Planning Commission
Regular Meeting Agenda Minutes
September 8, 2025
5:30 P.M.
Council Chamber
22 Civic Center Plaza
Santa Ana, CA
ISURI S. RAMOS
Chair, Ward 3 Representative
CARL BENNINGER
ViceChair,
Ward 4 Representative
CHRISTOPHER LEO
Citywide Representative
MANUEL J. ESCAMILLA
Ward 2 Representative
JENNIFER OLIVA
Ward 6 Representative
BAO PHAM
Ward 1 Representative
ALAN WOO
Ward 5 Representative
Ali Pezeshkpour, AICP
Executive Director
Melissa M. Crosthwaite
Legal Counsel
Ricardo Soto, AICP
Acting Planning Manager
Gema Zapien
Acting Recording Secretary
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/citymeetings.
CALL TO ORDER
Commissioners: Isuri S. Ramos, Chair
Carl Benninger, Vice
Chair
Christopher Leo
Manuel J. Escamilla
Jennifer Oliva
Bao Pham
Alan Woo
Executive Director Ali Pezeshkpour, AICP
Legal Counsel Melissa M. Crosthwaite
Acting Planning Manager Ricardo Soto, AICP
Acting Recording Secretary Gema Zapien
ROLL CALL
Minutes: Quorum was reached at 5:34 PM with Commissioner Escamilla arriving at 5:39 PM and Commissioners Pham and Woo absent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
PUBLIC COMMENTS
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS
a. Minutes
Recommended Action: Approve Minutes from August 25, 2025. b. Excused Absences
Recommended Action: Excuse absent commissioners.
c. Receive and file the 2025 Annual Monitoring Report for Development Agreement No. 201802 between the City of Santa Ana and MainPlace Shoppingtown, LLC, for the property located at 2800 N. Main Street in the Specific Plan No. 4 Zoning District.
Recommended Action: Receive and file the 2025 Annual Monitoring Report.
Moved by Commissioner Leo, seconded by Commissioner Benninger to Approve consent calendar.
YES: 4 – Isuri Ramos, Christopher Leo, Jennifer Oliva, Carl Benninger NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 3 – Bao Pham, Alan Woo, Manuel J. Escamilla Status: 4 – 0 – 0 – 3 – Pass
*End of Consent Calendar*
BUSINESS CALENDAR
Business – Miscellaneous (NonPublic Hearing):
1. PUBLIC FACILITIES NAMING NO. 202502 FOR SANTA ANA POLICE ATHLETIC AND ACTIVITY LEAGUE (PAAL) CENTER LOCATED AT 2627 WEST
MCFADDEN AVENUE.
Project Applicant:
City of Santa Ana
Proposed Project: City of Santa Ana is requesting the Planning Commission approve Public Facilities Naming (PFN) No. 202502 to rename the Santa Ana Police Athletic and Activity League (PAAL) Center, located at 2627 W. McFadden Avenue, to the Jose Vargas PAAL Center.
Environmental Impact:
In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act and the CEQA Guidelines, the recommended action is exempt from further review per Section 15061(b)(3). This general rule exemption is allowed provided it can be determined with certainty that the proposed project will not have a significant effect on the environment. As the project consists of naming of a public facility, the general rule exemption is applicable. A Notice of Exemption, Environmental Review No. 202584, will be filed for this project.
Recommended Action:
Adopt a resolution approving Public Facilities Naming No. 202502, renaming the Santa Ana Police Athletic and Activity League Center at 2627 W. McFadden Avenue to the “Jose Vargas PAAL Center.”
Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation.
Moved by Commissioner Benninger, seconded by Commissioner Escamilla to Approve.
YES: 5 – Isuri Ramos, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla, Jennifer Oliva, Carl Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 2 – Bao Pham, Alan Woo
Status: 5 – 0 – 0 – 2 – Pass
*End of Business Calendar*
STAFF COMMENTS
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Minutes: Commission had comments for staff.
ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting of the Planning Commission will be on September 22, 2025, at 5:30 PM in the Council Chamber located at 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Minutes: Meeting was adjourned at 5:47 PM
APPEAL INFORMATION
The formal action by the Planning Commission shall become effective after the tenday appeal period, unless the City Council in compliance with section 41643, 41644 or 41645 holds a public hearing on the matter, then the formal action will become effective on the day following the hearing and decision by the City Council. An appeal from the decision or requirement of the Planning Commission may be made by any interested party, individual, or group. The appeal must be filed with the Clerk of the Council, accompanied by the required filing fee, and a copy sent to the Planning Department, within ten days of the date of the Commission's action, by 5:00 p.m. If the final day to appeal falls on a City Hall observed holiday or a day when City hall is closed, the final day to appeal shall be extended to the next day City Hall is open for public business. Please note: Under California Government Code Sec. 65009, if you challenge in court any of the matters on this agenda for which a public hearing is to be conducted, you may be limited to raising only those issues which you (or someone else) raised orally at the public hearing or in written correspondence received by the Planning Commission or City Council at or before the hearing.
MEETING INFORMATION
If you would like to learn how to use Zoom before the meeting, visit Zoom Video Tutorials.
1. Connecting directly from your computer:
Click on the link on top of this agenda OR
Go to Zoom.us and click "Join a Meeting" at the top. Enter the Meeting ID. The Meeting ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed, click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know you wish to speak. You will have 3 minutes.
2. Connecting via the Zoom App:
Download the free Zoom Cloud Meetings app from your favorite app store.
Launch the app and click on the blue Join a Meeting button. Enter the Meeting ID, your name, and the blue Join button. The Meeting ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed, click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know you wish to speak. You will have 3 minutes.
3. Dialing in from a mobile phone or landline:
Dial (669) 9009128. When prompted, enter the meeting ID. The Meeting ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed, press *9 on your phone to virtually raise your hand. You will have 3 minutes.
Submit a written comment
You are invited to submit a written comment in one of the following ways:
Email PBAecomments@santaana.org and reference the topic in the subject line.
Mail to Gema Zapien, Acting Recording Secretary, City of Santa Ana, 20 Civic Center Plaza – M20, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Deadline to submit written comments, including any supplement materials for consideration by the Planning Commission, is 3:30 p.m. on the day of the meeting. Comments received after the deadline may not be distributed to the Commission but will be made part of the record. All attendees wishing to submit written comments or supplemental materials for distribution to Planning Commission members during the inperson meeting must provide 15 printed copies.
1 Planning Commission
9/8/2025
Planning Commission
Regular Meeting Agenda Minutes
September 8, 2025
5:30 P.M.
Council Chamber
22 Civic Center Plaza
Santa Ana, CA
ISURI S. RAMOS
Chair, Ward 3 Representative
CARL BENNINGER
ViceChair,
Ward 4 Representative
CHRISTOPHER LEO
Citywide Representative
MANUEL J. ESCAMILLA
Ward 2 Representative
JENNIFER OLIVA
Ward 6 Representative
BAO PHAM
Ward 1 Representative
ALAN WOO
Ward 5 Representative
Ali Pezeshkpour, AICP
Executive Director
Melissa M. Crosthwaite
Legal Counsel
Ricardo Soto, AICP
Acting Planning Manager
Gema Zapien
Acting Recording Secretary
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/citymeetings.
CALL TO ORDER
Commissioners: Isuri S. Ramos, Chair
Carl Benninger, Vice
Chair
Christopher Leo
Manuel J. Escamilla
Jennifer Oliva
Bao Pham
Alan Woo
Executive Director Ali Pezeshkpour, AICP
Legal Counsel Melissa M. Crosthwaite
Acting Planning Manager Ricardo Soto, AICP
Acting Recording Secretary Gema Zapien
ROLL CALL
Minutes: Quorum was reached at 5:34 PM with Commissioner Escamilla arriving at 5:39 PM and Commissioners Pham and Woo absent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
PUBLIC COMMENTS
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS
a. Minutes
Recommended Action: Approve Minutes from August 25, 2025. b. Excused Absences
Recommended Action: Excuse absent commissioners.
c. Receive and file the 2025 Annual Monitoring Report for Development Agreement No. 201802 between the City of Santa Ana and MainPlace Shoppingtown, LLC, for the property located at 2800 N. Main Street in the Specific Plan No. 4 Zoning District.
