HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 06 - Minutes from Various Boards and CommissionsCommunity Development Commission 1 10/14/2024
Community Development Commission
Special Meeting Minutes
October 14, 2024
CALL TO ORDER Chairperson
Commission members present:
Ceja Villa, Cornelious, Gallegos, Padilla
Commission members present:
Rios
Staff members present:
Executive Director, Housing Division Manager,
Housing Programs Analyst, Recording
Secretary
PUBLIC COMMENTS - None
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS
1.Excuse Commission Member(s) absence(s)
Recommended Action: Excuse the absent member(s).
Moved by Commissioner Cornelious, seconded by Commissioner Gallegos to
Approve Consent Calendar items.
YES: 4 – Ana Laura Padilla, Daniel Cornelious, Claudio William Gallegos, Alfonso Ceja Villa
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 1 – Idalia Rios
Status: 4 – 0 – 0 – 1 – Pass
***END OF CONSENT CALENDAR***
BUSINESS CALENDAR
*Chair Padilla opened the Public Hearing
Community Development Commission 2 10/14/2024
2. Public Hearing for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Pathways to
Removing Obstacles to Housing program grant application (Non-General Fund
Recommended Action:
1. Hold a public hearing for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing program grant
application for $7,000,000 for a site study, unpermitted dwelling unit legalization
program, zoning code update, zoning code platform, and development process
audit.
2. Authorize the Housing Division Manager, or their designee, to submit the
application following the public hearing.
3. If the application is successful, recommend City Council approve an
appropriation adjustment to recognize the new funds and activities into the FY
2024-25 Budget.
Minutes: Michael Garcia provided presentation.
Moved by Commissioner Gallegos, seconded by Commissioner Cornelious to
Approve.
YES: 4 – Ana Laura Padilla, Daniel Cornelious, Claudio William Gallegos, Alfonso Ceja Villa
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 1 – Idalia Rios
Status: 4 – 0 – 0 – 1 – Pass
***END OF BUSINESS CALENDAR***
COMMENTS
3. Staff member comments
Minutes: Judson Brown - Thanked the Commission for attending the special meeting and
approving the HUD application. He also thanked the Commissioners who attended the
Grand Opening of the Crossroads at Washington. On November 13, everyone should
have received an invitation to the Grand Opening of the Estrella Springs Project.
4. Commission members comments
Minutes: Commissioner Padilla thanked everyone for attending the meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
Community Development Commission 3 10/14/2024
The next regular meeting of the Community Development Commission is scheduled for October
23, 2024 at 4:30 PM.
Community Development Commission 11/13/2024
Community Development Commission
Special Meeting Minutes
November 13, 2024
CALL TO ORDER Chairperson
Commission members present:
Ceja Villa, Gallegos, Gutierrez, Padilla, Rios
Commission members absent:
Cornelious
Staff:
Executive Director, Housing Division Manager,
Housing Programs Coordinator, Community
Development Analyst, Recording Secretary
PUBLIC COMMENTS – None
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS
1.Excuse Commission Member(s) absence(s)
Recommended Action: Excuse the absent member(s).
Moved by Commissioner Gallegos, seconded by Commissioner Ceja Villa to
Approve Consent Calendar items.
YES: 5 – Ana Laura Padilla, Idalia Rios, Claudio Gallegos, Alfonso Ceja Villa, Vivian
Wilhelm
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 1 – Daniel Cornelious
Status: 5 – 0 – 0 – 1 – Pass
***END OF CONSENT CALENDAR***
BUSINESS CALENDAR
2.Approve a First Amendment to the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25 Emergency Solutions
Grant (ESG) Subrecipient Agreement with Interval House to provide additional
Community Development Commission 11/13/2024
emergency shelter and supportive services to survivors of domestic violence; Approve
a First Amendment to the FY 2024-25 ESG Subrecipient Agreement with the Orange
County United Way to conduct additional data management; Approve a new
Memorandum of Understanding with the Santa Ana Police Department H.E.A.R.T.
Program for street outreach and engagement.
Recommended Action:
1.Recommend the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute a First
Amendment to the FY 2024-25 ESG Subrecipient Agreement with Interval
House to increase the amount of the agreement by $35,124 to provide
additional emergency shelter and supportive services to survivors of
domestic violence from the City of Santa Ana (Agreement No. A-2024-090-
02).
2.Recommend the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute a First
Amendment to the FY 2024-25 ESG Subrecipient Agreement with the Orange
County United Way to increase the amount of the agreement by $17,562 to
conduct additional Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) data
management (Agreement No. A-2024-090-04).
3.Recommend the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute a new
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Santa Ana Police
Department (SAPD) Homeless Evaluation Assessment Response Team
(H.E.A.R.T.) Program to serve Santa Ana residents experiencing
homelessness through street outreach and engagement for a total amount
of $81,321. The total funding amount is comprised of $46,197 in FY 2024-25
ESG funds and a $35,124 reallocation from FY 2023-24 ESG funds.
(Memorandum of Understanding No. A-2024-XXX-XX).
Minutes: Adreanna Limon provided presentation.
The Commission engaged in a Q & A session.
Moved by Commissioner Gallegos, seconded by Commissioner Padilla to
Approve.
YES: 4 – Ana Laura Padilla, Idalia Rios, Claudio Gallegos, Alfonso Ceja Villa
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 1 – Daniel Cornelious
Status: 4 – 0 – 0 – 1 – Pass
***END OF BUSINESS CALENDAR***
Community Development Commission 11/13/2024
COMMENTS
3.Staff member comments
Minutes:
Mike Garcia - Welcomed the new Senior Tenant Commissioner to the Commission
who then introduced herself.
