[{"_1":2,"_98":-5,"_99":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6722601,"mediaKeyId","2622570-9b4c8ceec80fc8a89bdefb304562fe7f","parentId",2622570,"title","Votes at a glance: Santa Ana City Council actions — CEQA, contracts, committees and a first reading of ethics ordinance","audioSeconds",1983,"startMs",3732000,"endMs",5715000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2622570-9b4c8ceec80fc8a89bdefb304562fe7f&start=3732&end=5715","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2622570-9b4c8ceec80fc8a89bdefb304562fe7f/thumbnail_3732000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6722601/Santa-Ana/Orange-County/California/Votes-at-a-glance-Santa-Ana-City-Council-actions-CEQA-contracts-committees-and-a-first-reading-of-ethics-ordinance","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6722601-11bcc3cbc3ce8404dfb57664a013eb06/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185111&Signature=FUZqgFudvRrHwskaN3YTdNB2GkqlJtbDShZI-b777WdlUllXD8FIacBdzaAsoyKHB4pydazPixV8axfnvPQLINL5SGtuQtTPrdnT-DExXpdRJE7~fktq3~t2Ku3039UN6JKH6xG6lwSdFSgC0HVRIFUQkMmB99jNxFX4X88KCQ0whVQKfUNxKGxVMYDaLgUMTh7N4ixE6VyREXnD7GhEdNqAriLrrywqEy8hqdwHPK7VEh7wtqpr9lAk~wMX~GpLdIsKcB8JxKzc~9g52KdKY8MJ2-6nsrclOI~Y6-mzt4kO5ekNm~J3qyTgX~uyGdjeURwDHO1EgsNysq1DVMEjqg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Santa Ana, CA","date","2025-02-12T10:58:17.4Z","article","At its meeting, the Santa Ana City Council recorded the following formal actions and votes (summary):

- Consent calendar (items 4–17, with items 9, 11 and 12 pulled for separate discussion): Approved as presented. Vote: 7 ayes, 0 nays.

- Item 9 — Fairview Street Improvements (CEQA determination): Adopted the CEQA determination to allow right-of-way funding applications and property acquisitions for the Fairview Street Improvements Project (17th to Trask). Council also directed staff to explore a protected (Class 4) bike lane and study traffic near Samwell/Samwelli Academy during subsequent design work. Motion moved by Council member Becerra, seconded by Mayor Mesquah. Vote: 4 ayes, 3 nays (nays by Council members Hernandez, Lopez and Penalosa). (See separate article for full coverage.)

- Item 11 — First amendment to agreement with Focus Media Group (bus shelter advertising and maintenance): Approved the amendment to clarify advertisement restrictions and ensure compliance with free-speech requirements after staff review. Motion moved by Council member Lopez; second by Council member Becerra. Vote: 6 ayes, 0 nays, with Council member Hernandez temporarily absent.

- Item 12 — First amendment to agreement with OutFront Media LLC (digital billboards on city property): Approved an amendment extending the agreement period (from three to five years) at the request of the vendor to allow additional permitting time, including required Caltrans approvals. Motion carried 6 ayes, 0 nays, with Council member Hernandez absent.

- Item 18 — Repeal of standing subcommittees: Council considered two motions. A substitute motion to repeal two subcommittees (Legislative and Public Safety & Homelessness) carried on a 4–3 vote. A later amended resolution that additionally repealed the Joint School Collaboration standing subcommittee also passed on a 4–3 vote (final action approved as amended: 4 ayes, 3 nays).

- Item 19 — Repeal of earlier resolution related to the Addington project (2525 N. Main St.): Council adopted a resolution repealing Resolution No. 2019‑107, effectively rescinding prior environmental approvals for the multi-family project at 2525 North Main Street. Motion passed (vote tally not read aloud in transcript; the item was carried by motion). Staff will update the record.

- Item 20 — Ordinance to prohibit awarding grants/contracts to immediate family members of elected officials: The council introduced (first reading) an ordinance adding a new section to the municipal code that would bar awarding agreements, grants or contracts to immediate family members of the mayor, council members or city officials. The ordinance was introduced and the first reading passed (7 ayes, 0 nays); additional readings or adoption steps remain.

Procedural: Several items were pulled from consent for separate discussion and vote. Where vote tallies were not read verbatim in the transcript for a motion, the record shows that the motion carried and staff will provide the certified minutes and official vote log in the published minutes.

