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Council hears plans to strengthen oversight of permanent supportive housing after narcotics-related calls at Orchard, Casa Querrencia
Summary
Staff reported repeated calls for service at several permanent supportive housing sites and outlined stepped-up inspections, new property management and 24/7 security at The Orchard; council members asked for quarterly progress reports and faster, results-oriented remedies.
City housing staff and police briefed the Santa Ana City Council on Oct. 7 about public-safety and property-quality concerns at several permanent supportive housing (PSH) projects, including The Orchard and Casa Querrencia. City staff reported elevated calls for service at a handful of PSH properties and described steps underway to increase oversight and coordinate responses.
What staff presented: Community Development Director Mike Garcia said the city has 488 PSH units across 11 developments. For the July 2024through June 2025 reporting window several fully project-based PSH properties recorded high calls for service: The Orchard (336 calls) and Casa Querrencia (306 calls), including trespassing and narcotics complaints. Garcia said the city exceeded HUDminimum inspection requirements (HUD requires 20% sampling every two years) and in 2025 shifted to inspecting every unit twice a year.
Actions already taken: After narcotics-related warrants and seizures earlier in 2025, the Santa Ana Housing Authority issued notices to comply and the owner of The Orchard replaced property management (now Quality Management Group) and implemented 24/7 security at the site beginning April 7. Staff said Mercy House provides on-site supportive services, and the city will increase coordination with the provider, the property manager and SAPD.
Next steps and staff recommendations: Garcia outlined additional measures the housing authority will pursue: monthly meetings with property managers and SAPD commanders, monthly tracking of calls for service at PSH sites, random inspections (staff proposed sampling five units at 100% PSH properties with tenant notice), notices to comply where warranted, and exploring memoranda of understanding modeled on the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles Community Safety Partnership.
Council reaction: Councilmember Phil Becerra pressed for more results-oriented actions, saying repeated police warrants and continuing narcotics calls show current steps are insufficient and urging staff to return with measures that reduce calls for service rather than procedural changes. Multiple councilmembers asked staff to publish quarterly data showing calls for service and inspection outcomes so the council and public can monitor progress.
Why it matters: The developments are intended as long-term housing and include residents with serious physical and behavioral health needs. Council members emphasized a dual responsibility: protect vulnerable tenants and hold owners/operators accountable when criminal activity or safety problems persist.
Requested reporting: The council asked staff to return with a timeline and quarterly public updates and to coordinate with SAPD to increase on-site safety checks and community-building activities with residents to reduce turnover and improve conditions.
