HomeMy WebLinkAboutCorrespondence - Non-Agenda
Hall, Jennifer
From:Michael Mavrovouniotis <michaelmavrovouniotis@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, June 26, 2023 4:
To:eComment
Subject:OC Animal Care
Somebody tell OC Animal Care the pandemic is over
OC Animal Care is sticking to pandemic-era restrictions, preventing visitors from seeing the dogs in their
kennels. A recent announcement of absurdly limited access is designed to fail.
Let’s look at the dog adoption procedures of our neighbors, LA City and LA County. They were already far
more accommodating to adopters. In these two systems, appointments were only a device to regulate flow, not
an excuse to keep the kennels out of the public eye.
Our neighbors, always looking for improvements, are gradually moving towards even more freedom for
prospective adopters. (Quotes are from the websites provided.)
LA Animal Services: No appointment needed to adopt, foster pets
https://heysocal.com/2023/06/22/la-animal-services-no-appointment-needed-to-adopt-foster-pets/
“The Los Angeles Animal Services Department announced Thursday it will no longer require appointments for
Angelenos to adopt or foster an animal from its shelters starting June 28.”
LA County: majority of hours with no appointment, a smaller portion appointment-based (with adopters
visiting the kennels in both cases)
https://animalcare.lacounty.gov/adoption-hours/
“Morning visiting hours are BY APPOINTMENT ONLY 10 am -12 pm Daily except Wednesdays.”
“Appointments are NOT REQUIRED for afternoon visits (2-5 pm everyday except on Wednesdays
when visiting hours are 2-7pm)”
“For the appointment hours, a staff member or a volunteer will be on hand to assist you in viewing our Ready to
Go Home (RTG) animals that day. This means they are spayed or neutered, off stray hold and have gone to dog
playgroups at least once (for dogs over 35 lbs.). All RTG animals can be adopted on a first-come, first-served
basis. For Non-Appointment visits, assistance will be provided according to staff capacity. We are confident
this new process will provide options for potential adopters to view and adopt animals in a way that is
accessible and maintains animal health and wellbeing.”
Only OC Animal Care prevents prospective adopters from seeing dogs in the kennels.
Rumor has it they will designate 5 hours a week in which some limited number of visitors will be escorted
through an area that houses less than 25% of available dogs. This is meant to deflect criticism rather than solve
the problem.
OC Animal Care needs to realize that the pandemic is over, and all its fabricated excuses have been exposed.
1
Hall, Jennifer
From:Craig A Durfey <cadurfey@gmail.com>
Sent:Friday, July 7, 2023
To:Craig A Durfey; Teresa Pomeroy; publicworks@ggcity.org; Public Records Request; Bill
Murray; Bill Mock; Charlie Larwood; Lisa Kim; greg1@ggcity.org; Garden Grove
Chamber of Commerce; Pam Haddad; Maria Stipe; cindyt@ggcity.org;
joedovinh@gmail.com; Kim Nguyen; George Brietigam; stevej; stephaniek;
SHELLYHOLMAN60@yahoo.com; senator.umberg@senate.ca.gov;
senator.nguyen@senate. David.Ochoa@sen.ca.gov; hauwie.tie@asm.ca.gov;
ADAM.BOMAN@ASM.CA.GOV; admin@voiceofoc.org;
REPLOUCORREA@mail.house.gov; Shin-Heydorn, Hannah; PVazquez@stantonca.gov;
DShawver@StantonCA.gov; HAvan@StantonCA.gov; GTaylor@StantonCA.gov;
DTorres@StantonCA.gov; CWarren@StantonCA.gov; Jim Tortolano; eComment; !City
Clerk; clerkOffice@octa.net; LLARSON@OCTA.NET
Subject:Fwd: \[rail-trail eNews\] See your impact; Running for good; Powerful connections; and
more!
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Rails-to-Trails Conservancy <info@railstotrails.org>
Date: Fri, Jul 7, 2023 at 3:18 PM
Subject: \[rail-trail eNews\] See your impact; Running for good; Powerful connections; and more!
To: Craig A Durfey <
eNews
July 2023
Web Version | Update Preferences | Subscribe Connect:
Impact Report
Capturing a Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity
1
This past year has been game-changing for trails, walking and biking. You’ve helped us
secure critical new funding for connecting communities large and small. Your support has
helped us to collaborate with thousands of local partners, sharing the expertise and tools
to create more places to enjoy the outdoors. And you’ve helped us connect millions of
people to trails.
Together, we’ve made incredible progress in our work to connect the nation by trail—
creating the infrastructure, programming and culture where people value trails and make
trails part of their everyday lives.
Explore our impact in 2022.
Trail Moments
Running for Good
Physician Guy Monteleone is admittedly a very slow
runner—but that’s not stopping him from getting out on
the trail and preparing for the Chicago Marathon this
October in support of the Ronald McDonald House
Charities.
Guy shares some great training tips to help reduce your
chance of injury and set you up for success in running.
2
Summer Plans: Creating #TrailMoments
For the past few years, we’ve challenged people
nationwide to make spending time on the trails a part
of their day-to-day routine and to share those
experiences. These stories and snapshots have been
moving, and we want to motivate everyone to keep it
up! Later this summer, we’re going to launch a new
opportunity to showcase how you’re engaging with
trails and embracing your #TrailMoments.
Stay tuned for more information and for fun ways to
participate!
Share Your #TrailMoments
At RTC, we are capturing and sharing your stories of
joy, moments of solitude, and motivation for exercise
and self-care. These Trail Moments can inspire others
to explore trails and the outdoors, while helping our
local leaders understand how important trails are to
the health and well-being of our lives and our
communities.
Read our collection of Trail Moments, and share your
own!
Hall of Fame
3
And the Nominees Are …
Each year we nominate some of the best trails from
around the country to be in the running for the Hall of
Fame.
This year’s nominees are: the Hennepin Canal State Trail
in Illinois, Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail Network in
South Carolina and the Sacramento River Rail Trail and
Sacramento River Trail connected pair in California.
Learn more about the nominees—and mark your
calendars to vote for this year’s inductee: Voting begins on July 31!
Trail of the Month
Powerful Connections
In one of the fastest growing parts of the nation, a 46-
mile greenway is helping to preserve open spaces,
connect the region and boost local economies. A
powerful public-private funding partnership links 22 trails
and seven communities, giving access to major
attractions, lively downtowns and natural areas along
the way.
Visit Arkansas’ Razorback Regional Greenway, the July
Trail of the Month.
Missed a Trail of the Month feature? See them all on the TrailBlog!
When you subscribe to Rails to Trails magazine, you'll
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Trails Transform
Trails, Connected Communities Win Big
With RAISE
This year’s federal RAISE (Rebuilding American
Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity) grants mark
greatest focus yet on trails, walking and biking, funding
trail and active transportation projects in nearly every
state in the country and emphasizing investments that
create connected active transportation systems.
Read our press release.
The Impact of the Bipartisan Infrastructure
Law on Trails
It’s been 18 months since the Bipartisan Infrastructure
Law ushered in unprecedented funding for trails.
Learn what progress has been made, what remains
unfinished and what the trails movement can do to
take advantage of this once-in-a-generation
opportunity.
Trails and Carbon Reduction
Trails, walking and biking—or active transportation—
projects can help reduce carbon, thanks to the new
federal Carbon Reduction Program (CRP).
Learn how this program can make trails, walking and
biking cost-effective solutions to substantially reduce
emissions and create safe and sustainable ways for
Americans to get to routine destinations.
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Top 10 Trails
Looking for some terrific trails in your state? You've
come to the right place.
See the Top 10 Trails in California >>
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Hall, Jennifer
From:Kelli Corona <ksjule09@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, July
To:eComment
Subject:Rent Stabilization Ordinance Logistical Problem with Tenant Petition
Good evening,
I filed the Tenant Petition regarding the Rent Stabilization Ordinance regarding an unlawful rent
increase issued on April 1, 2023, and the City of Santa Ana told me I didn't' file it within 30-days of
the rent increase so they won't acknowledge the violation. The Tenant Petition has not been
available until July 1, 2023, so it has been impossible for me to file up until this month. This
effectively invalidates the law for any illegal rent increases since the law took effect in 2021. I could
owe over $500. I have been patiently waiting for the petition to become available online and collecting
documentation and doing my due diligence in order to present my case to the city. For any council
member that supports tenants I would like this to be addressed. This is not a small amount of money,
and my landlord has been warned by the city that they are in violation of the law. I have the letter sent
to Advanced Management Company from the city telling them they are in repeated violation with
their tenants. This is upsetting and not in the spirit of the law if not in outright violation of it.
