[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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",6566149,"mediaKeyId","3206870-7b43c67250bf6207d4e516ecbe7b56ee","parentId",3206870,"title","Santa Ana council: votes at a glance — general plan report, vehicle purchases, bonds and continuance of public hearing","audioSeconds",298,"startMs",1479000,"endMs",1181000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3206870-7b43c67250bf6207d4e516ecbe7b56ee&start=1479&end=1181","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3206870-7b43c67250bf6207d4e516ecbe7b56ee/thumbnail_1479000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6566149/Santa-Ana/Orange-County/California/Santa-Ana-council-votes-at-a-glance-general-plan-report-vehicle-purchases-bonds-and-continuance-of-public-hearing","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6566149-cb791f311c884167c823cefe71d4203a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770446719&Signature=oN96Hi~sCUQlo9oz28xhBDdaE954pBKF-zbHzP~CVqircEWIaMImv8yrJdHUsXYriP4hvKVzGlY6U8~wSZR8DStscXwAycZooPgpGcDyKbnNOjBxst7g37FpB6EGTA3admWVtgnipRlQPIor56j23ARqnBqYTeL8HVcdg0CTww28uhKy7gfMgM177-bhPfkhCReZvp7MYcgOXwYk5IFfSZZ66oEHp5nvemxlBFabs~mt14os6hgbAggjxh2-VKx5SrEn9Pmvr6NS5pdLDI32hNuXsuYT9hmzzRl9hPBCid9QID~KoQcrfcOrwTBEofwA9amMtm4K8UbW5S55yeXgwQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Santa Ana, CA","date","2025-05-07T05:24:37.463Z","article","At its May 6 meeting the Santa Ana City Council approved several administrative and land‑use items, including the city’s annual general‑plan progress report and a number of procurement and finance measures. Council also continued a public hearing to June 3 after two members recused themselves for alleged campaign‑contribution conflicts.

Here are the formal outcomes and key details from the meeting:

General plan annual progress report (Item 7)
- Action: Council approved the City of Santa Ana 2024 General Plan Annual Progress Report as required by state law.
- Highlights in staff presentation included: same‑day express permit service (PBX), completion of a stakeholder round for a comprehensive zoning code update, formation of an Environmental Justice Action Committee, and reported housing production progress against the RHNA allocation (city stated approximately 94% overall met for one element and 57% for low/very‑low income housing in the current cycle).
- Vote: Motion carried (roll call recorded as 6 ayes, no nays; one councilmember recorded absent).

Vehicle purchases and contingency debate (Item 8)
- Action: Council approved purchase orders and contracts with local dealerships for replacement fleet vehicles (Chevrolet Equinox and Colorado models) for multiple city departments.
- Controversy: Councilmember Becerra pressed staff about a 12% contingency included in the recommended purchase amounts, asking why dealerships would be allowed to increase price after submitting bids. Public works and fleet staff said contingencies are used rarely when a model year becomes unavailable and a later model must be purchased; staff said they would provide past contingency usage data and were asked to proceed if necessary.
- Vote: Motion carried 5 ayes, 1 nay (Councilmember Becerra voted no); one recusal noted for Councilmember Phan on related items.

Exempt facility bonds for Estrella Springs (Item 22)
- Action: Council approved a resolution supporting issuance by the California Municipal Finance Authority of exempt facility bonds for the Estrella Springs project.
- Vote: Motion carried 6 ayes, no nays; one councilmember recused.

Public hearing continuance and recusals (Item 21)
- Action: The council opened a public hearing briefly, then voted to continue item 21 to the June 3, 2025 council meeting to allow time for two councilmembers to resolve conflicts raised via FPPC correspondence.
- Vote/Outcome: Motion to continue carried with five ayes and two noted recusals (Councilmembers Phan and Lopez were recorded as recused for the item). The city clerk recorded the continuance and the item will return with the full hearing on June 3.

