HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-11-04 Regular HAMinutes of the Regular Meeting
of the City Council
City of Santa Ana,
California
November 4, 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: Mayor Amezcua called the Closed Session meeting to order at 4:09 P.M.
ATTENDANCE Council Members
Phil Bacerra
Johnathan Ryan Hernandez
Jessie Lopez
David Penaloza
Thai Viet Phan
Mayor Pro Tem
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 ,Bacerra and Phan, Mayor Pro Tern Vazquez, and Mayor Amezcua were
present. Councilmembers Hernandez, Lopez, and Penaloza joined during Closed
Session.
CITY COUNCIL 1 NOVEMBER 4, 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: MayorAmezcua recessed to consider the Closed Session items at 4:11 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. Elizabeth Aracely Serrano v. City of Santa Ana, et al, OCSC Case No.: 30-
2025-01453185-CU-PA-CJC
B. Orange County Apartment House Association, Inc. v City of Santa Ana,
Orange County Superior Court, Case No. 30-2023-01308094-CU-JR-CXC
MINUTES: Councilmember Phan recused herself from Item 1 B as the plaintiff is a client
of her employer, Rutan and Tucker. She left the meeting at 4:17 P.M. and returned at
4: 26 P.M.
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL —ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
pursuant to Section 54956.9(d)(2) of the Government Code: One matter
MINUTES: Councilmember Hernandez joined the meeting at 5:12 P.M. Following the
consideration of Item No. 2
3. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR pursuant to Government Code
Section 54957.6(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)
RECONVENE — City Council will reconvene to continue regular City business.
CITY COUNCIL 2 NOVEMBER 4, 2025
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR OPEN SESSION
CALL TO ORDER
MINUTES: MayorAmezcua reconvened the City Council Meeting to order at 6:10 P.M.
ATTENDANCE Councilmembers
Mayor Pro Tern
Mayor
City Manager
City Attorney
City Clerk
ROLL CALL
Phil Bacerra
Johnathan Ryan Hernandez
Jessie Lopez
David Penaloza
Thai Viet Phan
Benjamin Vazquez
Valerie Amezcua
Alvaro Nunez
Sonia R. Carvalho
Jennifer L. Hall
MINUTES: City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall conducted roll call.
Councilmembers Bacerra, Hernandez, Lopez, Penaloza, and Phan, Mayor Pro Tem
Vazquez, and Mayor Amezcua were present.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Desi Reyes
WORDS OF INSPIRATION Pastor Darrell Durley, Brown Temple
ADDITIONSIDELETIONS TO THE AGENDA
MINUTES: None.
CEREMONIAL PRESENTATIONS
1. Proclamation presented by Councilmember Lopez to California Association
of Nurse Practitioners declaring November 9-15, 2025, as National Nurse
Practitioner Week
MINUTES: Councilmember Lopez presented a proclamation to California
Association of Nurse Practitioners declaring November 9-15, 2025, as National
Nurse Practitioner Week.
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.
CITY COUNCIL 3 NOVEMBER 4, 2025
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: three (3) Agenda Item No. 21 and (28) non -agenda comments.
The following speakers addressed City Council in -person:
1. Bruce Senator spoke regarding submitting a Notice of Intent for a November 2026
Ballot Measure, expressed concerns regarding the La Academia organization and
gang activity since the legislature passage of AB 333, and spoke in support of drone
usage within the Santa Ana Police Department.
2. Ono Torosian expressed concerns regarding his visitation visits with his monitors
and attorney.
3. Joe Torosian expressed concerns regarding his visitation visits with his monitors and
attorney.
4. John Torosian spoke regarding his sons' visitation visits with their monitors and
attorney.
5. Desi Reyes expressed gratitude to the Council, City Manager, Councilmember
Jessie Lopez, and the Santa Ana Police Department for their efforts closing
Sunshine Motel on East First Street, the City Attorney's staff for their efforts against
the Royal Roman Motel, the Royal Grand Inn, and Marisco El Tapatio Y Antojitos
venues on First Street, and requested the Council move forward with the First Street
enhancement project.
6. Velma De La Rosa spoke regarding affordable housing and in opposition to Agenda
Item No. 21.
7. Pete Lockwood spoke regarding affordable housing and fiscal responsibility and in
favor of Agenda Item No. 21.
