June 16, 2026
Orange County Board of Supervisors
400 W. Civic Center Drive
Santa Ana, CA 92701
RE: Opposition to Proposed Coordinated Reentry Center in Santa Ana Honorable Chair and Members of the Board:
I write in opposition to the County’s proposal to develop a Coordinated Reentry Center at the former Youth Guidance Center site in Santa Ana. I am particularly concerned about the County’s lack of engagement with the affected community members and the decision to move forward without their feedback.
While I support investments in reentry services and programs that help individuals successfully transition into their communities, the location of such facilities must be determined through a transparent process that includes robust community engagement, careful evaluation of alternative sites, and consideration of the cumulative impacts borne by host communit ies. The concerns raised by the City of Santa Ana, its residents, neighborhood leaders, local businesses, and community stakeholders deserve serious consideration. The County should not move forward with a project of this magnitude without broad community suppo rt, meaningful stakeholder engagement, and a transparent evaluation of alternative locations throughout Orange County.
Santa Ana has a history of hosting a significant concentration of regional facilities, including correctional, behavioral health, social service, and homeless services infrastructure and has repeatedly demonstrated its willingness to partner in addressing countywide challenges. The question before the County is not whether reentry services are needed, but how to ensure the responsibility is shared equitably within the region.
I respectfully urge the Board of Supervisors to suspend further advancement of the proposed Coordinated Reentry Center at the former Youth Guidance Center site and conduct a comprehensive evaluation of alternative locations throughout Orange County.
Thank you for your consideration of this request.
In Service,
A VELINO V ALENCIA
Assemblymember, 68th District
EXHIBIT 6