HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-03-03 Regular Minutes of the Regular Meeting
of the City Council
City of Santa Ana, California
_ 1
March 3, 2026
REGULAR OPEN MEETING — 5:30 P.M.
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER
22 Civic Center Plaza Santa Ana, CA 92701
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR OPEN SESSION
CALL TO ORDER
MINUTES: Mayor Pro Tem Penaloza convened the City Council Meeting to order at
5:42 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
Chief Assistant City Attorney Laura Rossini
City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall
ROLL CALL
MINUTES: City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall conducted roll call and announced for the record
that Mayor Amezcua is participating via teleconference pursuant to Government Code
Section 54953.8.3(c)(3).
CITY COUNCIL 1 MARCH 3, 2026
Councilmembers Bacerra, Hernandez (arrived of 5:59 P.M.), Lopez (arrived at 5:44
P.M.), Phan, and Vazquez, Mayor Pro Tem Penaloza, and Mayor Amezcua (via
teleconference) were present.
Mayor Amezcua announced her husband, Sam Marin, was present at her
teleconferencing location.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Pro Tern David Penaloza
WORDS OF INSPIRATION Police Chaplain Rupert Vega
ADDITIONSWELETIONS TO THE AGENDA
MINUTES: City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall announced Agenda Item No. 12 has been
removed from Council consideration.
CEREMONIAL PRESENTATIONS
1. Certificates of Recognition presented by Mayor Pro Tem Penaloza to the
Saddleback High School Women's Soccer Team in Honor of Women's History
Month
MINUTES: Mayor Pro Tem Penaloza presented certificates of recognition to the
Saddleback High School Women's Soccer Team in honor of Women's History
Month.
2. Certificate of Recognition presented by Councilmember Bacerra to the Valley
High School Women's Wrestling Team in Honor of Women's History Month
MINUTES: Councilmember Bacerra presented certificates of recognition to the
Valley High School Women's Wrestling Team in honor of Women's History Month.
AGENDA ITEM NO. 4 MOVED OUT OF ORDER
4. Certificates of Recognition presented by Councilmember Lopez to Santa Ana
High School Women's Wrestling Team in Honor of Women's History Month
MINUTES: Councilmember Lopez presented certificates of recognition to Santa
Ana High School Women's Wrestling Team in honor of Women's History Month.
3. Certificates of Recognition presented by Councilmember Hernandez to the
Santiago High School Women's Tennis Team in Honor of Women's History
Month
MINUTES: Councilmember Hernandez presented certificates of recognition to the
Santiago High School Women's Tennis Team in honor of Women's History Month.
CITY COUNCIL 2 MARCH 3, 2026
AGENDA ITEM NO. 4 MOVED OUT OF ORDER AND HEARD PRIOR TO AGENDA
ITEM NO. 3
5. Certificates of Recognition presented by Councilmember Phan to Los Amigos
High School Women's Water Polo Team in Honor of Women's History Month
MINUTES: Councilmember Phan presented certificates of recognition to Los
Amigos High School Women's Water Polo Team in honor of Women's History
Month.
6. Certificates of Recognition presented by Councilmember Vazquez to Valley
High School Women's Basketball Team in Honor of Women's History Month
MINUTES: Councilmember Vazquez presented certificates of recognition to Valley
High School Women's Basketball Team in honor of Women's History Month.
PUBLIC COMMENTS.—Public comments will be held during the beginning of the meeting
for ALL comments on agenda and non-agenda items.
MINUTES: City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall reported out the summary of email comments
received: one (1) Agenda Item No. 9, (14) Agenda Item No. 16, one (1) Agenda Item
No. 19, and (11) non-agenda comments.
The following speakers addressed City Council in-person:
1. Craig Kessler spoke in support of Agenda Item No. 16.
2. Claudia L. Pinedo spoke in support of Agenda Item No. 16.
3. Juve Pinedo spoke in support of Agenda Item No, 16.
4. Silvia E. Pinedo spoke in support of Agenda Item No. 16.
5. Camila Pinedo spoke regarding the River View Golf Course and in support of
Agenda Item No. 16.
6. Gilbert Sanchez spoke regarding the cannabis industry, expressed concern
regarding dispensaries, Planet 13 and Catalyst, and requested Council protect the
workers in the industry.