8. Bryan Leos expressed concern regarding access to City fields and scheduling a
meeting with the City Manager and Mayor.
9. Melissa Aburto expressed concern regarding access to City fields and scheduling a
meeting with the City Manager.
10. Pedro Magallon expressed concern regarding access to City fields and scheduling
a meeting with the City Manager.
11. Michael Valentine spoke regarding affordable housing and zoning and in opposition
to Agenda Item No. 21,
12. Cesar Covarrubias spoke regarding affordable housing and zoning and in opposition
to Agenda item No. 21.
CITY COUNCIL 4 NOVEMBER 4, 2025
13. Victor Mendez thanked City staff for addressing issues at East First Street, spoke
regarding the cost of recovery, policing, and enforcement, and the East First Street
Rehab project, and spoke regarding Agenda Item No. 11.
The following speakers addressed City Council via teleconference:
14. Lorena Vadari spoke regarding Agenda Item No. 21.
15. Tammy Frias spoke regarding affordable housing safeguards and in support of
Agenda Item No. 21.
CONSENT CALENDAR
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve staff recommendations on the following
Consent Calendar Items: 2 through 20 and waive reading of all resolutions and
ordinances.
MINUTES: At T-00 P.M., the Consent Calendar was considered.
Councilmember Phan recused herself from Item No. 9 as the listed entity, All American
Asphalt, is a client of her employer, Rutan and Tucker.
Councilmember Lopez pulled Item No. 7 for separate discussion and consideration.
Mayor Amezcua pulled Item No. 7 for separate discussion and consideration.
MOTION: Councilmember Bacerra moved to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos.
2 through 20 with the exception of Agenda Item No. 7 pulled for separate
discussion and consideration, seconded by Councilmember Hernandez.
The motion carried, 7-0, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER
HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ,
COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZA, COUNCILMEMBER PHAN,
MAYOR PRO TEM VAZQUEZ, MAYOR AMEZCUA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
Status: 7 — 0— Pass
2. Excused Absences
Department(s): City Clerk's Office
Recommended Action: Excuse the absent members.
CITY COUNCIL 5 NOVEMBER 4, 2025
3. Minutes from the Regular Meeting of October 21, 2025
Department(s): City Clerk's Office
Recommended Action: Approve minutes.
4. Appoint Jackeline Jimenez Nominated by Councilmember Phan as the Ward
1 Representative to the Community Development Commission for a Partial
Term Expiring December 12, 2028
Department(s): City Clerk's Office
Recommended Action: Appoint Jackeline Jimenez to the Community
Development Commission as the Ward 1 representative and administer the Oath of
Office. (Pursuant to SAMC Sec. 2-326(a), requires five affirmative votes.)
MINUTES: City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall administered the Oath of Office to Jackeline
Jimenez.
5. Appoint Karen Rodriguez Nominated by Councilmember Phan as a Tenant
Representative to the Rental Housing Board for a Partial Term Expiring in
2027
Department(s): City Clerk's Office
Recommended Action: Appoint Karen Rodriguez to the Rental Housing Board as
a tenant representative and administer the Oath of Office.
MINUTES: City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall administered the Oath of Office to Karen
Rodriguez.
6. Appoint Joseph Acevedo Nominated by Councilmember Hernandez as the
Ward 5 Representative to the Personnel Board for a Partial Term Expiring
December 12, 2028
Department(s): City Clerk's Office
Recommended Action: Appoint Joseph Acevedo to the Personnel Board as the
Ward 5 representative and administer the Oath of Office.
MINUTES: City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall administered the Oath of Office to Joseph
Acevedo.
CITY COUNCIL 6 NOVEMBER 4, 2025
AGENDA ITEM NO. 7 PULLED FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION AND
CONSIDERATION
7. Review and Approve the Annual Calendar of City Council Meetings for 2026
Department(s): City Clerk's Office
Recommended Action:
1. Review calendar of regularly scheduled City Council meetings in 2026.
2. Cancel the regularly scheduled City Council meetings of January 6, 2026,
August 18, 2026, and November 3, 2026.
3. Direct staff to post Notice(s) of Cancellation and waive notice to the City Council
of said meetings as required by the Government Code.
