HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 22 - Provide Direction Regarding the Future Use of the Vacant Cypress Fire StationCity Manager Office
www.santa-ana.org/city-managers-office
Item # 22
or City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Staff Report
August 16, 2022
TOPIC: Historic Cypress Fire Station
AGENDA TITLE:
Provide Direction Regarding the Future Use of the Vacant Cypress Fire Station at 625 S
Cypress Avenue
RECOMMENDED ACTION
It is recommended that the City Council direct the City Manager to do one of the following:
1. Rehabilitate the vacant Cypress Fire Station at 625 S Cypress Avenue into a new
Police Athletic and Activities League (PAAL) Center.
2. Seek proposals from local nonprofit organizations as tenants through a competitive
Request for Proposals (RFP) process.
DISCUSSION
The Cypress Fire Station, located at 625 S Cypress Avenue in the Pacific Park
neighborhood, was designed by Frederick M. Eley and built in 1928. It has been vacant
for many years and has historic protections for the exterior architecture. In July 2021, the
City Council made the determination to retain ownership of the Cypress Fire Station
instead of offering the property as surplus.
On December 21, 2021, the City Council allocated $1,000,000 to rehabilitate and
repurpose the Cypress Fire Station. There are also funds pending in the federal
Budget. The rehabilitation will include preservation of the historic elements of the
property. Prior to expending funds, it is important to determine the use of the facility to
properly rehabilitate the facility for a specific use instead of an unspecified use or future
tenant.
To that end, staff is seeking concurrence of the City Council to either rehabilitate the
facility for a second City of Santa Ana PAAL Center, or, alternatively, seek proposals from
local nonprofit organizations as tenants. The option that includes a nonprofit organization
as a tenant would extend the timeline to allow for the selected organization to be included
in the design process and layout determination to maximize utilization of the space.
Historic Cypress Fire Station
August 16, 2022
Page 2
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
There is no environmental impact associated with this action.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action.
Submitted By: Kristine Ridge, City Manager
Approved By: Kristine Ridge, City Manager
Wojaczynski, Brittany
From: Yvette A <yvette04a@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, August 16, 2022 3:00 PM
To: Penaloza, David; eComment; Lopez, Jessie; Hernandez, Johnathan; Mendoza, Nelida;
Bacerra, Phil; Phan, Thai; Sarmiento, Vicente
Subject: SAPAAL Is Needed
Dear City Council,
It has come to my attention that not everyone agrees that having the Santa Ana PAAL program open is
beneficial to both the students and the community that it is serving here in Santa Ana. This could not be any
more wrong from the truth and I consider myself an example of how great of a change it can create to a child's
life.
I started attending the PAAL program in 2007 when I was in second grade and since then it became my
second home. The Police Officer and staff motivated me to become the best version of myself, challenging me
to have the best grades, and participate in all types of activities from outdoors camping trips to indoors
musicals at the Segerstrom Center of the Arts. Exposing me to another world, without the exposure I wouldn't
know it was there. I would look forward to meeting outside the program hours dressed up and taken to these
musical performances. Lining up on a Saturday and waiting for us to go to the LA Galaxy soccer game. I was
able to attend the SAPAAL program while Officer Tom was still the director and it was then when I created the
best relationships not only with the staff but also with Officer Tom. To this day even though he is now retired he
has been able and more than willing to help me out when I needed help the most while attending college as a
first -generation student. He created such an amazing environment for all students to participate in and
because of it I had the best memories growing up being able to do things that without the program I would
have probably never done. An example would be when we would go to Sequoia National park for a week and
camp in the cabins, this really took us all out of our comfort zone and demonstrated how beautiful nature is. It
is because of experiences like this that I was able to dream big and decided that for college I would move out,
which I was able to do when I began my journey at UC San Diego. This would have not been possible without
the support and help from all the staff at SAPAAL who helped tremendously on all my journey through college
applications because as a first generation college student they were my source of help that I needed when my
school wasn't there too. Even though many might not believe that kids and cops should associate, I believe
otherwise because they truly changed my life and now they are doing the same to my younger siblings who are
now also a part of the Police Athletic & Activity League here in Santa Ana.
