HomeMy WebLinkAbout55D - RESO - SUPPORT AB 1453REQUEST FOR
COUNCIL ACTION
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE:
MARCH 18, 2014
TITLE:
CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION IN
SUPPORT OF THE PASSAGE OF ASSEMBLY
BILL 1453 AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF
THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA STATE
VETERANS'CEMETERY
/ e4o n" ---
CITY MANAG
RECOMMENDED ACTION
CLERK OF COUNCIL USE ONLY:
❑ As Recommended
❑ As Amended
❑ Ordinance on 1" Reading
❑ Ordinance on 2ntl Reading
❑ Implementing Resolution
❑ Set Public Hearing For_
CONTINUED TO
FILE NUMBER
Consider adoption of proposed Resolution in support of the passage of Assembly Bill 1453 and
the establishment of the Southern California State Veterans' Cemetery.
DISCUSSION
Santa Ana's City Council passage and adoption of this resolution in support of Assembly Bill
1453 would direct the California Department of Veteran Affairs to develop a master plan for a
State -owned and operated Southern California State Veterans' Cemetery in Orange County.
Currently, the nearest open federal Veterans' cemetery to Orange County is the National
Cemetery in Riverside, California and the two nearest State Veterans' cemeteries are located in
the Central Coast and Northern California. In response to the majority of California's veterans
residing in Southern California, the establishment of a Veterans' Cemetery in Orange County
would help reduce current factors of distance and regional geography and provide opportunities
for veterans and their families to have greater accessibility to a closer and beautiful resting place
in Orange County.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no Fiscal Impact associated with the adoption of the proposed Resolution.
4
Sonia R. Carvalho
City Attorney
5513-1
55D -2
SRC03/12/14
RESOLUTION NO. 2014 -
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SANTA ANA, IN SUPPORT OF ASSEMBLY BILL 1453 AND
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
STATE VETERANS CEMETERY
WHEREAS, California is home to more veterans than any other state; and
WHEREAS, the majority of California's veterans live in Southern California; and
WHEREAS, the nearest currently open federal veterans cemetery to Orange County
is the National Cemetery in Riverside, California; and
WHEREAS, although the National Cemetery in Riverside is a beautiful resting
place for veterans due to various factors — distance from Orange County, regional
geography, limited driving routes, and the population density of the region —the Orange
County veterans, veterans from other Southern California coastal areas, and veterans'
families find access to available National Veterans Cemeteries challenging; and
WHEREAS, the two State Veterans Cemeteries are also distant from Orange
County — Northern California State Veterans Cemetery is located near Redding in Igo,
California, and the Central Coast State Veterans Cemetery will be located in Monterey;
and
WHEREAS, Assembly Bill 1453 is pending in the California State Legislature, directing
the California Department of Veterans Affairs to develop a master plan for a State -owned and
operated Southern California Veterans Cemetery to be located in Orange County;
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA DOES
HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The City Council of the City of Santa Ana, California, supports the passage of
Assembly Bill 1453 and the establishment of a Southern California Veterans Cemetery in
Orange County.
Section 2. The Clerk of the Council is directed to send this Resolution to all elected
officials representing the City of Santa Ana in the California State Legislature; and
Section 3. The Clerk of the Council shall certify to the passage and adoption of this
Resolution and enter it into the book of original Resolutions.
8595315.2 55D-3
Section 4. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the City
Council, and the Clerk of the Council shall attest to and certify the vote adopting this Resolution.
ADOPTED this 18th day of March, 2014,
Miguel A. Pulido
Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Sonia R. Carvalho, City Attorney
la
City Attorney
AYES: Councilmembers
NOES: Councilmembers
ABSTAIN: Councilmembers
NOT PRESENT: Councilmembers
CERTIFICATE OF ATTESTATION AND ORIGINALITY
I, MARIA D. HUIZAR, Clerk of the Council, do hereby attest to and certify that the attached
Resolution No. 2014 -XXX to be the original resolution adopted by the City Council of the City of
Santa Ana on
Date:
Clerk of the Council
City of Santa Ana
8595315.2 55D-4
Correspondence
55D -5
55D -6
Mitre - Ramirez, Norma
To: Huizar, Maria
Subject: RE: (REPLY ...) ... OC Veterans Cemetery ...
From: Huizar, Maria
Sent: Thursday, March 13, 2014 12:07 PM
To: Mitre - Ramirez, Norma
Cc: Orozco, Norma
Subject: FW: (REPLY ...) ... OC Veterans Cemetery ...
