Special City Council Meeting
Agenda Packet
January 26, 2026
SPECIAL OPEN MEETING
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER
22 Civic Center Plaza Santa Ana, CA 92701
5:00 PM
Valerie Amezcua
Mayor
Thai Viet Phan
Councilmember – Ward 1
Benjamin Vazquez
Councilmember Ward 2
Jessie Lopez
Councilmember Ward 3
Phil Bacerra
Councilmember Ward 4
Johnathan Ryan Hernandez
Councilmember Ward 5
David Penaloza
Mayor Pro Tem Ward 6
Mayor and Council telephone: 7146476900
Agenda item inquiries: 7146476520
Sonia R. Carvalho
City Attorney
Alvaro Nuñez
City Manager
Jennifer L. Hall
City Clerk
In compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need special assistance to participate in this Meeting, contact Michael Ortiz, City ADA Program Coordinator, at (714) 6475624. Notification 48 hours prior to the Meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to assure accessibility to this meeting. The City Council agenda and supporting documentation can be found on the City’s website – www.santaana.org/agendasandminutes.
CITY VISION AND CODE OF ETHICS – The City of Santa Ana is committed to achieving a shared vision for the organization and its community. The Vision, Mission and Guiding Principles (Values) are the result of a thoughtful and inclusive process designed to set the City and organization on a course that meets the challenges of today and tomorrow, as follows:
Vision The dynamic center of Orange County which is acclaimed for our: Investment in youth • Safe and healthy community • Neighborhood pride • Thriving economic climate • Enriched and diverse culture • Quality government services
Mission To deliver efficient public services in partnership with our community which ensures public safety, a prosperous economic environment, opportunities for our youth, and a high quality of life for residents.
Guiding Principles Collaboration • Efficiency • Equity • Excellence • Fiscal Responsibility • Innovation • Transparency
Code of Ethics and Conduct At the Special Municipal Election held on February 5, 2008, voters approved an amendment to the City Charter which established the Code of Ethics and Conduct for elected officials and members of appointed boards, commissions, and committees to assure public confidence. The following are the core values expressed: • Integrity • Honesty • Responsibility • Fairness • Accountability • Respect • Efficiency Members of the public may attend the City Council meeting inperson or join via Zoom. As a courtesy to the public, the City Council meeting will occur live via teleconference Zoom webinar.
You may view the meeting from your computer, tablet, or smart phone via YouTube LiveStream at www.youtube.com/user/SantaAnaLibrary or on CTV3, available on Spectrum channel 3.
PUBLIC COMMENTS – Members of the public who wish to address the City Council on closed session items, items on the regular agenda, or on matters which are not on the agenda but are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City Council, may do so by one of the following ways:
MAILING OPTION written communications – Public comments may be mailed to: Office of the City Clerk, 20 Civic Center Plaza M30, Santa Ana, CA 92701. All written communications received via mail by 4:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting will be distributed to the City Council and imaged into the City’s document archive system which is available for public review.
SENDING EMAIL OPTION – Public comments may be sent via email to the City Clerk’s office at eComment@santaana.org. Please note the agenda item you are commenting on in the subject line of the email. All emails received two (2) hours before the scheduled start of the meeting will be distributed to the City Council and imaged into the City’s document archive system which is available for public review.
LIVE VIRTUAL OPTION – As a courtesy, members of the public may provide live comments during the meeting by Zoom or Conference Call. To join by Zoom click on or type the following address into your web browser
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/315965149. To join the Conference Call: Dial (669) 9009128 and enter MEETING ID: 315 965 149#. You will be prompted by the City Clerk when it is time for a: i) special agenda item. You may request to speak by dialing *9 from your phone or you may virtually raise your hand from Zoom. After the Clerk confirms the last three digits of the caller’s phone number or Zoom ID and unmutes them, the caller must press *6 or microphone icon to speak. Callers are encouraged, but not required, to identify themselves by name. Each caller will be provided three (3) minutes to speak, unless due to the number of speakers wanting to speak a decision is made to provide a different amount of time to speak.
INPERSON OPTION Members of the public can provide inperson comments at the podium in the Council Chamber. The Council Chamber will have seating available for members of the public to attend the meeting inperson. Public comments are limited to three (3) minutes per speaker, unless a different time is announced by the presiding chair.
Speakers who wish to address the Council must do so by submitting a “Request to Speak” card by by 5:00 p.m. for the designated public comment period as listed below. Cards will not be accepted after the Public Comment Session begins without the permission of the presiding chair.
The following designated public comment period is:
1. LIVE PUBLIC COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS ONLY – You can provide comments by joining Zoom or the Conference Call as described in the LIVE or INPERSON PUBLIC COMMENTS OPTION above. Speaker queue will open at 4:30 p.m. YOU MUST JOIN ZOOM OR THE CONFERENCE CALL and raise your hand PRIOR TO 5:00 p.m. Speakers who are not in the speaker queue with their hand raised by 5:00 p.m. will not be permitted to speak.
TRANSLATION SERVICES Spanish interpreting services are provided at City Council meetings. Simultaneous Spanish interpretation is provided through the use of headsets and consecutive interpretation (SpanishtoEnglish) in addition to those wishing to address the City Council at the podium.
La ciudad provee servicios de interpretación al español en las juntas del Consejo. La interpretación simultánea al español se ofrece por medio del uso de audífonos y la interpretación consecutiva (español a inglés) también está disponible para cualquiera que desee dirigirse al consejo municipal en el podio.
About the Agenda
To download or view the attachments (staff report and other supporting documentation) for each agenda item, you must select the agenda item to see the attachments to either open in a new link (the eyeball
) or download a pdf (the cloud symbol with the down arrow ).
SPECIAL OPEN MEETING
CALL TO ORDER
ATTENDANCE Council Members Phil Bacerra
Johnathan Ryan Hernandez
Jessie Lopez
Thai Viet Phan
Benjamin Vazquez
Mayor Pro Tem David Penaloza
Mayor Valerie Amezcua
City Manager Alvaro Nunez
City Attorney Sonia R. Carvalho
City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall
ROLL CALL
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Amezcua
PUBLIC COMMENT – Public comments will be held during the beginning of the meeting for ALL comments on agenda items ONLY.
