HomeMy WebLinkAboutPacket 8.25.25Planning Commission
Regular Meeting Agenda
August 25, 2025
5:30 P.M.
LOCATION CHANGE
City Hall, Ross Annex
22 Civic Center Plaza, Conference Room 1600*
Santa Ana, CA
Members of the public may attend this meeting inperson or join via Zoom.
Join from your computer: https://zoom.us/j/83603979703
Join from your mobile phone via Zoom App. Meeting ID: 83603979703
Dial in from a mobile phone or landline.(669) 900 6833; Meeting ID: 83603979703
*For viewing only: www.youtube.com/cityofsantaanavideos. Please note: There is up to a 30 second
delay when viewing the meeting via YouTube. If you plan to provide a public comment during the
meeting, please join the meeting via Zoom.
For detailed participation and commenting options, please review the instructions provided
at the end of this agenda.
To download or view each item, select either Download PDF or View Item Details to the right
of the agenda title.
ISURI S. RAMOS
Chair, Ward 3 Representative
CARL BENNINGER
ViceChair
Ward 4 Representative
CHRISTOPHER LEO
Citywide Representative
MANUEL J. ESCAMILLA
Ward 2 Representative
JENNIFER OLIVA
Ward 6 Representative
BAO PHAM
Ward 1 Representative
ALAN WOO
Ward 5 Representative
Ali Pezeshkpour, AICP
Executive Director
Melissa M. Crosthwaite
Legal Counsel
Ricardo Soto, AICP
Acting Planning Manager
Gema Zapien
Acting Recording Secretary
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need special assistance to participate in this Meeting, contact Michael
Ortiz, City ADA Program Coordinator, at (714) 6475624. Notification 48 hours prior to the Meeting will enable the City to make reasonable
arrangements to assure accessibility to this meeting. The City Council agenda and supporting documentation can be found on the City’s
website – www.santaana.org/citymeetings.
CALL TO ORDER
Commissioners: Isuri S. Ramos, Chair
Carl Benninger, ViceChair
Christopher Leo
Manuel J. Escamilla
Jennifer Oliva
Bao Pham
Alan Woo
Executive Director Ali Pezeshkpour, AICP
Legal Counsel Melissa M. Crosthwaite
Acting Planning Manager Ricardo Soto, AICP
Acting Recording Secretary Gema Zapien
ROLL CALL
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
PUBLIC COMMENTS
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS
a.Minutes
Recommended Action: Approve Minutes from August 11, 2025.
b.Excused Absences
Recommended Action: Excuse absent commissioners.
*End of Consent Calendar*
BUSINESS CALENDAR
Business – Miscellaneous (NonPublic Hearing):
1.PUBLIC FACILITIES NAMING NO. 202501 FOR THE PARK LOCATED AT THE
SOUTHWEST CORNER OF THE INTERSECTION OF SOUTH BRISTOL STREET AND
WEST TOLLIVER STREET (712 SOUTH BRISTOL STREET)
Project Applicant: City of Santa Ana Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Agency
Proposed Project: City of Santa Ana Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Agency
(PRCSA) is requesting the Planning Commission approve Public Facilities Naming (PFN) No.
202501 to name the park located at the southwest corner of S. Bristol Street and W. Tolliver
Street “Nuestro Park.”
Environmental Impact: In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act and the
CEQA Guidelines, the recommended action is exempt from further review per Section 15061
(b)(3). This general rule exemption is allowed provided it can be determined with certainty that
the proposed project will not have a significant effect on the environment. As the project
consists of naming of a public facility, the general rule exemption is applicable. A Notice of
Exemption, Environmental Review No. 202579, will be filed for this project.
Recommended Action:
Adopt a resolution approving Public Facilities No. 202501 naming the park located at
the southwest corner of the intersection of S. Bristol Street and W. Tolliver Street (712 S.
Bristol Street) “Nuestro Park.”
*End of Business Calendar*
STAFF COMMENTS
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting of the Planning Commission will be on September 08, 2025, at 5:30 PM in the
Council Chamber located at 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
APPEAL INFORMATION
The formal action by the Planning Commission shall become effective after the tenday appeal
period, unless the City Council in compliance with section 41643, 41644 or 41645 holds a public
hearing on the matter, then the formal action will become effective on the day following the hearing
and decision by the City Council. An appeal from the decision or requirement of the Planning
Commission may be made by any interested party, individual, or group. The appeal must be filed with
the Clerk of the Council, accompanied by the required filing fee, and a copy sent to the Planning
Department, within ten days of the date of the Commission's action, by 5:00 p.m. If the final day to
appeal falls on a City Hall observed holiday or a day when City hall is closed, the final day to appeal
shall be extended to the next day City Hall is open for public business. Please note: Under California
Government Code Sec. 65009, if you challenge in court any of the matters on this agenda for which a
public hearing is to be conducted, you may be limited to raising only those issues which you (or
someone else) raised orally at the public hearing or in written correspondence received by the
Planning Commission or City Council at or before the hearing.
MEETING INFORMATION
If you would like to learn how to use Zoom before the meeting, visit Zoom Video Tutorials.
1. Connecting directly from your computer:
Click on the link on top of this agenda OR
Go to Zoom.us and click "Join a Meeting" at the top. Enter the Meeting ID. The Meeting ID is
listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed,
click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know you wish to
speak. You will have 3 minutes.
2. Connecting via the Zoom App:
Download the free Zoom Cloud Meetings app from your favorite app store.
Launch the app and click on the blue Join a Meeting button. Enter the Meeting ID, your name,
and the blue Join button. The Meeting ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed,
click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know you wish to
speak. You will have 3 minutes.
3. Dialing in from a mobile phone or landline:
Dial (669) 9009128. When prompted, enter the meeting ID. The Meeting ID is listed at the top
of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed,
press *9 on your phone to virtually raise your hand. You will have 3 minutes.
Submit a written comment
You are invited to submit a written comment in one of the following ways:
Email PBAecomments@santaana.org and reference the topic in the subject line.
Mail to Gema Zapien, Acting Recording Secretary, City of Santa Ana, 20 Civic Center Plaza –
M20, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Deadline to submit written comments, including any supplement materials for consideration
by the Planning Commission, is 3:30 p.m. on the day of the meeting.Comments received
after the deadline may not be distributed to the Commission but will be made part of the
record. All attendees wishing to submit written comments or supplemental materials for
distribution to Planning Commission members during the inperson meeting must provide 15
printed copies.
Planning CommissionRegular Meeting AgendaAugust 25, 20255:30 P.M.LOCATION CHANGECity Hall, Ross Annex22 Civic Center Plaza, Conference Room 1600*Santa Ana, CA Members of the public may attend this meeting inperson or join via Zoom.Join from your computer: https://zoom.us/j/83603979703Join from your mobile phone via Zoom App. Meeting ID: 83603979703Dial in from a mobile phone or landline.(669) 900 6833; Meeting ID: 83603979703*For viewing only: www.youtube.com/cityofsantaanavideos. Please note: There is up to a 30 seconddelay when viewing the meeting via YouTube. If you plan to provide a public comment during themeeting, please join the meeting via Zoom.For detailed participation and commenting options, please review the instructions providedat the end of this agenda.
To download or view each item, select either Download PDF or View Item Details to the right
of the agenda title.
ISURI S. RAMOS
Chair, Ward 3 Representative
CARL BENNINGER
ViceChair
Ward 4 Representative
CHRISTOPHER LEO
Citywide Representative
MANUEL J. ESCAMILLA
Ward 2 Representative
JENNIFER OLIVA
Ward 6 Representative
BAO PHAM
Ward 1 Representative
ALAN WOO
Ward 5 Representative
Ali Pezeshkpour, AICP
Executive Director
Melissa M. Crosthwaite
Legal Counsel
Ricardo Soto, AICP
Acting Planning Manager
Gema Zapien
Acting Recording Secretary
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need special assistance to participate in this Meeting, contact Michael
Ortiz, City ADA Program Coordinator, at (714) 6475624. Notification 48 hours prior to the Meeting will enable the City to make reasonable
arrangements to assure accessibility to this meeting. The City Council agenda and supporting documentation can be found on the City’s
website – www.santaana.org/citymeetings.
CALL TO ORDER
Commissioners: Isuri S. Ramos, Chair
Carl Benninger, ViceChair
Christopher Leo
Manuel J. Escamilla
Jennifer Oliva
Bao Pham
Alan Woo
Executive Director Ali Pezeshkpour, AICP
Legal Counsel Melissa M. Crosthwaite
Acting Planning Manager Ricardo Soto, AICP
Acting Recording Secretary Gema Zapien
ROLL CALL
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
PUBLIC COMMENTS
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS
a.Minutes
Recommended Action: Approve Minutes from August 11, 2025.
b.Excused Absences
Recommended Action: Excuse absent commissioners.
*End of Consent Calendar*
BUSINESS CALENDAR
Business – Miscellaneous (NonPublic Hearing):
1.PUBLIC FACILITIES NAMING NO. 202501 FOR THE PARK LOCATED AT THE
SOUTHWEST CORNER OF THE INTERSECTION OF SOUTH BRISTOL STREET AND
WEST TOLLIVER STREET (712 SOUTH BRISTOL STREET)
Project Applicant: City of Santa Ana Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Agency
Proposed Project: City of Santa Ana Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Agency
(PRCSA) is requesting the Planning Commission approve Public Facilities Naming (PFN) No.
202501 to name the park located at the southwest corner of S. Bristol Street and W. Tolliver
Street “Nuestro Park.”
Environmental Impact: In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act and the
CEQA Guidelines, the recommended action is exempt from further review per Section 15061
(b)(3). This general rule exemption is allowed provided it can be determined with certainty that
the proposed project will not have a significant effect on the environment. As the project
consists of naming of a public facility, the general rule exemption is applicable. A Notice of
Exemption, Environmental Review No. 202579, will be filed for this project.
Recommended Action:
Adopt a resolution approving Public Facilities No. 202501 naming the park located at
the southwest corner of the intersection of S. Bristol Street and W. Tolliver Street (712 S.
Bristol Street) “Nuestro Park.”
*End of Business Calendar*
STAFF COMMENTS
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting of the Planning Commission will be on September 08, 2025, at 5:30 PM in the
Council Chamber located at 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
APPEAL INFORMATION
The formal action by the Planning Commission shall become effective after the tenday appeal
period, unless the City Council in compliance with section 41643, 41644 or 41645 holds a public
hearing on the matter, then the formal action will become effective on the day following the hearing
and decision by the City Council. An appeal from the decision or requirement of the Planning
Commission may be made by any interested party, individual, or group. The appeal must be filed with
the Clerk of the Council, accompanied by the required filing fee, and a copy sent to the Planning
Department, within ten days of the date of the Commission's action, by 5:00 p.m. If the final day to
appeal falls on a City Hall observed holiday or a day when City hall is closed, the final day to appeal
shall be extended to the next day City Hall is open for public business. Please note: Under California
Government Code Sec. 65009, if you challenge in court any of the matters on this agenda for which a
public hearing is to be conducted, you may be limited to raising only those issues which you (or
someone else) raised orally at the public hearing or in written correspondence received by the
Planning Commission or City Council at or before the hearing.
MEETING INFORMATION
If you would like to learn how to use Zoom before the meeting, visit Zoom Video Tutorials.
1. Connecting directly from your computer:
Click on the link on top of this agenda OR
Go to Zoom.us and click "Join a Meeting" at the top. Enter the Meeting ID. The Meeting ID is
listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed,
click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know you wish to
speak. You will have 3 minutes.
2. Connecting via the Zoom App:
Download the free Zoom Cloud Meetings app from your favorite app store.
Launch the app and click on the blue Join a Meeting button. Enter the Meeting ID, your name,
and the blue Join button. The Meeting ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed,
click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know you wish to
speak. You will have 3 minutes.
3. Dialing in from a mobile phone or landline:
Dial (669) 9009128. When prompted, enter the meeting ID. The Meeting ID is listed at the top
of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed,
press *9 on your phone to virtually raise your hand. You will have 3 minutes.
