Voice of OC (https://voiceofoc.org/tag/sonia-carvalho/)
Santa Ana City Attorney Sonia Carvalho adjourned Tuesday’s city council meeting in the middle of public comment while people were still waiting — some for four hours — to address a half-empty dais.
Federal judge David O. Carter has warned cities against pushing homeless people to other areas, saying it raises constitutional issues.
The Santa Ana City Council again delayed deciding if city voters in November will get to vote on whether they want to switch from at-large city council elections to district-based elections.
The city is seeking court orders forcing the mayor to sign paperwork to allow the measure to proceed onto the June ballot.
The budget pressures are prompting warnings from the city manager that services may have to be cut back, despite growth in tax revenues. The funding gap is projected to grow to $40 million in five years.
In a tense meeting this week, City Council members said in coming weeks they will re-approve the original agreement – including the use of emergency reserves.
The city is also charging residents millions of dollars in fees on trash bills and transferring it to the city general fund, which pays for police and other services. Councilwoman Michele Martinez said that violates state law.
The new law bans any enclosed spaces, along with food and medical services without prior city permission. City officials say it’s needed to protect public health and safety, while homeless advocates say it’s unconstitutional and cruel.
Original versions included broad bans on homeless people’s possessions in the Civic Center, like any items within 70 feet of a building, and any items officials believe present “a risk of injury, disease or a health and safety concern.” A final decision is scheduled for Oct. 17.
New concerns are being raised about whether the city has been illegally overcharging residents and businesses for trash collection and using the money for other services like police, firefighting, and parks.