Consent calendar and other housekeeping
- The balance of the consent calendar was approved as presented with several items pulled for separate discussion; Councilmember Hernandez recorded a no vote on one consent item (item 14).

What happens next: Staff agreed to provide additional details requested by council — specifically, a report on how often vehicle‑purchase contingencies have been used and documentation related to the bond issuance and continued public hearing. Several items pulled for discussion will return on future agendas with requested follow‑up information.

Ending: The meeting combined routine approvals with a handful of contested issues that generated follow‑up assignments for staff, notably contingency reporting for vehicle procurement and scheduling a new public‑hearing date for the item continued to June 3.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Santa Ana City Council Meeting - May 6, 2025 (English)","oneSentenceSummary","The Santa Ana City Council approved a number of administrative and fiscal measures May 6, including the city’s annual general‑plan progress report and vehicle purchases, approved financing for Estrella Springs and continued a public hearing to June 3 due to recusals.","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},6566154,"Santa Ana council moves to ban retail sale of nitrous oxide, orders public education campaign",41,1975000,2016000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3206870-7b43c67250bf6207d4e516ecbe7b56ee&start=1975&end=2016","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3206870-7b43c67250bf6207d4e516ecbe7b56ee/thumbnail_1975000.jpg","/articles/6566154/Santa-Ana/Orange-County/California/Santa-Ana-council-moves-to-ban-retail-sale-of-nitrous-oxide-orders-public-education-campaign","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6566154-1f8c5192eeeb9135b9edb254db372a46/orig.mp4?Expires=1770446719&Signature=SEozdEDTB5zQctN1uBxgGtzmvdmcaFP8MiikQqK-avA6V9V6n5ex-cIAZ~nfm6ZPgycmmpETsx1onH~~KGqKBv-DEmV6Q4WRMla6orhCwHVg-ciNXRgdT6f5dGNcebKOx971iiMVKnmh4VQTRnMM2bU71lO6YAmqAKnYCs-ml4W4EoCVikNPDbp66AMEpaCkRQWMVpLPPgXynJaFlYqzOWKfNAnw9AJB~sX7hxoywbUjVcIVniOTboT3YsFHTVEVbXp2i9gY~lXMkbdO~wNgZxQ7eq8olsZtx2PYx-GsHIjT9us7KNm9XOHajbbwZutM02UkxuixLHJpPTOXRzbqGQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Santa Ana City Council voted to introduce an ordinance that would add a new prohibition on sale and distribution of recreational nitrous oxide (commonly sold for use in balloons) to the Santa Ana Municipal Code.

The ordinance, introduced by Councilmember Hernandez and seconded on the floor, would add Article XIV to Chapter 10, banning retail sale or distribution of nitrous oxide for purposes other than specified medical or dental care under licensed supervision. The measure includes provisions the council asked staff to add: an educational public‑health campaign in English, Spanish and Vietnamese, demographic reporting on citations and arrests, and restorative‑justice options for first‑time youth offenders. The council accepted an amendment to align age limits with state law (18 years old).

Why it matters: City leaders said nitrous oxide presents a growing public‑health and safety risk for youth and other residents. Councilmember Hernandez called the substance “deadly and dangerous,” and emphasized the council’s intent to protect children and families while building enforcement with a strong education component.

Key features and exceptions
- Prohibition on sale or distribution for recreational inhalation; exceptions explicitly carved out for medical or dental uses performed under supervision. City Attorney noted municipal implementation should follow state penal code age rules; the council accepted age 18 per state law.
- Public education campaign: council asked for multilingual outreach (English, Spanish, Vietnamese) and cooperation with schools and community groups.
- Enforcement: ordinance contemplates administrative citations and misdemeanor penalties, paired with initial education and restorative alternatives for first‑time juvenile offenses.

Vote and next steps: The council voted to introduce the ordinance on first reading with amendments; the motion passed 7‑0. Staff will draft the final ordinance language and return for formal adoption on a future date; the council asked that outreach and enforcement protocols be prepared in tandem.

