HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 06 - Minutes from the Regular Meeting of July 7, 2026 DRAFT Minutes of the Regular Meeting
of the City Council
City of Santa Ana, California
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July 7, 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 Amezcua called the Closed Session meeting to order at 4:09 P.M.
ATTENDANCE Council Members Phil Bacerra
Johnathan Ryan Hernandez
Jessie Lopez
Thai Viet Phan
Benjamin Vazquez
Mayor Pro Tern David Penaloza
Mayor Valerie Amezcua
City Manager Alvaro Nunez
City Attorney Sonia R. Carvalho
City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall
CITY COUNCIL 1 JULY 7, 2026
ROLL CALL
MINUTES: City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall conducted roll call.
Councilmembers Lopez, Phan, and Vazquez, and Mayor Amezcua were present.
Councilmembers Bacerra and Hernandez, and Mayor Pro Tem Penaloza joined during
Closed Session.
ADDITIONS\DELETIONS TO CLOSED SESSION
MINUTES: None.
PUBLIC COMMENTS-- Members of the public may address the City Council on Closed
Session items.
MINUTES: None.
RECESS — City Council will recess to Closed Session for the purpose of conducting
regular City business.
MINUTES: MayorAmezcua recessed to consider the Closed Session items at 4:10 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 LABOR NEGOTIATOR pursuant to Government Code
Section 54957.6(a):
Agency Negotiator: Peter Brown
Employee Organizations:
1. Service Employees International Union, Full-Time Employees Unit (SEIU-
FT)
2. Service Employees International Union, Part-Time Non-Civil Service
Employees Unit (SEIU-PTNCS)
2. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — EXISTING LITIGATION pursuant to
Paragraph (1) of the subdivision (d) of section 54956.9 of the Government
Code:
A. Michael Watson v. City of Santa Ana, WCAB Case No.: ADJ16016555
CITY COUNCIL 2 JULY 7, 2026
3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — EXISTING LITIGATION pursuant to
Paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9 of the Government Code:
A. The People of the State Of California, By The City Attorney For The City Of
Santa Ana; The City Of Santa Ana v. Kyong Su Kim; Mvonq Kim; Navan
Ahir; Ravin (Ray) Ahir; Royal Roman Motel, LLC; Royal Motel Inc.; Royal
Grand Inn, LLC; Royal Grand, Inc.; Hacienda Arzate, Inc.; Humberto
Arzategomez; El Tapatio v Antoiitos; and Maria Melendez, Orange County
Superior Court, Case No. 30-2025-01484014-CU-MC-CJC
B. The City of Santa Ana, et al. v. Ahir, et al., California Court of Appeal, State
of California Fourth Appellate District, Division Three, Case No. G066179
C. Ravin Ahir; Navan Ahir; Kyong Su Kim; Mvonq Kim; Royal Motel, Inc.;
Royal Grand, Inc; Royal Roman Motel, LLC; Royal Grand Inn, LLC v. City
Of Santa Ana; Alvaro Nunez; Robert Rodriquez; City Of Santa Ana Police
Officers Does 1-7; And Does 8-10 inclusive, United States District Court
(Central District of California); Case No. 8:25-cv-02480-JVS-ADS
RECONVENE—City Council will reconvene to continue regular City business.
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR OPEN SESSION
CALL TO ORDER
MINUTES: MayorAmezcua reconvened the City Council Meeting to order at 5:37 P.M.
ATTENDANCE Councilmembers Phil Bacerra
Johnathan Ryan Hernandez
Jessie Lopez
Thai Viet Phan
Benjamin Vazquez
Mayor Pro Tern David Penaloza
Mayor Valeria 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, Lopez, Phan, and Vazquez, Mayor Pro Tem
Penaloza, and Mayor Amezcua were present.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Cortez Ventura
WORDS OF INSPIRATION Pastor Greg Kruly
CITY COUNCIL 3 JULY 7, 2026
ADDITIONS\DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA
MINUTES: None.
CEREMONIAL PRESENTATIONS
1. Certificates of Recognition presented by Mayor Amezcua to Santa Ana 8U
Pony Baseball All-Stars for Outstanding Athletic Achievements
MINUTES: Mayor Amezcua presented certificates of recognition to Santa Ana 8U
Pony Baseball All Stars for outstanding athletic achievements.
