HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes (Final) 9.8.25Planning Commission
DRAFT Regular Meeting Agenda Minutes
September 8, 2025
5:30 P.M.
Council Chamber
22 Civic Center Plaza
Santa Ana, CA
ISURI S. RAMOS
Chair, Ward 3 Representative
CARL BENNINGER
ViceChair,
Ward 4 Representative
CHRISTOPHER LEO
Citywide Representative
MANUEL J. ESCAMILLA
Ward 2 Representative
JENNIFER OLIVA
Ward 6 Representative
BAO PHAM
Ward 1 Representative
ALAN WOO
Ward 5 Representative
Ali Pezeshkpour, AICP
Executive Director
Melissa M. Crosthwaite
Legal Counsel
Ricardo Soto, AICP
Acting Planning Manager
Gema Zapien
Acting Recording Secretary
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need special assistance to participate in this Meeting,
contact Michael Ortiz, City ADA Program Coordinator, at (714) 6475624. Notification 48 hours prior to the Meeting will enable
the City to make reasonable arrangements to assure accessibility to this meeting. The City Council agenda and supporting
documentation can be found on the City’s website – www.santaana.org/citymeetings.
CALL TO ORDER
Commissioners: Isuri S. Ramos, Chair
Carl Benninger, Vice
Chair
Christopher Leo
Manuel J. Escamilla
Jennifer Oliva
Bao Pham
Alan Woo
Executive Director Ali Pezeshkpour, AICP
Legal Counsel Melissa M. Crosthwaite
Acting Planning Manager Ricardo Soto, AICP
Acting Recording Secretary Gema Zapien
ROLL CALL
Minutes: Quorum was reached at 5:34 PM with Commissioner Escamilla arriving at 5:39
PM and Commissioners Pham and Woo absent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
PUBLIC COMMENTS
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS
a.Minutes
Recommended Action: Approve Minutes from August 25, 2025.
b.Excused Absences
Recommended Action: Excuse absent commissioners.
c.Receive and file the 2025 Annual Monitoring Report for Development Agreement No.
201802 between the City of Santa Ana and MainPlace Shoppingtown, LLC, for the
property located at 2800 N. Main Street in the Specific Plan No. 4 Zoning District.
Recommended Action: Receive and file the 2025 Annual Monitoring Report.
Moved by Commissioner Leo, seconded by Commissioner Benninger to Approve
consent calendar.
YES: 4 – Isuri Ramos, Christopher Leo, Jennifer Oliva, Carl Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 3 – Bao Pham, Alan Woo, Manuel J. Escamilla
Status: 4 – 0 – 0 – 3 – Pass
*End of Consent Calendar*
BUSINESS CALENDAR
Business – Miscellaneous (NonPublic Hearing):
1.PUBLIC FACILITIES NAMING NO. 202502 FOR SANTA ANA POLICE ATHLETIC
AND ACTIVITY LEAGUE (PAAL) CENTER LOCATED AT 2627 WEST
MCFADDEN AVENUE.
Project Applicant: City of Santa Ana
Proposed Project: City of Santa Ana is requesting the Planning Commission
approve Public Facilities Naming (PFN) No. 202502 to rename the Santa Ana Police
Athletic and Activity League (PAAL) Center, located at 2627 W. McFadden Avenue, to
the Jose Vargas PAAL Center.
Environmental Impact: In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act
and the CEQA Guidelines, the recommended action is exempt from further review per
Section 15061(b)(3). This general rule exemption is allowed provided it can be
determined with certainty that the proposed project will not have a significant effect on
the environment. As the project consists of naming of a public facility, the general rule
exemption is applicable. A Notice of Exemption, Environmental Review No. 202584,
will be filed for this project.
Recommended Action:
Adopt a resolution approving Public Facilities Naming No. 202502, renaming
the Santa Ana Police Athletic and Activity League Center at 2627 W. McFadden
Avenue to the “Jose Vargas PAAL Center.”
Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation.
Moved by Commissioner Benninger, seconded by Commissioner Escamilla to
Approve.
YES: 5 – Isuri Ramos, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla, Jennifer Oliva, Carl
Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 2 – Bao Pham, Alan Woo
Status: 5 – 0 – 0 – 2 – Pass
*End of Business Calendar*
STAFF COMMENTS
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Minutes: Commission had comments for staff.
ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting of the Planning Commission will be on September 22, 2025, at 5:30 PM in
the Council Chamber located at 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Minutes: Meeting was adjourned at 5:47 PM
APPEAL INFORMATION
The formal action by the Planning Commission shall become effective after the tenday
appeal period, unless the City Council in compliance with section 41643, 41644 or 41645
holds a public hearing on the matter, then the formal action will become effective on the day
following the hearing and decision by the City Council. An appeal from the decision or
requirement of the Planning Commission may be made by any interested party, individual, or
group. The appeal must be filed with the Clerk of the Council, accompanied by the required
filing fee, and a copy sent to the Planning Department, within ten days of the date of the
Commission's action, by 5:00 p.m. If the final day to appeal falls on a City Hall observed
holiday or a day when City hall is closed, the final day to appeal shall be extended to the next
day City Hall is open for public business. Please note: Under California Government Code
Sec. 65009, if you challenge in court any of the matters on this agenda for which a public
hearing is to be conducted, you may be limited to raising only those issues which you (or
someone else) raised orally at the public hearing or in written correspondence received by
the Planning Commission or City Council at or before the hearing.
MEETING INFORMATION
If you would like to learn how to use Zoom before the meeting, visit Zoom Video Tutorials.
1. Connecting directly from your computer:
Click on the link on top of this agenda OR
Go to Zoom.us and click "Join a Meeting" at the top. Enter the Meeting ID. The Meeting
ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is
discussed, click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know
you wish to speak. You will have 3 minutes.
2. Connecting via the Zoom App:
Download the free Zoom Cloud Meetings app from your favorite app store.
Launch the app and click on the blue Join a Meeting button. Enter the Meeting ID, your
name, and the blue Join button. The Meeting ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is
discussed, click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know
you wish to speak. You will have 3 minutes.
3. Dialing in from a mobile phone or landline:
Dial (669) 9009128. When prompted, enter the meeting ID. The Meeting ID is listed at
the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is
discussed, press *9 on your phone to virtually raise your hand. You will have 3 minutes.
Submit a written comment
You are invited to submit a written comment in one of the following ways:
Email PBAecomments@santaana.org and reference the topic in the subject line.
Mail to Gema Zapien, Acting Recording Secretary, City of Santa Ana, 20 Civic Center
Plaza – M20, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Deadline to submit written comments, including any supplement materials for
consideration by the Planning Commission, is 3:30 p.m. on the day of the
meeting.Comments received after the deadline may not be distributed to the
Commission but will be made part of the record. All attendees wishing to submit
written comments or supplemental materials for distribution to Planning Commission
members during the inperson meeting must provide 15 printed copies.
1 Planning Commission
9/8/2025
Planning CommissionDRAFT Regular Meeting Agenda MinutesSeptember 8, 20255:30 P.M.Council Chamber22 Civic Center PlazaSanta Ana, CA ISURI S. RAMOSChair, Ward 3 RepresentativeCARL BENNINGERViceChair,Ward 4 Representative CHRISTOPHER LEOCitywide RepresentativeMANUEL J. ESCAMILLAWard 2 Representative JENNIFER OLIVAWard 6 RepresentativeBAO PHAMWard 1 Representative ALAN WOOWard 5 RepresentativeAli Pezeshkpour, AICPExecutive DirectorMelissa M. CrosthwaiteLegal Counsel Ricardo Soto, AICPActing Planning Manager Gema ZapienActing Recording Secretary
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need special assistance to participate in this Meeting,
contact Michael Ortiz, City ADA Program Coordinator, at (714) 6475624. Notification 48 hours prior to the Meeting will enable
the City to make reasonable arrangements to assure accessibility to this meeting. The City Council agenda and supporting
documentation can be found on the City’s website – www.santaana.org/citymeetings.
CALL TO ORDER
Commissioners: Isuri S. Ramos, Chair
Carl Benninger, Vice
Chair
Christopher Leo
Manuel J. Escamilla
Jennifer Oliva
Bao Pham
Alan Woo
Executive Director Ali Pezeshkpour, AICP
Legal Counsel Melissa M. Crosthwaite
Acting Planning Manager Ricardo Soto, AICP
Acting Recording Secretary Gema Zapien
ROLL CALL
Minutes: Quorum was reached at 5:34 PM with Commissioner Escamilla arriving at 5:39
PM and Commissioners Pham and Woo absent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
PUBLIC COMMENTS
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS
a.Minutes
Recommended Action: Approve Minutes from August 25, 2025.
b.Excused Absences
Recommended Action: Excuse absent commissioners.
c.Receive and file the 2025 Annual Monitoring Report for Development Agreement No.