Recommended Action: Receive and file the 2025 Annual Monitoring Report.
Moved by Commissioner Leo, seconded by Commissioner Benninger to Approve consent calendar.
YES: 4 – Isuri Ramos, Christopher Leo, Jennifer Oliva, Carl Benninger NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 3 – Bao Pham, Alan Woo, Manuel J. Escamilla Status: 4 – 0 – 0 – 3 – Pass
*End of Consent Calendar*
BUSINESS CALENDAR
Business – Miscellaneous (NonPublic Hearing):
1. PUBLIC FACILITIES NAMING NO. 202502 FOR SANTA ANA POLICE ATHLETIC AND ACTIVITY LEAGUE (PAAL) CENTER LOCATED AT 2627 WEST
MCFADDEN AVENUE.
Project Applicant:
City of Santa Ana
Proposed Project: City of Santa Ana is requesting the Planning Commission approve Public Facilities Naming (PFN) No. 202502 to rename the Santa Ana Police Athletic and Activity League (PAAL) Center, located at 2627 W. McFadden Avenue, to the Jose Vargas PAAL Center.
Environmental Impact:
In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act and the CEQA Guidelines, the recommended action is exempt from further review per Section 15061(b)(3). This general rule exemption is allowed provided it can be determined with certainty that the proposed project will not have a significant effect on the environment. As the project consists of naming of a public facility, the general rule exemption is applicable. A Notice of Exemption, Environmental Review No. 202584, will be filed for this project.
Recommended Action:
Adopt a resolution approving Public Facilities Naming No. 202502, renaming the Santa Ana Police Athletic and Activity League Center at 2627 W. McFadden Avenue to the “Jose Vargas PAAL Center.”
Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation.
Moved by Commissioner Benninger, seconded by Commissioner Escamilla to Approve.
YES: 5 – Isuri Ramos, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla, Jennifer Oliva, Carl Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 2 – Bao Pham, Alan Woo
Status: 5 – 0 – 0 – 2 – Pass
*End of Business Calendar*
STAFF COMMENTS
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Minutes: Commission had comments for staff.
ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting of the Planning Commission will be on September 22, 2025, at 5:30 PM in the Council Chamber located at 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Minutes: Meeting was adjourned at 5:47 PM
APPEAL INFORMATION
The formal action by the Planning Commission shall become effective after the tenday appeal period, unless the City Council in compliance with section 41643, 41644 or 41645 holds a public hearing on the matter, then the formal action will become effective on the day following the hearing and decision by the City Council. An appeal from the decision or requirement of the Planning Commission may be made by any interested party, individual, or group. The appeal must be filed with the Clerk of the Council, accompanied by the required filing fee, and a copy sent to the Planning Department, within ten days of the date of the Commission's action, by 5:00 p.m. If the final day to appeal falls on a City Hall observed holiday or a day when City hall is closed, the final day to appeal shall be extended to the next day City Hall is open for public business. Please note: Under California Government Code Sec. 65009, if you challenge in court any of the matters on this agenda for which a public hearing is to be conducted, you may be limited to raising only those issues which you (or someone else) raised orally at the public hearing or in written correspondence received by the Planning Commission or City Council at or before the hearing.
MEETING INFORMATION
If you would like to learn how to use Zoom before the meeting, visit Zoom Video Tutorials.
1. Connecting directly from your computer:
Click on the link on top of this agenda OR
Go to Zoom.us and click "Join a Meeting" at the top. Enter the Meeting ID. The Meeting ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed, click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know you wish to speak. You will have 3 minutes.
2. Connecting via the Zoom App:
Download the free Zoom Cloud Meetings app from your favorite app store.
Launch the app and click on the blue Join a Meeting button. Enter the Meeting ID, your name, and the blue Join button. The Meeting ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed, click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know you wish to speak. You will have 3 minutes.