Respectfully,
Yvette Acosta
Santa Ana Alumni.
University of California, San Diego, Public Health Major
Wojaczynski, Brittany
From: Victor Payan <vpayan@alumni.stanford.edu>
Sent: Tuesday, August 16, 2022 2:56 PM
To: eComment
Cc: !City Clerk; Ridge, Kristine; Soto, Daniel
Subject: Request to Table Agenda Item #22: Cypress FS staff recommendation does NOT
reflect community input
Hello, City Council Members,
As a resident of Pacific Park, I am writing to strongly urge the City Council to table Agenda
Item #22 to prevent a travesty in relation to the use of the Cypress Fire Station, because
the staff recommendation DOES NOT reflect community input or requested use for the
space. Say NO to the use of the Cypress Fire Station as a PAAL location by the Santa
Ana Police Department.
I participated in the community effort to save the Cypress Fire Station for community use
and also attended community input sessions regarding desired use of the space.
A large portion of the community input focused on using the Cypress Fire Station for the
following purposes:
A Digital Library
A Community Technology Center
Bridging the digital divide with computer and internet resources
Educational programs for youth and adults
Career development programs for youth and adults
Arts and culture events
Community meeting and event space
This was the prevailing view of the community input, and is alignment with recommended
use of the building by former Parks & Rec and Library Director Gerardo Mouet that goes
back to 2006.
This was expressed more recently at the Pacific Park Neighborhood Association's June
2022 meeting where community input on the Cypress Fire Station was on the agenda. As
you know, the Cypress Fire Station is located in the Pacific Park Neighborhood.
I left that meeting feeling sure that the input of the community was recorded by the staff
and would be included in the recommendation to City Council.
1
You can understand my surprise when I saw that the staff recommendation for the
Cypress Fire Station included NONE of these recommendations from the community and
instead prioritized use for the Santa Ana Police Department's PAAL program.
While a small but forceful number of individuals has been pushing for PAAL use of the
building, I have noted in a previous communication to the City and staff that these
individuals engaged in concerted efforts to silence and stifle community input that was not
in favor of the Cypress Fire Station as a PAAL location. Individuals who DO NOT RESIDE
in the Pacific Park Neighborhood were among the strongest advocates for SAPD use of
the Cypress Fire Station at the Pacific Park Neighborhood Association meeting.
I have also demonstrated how this seems to be coordinated and in cahoots with the SAPD
themselves. The SAPD's involvement in disenfranchising community members from use
of a public building in their community would be highly unscrupulous and unethical
behavior, and should be investigated.
Additionally, at the August 2022 Pacific Park Neighborhood Association meeting, the
SAPD announced that they would be launching the PAAL program in the Roosevelt
Walker Community Center. While this announcement also caused concern, it makes no
sense that the SAPD needs TWO PAAL locations in Pacific Park. Therefore, staff should
NOT have recommended SAPD use of the Cypress Fire Station.
Because of these alarming issues and irregularities, I strongly urge you to table Agenda
Item #22 and explore other uses for the Cypress Fire Station that are more in line with
what the majority of the community input requested and needs.
I also urge you to direct City staff to engage the Santa Ana Unified School District, Santa
Ana College and the Santa Ana Public Library on possible partnerships to deliver critical
educational, technology and career development training at the space.
Given the aforementioned facts, I am sure you will agree that Agenda Item #22 as
recommended should not be approved. Please vote to table the item as written in order to
create a recommendation for use of the Cypress Fire Station that is not a sham and a
waste of a valuable opportunity to provide critical digital resources to Santa Ana residents
of all ages.
Do not hesitate to contact me at 619-701-0073 if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Victor Payan
Pacific Park Resident
Santa Ana Arts Leader
N
Wojaczynski, Brittany
From:
Tim Johnson <tjohnson@jlkrllp.com>
Sent:
Tuesday, August 16, 2022 2:43 PM
To:
eComment
Cc:
Sarmiento, Vicente; Lopez, Jessie; Hernandez, Johnathan; Bacerra, Phil; Phan, Thai;
Penaloza, David; Mendoza, Nelida
Subject:
Item 22 (8.16.22 council agenda)
Mayor, MPT, and Council ... with regards to Item 22 tonight on the Cypress Fire Station, I would encourage you to not
limit the discussion to just either a 1) PAAL center or 2) leased out to a non-profit. I think we should speak with the
community to determine what they are truly needing in the area. This may include a PAAL center, a new library, a new
digital library and e-services space, etc... Further, I do not think we should only be looking at PAAL or leasing to an
outside group. We have a great Library and P&R department that may be able to speak into this space if provided the
time, space, and money.