Judson Brown - We celebrated the Grand Opening of Estrella Springs, which
offers 89 homes for individuals experiencing homelessness in our community. The
Grand Opening of the FX Residences has also been announced, with invitations
sent to all Commissioners. A Special Community Development Commission
meeting is scheduled for December 13 to discuss and approve an important item.
4.Commission members comments
Minutes:
Commissioner Ceja Villa – Recognized the staff for their hard work and dedication.
Commissioner Rios – Thanked everyone for their patience during her absence.
Commissioner Padilla – Apologized for her lateness and welcomed Commissioner
Wilhelm. She thanked the staff for today’s presentation. A Tamale event will take
place on December 14 in the downtown area, and another event, Fiesta El
Mariachi, is scheduled for December 8 showcasing a Youth Program.
ADJOURNMENT
The next Special meeting of the Community Development Commission is scheduled for
December 13, 2024 at 3:00 PM.
Community Development Commission 12/13/2024
Community Development Commission
Special Meeting Minutes
December 13, 2024
CALL TO ORDER Chairperson
Commission members present:
Ceja Villa, Cornelious, Gallegos, Gutierrez,
Padilla, Rios, Wilhelm
Staff:
Executive Director, Housing Division Manager,
Housing Programs Coordinator, Recording Secretary
PUBLIC COMMENTS – None
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS
1.Excuse Commission Member(s) absence(s)
Recommended Action: Excuse the absent member(s).
Moved by Commissioner Cornelious, seconded by Commissioner Gallegos to
Approve Consent Calendar items.
YES: 6 – Ana Laura Padilla, Daniel Cornelious, Idalia Rios, Claudio Gallegos, Alfonso Ceja
Villa, Vivian Wilhelm
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 0 –
Status: 6 – 0 – 0 – 0 – Pass
***END OF CONSENT CALENDAR***
*Commissioner Ceja Villa recused himself.
BUSINESS CALENDAR
2.Approve a Pre-Commitment of $9,807,571 in HOME Program Funds for the
Development of 40 New Affordable Ownership Units Located at 621 W. Alton Ave.;
Approve a Pre-Commitment of $900,000 in Inclusionary Housing Funds for the
Community Development Commission 12/13/2024
Conversion of Nine (9) Rental Units into Affordable Ownership Condominium Units
Located at 425 E. Wellington Ave
Recommended Action:
1.Recommend the City Council to authorize the City Manager to execute a pre-
commitment letter with Habitat for Humanity of Orange County for
$9,807,571 in HOME Investment Partnerships Program funds for the
development of 40 new affordable ownership units located at 621 W. Alton
Ave., Santa Ana, CA (APN 410-351-02), subject to non-substantive changes
approved by the City Manager and City Attorney.
2.Recommend the City Council to authorize the City Manager to execute a pre-
commitment letter with Habitat for Humanity of Orange County for up to
$900,000 in Inclusionary Housing Funds that would allow for the conversion
of nine (9) existing rental units into affordable ownership condominium units
located at 425 E. Wellington Ave., Santa Ana, CA (APN 398 -028-12), subject
to non-substantive changes approved by the City Manager and City
Attorney.
Minutes: A representative from Habitat for Humanity partnered to give the
presentation.
The Commission engaged in a Q & A session.
Moved by Commissioner Gallegos, seconded by Commissioner Cornelious to
Approve.
YES: 5 – Ana Laura Padilla, Daniel Cornelious, Idalia Rios, Claudio Gallegos; Vivian
Wilhelm
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 0 –
Status: 5 – 0 – 0 – 0 – Pass
***END OF BUSINESS CALENDAR***
COMMENTS
3.Staff member comments
Minutes: Mike Garcia – Wished the Commission a happy holiday season and
thanked Tim from KMA for his work on these projects.
Community Development Commission 12/13/2024
4.Commission members comments
Minutes:
Cornelious – Announced his resignation to the Commission, as he will be
relocating up north. He was pleased that his final meeting was involved in the
decision for one of the largest affordable housing projects.
Gallegos – Wished everyone a happy holiday season.
Rios – Thanked everyone for the work they do.
Padilla – Thanked everyone for their hard work, expressed gratitude to Habitat for
Humanity for all the projects they bring to the city, and invited everyone to the
Tamale Festival on Saturday, December 14.
Wilhelm – Thanked everyone and expressed her excitement about being part of
the Commission. Everything is new to her, and she’s looking forward to figuring
things out and learning from everyone.
ADJOURNMENT
The next regular meeting of the Community Development Commission is scheduled for
January 22, 2025 at 4:30 PM.
Workforce Development Board 5 1/16/2025
Workforce Development Board
Regular Meeting Minutes
January 16, 2025
CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Campos
ATTENDANCE Board members present:
Beasley, Campos, Elliott, Garcia, Haley, Hubbard,
Knitter, Korthuis, Rivera, Ruiz, Tso-Lui, Tucker,
Varnum
Board members absent:
Araujo, Hernandez, Lopez, Milatovich, Miller, Perez,
Sams
Staff members present:
Deborah Sanchez, Econ Dev Specialist III
Sandy Barba, Workforce Specialist IV
Bianca Zurita, Recording Secretary
PUBLIC COMMENTS - None
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS
1.Excuse the absent Board Member(s)
Recommended Action: Excuse the absent Board Member(s).
2.Regular meeting minutes of July 18, 2024
Recommended Action: Approve minutes.
3.Employment Development Department – Labor Market Information
Recommended Action: Receive and file.
