CITY COUNCIL 1 AUGUST 5, 2025
DRAFT Minutes of the Regular Meeting
of the City Council
City of Santa Ana,
California
August 5, 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 4:08 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 Nuñez
City Attorney Sonia R. Carvalho
City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall
ROLL CALL
MINUTES: City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall conducted roll call.
Councilmembers Bacerra and Phan, Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez, and Mayor Amezcua were present. Councilmembers Hernandez, Lopez, and Penaloza arrived during Closed Session.
CITY COUNCIL 2 AUGUST 5, 2025
ADDITIONS\DELETIONS TO CLOSED SESSION
MINUTES: City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall announced Closed Session Agenda Item No. 1B had been withdrawn from consideration per staff recommendation.
PUBLIC COMMENTS – Members of the public may address the City Council on Closed Session items.
MINUTES: None.
RECESS – City Council will recess to Closed Session for the purpose of conducting regular City business.
MINUTES: Mayor Amezcua recessed to consider the Closed Session items at 4:09 P.M.
CLOSED SESSION ITEMS – The Brown Act permits legislative bodies to discuss certain matters without members of the public present. The City Council finds, based on advice from the City Attorney, that discussion in open session of the following matters will prejudice the position of the City in existing and anticipated litigation:
1. LIABILITY CLAIM pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.95:
A. Claimant: William Thielman [Workers’ Compensation Claim] B. Claimant: David Lampman [Workers’ Compensation Claim]
2. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6(a):
Agency Negotiator: Lori Schnaider, Executive Director of Human Resources Employee Organization: Confidential Association of Santa Ana (CASA)
3. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6(a):
Agency Negotiator: Peter Brown
Employee Organizations:
• Service Employees International Union, Full -Time Employees Unit (SEIU - FT)
• Service Employees International Union, Part -Time Non- Civil Service Employees Unit (SEIU-PTNCS)
4. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR pursuant to Gover nment Code Section 54957.6(a):
Agency Negotiator: Lori Schnaider, Executive Director of Human Resources Employee Organization:
• Confidential Association of Santa Ana (CASA)
• Santa Ana Middle Management / Administrative Management Association (SAMA)
• Santa Ana Police Management Association (PMA)
CITY COUNCIL 3 AUGUST 5, 2025
CLOSED SESSION REPORT – The City Attorney will report on any action(s) from Closed Session.
RECONVENE – City Council will reconvene to continue regular City business.
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR OPEN SESSION
CALL TO ORDER
MINUTES: Mayor Amezcua reconvened the City Council Meeting to order at 5:45 P.M.
ATTENDANCE Councilmembers
Mayor Pro Tem
Phil Bacerra
Johnathan Ryan Hernandez
Jessie Lopez
David Penaloza
Thai Viet Phan
Benjamin Vazquez
Mayor Valerie Amezcua
City Manager
City Attorney
City Clerk
Alvaro Nuñez
Sonia R. Carvalho
Jennifer L. Hall
ROLL CALL
MINUTES: City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall conducted roll call.
Councilmembers Bacerra, Hernandez , Lopez, Penaloza, and Phan, Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez, and Mayor Amezcua were present.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Police Officer
WORDS OF INSPIRATION Chaplain Bob Barnett
ADDITIONS\DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA
MINUTES: None.
CEREMONIAL PRESENTATIONS
1. Certificates of Recognition presented by Mayor Amezcua recognizing the Quality of Life Team for Outstanding Contributions to the Community
MINUTES: Mayor Amezcua presented certificates of recognition to the Quality of Life Team for outstanding contributions to the community.
CITY COUNCIL 4 AUGUST 5, 2025
2. Certificates of Recognition presented by Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez recognizing Eleanor and Vida Ramos for their Exceptional Athletic Accomplishments
MINUTES: Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez presented certificates of recognition recognizing Eleanor and Vida Ramos for their exceptional athletic accomplishments.
STAFF PRESENTATIONS
3. Sister City Sahuayo Presentation
MINUTES: Deputy City Manager Sylvia Vazquez provided a presentation regarding Sister City Sahuayo.
Councilmember Phan spoke regarding her experience in Sahuayo and Sister City Sahuayo collaboration.
Councilmember Hernandez spoke regarding his experience in Sahuayo and Sister City Sahuayo collaboration.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT – The City Attorney will report on any action(s) from Closed Session.
MINUTES: City Attorney Sonia Carvalho stated there was no reportable action.
