City Manager Eddie Manfro addressed an audience of approximately 60 guests, including city staff and sponsors, at the 2026 State of the City event held at the Summit House restaurant on June 11 at 2:30 pm.
The event deviated from tradition, as neither Manfro nor Fullerton Mayor Fred Jung provided a comprehensive overview of the city. This approach comes in light of a $13.7 million budget deficit, a financial audit, and Mayor Jung’s recent electoral defeat in his bid for the OC Supervisor seat in the 4th District. Attendees paid $65 for tickets, which did not include a meal or drinks; however, they enjoyed complimentary appetizers and delightful boxes of macarons.
Featured speakers included Dr. Edward Kim from City of Hope and Dr. Stefan Bean, the Superintendent of the OC Department of Education, who delivered engaging lectures, albeit with little focus on the State of Fullerton itself. Gary Parkinson, the owner of the Summit House, shared insights on the restaurant’s origins. In contrast, local business owner David Faulk of Nasung Sool Company recounted the journey of opening his brewery and tasting room at 141 W. Wilshire.
A video segment highlighted Chef Imran ‘Ali’ Mookhi, owner of Khan Saab Desi Craft Kitchen (229 E. Commonwealth), as he and his co-founders were honored with the Fullerton Distinguished Business Award for their restaurant, which has received the Michelin Bib Gourmand accolade five times since 2021.
Despite a cheerful video overview, the event did not address the city’s current challenges. Mayor Jung’s later remarks acknowledged his failed bid for the OC Superintendent position and spoke candidly about the city’s financial difficulties and his critics. He urged the community to unite and move forward through this challenging period.
Tensions surfaced during the event when UCI Professor Jody Agius Vallejo stood and asked if questions were allowed. Jose Trinidad Casteñeda rushed over to silence her, and former Fullerton Planning Commissioner Douglas Cox yelled, “Sit down – we paid $65 for this.”
Event sponsors included City Attorney contractor Jones & Mayer, White Glove Property Management, SoCalGas, California State University, Fullerton, and Fullerton College.
Click here to see other city website information on the State of the City 2026. Watch the meeting on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/live/DeALm0zp4Zk
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Categories: Local Government, Local News
“Tensions surfaced during the event when UCI Professor Jody Agius Vallejo stood and asked if questions were allowed. Jose Trinidad Casteñeda rushed over to silence her, and former Fullerton Planning Commissioner Douglas Cox yelled, “Sit down – we paid $65 for this.”
Also,
“Event sponsors included City Attorney contractor Jones & Mayer, White Glove Property Management, SoCalGas, California State University, Fullerton, and Fullerton College.”
Is it any wonder then, no meaningful State of the City statement was brought forth?
A state of the City address should be paid for using City funds, and on City property, like City Hall.
It would seem that we have the best city government that money can buy.
Hope everybody enjoyed their cookies, awards, and adulations.
$65 for appetizers and an invitation to shut up and sit down. Glad I missed it.