[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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],{"_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",6509396,"mediaKeyId","5429937-3ff7ef782e3f1d66b23af02ae0aeb0e5","parentId",5429937,"title","Public speakers accuse city of misusing ARPA and raise civil-rights, contracting and transparency concerns","audioSeconds",7552,"startMs",130000,"endMs",7682000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5429937-3ff7ef782e3f1d66b23af02ae0aeb0e5&start=130&end=7682","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5429937-3ff7ef782e3f1d66b23af02ae0aeb0e5/thumbnail_130000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6509396/Porterville/Tulare-County/California/Public-speakers-accuse-city-of-misusing-ARPA-and-raise-civil-rights-contracting-and-transparency-concerns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6509396-00f3aeac5b3ae208ecb32288c5a6bcf1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771150789&Signature=BG7qoE0shpulLKooTvWjFB-24DbO-LF~nTfzP5Tc5PpOKrwCJ-enf~KmBOW-N~CUD1QKevEV15ewEOS~3-~rNMdr9qF1UUBAYEXJSolOIBRh0jEf2pKtZ39Ryz84u4PsioEIJhaf3W1LDroS4bM8RWuPAlkmUV2KFTnpAZvnArxLJDgWYDY6jHkcNqqABjKGGK2TP88hJ7CYkRvZU7ABEzhfNyemq6IsBF7iDeaJy0yXxgqQ-HNRomSo3h~TnCQi6kqlyskWXVLbfAlwQzADFrUFqqnFelx1pG1itLw6vz~HGfIvO4r~cTRaYbNkGyb0fNcqh74YLpWEF9Zt7Z5Juw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Porterville, CA","date","2025-07-18T19:29:06.467Z","article","Several members of the public used the oral-communications period and the CDBG public hearing to air strong allegations about city finances, contracting and civil-rights practices.

What was said: Paul Flores, speaking during oral communications, alleged the city misused American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and provided specific figures for categories and programs he criticized (he attributed those figures to \"budgets, meeting minutes\" and other sources). Flores also claimed the city's proposed charter changes and a voter ID measure would disenfranchise Latino residents and criticized vending restrictions as harmful to immigrant vendors. Another commenter during the CDBG hearing urged rejection of the 2025 consolidated plan and action plan, alleging longstanding mismanagement and asking for forensic audits, civil-rights investigations and the freezing of certain spending.

How the council and staff responded: Councilmembers acknowledged the comments. Staff proceeded with the scheduled public hearing and presented the updated CDBG action plan; the council adopted the plan later in the evening. Staff noted the CDBG allocation announced by HUD ($653,932) and said the action plan was revised to reflect that amount and the Citizens Advisory Committee's recommendations. City staff did not take any immediate administrative actions in response to the allegations during the meeting; the public speakers were allowed the standard three-minute comment time.

Why this matters: These comments raise allegations about public spending, procurement, civil-rights compliance and meeting transparency. They were repeated during public testimony but are not council findings; the allegations would require formal investigation and review by appropriate authorities (auditors, HUD, DOJ or other oversight agencies) to substantiate.

Quote (attributed): \"The ARPA was meant to save lives, but Porterville's 19,980,000 became a slush fund for the connected while our crisis actually worsened,\" Paul Flores said during oral communications. The city's staff presentation and council discussion did not corroborate those figures; Flores presented them as his interpretation of city records.

Context: The meeting's formal actions — including adoption of the CDBG action plan and the denial of two closed-session liability claims — proceeded after the public comments. The council also directed staff to oppose California Senate Bill 707 and to discontinue the city's virtual public-comment option, a separate item that drew debate on access and unfunded mandates.

