• Council Member Nick Dunlap had no report.
• Mayor Fred Jung had no report.

Council Member Jamie Valencia:

Thank you all for being here this evening. I appreciate your attendance and look forward to your comments.

I want to highlight two events happening this weekend. On Friday evening, Fullerton PD will host a trunk or treat at Highland and Amridge from 5:00 to 8:00. Dress up and enjoy the fun—last year, the line wrapped around the building, so be sure to find it!

On Saturday, Fullerton Fire will hold a “Fill the Boot” event from 9:00 to 2:00 on Harbor and Orangethorpe to raise cancer awareness. Please come out and show your support with donations.

Remember, October is Domestic Violence Month as well as Cancer Awareness Month. If you need help, resources are available; don’t hesitate to reach out. We are committed to connecting you with the services that meet your needs.

I also want to thank the school district for their support of our children and families in my district, where we have three elementary schools nearby. I appreciate all the community support. Thank you!

Council Member Dr. Ahmad Zahra:

Thank you all for being here tonight. Your presence matters, even on less significant agenda items, as local decisions can greatly influence your lives. I encourage everyone, especially our youth, to attend each meeting or watch them online if you can’t be here in person. Transparency is crucial.

I’ve been reflecting on leadership. I don’t view myself as a traditional leader; to me, leadership means listening to and representing your voices. You, the community, are the true leaders, guiding us in the direction you want to go. If you don’t participate, decisions can be made without your input.

As for transparency, I’ve noticed that the public records request process is complex and inaccessible. I propose that we have an item on the agenda for the next meeting to clarify this process and improve it. I’d appreciate a second on this request to ensure it’s formally noted.

City Manager, how soon can we expect this item?

City Manager deferred to City Clerk Lucinda Williams. She said, “I’ll have it ready by next meeting for you.”

Great, thank you. Also, I’d like to confirm our plan for providing hotel vouchers for the unhoused during the winter, as we did last year.

Additionally, I propose engaging with Cal State Fullerton regarding their new buildings to ensure they meet safety codes. Finally, I request a formal inspection of Rancho La Paz by code enforcement, with findings reported back to the council.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Shana Charles:

I appreciate the concerns regarding OLLI and the need for a traffic study. The crosswalk at State College has been an ongoing issue, particularly for pedestrians, including those with mobility challenges. We previously extended the crosswalk time, which was a step in the right direction.

It’s crucial that residents associated with the Ruby Gerontology building can continue to utilize it as their home, as donations have supported that space. Thank you to all who shared their thoughts—your participation is valuable.

Regarding the vector control district, standing water is a concern, especially with recent positive findings for West Nile virus in Fullerton. I urge everyone to use insect repellent and eliminate standing water around their homes. If you see mosquito control trucks in your area, their spray is non-toxic to humans and pets, aimed solely at reducing the mosquito population.

I hosted two events last week, including a forum on mental health and the impact of ICE raids. My intern from Cal State Fullerton helped organize it, highlighting how fear prevents many from even grocery shopping. The trauma in our community is significant.

We heard from a Cal State Fullerton professor and representatives from the Fullerton School District about their efforts, and I appreciate Trustee Estrada for facilitating these connections. Organizations like Radiant Futures and OC United shared their support services, particularly for domestic violence survivors. Each speaker highlighted personal experiences as people of color, showing that immigration status does not shield anyone from trauma.

Listening to these accounts was challenging, but the resources shared were important. Thanks to Saint Jude’s for their support. Many face hardships, including job loss due to policies, impacting their mental health.

On the same day, I participated in a panel for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, where I shared my experiences as a survivor. It’s crucial to foster community connections and seek help. It’s important to recognize signs of abuse, such as isolation.

I am concerned about reports of constituents being instructed to communicate only with select council members. This is unacceptable behavior that mirrors the isolation indicative of emotional abuse. I want to reassure everyone that reaching out to any council member is welcome—we are here to serve.

Please contact me anytime. Open communication is vital. I’ve noticed recent issues where individuals felt unsupported. A college student reached out after a late-night traffic accident, only to face criticism the following day. This is not the supportive atmosphere we want.

If you need to speak with me, I will respond, though please note I manage multiple responsibilities as a working mom. My replies may take a week or two. For urgent matters, mark your subject line accordingly.

My office hours are Thursdays from 12:00 to 2:00 PM at City Hall, except for the last week of the month when I’m in the community. Updates are available through my newsletter and social media. To receive my newsletter, email me at Shana.Charleston@CityofFullerton.com. Thank you.

(Stay tuned for reports on General Public Comments and the discussion on help for immigrant neighbors affected by ICE, coming up)

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