CONSIDERED AGENDA ITEM NOS. 6, 7, AND 8 OUT OF ORDER
MINUTES: City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall announced there were no public comments for Agenda Item Nos. 6-8.
MOTION: Mayor Amezcua moved to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 6 through 8, seconded by Councilmember Hernandez.
The motion carried, 7-0, by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER
HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ,
COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZA, COUNCILMEMBER PHAN,
MAYOR PRO TEM VAZQUEZ, MAYOR AMEZCUA
NONE
NONE
NONE
Status: 7 – 0 – Pass
6. Appoint Adrian Anguiano Nominated by Mayor Amezcua as the Mayoral Representative to the Personnel Board for a Partial Term Expiring December 8, 2026
CITY COUNCIL 5 AUGUST 5, 2025
Department(s): City Clerk’s Office
Recommended Action: Appoint Adrian Anguiano to the Personnel Board as the mayoral representative and administer the Oath of Office.
MINUTES: City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall administered the oath of office to Adrian Anguiano.
7. Appoint Victorino Bermejo Nominated by Councilmember Penaloza as the Ward 6 Representative to the Arts and Culture Commission for a Partial Term Expiring December 8, 2026
Department(s): City Clerk’s Office
Recommended Action: Appoint Victorino Bermejo to the Arts and Cul ture Commission as the Ward 6 representative and administer the Oath of Office. (Pursuant to SAMC Sec. 2-326(a), requires five affirmative votes.)
MINUTES: City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall administered the oath of office to Victorino Bernejo.
8. Appoint Dylan Almendral Nominated by Councilmember Penaloza as the Ward 6 Representative to the Historic Resources Commission for a Partial Term Expiring December 8, 2026
Department(s): City Clerk’s Office
Recommended Action: Appoint Dylan Almendral to the Historic Resources Commission as the Ward 6 representative and administer the Oath of Office. (Pursuant to SAMC Sec. 2-326(a), requires five affirmative votes.) PUBLIC COMMENTS – Public comments will be held during the beginning of the meeting for ALL comments on agenda and non-agenda items.
MINUTES: City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall reported out the summary of email comments received: two (2) Agenda Item No. 10, one (1) Agenda Item No. 12, and seven (7) non- agenda comments.
The following speakers addressed the City Council in-person:
1. Bruce Senator spoke regarding the Warner Widening Project and provided the Council literature on the following: Delhi Community Center garden expansion, South Eastwood Street traffic concerns, homelessness, gang intimi dation, and Southern Pacific railroad companies.
2. Emilio Ramirez spoke regarding the City’s partnership with Cal Cities.
3. Ana Gomez spoke regarding short-term rentals and the impacts to the community.
CITY COUNCIL 6 AUGUST 5, 2025
4. Patty Cabada spoke regarding AB 495 and requested the City Council look into the bill.
5. Norbert Y. Chen spoke regarding short -term rentals and the impacts to the community.
6. Sheri Menke spoke regarding short-term rentals and the impacts to the community.
The following speakers addressed the City Council via teleconference:
7. Nina Jirik spoke regarding SB 1123, and a park in Washington Square.
8. Victor Mendez spoke regarding free training and educational courses at universities, and Agenda Item No. 16.
9. Dale Helvig expressed concern regarding coyotes and raccoon sightings at Santiago Park and spoke regarding Agenda Item No. 17.
MINUTES: Councilmember Penaloza r equested to move Agenda Item No. 17 out of order.
Councilmember Phan recused herself from Agenda Item No. 17 as the listed entity, All American Asphalt, is a client of her employer, Rutan and Tucker , and left the dais at 6:58 P.M.
AGENDA ITEM NO. 17 MOVED OUT OF ORDER
17. Appropriation Adjustment, Cooperative Cost Reimbursement Agreement with the City of Orange, and Construction Contract for the Main Street Rehabilitation Project from Memory Lane to North City Limits and Bedford Road at Mainplace Drive (Project Nos. 20-6959, 20-6960) (Non-General Fund)
Department(s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action:
1. Approve an appropriation adjustment recognizing $104,670 in cost reimbursements from the City of Orange into the Select Street Construction, Expense Reimbursement revenue account (No. 05917002- 57000), and appropriate the same amount to the Select Street Construction, Improvements Other Than Buildings expenditure account (No. 05917660- 66220) for the Main Street Rehabilitation Project. (Requires five affirmative votes)
2. Approve an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2025- 2026 Capital Improvement Program to include an additional $104,670 in construction funds for the Main Street Rehabilitation Project from Memory Lane to North City Limits Project (No. 20-6959, 20-6960)
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute a Cooperative Cost Reimbursement Agreement with the City of Orange for improvements on Main Street within the CITY COUNCIL 7 AUGUST 5, 2025
Orange jurisdiction from Memory Lane to North City Limits (Agreement No. A- 2025-131).
