HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-10-21 Regular Minutes of the Regular Meeting
of the City Council
City of Santa Ana,
California
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October 21 , 2025
CLOSED SESSION MEETING - 4:00 P.M.
REGULAR OPEN MEETING - 5:30 P.M.
(Immediately following the Closed Session Meeting)
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER
22 Civic Center Plaza Santa Ana, CA 92701
CLOSED SESSION
CALL TO ORDER
MINUTES: MayorAmezcua called the Closed Session meeting to order at 4:92 P.M.
ATTENDANCE Council Members Phil Bacerra
Johnathan Ryan Hernandez
Jessie Lopez
David Penaloza
Thai Viet Phan
Mayor Pro Tern Benjamin Vazquez
Mayor Valerie Amezcua
City Manager Alvaro Nunez
City Attorney Sonia R. Carvalho
City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall
ROLL CALL
MINUTES: City Clerk Jennifer L. Nall conducted roll call.
Councilmembers Lopez and Phan, Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez, and Mayor Amezcua were
present. Councilmembers Hernandez and Penaloza joined during Closed Session.
Councilmember Bacerra was absent.
CITY COUNCIL. 1 OCTOBER 21, 2025
ADDITIONSIDELETIONS TO CLOSED SESSION
MINUTES: None.
PUBLIC COMMENTS-- Members of the public may address the City Council on Closed
Session items.
MINUTES: None.
RECESS — City Council will recess to Closed Session for the purpose of conducting
regular City business.
MINUTES:Mayor Amezcua recessed to consider the Closed Session items at 4:13 P.M.
CLOSED SESSION ITEMS—The Brown Act permits legislative bodies to discuss certain
matters without members of the public present. The City Council finds, based on advice
from the City Attorney, that discussion in open session of the following matters will
prejudice the position of the City in existing and anticipated litigation:
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — EXISTING LITIGATION pursuant to
Paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9 of the Government Code:
A. Paul Passero v. City of Santa Ana, Orange County Superior Court, Case
No. 30-2023-01352146
B. The People of the State of California by the City Attorney for the City of
Santa Ana v. Kyong Su Kim et al., Orange County Superior Court Case No.
30-2025-01484014-C U-MC-WJC
2. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR pursuant to Government Code
Section 64957.6(a):
Agency Negotiator: Peter Brown
Employee Organizations:
• Service Employees International Union, Full-Time Employees Unit (SEIU-
FT)
• Service Employees International Union, Part-Time Non-Civil Service
Employees Unit (SEIU-PTNCS)
3. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR pursuant to Government Code
Section 54957.6(a):
Agency Negotiator: Lori Schnaider, Executive Director of Human Resources
Employee Organizations:
Confidential Association of Santa Ana (CASA)
Santa Ana Police Management Association (PMA)
RECONVENE—City Council will reconvene to continue regular City business.
CITY COUNCIL 2 OCTOBER 21, 2025
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR OPEN SESSION
CALL TO ORDER
MINUTES: MayorAmezcua reconvened the City Council Meeting to order at 6:16 P.M.
ATTENDANCE Councilmembers Phil Bacerra
Johnathan Ryan Hernandez
Jessie Lopez
David Penaloza
Thai Viet Phan
Mayor Pro Tern Benjamin Vazquez
Mayor Valerie Amezcua
City Manager Alvaro Nunez
City Attorney Sonia R. Carvalho
City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall
ROLL CALL
MINUTES: City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall conducted roll call.
Councilmembers Hernandez, Lopez(arrived at 6:18 P.M.), Penaloza, and Phan, Mayor
Pro Tem Vazquez, and Mayor Amezcua were present. Councilmember Bacerra was
absent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Victor Mendez
WORDS OF INSPIRATION Pastor Greg Kruly, Eleazar Church
ADDITIONSIDELETIONS TO THE AGENDA
MINUTES: None
CEREMONIAL PRESENTATIONS
1. Certificate of Recognition presented by Mayor Amezcua to Roberto Reyes for
Outstanding Musical Accomplishments
MINUTES:MayorAmezcua presented a certificate of recognition to Roberto Reyes
for outstanding musical accomplishments.