201802 between the City of Santa Ana and MainPlace Shoppingtown, LLC, for the
property located at 2800 N. Main Street in the Specific Plan No. 4 Zoning District.
Recommended Action: Receive and file the 2025 Annual Monitoring Report.
Moved by Commissioner Leo, seconded by Commissioner Benninger to Approve
consent calendar.
YES: 4 – Isuri Ramos, Christopher Leo, Jennifer Oliva, Carl Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 3 – Bao Pham, Alan Woo, Manuel J. Escamilla
Status: 4 – 0 – 0 – 3 – Pass
*End of Consent Calendar*
BUSINESS CALENDAR
Business – Miscellaneous (NonPublic Hearing):
1.PUBLIC FACILITIES NAMING NO. 202502 FOR SANTA ANA POLICE ATHLETIC
AND ACTIVITY LEAGUE (PAAL) CENTER LOCATED AT 2627 WEST
MCFADDEN AVENUE.
Project Applicant: City of Santa Ana
Proposed Project: City of Santa Ana is requesting the Planning Commission
approve Public Facilities Naming (PFN) No. 202502 to rename the Santa Ana Police
Athletic and Activity League (PAAL) Center, located at 2627 W. McFadden Avenue, to
the Jose Vargas PAAL Center.
Environmental Impact: In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act
and the CEQA Guidelines, the recommended action is exempt from further review per
Section 15061(b)(3). This general rule exemption is allowed provided it can be
determined with certainty that the proposed project will not have a significant effect on
the environment. As the project consists of naming of a public facility, the general rule
exemption is applicable. A Notice of Exemption, Environmental Review No. 202584,
will be filed for this project.
Recommended Action:
Adopt a resolution approving Public Facilities Naming No. 202502, renaming
the Santa Ana Police Athletic and Activity League Center at 2627 W. McFadden
Avenue to the “Jose Vargas PAAL Center.”
Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation.
Moved by Commissioner Benninger, seconded by Commissioner Escamilla to
Approve.
YES: 5 – Isuri Ramos, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla, Jennifer Oliva, Carl
Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 2 – Bao Pham, Alan Woo
Status: 5 – 0 – 0 – 2 – Pass
*End of Business Calendar*
STAFF COMMENTS
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Minutes: Commission had comments for staff.
ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting of the Planning Commission will be on September 22, 2025, at 5:30 PM in
the Council Chamber located at 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Minutes: Meeting was adjourned at 5:47 PM
APPEAL INFORMATION
The formal action by the Planning Commission shall become effective after the tenday
appeal period, unless the City Council in compliance with section 41643, 41644 or 41645
holds a public hearing on the matter, then the formal action will become effective on the day
following the hearing and decision by the City Council. An appeal from the decision or
requirement of the Planning Commission may be made by any interested party, individual, or
group. The appeal must be filed with the Clerk of the Council, accompanied by the required
filing fee, and a copy sent to the Planning Department, within ten days of the date of the
Commission's action, by 5:00 p.m. If the final day to appeal falls on a City Hall observed
holiday or a day when City hall is closed, the final day to appeal shall be extended to the next
day City Hall is open for public business. Please note: Under California Government Code
Sec. 65009, if you challenge in court any of the matters on this agenda for which a public
hearing is to be conducted, you may be limited to raising only those issues which you (or
someone else) raised orally at the public hearing or in written correspondence received by
the Planning Commission or City Council at or before the hearing.
MEETING INFORMATION
If you would like to learn how to use Zoom before the meeting, visit Zoom Video Tutorials.
1. Connecting directly from your computer:
Click on the link on top of this agenda OR
Go to Zoom.us and click "Join a Meeting" at the top. Enter the Meeting ID. The Meeting
ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is
discussed, click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know
you wish to speak. You will have 3 minutes.
2. Connecting via the Zoom App:
Download the free Zoom Cloud Meetings app from your favorite app store.
Launch the app and click on the blue Join a Meeting button. Enter the Meeting ID, your
name, and the blue Join button. The Meeting ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is
discussed, click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know
you wish to speak. You will have 3 minutes.