Submit a written comment
You are invited to submit a written comment in one of the following ways:
Email PBAecomments@santaana.org and reference the topic in the subject line.
Mail to Gema Zapien, Acting Recording Secretary, City of Santa Ana, 20 Civic Center Plaza –
M20, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Deadline to submit written comments, including any supplement materials for consideration
by the Planning Commission, is 3:30 p.m. on the day of the meeting.Comments received
after the deadline may not be distributed to the Commission but will be made part of the
record. All attendees wishing to submit written comments or supplemental materials for
distribution to Planning Commission members during the inperson meeting must provide 15
printed copies.
Planning CommissionRegular Meeting AgendaAugust 25, 20255:30 P.M.LOCATION CHANGECity Hall, Ross Annex22 Civic Center Plaza, Conference Room 1600*Santa Ana, CA Members of the public may attend this meeting inperson or join via Zoom.Join from your computer: https://zoom.us/j/83603979703Join from your mobile phone via Zoom App. Meeting ID: 83603979703Dial in from a mobile phone or landline.(669) 900 6833; Meeting ID: 83603979703*For viewing only: www.youtube.com/cityofsantaanavideos. Please note: There is up to a 30 seconddelay when viewing the meeting via YouTube. If you plan to provide a public comment during themeeting, please join the meeting via Zoom.For detailed participation and commenting options, please review the instructions providedat the end of this agenda.To download or view each item, select either Download PDF or View Item Details to the rightof the agenda title. ISURI S. RAMOSChair, Ward 3 RepresentativeCARL BENNINGERViceChairWard 4 Representative CHRISTOPHER LEOCitywide RepresentativeMANUEL J. ESCAMILLAWard 2 Representative JENNIFER OLIVAWard 6 RepresentativeBAO PHAMWard 1 Representative ALAN WOOWard 5 RepresentativeAli Pezeshkpour, AICPExecutive DirectorMelissa M. CrosthwaiteLegal Counsel Ricardo Soto, AICPActing Planning Manager Gema ZapienActing Recording Secretary
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need special assistance to participate in this Meeting, contact Michael
Ortiz, City ADA Program Coordinator, at (714) 6475624. Notification 48 hours prior to the Meeting will enable the City to make reasonable
arrangements to assure accessibility to this meeting. The City Council agenda and supporting documentation can be found on the City’s
website – www.santaana.org/citymeetings.
CALL TO ORDER
Commissioners: Isuri S. Ramos, Chair
Carl Benninger, ViceChair
Christopher Leo
Manuel J. Escamilla
Jennifer Oliva
Bao Pham
Alan Woo
Executive Director Ali Pezeshkpour, AICP
Legal Counsel Melissa M. Crosthwaite
Acting Planning Manager Ricardo Soto, AICP
Acting Recording Secretary Gema Zapien
ROLL CALL
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
PUBLIC COMMENTS
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS
a.Minutes
Recommended Action: Approve Minutes from August 11, 2025.
b.Excused Absences
Recommended Action: Excuse absent commissioners.
*End of Consent Calendar*
BUSINESS CALENDAR
Business – Miscellaneous (NonPublic Hearing):
1.PUBLIC FACILITIES NAMING NO. 202501 FOR THE PARK LOCATED AT THE
SOUTHWEST CORNER OF THE INTERSECTION OF SOUTH BRISTOL STREET AND
WEST TOLLIVER STREET (712 SOUTH BRISTOL STREET)
Project Applicant: City of Santa Ana Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Agency
Proposed Project: City of Santa Ana Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Agency
(PRCSA) is requesting the Planning Commission approve Public Facilities Naming (PFN) No.
202501 to name the park located at the southwest corner of S. Bristol Street and W. Tolliver
Street “Nuestro Park.”
Environmental Impact: In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act and the
CEQA Guidelines, the recommended action is exempt from further review per Section 15061
(b)(3). This general rule exemption is allowed provided it can be determined with certainty that
the proposed project will not have a significant effect on the environment. As the project
consists of naming of a public facility, the general rule exemption is applicable. A Notice of
Exemption, Environmental Review No. 202579, will be filed for this project.
Recommended Action:
Adopt a resolution approving Public Facilities No. 202501 naming the park located at
the southwest corner of the intersection of S. Bristol Street and W. Tolliver Street (712 S.
Bristol Street) “Nuestro Park.”
*End of Business Calendar*
STAFF COMMENTS
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting of the Planning Commission will be on September 08, 2025, at 5:30 PM in the
Council Chamber located at 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
APPEAL INFORMATION
The formal action by the Planning Commission shall become effective after the tenday appeal
period, unless the City Council in compliance with section 41643, 41644 or 41645 holds a public
hearing on the matter, then the formal action will become effective on the day following the hearing
and decision by the City Council. An appeal from the decision or requirement of the Planning
Commission may be made by any interested party, individual, or group. The appeal must be filed with
the Clerk of the Council, accompanied by the required filing fee, and a copy sent to the Planning
Department, within ten days of the date of the Commission's action, by 5:00 p.m. If the final day to
appeal falls on a City Hall observed holiday or a day when City hall is closed, the final day to appeal
shall be extended to the next day City Hall is open for public business. Please note: Under California
Government Code Sec. 65009, if you challenge in court any of the matters on this agenda for which a
public hearing is to be conducted, you may be limited to raising only those issues which you (or
someone else) raised orally at the public hearing or in written correspondence received by the
Planning Commission or City Council at or before the hearing.
MEETING INFORMATION
If you would like to learn how to use Zoom before the meeting, visit Zoom Video Tutorials.
1. Connecting directly from your computer:
Click on the link on top of this agenda OR
Go to Zoom.us and click "Join a Meeting" at the top. Enter the Meeting ID. The Meeting ID is
listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed,
click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know you wish to
speak. You will have 3 minutes.
2. Connecting via the Zoom App:
Download the free Zoom Cloud Meetings app from your favorite app store.
Launch the app and click on the blue Join a Meeting button. Enter the Meeting ID, your name,
and the blue Join button. The Meeting ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed,
click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know you wish to
speak. You will have 3 minutes.
3. Dialing in from a mobile phone or landline:
Dial (669) 9009128. When prompted, enter the meeting ID. The Meeting ID is listed at the top
of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed,
press *9 on your phone to virtually raise your hand. You will have 3 minutes.
Submit a written comment
You are invited to submit a written comment in one of the following ways:
Email PBAecomments@santaana.org and reference the topic in the subject line.
Mail to Gema Zapien, Acting Recording Secretary, City of Santa Ana, 20 Civic Center Plaza –
M20, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Deadline to submit written comments, including any supplement materials for consideration
by the Planning Commission, is 3:30 p.m. on the day of the meeting.Comments received
after the deadline may not be distributed to the Commission but will be made part of the
record. All attendees wishing to submit written comments or supplemental materials for
distribution to Planning Commission members during the inperson meeting must provide 15
printed copies.
Planning CommissionRegular Meeting AgendaAugust 25, 20255:30 P.M.LOCATION CHANGECity Hall, Ross Annex22 Civic Center Plaza, Conference Room 1600*Santa Ana, CA Members of the public may attend this meeting inperson or join via Zoom.Join from your computer: https://zoom.us/j/83603979703Join from your mobile phone via Zoom App. Meeting ID: 83603979703Dial in from a mobile phone or landline.(669) 900 6833; Meeting ID: 83603979703*For viewing only: www.youtube.com/cityofsantaanavideos. Please note: There is up to a 30 seconddelay when viewing the meeting via YouTube. If you plan to provide a public comment during themeeting, please join the meeting via Zoom.For detailed participation and commenting options, please review the instructions providedat the end of this agenda.To download or view each item, select either Download PDF or View Item Details to the rightof the agenda title. ISURI S. RAMOSChair, Ward 3 RepresentativeCARL BENNINGERViceChairWard 4 Representative CHRISTOPHER LEOCitywide RepresentativeMANUEL J. ESCAMILLAWard 2 Representative JENNIFER OLIVAWard 6 RepresentativeBAO PHAMWard 1 Representative ALAN WOOWard 5 RepresentativeAli Pezeshkpour, AICPExecutive DirectorMelissa M. CrosthwaiteLegal Counsel Ricardo Soto, AICPActing Planning Manager Gema ZapienActing Recording SecretaryIn compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need special assistance to participate in this Meeting, contact MichaelOrtiz, City ADA Program Coordinator, at (714) 6475624. Notification 48 hours prior to the Meeting will enable the City to make reasonablearrangements to assure accessibility to this meeting. The City Council agenda and supporting documentation can be found on the City’swebsite – www.santaana.org/citymeetings.CALL TO ORDER Commissioners: Isuri S. Ramos, ChairCarl Benninger, ViceChairChristopher LeoManuel J. EscamillaJennifer OlivaBao PhamAlan Woo Executive Director Ali Pezeshkpour, AICPLegal Counsel Melissa M. CrosthwaiteActing Planning Manager Ricardo Soto, AICPActing Recording Secretary Gema ZapienROLL CALLPLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCEPUBLIC COMMENTSCONSENT CALENDAR ITEMSa.MinutesRecommended Action: Approve Minutes from August 11, 2025.b.Excused AbsencesRecommended Action: Excuse absent commissioners.*End of Consent Calendar*BUSINESS CALENDARBusiness – Miscellaneous (NonPublic Hearing):1.PUBLIC FACILITIES NAMING NO. 202501 FOR THE PARK LOCATED AT THESOUTHWEST CORNER OF THE INTERSECTION OF SOUTH BRISTOL STREET ANDWEST TOLLIVER STREET (712 SOUTH BRISTOL STREET) Project Applicant: City of Santa Ana Parks, Recreation, and Community Services AgencyProposed Project: City of Santa Ana Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Agency(PRCSA) is requesting the Planning Commission approve Public Facilities Naming (PFN) No.
202501 to name the park located at the southwest corner of S. Bristol Street and W. Tolliver
Street “Nuestro Park.”
Environmental Impact: In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act and the
CEQA Guidelines, the recommended action is exempt from further review per Section 15061
(b)(3). This general rule exemption is allowed provided it can be determined with certainty that
the proposed project will not have a significant effect on the environment. As the project
consists of naming of a public facility, the general rule exemption is applicable. A Notice of
Exemption, Environmental Review No. 202579, will be filed for this project.
Recommended Action:
Adopt a resolution approving Public Facilities No. 202501 naming the park located at
the southwest corner of the intersection of S. Bristol Street and W. Tolliver Street (712 S.
Bristol Street) “Nuestro Park.”
*End of Business Calendar*
STAFF COMMENTS
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting of the Planning Commission will be on September 08, 2025, at 5:30 PM in the
Council Chamber located at 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
APPEAL INFORMATION
The formal action by the Planning Commission shall become effective after the tenday appeal
period, unless the City Council in compliance with section 41643, 41644 or 41645 holds a public
hearing on the matter, then the formal action will become effective on the day following the hearing
and decision by the City Council. An appeal from the decision or requirement of the Planning
Commission may be made by any interested party, individual, or group. The appeal must be filed with
the Clerk of the Council, accompanied by the required filing fee, and a copy sent to the Planning
Department, within ten days of the date of the Commission's action, by 5:00 p.m. If the final day to
appeal falls on a City Hall observed holiday or a day when City hall is closed, the final day to appeal
shall be extended to the next day City Hall is open for public business. Please note: Under California
Government Code Sec. 65009, if you challenge in court any of the matters on this agenda for which a
public hearing is to be conducted, you may be limited to raising only those issues which you (or
someone else) raised orally at the public hearing or in written correspondence received by the
Planning Commission or City Council at or before the hearing.
MEETING INFORMATION
If you would like to learn how to use Zoom before the meeting, visit Zoom Video Tutorials.
1. Connecting directly from your computer:
Click on the link on top of this agenda OR
Go to Zoom.us and click "Join a Meeting" at the top. Enter the Meeting ID. The Meeting ID is
listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed,
click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know you wish to
speak. You will have 3 minutes.