Correspondence for Agenda packet.
- - -- Forwarded Message - - - --
From: P. David Benavides <pdavidbCa.gmail.com>
To: Zeke Hernandez <zekeher(dyahoo.com>
Sent: Wednesday, March 12, 2014 3:25 PM
Subject: Re: GREAT NEWS -- OC Veterans Cemetery // Irvine Council agenda
Great job Zeke!
P. David Benavides, Broker Associate
Seven Gables Real Estate
BRE No. 01416399
pdavidb(cDgmail.com
714.651.4380
On Mar 11, 2014, at 10:49 PM, Zeke Hernandez <zekeher(a yahoo.com> wrote:
To: Los Amigos of OC / Santa Ana LULAC #147 Members
1st- I would like to thank John Palacio for shepherding the support resolution for the OC Veterans
Cemetery thru
the SAUSD Board of Education. It passed earlier this evening on a 5 -0 vote. I also understand it may
have also passed in 2 or 3 other cities, including Buena Park, Cypress; and perhaps Anaheim Union
High School District. Coast Community College District Board of Trustees approved last week. Cities
of Fullerton and Anaheim have approved + others are coming on- board. 2nd -- THE BIGGER
NEWS! IRVINE CITY COUNCIL ALSO PASSED AND ADOPTED THE RESOLUTION SUBMITTED
BY COUNCILMAN LARRY AGRAN, including the intent to look at 100 acres for the cemetery. - BY A
VOTE OF 4 -1.
There was a substitue motion by Shea, 2nd by Mayor Choi to not support and to have a committee
look at a fesibility study, etc. This lost by 3 -2 vote, surprisingly Greg Lalloway sided with Beth Krom
and Agran on this vote. This then led the way for a vote on the main motion to approve the
resolution.
The final vote: YES: Agran, Krom, Lalloway, and Mayor Choi. NO: Shea.
Yes, Choi changed his vote ... after expliainaining that a cemetery would be bad for sales of homes
due to feng shui (having homes close to cemetery). 5- Points is doing major marketing to of Great
Park homes to Chinese and Korean buyers.
1 3/13/2014 1:32 PM
55D-7 1:32 PM
I am including as attachments - the Irvine City Council Agenda memo + resolution; my comments as
read to the City Council; and letter of support by Santa Ana LULAC #147 (copiies of both of these
were provided to council + City Manager.
We Did it! Now it's on to the passage of bill AB 1453 in Sacramento.
Thanks,
Zeke Hernandez
President (Past State Director)
Santa Ana LULAC #147
League of United Latin American Citizens
PO Box 1810, Santa Ana, CA 92702
714- 661 -4428 (cell)
http://www.lulacsantaana.com/
http: / /www.lulac.org/ (National LULAC)
2 3/13/2014 1:32 PM
55D-8 1:32 PM
League of United Latin American Citizens
Santa Ana LULAC Council #147
I I Established: National - 1929 1 Santa Ana - 1946
Orange County LULAC District #1
PO Box 1810, Santa Ana, CA 92702 -1810
February 18, 2014
Santa Ana Mayor and City Council
City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza
Santa Ana, California 92701
Re: Support for AB 1453 (Orange County Veterans Cemetery)
Hon. Mayor Pulido and Councilmembers:
Santa Ana League of United Latin American Citizens, Council #147 respectfully requests the Santa Ana City
Council for support of Assembly Bill 1453 (AB 1453) authored by California Assembly Member Sharon Quirk -
Silva. AB 1453 would direct the California Department of Veteran Affairs to establish a Southern California
Veterans Cemetery in Orange County.
California is home to more military veterans than any other state in our nation with a large majority of these
veterans residing in Southern California. According to the National Cemetery Administration, the closest
regional option for Orange County veterans is Riverside Veterans Cemetery, which offers neither a
convenient location nor a long term solution for those who have served in the military branches. Despite the
fact that Orange County is home to Army, Navy, and Marine bases, Orange County has been identified as
the state's largest county without a state cemetery for veterans.
Santa Ana LULAC #147 strongly supports Assembly Bill 1453 and proudly note our membership includes
several military veterans. As a special note, within our present membership, we are honored to have Mr.
Jess Saenz, a World War II veteran who is still very active in community activities and student scholarship
fundraising efforts. Not many months ago, we have felt the pain on the passing of Mr. Ralph Perez, also a
World War II veteran who also contributed much to our community throughout his lifetime. These two
heroes serve as a reminder that we shall continue to celebrate the lives and contributions of all the men and
women veterans who have courageously served our country in time of war and peace.
