[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-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",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_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":-5,"_68":69,"_70":-5,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6630841,"mediaKeyId","2688626-26b0e086f196e2382970bbcaaccb4151","parentId",2688626,"title","Parents and volunteers pitch 'Adopta un lote' plan to convert vacant lots into community green space","audioSeconds",210,"startMs",6390000,"endMs",6600000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2688626-26b0e086f196e2382970bbcaaccb4151&start=6390&end=6600","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2688626-26b0e086f196e2382970bbcaaccb4151/thumbnail_6390000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6630841/Parents-and-volunteers-pitch-Adopta-un-lote-plan-to-convert-vacant-lots-into-community-green-space","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6630841-33d16631493c9aec6689217fd9df8e96/orig.mp4?Expires=1771214909&Signature=PzfPtexbEqu6c1FhR2NbMrmg0FvaXS0NuDDbThI9~8iSGP6xCfkThpHLX53I6TkO3XqBCsDNJDQjg385hLwsfMQDSCZM9PhzKtrAm6Z1BkKDuG2PsAriMWOW8nbtmc-dxL0AsvoVRXCFNFvMa-pPOD53Sexy6JtgQTU1YS-XF7vu07wuhmcq7RpaBkLfJQyiG7iVcxAANdalnQhLY0YObHRS9sqUvbuSg5Gjx14~AmyrHJrFuJ3NNRLPuT9S-UBd4N53TER~KgK7lfblPT9lnYTAJsG9USed4C2Z8CHOd2aX4qr7u3VpO~F-VRFkAYZ1TqwoRDn-VgNxEzhrPqz6-g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Santa Ana, CA","date","2025-03-19T07:20:36.277Z","article","A group of parents and community volunteers used the council’s public comment period to ask the City Council to support a pilot program to convert vacant lots into neighborhood green space.

Speakers during the public comment portion asked councilmembers to meet one‑on‑one with the group to review specific pilot sites and to provide staff support. Verónica García, a parent and neighborhood leader, told the council the effort seeks to help families who lack nearby parks and to provide outdoor space for children and community events.

Why it matters: Community members said vacant lots are underused and that converting them to small parks or green spaces would improve neighborhood safety, mental and physical health and provide places for intergenerational connection. Several speakers asked for a city meeting to identify candidate lots and to discuss logistics.

What the council did: Councilmembers listening during public comment acknowledged the request and several councillors indicated willingness to meet with the group. Staff said they would follow up to schedule meetings and discuss next steps; no formal council action was required or taken during the meeting.

Next steps: Community organizers asked the council to schedule a staff meeting and to place the pilot idea on a future council agenda for further direction and potential program design.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Santa Ana City Council Meeting - March 18, 2025 (Spanish)","oneSentenceSummary","A group of parent leaders and volunteers asked the Santa Ana City Council to support a pilot 'Adopta un lote' program to transform vacant lots into small neighborhood parks and community gardens; they asked councilmembers for meetings and city staff support to move the idea toward a pilot site.","taxTitle","taxId",0,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":-5,"_68":69,"_70":-5,"_71":72,"_73":72},6630846,"Council recognizes initial $3.8M Round 5 homelessness award; 10% set aside for foster youth",130,8460000,8590000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2688626-26b0e086f196e2382970bbcaaccb4151&start=8460&end=8590","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2688626-26b0e086f196e2382970bbcaaccb4151/thumbnail_8460000.jpg","/articles/6630846/Council-recognizes-initial-38M-Round-5-homelessness-award-10-set-aside-for-foster-youth","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6630846-2c2ce55cec5d9f7dd4a13e06bd90aac6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771214909&Signature=C0rLbTP-VVxOcGKGSCBithzCk3vNJ6pCmXPhFQfexDo7SUyK--Vc~oh5qwJYbRuXhexwu52adjRJ2PpQKnkt8SIDW6bzSZm-ySaguL~7OLzbTa1CjnKvSm5QA-RyDl8Cd37MY3CNRU5WAeOZiGDuzv3YOJCS78wYNeLAqHL7pe-l67NCMgkCCYpvXQoo9eEzjDIvGPsJWgvKSZiXgQO6bk19J1kwcJWcs1tdtmA1bhuVN3TcYtGAH5Pbo0h~C543Am2f-zH9EFwm7uwlZ0BxEvwYxEWjVoagWTaHf51xCaTtL17Av0ECkX5joGkILOzdQZMx5Y~AiTBNIM1LkBpl5Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Santa Ana City Council voted to recognize an initial state Round 5 homelessness award and to accept staff recommendations for initial allocation of the funds, city staff said.