4. Award a construction contract to All American Asphalt, the lowest responsible bidder, in accordance with the base bid in the amount of $792,573, subject to change orders, for the construction of the Main Street Rehabilitation Project (No. 20-6959, 20-6960), for a term beginning August 5, 2025 and ending upon project completion.
5. Approve the Project Cost Analysis for a total estimated construction delivery cost of $990,716, which includes $792,573 for the construction contract; $118,885 for contract administration, inspection, and testing; and $79,258 in project contingency funds for unanticipated or unforeseen work.
6. Determine that, pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act, the recommended actions are exempt from further review. Categorical Exemption Environmental Review No. ER-2025-58 was filed for Project No. 20-6959.
MINUTES: Councilmember Penaloza asked whether the City had connected with Centennial Management group, who own MainPlace Mall , to ensure the projects are consistent.
Acting Public Works Director Rudy Rosas clarified that staff has been in contact with Centennial Management Group and have coordinated accordingly.
City Manager Alvaro Nuñez added that, based on the current agreement with MainPlace, their improvement projects should have no impact on any preventative maintenance projects conducted by the City.
Mayor Amezcua expressed concern regarding the multiple ongoing projects throughout the City.
MOTION: Mayor Amezcua moved to approve the recommended action Consent Calendar Item No. 17, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez.
The motion carried, 6-0-1, by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER
HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ,
COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZA, MAYOR PRO TEM
VAZQUEZ, MAYOR AMEZCUA
NONE
COUNCILMEMBER PHAN (recusal)
NONE
Status: 6 – 0 – 1 – Pass
CITY COUNCIL 8 AUGUST 5, 2025
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve staff recommendations on the following Consent Calendar Items: 4 through 19 and waive reading of all resolutions and ordinances.
MINUTES: Councilmember Phan returned to the dais at 7:12 P.M.
At 7:12 P.M., the Consent Calendar was considered.
MOTION: Councilmember Hernandez moved to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 4 through 19, with the exception of Item Nos. 6, 7, 8, and 17 previously approved, seconded by Councilmember Bacerra.
The motion carried, 7-0, by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER
HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ,
COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZA, COUNCILMEMBER PHAN,
MAYOR PRO TEM VAZQUEZ, MAYOR AMEZCUA
NONE
NONE
NONE
Status: 7 – 0 – Pass
4. Excused Absences
Department(s): City Clerk’s Office
Recommended Action: Excuse the absent members.
5. Minutes from the Regular Meeting of July 15, 2025
Department(s): City Clerk’s Office
Recommended Action: Approve minutes.
6. AGENDA ITEM NO. 6 MOVED OUT OF ORDER AND HEARD PRIOR TO PUBLIC
COMMENTS
7. AGENDA ITEM NO. 7 MOVED OUT OF ORDER AND HEARD PRIOR TO PUBLIC
COMMENTS
8. AGENDA ITEM NO. 8 MOVED OUT OF ORDER AND HEARD PRIOR TO PUBLIC
COMMENTS
CONSENT CALENDAR
CITY COUNCIL 9 AUGUST 5, 2025
9. Receive and File Boards and Commissions Biannual Attendance Report for January Through June 2025
Department(s): City Clerk’s Office
Recommended Action:
1. Receive and file Boards and Commissions Biannual Attendance Report.
2. Provide direction to staff, if/as needed.
10. Orange County Grand Jury’s Investigative Report, Findings, and Recommendations Regarding Long- Term Solutions to Short -Term Rentals and City’s Response to the Findings and Recommendations
Department(s): Planning and Building Agency
Recommended Action: Receive and file the Orange County Grand Jury’s investigative report, findings, and recommendations regarding long- term solutions to short-term rentals and authorize the City Manager to deliver the city’s response to the findings and recommendations to the presiding judge of the Superior Court.