2. Certificate of Recognition presented by Councilmember Lopez to Jonathan
Martinez for Outstanding Contributions to the Community
MINUTES: Councilmember Lopez presented a certificate of recognition to Jonathan
Martinez for outstanding contributions to the community.
CLOSED SESSION REPORT—The City Attorney will report on any action(s)from Closed
Session.
MINUTES: None.
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. 13, one (1) Agenda Item No. 14, one (1) Agenda
Item No. 15, one (1) Agenda Item No. 17, one (1) Agenda Item No. 18, one (1) Agenda
Item No. 20, and nine (9) non-agenda comments.
The following speakers addressed City Council in-person:
1. Cathy Morehead stated her opposition to changes to Chapter 26.
2. Johan Lopez spoke regarding free dental care for seniors and partnership with
MayorAmezcua.
3. Christina Kelley spoke regarding Agenda Item No. 18 and requested local skilled
workers be part of the project.
4. Nina Jirik thanked the City Council for allocating partial funding towards Washington
Square Park and spoke regarding the benefits of a park to the community.
5. Alison Stanley thanked Mayor Amezcua, Councilmember Lopez, and Police Chief
Rodriguez for assisting in a personal matter.
CITY COUNCIL 4 JULY 7, 2026
6. Suman Bhasin requested the City Council support Agenda Item No. 24.
7. Virginia Bernal requested the City Council support Agenda Item No. 24 and spoke
regarding SB 905 and 886 and AB 1761.
8. Anthony Agama spoke regarding Southern California Edison's increased rates and
requested the City Council support Agenda item No. 24.
9. Dale Helvig spoke in support of Agenda Item Nos. 13-15, expressed concerned
regarding the Mabury Park permit parking district, spoke in opposition to Agenda
Item No. 18, and requested an interim measure to impose an environmental justice
fee on the sale of fireworks.
10.Lenette Wardinski requested there be no change to Chapter 26 that would allow
vendors in City parks.
11.Steve Wardinski requested there be no change to Chapter 26 that would allow
vendors in City parks.
12.Ayine Craciuh spoke regarding Southern California Edison's profits from increased
rates and requested the City Council support Agenda Item No. 24.
13.Isaias Huizar expressed concern regarding the release of part-time employees from
the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department without an explanation.
14.Mary Maduena requested there be no change to Chapter 26.
15.Joe Maduena expressed concern with amending Chapter 26.
16.Angela Capoccia expressed concern regarding the permit parking systems,
requested results from a parking study, and spoke in opposition to Agenda Item No.
17.
17.Mayra Ruiz stated City parks should be a place where families can relax and enjoy
nature not for commercial use and spoke regarding preserving wildlife.
The following speaker addressed City Council via teleconference:
18. Yolanda Valle spoke in opposition to changes to Chapter 26 and requested the City
Council protect City parks.
CITY COUNCIL 5 JULY 7, 2026
CONSENT CALENDAR
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve staff recommendations on the following
Consent Calendar Items: 3 through 20 and waive reading of all resolutions and
ordinances.
MINUTES:At 6:36 P.M., the Consent Calendar was considered.
Mayor Amezcua and Councilmember Vazquez pulled Agenda Item No. 18.
Councilmember Lopez announced a "No"vote on Agenda Item Nos. 12 and 20.
Councilmember Hernandez pulled Agenda Item No. 5.
Councilmember Bacerra pulled Agenda Item Nos. 13 and 18 and announced a "No"
vote on Agenda Item No. 19.
Councilmember Phan recused herself from Agenda Item No. 18 as the listed developer
is a client of her employer, Rutan and Tucker.
Mayor Pro Tem Penaloza announced a "No"vote on Agenda Item No. 20 and recused
himself from Agenda Item No. 12 due to a campaign contribution and abundance of
caution.
MOTION: Mayor Amezcua moved to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 3
through 20 with the exception of Agenda Item Nos. 5, 13 and 18 pulled for
separate discussion and consideration, seconded by Councilmember Hernandez.
The motion carried, 7-0, by the following roll call vote
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER
HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ,
COUNCILMEMBER PHAN, COUNCILMEMBER VAZQUEZ,
MAYOR PRO TEM PENALOZA, MAYOR AMEZCUA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
Status: 7—0 — Pass
3. Excused Absences
Department(s): City Clerk's Office
Recommended Action: Excuse the absent members.