2. Connecting via the Zoom App:
Download the free Zoom Cloud Meetings app from your favorite app store.
Launch the app and click on the blue Join a Meeting button. Enter the Meeting ID, your name,
and the blue Join button. The Meeting ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed,
click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know you wish to
speak. You will have 3 minutes.
3. Dialing in from a mobile phone or landline:
Dial (669) 9009128. When prompted, enter the meeting ID. The Meeting ID is listed at the top
of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed,
press *9 on your phone to virtually raise your hand. You will have 3 minutes.
Submit a written comment
You are invited to submit a written comment in one of the following ways:
Email PBAecomments@santaana.org and reference the topic in the subject line.
Mail to Gema Zapien, Acting Recording Secretary, City of Santa Ana, 20 Civic Center Plaza –
M20, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Deadline to submit written comments, including any supplement materials for consideration
by the Planning Commission, is 3:30 p.m. on the day of the meeting.Comments received
after the deadline may not be distributed to the Commission but will be made part of the
record. All attendees wishing to submit written comments or supplemental materials for
distribution to Planning Commission members during the inperson meeting must provide 15
printed copies.
Planning CommissionRegular Meeting AgendaAugust 25, 20255:30 P.M.LOCATION CHANGECity Hall, Ross Annex22 Civic Center Plaza, Conference Room 1600*Santa Ana, CA Members of the public may attend this meeting inperson or join via Zoom.Join from your computer: https://zoom.us/j/83603979703Join from your mobile phone via Zoom App. Meeting ID: 83603979703Dial in from a mobile phone or landline.(669) 900 6833; Meeting ID: 83603979703*For viewing only: www.youtube.com/cityofsantaanavideos. Please note: There is up to a 30 seconddelay when viewing the meeting via YouTube. If you plan to provide a public comment during themeeting, please join the meeting via Zoom.For detailed participation and commenting options, please review the instructions providedat the end of this agenda.To download or view each item, select either Download PDF or View Item Details to the rightof the agenda title. ISURI S. RAMOSChair, Ward 3 RepresentativeCARL BENNINGERViceChairWard 4 Representative CHRISTOPHER LEOCitywide RepresentativeMANUEL J. ESCAMILLAWard 2 Representative JENNIFER OLIVAWard 6 RepresentativeBAO PHAMWard 1 Representative ALAN WOOWard 5 RepresentativeAli Pezeshkpour, AICPExecutive DirectorMelissa M. CrosthwaiteLegal Counsel Ricardo Soto, AICPActing Planning Manager Gema ZapienActing Recording SecretaryIn compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need special assistance to participate in this Meeting, contact MichaelOrtiz, City ADA Program Coordinator, at (714) 6475624. Notification 48 hours prior to the Meeting will enable the City to make reasonablearrangements to assure accessibility to this meeting. The City Council agenda and supporting documentation can be found on the City’swebsite – www.santaana.org/citymeetings.CALL TO ORDER Commissioners: Isuri S. Ramos, ChairCarl Benninger, ViceChairChristopher LeoManuel J. EscamillaJennifer OlivaBao PhamAlan Woo Executive Director Ali Pezeshkpour, AICPLegal Counsel Melissa M. CrosthwaiteActing Planning Manager Ricardo Soto, AICPActing Recording Secretary Gema ZapienROLL CALLPLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCEPUBLIC COMMENTSCONSENT CALENDAR ITEMSa.MinutesRecommended Action: Approve Minutes from August 11, 2025.b.Excused AbsencesRecommended Action: Excuse absent commissioners.*End of Consent Calendar*BUSINESS CALENDARBusiness – Miscellaneous (NonPublic Hearing):1.PUBLIC FACILITIES NAMING NO. 202501 FOR THE PARK LOCATED AT THESOUTHWEST CORNER OF THE INTERSECTION OF SOUTH BRISTOL STREET ANDWEST TOLLIVER STREET (712 SOUTH BRISTOL STREET) Project Applicant: City of Santa Ana Parks, Recreation, and Community Services AgencyProposed Project: City of Santa Ana Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Agency(PRCSA) is requesting the Planning Commission approve Public Facilities Naming (PFN) No.202501 to name the park located at the southwest corner of S. Bristol Street and W. TolliverStreet “Nuestro Park.”Environmental Impact: In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act and theCEQA Guidelines, the recommended action is exempt from further review per Section 15061(b)(3). This general rule exemption is allowed provided it can be determined with certainty thatthe proposed project will not have a significant effect on the environment. As the projectconsists of naming of a public facility, the general rule exemption is applicable. A Notice ofExemption, Environmental Review No. 202579, will be filed for this project.Recommended Action:Adopt a resolution approving Public Facilities No. 202501 naming the park located atthe southwest corner of the intersection of S. Bristol Street and W. Tolliver Street (712 S.Bristol Street) “Nuestro Park.”*End of Business Calendar*STAFF COMMENTSCOMMISSIONER COMMENTSADJOURNMENTThe next meeting of the Planning Commission will be on September 08, 2025, at 5:30 PM in theCouncil Chamber located at 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701.APPEAL INFORMATIONThe formal action by the Planning Commission shall become effective after the tenday appealperiod, unless the City Council in compliance with section 41643, 41644 or 41645 holds a publichearing on the matter, then the formal action will become effective on the day following the hearingand decision by the City Council. An appeal from the decision or requirement of the PlanningCommission may be made by any interested party, individual, or group. The appeal must be filed withthe Clerk of the Council, accompanied by the required filing fee, and a copy sent to the PlanningDepartment, within ten days of the date of the Commission's action, by 5:00 p.m. If the final day toappeal falls on a City Hall observed holiday or a day when City hall is closed, the final day to appealshall be extended to the next day City Hall is open for public business. Please note: Under CaliforniaGovernment Code Sec. 65009, if you challenge in court any of the matters on this agenda for which apublic hearing is to be conducted, you may be limited to raising only those issues which you (orsomeone else) raised orally at the public hearing or in written correspondence received by thePlanning Commission or City Council at or before the hearing.MEETING INFORMATIONIf you would like to learn how to use Zoom before the meeting, visit Zoom Video Tutorials.1. Connecting directly from your computer:Click on the link on top of this agenda ORGo to Zoom.us and click "Join a Meeting" at the top. Enter the Meeting ID. The Meeting ID is
listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed,
click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know you wish to
speak. You will have 3 minutes.
2. Connecting via the Zoom App:
Download the free Zoom Cloud Meetings app from your favorite app store.
Launch the app and click on the blue Join a Meeting button. Enter the Meeting ID, your name,
and the blue Join button. The Meeting ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed,
click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know you wish to
speak. You will have 3 minutes.
3. Dialing in from a mobile phone or landline:
Dial (669) 9009128. When prompted, enter the meeting ID. The Meeting ID is listed at the top
of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed,
press *9 on your phone to virtually raise your hand. You will have 3 minutes.
Submit a written comment
You are invited to submit a written comment in one of the following ways:
Email PBAecomments@santaana.org and reference the topic in the subject line.
Mail to Gema Zapien, Acting Recording Secretary, City of Santa Ana, 20 Civic Center Plaza –
M20, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Deadline to submit written comments, including any supplement materials for consideration
by the Planning Commission, is 3:30 p.m. on the day of the meeting.Comments received
after the deadline may not be distributed to the Commission but will be made part of the
record. All attendees wishing to submit written comments or supplemental materials for
distribution to Planning Commission members during the inperson meeting must provide 15
printed copies.
Planning Commission
DRAFT Regular Meeting Agenda Minutes
August 11, 2025
5:30 P.M.
Council Chamber
22 Civic Center Plaza
Santa Ana, CA
ISURI S. RAMOS
Chair, Ward 3 Representative
CARL BENNINGER
ViceChair,
Ward 4 Representative
CHRISTOPHER LEO
Citywide Representative
MANUEL J. ESCAMILLA
Ward 2 Representative
JENNIFER OLIVA
Ward 6 Representative
BAO PHAM
Ward 1 Representative
ALAN WOO
Ward 5 Representative
Ali Pezeshkpour, AICP
Executive Director
Melissa M. Crosthwaite
Legal Counsel
Ricardo Soto, AICP
Acting Planning Manager
Gema Zapien
Acting Recording Secretary
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need special assistance to participate in this Meeting, contact Michael
Ortiz, City ADA Program Coordinator, at (714) 6475624. Notification 48 hours prior to the Meeting will enable the City to make reasonable
arrangements to assure accessibility to this meeting. The City Council agenda and supporting documentation can be found on the City’s
website – www.santaana.org/citymeetings.
CALL TO ORDER
Commissioners: Isuri S. Ramos, Chair
Carl Benninger, ViceChair
Christopher Leo
Manuel J. Escamilla
Jennifer Oliva
Bao Pham
Alan Woo
Executive Director Ali Pezeshkpour, AICP
Legal Counsel Melissa M. Crosthwaite
Acting Planning Manager Ricardo Soto, AICP
Acting Recording Secretary Gema Zapien
ROLL CALL
Minutes: Quorum was reached at 5:43 PM with Commissioner Escamilla arriving at 5:45 PM.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
PUBLIC COMMENTS
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS
a.Minutes
Recommended Action: Approve Minutes from July 28, 2025.
b.Excused Absences
Recommended Action: Excuse absent commissioners.
c.Related Bristol Development Agreement 2025 Annual Monitoring Report
Recommended Action: Receive and file the 2025 Annual Monitoring Report for
Development Agreement No. 202302 between the City of Santa Ana and RCR Bristol, LLC,
for the property located at 3600 S. Bristol Street.
Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Leo to Approve Item A and B.
YES: 7 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla, Jennifer Oliva,
Carl Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 0 – Status: 7 – 0 – 0 – 0 – Pass
Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Benninger to Approve Item C.
YES: 7 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla, Jennifer Oliva,
Carl Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 0 – Status: 7 – 0 – 0 – 0 – Pass
*End of Consent Calendar*
BUSINESS CALENDAR
Public Hearing:The Planning Commission decision on Conditional Use Permits,
Variances, Tentative Tract and Parcel Maps, Minor Exceptions, Site Plan Review, and
Public Convenience or Necessity Determinations are final unless appealed within 10
days of the decision by any interested party or group (refer to the Basic Meeting
Information page for more information). The Planning Commission recommendation
on Zoning and General Plan amendments, Development Agreements, Specific
Developments, and Specific Plans will be forwarded to the City Council for final
determination. Legal notice was published in the OC Register on July 22, 2025 and
notices were mailed on said date.
1.AMENDMENT APPLICATION (AA) NO. 202501, VESTING TENTATIVE TRACT MAP
(VTTM) NO. 202506, AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT (DA) NO. 202501 FOR
THE VILLAGE SPECIFIC PLAN PROJECT GENERALLY LOCATED AT 1561 WEST
SUNFLOWER AVENUE LOCATED WITHIN THE SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT NO. 48
(SD48) ZONING DISTRICT.
Project Applicant: Justin McCusker with South Coast Plaza, on behalf of South Coast
Plaza (Applicant and Property Owner)
Proposed Project: Applicant is requesting approval of various entitlements to
facilitate the establishment of a new Specific Plan (SP) that would allow the
redevelopment of a 17.2acre site into a mixeduse urban village containing up to 1,583
residential units, 80,000 square feet of commercial/retail space, 300,000 square feet of
office space, and 13.8 acres of public and private outdoor and recreation space
(“Project”). The Project entitlements include Amendment Application No. 202501 to
establish The Village Santa Ana Specific Plan (“SP6”) and to change the zoning district
designation of the subject property from Specific Development No. 48 to SP6, Vesting
Tentative Tract Map No. 202506 (County Map No. 2023159) to subdivide the Project site
into six buildable lots, and Development Agreement No. 202501 outlining terms and
conditions for the Project. The Project also requires overruling the Orange County Airport
Land Use Commission’s determination of inconsistency for the Project with the Airport
Environs Land Use Plan for John Wayne Airport. The Planning Commission will serve as
an advisory body to the City Council on this Project and their recommendation on the
Project will be forward to the City Council for consideration at a later date.
