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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 19 - Direction for the Proposed OC Coordinated Reentry Center at the Former Youth Guidance Center Site City Manager's Office www.santa-ana.org/cm Item # 19 City of Santa Ana 20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701 Staff Report July 21, 2026 TOPIC: Direction Regarding the Proposed Orange County Coordinated Reentry Center at the Former Youth Guidance Center Site in Santa Ana AGENDA TITLE Direction Regarding the Proposed Orange County Coordinated Reentry Center at the Former Youth Guidance Center Site in Santa Ana RECOMMENDED ACTION 1. Direct the City Manager to draft a resolution formally opposing the proposed Orange County Coordinated Reentry Center at the former Youth Guidance Center site located in the City of Santa Ana. 2. Direct the City Manager to communicate the City's opposition to the Orange County Board of Supervisors, Orange County Executive Officer, and other appropriate agencies, and to advocate for the identification and evaluation of alternative locations elsewhere in Orange County. 3. Direct the City Attorney to evaluate and report to the City Council regarding any legal remedies available to the City related to the proposed project, including, but not limited to, applicable land use regulations, procedural requirements, and any other potential legal or administrative actions. GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES: No DISCUSSION The County of Orange is proposing to redevelop the former Youth Guidance Center property, located in the City of Santa Ana, into a Coordinated Reentry Center intended to provide a range of services for justice-involved individuals transitioning back into the community. According to County documents, the project has evolved from earlier facility planning efforts and has received preliminary funding through the County's Capital Improvement Program. Direction Regarding the Proposed Orange County Coordinated Reentry Center at the Former Youth Guidance Center Site in Santa Ana July 21, 2026 Page 2 During the Orange County Board of Supervisors' Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget hearings, County staff indicated that approximately $21.6 million has been allocated toward the project, with approximately $2.4 million already expended for planning and design. County staff further stated that the overall project cost could exceed $60 million as additional phases are implemented. In light of this approval and subsequent public discourse, the Mayor consulted with the City Manager to place this item on the City Council Meeting Agenda. Although Orange County officials have stated that the project has not yet received final Board approval and will require future discretionary action before construction proceeds, the City has significant concerns regarding both the proposed location and the public process surrounding the project. Community Concerns Residents have expressed concerns regarding the proposed location, the concentration of regional facilities within Santa Ana, potential impacts on surrounding neighborhoods, and the adequacy of community outreach conducted by the County. During the County's budget hearing, Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento similarly expressed concerns regarding the public engagement process and requested that the County delay the project, conduct additional stakeholder outreach, and evaluate alternative sites throughout Orange County. The City recognizes the importance of providing services to individuals reentering the community following incarceration and supports regional efforts to improve housing stability, behavioral health services, workforce development, and recidivism reduction. However, the City believes these important regional services should be planned through a transparent, collaborative process that equitably distributes countywide facilities among Orange County jurisdictions. Need for Formal City Position To date, City officials have expressed concerns regarding the project through correspondence and public statements by City Manager Nunez, Mayor Valerie Amezcua, Councilmember Jessie Lopez, and Councilmember Phil Bacerra. Other local elected officials representing Santa Ana have weighed in through letters of opposition to the County, including Congressman Lou Correa, State Senator Tom Umberg, and Assemblymember Avelino Valencia. (Exhibits 1 through 6) The County, in response, sent the City of Santa Ana two formal letters asking to meet with City officials from former Interim County Executive Officer (CEO) Michelle Aguirre and current Interim CEO KC Roestenberg. The letters were sent the day before budget discussions, and after the County subsequently approved funding for the project. (Exhibits 7 and 8) Direction Regarding the Proposed Orange County Coordinated Reentry Center