We urge the support of the City Council and the City of Santa Ana and request an expeditious process for a
positive action of approval for a future California Veterans Cemetery in Orange County. The bill AB 1453, a
fact sheet, and sample resolution is being provided (attachments) for your review and we would be happy to
provide additional information to assist the City Council in determining your approval of our request.
I may be contacted by email at zekeher@yahoo.com or by phone at 714- 661 -4428 (cell) for any follow -
up if you so desire.
Sincerely,
406 I%VeAr
Zeke Hernandez
President
cc: Santa Ana LULAC #147 Members
55D -9
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RESOLUTION NO.
CITY
ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
AUTHORIZATION TO SUPPORT CALIFORNIA STATE ASSEMBLY BILL 1453
THE RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR CALIFORNIA
STATE ASSEMBLY BILL 1453 WHICH ESTABLISHES A SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA STATE
VETERANS CEMETERY
WHEREAS, California is home to more veterans than any other state; and
WHEREAS, the majority of California's veterans live in Southern California;
and
WHEREAS, employees of the City of are currently serving in
the United States Armed Forces and /or served in the past; and
WHEREAS, the nearest currently open federal veterans cemetery to Orange
County is the National Cemetery in Riverside, California; and
WHEREAS, although the National Cemetery in Riverside is a beautiful resting
place for veterans, due to its distance from Orange County, regional
geography, limited driving routes, and the population density of the region,
the needs of Orange County veterans, veterans from other Southern California
coastal areas, and veterans' families are not met by the National Cemetery in
Riverside; and
WHEREAS, the two State Veterans Cemeteries are distant from Orange County;
the Northern California State Veterans Cemetery is located in near Redding in
Igo, California, and the Central Coast State Veterans Cemetery will be
located in Monterey, California; and
WHEREAS, Assembly Bill 1453 is pending in the California State Legislature,
directing the California Department of Veterans Affairs, to develop a master
plan for a State -owned and operated Southern California Veterans Cemetery to
be located in Orange County; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the City of
supports and urges that the California State Legislature adopts and enacts
CALIFORNIA ASSEMBLY BILL 1453 WHICH ESTABLISHES A SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA STATE
VETERANS CEMETERY
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT, the City of is directed to
send this resolution to the Governor of the State of California; the Senate
President pro Tem. and Senate Minority Leader of the California State Senate;
the Speaker and Minority Leader of the California State Assembly; Members of
the Orange County Congressional Delegation; Members of the Orange County
55D -11
State Legislative Delegation and the Members of the Orange County Board of
Supervisors.
THE FOREGOING
vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Mayor, City of
RESOLUTION is approved
this day of
55D -12
and adopted by the City of
2014, by the following roll call
Veterans cheer Irvine's cemetery support, but there's no
guarantee
Orange County Register
BY KIMBERLY PIERCEALL / STAFF WRITER
Published: March 12, 2014 Updated: 4:54 p.m.
Irvine doesn't have a single cemetery. Orange County doesn't have a single cemetery
specifically for veterans. Tuesday night, after a sometimes emotional debate, four out of
five Irvine leaders voted to support an Assembly bill that calls for a state veteran cemetery
in Orange County and to consider offering up 100 acres at the Great Park for a site.
Consider is the key word, though. While supporters of the efforts - among them, those
wearing medals on their blazers, patches on vets and cross - section of military uniforms -
cheered inside City Hall late Tuesday as if they had won a deed to the land, what was
approved was just an expression of "strong interest" in offering up 100 acres.
Council members who supported the resolution noted that it doesn't legally obligate the city
to do anything beyond consider it. Councilman Jeff Lalloway noted that there would still be
many factors to study including how the land, wherever it is, would be transferred (Sale?
Lease? Gift ?). Land for state cemeteries would need to be transferred to the state.
Assembly Bill 1453 introduced by Sharon Quirk -Silva in January doesn't name the Great
Park specifically, but a group of veterans has eyed wide -open acreage at the former El Toro
Marine Base for some time.
Wayne Greenleaf was among 30 people who spoke in support of the cemetery during public
comments, telling the council that it wasn't necessary, nor required, for local leaders to give
veterans like himself a final resting place closer to home, "but maybe it is fair, fitting and
the right thing to do," he said. "Maybe, just maybe, we owe them that much."