WORK STUDY SESSION
1. Police Oversight Commission Ordinance Work Study Session Department(s): City Manager’s Office
Recommended Action: Receive presentation on Police Oversight Commission Ordinance options and provide direction to staff to:
1. Maintain the current ordinance while including clean up language to align with the City Charter and have the Independent Oversight Director be appointed by the City Manager, remain independent from the Police Department, and still vetted by the City Council.
2. Modify the existing ordinance to the staff recommended audit model.
3. Modify the existing ordinance to a hybrid audit/investigation model, reflecting input from the Police Oversight Commission, and recommend that officer involved shootings and use of force that cause great bodily harm are open to investigation at the direction of the commission.
ADJOURNMENT – Adjourn the Special City Council meeting.
POSTING STATEMENT: On January 23, 2026, a true and correct copy of this agenda was posted at the entrance to City Hall, 20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701. Internet Access to City Council, Agency, and Authority agendas and related material is available prior to meetings at santaana.org/agendasandminutes.
City Council
1 1/26/2026
Special City Council Meeting
Agenda Packet
January 26, 2026
SPECIAL OPEN MEETING
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER
22 Civic Center Plaza Santa Ana, CA 92701
5:00 PM
Valerie Amezcua
Mayor
Thai Viet Phan
Councilmember – Ward 1
Benjamin Vazquez
Councilmember Ward 2
Jessie Lopez
Councilmember Ward 3
Phil Bacerra
Councilmember Ward 4
Johnathan Ryan Hernandez
Councilmember Ward 5
David Penaloza
Mayor Pro Tem Ward 6
Mayor and Council telephone: 7146476900
Agenda item inquiries: 7146476520
Sonia R. Carvalho
City Attorney
Alvaro Nuñez
City Manager
Jennifer L. Hall
City Clerk
In compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need special assistance to participate in this Meeting, contact Michael Ortiz, City ADA Program Coordinator, at (714) 6475624. Notification 48 hours prior to the Meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to assure accessibility to this meeting. The City Council agenda and supporting documentation can be found on the City’s website – www.santaana.org/agendasandminutes.
CITY VISION AND CODE OF ETHICS – The City of Santa Ana is committed to achieving a shared vision for the organization and its community. The Vision, Mission and Guiding Principles (Values) are the result of a thoughtful and inclusive process designed to set the City and organization on a course that meets the challenges of today and tomorrow, as follows:
Vision The dynamic center of Orange County which is acclaimed for our: Investment in youth • Safe and healthy community • Neighborhood pride • Thriving economic climate • Enriched and diverse culture • Quality government services
Mission To deliver efficient public services in partnership with our community which ensures public safety, a prosperous economic environment, opportunities for our youth, and a high quality of life for residents.
Guiding Principles Collaboration • Efficiency • Equity • Excellence • Fiscal Responsibility • Innovation • Transparency
Code of Ethics and Conduct At the Special Municipal Election held on February 5, 2008, voters approved an amendment to the City Charter which established the Code of Ethics and Conduct for elected officials and members of appointed boards, commissions, and committees to assure public confidence. The following are the core values expressed: • Integrity • Honesty • Responsibility • Fairness • Accountability • Respect • Efficiency Members of the public may attend the City Council meeting inperson or join via Zoom. As a courtesy to the public, the City Council meeting will occur live via teleconference Zoom webinar.
You may view the meeting from your computer, tablet, or smart phone via YouTube LiveStream at www.youtube.com/user/SantaAnaLibrary or on CTV3, available on Spectrum channel 3.
PUBLIC COMMENTS – Members of the public who wish to address the City Council on closed session items, items on the regular agenda, or on matters which are not on the agenda but are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City Council, may do so by one of the following ways:
MAILING OPTION written communications – Public comments may be mailed to: Office of the City Clerk, 20 Civic Center Plaza M30, Santa Ana, CA 92701. All written communications received via mail by 4:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting will be distributed to the City Council and imaged into the City’s document archive system which is available for public review.
SENDING EMAIL OPTION – Public comments may be sent via email to the City Clerk’s office at eComment@santaana.org. Please note the agenda item you are commenting on in the subject line of the email. All emails received two (2) hours before the scheduled start of the meeting will be distributed to the City Council and imaged into the City’s document archive system which is available for public review.
LIVE VIRTUAL OPTION – As a courtesy, members of the public may provide live comments during the meeting by Zoom or Conference Call. To join by Zoom click on or type the following address into your web browser
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/315965149. To join the Conference Call: Dial (669) 9009128 and enter MEETING ID: 315 965 149#. You will be prompted by the City Clerk when it is time for a: i) special agenda item. You may request to speak by dialing *9 from your phone or you may virtually raise your hand from Zoom. After the Clerk confirms the last three digits of the caller’s phone number or Zoom ID and unmutes them, the caller must press *6 or microphone icon to speak. Callers are encouraged, but not required, to identify themselves by name. Each caller will be provided three (3) minutes to speak, unless due to the number of speakers wanting to speak a decision is made to provide a different amount of time to speak.
INPERSON OPTION Members of the public can provide inperson comments at the podium in the Council Chamber. The Council Chamber will have seating available for members of the public to attend the meeting inperson. Public comments are limited to three (3) minutes per speaker, unless a different time is announced by the presiding chair.
Speakers who wish to address the Council must do so by submitting a “Request to Speak” card by by 5:00 p.m. for the designated public comment period as listed below. Cards will not be accepted after the Public Comment Session begins without the permission of the presiding chair.
The following designated public comment period is:
1. LIVE PUBLIC COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS ONLY – You can provide comments by joining Zoom or the Conference Call as described in the LIVE or INPERSON PUBLIC COMMENTS OPTION above. Speaker queue will open at 4:30 p.m. YOU MUST JOIN ZOOM OR THE CONFERENCE CALL and raise your hand PRIOR TO 5:00 p.m. Speakers who are not in the speaker queue with their hand raised by 5:00 p.m. will not be permitted to speak.
TRANSLATION SERVICES Spanish interpreting services are provided at City Council meetings. Simultaneous Spanish interpretation is provided through the use of headsets and consecutive interpretation (SpanishtoEnglish) in addition to those wishing to address the City Council at the podium.
La ciudad provee servicios de interpretación al español en las juntas del Consejo. La interpretación simultánea al español se ofrece por medio del uso de audífonos y la interpretación consecutiva (español a inglés) también está disponible para cualquiera que desee dirigirse al consejo municipal en el podio.
About the Agenda
To download or view the attachments (staff report and other supporting documentation) for each agenda item, you must select the agenda item to see the attachments to either open in a new link (the eyeball
) or download a pdf (the cloud symbol with the down arrow ).