Kelli Corona
1
Hall, Jennifer
From:Flores, Gaston
Sent:Thursday, July 13, 2023 8:15 AM
To:eComment
Subject:FW: Contact the City Council Submission
Gaston Flores | Management Analyst
City of Santa Ana | City Manager’s Office | 20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 647-6945 (office) | ( (mobile) | gflores@santa-ana.org
The mySantaAna mobile app puts the power of the Santa Ana city government in the
palm of your hand! The free app lets you quickly and easily report issues to the City,
access City services, and find news and events. Download the mySantaAna app:
www.santa-ana.org/mysantaana-app.
From: notify@proudcity.com <notify@proudcity.com>
Sent: Wednesday, July 12, 2023 6:40 PM
To: Flores, Gaston <GFlores@santa-ana.org>
Subject: Contact the City Council Submission
Name
Susan Schoner
Email
Address
Santa ana, California 92701
United States
Map It
Phone
(
Who is this message for?
Mayor Valerie Amezcua
Mayor Pro Tem Jessie Lopez
Councilmember Thai Viet Phan
Councilmember David Penaloza
Councilmember Phil Bacerra
Councilmember Johnathan Ryan Hernandez
Councilmember Benjamin Vazquez
Comments or questions
Hi Valerie congrats on being our first female mayor! I am reaching out to see if you can please ban fireworks in Santa Ana. Every
year it gets worse and the police are so overwhelmed they don't even answer 911. Thus year was worse than ever. There were
1
illegal Disneyland style fireworks going off 10 feet over my home, dynamite shaking the entire house and windows setting off all
car alarms, guns all happening on Maybury. Please help end this before our homes burn to the ground or someone blows
themselves up or kills innocent bystanders. Thank you!!
2
Orozco, Norma
From: PETER SILBAS <
Sent: Friday, July 14, 2023 7:11 AM
To: eComment
Subject: It needs to stop now
Sent from my iPad
i
Orozco, Norma
From: Michael Mavrovouniotis <
Sent: Saturday, July 15, 2023 2:02 PM
To: eComment
Subject: General Public Comment - OC Animal Care
General Public Comment for City Council
OC Animal Care
I support the Findings and Recommendations of the Grand Jury on OC Animal Care. I urge the city to work
towards the implementation of the Findings and Recommendations
The Grand Jury Report on OC Animal Care can be found here:
https://www.ocgrandjM.org//pdfs/2022_2023_Wreport/Gimme_Shelter_and a Pound of Advice.pdf
Below is the intact text of the Grand Jury's Findings and Recommendations. (I added yellow highlighting to
what I found most interesting... and cyan highlighting to an important cat issue.)
FINDINGS
Management:
F1 Management has limited flexibility utilizing personnel within Orange County
Animal Care across departments due to structured work rules, volunteer work restrictions, and
employees working in departmental silos.
F2 Low staff morale exists within Orange County Animal Care.
F3 Orange County Animal Care staffing is negatively impacted by vacant positions remaining
unfilled for greater than six months due to burdensome hiring processes. This delay in
recruitment and completion of hiring has resulted in qualified candidates declining job offers.
F4 Based upon industry standards and best practices, Orange County Animal Care kennel
attendants are understaffed to meet the needs of animals under care.
F5 Orange County Animal Care's operating policies and procedures manual is out of date.
F6 The Orange County Animal Care Volunteer program was stopped during COVID-
19 and restarting the program has been slow, resulting in decreased animal socialization and
enrichment.
Animal Welfare
F7 Orange County Animal Care's Behavior Evaluation Committee evaluates dogs for euthanasia
without written guidelines, policies, or procedures, resulting in
inconsistent outcomes over time. Behavior evaluated euthanasia outcomes are dependent on
the experience and personal considerations of the individual committee members and
management rather than written objective standards.
1
The rate of behavioral euthanasia of dogs has increased significantly over the last 2 years.
Orange County Animal Care does not employ a professional or trained and
certified animal behaviorist to oversee the shelter's dog enrichment program,
resulting in dogs with declining behavior being placed at greater risk of being euthanized.
While many county and city animal shelters throughout the state have active Trap, Neuter, and
Return programs, Orange County Animal Care stopped its Trap, Neuter, and Return program,
reportedly on the basis of the County
Counsel's legal opinion that the program violates a California statute related to willful animal
abandonment.
The termination of the Trap, Neuter, and Return program is correlated with an increase in adult
cat euthanasia rate at the shelter.
F There have been public concerns and requests expressed over the years for
public programs to include a spay/neuter program by Orange County Animal Care.
Communication / Outreach
F13 The current adoption appointment system restricts public access to the dog
kennels, thereby limiting potential adopters' access to all available animals.
F14 Orange County Animal Care's engagement with some animal rescue partners is negatively
impacted due to differences of opinion in appropriate animal care policy.
F15 Internal and community engagement does not adequately communicate the shelter's mission
and operating strategy.
F1 6 The information currently on the Orange County Animal Care website for low- cost spay/neuter
is not up to date with regard to referrals and prices for spay/neuter procedures.
Impediments to the Investigation
F17 The OC County Counsel's office misstated to the Grand Jury the scope of its commitment to
serving and assisting the Grand Jury in its investigations into County governance respecting
managing conflicts between the Board of Supervisors, OC departments and agency clients,
and the Grand Jury.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Management:
R1 By October 1, 2023, OC Human Resource Services should review and update recruitment
strategies to significantly increase the timeliness of recruitment of vacant positions and to
anticipate vacancies due to retirement, resignations, transfers. (F3)
R2 By December 31, 2023, Orange County Animal Care, OC Community
Resources, and OC Human Resource Services should review hiring practices to facilitate process
improvements to expedite filling OCAC vacancies. (F3)
R3 By October 1, 2023, OC Community Resources and Orange County Animal
Care should review their current staffing allocations of Animal Care Attendants to reflect NACA
2
guidelines and to provide appropriate staffing allocations for animal care, feeding and enrichment.
(F3, F4)
By October 1, 2023, OC Community Resources and Orange County Animal Care should review
their current staffing allocations of all positions within the
OCAC and reallocate resources to increase Animal Care Attendants to reflect NACA guidelines to
provide appropriate staffing for animal care, feeding, and enrichment. (F3, F4)
R5 By December 31, 2023, Orange County Animal Care management should
review and update policies, procedures, guidelines, and practices to assure they are accurate and
reflect current operating practices. (F5)
R6 By June 30, 2024, the Board of Supervisors should evaluate the strategic option of creating a Joint
Powers Authority for the County and fourteen contract Cities to take ownership and shared
responsibility for the financial and operating policies and practices of OCAC. (F1 thru F16)
Welfare
R7 By October 1, 2023, Orange County Animal Care management should establish written guidelines,
policies, and procedures as standards for evaluating animal behavior for use by the Behavior
Evaluation Committee. (F5, F7)
R8 By December 31, 2023, in the interests of transparency, Orange County Animal Care management
should add a representative from a rescue organization to serve as a non-voting, at-
large member on the Behavior Evaluation Committee. (F7, F14)
R9 By December 31, 2023, Orange County Animal Care, OC Community Resources, and OC Human
Resource Services should hire an animal behaviorist or certified dog trainers to work with
aggressive animals to reduce
the high rate of dogs being euthanized and enhance their adoptability. (F8, F9)
R1 L By December 31, 2023, the Orange County Board of Supervisors and Orange County Animal Care
management should request that County Counsel reconsider its opinion about the shelter's former
Trap, Neuter, and Return program, or seek an independent second opinion to County Counsel's
opinion, to ascertain whether the program can be re-established, or a modified version of the
program can be implemented. (F10, F11)
R11 By July 1, 2024, Orange County Animal Care should implement a low-cost public spay/neuter
program. (F12)
Communication / Outreach
R12 By October 1, 2023, Orange County Animal Care management should hold all- hands staff
meetings at least every quarter. (F1, F2)
R13 By October 1, 2023, Orange County Animal Care, OC Community Resources, and OC
Human Resource Services should conduct annual surveys of staff to
monitor morale and identify opportunities for operational improvement. (F1, F2)
R14 By December 31, 2023, Orange County Animal Care management should open the shelter to the
public for walk throughs to maximize opportunities for the public to adopt animals under the care of
the shelter. (F13)
R1 b, By October 1, 2023, Orange County Animal Care management should look for new ways to be
more inclusive and engaged with volunteers and the rescue organizations that are necessary for
the shelter's success. (F14, F15)
3
R16 By October 1, 2023, Orange County Animal Care should schedule quarterly meetings with
community stakeholders to facilitate transparency and engagement. (F14, F15)
R17 By October 1, 2023, Orange County Animal Care management should update
the information currently on its website for low-cost spay/neuter of feral cats with regard to referrals
and prices for spay/neuter procedures. (F16)
Impediments to the Investigation
R18 Beginning with the 2023/2024 Grand Jury training, and all training thereafter, County Counsel
should provide detailed instruction about the circumstances under which the County Counsel's
office might recuse itself from assisting with
Grand Jury investigations and the alternatives available to the Grand Jury under such
circumstances. (F17)
4
Orozco, Norma
From: Sandra Pocha Pena <
Sent: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 10:17 AM
To: !City Clerk; Hall, Jennifer; eComment
Subject: PACIFIC PARK: Cypress Fire Station - Resident Feedback
Attachments: Cypress FS Community Surveys 071823.pdf
Importance: High
**Please convey this resident feedback to our Mayor, City Manager, Staff and City Council. **
Good Morning Mayor, City Council and Staff,
I'm writing to you as Co-Leader of the Pacific Park Neighborhood Association.