MINUTES: Mayor Amezcua requested to cancel the meeting on December 1, 2026,
Councilmember Lopez requested to cancel the meetings of September 1, 2025 and
December 1, 2026.
MOTION: Mayor Amezcua moved to approve the recommended action for
Item No. 7, as amended to additionally cancel the meetings of September 1,
2026 and December 1, 2026, seconded by Councilmember Lopez.
4.
The motion carried, 7-0-0-0, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA COUNCILMEMBER
HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ,
COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZA, COUNCILMEMBER PHAN,
MAYOR PRO TEM VAZQUEZ, MAYOR AMEZCUA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
Status: 6-0 — 0 —1 —Pass
8. Appropriation Adjustment and Amendments to the Fiscal Year 2025-26
Capital Improvement Program for Water Improvement Projects (No. 26-6424,
26-6425, 26-6426, 26-6427, 26-6428) (Non -General Fund)
Department(s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action:
1. Approve an appropriation adjustment to recognize $25,000,000 of prior -year
fund balance in the Public Works Water Revenue, Prior Year Carryforward and
Water Utility Capital, Transferfrom Fund 060 revenue accounts, and appropriate
to the Water— Interfund Transfer, Transfer to Fund 066 and Water Utility Capital
Projects, Water Capital Project expenditure accounts (requires five affirmative
votes).
CITY COUNCIL 7 NOVEMBER 4, 2025
2. Approve amendments to the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Capital Improvement Program
to add $2,400,000 of Water Revenue Bond funding for the Large Water Meter
Services Program (No.26-6424), $2,430,000 for the Washington Well
Improvements Phase II Project (No. 26-6425), $6,000,000 for the Citywide
Facilities PFAS Improvements Project (No. 26-6426), $3,110,000 for the
Citywide Water Improvements Project (No.26-6427), and $600,000 for the Fire
Hydrant Improvements Project (No. 26-6428).
9. Purchase Order Contract with All American Asphalt for Asphalt Pothole
Repair Services (Specification No. 25-100) (General Fund & Non -General
Fund)
Department(s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action: Award a purchase order contract with All American
Asphalt for asphalt pothole repair services, in an amount not -to -exceed $7,750,000,
for a three-year term beginning December 1, 2025 and expiring November 30,
2028, with provisions for two, one-year renewal options.
MINUTES: Councilmember Phan recused herself from Item No. 9 as the listed
entity, All American Asphalt, is a client of her employer, Rutan and Tucker.
MOTION: Councilmember Bacerra moved to approve Item No. 9 as part of the
Consent Calendar, seconded by Councilmember Hernandez.
The motion carried, 6-0-1, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER
HERNAN DEZ, COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ,
COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZA, MAYOR PRO TEM
VAZQUEZ, MAYOR AMEZCUA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBER PHAN (recusal)
ABSENT: NONE
Status: 6 — 0 — 1 Pass
10.Aggregate Purchase Order Contracts with All -Phase Electric Supply, B&K
Electric Wholesale, USMILCOM, Inc., and Royal Wholesale Electric for
Electrical Components and Supplies (Specification No. 25-091) (General Fund
& Non -General Fund)
Department(s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action: Award aggregate purchase order contracts to All -Phase
Electric Supply, B&K Electric Wholesale, USMILCOM, Inc., and Royal Wholesale
Electric for electrical supplies on an as -need basis in a total aggregate amount not -
to -exceed $1,050,000, for a one -term beginning November 4, 2025 and expiring on
November 3, 2026, with provisions for four, one-year renewal options.
CITY COUNCIL 8 NOVEMBER 4, 2025
11.Agreement with True North Research, Inc. for Scientific Polling and
Communications Services (Specification No. 25-105) (General Fund)
Department(s): City Manager's Office
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with
True North Research, Inc. to provide scientific polling and communications services
in an amount not to exceed $198,250, for a term beginning November 4, 2025 and
expiring November 30, 2026, with provisions for two (2), one (1) year extensions.
(Agreement No. A-2025-179)
12. First Amendment to the Agreement with Iron Mountain Information
Management, LLC for Digital Conversion and Document Imaging Services for
the Housing Authority (Non -General Fund)
Department(s): Community Development Agency
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute a First Amendment
that would allow the Housing Authority to increase the amount of the Agreement
with Iron Mountain Information Management, LLC for digital conversion and
document imaging services by $150,000, for a new total amount not to exceed
$292,700 for the current contract term expiring December 31, 2026, and two
remaining one-year extensions (Contingent upon approval of Housing Authority
Item # 3) (Agreement No. A-2025-180).