2. Certificates of Recognition presented by Councilmember Lopez to Banda de
Guerra Osos de California for Outstanding Contributions to the Community
MINUTES: Councilmember Lopez presented certificates of recognition to Banda de
Guerra Osos de California for outstanding contributions to the community.
CITY COUNCIL 3 OCTOBER 21, 2025
STAFF PRESENTATIONS
3. Santa Ana Unified School District Literacy Presentation
MINUTES: Santa Ana Unified School District Superintendent Lorraine M. Perez
gave a presentation regarding the Santa Ana Unified School District Literacy.
Councilmember Hernandez thanked Superintendent Perez for her time and
presentation.
Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez thanked Superintendent Perez for her presentation and
spoke of the importance of empowering students with literacy skills for higher
education.
Councilmember Lopez thanked Superintendent Perez for her presentation and
spoke of the importance of a continued partnership between the City and the
District.
Councilmember Penaloza thanked Superintendent Perez for taking the time to
present and noted this marks the first presentation by a district superintendent in
many years.
Mayor Amezcua congratulated Superintendent Perez on her new position and for
taking the time to present, and expressed excitement for a continued partnership.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT—The City Attorney will report on any action(s)from Closed
Session.
MINUTES. City Attorney Sonia Carvalho stated there was no reportable action.
PUBLIC COMMENTS—Public comments will be held during the beginning of the meeting
for ALL comments on agenda and non-agenda items.
MINUTES: City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall reported out the summary of email comments
received. one (1) Agenda Item No. 11, (135) Agenda Item No. 17, and four (4) non-
agenda comments.
The following speakers addressed City Council in person:
1. Bruce Senator spoke regarding issue groups, messages he has received regarding
a ballot measure, a homeless issues meeting he attended, and amending his
measure to ensure mutual benefits to both residents and the City.
2. Wendy R. Youngs spoke in support of Agenda Item No. 11 and highlighted the
benefits of the ArtWalk.
3. Kim Miller spoke regarding the death of her nephew, Garrett Crane, and requested
a full investigation of the incident and Sunland Motel.
CITY COUNCIL 4 OCTOBER 21, 2025
MINUTES: City Attorney Sonia Carvalho reported the City is working on a contempt
order for the Sunland Motel property.
4. Marion Crane spoke regarding the death of her son, Garrett Crane, and requested
a full investigation of the incident and Sunland Motel.
5. Desi Reyes spoke regarding the First Street corridor, the need for revitalization, and
a postponed project in that area.
6. Debra Ashby, South Coast Air Quality Management District, spoke regarding two
programs potentially available to Santa Ana residents and business: the Invest
Clean Program and the GoZero Rebate Program.
7. Hector Bustos spoke regarding a recent surge of federal immigration enforcement
in the City, how it is affecting families, the steps the District is taking to ensure
schools are safe havens for students and their families, and spoke in support of
Agenda Item No. 11.
8. Navareet Dhaliwal highlighted the benefits of the ArtWalk hosted by the Frida
Cinema and in support of Agenda item No. 11.
9. Sandra spoke in support of Agenda Item No. 17 and spoke regarding increased
immigration enforcement incidents in the City.
10. Tanya Navarro spoke regarding immigration enforcement incidents in the City, the
aid nonprofits and other community organization are providing to those affected by
the immigration enforcement, and in support of Agenda Item No. Item 17.
11.Dale Helvig spoke regarding records released pertaining to his public records
request and the City Council's use of discretionary funds.
12. Victor Mendez spoke regarding overdoses in the City, requested the Council take
action to prevent any further overdose related deaths, Metro East Housing, tourism
in the City, and the postponed First Street corridor project.