11. Agreements with SLS Property Solutions, Inc., Real Estate Consulting & Services, Inc., Quality Sprayers, Inc., and Hunter Consult ing, Inc. DBA HCI Environmental & Engineering Services for On- Call Trash, Weed, Rubbish, Sanitation Abatement, and Board-Up Services for the Planning and Building Agency (Specification No. 25-025) (Non-General Fund)
Department(s): Planning and Building Agency
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute agreements with SLS Property Solutions, Inc., Real Estate Consulting & Services, Inc., Quality Sprayers, Inc., and Hunter Consulting, Inc. DBA HCI Environmental & Engineering Services for citywide on-call trash, weeds, rubbish, sanitation abatement and board up services in an aggregate amount not to exceed $450,000 for a term beginning August 5, 2025 and expiring August 4, 2028, with provisions for two, one- year renewal options (Core Agreement No. A-2025-124).
12. Agreement with BC Services, Inc. for Collection Agency Services (Specification No. 25-040) (General Fund)
Department(s): Finance and Management Services
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with BC Services, Inc. to provide collection agency services for a term beginning August 5, 2025 and expiring August 4, 2028, with provisions for two (2) 1- year extensions (Agreement No. A-2025-125).
CITY COUNCIL 10 AUGUST 5, 2025
13. Agreement with Euna Solutions, Inc for Maintenance and Support of Citywide Budget Management Software (Specification No. 25-020) (General Fund)
Department(s): Finance and Management Services
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Euna Solutions, Inc. for the maintenance and supp ort of Citywide budget management software in an amount not to exceed $585,565, for a term beginning August 15, 2025 and expiring August 14, 2028, with provisions for two (2), one-year extensions (Agreement No. A-2025-126).
14. Authorize Funding for One (1) Additional Year for a Learning Management System Agreement with Meridian Knowledge Solutions, LLC
Department(s): Human Resources
Recommended Action: Authorize funding at reduced subscription fees for one (1) additional year for the agreement with Meridian Knowledge Solutions, LLC, for the Learning Management System (“LMS”) subscription at an annual rate of $30,362, and the add-on service of web-based training content at an annual rate of $42,064 (Agreement No. A-2025-127).
15. Approve Renewal of Citywide Insurance Program and Policies Through Independent Cities Risk Management Authority (ICRMA) and Arthur J.
Gallagher, an Appropriation Adjustment of $1,345,359, Associated Insurance Premiums, Costs, Programs, and Regulatory Fees for Total Payments Not to Exceed $13,521,649 (Non-General Fund)
Department(s): Human Resources
Recommended Action:
1. Authorize the City Manager to approve payment of insurance premiums and associated programs to ICRMA in an amount not to exceed $9,501,254 for the protection of City assets from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 including but not limited to:
a. Excess Liability Program
b. Excess Workers’ Compensation Program
c. Auto Physical Damage Program
d. Property and Equipment Program
e. Crime Program
f. Cyber Program
g. Associated Programs
2. Authorize the City Manager to approve payment of insurance premiums to Arthur J. Gallagher, Broker, in an amount not to exceed $3,520,395 for ancillary coverages of City’s assets from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026 including but not limited to:
a. General Liability Buffer Program
CITY COUNCIL 11 AUGUST 5, 2025
b. Workers’ Compensation Buffer Program
c. Earth Movement & Flood and Difference in Coverage (DIC) Program d. Terrorism Insurance Program
e. Underground Storage Tank and Environmental Program
3. Authorize the City Manager to approve the City’s obligation to pay the State of California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) estimated assessment in the amount not to exceed $500,000.
4. Approve an Appropriation Adjustment of $1,345,359 in Liability and Property Insurance Revenue to utilize the fund balance through the Prior Year Carryforward revenue account (No. 08009002-50001) and appropriate spending of the original adopted budget in the same amount from the Liability & Property insurance account (No. 08009051-64010). (Requires five affirmative votes)
16. Agreements with Graviton Consulting Services, Inc. and Oracle Corp. for Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System Software and Implementation Services (Specification No. 23-132) (Non-General Fund)
Department(s): Information Technology
Recommended Action:
1. Approve agreement with Graviton Consulting Services, Inc. for the purchase of Oracle Cloud ERP subscription licensing, for an initial three-year term beginning September 1, 2025, with seven optional one -year renewals, in an aggregate amount not to exceed $5,026,843; and authorize the City Manager, or their designee, to execute future ordering documents as necessary, provided the total cost does not exceed the approved aggregate amount (Agreement No. A-2025- 128).
2. Approve an agreement with Graviton C onsulting Services, Inc. for Oracle ERP implementation services, in an amount not to exceed $4,798,915, for a 35-month term beginning August 1, 2025, and expiring June 30, 2028 (Agreement No. A- 2025-129).