13. Historic Property Preservation Agreements for the Properties Located at 1412
N. Louise Street, 2402 N. Riverside Drive, 2556 N. Valencia Street, 433 W.
Santa Clara Avenue, and 2520 N. Valencia Street
Department(s): Planning and Building Agency
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute the attached Mills
Act agreements with the below -referenced property owners for the identified
structure(s) (Agreement Nos. A-2025-181, A-2025-182, A-2025-183, A-2025-184,
and A-2025-185). [Includes determination that the proposed projects are exempt
from further review in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act as
Categorical Exemption(s)/Environmental Review Nos. 2025-69, 2025-70, 2025-72,
2025-75, 2025-78 will be filed for the project.]
Table 1: Mills Act Agreements Approved by the Historic Resources
Commission (HRC)
Historic
Property
Property Owner(s)
PreservationAddress/House
Vote by HRC
Agreement
No.
Ricardo Diaz and
2D25-09
1412 N. Louise
5:0:0:3
Rebeca Diaz,
Street
(Commissioners Shipp,
CITY COUNCIL 9 NOVEMBER 4, 2025
husband and wife
Rincon, and Vice Chair
as joint tenants
Christy absent)
Steven E. Meese
5:0:0:3
and Joelle K.
2402 N.
(Commissioners Shipp,
Meese, husband
2025-07
Riverside Drive
Rincon, and Vice Chair
and wife as joint
Christy absent)
tenants
Stephen Anthony
Gorgone and
Crishon Maria
Preja, husband and
wife, as Trustees of
4:0:1:3 (Commissioner
The Stephen
2556 N.
Almendral abstaining;
Anthony
2025-0$
Valencia Drive
Commissioners Shipp,
Gorgone and
Rincon, and Vice Chair
Crishon Maria Preja
Revocable
Living Trust Dated
July 5, 2022
Historic
Property
Property Owner(s)
PreservationAddress/House
Vote by HRC
Agreement
No.
5:0:0:3
E. Thomas
433 W. Santa
(Commissioners Shipp,
Chappell, an
2025-10
Clara Avenue
Rincon, and Vice Chair
Unmarried Man
Christy absent)
4:0:1:3 (Commissioner
DLKC investments,
2025-06
2520 N
Imendral abstaining;
Commissioners Shipp,
LLC
Valencia Street
Rincon, and Vice Chair
Christy absent)
14.Appropriation Adjustment and Agreement Accepting $702,000 from the State
Office of Traffic Safety for Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (Non -
General Fund)
Department(s): Police Department
Recommended Action:
1. Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with the State of California,
Office of Traffic Safety for the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program for a one-
year period beginning October 1, 2025 through September 30 2026, in an
amount not to exceed $702,000 (Agreement No. A-2025-186).
2. Approve an appropriation adjustment accepting $702,000 in the Office of Traffic
CITY COUNCIL 10 NOVEMBER 4, 2025
Safety, Federal Grant -Indirect revenue account and appropriate same to the
Selective Traffic Enforcement Program expenditure accounts. (Requires five
affirmative votes)
15. First Amendment to the Agreement with the Orange County School of the Arts
for School Resource Officer Services
Department(s): Police Department
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute the first
amendment to the agreement with the Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA)
for School Resource Officer (SRO) services to provide OCSA the opportunity to
collaborate in the interview and approval process of the assigned officer, and
increase the annual contingency amount by $50,000 for Year 2 and 3 totaling
$100,000, for a total aggregate amount not to exceed $906,127, during the term of
the agreement (Agreement No. A-2025-187).
16.Agreement with KTU&A, LLC dba KTUA to Conduct the Vision Zero Plan
Update (Project No. 24-6904) (Non -General Fund)
Department(s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with
KTU&A, LLC dba KTUA to provide traffic engineering and transportation planning
services for the Santa Ana Vision Zero Plan Update in an amount not -to -exceed
$180,832, for the term beginning November 4, 2025 and expiring November 3,
2026, with provisions for one, one-year extension (Agreement No. A-2025-188).