3. Dialing in from a mobile phone or landline:
Dial (669) 9009128. When prompted, enter the meeting ID. The Meeting ID is listed at
the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is
discussed, press *9 on your phone to virtually raise your hand. You will have 3 minutes.
Submit a written comment
You are invited to submit a written comment in one of the following ways:
Email PBAecomments@santaana.org and reference the topic in the subject line.
Mail to Gema Zapien, Acting Recording Secretary, City of Santa Ana, 20 Civic Center
Plaza – M20, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Deadline to submit written comments, including any supplement materials for
consideration by the Planning Commission, is 3:30 p.m. on the day of the
meeting.Comments received after the deadline may not be distributed to the
Commission but will be made part of the record. All attendees wishing to submit
written comments or supplemental materials for distribution to Planning Commission
members during the inperson meeting must provide 15 printed copies.
2 Planning Commission
9/8/2025
Planning CommissionDRAFT Regular Meeting Agenda MinutesSeptember 8, 20255:30 P.M.Council Chamber22 Civic Center PlazaSanta Ana, CA ISURI S. RAMOSChair, Ward 3 RepresentativeCARL BENNINGERViceChair,Ward 4 Representative CHRISTOPHER LEOCitywide RepresentativeMANUEL J. ESCAMILLAWard 2 Representative JENNIFER OLIVAWard 6 RepresentativeBAO PHAMWard 1 Representative ALAN WOOWard 5 RepresentativeAli Pezeshkpour, AICPExecutive DirectorMelissa M. CrosthwaiteLegal Counsel Ricardo Soto, AICPActing Planning Manager Gema ZapienActing Recording SecretaryIn compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need special assistance to participate in this Meeting,contact Michael Ortiz, City ADA Program Coordinator, at (714) 6475624. Notification 48 hours prior to the Meeting will enablethe City to make reasonable arrangements to assure accessibility to this meeting. The City Council agenda and supportingdocumentation can be found on the City’s website – www.santaana.org/citymeetings.CALL TO ORDER Commissioners: Isuri S. Ramos, ChairCarl Benninger, ViceChairChristopher LeoManuel J. EscamillaJennifer OlivaBao PhamAlan Woo Executive Director Ali Pezeshkpour, AICPLegal Counsel Melissa M. CrosthwaiteActing Planning Manager Ricardo Soto, AICPActing Recording Secretary Gema ZapienROLL CALLMinutes: Quorum was reached at 5:34 PM with Commissioner Escamilla arriving at 5:39PM and Commissioners Pham and Woo absent.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCEPUBLIC COMMENTSCONSENT CALENDAR ITEMSa.MinutesRecommended Action: Approve Minutes from August 25, 2025.b.Excused AbsencesRecommended Action: Excuse absent commissioners.c.Receive and file the 2025 Annual Monitoring Report for Development Agreement No.201802 between the City of Santa Ana and MainPlace Shoppingtown, LLC, for theproperty located at 2800 N. Main Street in the Specific Plan No. 4 Zoning District.Recommended Action: Receive and file the 2025 Annual Monitoring Report.
Moved by Commissioner Leo, seconded by Commissioner Benninger to Approve
consent calendar.
YES: 4 – Isuri Ramos, Christopher Leo, Jennifer Oliva, Carl Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 3 – Bao Pham, Alan Woo, Manuel J. Escamilla
Status: 4 – 0 – 0 – 3 – Pass
*End of Consent Calendar*
BUSINESS CALENDAR
Business – Miscellaneous (NonPublic Hearing):
1.PUBLIC FACILITIES NAMING NO. 202502 FOR SANTA ANA POLICE ATHLETIC
AND ACTIVITY LEAGUE (PAAL) CENTER LOCATED AT 2627 WEST
MCFADDEN AVENUE.
Project Applicant: City of Santa Ana
Proposed Project: City of Santa Ana is requesting the Planning Commission
approve Public Facilities Naming (PFN) No. 202502 to rename the Santa Ana Police
Athletic and Activity League (PAAL) Center, located at 2627 W. McFadden Avenue, to
the Jose Vargas PAAL Center.
Environmental Impact: In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act
and the CEQA Guidelines, the recommended action is exempt from further review per
Section 15061(b)(3). This general rule exemption is allowed provided it can be
determined with certainty that the proposed project will not have a significant effect on
the environment. As the project consists of naming of a public facility, the general rule
exemption is applicable. A Notice of Exemption, Environmental Review No. 202584,
will be filed for this project.