3. Approve agreement with Oracle America, Inc. for Public Sector Oracle Cloud Services, to govern the terms and conditions of the Oracle Cloud ERP services (Agreement No. A-2025-130).
17. AGENDA ITEM NO. 17 MOVED OUT OF ORDER AND HEARD PRIOR TO THE
CONSENT CALENDAR
18. Master Reimbursement Agreement with Orange County Sanitation District (Non-General Fund)
Department(s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action: Approve a Master Reimbursement Agreement with Orange County Sanitation District and authorize the City Manager to enter into CITY COUNCIL 12 AUGUST 5, 2025
subsequent Project Specific Supplemental Agreements as needed for the adjustment of OC Sanitation’s manhole frame and covers as part of City’s Capital Improvement Projects (Core Agreement No. A-2025-132).
19. Resolution and Second Amendment to Agreement with J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. (General Fund)
Department(s): Finance and Management Services
Recommended Action:
1. Adopt a Resolution designating J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. as the official depository for the City of Santa Ana for two (2) additional years commencing January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2028.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025 -037 entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA DESIGNATING JP MORGAN
CHASE BANK, N.A., AS THE DEPOSITORY FOR CITY OF SANTA ANA FUNDS, FOR TWO (2) ADDITIONAL YEARS THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2028, AND DESIGNATING SIGNATORIES AUTHORIZED FOR THE
PURPOSE OF WITHDRAWAL OF SAID FUND
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute a second amendment to agreement with J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. (“JPMC”) to provide additional banking and related services in the amount of $225,000, for a total agreement amount not to exceed $787,500 (Agreement No. A-2025-133)
**END OF CONSENT CALENDAR**
MINUTES: At 7:13 P.M., the Business Calendar was considered.
20. Designate a Voting Delegate and up to Two Alternates for League of California Cities (Cal Cities) 2025 Annual Conference General Assembly
Department(s): City Clerk’s Office
Recommended Action: Designate a voting delegate and up to two alternates for the Cal Cities Annual Conference General Assembly on Friday, October 10, 2025.
MINUTES: Councilmember Phan nominated Councilmember Penaloza as the voting delegate.
Mayor Amezcua nominated Councilmember Bacerra as the voting delegate.
MOTION: Councilmember Phan moved to appoint Councilmember Penaloza as the voting delegate, seconded by Councilmember Hernandez.
BUSINESS CALENDAR
CITY COUNCIL 13 AUGUST 5, 2025
The substitute motion carried, 7-0, by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER
HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ,
COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZA, COUNCILMEMBER PHAN,
MAYOR PRO TEM VAZQUEZ, MAYOR AMEZCUA
NONE
NONE
NONE
Status: 7 – 0 – Pass
MINUTES: Councilmember Bacerra nominated Councilmember Penaloza as the alternate.
Councilmember Penaloza nominated Councilmember Lopez and himself as alternates.
MOTION: Councilmember Bacerra moved to appoint Councilmember Penaloza as the alternate, seconded by Councilmember Hernandez.
SUBSTITUTE MOTION: Councilmember Penaloza moved to appoint Councilmember Lopez and himself as the two alternate delegates, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez.
The substitute motion carried, 7-0, by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER
HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ,
COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZA, COUNCILMEMBER PHAN,
MAYOR PRO TEM VAZQUEZ, MAYOR AMEZCUA
NONE
NONE
NONE
Status: 7 – 0 – Pass
**END OF BUSINES CALENDAR**
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
MINUTES: City Manager Alvaro Nuñez announced that the City has launched Santa Ana Ayuda Sin Fronteras , a program that offers assistance to low and moderate income residents who have been affected by recent immigration enforcement in the City. At the Council’s request, an update on the program will be provided in 90 days.
SUBSTITUTE MOTION: Mayor Amezcua moved to appoint Councilmember Bacerra as the voting delegate, seconded by Councilmember Penaloza.
CITY COUNCIL 14 AUGUST 5, 2025
COUNCIL COMMENTS
AB1234 DISCLOSURE – If the City paid for travel or other expenses this is the time for members of the Council to provide a brief oral report on attendance of any regional board or commission meeting or any conference, meeting or event attended.
MINUTES: Councilmember Lopez reported her attend ance at the Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education Program, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She stated that the total cost for the program was $17,900, and she addressed various topics affecting cities across the nation including homelessness and the use of artificial intelligence. She suggested the City consider demographic analysis to guide budget recommendations, a chat bot on the City’s website, and partnering with the Bloomberg Center for Cities.