Environmental Impact: Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”),
the Project requires: (1) certification of a Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Report
(SEIR No. 202501 and SCH No. 2020029087); (2) adoption of Environmental Findings
of Fact and a Statement of Overriding Consideration; and (3) adoption of a Mitigation
Monitoring and Reporting Program (“MMRP”). The SEIR concludes that the proposed
Project would require mitigation related to Air Quality, Cultural Resources, Geology and
Soils, Noise, and Tribal Cultural Resources. Impacts related to Recreation would remain
significant and unavoidable after mitigation.
Recommended Action:
Recommend that the City Council:
1. Adopt a resolution: (1) certifying the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact
Report No. 202501 (SCH No. 2020029087) for the Project; (2) adopting
Environmental Findings of Fact and a Statement of Overriding Considerations
for the Project; (3) adopting a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
for the Project; and (4) approving the Project;
2. Adopt an ordinance approving Amendment Application No. 202501
establishing The Village Santa Ana Specific Plan (Specific Plan No. 6) and
approving a zone change for the Project Site at 1561 W. Sunflower Avenue
from Specific Development No. 48 to Specific Plan No. 6;
3. Adopt an ordinance approving Development Agreement No. 202501;
4. Adopt a resolution approving Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. 202506
(County Map No. 2023159), as conditioned; and
5. Adopt a resolution Overruling the Orange County Airport Land Use
Commission’s determination that The Village Santa Ana Specific Plan is
inconsistent with the Airport Environs Land Use Plan of John Wayne Airport,
including supportive findings.
Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation.
Commission had questions for staff.
Staff answered questions from the Commission.
Commission had questions for the applicant.
Justin McCusker, on behalf of the applicant, answered questions from the Commission.
Resident, Gary Sparks, spoke in opposition of the project.
Antonio Velazquez, representing the Carpenters Union spoke in favor of the project.
Union Worker, Ralph Velador, spoke in favor of the project.
Political representative of Local 11 Union, Juan Munoz, spoke in opposition of the
project.
Resident, Richard Nai, spoke in opposition to the project via zoom.
Resident, Doug, raised concerns about including other union workers via zoom.
Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Benninger to
Approve.
YES: 7 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla,
Jennifer Oliva, Carl Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 0 – Status: 7 – 0 – 0 – 0 – Pass
*End of Business Calendar*
STAFF COMMENTS
Minutes: Staff had comments for the Commission.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Minutes: Commission had comments for staff.
ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting of the Planning Commission will be on August 25, 2025, at 5:30 PM in the Council
Chamber located at 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Minutes: Meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m.
APPEAL INFORMATION
The formal action by the Planning Commission shall become effective after the tenday appeal
period, unless the City Council in compliance with section 41643, 41644 or 41645 holds a public
hearing on the matter, then the formal action will become effective on the day following the hearing
and decision by the City Council. An appeal from the decision or requirement of the Planning
Commission may be made by any interested party, individual, or group. The appeal must be filed
with the Clerk of the Council, accompanied by the required filing fee, and a copy sent to the Planning
Department, within ten days of the date of the Commission's action, by 5:00 p.m. If the final day to
appeal falls on a City Hall observed holiday or a day when City hall is closed, the final day to appeal
shall be extended to the next day City Hall is open for public business. Please note: Under California
Government Code Sec. 65009, if you challenge in court any of the matters on this agenda for which
a public hearing is to be conducted, you may be limited to raising only those issues which you (or
someone else) raised orally at the public hearing or in written correspondence received by the
Planning Commission or City Council at or before the hearing.
MEETING INFORMATION
If you would like to learn how to use Zoom before the meeting, visit Zoom Video Tutorials.
1. Connecting directly from your computer:
Click on the link on top of this agenda OR
Go to Zoom.us and click "Join a Meeting" at the top. Enter the Meeting ID. The Meeting ID is
listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed,
click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know you wish to
speak. You will have 3 minutes.
2. Connecting via the Zoom App:
Download the free Zoom Cloud Meetings app from your favorite app store.
Launch the app and click on the blue Join a Meeting button. Enter the Meeting ID, your name,
and the blue Join button. The Meeting ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed,
click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know you wish to
speak. You will have 3 minutes.
3. Dialing in from a mobile phone or landline:
Dial (669) 9009128. When prompted, enter the meeting ID. The Meeting ID is listed at the top
of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed,
press *9 on your phone to virtually raise your hand. You will have 3 minutes.
Submit a written comment
You are invited to submit a written comment in one of the following ways:
Email PBAecomments@santaana.org and reference the topic in the subject line.
Mail to Gema Zapien, Acting Recording Secretary, City of Santa Ana, 20 Civic Center Plaza –
M20, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Deadline to submit written comments, including any supplement materials for consideration
by the Planning Commission, is 3:30 p.m. on the day of the meeting.Comments received
after the deadline may not be distributed to the Commission but will be made part of the
record. All attendees wishing to submit written comments or supplemental materials for
distribution to Planning Commission members during the inperson meeting must provide
15 printed copies.
1 Planning Commission
8/11/2025
Planning CommissionDRAFT Regular Meeting Agenda MinutesAugust 11, 20255:30 P.M.Council Chamber22 Civic Center PlazaSanta Ana, CA ISURI S. RAMOSChair, Ward 3 RepresentativeCARL BENNINGERViceChair,Ward 4 Representative CHRISTOPHER LEOCitywide RepresentativeMANUEL J. ESCAMILLAWard 2 Representative JENNIFER OLIVAWard 6 RepresentativeBAO PHAMWard 1 Representative ALAN WOOWard 5 RepresentativeAli Pezeshkpour, AICPExecutive DirectorMelissa M. CrosthwaiteLegal Counsel Ricardo Soto, AICPActing Planning Manager Gema ZapienActing Recording Secretary
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need special assistance to participate in this Meeting, contact Michael
Ortiz, City ADA Program Coordinator, at (714) 6475624. Notification 48 hours prior to the Meeting will enable the City to make reasonable
arrangements to assure accessibility to this meeting. The City Council agenda and supporting documentation can be found on the City’s
website – www.santaana.org/citymeetings.
CALL TO ORDER
Commissioners: Isuri S. Ramos, Chair
Carl Benninger, ViceChair
Christopher Leo
Manuel J. Escamilla
Jennifer Oliva
Bao Pham
Alan Woo
Executive Director Ali Pezeshkpour, AICP
Legal Counsel Melissa M. Crosthwaite
Acting Planning Manager Ricardo Soto, AICP
Acting Recording Secretary Gema Zapien
ROLL CALL
Minutes: Quorum was reached at 5:43 PM with Commissioner Escamilla arriving at 5:45 PM.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
PUBLIC COMMENTS
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS
a.Minutes
Recommended Action: Approve Minutes from July 28, 2025.
b.Excused Absences
Recommended Action: Excuse absent commissioners.
c.Related Bristol Development Agreement 2025 Annual Monitoring Report
Recommended Action: Receive and file the 2025 Annual Monitoring Report for
Development Agreement No. 202302 between the City of Santa Ana and RCR Bristol, LLC,
for the property located at 3600 S. Bristol Street.
Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Leo to Approve Item A and B.
YES: 7 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla, Jennifer Oliva,
Carl Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 0 – Status: 7 – 0 – 0 – 0 – Pass
Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Benninger to Approve Item C.
YES: 7 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla, Jennifer Oliva,
Carl Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 0 – Status: 7 – 0 – 0 – 0 – Pass
*End of Consent Calendar*
BUSINESS CALENDAR
Public Hearing:The Planning Commission decision on Conditional Use Permits,
Variances, Tentative Tract and Parcel Maps, Minor Exceptions, Site Plan Review, and
Public Convenience or Necessity Determinations are final unless appealed within 10
days of the decision by any interested party or group (refer to the Basic Meeting
Information page for more information). The Planning Commission recommendation
on Zoning and General Plan amendments, Development Agreements, Specific
Developments, and Specific Plans will be forwarded to the City Council for final
determination. Legal notice was published in the OC Register on July 22, 2025 and
notices were mailed on said date.
1.AMENDMENT APPLICATION (AA) NO. 202501, VESTING TENTATIVE TRACT MAP
(VTTM) NO. 202506, AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT (DA) NO. 202501 FOR
THE VILLAGE SPECIFIC PLAN PROJECT GENERALLY LOCATED AT 1561 WEST
SUNFLOWER AVENUE LOCATED WITHIN THE SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT NO. 48
(SD48) ZONING DISTRICT.
Project Applicant: Justin McCusker with South Coast Plaza, on behalf of South Coast
Plaza (Applicant and Property Owner)
Proposed Project: Applicant is requesting approval of various entitlements to
facilitate the establishment of a new Specific Plan (SP) that would allow the
redevelopment of a 17.2acre site into a mixeduse urban village containing up to 1,583
residential units, 80,000 square feet of commercial/retail space, 300,000 square feet of
office space, and 13.8 acres of public and private outdoor and recreation space
(“Project”). The Project entitlements include Amendment Application No. 202501 to
establish The Village Santa Ana Specific Plan (“SP6”) and to change the zoning district
designation of the subject property from Specific Development No. 48 to SP6, Vesting
Tentative Tract Map No. 202506 (County Map No. 2023159) to subdivide the Project site
into six buildable lots, and Development Agreement No. 202501 outlining terms and
conditions for the Project. The Project also requires overruling the Orange County Airport
Land Use Commission’s determination of inconsistency for the Project with the Airport
Environs Land Use Plan for John Wayne Airport. The Planning Commission will serve as
an advisory body to the City Council on this Project and their recommendation on the
Project will be forward to the City Council for consideration at a later date.
Environmental Impact: Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”),
the Project requires: (1) certification of a Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Report
(SEIR No. 202501 and SCH No. 2020029087); (2) adoption of Environmental Findings
of Fact and a Statement of Overriding Consideration; and (3) adoption of a Mitigation
Monitoring and Reporting Program (“MMRP”). The SEIR concludes that the proposed
Project would require mitigation related to Air Quality, Cultural Resources, Geology and
Soils, Noise, and Tribal Cultural Resources. Impacts related to Recreation would remain
significant and unavoidable after mitigation.
Recommended Action:
Recommend that the City Council:
1. Adopt a resolution: (1) certifying the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact
Report No. 202501 (SCH No. 2020029087) for the Project; (2) adopting
Environmental Findings of Fact and a Statement of Overriding Considerations
for the Project; (3) adopting a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
for the Project; and (4) approving the Project;
2. Adopt an ordinance approving Amendment Application No. 202501
establishing The Village Santa Ana Specific Plan (Specific Plan No. 6) and
approving a zone change for the Project Site at 1561 W. Sunflower Avenue
from Specific Development No. 48 to Specific Plan No. 6;
3. Adopt an ordinance approving Development Agreement No. 202501;
4. Adopt a resolution approving Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. 202506
(County Map No. 2023159), as conditioned; and
5. Adopt a resolution Overruling the Orange County Airport Land Use
Commission’s determination that The Village Santa Ana Specific Plan is
inconsistent with the Airport Environs Land Use Plan of John Wayne Airport,
including supportive findings.
Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation.
Commission had questions for staff.
Staff answered questions from the Commission.
Commission had questions for the applicant.
Justin McCusker, on behalf of the applicant, answered questions from the Commission.
Resident, Gary Sparks, spoke in opposition of the project.
Antonio Velazquez, representing the Carpenters Union spoke in favor of the project.
Union Worker, Ralph Velador, spoke in favor of the project.
Political representative of Local 11 Union, Juan Munoz, spoke in opposition of the
project.
Resident, Richard Nai, spoke in opposition to the project via zoom.
Resident, Doug, raised concerns about including other union workers via zoom.
Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Benninger to
Approve.
YES: 7 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla,
Jennifer Oliva, Carl Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 0 – Status: 7 – 0 – 0 – 0 – Pass
*End of Business Calendar*
STAFF COMMENTS
Minutes: Staff had comments for the Commission.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Minutes: Commission had comments for staff.
ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting of the Planning Commission will be on August 25, 2025, at 5:30 PM in the Council
Chamber located at 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Minutes: Meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m.
APPEAL INFORMATION
The formal action by the Planning Commission shall become effective after the tenday appeal
period, unless the City Council in compliance with section 41643, 41644 or 41645 holds a public
hearing on the matter, then the formal action will become effective on the day following the hearing
and decision by the City Council. An appeal from the decision or requirement of the Planning
Commission may be made by any interested party, individual, or group. The appeal must be filed
with the Clerk of the Council, accompanied by the required filing fee, and a copy sent to the Planning
Department, within ten days of the date of the Commission's action, by 5:00 p.m. If the final day to
appeal falls on a City Hall observed holiday or a day when City hall is closed, the final day to appeal
shall be extended to the next day City Hall is open for public business. Please note: Under California
Government Code Sec. 65009, if you challenge in court any of the matters on this agenda for which
a public hearing is to be conducted, you may be limited to raising only those issues which you (or
someone else) raised orally at the public hearing or in written correspondence received by the
Planning Commission or City Council at or before the hearing.
MEETING INFORMATION
If you would like to learn how to use Zoom before the meeting, visit Zoom Video Tutorials.
1. Connecting directly from your computer:
Click on the link on top of this agenda OR
Go to Zoom.us and click "Join a Meeting" at the top. Enter the Meeting ID. The Meeting ID is
listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed,
click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know you wish to
speak. You will have 3 minutes.
2. Connecting via the Zoom App:
Download the free Zoom Cloud Meetings app from your favorite app store.
Launch the app and click on the blue Join a Meeting button. Enter the Meeting ID, your name,
and the blue Join button. The Meeting ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed,
click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know you wish to
speak. You will have 3 minutes.
3. Dialing in from a mobile phone or landline:
Dial (669) 9009128. When prompted, enter the meeting ID. The Meeting ID is listed at the top
of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed,
press *9 on your phone to virtually raise your hand. You will have 3 minutes.
Submit a written comment
You are invited to submit a written comment in one of the following ways:
Email PBAecomments@santaana.org and reference the topic in the subject line.
Mail to Gema Zapien, Acting Recording Secretary, City of Santa Ana, 20 Civic Center Plaza –
M20, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Deadline to submit written comments, including any supplement materials for consideration
by the Planning Commission, is 3:30 p.m. on the day of the meeting.Comments received
after the deadline may not be distributed to the Commission but will be made part of the
record. All attendees wishing to submit written comments or supplemental materials for
distribution to Planning Commission members during the inperson meeting must provide
15 printed copies.
2 Planning Commission
8/11/2025
Planning CommissionDRAFT Regular Meeting Agenda MinutesAugust 11, 20255:30 P.M.Council Chamber22 Civic Center PlazaSanta Ana, CA ISURI S. RAMOSChair, Ward 3 RepresentativeCARL BENNINGERViceChair,Ward 4 Representative CHRISTOPHER LEOCitywide RepresentativeMANUEL J. ESCAMILLAWard 2 Representative JENNIFER OLIVAWard 6 RepresentativeBAO PHAMWard 1 Representative ALAN WOOWard 5 RepresentativeAli Pezeshkpour, AICPExecutive DirectorMelissa M. CrosthwaiteLegal Counsel Ricardo Soto, AICPActing Planning Manager Gema ZapienActing Recording SecretaryIn compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need special assistance to participate in this Meeting, contact MichaelOrtiz, City ADA Program Coordinator, at (714) 6475624. Notification 48 hours prior to the Meeting will enable the City to make reasonablearrangements to assure accessibility to this meeting. The City Council agenda and supporting documentation can be found on the City’swebsite – www.santaana.org/citymeetings.CALL TO ORDER Commissioners: Isuri S. Ramos, ChairCarl Benninger, ViceChairChristopher LeoManuel J. EscamillaJennifer OlivaBao PhamAlan Woo Executive Director Ali Pezeshkpour, AICPLegal Counsel Melissa M. CrosthwaiteActing Planning Manager Ricardo Soto, AICPActing Recording Secretary Gema ZapienROLL CALLMinutes: Quorum was reached at 5:43 PM with Commissioner Escamilla arriving at 5:45 PM.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCEPUBLIC COMMENTSCONSENT CALENDAR ITEMSa.MinutesRecommended Action: Approve Minutes from July 28, 2025. b.Excused AbsencesRecommended Action: Excuse absent commissioners.c.Related Bristol Development Agreement 2025 Annual Monitoring ReportRecommended Action: Receive and file the 2025 Annual Monitoring Report forDevelopment Agreement No. 202302 between the City of Santa Ana and RCR Bristol, LLC,for the property located at 3600 S. Bristol Street.Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Leo to Approve Item A and B.YES: 7 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla, Jennifer Oliva,Carl BenningerNO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 0 – Status: 7 – 0 – 0 – 0 – PassMoved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Benninger to Approve Item C.
YES: 7 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla, Jennifer Oliva,
Carl Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 0 – Status: 7 – 0 – 0 – 0 – Pass
*End of Consent Calendar*
BUSINESS CALENDAR
Public Hearing:The Planning Commission decision on Conditional Use Permits,
Variances, Tentative Tract and Parcel Maps, Minor Exceptions, Site Plan Review, and
Public Convenience or Necessity Determinations are final unless appealed within 10
days of the decision by any interested party or group (refer to the Basic Meeting
Information page for more information). The Planning Commission recommendation
on Zoning and General Plan amendments, Development Agreements, Specific
Developments, and Specific Plans will be forwarded to the City Council for final
determination. Legal notice was published in the OC Register on July 22, 2025 and
notices were mailed on said date.
1.AMENDMENT APPLICATION (AA) NO. 202501, VESTING TENTATIVE TRACT MAP
(VTTM) NO. 202506, AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT (DA) NO. 202501 FOR
THE VILLAGE SPECIFIC PLAN PROJECT GENERALLY LOCATED AT 1561 WEST
SUNFLOWER AVENUE LOCATED WITHIN THE SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT NO. 48
(SD48) ZONING DISTRICT.
Project Applicant: Justin McCusker with South Coast Plaza, on behalf of South Coast
Plaza (Applicant and Property Owner)
Proposed Project: Applicant is requesting approval of various entitlements to
facilitate the establishment of a new Specific Plan (SP) that would allow the
redevelopment of a 17.2acre site into a mixeduse urban village containing up to 1,583
residential units, 80,000 square feet of commercial/retail space, 300,000 square feet of
office space, and 13.8 acres of public and private outdoor and recreation space
(“Project”). The Project entitlements include Amendment Application No. 202501 to
establish The Village Santa Ana Specific Plan (“SP6”) and to change the zoning district
designation of the subject property from Specific Development No. 48 to SP6, Vesting
Tentative Tract Map No. 202506 (County Map No. 2023159) to subdivide the Project site
into six buildable lots, and Development Agreement No. 202501 outlining terms and
conditions for the Project. The Project also requires overruling the Orange County Airport
Land Use Commission’s determination of inconsistency for the Project with the Airport
Environs Land Use Plan for John Wayne Airport. The Planning Commission will serve as
an advisory body to the City Council on this Project and their recommendation on the
Project will be forward to the City Council for consideration at a later date.
Environmental Impact: Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”),
the Project requires: (1) certification of a Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Report
(SEIR No. 202501 and SCH No. 2020029087); (2) adoption of Environmental Findings
of Fact and a Statement of Overriding Consideration; and (3) adoption of a Mitigation
Monitoring and Reporting Program (“MMRP”). The SEIR concludes that the proposed
Project would require mitigation related to Air Quality, Cultural Resources, Geology and
Soils, Noise, and Tribal Cultural Resources. Impacts related to Recreation would remain
significant and unavoidable after mitigation.
Recommended Action:
Recommend that the City Council:
1. Adopt a resolution: (1) certifying the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact
Report No. 202501 (SCH No. 2020029087) for the Project; (2) adopting
Environmental Findings of Fact and a Statement of Overriding Considerations
for the Project; (3) adopting a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
for the Project; and (4) approving the Project;
2. Adopt an ordinance approving Amendment Application No. 202501
establishing The Village Santa Ana Specific Plan (Specific Plan No. 6) and
approving a zone change for the Project Site at 1561 W. Sunflower Avenue
from Specific Development No. 48 to Specific Plan No. 6;
3. Adopt an ordinance approving Development Agreement No. 202501;
4. Adopt a resolution approving Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. 202506
(County Map No. 2023159), as conditioned; and
5. Adopt a resolution Overruling the Orange County Airport Land Use
Commission’s determination that The Village Santa Ana Specific Plan is
inconsistent with the Airport Environs Land Use Plan of John Wayne Airport,
including supportive findings.
Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation.
Commission had questions for staff.
Staff answered questions from the Commission.
Commission had questions for the applicant.
Justin McCusker, on behalf of the applicant, answered questions from the Commission.
Resident, Gary Sparks, spoke in opposition of the project.
Antonio Velazquez, representing the Carpenters Union spoke in favor of the project.
Union Worker, Ralph Velador, spoke in favor of the project.
Political representative of Local 11 Union, Juan Munoz, spoke in opposition of the
project.
Resident, Richard Nai, spoke in opposition to the project via zoom.
Resident, Doug, raised concerns about including other union workers via zoom.
Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Benninger to
Approve.
YES: 7 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla,
Jennifer Oliva, Carl Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 0 – Status: 7 – 0 – 0 – 0 – Pass
*End of Business Calendar*
STAFF COMMENTS
Minutes: Staff had comments for the Commission.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Minutes: Commission had comments for staff.
ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting of the Planning Commission will be on August 25, 2025, at 5:30 PM in the Council
Chamber located at 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Minutes: Meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m.
APPEAL INFORMATION
The formal action by the Planning Commission shall become effective after the tenday appeal
period, unless the City Council in compliance with section 41643, 41644 or 41645 holds a public
hearing on the matter, then the formal action will become effective on the day following the hearing
and decision by the City Council. An appeal from the decision or requirement of the Planning
Commission may be made by any interested party, individual, or group. The appeal must be filed
with the Clerk of the Council, accompanied by the required filing fee, and a copy sent to the Planning
Department, within ten days of the date of the Commission's action, by 5:00 p.m. If the final day to
appeal falls on a City Hall observed holiday or a day when City hall is closed, the final day to appeal
shall be extended to the next day City Hall is open for public business. Please note: Under California
Government Code Sec. 65009, if you challenge in court any of the matters on this agenda for which
a public hearing is to be conducted, you may be limited to raising only those issues which you (or
someone else) raised orally at the public hearing or in written correspondence received by the
Planning Commission or City Council at or before the hearing.
MEETING INFORMATION
If you would like to learn how to use Zoom before the meeting, visit Zoom Video Tutorials.
1. Connecting directly from your computer:
Click on the link on top of this agenda OR
Go to Zoom.us and click "Join a Meeting" at the top. Enter the Meeting ID. The Meeting ID is
listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed,
click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know you wish to
speak. You will have 3 minutes.
2. Connecting via the Zoom App:
Download the free Zoom Cloud Meetings app from your favorite app store.
Launch the app and click on the blue Join a Meeting button. Enter the Meeting ID, your name,
and the blue Join button. The Meeting ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed,
click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know you wish to
speak. You will have 3 minutes.
3. Dialing in from a mobile phone or landline:
Dial (669) 9009128. When prompted, enter the meeting ID. The Meeting ID is listed at the top
of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed,
press *9 on your phone to virtually raise your hand. You will have 3 minutes.
Submit a written comment
You are invited to submit a written comment in one of the following ways:
Email PBAecomments@santaana.org and reference the topic in the subject line.