CITY COUNCIL 6 JULY 7, 2026
4. Minutes from the Regular Meeting of June 16, 2026
Department(s): City Clerk's Office
Recommended Action: Approve minutes.
AGENDA ITEM NO. 5 PULLED FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION AND
CONSIDERATION
5. Appoint Giovanni Chavez Nominated by Councilmember Penaloza as the
Ward 6 Representative to the Rental Housing Board for a Partial Term
Expiring in 2027
Department(s): City Clerk's Office
Recommended Action: Appoint Giovanni Chavez to the Rental Housing Board
as the Ward 6 representative and administer the Oath of Office.
MINUTES: Councilmember Hernandez expressed concerns regarding the
appointment of individuals who are actively running for elected office to City
commissions and spoke in opposition to the item.
MOTION: Councilmember Hernandez moved to not approve the recommended
action for Agenda Item No. 5, seconded by Councilmember Vazquez.
Councilmember Bacerra questioned whether the same concerns should apply to all
current commissioners who are actively running for elected office.
Councilmember Vazquez echoed Councilmember Hernandez's comments and
spoke in opposition to the item.
Councilmember Lopez stated she would act consistently with her past positions
regarding the City Council's appointment authority and encouraged consideration of
the Council's Code of Ethics and Conduct.
Councilmember Phan inquired whether any law or City policy prohibits appointing
an individual who is running for elected office to a City commission and spoke in
support of the item.
City Attorney Sonia Carvalho reported there are no legal or ethical prohibitions and
reiterated individuals elected or appointed should not use public resources or
commission seat to campaign.
SUBSTITUTE MOTION: Mayor Pro Tern Penaloza moved to approve the
recommended action for Agenda Item No. 5, seconded by Councilmember
Bacerra.
CITY COUNCIL 7 JULY 7, 2026
The motion carried, 5-2, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ,
COUNCILMEMBER PHAN, MAYOR PRO TEM PENALOZA,
MAYOR AMEZCUA
NOES: COUNCILMEMBER HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER
VAZQUEZ
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
Status: 5—2— Pass
MINUTES: City Clerk Jennifer L. Hall administered the oath of office to Giovanni
Chavez.
6. Appoint Mai Do Nominated by Councilmember Phan as the Ward 1
Representative to the Measure X Oversight Committee for a Partial Term
Expiring in December 12, 2028
Department(s): City Clerk's Office
Recommended Action: Appoint Mai Do to the Measure X Oversight Committee
as the Ward 1 representative and administer the Oath of Office. (Pursuant to
SAMC Sec. 2-326(a), requires five affirmative votes)
7. Proposed City Response to Orange County Grand Jury Report Titled
Wildfires Hit Home
Department(s): City Manager's Office
Recommended Action: Approve the proposed City response to the Orange
County Grand Jury report titled Wildfires Hit Home dated May 19, 2026.
8. Purchase Order Contract with Golden Bell Products Corp for Insecticidal
Latex Coating Services for Sewer Manholes (Specification No. 26-051) (Non-
General Fund)
Department(s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action: Award a purchase order contract to Golden Bell Products
Corp. for insecticidal latex coating services for an amount not to exceed $100,000,
for the one-year term beginning July 7, 2026, and expiring July 6, 2027, with
provision for four, one-year renewal options, for a total amount not to exceed
$500,000.
CITY COUNCIL 8 JULY 7, 2026
9. Aggregate Purchase Order Contracts to Culver-Newlin Inc., GM Business
Interiors, National Business Furniture, People Space, Pivot Interiors Inc.,
Quality Office Furnishings, Vari, and Yamada Enterprises for Office Furniture,
Installation, and Related Services (Specification No. 23-080, 23-081, 23-082, 23-
092, 26-079) (General Fund & Non-General Fund)
Department(s): Finance and Management Services
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to include Culver-Newlin of
Corona, CA and Vari of Coppell, TX to the established list of approved vendors on
the aggregate contracts listed below for an initial one (1) year term expiring on June
30, 2027, with provisions for two (2), one (1) year renewal options. The total not to
exceed amount will not change.