SPECIAL OPEN MEETING
CALL TO ORDER
ATTENDANCE Council Members Phil Bacerra
Johnathan Ryan Hernandez
Jessie Lopez
Thai Viet Phan
Benjamin Vazquez
Mayor Pro Tem David Penaloza
Mayor Valerie Amezcua
City Manager Alvaro Nunez
City Attorney Sonia R. Carvalho
City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall
ROLL CALL
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Amezcua
PUBLIC COMMENT – Public comments will be held during the beginning of the meeting for ALL comments on agenda items ONLY.
WORK STUDY SESSION
1. Police Oversight Commission Ordinance Work Study Session Department(s): City Manager’s Office
Recommended Action: Receive presentation on Police Oversight Commission Ordinance options and provide direction to staff to:
1. Maintain the current ordinance while including clean up language to align with the City Charter and have the Independent Oversight Director be appointed by the City Manager, remain independent from the Police Department, and still vetted by the City Council.
2. Modify the existing ordinance to the staff recommended audit model.
3. Modify the existing ordinance to a hybrid audit/investigation model, reflecting input from the Police Oversight Commission, and recommend that officer involved shootings and use of force that cause great bodily harm are open to investigation at the direction of the commission.
ADJOURNMENT – Adjourn the Special City Council meeting.
POSTING STATEMENT: On January 23, 2026, a true and correct copy of this agenda was posted at the entrance to City Hall, 20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701. Internet Access to City Council, Agency, and Authority agendas and related material is available prior to meetings at santaana.org/agendasandminutes.
City Council
2 1/26/2026
Special City Council Meeting
Agenda Packet
January 26, 2026
SPECIAL OPEN MEETING
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER
22 Civic Center Plaza Santa Ana, CA 92701
5:00 PM
Valerie Amezcua
Mayor
Thai Viet Phan
Councilmember – Ward 1
Benjamin Vazquez
Councilmember Ward 2
Jessie Lopez
Councilmember Ward 3
Phil Bacerra
Councilmember Ward 4
Johnathan Ryan Hernandez
Councilmember Ward 5
David Penaloza
Mayor Pro Tem Ward 6
Mayor and Council telephone: 7146476900
Agenda item inquiries: 7146476520
Sonia R. Carvalho
City Attorney
Alvaro Nuñez
City Manager
Jennifer L. Hall
City Clerk
In compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need special assistance to participate in this Meeting, contact Michael Ortiz, City ADA Program Coordinator, at (714) 6475624. Notification 48 hours prior to the Meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to assure accessibility to this meeting. The City Council agenda and supporting documentation can be found on the City’s website – www.santaana.org/agendasandminutes.
CITY VISION AND CODE OF ETHICS – The City of Santa Ana is committed to achieving a shared vision for the organization and its community. The Vision, Mission and Guiding Principles (Values) are the result of a thoughtful and inclusive process designed to set the City and organization on a course that meets the challenges of today and tomorrow, as follows:
Vision The dynamic center of Orange County which is acclaimed for our: Investment in youth • Safe and healthy community • Neighborhood pride • Thriving economic climate • Enriched and diverse culture • Quality government services
Mission To deliver efficient public services in partnership with our community which ensures public safety, a prosperous economic environment, opportunities for our youth, and a high quality of life for residents.
Guiding Principles Collaboration • Efficiency • Equity • Excellence • Fiscal Responsibility • Innovation • Transparency
Code of Ethics and Conduct At the Special Municipal Election held on February 5, 2008, voters approved an amendment to the City Charter which established the Code of Ethics and Conduct for elected officials and members of appointed boards, commissions, and committees to assure public confidence. The following are the core values expressed: • Integrity • Honesty • Responsibility • Fairness • Accountability • Respect • Efficiency Members of the public may attend the City Council meeting inperson or join via Zoom. As a courtesy to the public, the City Council meeting will occur live via teleconference Zoom webinar.
You may view the meeting from your computer, tablet, or smart phone via YouTube LiveStream at www.youtube.com/user/SantaAnaLibrary or on CTV3, available on Spectrum channel 3.
PUBLIC COMMENTS – Members of the public who wish to address the City Council on closed session items, items on the regular agenda, or on matters which are not on the agenda but are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City Council, may do so by one of the following ways:
MAILING OPTION written communications – Public comments may be mailed to: Office of the City Clerk, 20 Civic Center Plaza M30, Santa Ana, CA 92701. All written communications received via mail by 4:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting will be distributed to the City Council and imaged into the City’s document archive system which is available for public review.
SENDING EMAIL OPTION – Public comments may be sent via email to the City Clerk’s office at eComment@santaana.org. Please note the agenda item you are commenting on in the subject line of the email. All emails received two (2) hours before the scheduled start of the meeting will be distributed to the City Council and imaged into the City’s document archive system which is available for public review.
LIVE VIRTUAL OPTION – As a courtesy, members of the public may provide live comments during the meeting by Zoom or Conference Call. To join by Zoom click on or type the following address into your web browser
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/315965149. To join the Conference Call: Dial (669) 9009128 and enter MEETING ID: 315 965 149#. You will be prompted by the City Clerk when it is time for a: i) special agenda item. You may request to speak by dialing *9 from your phone or you may virtually raise your hand from Zoom. After the Clerk confirms the last three digits of the caller’s phone number or Zoom ID and unmutes them, the caller must press *6 or microphone icon to speak. Callers are encouraged, but not required, to identify themselves by name. Each caller will be provided three (3) minutes to speak, unless due to the number of speakers wanting to speak a decision is made to provide a different amount of time to speak.
INPERSON OPTION Members of the public can provide inperson comments at the podium in the Council Chamber. The Council Chamber will have seating available for members of the public to attend the meeting inperson. Public comments are limited to three (3) minutes per speaker, unless a different time is announced by the presiding chair.
Speakers who wish to address the Council must do so by submitting a “Request to Speak” card by by 5:00 p.m. for the designated public comment period as listed below. Cards will not be accepted after the Public Comment Session begins without the permission of the presiding chair.
The following designated public comment period is:
1. LIVE PUBLIC COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS ONLY – You can provide comments by joining Zoom or the Conference Call as described in the LIVE or INPERSON PUBLIC COMMENTS OPTION above. Speaker queue will open at 4:30 p.m. YOU MUST JOIN ZOOM OR THE CONFERENCE CALL and raise your hand PRIOR TO 5:00 p.m. Speakers who are not in the speaker queue with their hand raised by 5:00 p.m. will not be permitted to speak.