at the Former Youth Guidance Center Site in Santa Ana July 21, 2026 Page 3 The County CEO's correspondence and request to meet appear to provide the City with limited opportunity to meaningfully participate in the evaluation of alternative locations for the proposed Coordinated Reentry Center or other potential uses for the property at 3030 Hesperian Way. The City's concern is that the County's communications reflect an apparent commitment to proceeding with the proposed Santa Ana location, rather than engaging in an open and collaborative process that genuinely considers alternative sites or project options. Consequently, the City believes the proposed discussions may not constitute meaningful consultation or afford the City an adequate opportunity to influence the County's decision-making process. Given the continued advancement of County planning efforts despite the City's representatives voicing concerns, it is appropriate for the City Council to formally establish the City's position through official Council action. Formal opposition would clearly communicate the City's concerns to County decision- makers while requesting that the County identify alternative locations and conduct meaningful public engagement before any further project approvals are considered. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT There is no environmental impact associated with this action. FISCAL IMPACT There is no fiscal impact associated with this action. EXHIBIT(S) 1. Letter of Opposition by Mayor Amezcua and City Manager Nunez 2. Letter of Opposition by Councilmember Lopez 3. Letter of Opposition by Councilmember Bacerra 4. Letter of Opposition by Congressman Correa 5. Letter of Opposition by Senator Umberg 6. Letter of Opposition by Assemblymember Valencia 7. Letter from CEO Aguirre (June 22, 2026) 8. Letter from CEO Roestenberg (July 10) Submitted By: Sylvia Vazquez, Deputy City Manager Approved By: Alvaro Nunez, City Manager EXHIBIT 1 '.. ; CITY OF SANTAANA June 16, 2026 Orange County Board of Supervisors 400 W. Civic Center Drive Santa Ana, CA 92701 RE: Opposition to Coordinated Reentry Center Proposed for Santa Ana Honorable Chair and Members of the Orange County Board of Supervisors: The City of Santa Ana opposes the County of Orange's proposal to develop a Coordinated Reentry Center at the former Youth Guidance Center site in the City of Santa Ana. Despite repeated concerns raised by residents, community stakeholders, and local officials, the County continues to advance a project that lacks community support. Accordingly, we urge the Board of Supervisors to remove this project from consideration within Santa Ana and to pursue an alternative location through a transparent, data-driven, and equitable site selection process. Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento's remarks during the Board's June 9 budget hearing, including his call for broader community engagement and a thorough evaluation of alternative sites, warrant serious consideration. At its core, this issue is not merely a matter of process. The central question before the County is not whether reentry services are necessary, but whether the responsibility for hosting those services should continue to be concentrated in the City of Santa Ana rather than more equitably distributed across the region. As the County Seat, Santa Ana serves as the host community for Orange County's regional infrastructure, including the Civic Center, correctional facilities, probation services, behavioral health and social services, and the county's central homeless services network. While Santa Ana has consistently accepted these regional responsibilities for the greater good of the county, any negative cumulative operational, social, and economic impacts are endured disproportionately by our local residents, neighborhoods, businesses, and municipal budget. In response to these regional demands, the City has aggressively invested local resources to safeguard community quality of life and support vulnerable populations. Santa Ana currently directs approximately $30 million annually toward homelessness prevention, street outreach, emergency sheltering, and permanent housing solutions. Furthermore, the City funds and operates one of the most comprehensive crisis-response networks in the region, anchoring critical infrastructure like the Santa Ana Navigation Center and the Yale Navigation Center. Santa Ana has demonstrably carried the weight of a county-wide challenge; however, CITY ATTORNEY CITY MANAGER CITY CLERK Sonia R. Carvalho Alvaro Nunez Jennifer L. Hall 20 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA-P.O.BOX 1988, M31 -SANTA ANA,CALIFORNIA 92702 TELEPHONE(714)647-6900-FAX(714)647-6954-www.santa-ana.org C�v Opposition to Proposed Coordinated Reentry Center at the Former Youth duidahMehter Site in Santa Ana Page 2 sustainable regional balance requires equitable