HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-02-17 Regular Minutes of the Regular Meeting
of the City Council
City of Santa Ana, California
J
February 17, 2026
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 Pro Tem Penaloza called the Closed Session meeting to order at 4;9 8
P.M.
ATTENDANCE Council Members Phil Bacerra
Johnathan Ryan Hernandez
Jessie Lopez
Thai Viet Phan
Benjamin Vazquez
Mayor Pro Tem David Penaloza
Mayor Valerie Amezcua
City Manager Alvaro Nunez
City Attorney Sonia R. Carvalho
City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall
CITY COUNCIL 1 FEBRUARY 17, 2026
ROLL CALL
MINUTES: City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall conducted roll call_
Councilmembers Bacerra, Phan, and Vazquez, and Mayor Pro Tem Penaloza were
present. Councilmembers Hernandez and Lopez joined during Closed Session. Mayor
Amezcua was absent
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 Pro Tem Penaloza recessed to consider the Closed Session items at
4:1 9 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 — POTENTIAL INITIATION OF
LITIGATION pursuant to Paragraph (4) of subdivision (d) of Government Code
Section 54956.9:
Two (2) cases
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — EXISTING LITIGATION pursuant to
Paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 64956.9 of the Government Code:
a. Hermila Arroyo v. City of Santa Ana et. al., Orange County Superior Court
Case No. 30-2024-01411763-CU-PA-WJC
b. Corey Slayton v. City of Santa Ana, et al., Orange County Superior Court
Case No. 30-2021-01204216-CU-OE-WJ
c. AnthonyCardenal v. City of Santa Ana, Orange County Superior Court Case
No. 30-2022-01293127
d. John Kachirisky v. City of Santa Ana, Orange County Superior Court Case
No. 30-2023-01348299
e. Manuel Moreno v. City of Santa Ana, Orange County Superior Court Case
No. 30-2024-01372127
CITY COUNCIL 2 FEBRUARY 17, 2026
f. Nelson Menendez v. City of Santa Ana, Orange County Superior Court Case
No. 30-2023-01339537
g. Judith Valdez v. City of Santa Ana, Orange County Superior Court Case No.
30-2023-01359457
h. Santa Ana Police Officers Association and Gerry Serrano v. City of Santa
Ana, Orange County Superior Court Case No. 30-2021-01230129
i. Gerry Serrano v. City of Santa Ana, Orange County Superior Court Case No.
30-2023-01330782
MINUTES: At 5:56 P.M., Councilmember Phan recused herself from Closed Session
Item No. 9 due to a conflict of interest regarding her employer, Rutan & Tucker, and
she left the room.
RECONVENE—City Council will reconvene to continue regular City business.
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR OPEN SESSION
CALL TO ORDER
MINUTES: Mayor Pro Tem Penaloza reconvened the City Council Meeting to order at
6:4 1 P.M.
ATTENDANCE Councilmembers Phil Bacerra
Johnathan Ryan Hernandez
Jessie Lopez
Thai Viet Phan
Benjamin Vazquez
Mayor Pro Tem David Penaloza
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, Hernandez (arrived at 6:50 P.M.), Lopez (arrived at 6:50
P.M.), Phan, and Vazquez, and Mayor Pro Tem Penaloza were present. Mayor
Amezcua was absent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Pro Tem Penaloza
WORDS OF INSPIRATION Bob Barnett, Police Chaplain
CITY COUNCIL 3 FEBRUARY 17, 2026
ADDITIONSIDELETIONS TO THE AGENDA
MINUTES:None.
CEREMONIAL PRESENTATIONS
1. Certificates of Recognition presented by Councilmember Bacerra to David
Moreno and Ismael Guevara for Heroic Actions
MINUTES: Councilmember Bacerra presented certificates of recognition to David
Moreno and Ismael Guevara for heroic actions.
2. Certificate of Recognition presented by Councilmember Lopez to Arelli
Munguia for Exceptional Service to the Community
MINUTES: Councilmember Lopez presented a certificate of recognition to Arelli
Munguia for exceptional service to the community.