17.Agreement with Landscape West Management Services, Inc. to Perform
Litter, Debris, and Encampment Removal Services Related to Encampment
Delegated Maintenance Agreement with the California Department of
Transportation (Project No. 26-6423) (Specification No. 25-116) (Non -General
Fund)
Department(s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with
Landscape West Management Services, Inc. to perform litter, debris, and
encampment removal services within the California Department of Transportation
right-of-way locations, for a total amount not -to -exceed $400,000, for the term
beginning November 4, 2025 and expiring June 30, 2027 (Agreement No. A-2025-
189 ).
18.Award a Construction Contract to Elecnor Belco Electric, Inc. for the Traffic
Signal Modification at Segerstrom Avenue & Raitt Street and Segerstrom
Avenue & Flower Street and the Pedestrian hybrid Beacon Installation at
Edinger Avenue & Towner Street Project (Nos. 25-6033 & 22-6018) (General
Fund)
CITY COUNCIL 11 NOVEMBER 4, 2025
Department(s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action:
1. Approve an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Capital Improvement
Program to include an additional $500,000 in construction funds for the Edinger
Avenue and Towner Street Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon Installation Project
(No. 22-6018).
2. Approve the Project Cost Analysis for a total estimated construction delivery cost
of $1,749,105, which includes $1,399,284 for the construction contract,
$209,893 for contract administration, inspection, and testing, and $139,928 for
unanticipated or unforeseen work.
3. Award a construction contract to Elecnor Belco Electric, Inc., the lowest
responsible bidder, in accordance with the base bid and bid alternates in the
amount of $1,399,284, subject to change orders, for construction of the Traffic
Signal Modification at Segerstrom Avenue & Raitt Street and Segerstrom
Avenue & Flower Street; Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon Installation at Edinger
Avenue & Towner Street Project (Nos. 25-6033 & 22-6018), for a term
beginning November 4, 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. ER No. 2025-65 will be filed for Project Nos. 25-6033
& 22-6018.
19. Resolution and Authorization to Carry Over Grant Funds to the 2027 Federal
Transportation Improvement Program as Required by Funding Agency
Department(s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action:
1. Authorize the City Manager to submit selected projects to the Orange County
Transportation Authority for inclusion into the 2027 Federal Transportation
Improvement Program.
2. Adopt a Resolution certifying that the City has the resources to fund the projects
submitted for inclusion into the 2027-2032 Federal Transportation Improvement
Program, and confirm the City's commitment to implement all projects submitted
to the program.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-047 entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA CERTIFYING THAT THE CITY HAS
THE RESOURCES TO FUND PROJECTS IN THE 2026/27 - 2031/32
TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM AND AFFIRMING THE
CITY'S COMMITMENT TO IMPLEMENT ALL PROJECTS IN THE PROGRAM
CITY COUNCIL 12 NOVEMBER 4, 2025
20. Resolutions Authorizing Grant Applications for the Fiscal Year 2026-27
Measure M2 Comprehensive Transportation Funding Program (Non -General
Fund)
Department(s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action:
1. Adopt Resolutions authorizing the City of Santa Ana to submit applications for
funding consideration under the Measure M2 Comprehensive Transportation
Funding Program 2026-27 Call for Projects.
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-048 entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA APPROVING THE SUBMITTAL OF
IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS TO THE ORANGE COUNTY
TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY FOR FUNDING UNDER THE
COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-049 entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA APPROVING THE SUBMITTAL OF
IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS TO THE ORANGE COUNTY
TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY FOR FUNDING UNDER THE REGIONAL
TRAFFIC SIGNAL SYNCHRONIZATION PROGRAM
2. Direct staff to incorporate approved Comprehensive Transportation Funding
Program projects into the Seven -Year Capital Improvement Program for Fiscal
Year 2026-27.
**END OF CONSENT CALENDAR**
BUSINESS CALENDAR
MINUTES: At 7:07 P.M., the Business Calendar was considered.
21.Adopt an Amendment to the Affordable Housing Funds Policies and
Procedures
Department(s): Community Development Agency
Recommended Action: Approve recommended changes to the Affordable
Housing Funds Policies and Procedures.
MINUTES: Councilmember Hernandez thanked the Habitat for Humanity
organization for their partnership with the City and spoke in opposition to the item.