partnership and shared responsibility from all Orange County municipalities. In addition, Santa Ana has invested more than $60 million in affordable housing initiatives over the past decade, resulting in the development of more than 1,000 affordable housing units and hundreds of permanent supportive housing opportunities for individuals experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable populations. The City has further supported outreach efforts through multidisciplinary response teams, coordinated case management programs, emergency shelter operations, mental health partnerships, and housing navigation services. These efforts demonstrate Santa Ana's longstanding leadership in addressing some of Orange County's most complex social challenges. However, regional responsibility must be shared equitably across the county. We urge the Board of Supervisors to direct staff to immediately suspend further advancement of the proposed Coordinated Reentry Center at the former Youth Guidance Center site in Santa Ana and initiate a countywide search for alternative locations. We further request that the County undertake meaningful public outreach and stakeholder engagement before any future funding commitments are considered and reject the center in our city. Santa Ana has consistently demonstrated leadership, compassion, and partnership in addressing countywide challenges. We remain committed to working collaboratively with the County on solutions that promote rehabilitation, public safety, housing stability, and improved quality of life. We cannot support the continued concentration of regional facilities within our city at the expense of our residents and neighborhoods. Sincerely, Valerie Amezcua Alvaro Nunez Mayor City Manager c: Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento, Second District EXHIBIT 2 CITY OFSANTAANA o„ , -l: fk —9q - 1 June 23, 2026 Orange County Board of Supervisors 400 W. Civic Center Drive Santa Ana, CA 92701 RE: Opposition to Coordinated Reentry Center Proposed for Santa Ana Honorable Chair and Members of the Board: I write to respectfully join Supervisor Sarmiento in opposing the County's proposal to develop a Coordinated Reentry Center at the former Youth Guidance Center site. I would first like to thank Supervisor Vicente Sarmiento for his leadership and advocacy regarding the proposed Coordinated Reentry Center in Santa Ana. As the only member of the Board of Supervisors to publicly oppose the project at its current location, Supervisor Sarmiento has demonstrated a commitment to listening to residents, engaging stakeholders, and ensuring that community concerns are given the consideration they deserve. His call for additional outreach and evaluation of alternative locations reflects the thoughtful and transparent process that this issue warrants. I want to be clear that my opposition is not to reentry services themselves. Individuals returning to our communities require access to support systems, rehabilitation programs, housing assistance, employment services, and opportunities for successful reintegration. These investments are important and can have meaningful positive impacts for both participants and the broader community. However, the question before the County is not whether reentry services should exist. The question is whether Santa Ana should once again be selected as the location for another countywide facility despite longstanding concerns regarding the concentration of regional services within our city. Santa Ana has consistently stepped forward to help address Orange County's most pressing challenges. Our city serves as the County Seat and hosts numerous governmental, social service, behavioral health, and public safety facilities that serve residents from across the region. In addition, Santa Ana has invested significant local resources into housing, homelessness response, outreach services, and programs designed to improve quality of life for some of our most vulnerable residents. CITY ATTORNEY CITY MANAGER CITY CLERK Sonia R.Carvalho Alvaro Nunez Jennifer L. Hall 20 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA-P.O. BOX 1988, M31 -SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA 92702 TELEPHONE(714)647-6900-FAX(714)647-6954-www.santa-ana.org Opposition to Proposed Coordinated Reentry Center at the Former Youth GbTA Alt Site in Santa Ana Page 2 These efforts reflect our community's values of compassion, service, and inclusion. Yet true regional partnership requires that responsibility be shared equitably among all Orange County communities. Many residents have expressed concern that decisions regarding this project have moved forward without sufficient community engagement or a transparent evaluation of alternative sites. Regardless of one's position on the proposed facility, I believe residents deserve a meaningful opportunity to participate in decisions that will affect their neighborhoods and quality of life for decades to come. For these reasons, I respectfully urge the Board of Supervisors to suspend further advancement of the proposed Coordinated Reentry Center at the former Youth Guidance Center site and undertake a transparent, countywide review of alternative locations. Such a process should include robust public outreach, objective evaluation criteria, and meaningful collaboration with local stakeholders. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Jessie Lopez Councilmember—Ward 3 EXHIBIT 3 � CITY OF SANTA ANA 1 June 23, 2026 Orange County Board of Supervisors 400 W. Civic Center Drive Santa Ana, CA 92701 RE: Opposition to Coordinated Reentry Center Proposed for Santa Ana Honorable Chair and Members of the Board: I write to express my strong opposition to the County of Orange's proposal to develop a Coordinated Reentry Center at the former Youth Guidance Center site in Santa Ana. As a Santa Ana City Councilmember, I have heard directly from residents, neighborhood leaders, business owners, and community stakeholders who are deeply concerned about the County's continued effort to advance this project despite no recognizable outreach by the County and despite significant local opposition. Their concerns deserve to be heard and respected. Let me be clear: this opposition is not rooted in a lack of compassion for individuals seeking to successfully reenter society. Reentry services are an important component of rehabilitation, public safety, and long-term community stability. Rather, the issue before us is whether this is an appropriate location given its proximity to residents and whether Santa Ana should once again be asked to be the location of yet another countywide facility while other communities are not being asked to share in that responsibility. Santa Ana has served as Orange County's seat of government since our County's incorporation and has continuously hosted its civic center since William Spurgeon donated land to the County for that purpose. Our community is already the location for a significant concentration of county facilities, social services, behavioral health programs, correctional infrastructure, and homeless services that serve residents from throughout the region. In addition, our City invests tens of millions of dollars annually of our City funds to address homelessness, public safety concerns, housing instability, and quality-of-life issues that affect not only our residents, but Orange County as a whole. Our residents are proud of Santa Ana's tradition of service and leadership. However, leadership should not be confused with an expectation that our community must continue to shoulder a disproportionate share of the County's most impactful facilities and programs. CITY ATTORNEY CITY MANAGER CITY CLERK Sonia R.Carvalho Alvaro Nunez Jennifer L. Hall 20 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA-P.O. BOX 1988, M31 -SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA 92702 TELEPHONE(714)647-6900-FAX(714)647-6954-www.santa-ana.org Opposition to Proposed Coordinated Reentry Center at the Former Youth GbTdW ���td Site in Santa Ana Page 2 The concerns raised by residents extend beyond the proposed use itself. Many have expressed frustration with a process they believe has lacked meaningful community engagement and a transparent and serious evaluation of alternative locations. Before committing additional public resources to this project, the County should undertake a countywide search for and evaluation of alternative sites and conduct robust outreach with all affected communities. I urge the Board of Supervisors to not move forward with the proposed Coordinated Reentry Center at the former Youth Guidance Center site in Santa Ana and work collaboratively with local stakeholders to identify a more appropriate location elsewhere in Orange County. Our residents deserve a meaningful voice in decisions that affect their neighborhoods and their quality of life. They also deserve to know that regional responsibilities are being shared throughout Orange County rather than concentrated in a single community. Thank you for your consideration of this important matter. Sincerely, Phil Bacerra Councilmember—Ward 4 WASHINGTON OFFICE J. L U I S C O R R E A HousE DEMOCRAT[c CAucus 2092 RAYBURN WASIM HOUSE OFFICE BVi.LING EV t7�SpY POyCY WAS(2021 25 DC 20515 46TH DISTRICT CALIFORNIA LL/A.