Ending: Councilmembers framed the measure as a public‑health approach—combining enforcement with education and restorative options—to limit access to a substance they said was increasingly tied to risky behavior and hospitalizations.

","The City Council introduced an ordinance to prohibit sale and distribution of nitrous oxide for recreational use, including provisions for public education, demographic reporting and exceptions for medical/dental uses; council approved the first reading unanimously.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6566159,"Santa Ana council approves automated license‑plate readers amid privacy debate",211,1603000,1814000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3206870-7b43c67250bf6207d4e516ecbe7b56ee&start=1603&end=1814","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3206870-7b43c67250bf6207d4e516ecbe7b56ee/thumbnail_1603000.jpg","/articles/6566159/Santa-Ana/Orange-County/California/Santa-Ana-council-approves-automated-licenseplate-readers-amid-privacy-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6566159-68cade71bd7d1499bfd0111728b4484b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770446719&Signature=nnkMzpXnYhH-w46aw8A5jq2sMnhQ20bKZsOLLeL77csMCGbRgaL38vZF9upi8f3nyjVslo8dIXSFgN9AkwzFK-z3ScIszJhJJBfj44~2QbTkPFZTIDIrYf2vBpP9guXqNiw7NhIAEMnH2HJei9XWi2SlX6k59YdvLf9ViEh6dc9zRNA1wDGxH0xPHQkKuatYIoGl-wFPW29TrbzWBFy4Imjqd4INLenMXoogXQgcLffF2B5EN4x-RbVL~3m5YDiKQECbsNBPT2boxe04sEnYPMAfVMd4j1EOUeTN8bOpQQbnUbVBDDRMBU2u1MO6IU2qyjqTht550pIlEhJT-U7Wyw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Santa Ana City Council voted to approve contracts for automated license‑plate readers (ALPRs) for use by the police department, after a debate that split the council and generated public concern about privacy and data sharing.

Councilmember Jessie Lopez raised data‑privacy and third‑party access concerns during the meeting, saying the contracts “explicitly state that this data can be used to give to the federal government” and that the proposed vendors could use stored data to train algorithmic products. Deputy Chief Julian Rodriguez, representing the police department, said ALPRs “capture and collect data specifically on vehicles” and can help police locate stolen cars or suspects by matching plates captured on camera with investigative queries.

The council voted on a submotion to approve the recommended contracts with an added requirement that staff return with a one‑year update on the system’s efficacy and use. The motion carried 4‑3; the meeting record shows the three “no” votes were Mayor Pro Tem Vasquez and Councilmembers Hernandez and Lopez.

Why it matters: Councilmembers who supported the purchase said ALPRs are an investigative tool that can speed responses to violent crime and stolen vehicles in a department with limited staffing. Opponents warned the technology creates a long‑term, city‑wide tracking record of residents’ movements and raised concerns about third‑party vendors, data retention periods and uses beyond immediate criminal investigation.

What council said and required
- Councilmember Lopez said city staff and the public must be certain the contracts prevent unauthorized sharing and downstream resale of data. \"This data is separate from the city's control because it lives in both of these entities' clouds,\" she said during the meeting.
- Deputy Chief Julian Rodriguez described the ALPR system and its operational use: fixed and mobile cameras would record vehicle plate numbers, make, model and color; investigators must log legitimate investigative reasons and case numbers to run queries.
- Police staff told the council the two vendors under consideration had different default retention policies in the cloud: Flock’s offering was described as retaining data up to one year, while Motorola’s cloud retention could be up to five years. The council added an audit and public reporting requirement.

Council added conditions and oversight. The approved motion requires staff to return in one year with a report on system operations and outcomes, and councilmembers asked for auditing protocols, limits on non‑law‑enforcement uses, and public reporting of metrics such as number of queries, alerts, and any complaints or errors. Several councilmembers urged that misuse be met with disciplinary action.