7. Sarah Perez spoke regarding her experience working in the cannabis industry.
8. Martha Molina spoke in support of Agenda Item No. 16.
9. Gay Olivos spoke regarding the One Broadway Plaza project.
10.Dale Helvig spoke in support of Agenda Item No. 16.
CITY COUNCIL 3 MARCH 3, 2026
11.Jennifer Rice spoke in support of Agenda Item No. 16.
12.Morris Thomas spoke in support of Agenda Item No. 16.
13.Xavier Martinez expressed concern regarding the lack of flood drains throughout the
City and requested additional flood drains and recreational facilities in his
neighborhood.
14.Anthony Felix requested sidewalks be leveled throughout the City and spoke
regarding the proper allocation of public funds.
15.Adrian Hernandez spoke regarding expanding community art programs and
congratulated the teams who received recognitions.
16.Dorian Romero spoke in support of the First Street Multimodal project, regarding
preventable pedestrian deaths, and urged the Council to make the City walkable and
safe.
17.Scott Ham spoke regarding the First Street Multimodal plan, and urged Council to
consider concept two and to proceed with the project as soon as possible.
18.Ana Gallardo spoke in support of Agenda Item No. 16.
19. Victor Mendez spoke regarding higher education, economic development, the First
Street Multimodal plan, and a petition he will be circulating.
20.Paul Nagel spoke regarding the First Street Multimodal plan and resident's safety.
The following speaker addressed City Council via teleconference:
21. Nina Jirik spoke regarding park access in her neighborhood, the City's feasibility
study, and a passive walkable park in the Washington Square neighborhood.
CONSENT CALENDAR
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve staff recommendations on the following
Consent Calendar Items: 7 through 19 and waive reading of all resolutions and
ordinances.
MINUTES:At 7.14 P.M., the Consent Calendar was considered.
Mayor Pro Tem Penaloza pulled Agenda Item No. 16 for separate discussion and
consideration.
CITY COUNCIL 4 MARCH 3, 2026
MOTION: Councilmember Hernandez moved to approve Consent Calendar Item
Nos. 7 through 19, except Agenda Item No. 12 removed from consideration and
Agenda Item No. 16 pulled for separate discussion and consideration, seconded
by Councilmember Vazquez.
The motion carried, 7-0, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER
HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ,
COUNCILMEMBER PHAN, COUNCILMEMBER VAZQUEZ,
MAYOR PRO TEM PENALOZA, MAYOR AMEZCUA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
Status: 7—0 —Pass
7. Excused Absences
Department(s): City Clerk's Office
Recommended Action: Excuse the absent members.
8. Minutes from the Regular Meeting of February 17, 2026
Department(s): City Clerk's Office
Recommended Action: Approve minutes.
9. Boards and Commissions Biannual Attendance Report for July Through
December 2025
Department(s): City Clerk's Office
Recommended Action:
1. Receive and file Boards and Commission Biannual Attendance report.
2. Provide direction to staff, if/as needed.
10.City of Santa Ana 2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report
Department(s): Planning and Building Agency
Recommended Action:
1. Receive and file the City of Santa Ana 2025 General Plan Annual Progress
Report.
CITY COUNCIL 5 MARCH 3, 2026
2. Direct staff to submit the City of Santa Ana 2025 General Plan Annual Progress
Report to the State of California Department of Housing and Community
Development (HCD) and the Office of Planning and Research (OPR).
11.Agreement with Cintas Corporation No. 3 for Uniform Rental and Workplace
Solutions Services (Specification No. 25-035) (General Fund & Non-General
Fund)
Department(s): Finance and Management Services
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with
Cintas Corporation No. 3 to provide Uniform Rental and Workplace Solution
Services in an amount not to exceed $858,000 for a term beginning March 3, 2026,
and expiring March 2, 2028, with provisions for three (3), one-year extensions
(Agreement A-2026-023).
AGENDA ITEM NO. 12 REMOVED FROM CONSIDERATION
12.Agreement with PWW Advisory Group, LLC for Consultant Services to
Conduct a Citywide Standards of Coverage 1 Emergency Medical Services
Study (Specification No. 25-136) (General Fund)
Department(s): Finance and Management Services
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with
PWW Advisory Group, LLC to conduct a Standards of Coverage 1 Emergency
Medical Services Study in an amount not to exceed $154,983 for a term beginning
March 3, 2026 and expiring March 2, 2027, with provisions for one 1-year extension
(Agreement No. A-2026-XXX),
MINUTES: Item No. 12 was removed from the agenda. No action taken.
