Fullerton council hears options for temporary Wilshire Avenue closure; two members recuse or disclose

The Fullerton City Council on Jan. 21 heard a staff presentation on options for a temporary closure of a 200-foot segment of Wilshire Avenue between Malden Avenue and Harbor Boulevard and recorded two ethics-related statements from council members. Community and economic development director Sunaina Thomas opened the discussion by saying, "We are here to talk about your options for walk on Wilshire."

Council member Dunlap announced he would recuse himself from the Wilshire discussion, citing a perceived conflict tied to family ownership: "I will be recusing myself ... my father and his partners did acquire the Veil Del Sol property over 32 years ago. They continue to own and operate it to this day," and said he would leave the room.

Council member Valencia disclosed campaign contributions she had received related to the matter, correcting an earlier misstatement and saying she had received $500 and $2,500: "I did return that money in order to be able to vote this evening." She referenced the Levine Act in making the disclosure.

Sunaina Thomas told the council the body had previously adopted a resolution authorizing the temporary closure of the 200-foot segment and framed options for council consideration. The transcript records the presentation and the ethics disclosures but does not show any formal motion or vote on the Wilshire closure during the excerpted portion of the meeting.