4.Certification of the WORK Center as a Comprehensive America’s Job Center of
California
Recommended Action: Ratify the action taken at a Special Meeting of the
Executive Committee held on November 6, 2024 to authorize the Chair to sign
Workforce Development Board 5 1/16/2025
and direct staff to submit the Comprehensive America’s Job Center of
California Baseline Certification Matrix and Indicator Assessment to the
Employment Development Department.
Moved by Board Member Beasley, seconded by Board Member Ruiz to Approve
Consent Calendar items.
YES: 13 – Brent Beasley, David Elliott, Jack Haley, Marjorie Knitter, Patrick Korthuis,
Robert Ruiz, Robert Tucker, Johanna Rivera, Daisy Campos, Dennis Varnum, Mat
Garcia, Patty Tso-Lui, Vaniethia Hubbard
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 7 – Maria Rosa Lopez, Enrique Perez, Gail
Araujo, Veronica Hernandez, Rhonda Miller, Natasha Milatovich, Cory Sams
Status: 13 – 0 – 0 – 7 – Pass
***END OF CONSENT CALENDAR***
BUSINESS CALENDAR
5.Revise Workforce Development Board Bylaws
Recommended Action: Approve revisions to the Workforce Development
Board Bylaws and forward to City Council with a recommendation to accept as
presented.
Moved by Board Member Beasley, seconded by Board Member Haley to
Approve.
YES: 13 – Brent Beasley, David Elliott, Jack Haley, Marjorie Knitter, Patrick Korthuis,
Robert Ruiz, Robert Tucker, Johanna Rivera, Daisy Campos, Dennis Varnum, Mat
Garcia, Patty Tso-Lui, Vaniethia Hubbard
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 7 – Maria Rosa Lopez, Enrique Perez, Gail
Araujo, Veronica Hernandez, Rhonda Miller, Natasha Milatovich, Cory Sams
Status: 13 – 0 – 0 – 7 – Pass
6.Approve continuation of providing Adult and Dislocated Worker Career Services
designating the City of Santa Ana as the provider of Career Services
Recommended Action:
1.Approve the continuation of providing Adult and Dislocated Worker Career
Services designating the City of Santa Ana as the provider of Career
Services.
Workforce Development Board 5 1/16/2025
2. Authorize the Chair of the Workforce Development Board to sign the
Request for Approval Adult and Dislocated Worker Career Services
Provider application and direct staff to submit to the California Workforce
Development Board.
3. Recommend City Council authorize the Mayor to sign the state application
to be an Adult and Dislocated Worker Career Services Provider under the
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.
Moved by Board Member Elliott, seconded by Board Member Ruiz to Approve.
YES: 13 – Brent Beasley, David Elliott, Jack Haley, Marjorie Knitter, Patrick Korthuis,
Robert Ruiz, Robert Tucker, Johanna Rivera, Daisy Campos, Dennis Varnum, Mat
Garcia, Patty Tso-Lui, Vaniethia Hubbard
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 7 – Maria Rosa Lopez, Enrique Perez, Gail
Araujo, Veronica Hernandez, Rhonda Miller, Natasha Milatovich, Cory Sams
Status: 13 – 0 – 0 – 7 – Pass
7. Meeting Calendar for 2025
Recommended Action: Receive and file.
Moved by Board Member Beasley, seconded by Board Member Varnum to
Approve.
YES: 13 – NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – Brent Beasley, David Elliott, Jack Haley, Marjorie
Knitter, Patrick Korthuis, Robert Ruiz, Robert Tucker, Johanna Rivera, Daisy
Campos, Dennis Varnum, Mat Garcia, Patty Tso-Lui, Vaniethia Hubbard
ABSENT: 7 – Maria Rosa Lopez, Enrique Perez, Gail Araujo, Veronica Hernandez,
Rhonda Miller, Natasha Milatovich, Cory Sams
Status: 13 – 0 – 0 – 7 – Pass
***END OF BUSINESS CALENDAR***
COMMITTEE REPORTS
8. Youth Council Committee
Minutes: Bob Tucker – Looking into additional providers for the summer.
Sandy Barba – providers are enrolling for the Youth Program.
Workforce Development Board 5 1/16/2025
COMMENTS
9. Staff member(s) comments
Minutes: Deborah – Expressed gratitude to everyone for attending. Several
deadlines are approaching, and the state has sent a reminder about the upcoming
due dates. The Regional Local Plan is due in April and will be released to the public
in February. Additionally, we will be receiving new members and are working on their
appointments.
10. Board member(s) comments.
Minutes:
Daisy Campos – Welcomed Dr. Hubbard.
Dr. Hubbard – Introduced herself to the Board. Excited to be here and working
with everyone.
David Elliot – Shared that the 3rd Annual Power Prayer Breakfast will be on
February 11.
ADJOURNMENT
The next regular meeting of the Workforce Development Board is scheduled for March 20,
2025 at 8:00 AM.
WDB Youth Council Committee 4 2/13/2025
Workforce Development Board
Youth Council Committee
Regular Meeting Minutes
February 13, 2025
CALL TO ORDER Chairperson
ATTENDANCE Committee members present:
Acevedo, Annino, Jimenez-Hami, Martinez,
Russell-Garcia, Tucker, Varnum
Committee members absent:
Sandoval
Staff members present:
Deborah Sanchez, Econ Dev Specialist III
Sandy Barba, Workforce Specialist IV
Bianca Zurita, Recording Secretary
PUBLIC COMMENTS - None
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS
1.Excused Absences
Recommended Action: Excuse Absent Committee Member(s).
2.Regular meeting minutes of December 12, 2024.
Recommended Action: Approve minutes.
Moved by Committee Member Varnum, seconded by Committee Member
Russell-Garcia to Approve Consent Calendar items.