Vendor Location
Culver-Newlin Inc. Corona, CA
GM Business Interiors Riverside, CA
National Business Milwaukee, WI
Furniture
People Space Irvine, CA
Pivot Interiors Inc. Costa Mesa, CA
Quality Office Furnishings Yorba Linda, CA
Vari Co ell, TX
Yamada Enterprises Huntington Beach, CA
10.Amendment to Agreement with Blue Technologies Smart Solutions for
Access and Support Services for iManage Data Management Systems and
Agreement with Thomson Reuters for Legal Research Subscription Services
(General Fund)
Department(s): City Attorney's Office
Recommended Action:
1. Authorize the City Manager to execute an amendment to the City's current
agreement with Blue Technologies Smart Solutions ("BlueTech")to increase the
not-to-exceed amount of compensation to the agreement for use of the iManage
Data Management Systems ("iManage") for the period of August 1, 2026
through July 31, 2027 in the amount of $14,604 to provide additional user
licenses and increase the data storage size utilized by the use of the iManage
system (Agreement No. A-2026-091); and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement for legal research
subscription services in the amount of $167,790 that will commence on July 7,
2026 and will continue through June 30, 2029 (Agreement No. A-2026-092).
CITY COUNCIL 9 JULY 7, 2026
11.Award of a Construction Contract to Onyx Paving Company, Inc. for the Local
Street Preventative Maintenance FY 25/26 Project (No. 26-6907) (Non-General
Fund)
Department(s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action:
1. Approve an appropriation adjustment recognizing $99,990 of spendable fund
balance in the Sanitary Sewer Service Revenue, Prior Year Carry Forward and
Capital Recovery Charges, Transfer from Fund 056 revenue accounts, and
appropriate to the Sewer— Interfund Transfer, Transfer to Fund 054 and Capital
Recovery Charges, Improvements Other Than Buildings expenditure
account (Requires five affirmative votes).
2. Approve an appropriation adjustment recognizing $134,431 of spendable fund
balance in the Public Works Water Revenue, Prior Year Carry Forward 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, Contract Services-Professional expenditure accounts (Requires five
affirmative votes).
3. Approve an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Capital Improvement
Program to include an additional $234,421 in construction funds for the Local
Street Preventative Maintenance FY 23/24 Project (No. 26-6490).
4. Approve the Project Cost Analysis for a total estimated construction delivery cost
of $4,211,250, which includes $3,369,000 for the construction contract,
$505,350 for contract administration, inspection, and testing, and a $336,900 for
unanticipated or unforeseen work.
5. Award a construction contract to Onyx Paving Company, Inc., the lowest
responsible bidder, in accordance with the base bid and bid alternates in the
amount of $3,369,000, subject to change orders, for construction of the Local
Street Preventative Maintenance FY 25/26 Project (No. 26-6907), for a term
beginning July 8, 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-2026-39 will be filed for Project No. 26-6907.
12.Memorandum of Understanding with Republic Services Related to Waste
Infrastructure System Enterprise Agreement with County of Orange
Department(s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute a Memorandum of
Understanding with Republic Services to formalize the refuse rate stabilization plan
associated with the County of Orange Waste Infrastructure System Enterprise
agreement for FY 2026-27 (Agreement No. A-2026-093).
CITY COUNCIL 10 JULY 7, 2026
MOTION: Mayor Amezcua moved to approve Agenda Item No. 12 as part of
the Consent Calendar, seconded by Councilmember Hernandez.
The motion carried, 5-1-1, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER
HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER PHAN,
COUNCILMEMBER VAZQUEZ, MAYOR AMEZCUA
NOES: COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ
ABSTAIN: MAYOR PRO TEM PENALOZA (recusal)
ABSENT: NONE
Status: 5— 1 — 1 — Pass
AGENDA ITEM NO. 13 PULLED FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION AND
CONSIDERATION
13.Lease Agreement with LAZ Parking California, LLC for Office Space at the
Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center (Non-General Fund)
Department(s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute a lease agreement
with LAZ Parking California LLC, to compensate the City $1,151 per month, for the
lease of 190 square feet of office space located at the Santa Ana Regional
Transportation Center for a term beginning July 7, 2026 and expiring June 30, 2027,
with provisions for up to four, one-year extensions, for a total lease agreement amount
of $68,862 (Agreement No. A-2026-094).
MINUTES: Councilmember Bacerra inquired regarding efforts to attract additional
ground-floor commercial uses, including restaurants and coffee shops, to serve
commuters at the transit station.
