The City Council will convene on February 18 to address two significant items on the agenda, including important updates on housing and a proposed events calendar for Parks and Recreation. Details on  the following items can be found here: https://fullerton.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

There are only two items on the agenda for this meeting. Mayor Fred Jung continues to ignore critical public concerns. Fullerton still lacks safe sidewalks for children trying to walk to school. And what about the desperate need for more cold-weather shelters for the homeless?

Housing Element Update

The first public hearing item will clean up language in the housing element that was approved on January 7. This update aims to strengthen communication with residents by mandating notifications to property owners, tenants, and businesses located within 300 feet of proposed Housing Incentive Overlay Zone (HOIZ) projects. Additionally, the update proposes new height restrictions, capping building heights at 30 feet for projects situated within 100 feet of historically designated properties.

Parks and Recreation Events for 2025

The second item will unveil a proposed calendar of events for Parks and Recreation, featuring 14 activities planned for 2025. Among the highlights are a fishing event, a dog event, and the annual Fourth of July celebration. The latter is expected to generate significant discussion due to complications arising from fireworks logistics—specifically, that the city did not secure a fireworks company in time for traditional displays on July 4. Instead, alternative plans include hosting events on July 3, with options for parades both with and without fireworks. Concerns have been raised about changes to the schedule of a popular weekly farmers’ market, which has been shortened in recent years, leading to questions about funding for this community-favored event.

There are two problems with the events item list.

First, the Thursday night Farmers’ Market used to run from early April until the end of October. For the last few years, it has ended (more or less) at the end of August. September and October are great times for being outside and enjoying the beer garden and bands, at least as good as April and May.  The City just does not want to spend the money for one of the most popular City-sponsored events.

Second, the 4th of July Parade will be hosted by the City of Fullerton from the Orange County Courthouse to the Downtown Plaza area from 9 – 11 am on Friday. The Parade will offer music school bands by local schools, Fire Departments, Police Departments, Bike Organizations, Councils & Commissions, and more. After the Parade, a daytime festival from 11 am to 2 pm will be held at the Downtown Plaza, including live music, kids activities, contests, and inflatables. There are no fireworks proposed for this event; fireworks companies in the area due not have any technicians available on July 4th.

Staff has either allocated funds in the current budget or will request funding in the Fiscal Year
2025-26 budget. The above breaks down costs per option.

Below is the event and requested funds for each event.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed and participate in the discussions that impact their community. 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.