(Stay tuned for upcoming separate article on the 25 public commenters and discussion at the 10/21/25 council meeting about city help for local immigrant families affected by ICE raids.) Below see Comments on issues not on the agenda including OLLI senior safety; Cold Weather Homeless Shelter; Sidewalks; Street lights; Short term rental permits; Trees; Curbs; Rent Control and more. 

OLLI members discuss safety concerns

Bill Sampson, the Vice President for External Relations at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Cal State Fullerton: “We are part of a nationwide organization that promotes education and socialization for senior adults. Currently, we have over 1,200 members, ranging in age from 55 to nearly 100 years.

“The purpose of my speech this evening is to inform you about the university’s plan to relocate us from our current building, the Ruby Gerontology Center, to the old Western State School of Law, now known as Titan Hall and ASC Hall. These buildings are located across State College Boulevard from the campus. As you know, State College is a very busy street at the intersection with Dorothy Lane.

“We are concerned about the traffic safety issues that arise from seniors trying to cross State College with canes, walkers, and wheelchairs. Additionally, there are safety concerns related to the two buildings themselves, which one of our other speakers will address in more detail. The largest proposed classroom is situated in a basement area that can only be accessed by a single elevator and a winding staircase. We believe this poses a significant risk in the event of an earthquake or fire.

“We are requesting that the city of Fullerton conduct a traffic study to evaluate how relocating us to the intersection of State College and Dorothy Lane would impact traffic, not only for our members but also for Troy High School and the other two schools located southbound on State College.

“As one of the Trolley Alley shuttle drivers, I am concerned about the safety of our members and the general public crossing this busy roadway. I have conducted an informal traffic safety observation of this area. I have prepared a handout and would like to distribute it to the members. Thank you for your attention.”

Barbara Rosen: “I’ve been an Ally member for 15 years and am here to discuss the relocation of our building. Ten days ago, I sent a letter to President Roshan and Chancellor Garcia, which I’ve copied everyone on. I want to address my concerns, particularly regarding fire safety.

“Have any of you had to evacuate a building for a fire? I have, during my time as an administrator at Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles. Despite routine evacuation drills, when the alarm sounded, it became a crisis. We had over 300 non-ambulatory children, babies on ventilators, and those undergoing chemotherapy. The smoke filled the air within minutes.

“Now, consider the room Bill just described. I teach two classes at OLLI and both would be in that basement. Picture over 100 seniors, many with walkers, wheelchairs, and visual or heart issues, trying to evacuate. This is a serious safety risk for our members—a potential death trap.

“If we must move to this building, I will cancel my classes. I urge you to take these evacuation and fire safety issues seriously. Perhaps traffic and building safety studies are necessary. What was adequate for a law school is not suitable for our population. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Patty Tudor: “I’m a Planning Commissioner speaking as a resident today. I want to echo the concerns of the previous speakers. As an OLLI student currently enrolled in two art classes in the large room, I am worried about the potential move. This could create safety issues, especially for those of us with mobility difficulties—I have a knee issue myself. If the City of Fullerton can assist us in retaining the OLLI program on campus, it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.”

Rancho La Paz concerns

Todd Harrison: “I stand here today as a committed advocate for senior residents, wearing my “Save Our Seniors” shirt as a reminder of our ongoing struggle. The situation at Rancho La Paz, particularly under John Saunders’ management, has deteriorated significantly, and the abuse toward our seniors continues. Many income-limited seniors have been pushed out, and we face serious challenges.

“I’m submitting a letter to the council that outlines the unanswered promises Saunders made to this body. I recall when council members took our concerns seriously and intended to protect seniors from his actions. Unfortunately, that has not been the case. Despite concerns raised about Saunders’ track record of closing mobile home parks for profit, council member Jan Flory felt reassured after meeting him, despite the clear discrepancies in his intentions.

“The council has not upheld a single promise made by Saunders, leading to negative impacts on property values and the lives of residents. I could elaborate on this for hours, detailing how his profit-driven motives have harmed our community. While I understand that there may be limitations on what the council can do now, it is crucial to acknowledge the consequences residents face.

“This serves as a cautionary tale for current council members: prioritizing profit and power over the well-being of Fullerton residents is unacceptable. We are aware of our circumstances and will continue to speak out.”

Council majority failing Fullerton

“My dear wife, Yolanda Harrison, recently had a medical procedure and currently cannot speak. She will communicate through signs, and I will read them for you.