Deputy City Manager Sylvia Vazquez stated a Request for Proposals (RFP) will be
released and, if there is not enough interest, then a broker will be retained to assist.
City Manager Alvaro Nunez provided clarification on the purpose of an RFP.
Councilmember Lopez thanked staff, expressed support for issuing RFP, and
emphasized a fair and transparent process.
Mayor Amezcua thanked staff for their efforts and expressed support for attracting
additional tenants.
Councilmember Hernandez expressed support for activating the ground floor of the
Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center and attracting additional businesses to
serve commuters and visitors.
CITY COUNCIL 11 JULY 7, 2026
Mayor Pro Tem Penaloza echoed previous comments.
City Manager Nunez acknowledged the Council's comments and stated that staff
remains committed to activating the Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center.
MOTION: Councilmember Bacerra moved to approve the recommended
action for Agenda Item No. 13, seconded by Mayor Amezcua.
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
14.Lease Agreement with PGH Wong for Office Space at the Santa Ana Regional
Transportation Center (Non-General Fund)
Department(s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute a lease agreement
with PGH Wong to compensate the City $9,359 per month, for the lease of
approximately 3,284 square feet of office space located at the Santa Ana Regional
Transportation Center for a term beginning July 17, 2026 and expiring December
31, 2026, with provisions for up to one, one-year extension, for a total lease
agreement amount of$163,640 (Agreement No. A-2026-095).
15.Lease Agreement with Walsh Construction Company II, LLC for Office Space
at the Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center (Non-General Fund)
Department(s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute a lease agreement
with Walsh Construction Company II, LLC to compensate the City $12,091 per
month, for the lease of approximately 4,429 square feet of office space located at
the Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center for a term beginning July 16, 2026
and expiring July 15, 2027 with provisions for up to one, one-year extension, for a
total lease agreement amount of$290,190 (Agreement No. A-2026-096).
CITY COUNCIL 12 JULY 7, 2026
16.First Amendment to the Agreements with DMS Facility Services, Landscape
West Management Services, Inc., Mariposa Landscapes, Inc., and Pacific
Coast Horticulturists for Landscape Maintenance Services at City Parks and
Facilities (General Fund)
Department(s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action: Authorize the City Manager to execute a First Amendment
to the agreement with DMS Facility Services, Landscape West Management
Services, Inc, Mariposa Landscapes, Inc., and Pacific Coast Horticulturists to
amend the scope of service to provide landscape maintenance to parks and
facilities citywide for the remaining term expiring January 31, 2027 and renewal
options (Core Agreement No. A-2026-097).
17.Resolution Amending Mabury Park Permit Parking District
Department(s): Public Works Agency
Recommended Action: Adopt a resolution amending and superseding the Mabury
Park Permit Parking District Resolution 2016-042.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-033 entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA AMENDING RESOLUTION 2016-042 RELATED
TO THE MABURY PARK PERMIT PARKING DISTRICT FOR THE PURPOSE OF
EXPANDING THE BOUNDARIES OF THAT DISTRICT
AGENDA ITEM NO. 18 PULLED FOR SEPARATE DISCUSSION AND
CONSIDERATION
18.Density Bonus Agreement No. 2026-03 — Watermarke Sandpointe Mixed-Use
Development (200 East Sandpointe Ave.)
Department(s): Planning and Building Agency, Community Development Agency
Recommended Action:
1. Adopt a resolution approving Density Bonus Agreement No. 2026-03; and
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-XXX entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA APPROVING DENSITY BONUS
AGREEMENT NO. 2026-03 FOR A MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT WITH 400
UNIT RESIDENTIAL UNITS, INCLUDING 20 UNITS PROPOSED AS
AFFORDABLE TO EXTREMELY LOW-INCOME HOUSEHOLDS, AND 13,887
SQUARE FEET OF COMMERCIAL SPACE FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED
AT 200 EAST SANDPOINTE AVENUE (APNS: 411-111-07, 411-111-09, 411-
111-10, AND 411-111-11)
CITY COUNCIL 13 JULY 7, 2026
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute a Density Bonus Agreement with CM
Sandpointe, LLC, GH Sandpointe LLC, VMT Sandpointe LLC, and QC
Sandpointe LLC, with a 55-year covenant term, for a rental residential
development consisting of a 400 unit multi-family residential development,
including 20 affordable units (5% of the total units) proposed as affordable to
extremely low-income households, at the property located at 200 East
Sandpointe Avenue (Agreement No. A-2026-XXX); and
3. Determine that, pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
and the CEQA Guidelines, the recommended action (below) is exempt from
further review under Sections 15183 and 15162.
