Agreement with Footprint for Senate Bill 1383 compost credit procurement

One of the components of SB1383 is the requirement for cities and counties to annually purchase a quantity of recovered organic waste products to meet their procurement target. One method to meet Senate Bill 1383 is through the procurement of compost material.

Last year, the city met our recovered organic waste product target by purchasing compost from a cost-effective vendor using SB1383 grants. For the calendar year 2024/2025, we aim to use the same grants to purchase compost credits.

Our goal for 2023 was to meet 65% of our procurement target for compost credit, and moving forward, we need to exceed 100% of our procurement target.

The city is currently in compliance, having met our goal last year. With the approval of this procurement, we are set to comply for 2024 and 2025.
The staff recommendation is to approve the purchase order for 83 procurement credits for compost use, along with all required documentation, to meet the 2024/2025 targets.

Regarding the mention of identifying additional green space for 2026 and beyond, this would require us to assess our parks’ capacity to absorb compost materials.

The motion passed unanimously.

Constitution Week

The Constitution of the United States of America, the guardian of our liberties, embodies the principles of limited government and the Republic dedicated to rule by law. September 17th, 2024, marks the 237th anniversary of the framing of the Constitution of the United States of America by the Constitutional Convention. Public Law Number 915 guarantees the issuing of a proclamation each year by the President of the United States of America designating September 17th through 23rd. as Constitution Week.

A member of the Mojave Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution accepted the certificate. The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) was a racist all-white organization of descendants of Revolutionary War soldiers until 1984 when societal pressures changed the organization. In June 2023, at the 132nd DAR Continental Congress, the organization voted to add an amendment to their bylaws that states the chapters “may not discriminate against an eligible applicant based on race, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.”

Hunger Action Month

In Orange County, over 330,000 individuals, including more than 85,000 children, are food insecure. The City of Fullerton is dedicated to collaborating with the Orange County Hunger Alliance to raise awareness about the role and significance of food banks and food care in addressing hunger. Abound Food Care recovers 25,000,000 lbs of excess edible food in Orange County each year, reducing food waste and providing food to those in need. September has been designated as Hunger Action Month to encourage the public to take action by volunteering, donating, and advocating to ensure everyone has access to the food they need to thrive.

Claudia Keller, the CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank and a founding member of the Orange County Hunger Alliance, accepted the certificate on behalf of their partner here in Fullerton, Pathways of Hope. “The statistics are startling: one in 10 people in our county is food insecure at any given point in time, as well as one in eight children. However, perhaps the most startling statistic is that the rate of food insecurity has grown faster in Orange County than it has in the nation and in the state of California. For that reason, we ask you all to help spread awareness,” said Keller.

Council member Dr. Charles said, “As a professor, I see this affecting my college students as well. We’ve had to establish a food pantry at Cal State Fullerton specifically for students. I know Fullerton College runs one as well. Pathways of Hope has The hub. There are many different food options every night in Fullerton. One of our churches or temples locally is also doing the food bank. So I just want to thank that entire network for the support that they give, and hopefully, we can get to a point where the work is no longer necessary.”

Above: Fullerton College Softball Awardees, not in any order are: Haley Garcia, Serina Vue, Destiny Amezcua, Angelina Granado, Macy Brandl, Allyson Fuentes, Caitlyn Stear, Coco Siono, Payton Babineau, Cindy Menendez, Alyssa Garcia, Brenna Monson, Veronica Moore, Izzy Ortega, Cassidy Hornung, Jianna Lopez, Maddy Gonzalez, Jordan Elias, Team Manager – Jayden, Co-Head Coaches: Crystal Aguirre and Speedy Mendoza, Asst Coaches- Ru Andrade, Celina Gonzalez, Brian Iseri, John Ramirez, and Jill Saiza.
Below: Fullerton Hills Softball under 12 Gold All-Star Team: Jazmine Abonabi, Kiyomi Ashton, Harper Black, Naema Coronado, Emily Diaz, Mia Lucero, Zoe Gambino, Bella Lee, Victoria Lopez, Mia Navarro, Cameron Toomey, Mila Zoellers, Manager: Travis Gambino, Coaches: Jared Lee, Richard Black, Kevin Ashton, and Arnie Coronado