CONSENT CALENDAR
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve staff recommendations on the following
Consent Calendar Items., 4 through 16 and waive reading of all resolutions and
ordinances.
MINUTES:At 7:38 P.M., the Consent Calendar was considered.
Mayor Amezcua pulled Item Nos. 10, 11, 14, and 15 for separate discussion and
consideration.
CITY COUNCIL 5 OCTOBER 21, 2025
MOTION: Councilmember Penaloza moved to approve Consent Calendar Item
Nos. 4 through 16 with the exception of Agenda Item Nos. 10, 11, 14, and 15 pulled
for separate discussion and consideration, seconded by Mayor Amezcua.
The motion carried, 5-0-0-2, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ, COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZA,
COUNCILMEMBER PHAN, MAYOR PRO TEM VAZQUEZ,
MAYOR AMEZCUA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER
HERNANDEZ
Status: 5-0— 0 —2—Pass
4. Excused Absences
Department(s): City Clerk's Office
Recommended Action: Excuse the absent members.
5. Minutes from the Regular Meeting of October 7, 2025
Department(s): City Clerk's Office
Recommended Action: Approve minutes.
6. Re-Appoint Members to the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services
Commission Nominated by the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services
Agency
Department(s): City Clerk's Office
Recommended Action:
1. Re-appoint Silvia Reyes as the Southwest Senior Center representative to the
Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Commission for a two-year term
expiring October 31, 2027 and administer the Oath of Office.
2. Re-appoint Nancy Gonzalez as the Santa Ana Senior Center representative to
the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Commission for a two-year
term expiring October 31, 2027 and administer the Oath of Office.
7. Sewer System Management Plan 2025 Update
Department(s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action: Receive and File the Sewer System Management Plan
2025 Update
CITY COUNCIL 6 OCTOBER 21, 2025
8. Receive and File Certification of Approval by City Engineer of the Final Tract
Map No. 2023-05, County Tract Map No. 19282 at 1921 W. Washington Avenue
(Applicant: Habitat for Humanity of Orange County, Inc., a California Nonprofit
Religious Corporation)
Department(s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action: Receive and file the certification of approval by City
Engineer of the Final Tract Map 2023-05, County Tract Map No. 19282 at 1921 W.
Washington Avenue.
9. Purchase Order Contract to CN School and Office Solutions Inc. dba Culver-
Newlin Inc. for Furniture, Installation, and Related Services (Specification No.
25-122) (General Fund & Non-General Fund)
Department(s): Parks, Recreation, and Community Services
Recommended Action: Award Purchase Order Contract to CN School and Office
Solutions Inc. dba Culver-Newlin Inc. for Furniture, Installation, and Related
Services for a term beginning October 7, 2025 and expiring June 30, 2026, in an
amount not to exceed $238,715.
AGENDA ITEM NO. 90 PULLED FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION AND
CONSIDERATION
10.Memorandum of Understanding Between the Cities of Santa Ana, Garden
Grove, and Fountain Valley to Formalize a Collaborative, Multi-Jurisdictional
Effort Aimed at Enhancing Cultural Tourism, Supporting the Formation of a
Vietnamese-Focused Business Improvement District Under Streets and
Highways Code §§ 36500 et seq, and Promoting Job Creation and Small
Business Development within the City's Vietnamese Business Community
Department(s): Community Development Agency
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute a Memorandum of
Understanding with the Cities of Garden Grove and Fountain Valley for the period
of October 21, 2025 to June 30, 2031 (Agreement No. A-2025-174).
MINUTES: Mayor Amezcua thanked the City Manager's Office and the Cities of
Fountain Valley and Garden Grove for working collaboratively to bring the item
forward and spoke in support of the item.
Councilmember Phan thanked the City Manager's Office and Economic
Development for theirhard work, and is hopeful the collaboration between the three
cities brings economic development for all and spoke in support of the item.
Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez echoed Councilmember Phan's and Mayor Amezuca's
comments and spoke in support of the item.
CITY COUNCIL. 7 OCTOBER 21, 2025
MOTION: Mayor Amezcua moved to approve the recommended action for
Item No. 10, seconded by Councilmember Penaloza.
The motion carried, 6-0-0-1, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER
LOPEZ, COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZA,
COUNCILMEMBER PHAN, MAYOR PRO TEM VAZQUEZ,
MAYOR AMEZCUA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA
Status: 6 -0 — 0 — 1 —Pass
AGENDA ITEM NO. 11 PULLED FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION AND
CONSIDERATION
11.Agreement to Sponsor the DTSA First Saturday ArtWalk Organized by The
Frida Cinema
Department(s): Community Development Agency
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute an Agreement to
sponsor the DTSA First Saturday ArtWalk organized by The Frida Cinema for a
one-year term with two, one-year optional renewals beginning November 1, 2025
and ending October 31, 2028, in a total aggregate amount not to exceed $450,000
(Agreement No. A-2025-175).
MINUTES: Mayor Amezcua thanked staff for their hard work and spoke in support
of the item.
Councilmember Hernandez thanked members of Frida Cinema for their
participation and spoke in support of the item
Councilmember Phan thanked staff for their hard work and asked about including
the City's logo on the ArtWalk promotional materials to highlight the City's support.
City Manager Alvaro Nunez confirmed the City's logo will be present on promotional
materials relating to the ArtWalk.
CITY COUNCIL 8 OCTOBER 21, 2025
MOTION: Mayor Amezcua moved to approve the recommended action for
Item No. 11, seconded by Councilmember Hernandez.
The motion carried, 6-0-0-1, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER
LOPEZ, COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZA,
COUNCILMEMBER PHAN, MAYOR PRO TEM VAZQUEZ,
MAYOR AMEZCUA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA
Status: 6-0 - 0 — 1 — Pass
12.Agreement with William H. Nuesse, M.D. and Mary-Ann Nuesse, D.O., a
California Medical Corporation, dba Sunrise Multispecialist Medical Centerfor
Occupational Medical Services (Specification No. 25-065) (Non-General Fund)
Department(s): Human Resources
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with
William H. Nuesse, M.D. and Mary-Ann Nuesse, D.O., a California Medical
Corporation, dba Sunrise Multispecialist Medical Center to provide occupational
medical services in an amount not to exceed $200,000, for a term beginning
January 1, 2026 and expiring December 31, 2028, with provisions for two (2), one
(1) year extensions. (Agreement No. A-2025-176)
13.First Amendment to Lease Agreement with T-Mobile West LLC, as successor
in interest to Royal Street Communications, LLC, for Communication Tower
Facilities at Jerome Park (Non-General Fund)
Department(s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute the first
amendment to the lease agreement with T-Mobile West LLC as successor in
interest to Royal Street Communications, LLC for communication tower facilities at
Jerome Park located at 2115 W. McFadden Avenue with an estimated beginning
date of December 10, 2025 through February 19, 2027 for total revenue, including
all extensions, in the amount of $26,833 (Agreement No. A-2025-177).
AGENDA ITEM NO. 14 PULLED FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION AND
CONSIDERATION
14.Agreement with Musco Sports Lighting, LLC to provide LED Sports Lighting
at Centennial Park (No. 26-6007) (General Fund)
Department(s): Public Works Agency
CITY COUNCIL 9 OCTOBER 21, 2025
Recommended Action:
1. Award an agreement to Musco Sports Lighting, LLC to provide LED sports
lighting at Centennial Park, in the base bid amount of$1,189,448 and an amount
of $118,945 for unanticipated or unforeseen work, for a total estimated {project
delivery cost of$1,308,393, beginning October 21, 2025 and expiring December
31, 2026, with the option for one, one-year extension (Agreement No. A-2025-
178).