TRANSLATION SERVICES Spanish interpreting services are provided at City Council meetings. Simultaneous Spanish interpretation is provided through the use of headsets and consecutive interpretation (SpanishtoEnglish) in addition to those wishing to address the City Council at the podium.
La ciudad provee servicios de interpretación al español en las juntas del Consejo. La interpretación simultánea al español se ofrece por medio del uso de audífonos y la interpretación consecutiva (español a inglés) también está disponible para cualquiera que desee dirigirse al consejo municipal en el podio.
About the Agenda
To download or view the attachments (staff report and other supporting documentation) for each agenda item, you must select the agenda item to see the attachments to either open in a new link (the eyeball
) or download a pdf (the cloud symbol with the down arrow ).
SPECIAL OPEN MEETING
CALL TO ORDER
ATTENDANCE Council Members Phil Bacerra
Johnathan Ryan Hernandez
Jessie Lopez
Thai Viet Phan
Benjamin Vazquez
Mayor Pro Tem David Penaloza
Mayor Valerie Amezcua
City Manager Alvaro Nunez
City Attorney Sonia R. Carvalho
City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall
ROLL CALL
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Amezcua
PUBLIC COMMENT – Public comments will be held during the beginning of the meeting for ALL comments on agenda items ONLY.
WORK STUDY SESSION
1. Police Oversight Commission Ordinance Work Study Session Department(s): City Manager’s Office
Recommended Action: Receive presentation on Police Oversight Commission Ordinance options and provide direction to staff to:
1. Maintain the current ordinance while including clean up language to align with the City Charter and have the Independent Oversight Director be appointed by the City Manager, remain independent from the Police Department, and still vetted by the City Council.
2. Modify the existing ordinance to the staff recommended audit model.
3. Modify the existing ordinance to a hybrid audit/investigation model, reflecting input from the Police Oversight Commission, and recommend that officer involved shootings and use of force that cause great bodily harm are open to investigation at the direction of the commission.
ADJOURNMENT – Adjourn the Special City Council meeting.
POSTING STATEMENT: On January 23, 2026, a true and correct copy of this agenda was posted at the entrance to City Hall, 20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701. Internet Access to City Council, Agency, and Authority agendas and related material is available prior to meetings at santaana.org/agendasandminutes.
City Council
3 1/26/2026
Special City Council Meeting
Agenda Packet
January 26, 2026
SPECIAL OPEN MEETING
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER
22 Civic Center Plaza Santa Ana, CA 92701
5:00 PM
Valerie Amezcua
Mayor
Thai Viet Phan
Councilmember – Ward 1
Benjamin Vazquez
Councilmember Ward 2
Jessie Lopez
Councilmember Ward 3
Phil Bacerra
Councilmember Ward 4
Johnathan Ryan Hernandez
Councilmember Ward 5
David Penaloza
Mayor Pro Tem Ward 6
Mayor and Council telephone: 7146476900
Agenda item inquiries: 7146476520
Sonia R. Carvalho
City Attorney
Alvaro Nuñez
City Manager
Jennifer L. Hall
City Clerk
In compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need special assistance to participate in this Meeting, contact Michael Ortiz, City ADA Program Coordinator, at (714) 6475624. Notification 48 hours prior to the Meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to assure accessibility to this meeting. The City Council agenda and supporting documentation can be found on the City’s website – www.santaana.org/agendasandminutes.
CITY VISION AND CODE OF ETHICS – The City of Santa Ana is committed to achieving a shared vision for the organization and its community. The Vision, Mission and Guiding Principles (Values) are the result of a thoughtful and inclusive process designed to set the City and organization on a course that meets the challenges of today and tomorrow, as follows:
Vision The dynamic center of Orange County which is acclaimed for our: Investment in youth • Safe and healthy community • Neighborhood pride • Thriving economic climate • Enriched and diverse culture • Quality government services
Mission To deliver efficient public services in partnership with our community which ensures public safety, a prosperous economic environment, opportunities for our youth, and a high quality of life for residents.
Guiding Principles Collaboration • Efficiency • Equity • Excellence • Fiscal Responsibility • Innovation • Transparency
Code of Ethics and Conduct At the Special Municipal Election held on February 5, 2008, voters approved an amendment to the City Charter which established the Code of Ethics and Conduct for elected officials and members of appointed boards, commissions, and committees to assure public confidence. The following are the core values expressed: • Integrity • Honesty • Responsibility • Fairness • Accountability • Respect • Efficiency Members of the public may attend the City Council meeting inperson or join via Zoom. As a courtesy to the public, the City Council meeting will occur live via teleconference Zoom webinar.
You may view the meeting from your computer, tablet, or smart phone via YouTube LiveStream at www.youtube.com/user/SantaAnaLibrary or on CTV3, available on Spectrum channel 3.
PUBLIC COMMENTS – Members of the public who wish to address the City Council on closed session items, items on the regular agenda, or on matters which are not on the agenda but are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City Council, may do so by one of the following ways:
MAILING OPTION written communications – Public comments may be mailed to: Office of the City Clerk, 20 Civic Center Plaza M30, Santa Ana, CA 92701. All written communications received via mail by 4:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting will be distributed to the City Council and imaged into the City’s document archive system which is available for public review.
SENDING EMAIL OPTION – Public comments may be sent via email to the City Clerk’s office at eComment@santaana.org. Please note the agenda item you are commenting on in the subject line of the email. All emails received two (2) hours before the scheduled start of the meeting will be distributed to the City Council and imaged into the City’s document archive system which is available for public review.
LIVE VIRTUAL OPTION – As a courtesy, members of the public may provide live comments during the meeting by Zoom or Conference Call. To join by Zoom click on or type the following address into your web browser
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/315965149. To join the Conference Call: Dial (669) 9009128 and enter MEETING ID: 315 965 149#. You will be prompted by the City Clerk when it is time for a: i) special agenda item. You may request to speak by dialing *9 from your phone or you may virtually raise your hand from Zoom. After the Clerk confirms the last three digits of the caller’s phone number or Zoom ID and unmutes them, the caller must press *6 or microphone icon to speak. Callers are encouraged, but not required, to identify themselves by name. Each caller will be provided three (3) minutes to speak, unless due to the number of speakers wanting to speak a decision is made to provide a different amount of time to speak.