The nearest national cemeteries open for burials are in Riverside and San Diego a distance
criticized by veterans and members of the public at the meeting who said it's too far a drive
for families to visit loved ones.
But Riverside and San Diego cemeteries are still within 75 miles of Orange County, the
distance taken into account before the federal government considers opening a new national
cemetery.
55D -13
That's why veteran cemetery advocates are seeking a state cemetery.
There are three state cemeteries open or in the works all in Northern and Central California,
including Fort Ord cemetery in Monterey that has been slow to launch because of a
requirement to set up an endowment to cover operations and burials costs.
Councilwoman Christina Shea had misgivings though about sending a signal that the city
could offer 100 acres of Great Park land, citing contractual agreements the city has with its
private development partner FivePoint Communities and legal restrictions on the land.
"I can't make a promise tonight that the Great Park will be the exact site," she said. Her
proposal to instead support the Assembly bill but call for a study looking at the costs and
land opportunities at the Great Park failed by a vote of 2 -3 with just Mayor Steven Choi
agreeing. While she spoke, a couple members of the crowd shouted back or loudly coughed.
And when she was done, there was silence - unlike the raucous applause after other city
council members spoke in support of the cemetery resolution.
Councilman Larry Agran who proposed the city's resolution of support Tuesday, said it was
possible to work with FivePoint and said they needed to move "very, very quickly" to seize
the moment at hand. "I think this bill is going to sail through the Assembly," Agran said
later.
A veterans' cemetery at the Great Park is far from a certainty. A public cemetery had been
included in early Great Park plans and would have been on property owned by developer
Heritage Fields - now FivePoint Communities. But in an amended agreement with the
developer, the cemetery was removed from its obligations. The developer also settled a
lawsuit with Forest Lawn after it nixed its cemetery plan.
A feng shui consultant the developer hired to assist in its home and residential
neighborhood design has said that a nearby cemetery could pose a problem for Asian
buyers.
In a letter to the Council, Brian Myers with FivePoint Communities reminded the city's
leaders of land -use restrictions relative to its development agreement and pointed out that
there had been no study of how a veteran cemetery would impact the park's plan before
Tuesday's meeting.
"However, we are willing to engage in a study process with the city for potential sites in the
city and the surrounding areas of the county," he wrote.
The bill would still need to make it first through the Committee on Veterans Affairs chaired
by Quirk - Silva, Committee on Appropriations, then the full Assembly and then the Senate
55D -14
and signed by Governor Brown by Aug. 31. Since it's the end of a two -year legislative term,
the bill would die if that doesn't happen. If it becomes a law, the state would need to apply
for and win federal funding. The bill isn't on the Veterans Affairs committee's calendar, yet,
but John Spangler, the committee's chief consultant, said he expects it to be heard either
April 8 or April 29. It needs to pass in the Assembly by May 30.
No other Orange County sites have been considered, yet, besides the Great Park but that
doesn't necessarily mean that other sites may not exist.
Agran also asked that the city manager assemble an ad hoc committee made up of veterans
and representatives from the developer to look at options for a cemetery.
NUMBER OF VETERANS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Los Angeles County: 345,098
Riverside County: 139,008
Orange County: 136,611
San Bernardino County: 108,816
Kern County: 45,745
Imperial County: 6,631
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2008 -2012
55D -15
MACKENZIE REISS, STAFF PHOTO
In a photo taken last June 2013, veterans Bill Cook (front left), Elisandro "Alex" Diaz, Louie Quezada, Peter Katz,
Brian Chuchua, Zeke Hernandez, and Richard Ramirez stand and salute at the Great Park. The men are part of a
group of Orange County veterans advocating fro a veterans cemetery in the Orange County Great Park, which was
once the home of the Marine Corps Air Station El Toro.
55D -16
Mitre - Ramirez, Norma
From: Huizar, Maria
Sent: Thursday, March 13, 2014 12:10 PM
To: Mitre - Ramirez, Norma
Cc: Orozco, Norma
Subject: FW: GREAT NEWS -- OC Veterans Cemetery // Irvine Council agenda
Attachments: Memo and Resolution in Support of AB 1453.pdf; VetCem SupportLtr_Quirk- Silva.docx;
VetCem ICCLtr 2014- 0311.docx
Norma, another letter from Mr. Hernandez for the record. Thank you.