Recommended Action:
Adopt a resolution approving Public Facilities Naming No. 202502, renaming
the Santa Ana Police Athletic and Activity League Center at 2627 W. McFadden
Avenue to the “Jose Vargas PAAL Center.”
Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation.
Moved by Commissioner Benninger, seconded by Commissioner Escamilla to
Approve.
YES: 5 – Isuri Ramos, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla, Jennifer Oliva, Carl
Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 2 – Bao Pham, Alan Woo
Status: 5 – 0 – 0 – 2 – Pass
*End of Business Calendar*
STAFF COMMENTS
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Minutes: Commission had comments for staff.
ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting of the Planning Commission will be on September 22, 2025, at 5:30 PM in
the Council Chamber located at 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Minutes: Meeting was adjourned at 5:47 PM
APPEAL INFORMATION
The formal action by the Planning Commission shall become effective after the tenday
appeal period, unless the City Council in compliance with section 41643, 41644 or 41645
holds a public hearing on the matter, then the formal action will become effective on the day
following the hearing and decision by the City Council. An appeal from the decision or
requirement of the Planning Commission may be made by any interested party, individual, or
group. The appeal must be filed with the Clerk of the Council, accompanied by the required
filing fee, and a copy sent to the Planning Department, within ten days of the date of the
Commission's action, by 5:00 p.m. If the final day to appeal falls on a City Hall observed
holiday or a day when City hall is closed, the final day to appeal shall be extended to the next
day City Hall is open for public business. Please note: Under California Government Code
Sec. 65009, if you challenge in court any of the matters on this agenda for which a public
hearing is to be conducted, you may be limited to raising only those issues which you (or
someone else) raised orally at the public hearing or in written correspondence received by
the Planning Commission or City Council at or before the hearing.
MEETING INFORMATION
If you would like to learn how to use Zoom before the meeting, visit Zoom Video Tutorials.
1. Connecting directly from your computer:
Click on the link on top of this agenda OR
Go to Zoom.us and click "Join a Meeting" at the top. Enter the Meeting ID. The Meeting
ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is
discussed, click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know
you wish to speak. You will have 3 minutes.
2. Connecting via the Zoom App:
Download the free Zoom Cloud Meetings app from your favorite app store.
Launch the app and click on the blue Join a Meeting button. Enter the Meeting ID, your
name, and the blue Join button. The Meeting ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is
discussed, click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know
you wish to speak. You will have 3 minutes.
3. Dialing in from a mobile phone or landline:
Dial (669) 9009128. When prompted, enter the meeting ID. The Meeting ID is listed at
the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is
discussed, press *9 on your phone to virtually raise your hand. You will have 3 minutes.
Submit a written comment
You are invited to submit a written comment in one of the following ways:
Email PBAecomments@santaana.org and reference the topic in the subject line.
Mail to Gema Zapien, Acting Recording Secretary, City of Santa Ana, 20 Civic Center
Plaza – M20, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Deadline to submit written comments, including any supplement materials for
consideration by the Planning Commission, is 3:30 p.m. on the day of the
meeting.Comments received after the deadline may not be distributed to the
Commission but will be made part of the record. All attendees wishing to submit
written comments or supplemental materials for distribution to Planning Commission
members during the inperson meeting must provide 15 printed copies.
