Todd Harrison: “Good evening, Mr. Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, four-fifths of the council, and all the hardworking staff. I will keep an eye on the clock to cover all my points. I want to start with a call for professional respect among the council members. I’ve noticed that several of you treat each other with more venom and harsh words than we, your critical public, typically use against you. While you’ve tolerated chronic critics who aren’t happy with one or another of you, I believe you should extend that courtesy and professionalism to one another. I understand the pay is low, but you are all working for the community, and I would like to see you maintain a professional demeanor up there.

“Now, regarding recent news: I saw that a number of Orange County cities are considering increasing regulations on e-bikes. I am a strong supporter of non-automotive transportation. We need more bike lanes and improved infrastructure to encourage alternatives to car travel. I don’t want my comments about e-bikes to be seen as critical of a useful mode of transport. As you may have seen, I use a three-wheeled scooter, which, while not an e-bike, is still a form of electric transportation, and I often ride on the sidewalk.

“The state and county are looking into increasing regulations on how e-bikes are used on sidewalks, the necessity of bike lanes that currently do not exist on many roads, and possible speed limits. However, we need better enforcement of existing regulations. I feel compelled to share a personal experience: my dear wife was run over by an e-bike while she was using her three-wheeled scooter. It happened at a near-blind corner on Orangethorpe Avenue, which has three lanes in each direction and a center two-way left-turn lane, but there are no bike lanes. Because of this, both pedal-powered bicycles and e-bikes are forced onto the sidewalks. My wife was T-boned by an e-bike traveling at 25 miles per hour or more. Only the sturdy Crocs she was wearing and her scooter absorbed much of the impact.”

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Kitty Jaramillo expressed her disappointment that Nick was not present. She remarked on the failure of two individuals, Fred and Nick, to support her recommendation for the Planning Commission. She decided not to include Jamie in her comments, as she feels Jamie simply follows Fred’s instructions.

Jaramillo highlighted that she has 25 years of planning, building, and zoning experience, which she believes would have been valuable to the city. She questioned whether Fred and Nick were afraid of her as a 71-year-old woman or simply acting immaturely in their dislike for anything related to her. She found their behavior to be disrespectful. While she has come to expect such actions from Fred, she was surprised by Nick’s stance, as she believed he would want what’s best for their hometown, having been born and raised there.

She criticized Jamie for appointing four to five individuals who have a history of prioritizing their own interests over the betterment of the city. Kitty noted that Jamie, having lived there only a short time, might not be familiar with these individuals, some of whom are known for their incompetence—one even being referred to as “Mayor Bozo” by his own staff.

Jaramillo believes the current council majority is the most ineffective she has seen and asserts that it won’t change unless Jamie and Nick start trusting themselves and stop aligning with Fred, whom she calls a “little dictator.”

On a positive note, Jaramillo wanted to express her support for Nick’s idea about relocating the dog park to the Brea Dam, an area that is rarely used these days. She noted that the land has primarily been utilized by scouts in the past. If transformed into a dog park, it could become a highlight for Fullerton due to its location on a main arterial road and its existing fencing at the property lines.

Finally, she told councilmemberJamie Valencia that, despite any misconceptions, the poor condition of the dog park is not the standout feature in District 4—it’s actually Hunt Library.

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A community member stated, “I wanted to stay on the topic of Councilmember Ahmad Zahra’s appointment to the Planning Commission. I believe that decisions should be made with decency and fairness, rather than pettiness or grudges. I have never seen anyone’s choice refused by three members of the council. This reflects poorly on all of you. Everyone can make a mistake; it’s important to admit when you do. Kitty Jaramillo is talented and experienced, and as she said, she would have added significant value to the Planning Commission. She is qualified. I urge you to acknowledge your mistake and correct it, and we will accept your apology and reinstate her as his choice.

“Going forward, I hope we can prioritize decency and fairness over pettiness in our decision-making. I have other points to address, but I will try to fit them into my three minutes. I regret that Councilmember Dunlap is not here because this was directed at him, but I will repeat it when he is present for everyone else to hear.