Staff said the Round 5 disbursement totals about $3.8 million for the city’s navigation center and related services. Council heard that policy requires a minimum setaside for programs serving transition‑age foster youth; staff said that amounts to roughly 10% of the award, about $550,000.

Questions from councilmembers focused on how funds will be used operationally. Staff explained the funds will support navigation center operations, street outreach and some rapid rehousing or interim housing options such as short hotel stays while individuals are placed in housing. Staff clarified that continuing operations beyond the initial disbursement will require either additional rounds of state funding or other local/federal funds.

Council action: The mayor moved to approve recognition of the Round 5 funding allocation; the council voted to approve the staff recommendation.

Why it matters: The award will fund the city’s navigation and homeless outreach operations and includes a targeted setaside for foster youth aging out of care, a population the council flagged as a priority. Councilmembers asked staff to return with implementation details and ongoing funding strategies.","City staff told council the initial Round 5 homelessness award includes about $3.8 million for the navigation center and associated operations; staff said roughly 10% (about $550,000) will be reserved for programs for foster youth ages 18–24. Council approved recognizing the award and the allocation.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":-5,"_68":69,"_70":-5,"_71":72,"_73":72},6630851,"Council approves $4.5 million Bristol/Edinger park project; includes skate area and stormwater features",178,5332000,5510000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2688626-26b0e086f196e2382970bbcaaccb4151&start=5332&end=5510","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2688626-26b0e086f196e2382970bbcaaccb4151/thumbnail_5332000.jpg","/articles/6630851/Council-approves-45-million-BristolEdinger-park-project-includes-skate-area-and-stormwater-features","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6630851-0fd757387c7485378df0e55a564f951e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771214909&Signature=O7lFerJXN6DxFev1v9wd8MFOO3ztiFrqzOtG0xEMf4mzsCzKFN0fDkqBZ4sfXjYmWYWdidz8~BMug3fFKJgqBhIN8xnfS~BTyxt5tWlUlAFkVRHcOiNmPeWmZSIgWeF6ZPcGvQKFLjhF-kw9AZjaOTLZVG64QQHqMWjy5SDMRF4X4I3URYKeDanMkuCHNPESJ0hUfA9wmCLPlgo2BDTHWxcMjgjM-HFITZ68mbalH3B44~Q66F-0oB8zuTkkyuuOK7eN6qFg8X3~lKIM56dEbSqeWiMqeqPJwOivKWQYLwJ~joMMLrQgP4jkdz3JLb-VzBsQdK6zwhX~730yRyNr1w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Santa Ana City Council voted to approve an allocation and award a construction contract for the Bristol/Edinger neighborhood park project, authorizing roughly $4.5 million in funds to build a skate area, a basketball court, seating for older adults and stormwater capture features.

Vice Mayor Vázquez brought the motion to approve the allocation and award the construction contract, and councilmembers voted 6–0 with Councilmember Peñaloza absent.

Why it matters: Councilmembers said the project responds to repeated community requests for parks and open space in a neighborhood that lacks green space. Several councilmembers credited neighborhood advocacy and youth leaders for pushing the issue to the council agenda.

Project details
- Total approximate cost: $4.5 million (project description and staff materials).
- Project elements described during the meeting: skate park, basketball court, seating and benches, stormwater features intended to capture and manage runoff.
- Staff indicated existing community involvement and that the contract award will be followed by outreach and scheduling for construction.

Council comments: Councilmember Hernández and others thanked residents and youth advocates; Vice Mayor Vázquez emphasized the project’s role in community safety and neighborhood investment.

