Anaheim council faces scrutiny over transparency and housing project decisions

The Anaheim City Council meeting on November 19, 2024, featured a range of discussions focused on public engagement and housing development issues. The meeting began with a public comment from an attendee who criticized council members for their perceived failures in addressing homelessness and fulfilling their oaths of office. The speaker highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting the cold temperatures expected that night.

Following this, Mark Herbert from anaheimgrease.com addressed the council, providing feedback on the previous meeting held on October 29 regarding the Deer Canyon project. He presented three key observations aimed at improving public engagement:

1. **Public Calendars**: Herbert pointed out that the city’s practice of posting public calendars, which began on February 14, 2023, was not being followed consistently. He specifically noted that the mayor did not post her calendar for October, and another council member left his calendar blank.

2. **Housing Element Update Committee (HEUC)**: Herbert corrected a statement made by Council Member Rubikalva regarding the sunset of the HEUC. He clarified that the committee is intended to serve in an advisory capacity throughout the housing element update process, contrary to what was previously stated.

3. **Staff Recommendations on Development Projects**: Herbert referenced comments made by Council Member Fessel about the staff's recommendation against a specific development project. He emphasized the importance of staff input in decision-making and questioned the definition of bravery in the context of city staff's recommendations.

The meeting underscored ongoing concerns about transparency and accountability within the council, particularly regarding public engagement and housing development processes. The discussions highlighted the need for improved communication and adherence to established practices to foster better community involvement.