MINUTES: Councilmember Phan left the dais at 7:03 P.M.
MOTION: Mayor Amezcua moved to continue Agenda Item No. 18 to the
August 4, 2026 City Council meeting, seconded by Councilmember Lopez.
The motion carried, 6-0-1, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER
HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ,
COUNCILMEMBER VAZQUEZ, MAYOR PRO TEM
PENALOZA, MAYOR AMEZCUA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBER PHAN (recusal)
ABSENT: NONE
Status: 6— 0— 1 — Pass
MINUTES: Councilmember Phan returned to the dais at 7:05 P.M.
19.Density Bonus Agreement No. 2026-04 — SWC Alton & Raitt Residential
Development (2100 West Alton Avenue)
Department(s): Planning and Building Agency, Community Development Agency
Recommended Action:
1. Adopt a resolution approving Density Bonus Agreement No. 2026-04; and
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-034 entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA APPROVING DENSITY BONUS
AGREEMENT NO. 2026-04 TO ALLOW DEVELOPMENT OF A 36-UNIT
SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHED RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISION, INCLUDING
THREE UNITS PROPOSED AS AFFORDABLE TO VERY LOW-INCOME AND
THREE PROPOSED AS AFFORDABLE TO MODERATE-INCOME
HOUSEHOLDS FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2100 WEST ALTON
AVENUE (APNS: 412-541-06 AND 412-541-10)
CITY COUNCIL 14 JULY 7, 2026
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute a Density Bonus Agreement with BDC
Santa Ana LLC, for a 55-year covenant term, for a for-sale residential
development consisting of a thirty-six(36) unit single-family detached residential
subdivision, which includes three (3) units designated as affordable to very low-
income and three (3) units affordable to moderate-income households at 2100
West Alton Avenue (Agreement No. A-2026-098); and
3. Determine that, pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
and the CEQA Guidelines, the recommended action (below) is exempt from
further review under Section 15332 (Class 32) of the CEQA Guidelines (In-Fill
Development Projects).
MOTION: Mayor Amezcua moved to approve Agenda Item No. 19 as part of
the Consent Calendar, seconded by Councilmember Hernandez.
The motion carried, 6-1, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER
LOPEZ, COUNCILMEMBER PHAN, COUNCILMEMBER
VAZQUEZ, MAYOR PRO TEM PENALOZA, MAYOR
AMEZCUA
NOES: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
Status: 6— 1 — Pass
20.Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. NS-3097 Dissolving the Arts
and Culture Commission; Environmental and Transportation Advisory
Commission; Historic Resources Commission; Parks, Recreation, and
Community Services Commission; and Youth Commission
First reading at the June 16, 2026 City Council Meeting and approved by a vote of
5-2. Published in the OC Reporter on June 19, 2026.
Department(s): City Clerk's Office
Recommended Action: Conduct a second reading and adopt an ordinance
amending various sections of the Santa Ana Municipal Code to dissolve five
commissions, to remove references to the dissolved commissions, and to reallocate
certain powers and duties.
CITY COUNCIL 15 JULY 7, 2026
ORDINANCE NO. NS-3097 entitled AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF SANTA ANA AMENDING ARTICLE IV (OFFICERS,
DEPARTMENTS, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS) OF CHAPTER 2
(ADMINISTRATION) OF THE SANTA ANA MUNICIPAL CODE TO DISSOLVE
THE ARTS AND CULTURE COMMISSION, THE ENVIRONMENTAL AND
TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMISSION, THE HISTORIC RESOURCES
COMMISSION, THE PARKS, RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES
COMMISSION, AND THE YOUTH COMMISSION; AND RELATED
AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 30 (PLACES OF HISTORICAL AND
ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE), CHAPTER 33 (STREETS, SIDEWALKS AND
PUBLIC WORKS), AND CHAPTER 41 (ZONING) TO REALLOCATE
COMMISSION POWERS AND DUTIES AND TO REMOVE REFERENCES TO
THE DISSOLVED COMMISSIONS
MOTION: Mayor Amezcua moved to approve Agenda Item No. 20 as part of
the Consent Calendar, seconded by Councilmember Hernandez.