Note on attribution: Allegations in public comment were recorded verbatim where provided and attributed to the named speakers. They are not treated as verified facts in this article.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Porterville - City Council Meeting of July 15, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Two public commenters alleged misuse of ARPA funds, nepotism in contracting, civil-rights violations and restrictions on virtual public comment; they called for audits and federal intervention. Council and staff did not adopt those allegations but recorded them during oral communications and a public hearing on the CDBG action plan.","taxTitle","Porterville, Tulare County, California","taxId",3952,"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},6509400,"Porterville community center and park construction underway; site work, foundation and bioswale work complete on schedule",152,4941000,5093000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5429937-3ff7ef782e3f1d66b23af02ae0aeb0e5&start=4941&end=5093","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5429937-3ff7ef782e3f1d66b23af02ae0aeb0e5/thumbnail_4941000.jpg","/articles/6509400/Porterville/Tulare-County/California/Porterville-community-center-and-park-construction-underway-site-work-foundation-and-bioswale-work-complete-on-schedule","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6509400-607e7110c2b16a11b412142d6c4d4b33/orig.mp4?Expires=1771150789&Signature=e1DxR3GMSnWylS0KzAhOheQbWQe2gWB34K93pJwah2BQF6CKzwyr0ouK341fqLhNQTudoDUtvmj~3AwW6IqLrDO8lMbW~l5gbNxG8907bpVSk8sNZqePtJa2pHeVNUBukhOP2S8nuYPi7AS2eZs6Dv7~6nxCAZXNnV4bPYbMpdj3iRT-Vbg~oM3-TsSlk0CXjWbaF7o3wAEZr6IdTuJxIFuM~eHgnb4bnGsvk5jZT5Y3GeMDGg85v1hXzBNtz8w1Kl1yaZ~DcDNBjWHBFyOeH0myc~8IutEXm7tPjXs1g07qJOarKCpXJh4bvfkUf6Dmxjq5Yc~6OBZ26bghE1Wfvg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff told the Porterville City Council on July 15 that construction is underway on the new community center and park, where crews have begun foundation work and site utilities for the building and recreational areas.

Why this matters: the center is a significant capital investment for the city and will include indoor and outdoor recreation, a teen center and connections to the Tule River Parkway. The project is funded in part with ARPA and general funds, and council previously approved early project moves including dirt work.

What staff reported: Engineering staff described the site preparation and early construction: about 20,000 cubic yards of soil were over-excavated, mixed and recompacted to form the building pad, which was raised roughly 2 feet above the existing elevation to address flood-zone concerns. The city received air-board clearance and completed heavy equipment dirt work; compaction test results passed and foundation work began the week of July 7. Upcoming work includes additional site utilities, grading of parking areas, footing and rebar, curb and gutter and fire riser work.

Design notes: Plans show a community center with indoor courts, a teen center and study rooms, an outdoor pavilion and a mini pitch field. Stormwater treatment is incorporated via bioswales at multiple locations on the site to meet MS4/storm-drain compliance.

Funding and schedule: Staff said ARPA and general funds were used to jump-start the project; the construction schedule advances through summer with additional site utility, footing and foundation work in July and August.

Quote: \"We did get clearance on the pad. The compaction was there,\" Sarah Weaver told council, adding crews began footing and rebar hold downs in late July.

Background: Council members who served on earlier iterations of the project and prior councils participated in planning; staff said periodic project updates will continue through the life of the project and that the city anticipates returning to regular update cadence unless directed otherwise.","Council received a construction update for the new Fourth Street community center and park: heavy site work and over-excavation are complete, foundation work started the week of July 7 and the project will proceed with utilities, footings and rebar over summer.",{"_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},6509405,"Porterville staff presents draft active-transportation plan, highlights gaps on east'west connectivity and safety hotspots",270,4395000,4665000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5429937-3ff7ef782e3f1d66b23af02ae0aeb0e5&start=4395&end=4665","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5429937-3ff7ef782e3f1d66b23af02ae0aeb0e5/thumbnail_4395000.jpg","/articles/6509405/Porterville/Tulare-County/California/Porterville-staff-presents-draft-active-transportation-plan-highlights-gaps-on-eastwest-connectivity-and-safety-hotspots","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6509405-134056f983935e535ff72f04b4e37e03/orig.mp4?Expires=1771150789&Signature=euT9pDGlK7hzlIoDMzOyXQKJhnwvnmq8ddVy55i-YcIM3FQRLJzRz6AHHvcnRNXCP3-f9nkIG1I7RyY5qa7VqxAQF~aI6Y3K-4yAti6vYWgbVviRfOzA0ZbsfSLFF2t2fDOvgqoJ5iKMFC4QOUpDnhOufSordMsrRz4AXNnb8SiTVpJUQv1Nn5a24hpCdw8LDthSnw34YcYphqYf2dfDQXfGGYhd-lPjDsp-ULJqapyDrNTPi9Ev-8lXQOf6XMHtGHo8DiI6oWi7~q7~mrz850xEaKW4uYLDTmT~YjUSmbnBot2jllpAHiC2wWZhARbEXuU65VXOFRAy-n8tWHxl6A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Porterville staff on July 15 presented an update on the city's first Active Transportation Plan, describing analysis of existing conditions, community engagement and proposed next steps. The plan covers walking, bicycling and other nonmotorized travel and is funded by the Tulare County Association of Governments (TCAG).