I have been speaking with our residents for the past several months, and the overwhelming
consensus is that here is a great need for a new Community Space in Pacific Park that is open
evenings, weekends, and accessible to our youth and their families.
Our only community center, Roosevelt/Walker, is booked to capacity most days and it is difficult to
reserve space, even for our neighborhood association committee meetings. I have been informed by
staff that Roosevelt/Walker is not available for student study sessions, project development, or use by
residents without booking 3 months in advance, a $300 deposit and $116 an hour rental fee.
This creates a severe barrier to use by the vast majority of Pacific Park Residents, many of whom are
immigrants and working class families.
To address this serious inequity, our residents have fought to have the Cypress Fire Station restored
to community use.
We were told by Council Members and Staff that our residents would have an opportunity to meet
and talk about potential uses.
To facilitate that dialogue, we have begun gathering surveys from attendees of our public meetings
and events on the Eastside.
Attached is the first group of Cypress Fire Station surveys.
These surveys were gathered in-person at our Pacific Park Neighborhood meetings & gatherings.
Please note, that out of the 9 surveys attached, 7 are from Pacific Park Residents.
The rankings:
Digital Library and Technology Center - 7 in support
1
Santa Ana Library History Room Archive - 5 in support
Santa Ana/SAUSD Social Justice Center - 7 in support
Santa Ana Art & Culture Commission Gallery - 3 in support
Artist Residency Space - 4 in support
Write-in Suggestions - Senior Center, Computer Classes for Adults - "Because they need
(computers) for Doctor appointments"
This survey will also be posted in Spanish, English, and Vietnamese
at: https://www.friendsofcypressfirestation.com/
On numerous occasions dating back to August of 2022, 1 and other Pacific Park residents have
requested public meetings with the City to discuss potential community uses for the Cypress Fire
Station.
I look forward to an in-person meeting, as promised by Council Members and Staff, where our
residents can voice their needs, hear presentations of options, and give feedback on the resources
and services they would like to see offered at the old Cypress Fire Station.
OC Human Relations (OCHR) came to our Pacific Park Neighborhood Meeting in 2022 and
introduced themselves as the facilitators of this future community meeting on the Cypress Fire
Station. OCHR are waiting for confirmation of a meeting date from staff.
Remember that Pacific Park/Eastside is a DisAdvantaged Community (DAC) which has been
marginalized and disenfranchised for decades.
Let's work together to set things right and ensure equity for our residents,
Sincerely,
-- SPS
Sandra "Pocha" Pena Sarmiento
Pacific Park Neighborhood Co-Leader
z
FRIENDS OF THE
CYPRESS FIRE STATION
Since 2016, residents of Pacific Park/Eastside have worked to make the historic Cypress Fire
Station a Community Resource that serves the needs of its diverse population.
Last year, our coalition was successful in saving the Cypress Fire Station and it is now being
restored to community use. Without consulting with our residents, staff recommended turning
over the firehouse to SAPD's PAAL's program which serves 75 students citywide, including 25
youth at Roosevelt/Walker Community Center.
In August of 2022, City Council directed staff to research joint uses for the Cypress Fire Station,
which could share the faculty with SAPD's PAAL program. Currently PAAL's operates 3 days a
week only in the afternoons. An SAPID substation will also operate out of the SAPD PAAL's
space.
Please share your input on what additional needs and uses you envision for our beautiful
firehouse. Some suggested uses include:
(Please Check All Boxes That Apply)
4igital Library & Technology Center-Would provide Free Community Access to Wifi,
Computers, Printers, a 3D printer, Podcasting Studio, Study Rooms, & Meeting Rooms for all
a es.
anta Ana Library History Room Archive -Would house our Library's historic archives,
fa ilitate research, mount exhibits, host community history events for all ages.
nta Ana/SAUSD Social Justice Center-Would work to establish a multicultural Santa Ana
archive and learning space to support the school district's Ethnic Studies program in our
d erse community.
ants Ana Art & Culture Commission Gallery- Originally proposed by Gerardo Mouet.
Irtist Residency Space -There are two resident spaces on-site, making Civic Art Residencies a
viable reality. The Art Commission could select 2 Teaching Artists annually to work with
Pacific Park's multigenerational (Children, Adults, Seniors) community.
Write In Your Own Suggestion:
Are you a Pacific Park Resident? dES ONO
To find an electronic Version of this survey, please visit:
www.f riendsofcypressfirestation.com
FRIENDS OF THE
CYPRESS FIRE STATION
Since 2016, residents of Pacific Park/Eastside have worked to make the historic Cypress Fire
Station a Community Resource that serves the needs of its diverse population.
Last year, our coalition was successful in saving the Cypress Fire Station and it is now being
restored to community use. Without consulting with our residents, staff recommended turning
over the firehouse to SAPD's PAAL's program which serves 75 students citywide, including 25
youth at Roosevelt/Walker Community Center.
In August of 2022, City Council directed staff to research joint uses for the Cypress Fire Station,
which could share the faculty with SAPD's PAAL program. Currently PAAL's operates 3 days a
week only in the afternoons. An SAPID substation will also operate out of the SAPD PAAL's
space.
Please share your input on what additional needs and uses you envision for our beautiful
firehouse. Some suggested uses include:
(Please Check All Boxes That Apply)
❑ Digital Library&Technology Center-Would provide Free Community Access to Wifi,
Computers, Printers, a 3D printer, 'Podcasting Studio, Study Rooms, & Meeting Rooms for all
ages.
❑ Santa Ana Library History Room Archive -Would house our Library's historic archives,
facilitate research, mount exhibits, host community history events for all ages.
Lei Santa Ana/SAUSD Social Justice Center- Would work to establish a multicultural Santa Ana
archive and learning space to support the school district's Ethnic Studies program in our
diverse community.
❑ Santa Ana Art & Culture Commission Gallery- Originally proposed by Gerardo Mouet.
❑ Artist Residency Space -There are two resident spaces on-site, making Civic Art Residencies a
viable reality. The Art Commission could select 2 Teaching Artists annually to work with
Pacific Park's multigenerational (Children, Adults, Seniors) community.
Write in Your Own Suggestion:
Are you a Pacific Park Resident? ❑YES LINO
To find an electronic version of this survey, please visit:
www.friendsofcypressfirestation.com
FRIENDS OF THE
CYPRESS FIRE STATION
Since 2016, residents of Pacific Park/Eastside have worked to make the historic Cypress Fire
Station a Community Resource that serves the needs of its diverse population.
Last year, our coalition was successful in saving the Cypress Fire Station and it is now being
restored to community use. Without consulting with our residents, staff recommended turning
over the firehouse to SAPD's PAAL's program which serves 75 students citywide, including 25
youth at Roosevelt/Walker Community Center.
In August of 2022, City Council directed staff to research joint uses for the Cypress Fire Station,
which could share the faculty with SAPD's PAAL program. Currently PAAL's operates 3 days a
week only in the afternoons. An SAPID substation will also operate out of the SAPD PAAL's
space.