3. Dialing in from a mobile phone or landline:
Dial (669) 9009128. When prompted, enter the meeting ID. The Meeting ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed, press *9 on your phone to virtually raise your hand. You will have 3 minutes.
Submit a written comment
You are invited to submit a written comment in one of the following ways:
Email PBAecomments@santaana.org and reference the topic in the subject line.
Mail to Gema Zapien, Acting Recording Secretary, City of Santa Ana, 20 Civic Center Plaza – M20, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Deadline to submit written comments, including any supplement materials for consideration by the Planning Commission, is 3:30 p.m. on the day of the meeting. Comments received after the deadline may not be distributed to the Commission but will be made part of the record. All attendees wishing to submit written comments or supplemental materials for distribution to Planning Commission members during the inperson meeting must provide 15 printed copies.
2 Planning Commission
9/8/2025
Planning Commission
Regular Meeting Agenda Minutes
September 8, 2025
5:30 P.M.
Council Chamber
22 Civic Center Plaza
Santa Ana, CA
ISURI S. RAMOS
Chair, Ward 3 Representative
CARL BENNINGER
ViceChair,
Ward 4 Representative
CHRISTOPHER LEO
Citywide Representative
MANUEL J. ESCAMILLA
Ward 2 Representative
JENNIFER OLIVA
Ward 6 Representative
BAO PHAM
Ward 1 Representative
ALAN WOO
Ward 5 Representative
Ali Pezeshkpour, AICP
Executive Director
Melissa M. Crosthwaite
Legal Counsel
Ricardo Soto, AICP
Acting Planning Manager
Gema Zapien
Acting Recording Secretary
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/citymeetings.
CALL TO ORDER
Commissioners: Isuri S. Ramos, Chair
Carl Benninger, Vice
Chair
Christopher Leo
Manuel J. Escamilla
Jennifer Oliva
Bao Pham
Alan Woo
Executive Director Ali Pezeshkpour, AICP
Legal Counsel Melissa M. Crosthwaite
Acting Planning Manager Ricardo Soto, AICP
Acting Recording Secretary Gema Zapien
ROLL CALL
Minutes: Quorum was reached at 5:34 PM with Commissioner Escamilla arriving at 5:39 PM and Commissioners Pham and Woo absent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
PUBLIC COMMENTS
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS
a. Minutes
Recommended Action: Approve Minutes from August 25, 2025. b. Excused Absences
Recommended Action: Excuse absent commissioners.
c. Receive and file the 2025 Annual Monitoring Report for Development Agreement No. 201802 between the City of Santa Ana and MainPlace Shoppingtown, LLC, for the property located at 2800 N. Main Street in the Specific Plan No. 4 Zoning District.
Recommended Action: Receive and file the 2025 Annual Monitoring Report.
Moved by Commissioner Leo, seconded by Commissioner Benninger to Approve consent calendar.
YES: 4 – Isuri Ramos, Christopher Leo, Jennifer Oliva, Carl Benninger NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 3 – Bao Pham, Alan Woo, Manuel J. Escamilla Status: 4 – 0 – 0 – 3 – Pass
*End of Consent Calendar*
BUSINESS CALENDAR
Business – Miscellaneous (NonPublic Hearing):
1. PUBLIC FACILITIES NAMING NO. 202502 FOR SANTA ANA POLICE ATHLETIC AND ACTIVITY LEAGUE (PAAL) CENTER LOCATED AT 2627 WEST
MCFADDEN AVENUE.
Project Applicant:
City of Santa Ana
Proposed Project: City of Santa Ana is requesting the Planning Commission approve Public Facilities Naming (PFN) No. 202502 to rename the Santa Ana Police Athletic and Activity League (PAAL) Center, located at 2627 W. McFadden Avenue, to the Jose Vargas PAAL Center.
Environmental Impact:
In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act and the CEQA Guidelines, the recommended action is exempt from further review per Section 15061(b)(3). This general rule exemption is allowed provided it can be determined with certainty that the proposed project will not have a significant effect on the environment. As the project consists of naming of a public facility, the general rule exemption is applicable. A Notice of Exemption, Environmental Review No. 202584, will be filed for this project.