It is my understanding that there is a PAAL not too far away at Newhope that is not yet really fully functioning for very
long. Do we need another in this area? Are they serving a new population of youth? Perhaps they are expanding the
age that they are seeking to provide activities for beyond ages 8 to 11. With the main library in Civic Center closing for
renovations, does the city have a plan for providing library services for our youth and residents? Perhaps this Cypress
space would be a good thing to consider. These are questions that I have and I believe others may also have which
would be helpful to know the answers too.
Or, maybe there is room for multiple uses at Cypress. Perhaps a digital library, community meeting space, senior
services/craft hours, youth craft hours, office hours for PAAL, tutoring time, STEM projects, etc ... we should not limit our
thinking but instead expand it for the best use of the community. Mulit-use space that can be dynamically changed
based on the needs of the community may not be what has been done in the past but may be what is needed in the
future. At a minimum, I believe we should at least consider the ability to expand library services into this unique space
for the benefit of our community.
I pray that we make a good educated decision that is best for the community and not one that is made quickly without
consideration of alternatives. The Cypress Firehouse is a unique historic space that deserves respect and consideration.
Proudly part of qhe Wgilol family
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Wojaczynski, Brittany
From: Thomas Anthony Gordon <thomas.anthony.gordon@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, August 16, 2022 2:30 PM
To: eComment
Subject: Agenda Item 22
City Council & Staff,
Please consider this email in support of Agenda Item 22.
Please rehabilitate the Cypress Street Fire Station so as to provide much needed programing for our communities Youth
and Seniors.
Your support is appreciated.
Respectfully,
Thomas Anthony Gordon
Respectfully,
Thomas Anthony Gordon
Wojaczynski, Brittany
From: Thomas.A.Gordon <thomas.a.gordon@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, August 16, 2022 2:27 PM
To: eComment
Subject: Agenda Item 22
Please consider this email as my support for Agenda Item 22. Please rehabilitate the Cypress Street Fire Station and use
it for programs that support our youth, seniors and community at large.
Your support for this item is greatly appreciated.
Respectfully,
Thomas Anthony Gordon
Wojaczynski, Brittany
From: Dora Lopez <Iopez4080@yahoo.com>
Sent: Tuesday, August 16, 2022 2:07 PM
To: eComment
Subject: Agenda Item #22
PAAL PROGRAM & SENIOR PROGRAM FOR THE CYPRESS STREET FIRE STATION
Dear City Council,
I am emailing you today in support of Agenda item 22.1 which would direct the city council to rehabilitate the Cypress
Street Fire Station into a new PAAL center and provide programs for our Seniors too. I believe this center would greatly
benefit the youth and seniors in the city and provide them with a safe environment to engage in sports, mentoring,
homework, senior assistance along with many other recreational activities that would no doubt provide an overall
positive outlet in our community. This would also aid in developing community trust between it and the Santa Ana Police
Department as children and residents will interact with SAPD personal. As a resident in this city and your constituent, I
direct you to vote in favor of item 22.1 and make this much needed PAAL center a reality at the Cypress Street Fire
Station.
Thank You
Dora Lopez
(Madison Park Neighborhood)
Wojaczynski, Brittany
From: Javier Mendoza <kimpau104@yahoo.com>
Sent: Tuesday, August 16, 2022 1:51 PM
To: eComment
Subject: Agenda Item # 22
Dear City Council,
I am emailing you today in support of Agenda item 22 which would direct the city council to rehabilitate the Cypress
Street Fire Station into a new PAAL center and provide programs for our Seniors too. I believe this center would greatly
benefit the youth and seniors in the city and provide them with a safe environment to engage in sports, mentoring,
homework, senior programs along with many other recreational activities that would no doubt provide an overall
positive outlet in our community. This would also aid in developing community trust between it and the Santa Ana Police
Department as children and residents will interact with SAPID personal. As a resident in this city and your constituent, I
direct you to vote in favor of item 22 and make this much needed PAAL center a reality at the Cypress Street Fire
Station.