The motion carried, 5-2, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER
HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER PHAN,
COUNCILMEMBER VAZQUEZ, MAYOR AMEZCUA
NOES: COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ, MAYOR PRO TEM PENALOZA
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
Status: 5—2— Pass
**END OF CONSENT CALENDAR**
BUSINESS CALENDAR
MINUTES:At 7:05 P.M., the Business Calendar was considered.
21.Designate a Voting Delegate and up to Two Alternates for League of California
Cities (Cal Cities) 2026 Annual Conference General Assembly
Department(s): City Clerk's Office
Recommended Action: Designate a voting delegate and up to two alternates for
the Cal Cities Annual Conference General Assembly on Friday, September 25,
2026.
MINUTES: Mayor Amezcua nominated Councilmember Bacerra as the voting
delegate.
Councilmember Bacerra nominated Councilmember Lopez as the alternate.
CITY COUNCIL 16 JULY 7, 2026
MOTION: Mayor Amezcua moved to appoint Councilmember Bacerra as the
voting delegate and Councilmember Lopez as the alternate for the League of
California Cities 2026 Annual Conference General Assembly, seconded by
Councilmember Hernandez.
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.Consider Ballot Measure to Remove Sunset on Local Sales Tax
Department(s): City Manager's Office
Recommended Action:
1. Adopt a Resolution calling for the placement of a measure on the November 3,
2026 General Municipal Election ballot to remove the rate reduction and sunset
on the local general sales transactions measure in Santa Ana.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-035 entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA GIVING NOTICE OF A GENERAL
MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD IN THE CITY OF SANTA ANA ON
NOVEMBER 3, 2026 AND CALLING FOR THE PLACEMENT ON THE BALLOT
OF A MEASURE FOR SUBMISSION TO THE QUALIFIED VOTERS OF A
PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDING THE LOCAL GENERAL
TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX TO REMOVE THE RATE REDUCTION AND
THE SUNSET PROVISION
2. Adopt a Resolution authorizing written arguments for or against the above-
referenced measure.
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-036 entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA AUTHORIZING WRITTEN
ARGUMENTS FOR THE BALLOT MEASURE SUBMITTED FOR THE
NOVEMBER 3, 2026 GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION REGARDING
AMENDING THE LOCAL GENERAL TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX TO
REMOVE THE RATE REDUCTION AND THE SUNSET PROVISION
MINUTES: Assistant City Manager Kathryn Downs provided a presentation
regarding a ballot measure to remove the sunset on local sales tax.
CITY COUNCIL 17 JULY 7, 2026
Councilmember Hernandez spoke in support of the item.
Councilmember Vazquez spoke in support of the item.
Councilmember Bacerra spoke regarding doing more to generate revenue.
Mayor Amezcua spoke in support of item and placement of the measure on the
ballot.
Councilmember Lopez spoke in opposition to the item.
Councilmember Phan spoke regarding the placement of the measure on the
ballot for the voters to decide.
Mayor Pro Tem Penaloza spoke regarding mismanagement of funding, poor
fiscal management, and City Council spending throughout the years.
MOTION: Mayor Amezcua moved to approve the recommended action for Item
No. 22, seconded by Councilmember Hernandez.
The motion carried, 5-2, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBER BACERRA, COUNCILMEMBER
HERNANDEZ, COUNCILMEMBER PHAN, COUNCILMEMBER
VAZQUEZ, MAYOR AMEZCUA
NOES: COUNCILMEMBER LOPEZ, MAYOR PRO TEM PENALOZA
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
Status: 5—2 — Pass
**END OF BUSINESS CALENDAR**
COUNCILMEMBER REQUESTED ITEM
23.Discuss and Consider Directing the City Manager to Replace the Current
Residential Parking Permit Sticker System with a Hanging Placard System
Displayed from a Vehicle's Rearview Mirror and Take All Necessary Actions
to Implement the Transition — Mayor Pro Tem David Penaloza
MINUTES: Mayor Pro Tem Penaloza provided a report to replace the current
residential parking permit sticker system with a hanging placard system
displayed from a vehicle's rearview mirror and take all necessary actions to
implement the transition.
Mayor Amezcua requested clarification regarding the process for issuing permit
citations.
