video starts at 15:11
The Fullerton City Council convened on December 16, 2025, in a meeting marked by discord as Fred Jung was selected as Mayor and Nick Dunlap as Mayor Pro Tem, a decision that many residents viewed as a breach of the Council’s established fair rotation policy. This policy had placed Dr. Shana Charles, the current Mayor Pro Tem from District 3, in line for the mayoral position, igniting frustration among constituents who felt their voices were disregarded.
Local residents expressed particular concern over the exclusion of Councilmember Ahmad Zahra from District 5, who has faced repeated omissions from the mayoral candidacy despite strong grassroots support and having seven years of seniority. Dr. Zahra, who announced he would not seek reelection, missed the critical meeting due to prior work commitments out of state, further intensifying worries for his supporters in District 5.
The voting bloc known as ‘The Bushala Bloc,’ named for the local developer and major donor to all three political campaigns, which includes Mayor Jung, Councilmembers Nick Dunlap, and Jamie Valencia, has attracted criticism for allegedly creating a climate of distrust within the community. During the raucous meeting, Councilmember Dunlap dismissed concerns from constituents, categorizing them as a “small, select group” and labeling dissenters as “pressure groups.” Residents who once regularly attended meetings in numbers of around 10 have surged to 40, reflecting growing discontent over perceived corruption in city governance.
Despite overwhelming public support for Dr. Zahra’s candidacy, the bloc opted to nominate Jung. Valencia, while nominating Jung, referred to community members present at the meeting as the “select few,” provoking a chorus of boos from the crowd. Dr. Charles, while nominating herself for Mayor, put forward Zahra for the role of Mayor Pro Tem, arguing that he needed time to adjust to the position, just as she had. However, her nomination failed to rally support and left Zahra’s constituents feeling sidelined.
Reaction from the audience was largely negative, with numerous residents articulating their disappointment over the Council’s apparent disregard for equitable governance. One local resident emphasized, “When a council member is denied their turn as mayor, an entire district feels disenfranchised,” highlighting the significance of rotational leadership in fostering community unity.
The calls for increased transparency and accountability have intensified, fueled by allegations of potential violations of the Brown Act and speculation around undisclosed negotiations among council members. Observers note that the growing divide between constituents and the Council amplifies the need for renewed trust and collaboration in Fullerton.
During public comment, approximately 30 speakers voiced support for Dr. Ahmad Zahra for Mayor and Dr. Shana Charles for Mayor Pro Tem, emphasizing the political implications of the decision. One resident remarked, “This situation is inherently political. Mayor Jung is running for the OC Supervisors in this district. If appointed again, he could use the mayor title to further his political ambitions, which does not serve the best interest of Fullerton.”
Another speaker invoked the fundamental principles of governance, stating, “District-based elections were adopted to ensure that all parts of Fullerton have a meaningful voice at City Hall. This principle is undermined when one district—District 5—remains without its turn for the mayoral seat, despite being vital to the city’s economy and identity.”
The ongoing dynamics within the Council, marked by the exclusion of District 5 from the mayoral rotation, raise questions about the concentration of power and structural inequities within governance. Critics argue that the intended practice of mayoral rotation should serve to distribute leadership fairly and foster public trust, yet the past four years have witnessed repetitions of the Mayor’s seat being held by the same individual multiple times.
Residents have voiced strong sentiments that true representation necessitates accountability from council members to their districts while serving the city as a whole.
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Categories: Community Voices, Election, Elections, Local Business, Local Events, Local Government, Local News
How can so many turn a blind eye to this blatant corrupted council. Bushala Bloc & the Bushala’s themselves not being investigated is a crime in itself.
You and your publication constantly making stuff up, and then printing it as fact should really stop. It is not journalism. It is pure sophistry.
Brian – what exactly do you think was made up? You can watch the video of the meeting itself. I think it was an accurate report.
You and all your cohorts can not go to a meeting, create all the discord and ther report on it as being an organic thing that has happened. It is all orchestrated and perpetuated by you and vour elk
To act like vou are a neutral party is grossly deceptive to the residents of the community you claim to serve. The things you create yourself and with the others you “employ’ meaning gather to execute a common goa are nothing short of liable that way you use your voice in the community to peddle your own agenda. It’s a really bad look for someone who is supposed to not be biased
ED Response: Brian – you are in error if you think that the paper orchestrated anything at any council meeting. The paper’s mission is to inform residents about what is going on in our town. Whether residents decide to take action is up to each individual.
The paper is operated by local resident volunteers. We all strive to be completely truthful in reports. If you find errors in reports and tell us and we find you are correct we will make corrections. Try watching the video of the Dec 16 meeting which is available on the city website under “Meetings & Agendas” tab.
Brian – I hardly ever go to meetings because I have a bad temper when I see injustice happening and embarrass myself by yelling out (which I apologise for to everyone).
I didn’t know most of the people at the meeting and I don’t live in District 5 – But – I thought it was important to come down and support that district’s voters who deserve to have their representative serve as mayor.
I would like to see more councilmembers like Zahra – he has vision for improving the city. Zahra consistently comes up with great ideas that I like – for instance allowing businesses to have patios that don’t bankcrupt them with fees, keeping Walk on Wilshire open, building the UP Trail with the $1.7 million grant, making sure our water is clean, doing something to attract new business, and more.
By the way Brian – some residents of this town are your customers and care about those things too.
Zahra is the longest-serving councilmember – he deserves to be mayor.
Four times in a row for Jung? That is not fair.
Watch the damn video before you voice your opinion. Doubt you even live in Fullerton and just choose to b*tch and moan about something.
I don’t need to watch anything, pal. I was at the meeting.