Council directs staff to negotiate with VHV Foundation on proposed Little Saigon cultural center at Miriam Warren building

The Westminster City Council voted 3–2 on May 13 to direct city staff to negotiate terms with the VHV Foundation for possible long‑term use of the Miriam Warren Community Center as a Little Saigon Community Cultural Center. The direction asks staff to return proposed lease terms, including whether the foundation would pay rent, the length of any agreement, maintenance responsibilities and how the city would preserve regular access for other community groups.

The vote followed nearly two hours of public comment dominated by members of Westminster’s Vietnamese American community and their supporters. Dozens of speakers told the council that a dedicated cultural center would preserve language and history, provide senior and youth programs, and recognize Little Saigon’s central role in the city’s economy and identity. “The cultural center is more than a building,” the item’s sponsor told the council at the outset, describing it as “a living classroom” for future generations.

Opponents, including representatives from the Orange County Rose Society, local historical advocates and other residents, urged caution. Speakers raised concerns about dedicating a city‑owned facility to one organization; potential loss of flexible civic space; whether long‑term below‑market occupancy would violate rules on gifts of public funds; and the effect on groups that currently use Miriam Warren for classes, vote‑center operations and summer programs. Several residents asked the council to study less‑costly alternatives, such as repurposing existing buildings or having the foundation lease private space in Little Saigon.

Council debate focused on two legal and fiscal themes: (1) the city’s duty to avoid an improper gift of public funds or surplus‑land violations if a long lease or transfer were proposed, and (2) transparency around whether the foundation would pay market rent or subsidies and what maintenance costs the city would retain. The city attorney noted those legal constraints and said any proposed terms would be vetted and, if necessary, taken to closed session during contract negotiations.

Under the motion that passed, staff will open negotiations with the VHV Foundation and report back with proposed terms and an analysis of legal risks (including the surplus land rules) and fiscal impacts. The council emphasized that any final deal would return to the council for public consideration and approval before any occupancy changes occur.

The council’s margin, three votes to two, reflected continuing divisions among members. Opponents said they would press for strict safeguards, greater transparency about costs and an open competitive process for long‑term occupancy of city facilities. Supporters said the city should partner with community groups that demonstrate track records and financial needs, and that the center would serve a majority Vietnamese population that the council noted makes up more than half of Westminster’s residents.

Next steps: staff will meet with the VHV Foundation to develop proposed lease terms and a cost/responsibility matrix and return to the council for further review and possible action.