Thank You
Guillermina Cedeno
Madison Park Neighborhood
Wojaczynski, Brittany
From: tango1 mikemike@aol.com
Sent: Tuesday, August 16, 2022 2:06 PM
To: eComment
Subject: Old Fire Station Proposed Usage
Good afternoon. I am writing on behalf of Pacific Park Neighborhood Assocation: Formerly Eastside. First of all, I
want to be critical of those individua's making important and life changing decisions for the residents of Pacific
Park. And at time, those deciding policy in our neighborhood do live in our community or event in Santa Ana. I do
include present community member who live in Santa Ana, for they tend to be the catalyst of most problems her on
Santa Ana: They have a moral directive to unite us: Not to divide us. And the old firehouse; what to do question? Is
a perfect example of this. I do suggest action are being implemented based: What is good for my political career; or
what special interest that supports me want. Decisions should be on real intellectual, and analytical thinking.
Decision based on personal interest, and emotion is a discredit on local government operations.
Here in Pacific Park, we have had serious discussion on what is the best use of the old fire station on Cypress St.
is not a SAPD PALL location. We suggest a more viable solution would be Digital Library. The Digital Library would
be a tremendous asset to our area based how close we are to downtown 4th St. The downtown is now transitioning
to a artist area, and a digital library would complement the downtown area, and afford new opportunities for all
residents of Santa Ana. We to empower our residents to become involved in what happens whey they live. To have
a direct voice in decision making.
Thank You Mark I Lopez
EMPOWER not DISENFRANCHISE
Wojaczynski, Brittany
From: Ceci Iglesias <iglesias4sausd@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, August 16, 2022 1:59 PM
To: eComment
Subject: PAAL PROGRAM & SENIOR PROGRAM FOR THE CYPRESS STREET FIRE STATION
Dear City Council,
I am emailing you today in support of Agenda item 22.1 which would direct the city council to rehabilitate the
Cypress Street Fire Station into a new PAAL center and provide programs for our Seniors too. I believe this center
would greatly benefit the youth and seniors in the city and provide them with a safe environment to engage in
sports, mentoring, homework, senior assistance along with many other recreational activities that would no doubt
provide an overall positive outlet in our community. This would also aid in developing community trust between it
and the Santa Ana Police Department as children and residents will interact with SAPD personnel. As a resident in
this city and your constituent, I direct you to vote in favor of item 22.1 and make this much needed PAAL center a
reality at the Cypress Street Fire Station.
Thank You
Cecilia Iglesias
(Windsor Village NA)
f ot.t, G:.-iNrin uelk-i I en n.ts, uR.e Tan°d a.-ind :3 others
Cecilia "Ceci"Iglesias
DISCLAIMER:
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you for your cooperation.
Wojaczynski, Brittany
From: Carl Benninger <benninger72@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, August 16, 2022 1:55 PM
To: eComment
Subject: Support Item 22
I would like to add a few words of support for item 1 of item 22 on the
agenda for tonight's meeting. Paal programs have been a great addition
to the city and have helped many of our youth to develop into excellent
citizens. The program is well developed and ready to go. Plus it will help
to bring our city together which is something badly needed. It lets the
youth see the good side of police not all negativeness put out by
groups whose self interest is funding.
I also remember the mis-opportunity with the old downtown YMCA. It
was repeatedly put out for bid and a number of nonprofits were
awarded the bid. But year after year nothing ever developed. As stated,
the PAAL program is a proven success ready to go. So please select item
1 of item 22
Carl Benninger
President of Com-Link
1829 W; Garry Ave
Santa Ana, CA 92704
1
Wojaczynski, Brittany
From: Ginelle Hardy <ginelleann@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, August 16, 2022 11:34 AM
To: eComment
Subject: Please VOTE YES on Agenda Item #22
Mayor Sarmiento, Mayor Pro Tern Bacerra, Councilmembers Mendoza, Penaloza, Phan, Lopez, and Hernanndez,
Please VOTE YES on Agenda Item #22 to support a Digital Library & History Room and rehabilitation of the historic
Cypress Fire Station facade.