“She wishes to express her frustrations: 

1. Historic Trees: California trees were cut down on Chapman.
2. Sidewalks: They are too narrow for mobility devices and unsafe for children walking to school.
3. Road Conditions: The roads are in poor shape.

“Mr. Mayor, you are failing this city. Mr. Dunlap, I hoped for more from you last year. Miss Valencia, you are merely a duplicate of Whitaker. 

“To Doctor Charles: Keep pushing forward; you are a beacon of light. Doctor Zahra, District 5 stands with you because you have advocated for those in need.

“Thank you for allowing her to take this time to speak, even if it’s through me. She will take her full three minutes.” (Mrs Harrison stood silent – looking at the Councilmembers for remainder of her 3 minutes)

Kindness Award recipient 

Christine Givens: “I live in Fullerton. I’ve been a resident for over 10 years. I recently received the Kindness Award from Doug Chaffee for my contributions to the community. Despite currently battling cancer, I’m committed to helping others. I volunteer with my church and support the homeless, providing essentials when needed. For over 20 years, I have dedicated myself to serving those in need. I truly appreciate everyone here and the hard work you put in. Thank you!”

Street Lighting

Kurt Johnston: “I want to reiterate my comments from the last City Council meeting regarding street lighting. The improvements at the corner of Valencia and Lemon St. are impressive, and I’d like to see similar bright lighting at Mona and other intersections to enhance safety, especially in residential areas.

“Additionally, I reported via the My Fullerton app that the bus stop lights are still out, which poses a safety concern for people waiting in the dark, especially between 5:00 and 6:00 PM. There are also some other lights that are out, notably one near Dark 3, but the bus stops are the most crucial.

“I’m also pleased to see the progress on Harbor Blvd. leading to Saint Jude Hospital, and I noticed it’s on the agenda tonight. Thank you.

Unhoused and housing concerns

Curtis Gamble: “I advocate for the homeless, Cal State Fullerton students, bus drivers, seniors, and low-income communities. I want to express my gratitude to the speakers from the Fullerton Navigation Center for sharing their experiences, both positive and negative. It’s essential to address their concerns.

“I also thank the Mayor and the staff for their visit to the Illumination Foundation Navigation Center. However, I would like to hear your feedback from that visit. This facility is beneficial and helping many people, but we need to listen to the issues raised by those who spoke.

“Currently, there are 300 homeless individuals in the Rancho La Paz Mobile Home Park and 150 beds at the Fullerton Navigation Center. We desperately need 150 more beds. I recommend utilizing some of the vacancies at Rancho La Paz Mobile Home Park. The city pays about $80 per night for a bed there, totaling $2,400 monthly, which is manageable. Recuperative care beds cost about $300 per night, indicating we can afford better solutions.

“I’m excited about the new apartment building on Commonwealth that will offer 65 units of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, with potential move-ins starting in December.

“I also urge the council to take action regarding cold weather shelters. It’s currently quite cold, and I recommend considering the Willow Tree Hotel for room availability or reopening the safe parking program to provide more options. We must do more to support the homeless. Thank you.

Curbs and sidewalks near Orangethorpe Elementary

Z: “I moved to Fullerton in 1978 and want to express my gratitude to Dr. Ahmad Zahra for supporting the implementation of curbs and sidewalks along West Page Ave. This is crucial for the safety of students from Orangethorpe Elementary living west of Brookhurst Avenue.

“I urge our District 4 representative, Jamie Valencia, to also publicly endorse this initiative. I ride my bicycle at least twice a week on safe bike paths, but I’ve been hit twice in the past. After a third accident, I won’t be here asking for budget-strapped solutions or road modifications.

“If such an incident occurs again, it wouldn’t be your fault; I wouldn’t advocate for barriers or resources at that point. Just as I pay tobacco and alcohol taxes to support my lifestyle, I believe those who want bike lanes should have a funding plan in place as well.

Occupancy tax

Zoom Caller: “I submitted a Freedom of Information request to Miss Toriko, the code enforcement manager, seeking data on short-term rentals that paid occupancy tax from June 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024. The report indicated that out of 100 permitted rentals, only 47 paid the occupancy tax. This suggests that about half of the permit holders do not actively use their permits.

“I believe the program should adopt a “use it or lose it” policy. It’s unfair for individuals to hold onto permits without utilizing them, especially when there is a waiting list of people who want to use a permit. If only half are being used, those not in use should be revoked annually to accommodate those who will actually utilize them. Thank you.”