Recommended Action:
Adopt a resolution approving Public Facilities Naming No. 202502, renaming the Santa Ana Police Athletic and Activity League Center at 2627 W. McFadden Avenue to the “Jose Vargas PAAL Center.”
Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation.
Moved by Commissioner Benninger, seconded by Commissioner Escamilla to Approve.
YES: 5 – Isuri Ramos, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla, Jennifer Oliva, Carl Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 2 – Bao Pham, Alan Woo
Status: 5 – 0 – 0 – 2 – Pass
*End of Business Calendar*
STAFF COMMENTS
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Minutes: Commission had comments for staff.
ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting of the Planning Commission will be on September 22, 2025, at 5:30 PM in the Council Chamber located at 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Minutes: Meeting was adjourned at 5:47 PM
APPEAL INFORMATION
The formal action by the Planning Commission shall become effective after the tenday appeal period, unless the City Council in compliance with section 41643, 41644 or 41645 holds a public hearing on the matter, then the formal action will become effective on the day following the hearing and decision by the City Council. An appeal from the decision or requirement of the Planning Commission may be made by any interested party, individual, or group. The appeal must be filed with the Clerk of the Council, accompanied by the required filing fee, and a copy sent to the Planning Department, within ten days of the date of the Commission's action, by 5:00 p.m. If the final day to appeal falls on a City Hall observed holiday or a day when City hall is closed, the final day to appeal shall be extended to the next day City Hall is open for public business. Please note: Under California Government Code Sec. 65009, if you challenge in court any of the matters on this agenda for which a public hearing is to be conducted, you may be limited to raising only those issues which you (or someone else) raised orally at the public hearing or in written correspondence received by the Planning Commission or City Council at or before the hearing.
MEETING INFORMATION
If you would like to learn how to use Zoom before the meeting, visit Zoom Video Tutorials.
1. Connecting directly from your computer:
Click on the link on top of this agenda OR
Go to Zoom.us and click "Join a Meeting" at the top. Enter the Meeting ID. The Meeting ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed, click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know you wish to speak. You will have 3 minutes.
2. Connecting via the Zoom App:
Download the free Zoom Cloud Meetings app from your favorite app store.
Launch the app and click on the blue Join a Meeting button. Enter the Meeting ID, your name, and the blue Join button. The Meeting ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed, click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know you wish to speak. You will have 3 minutes.
3. Dialing in from a mobile phone or landline:
Dial (669) 9009128. When prompted, enter the meeting ID. The Meeting ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed, press *9 on your phone to virtually raise your hand. You will have 3 minutes.
Submit a written comment
You are invited to submit a written comment in one of the following ways:
Email PBAecomments@santaana.org and reference the topic in the subject line.
Mail to Gema Zapien, Acting Recording Secretary, City of Santa Ana, 20 Civic Center Plaza – M20, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Deadline to submit written comments, including any supplement materials for consideration by the Planning Commission, is 3:30 p.m. on the day of the meeting. Comments received after the deadline may not be distributed to the Commission but will be made part of the record. All attendees wishing to submit written comments or supplemental materials for distribution to Planning Commission members during the inperson meeting must provide 15 printed copies.
3 Planning Commission
9/8/2025
Planning Commission
Regular Meeting Agenda Minutes
September 8, 2025
5:30 P.M.
Council Chamber
22 Civic Center Plaza
Santa Ana, CA
ISURI S. RAMOS
Chair, Ward 3 Representative
CARL BENNINGER
ViceChair,
Ward 4 Representative
CHRISTOPHER LEO
Citywide Representative
MANUEL J. ESCAMILLA
Ward 2 Representative
JENNIFER OLIVA
Ward 6 Representative
BAO PHAM
Ward 1 Representative
ALAN WOO
Ward 5 Representative
Ali Pezeshkpour, AICP
Executive Director
Melissa M. Crosthwaite
Legal Counsel
Ricardo Soto, AICP
Acting Planning Manager
Gema Zapien
Acting Recording Secretary
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/citymeetings.