3. Proclamation presented by Councilmember Phan to Thai Nguyen in
recognition of 2026 TET Lunar New Year
MINUTES: Councilmember Phan presented a proclamation to Thai Nguyen in
recognition of 2026 TET Lunar New Year.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT--The City Attorney will report on any actions)from Closed
Session.
MINUTE'S: Chief Assistant City Attorney Laura Rossini 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: (12) non-agenda comments.
The following speakers addressed City Council in-person:
1. Tom Frazier requested the Council consider Strong Towns for the First Street
Multimodal Boulevard project, spoke in opposition to One Broadway Plaza, and
addressed ICE enforcement in the City.
2. Manuel Avila spoke regarding his prophecy.
3. Johan Lopez spoke regarding preventative care and free dental care in the
community, and requested the City announce the free resource to the community.
CITY COUNCIL 4 FEBRUARY 17, 2026
4. Karla Alvarado spoke regarding homelessness and requested assistance in her
housing situation.
5. Krystal Gallegos expressed concern regarding the One Broadway Plaza project
6. Victor Fuentes spoke regarding his living situation, unjust conditions he and his
neighbors are subjected to, and potential eviction.
The following speaker addressed City Council via teleconference:
7. Victor Mendez spoke regarding Agenda Item Nos. 8 and 19.
CONSENT CALENDAR
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve staff recommendations on the following
Consent Calendar Items: 4 through 15 and waive reading of all resolutions and
ordinances.
MINUTES:At 7:30 P.M., the Consent Calendar was considered.
City Attorney Sonia Carvalho reported Councilmember Phan's recusal from Closed
Session Item No. 9 due to a conflict of interest regarding her employer Rutan and
Tucker.
MOTION: Councilmember Bacerra moved to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos.
4 through 15, seconded by Councilmember Hernandez.
The motion carried, 6-0-0-1, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER
HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ,
COUNCILMEMBER PHAN, COUNCILMEMBER VAZQUEZ,
MAYOR PRO TEM PENALOZA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: MAYOR AMEZCUA
Status: 6— 0 —0— 1 —Pass
4. Excused Absences
Department(s): City Clerk's Office
Recommended Action: Excuse the absent members.
CITY COUNCIL 5 FEBRUARY 17, 2026
5. Minutes from the Special Meetings of January 23, 2026 and January 26, 2026
and Regular Meeting of February 3, 2026
Department(s): City Clerk's Office
Recommended Action: Approve minutes.
6. Quarterly Report of Contracts up to $50,000 for Non-Public Works and up to
$500,000 for Public Works Authorized by the City Manager as Permitted by
Charter Section 421
Department(s): Finance and Management Services
Recommended Action: Receive and file Quarterly Report of Contracts entered
into between October 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025.
7. Receive and File Quarterly Report of Investments as of December 31, 2025
Department(s): Finance and Management Services
Recommended Action: Receive and file.
8. Report of Settlements up to $50,000 for General Liability Claims and up to
$150,000 for Worker's Compensation Claims Authorized by the City Manager,
City Attorney, and Human Resources Director as Permitted by City Council
Resolution 2018-046
Department(s): Human Resources
Recommended Action: Receive and file Report of Settlements entered into
between July 1, 2021 to December 31, 2025.
9. Agreement for Legal Counsel Services with Horvitz & Levy LLP (General
Fund)
Department(s): City Attorney's Office
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute a legal services
agreement with the law firm of Horvitz & Levy LLP for legal services for appellate
and litigation legal services for the period of February 17, 2026 until February 16,
2028, with an option to extend for up to one year, in an amount not to exceed
$275,000 (Agreement No. A-2026-017).
10.Agreement with California Forensic Phlebotomy, Inc. for Blood Technician
Services (Specification No. 25-135) (General Fund)
Department(s): Police Department
CITY COUNCIL 6 FEBRUARY 17, 2026
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with
California Forensic Phlebotomy, Inc. to provide blood technician services for a term
beginning on March 5, 2026 and expiring March 4, 2029, with provisions for two,
one-year extensions in an amount not to exceed $374,030 (Agreement No. A-
2026-018).