From: Zeke Hernandez [ma!Ito :zekeher(&yahoo.coml
Sent: Tuesday, March 11, 2014 10:50 PM
To: Zeke Hernandez
Subject: GREAT NEWS -- OC Veterans Cemetery // Irvine Council agenda
To: Los Amigos of OC / Santa Ana LULAC #147 Members
1st - I would like to thank John Palacio for shepherding the support resolution for the OC Veterans Cemetery thru
the SAUSD Board of Education. It passed earlier this evening on a 5 -0 vote. I also understand it may have also
passed in 2 or 3 other cities, including Buena Park, Cypress; and perhaps Anaheim Union High School District.
Coast Community College District Board of Trustees approved last week. Cities of Fullerton and Anaheim have
approved + others are coming on- board. 2nd -- THE BIGGER NEWS! IRVINE CITY COUNCIL ALSO PASSED AND
ADOPTED THE RESOLUTION SUBMITTED BY COUNCILMAN LARRY AGRAN, including the intent to look at 100
acres for the cemetery. - BY A VOTE OF 4 -1.
There was a substitue motion by Shea, 2nd by Mayor Choi to not support and to have a committee look at a fesibility
study, etc. This lost by 3 -2 vote; surprisingly Greg Lalloway sided with Beth Krom and Agran on this vote. This then
led the way for a vote on the main motion to approve the resolution.
The final vote: YES: Agran, Krom, Lalloway, and Mayor Choi. NO: Shea.
Yes, Choi changed his vote ... after expliainaining that a cemetery would be bad for sales of homes due to feng shui
(having homes close to cemetery). 5- Points is doing major marketing to of Great Park homes to Chinese and Korean
buyers.
I am including as attachments - the Irvine City Council Agenda memo + resolution; my comments as read to the City
Council; and letter of support by Santa Ana LULAC #147 (copiies of both of these were provided to council + City
Manager.
We Did it! Now it's on to the passage of bill AB 1453 in Sacramento.
Thanks,
Zeke Hernandez
President (Past State Director)
Santa Ana LULAC #147
League of United Latin American Citizens
PO Box 1810, Santa Ana, CA 92702
714 - 661 -4428 (cell)
www.LULACSantaAna.com
www.LULAC.org (National LULAC)
Sent: Tuesday, March 4, 2014 3:29 PM
Subject: Irvine Council agenda
1 3/13/2014 1:17 PM
55D -17 1:17 PM
Team,
The latest news ....
Hi Bill,
We are on the agenda, but cannot yet confirm time.
Attached is what was submitted.
CARYN PUMA I EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO COUNCILMEMBERS LARRY AGRAN AND BETH KROM I CITY OF IRVINE
949 - 774 -6226 1 i Ovic Center P[aza I Irvine, 0, 92606 1 www.citvofirvine.org
2 3/13/2014 1:17 PM
55D -18 1:17 PM
League of United Latin American Citizens
Santa Ana LULAC Council #147
i Established: National - 1929 1 Santa Ana - 1946
Orange County LULAC District #1
PO Box 1810, Santa Ana, CA 92702 -1810
February 17, 2014
Hon. Sharon Quirk -Silva
Member of the California State Assembly, 65th District
1400 North Harbor Boulevard, Ste. 601
Fullerton, California 92835
Re: SUPPORT FOR AB 1453
Assembly Member Sharon Quirk - Silva:
Santa Ana League of United Latin American Citizens, Council #147 is pleased to provide this letter
of support for your recently submitted legislative bill AB 1453.
As Chairperson of the California State Assembly Committee on Veterans Affairs, you are keenly
aware of the need for the development of more cemeteries in our state so as to be available to
those who have served in our country's military services. With your introduction of this bill, active
military personnel and veterans will be supremely fortunate of the intended establishment of a
state -owned and state - operated veterans' cemetery in Orange County.
Personally, my parents were very proud that three of their seven sons served in the United States
Army during the Vietnam era. My two brothers, John and Lee both were deployed in- country
Vietnam in the 1960s; while I served (1966 -68) stateside in Hawk Missile Artillery. Two of our
local council, Ralph Perez (now deceased) and Jess Saenz served in World War II.
It is with deep respect that we honor the courage and commitment our two local LULAC council
WWII veterans in support of freedom and democratic principles throughout the world. We believe
very deeply of our commitment to those who serve in the military (past and present), and we all
have a profound love of country and its ideals for the common person.
To have a cemetery for veterans in Orange County is a vision for many veterans and we fully
would agree with others that it is very much needed for those who have served in the military.