YES: 6 – Robert Tucker, Dennis Varnum, Sandy Annino, Ana Jimenez-Hami,
Jackie Russell-Garcia, Jorge Martinez
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 1 – Anthony Sandoval
Status: 6 – 0 – 0 – 1 – Pass
***END OF CONSENT CALENDAR***
WDB Youth Council Committee 4 2/13/2025
BUSINESS CALENDAR
3.Recommend Release of Request for Proposals for procurement of youth services
for Program Years 2025 thru 2027
Recommended Action: Direct Staff to complete Request for Proposal and
recommend the Workforce Development Board release a Request for
Proposal to procure Youth Service Providers for Program Years 2025 thru
2027.
Minutes: Sandy Barba shared details about the item: the release date is March
4, a mandatory pre-proposal meeting is scheduled for March 11, and the RFP
submission deadline is April 1.
Jackie Russell-Garcia, Bob Tucker and Sandy Annino volunteered to be part of
the RFP Committee.
Moved by Committee Member Tucker, seconded by Committee Member
Russell-Garcia to Approve.
YES: 6 – Robert Tucker, Dennis Varnum, Sandy Annino, Ana Jimenez-Hami,
Jackie Russell-Garcia, Jorge Martinez
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 1 – Anthony Sandoval
Status: 6 – 0 – 0 – 1 – Pass
***END OF BUSINESS CALENDAR***
REPORTS
4.PROGRAM OPERATOR REPORTS
a. YSPN – Juan Cazarez provided report
b. Orange County Children’s Therapeutic Arts Center – Andrea provided report
COMMENTS
5.Staff Member Comments
Minutes: Deborah Sanchez – The Local and Regional Plan is required to be
reviewed and revised every four years. A link for public comments will be shared
soon, and the plan will be submitted to City Council for approval.
The Work Center is undergoing a phased renovation. A second training room is
being constructed in the front lobby, utilizing previously underused space.
Sandy Barba – The SAY Employment Program currently has 80 participants
WDB Youth Council Committee 4 2/13/2025
enrolled. We are pursuing additional funding through the California For All grant,
with the goal of securing another $2 million to expand the program.
Several youth participants are already engaged with various city departments,
including the police department, city council shadowing, code enforcement,
engineering, and local schools. The program aims to expose them to diverse
career paths and encourage continued education.
We’re planning to enroll 150 youth for the summer session and are seeking
support in marketing the program to reach more young people.
6. Youth Council Committee Member Comments
Minutes: Dr. Ana & Andrea – Currently working on a grant focused on
connecting youth with employment opportunities. This is the first time the
Kennedy Commission has launched a program of this kind, specifically targeting
careers in creative fields.
ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting of the WDB Youth Council Committee - Regular Meeting is scheduled
for April 10, 2025 at 4:00 PM.
Arts and Culture Commission 4 2/20/2025
Arts and Culture Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes
February 20, 2025
CALL TO ORDER Chairperson
Commission members present:
Joese Hernandez
Susie Lopez-Guerra
Miguel Ochoa
Debra Russell
Indigo Vu
Staff members present:
Michael Garcia, Executive Director
Marc Morley, Economic Development Manager
Tram Le, Arts and Culture Specialist
Bianca Zurita, Recording Secretary
INTRODUCTION:
Commissioner Ochoa introduced himself as the newly appointed Commissioner.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Minutes:
Sara Guerrero – spoke about the importance of supporting the Arts and urged
everyone to participate in upcoming special events and community fundraisers.
Gay Olivos – addressed the Commission and expressed concerns regarding the
safety issues related to the mural installation.
Mayor Amezcua – Welcomed Mayor Galvez and expressed gratitude to the
Commission and staff for organizing the meeting. Acknowledged the hard work of
everyone behind the scenes in preparing for the mural installation. Expressed
interest in learning more about the mural’s design and the artists collaborating on
the project. Thanked Mayor Dr. Galvez for being present at the meeting.
Mayor Galvez – I’m excited to be here and thrilled about the collaboration between
both cities for the mural installation. This is a significant project, and it wouldn’t be
possible without the support of Mayor Amezcua and Councilmembers. I’m looking
forward to the first Expo in March, where we’ll discuss the arts, culture, business,
showcase products, and create economic partnerships between the two cities. I also
hope Santa Ana Citizens will have the chance to visit Sahuayo in the future .
Arts and Culture Commission 4 2/20/2025
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS
1.Excused absences
Recommended Action: Excuse absent commission member(s).
2.Regular meeting minutes of January 16, 2025
Recommended Action: Approve minutes.
Moved by Commissioner Lopez-Guerra, seconded by Commissioner
Hernandez to Approve Consent Calendar items.
YES: 4 – Debra Russell, Indigo Vu, Susie Lopez-Guerra, Joese Hernandez
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 0 – Status: 4 – 0 – 0 – 0 – Pass
***END OF CONSENT CALENDAR***
WORK STUDY SESSION
3.Sahuayo Sister City Mural – Selection of Muralists
Minutes: Tram Le gave a presentation on the top two artists who will be
collaborating on the mural installation. Andrea introduced the two artists from
Sahuayo who will be working alongside the Santa Ana artists.
The Commission engaged in a discussion about selecting the two artists,
including a Q&A session. The focus was emphasized on the artwork itself and
the diverse representation from different regions.
4.Discussion on the Proposed Location and Design for a Rainbow Crosswalk in
Downtown Santa Ana.
Minutes: Tram Le gave a presentation, and the Commission discussed the
location and design of the crosswalk.
***END OF WORK STUDY SESSION***
Arts and Culture Commission 4 2/20/2025
COMMENTS
5. Staff member comments - None
6.
