City attorney reports four closed‑session settlements; council discontinues policy work after federal letter

At the start of the evening the Santa Ana city attorney reported formal actions taken in closed session and announced four reportable items.

The council approved settlement payments in three matters. By recorded votes the council authorized a $150,000 settlement in one case (6–1, with Councilmember Hernandez voting no), a $115,000 settlement in a separate matter identified as the Wendy Barajas case (6–1, Hernandez no), and a third liability claim settled unanimously for $56,500.

The city attorney also reported a separate closed‑session conference regarding anticipated litigation tied to a letter the city received on June 6 from the United States Attorney's Office for the Central District of California. After reviewing legal analysis and potential criminal liability for staff and elected officials, the council voted to discontinue further work on the council‑generated policy proposal that had been discussed at the May 20, 2025 council meeting. That action was taken by a vote of 5–2; Mayor Pro Tem Benjamin Vasquez and Councilmember Hernandez voted no.

City Attorney Bynum read the results into the record at the meeting and said the votes and dollar amounts were reportable under the Brown Act. The council then moved on to the consent calendar.

Ending: The city attorney concluded the closed‑session report by reiterating the four reportable actions. Those settlements and the vote to discontinue policy work were the only reportable items the attorney provided at the start of the meeting.