Santa Ana LULAC Council #147 applauds your committed efforts and we are ready to assist in the
approval of AB 1453 by our California State Legislature, with the signature of Governor Jerry
Brown when scheduled. Please do not hesitate to contact me and Santa Ana LULAC #147 by
email at zekeher(ftahoo.com or by telephone at 714 - 661 -4428 (cell).
Sincerely,
Zeke Hernandez
President
55D -19
55D -20
A&
OCVMP
ORANGE COUNTY VETERANS MPMOM& PARK
March 11, 2014
Irvine City Council
1 Civic Center Plaza
Irvine, California 92606
Mayor Choi, Councilmembers, City Staff, and Residents of Irvine,
My name is Zeke Hernandez, a neighbor - born in the City of Santa Ana. I am President of
Santa Ana LULAC, the League of United Latin American Citizens; I am also speaking tonight as the Vice
Chairperson of the Orange County Veterans Memorial Park Committee.
I can say it is 100% certain that those speaking to you in favor of the resolution on the agenda this evening
are speaking for all military veterans who have and are today serving our great country, these United States
of America. I served in the U.S. Army Artillery Hawk Missle Air Defense (1966 -65); at the same time two of
my brothers, John and Lee were fighting the war in Vietnam. Two members of our local chapter served in
WWII - Ralph Perez was laid to rest earlier this year, and Jess Saenz still lives and continues to be active
raising funds for student scholarships.
I've had many conversations with Nam veteran Sgt. Roy Benavidez, a Medal of Honor recipient. A medic
looked into his body bag, ready to zip it up, and quickly realized Roy was alive after wiping Roy's spit on his
face - a sign that he wanted to come home rather than to die on foreign soil.
Men and women in uniform continue the legacy of those before them, even prior to the founding of our
nation. They lived for our country - it is with much respect and honor that we can truly say our lives and life
are today is because of the great generations before us and of today's generation of the men and women in
uniform.
Today, a veteran can be buried to the north in LA, to the east in Riverside, to the south near San Diego.
Just last week, another Medal of Honor recipient, Orange County's own Walt Ehlers was buried - not in OC,
but in Riverside. Truly he was an "American Treasure ". If we only had a veterans cemetery in OC, then
maybe one day perhaps, our American hero can come home where he belongs.
I want to believe that council members can give meaning to those who have honored our country by serving
in time of peace and war. To be able to look a person, a veteran in their eyes and say to them we have
voted our conscience. We gave meaning to your service by choosing a plot of land from this base of
operations where thousands served. To give peace to their families by strongly saying that as elected
officials voted with honor to honor those who gave so much to the future of our great nation. That the City
of Irvine places the highest of values to the land consecrated by those who gave so much so that others may
live a great life in this Great Land.
Thank You,
,U6 AdOW&W9Z
55D -21
55D -22
tFy
RECEIVED
E
MAP ® 9 2014
To: City Manager Sean Joyce
CITY OP I)tVW
From Councilmember Larry Agran CrN MANAGER'S OFFIC13
Date: March 3, 2014
Re: A Resolution in Support of AS 1453, Establishing a State Veterans
Cemetery in Orange County
Please agendize the above - indicated item for City Council discussion and action, 1
intend to offer the attached Resolution for Council consideration and adoption at our
March 11, 2014 meeting,
Sharon Quirk - Silva, former Mayor of Fullerton and now State Assemblywoman for the
65th District, recently introduced Assembly Bill 1453 — legislation to establish a State
Veterans Cemetery in Orange County.
Assemblywoman Quirk - Silva, whols Chair of the Assembly Committee on Veterans
Affairs, has undertaken this bipartisan effort with strong support and leadership offered
by the Orange County Veterans Memorial Park Committee, chaired by Bill Cook,
Chaplain for District 29 and Past Commander of Saddleback Valley Post 862 of the
American Legion. The veterans and others have made clear their interest In
establishing the Veterans Memorial Park and Cemetery at the Orange County Great
Park (formerly MCAS El Toro), on a parcel of land of at least 100 acres.
Of course, the introduction of AB 1453 in Sacramento is just the first step. Many
challenges lie ahead — gaining legislative approval, the Governor's signature, budget
appropriations, and securing federal grant funds to pursue a specific proposal for a
Veterans Cemetery at the Great Park.
Essential to ultimate success is an outpouring of support locally — from Orange
County cities and citizens. Irvine should be at the forefront of this effort, It is difficult to
imagine a more poignant final resting place for veterans — thousands of whom served
at MCAS El Toro in wartime and peacetime, dating back to 1943.