Please share your input on what additional needs and uses you envision for our beautiful
firehouse. Some suggested uses include:
(Please Check All Boxes That Apply)
Digital Library & Technology Center-Would provide Free Community Access to Wifi,
Computers, Printers, a 3D printer, Podcasting Studio, Study Rooms, & Meeting Rooms for all
ages.
Santa Ana Library History Room Archive - Would house our Library's historic archives,
facilitate research, mount exhibits, host community history events for all ages.
❑ Santa Ana/SAUSD Social Justice Center- Would work to establish a multicultural Santa Ana
archive and learning space to support the school district's Ethnic Studies program in our
diverse community.
❑ Santa Ana Art & Culture Commission Gallery- Originally proposed by Gerardo Mouet.
❑ Artist Residency Space -There are two resident spaces on-site, making Civic Art Residencies a
viable reality. The Art Commission could select 2 Teaching Artists annually to work with
Pacific Park's multigenerational (Children, Adults, Seniors) community.
Write In Your Own Suggestion: S-Emon- Ce�,j d�_
Are you a Pacific Park Resident? ❑YES R66
To find an electronic version of this survey, please visit:
www.friendsofcypressfirestation.com
FRIENDS OF THE
CYPRESS FIRE STATION
Since 2016, residents of Pacific Park/Eastside have worked to make the historic Cypress Fire
Station a Community Resource that serves the needs of its diverse population.
Last year, our coalition was successful in saving the Cypress Fire Station and it is now being
restored to community use. Without consulting with our residents, staff recommended turning
over the firehouse to SAPD's PAAL's program which serves 75 students citywide, including 25
youth at Roosevelt/Walker Community Center,
In August of 2022, City Council directed staff to research joint uses for the Cypress Fire Station,
which could share the faculty with SAPD's PAAL program. Currently PAAL's operates 3 days a
week only in the afternoons. An SAPD substation will also operate out of the SAPID PAAL's
space.
Please share your input on what additional needs and uses you envision for our beautiful
firehouse. Some suggested uses include:
(Please Check All Boxes That Apply)
Digital Library &Technology Center- Would provide Free Community Access to Wifi,
Computers, Printers, a 3D printer, Podcasting Studio, Study Rooms, & Meeting Rooms for all
ages.
C(Santa Ana Library History Room Archive-Would house our Library's historic archives,
facilitate research, mount exhibits, host community history events for all ages.
aSanta Ana/SAUSD Social Justice Center - Would work to establish a multicultural Santa Ana
archive and learning space to support the school district's Ethnic Studies program in our
diverse community.
❑ Santa Ana Art & Culture Commission Gallery- Originally proposed by Gerardo Mouet.
❑ Artist Residency Space -There are two resident spaces on-site, making Civic Art Residencies a
viable reality, The Art Commission could select 2 Teaching Artists annually to work with
Pacific Park's multigenerational (Children, Adults, Seniors) community.
Write In Your Own Suggestion:
Are you a Pacific Park Resident?09(ES O
To find an electronic version of this survey, please visit:
www.friendsofcypressfirestation.com
FRIENDS IMF THE
CYPRESS FIDE STATION
Since 2016, residents of Pacific Park/Eastside have worked to make the historic Cypress Fire
Station a Community Resource that serves the needs of its diverse population.
Last year, our coalition was successful in saving the Cypress Fire Station and it is now being
restored to community use. Without consulting with our residents, staff recommended turning
over the firehouse to SAPD's PAAL's program which serves 75 students citywide, including 25
youth at Roosevelt/Walker Community Center.
In August of 2022, City Council directed staff to research joint uses for the Cypress Fire Station,
which could share the faculty with SAPD's PAAL program. Currently PAAL's operates 3 days a
week only in the afternoons. An SAPID substation will also operate out of the SAPD PAAL's
space.
Please share your input on what additional needs and uses you envision for our beautiful
firehouse. Some suggested uses include:
(Please Check All Boxes That Apply)
❑ Digital Library &Technology Center- Would provide Free Community Access to Wifi,
Computers, Printers, a 3D printer, Podcasting Studio, Study Rooms, & Meeting Rooms for all
ages.
❑ Santa Ana Library History Room Archive- Would house our Library's historic archives,
facilitate research, mount exhibits, host community history events for all ages.
Santa Ana/SAUSD Social Justice Center- Would work to establish a multicultural Santa Ana
archive and learning space to support the school district's Ethnic Studies program in our
diverse community. y.,r C,u�l �`' �. "5�c' +,i +� q a 0 o
❑ Santa Ana Art & Culture Commission Gallery- Originally proposed by Gerardo Mouet.
1M .Artist Residency Space -There are two resident spaces on-site, making Civic Art Residencies a
viable reality. The Art Commission could select 2 Teaching Artists annually to work with
Pacific Park's multigenerational (Children, Adults, Seniors) community.
Write In Your Own Suggestion: r�UJz `. � � L 64u �.i�'
. f
`71.uA ` %
Are you a Pacific Parr Resident? *YES ❑NO
To find an electronic version of this survey, please visit:
www.friendsofcypressfirestation.com
FRIENDS OF THE
CYPRESS FIRE STATION
Since 2016, residents of Pacific Park/Eastside have worked to make the historic Cypress Fire
Station a Community Resource that serves the needs of its diverse population.
Last year, our coalition was successful in saving the Cypress Fire Station and it is now being
restored to community use. Without consulting with our residents, staff recommended turning
over the firehouse to SAPD's PAAL's program which serves 75 students citywide, including 25
youth at Roosevelt/Walker Community Center.
In August of 2022, City Council directed staff to research joint uses forthe Cypress Fire Station,
which could share the faculty with SAPD's PAAL program. Currently PAAL's operates 3 days a
week only in the afternoons. An SAPD substation will also operate out of the SAPID PAAL's
space.
Please share your input on what additional needs and uses you envision for our beautiful
firehouse. Some suggested uses include:
(Please Check All Boxes That Apply)
0� Digital Library &Technology Center-Would provide Free Community Access to Wifi,
Computers, Printers, a 3D printer, Podcasting Studio, Study Rooms, & Meeting Rooms for all
ages.
❑ Santa Ana Library history Room Archive - Would house our Library's historic archives,
facilitate research, mount exhibits, host community history events for all ages.
Santa Ana/SAUSD Social Justice Center- Would work to establish a multicultural Santa Ana
archive and learning space to support the school district's Ethnic Studies program in our
diverse community.
Santa Ana Art & Culture Commission Gallery- Originally proposed by Gerardo Mouet.
I(Artist Residency Space -There are two resident spaces on-site, making Civic Art Residencies a
viable reality. The Art Commission could select 2 Teaching Artists annually to work with
Pacific Park's multigenerational (Children, Adults, Seniors) community.
Write In Your Own Suggestion:
Are you a Pacific Park Resident? E(YES ONO
To find an electronic version of this survey, please visit:
www.friendsofcypressfirestation.com
FRIENDS OF THE
CYPRESS FIRE STATION
Since 2016, residents of Pacific Park/Eastside have worked to make the historic Cypress Fire
Station a Community Resource that serves the needs of its diverse population.
Last year, our coalition was successful in saving the Cypress Fire Station and it is now being
restored to community use. Without consulting with our residents, staff recommended turning
over the firehouse to SAPD's PAAL's program which serves 75 students citywide, including 25
youth at Roosevelt/Walker Community Center.
In August of 2022, City Council directed staff to research joint uses for the Cypress Fire Station,
which could share the faculty with SAPD's PAAL program. Currently PAAL's operates 3 days a
week only in the afternoons. An SAPID substation will also operate out of the SAPID PAAL's
space.
Please share your input on what additional needs and uses you envision for our beautiful
firehouse. Some suggested uses include:
(Please Check All Boxes That Apply)
co' igital Library &Technology Center-Would provide Free Community Access to Wifi,
mputers, Printers, a 3D printer, Podcasting Studio, Study Rooms, & Meeting Rooms for all
ages.
El Santa Ana Library History Room Archive -Would house our Library's historic archives,
facilitate research, mount exhibits, host community history events for all ages.
Ll Santa Ana/SAUSD Social Justice Center-Would work to establish a multicultural Santa Ana
archive and learning space to support the school district's Ethnic Studies program in our
diverse community.
❑ Santa Ana Art & Culture Commission Gallery- Originally proposed by Gerardo Mouet.
