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Residents say they were left out of Hermosillo Park planning; council cites Brown Act limits on response
Summary
Several residents urged the council to explain community outreach and petition details for Hermosillo Park, alleging an outsider had disproportionate influence; the city attorney explained Brown Act limits on council responses and staff agreed to follow up with petition information.
Multiple speakers at the Dec. 9 Norwalk council meeting raised concerns about community engagement related to Hermosillo Park redevelopment plans, saying nearby residents were not notified of planning meetings and that one individual outside the neighborhood appeared to have outsized influence.
Patty Delgadillo, speaking on behalf of residents, said constituents were "disappointed to see all of you leave right after the photo op" and asked why neighborhood residents were not included. She asked, "How is it that this man had details to all the meetings when residents that live right next door to the park do not have (that information)?" Delgadillo also said the individual she identified as "Hugo, the soccer league president" does not live in Norwalk and questioned how he had influence over park planning.
Jack Cornejo and other speakers pressed the council about why questions asked during oral communications are often left unanswered. The city attorney responded that the Brown Act limits what members of a legislative body may discuss during oral communications and that councilmembers are not obligated to respond on non‑agendized items, though they may make brief responses. Staff told speakers they would gather information about a 2017 petition and follow up with residents who requested copies.
No formal council action occurred on Hermosillo Park at the meeting; speakers asked for greater transparency and for staff to provide petition and engagement records to interested residents.