CITY COUNCIL 18 JULY 7, 2026
Police Chief Robert Rodriguez explained the license plate and the last four or
five numbers of the VIN are confirmed and, if there is no parking permit
issued/displayed, then a citation is issued.
Mayor Amezcua requested status on the Request for Proposals (RFP) for
residential permit parking management system.
Acting Public Works Director Rudy Rosas stated a RFP was sent out, the period
is now closed, and staff is evaluating the submittals.
Councilmember Lopez spoke in support of a residential parking permit digital
system.
City Manager Alvaro Nunez stated a study update will be provided in October.
24.Discuss and Consider Directing the City Manager and City Attorney to
Prepare a Resolution in Support of State Legislation to Lower Southern
California Edison Rates and Protect Ratepayers and Evaluate Potential
Intervention in California Public Utilities Commission Proceedings on Behalf
of Santa Ana Residents — Councilmember Jessie Lopez
MINUTES: Councilmember Lopez provided a report on Southern California
Edison (SCE) rate increases, the effects on Santa Ana residents, and requested
a resolution in support of State bills.
Mayor Amezcua spoke in support of the item.
Councilmember Hernandez spoke in support of the item.
Councilmember Phan requested the item be delegated to staff.
City Manager Alvaro Nunez stated policy direction and policy recommendations
are required.
City Attorney Sonia Carvalho spoke regarding California Public Utilities
Commission's process for increasing rates, and reiterated requests for direction
from Council to support or oppose legislation and the need to explore how City
Council can get involved in ratepayer decision making processes.
Councilmember Vazquez spoke in support of the item.
Mayor Pro Tem Penaloza spoke regarding AB 1774, AB 1677, AB 2338, and SB
1359, spoke in support of some of the bills, and requested addition of AB 2493
to the proposed item's resolution.
CITY COUNCIL 19 JULY 7, 2026
CITY MANAGER COMMENTS
MINUTES: None.
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 Vazquez recognized the Mexican National Team for fostering
unity and community celebration in Santa Ana, reaffirmed support for immigration justice,
announced upcoming office hours at Jerome Park on July 9 at 4:00 P.M., encouraged
residents to obtain library cards, and congratulated the Mayor on her news.
Councilmember Lopez thanked the Youth Lightning Running Club for assisting with
cleanup efforts at Edna Park, recognized community celebrations throughout the City, and
thanked Travel Santa Ana and City staff for their efforts to promote safe and welcoming
events. She also recognized the City's Clean California Community designation and wished
the City Clerk a happy birthday.
Councilmember Phan thanked City staff for the Fourth of July celebration, announced the
Newhope Library grand reopening on Saturday July 11 and an upcoming Movies in the
Park event at Centennial Park on July 17, recognized the community's participation in World
Cup celebrations, and wished her Council aide a happy birthday.
Councilmember Hernandez recognized the community's diverse participation in World Cup
celebrations, thanked City staff for preparing the agenda and residents for providing public
comments, and wished the City Clerk a happy birthday.
Councilmember Bacerra recognized the opening of a new Ward 4 business, Torotea,
announced upcoming office hours on Saturday, July 11 at 10:00 A.M. at Sandpointe Park,
thanked City staff and the community for their participation in the Fourth of July celebration,
and recognized the Mexican National Team's World Cup performance. He also addressed
recent public statements regarding the City's automated license plate reader data-sharing
policies and encouraged unity in support of residents.
Mayor Pro Tem Penaloza thanked staff for the event at Centennial Park, announced a
backpack and school supply giveaway on August 1, and commented on the recent World
Cup results.
MayorAmezcua announced the birth of her grandson and an upcoming Coffee with the Mayor
event featuring a demonstration of the Police Department's drone program, provided an
update regarding the proposed County re-entry program, expressed concerns regarding its
potential impacts and the County's communication with the City, and requested future City
Council discussion on the matter. She adjourned the meeting in memory of Martin "Sonny"
Morales, recognizing his lifelong contributions and service to the Santa Ana community.
CITY COUNCIL 20 JULY 7, 2026
ADJOURNMENT—Adjourn the City Council meeting.
MINUTES: Mayor Amezcua adjourned the City Council Meeting in memory of Martin
"Sonny"Morales at 8:26 P.M.
Respectfully submitted:
Jennifer L. Hall, CIVIC
City Clerk
CITY COUNCIL 21 JULY 7, 2026