Why this matters: the plan will guide investments in sidewalks, bike lanes, shared-use paths and safety programs and help the city compete for future grant funding. Staff said the draft plan will form the basis of recommended projects and a review period before council consideration in the fall.

What staff reported: Community Development Department staffer Luisa Zavala and engineering staff outlined the plan's goals, the analysis of travel behavior and a level-of-traffic-stress (LTS) assessment for nonmotorized users. Findings presented included: 78% of work commuters drive alone and fewer than 1% use bikes or public transit; major east'west connectivity is limited because State Route 65 bisects the city; many arterials and collectors were scored as LTS 4 for bicycles (high stress) because bicyclists must share lanes with vehicles; pedestrian LTS was lower in developed neighborhoods and higher in undeveloped/industrial areas.

Safety data: Staff said a 10-year collision review showed 206 bicycle-involved collisions in city limits, with 55% involving minors and 13 categorized as fatal or severe. Olive Avenue, Henderson Avenue and Wharton Avenue were identified as frequent locations for bicycle collisions. In the same period the city tallied 205 pedestrian collisions, 37% involving minors and 34 categorized as fatal or severe; many pedestrian collisions occurred along Olive and Henderson avenues and Main Street.

Engagement and next steps: Staff described two pop-up events, a public workshop and a community survey conducted in English and Spanish. Work continues to convert community input to project recommendations; staff plans continued outreach (including a pop-up at the Aug. 5 National Night Out event) and anticipates returning the draft plan to council in the fall.

Quotes: \"The plan will include recommended projects and programs and will help the city compete for future grant funding opportunities,\" Luisa Zavala said during the presentation.

Background: Consultant GHD (Melissa Estrada and Holly Murphy) assisted the city, with Estrada attending via Zoom for the meeting. The plan will be hosted on a public website with an interactive map and is intended to direct future active-transportation investments and help secure outside grant funds.","City staff and consultant presented the draft Active Transportation Plan, showing high levels of traffic stress for cyclists on major arterials and identifying Olive, Henderson and Wharton avenues as collision hotspots for bicyclists and pedestrians.",{"_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},6509410,"Council approves development, public-safety and budget items; denies two liability claims",50,7342000,7392000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5429937-3ff7ef782e3f1d66b23af02ae0aeb0e5&start=7342&end=7392","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5429937-3ff7ef782e3f1d66b23af02ae0aeb0e5/thumbnail_7342000.jpg","/articles/6509410/Porterville/Tulare-County/California/Council-approves-development-public-safety-and-budget-items-denies-two-liability-claims","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6509410-5a2ef04d40c9a62d47328400ed0ccd0c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771150789&Signature=BCYsreRoaa01nDNTU1YXP5yKJKuVjx54ewG4rRrpcaK6b1i5VrqeFsw2XERUUp2usxa7gbtAXSY3BY4PdyzjEKUmZLFIrgSnqA0HAk-aSzXoPWVGHdPbe2vZ~lbamYh2oV9LJut5BMycRXEor3zCI1LCjsK7jvZiKM4pS7timsg3Eyc4clM00nnO753ZWz0XKg3IJXkDptVaOvyyS8N1j4BnHufhkbUT3OJN0y3cBdg~MXHdgQNM1QgdmX2qJ~k9P19X5JEWGm4CHvcr7e88Prp3zsLZ7P4OPocdpgdRVmTy7cf5QMtggbW0EhnGVRUMJqE9OJe3~EgnOjYKRx~a3w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Porterville City Council on July 15 approved multiple routine and scheduled matters, including a conditional-use permit for an 88-room hotel, a consolidated plan and action plan for the city's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, amendments to the city sign ordinance, and an updated ordinance regulating unauthorized camping. Council also accepted a bid award for equipping Well No. 34 and authorized attendance at a state municipal conference.