A YES Vote on Item #22 will begin the process of providing additional educational, recreational & historical resources
Citywide, and to the cultural resource needy and requesting this project South Main Street Community &
neighborhoods.
Historic preservation of the historic Cypress Fire facade and location will provide a source of pride, respect and interest
to the City, Community, Neighborhoods, South Main Street residents & visitors, tourists, historic preservation and Fire &
Police community.
Please know there are neighbors, residents and communities that will undoubtably eagerly pitch in to help to support
and make this multifaceted project happen successfully!
Please VOTE YES on tonight's City Council Agenda Item #22.
Thank you,
Ginelle Hardy
South Main Street Resident
Historical Heninger Park Neighborhood, President Historic Resource Commissioner
Wojaczynski, Brittany
From: Ginelle Hardy <ginelleann@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, August 16, 2022 11:23 AM
To: eComment
Subject: Yes! On Agenda Item #22
Mayor Sarmiento, Mayor Pro Tern Bacerra, Councilmembers Mendoza, Penaloza, Phan, Lopez, and Hernanndez,
Please VOTE YES on Agenda Item #22 to support a Digital Library & History Room and rehabilitation of the historic
Cypress Fire Station facade.
A YES Vote on Item #22 will begin the process of providing additional educational, recreational & historical resources
Citywide, and to the cultural resource needy and requesting this project South Main Street Community &
neighborhoods.
Historic preservation of the historic Cypress Fire facade and location will provide a source of pride, respect and interest
to the City, Community, Neighborhoods, South Main Street residents & visitors, tourists, historic preservation and Fire &
Police community.
Please know there are neighbors, residents and communities that will undoubtably eagerly pitch in to help to support
and make this multifaceted project happen successfully!
Please VOTE YES on tonight's City Council Agenda Item #22.
Thank you,
Ginelle Hardy
South Main Street Resident
Historical Heninger Park Neighborhood, President Historic Resource Commissioner
Wojaczynski, Brittany
From: selicadiaz@yahoo.com
Sent: Tuesday, August 16, 2022 1:39 PM
To: eComment
Subject: Agenda Item #22
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
As a resident and Neighborhood Leader of the Pacific Park neighborhood, 1 100% support renovating
the Cypress St Fire Station which I have personally witnessed fall into disrepair.
I also support using the location for the PAAL program and a Senior community center to provide
much needed services to the residents in our neighborhood.
I ask all of you to support this agenda item and invest in the Pacific Park Neighborhood.
Thank you,
Selica Diaz
Pacific Park Neighborhood Leader
Ward 2
1
Wojaczynski, Brittany
From: Ruben Alvarez <stayconnected2004@yahoo.com>
Sent: Tuesday, August 16, 2022 1:37 PM
To: eComment; Sarmiento, Vicente; Bacerra, Phil; Phan, Thai; Penaloza, David; Lopez,
Jessie; Hernandez, Johnathan; Mendoza, Nelida
Subject: Support of Cypress Station Digital Library and History Room
Dear City Council,
As a resident of Santa Ana for 57 years, I support as well as many others in the community,
the Cypress Station being converted into a much needed Digital Library and History Room in
Santa Ana would benefit residents of ALL AGES. It would help our community access the
internet, connect with local resources, learn about our history, It would also help students in
the area much needed rebound and catch up from the pandemic in a safe and friendly
environment. Our city needs to expand opportunities instead of limit them.