INPERSON OPTION Members of the public can provide inperson comments at the podium in the Council Chamber. The Council Chamber will have seating available for members of the public to attend the meeting inperson. Public comments are limited to three (3) minutes per speaker, unless a different time is announced by the presiding chair.
Speakers who wish to address the Council must do so by submitting a “Request to Speak” card by by 5:00 p.m. for the designated public comment period as listed below. Cards will not be accepted after the Public Comment Session begins without the permission of the presiding chair.
The following designated public comment period is:
1. LIVE PUBLIC COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS ONLY – You can provide comments by joining Zoom or the Conference Call as described in the LIVE or INPERSON PUBLIC COMMENTS OPTION above. Speaker queue will open at 4:30 p.m. YOU MUST JOIN ZOOM OR THE CONFERENCE CALL and raise your hand PRIOR TO 5:00 p.m. Speakers who are not in the speaker queue with their hand raised by 5:00 p.m. will not be permitted to speak.
TRANSLATION SERVICES Spanish interpreting services are provided at City Council meetings. Simultaneous Spanish interpretation is provided through the use of headsets and consecutive interpretation (SpanishtoEnglish) in addition to those wishing to address the City Council at the podium.
La ciudad provee servicios de interpretación al español en las juntas del Consejo. La interpretación simultánea al español se ofrece por medio del uso de audífonos y la interpretación consecutiva (español a inglés) también está disponible para cualquiera que desee dirigirse al consejo municipal en el podio.
About the Agenda
To download or view the attachments (staff report and other supporting documentation) for each agenda item, you must select the agenda item to see the attachments to either open in a new link (the eyeball
) or download a pdf (the cloud symbol with the down arrow ).
SPECIAL OPEN MEETING
CALL TO ORDER
ATTENDANCE Council Members Phil Bacerra
Johnathan Ryan Hernandez
Jessie Lopez
Thai Viet Phan
Benjamin Vazquez
Mayor Pro Tem David Penaloza
Mayor Valerie Amezcua
City Manager Alvaro Nunez
City Attorney Sonia R. Carvalho
City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall
ROLL CALL
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Amezcua
PUBLIC COMMENT – Public comments will be held during the beginning of the meeting for ALL comments on agenda items ONLY.
WORK STUDY SESSION
1. Police Oversight Commission Ordinance Work Study Session Department(s): City Manager’s Office
Recommended Action: Receive presentation on Police Oversight Commission Ordinance options and provide direction to staff to:
1. Maintain the current ordinance while including clean up language to align with the City Charter and have the Independent Oversight Director be appointed by the City Manager, remain independent from the Police Department, and still vetted by the City Council.
2. Modify the existing ordinance to the staff recommended audit model.
3. Modify the existing ordinance to a hybrid audit/investigation model, reflecting input from the Police Oversight Commission, and recommend that officer involved shootings and use of force that cause great bodily harm are open to investigation at the direction of the commission.
ADJOURNMENT – Adjourn the Special City Council meeting.
POSTING STATEMENT: On January 23, 2026, a true and correct copy of this agenda was posted at the entrance to City Hall, 20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701. Internet Access to City Council, Agency, and Authority agendas and related material is available prior to meetings at santaana.org/agendasandminutes.
City Council
4 1/26/2026
Special City Council Meeting
Agenda Packet
January 26, 2026
SPECIAL OPEN MEETING
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER
22 Civic Center Plaza Santa Ana, CA 92701
5:00 PM
Valerie Amezcua
Mayor
Thai Viet Phan
Councilmember – Ward 1
Benjamin Vazquez
Councilmember Ward 2
Jessie Lopez
Councilmember Ward 3
Phil Bacerra
Councilmember Ward 4
Johnathan Ryan Hernandez
Councilmember Ward 5
David Penaloza
Mayor Pro Tem Ward 6
Mayor and Council telephone: 7146476900
Agenda item inquiries: 7146476520
Sonia R. Carvalho
City Attorney
Alvaro Nuñez
City Manager
Jennifer L. Hall
City Clerk
In compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need special assistance to participate in this Meeting, contact Michael Ortiz, City ADA Program Coordinator, at (714) 6475624. Notification 48 hours prior to the Meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to assure accessibility to this meeting. The City Council agenda and supporting documentation can be found on the City’s website – www.santaana.org/agendasandminutes.
CITY VISION AND CODE OF ETHICS – The City of Santa Ana is committed to achieving a shared vision for the organization and its community. The Vision, Mission and Guiding Principles (Values) are the result of a thoughtful and inclusive process designed to set the City and organization on a course that meets the challenges of today and tomorrow, as follows:
Vision The dynamic center of Orange County which is acclaimed for our: Investment in youth • Safe and healthy community • Neighborhood pride • Thriving economic climate • Enriched and diverse culture • Quality government services
Mission To deliver efficient public services in partnership with our community which ensures public safety, a prosperous economic environment, opportunities for our youth, and a high quality of life for residents.
Guiding Principles Collaboration • Efficiency • Equity • Excellence • Fiscal Responsibility • Innovation • Transparency
Code of Ethics and Conduct At the Special Municipal Election held on February 5, 2008, voters approved an amendment to the City Charter which established the Code of Ethics and Conduct for elected officials and members of appointed boards, commissions, and committees to assure public confidence. The following are the core values expressed: • Integrity • Honesty • Responsibility • Fairness • Accountability • Respect • Efficiency Members of the public may attend the City Council meeting inperson or join via Zoom. As a courtesy to the public, the City Council meeting will occur live via teleconference Zoom webinar.
You may view the meeting from your computer, tablet, or smart phone via YouTube LiveStream at www.youtube.com/user/SantaAnaLibrary or on CTV3, available on Spectrum channel 3.
PUBLIC COMMENTS – Members of the public who wish to address the City Council on closed session items, items on the regular agenda, or on matters which are not on the agenda but are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City Council, may do so by one of the following ways:
MAILING OPTION written communications – Public comments may be mailed to: Office of the City Clerk, 20 Civic Center Plaza M30, Santa Ana, CA 92701. All written communications received via mail by 4:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting will be distributed to the City Council and imaged into the City’s document archive system which is available for public review.
SENDING EMAIL OPTION – Public comments may be sent via email to the City Clerk’s office at eComment@santaana.org. Please note the agenda item you are commenting on in the subject line of the email. All emails received two (2) hours before the scheduled start of the meeting will be distributed to the City Council and imaged into the City’s document archive system which is available for public review.