The Great Park Master Plan, honoring the extraordinary history and service associated
with El Toro, calls for a Veterans Memorial at the Great Park. Now, we have a chance
to establish a Veterans Memorial and Cemetery at the Great Park.
Attached you will find my proposed Resolution of Support, as well as a copy of AB
1453, which is expected to be heard by the Assembly Committee on Veterans Affairs
within the next 45 days.
cc: City Council, City Clerk
I A,r ,,n
55D -23
55D -24
CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
IRVINE. IN SUPPORT OF ASSEMBLY BILL 1453 AND THE
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
STATE_ VETERANS CEMETERY
WHEREAS, California is home to more veterans than any other state; and
WHEREAS, the majority of California's veterans live in Southern California; and
WHEREAS, the nearest currently open federal veterans cemetery to Orange
County is the National Cemetery in Riverside, California; and,
WHEREAS, although the National Cemetery in Riverside is a beautiful resting
place for veterans, due to various factors — distance from Orange County, regional
geography, limited driving routes, and the population density of the region -- the Orange
County veterans, veterans from other Southern California coastal areas, and veterans'
families find access to available National Veterans Cemeteries challenging; and,
WHEREAS, the two State Veterans Cemeteries are also distant from Orange
County --- the Northern California State Veterans Cemetery is located near Redding in
Igo, California, and the Central Coast State Veterans Cemetery will be located in
Monterey; and,
WHEREAS, Assembly Bill 1453 is pending in the California State Legislature,
directing the California Department of Veterans Affairs to develop a master plan for a
State -owned and operated Southern California Veterans Cemetery to be located in
Orange County;
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Irvine DOES HEREBY
RESOLVE as follows:
SECTION 1. That the City of Irvine supports the passage of Assembly Bill 1453
and the establishment of a Southern California Veterans Cemetery in Orange County.
SECTION 2. That the City of Irvine expresses its strong interest in providing at
least 1.00 acres of land at the Orange County Great Park (formerly the Marine Corps Air
Station at El Toro), for purposes of creating a Southern California Veterans Memorial
and Cemetery,
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Irvine at a regular
meeting held on the 11t" day of March, 2014.
MAYOR OF THE CITY OF IRVINE
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ATTEST:
CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF IRVINE
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF ORANGE ) SS
CITY OF IRVINE )
I, Marie Macias, Interim City Clerk of the City of Irvine, HEREBY DO CERTIFY
that the foregoing resolution was duly adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council
of the City of Irvine, held on the 11th day of March 2014.
AYES: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS:
NOES: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS:
ABSENT: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS:
CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF IRVINE
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CALIFORNIA UGISLATURL'- -- 2013 -14 REGULAR SL'SSION
ASSEMBLY BILL No. 1453
Introduced by Assembly Member Quirk -Silva
January 9, 2014
An act to add Chapter 9.9 (commencing with Section 1410) to
Division 6 of the Military and Veterans Code, relating to veterans, and
making an appropriation therefor.
lXGISLATIVB COUNSEL'S IMMT
AB 1493, as introduced, Quirk - Silva. Southern California Veterans
Cemetery.
The Department of Veterans Affairs is created instate government
and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs is the head of the department.
Under existing law, the Department of Veterans Affairs, in voluntary
cooperation with the Shasta County Board of Supervisors and the boards
of supervisors of specified northern California counties, is required to
design, develop, and construct a state -owned and state- operated Northern
California Veterans Cemetery.
This bill would require the department, in voluntary cooperation with
the Orange County Board of Supervisors and city councils of other
participating southern California cities, to design, develop, and construct
a state -owned and state- operated Southern California Veterans
Cemetery. The bill would make all honorably discharged veterans and
their spouses and children eligible for interment in the cemetery. The
bill would impose a fee of 4_ for each spouse or child interred in
the cemetery.
The bill would create the Southern California Veterans Cemetery
Master Development Fund, a continuously appropriated fund, and would
require all moneys received for the design, development, and
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AB 1453 —2—
construction of the Cemetery to be deposited in this fund. By creating
a continuously appropriated fund, the bill would make an appropriation.
The bill would also create the Southern California Veterans Cemetery
Perpetual Maintenance Fund and would direct all moneys received for
the maintenance of the cemetery, including those moneys received for
the interment of a spouse or child.
The bill would make proposals for the construction, placement, or
donation of monuments and memorials to the cemetery subject to review
by a specified advisory committee and subject to final approval by the
Secretary.