Sincerely yours,
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Wojaczynski, Brittany
From: MARTY URIBE <martymd@yahoo.com>
Sent: Tuesday, August 16, 2022 12:55 PM
To: eComment
Subject: Agenda Item #22
Dear City Council,
I am emailing you today in support of Agenda item 22.1 which would direct the city council to rehabilitate the Cypress
Fire Station into a new PAAL center. I believe this center would greatly benefit the youth in the city and provide them
with a safe environment to engage in sports, mentoring and homework assistance along with many other recreational
activities that would no doubt provide an overall positive outlet for them for years to come. This would also aid in
developing community trust between it and the Santa Ana Police Department as children in this program will interact
with SAPID personal. As a resident in this city and your constituent, I direct you to vote in favor of item 22.1 and make
this much needed PAAL center a reality at the Cypress Fire Station.
Thank You
Martina Moreno
Ward 2
Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android
Wojaczynski, Brittany
From: John Ramirez <jpramirez714@sbcglobal.net>
Sent: Tuesday, August 16, 2022 12:49 PM
To: eComment
Subject: Agenda Item 22.1
Dear City Council,
I am emailing you today in support of Agenda item 22.1 which would direct the city council
to rehabilitate the Cypress Street Fire Station into a new PAAL center and provide
programs for our Seniors too. I believe this center would greatly benefit the youth and
seniors in the city and provide them with a safe environment to engage in sports,
mentoring, homework, senior assistance along with many other recreational activities that
would no doubt provide an overall positive outlet in our community. This would also aid in
developing community trust between it and the Santa Ana Police Department as children
and residents will interact with SAPD personal. As a resident in this city and your
constituent, I direct you to vote in favor of item 22.1 and make this much needed PAAL
center a reality at the Cypress Street Fire Station.
Thank You,
John Ramirez
Ward 2
Resident in Santa Ana for 42 years.
1
Wojaczynski, Brittany
From: Danny Vega <vegadanny@live.com>
Sent: Tuesday, August 16, 2022 10:20 AM
To: eComment
Cc: Lopez, Jessie
Subject: Support for Agenda Item 22- Option 1: Santa Ana Council Meeting
Dear Santa Ana Council and Mayor,
I am sending this email in support of using the vacant Cypress Fire Station at 625 S Cypress Avenue as a new Police
Athletic and Activities League (PAAL) Center (Item 22 of the agenda, option 1).
Besides all the great things that PAAL does with our youth, I believe that building a strong bond between our law
enforcement and our community (especially the youth) is essential to having a safe community for generations to come.
Thank you.
Best Regards,
Danny Vega
Resident of Ward 3
Lifelong Santa Ana Resident
Wojaczynski, Brittany
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Attachments:
Importance:
Good Morning Daniel,
Sandra Pocha Pena <pocha@pocharte.com>
Tuesday, August 16, 2022 8:25 AM
Soto, Daniel; eComment
!City Clerk; Perez, Daisy; Mendoza, Nelida; Ridge, Kristine; Macedonio, Margarita;
Sarmiento, Vicente
REVISED ECOMMENT: COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM 22: CYPRESS CENTER
Cypress Fire Station Presentation.pdf
High
Attached is my revised Cypress Fire Station presentation in PDF form.
Please ensure this new attached presentation is placed into the public record for today's City Council
Agenda Item 22.
Also ensure this presentation is distributed to our Councilmembers.
To facilitate understanding, I have included links to my BiblioTECH case study below.
Kind Regards,
-- Sandra
Sandra "Pocha" Pena Sarmiento
Pacific Park / Eastside Neighborhood Leader
*** Links to BiblioTECH case study ***
BiblioTECH Website:
https-Hbexarbibliotech.org/
BiblioTECH Architects-
https-Halta-architects.com/portfolio/bibliotech/
BiblioTech News Stories:
https://www. mysanantonio.com/news/local/article/Guide-to-first-all-digital-public-library-Bexar-
4792918.php
1
BiblioTech Videos:
https://youtu. be/L4F9d-X614U
https-//www.youtube.com watch?v=QtvytxreYlc
On Mon, 15 Aug 2022 18.48.12 -0400, "Sandra Pocha Pena" <pocha@pocharte.com> wrote:
Hi Daniel,
Thank you for reviewing the upcoming 8/16 City Council Agenda Item 22, the Cypress Fire
Station. Please ensure that City Council receives this email and PPT in their Council Packet and that
my comments and presentation are included in the public record.
