During the October 15 city council meeting, a significant number of Walk on Wilshire (WoW) advocates attended, presenting a petition with 2,000 signatures and testimonies from 65 local businesses. Despite this turnout, the council decided to delay the discussion once again, with Councilmember Jung suggesting that staff research the possibility of closing the entire block, a suggestion that some view as a potential strategic delay related to his campaign for District 1.

Newly elected District 4 Councilmember Jamie Valencia has come under scrutiny after receiving $2,500 in campaign contributions from Anthony Bushala of Bushala Bros Inc., who has publicly opposed the WoW initiative. Bushala had previously sent a letter threatening a lawsuit to the city requesting that Wilshire remain open to vehicular traffic. Additionally, Be the Best Corp, operating as 8 Eighty Cigar Lounge on Wilshire Street, contributed $500 to Valencia’s campaign.

Valencia’s acceptance of these contributions raises questions regarding compliance with California SB 1439, which restricts campaign contributions for agency officers from entities involved in permit or license reviews during the review process and for 12 months following a decision. The law requires officials to return any prohibited contributions and disclose relevant contributions made in the year preceding a decision.

During her campaign, Valencia said the street needed to be open for fire and police (it has been OKed by the Fire Department) and suggested “we can find space elsewhere,” without saying where that might be. In 2024, Fullerton recorded 55 car accidents involving pedestrians or cyclists, resulting in 49 pedestrian fatalities and 6 cyclist fatalities.

In light of these developments, the Fullerton Observer reached out to inquire whether Valencia would need to recuse herself from voting on the WoW proposal, which is set to be discussed at the city council meeting on January 21. City Manager Eric Levitt confirmed in an email to the Observer that he had spoken with Valencia and noted that she had begun the process of returning the funds and would release a statement soon.

As the city council navigates this matter, the implications of campaign finance laws and potential conflicts of interest for elected officials continue to be significant points of discussion among constituents and stakeholders.

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