What the vendors and law enforcement said: Vendors and police stressed ALPRs do not capture facial images or identify occupants. Rodriguez said the ALPR data would be a “data point” in investigations and that access would be logged and auditable. Vendors’ contract language about “customer‑provided data” and “categories of personal data” prompted further legal review requests from councilmembers.

Next steps: Staff will finalize procurement and implement the oversight measures requested by council, and will return with a one‑year update on usage, audit results and any policy changes. The council did not adopt a separate standalone ALPR policy at the meeting; members asked that written policies on retention, access, and auditing be completed as the system is deployed.

Ending: The vote concluded a heated discussion that split the council along privacy and public‑safety lines. Supporters pointed to examples where ALPRs helped locate suspects quickly; critics cited cases elsewhere where data sharing and third‑party access produced problematic outcomes. Councilmembers said the one‑year report will guide any future changes.

","The City Council narrowly approved contracts to deploy automated license‑plate readers (ALPRs) after extended debate about third‑party access, data retention and oversight. The motion passed 4‑3 and requires a one‑year staff update on system use and efficacy.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6566140,"Council asks staff to return with draft A‑frame rules for sidewalks, design and ADA compliance",141,2206000,2347000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3206870-7b43c67250bf6207d4e516ecbe7b56ee&start=2206&end=2347","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3206870-7b43c67250bf6207d4e516ecbe7b56ee/thumbnail_2206000.jpg","/articles/6566140/Santa-Ana/Orange-County/California/Council-asks-staff-to-return-with-draft-Aframe-rules-for-sidewalks-design-and-ADA-compliance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6566140-e5bad618b7901ad6834a79cc9a11457a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770446719&Signature=h8XHLJsx4Eyq-v8GsiuDix8yhDHIelii6utrBoHm1kZfncikkpGDvVQ9A9PZpu3iXZq0RoJ65c0vrYPdyOIKi~0FH2oy7bjmkKA77-C4g1LmZnQYRbi9nBNq83IOTKL5mi9lOg8eQd4TvKOyRdmeLUE6lIxCDvQjc~BgAhsQKhHECsFo1S-mnoo2voE~sdrBArmE1COwLcJGLQCg5lEhDPg3FWb5buZTuk9Re69a3GDCRPIjUXYwSIU1RSShEOBaaTY4~LQxw-foahBcoltVD4Liog-JXQU2zsQUHxPRkzBZW0tfj6MQdK5RM74XC6u8EqDh8q7tiP0vkaA0XU98LA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Santa Ana City Council asked staff to draft a narrowly focused ordinance to allow A‑frame (sandwich‑board) signs in designated commercial areas, after business owners asked for a simpler, lower‑cost way to promote sidewalk traffic.

Councilmember Lopez brought the item forward citing downtown merchants who said they receive citations for A‑frame signs. Members said a targeted approach limited to specified commercial corridors is preferable to undertaking a full rewrite of the city’s sign code, which would be broader and legally complex.

Council direction and concerns
- Staff was asked to bring back an ordinance limited to A‑frames that addresses: minimum clear sidewalk widths, ADA compliance, safe anchoring/weighting to prevent tip‑over, and basic aesthetic/design guidance so signs align with downtown character.
- Councilmember Becerra asked staff to consider narrow sidewalks and potential impacts on accessibility; staff and the city attorney flagged possible liability if signage blocks pedestrian travel.
- Councilmember Fan urged design guidelines to avoid low‑quality plastic signage in downtown investment areas.
- Several councilmembers suggested temporarily pausing citations for A‑frame violations in areas under study until new rules are adopted.

Next steps: Staff agreed to return with a draft ordinance and design standards on the city council work program; several members asked staff to include public‑works, planning, risk management and police in drafting to ensure safe, ADA‑compliant provisions.

Ending: Council supported a narrow, pragmatic approach — allowing A‑frames in specified commercial zones with clear ADA and design rules — rather than reopening the entire sign code at this time.