❑ Artist Residency Space -There are two resident spaces on-site, making Civic Art Residencies a
viable reality. The Art Commission could select 2 Teaching Artists annually to work with
Pacific Park's multigenerational (Children, Adults, Seniors) community.
Write In Your Own Suggestion:
Are you a Pacific Park Resident? AYES ONO
To find an electronic version of this survey, please visit:
www.friendsofcypressfirestation.com
FRIENDS OF THE
CYPRESS FIRE STATION
Since 2016, residents of Pacific Park/Eastside have worked to make the historic Cypress Fire
Station a Community Resource that serves the needs of its diverse population.
Last year, our coalition was successful in saving the Cypress Fire Station and it is now being
r3stored to community use. Without consulting with our residents, staff recommended turning
over the firehouse to SAPD's PAAL's program which serves 75 students citywide, including 25
youth at Roosevelt/Walker Community Center.
In August of 2022, City Council directed staff to research joint uses for the Cypress Fire Station,
which could share the faculty with SAPD's PAAL program. Currently PAAL's operates 3 days a
week only in the afternoons. An SAPD substation will also operate out of the SAPD PAAL's
space.
Please share your input on what additional needs and uses you envision for our beautiful
firehouse. Some suggested uses include:
(Please Check All Boxes That Apply)
�Ogmputers,
ital Library &Technology Center- Would provide Free Community Access to Wifi,
Printers, a 3D printer, Podcasting Studio, Study Rooms, & Meeting Rooms for all
ages.
Santa Ana Library History Room Archive-Would house our Library's historic archives,
facilitate research, mount exhibits, host community history events for all ages.
Santa Ana/SAUSD Social Justice Center- Would work to establish a multicultural Santa Ana
archive and learning space to support the school district's Ethnic Studies program in our
diverse community.
Santa Ana Art & Culture Commission Gallery- Originally proposed by Gerardo Mouet.
Q Artist Residency Space -There are two resident spaces on-site, making Civic Art Residencies a
viable reality. The Art Commission could select 2 Teaching Artists annually to work with
Pacific Park's multigenerational (Children, Adults, Seniors) community.
Write In Your Own Suggestion:
Are you a Pacific Park Resident? YES ONO
To find an electronic version of this survey, please visit:
www.friendsofcypressfirestation.com -
FRIENDS OF THE
CYPRESS FIRE STATION
Since 2016, residents of Pacific Park/Eastside have worked to make the historic Cypress Fire
Station a Community Resource that serves the needs of its diverse population.
Last year, our coalition was successful in saving the Cypress Fire Station and it is now being
restored to community use. Without consulting with our residents, staff recommended turning
over the firehouse to SAPD's PAAL's program which serves 75 students citywide, including 25
youth at Roosevelt/Walker Community Center.
In August of 2022, City Council directed staff to research joint uses for the Cypress Fire Station,
which could share the faculty with SAPD's PAAL program. Currently PAAL's operates 3 days a
week only in the afternoons. An SAPD substation will also operate out of the SAPD PAAL's
space.
F lease share your input on what additional needs and uses you envision for our beautiful
firehouse. Some suggested uses include:
(Please Check All Boxes That Apply)
11 Digital Library &Technology Center-Would provide Free Community Access to Wifi,
Computers, Printers, a 3D printer, Podcasting Studio, Study Rooms, & Meeting Rooms for all
ages.
IM Santa Ana Library History Room Archive - Would house our Library's historic archives,
facilitate research, mount exhibits, host community history events for all ages.
A Santa Ana/SAUSD Social Justice Center- Would work to establish a multicultural Santa Ana
archive and learning space to support the school district's Ethnic Studies program in our
diverse community.
® Santa Ana Art & Culture Commission Gallery- Originally proposed by Gerardo Mouet.
® Artist Residency Space -There are two resident spaces on-site, making Civic Art Residencies a
viable reality. The Art Commission could select 2 Teaching Artists annually to work with
Pacific Park's multigenerational (Children, Adults, Seniors) community.
Write In Your Own Suggestion:
Are you a Pacific Park Resident? EYES ❑NO
To find an electronic Version of this survey, please visit:
www.friendsofcypressfirestation.com
Orozco, Norma
From: Teresa Saldivar <teresa@teresasjewelers.com>
Sent: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 4:01 PM
To: eComment
Subject: Downtown Santa Ana
Attachments: LETTERjpeg
I realize this email is late, I apologize for this. Yesterday my 91 year old mother was admitted
to St Joseph Hospital with a fractured hip.
I have been dealing with doctors and case managers for two days since surgery has been
postponed since all her vitals are off the chart.
Thank you for your consideration.
Teresa
Teresa Saldivar
Teresa's Jewelers
223 W 4th Street
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Bus (714) 834-9277
Fax (714) 834-0193
i
E W E L E R S
SINCE 1985
July 18, 2023
City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Re: Downtown Santa Ana
Dear Mayor and City Council,
This letter is to convey my disappointment in how the City of Santa Ana has not assisted the
businesses in downtown Santa Ana,especially 41" Street. We have reached out many a time to
ask for help in marketing to our neighbors that our businesses are open once again, but that
has not happened.
I would also like to bring to your attention the closure of our streets during our busy seasons.
Years ago, I attended many town hall meetings with the City of Santa Ana and OCTA discussing
street closures during the OC Streetcar construction. They asked the merchants in attendance
what months would be most disruptive for our business. We all unanimously stated the
following: do not close us down in February, April, Ma,;,June, November, and December. Why
those months?Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Graduation and Father's Day sales. What
happened at the end of June 2023? Fourth Street between Broadway and Sycamore was closed
down.That destroyed our late sales for Father's Day and Graduation.
Finally, not having Fiestas Patrias on Fourth Street is another blow. I realize that the
construction of the OC Streetcar might have caused inadequate accessibility, but we should
have been informed in a timely manner.
Please help us save our businesses!
Respectfully,
Teresa Saldivar
President/CEO
223 West 4t"Street,Santa Ana CA 92701 P 714-834-9277 F 714-834-0193
I
Orozco, Norma
From: Victor Payan <
Sent: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 4:04 PM
To: eComment
Subject: More Silencing of Discussion about Cypress Fire Station - Pacific Park
I am writing to put on record the fact that community discussion regarding the Cypress Fire Station
was once again shut down at the July 11 Pacific Park Neighborhood Association by pro-PAAL
goons.
The Cypress Fire Station architectural update was on the agenda for the meeting, and a pro-PAAL
man demanded that discussion about the issue be ended after the first question from the
community.
His outburst was followed by a lie from another PAAL-proponent that Neighborhood Association
co-leader Sandra Pena Sarmiento did not live in Pacific Park. When I stood up to chastise the
second man for lying to the community at the meeting, the first man stood up in a fighting stance
and had to be restrained by his friend. The violent man was standing next to one of our Youth
Committee members, and frightened her.
Sadly, City staff ended the discussion after the first question due to the chaos caused by the two
pro-PAAL agitators, when the majority of the attendees were in favor of continuing discussion. It
would be another lie to consider that Pacific Park residents had any real input in the City's
architectural presentation.
The Cypress Fire Station issue is not closed, as the Council never voted on its use.
We will not be silenced or intimidated by a small cabal of pro-PAAL agitators.
We continue to request community input meetings that were not only denied us for more than two
years, but are also being shut down by pro-PAAL agitators at every step.
I am includng an email I sent to Margarita Macedonio on July 12 chronicling the incident as well as
pointing out Pacific Park Neighborhood Association co-leader Selica Diaz's complicity this
disturbing behavior to prevent and squash community input about the Cypress Fire Station issue.
I am submitting this account for the public record.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
- Victor Payan
i
Pacific Park Resident
Santa Ana Arts Leader
Community Arts Leader
Pacific Park Neighborhood Association Stifling of Community Input /
Leadership
Hello, Margarita,
I am writing to address the vicious stifling of community input, attacks on our co-leader, break
down in decorum and egregious lies propagated by Selica Diaz's cronies at yesterday's Pacific Park
Neighborhood Association meeting.
As you are well aware, stifling of community input by Selica has been a longstanding concern with
our Neighborhood Association, particularly around the issue of the Cypress Fire Station. I lodged a
formal complaint to you on August 12, 2022 regarding Selica stifling community input at the
August 2022 meeting, and also referenced a previous incident at the June 14, 2022 meeting in my
complaint.