Commission member comments
Minutes:
Vice-Chair Hernandez – Welcomed the new Commissioner and expressed
excitement about having him on the Commission. Emphasized the
importance of supporting local artists and expressed anticipation for the
Sahuayo mural.
Commissioner Lopez-Guerra – Welcomed Commissioner Ochoa and
highlighted the significance of adding value to the city.
Commissioner Russell – Welcomed the new commissioner and reiterated the
importance of supporting local organizations, as it leads to better decisions
for the Commission. Mentioned that Boca de Oro is returning to the
community and stressed the responsibility in making investment decisions.
Encouraged being vocal and ensuring our voices are heard.
Chair Vu – Welcomed Commissioner Ochoa and shared excitement about
having him on the Commission. Looked forward to hearing his perspective
and echoed the sentiments about bringing communities together through art
and the work being done. Expressed optimism about achieving their goals
and the strategic values ahead.
ADJOURNMENT
The next regular meeting of the Arts and Culture Commission is scheduled for March
20, 2025 at 5:30 PM.
Rental Housing Board 1 February 19, 2025
Rental Housing Board
Regular Meeting Minutes
February 19, 2025
CALL TO ORDER Recording Secretary
Board Members Present:
Ernie Aguilar
Tracy La
Esperanza Martinez
Luis Mier
Staff Members Present:
Michael Garcia, Executive Director
Maricela Marquez, Rent Stabilization Manager Bianca
Zurita, Recording Secretary
PUBLIC COMMENTS - None
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS
1.Regular meeting minutes of August 21, 2024
Recommended Action: Approve minutes.
Minutes: Board Member Martinez made a motion to correct the date on the minutes of
August 21, 2024.
Moved by Board Member Mier, seconded by Board Member Martinez to Approve.
YES: 4 – Ernie Aguilar, Tracy La, Esperanza Martinez, Luis Mier
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 0
Status: 4 – 0 – 0 – 0 – Pass
***END OF CONSENT CALENDAR***
Rental Housing Board 2 February 19, 2025
WORK STUDY SESSION
2. Rental Housing Board: Powers, Duties and Responsibilities
Presented by the City Attorney’s Office
Minutes: Andrea Garcia-Miller conducted the training.
3. Rental Housing Board By-Laws
Presented by the City Attorney’s Office
Minutes: The Board approved the By-Laws.
***END OF WORK STUDY SESSION***
COMMENTS
4. Staff Member comments -
Minutes:
Michael Garcia – Thanked the Board for their patience and informed them that two
appeals are pending for review. Additionally, highlighted the need to fill vacancies on
the Board and mentioned that they will remind Councilmembers to address these
vacancies.
Maricela Marquez – Announced that they have arranged 6 workshops for tenants and
landlords with Legal Aid of Southern California and will be sending the details to the
Board.
5. Board Member comments
Minutes: Tracy La – Thanked the Board and Staff for the work they do.
ADJOURNMENT
The next regular meeting of the Rental Housing Board is scheduled for March 19, 2025 at 4:30
PM in the Council Chamber.
Rental Housing Board 1 March 19, 2025
Rental Housing Board
Regular Meeting Minutes
March 19, 2025
CALL TO ORDER Recording Secretary
Board Members Present:
Ernie Aguilar
Tracy La
Esperanza Martinez
Luis Mier
Staff Members Present:
Michael Garcia, Executive Director
Maricela Marquez, Rent Stabilization Manager
Bianca Zurita, Recording Secretary
PUBLIC COMMENTS - None
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS
1. Excuse Board Member(s) absence(s)
Recommended Action: Excuse the absent Board Member(s).
2. Regular meeting minutes of February 19, 2025
Recommended Action: Approve minutes.
Moved by Board Member Mier, seconded by Board Member Martinez to Approve.
YES: 4 – Ernie Aguilar, Tracy La, Esperanza Martinez, Luis Mier
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 0
Status: 4 – 0 – 0 – 0 – Pass
***END OF CONSENT CALENDAR***
Rental Housing Board 2 March 19, 2025
WORK STUDY SESSION
3. Petition Process Power Point Presentation
Presented by City Attorney’s Office Staff
Minutes: Andrea Garcia-Miller conducted the training.
4. Rental Housing Board Regulations
Presented by City Attorney’s Staff
Minutes: The Board approved the Rental Housing Board Regulations.
***END OF WORK STUDY SESSION***
COMMENTS
5. Staff member comments - None
6. Board Member comments
Minutes:
Board Member Martinez – Expressed appreciation to the staff for their hard work
and dedication to everything they do.
Board Member La – Looking forward to collaborating with the staff to raise public
awareness about the board’s purpose and effectiveness. Thanked the staff for their
presentation.
ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting of the Rental Housing Board is scheduled for April 16, 2025 at 4:30 PM in
the Council Chamber.
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
of the Police Oversight Commission
0Vw'. f
Lj
March 13, 2025
REGULAR MEETING - 5:00 P.M.
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER
22 Civic Center Plaza Santa Ana, CA 92701
CALL TO ORDER
MINUTES: Vice Chair Carpenter called the meeting to order at 5:09 P.M.
ATTENDANCE Commission Members Gabriel Castillo Laughton
Evangeline Gawronski
Amalia Mejia
Carlos Perea
Nadin Said
Vice Chair Keith Carpenter
Chair
Danny Vega
Staff Members
Deputy City Manager Sylvia Vazquez
Police Commander Jorge Lopez
Assistant City Attorney Jonathan Martinez
Recording Secretary Abigail Y. Alcala
POLICE OVERSIGHT COMMISSION 1 MARCH 13, 2025
ROLL CALL
MINUTES: Recording Secretary Abigail Y. Alcala conducted roll call.