3 Planning Commission
9/8/2025
Planning CommissionDRAFT Regular Meeting Agenda MinutesSeptember 8, 20255:30 P.M.Council Chamber22 Civic Center PlazaSanta Ana, CA ISURI S. RAMOSChair, Ward 3 RepresentativeCARL BENNINGERViceChair,Ward 4 Representative CHRISTOPHER LEOCitywide RepresentativeMANUEL J. ESCAMILLAWard 2 Representative JENNIFER OLIVAWard 6 RepresentativeBAO PHAMWard 1 Representative ALAN WOOWard 5 RepresentativeAli Pezeshkpour, AICPExecutive DirectorMelissa M. CrosthwaiteLegal Counsel Ricardo Soto, AICPActing Planning Manager Gema ZapienActing Recording SecretaryIn compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need special assistance to participate in this Meeting,contact Michael Ortiz, City ADA Program Coordinator, at (714) 6475624. Notification 48 hours prior to the Meeting will enablethe City to make reasonable arrangements to assure accessibility to this meeting. The City Council agenda and supportingdocumentation can be found on the City’s website – www.santaana.org/citymeetings.CALL TO ORDER Commissioners: Isuri S. Ramos, ChairCarl Benninger, ViceChairChristopher LeoManuel J. EscamillaJennifer OlivaBao PhamAlan Woo Executive Director Ali Pezeshkpour, AICPLegal Counsel Melissa M. CrosthwaiteActing Planning Manager Ricardo Soto, AICPActing Recording Secretary Gema ZapienROLL CALLMinutes: Quorum was reached at 5:34 PM with Commissioner Escamilla arriving at 5:39PM and Commissioners Pham and Woo absent.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCEPUBLIC COMMENTSCONSENT CALENDAR ITEMSa.MinutesRecommended Action: Approve Minutes from August 25, 2025.b.Excused AbsencesRecommended Action: Excuse absent commissioners.c.Receive and file the 2025 Annual Monitoring Report for Development Agreement No.201802 between the City of Santa Ana and MainPlace Shoppingtown, LLC, for theproperty located at 2800 N. Main Street in the Specific Plan No. 4 Zoning District.Recommended Action: Receive and file the 2025 Annual Monitoring Report.Moved by Commissioner Leo, seconded by Commissioner Benninger to Approveconsent calendar.YES: 4 – Isuri Ramos, Christopher Leo, Jennifer Oliva, Carl BenningerNO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 3 – Bao Pham, Alan Woo, Manuel J. EscamillaStatus: 4 – 0 – 0 – 3 – Pass*End of Consent Calendar*BUSINESS CALENDARBusiness – Miscellaneous (NonPublic Hearing):1.PUBLIC FACILITIES NAMING NO. 202502 FOR SANTA ANA POLICE ATHLETICAND ACTIVITY LEAGUE (PAAL) CENTER LOCATED AT 2627 WESTMCFADDEN AVENUE.Project Applicant: City of Santa AnaProposed Project: City of Santa Ana is requesting the Planning Commissionapprove Public Facilities Naming (PFN) No. 202502 to rename the Santa Ana PoliceAthletic and Activity League (PAAL) Center, located at 2627 W. McFadden Avenue, tothe Jose Vargas PAAL Center.Environmental Impact: In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Actand the CEQA Guidelines, the recommended action is exempt from further review perSection 15061(b)(3). This general rule exemption is allowed provided it can bedetermined with certainty that the proposed project will not have a significant effect onthe environment. As the project consists of naming of a public facility, the general ruleexemption is applicable. A Notice of Exemption, Environmental Review No. 202584,will be filed for this project.Recommended Action:Adopt a resolution approving Public Facilities Naming No. 202502, renamingthe Santa Ana Police Athletic and Activity League Center at 2627 W. McFaddenAvenue to the “Jose Vargas PAAL Center.”Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation.Moved by Commissioner Benninger, seconded by Commissioner Escamilla toApprove.YES: 5 – Isuri Ramos, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla, Jennifer Oliva, CarlBenningerNO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 2 – Bao Pham, Alan WooStatus: 5 – 0 – 0 – 2 – Pass
*End of Business Calendar*
STAFF COMMENTS
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Minutes: Commission had comments for staff.
ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting of the Planning Commission will be on September 22, 2025, at 5:30 PM in
the Council Chamber located at 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Minutes: Meeting was adjourned at 5:47 PM
APPEAL INFORMATION
The formal action by the Planning Commission shall become effective after the tenday
appeal period, unless the City Council in compliance with section 41643, 41644 or 41645
holds a public hearing on the matter, then the formal action will become effective on the day
following the hearing and decision by the City Council. An appeal from the decision or
requirement of the Planning Commission may be made by any interested party, individual, or
group. The appeal must be filed with the Clerk of the Council, accompanied by the required
filing fee, and a copy sent to the Planning Department, within ten days of the date of the
Commission's action, by 5:00 p.m. If the final day to appeal falls on a City Hall observed
holiday or a day when City hall is closed, the final day to appeal shall be extended to the next
day City Hall is open for public business. Please note: Under California Government Code
Sec. 65009, if you challenge in court any of the matters on this agenda for which a public
hearing is to be conducted, you may be limited to raising only those issues which you (or
someone else) raised orally at the public hearing or in written correspondence received by
the Planning Commission or City Council at or before the hearing.