“When Councilmember Zahra mentioned fixing roads, Councilman Dunlap interrupted, stating that he was the one who voted against it. Councilman Zahra wanted to clarify, but Mayor, you did not allow him to. I recall the entire scenario from COVID regarding how to allocate our federal funds. Councilman Zahra did not want to cut programs or staff pay; he was not voting against road repairs. Instead, everyone else wanted to make those cuts, which is unfair now to blame him for not supporting road repairs.

“I could turn it around and say that Councilmember Dunlap and all of you who voted for those cuts are responsible for closing our library, cutting its hours and staff, which have never recovered. I recently spoke to someone at the library, and they told me, ‘We are lucky to have what we have. We have to fight to keep our current hours.’ We could also say that you all are the ones who cut funding for the library.

“I supported fixing roads, and Councilmember Dunlap mentioned that everyone tells us they want better roads. Of course, everyone does, but that doesn’t mean we should cut services throughout the city. I wanted to clarify that point. I don’t have much time left, so I will address my other concerns at the next meeting.”

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Vince Buck expressed concerns about several inappropriate and unfortunate events that occurred at the last council meeting. While some of these issues have already been addressed, he emphasized that council members should treat each other with respect and that the Mayor should ensure this standard is upheld.

Buck intended to discuss the Charter City proposal, highlighting the lack of transparency surrounding it. He noted that the proposal seemed to come out of nowhere, and the information provided in the agenda package was insufficient. He criticized the comments from the council majority, stating that vague remarks, such as describing the current situation as “kind of isn’t working,” do not contribute meaningfully to the discussion.

The Mayor argued that becoming a charter city is necessary to counteract state overreach, using state housing requirements and the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) as principal examples. However, while there is an ongoing court case that suggests charter cities may be able to override certain policies, the prevailing legal opinion indicates that housing is a legitimate statewide issue, not merely a municipal concern. Therefore, charter cities will likely be required to accept RHNA, just like other cities. In Buck’s view, pursuing charter city status under these circumstances is misguided and potentially a waste of time.

Additionally, the Mayor took issue with a proposal from the governor to allocate $50 million to “Trump-proof” the state. Buck questioned how becoming a charter city would impact this and pointed out that the term “Trump-proof” was poorly chosen. He argued that the $50 million is a small amount in the context of the state’s $300 billion budget—essentially about $1.25 per resident. This figure is comparable to the $41 million spent during the last Trump administration, when California filed 110 lawsuits against the President’s actions, seeking to protect various state policies, including environmental issues, consumer rights, access to abortion, DACA, and more. Buck pointed out that it’s unclear which of these policies the Mayor opposes.

Finally, Buck noted that the Mayor framed the discussion around home rule and listening to the public voice. However, he questioned whether the political dynamics in Fullerton truly reflect that. He asserted that it is not the state that is overreaching, but rather the President, who seems to be using California as a punching bag. He concluded by emphasizing the need for the city to defend its policies.

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INRC Committee member Manush: “One of the most powerful traits a leader can possess is humility. In fact, when practiced quietly, it speaks volumes to those of us who don’t participate in the often tumultuous dynamics at council meetings. As an observer, I was surprised to see that at least one council member seemed to enjoy the planned disruptions that occurred during the first half of the meeting. That’s not a good look.

“For those in the public who were upset, I want to say that hurling insults at council members and expecting hatred and vitriol to convince them of your valid concerns is akin to washing your clothes with acid. It doesn’t end well for anyone: your clothes look terrible, and your hands get burnt.

“Some of the loudest voices act out of anger, others out of fear, and some out of misplaced rage. I genuinely believe that most people enter politics because they are intelligent and genuinely care about the public. However, failing to exercise humility dishonors not only yourself but also those who show up to voice their opinions, even if they resort to insults.

“On a personal note, I recently experienced a situation where my best friend transformed into someone I never expected and treated me in a way I never imagined possible. We had been very close, feeling as though we had known each other our whole lives. Yet, this friend unleashed an anger that rivaled the countless times my Indian parents expressed their disappointment—trust me, that was a lot of anger, complemented by more than a few wooden spoons.