13.Purchase Order Contract to CDW Government LLC for SolarWinds
Maintenance and Support Renewal (Specification No. 26-009) (Non-General
Fund)
Department(s): Information Technology
Recommended Action: Award Purchase Order Contract to CDW Government
LLC, for SolarWinds Maintenance and Support Renewal for a three-year term,
beginning December 18, 2025 and expiring December 17, 2028, in a total amount
not to exceed $101,570.
14.Renewal of Agreement with Infor (US), LLC for Lawson Financial System
Maintenance and Support (Non-General Fund)
Department(s): Information Technology
CITY COUNCIL 6 MARCH 3, 2026
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute a renewal form for
the agreement with Infor (US), LLC for Lawson financial system maintenance and
support to extend the term for a one-year period for an amount of $352,579
beginning July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, with two (2) one-year optional
renewals, for a total amount of$1,122,471 (Agreement No. A-2026-025).
15.Amendment to Agreement with Governmentjobs.com Inc. dba NEOGOV for
Software Maintenance and Support (Non-General Fund)
Department(s): Information Technology
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No.
11 to Contract No. 980603 to increase the total not to exceed of the agreement with
Governmentjobs.com Inc. dba NEOGOV for software maintenance and support
services by $101,329 and extend the term for a one-year period beginning April 1,
2026 through March 31, 2027 (Agreement No. A-2026-026).
AGENDA ITEM NO. 16 WAS PULLED FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION AND
CONSIDERATION
16.Agreement with Santa Ana Golf, LLC, a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of
CourseCo, Inc., for River View Golf Course Management Services
(Specification No. 26-002) (Non-General & General Fund)
Department(s): Parks, Recreation, and Community Services
Recommended Action:
1. Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with CourseCo, Inc. to
provide management services for the River View Golf Course in an amount not
to exceed $3,083,377 which includes a 3% annual CPI adjustment, an incentive
fee equal to 10% of Gross Operating Income above an established baseline
threshold with a maximum cap of 50% of the annual management fee, as
defined in the Agreement, for a term effective March 3, 2026, with operations
commencing May 1, 2026, and expiring June 30, 2031, with provisions for two,
five-year extensions expiring June 30, 2041 (Agreement No. A-2026-024).
2. Approve an appropriation adjustment to make a payment in the amount of
$395,000 to the Golf Course Enterprise Fund (Fund 112)from the General Fund
spendable fund balance (Fund 011) to provide initial working capital for
operations of the golf course, which will be repaid from Golf Course
revenue. (Requires five affirmative votes)
3. Approve an appropriation adjustment to budget the remaining two months of the
2025-2026 fiscal year, which will recognize $729,950 in Golf Course revenue
account (no. 11213002-57990) and appropriate the same to the Golf Course
expenditure accounts (no. 11213200-Various). (Requires five affirmative votes)
CITY COUNCIL 7 MARCH 3, 2026
MINUTES: Mayor Pro Tem Penaloza spoke in support of the item, asked for
clarification regarding the maintenance of the project, and requested staff look into
expanding the netting and landscape maintenance around the property.
City Manager Alvaro Nunez spoke regarding investment and growth opportunities
and additional revenue generating uses for the space.
MOTION: Councilmember Penaloza moved to approve the recommended
action for Agenda Item No. 16, seconded by Councilmember Vazquez.
MINUTES: Councilmember Vazquez spoke regarding conserving the neighborhood
and improving the site.
Councilmember Lopez thanked staff, future partners, and the community for all their
hard work and efforts.
Mayor Amezcua thanked staff for all their hard work and spoke regarding the
acquisition of the property and in support of the item.
Councilmember Hernandez spoke regarding accessibility, potential freeway
expansion on the property, protected green space in the City, and working with
congressional and county representatives to protect the property.
SUBSTITUTE MOTION: Councilmember Hernandez moved to continue the
item. Substitute motion died due to lack of second.
MOTION: Councilmember Penaloza moved to approve the recommended
action for Agenda Item No. 16 pulled, seconded by Councilmember Vazquez.