CALL TO ORDER
Commissioners: Isuri S. Ramos, Chair
Carl Benninger, Vice
Chair
Christopher Leo
Manuel J. Escamilla
Jennifer Oliva
Bao Pham
Alan Woo
Executive Director Ali Pezeshkpour, AICP
Legal Counsel Melissa M. Crosthwaite
Acting Planning Manager Ricardo Soto, AICP
Acting Recording Secretary Gema Zapien
ROLL CALL
Minutes: Quorum was reached at 5:34 PM with Commissioner Escamilla arriving at 5:39 PM and Commissioners Pham and Woo absent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
PUBLIC COMMENTS
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS
a. Minutes
Recommended Action: Approve Minutes from August 25, 2025. b. Excused Absences
Recommended Action: Excuse absent commissioners.
c. Receive and file the 2025 Annual Monitoring Report for Development Agreement No. 201802 between the City of Santa Ana and MainPlace Shoppingtown, LLC, for the property located at 2800 N. Main Street in the Specific Plan No. 4 Zoning District.
Recommended Action: Receive and file the 2025 Annual Monitoring Report.
Moved by Commissioner Leo, seconded by Commissioner Benninger to Approve consent calendar.
YES: 4 – Isuri Ramos, Christopher Leo, Jennifer Oliva, Carl Benninger NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 3 – Bao Pham, Alan Woo, Manuel J. Escamilla Status: 4 – 0 – 0 – 3 – Pass
*End of Consent Calendar*
BUSINESS CALENDAR
Business – Miscellaneous (NonPublic Hearing):
1. PUBLIC FACILITIES NAMING NO. 202502 FOR SANTA ANA POLICE ATHLETIC AND ACTIVITY LEAGUE (PAAL) CENTER LOCATED AT 2627 WEST
MCFADDEN AVENUE.
Project Applicant:
City of Santa Ana
Proposed Project: City of Santa Ana is requesting the Planning Commission approve Public Facilities Naming (PFN) No. 202502 to rename the Santa Ana Police Athletic and Activity League (PAAL) Center, located at 2627 W. McFadden Avenue, to the Jose Vargas PAAL Center.
Environmental Impact:
In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act and the CEQA Guidelines, the recommended action is exempt from further review per Section 15061(b)(3). This general rule exemption is allowed provided it can be determined with certainty that the proposed project will not have a significant effect on the environment. As the project consists of naming of a public facility, the general rule exemption is applicable. A Notice of Exemption, Environmental Review No. 202584, will be filed for this project.
Recommended Action:
Adopt a resolution approving Public Facilities Naming No. 202502, renaming the Santa Ana Police Athletic and Activity League Center at 2627 W. McFadden Avenue to the “Jose Vargas PAAL Center.”
Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation.
Moved by Commissioner Benninger, seconded by Commissioner Escamilla to Approve.
YES: 5 – Isuri Ramos, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla, Jennifer Oliva, Carl Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 2 – Bao Pham, Alan Woo
Status: 5 – 0 – 0 – 2 – Pass
*End of Business Calendar*
STAFF COMMENTS
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Minutes: Commission had comments for staff.
ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting of the Planning Commission will be on September 22, 2025, at 5:30 PM in the Council Chamber located at 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Minutes: Meeting was adjourned at 5:47 PM
APPEAL INFORMATION
The formal action by the Planning Commission shall become effective after the tenday appeal period, unless the City Council in compliance with section 41643, 41644 or 41645 holds a public hearing on the matter, then the formal action will become effective on the day following the hearing and decision by the City Council. An appeal from the decision or requirement of the Planning Commission may be made by any interested party, individual, or group. The appeal must be filed with the Clerk of the Council, accompanied by the required filing fee, and a copy sent to the Planning Department, within ten days of the date of the Commission's action, by 5:00 p.m. If the final day to appeal falls on a City Hall observed holiday or a day when City hall is closed, the final day to appeal shall be extended to the next day City Hall is open for public business. Please note: Under California Government Code Sec. 65009, if you challenge in court any of the matters on this agenda for which a public hearing is to be conducted, you may be limited to raising only those issues which you (or someone else) raised orally at the public hearing or in written correspondence received by the Planning Commission or City Council at or before the hearing.