MORE STIFLING OF DISCUSSION ABOUT THE CYPRESS FIRE STATION
Here we are nearly a full year later, and again we are faced with the same issue. Even though a
Cypress Fire Station update was on the agenda for the meeting, one attendee sitting with Selica's
contingent aggressively forced the discussion of the agenda item to a close after only the first
question, which was by Sandra, one of the co-leaders of the Pacific Park Neighborhood
Association. As such, our community was cheated ONCE AGAIN from participating in an important
city input process regarding a historic building in our own neighborhood.
Additionally, during the heated discussion in which we were defending community input, one of
Selica's friends asserted that Sandra did "not even live here." This was such a bald-faced lie, that I
felt the responsibility to point out that it was a tremendous disrespect and violation of the
sanctity of the process to lie to the community at a Neighborhood Association meeting.
At that time, the tattooed man who initially shut down discussion of the Cypress Fire Station
agenda item, and who was sitting next to one of our Youth Committee members, stood up and
confronted me in a fighting stance. The potential of actual violence from this man was so
palpable, that his friend had to hold him back.
I want to repeat that the agendized discussion of the Cypress Fire Station was silenced after ONLY
THE FIRST QUESTION in the discussion, and barely fifteen minutes into the entire meeting,
2
including introductions and the presentation by the architect. So we can add this to the list of
incidents in which community input has been denied in the important Cypress Fire Station issue.
By contrast, the discussion about garbage collection that followed was allowed to continue for at
least ten questions.
MOB RULE
In total, the attacks against Sandra were undertaken by only four people, and continued for the
duration of the entire meeting, while Selica stood by and did nothing to maintain decorum,
restore order or keep her own friends in check. To put it bluntly, Selica Diaz completely failed in
her duties as a neighborhood association leader and not only enabled but was also complicit in
the chaos.
When one of Selica's friend demanded a vote to end discussion of the Cypress Fire Station "and
move on," only 7 people raised their hands while 15 DID NOT. We have video of this "vote" if you
want proof. Furthermore, we know of at least 7 more people who want to continue dialogue
about the Cypress Fire Station but were unable to attend yesterday's meeting. It is clear that the
majority of the residents and regular attendees at the meetings DO NOT support ending the
discussion, and we can not make decisions affecting our neighborhood's future based on bullying
by a few aggressive and intimidating residents allied with Selica.
Furthermore, when the discussion of bringing on a third co-leader occurred, which would restore
the structure the Pacific Park Neighborhood Association utilized in the past, Selica's friend
advocated bringing in a hundred people and calling for a vote for new leadership, which is the
dictionary definition of mob rule.
LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE
Even though Sandra has been asking for mediation to address the leadership crisis, and a third
resident has emerged who would make a good leader, Selica herself advocated for a single leader
structure, which would solidify the dysfunction and lack of accountability we are experiencing.
I advocated for a collective leadership model as one that is familiar to the Latin@ and BIPOC
community, and one in which accountability and responsibilities are defined and adhered to.
And even though Selica strangely made her case for a sole leadership structure to the numerous
Com-Link members who suspiciously just happened to be at our meeting last night, Carl Benninger
asserted that his own Neighborhood Association, Metro Classic, has a three-member leadership,
and it works very well.
I do not understand why you yourself proposed a single leader structure, especially in light of so
much conflict and concern regarding Selica recklessly behaving as if we are already under a one
3
leader structure, in which she continually misrepresents our residents in an official capacity and
questions have been raised about her use of public funds meant for the Neighborhood
Association without a process that involves the residents or having approval from the
Neighborhood Association members.
LACK OF EQUITY / BARRIERS TO RESIDENT PARTICIPATION
In addition to the chaos, bullying and intimidation witnessed last night, another issue that was
raised was the lack of translation at the meetings. This is a legitimate and ongoing concern, as
most of the people who worked to thwart community input were English speakers, and a large
percentage of those who attend Pacific Park Neighborhood Association meetings are Spanish
speakers. Sandra and I have attempted to conduct simultaneous English and Spanish translation
during heated discussions, but this does not substitute the need for the City to provide a
dedicated translator at our meetings.
While I commend you for trying to translate and facilitate the meeting, this completely broke
down as the discussion, and the need for translation, intensified. It is not fair to you to perform
both functions, and it is especially not fair to the residents to be excluded from participation due
to a lack of a translator being provided by the City.
To give you an example of how this relates to the Cypress Fire Station issue, at the May Pacific
Park Neighborhood Association meeting, while Selica's same friends were trying to stymie
discussion, we asked how many of the Spanish speakers in the room were EVEN AWARE of the
issue, and the majority raised their hands that they WERE NOT.
LACK OF PROCESS AND TRANSPARENCY
Two other issues that raised concern at yesterday's meeting were the process for approving the
artwork for the street toppers, and also the existence of a second Events Committee, both of
which were complete mysteries to the majority of the people in attendance. I produce events for
a living, and I would have loved to know that the Pacific Park Neighborhood Association had an
Events Committee prior to last month, when I helped start one.
These are areas in which Selica is also regarded as abusing her position, and areas in which you
defended her by saying a process was followed, and decisions were presented and approved by to
the residents. I, for one, do not have recollection of either of these being presented for approval
at the Neighborhood Association meeting.
As such, I am requesting that you provide me with all documentation regarding:
• THE STREET TOPPERS, including agendas, notes of discussion, presentation of artwork,
selection of artist, process for selection of artist, and approval of budget.
4
• THE SECOND EVENTS COMMITTEE, including official roster, decisions made by this
committee, funds spent by this committee, history of meeting times, locations and
agendas, and proof that these decisions were presented to and approved by residents at a
Pacific Park Neighborhood Association meeting.
These issues will be discussed during our meeting on Friday, and it would be appreciated if you
can provide the requested documentation in advance of our meeting for review.
SELICA'S VIOLATION OF DUTIES AS A LEADER
Among the numerous problems that arose at yesterday's meeting, at the heart of it all were
serious failures regarding Selica's role as a co-leader. As was exceptionally clear, it was Selica's
small contingent of aggressive, lying and bullying friends who instigated and prolonged the attacks
against community input. It is a role they have played faithfully for several meetings now.
Additionally, numerous other concerns regarding Selica's co-leadership were addressed to you,
which I will include in bullet form, as we have already discussed them at length.
• Selica's failure to inform or involve her co-leader in Pacific Park decisions and
opportunities
• Selica's failure to inform residents about Pacific Park decisions and opportunities
• Selica's decisions regarding use of Pacific Park Neighborhood Association funds
without informing the co-leader or the residents
• Selica's engaging in and enabling stifling of community input and discussion
• Selica's misrepresenting the residents' desires in key issues involving the City
• Selica's complicity in the lies and attacks against co-leaders, including Sandra and Mr.
N., which are documented and resulted in Mr. N. resigning as a co-leader
In light of all these issues, I am writing to formally request that Selica Diaz be removed as a co-
leader of the Pacific Park Neighborhood Association.
It was clear at yesterday's meeting, and was also expressed by numerous regular attendees, first-
time attendees and children at the meeting, that a current leadership crisis exists in our
Neighborhood Association. It was also expressed that we need to formalize a process for a multi-
leader structure that includes selection criteria, duties, transparency and accountability.
Addressing the leadership issues is a top priority, but we cannot and will not proceed in a way that
enables the dysfunction displayed at yesterday's meeting and which is outlined in this letter. We
cannot move forward with bullying, with lies, with language barriers, or with unethical backroom
deals.
5
To allow mob rule, lies, bullying, intimidation, lack of process, shutting down community input
and lack of translation for Spanish-speaking residents is a stain on the Neighborhood Initiatives
program and creates an unsafe space for residents and children.
It is unfortunate that we were not able to conduct the mediation offered by former Council
Member Mendoza in October 2022. This might have helped address these issues and prevent
them from intensifying. But in order to restore the integrity of the Pacific Park Neighborhood
Association, it is clear that Selica Diaz is not fit to continue as co-leader.
I submit this formal request respectfully.
