City Council Notes: Tuesday, October 15 Meeting

By Staff on October 30, 2024

Meetings are on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 5:30 pm. Upcoming agenda information and streaming video of meetings are available at http://www.cityoffullerton.com click on meetings and agenda. City Hall is located at 303 W. Commonwealth, Fullerton Contact Council at (714) 738-6311 or council@cityoffullerton.com

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Domestic violence affects millions of people each year, regardless of age, gender, economic status, race, religion, or education. It poses a significant public health crisis both in the United States and around the world. In the United States, nearly one in three women and one in four men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner, with many facing severe physical violence, emotional abuse, and controlling behavior that often escalates over time.

The effects of domestic violence extend far beyond the individuals directly involved; they impact families, children, and communities, leading to long-term psychological, emotional, and physical trauma for children exposed to such violence. These children are at greater risk for lifelong challenges, including difficulties in school, substance abuse, and emotional and behavioral problems. Additionally, domestic violence is one of the leading causes of homelessness for women and families, particularly affecting marginalized communities, including undocumented individuals, transgender people, and those living with disabilities, who face heightened risks.

The challenges in seeking help for domestic violence survivors are compounded by these circumstances. Domestic Violence Awareness Month provides an opportunity for individuals and communities to unite in raising awareness, supporting survivors, promoting safety, and working to end the cycle of violence.

Dr. Nefta Pereda, the Chief Program Officer at Radiant Futures, stated, “Thank you so much for recognizing us and proclaiming October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Radiant Futures, formerly known as WTLC, has been in Fullerton since 1976. As the third oldest domestic violence shelter in the nation and the oldest in Orange County, we have been providing hope and healing for survivors of domestic violence for 48 years. We offer counseling services, legal assistance, housing, and community education. Because we are also based in Fullerton, we partner with local businesses, such as the Night Owl Cafe and Wilshire Church. We are members of the Fullerton Collaborative, and on behalf of Radiant Futures, we want to thank the City Council and the city of Fullerton for allowing us to continue our important work.”

Appointments

Councilmember Zahra appointed Derek Smith to the Fiscal Responsibility Committee and Giullanna Nuncci to the Youth Advisory Committee.

Pulled From Consent: Item 9 CONTRACT WITH AGUILAR & CALDERON CORP. FOR SIDEWALK RECONSTRUCTION FISCAL YEAR 2023-24

Approve Sidewalk Reconstruction Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-24 Project plans and specifications.
Approve $22,000 budget transfer and Drainage Capital Outlay Funds (Fund 36) appropriation from Project 44794 Curb, Gutter and Sidewalk FY 2023-24 to Project 44795 Sidewalk Reconstruction FY 2023-24 within Capital Projects (Fund 74).
Award $223,568 construction contract for Sidewalk Reconstruction FY 2023-24 Project to Aguilar & Calderon Corp. and authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute and administer the contract, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
Authorize City Manager, or designee, to approve future change orders for construction and professional engineering construction support services within the approved project budget.

Public Comment

Zee: “There’s an issue with parents walking their children to Orange Grove Elementary School due to the lack of sidewalks on that section of the street. This area may be county land, and I recall Supervisor Chafee raising $1 million for two public service counselors in the Police Department. I believe we could ask him for help in securing funding for sidewalks on Page Avenue. If he can support police liaisons, I’m confident he would consider funding safer routes for children walking to school. I’m looking for support from the council to address this issue, and I’m happy to help in any way I can.”

Consent item passed.

Walk on Wilshire Parklet Program

The future of the Walk on Wilshire (WoW) was discussed at the Fullerton City Council meeting on Oct. 15. Four council members were present for the meeting, but Mayor Nicholas Dunlap, who is the representative for District 2, recused himself. This was due to potential conflicts of interest as his father is part owner of the Villa del Sol property located on the Walk on Wilshire Street. Mayor Pro Term Fred Jung led the meeting instead.

Volunteers from the Save Walk on Wilshire team, local business owners, and residents were among the 43 who spoke to keep WoW closed to traffic.