The motion carried, 6-1, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ,
COUNCILMEMBER PHAN, COUNCILMEMBER VAZQUEZ,
MAYOR PRO TEM PENALOZA, MAYOR AMEZCUA
NOES: COUNCILMEMBER HERNANDEZ
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
Status: 6— 1 — Pass
17.Cooperative Cost Reimbursement Agreement with the City of Costa Mesa and
Award a Construction Contract to Onyx Paving Company, Inc. for the
Construction of the Fairview Street Rehabilitation from Southern City Limits
to Alton Avenue Project (Project No. 21-6978) (Non-General Fund)
Department(s): Public Works Agency
CITY COUNCIL 8 MARCH 3, 2026
Recommended Action:
1. Authorize the City Manager to execute a Cooperative Cost Reimbursement
Agreement with the City of Costa Mesa for improvements on Fairview Street
within the Costa Mesa jurisdiction from Southern City Limits to Alton Avenue
(Agreement No. A-2026-027).
2. Approve an appropriation adjustment recognizing $96,000 in cost
reimbursements from the City of Costa Mesa into the Select Street Construction,
Expense Reimbursement revenue account (No. 05917002-57000), and
appropriate the same amount to the Select Street Construction, Improvements
Other Than Buildings expenditure account (No. 05917660-66220) for the
Fairview Street Rehabilitation from Southern City Limits to Alton Avenue
Project. (Requires five affirmative votes)
3. Approve an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Capital Improvement
Program to include an additional $96,000 in construction funds for the Fairview
Street Rehabilitation from Southern City Limits to Alton Avenue Project (No. 21-
6978).
4. Approve the Project Cost Analysis for a total estimated construction delivery cost
of $3,410,000, which includes $2,728,000 for the construction contract,
$409,200 for contract administration, inspection, and testing, and a$272,800 for
unanticipated or unforeseen work.
5. Award a construction contract to Onyx Paving Company, Inc. the lowest
responsive bidder, in accordance with the base bid and alternates in the amount
of $2,728,000, subject to change orders, for construction of the Fairview Street
Rehabilitation from Southern City Limits to Alton Avenue Project (No. 21-6978),
for a term beginning March 3, 2026, and authorize the City Manager to execute
the contract.
6. Determine that, pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act, the
recommended actions are exempt from further review. Categorical Exemption
Environmental Review No. ER-2026-3 will be filed for Project No. 21-6978.
18.Award a Construction Contract to R.J. Noble Company for the Construction
of the Grand Avenue Rehabilitation from Edinger Avenue to McFadden
Avenue Project (Project No. 23-6700) (Non-General Fund)
Department(s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action:
1. Approve the Project Cost Analysis for a total estimated construction delivery cost
of$1,243,213, which includes $994,570 for the construction contract, $149,186
for contract administration, inspection, and testing, and a $99,457 for
unanticipated or unforeseen work.
CITY COUNCIL 9 MARCH 3, 2026
2. Award a construction contract to R.J. Noble Company, the lowest responsible
bidder, in accordance with the base bid in the amount of $994,570, subject to
change orders,for construction of the Grand Avenue Rehabilitation from Edinger
Avenue to McFadden Avenue Project(No. 23-6700), for a term beginning March
3, 2026, and authorize the City Manager to execute the contract.
3. Determine that, pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act, the
recommended actions are exempt from further review. Categorical Exemption
Environmental Review No. ER-2023-91 will be filed for Project No. 23-6700.
19.Second Reading and Adoption of an Ordinance Prohibiting Anti-Competitive
Automated Rent Price-Fixing
First reading February 17, 2026 City Council meeting and approved by a vote of(6-
0-1) (Mayor Amezcua absent). Published in the OC Reporter on February 20, 2026.
Department(s): Community Development Agency
Recommended Action: Conduct a second reading of and adopt an ordinance of
the City Council approving Ordinance No. NS-3090 to add Article XXIV to Chapter
S (Buildings and Structures) of the Santa Ana Municipal Code 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
**END OF CONSENT CALENDAR"
BUSINESS CALENDAR
MINUTES:At 7:26 P.M., the Business Calendar was considered.