MEETING INFORMATION
If you would like to learn how to use Zoom before the meeting, visit Zoom Video Tutorials.
1. Connecting directly from your computer:
Click on the link on top of this agenda OR
Go to Zoom.us and click "Join a Meeting" at the top. Enter the Meeting ID. The Meeting
ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is
discussed, click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know
you wish to speak. You will have 3 minutes.
2. Connecting via the Zoom App:
Download the free Zoom Cloud Meetings app from your favorite app store.
Launch the app and click on the blue Join a Meeting button. Enter the Meeting ID, your
name, and the blue Join button. The Meeting ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is
discussed, click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know
you wish to speak. You will have 3 minutes.
3. Dialing in from a mobile phone or landline:
Dial (669) 9009128. When prompted, enter the meeting ID. The Meeting ID is listed at
the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is
discussed, press *9 on your phone to virtually raise your hand. You will have 3 minutes.
Submit a written comment
You are invited to submit a written comment in one of the following ways:
Email PBAecomments@santaana.org and reference the topic in the subject line.
Mail to Gema Zapien, Acting Recording Secretary, City of Santa Ana, 20 Civic Center
Plaza – M20, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Deadline to submit written comments, including any supplement materials for
consideration by the Planning Commission, is 3:30 p.m. on the day of the
meeting.Comments received after the deadline may not be distributed to the
Commission but will be made part of the record. All attendees wishing to submit
written comments or supplemental materials for distribution to Planning Commission
members during the inperson meeting must provide 15 printed copies.
4 Planning Commission
9/8/2025
Planning CommissionDRAFT Regular Meeting Agenda MinutesSeptember 8, 20255:30 P.M.Council Chamber22 Civic Center PlazaSanta Ana, CA ISURI S. RAMOSChair, Ward 3 RepresentativeCARL BENNINGERViceChair,Ward 4 Representative CHRISTOPHER LEOCitywide RepresentativeMANUEL J. ESCAMILLAWard 2 Representative JENNIFER OLIVAWard 6 RepresentativeBAO PHAMWard 1 Representative ALAN WOOWard 5 RepresentativeAli Pezeshkpour, AICPExecutive DirectorMelissa M. CrosthwaiteLegal Counsel Ricardo Soto, AICPActing Planning Manager Gema ZapienActing Recording SecretaryIn compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need special assistance to participate in this Meeting,contact Michael Ortiz, City ADA Program Coordinator, at (714) 6475624. Notification 48 hours prior to the Meeting will enablethe City to make reasonable arrangements to assure accessibility to this meeting. The City Council agenda and supportingdocumentation can be found on the City’s website – www.santaana.org/citymeetings.CALL TO ORDER Commissioners: Isuri S. Ramos, ChairCarl Benninger, ViceChairChristopher LeoManuel J. EscamillaJennifer OlivaBao PhamAlan Woo Executive Director Ali Pezeshkpour, AICPLegal Counsel Melissa M. CrosthwaiteActing Planning Manager Ricardo Soto, AICPActing Recording Secretary Gema ZapienROLL CALLMinutes: Quorum was reached at 5:34 PM with Commissioner Escamilla arriving at 5:39PM and Commissioners Pham and Woo absent.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCEPUBLIC COMMENTSCONSENT CALENDAR ITEMSa.MinutesRecommended Action: Approve Minutes from August 25, 2025.b.Excused AbsencesRecommended Action: Excuse absent commissioners.c.Receive and file the 2025 Annual Monitoring Report for Development Agreement No.201802 between the City of Santa Ana and MainPlace Shoppingtown, LLC, for theproperty located at 2800 N. Main Street in the Specific Plan No. 4 Zoning District.Recommended Action: Receive and file the 2025 Annual Monitoring Report.Moved by Commissioner Leo, seconded by Commissioner Benninger to Approveconsent calendar.YES: 4 – Isuri Ramos, Christopher Leo, Jennifer Oliva, Carl BenningerNO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 3 – Bao Pham, Alan Woo, Manuel J. EscamillaStatus: 4 – 0 – 0 – 3 – Pass*End of Consent Calendar*BUSINESS CALENDARBusiness – Miscellaneous (NonPublic Hearing):1.PUBLIC FACILITIES NAMING NO. 202502 FOR SANTA ANA POLICE ATHLETICAND ACTIVITY LEAGUE (PAAL) CENTER LOCATED AT 2627 WESTMCFADDEN AVENUE.Project Applicant: City of Santa AnaProposed Project: City of Santa Ana is requesting the Planning Commissionapprove Public Facilities Naming (PFN) No. 202502 to rename the Santa Ana PoliceAthletic and Activity League (PAAL) Center, located at 2627 W. McFadden Avenue, tothe