2. Determine that, pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act, the
recommended actions are exempt from further review. Categorical Exemption
Environmental Review No. ER 2025-97 will be filled for Project No. 26-6007.
MINUTES: Mayor Amezcua asked how long this project has been on the shelf,
thanked the City Manager for his leadership, and expressed excitement for the
project.
City Manager Alvaro Nunez explained the project has been ongoing for almost 20
to 25 years.
Councilmember Penaloza thanked the City Manager for his leadership and spoke
in support of the project.
Councilmember Hernandez thanked staff for all their hard work and spoke in
support of the project.
Councilmember Phan spoke in support of the project, regarding the benefits to the
community, and thanked staff for all their hard work.
MOTION: Mayor Amezcua moved to approve the recommended action for
Item No. 14, seconded by Councilmember Penaloza.
The motion carried, 6-0-0-1, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER
LOPEZ, COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZA,
COUNCILMEMBER PHAN, MAYOR PRO TEM VAZQUEZ,
MAYOR AMEZCUA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA
Status: 6 - 0- 0 - 1 —Pass
CITY COUNCIL 10 OCTOBER 21, 2025
AGENDA ITEM NO. 15 PULLED FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION AND
CONSIDERATION
16.Award a Construction Contract to Loengreen Inc. for the Cypress Center
Restoration Project (No. 22-6023) (General Fund)
Department(s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action:
1. Approve an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Capital Improvement
Program to include an additional $394,340 in construction funds for the Cypress
Center Restoration Project (No. 22-6023).
2. Approve the Project Cost Analysis for a total estimated construction delivery cost
of $3,894,340, which includes $3,322,512 for the construction contract,
$239,578 for contract administration, inspection, and testing, and a $332,250 for
unanticipated or unforeseen work.
3. Award a construction contract to Loengreen, Inc., the lowest responsible bidder,
in accordance with the base bid in the amount of$3,322,512, subject to change
orders, for construction of the Cypress Center Restoration Project (No. 22-
6023), for a term beginning October 21, 2025, and authorize the City Manager
to execute the contract.
4. Determine that, pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act, the
recommended actions are exempt from further review. Categorical Exemption
Environmental Review No. 2025-096 will be filed for this Project No. 22-6023.
MINUTES: Mayor Amezcua expressed excitement for the project, thanked the City
Manager for his leadership and hard work, and spoke regarding the benefits of the
project to the community.
Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez spoke in support of the project and thanked staff for their
hard work and efforts.
MOTION: Councilmember Penaloza moved to approve the recommended
action for Item No. 15, seconded by Councilmember Hernandez.
The motion carried, 6-0-0-1, by the following roll call vote.-
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER
LOPEZ, COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZA,
COUNCILMEMBER PHAN, MAYOR PRO TEM VAZQUEZ,
MAYOR AMEZCUA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA
Status: 6- 0 - 0 — 1 —Pass
CITY COUNCIL 11 OCTOBER 21, 2025
16.Resolution Declaring City-Owned Properties as Surplus Land and Exempt
Surplus Land Pursuant to the California Surplus Land Act and Directing the
City Manager or their Designee to Comply with the Requirements of
Government Code §54220 et seq. for the Sale and Activation of Surplus Land
Department(s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action:
1. Adopt a resolution declaring City-owned property as surplus land and exempt
surplus land and direct the City Manager or designee to comply with the
requirements of Government Code §54220 et seq. for the sale and transfer of
ownership accordingly.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-046 entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA DECLARING VARIOUS
PROPERTIES AS SURPLUS LAND AND EXEMPT SURPLUS LAND AND
DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO FOLLOW THE PROCEDURES SET
FORTH IN THE SURPLUS LAND ACT, CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE
SECTION 54220, ET SEQ., AS AMENDED, FOR THEIR DISPOSITION
2. Determine that, pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act, the
recommended actions are exempt from further review pursuant to Section
15312 (Surplus Government Property Sales).