Sincerely,
Victor Payan
Pacific Park Resident
Community Arts Leader
6
Orozco, Norma
From: Victor Payan <
Sent: Tuesday, July 18, 2023 4:14 PM
To: Vazquez, Benjamin; Hernandez, Johnathan; Lopez, Jessie; Bacerra, Phil; Penaloza,
David; Phan, Thai; Amezcua, Valerie; Ridge, Kristine; !City Clerk
Subject: Fwd: More Silencing of Discussion about Cypress Fire Station - Pacific Park
Dear Mayor, Council and City Manager,
I am writing to keep you informed of the ongoing suppression of community input regarding the
Cypress Fire Station issue, and to place this latest incident from July 11, 2023 in the public record.
- Victor Payan
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Victor Payan <
Date: Tue, Jul 18, 2023 at 4:03 PM
Subject: More Silencing of Discussion about Cypress Fire Station - Pacific Park
To: eComment<ecommentksanta-ana.org>
I am writing to put on record the fact that community discussion regarding the Cypress Fire Station
was once again shut down at the July 11 Pacific Park Neighborhood Association by pro-PAAL
goons.
The Cypress Fire Station architectural update was on the agenda for the meeting, and a pro-PAAL
man demanded that discussion about the issue be ended after the first question from the
community.
His outburst was followed by a lie from another PAAL-proponent that Neighborhood Association
co-leader Sandra Pena Sarmiento did not live in Pacific Park. When I stood up to chastise the
second man for lying to the community at the meeting, the first man stood up in a fighting stance
and had to be restrained by his friend. The violent man was standing next to one of our Youth
Committee members, and frightened her.
Sadly, City staff ended the discussion after the first question due to the chaos caused by the two
pro-PAAL agitators, when the majority of the attendees were in favor of continuing discussion. It
would be another lie to consider that Pacific Park residents had any real input in the City's
architectural presentation.
The Cypress Fire Station issue is not closed, as the Council never voted on its use.
We will not be silenced or intimidated by a small cabal of pro-PAAL agitators.
1
We continue to request community input meetings that were not only denied us for more than two
years, but are also being shut down by pro-PAAL agitators at every step.
I am includng an email I sent to Margarita Macedonio on July 12 chronicling the incident as well as
pointing out Pacific Park Neighborhood Association co-leader Selica Diaz's complicity this
disturbing behavior to prevent and squash community input about the Cypress Fire Station issue.
I am submitting this account for the public record.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
- Victor Payan
Pacific Park Resident
Santa Ana Arts Leader
Community Arts Leader
Pacific Park Neighborhood Association Stifling of Community Input /
Leadership
Hello, Margarita,
I am writing to address the vicious stifling of community input, attacks on our co-leader, break
down in decorum and egregious lies propagated by Selica Diaz's cronies at yesterday's Pacific Park
Neighborhood Association meeting.
As you are well aware, stifling of community input by Selica has been a longstanding concern with
our Neighborhood Association, particularly around the issue of the Cypress Fire Station. I lodged a
formal complaint to you on August 12, 2022 regarding Selica stifling community input at the
August 2022 meeting, and also referenced a previous incident at the June 14, 2022 meeting in my
complaint.
MORE STIFLING OF DISCUSSION ABOUT THE CYPRESS FIRE STATION
Here we are nearly a full year later, and again we are faced with the same issue. Even though a
Cypress Fire Station update was on the agenda for the meeting, one attendee sitting with Selica's
contingent aggressively forced the discussion of the agenda item to a close after only the first
question, which was by Sandra, one of the co-leaders of the Pacific Park Neighborhood
Association. As such, our community was cheated ONCE AGAIN from participating in an important
city input process regarding a historic building in our own neighborhood.
2
Additionally, during the heated discussion in which we were defending community input, one of
Selica's friends asserted that Sandra did "not even live here." This was such a bald-faced lie, that I
felt the responsibility to point out that it was a tremendous disrespect and violation of the
sanctity of the process to lie to the community at a Neighborhood Association meeting.
At that time, the tattooed man who initially shut down discussion of the Cypress Fire Station
agenda item, and who was sitting next to one of our Youth Committee members, stood up and
confronted me in a fighting stance. The potential of actual violence from this man was so
palpable, that his friend had to hold him back.
I want to repeat that the agendized discussion of the Cypress Fire Station was silenced after ONLY
THE FIRST QUESTION in the discussion, and barely fifteen minutes into the entire meeting,
including introductions and the presentation by the architect. So we can add this to the list of
incidents in which community input has been denied in the important Cypress Fire Station issue.
By contrast, the discussion about garbage collection that followed was allowed to continue for at
least ten questions.
MOB RULE
In total, the attacks against Sandra were undertaken by only four people, and continued for the
duration of the entire meeting, while Selica stood by and did nothing to maintain decorum,
restore order or keep her own friends in check. To put it bluntly, Selica Diaz completely failed in
her duties as a neighborhood association leader and not only enabled but was also complicit in
the chaos.
When one of Selica's friend demanded a vote to end discussion of the Cypress Fire Station "and
move on," only 7 people raised their hands while 15 DID NOT. We have video of this "vote" if you
want proof. Furthermore, we know of at least 7 more people who want to continue dialogue
about the Cypress Fire Station but were unable to attend yesterday's meeting. It is clear that the
majority of the residents and regular attendees at the meetings DO NOT support ending the
discussion, and we can not make decisions affecting our neighborhood's future based on bullying
by a few aggressive and intimidating residents allied with Selica.
Furthermore, when the discussion of bringing on a third co-leader occurred, which would restore
the structure the Pacific Park Neighborhood Association utilized in the past, Selica's friend
advocated bringing in a hundred people and calling for a vote for new leadership, which is the
dictionary definition of mob rule.
LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE
3
Even though Sandra has been asking for mediation to address the leadership crisis, and a third
resident has emerged who would make a good leader, Selica herself advocated for a single leader
structure, which would solidify the dysfunction and lack of accountability we are experiencing.
I advocated for a collective leadership model as one that is familiar to the Latin@ and BIPOC
community, and one in which accountability and responsibilities are defined and adhered to.
And even though Selica strangely made her case for a sole leadership structure to the numerous
Com-Link members who suspiciously just happened to be at our meeting last night, Carl Benninger
asserted that his own Neighborhood Association, Metro Classic, has a three-member leadership,
and it works very well.
I do not understand why you yourself proposed a single leader structure, especially in light of so
much conflict and concern regarding Selica recklessly behaving as if we are already under a one
leader structure, in which she continually misrepresents our residents in an official capacity and
questions have been raised about her use of public funds meant for the Neighborhood
Association without a process that involves the residents or having approval from the
Neighborhood Association members.
LACK OF EQUITY / BARRIERS TO RESIDENT PARTICIPATION
In addition to the chaos, bullying and intimidation witnessed last night, another issue that was
raised was the lack of translation at the meetings. This is a legitimate and ongoing concern, as
most of the people who worked to thwart community input were English speakers, and a large
percentage of those who attend Pacific Park Neighborhood Association meetings are Spanish
speakers. Sandra and I have attempted to conduct simultaneous English and Spanish translation
during heated discussions, but this does not substitute the need for the City to provide a
dedicated translator at our meetings.
While I commend you for trying to translate and facilitate the meeting, this completely broke
down as the discussion, and the need for translation, intensified. It is not fair to you to perform
both functions, and it is especially not fair to the residents to be excluded from participation due
to a lack of a translator being provided by the City.
To give you an example of how this relates to the Cypress Fire Station issue, at the May Pacific
Park Neighborhood Association meeting, while Selica's same friends were trying to stymie
discussion, we asked how many of the Spanish speakers in the room were EVEN AWARE of the
issue, and the majority raised their hands that they WERE NOT.
LACK OF PROCESS AND TRANSPARENCY
Two other issues that raised concern at yesterday's meeting were the process for approving the
artwork for the street toppers, and also the existence of a second Events Committee, both of
4
which were complete mysteries to the majority of the people in attendance. I produce events for
a living, and I would have loved to know that the Pacific Park Neighborhood Association had an
Events Committee prior to last month, when I helped start one.
These are areas in which Selica is also regarded as abusing her position, and areas in which you
defended her by saying a process was followed, and decisions were presented and approved by to
the residents. 1, for one, do not have recollection of either of these being presented for approval
at the Neighborhood Association meeting.
As such, I am requesting that you provide me with all documentation regarding:
• THE STREET TOPPERS, including agendas, notes of discussion, presentation of artwork,
selection of artist, process for selection of artist, and approval of budget.
• THE SECOND EVENTS COMMITTEE, including official roster, decisions made by this
committee, funds spent by this committee, history of meeting times, locations and
agendas, and proof that these decisions were presented to and approved by residents at a
Pacific Park Neighborhood Association meeting.