Full votes and next administrative steps: Staff will file the formal documents for each adopted action in the council minutes and follow up on implementation tasks — including contract amendments for OutFront/Focus Media, CEQA filings for Fairview, and returning with options on advisory-group and immigration-defense matters as directed by council.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Regular City Council Meeting February 4, 2025 (English)","oneSentenceSummary","The Santa Ana City Council approved multiple items including a CEQA determination to pursue right-of-way funding for Fairview Street improvements, contract amendments for two advertising vendors, the repeal of standing subcommittees, and a first reading of an ordinance limiting grants/contracts to immediate family of elected officials.","taxTitle","Santa Ana , Orange County, California","taxId",2923,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6722606,"Council discusses reviving sanctuary policy advisory group as residents urge stronger immigration protections",799,4006000,4805000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2622570-9b4c8ceec80fc8a89bdefb304562fe7f&start=4006&end=4805","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2622570-9b4c8ceec80fc8a89bdefb304562fe7f/thumbnail_4006000.jpg","/articles/6722606/Santa-Ana/Orange-County/California/Council-discusses-reviving-sanctuary-policy-advisory-group-as-residents-urge-stronger-immigration-protections","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6722606-7fc3c4b9733508d15a52546d0df75b9b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185111&Signature=Rlisc5jRBkTUnCHW7ZCeHGpF9wz42~9EMXbxFmoAV8APKzsGuza~g~m3B6u-YXJ8Yg1wsY518lV4X60NlPGaxuUyOBoaY1-xZLWEWCbDtaVwWnheRfUbEI~72diHLgHVRJhb~Pv~xTsCvAvxbzD5bcdgDGhH89lofo~OXjFFQSSP3PvpBJbAP5B0pTLiwRkzYfkwwRplJrCh2ITSxWdkkCxu3iiSgmQalsNpvHSRGxl96y3XNrXljiz~EB3OFEhLpeeSIZTkuKiR~r0gMB8eEFmUB6YybMlxMpMISkAl9gFK-ndUTwbMbRmpO82bp1uUluOVP6m-Sdps9xCuyoKunw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Council member Lopez brought an item asking the City to reconvene a sanctuary-policy advisory group tied to Santa Ana’s 2017 sanctuary ordinance (ordinance NS-2908). Dozens of residents and representatives of community organizations urged the council to act, saying immigrants in Santa Ana feel increased fear and need stronger local protections and services. The council heard many public comments from immigrant-advocacy organizations, students and neighborhood groups; speakers asked the council to reaffirm the city’s sanctuary commitments, revive the advisory group and improve outreach and legal defense services for immigrant residents.

Context and key requests: Lopez framed the item as a response to a continuing pattern of fear and confusion in the immigrant community and said the 2017 ordinance that declared Santa Ana a sanctuary for residents regardless of immigration status anticipated an advisory group to inform policy. Community speakers identified gaps in outreach and legal services — particularly for Southeast Asian communities — and urged the council to reconvene a body that includes community-based organizations and legal experts to advise on sensitive topics including data collection practices and the administration of the city’s Immigration Legal Defense Fund.

City staff and legal considerations: City attorneys and staff reported they could not readily find formal records demonstrating a long-standing, formally constituted sanctuary advisory commission; some participants said informal working groups and advocates had met in the past. The city attorney advised caution: if the council creates a formal commission it will trigger legal requirements such as Brown Act meeting rules and financial-disclosure obligations that could make it difficult for undocumented community members to seek help in a public forum; staff suggested alternatives or careful design to balance transparency and confidentiality.

Police and public-safety note: The Police Department posted a video and the chief reiterated that Santa Ana officers “do not ask about or investigate a person's immigration status,” do not detain people solely for immigration enforcement, and do not participate in federal raids; the chief said the department will continue to collaborate on criminal investigations that affect public safety.

Council response and staff direction: Council members expressed broad support for the city’s sanctuary ordinance and the need to reassure residents. Several members asked the city manager to ensure there is no collaboration with ICE, to improve the city’s “Know Your Rights” information, and to return with a proposal for how to proceed. The council discussed separating any changes to the Immigration Legal Defense Fund (procurement and contract issues) from the advisory-group reconstitution so that each matter can be addressed on its own timeline. The city manager and attorney agreed to review options and report back on a structure that balances confidentiality, community participation and the legal constraints of public commissions.