11.Purchase Order Contract to Magnet Forensics, LLC for Digital Forensic
Annual License Subscription (Specification No. 26-010) (General & Non-
General Fund)
Department(s): Police Department
Recommended Action: Authorize a Purchase Order to Magnet Forensics, LLC for
digital forensic annual license subscription for a one-year term beginning February
21, 2026 and expiring February 20, 2027, in an amount not to exceed $61,395.
12.Purchase Order Contracts to AM Signal, LLC, Econolite Control Products,
Inc., NexTech Systems, Inc., and Western Systems, Inc. for Traffic Signal
Control Devices (Specification No. 25-141) (Non-General Fund)
Department(s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action: Award Aggregate Purchase Order Contracts to vendors
listed below for traffic signal control devices on an as-need basis, in a total
aggregate amount not to exceed $200,000, for a one-year term beginning February
17, 2026 through February 16, 2027, with provisions for four, one-year renewal
options for a total aggregate amount not to exceed $1,000,000 over a five-year
period.
Vendor Location
M Signal, LLC Littleton, CO
Econolite Control Products, Inc. Anaheim, CA
NexTech Systems, Inc. Irvine, CA
astern Systems, Inc. Everett, WA
13.Award an Agreement to Creative Outdoor Advertising of America, Inc., for
Management of Advertising Services at Bus Stops (Specification No. 25-107)
(General Fund)
Department(s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute an
agreement with Creative Outdoor Advertising of America, Inc., to sell space to
advertisers at bus stops throughout the City fora term beginning February 17, 2026,
and expiring February 16, 2029, with provisions for two, one-year extensions
(Agreement No. A-2026-019).
CITY COUNCIL 7 FEBRUARY 17, 2026
14.Award of a Construction Contract to Excel Paving Co. for the Construction of
the Bristol Street and Memory Lane Intersection Improvements Project
(Project No. 17-6883) (General & Non-General Fund)
Department(s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action:
1. Approve an appropriation adjustment to recognize $200,000 of spendable fund
balance in the Public Works Water Revenue and Water Utility Capital, Transfer
from 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).
2. Approve an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Capital Improvement
Program to include an additional $200,000 in construction funds for the Bristol
Street and Memory Lane Intersection Improvements Project (No. 17-6883).
3. Approve the Project Cost Analysis for a total estimated construction delivery cost
of $2,362,238, which includes $1,889,790 for the construction contract,
$283,469 for contract administration, inspection, and testing, and $188,979 for
unanticipated or unforeseen work.
4. Award a construction contract to Excel Paving Co., the lowest responsible
bidder, in accordance with the base bid in the amount of $1,889,790, subject to
change orders, for construction of the Bristol Street and Memory Lane
Intersection Improvements Project (No. 17-6883), for aterm beginning February
17, 2026, and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract.
15.Award of a Construction Contract to GEMS Environmental Management
Services, Inc. to Construct the Fire Station 71 Fuel Station
Replacement Project (Project No. 24-6054) (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 $935,150 in construction funds for the Fire
Station 71 Fuel Station Replacement Project (Project No. 24-6054).
2. Approve the Project Cost Analysis for a total estimated construction delivery cost
of $935,150, which includes $748,120 for the construction contract, $112,218
for contract administration, inspection, and testing, and $74,812 for
unanticipated or unforeseen work.
3. Award a construction contract to GEMS Environmental Management Services,
Inc., the lowest responsible bidder, in accordance with the base bid in the
amount of $748,120, subject to change orders, for construction of the Fire
Station 71 Fuel Station Replacement Project Project No. 24-6054 , for a term
CITY COUNCIL 8 FEBRUARY 17, 2026
beginning February 17, 2026, 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-2026-15 will be filed for Project No. 24-6054.
**END OF CONSENT CALENDAR`*
BUSINESS CALENDAR
MINUTES:At 7,32 P.M., the Business Calendar was considered.
16.Ordinance Prohibiting Anti-Competitive Automated Rent Price-Fixing
Department(s): Community Development Agency
Recommended Action: Adopt an ordinance of the City Council prohibiting anti-
competitive automated rent price fixing software.
