2026-08-04 - City Council
Summary
Built from official DRAFT minutes dated 2026-08-04 (posted 2026-09-17). Status: approval unverified; approval was listed on the 2026-09-15 consent calendar, but those minutes are not posted. No video found.
- Regular meeting with Housing Authority/Successor Agency/Public Financing Authority items combined; all council members present.
- Closed session on existing litigation (Love Pham et al. v. City) and labor negotiation with SEIU Part-Time Non-Civil Service.
- Approved historic properties ordinance amendments, five-year strategic plan, and housing development agreements.
- Denied an appeal of the Think Together mixed-use development, upholding Planning Commission approval.
- Continued Watermarke Sandpointe development agreement for further review.
- Passed resolution requesting state amendment to Assembly Bill 645 to enable a speed safety pilot program.
- Adopted resolution supporting state utility affordability and investor-owned utility accountability legislation.
- Accepted a $1 million California workforce development grant for the CareerRx OC healthcare initiative.
Rosita Park Renaming
- Renamed Frank and Irene Palomino Park (6-0-0-1, Lopez absent). Moved by Hernandez, seconded by Penaloza.
Speed Safety System Pilot Program
- Resolution requesting amendment to AB 645. Passed 4-2-0-1. Moved by Bacerra, seconded by Amezcua. YES: Penaloza, Phan, Bacerra, Amezcua. NO: Hernandez, Vazquez. ABSENT: Lopez.
Utility Affordability and Accountability
- Resolution supporting state legislation. Passed as part of consent calendar (6-0-0-1, Lopez absent).
CareerRx OC Healthcare Initiative
- State Regional Coordination grant, $1 million (WIOA federal grant). Passed as part of consent calendar (6-0-0-1, Lopez absent). Requires City Manager to execute all necessary documents and subrecipient agreements.
Watermarke Sandpointe Mixed-Use Development
- Development continued from July 7 meeting for further review. Passed 5-0-1-1 (Phan abstained, Lopez absent). 400 units total, 20 affordable units at extremely low-income level; 13,887 sq ft commercial; 55-year affordability covenant. Moved by Vazquez, seconded by Hernandez.
Historic Properties Ordinance
- Ordinance Amendment No. 2026-01 amending Chapter 30 (Places of Historical and Architectural Significance) relating to modification of historic properties, demolition by neglect, and historic property transfer disclosure. Passed 6-0-0-1 (Lopez absent). Moved by Penaloza, seconded by Hernandez.
Five-Year Strategic Plan
- FY 2026-27 to FY 2031-32. Passed 6-0-0-1 (Lopez absent). Moved by Hernandez, seconded by Amezcua.
Think Together Development
- Appeal Application No. 2026-01; upheld Planning Commission approval of Site Plan Review and density bonus for mixed-use development at 2101 East Fourth Street. 274 units total, 14 affordable units for extremely low-income; approximately 20,714 sq ft commercial. Passed 5-0-0-2 (Lopez, Phan absent). Moved by Hernandez, seconded by Penaloza.
Towing services agreements
- Multiple towing vendors (B&D Towing, Greater Southern California Towing, MetroPro Road Services, TO' and MO' Towing) for police rotational services. Passed 6-0-1-0 (Lopez abstained). Moved by Vazquez, seconded by Hernandez.
Other business
- Erica Gonzalez appointed to Rental Housing Board, Ward 2 representative (nominated by Vazquez); Oath of Office administered.
- Numerous contracts and agreements approved on consent calendar.
- Ceremonial presentations and certificates of recognition.
- Future items: TEFRA hearing (1200 N. Main St.), comprehensive zoning code update study session, construction contracts.