MOTION: Councilmember Hernandez moved to keep the Affordable Housing
Funds Policies and Procedures as is
MINUTES: Councilmember Bacerra asked whether Habitat for Humanity projects
would require a General Plan Amendment or Zone Change and the allowances
CITY COUNCIL 13 NOVEMBER 4, 2025
under state housing laws that permit housing projects to bypass the City's existing
zoning regulations. He requested clarification on whether the proposal would
authorize the Executive Director of Planning and Building to issue a determination
to draft a pre -commitment letter for the Council and future proposals be made clear
and fair for the community. He spoke in support of the item.
SUBSTITUTE MOTION: Councilmember Bacerra moved to approve the
recommended action for Item No. 21 as amended to remove language in the
policy
Motion died due to lack of a second.
MINUTES: Community Development Director Michael Garcia addressed the need
to obtain a General Plan Amendment or Zone Change and noted that state laws
and existing zoning regulations must align with one another to allow for the
Executive Director of Planning and Building to draft a pre -commitment letter when
necessary.
Councilmember Phan inquired about the length of time and costs associated with a
General Plan Amendment and Zone Change, and whether there are affordable
housing units within the City that are high -density mixed -use for -sale projects. She
requested language be added to the existing pre -commitment letter to ensure
zoning regulations are being followed and asked whether developers identify the
City in lawsuits related to land use entitlements, she recommended standard
indemnification language be included in applications and spoke in opposition to the
item.
Planning and Building Director Ali Pezeshkpour stated the average time for a
General Plan Amendment and Zone Change within the City is approximately 9 to
18 months, with about $100, 000 in application fees, in addition to costs for retaining
professional services. He explained Estrella Springs was a mixed -use conversion
project that allowed affordable housing under the Harbor Specific Plan and projects
requiring a resolution for a General Plan Amendment or an ordinance for Zone
Changes, include standard indemnification language as included in all resolutions
and ordinances presented to the Council.
City Manager Alvaro Nunez explained zoning laws are outlined within and
referenced behind existing pre -commitment letters and related policy.
Mayor Amezcua asked whether the amendment conflicts with the Santa Ana
Municipal Code (SAMC), spoke in support of affordable housing within the City, and
expressed concern regarding the item, stating that the City Manager should work
with staff on the policy.
City Manager Alvaro Nunez spoke regarding maintaining the policy and message
within pre -commitment letters under the SAMC.
CITY COUNCIL 14 NOVEMBER 4, 2025
City Attorney Sonia Carvalho spoke regarding pre -commitment letter expectations
for developers, staff discretion, and compliance process per the policy.
Councilmember Lopez echoed Mayor Amezcua's comments, spoke regarding the
importance of affordable housing with the City, asked whether the amendment
would affect the Alton Project, and spoke in opposition to the item.
City Manager Nunez clarified the policy's transparency.
Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez spoke regarding the importance of affordable housing and
in opposition to the item.
Mayor Amezcua echoed Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez's comments.
Councilmember Bacerra thanked staff for bringing forth the item.
Councilmember Phan clarified the intentions of the pre -commitment letter with
developers for affordable housing projects, and spoke in support of affordable
housing, and in opposition to the item.
MOTION: Councilmember Hernandez moved to keep the current policies and
procedures and not approve the recommended action for Item No. 21,
seconded by Councilmember Phan.
The motion carried, 6-1, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER
LOPEZ, COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZA,
COUNCILMEMBER PHAN, MAYOR PRO TEM VAZQUEZ,
MAYOR AMEZCUA
NOES: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
Status: 6 —1 — Pass
22. Resolution Approving the Issuance of Taxable Bonds by California Enterprise
Development Authority (CEDA) for the Purpose of Financing, Refinancing,
and/or Reimbursing the Cost of Manufacturing Facilities for the Benefit of
Robinson Pharma, Inc.
Department(s): Community Development Agency
Recommended Action: Adopt a Resolution approving issuance of California
Enterprise Development Authority (CEDA) Bonds for the purpose of financing,
refinancing, and/or reimbursing the cost of manufacturing facilities for the benefit of
Robinson Pharma, Inc. located at 3130 South Fairview Street.