ORDINANCE NO. NS-3090 entitled AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF SANTA ANA PROHIBITING ANTI-COMPETITIVE AUTOMATED
RENT PRICE FIXING
MINUTES: Community Development Director Michael Garcia provided a brief
presentation regarding an ordinance prohibiting anti-competitive automated rent
price-fixing.
Councilmember Hernandez spoke in support of the item.
Councilmember Bacerra expressed concern of exposure to potential litigation akin to
RealPage, Inc. v. City of Berkeley and inquired with City Attorney Carvalho regarding
potential litigation disclosure.
Director Garcia reported that RealPage, Inc. v. City of Berkeley reached a settlement.
City Attorney Sonia Carvalho reported RealPage, Inc. v. City of Berkeley reached a
settlement on January 14, 2026 and stated the City's proposed ordinance was based
off of the City of San Diego not City of Berkeley.
Councilmember Lopez spoke in support of the item and thanked staff for their work
on the item.
Councilmember Vazquez spoke in support of the item.
Councilmember Phan spoke in support of the item.
CITY COUNCIL 9 FEBRUARY 17, 2026
MOTION: Councilmember Hernandez moved to approve the recommended
action for Agenda Item No. 16, seconded by Councilmember Bacerra.
The motion carried, 6-0-0-1, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER
HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ,
COUNCILMEMBER PHAN, COUNCILMEMBER VAZQUEZ,
MAYOR PRO TEM PENALOZA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: MAYOR AMEZCUA
Status: 6-0 —0— 1 —Pass
**END OF BUSINESS CALENDAR**
PUBLIC HEARING
MINUTES:At 7.49 P.M., the Public Hearing was considered.
Councilmember Bacerra left the dais at 7:49 P.M.
17.Public Hearing - Purchase and Sale Agreement for 1901 W. Walnut Street
Legal notice published in the OC Reporter on February 2, 2026.
Department(s): Community Development Agency
Recommended Action:
1. Conduct a Public Hearing required pursuant to California Government Code
53083.
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute a Purchase and Sale Agreement with
THRIVE Santa Ana, Inc. for the safe of City-owned Real property at 1901 W.
Walnut Street (APN 007-332-08), in the amount of $852,000 (Agreement No.
A-2026-020).
MINUTES: Community Development Director Michael Garcia provided a brief
introduction regarding the Purchase and Sale Agreement for 1901 W. Walnut
Street.
Councilmember Vazquez spoke in support of the item and asked for clarification
regarding parameters of a potential future sale of the property.
Director Garcia clarified the buyer must work with the City in order to make
substantive changes or sell the property.
CITY COUNCIL 10 FEBRUARY 17, 2026
Councilmember Hernandez spoke in support of the item.
Mayor Pro Tem Penaloza asked for clarification regarding the market rate refund
in the event the property is sold.
Director Garcia clarified the Buyer shall be required to re-pay the Economic
Development Subsid if the property is sold within 30 years.
Mayor Pro Tem Penaloza opened the Public Hearing at 7:56 P.M.
City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall announced there were two (2) email comments
received.
The following individuals addressed the City Council in-person:
1. Ricardo Muniz spoke in support of the item.
2. Ana Lety Hernandez (translation: Spanish) spoke in support of the item.
3. Maria Andrade (translation: Spanish) spoke in support of the item and the
origin of the name for the property, La Colmena.
4. Luis Sarmiento spoke in support of the item and requested an amendment
to allow the buyer decision-making power on new vendors or uses.
5. Laura Pantoja (translation: Spanish) spoke in support of the item.
The following individuals addressed the City Council via teleconference:
6. Ana Urzua spoke in support of the item and requested an amendment
to allow the buyer decision-making power on new vendors or uses.
7. Karla Juarez spoke in support of the item and requested an amendment
to allow the buyer decision-making power on new vendors or uses.
Mayor Pro Tem Penaloza closed the Public Hearing at 8.21 P.M.
Councilmember Vazquez asked for clarification regarding the approval of the
tenants.
City Manager Alvaro Nunez clarified the agreement pertains solely to a land use
agreement and does not relate to certificates of occupancy.