Public Comments

Senior Citizens Advisory

Todd Harrison: A month ago, I asked on behalf of the Senior Citizen Advisory Committee why there are no further appointments to the committee on tonight’s agenda, considering there is no City Council session to start off. Next month, it will be a full month before you can appoint any further members. That month has passed, and sure enough, I see no appointments on tonight’s agenda. We’re missing three members on the committee for the at-large member appointment. Can’t at least three of the council members agree on one of the applied candidates and appoint them? How about at least putting this on the agenda for the next meeting of the City Council?

Fred, you are so in Saunders Pocket that you cannot act in any way for Fullerton. As for your reply to my letter in the Fullerton Observer, would it perhaps not be better if the actual citizens of Fullerton you represent were the ones who felt comfortable in your leadership of Fullerton? Of course, no conversation was held about the donation. Everyone aware of the transaction knows what the years of donations from Mr. Saunders are about.

League of Women Voters

Ruth Zemke: As a 43-year-old resident of Fullerton in District 2, I’m here representing the League of Women Voters of North Orange County. Today is National Voter Registration Day, so if you haven’t registered to vote, you can do so at vote411.org. Candidates are also invited to share their information and ideas at vote411.org. I encourage everyone to attend the League of Women Voters Fullerton City Council candidate forum on Monday, September 23, in the Council chambers. This is a great opportunity to hear directly from the candidates and become more informed voters. Remember to register and vote!

Better Bicycle Lanes

Dominic Monahan: As a resident of District 3, I’m concerned about the poor condition of the bike lanes. They are filled with debris and unsafe for cyclists. I’ve had close calls from vehicles that experienced road rage and had two flat tires. I believe we need new and improved bike lanes, especially along Commonwealth, to connect the Metrolink station and the colleges. Many students at Fullerton College support this initiative.

Political Signs and Walk on Wilshire

Matt Truxaw: I am a candidate running in District One, hoping to unseat Fred. I believe it’s crucial for Fullerton to have public spaces like the Walk on Wilshire (WoW). Similar areas in Santa Barbara and Boise have proven to be great draws for tourists, businesses, and community gatherings. My concern is that the WoW is too small and needs improvement to become a vibrant community space. I also question the legality of the signs on public property associated with Fred’s campaign and would like to know when they will be removed.

Affordable Housing

Grayson Ballesteros: I live in eastern Fullerton near Cal State, and I’ve been here for about five years. I’d like to request or suggest that we take a small step to address the problem of homelessness in our community, which has been getting worse. While there have been many suggestions for building affordable housing, I’m not sure how feasible that is. However, I believe a small, easy step we could consider is putting a more aggressive cap on how much landlords can increase rent each year. Personally, my landlord has been increasing the rent by well over $150 every year, and if this continues, I’ll be forced to move back into my car in about two years. We need to ensure that if we can’t build more housing, the existing housing remains affordable. Otherwise, the situation will only get worse. Thank you for listening to me. On a side note, I also support walkable communities, so it would be great if we could continue the WoW.

unregistered vacation rentals

James Kerryon: I’ve been a homeowner in District 4 for 20 years. I’m concerned about unregistered vacation rentals in the city, especially my neighbors, as they may not be following the rules or paying taxes. I want to bring this to the Council’s attention to ensure fairness for all. I have several neighbors who have also experienced this issue and would like to see some action taken to address it. This is the second time I have brought this up, and I hope there can be some progress on this matter.