LIVE VIRTUAL OPTION – As a courtesy, members of the public may provide live comments during the meeting by Zoom or Conference Call. To join by Zoom click on or type the following address into your web browser
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/315965149. To join the Conference Call: Dial (669) 9009128 and enter MEETING ID: 315 965 149#. You will be prompted by the City Clerk when it is time for a: i) special agenda item. You may request to speak by dialing *9 from your phone or you may virtually raise your hand from Zoom. After the Clerk confirms the last three digits of the caller’s phone number or Zoom ID and unmutes them, the caller must press *6 or microphone icon to speak. Callers are encouraged, but not required, to identify themselves by name. Each caller will be provided three (3) minutes to speak, unless due to the number of speakers wanting to speak a decision is made to provide a different amount of time to speak.
INPERSON OPTION Members of the public can provide inperson comments at the podium in the Council Chamber. The Council Chamber will have seating available for members of the public to attend the meeting inperson. Public comments are limited to three (3) minutes per speaker, unless a different time is announced by the presiding chair.
Speakers who wish to address the Council must do so by submitting a “Request to Speak” card by by 5:00 p.m. for the designated public comment period as listed below. Cards will not be accepted after the Public Comment Session begins without the permission of the presiding chair.
The following designated public comment period is:
1. LIVE PUBLIC COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS ONLY – You can provide comments by joining Zoom or the Conference Call as described in the LIVE or INPERSON PUBLIC COMMENTS OPTION above. Speaker queue will open at 4:30 p.m. YOU MUST JOIN ZOOM OR THE CONFERENCE CALL and raise your hand PRIOR TO 5:00 p.m. Speakers who are not in the speaker queue with their hand raised by 5:00 p.m. will not be permitted to speak.
TRANSLATION SERVICES Spanish interpreting services are provided at City Council meetings. Simultaneous Spanish interpretation is provided through the use of headsets and consecutive interpretation (SpanishtoEnglish) in addition to those wishing to address the City Council at the podium.
La ciudad provee servicios de interpretación al español en las juntas del Consejo. La interpretación simultánea al español se ofrece por medio del uso de audífonos y la interpretación consecutiva (español a inglés) también está disponible para cualquiera que desee dirigirse al consejo municipal en el podio.
About the Agenda
To download or view the attachments (staff report and other supporting documentation) for each agenda item, you must select the agenda item to see the attachments to either open in a new link (the eyeball
) or download a pdf (the cloud symbol with the down arrow ).
SPECIAL OPEN MEETING
CALL TO ORDER
ATTENDANCE Council Members Phil Bacerra
Johnathan Ryan Hernandez
Jessie Lopez
Thai Viet Phan
Benjamin Vazquez
Mayor Pro Tem David Penaloza
Mayor Valerie Amezcua
City Manager Alvaro Nunez
City Attorney Sonia R. Carvalho
City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall
ROLL CALL
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Amezcua
PUBLIC COMMENT – Public comments will be held during the beginning of the meeting for ALL comments on agenda items ONLY.
WORK STUDY SESSION
1. Police Oversight Commission Ordinance Work Study Session Department(s): City Manager’s Office
Recommended Action: Receive presentation on Police Oversight Commission Ordinance options and provide direction to staff to:
1. Maintain the current ordinance while including clean up language to align with the City Charter and have the Independent Oversight Director be appointed by the City Manager, remain independent from the Police Department, and still vetted by the City Council.
2. Modify the existing ordinance to the staff recommended audit model.
3. Modify the existing ordinance to a hybrid audit/investigation model, reflecting input from the Police Oversight Commission, and recommend that officer involved shootings and use of force that cause great bodily harm are open to investigation at the direction of the commission.
ADJOURNMENT – Adjourn the Special City Council meeting.
POSTING STATEMENT: On January 23, 2026, a true and correct copy of this agenda was posted at the entrance to City Hall, 20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701. Internet Access to City Council, Agency, and Authority agendas and related material is available prior to meetings at santaana.org/agendasandminutes.
City Council
5 1/26/2026
Special City Council Meeting
Agenda Packet
January 26, 2026
SPECIAL OPEN MEETING
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER
22 Civic Center Plaza Santa Ana, CA 92701
5:00 PM
Valerie Amezcua
Mayor
Thai Viet Phan
Councilmember – Ward 1
Benjamin Vazquez
Councilmember Ward 2
Jessie Lopez
Councilmember Ward 3
Phil Bacerra
Councilmember Ward 4
Johnathan Ryan Hernandez
Councilmember Ward 5
David Penaloza
Mayor Pro Tem Ward 6
Mayor and Council telephone: 7146476900
Agenda item inquiries: 7146476520
Sonia R. Carvalho
City Attorney
Alvaro Nuñez
City Manager
Jennifer L. Hall
City Clerk
In compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need special assistance to participate in this Meeting, contact Michael Ortiz, City ADA Program Coordinator, at (714) 6475624. Notification 48 hours prior to the Meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to assure accessibility to this meeting. The City Council agenda and supporting documentation can be found on the City’s website – www.santaana.org/agendasandminutes.
CITY VISION AND CODE OF ETHICS – The City of Santa Ana is committed to achieving a shared vision for the organization and its community. The Vision, Mission and Guiding Principles (Values) are the result of a thoughtful and inclusive process designed to set the City and organization on a course that meets the challenges of today and tomorrow, as follows:
Vision The dynamic center of Orange County which is acclaimed for our: Investment in youth • Safe and healthy community • Neighborhood pride • Thriving economic climate • Enriched and diverse culture • Quality government services
Mission To deliver efficient public services in partnership with our community which ensures public safety, a prosperous economic environment, opportunities for our youth, and a high quality of life for residents.
Guiding Principles Collaboration • Efficiency • Equity • Excellence • Fiscal Responsibility • Innovation • Transparency
Code of Ethics and Conduct At the Special Municipal Election held on February 5, 2008, voters approved an amendment to the City Charter which established the Code of Ethics and Conduct for elected officials and members of appointed boards, commissions, and committees to assure public confidence. The following are the core values expressed: • Integrity • Honesty • Responsibility • Fairness • Accountability • Respect • Efficiency Members of the public may attend the City Council meeting inperson or join via Zoom. As a courtesy to the public, the City Council meeting will occur live via teleconference Zoom webinar.