CITY COUNCIL 15 NOVEMBER 4, 2025
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-050 entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA, APPROVING THE ISSUANCE OF NOT TO
EXCEED $40,000,000 TAXABLE REVENUE BONDS BY THE CALIFORNIA
ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY FOR 3130 SOUTH FAIRVIEW
STREET
MOTION: Mayor Pro Tern Vazquez moved to approve the recommended action
for Item No. 22, seconded by Mayor Amezcua.
The motion carried, 6-0-0-1, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ,
COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZA, COUNCILMEMBER PHAN,
MAYOR PRO TEM VAZQUEZ, MAYOR AMEZCUA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBER HERNANDEZ
Status: 6-0-0-1 —Pass
**END OF BUSINESS CALENDAR**
PUBLIC HEARING
MINUTES: At 8:00 P.M., the Public Nearing was considered.
23. Public Hearing — Approve the Report on Water Quality Relative to the Public
Health Goals for Public Distribution
Legal notice published in the OC Reporter on October 24, 2025.
Department(s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action: Approve the City of Santa Ana 2025 Public Health Goals
Report for Public Distribution.
MINUTES: Mayor Amezcua opened the Public Hearing at 8:00 P.M.
City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall announced there were no email comments received
and there were no speakers.
Mayor Amezcua closed the Public Hearing at 8:00 P.M.
MOTION: Councilmember Hernandez moved to approve the recommended
action for Item No. 23, seconded by Mayor Amezcua.
The motion carried, 6-0-0-1, by the following roll call vote:
CITY COUNCIL 16 NOVEMBER 4, 2025
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER
HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER PENALOZA,
COUNCILMEMBER PHAN, MAYOR PRO TEM VAZQUEZ,
MAYOR AMEZCUA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ
Status: 6 — 0 — 0 —1 — Pass
**END OF PUBLIC HEARING**
RECESS
MINUTES: Mayor Amezcua recessed the City Council meeting and convened to the
Housing Authority meeting at 8:01 P.M.
RECONVENE
MINUTES: Mayor Amezcua reconvened the City Council at 8:03 P.M.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
MINUTES: Deputy City Manager Sylvia Vazquez announced the City's recent court
victory regarding a request for a preliminary injunction in its drug den abatement action
filed against the property and business owners/operators of the Royal Roman Motel,
Royal Grand Inn, and Marisco El Tapatio Y Antojitos, located on East First Street. She
announced the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Centennial Park Improvements on
November 5, 2025, and the City Hall closure on November 11, 2025 in observance of
Veterans Day, with street sweeping cancelled but refuse collection will continue as
scheduled. She reminded everyone the quarterly bulky item drop-off event on November
15, 2025 and the Plaza Navidena Tree Lighting event on Saturday, November 22, 2025.
COUNCILCOMMENTS
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.
MINUTE'S: Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez invited everyone to attend his office's event, Funding
Our Future, and the Economics of Youth Investments located at the Southwest Senior
Center on November 13, 2025. He thanked all of the organizers of the Noche de Altares
and Viva La Vida Events for all of their hard work, spoke in appreciation of Rudy Cordova's
sons for continuing their father's legacy, the countless contributions Mr. Cordova made to
the City, and requested the meeting be adjourned in honor of Rudy Cordova.
CITY COUNCIL 17 NOVEMBER 4, 2025
Councilmember Lopez thanked everyone who voted in the 2025 Special Election, invited
everyone to attend her November office hours at Riverview Park, thanked all veterans and
their families for their service, and invited anyone in need to reach out to her office who will
do their best to connect them to all available resources and support. She thanked all of the
organizations who are assisting the community in the wake of the federal government shut
down, thanked City staff for posting food assistance resources on the City's website,
reminded the public regarding an increase in theft due to the holiday season, thanked staff
for the concise agenda, wished everyone a happy holiday, and wished her sister a Happy
Birthday.
Councilmember Phan thanked staff for the short meeting, wished all a reflective Veterans
Day and Happy Thanksgiving, reflected on growing up using Supplemental Nutrition
Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits especially during the holidays, expressed hope the
Federal Government reinstates SNAP benefits as soon as possible, inquired about the
Sahuayo Mural unveiling, and wished everyone a goodnight.
Deputy City Manager Sylvia Vazquez announced the Sahuayo Mural unveiling would
be on November 15, 2025, located at Plaza Calle Cuatro.