Development Plans

Kitty Jaramillo: I’m currently a candidate for District 4, and I have a question about the future of two major businesses, Stater Brothers and the 99¢ store, located in District 4. As I’m canvassing the area, many residents are expressing concerns about the fate of these businesses. I’d like to know if there are any plans or developments regarding these establishments so that I can provide informed answers when speaking with the residents. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

9 people spoke for WoW

(Not all are represented here)

Adriana La Soto: I’ve been living in downtown Fullerton since 2016 and love the WoW and share because it allows me to dine in the best restaurants and enjoy the fabulous weather. My husband and I have a weekly date night at Rialto Cafe, and we love the outdoor ambiance. I celebrated my birthday at Mulberry Street al fresco and welcomed the New Year at Les Amis with a live band. It would be a great loss if WoW closed. A few days ago, friends from Rancho Santa Margarita were surprised by its uniqueness and said they’d visit more often. Please keep the WoW open.

Craig McLaren: “I’m also from District 1, and I support the WoW. But an even bigger concern for me is how the council is going to process that. There has been an overwhelming amount of support for it, yet there’s a strong feeling among many of us that we’re not going to be heard. We’re not all convinced that, given the fact that one individual has sued the City as well as handsomely financed a majority of your campaigns. I guess the question I have to ask as a voter is, who do you work for? I’m not sure it’s okay. I’d like to see how this vote comes out, and if you choose not to vote for it, I’d like to know why.”
A Resident: I recently moved to Fullerton in June and now live very close to Highland. I walked here today and I just wanted to express how my husband and I waited a year and a half to find a place in Fullerton that specifically offers walkability. Being able to walk to and from our home has significantly improved our quality of life. I hope to see continued support for walkability in our new home and possibly an expansion of this feature to other areas of Fullerton.

Anjali Tapadia: “The first part of my comment was actually written by a friend who couldn’t be here, but I share her ideas. Her name is Mallory Wu, and we are both part of Save WoW. To keep the Walk on Wilshire, we have been able to get in touch with 30 businesses directly on Wilshire Ave. and adjacent to it. Out of those, 30 of them support Walk on Wilshire, six are against it, three are neutral, and two are supportive if their businesses can be part of the Walk on Wilshire. In other words, they support Walk on Wilshire if it is extended and improved. These findings tell us that not only do residents support it, but the majority of businesses in the area also support it.

“We have also reached out to many other businesses in downtown Fullerton, and so far, 14 of them are also in favor of it. So, you don’t have to worry about these other businesses feeling left out if you dismantle Walk on Wilshire, whether permanently or seasonally, just to cater to the minority businesses who are against it. Without doing a proper study, it will be irresponsible because, without a proper evaluation, we don’t know what is causing these six businesses to struggle.

“Some factors affecting these six businesses may include the decline of our nation’s economy, the steep rise in the cost of living, and/or the increase in inflation. All of these factors are widely known to be affecting businesses nationwide, whether they are on a busy street or next to 1/2 block of a plaza. If you truly care about these six businesses, you should be conducting a proper study. Otherwise, if you take away a Plaza that the overwhelming majority of your citizens and the majority of business owners love, and those six businesses still struggle, then everybody loses. Please do the right thing for your City.

“The second half of my comment is mine alone and doesn’t reflect anybody else’s opinions. I raised a concerning issue at the last City Council meeting. Council members Dunlap and Jung appointed Jack Dean and Tony Bushala, respectively, to the new Fiscal Sustainability Ad Hoc Committee. This committee is intended to oversee budgetary concerns, including the possibility of advising on a sales tax ballot measure.
What is concerning is that these two men have contributed significantly to your campaigns directly as well as through their anti-taxation political action committee called “Fullerton Taxpayers for Reform.” You can say that these appointments were made in good faith because you thought these two would simply do a good job. You can say that this does not constitute a conflict of interest. However, actions speak louder than words, and you cannot argue that the optics are sketchy at best when you appoint your own campaign donors to a committee that deals with the exact subject matter that their pack opposes.

“The optics suggest a calculated move to subvert the honest and open public discussion such a committee aims to promote. Over and over, the three Central Council members have voted in a way that just so happens to align with their campaign donors’ interests and opposes the ardent voices of the public. It is hard to believe that this is all down to coincidence. I want City Council members who strive to avoid any guise of impropriety, not to simply toe the line of technicality and hope no one notices. Will you continue to support your campaign contributors? Or will you put your constituents, the general public who elected you, to represent them first?”