CITY COUNCIL 11 FEBRUARY 17, 2026
MOTION: Councilmember Hernandez moved to approve the recommended
action for Item No. 17, seconded by Councilmember Vazquez.
The motion carried, 5-0-0-2, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER
LOPEZ, COUNCILMEMBER PHAN, COUNCILMEMBER
VAZQUEZ, MAYOR PRO TEM PENALOZA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, MAYOR AMEZCUA
Status: 5— 0 —0 —2—Pass
**END OF PUBLIC HEARING"
RECESS
MINUTES: Mayor Pro Tern Penaloza recessed the City Council meeting at
8:25 P.M.
RECONVENE
MINUTES: Mayor Pro Tem Penaloza reconvened the City Council meeting at
8:33 P.M.
Councilmember Bacerra returned to the dais at 8:33 P.M.
COUNCILMEMBER REQUESTED ITEM
18.Discuss and Consider Directing the City Manager to Direct Staff to Update
Park Rules to Allow Picnicking, Park Vending, Expanded Skate Park Use, and
Simplify Permit Requirements——Councilmember Lopez
MINUTES: Councilmember Lopez gave a brief presentation regarding updating
park rules to allow picnicking, park vending, expanded skate park use, and
simplifying permit requirements.
Councilmember Hernandez spoke in support of the item and benefits to the
community.
Councilmember Bacerra spoke in support of mobile vendors, increased skate park
hours, and simplified permit requirements.
Councilmember Vazquez spoke in support of the item.
Councilmember Phan spoke regarding Municipal Code clean-up regarding the
proposed updates.
CITY COUNCIL 12 FEBRUARY 17, 2026
Councilmember Penaloza spoke in support of the item.
WORK STUDY SESSION
19.City Council Work Study Session Regarding the First Street Multimodal
Boulevard Study
Department(s). Public Works Agency
Recommended Action: Discuss and provide direction to staff.
MINUTES: Acting Public Works Director Rudy Rosas provided a presentation
regarding the First Street Multimodal Boulevard Study.
Dawn Wilson, HDR Project Manager, continued the presentation regarding the First
Street Multimodal Boulevard Study.
Councilmember Hernandez suggested collaborating with UCI Playful Learning
Landscapes for bus stops, spoke in support of Concept Two regarding enhanced
pedestrian and bicycle zone concept within the multimodal area and making the
City ADA accessible, and spoke in opposition to a bus lane.
Councilmember Bacerra expressed gratitude to staff for receiving grants for the
multimodal study, voiced concerns regarding bus lanes, suggested collaborating
with Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) for bus services
improvement, and spoke in support of pedestrian and street safety.
Councilmember Vazquez spoke in support of bus lanes.
Councilmember Bacerra inquired regarding Code 3 Preemption systems along First
Street.
Public Works Principal Civil Engineer Zdenek Kekula stated there are Fire
Preemption systems along First Street and not Code 3 Preemption systems;
however, there would be Geographic Information System (GIS) Systems per the
Multimodal Study.
Councilmember Lopez thanked leadership and Public Works for their hard work in
community safety, spoke in support of public transportation needs and bus lanes,
and spoke in opposition to Concept One regarding multi-use path concept in the
multimodal area.
Councilmember Phan spoke in opposition to Concept One regarding multi-use path
concept in the multimodal area, spoke in support of Concept Two regarding
enhanced pedestrian and bicycle zone concept within the multimodal area, and
suggested collaborating with OCTA on possible bus services improvements.
CITY COUNCIL 13 FEBRUARY 17, 2026
Mayor Pro Tem Penaloza spoke in opposition to bus lanes, requested feedback
from residents' surveys regarding the multimodal concepts, spoke in support of
pedestrian safety, and inquired regarding jaywalking data since new state
legislation had passed.
Acting Director Rosas stated the modal started with 12 concepts and has narrowed
down to three based off feedback from residents and staff can provide information
regarding survey feedback.
City Manager Alvaro Nunez explained the multimodal concepts.
Police Chief Robert Rodriguez stated there has been an increase in pedestrian
traffic collisions since AB 2147 has passed.
