City Manager’s Office
www.santa-ana.org/cm
Item # 19
City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Staff Report
July 21, 2026
TOPIC: Direction Regarding the Proposed Orange County Coordinated Reentry Center at the Former Youth Guidance Center Site in Santa Ana
AGENDA TITLE
Direction Regarding the Proposed Orange County Coordinated Reentry Center at the Former Youth Guidance Center Site in Santa Ana
RECOMMENDED ACTION
1. Direct the City Manager to draft a resolution formally opposing the proposed Orange County Coordinated Reentry Center at the former Youth Guidance Center site located in the City of Santa Ana.
2. Direct the City Manager to communicate the City's opposition to the Orange County Board of Supervisors, Orange County Executive Officer, and other appropriate agencies, and to advocate for the identification and evaluation of alternative locations elsewhere in Orange County.
3. Direct the City Attorney to evaluate and report to the City Council regarding any legal remedies available to the City related to the proposed project, including, but not limited to, applicable land use regulations, procedural requirements, and any other potential legal or administrative actions.
GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES: No
DISCUSSION
The County of Orange is proposing to redevelop the former Youth Guidance Center property, located in the City of Santa Ana, into a Coordinated Reentry Center intended to provide a range of services for justice-involved individuals transitioning back into the community. According to County documents, the project has evolved from earlier facility planning efforts and has received preliminary funding through the County's Capital Improvement Program.
Direction Regarding the Proposed Orange County Coordinated Reentry Center at the Former Youth Guidance Center Site in Santa Ana
July 21, 2026
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During the Orange County Board of Supervisors' Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget hearings, County staff indicated that approximately $21.6 million has been allocated toward the project, with approximately $2.4 million already expended for planning and design.
County staff further stated that the overall project cost could exceed $60 million as additional phases are implemented.
In light of this approval and subsequent public discourse, the Mayor consulted with the City Manager to place this item on the City Council Meeting Agenda. Although Orange County officials have stated that the project has not yet received final Board approval and will require future discretionary action before construction proceeds, the City has significant concerns regarding both the proposed location and the public process surrounding the project.
Community Concerns
Residents have expressed concerns regarding the proposed location, the concentration of regional facilities within Santa Ana, potential impacts on surrounding neighborhoods, and the adequacy of community outreach conducted by the County. During the County's budget hearing, Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento similarly expressed concerns regarding the public engagement process and requested that the County delay the project, conduct additional stakeholder outreach, and evaluate alternative sites throughout Orange County.
The City recognizes the importance of providing services to individuals reentering the community following incarceration and supports regional efforts to improve housing stability, behavioral health services, workforce development, and recidivism reduction.
However, the City believes these important regional services should be planned through a transparent, collaborative process that equitably distributes countywide facilities among Orange County jurisdictions.
Need for Formal City Position
To date, City officials have expressed concerns regarding the project through correspondence and public statements by City Manager Nuñez, Mayor Valerie Amezcua, Councilmember Jessie Lopez, and Councilmember Phil Bacerra. Other local elected officials representing Santa Ana have weighed in through letters of opposition to the County, including Congressman Lou Correa, State Senator Tom Umberg, and Assemblymember Avelino Valencia. (Exhibits 1 through 6) The County, in response, sent the City of Santa Ana two formal letters asking to meet with City officials from former Interim County Executive Officer (CEO) Michelle Aguirre and current Interim CEO KC Roestenberg. The letters were sent the day before budget discussions, and after the County subsequently approved funding for the project. (Exhibits 7 and 8)
Direction Regarding the Proposed Orange County Coordinated Reentry Center at the Former Youth Guidance Center Site in Santa Ana
July 21, 2026
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The County CEO's correspondence and request to meet appear to provide the City with limited opportunity to meaningfully participate in the evaluation of alternative locations for the proposed Coordinated Reentry Center or other potential uses for the property at 3030 Hesperian Way.
The City's concern is that the County's communications reflect an apparent commitment to proceeding with the proposed Santa Ana location, rather than engaging in an open and collaborative process that genuinely considers alternative sites or project options.
Consequently, the City believes the proposed discussions may not constitute meaningful consultation or afford the City an adequate opportunity to influence the County's decision-making process.
Given the continued advancement of County planning efforts despite the City’s representatives voicing concerns, it is appropriate for the City Council to formally establish the City's position through official Council action.
Formal opposition would clearly communicate the City's concerns to County decision- makers while requesting that the County identify alternative locations and conduct meaningful public engagement before any further project approvals are considered.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
There is no environmental impact associated with this action.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action.
EXHIBIT(S)
1. Letter of Opposition by Mayor Amezcua and City Manager Nuñez
2. Letter of Opposition by Councilmember Lopez
3. Letter of Opposition by Councilmember Bacerra
4. Letter of Opposition by Congressman Correa
5. Letter of Opposition by Senator Umberg
6. Letter of Opposition by Assemblymember Valencia
7. Letter from CEO Aguirre (June 22, 2026)
8. Letter from CEO Roestenberg (July 10)
Submitted By: Sylvia Vazquez, Deputy City Manager
Approved By: Alvaro Nuñez, City Manager