**END OF CONSENT CALENDAR**
BUSINESS CALENDAR
MINUTES:At 7:57 P.M., the Business Calendar was considered.
17.Ayuda Sin Fronteras Program —Tenant Assistance Update
Department(s): Community Development Agency
Recommended Action: Receive and file and provide direction to staff.
MINUTES: Mayor Amezcua explained the intention of the program and expressed
more can be done to assist families affected by Immigration and Customs
Enforcement (ICE), recommended allocating an additional $150,000 to $200,000,
inquired whether the funding could be identified through departments with unfilled
positions to ensure it does not come from other essential City projects or services,
and asked whether the program exclusively assists Santa Ana families.
City Manager Alvaro Nunez noted meeting with the Finance Director to evaluate
potential additional funding from departmental first-quarter salary savings and
stated staff would report back within 90 days.
CITY COUNCIL 12 OCTOBER 21, 2025
Community Development Director Mike Garcia explained the program only assists
Santa Ana residents and the application process for verification.
Mayor Pro Tom Vazquez spoke in support of the item.
Councilmember Hernandez thanked the City Manager and staff for their efforts,
expressed hope to receive an update in 90 days, and spoke in support of the item.
Councilmember Lopez expressed additional funds will be needed for the program
and requested feedback received from providers be implemented to ensure
community needs are being met.
Councilmember Phan spoke in support of the item and receiving reports throughout
the program.
Councilmember Penaloza spoke in support of the item and suggested reviewing
future City events to help fund the program.
MayorAmezcua echoed CouncilmemberPenaloza's comments and requested staff
explore future City events as potential funding sources for the program.
MOTION: Councilmember Penaloza moved to approve the recommended
action for Item No. 17, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Vazquez.
The motion carried, 6-0-0-1, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER HERNANDEZ, COUNCiLMEMBER
LOPEZ, COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZA,
COUNCILMEMBER PHAN, MAYOR PRO TEM VAZQUEZ,
MAYOR AMEZCUA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA
Status: 6— 0—0- 1 —Pass
18.Resolution in Support of Proposition 60 (2025), a Legislative Constitutional
Amendment Authorizing Temporary Changes to Congressional District Maps
in Response to Partisan Redistricting
Department(s): City Manager's Office
Recommended Action: Adopt a Resolution in support of Proposition 50 (2025), a
legislative constitutional amendment authorizing temporary changes to
congressional district maps in response to partisan redistricting, appearing on the
November 4, 2025 statewide ballot.
CITY COUNCIL 13 OCTOBER 21, 2025
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-046 entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CiTY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA IN SUPPORT OF THE 2025 CALIFORNIA
PROPOSITION 50: USE OF LEGISLATIVE CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING
MAP AMENDMENT
MINUTES: Councilmember Penaloza spoke in support of the item.
Councilmember Hernandez spoke in support of the item.
Councilmember Lopez spoke in support of the item and requested a press release
upon approval of the item.
MOTION: Councilmember Penaloza moved to approve the recommended
action for Item No. 18, as amended to issue a press release upon approval,
seconded by Councilmember Hernandez.