20.Proposed Fiscal Year 2025-26 Mid-Year Budget Update, Appropriation
Requests, Workforce Changes, and Capital Improvement Program
Amendment
Department(s): Finance and Management Services
Recommended Action:
1. Receive and file the FY2025-26 Mid-Year Budget Update.
2. Approve the recommended Appropriation Adjustments. (Requires five
affirmative votes)
CITY COUNCIL 10 MARCH 3, 2026
3. Adopt RESOLUTION NO. 2026-002 entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA TO AMEND THE CURRENT FISCAL
YEAR 2025-26 (FY25-26) ANNUAL BUDGET TO ADJUST FULL-TIME
POSITIONS IN THE FINANCE & MANAGEMENT SERVICES AGENCY,
LIBRARY SERVICES, THE PLANNING AND BUILDING AGENCY, AND THE
PUBLIC WORKS AGENCY, INCLUDING ADDITIONS, REALLOCATIONS,
AND/OR DELETIONS
4. Approve an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Capital Improvement
Program to include $52,637,445 of carryover funding for various projects.
MINUTES: Finance and Management Services Director Alex Trinidad provided a
presentation regarding the FY 2025-26 Mid-Year Budget.
Councilmember Bacerra spoke in support of the item.
Councilmember Vazquez spoke regarding expanding the City's communications and
economic development teams, and expressed concern with potentially hazardous
light posts along Bristol Street.
Councilmember Lopez expressed concern with allocating housing monies to fund
Police Department overtime and requested a meeting with Community Development
Director, Mike Garcia, to further discuss.
City Manager Alvaro Nunez clarified the overtime is funded by Emergency Solutions
Grant (ESG) monies related to homelessness.
Councilmember Bacerra requested clarification on ESG expenditure parameters.
Deputy City Manager Sylvia Vazquez reported the ESG grant is annually allocated
under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and the allowed uses
include: homeless management, homelessness prevention, rapid rehousing,
emergency shelter, and street outreach; Police Department overtime would be
allowed under street outreach.
Councilmember Hernandez stated the Police Department should fund the overtime,
and allow ESG funds to be used for additional housing services outside of the police
department's scope of work.
Councilmember Phan requested clarification regarding ESG funds, requested future
staff reports clarify the difference in grants and their respective allowed uses, and
spoke in support of Ayuda Sin Fronteras.
Deputy City Manager Vazquez explained the ESG funds and CDBG are separate
funds.
Mayor Amezcua spoke regarding expanding the Quality of Life Team and spoke in
support of the item_ .
CITY COUNCIL 11 MARCH 3, 2026
MOTION: Mayor Amezcua moved to approve the recommended action for
Agenda Item No. 20, seconded by Councilmember Bacerra.
The motion carried, 7-0, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER
HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ,
COUNCILMEMBER PHAN, COUNCILMEMBER VAZQUEZ,
MAYOR PRO TEM PENALOZA, MAYOR AMEZCUA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
Status: 7—0 --Pass
**END OF BUSINESS CALENDAR"
PUBLIC HEARINGS
MINUTES:At 7.46 P.M., the Public Hearings were considered.
21.Public Hearing - Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 2026-01 to Amend
Portions of Chapter 41 (Zoning) Relating to Smoke Shop Establishments and
a Resolution to Amend the Miscellaneous Fees Schedule for the Fiscal Year
2025-2026 to Establish a Planning and Building Agency Fee for Smoke Shop
Inspections and a Police Department Fee for Smoke Shop Inspections
Legal notice published in the OC Reporter on February 20, 2026,
Department(s): Planning and Building Agency
Recommended Action:
1. Adopt an ordinance approving Zoning Ordinance Amendment No. 2026-01 to
amend several sections of Chapter 41 (Zoning)of the Santa Ana Municipal Code
(SAMC) relating to definitions, location, permitting, development standards, and
operational requirements for smoke shop establishments; and
2. ORDINANCE NO. NS-3091 entitled ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT NO.
2026-01 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA
ANA AMENDING PORTIONS OF CHAPTER 41 (ZONING) OF THE SANTA
ANA MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO SMOKE SHOP ESTABLISHMENTS
AND FINDING THE ACTION TO BE EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) UNDER STATE CEQA
GUIDELINES SECTION 15060(c)(2), SECTION 15060(c)(3), AND SECTION
15061(b)(3), read by title only and waive further reading
3. Adopt a resolution to establish a Planning and Building Agency Smoke Shop
Inspection fee and a Police Department Smoke Shop Inspection fee.
CITY COUNCIL 12 MARCH 3, 2026
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-003 entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CiTY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA ESTABLISHING FEES FOR
PLANNING AND BUILDING AGENCY SMOKE SHOP INSPECTIONS AND
POLICE DEPARTMENT SMOKE SHOP INSPECTIONS
MINUTES: Planning and Building Director Ali Pezeshkpour provided a
presentation regarding the Smoke Shop Ordinance and Fee Resolution.