Jose Vargas PAAL Center.Environmental Impact: In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Actand the CEQA Guidelines, the recommended action is exempt from further review perSection 15061(b)(3). This general rule exemption is allowed provided it can bedetermined with certainty that the proposed project will not have a significant effect onthe environment. As the project consists of naming of a public facility, the general ruleexemption is applicable. A Notice of Exemption, Environmental Review No. 202584,will be filed for this project.Recommended Action:Adopt a resolution approving Public Facilities Naming No. 202502, renamingthe Santa Ana Police Athletic and Activity League Center at 2627 W. McFaddenAvenue to the “Jose Vargas PAAL Center.”Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation.Moved by Commissioner Benninger, seconded by Commissioner Escamilla toApprove.YES: 5 – Isuri Ramos, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla, Jennifer Oliva, CarlBenningerNO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 2 – Bao Pham, Alan WooStatus: 5 – 0 – 0 – 2 – Pass*End of Business Calendar*STAFF COMMENTSCOMMISSIONER COMMENTSMinutes: Commission had comments for staff.ADJOURNMENTThe next meeting of the Planning Commission will be on September 22, 2025, at 5:30 PM inthe Council Chamber located at 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701.Minutes: Meeting was adjourned at 5:47 PMAPPEAL INFORMATIONThe formal action by the Planning Commission shall become effective after the tendayappeal period, unless the City Council in compliance with section 41643, 41644 or 41645holds a public hearing on the matter, then the formal action will become effective on the dayfollowing the hearing and decision by the City Council. An appeal from the decision orrequirement of the Planning Commission may be made by any interested party, individual, orgroup. The appeal must be filed with the Clerk of the Council, accompanied by the requiredfiling fee, and a copy sent to the Planning Department, within ten days of the date of theCommission's action, by 5:00 p.m. If the final day to appeal falls on a City Hall observedholiday or a day when City hall is closed, the final day to appeal shall be extended to the nextday City Hall is open for public business. Please note: Under California Government CodeSec. 65009, if you challenge in court any of the matters on this agenda for which a publichearing is to be conducted, you may be limited to raising only those issues which you (orsomeone else) raised orally at the public hearing or in written correspondence received bythe Planning Commission or City Council at or before the hearing.MEETING INFORMATIONIf you would like to learn how to use Zoom before the meeting, visit Zoom Video Tutorials.1. Connecting directly from your computer:Click on the link on top of this agenda ORGo to Zoom.us and click "Join a Meeting" at the top. Enter the Meeting ID. The MeetingID is listed at the top of this agenda.To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being isdiscussed, click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know
you wish to speak. You will have 3 minutes.
2. Connecting via the Zoom App:
Download the free Zoom Cloud Meetings app from your favorite app store.
Launch the app and click on the blue Join a Meeting button. Enter the Meeting ID, your
name, and the blue Join button. The Meeting ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is
discussed, click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know
you wish to speak. You will have 3 minutes.
3. Dialing in from a mobile phone or landline:
Dial (669) 9009128. When prompted, enter the meeting ID. The Meeting ID is listed at
the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is
discussed, press *9 on your phone to virtually raise your hand. You will have 3 minutes.
Submit a written comment
You are invited to submit a written comment in one of the following ways:
Email PBAecomments@santaana.org and reference the topic in the subject line.
Mail to Gema Zapien, Acting Recording Secretary, City of Santa Ana, 20 Civic Center
Plaza – M20, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Deadline to submit written comments, including any supplement materials for
consideration by the Planning Commission, is 3:30 p.m. on the day of the
meeting.Comments received after the deadline may not be distributed to the
Commission but will be made part of the record. All attendees wishing to submit
written comments or supplemental materials for distribution to Planning Commission
members during the inperson meeting must provide 15 printed copies.
5 Planning Commission
9/8/2025