MEETING INFORMATION
If you would like to learn how to use Zoom before the meeting, visit Zoom Video Tutorials.
1. Connecting directly from your computer:
Click on the link on top of this agenda OR
Go to Zoom.us and click "Join a Meeting" at the top. Enter the Meeting ID. The Meeting ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed, click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know you wish to speak. You will have 3 minutes.
2. Connecting via the Zoom App:
Download the free Zoom Cloud Meetings app from your favorite app store.
Launch the app and click on the blue Join a Meeting button. Enter the Meeting ID, your name, and the blue Join button. The Meeting ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed, click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know you wish to speak. You will have 3 minutes.
3. Dialing in from a mobile phone or landline:
Dial (669) 9009128. When prompted, enter the meeting ID. The Meeting ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed, press *9 on your phone to virtually raise your hand. You will have 3 minutes.
Submit a written comment
You are invited to submit a written comment in one of the following ways:
Email PBAecomments@santaana.org and reference the topic in the subject line.
Mail to Gema Zapien, Acting Recording Secretary, City of Santa Ana, 20 Civic Center Plaza – M20, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Deadline to submit written comments, including any supplement materials for consideration by the Planning Commission, is 3:30 p.m. on the day of the meeting. Comments received after the deadline may not be distributed to the Commission but will be made part of the record. All attendees wishing to submit written comments or supplemental materials for distribution to Planning Commission members during the inperson meeting must provide 15 printed copies.
4 Planning Commission
9/8/2025
Planning Commission
Regular Meeting Agenda Minutes
September 8, 2025
5:30 P.M.
Council Chamber
22 Civic Center Plaza
Santa Ana, CA
ISURI S. RAMOS
Chair, Ward 3 Representative
CARL BENNINGER
ViceChair,
Ward 4 Representative
CHRISTOPHER LEO
Citywide Representative
MANUEL J. ESCAMILLA
Ward 2 Representative
JENNIFER OLIVA
Ward 6 Representative
BAO PHAM
Ward 1 Representative
ALAN WOO
Ward 5 Representative
Ali Pezeshkpour, AICP
Executive Director
Melissa M. Crosthwaite
Legal Counsel
Ricardo Soto, AICP
Acting Planning Manager
Gema Zapien
Acting Recording Secretary
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/citymeetings.
CALL TO ORDER
Commissioners: Isuri S. Ramos, Chair
Carl Benninger, Vice
Chair
Christopher Leo
Manuel J. Escamilla
Jennifer Oliva
Bao Pham
Alan Woo
Executive Director Ali Pezeshkpour, AICP
Legal Counsel Melissa M. Crosthwaite
Acting Planning Manager Ricardo Soto, AICP
Acting Recording Secretary Gema Zapien
ROLL CALL
Minutes: Quorum was reached at 5:34 PM with Commissioner Escamilla arriving at 5:39 PM and Commissioners Pham and Woo absent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
PUBLIC COMMENTS
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS
a. Minutes
Recommended Action: Approve Minutes from August 25, 2025. b. Excused Absences
Recommended Action: Excuse absent commissioners.
c. Receive and file the 2025 Annual Monitoring Report for Development Agreement No. 201802 between the City of Santa Ana and MainPlace Shoppingtown, LLC, for the property located at 2800 N. Main Street in the Specific Plan No. 4 Zoning District.
Recommended Action: Receive and file the 2025 Annual Monitoring Report.
Moved by Commissioner Leo, seconded by Commissioner Benninger to Approve consent calendar.
YES: 4 – Isuri Ramos, Christopher Leo, Jennifer Oliva, Carl Benninger NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 3 – Bao Pham, Alan Woo, Manuel J. Escamilla Status: 4 – 0 – 0 – 3 – Pass
*End of Consent Calendar*
BUSINESS CALENDAR
Business – Miscellaneous (NonPublic Hearing):
1. PUBLIC FACILITIES NAMING NO. 202502 FOR SANTA ANA POLICE ATHLETIC AND ACTIVITY LEAGUE (PAAL) CENTER LOCATED AT 2627 WEST
MCFADDEN AVENUE.