What the council asked staff to do: Staff was directed to (1) examine whether a formal advisory body existed and, if not, propose an approach for reconvening or creating an advisory group mindful of Brown Act and privacy concerns; (2) prepare recommendations on outreach and representation to ensure the advisory body reflects the city’s immigrant communities (including Southeast Asian communities); and (3) treat the Immigration Legal Defense Fund as a separate procurement/service-delivery issue and provide a report on outreach gaps and potential restructuring options. No final ordinance or policy change was adopted at the meeting; the council asked staff to return with options and recommended next steps.","Council member Lopez asked the City to revive the sanctuary policy advisory group tied to Santa Ana’s 2017 sanctuary ordinance and directed staff to return with options after residents and immigrant-rights organizations urged the council to strengthen local protections and outreach.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":46,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6722611,"Santa Ana council approves CEQA determination for Fairview Street project, directs study of protected bike lanes and school-area traffic",4936,779000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2622570-9b4c8ceec80fc8a89bdefb304562fe7f&start=779&end=5715","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2622570-9b4c8ceec80fc8a89bdefb304562fe7f/thumbnail_779000.jpg","/articles/6722611/Santa-Ana/Orange-County/California/Santa-Ana-council-approves-CEQA-determination-for-Fairview-Street-project-directs-study-of-protected-bike-lanes-and-school-area-traffic","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6722611-34ef793ca188a3212becf948c0100834/orig.mp4?Expires=1771185111&Signature=SVtx7trdArYeSB0iLd9KqNwP5KSLeMIzv3DKKGyxt5cEQ2lnmJYeg70w3fkjBqGtxs0~hZ2e8OXTtEy~aqAjN~Kf7uDnrud6VW-hl91cCeCXVSRUjZBQ3hlhSuPh2RQiKkjXS0z9uTxbhsBtlMGbIM-ZSPhMGO2K79ueCpmEmIUz2wvOlvoG-gigID6jE2zwQru5uXobW6AatfAAD9p-IeJofoAfB0OrKzJWUqb~EVztnZrgcYuh5ifpIU-N3wfjt6TXtKbHXkaCbHPtQ3xFseLndyoSQ6TVmz-uLWruTEhxiRoDMtlY20teGmQWAHVXQ3qywsjLIOqbbfi15hu7wQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Santa Ana City Council approved a CEQA determination Tuesday that allows staff to apply for right-of-way funds to acquire properties and proceed with the Fairview Street Improvements Project between 17th Street and Trask Avenue. The council also gave direction for staff to explore a protected (Class 4) bike lane in the project limits and to study traffic near Samwell (Samueli) Academy. The motion passed 4–3.

Why it matters: The project is targeted at a corridor that staff and council described as a local traffic and pedestrian-safety concern. The CEQA action is intended to unlock state/ regional right-of-way funding that the city says is needed to widen the street, add sidewalks and bike lanes, and implement Vision Zero safety elements at the well-known Fairview/17th (Westminster) intersection.

City staff told the council the City intends to acquire four full parcels as part of the right-of-way work — two on Huckleberry Road and two on Strawberry Lane — to widen Fairview and provide sidewalks where none now exist. Public Works said any leftover or “remnant” pieces of property created by the acquisition would be offered to adjacent property owners or, failing that, retained as city open space.

On the design and bike lanes: Staff described the project as roughly 90% designed and said the available right-of-way in the project limits currently supports a 6‑foot unprotected bike lane on each side. Council members pressed staff to examine whether a protected, Class 4 bike lane similar to the Bristol Street treatment could be accommodated; the council’s approved motion directed staff to “explore protected bike lanes” and preserve flexibility in the application to the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) should additional funding or design changes make a protected section feasible.

Safety measures: The public-works presentation said the project will implement Vision Zero recommendations at Fairview/17th, including high-visibility crosswalks, wheelchair ramps, “truck aprons” (concrete turning pads that prevent large-turning vehicles from riding up onto ramps), and hardened centerline treatments. Staff noted the intersection has been ranked among the county’s more dangerous locations and said the project would incorporate recommended countermeasures from the city’s Vision Zero plan.

Questions from council: Council members raised three recurring concerns — relocation/compensation for affected homeowners, whether the project scope was sufficiently complete for CEQA review, and whether acquiring homes during a regional housing shortage was the best outcome. Staff said acquisitions would be full-takings for the four identified parcels and that property owners would be compensated at market value. The city’s assistant city manager and CEQA advisor explained that CEQA requires a clear project scope (not necessarily final engineering) and that the current project description and 90% design supported a categorical exemption/notice of exemption for the right-of-way application.

Vote and next steps: The council voted to adopt the CEQA determination and approve submittal for right-of-way funding, with the added direction to examine protected bike facilities and study traffic around Samwell/Samwelli Academy. The motion was moved by Council member Becerra and seconded by Mayor Mesquah. Final vote: 4 ayes, 3 nays (nays recorded by Council members Hernandez, Lopez and Penalosa). Staff will return with design refinements and any follow-up study materials as requested.

What’s next: With CEQA action in hand, staff will proceed with the OCTA right-of-way funding application and continue design. The council’s direction to explore a buffered/protected bike lane and to study school-area traffic at Samwell will be appended to project tasks and reported back in future design or funding updates.","The City Council adopted a CEQA determination to clear the way for right-of-way funding to acquire four properties for Fairview Street improvements between 17th Street and Trask Avenue, and directed staff to explore a protected (Class 4) bike lane and study traffic near Samwell/Samwelli Academy. Vote was 4–3.","actionData","errors"]

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Votes at a glance: Santa Ana City Council actions — CEQA, contracts, committees and a first reading of ethics ordinance

Council discusses reviving sanctuary policy advisory group as residents urge stronger immigration protections

Santa Ana council approves CEQA determination for Fairview Street project, directs study of protected bike lanes and school-area traffic