Councilmember Phan reported her attendance at the Sister City Partnership Event, in Sahuayo, Michoacán, Mexico, where she was interviewed by Spanish media for the first time. She hosted her annual Legal Clinic on July 12, 2025, in partnership with the Public Law Center, the Vietnamese Bar Association of Southern California, and Advancing Justice SoCal. She attended National Night Out which was hosted collaboratively by the Parks and Police departments. She invited everyone to participate in the annual Zoofari fundraiser on Au gust 16, 2025, and congratulated Councilmember Lopez for her completion of the Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education Program.
Councilmember Bacerra reported his attendance at the 2nd Annual AAPI LEAD Summit, in Atlanta, Georgia. He thanked everyone who attended the unveiling of the digital marquee at Carl Thornton Par k and shared he hosted his community office hours on Saturday, August 2, 2025. He inquired about the use of drones to combat illegal firework usage in the City.
Chief Rodriguez reported that the Police Department is currently finalizing an agreement for drone services and is expected to present the agreement for Council’s consideration at the first meeting in September.
Councilmember Bacerra invited everyone to attend the Sandp oint Park playground design meeting on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at Taft Elementary.
Councilmember Hernandez thanked staff for their hard work and reported his attendance at the 2025 National Associat ion of Latino Elected Officials Conference, in Atlanta, Georgia, where topics discussed included wildfire assistance, protecting the environment, and immigration. He also attended the Sister City Partnership Event in Sahuayo, Michoacán, Mexico and announced the first -of-its-kind outdoor library at Jerome Park. He invited everyone to attend the 4th Annual Chicano Heritage Festival on August 24, 2025 at Centennial Park.
Councilmember Penaloza announced that he was scheduled to attend the 2025 National Association of Latino Elected Officials Conference, in Atlanta, Georgia. However, in light of the deficit the City is facing, he could not justify the cost and decided to cancel his trip.
He expressed hope that , during the next budget cycle , Council is more mindful of their use of tax payer monies. He invited everyone to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony for CITY COUNCIL 15 AUGUST 5, 2025
the new Delhi Library on August 14, 2025, which will be the first the City has opened on the south side in 50 years. He spoke of the increase in vehicle traffic collisions resulting in d eaths or serious injury and requested the Police D epartment increase traffic law enforcement in the City.
Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez announced that he did not attend the 2025 National Association of Latino Elected Officials Conference or the Sister City Partnership Event . He spoke regarding criminal federal investigation versus immigration enforcement, thanked the Quality of Life Team for all of their hard work, and suggested some of the officer vacancies be filled for the team. He announced the Musica Not Migra event which he helped organize in partnership with various community leaders. He invited all Santa Ana teachers to attend a training he is hosting at Festival Hall on August 6, 2025 at 5:00 P.M. , geared toward providing information on how to def end students and community against the immigration enforcement the City has been experiencing. He requested the meeting be adjourned in honor of Jenny Dang and spoke in her honor.
Mayor Amezcua thanked City staff for all their hard work on the Ayuda Sin Fronteras assistance program and adding Know Your Rights resources to bus stop shelters. She stated that, given the immigration enforcement and other issues in the City, she decided to forego all of her City -funded travel plans and thanked City Manager Nuñez for not traveling to Sahuayo. She announced that Sahua yo is donating $50,000 towards immigration assistance. She thanked Police Chief Rodriguez for partnering with her to produce an educational video about the importance of calling 911 and thanked Paul Eakins, the City’s Public Information Office, for his help. She announced her attendance at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Bishop Manor Playground and shared she cohosted a backpack drive with the Elk s Lodge and the Santa Ana Police Officer s Association. She spoke regrading drones , requested clarification on information published by a councilmember regarding a mass surveillance system, announced her attendance at the unveiling ceremony of a new fire engine, and a meeting with CalOptima’s CEO, Michael Shun, who announced the street medicine program will commence at the beginning of the new year. She thanked the Parks Department for bringing Tammy the Tamarind Monkey and Ollie the Otter to Coffee with the Mayor, shared she had dinner with the Orange Cou nty Labor Federati on, attended the Santa Ana Elks Lodge Car Show , and was recently appointed Chair of the California Sober Living Task Force.
ADJOURNMENT – Adjourn the City Council meeting.
MINUTES: Mayor Amezcua adjourned the City Council Meeting in memory of Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Detectives Joshua Kelley-Eklund, Victor Lemus, and William Osborn at 8:01 P.M.
Respectfully submitted:
_______________________________
Jennifer L. Hall, CMC
City Clerk