“I braced myself for the physical impact, but my friend’s words left a much deeper mark. Once I moved past my defensiveness and my emotions, I actually listened to what they were saying. I realized that, while they may have made mistakes, I had certainly made some myself—perhaps even worse ones. It was one of those “aha” moments that many can relate to.

“In a similar vein, if we start to reflect on our own actions and the way we treat others, it’s apparent that the public also needs to consider how they respond. When insults are hurled, they can’t be taken back. You won’t persuade someone to appoint you to a position, nor will you convince them to reconsider police practices or policies regarding charter cities. All you’ll achieve is damaging yourself and harming your reputation.

“So, I wish you the best. If you want people to listen to you with sincerity and honesty, you may be surprised at how powerful these two qualities can be.”

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Reverend Tonya: “Hi everyone, I’m here today because, just down the street from where I currently live at the Illumination Foundation Recuperation Navigation Center, a 19-year-old was shot and killed by the Fullerton Police Department two nights ago. I want to emphasize that I’m not here to place blame on the officer, the young man, his mother, or anyone else.

“That said, I know many people in Fullerton want to preserve the city’s history. It’s important to remember some historical facts, such as the murder of Native Americans, the enslavement of Native Americans, the segregation of Mexicans, and the oppression of Mexican Americans. We must also remember the murder of Kelly Thomas.

“I understand that you hired an expert to study the Kelly Thomas case, and he provided recommendations on what should be done moving forward. Unfortunately, from what I’ve observed, none of those suggestions have been implemented. I continue to witness violence, and I believe the training provided to officers is inadequate. Thank you for your time. Love conquers all.”

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Zee: “Happy Women’s National History Month! I had the opportunity to thank the Fullerton Fire Department at the last council meeting for their excellent service to the city. My congratulations go to Ms. Jeffcoat for overcoming their challenges and emerging victorious.

“Regarding the Charter City proposal, I believe it’s a power grab. At the last meeting, Dr. Ahmad Zahra provided several warnings and examples of what could—and most likely will—happen due to the influence of certain donors. The issue of housing, particularly the RHNA (Regional Housing Needs Assessment) and the requirement to build around 13,000 homes, stems from the failure of Fullerton’s staff to meet a state deadline for filing. We would not face such an obligation if the paperwork had been completed on time.

“I commend Dr. Zahra for speaking up and highlighting some of the missteps by those in power that are threatening our city. I urge each council member to compile your own list of potential pitfalls we would encounter if we became a Charter City. It’s essential to recognize that, although we are expected to vote on these issues, the financial backing that one elected council member can provide for their cause can significantly influence the outcome. Unfortunately, only a few residents regularly stay informed, while the majority only see political flyers in their mailboxes.

“I strongly oppose the Charter City proposal for Fullerton.”

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Curtis Gamble: “I am an activist advocating for the homeless, veterans, OCTA bus drivers, Cal State Fullerton students, seniors, and the low-income community. I would like to share my recommendations, which have remained consistent because I have yet to achieve my full goals for the homeless community.

“OCTA bus drivers should be allowed to pick up and drop off homeless individuals at the Fullerton Navigation Center, also known as the Illumination Foundation. Currently, this center has over 150 people, many of whom are seniors. The Hope Center and OCTA bus drivers should collaborate to provide transportation for the homeless community 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year-round. This service is essential.

“Stays at the shelter can be for six months within a year, and the days do not have to be consecutive. However, the shelter is not being managed according to these guidelines, and it should be. The length of stay should be enforced as six months within a 12-month period, with non-consecutive days allowed.

“I also believe we need to seriously consider and enforce the municipal codes for emergency shelters, which are designed to benefit the homeless community. Unfortunately, these codes are not being enforced as they should be. We need to ensure that the guidelines are followed at both the Hope Center and the Navigation Center.

“Lastly, regarding Kitty Jaramillo, I urge you to make the right decision tonight. We genuinely need her experience on the planning commission. I attend all Planning Commission meetings and recognize the need for experienced individuals in our city. Her background would be invaluable, especially with so many new members.”

