Good morning Santaneros! It's Thursday, Nov. 20th and here's this week's Morning Digest. ☀️
Council tables revising ordinances on homelessness until Dec. 17th
The Council voted 6-1 on Tuesday to table taking action on Item 32, a proposal that, if approved, would amend ordinances to update regulations concerning unhoused individuals on public property. Councilmember Benjamin Vazquez was the sole dissenting vote.
The one hour and 33 minute discussion strayed further away from compromise and into turbulent waters, leading to several members on the dais vehemently disagreeing on the amendments.
To read the full article, click here.
Hernandez to be retrained following investigation
After hosting a special meeting one week before the election, the Council decided that Councilmember Johnathan Ryan Hernandez should be retrained on how to interact with staff and barred from being able to become mayor pro tempore (vice mayor) for one year.
The Council will take action upon receiving the certified election results from the Orange County Registrar of Voters in December.
Council upholds CPU for Maharajah House; divided neighbors speak, some with racial undertones
A home in the Floral Park neighborhood was the center of attention Tuesday after divided residents voiced their opinions—some with racial undertones—on whether or not to uphold the Planning Commission's decision in upholding a conditional use permit for the Maharajah House.
The Council voted 6-1, Councilmember Phil Bacerra dissenting, to deny the appeal by Peter Christofferson and uphold the Planning Commission's decision on approving the CPU.
To read the full article, click here.
Council spars during proposed apology to Edgar Vargas’ family
The Council threw jabs at eachother Tuesday while discussing to give direction to City staff to draft a resolution apologizing to the family of Edgar Vargas-Azarte.
In brief, Vargas was falsely accused of attacking Santa Ana police officers during an arrest in 2014 that led to felony charges, leading to his deportation while heading to contest his original case with SAPD. It later came to light that officers had lied and had beaten up Vargas instead. He won a civil right case and settled with the City in 2016 for $175,000; FBI investigated, Booker pled guilty and was sentenced to probation and community service. He retired in 2018.
He passed away June 18, 2022, one day short from the eighth anniversary of the beating.
Olivia Azarte, mother of Vargas, became tearful and choked up while speaking during public comments, pleading for the City to give the family closure.
In a 5-2 vote, the Council is expected to present a resolution that formally apologizes to the Vargas family at a later meeting. Mayor Valerie Amezcua and Councilmember Phil Bacerra voted in opposition.
To read the full article, click here.
Council to prohibit city officials’ family from being involved in city contracts
In response to the corruption scandal involving former Orange County Supervisor Andrew Do, the Council directed City staff to draft a resolution ordering that city officials and their immediate families are prohibited from being involved in city contracts.
Mayor Valerie Amezcua added asking if the Council would agree to adding the families of other elected officials from the City to Congress. The Council did not disagree.
It is expected to be presented in the coming weeks.
In Next Week's Leaflet 📰
Read this week's edition here.
- Two parks, two bright futures
- City tree lighting and holiday events
- Editorial on Homelessness
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