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Public comments escalate over La Cademia access to public soccer fields; residents call for transparency
Summary
Residents, league leaders and La Cademia supporters filled the council chamber to debate field access and alleged back‑door negotiations. Speakers ranged from founders of La Cademia and Albion SC Santa Ana to longtime local league organizers; many demanded an open process and compliance with the Brown Act and California Public Records Act.
A large contingent of speakers — parents, coaches, league organizers and La Cademia/Albion SC Santa Ana staff — addressed the City Council during public comment, sharply divided over access to Centennial Park and other public soccer fields and alleging improper behind‑the‑scenes negotiation.
Dozens of speakers described the youth and college pathways that La Cademia and Albion SC Santa Ana say they provide. Jorge Reyes, introduced over Zoom as a founder, described the program’s dual focus on soccer and educational pathways: “Our mission isn't to compete or replace with anyone. It's to stand in the spaces others haven't,” he told the council. Several players and coaches described trips, scholarship outcomes and free enrichment events the club organizes.
Opposing speakers — leaders and longtime…
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