Councilmember Lopez thanked staff for their work, Planning Commissioner Isuri
Ramos for her recommendations on the item, and spoke in support of the item.
Councilmember Hernandez thanked staff for their work and spoke in support of
the item.
Councilmember Bacerra inquired regarding enforcement actions related to
existing smoke shops and how the proposed ordinance will assist the department
moving forward, and spoke in support of the item.
Deputy Police Chief Chuck Elms stated there were 12 investigations resulting in
search warrants at multiple smoke shops where officers discovered nitrous
oxide, illegal flavored tobacco products, illegal gambling machines, narcotics,
and mushrooms.
Councilmember Vazquez thanked staff for their work and Councilmember Lopez
for bringing forth the issue, and spoke in support of the item.
Mayor Amezcua asked whether the smoke shops circled in red in the
presentation slide represent locations that are out of compliance, have been
subject to police investigations or enforcement actions, and how soon the
implementation could begin if the item is approved. She spoke in support of the
item.
Deputy Chief Elms stated he does not have corresponding business names
relating to police investigations, howeverhe will review the information and follow
up with details.
Director Pezeshkpour stated shops circled in red represent the locations
identified as out of compliance, which may lack a certificate of occupancy,
business license, or tobacco retailer license; and if approved, the ordinance
would return to the City Council for a second reading on March 17, 2026 and
would take effect on April 16, 2026.
Mayor Pro Tem Penaloza inquired regarding the possible expansion of the 1,000
feet radius between smoke shops, thanked Councilmember Lopez for bringing forth
the item, and spoke in support of the item.
CITY COUNCIL 13 MARCH 3, 2026
Director Pezeshkpour explained the 1,000 feet radius is staffs recommendation
as it is a common standard used for sensitive land uses and is consistent with
provisions in the Municipal Code and practices in other jurisdictions, and stated
the requirement would not change the zoning map but would create a buffer
around the first approved smoke shop that would affect subsequent applications
and Council can increase to 2,000 feet radius during the first reading of the
ordinance, if desired.
Mayor Pro Tem Penaloza opened the Public Hearing at 8:02 P.M.
City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall announced there were no email comments received
and no public speakers.
Mayor Pro Tem Penaloza closed the Public Hearing at 8:03 P.M.
MOTION: Councilmember Bacerra moved to approve the recommended
action for Item No. 21, seconded by Councilmember Lopez.
The motion carried, 7-0, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER
HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ,
COUNCILMEMBER PHAN, COUNCILMEMBER VAZQUEZ,
MAYOR PRO TEM PENALOZA, MAYOR AMEZCUA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
Status: 7—0 — Pass
22.Public Hearing — General Plan Amendment No. 2025-01 and Amendment
Application No. 2025-02 for the Santa Ana Zoo Overflow Parking Lot Rezone
(1801 East Chestnut Avenue)
Legal notice published in the OC Reporter on February 20, 2026 and notices mailed
on the same date.
Department(s): Public Works Agency, Planning and Building Agency
Recommended Action:
1. Certify the Final Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration (ER No. 2025-
119 and SCH No. 2025121015)for the Project;
2. Adopt a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the Project;
3. Adopt a resolution approving General Plan Amendment No. 2025-01; and
CITY COUNCIL 14 MARCH 3, 2026
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-004 entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA APPROVING GENERAL PLAN
AMENDMENT NO. 2025-01 TO CHANGE THE GENERAL PLAN LAND USE
DESIGNATION FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1801 EAST CHESTNUT
AVENUE AND RECOGNIZED AS ASSESSOR PARCEL NUMBER 402-212-01
FROM OPEN SPACE (OS) TO GENERAL COMMERCIAL (GC)
4. Conduct a first reading and adopt an ordinance approving Amendment
Application No. 2025-02.
ORDINANCE NO. NS-3092 entitled AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA APPROVING AMENDMENT APPLICATION
NO. 2025-02 TO CHANGE THE ZONING DESIGNATION FOR THE
PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1801 EAST CHESTNUT AND RECOGNIZED AS
ASSESSOR PARCEL NUMBER 402-212-01 FROM GENERAL
AGRICULTURAL (A-1) TO GENERAL COMMERCIAL (C-2); read by title only
and waive further reading.
