Tustin residents urge crackdown on construction tax fraud; childcare provider seeks CDBG support

Several residents used public comment on April 7 to press the council on enforcement and local services.

Pedro Gonzalez, a Tustin resident and carpenter with the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters, told the council that construction tax fraud — including worker misclassification and off-the-books pay — reduces payroll taxes and workers’ protections and undercuts companies that follow labor and tax rules. "When contractors misclassify workers or pay them off the books, it avoids paying payroll taxes, workers' compensation, and other legal obligations," Gonzalez said, urging municipal attention to enforcement and the fiscal consequences for the city.

William Johnson offered broader remarks about land use and civic participation, referencing several historical statutes and urging use of public forums in planning for legacy lands. His comments were framed as civic context rather than a specific request to council.

Remotely, Melanie Forrer, representing Upwards, asked the council for context on a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application for BOOST, a program that provides one-on-one coaching and digital tools to in-home family childcare providers. Forrer said more than half of children under 6 in Tustin lack access to licensed child-care slots and described BOOST outcomes in other jurisdictions — she said Upwards has helped providers increase revenue (about 25% in the first year) and expand child-care slots by 30–50% — and asked to meet with staff to discuss the application and next steps.

The council did not take action on the comments; public comment provided input and requests for staff follow-up where applicable.