Vote: Motion carried 6–0 with one absence (Councilmember Peñaloza). Construction contracting and allocation were authorized; staff will proceed with contract execution and pre‑construction outreach.","The council voted to award a construction contract and approve an allocation totaling $4.5 million to build the first phase of a neighborhood park at Bristol and Edinger that will include a skate facility, basketball court and water‑capture features, council members said the project responds to community requests for green space.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":-5,"_68":69,"_70":-5,"_71":72,"_73":72},6630856,"Council delays vote on downtown parking rates, asks staff for data",2220,15360000,17580000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2688626-26b0e086f196e2382970bbcaaccb4151&start=15360&end=17580","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2688626-26b0e086f196e2382970bbcaaccb4151/thumbnail_15360000.jpg","/articles/6630856/Council-delays-vote-on-downtown-parking-rates-asks-staff-for-data","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6630856-b797c2c877f4e3c4e992a7a78ad3ca51/orig.mp4?Expires=1771214909&Signature=b2dh4-8mfjfhy-76tRP3-DY1V43AROaCAMqGcNTgSNJHcqLUwALjJXq0Pwk9j7wvJLnTjF59BlqjT-Q42Jb1jKH1FBlQgjhNymIDAP-6--QRNwEzhzBRM8F2q78DY2Am2H7WqR9KFosZXZ2iD~QK17R23P3lwg322ExQThvTg0dIaf251anD7NmgA-VSVQKjyPo~toa385PjwSdylYRb0VzS1SlqCKSN0FYKIaA4LDL~VSihWgfDafW8zvX1TtcOSHlKqCRr8nJYcRJM7HhnUaL8q4SsKi90viLTxUpxQ0yr4ndEPZbFhxBOEzxIQhwbMoeRYoSnOiipMuYI9rfMzg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Santa Ana City Council on Tuesday voted to postpone consideration of a package of changes to downtown parking meters and garage rates after councilmembers said they needed more detailed, hour‑by‑hour occupancy data and clearer community outreach.

The move followed competing proposals about how to balance revenue generation against supporting downtown businesses and neighborhood parking needs. Councilmember Becerra proposed a tiered schedule that would raise some rates and target higher fees during late‑night peaks; his detailed proposal drew substantial questioning about peak‑period definitions and the relationship between curbside meters and nearby parking garages.

After public discussion and multiple amendments, Councilmember López moved to postpone item 16 for 30 days and directed staff to return with the requested data. The motion carried on a council vote with four in favor, two opposed and one councilmember absent.

What staff will return with
- Hour‑by‑hour occupancy and peak‑period charts for on‑street meters and each city garage;
- A description of the current operating hours and recommended alternatives and the revenue impact of each option;
- Outreach plan showing how businesses and residents will be notified and consulted specifically about changes that would affect their blocks.

Why it matters: The council’s decision preserves time for more outreach and for the city to present a comprehensive view of how raising meter or garage prices could affect foot traffic, business activity and operations such as the city’s Clean & Safe program. Staff warned the council the downtown parking system has historically generated revenue used for services in the area; councilmembers said they wanted to balance revenue needs against downtown vitality.