Mail to Gema Zapien, Acting Recording Secretary, City of Santa Ana, 20 Civic Center Plaza –
M20, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Deadline to submit written comments, including any supplement materials for consideration
by the Planning Commission, is 3:30 p.m. on the day of the meeting.Comments received
after the deadline may not be distributed to the Commission but will be made part of the
record. All attendees wishing to submit written comments or supplemental materials for
distribution to Planning Commission members during the inperson meeting must provide
15 printed copies.
3 Planning Commission
8/11/2025
Planning CommissionDRAFT Regular Meeting Agenda MinutesAugust 11, 20255:30 P.M.Council Chamber22 Civic Center PlazaSanta Ana, CA ISURI S. RAMOSChair, Ward 3 RepresentativeCARL BENNINGERViceChair,Ward 4 Representative CHRISTOPHER LEOCitywide RepresentativeMANUEL J. ESCAMILLAWard 2 Representative JENNIFER OLIVAWard 6 RepresentativeBAO PHAMWard 1 Representative ALAN WOOWard 5 RepresentativeAli Pezeshkpour, AICPExecutive DirectorMelissa M. CrosthwaiteLegal Counsel Ricardo Soto, AICPActing Planning Manager Gema ZapienActing Recording SecretaryIn compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need special assistance to participate in this Meeting, contact MichaelOrtiz, City ADA Program Coordinator, at (714) 6475624. Notification 48 hours prior to the Meeting will enable the City to make reasonablearrangements to assure accessibility to this meeting. The City Council agenda and supporting documentation can be found on the City’swebsite – www.santaana.org/citymeetings.CALL TO ORDER Commissioners: Isuri S. Ramos, ChairCarl Benninger, ViceChairChristopher LeoManuel J. EscamillaJennifer OlivaBao PhamAlan Woo Executive Director Ali Pezeshkpour, AICPLegal Counsel Melissa M. CrosthwaiteActing Planning Manager Ricardo Soto, AICPActing Recording Secretary Gema ZapienROLL CALLMinutes: Quorum was reached at 5:43 PM with Commissioner Escamilla arriving at 5:45 PM.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCEPUBLIC COMMENTSCONSENT CALENDAR ITEMSa.MinutesRecommended Action: Approve Minutes from July 28, 2025. b.Excused AbsencesRecommended Action: Excuse absent commissioners.c.Related Bristol Development Agreement 2025 Annual Monitoring ReportRecommended Action: Receive and file the 2025 Annual Monitoring Report forDevelopment Agreement No. 202302 between the City of Santa Ana and RCR Bristol, LLC,for the property located at 3600 S. Bristol Street.Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Leo to Approve Item A and B.YES: 7 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla, Jennifer Oliva,Carl BenningerNO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 0 – Status: 7 – 0 – 0 – 0 – PassMoved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Benninger to Approve Item C.YES: 7 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla, Jennifer Oliva,Carl BenningerNO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 0 – Status: 7 – 0 – 0 – 0 – Pass*End of Consent Calendar*BUSINESS CALENDARPublic Hearing:The Planning Commission decision on Conditional Use Permits,Variances, Tentative Tract and Parcel Maps, Minor Exceptions, Site Plan Review, andPublic Convenience or Necessity Determinations are final unless appealed within 10days of the decision by any interested party or group (refer to the Basic MeetingInformation page for more information). The Planning Commission recommendationon Zoning and General Plan amendments, Development Agreements, SpecificDevelopments, and Specific Plans will be forwarded to the City Council for finaldetermination. Legal notice was published in the OC Register on July 22, 2025 andnotices were mailed on said date. 1.AMENDMENT APPLICATION (AA) NO. 202501, VESTING TENTATIVE TRACT MAP(VTTM) NO. 202506, AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT (DA) NO. 202501 FORTHE VILLAGE SPECIFIC PLAN PROJECT GENERALLY LOCATED AT 1561 WESTSUNFLOWER AVENUE LOCATED WITHIN THE SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT NO. 48(SD48) ZONING DISTRICT.Project Applicant: Justin McCusker with South Coast Plaza, on behalf of South CoastPlaza (Applicant and Property Owner)Proposed Project: Applicant is requesting approval of various entitlements tofacilitate the establishment of a new Specific Plan (SP) that would allow theredevelopment of a 17.2acre site into a mixeduse urban village containing up to 1,583residential units, 80,000 square feet of commercial/retail space, 300,000 square feet ofoffice space, and 13.8 acres of public and private outdoor and recreation space(“Project”). The Project entitlements include Amendment Application No. 202501 toestablish The Village Santa Ana Specific Plan (“SP6”) and to change the zoning districtdesignation of the subject property from Specific Development No. 48 to SP6, VestingTentative Tract Map No. 202506 (County Map No. 2023159) to subdivide the Project siteinto six buildable lots, and Development Agreement No. 202501 outlining terms andconditions for the Project. The Project also requires overruling the Orange County AirportLand Use Commission’s determination of inconsistency for the Project with the AirportEnvirons Land Use Plan for John Wayne Airport. The Planning Commission will serve asan advisory body to the City Council on this Project and their recommendation on theProject will be forward to the City Council for consideration at a later date. Environmental Impact: Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”),the Project requires: (1) certification of a Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Report(SEIR No. 202501 and SCH No. 2020029087); (2) adoption of Environmental Findingsof Fact and a Statement of Overriding Consideration; and (3) adoption of a MitigationMonitoring and Reporting Program (“MMRP”). The SEIR concludes that the proposedProject would require mitigation related to Air Quality, Cultural Resources, Geology andSoils, Noise, and Tribal Cultural Resources. Impacts related to Recreation would remain
significant and unavoidable after mitigation.
Recommended Action:
Recommend that the City Council:
1. Adopt a resolution: (1) certifying the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact
Report No. 202501 (SCH No. 2020029087) for the Project; (2) adopting
Environmental Findings of Fact and a Statement of Overriding Considerations
for the Project; (3) adopting a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
for the Project; and (4) approving the Project;
2. Adopt an ordinance approving Amendment Application No. 202501
establishing The Village Santa Ana Specific Plan (Specific Plan No. 6) and
approving a zone change for the Project Site at 1561 W. Sunflower Avenue
from Specific Development No. 48 to Specific Plan No. 6;
3. Adopt an ordinance approving Development Agreement No. 202501;
4. Adopt a resolution approving Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. 202506
(County Map No. 2023159), as conditioned; and
5. Adopt a resolution Overruling the Orange County Airport Land Use
Commission’s determination that The Village Santa Ana Specific Plan is
inconsistent with the Airport Environs Land Use Plan of John Wayne Airport,
including supportive findings.
Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation.
Commission had questions for staff.
Staff answered questions from the Commission.
Commission had questions for the applicant.
Justin McCusker, on behalf of the applicant, answered questions from the Commission.
Resident, Gary Sparks, spoke in opposition of the project.
Antonio Velazquez, representing the Carpenters Union spoke in favor of the project.
Union Worker, Ralph Velador, spoke in favor of the project.
Political representative of Local 11 Union, Juan Munoz, spoke in opposition of the
project.
Resident, Richard Nai, spoke in opposition to the project via zoom.
Resident, Doug, raised concerns about including other union workers via zoom.
Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Benninger to
Approve.
YES: 7 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla,
Jennifer Oliva, Carl Benninger
NO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 0 – Status: 7 – 0 – 0 – 0 – Pass
*End of Business Calendar*
STAFF COMMENTS
Minutes: Staff had comments for the Commission.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Minutes: Commission had comments for staff.
ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting of the Planning Commission will be on August 25, 2025, at 5:30 PM in the Council
Chamber located at 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Minutes: Meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m.
APPEAL INFORMATION
The formal action by the Planning Commission shall become effective after the tenday appeal
period, unless the City Council in compliance with section 41643, 41644 or 41645 holds a public
hearing on the matter, then the formal action will become effective on the day following the hearing
and decision by the City Council. An appeal from the decision or requirement of the Planning
Commission may be made by any interested party, individual, or group. The appeal must be filed
with the Clerk of the Council, accompanied by the required filing fee, and a copy sent to the Planning
Department, within ten days of the date of the Commission's action, by 5:00 p.m. If the final day to
appeal falls on a City Hall observed holiday or a day when City hall is closed, the final day to appeal
shall be extended to the next day City Hall is open for public business. Please note: Under California
Government Code Sec. 65009, if you challenge in court any of the matters on this agenda for which
a public hearing is to be conducted, you may be limited to raising only those issues which you (or
someone else) raised orally at the public hearing or in written correspondence received by the
Planning Commission or City Council at or before the hearing.
MEETING INFORMATION
If you would like to learn how to use Zoom before the meeting, visit Zoom Video Tutorials.
1. Connecting directly from your computer:
Click on the link on top of this agenda OR
Go to Zoom.us and click "Join a Meeting" at the top. Enter the Meeting ID. The Meeting ID is
listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed,
click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know you wish to
speak. You will have 3 minutes.
2. Connecting via the Zoom App:
Download the free Zoom Cloud Meetings app from your favorite app store.
Launch the app and click on the blue Join a Meeting button. Enter the Meeting ID, your name,
and the blue Join button. The Meeting ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed,
click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know you wish to
speak. You will have 3 minutes.
3. Dialing in from a mobile phone or landline:
Dial (669) 9009128. When prompted, enter the meeting ID. The Meeting ID is listed at the top
of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed,
press *9 on your phone to virtually raise your hand. You will have 3 minutes.
Submit a written comment
You are invited to submit a written comment in one of the following ways:
Email PBAecomments@santaana.org and reference the topic in the subject line.
Mail to Gema Zapien, Acting Recording Secretary, City of Santa Ana, 20 Civic Center Plaza –
M20, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Deadline to submit written comments, including any supplement materials for consideration
by the Planning Commission, is 3:30 p.m. on the day of the meeting.Comments received
after the deadline may not be distributed to the Commission but will be made part of the
record. All attendees wishing to submit written comments or supplemental materials for
distribution to Planning Commission members during the inperson meeting must provide
15 printed copies.