The motion carried, 6-0-0-1, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER
LOPEZ, COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZA,
COUNCILMEMBER PHAN, MAYOR PRO TEM VAZQUEZ,
MAYOR AMEZCUA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA
Status: 6-0-0- 1 -Pass
**END OF BUSINESS CALENDAR**
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
MINUTES: City Manager Alvaro Nunez reported the City received several awards,
including Outstanding Contributions in Urban Design, Inclusive Planning, and Public
Sector Excellence from the American Planning Association (APA) California Chapter-
Orange Section, the Advancing Diversity and Social Change Award for the WisePlace
Permanent Supportive Housing Project, the Planning Agency Excellence Award
recognizing improved quality of life in the business community, and the Urban Design
Award for The Rafferty by Toll Brothers Mixed-Use Project in Downtown Santa Ana. In
addition, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Orange County Chapter recognized
the Memorial Park Aquatic Center with a Design Merit Award celebrating exceptional and
innovative architectural achievements. He announced upcoming City events, including
the Day of the Dead Celebration at the Delhi Library on October 25, 2025, the
Spooktacular Open House at the Jerome Recreation Center on October 25, 2025, with
registration available on the City's website; Boo at the Zoo at the Santa Ana Zoo on
October 25-26, 2025, the 3rd Annual Dia de los Muertos: Magic of the Altars Celebration
on November 1, 2025 at the Roosevelt-Walker Community Center; and the Santa Ana
Work Center's Apprenticeship Career Fair in partnership with the Western States
Carpenters and Laborers Local 652 on October 28, 2025.
CITY COUNCIL 14 OCTOBER 21, 2025
COUNCIL COMMENTS
AB1234 DISCLOSURE -- If the City paid for travel or other expenses this is the time for
members of the Council to provide a brief oral report on attendance of any regional board
or commission meeting or any conference, meeting or event attended.
MINUTES: Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez invited the community to attend Viva La Vida and
Noche de Altares in Downtown Santa Ana on the first Saturday of November, spoke
regarding recent ICE raids, and encouraged residents to participate in rapid response
trainings, support local advocacy groups, donate to assist affected families, and sign up for
ICE notifications.
Councilmember Lopez requested the meeting adjourn in memory of Kent Wong, requested
staff increase funds for Immigrant Defenders contract, share the family preparedness plan
put together by Immigrant Defenders Law Center on social media, and a presentation on
the work on East First Street; congratulated Suzy Furjanic on her retirement; wished
everyone a Happy Halloween; and announced November 4fh is Election Day and
encouraged all to vote.
Councilmember Phan wished her nephew a Happy Birthday, spoke regarding the
upcoming election, expressed gratitude to the community for coming together in regards to
the ICE raids, and wished everyone a Happy and Safe Halloween.
Councilmember Hernandez spoke regarding recent ICE raids and expressed support for
those affected, encouraged the community to seek assistance from the Immigrant
Defenders Law Center and the Orange County Rapid Response Network regarding ICE
activity in the City, and closed in memory of Ace Frehley and D'Angelo.
Councilmember Penaloze thanked the Santa Ana Police Department (SAPD) for their
Trunk-or-Treat event and City staff for attending the League of Cities to support him at
his swearing-in ceremony, echoed Councilmember Lopez's comments on East First
Street and noted the City is working hard to fix these issues, spoke in regards to the recent
iCE raids, and urged the community to stay safe and Happy Halloween.
Mayor Amezcua gave condolences to the Crane family for their loss, echoed
Councilmembers Lopez's and Penaloza's comments regarding East First Street efforts and
noted the City is collaborating with SAPD, Teen Challenge, Salvation Army, and Project
Kinship to address homelessness. She expressed support for those affected by recent ICE
raids and thanked the Santanero for sharing information on ICE activity, commented the
3rd Annual Inf1uenceHer Girl's Conference on October 91, 2025 was a successful event,
and thanked SAPD for their Trunk-or-Treat event and Acting Public Works Director Rudy
Rosas for the First Street Project presentation. She announced upcoming events including
Coffee with the Mayor at the Delhi Library on October 25, 2025 and the State of the City on
October 29, 2025, of Hotel Zessa. She stated the $10,000 contributions by
Councilmembers should be made public to the community.
CITY COUNCIL 15 OCTOBER 21, 2025
ADJOURNMENT—Adjourn the City Council meeting.
MINUTES: Mayor Amezcua adjourned the City Council Meeting in memory of Diane
Keaton and Kent Wong at 8:36 P.M.
Respectfully submitted-.
ennifer Hal , CMC
City Cie
CITY COUNCIL 16 OCTOBER 21, 2025