�TFI 12021225-2965 E E o SEcunm RANKING MtMBtk SVBCOMMITIII ON BONOfn L011gregg of Me Zluiteb btateg SE CUWTt on cou ORnnnnT SANTA ANA DISTRICT OFFICE SUBC S* RI d OIENIOITIIIMGN1yA, 2323 N.BROADTA ANA,CA 270 919 LAW ENEOPCEYENr,AND INTIEEIGINCt SANTA ANn,CA 92706 1714156M190 �?ouge of 4Xepregentatibeg HousE Coh mrm ON THE Jummy SUBCOMMIR[E ON ENE ADMINIStn^T STATE, Khisljington, DC 20513 RIGUtATONY RIroRtA ANO ANTRRUST SUBCOMMIITEI on IMMM.MTION INTIGWTY,SECURITY, AND ENtaa[[Mtttr June l 1, 2026 Michelle Aguirre Acting County Executive Officer County of Orange 400 W. Civic Center Drive Santa Ana, CA 92701 Dear Ms.Aguirre: I am writing regarding the federal funding I secured for the County of Orange through the Fiscal Year 2022 Community Project Funding process for the Coordinated Reentry Center and ongoing discussions regarding its site location. The project received $5,000,000 for the purpose of reducing the number of individuals with mental illness or substance use disorder involved in the criminal justice system. When the project was submitted to my office for consideration, the submission stated that"the county has identified an existing facility to be utilized that meets the needs of this project."I was also provided with letters of support for the project from elected officials and community leaders,which I have enclosed for your reference. When the project was submitted to committee, my office was informed that there was community consensus for the project and its proposed location as the county had included a coordinated reentry system as a strategic priority in its annual financial plans dating back to 2016 and construction was slated to begin as early as October 2021. As it turns out,the City of Santa Ana is strongly opposed to this project. Our working relationship is based on mutual trust and cooperation. I insist that you work with the City of Santa Ana to address their concerns so that this project receives the local support that was represented to me when it was submitted to my office. I look forward to working with you to ensure this program moves forward so that these essential reentry services can be provided to those in need at a location that benefits the whole community. Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Sin ely, J. Luis Correa Member of Congress EXHIBITP+ 2 Enclosures cc: The Honorable Doug Chaffee The Honorable Katrina Foley The Honorable Janet Nguyen The Honorable Vicente Sarmiento The Honorable Donald P. Wagner The Honorable Valerie Amezcua The Honorable David Penaloza The Honorable Thai Viet Phan The Honorable Benjamin Vazquez The Honorable Jessie Lopez The Honorable Phil Bacerra The Honorable Johnathan Ryan Hernandez CAPITOL OFFICE EXS�'AI tBd01IMI TEES 1021 O STREET JUDICIARY SUITECHAIR SACRAMENTO.NTO.CA CA 95814 Tatif .xnta --$fate �rttatr BUSINESS,PROFESSIONS (916)651-4034 &ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELECTIONS&CONSTITUTIONAL DISTRICT OFFICE SENATOR AMENDMENTS 1000 E.SANTA ANA BLVD.SUITE 2206 THOMAS .J. UMBERG MILITARY&VETERANS AFFAIRS SANTA ANA.CA 92701 THIRTY-FOURTH SENATE DISTRICT PRIVACY.DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES (714)558-3785 AND CONSUMER PROTECTION WWW.SENATE.CA.GOV/UMBERG SE SPECIAL COMMITTEE SENATOR.UMBERGUSENATE.CA.GOV ~ , � INTERNATIONAL SPORTING EVENTS I � �.w rpLl June 22, 2026 Orange County Board of Supervisors 400 W. Civic Center Drive Santa Ana, CA 92701 RE: Regarding the Proposed Coordinated Reentry Center and Ongoing Discussions with the City of Santa Ana Honorable Chair and Members of the Board: I am writing regarding the County's proposed Coordinated Reentry Center and the ongoing discussions surrounding its proposed location at the former Youth Guidance Center site in the City of Santa Ana. I support investments in reentry services and programs that help individuals successfully transition back into their communities. These services play an important role in improving public safety, reducing recidivism, and helping individuals rebuild their lives. At the same time, projects of this scale are most successful when they are developed through a collaborative process that includes meaningful engagement with local stakeholders and broad community support. I have heard concerns from the City of Santa Ana, residents, neighborhood leaders, and local businesses, regarding the proposed location. These concerns deserve thoughtful consideration as the County moves forward. Santa Ana has long partnered with the County in addressing regional challenges and continues to host a significant share of countywide public service infrastructure. The City's willingness to serve as a regional partner has benefited residents throughout Orange County, and maintaining a strong working relationship between the County and the City remains important. I encourage the County to continue working closely with the City of Santa Ana and community stakeholders to address concerns, build consensus, and ensure this important project moves forward with the support necessary for its long-term success. Through a transparent and collaborative process, I am confident we can identify a path EXHIBIT 5 forward that expands access to critical reentry services while benefiting both program participants and the broader community. Thank you for your consideration and for your continued commitment to supporting successful reentry efforts throughout Orange County. Sincerely, 3?