The council opened with several closed-session items. After reconvening, it announced two claims were denied: the claim of Brandon Gonzales (motion by Councilmember Beltran, seconded by Councilmember Green; vote 5-0) and the claim of S.S. Gill (motion by Councilmember Beltran, seconded by Vice Mayor McCurvey; vote 5-0). The council later approved consent calendar items and then proceeded through five public hearings and several scheduled matters.

Why this matters: the votes move forward projects that affect city infrastructure, public safety equipment and grant-funded social programs. The decisions also confirm the council's direction on enforcement and regulatory items that shape street-level public policy.

Key outcomes (selected):
- Conditional-use permit (CUP) PRC-20252C: Approved to allow a four-story, 88-room Hampton Inn & Suites north of Montgomery Avenue (vote 5-0). Staff found the project eligible for CEQA infill exemption (cited CEQA guideline \u0000 15332).
- Landscape & lighting maintenance districts (FY 2025-26 assessments): Council held a public hearing and confirmed the engineer's report and assessment process; due to member conflicts two councilmembers were recused and the motion passed with a recorded majority (vote recorded as 3-0).
- 2025'29 Consolidated Plan and 2025-26 Action Plan (CDBG Entitlement): Council adopted the revised action plan that reflects the announced entitlement allocation ($653,932) and the Citizens Advisory Committee's recommendations (vote 5-0).
- Sign code text amendment (Series 300): First reading approved to allow monument/freestanding signs a uniform 5-foot setback where signs are otherwise permitted (vote 5-0). Staff said this change will be folded into a comprehensive sign-code update.
- Unauthorized camping ordinance update (Article 7, Chapter 18): Council gave first reading approval of an ordinance aligning local rules with recent legal developments addressing unauthorized camping and protection of critical infrastructure (vote 5-0).
- Fire-hazard severity zone designation (Ordinance No. 1912): Second reading approved; council waived further reading (vote 5-0).
- Well No. 34 Phase 2 equipping (pumping plant): Council accepted the bid and staff recommendation to award the contract despite bids exceeding the engineer's estimate. Staff said the engineer's estimate was $2,892,450; the low bidder was $3,863,000 and the assembled total with contingencies and construction management is $4,783,035.13. Staff stated grant funding and water replacement funds are available to cover the project; council approved awarding the project (vote 5-0).
- League of California Cities annual conference: Council authorized attendance for Councilmembers Beltran and Rivas and allowed the city manager to designate supporting staff (vote 5-0).
- Environmental consultant policy/ordinance: Council approved ordinance amendments and an implementing resolution to clarify how environmental documents may be prepared and when private applicants may contract for consultant work (vote 5-0).
- Commemorative grant program (centennial/250th anniversary): Council authorized staff to develop guidelines and allocated up to $50,000 from the Council Special Purpose Fund with direction to refine award amounts and return with details (motion passed 5-0).
- Police vehicle replacements and outfitting: Council authorized procurement and outfitting of vehicles described in staff report; staff explained vehicle replacement cycles and supply lead times (vote 5-0).

Reportable votes, motions and recorded tallies are reflected in the official minutes. Several items were pulled from consent for discussion and rescheduling (item 29 was continued to a future meeting). The council also directed staff to transmit a formal opposition letter to California Senate Bill 707 and to discontinue the city's virtual public comment option pending further direction; the motion to transmit the letter and return to in-person public participation passed unanimously (vote 5-0).

Background: The council's approvals include a mix of developer-driven land-use actions, administrative updates to code and policy, and operational purchases (water infrastructure and police vehicles). A number of items were described as necessary to keep projects on schedule or to comply with outside funding requirements (for example, the well equipping project and the HUD/CDBG action plan). The camping ordinance was updated in the context of prevailing case law referenced in staff's report.","At its July 15 Porterville City Council meeting, the council approved a range of routine and scheduled items — including a hotel conditional-use permit, landscape and lighting assessments, CDBG action plan, sign-code amendments, an updated camping ordinance and equipment purchases — and denied two liability claims after closed session.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Public speakers accuse city of misusing ARPA and raise civil-rights, contracting and transparency concerns

Porterville community center and park construction underway; site work, foundation and bioswale work complete on schedule

Porterville staff presents draft active-transportation plan, highlights gaps on east'west connectivity and safety hotspots

Council approves development, public-safety and budget items; denies two liability claims