Project Applicant:
City of Santa Ana
Proposed Project: City of Santa Ana is requesting the Planning Commission approve Public Facilities Naming (PFN) No. 202502 to rename the Santa Ana Police Athletic and Activity League (PAAL) Center, located at 2627 W. McFadden Avenue, to the Jose Vargas PAAL Center.
Environmental Impact:
In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act and the CEQA Guidelines, the recommended action is exempt from further review per Section 15061(b)(3). This general rule exemption is allowed provided it can be determined with certainty that the proposed project will not have a significant effect on the environment. As the project consists of naming of a public facility, the general rule exemption is applicable. A Notice of Exemption, Environmental Review No. 202584, will be filed for this project.
Recommended Action:
Adopt a resolution approving Public Facilities Naming No. 202502, renaming the Santa Ana Police Athletic and Activity League Center at 2627 W. McFadden Avenue to the “Jose Vargas PAAL Center.”
Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation.
Moved by Commissioner Benninger, seconded by Commissioner Escamilla to Approve.
YES: 5 – Isuri Ramos, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla, Jennifer Oliva, Carl Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 2 – Bao Pham, Alan Woo
Status: 5 – 0 – 0 – 2 – Pass
*End of Business Calendar*
STAFF COMMENTS
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Minutes: Commission had comments for staff.
ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting of the Planning Commission will be on September 22, 2025, at 5:30 PM in the Council Chamber located at 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Minutes: Meeting was adjourned at 5:47 PM
APPEAL INFORMATION
The formal action by the Planning Commission shall become effective after the tenday appeal period, unless the City Council in compliance with section 41643, 41644 or 41645 holds a public hearing on the matter, then the formal action will become effective on the day following the hearing and decision by the City Council. An appeal from the decision or requirement of the Planning Commission may be made by any interested party, individual, or group. The appeal must be filed with the Clerk of the Council, accompanied by the required filing fee, and a copy sent to the Planning Department, within ten days of the date of the Commission's action, by 5:00 p.m. If the final day to appeal falls on a City Hall observed holiday or a day when City hall is closed, the final day to appeal shall be extended to the next day City Hall is open for public business. Please note: Under California Government Code Sec. 65009, if you challenge in court any of the matters on this agenda for which a public hearing is to be conducted, you may be limited to raising only those issues which you (or someone else) raised orally at the public hearing or in written correspondence received by the Planning Commission or City Council at or before the hearing.
MEETING INFORMATION
If you would like to learn how to use Zoom before the meeting, visit Zoom Video Tutorials.
1. Connecting directly from your computer:
Click on the link on top of this agenda OR
Go to Zoom.us and click "Join a Meeting" at the top. Enter the Meeting ID. The Meeting ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed, click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know you wish to speak. You will have 3 minutes.
2. Connecting via the Zoom App:
Download the free Zoom Cloud Meetings app from your favorite app store.
Launch the app and click on the blue Join a Meeting button. Enter the Meeting ID, your name, and the blue Join button. The Meeting ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed, click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know you wish to speak. You will have 3 minutes.
3. Dialing in from a mobile phone or landline:
Dial (669) 9009128. When prompted, enter the meeting ID. The Meeting ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed, press *9 on your phone to virtually raise your hand. You will have 3 minutes.
Submit a written comment
You are invited to submit a written comment in one of the following ways:
Email PBAecomments@santaana.org and reference the topic in the subject line.
Mail to Gema Zapien, Acting Recording Secretary, City of Santa Ana, 20 Civic Center Plaza – M20, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Deadline to submit written comments, including any supplement materials for consideration by the Planning Commission, is 3:30 p.m. on the day of the meeting. Comments received after the deadline may not be distributed to the Commission but will be made part of the record. All attendees wishing to submit written comments or supplemental materials for distribution to Planning Commission members during the inperson meeting must provide 15 printed copies. 5 Planning Commission
9/8/2025
Respectfully submitted:
_________________________
Gema Zapien
Planning Commission Secretary