Nathan Bass from Senator Josh Newman’s office read a statement: “Since its launch and the pandemic, the Walk on Wilshire program has created a lively community space in downtown Fullerton. I’m among many who believe that with further enhancements, it has the potential to become an even greater asset to the area.”

The statement also suggested there were funding opportunities to beautify and advertise the area. James Kim, a volunteer with Save Walk on Wilshire, presented a 175-page document of support from business owners and residents. The document included statements of support from over 65 local businesses, nearly 2000 signatures, and 250 personal testimonials from community members. Dr. Karen Stocker, a Fullerton resident, Professor of Anthropology at Cal State Fullerton, and published author of a book about walkable cities and placemaking pedestrians said, “When cities prioritize walkability over car-centric driving culture, there are multiple and interconnected benefits to community economy, health, the arts, environmental stewardship, and civic engagement.”

Eight people spoke to open WoW to through traffic.

Tony Bushala, a business owner and founder of Fullerton Heritage, said he did not understand why people thought closing down the street made it more walkable when there have always been sidewalks. He was amenable to closing it off for events.

Councilmember Charles said, “Going back to what council member Jung said about that $30,000, we’re recouping. We have a $289 million budget. So if we’re talking about spending $80,000 for this thing that so many people love, I think that’s a worthwhile investment.”

Councilmember Zahra said, “We’re not calculating the benefits to the businesses and the economic activity that will bring revenue to the city. There is an intangible benefit for the public as well. This is why we build parks. The parks don’t generate revenue. This is why we have a Public Library. There’s an intangible benefit.”

A motion by Charles and a substitute motion by Jung failed.

Jung said, “Madam Councilwoman, what I would support is the full closure of the entire street, not just a half measure or quarter measure. So what I want to see is the full closure of the street. In a manner that makes perfect sense for longevity and for the community to have a really nice thing.”

Charles said, “A friendly amendment that we will then have that plan of just the full closure of the entire street, and the motion includes the resolution with the findings.”

PASSED 3 TO 1, Councilmember Bruce Whitaker no.

UPPER GOLDEN HILL NEIGHBORHOOD ZONE CHANGE REQUEST

Fullerton Community and Economic Development staff member Andrew Kush, gave a brief presentation to rezone selected properties in the neighborhood referred to as the Upper Golden Hills neighborhood, generally described as properties bounded by West Valley View Dr., Woods Ave., and Richman Ave., including properties at Grandview Ave., Fern Dr., and Lois Lane.

In May, the City received a request to reclassify the Upper Golden Hill neighborhood to a residential preservation zone. Pursuant to the Municipal Code, the city held an informational meeting in June. A sign-in sheet identified 37 properties that were represented at the informational meeting.

In June, Fullerton Heritage arranged for a survey of property owners and the submittal of the petition to the planning department.

In August, the Planning Commission reviewed the request and recommended approval. Based on the responses received, 85% of the residents surveyed indicated they were in support of the zoning change. The neighborhood includes the first of a series of tracks for expensive homes developed in the hillside areas north of the original townsite. Elegant metal lamp posts and majestic palms were crucial design elements.

The majority of homes in the subject neighborhood were built in the 1920s through early 1950s. The neighborhood includes several designated local landmarks and significant properties. The neighborhood consists of homes that are primarily ranch-style dwellings. The neighborhood is outstanding not only for the design of the residences but also for the coordination of architecture and the environment.

The proposed conservation zone area conveys the original development pattern as a single-family residential neighborhood, retaining a high level of vision associated with its past. Fullerton Heritage provided a preliminary historical narration for each of the affected properties. The proposal meets several goals and policies of the Fullerton plan.

Staff recommended the adoption of an ordinance.

This is Ordinance number 3333, an ordinance of the City Council of the City of Fullerton, CA, approving a zone classification change from R17.2 to R17.2P on properties. Located in the upper Golden Hill neighborhood. Generally described as properties bounded by West Valley View Dr., Woods Ave., and Richman Ave., including properties at Grandview Ave., Fern Dr., and Lois Lane.

Passed unanimously.