You may view the meeting from your computer, tablet, or smart phone via YouTube LiveStream at www.youtube.com/user/SantaAnaLibrary or on CTV3, available on Spectrum channel 3.
PUBLIC COMMENTS – Members of the public who wish to address the City Council on closed session items, items on the regular agenda, or on matters which are not on the agenda but are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City Council, may do so by one of the following ways:
MAILING OPTION written communications – Public comments may be mailed to: Office of the City Clerk, 20 Civic Center Plaza M30, Santa Ana, CA 92701. All written communications received via mail by 4:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting will be distributed to the City Council and imaged into the City’s document archive system which is available for public review.
SENDING EMAIL OPTION – Public comments may be sent via email to the City Clerk’s office at eComment@santaana.org. Please note the agenda item you are commenting on in the subject line of the email. All emails received two (2) hours before the scheduled start of the meeting will be distributed to the City Council and imaged into the City’s document archive system which is available for public review.
LIVE VIRTUAL OPTION – As a courtesy, members of the public may provide live comments during the meeting by Zoom or Conference Call. To join by Zoom click on or type the following address into your web browser
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/315965149. To join the Conference Call: Dial (669) 9009128 and enter MEETING ID: 315 965 149#. You will be prompted by the City Clerk when it is time for a: i) special agenda item. You may request to speak by dialing *9 from your phone or you may virtually raise your hand from Zoom. After the Clerk confirms the last three digits of the caller’s phone number or Zoom ID and unmutes them, the caller must press *6 or microphone icon to speak. Callers are encouraged, but not required, to identify themselves by name. Each caller will be provided three (3) minutes to speak, unless due to the number of speakers wanting to speak a decision is made to provide a different amount of time to speak.
INPERSON OPTION Members of the public can provide inperson comments at the podium in the Council Chamber. The Council Chamber will have seating available for members of the public to attend the meeting inperson. Public comments are limited to three (3) minutes per speaker, unless a different time is announced by the presiding chair.
Speakers who wish to address the Council must do so by submitting a “Request to Speak” card by by 5:00 p.m. for the designated public comment period as listed below. Cards will not be accepted after the Public Comment Session begins without the permission of the presiding chair.
The following designated public comment period is:
1. LIVE PUBLIC COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS ONLY – You can provide comments by joining Zoom or the Conference Call as described in the LIVE or INPERSON PUBLIC COMMENTS OPTION above. Speaker queue will open at 4:30 p.m. YOU MUST JOIN ZOOM OR THE CONFERENCE CALL and raise your hand PRIOR TO 5:00 p.m. Speakers who are not in the speaker queue with their hand raised by 5:00 p.m. will not be permitted to speak.
TRANSLATION SERVICES Spanish interpreting services are provided at City Council meetings. Simultaneous Spanish interpretation is provided through the use of headsets and consecutive interpretation (SpanishtoEnglish) in addition to those wishing to address the City Council at the podium.
La ciudad provee servicios de interpretación al español en las juntas del Consejo. La interpretación simultánea al español se ofrece por medio del uso de audífonos y la interpretación consecutiva (español a inglés) también está disponible para cualquiera que desee dirigirse al consejo municipal en el podio.
About the Agenda
To download or view the attachments (staff report and other supporting documentation) for each agenda item, you must select the agenda item to see the attachments to either open in a new link (the eyeball
) or download a pdf (the cloud symbol with the down arrow ).
SPECIAL OPEN MEETING
CALL TO ORDER
ATTENDANCE Council Members Phil Bacerra
Johnathan Ryan Hernandez
Jessie Lopez
Thai Viet Phan
Benjamin Vazquez
Mayor Pro Tem David Penaloza
Mayor Valerie Amezcua
City Manager Alvaro Nunez
City Attorney Sonia R. Carvalho
City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall
ROLL CALL
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Amezcua
PUBLIC COMMENT – Public comments will be held during the beginning of the meeting for ALL comments on agenda items ONLY.
WORK STUDY SESSION
1. Police Oversight Commission Ordinance Work Study Session Department(s): City Manager’s Office
Recommended Action: Receive presentation on Police Oversight Commission Ordinance options and provide direction to staff to:
1. Maintain the current ordinance while including clean up language to align with the City Charter and have the Independent Oversight Director be appointed by the City Manager, remain independent from the Police Department, and still vetted by the City Council.
2. Modify the existing ordinance to the staff recommended audit model.
3. Modify the existing ordinance to a hybrid audit/investigation model, reflecting input from the Police Oversight Commission, and recommend that officer involved shootings and use of force that cause great bodily harm are open to investigation at the direction of the commission.
ADJOURNMENT – Adjourn the Special City Council meeting.
POSTING STATEMENT: On January 23, 2026, a true and correct copy of this agenda was posted at the entrance to City Hall, 20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701. Internet Access to City Council, Agency, and Authority agendas and related material is available prior to meetings at santaana.org/agendasandminutes.
City Council
6 1/26/2026
MAYOR
Valerie Amezcua
MAYOR PRO TEM
David Penaloza
COUNCILMEMBERS
Phil Bacerra
Johnathan Ryan Hernandez
Jessie Lopez
Thai Viet Phan
Benjamin Vazquez
CITY OF SANTA ANA
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE
20 Civic Center Plaza ii P.0. Box 1988
Santa Ana, California 92702
www.santa-ana.orq
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING
CITY COUNCIL
CITY MANAGER
Alvaro Nuriez
CITY ATrORNEY
Sonia R. Carvalho
CITY CLERK
Jennifer L. Hall
To: Valerie Amezcua, Mayor Alvaro Nuriez, City Manager David Penaloza, Mayor Pro Tem, Ward 6 Sonia R. Carvalho, City Attorney Thai Viet Phan, Councilmember, Ward I Orange County Register Benjamin Vazquez, Councilmember, Ward 2 Los Angeles Times Jessie Lopez, Councilmember, Ward 3
Phil Bacerra, Councilmember, Ward 4
Johnathan Ryan Hernandez, Councilmember, Ward 5
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to California Government Code §54956, that on Monday, January 26, 2026 at 5:00 P.M., the Santa Ana City Council will hold a Special Meeting for the purpose of addressing the following item:
Work Study Session
1, Police Oversight Commission Ordinance Work Study Session nifer
City Cle
2026
I have received the Notice of Special Meeting of the Santa Ana City Coun and am aware of the date and time of Monday, January 26, 2026 at the hour of 5:00 P.M., at the Santa Ana City Council Chamber, 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, California.