4 Planning Commission
8/11/2025
Planning CommissionDRAFT Regular Meeting Agenda MinutesAugust 11, 20255:30 P.M.Council Chamber22 Civic Center PlazaSanta Ana, CA ISURI S. RAMOSChair, Ward 3 RepresentativeCARL BENNINGERViceChair,Ward 4 Representative CHRISTOPHER LEOCitywide RepresentativeMANUEL J. ESCAMILLAWard 2 Representative JENNIFER OLIVAWard 6 RepresentativeBAO PHAMWard 1 Representative ALAN WOOWard 5 RepresentativeAli Pezeshkpour, AICPExecutive DirectorMelissa M. CrosthwaiteLegal Counsel Ricardo Soto, AICPActing Planning Manager Gema ZapienActing Recording SecretaryIn compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need special assistance to participate in this Meeting, contact MichaelOrtiz, City ADA Program Coordinator, at (714) 6475624. Notification 48 hours prior to the Meeting will enable the City to make reasonablearrangements to assure accessibility to this meeting. The City Council agenda and supporting documentation can be found on the City’swebsite – www.santaana.org/citymeetings.CALL TO ORDER Commissioners: Isuri S. Ramos, ChairCarl Benninger, ViceChairChristopher LeoManuel J. EscamillaJennifer OlivaBao PhamAlan Woo Executive Director Ali Pezeshkpour, AICPLegal Counsel Melissa M. CrosthwaiteActing Planning Manager Ricardo Soto, AICPActing Recording Secretary Gema ZapienROLL CALLMinutes: Quorum was reached at 5:43 PM with Commissioner Escamilla arriving at 5:45 PM.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCEPUBLIC COMMENTSCONSENT CALENDAR ITEMSa.MinutesRecommended Action: Approve Minutes from July 28, 2025. b.Excused AbsencesRecommended Action: Excuse absent commissioners.c.Related Bristol Development Agreement 2025 Annual Monitoring ReportRecommended Action: Receive and file the 2025 Annual Monitoring Report forDevelopment Agreement No. 202302 between the City of Santa Ana and RCR Bristol, LLC,for the property located at 3600 S. Bristol Street.Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Leo to Approve Item A and B.YES: 7 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla, Jennifer Oliva,Carl BenningerNO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 0 – Status: 7 – 0 – 0 – 0 – PassMoved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Benninger to Approve Item C.YES: 7 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla, Jennifer Oliva,Carl BenningerNO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 0 – Status: 7 – 0 – 0 – 0 – Pass*End of Consent Calendar*BUSINESS CALENDARPublic Hearing:The Planning Commission decision on Conditional Use Permits,Variances, Tentative Tract and Parcel Maps, Minor Exceptions, Site Plan Review, andPublic Convenience or Necessity Determinations are final unless appealed within 10days of the decision by any interested party or group (refer to the Basic MeetingInformation page for more information). The Planning Commission recommendationon Zoning and General Plan amendments, Development Agreements, SpecificDevelopments, and Specific Plans will be forwarded to the City Council for finaldetermination. Legal notice was published in the OC Register on July 22, 2025 andnotices were mailed on said date. 1.AMENDMENT APPLICATION (AA) NO. 202501, VESTING TENTATIVE TRACT MAP(VTTM) NO. 202506, AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT (DA) NO. 202501 FORTHE VILLAGE SPECIFIC PLAN PROJECT GENERALLY LOCATED AT 1561 WESTSUNFLOWER AVENUE LOCATED WITHIN THE SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT NO. 48(SD48) ZONING DISTRICT.Project Applicant: Justin McCusker with South Coast Plaza, on behalf of South CoastPlaza (Applicant and Property Owner)Proposed Project: Applicant is requesting approval of various entitlements tofacilitate the establishment of a new Specific Plan (SP) that would allow theredevelopment of a 17.2acre site into a mixeduse urban village containing up to 1,583residential units, 80,000 square feet of commercial/retail space, 300,000 square feet ofoffice space, and 13.8 acres of public and private outdoor and recreation space(“Project”). The Project entitlements include Amendment Application No. 202501 toestablish The Village Santa Ana Specific Plan (“SP6”) and to change the zoning districtdesignation of the subject property from Specific Development No. 48 to SP6, VestingTentative Tract Map No. 202506 (County Map No. 2023159) to subdivide the Project siteinto six buildable lots, and Development Agreement No. 202501 outlining terms andconditions for the Project. The Project also requires overruling the Orange County AirportLand Use Commission’s determination of inconsistency for the Project with the AirportEnvirons Land Use Plan for John Wayne Airport. The Planning Commission will serve asan advisory body to the City Council on this Project and their recommendation on theProject will be forward to the City Council for consideration at a later date. Environmental Impact: Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”),the Project requires: (1) certification of a Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Report(SEIR No. 202501 and SCH No. 2020029087); (2) adoption of Environmental Findingsof Fact and a Statement of Overriding Consideration; and (3) adoption of a MitigationMonitoring and Reporting Program (“MMRP”). The SEIR concludes that the proposedProject would require mitigation related to Air Quality, Cultural Resources, Geology andSoils, Noise, and Tribal Cultural Resources. Impacts related to Recreation would remainsignificant and unavoidable after mitigation.Recommended Action:Recommend that the City Council:1. Adopt a resolution: (1) certifying the Final Supplemental Environmental ImpactReport No. 202501 (SCH No. 2020029087) for the Project; (2) adoptingEnvironmental Findings of Fact and a Statement of Overriding Considerationsfor the Project; (3) adopting a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Programfor the Project; and (4) approving the Project;2. Adopt an ordinance approving Amendment Application No. 202501establishing The Village Santa Ana Specific Plan (Specific Plan No. 6) andapproving a zone change for the Project Site at 1561 W. Sunflower Avenuefrom Specific Development No. 48 to Specific Plan No. 6;3. Adopt an ordinance approving Development Agreement No. 202501;4. Adopt a resolution approving Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. 202506(County Map No. 2023159), as conditioned; and5. Adopt a resolution Overruling the Orange County Airport Land UseCommission’s determination that The Village Santa Ana Specific Plan isinconsistent with the Airport Environs Land Use Plan of John Wayne Airport,including supportive findings.Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation.Commission had questions for staff.Staff answered questions from the Commission.Commission had questions for the applicant.Justin McCusker, on behalf of the applicant, answered questions from the Commission.Resident, Gary Sparks, spoke in opposition of the project.Antonio Velazquez, representing the Carpenters Union spoke in favor of the project.Union Worker, Ralph Velador, spoke in favor of the project.Political representative of Local 11 Union, Juan Munoz, spoke in opposition of theproject.Resident, Richard Nai, spoke in opposition to the project via zoom.Resident, Doug, raised concerns about including other union workers via zoom. Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Benninger toApprove.YES: 7 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla,Jennifer Oliva, Carl BenningerNO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 0 – Status: 7 – 0 – 0 – 0 – Pass*End of Business Calendar*STAFF COMMENTSMinutes: Staff had comments for the Commission.COMMISSIONER COMMENTSMinutes: Commission had comments for staff.
ADJOURNMENT
The next meeting of the Planning Commission will be on August 25, 2025, at 5:30 PM in the Council
Chamber located at 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Minutes: Meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m.
APPEAL INFORMATION
The formal action by the Planning Commission shall become effective after the tenday appeal
period, unless the City Council in compliance with section 41643, 41644 or 41645 holds a public
hearing on the matter, then the formal action will become effective on the day following the hearing
and decision by the City Council. An appeal from the decision or requirement of the Planning
Commission may be made by any interested party, individual, or group. The appeal must be filed
with the Clerk of the Council, accompanied by the required filing fee, and a copy sent to the Planning
Department, within ten days of the date of the Commission's action, by 5:00 p.m. If the final day to
appeal falls on a City Hall observed holiday or a day when City hall is closed, the final day to appeal
shall be extended to the next day City Hall is open for public business. Please note: Under California
Government Code Sec. 65009, if you challenge in court any of the matters on this agenda for which
a public hearing is to be conducted, you may be limited to raising only those issues which you (or
someone else) raised orally at the public hearing or in written correspondence received by the
Planning Commission or City Council at or before the hearing.
MEETING INFORMATION
If you would like to learn how to use Zoom before the meeting, visit Zoom Video Tutorials.
1. Connecting directly from your computer:
Click on the link on top of this agenda OR
Go to Zoom.us and click "Join a Meeting" at the top. Enter the Meeting ID. The Meeting ID is
listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed,
click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know you wish to
speak. You will have 3 minutes.
2. Connecting via the Zoom App:
Download the free Zoom Cloud Meetings app from your favorite app store.
Launch the app and click on the blue Join a Meeting button. Enter the Meeting ID, your name,
and the blue Join button. The Meeting ID is listed at the top of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed,
click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know you wish to
speak. You will have 3 minutes.
3. Dialing in from a mobile phone or landline:
Dial (669) 9009128. When prompted, enter the meeting ID. The Meeting ID is listed at the top
of this agenda.
To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed,
press *9 on your phone to virtually raise your hand. You will have 3 minutes.
Submit a written comment
You are invited to submit a written comment in one of the following ways:
Email PBAecomments@santaana.org and reference the topic in the subject line.
Mail to Gema Zapien, Acting Recording Secretary, City of Santa Ana, 20 Civic Center Plaza –
M20, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Deadline to submit written comments, including any supplement materials for consideration
by the Planning Commission, is 3:30 p.m. on the day of the meeting.Comments received
after the deadline may not be distributed to the Commission but will be made part of the
record. All attendees wishing to submit written comments or supplemental materials for
distribution to Planning Commission members during the inperson meeting must provide
15 printed copies.
5 Planning Commission
8/11/2025
Planning CommissionDRAFT Regular Meeting Agenda MinutesAugust 11, 20255:30 P.M.Council Chamber22 Civic Center PlazaSanta Ana, CA ISURI S. RAMOSChair, Ward 3 RepresentativeCARL BENNINGERViceChair,Ward 4 Representative CHRISTOPHER LEOCitywide RepresentativeMANUEL J. ESCAMILLAWard 2 Representative JENNIFER OLIVAWard 6 RepresentativeBAO PHAMWard 1 Representative ALAN WOOWard 5 RepresentativeAli Pezeshkpour, AICPExecutive DirectorMelissa M. CrosthwaiteLegal Counsel Ricardo Soto, AICPActing Planning Manager Gema ZapienActing Recording SecretaryIn compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need special assistance to participate in this Meeting, contact MichaelOrtiz, City ADA Program Coordinator, at (714) 6475624. Notification 48 hours prior to the Meeting will enable the City to make reasonablearrangements to assure accessibility to this meeting. The City Council agenda and supporting documentation can be found on the City’swebsite – www.santaana.org/citymeetings.CALL TO ORDER Commissioners: Isuri S. Ramos, ChairCarl Benninger, ViceChairChristopher LeoManuel J. EscamillaJennifer OlivaBao PhamAlan Woo Executive Director Ali Pezeshkpour, AICPLegal Counsel Melissa M. CrosthwaiteActing Planning Manager Ricardo Soto, AICPActing Recording Secretary Gema ZapienROLL CALLMinutes: Quorum was reached at 5:43 PM with Commissioner Escamilla arriving at 5:45 PM.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCEPUBLIC COMMENTSCONSENT CALENDAR ITEMSa.MinutesRecommended Action: Approve Minutes from July 28, 2025. b.Excused AbsencesRecommended Action: Excuse absent commissioners.c.Related Bristol Development Agreement 2025 Annual Monitoring ReportRecommended Action: Receive and file the 2025 Annual Monitoring Report forDevelopment Agreement No. 202302 between the City of Santa Ana and RCR Bristol, LLC,for the property located at 3600 S. Bristol Street.Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Leo to Approve Item A and B.YES: 7 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla, Jennifer Oliva,Carl BenningerNO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 0 – Status: 7 – 0 – 0 – 0 – PassMoved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Benninger to Approve Item C.YES: 7 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla, Jennifer Oliva,Carl BenningerNO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 0 – Status: 7 – 0 – 0 – 0 – Pass*End of Consent Calendar*BUSINESS CALENDARPublic Hearing:The Planning Commission decision on Conditional Use Permits,Variances, Tentative Tract and Parcel Maps, Minor Exceptions, Site Plan Review, andPublic Convenience or Necessity Determinations are final unless appealed within 10days of the decision by any interested party or group (refer to the Basic MeetingInformation page for more information). The Planning Commission recommendationon Zoning and General Plan amendments, Development Agreements, SpecificDevelopments, and Specific Plans will be forwarded to the City Council for finaldetermination. Legal notice was published in the OC Register on July 22, 2025 andnotices were mailed on said date. 1.AMENDMENT APPLICATION (AA) NO. 202501, VESTING TENTATIVE TRACT MAP(VTTM) NO. 202506, AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT (DA) NO. 202501 FORTHE VILLAGE SPECIFIC PLAN PROJECT GENERALLY LOCATED AT 1561 WESTSUNFLOWER AVENUE LOCATED WITHIN THE SPECIFIC DEVELOPMENT NO. 48(SD48) ZONING DISTRICT.Project Applicant: Justin McCusker with South Coast Plaza, on behalf of South CoastPlaza (Applicant and Property Owner)Proposed Project: Applicant is requesting approval of various entitlements tofacilitate the establishment of a new Specific Plan (SP) that would allow theredevelopment of a 17.2acre site into a mixeduse urban village containing up to 1,583residential units, 80,000 square feet of commercial/retail space, 300,000 square feet ofoffice space, and 13.8 acres of public and private outdoor and recreation space(“Project”). The Project entitlements include Amendment Application No. 202501 toestablish The Village Santa Ana Specific Plan (“SP6”) and to change the zoning districtdesignation of the subject property from Specific Development No. 48 to SP6, VestingTentative Tract Map No. 202506 (County Map No. 2023159) to subdivide the Project siteinto six buildable lots, and Development Agreement No. 202501 outlining terms andconditions for the Project. The Project also requires overruling the Orange County AirportLand Use Commission’s determination of inconsistency for the Project with the AirportEnvirons Land Use Plan for John Wayne Airport. The Planning Commission will serve asan advisory body to the City Council on this Project and their recommendation on theProject will be forward to the City Council for consideration at a later date. Environmental Impact: Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”),the Project requires: (1) certification of a Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Report(SEIR No. 202501 and SCH No. 2020029087); (2) adoption of Environmental Findingsof Fact and a Statement of Overriding Consideration; and (3) adoption of a MitigationMonitoring and Reporting Program (“MMRP”). The SEIR concludes that the proposedProject would require mitigation related to Air Quality, Cultural Resources, Geology andSoils, Noise, and Tribal Cultural Resources. Impacts related to Recreation would remainsignificant and unavoidable after mitigation.Recommended Action:Recommend that the City Council:1. Adopt a resolution: (1) certifying the Final Supplemental Environmental ImpactReport No. 202501 (SCH No. 2020029087) for the Project; (2) adoptingEnvironmental Findings of Fact and a Statement of Overriding Considerationsfor the Project; (3) adopting a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Programfor the Project; and (4) approving the Project;2. Adopt an ordinance approving Amendment Application No. 202501establishing The Village Santa Ana Specific Plan (Specific Plan No. 6) andapproving a zone change for the Project Site at 1561 W. Sunflower Avenuefrom Specific Development No. 48 to Specific Plan No. 6;3. Adopt an ordinance approving Development Agreement No. 202501;4. Adopt a resolution approving Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. 202506(County Map No. 2023159), as conditioned; and5. Adopt a resolution Overruling the Orange County Airport Land UseCommission’s determination that The Village Santa Ana Specific Plan isinconsistent with the Airport Environs Land Use Plan of John Wayne Airport,including supportive findings.Minutes: Staff provided a short presentation.Commission had questions for staff.Staff answered questions from the Commission.Commission had questions for the applicant.Justin McCusker, on behalf of the applicant, answered questions from the Commission.Resident, Gary Sparks, spoke in opposition of the project.Antonio Velazquez, representing the Carpenters Union spoke in favor of the project.Union Worker, Ralph Velador, spoke in favor of the project.Political representative of Local 11 Union, Juan Munoz, spoke in opposition of theproject.Resident, Richard Nai, spoke in opposition to the project via zoom.Resident, Doug, raised concerns about including other union workers via zoom. Moved by Commissioner Woo, seconded by Commissioner Benninger toApprove.YES: 7 – Bao Pham, Isuri Ramos, Alan Woo, Christopher Leo, Manuel J. Escamilla,Jennifer Oliva, Carl BenningerNO: 0 – ABSTAIN: 0 – ABSENT: 0 – Status: 7 – 0 – 0 – 0 – Pass*End of Business Calendar*STAFF COMMENTSMinutes: Staff had comments for the Commission.COMMISSIONER COMMENTSMinutes: Commission had comments for staff. ADJOURNMENTThe next meeting of the Planning Commission will be on August 25, 2025, at 5:30 PM in the CouncilChamber located at 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701.Minutes: Meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m.APPEAL INFORMATIONThe formal action by the Planning Commission shall become effective after the tenday appealperiod, unless the City Council in compliance with section 41643, 41644 or 41645 holds a publichearing on the matter, then the formal action will become effective on the day following the hearingand decision by the City Council. An appeal from the decision or requirement of the PlanningCommission may be made by any interested party, individual, or group. The appeal must be filedwith the Clerk of the Council, accompanied by the required filing fee, and a copy sent to the PlanningDepartment, within ten days of the date of the Commission's action, by 5:00 p.m. If the final day toappeal falls on a City Hall observed holiday or a day when City hall is closed, the final day to appealshall be extended to the next day City Hall is open for public business. Please note: Under CaliforniaGovernment Code Sec. 65009, if you challenge in court any of the matters on this agenda for whicha public hearing is to be conducted, you may be limited to raising only those issues which you (orsomeone else) raised orally at the public hearing or in written correspondence received by thePlanning Commission or City Council at or before the hearing.MEETING INFORMATIONIf you would like to learn how to use Zoom before the meeting, visit Zoom Video Tutorials.1. Connecting directly from your computer:Click on the link on top of this agenda ORGo to Zoom.us and click "Join a Meeting" at the top. Enter the Meeting ID. The Meeting ID islisted at the top of this agenda.To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed,click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know you wish tospeak. You will have 3 minutes.2. Connecting via the Zoom App:Download the free Zoom Cloud Meetings app from your favorite app store.Launch the app and click on the blue Join a Meeting button. Enter the Meeting ID, your name,and the blue Join button. The Meeting ID is listed at the top of this agenda.To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed,click on the button next to your name to virtually raise your hand and let us know you wish tospeak. You will have 3 minutes.3. Dialing in from a mobile phone or landline:Dial (669) 9009128. When prompted, enter the meeting ID. The Meeting ID is listed at the topof this agenda.To speak during the meeting: When you wish to comment on an item that is being is discussed,
press *9 on your phone to virtually raise your hand. You will have 3 minutes.
Submit a written comment
You are invited to submit a written comment in one of the following ways:
Email PBAecomments@santaana.org and reference the topic in the subject line.
Mail to Gema Zapien, Acting Recording Secretary, City of Santa Ana, 20 Civic Center Plaza –
M20, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Deadline to submit written comments, including any supplement materials for consideration
by the Planning Commission, is 3:30 p.m. on the day of the meeting.Comments received
after the deadline may not be distributed to the Commission but will be made part of the
record. All attendees wishing to submit written comments or supplemental materials for
distribution to Planning Commission members during the inperson meeting must provide
15 printed copies.
6 Planning Commission
8/11/2025
Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Agency
City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Planning Commission Staff Report
August 25, 2025
Topic: Public Facilities Naming No. 2025-01 for Nuestro Park (712 S. Bristol Street)
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Adopt a resolution approving Public Facilities No. 2025-01 naming the park located at the
southwest corner of Bristol Street and Tolliver Street (712 S. Bristol Street) “Nuestro
Park.”
DISCUSSION
The Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Agency (PRCSA) is requesting that the
Planning Commission approve Public Facilities Naming (PFN) No. 2025-01 to name the
park located at the southwest corner of Bristol Street and Tolliver Street (712 S. Bristol
Street) “Nuestro Park.” Pursuant to Section 33-5 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code
(SAMC), the Planning Commission is responsible for public facilities naming requests,
with City Council consent review thereaf ter.
Background, Outreach, and Name Selection Process
PRCSA staff solicited suggestions from the community by crowdsourcing park naming
ideas via PRCSA’s and the City’s Instagram accounts to assist in naming the latest
additions to the parks system.
The new 1.25-acre park, located at the southwest corner of Bristol Street and Tolliver
Street and in the southeastern section of the Central City Neighborhood will feature
drought-tolerant landscaping, pedestrian pathways, recreation spaces and a multi-use
sports court. It will be the first City park to have a stormwater reuse treatment system for
irrigation.
A criterion listed in the SAMC, was used as the benchmark for submittals, which include
the following requirements for naming a park:
• A name, which serves to identify the location of the subject by reference to distinct
geographic, environmental or development features in the immediate area;
• A name, which references the history of the subject site or its immediate area;
• A name, which identifies a person or family, which made an extraordinary donation
of land or funds to promote the construction or improvement of the subject public
facility; or
PFN No. 2025-01 for Nuestro Park (712 S. Bristol Street)
August 25, 2025
Page 2
• A name which recognizes a person or family who made a distinct, significant
contribution to the well-being of the city, including past mayors, council members,
board or commission members, officers or employees of the city, but not anyone
who currently holds any such position.
Staff reviewed over 500 votes and suggestions for the park, using the SAMC criteria to
determine their qualification. The park name list below is recommended for consideration,
as these submissions align with the SAMC criterion for Naming a Park.
• Nuestro Park
• Central City Park (named for the location)
At the July 24, 2025 Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission (PRCSC)
meeting, information was provided on the naming of the subject park. The submissions
were presented to the PRCSC and, as a result, Nuestro Park was approved by a vote of
8-0 as a recommendation for Planning Commission determination. Accordingly, Nuestro
Park is recommended for Planning Commission discussion and determination, which
shall be reported to the City Council for their consideration.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act and the CEQA Guidelines,
the recommended action is exempt from further review per Section 15061 (b)(3). This
general rule exemption is allowed provided it can be determined with certainty that the
proposed project will not have a significant effect on the environment. As the project
consists of naming of a public facility, the general rule exemp tion is applicable. A Notice
of Exemption, Environmental Review No. 2025-79, will be filed for this project.
FISCAL IMPACT
These is no fiscal impact associated with this action.
EXHIBIT
1. Resolution adopting PFN No. 2025-01
Submitted By:
Timothy Pagano, Deputy Director of Parks, Recreation & Community Service Agency
Approved By:
Hawk Scott, Executive Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services, Parks,
Recreation, and Community Services
Resolution No. 2025-XX
Page 1 of 3
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-XX
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF SANTA ANA APPROVING PUBLIC
FACILITIES NAMING NO. 2025-01 NAMING THE PARK
LOCATED AT 712 SOUTH BRISTOL STREET AS
NUESTRO PARK
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SANTA
ANA AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The Planning Commission of the City of Santa Ana hereby finds,
determines, and declares as follows:
A. The City of Santa Ana is requesting approval of City-initiated Public Facilities
Naming (PFN) No. 2025-01 to name the park located at 712 S. Bristol Street
as Nuestro Park.
B. Pursuant to sections 33-5 through 33-8 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code
(SAMC), all requests for naming or renaming of public streets, public buildings,
parks or recreational facilities owned or controlled by the City, shall be referred
to the Planning Commission for determination, subject to confirmation by the
City Council. Further, the policy guidelines in the SAMC pertaining to the
naming of such facilities specify the criteria that shall be used in such
determination.
C. On July 24, 2025, the Parks, Recreation and Community Services
Commission held a meeting regarding PFN No. 2025-01 and, after receiving
information on the item, voted 8-0 to recommend that the Planning
Commission adopt a resolution approving “Nuestro Park” as the name of the
park located at 712 S. Bristol Street.
D. On August 25, 2025, the Planning Commission held a meeting and discussed
PFN No. 2025-01.
E. Based on the established guidelines, the name of Nuestro Park satisfies the
criteria of SAMC Section 33-6(c)(1) of the SAMC, which directs the promotion
of names which references the history of the subject site or its immediate area.
Resolution No. 2025-XX
Page 2 of 3
Section 2. The Planning Commission finds and determines that this Resolution is
not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to sections
15060(c)(2) and 15060(c)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines because the naming of a public
facility (a park) will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change
in the environment, as there is no possibility it will have a significant effect on the
environment and is not a “project,” as defined in section 15378 of the State CEQA
Guidelines. Furthermore, the Resolution falls within the “common sense” CEQA exemption
set forth in CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3), excluding projects where “it can be seen
with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant
effect on the environment.”
Section 3. The Planning Commission of the City of Santa Ana hereby approves
Public Facility Naming No. 2025-01 to name the park located at 712 S. Bristol Street as
“Nuestro Park.” This decision is based upon the evidence submitted at the above-
referenced meeting, which includes, but is not limited to: the Request for Planning
Commission Action dated August 25, 2025, and exhibits attached thereto; and the public
testimony, written and oral, all of which are incorporated herein by this reference.
ADOPTED this 25th day of August 2025, by the following vote:
AYES: Commissioners:
NOES: Commissioners:
ABSENT: Commissioners:
ABSTENTIONS: Commissioners:
Isuri S. Ramos
Chairperson
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Sonia R. Carvalho, City Attorney
By:
Melissa M. Crosthwaite
Sr. Assistant City Attorney
Resolution No. 2025-XX
Page 3 of 3
CERTIFICATE OF ATTESTATION AND ORIGINALITY
I, Gema Zapian, Recording Secretary, do hereby attest to and certify the attached
Resolution No. 2025-XX to be the original resolution adopted by the Planning
Commission of the City of Santa Ana on August 25, 2025.
Date:
Recording Secretary
City of Santa Ana