The council did not adopt rate changes at the meeting; staff will return with the requested analysis in approximately 30 days.","After a lengthy debate on whether to change downtown on‑street meter hours and garage rates, the Santa Ana City Council voted to postpone the item 30 days and directed staff to return with detailed occupancy and peak‑period data for both on‑street meters and city garages.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":-5,"_68":69,"_70":-5,"_71":72,"_73":72},6630862,"Santa Ana council hears 10-year budget forecast, staff warns of FY25-26 shortfall",1280,9280000,10560000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2688626-26b0e086f196e2382970bbcaaccb4151&start=9280&end=10560","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2688626-26b0e086f196e2382970bbcaaccb4151/thumbnail_9280000.jpg","/articles/6630862/Santa-Ana-council-hears-10-year-budget-forecast-staff-warns-of-FY25-26-shortfall","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6630862-01eeb3705b7eb3f44a8f3e5d287d3047/orig.mp4?Expires=1771214909&Signature=lPAy-av45dQDUcVIStOOMO0~zbqE-DY5h~iIJuA-MaR9vq~gxyhz64eSL3dWHtbUUMcJuZzum1x7ABfY4dRm8ODkJEgKkcL6bcd1jhQfUvD9D8X2qolZ-mI-2Eef7900dqK-~B86s1CQdwQrPnzjo2cbRRZjNjbnA0XjQMYwdLWHSu4AVGbRj1d3BEkPoJxlxLXzjxwKy4P2kCIYzHojPbopkV~E1vyDlP1dojpeFSL4Z4MU6GNck922W9KNLcL0MvXd0bPc5OMOsPDT5IgNqrVS4-aWnIYIOnaqPMGshYzbpAfHyw4VW--QIjtBd5MEGybOJRYvQ9zLsDG64OMmCw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City finance staff told the Santa Ana City Council on Tuesday that the city’s general fund is projected to enter a deficit beginning in fiscal year 2025–26 and that revenues tied to Measure X will decline over the next several years.

“The purpose of this report is to give information about the upcoming budget and expectations for the general fund,” Alex Trinidad, deputy director in the finance department, told the council. Trinidad said the city’s 10‑year projection assumes only recurring revenues and expenses and that the projections would be updated as new information becomes available.

Why it matters: The presentation framed a policy choice the council must make this spring — whether to use one‑time funds to shore up immediate needs and capital projects or to preserve reserves to offset an expected fall in Measure X receipts later in the decade. Staff and several councilmembers urged building a plan now to limit service cuts if the forecasted revenue drop materializes.

Key points from staff
- Trinidad said the forecast shows expenditures growing faster than revenues and projects a deficit beginning in fiscal 2025–26. He said the city would receive updated sales‑tax and other revenue forecasts in April and that final projections may change before the proposed budget is returned to council.
- Staff presented a menu of potential one‑time investments including upgrades at Bristol/Edinger ($250,000 suggested for lot improvements), improvements to the senior center (small capital investment), bus shelters and Code Blue emergency units ($79,000 to replace aging 3G units), and a proposed stadium expansion (rough order of magnitude $5.3 million). Staff also flagged a $4.3 million state demolition grant that must be used by December 2025 and asked for direction on how to proceed with partial demolition options.
- On homelessness funding, staff said an initial Round 5 award includes about $3.8 million that would fund the city navigation center; roughly 10% (about $550,000) would be set aside for programs targeting transition‑age foster youth.

Council reaction and direction
- Several councilmembers emphasized protecting core services while using one‑time funds for capital projects that could generate future revenue. Councilmember José Hernández said he supports exploring department adjustments to minimize service impacts and backing Measure X reserves to smooth future declines.
- Councilmember López stressed the need to preserve critical services and asked staff for clearer measures of likely revenue impacts before authorizing recurring commitments.
- Vice Mayor Vázquez and other members signaled interest in both targeted, one‑time investments (parks, bus shelters, Code Blue units) and in a plan to set aside Measure X receipts for future shortfalls.

Staff follow-up: Trinidad and the city manager said staff will incorporate council feedback into the proposed budget process. The presentation schedule staff outlined calls for public outreach through April, a community priorities report in early May, public hearings in June and adoption of the FY 2025–26 budget in mid‑June.

The council did not adopt a final budget at the meeting; members gave direction to staff and asked for more detailed revenue and expenditure analyses ahead of the draft budget.","City finance staff told the council the general fund is projected to move into deficit in fiscal year 2025–26 unless the city closes gaps in recurring revenue or reduces recurring expenses. Councilmembers debated one-time investments, pension contributions and revenue options including parking and Measure X reserves.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Parents and volunteers pitch 'Adopta un lote' plan to convert vacant lots into community green space

Council recognizes initial $3.8M Round 5 homelessness award; 10% set aside for foster youth

Council approves $4.5 million Bristol/Edinger park project; includes skate area and stormwater features

Council delays vote on downtown parking rates, asks staff for data

Santa Ana council hears 10-year budget forecast, staff warns of FY25-26 shortfall