SIGNATURE DATE
Valene Amezcua
)Aayor
vamezcuapsanta-ana otq
David Penaloza
Mayor Pro Tem, Watd a
dpenaloza@sanlaana orq
Thai Viet Phan
Ward 1
t han santa-ana tit
SANTA ANA CITY' COUNCIL
Betyamin Vazquez
Ward 2
bvazquez@santa-ana orq
Phil Bacena
Ward 4
pbacena@santa-ana orq
City Council
{{item.number}} –
1 1/26/2026
City Manager’s Office
www.santa-ana.org/cm
Item # 1
City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Staff Report
January 26, 2026
TOPIC: Police Oversight Commission Ordinance Work Study Session
AGENDA TITLE
Police Oversight Commission Ordinance Work Study Session
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Receive presentation on Police Oversight Commission Ordinance options and provide direction to staff to:
1. Maintain the current ordinance while including clean up language to align with the City Charter and have the Independent Oversight Director be appointed by the City Manager, remain independent from the Police Department, and still vetted by the City Council.
2. Modify the existing ordinance to the staff recommended audit model.
3. Modify the existing ordinance to a hybrid audit/investigation model, reflecting input from the Police Oversight Commission, and recommend that officer involved shootings and use of force that cause great bodily harm are open to investigation at the direction of the commission.
GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES: No
DISCUSSION
On July 15, 2025, City Council considered proposed amendments to Article IV of Chapter 2 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code Police Oversight Commission that were developed after a thorough review and collaboration among City staff from the City Manager’s Office, City Attorney’s Office, Police Department, and Police Oversight Ad Hoc Committee members comprised of Mayor Amezcua, Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez, and Councilmember Bacerra.
These amendments were proposed in an effort to align with state law, clarify roles and responsibilities regarding the City Manager form of government, define the scope of the commission’s authority, and include additional training requirements for commissioners.
During this meeting, the City Council voted to hold a joint special meeting with the Police Oversight Commission, the Police Oversight Director, and the City Council within 60 days.
City Council
1 –
1 1/26/2026
Police Oversight Commission Ordinance Work Study Session January 26, 2026
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1 4
Before that meeting, all members were to meet with the City Manager, City Attorney, Police Oversight Director, and Police Chief.
Staff has met with Councilmembers and Commissioners to review the proposed ordinance amendments, answer questions, and receive input. In addition, the Police Oversight Commission held a work study session on September 11, 2025, and provided input for consideration.
On September 16, the City Council approved holding a stand-alone meeting to further discuss the Police Oversight Commission Ordinance.
Update
With the appointment of the Police Oversight Director on July 1, 2025, the Commission has initiated providing recommendations on policy and reviewing complaints.
In addition, AB 847, adopted October 6, 2025 and effective January 1, 2026, amended Penal Code section 832.7 to grant access to the confidential personnel records of peace officers and custodial officers and records to civilian law enforcement oversight boards or commissions. Civilian police oversight commissions are now expressly authorized to access confidential officer personnel records for oversight investigations and related proceedings. Oversight bodies must maintain confidentiality; records remain non-public.
Records may be reviewed in closed session, consistent with the Brown Act.
Penal Code section 832.7 now reads in relevant part as follows: “The personnel records of peace officers and custodial officers and records maintained by a state or local agency …or information obtained from these records, are confidential and shall not be disclosed in any criminal or civil proceeding except by discovery pursuant to Sections 1043 and 1046 of the Evidence Code. This section does not apply to investigations or proceedings concerning the conduct of peace officers or custodial officers, or an agency or department that employs those officers, conducted by ….or a civilian oversight board or commission for a law enforcement agency…” With the passage of this bill, effective January 1, 2026, the Santa Ana Police Oversight Commission may now access peace officer personnel records, conduct closed session to review confidential records, and must maintain confidentiality of the records.
While the Commission is moving forward with the current ordinance, and current state law eliminates the prior legal issues posed regarding confidentiality of records, staff collectively recommends updating the ordinance and establishing an audit model.
Alternatively, based on Commission and input from some Councilmembers’ desire for investigations, staff recommends that if moving forward with a hybrid audit/investigation model, that investigations be limited to officer involved shootings and use of force that cause great bodily harm at the direction of the commission.
City Council
1 –
2 1/26/2026
Police Oversight Commission Ordinance Work Study Session January 26, 2026
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1 4
If the desired option is to maintain the current ordinance as is, staff recommends including clean up language to align with the City Charter and have the Independent Oversight Director be appointed by the City Manager, remain independent from the Police Department, and still vetted by the City Council.
Background
On November 15, 2022, the City Council adopted an ordinance establishing a Police Oversight Commission. The purpose of the Police Oversight Commission is to enhance transparency, increase accountability of and public confidence in the Santa Ana Police Department (SAPD), and provide for an Independent Oversight Director to provide the Chief of Police, City Manager, and City Council independent investigations of, analysis, and recommendations on police practices, police misconduct, officer involved shootings, and other serious uses of force.
July 18, 2023:
City Council received an informational report providing an update on the implementation of the Commission, including the status of Commissioner appointments, the ongoing recruitment process for the Independent Oversight Director, and the anticipated timeline for convening the Commission's inaugural meeting.
October 6, 2023:
The six appointed members of the Police Oversight Commission held their first official meeting, marking the operational launch of the Commission. Since that time, the Commission has met regularly and its members have completed the training requirements as outlined in the Ordinance.
April 4, 2025:
Implementation of the existing ordinance revealed a conflict with the Public Safety Officers Procedural Bill of Rights Act (California Government Code Sections 3300–3313), prompting the need for a comprehensive review. In response, the Police Oversight Ad Hoc Committee convened to evaluate the ordinance and recommend appropriate amendments to ensure legal compliance and effective oversight.
July 1, 2025:
Police Oversight Director T. Jack Morse of Oppenheimer Investigations Group LLP was appointed as the Oversight Director.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action.
EXHIBIT(S)
1. Ordinance No. NS-3029
City Council
1 –
3 1/26/2026
Police Oversight Commission Ordinance Work Study Session January 26, 2026
5 3
1 4
Submitted By: Sylvia Vazquez, Deputy City Manager
Approved By: Alvaro Nuñez, City Manager
City Council
1 –
4 1/26/2026