Councilmember Penaloza thanked Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez and everyone involved in
organizing the Downtown Dia De Los Muertos Event, he announced that as President of
the California League of Cities, Orange County Division, he has appointed City Manager
Alvaro Nunez to the Governance, Transparency, and Labor Relations Committee and
Police Chief Robert Rodriguez to the Public Safety Committee, and he looks forward to
their contributions and representation.
Councilmember Hernandez thanked City staff for their help and the public for their
participation, spoke in memory of Rudy Cordova and his countless contributions to the City
of Santa Ana, expressed hope that Mr. Cordova's sons continue organizing and hosting
Viva La Vida and Noche de Altares events in Santa Ana, encouraged everyone to support
their restaurant, Santos Pizza in Downtown, and thanked City Manager Alvaro Nunez for
helping sponsor the Noche de Altares and Viva La Vida. He thanked City staff for prioritizing
and organizing events at the Santa Ana Stadium, the first of which will be a concert on
March 28, 2026 with Caifanes as the headliner, encouraged staff to continue to work with
promoters to continue to generate revenue for the City, invited everyone to attend Mayor
Pro Vazquez's event, Funding Our Future and the Economics of Youth Investments, at the
Southwest Senior Center on November 13, 2025, and wished everyone a goodnight.
Councilmember Bacerra inquired with Chief Rodriquez the number of funded vacancies in
the Police Department and spoke of the importance of prioritizing filling those vacancies
and lowering overtime.
Police Chief Robert Rodriguez reported there are currently 30 funded vacancies in the
Police Department.
Councilmember Bacerra spoke regarding Item No. 18, thanked the Council for approving
the item, and announced he rode the OCTA bus to the meeting in an effort to use the OCTA
Wave App, which is designed to facilitate paying bus fares. He announced his upcoming
CITY COUNCIL 18 NOVEMBER 4, 2025
community office hours will be on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Bomo Koral Park. He
congratulated the Saddleback High School football team on being the Zeta League
Champions and wished them luck on their upcoming CIF game against San Bernardino's
Pacific High School, wished all veterans Happy Veterans Day, thanked them for their
service, wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving,
Mayor Amezcua announced that riders on the OCTA buses can use the app or pay cash,
spoke on the success of the Police Department's Trunk or Treat Event, the attendance at
the State of the City, and wished the City a Happy 156th Year Birthday. She recalled her
annual visit to a local elementary school and reported out the security concerns the students
are facing. She thanked Code Enforcement and SAPD, for working collaboratively to
address the issues along First Street, commented on the unfunded vacancies in SAPD,
and thanked Chief Rodriguez and his staff for working diligently towards filling the remaining
vacancies. She spoke regarding SNAP benefits, thanked City Manager Nunez and Paul
Eakins for publishing food assistance resources on the City's website and social media,
announced her collaboration with the Orange County Labor Federation, Mosaic Movement,
and Councilmembers Bacerra and Penaloza to host a drive -by food distribution event on
Saturday November 15, 2025 at Centennial Park. Seva Collective will host a drive thru food
pantry and Thanksgiving giveaway on Saturday November 22, 2025; participants must pre -
register. On Sunday November 23, 2025 her office, in collaboration with Councilmembers
Bacerra and Penaloza, Congress -member Lou Correa, Assembly -member Avellino
Valencia, and the Santa Ana Police Officers Association will be hosting a turkey giveaway
in front of the Santa Ana Police Department. She reminded all that Tuesday November 11,
2025 is Veterans Day, and thanked veterans for their service, including her family members,
who have served. She noted that on Saturday November 8, 2025, Valley High School will
be hosting the inaugural Dancing with the Stars fundraising event, Chief Robert Rodriguez
will be participating, and his portion of the proceeds will benefit the Orphan and Widows
Fund. She wished everyone happy holidays, thanked the Salvation Army for all of the hard
work and assistance they provide the City and neighboring communities, suggested the
City research and model the Salvation Army's homeless shelter, and wished everyone a
goodnight.
ADJOURNMENT — Adjourn the City Council meeting.
MINUTES: Mayor Amezcua adjourned the City Council Meeting in memory of Rudy
Cordova at 8:38 P.M.
Respectfully submitted:
CiTY COUNCIL 19 NOVEMBER 4, 2025