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Linda Gardner: “I have lived in the city of Fullerton since 1959, and I am here tonight to express my disgust at the way some members of this council conduct themselves. I want to address the events from the last meeting on March 4th.

“A routine item was taken up early in the meeting when council members considered appointing a thoroughly qualified person, Kitty Jaramillo, to serve on the Planning Commission. She has 25 years of experience in building planning and building departments in various cities, including Fullerton. Yet, three of you voted to deny her appointment without giving any good or stated reasons. As a long-time citizen of this city, I am furious about that. It was a petty and ridiculous action that I find despicable.

“Things didn’t improve during the vote on another agenda item, where there was a surprising proposal to pursue making Fullerton a charter city. Council member Zahra presented a passionate opposition to this proposal that was clear, articulate, and to the point. However, the person who holds the title of mayor accused Dr. Zahra of campaigning—this is interesting since the only person currently known to be campaigning is the mayor himself for county supervisor.

“Following this, Council member Valencia made a snarky and childish remark about Dr. Zahra’s “Academy Award performance.” This behavior is ridiculous—petty and childish. I urge the majority voting bloc to start paying attention to what the community wants and needs and to stop your petty bullying tactics and blatantly rude behavior. You are an embarrassment to the city that I love and have lived in for most of my life.

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Another resident: “It’s been a while since I’ve seen you all in person. I haven’t been present much, mainly due to a vehicular accident in my hometown on my electric bike. As a result, I’m still coping with ongoing physical and mental challenges.

“I was a candidate for Student Trustee at Fullerton College, but I must now inform my community that I will not be running due to these difficulties. This was a tough decision, especially given the support I received from various council members.

“I also want to address the lack of civility at the last council meeting, which I found embarrassing as a constituent. I believe that everyone here should consider therapy. It’s disheartening to witness the disrespect in this chamber.”

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George Bushala Jr.: I come before you to say that I just think it wasn’t very conducive of Kitty Jaramillo’s efforts to try and get on the Planning Commission and to by coming here and telling. Basically, the people that voted against her to be on the Planning Commission, that they made the wrong decision, that she doesn’t like the way they think and, I don’t know, I just feel like she could have worded her plea a little better and I think she quite frankly made a fool of herself. And, you know, you can have all the experience in the world, but if you’re not willing to work with other people, how can we trust that you’re going to make the right decisions in the future? And clearly by. Not being on the City Council or one of the members tonight, you know, the public did vote. So I don’t see what you know, there’s, there’s many people out there, many different opinions and. And we’re all people, you know, we all have our own opinions. And This is why we’re here. We’re here to come together to try and make decisions together. And not everyone’s going to agree. So people are so people can’t understand that, you know, we. Will will die for our decisions because some people are so steelhead in that manner and Yeah, I just think people are a little. Out of touch with reality that, you know, yeah, people are going to argue that’s why we have this process, due process for getting things passed.

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Curt Johnston: “I would like the Planning Department to continue addressing safety issues, such as lighting. I know there was a grant dedicated to safety not too long ago, but the public was not really invited to discuss it, and I am still waiting for an update on what came from that grant. There are definitely issues to consider. Just a few nights ago, I saw a man in a wheelchair who could probably make it across the intersection, but many of these areas could benefit from better lighting. Improved lighting would help drivers see pedestrians more clearly, especially if someone is speeding.

“I would also like to discuss appointments to the Planning Commission. I have attended many of their meetings, and I appreciate the discourse that takes place as they work toward common solutions. Currently, the discussions are quite amicable, and the members work well together. However, I recall a prior instance when someone was appointed as chair, and it became quite difficult. This individual mentioned that we shouldn’t discuss certain topics because of recent housing laws, stating that we just needed to pass them. Some other members expressed confusion, questioning why they were on the committee if there was no discussion.

“At the next meeting, that chairperson left abruptly without engaging with her constituents. This highlights the importance of appointing someone who can collaborate effectively, not just someone with credentials. Many members of the Planning Commission deal with housing issues, which can be sensitive. It is crucial to have good cohesion among the members. Overall, I think the current four members are doing well together, and I would like to see another person who can work harmoniously with them.”