��r Thomas J. Umberg California State Senator, District 34 sTA EXHIBIT 6 GUMMITTEES: CHAIR:BANIUNG AND FINANCE INSURANCE ��I I rk I n I ARTS.ENTERTAINMENT.SPORTS.AND TOURISM MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS [� I I GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION ASSEMBLYMEMBER,SIXTY-EIGHTH DISTRICT California Legislature June 16, 2026 Orange County Board of Supervisors 400 W. Civic Center Drive Santa Ana, CA 92701 RE: Opposition to Proposed Coordinated Reentry Center in Santa Ana Honorable Chair and Members of the Board: I write in opposition to the County's proposal to develop a Coordinated Reentry Center at the former Youth Guidance Center site in Santa Ana. I am particularly concerned about the County's lack of engagement with the affected community members and the decision to move forward without their feedback. While I support investments in reentry services and programs that help individuals successfully transition into their communities, the location of such facilities must be determined through a transparent process that includes robust community engagement, careful evaluation of alternative sites, and consideration of the cumulative impacts borne by host communities. The concerns raised by the City of Santa Ana, its residents, neighborhood leaders, local businesses, and community stakeholders deserve serious consideration. The County should not move forward with a project of this magnitude without broad community support, meaningful stakeholder engagement, and a transparent evaluation of alternative locations throughout Orange County. Santa Ana has a history of hosting a significant concentration of regional facilities, including correctional, behavioral health, social service, and homeless services infrastructure and has repeatedly demonstrated its willingness to partner in addressing countywide challenges.The question before the County is not whether reentry services are needed, but how to ensure the responsibility is shared equitably within the region. I respectfully urge the Board of Supervisors to suspend further advancement of the proposed Coordinated Reentry Center at the former Youth Guidance Center site and conduct a comprehensive evaluation of alternative locations throughout Orange County. Thank you for your consideration of this request. In Service, AVELINO VALENCIA Assemblymember, 68th District • • EXHIBIT 7 County of Orange • County Executive Office June 22, 2026 VIA email at anunez@santa-ana.org Alvaro Nunez City Manager, City of Santa Ana 20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701 RE: OC Cares Initiatives—Reentry Related Dear Sir: It has come to my attention that both the community and the City of Santa Ana have expressed concern related to a proposed project at the current Youth Guidance Center site located at 3030 N. Hesperian Way in Santa Ana. The County values its longstanding partnership with the City and is committed to working with the City and the surrounding community to ensure transparency, share information, and create opportunities for engagement throughout the project development process. The County appreciates the opportunity to provide additional information starting with sharing of the information below. One of the County's key initiatives is OC Cares, which addresses the needs of County residents and accessibility to services and programs.This initiative was developed to link the County's five systems of care (behavioral health, healthcare, housing, benefits and support services, and community corrections) to provide full care coordination and services for members of our community including those who are most vulnerable and justice-involved individuals to successfully reenter society and work towards self- sufficiency.The OC Cares vision is to build a resilient community that supports the well- being of all its members, now and for generations to come. Two integral OC Cares projects include the Workforce Reentry Center and what is currently referred to as the Coordinated Reentry Center, both of which address differing but complementary needs within the OC Cares system. 