","Councilmembers directed staff to prepare an ordinance to allow A‑frame (sandwich board) signs in designated commercial areas, with design guidelines, ADA protections and a pause on enforcement while the rules are developed.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6566144,"Council to review inspections and oversight of permanent supportive housing after police drug raid",148,2080000,2228000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3206870-7b43c67250bf6207d4e516ecbe7b56ee&start=2080&end=2228","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3206870-7b43c67250bf6207d4e516ecbe7b56ee/thumbnail_2080000.jpg","/articles/6566144/Santa-Ana/Orange-County/California/Council-to-review-inspections-and-oversight-of-permanent-supportive-housing-after-police-drug-raid","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6566144-d6422988a92eff68b7ffb340e1e708e4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770446719&Signature=MpLNr782WFGYpffjfQWpkrE8FNA9KIsCIPIdNVKobALmv-UTuJRTLC2nzODKm9tiC6JKyVoiEVQCixX1IAR734dxfvhLq4TVVnZF0tjK-XfrbF7V8lzICrm9qfZVxuvk1HTT008HpwinEzHFzQf7raoUQa0UFUd4x9qRwOfBrbD2XxiUcWA9I4fdASSC25aCpayZ5OHwveBhU0ACXJ9p1rV2I4BOp~C6PWawIsG5X24LniUOfOgQUR-rJWCb4fE9YK0lwyFDpY7PsbalvNlGg3pDbMHzCVqkUvWPqXRa1Q-6Es9kArdBakEX15IDoq6CSw~-OKIv2ctICz3nW9N-hw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Following a police search‑warrant operation in February that uncovered narcotics inside a permanent supportive housing complex, Councilmember Becerra asked the City Council to direct staff to develop policy options to improve oversight of permanent supportive housing properties.

Becerra told the council he supports permanent supportive housing but is concerned that annual inspections and current oversight are not sufficient to prevent harmful activity on site. He asked staff to return by Aug. 5 with vetted options — not necessarily door‑to‑door monthly checks — that could range from increased inspections to other monitoring mechanisms and publicly posted inspection results.

City Attorney and staff cautioned that legal issues could arise, including federal funding rules, HUD requirements and fair‑housing concerns. The City Attorney said the matter will require careful legal vetting because public commenters and outside correspondents had already raised questions about whether a city inspection ordinance would conflict with existing state or federal protections.

What council asked staff to provide
- Legal analysis of risks, including any potential conflicts with HUD rules, state law and fair‑housing or privacy concerns.
- Cost estimates and operational plans: can the city perform more frequent inspections, or would additional staff/contractors be required? How many units would be affected?
- Data from the police department and code enforcement: calls for service, prior enforcement actions and the frequency of complaints at supportive‑housing properties.
- Options for tighter enforcement through property managers and through the entitlement process for new developments.

Councilmembers’ positions: Several members said they want to avoid a heavy‑handed, discriminatory approach and not to single out residents receiving supportive services. They still emphasized the city’s responsibility to protect vulnerable tenants and neighbors and to hold property managers accountable for safety and code compliance.

Next step: City Attorney and staff will prepare the requested legal analysis, cost estimates and operational proposals for council consideration; Becerra proposed returning on Aug. 5 to review options.

Ending: Council agreed staff should return with a vetted package addressing legal exposure, costs and enforcement options before any ordinance is drafted or returned for a formal vote.

","Councilmember Becerra requested staff return with options to increase oversight of permanent supportive housing after a February search‑warrant operation found drugs inside a supportive housing community. Staff and council asked for legal analysis, cost estimates and police calls‑for‑service data before drafting any inspection ordinance.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Santa Ana council: votes at a glance — general plan report, vehicle purchases, bonds and continuance of public hearing

Santa Ana council moves to ban retail sale of nitrous oxide, orders public education campaign

Santa Ana council approves automated license‑plate readers amid privacy debate

Council asks staff to return with draft A‑frame rules for sidewalks, design and ADA compliance

Council to review inspections and oversight of permanent supportive housing after police drug raid