Commissioners Castillo Laughton, Gawronski, Mejia, Perea, Said, and Vice Chair
Carpenter were present. Chair Vega was absent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
MINUTES: Vice Chair Carpenter led the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENTS--Public comments will be held during the beginning of the meeting
for all comments on agenda items. Members of the public may provide comments on any
agenda or non-agenda items within the subject matter jurisdiction of the commission.
MINUTES:Recording Secretary Abigail Y. Alcala reported the following email comments
received: Two (2) comments regarding non-agenda items.
1. David Pulido spoke regarding the state of the commission, requested the
commission appoint an oversight director, and spoke regarding the shooting and
death of Noe Rodriguez.
2. Abraham Quintana spoke regarding the state of the commission, requested the
implementation of a policy addressing release of information following officer
involved shootings, and spoke regarding the shooting and death of Noe
Rodriguez.
3. Emma Gottfried requested the release of information following critical incidents
and officer involved shootings, and spoke regarding the shooting and death of Noe
Rodriguez.
4. Stephanie Durantes requested officer names and video footage be released within
48 hours after police related incidents.
5. Erika Armenta (translation: Spanish) spoke regarding the shooting and death of
Noe Rodriguez, requested the release of the incident video to the public, and
demanded a response from the police department regarding the incident.
POLICE OVERSIGHT COMMISSION 2 MARCH 13, 2025
CONSENT CALENDAR
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve staff recommendations on the following
Consent Calendar Items: 1 and 2.
MINUTES:At 5:20 P.M., the Consent Calendar was considered.
MOTION: Commissioner Said moved to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 1 and
2, seconded by Vice Chair Carpenter.
The motion carried, 6-0-0-1, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COMMISSIONER CASTILLO LAUGHTON, COMMISSIONER
GAWRONSKI, COMMISSIONER MEJIA, COMMISSIONER
PEREA, COMMISSIONER SAID, VICE CHAIR CARPENTER
NONE
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT:CHAIR VEGA
Status: 6-0 - 0 — 1 — Pass
1. Excused Absences
Recommended Action: Excuse the absent members.
2. Minutes from the Regular Meetings of October 10, 2024 and February 13, 2025
Recommended Action: Approve minutes.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR***
STAFF PRESENTATIONS
3. Sanctuary Ordinance and Santa Ana Police Department Policy No. 413
MINUTES: Assistant City Attorney Jonathan Martinez and Police Commander
Jorge Lopez provided a presentation regarding the Sanctuary Ordinance and Santa
Ana Police Department Policy No. 413.
Discussion ensued regarding information sharing, finger print data, holding of
inmates, immigration status of inmates, federal contracts, and judicial warrants.
Commissioner Perea requested city manager staff provide the commission
information regarding the 2017 council action passed regarding federal contracts.
Assistant City Attorney Martinez, Police Commander Lopez, and Deputy City
Manager Sylvia Vazquez provided clarification and answered the Commissioners'
questions.
POLICE OVERSIGHT COMMISSION 3 MARCH 13, 2025
Commissioner Me7a inquired regarding possible policy changes as a result of the
current administration, and requested information sharing and mutual agreements
between the City and the Orange County Sheriff's Office.
Commissioner Gawronski inquired regarding consulates located within the City.
Commissioner Castillo Laughton inquired regarding the enforcement of the
ordinance and whether it specifies disciplinary action for violations.
Assistant City Attorney Martinez spoke regarding consulates within the city limits
and stated the ordinance is not an enforcement tool.
Commissioner Perea requested clarification on the process for detaining inmates
at the request of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and inquired
regarding the availability of an annual report detailing the number of ICE detainer
request received by Santa Ana Police Department(SAPD). He also asked whether
the city's current ordinance language was derived from the Lexipol policy.
Discussion ensued regarding the drafting of the ordinance language and the
provisions related to ICE requested detainers.
Commissioner Perea asked whether the SAPD would decline to help in ICE task
force operations and on the frequency and content of immigration policy training for
SAPD staff
Police Commander Lopez responded that SAPD has not been asked to assist with
ICE task force operations and confirmed that SAPD staff are required to receive 24
hours of immigration policy training every two years, however staff exceeds the
requirements by completing two trainings a year.
Commissioner Perea asked whether a specific SAPD staff member is assigned to
process U visa applications and whether the requests are tracked.
Police Commander Lopez confirmed the U visa applications are reviewed and
assigned by a Sergeant.
Deputy City Manager Vazquez stated that a presentation regarding U visas will be
provided at a later meeting.
Commissioner Castillo Laughton asked whether there has been any violation of the
sanctuary ordinance.
Police Commander Lopez stated there has not been any violations to his
knowledge.
Assistant City Attorney Martinez clarified the remedy set forth in section 9 regarding
to disciplinary action for violations of the ordinance.
POLICE OVERSIGHT COMMISSION 4 MARCH 13, 2025
Commissioner Perea requested clarification whether a violation of the policy by
SAPD staff would fall under the scope of the commission.
Assistant City Attorney Martinez stated he would fake a look into the matter.
STUDY SESSION
4. Police Oversight Commission Bylaws Discussion
MINUTES: Assistant City Attorney Jonathan Martinez gave a brief presentation
regarding potential bylaws for the Commission.
Brief discussion ensued regarding the Commission Bylaws.
Commissioner Gawronski provided her closing comments and stated that members
of the public should aim to work collaboratively with City staff rather than make
demands.
MOTION: Vice Chair Carpenter moved to continue Commission Bylaws to a Special
Meeting, seconded by Commissioner Mejia.