400 W.Civic Center Drive,Santa Ana,CA 927014062 • Phone(714)834-2345 • Fax(714)834-3018 • www.ocgov.com Page 2 EXHIBIT 7 June 22,2026 OC Cares Initiatives—Reentry Related i • Workforce Reentry Center (WRC): Branded as Common Good, the WRC is an f employment-focused training and workforce development facility designed to ` prepare justice-involved individuals for meaningful employment and long-term j economic self-sufficiency. It will operate as a forward-facing retail or service-based f business,providing participants with hands-on training in a real-world environment. Common Good will include a training lab,retail operations,jab placement services, and E 52 living units providing temporary housing typically for six months to one year. Common Good will be located at the former OC Animal Care Shelter site on The City Drive in Orange and will break ground on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. • Coordinated Reentry Center (CRC): This facility, currently serving as the Youth Guidance Center, is proposed to serve as a comprehensive, 24-hour hub where referred individuals, who may be justice involved, can access services, case management, and temporary housing.The facility will offer 81 living units providing temporary housing for both male and female individuals who are awaiting placement into other forms of housing such as a residential treatment bed or a bed at Common Good. Referred individuals have been identified as already receiving or willing to accept services and are on the road to self-sufficiency, but for whatever reason, other housing is not currently available. The facility,yet to be formally named,will provide dedicated space for programming, counseling, and other essential services that support individuals on their journey to becoming productive members of our community. It is not currently operated as a walk-up or drop-in facility, nor will it be in the future. Individuals will be provided with transportation to and from the location, which is and will continue to be a gated facility. To provide additional clarity regarding project development, the following information outlines the current status of the CRC.The County is only in the planning j and design phase of this project and the site will continue to serve as the Youth Guidance Center until at least summer of 2028. No construction or renovation of the site has begun or even been considered or approved by the Board of Supervisors. Board of Supervisors' approval of agenda Item #S94W, Adoption of the FY 2026-27 Budget, on the June 23, 2026, agenda, does not approve this project or provide any authorization for County staff to move forward with this project. 333 W.Santa Ana Blvd.,311 Floor,Santa Ana,CA 92701-4062 • Phone(714)834-2345 • Fax(714)834-3419 • www.ocizov.com Page 3 EXHIBIT 7 June 22,2026 OC Cares Initiatives—Reentry Related I would like to emphasize that the County values its longstanding partnership with the City and remains committed to engaging the community throughout this process. As such, the County Executive Office will reach out to schedule a meeting with the City followed by a community meeting to provide transparency and to ensure all voices are heard. Thank you again for your continued collaboration and dedication to serving our community. Sincerely, Michelle Aguirre County Executive Officer cc: Mayor Valerie Amezcua, Santa Ana City Council Members, Santa Ana City Council Board of Supervisors, County of Orange KC Roestenberg, Chief Information Officer Kim Engelby, Chief Financial Officer Jessica Witt, Chief Operating Officer Oana Cosma, County Budget& Finance Director 333 W.Santa Ana Blvd.,3,d Floor,Santa Ana,CA 92701-4062 • Phone(714)834-2345 • Fax(714)834-3018 www.ocgov.com • EXHIBIT 8 County of Orange • County Executive Office July 10, 2026 VIA email at anunez@santa-ana.org Alvaro Nunez City Manager, City of Santa Ana 20 Civic Center Plaza Santa Ana, CA 92701 RE: OC Cares—Coordinated Reentry Center Dear Mr. Nunez, I'm sorry that we could not meet yesterday due to an unforeseen emergency in your office for our previously scheduled meeting regarding the Coordinated Reentry Center in Santa Ana. The County of Orange would appreciate the opportunity to meet before the Neighborhood Association Meeting scheduled for July 28, 2026; to discuss logistics and the information we intend to present to our shared constituents. In the interim, I am providing a document that I intended to provide yesterday's scheduled meeting entitled, "OC Cares Justice-Involved Facilities At-a-Glance." It is my sincere intent to help in further clarifying the three OC Cares projects and how they interrelate which include a Juvenile Correction Campus in Orange, a Workforce Reentry Center in Orange as well as the proposed Coordinated Reentry Center in Santa Ana. All three projects were introduced to the Board of Supervisors on October 22, 2019, and have been revisited over the years during the County's Budget and Strategic Financial Plan briefings.In addition, the Orange County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council(OCCJCC) has received updates on these justice-involved facilities since 2017. Lastly, you may also recall my predecessor, Michelle Aguirre, outlined in greater detail related to these projects in her June 22, 2026,letter to you. Again,I hope to have an opportunity to meet with you soon and I look forward to answering any questions you might have. Sincerely, 4F6;: KC Roestenberg, Interim County Executive Officer 400 West Civic Center Drive,5th Floor,Santa Ana,CA 92701 • County Administration North • www.ocgov.com