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
MINUTES: City Manager Alvaro Nunez acknowledged the upgrades by the local Carpenters
Union to the baseball fields at El Salvador Park and spoke regarding the opportunity to join
Councilmembers Hernandez, Phan, and Vazquez on a trip to the Sister City of Sahuayo to
acknowledge the donation of surplus water equipment and the special celebration of the
patron saint San Jose Sanchez del Rio. He also stated the two cities hope to continue a
collaborative partnership and exchange students and books between cities.
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: Councilmember Bacerra asked for the number of police officer vacancies,
stated he does not support the contract with previous Chief of Police Valentin, and wished
everyone a Happy Lunar New Year, a blessed and generous Ramadan, and a peaceful
Lenten season.
Police Chief Robert Rodriguez stated there are 33 vacancies within the Santa Ana Police
Department.
Councilmember Hernandez thanked and congratulated Mayor Pro Tem Penaloza for an
efficient meeting, and shared the City paid for his travel expenses to visit the Sister City of
Sahuayo from February S, 2026 to February 12, 2026, where he had the honor of
participating in their council meeting, pilgrimage, mass, and the donation of surplus water
equipment. He thanked the City Manager's Office for representing the City of Santa Ana
with pride and integrity and working with residents of Coach Royal Mobile Home Park,
requested staff reach out to the residents who need assistance to complete any paperwork,
and that the Council be updated via email regarding how the Community Development
Department is assisting those residents at the mobile home park. He requested the meeting
adjourn in memory of Vicky Tafoya.
CITY COUNCIL 14 FEBRUARY 17, 2026
Councilmember Lopez wished everyone a Happy Lunar New Year and stated she had an
amazing time celebrating the Tet Festival at Centennial Park with the community, and
wished everyone happiness, good health, and prosperity in the Year of the Horse. She
invited the community to the next park clean up on March 7, 2026 at Santiago Park, and
echoed the City Manager's comments and thanked the Local Carpenters Union for their
efforts to helping beautify community spaces. She wished everyone a peaceful and
meaningful Ramadan and asked that the City acknowledge the commemoration through
the City's social media, stated the Methadone Clinic on East First Street is officially closed,
and thanked staff for their work in Ward Three and Mayor Pro Tem Penaloza for an efficient
and respectful meeting.
Councilmember Vazquez thanked the City for paying for his travel expenses to the Sister
City of Sahuayo from February 8, 2026 to February 12, 2026. He thanked the staff of
Sahuayo for their hospitality, shared he will work with his team to support the City of
Sahuayo in getting a library, shared his experience at the special needs school in Sahuayo,
wished all a Happy Lunar New Year, and stated he is looking forward to the parade in the
City of Westminster on February 21, 2026. He wished everyone a Happy Ramadan, and
thanked the Police Oversight Commission for their hard work on the U-Visa certifications,
Councilmember Lopez forinviting him to a meeting with families with those utilizing U-Visas,
the City Manager for his work, OC Justice Fund and Westem State College for their
research, and Commissioner Perea.
Councilmember Phan thanked staff for embracing and celebrating diverse cultures and
communities within the City, shared the City paid for her travel expenses to visit the Sister
City of Sahuayo from February 8, 2026 to February 12, 2026, thanked Parks and
Recreation, libraries throughout the City, and those involved in organizing the Santa Ana
Lunar New Year Festival, congratulated her cousin Kathy on her engagement, read a poem
titled "Chatterbox," wished all a Happy Lunar New Year and a reflective Black History
Month, and encouraged everyone to stay safe in the rain.
Mayor Pro Tem Penaloza stated Mayor Amezcua was not present for the meeting due to
a planned medical procedure and wished her a speedy recovery, thanked staff and those
involved in organizing the Tet Festival, noted Ash Wednesday is the following day, and
wished all a Happy Ramadan and meaningful Lenten season for the next 40 days.
ADJOURNMENT—Adjourn the City Council meeting.
MINUTES: Mayor Pro Tem Penaloza adjourned the City Council Meeting at 10:17 P.M.
Respectfully submitted:
jeni e II, MC
City Cl rk
CITY COUNCIL 15 FEBRUARY 17, 2026