The bill would authorize the cemetery administrator to accept
donations of personal property to be used for the maintenance or
beautification of the cermetcty, The bill would require cash donations
to be deposited into the Northern California Veterans Cemetery
Donations Fund, a continuously appropriated fund created by this bill,
and would require the cash donations to be expended for the
maintenance and repair of the facility, as specified. By oreatirng a
continuously appropriated fund, the bill would make an appropriation.
Vote: majority, Appropriation: yes. Fiscal committee: yes.
State - mandated local program: no.
The people ofthe State of California do enact as,firllows
1 SECTION 1, Chapter 9.5 (commencing with Section 1410) is
2 added to Division 6 of the Military and Veterans Code, to read:
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4 CHAPTER 9.5. SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA VETERANS CEMETERY
5
6 1.410. (a) (1) The department, in voluntary cooperation with
7 the Orange County Board of Supervisors and the city councils of
8 other participating southern California cities as specified to Section
9 1412, shall design, develop, and construct a skate -owned and
10 ,state- operated. Southern California Veterans Cemetery, which shall
11 be located in Orange County, California.
12 (2) The department shall oversee and coordinate the design,
I3 development, and construction of the cemetery.
14 (3) For purposes of this chapter, "department" means the
15 Department of Veterans Affairs.
16 (b) (1) All honorably discharged veterans and their spouses
17 and children are eligible for internment in the cemetery. A fee of
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dollars, ($___) shall be charged for each spouse or child
interred in the cemetery, This fee shall not exceed the reasonable
costs to the department for internment in the cemetery.
(2) For the purposes of this subdivision, the department shall
adopt regulations to specify the eligibility requirements for
interment in the cemetery. These regulations shall be adopted
pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5
(commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title
2 of the Government. Code).
(3) All fees received pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be deposited
in the Southern California Veterans Cemetery Perpetual
Maintenance Fund created pursuant to Section 1.412.
1412. (a) For the purposes of Section I410, the Orange County
Board of Supervisors may join with the city councils of cities
within Orange County wishing to participate in the design,
development, and construction of the cemetery.
(b) All moneys received for the design, development, and
construction of the cemetery shall be deposited in the Southern
California Veterans Cemetery Master Development Fund, which
is hereby created in the State Treasury, Notwithstanding Section
13340 of the Government Code, money in the fund is continuously
appropriated to the department for the purpose of designing,
developing, constructing, and equipping the cemetery. Moneys
appropriated by the Legislature for these purposes shall also be
deposited in the fund.
(c) (1) All moneys received for the maintenance of the
cemetery, including moneys received pursuant to subdivision (b)
of Section 1410, shall be deposited in the Southern California
Veterans Cemetery Perpetual Maintenance Fund, which is hereby
created in the State Treasury. Any state funding for the annual
maintenance of the cemetery shall be appropriated by the
Legislature in the annual Budget Act.
(2) It is estimated that, after the construction of the cemetery,
dollars ($_.) should be appropriated annually by the
Legislature in the annual Budget Act or the participating southern
California counties, or both, to the department for the operating
costs of the cemetery.
(3) Total expenditures for operations and maintenance should
not be more than .—_ dollars ($_) per fiscal year, as
appropriated in the annual Budget Act.
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1414. (a) Proposals for the constivctiorn, placement, or donation
of monuments and memorials to the cemetery shall be subject to
review by an advisory committee comprised of the cemetery
administrator, representatives from Orange County, local veterans'
service organizations, and others as approved by the secretary.
(b) All proposals for the Construction, placement, or dentition
of monuments and memorials to the cemetory shall be subject to
the final approval of the secretary.
(c) The department shall adopt regulations for the policies and
procedures to be followed with respect to the design, placement,
and approval of monuments and memorials proposed to be placed
on the cemetery grounds. These regulations shall be adopted
pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 15
(commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title
2 of the Government. Code).
1416. (a) Notwithstanding Section 11005 of the Government
Code, the cemetery administrator, subject to the approval of the
secretary, may accept donations of personal property, including
cash or other gill's, to be. used for the maintenance or beautification
of the cemetery.
(b) Crash donations made pursuant to subdivision (a) shall be
deposited into the Northern California Veterans Cemetery
Donations Fund, which is hereby created Notwithstanding Section
13340 of the Government Code, money in the fund is continuously
appropriated to the department for the maintenance and repair of
the facility or, subject to the approval of the secretary, for a
specified cemetery maintenance or beautification project designated
by the donor.
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