquezthanked Council and the community for attending the Fun Run where there were over 3,000 participants and invited the community tojoin for the Pride flag raising ceremony on Thursday, May 22, 2025 at 9:15 A.M. in front of City Hall and the Memorial Day flag raising ceremony on Monday, May 26, 2025 at 10:00 A.M. at Memorial Park. She announced recreational swimming opens on June 2, 2025 at El Salvador, Jerome, and Salgado parks and stated the City of Santa Ana is sponsoring 50 Years of Little Saigon' s Resilience, a free business event, on Thursday, June 5, 2025 at the Great Wolf Lodge in Garden Grove in collaboration with the cities of Fountain Valley, Garden Grove, and Westminster.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
AB1234 DISCLOSURE — If the City paid for travel or other expenses this is the time for membersof the Councilto providea brieforal reporton attendanceof any regionalboard or commission meeting or any conference, meeting or event attended.
MINUTES: Councilmember Lopez invited the community to participate in a Pride flag- raising ceremony on May 22, 2025 at 9: 00 A. M., thanked all families for their support and significant sacrifices, and wished everyone a good Memorial Day weekend. She congratulated all graduating students and thanked their parents, counselors, teachers, and administrators, and acknowledged the residents and community leaders who were observing a five-day hunger strike in response to the proposed federal budget.
Councilmember Penaloza invited the community to the second annual Memorial Day Commemorative Ceremonyat Memorial Park on Memorial Day May 26, 2025 at 90:00 A. M. and thanked city staff for their work on this event and for their contributions to the Santa Ana Fun Run.
CITY COUNCIL 19 MAY 20, 2025
Councilmember Phan stated that the Council is committed to upholding the city' s values, especiallyduring this period of rapid changeand turbulenttimes within the communityand amidstpoliticalshifts at both state and federallevels. She extended gratitudeto all who providedpublic comments, thankedstaff for their dedicationto makingthe citya betterplacefor all residents, andhopedeveryonehas a restful Memorial Day weekend.
Councilmember Hernandez thanked staff for preparing a balanced budget and highlighted Ward 5 new businesses including Beale's Texas BBQ at 100 S. Main St. and Los Grandes Originales Restaurant's new location opening at 3522 W. First St. He requestedthe meetingbe closedin memoryof FrederickLee Burrell, a longtimeSoul Food restaurant owner in Santa Ana, and expressed condolences to Erika Armenta, the wife of Noe Rodriguez.
Councilmember Bacerra thanked staff for organizing the Fun Run and for initiating National Public Works Week, stated that he wore a poppy flower pin for the duration of themeetingtohonorMemorialDay, andthankedthosewhomadetheultimatesacrifice in service to the country. He wished everyone a safe and Happy MemorialDay weekend, and wished his wife, Wendy, a Happy Birthday.
Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez thanked staff for the Fun Run and organizing Kidworks' visit to City Hall, announceda HeningerPark clean-up, statedhe is participatingin the Special Education Parent Community Advisory Committee resource fair benefiting special needs families in the city, congratulated all graduates, and requested a moment of silence for communtiy activist Theo Reyes.
Mayor Amezcua thanked all veterans and honored those who gave their lives serving our country, and thankedeveryonewho attendedthe Mother's Day Lunch-in, Coffee with the Mayor, and the 7th Annual High School Inc. Give Gratitude event. She announced the upcoming Coffee with the Mayor with Orange County Fire Authority, on June 14, 2025, at Fire Station 79 and thanked City staff for their presence at the press release with Senator Blakespear and Assemblywoman Davies. She closed the meeting in honor of County Sheriff Daniel Chaviraand Maria SocorroSanchez, motherof Congresswomen Loretta and Linda Sanchez.
ADJOURNMENT— Adjourn the City Council meeting.
MINUTES: Mayor Amezcua adjourned the City Council Meeting in memory of Los AngelesCountyDeputySheriffDaniel Chaviraand Maria SocorroSanchezat 10:23 P. M.
Respectfully submitted:
ennifer CMC
C' r
CITY COUNCIL 20 MAY 20, 2025