As one of the Neighborhood Leaders for Pacific Park / Eastside, and the former chair of our Arts and
Culture Commission, I have seen this Digital Library/History Room project garner much broad -based
support from Santa Ana residents since 2006, when it was first formerly presented at a public Arts
Commission meeting by the Parks, Rec and Library director.
A Digital Library and History Room would fit neatly into the Cypress Fire Station footprint, helping our
underserved Pacific Park residents bridge the "Digital Divide," while also cultivating a love for Literacy
and our City's rich history in our Young, Senior Citizens and Adults throughout the Eastside.
The historic Cypress Fire Station presents a rare opportunity to fulfill a critical community need that
aligns with current City priorities.
Attached please find my CYPRESS CENTER PRESENTATION on powerpoint. It details the potential
this historic building has to support and activate much needed services in our long-suffering
neighborhood.
I'll send the presentation as a PDF in a separate email.
Kind Regards,
-- SPS
Sandra "Pocha" Pena Sarmiento
"Frontier Arts & Hybrid Culture"
www.pocharte.com
www.ocfilmfiesta.org
714.417.0073
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Wojaczynski, Brittany
From: Jaylene Anaya <anayajaylene@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, August 15, 2022 11:54 PM
To: eComment
Subject: Agenda item #22
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers
As a residents of Pacific Park Neighborhood, we are in full support of having The PAAL Program and Senior Program at
The Cypress Street Fire Station. The Program will greatly benefit our community's seniors and youth. We are look
forward to having these programs to benefit our community.
Thank you,
Jaylene A.
Wojaczynski, Brittany
From: Daisy Solis <daisysolis1990@yahoo.com>
Sent: Sunday, August 14, 2022 11:15 AM
To: eComment
Subject: PAAL PROGRAM
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers
We residents of Pacific Park Neighborhood are in full support of having The PAAL Program and The Senior Program at
The Cypress Street Fire Station. The Programs will greatly benefit our community's seniors and youth. We look forward
to working together and having these programs in our community.
Thank you,
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
Wojaczynski, Brittany
From: marco anaya <marcoacr7@hotmail.com>
Sent: Monday, August 15, 2022 9:52 AM
To: eComment
Subject: Pacific Park neighborhood
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers
As a residents of Pacific Park Neighborhood, we are in full support of having The PAAL Program and Senior Program at
The Cypress Street Fire Station. The Program will greatly benefit our community's seniors and youth. We are look
forward to having these programs to benefit our community.
Thankyou
Wojaczynski, Brittany
From: Ryan Jim <jimryan8113@gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, August 14, 2022 3:38 PM
To: eComment
Subject: #22 Agenda Item
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers
We residents of Pacific Park Neighborhood are in full support of having The PAAL Program and The Senior Program at
The Cypress Street Fire Station. The Programs will greatly benefit our community's seniors and youth. We look forward
to working together and having these programs in our community.
Thank you,
Ryan Jimenez
Wojaczynski, Brittany
From: Victor Payan <vpayan@alumni.stanford.edu>
Sent: Friday, August 12, 2022 2:21 PM
To: Macedonio, Margarita
Cc: Soto, Daniel; Ridge, Kristine; eComment; Gomez, Daisy
Subject: Complaint: Stifling of Community Input re: Cypress Fire Station
Hello, Margarita,
I am writing you to register a formal complaint and bring to your attention a new instance at this week's
Pacific Park Neighborhood Association meeting regarding attempts to stifle discussion and input about an
important matter on the agenda relating to the Santa Ana Police Department. I brought this to your
colleague's attention at Tuesday's meeting and requested that he communicate my concerns to you.
During the public discussion of the SAPD's plans to commence operations at the Roosevelt Walker Center, I
was asking several questions about the project when a member of the audience aggressively insisted I stop
talking, under the premise that I was preventing others from speaking. There were no hands raised or
indications that anyone else was trying to speak on the issue at the time. To the contrary, everyone in the
room was listening intently.
This occurred prior to the SAPID representative having the opportunity to answer my questions. As no one was
waiting to speak, I finished my questions, and the officer was allowed to answer.