MINUTES: Mayor Pro Tem Penaloza opened the Public Hearing at 8:05 P.M.
City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall announced there were no email comments received
and no public speakers.
Mayor Pro Tem Penaloza closed the Public Hearing at 8:06 P.M.
MOTION: Councilmember Vazquez moved to approve the recommended
action for Item No. 22, seconded by Councilmember Bacerra.
The motion carried, 6-0-0-1, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER
HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER PHAN,
COUNCILMEMBER VAZQUEZ, MAYOR PRO TEM
PENALOZA, MAYOR AMEZCUA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ
Status: 6-0 —0 — 1 —Pass
**END OF PUBLIC HEARINGS**
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
MINUTES:City Manager Alvaro Nunez spoke regarding the Coach Royal Mobile Homes and
announced staff will be providing information and assistance for petitions to tenants at the
Santa Ana Work Center on March 7-8, 2026.
CITY COUNCIL 15 MARCH 3, 2026
COUNCIL COMMENTS
A131234 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 recognized Santiago High School's girls' basketball
team who won the first CIF Championship in the county's history in 1975, congratulated
Mater Dei High School's girls'water polo team for their State Championship, the girl's flag
football and soccer team for winning the Orange League Championships, and Saddleback
High School's girl's wresting wrestling team, the Lady Road Runners, including Diana
Mateo and Isabelle Arm, on qualifying for CIF. He announced his office hours at 12.00 P.M.
on March 7, 2026, at George Upton All Access Park.
Councilmember Hernandez requested the meeting be adjourned in memory of Lucy
Padrazza, thanked the City Manager, Vicente Sarimento, Carla Barragan, and Javier for
their efforts regarding the Coach Royal Mobile Homes. He thanked the City Manager's
Once and Parkt and Recreation for bringing forth the Suhoor Festival to the city, and
announced the lsley Brothers will headline at the Old School Love Festival on March 21,
2026, Caifanes will perform at the Los Darks Festival on March 28, 2026, and wished his
mother a Happy Birthday while encouraging his daughter to continue being a strong woman
in recognition of Women's History Month.
Councilmember Lopez announced a park cleanup and Boca De Oro Festival on March 7,
2026. She recognized Read Across America and shared she had the opportunity to visit
Santiago High School and McFadden Intermediate School, thanking the administration for
their efforts. She thanked Councilmember Vazquez for coordinating those recognized at
tonight's meeting, expressed appreciation in honoring women during Women's History
Month, and thanked Councilmember Hernandez and the City Manager for coordinating the
Los Darks Festival at the City's stadium.
Councilmember Phan expressed gratitude to her colleagues, team, staff, and volunteers
who attended the Tet Parade in Westminster, especially the women in honor of Women's
History Month and those who continue to encourage others to achieve more, and reminded
everyone Daylight Saving Time begins on March 8, 2026.
Councilmember Vazquez thanked the Councilmembers for recognizing teams during the
meeting, staff and team members fornorganizing the Suhoor Festival, announced his Cafe
y Libros at LibroMobile Bookstore on March 7, 2026, encouraged residents without
neighborhood associations to attend, and promoted the Sahuayo Expo on March 27-29,
2026. He invited everyone to visit restaurants throughout the City during the Orange County
Restaurant Week, requested the Police Oversight Commission's budget be increased as
the Santa Ana Police Department grows, and called far justice of Noe Rodriguez
Mayor Pro Tem Penaloza thanked staff for their work and stated he looks forward to the
upcoming months regarding the budget
CITY COUNCIL 16 MARCH 3, 2026
Mayor Amezcua thanked the young ladies recognized during the meeting for attending,
acknowledged Marely Zepeda for setting a record pinfall in 37 seconds, helping lift the girl's
wrestling team in the CIF division, and thanked Councilmember Vazquez for coordinating
the recognitions. She expressed gratitude to the women in her personal life,
Councilmembers Lopez and Phan, and City staff, and Sue Mills in honor of Women'History
Month. She introduced Cynthia Contreras-Leo as her new Chief of Staff and announced
she looks forward to the Sahuayo Expo and the next City Council meeting on March 17,
2026.
ADJOURNMENT—Adjourn the City Council meeting.
MINUTES: Mayor Pro Tem Penaloza adjourned the City Council Meeting at 8:27 P.M.
Respectfully submitted:
nnife MC
City Clerk
CITY COUNCIL 17 MARCH 3, 2026