The motion carried, 6-0-0-1, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COMMISSIONER CASTILLO LAUGHTON, COMMISSIONER
GAWRONSKI, COMMISSIONER MEDIA, COMMISSIONER
PEREA, COMMISSIONER SAID, VICE CHAIR CARPENTER
NONE
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT:CHAIR VEGA
Status: 6-0 - 0 — 1 —Pass
MINUTES; Assistant City Attorney Martinez stated he will provide additional
examples of other City Commission Bylaws for the Commission to review.
Discussion ensued regarding the possibility of the City Council amending the
Commission Bylaws before they are adopted and on the role of the Independent
Oversight Director.
Assistant City Attorney answered the Commissioner's questions and provided
clarification.
POLICE OVERSIGHT COMMISSION 5 MARCH 13, 2025
STAFF COMMENTS
MINUTES: Deputy City Manager Sylvia Vazquez reported that at the March 4, 2025 City
Council Meeting City Manager Alvaro Nunez announced that he is working on
scheduling interviews for the Independent Oversight Director within the next 30 days,
and a Municipal Code update would follow soon after.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Minutes: Commissioner Perea thanked the City Manager's Office for their attendance
and assistance with the commission, requested the commission review the Police
Department's Body Worn Camera Policy in the near future, and thanked the public for
their participation.
Commissioner Said thanked staff for the Bylaws presentation and study session and the
public for their attendance and participation, and spoke regarding possible legal
restrictions related to the release of information following an officer involved shooting.
Commissioner Mejia (translation: Spanish) expressed condolences towards Erika
Armenta and thanked her for attending the meeting, echoed Commissioner Perea's
comments regarding the Body Worn Camera Policy, and requested clarification regarding
the release of information for cases actively being reviewed by the commission.
Commissioner Castillo Laughton thanked City staff for their presentation and the public
for their comments, and spoke regarding the importance of in-person participation.
Vice Chair Keith Carpenter thanked the public for attending.
ADJOURNMENT-Adjourn the Police Oversight Commission Meeting.
MINUTES: Vice Chair Keith Carpenter adjourned the Police Oversight Commission
meeting at 6:38 P.M.
The next meeting of the Police Oversight Commission is scheduled for April 10, 2025
at 5:00 P.M.
Respectfully submitted:
Ivo(,L
i lcala
R i g Secretary
POLICE OVERSIGHT COMMISSION 6 MARCH 13, 2025
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
of the Police Oversight Commission
4
April 10, 2025
REGULAR MEETING - 5:00 P.M.
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER
22 Civic Center Plaza Santa Ana, CA 92701
CALL TO ORDER
MINUTES: Chair Vega nailed the meeting to order at 5:05 P.M.
ATTENDANCE Commission Members Gabriel Castillo Laughton
Evangeline Gawronski
Amalia Mejia
Carlos Perea
Nadin Said
Vice Chair Keith Carpenter
Chair
Danny Vega
Staff Members
Deputy City Manager Sylvia Vazquez
Police Commander Jorge Lopez
Assistant City Attorney Jonathan Martinez
Recording Secretary Abigail Y. Alcala
POLICE OVERSIGHT COMMISSION 1 APRIL 10, 2025
ROLL CALL
MINUTES: Recording Secretary Abigail Y. Alcala conducted roll call.
Commissioners Gawronski, Mejia, Perea, and Said, Vice Chair Carpenter, and Chair
Vega were present. Commissioner Castillo Laughton was absent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
MINUTES: Chair Vega led the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENTS—Public comments will be held during the beginning of the meeting
for all comments on agenda items. Members of the public may provide comments on any
agenda or non-agenda items within the subject matter jurisdiction of the commission.
MINUTES;Recording Secretary Abigail Y. Alcala reported the following email comments
received: one (1) comment regarding Agenda Item No. 3.
The following individual addressed the Commission via teleconference:
1. Manuel Arreguin expressed concern regarding the police department's process in
handling complaints submitted to the police oversight commission due to the lack
of the police oversight director.
CONSENT CALENDAR
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Approve staff recommendations on the following
Consent Calendar Items: 1 and 2.
MINUTES:At 5:10 P.M., the Consent Calendar was considered.
MOTION: Vice Chair Carpenter moved to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 'I
and 2, seconded by Commissioner Said.
The motion carried, 6-0-0-1, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COMMISSIONER GAWRONSKI, COMMISSIONER MEJIA,
COMMISSIONER PEREA, COMMISSIONER SAID, VICE
CHAIR CARPENTER, CHAIR VEGA
NONE
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT:COMMISSIONER CASTILLO LAUGHTON
Status: 6— 0 — 0 — 1 —Pass
1. Excused Absences
Recommended Action: Excuse the absent members.
POLICE OVERSIGHT COMMISSION 2 APRIL 10, 2025
2. Minutes from the Regular Meetings of March 13, 2025.
Recommended Action: Approve minutes.
END OF CONSENT CALENDAR***
BUSINESS CALENDAR
3. Military Equipment and Santa Ana Police Department Policy No. 707
MINUTES:At 5:12 P.M., the Business Calendar was considered.
Commander Matthew Sorenson gave a presentation regarding military equipment
policy 707.
Chair Vega asked whether the community events referenced in the presentation
included the armored vehicle visiting schools.
Commander Sorenson clarified the armored vehicle visits schools without additional
military equipment weapons and is the most requested item at community events.
Commissioner Mejia questioned the cost effectiveness of investing in an armored
vehicle if it is mainly being used for visual representation at community events.
Discussion ensued regarding the use and funding of armored vehicles, frequency of
equipment deployment, vehicle capabilities, risk assessment process for the use of
military equipment in critical incidents, protests, and SWAT team activations.
Commander Sorenson answered the commissioner's questions and provided
clarification.