The community input followed for several additional questions, as people were interested in learning more
about this proposal. Selica, who was running the meeting, rushed discussion to a close and moved on to the
other agenda items. The discussion was not inordinately long, and the entire meeting was less than an hour in
duration, so there was no need to close discussion before community input and questions were over.
As you recall, I brought to your attention the incident at the June 14 Pacific Park Neighborhood Association
meeting, which you witnessed, of Selica Diaz trying to stifle discussion and input regarding plans for the SAPID
to bring the PAAL program to the Cypress Fire Station. She aggressively interrupted me and tried to stop me
from talking in the same manner as the individual at this week's meeting. In both cases, I asserted my right to
provide input and for the community to be allowed to provide input and ask questions without coercion or
intimidation to stop, from Selica or anyone else.
At that time, I indicated to you that such egregious and inappropriate stifling of community discussion
undermined the basic function of the Neighborhood Associations. I also indicated it was especially
inappropriate for the co -leader of the Park Neighborhood Association to railroad the community into a
situation that they do not want.
This is now two times that I bring to your attention attempts to stifle community discussion around SAPID
issues relating to our neighborhood. Additionally, after each incident I have also witnessed Selica approach
community members in private discussions that appear to be "explaining" the issue to lobby support for the
SAPID. This is also unacceptable from a Neighborhood Association leader.
The entire meeting lasted approximately an hour, and so there was no urgent need to cut the discussion short.
This clearly appears to be a tactic to end discussion regarding questions to the police. As the SAPD officers
themselves indicated, there are issues with trust of the police in the community.
It does not serve to repair relations with the community when public discussion is stifled and SAPD priorities
are inappropriately lobbied or rushed through by the Pacific Park Neighborhood Association co -leader. Rather,
this activity appears to point to Selica acting in cahoots with the SAPD to interfere with the open public
discourse at the meetings and promote the appearance of widespread support for the police appropriation of
our critical, and scarce, community spaces.
Additionally, some of the people at the meeting most vocally in favor of the police utilizing both the Cypress
Fire Station and the Roosevelt Walker facility for the PAAL program DO NOT RESIDE IN THE PACIFIC PARK
NEIGHBORHOOD, and do not represent our residents or their views on this matter.
Finally, I want to include the fact that Pacific Park Neighborhood Association leader Selica Diaz's husband
spoke out against using the Cypress Fire Station as a digital library for community use, because, in his words, it
would increase criminal activity in the area due to criminals using library computers to commit crimes.
This deplorable and desperate fear -mongering is another indication that honest and important community
discussion on this matter are being thwarted by an organized, coordinated effort to railroad a perception of
community support for the SAPD use of the Cypress Fire Station. It is hard to believe that the SAPD would not
also be involved in stifling and steering discussion, given that the SAPD officer at the June 14 meeting took the
opportunity at that time to lobby for the SAPD use of the Cypress Fire Station, while there to present on a
different agenda item.
To recap the community input regarding use of the Cypress Fire Station, these are ideas the community
presented:
• Digital library and technology resources
• Programming accessible to all ages, from children to seniors
• Technology to access social service, job and civic resources and opportunities
• Technology training and bridging the digital divide
• Public meeting spaces for community events, classes and gatherings
• Arts and culture events and programs
As you were at the June 14 meeting, I am sure you can confirm this community input for the use of the
Cypress Fire Station.
In regards to the "police substation" use promulgated by Selica, many residents felt that a substation would be
better suited for one of the currently vacant storefronts in the Dollar Tree lot, which would give police direct
eyes on the section of Chestnut where illegal activity is a constant presence.
Placing a substation inside the Cypress Fire Station would do very little to stop crime on the street compared
to a substation literally looking right at the crime taking place 24 hours a day.
I am writing to you to communicate my gross disappointment in the lack of integrity of the discussion
regarding the SAPD matters at the Pacific Park Neighborhood Association meetings and the complicity of
Selica Diaz to stifle public input.
As such, I am writing to lodge a formal complaint against Selica and look forward to this activity ceasing to be a
problem so that we can protect honest and full community input for our diverse Pacific Park residents.
Please do not hesitate to contact me at 714-417-0073 if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Victor Payan
Pacific Park Resident
Community Arts Leader