These issues will be discussed during our meeting on Friday, and it would be appreciated if you
can provide the requested documentation in advance of our meeting for review.
SELICA'S VIOLATION OF DUTIES AS A LEADER
Among the numerous problems that arose at yesterday's meeting, at the heart of it all were
serious failures regarding Selica's role as a co-leader. As was exceptionally clear, it was Selica's
small contingent of aggressive, lying and bullying friends who instigated and prolonged the attacks
against community input. It is a role they have played faithfully for several meetings now.
Additionally, numerous other concerns regarding Selica's co-leadership were addressed to you,
which I will include in bullet form, as we have already discussed them at length.
• Selica's failure to inform or involve her co-leader in Pacific Park decisions and
opportunities
• Selica's failure to inform residents about Pacific Park decisions and opportunities
• Selica's decisions regarding use of Pacific Park Neighborhood Association funds
without informing the co-leader or the residents
• Selica's engaging in and enabling stifling of community input and discussion
• Selica's misrepresenting the residents' desires in key issues involving the City
• Selica's complicity in the lies and attacks against co-leaders, including Sandra and Mr.
N., which are documented and resulted in Mr. N. resigning as a co-leader
5
In light of all these issues, I am writing to formally request that Selica Diaz be removed as a co-
leader of the Pacific Park Neighborhood Association.
It was clear at yesterday's meeting, and was also expressed by numerous regular attendees, first-
time attendees and children at the meeting, that a current leadership crisis exists in our
Neighborhood Association. It was also expressed that we need to formalize a process for a multi-
leader structure that includes selection criteria, duties, transparency and accountability.
Addressing the leadership issues is a top priority, but we cannot and will not proceed in a way that
enables the dysfunction displayed at yesterday's meeting and which is outlined in this letter. We
cannot move forward with bullying, with lies, with language barriers, or with unethical backroom
deals.
To allow mob rule, lies, bullying, intimidation, lack of process, shutting down community input
and lack of translation for Spanish-speaking residents is a stain on the Neighborhood Initiatives
program and creates an unsafe space for residents and children.
It is unfortunate that we were not able to conduct the mediation offered by former Council
Member Mendoza in October 2022. This might have helped address these issues and prevent
them from intensifying. But in order to restore the integrity of the Pacific Park Neighborhood
Association, it is clear that Selica Diaz is not fit to continue as co-leader.
I submit this formal request respectfully.
Sincerely,
Victor Payan
Pacific Park Resident
Community Arts Leader
6
Orozco, Norma
From: Orozco, Norma
Sent: Wednesday, July 19, 2023 3:54 PM
To: eComment
Subject: RE: La Zapateria Mexico
Translation:
Good afternoon, My business is here on 4th Street and we are very concerned about the situation we are going through
with this construction. They don't finish one thing when they start another with the streets closed. This situation is
affecting us a lot,we don't have clients. We need a quick solution to this crisis. I hope that you take us into account and
help us speed up this situation. Thank you for your attention and we look forward to a quick solution.
Norma Orozco, CPMC, CIVIC I Senior Deputy City Clerk City Clerk's Office 1 20 Civic Center Plaza I Santa Ana, CA 92701
714-647-6520 1 norozco@santa-ana.org
The mySantaAna mobile app puts the power of the Santa Ana city government in the palm of your hand!The free app
allows residents to quickly and easily report issues to the City, access City services, and find news and events.
Download the App:
Click here to report an issue directly from the City website.
Please visit the online Holiday and Closed Friday Schedule at https://www.santa-ana.org/holiday-and-closed-friday-
schedule.
This email and any files or attachments transmitted with it may contain privileged or otherwise confidential information.
If you are not the intended recipient, or believe that you may have received this communication in error, please advise
the sender via reply email and immediately delete the email you received.This e-mail (and attachments, if any) may be
subject to the California Public Records Act, and as such, may,therefore, be subject to public disclosure unless
otherwise exempt under the Act.
-----Original Message-----
From: ROSIBELDA GONZALEZ<
Sent:Tuesday,July 18, 2023 4:36 PM
To: eComment<ecomment@santa-ana.org>
Subject: La Zapateria Mexico
Buenas tardes, Mi negocio esta aqui en la calle 4 y estamos muy preocupados por la situacion que estamos pasando con
esta construccion. No terminan una cosa cuando empiezan otra con las calles cerradas. Esta situacion nos esta
afectando bastante no tenemos clientes. Necesitamos una solucion rapida a esta crisis. Espero que ustedes nos tomen
en cuenta y nos ayuden en acelerar esta situacion. Gracias por su atencion y esperamos una solucion rapida.
Rosibelda Gonzalez
La zapateria mexico
112W4thSt
Santa Ana CA 92701
7
Sent from my iPhone
a
Orozco, Norma
From: Flores, Gaston
Sent: Wednesday, July 19, 2023 9:13 AM
To: eComment
Subject: FIN: Contact the City Council Submission
Gaston Flores I Management Analyst
City of Santa Ana I City Manager's Office 1 20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA
°ti
92701
(714) 647-6945 (office) 1 (714) 614-3951 (mobile) I gflores@santa-ana.org
The mVSantaAna mobile app puts the power of the Santa Ana city government in
the palm of your hand! The free app lets you quickly and easily report issues to the
yy ;. City, access City services, and find news and events. Download the mySantaAna
SANTA i k
app: www.santa-ana.or /mysantaana-app.
From: notify@proudcity.com <notify@proudcity.com>
Sent:Tuesday,July 18, 2023 2:12 PM
To: Flores, Gaston <GFlores@santa-ana.org>
Subject: Contact the City Council Submission
Name
Valen Lobato
Email
Address
ORANGE, California 92868
United States
Map It
Who is this message for?
• Mayor Valerie Amezcua
• Mayor Pro Tern Jessie Lopez
• Councilmember Thai Viet Phan
• Councilmember David Penaloza
• Councilmember Phil Bacerra
• Councilmember Johnathan Ryan Hernandez
• Councilmember Benjamin Vazquez
Comments or questions
At the MainPlace Mall,where the old Nordstrom used to be, in its place should be a Target.With the new apartments being built
there, that are going to be way overpriced for any average person to afford. And will most likely sit empty with a leasing banner
always placed overhead. There should be a Target in the area. There are no general one stop shops for the residents in that
area.
1
Orozco, Norma
From: Flores, Gaston
Sent: Wednesday, July 19, 2023 9:13 AM
To: eComment
Subject: FW: Contact the City Council Submission
Gaston Flores I Management Analyst
City of Santa Ana I City Manager's Office 1 20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA
92701
(714) 647-6945 (office) 1 (714) 614-3951 (mobile) I gflores@santa-ana.org
{y + The mySantaAna mobile app puts the power of the Santa Ana city government in
the palm of your hand! The free app lets you quickly and easily report issues to the
f yy 'I City, access City services, and find news and events. Download the mySantaAna
iNTA iNA ,�k
I app: www.santa-ana.or /mySantaana-app.
From: notify@proudcity.com <notify@proudcity.com>
Sent: Wednesday,July 19, 2023 7:41 AM
To: Flores, Gaston <GFlores@santa-ana.org>
Subject: Contact the City Council Submission
Name
Mark Davis
Email
Address
Santa Ana, California 92706
United States
Map It
Phone
(
Who is this message for?
• Mayor Valerie Amezcua
• Mayor Pro Tern Jessie Lopez
• Councilmember Thai Viet Phan
• Councilmember David Penaloza
• Councilmember Phil Bacerra
• Councilmember Johnathan Ryan Hernandez
• Councilmember Benjamin Vazquez
Comments or questions
In the wake of the worsening annual July 4th fireworks bombardment in this city I sent an email to all members of the city council
regarding my concerns about the situation. That email was sent on July 5th and it was addressed to among others, Mayor Valerie
Amezcua and my ward council member Jessie Lopez.
2
In the intervening two weeks I've not received so much as an acknowledgement of my email and attached letter, let alone any
sort of email response fron anyone on the council including Mayor Amezcua or Ms. Lopez.
I've no idea how or why that is the case but I'm not happy about it. Everyone is busy and I get that. I am too and yet I was
concerned enough about the fireworks situation to take the time to write a letter which over several pages lays out my concerns.
I've waited two weeks and I'd appreciate a response
Mark A. Davis
Upload a file
• fireworks.docx
3