Commissioner Perea requested copies of the department's military equipment policies,
asked for clarification regarding the annual compliance requirements stated in AB481,
requested public accessibility to police data including settlements and community
forums on military equipment usage, and expressed concern regarding website
navigation and accessibility.
Commander Sorenson spoke regarding AB 489.
Chair Vega asked whether there needed to be a majority agreement for staff to receive
input from the committee.
Deputy City Manager Sylvia Vazquez clarified that staff would receive input and return
at a future meeting to provide updates.
POLICE OVERSIGHT COMMISSION 3 APRIL 10, 2025
Commissioner Perea commented on the accessibility of police oversight matters,
requested a tab on the city's website main page, data, policies, designated place to
submit complaints, revisions to the policy related to the use of military equipment and
surrounding cities models, and asked whether the police department has had or is
planning on having community forums regarding the military use equipment.
Commander Sorenson reported the lack of prior community forums and the intention
to organize one in the future.
Commissioner Said requested crime rate data of surrounding cities, spoke regarding
other cities military equipment policies, and expressed concern regarding the use of
other cities military use equipment policy with higher crime rates as it may negatively
affect residents.
Commissioner Mejia requested clarification regarding the definition of force as it was
used in the presentation.
Commander Sorenson stated the use of force was defined as military equipment being
used as a means to take someone into custody.
Commissioner Mejia spoke in support of a public forum, and requested data on types
of incidents that lead to use of equipment and more information on how crowd control
is being defined and managed.
Commissioner Gawronski thanked Commander Sorenson for the presentation.
Vice Chair Carpenter expressed concern regarding the use of military equipment and
long-range acoustic devices as force options deployed in civilian environments.
Chair Vega asked whether the military equipment is visible during peaceful protests.
Commander Sorenson spoke regarding the procedure with military equipment during
protest and clarified the equipment is kept at the command post out of sight.
Commissioner Mejia expressed concern regarding the lack of a crowd control policy.
Commander Sorenson spoke regarding crowd control incident action plans with
priorities being protection of life and allowing people to peacefully protest.
Vice Chair Carpenter expressed concern regarding maintenance cost of armored
vehicles and stated he would rather see funds be used to hire additional officers.
Commissioner Perea asked whether there has been any missing equipment in the last
15 years.
Commander Sorenson stated there had been no instances of missing equipment.
POLICE OVERSIGHT COMMISSION 4 APRIL 10, 2025
STUDY SESSION
4. Police Oversight Commission Bylaws Discussion
MINUTES;Assistant City Attorney Jonathan Martinez gave a brief overview regarding
potential bylaws for the Commission.
Commissioner Said spoke in support of drafting bylaws from both the Planning
Commission bylaws and the City of Riverside's Police Oversight Commission bylaws.
Vice Chair Carpenter expressed concern regarding the ability of the Police Oversight
Director to be fully independent.
Assistant City Attorney Martinez clarified the distinction between bylaws and the
ordinance of the Police Oversight Commission.
Chair Vega asked whether the commission could review complaints although they do not
have the ability to give a recommendation.
Assistant City Attomey Martinez stated the complaints continue to be available for review
in his office.
Discussion ensued regarding the commission's ability to review complaints pending a
police oversight director.
Chair Vega asked whether there was an update on the Police Oversight Commission
director.
Deputy City Manager Sylvia Vazquez stated there would be an announcement regarding
Police Oversight Commission at the next City Council meeting.
Commissioner Perea spoke in support of a blend of the Planning Commission and the
City of Riverside's Police Oversight Commission bylaws and requested to review the
bylaws of the Rent Board Commission or a commission with longer terms. He spoke
regarding updating the city charter to make the commission more independent.
Discussion ensued regarding a process to review the commissions' bylaws as a
reoccurring agenda item and spoke regarding examples and sections to be included in
the initial draft of bylaws.
Assistant City Attorney Martinez answered the commission's questions regarding the
drafting process and stated staff could present a draft at the next commission meeting to
discuss and make changes based on the commission's recommendation.
POLICE OVERSIGHT COMMISSION 5 APRIL 10, 2025
MOTION: Commissioner Said moved to request a draft of the commission's bylaws
including items one through six, 10 and 14 from the Santa Ana Planning
Commission bylaws, a process to agendize items similar to the City of Riverside's
Police Oversight Commission bylaws Article 7 Section 6, and a process to receive
and review complaints without an independent oversight director, seconded by
Chair Vega.
The motion carried, 6-0-0-1, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COMMISSIONER GAWRONSKI, COMMISSIONER MEDIA,
COMMISSIONER PEREA, COMMISSIONER SAID, VICE
CHAIR CARPENTER, CHAIR VEGA
NONE
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT:COMMISSIONER CASTILLO LAUGHTON
Status: 6 - 0 — 0 — 1 — Pass
STAFF COMMENTS
MINUTES: Deputy City Manager Sylvia Vazquez reminded the commission that they are
welcome to do a ride along with the police department.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Minutes: Commissioner Gawronski asked whether SWAT is able to do a ride along.
Deputy City Manager Sylvia Vazquez stated SWAT has not yet conducted a ride-along
but will inquire about the possibility of doing so.
Vice Chair Carpenter requested a pdf copy of future agendas and his stipend be paid.
ADJOURNMENT -Adjourn the Police Oversight Commission Meeting.
MINUTES: Chair Vega adjourned the Police Oversight Commission meeting at 7:02
P.M.
The next meeting of the Police Oversight Commission is scheduled for May 8, 2025 at
5:00 P.M.
Respectfu4 submitted:
J
A it Gala
R c r i Secretary
POLICE OVERSIGHT COMMISSION 6 APRIL 10, 2025