Community leader Egleth Nunnci and Councilmember Dr. Ahmad Zahra

The Fullerton City Council voted 4 to 1 in favor of the Union Pacific Trail Phase II project during a meeting on May 20, 2025, marking a significant advancement in the long-awaited initiative. Councilmember Dr. Ahmad Zahra has been a key advocate for the trail since its inception, and Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shana Charles, who joined the council in 2022, has since expressed her support. Mayor Fred Jung cast the lone dissenting vote, despite considerable public backing for the project that seeks to provide more open spaces and trees to combat pollution in southern Fullerton.

The project gained momentum in 2020, when community advocate Egleth Nunnci successfully secured a $1.78 million state grant for its development. However, it faced delays over the years primarily due to public protests. In 2024, renewed community interest led to unanimous approval from the council.

Councilmember Jamie Valencia

Phase II of the project will extend the trail from Independence Park to the existing Phase I segment at Highland Avenue. Funding includes $330,000 from the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Capital Improvement Program budget, $1,777,200 from a state Urban Greening Grant, and a proposed $300,000 reallocation from other city resources to enhance the project.

Amid the approval, allegations of conflicts of interest have arisen, particularly concerning Bushala Brothers Inc., a local construction firm with properties adjacent to the trail. Critics have suggested that financial contributions from the firm to certain council members, including Mayor Jung and Councilmember Nick Dunlap, may have influenced their opposition to the trail. Newly elected Councilmember Jamie Valencia, who also received backing from the Bushala family, expressed concerns about safety and contamination issues, proposing a contingency of 17% of the project budget.

Councilmember Nick Dunlap

In a pointed remark, Dunlap stated, “Do not come back and ask for even one more cent from us.”

With the project now approved, KASA Construction, Inc. has been awarded a contract valued at $1,845,775 for construction. Planned enhancements include a multi-use asphalt trail, a decomposed granite pedestrian pathway, landscaping, solar lighting, fencing, and a new trail crossing at Richman Avenue. The design aims to improve connectivity between Fullerton Train Station and Independence Park. Notably, the original phase of the trail was completed in 2006, linking Harbor Boulevard to Highland Avenue.

Construction for Union Pacific Trail Phase II is set to commence at the end of June, with an anticipated completion date in October or November 2025. City officials have committed to keeping residents and local businesses informed about the construction schedule and any potential disruptions. The environmental assessment has cleared the project from further review, allowing it to proceed as planned.

As Fullerton moves forward with this project, discussions regarding the need for more green spaces and community amenities in South Fullerton persist. The northern part of the city boasts the majority of its 52 parks, while only 13 are situated south of Commonwealth Avenue, many of which are reportedly poorly maintained. In 2020, around 500 trees were removed from the former Kimberly-Clark site in South Fullerton as part of a plan for warehouse development by Goodman Logistics. Additionally, over 70 trees were cut down at Hillcrest Park due to decline, with more removals expected, lingering concerns about the area’s environmental health and tree canopy coverage remain a priority for residents.