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02/03/2026
ANAHEIM CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING OF FEBRUARY 3, 2026 The regular meeting of February 3, 2026 was called to order at 4:00 P.M. in the Council Chamber of Anaheim City Hall, located at 200 South Anaheim Boulevard. The meeting notice, agenda, and related material were duly posted on January 29, 2026, with a revised agenda posted on January 31, 2026. MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Ashleigh E. Aitken and Council Members Carlos A. Leon, Ryan Balius, Natalie Rubalcava Qoined the meeting at 4:01 P.M.), Norma Campos Kurtz, Kristen M. Maahs, and Natalie Meeks STAFF PRESENT: Assistant City Manager Greg Garcia, City Attorney Robert Fabela, and City Clerk Theresa Bass ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO CLOSED SESSION: None PUBLIC COMMENTS ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS: Duane Roberts alleged a violation of the California Public Records Act. He explained that a responsive email was not produced related to the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and within the scope of his request. He shared that he obtained the email from an external source and involved communications about a gathering with individuals with financial interests before the City. He reported that the California Supreme Court has upheld decisions regarding the disclosure of public business communications, including those conducted on private accounts. He raised concerns about the disclosure of records on personal devices and transparency within the City. City Clerk Theresa Bass reported that no electronic public comments were submitted related to the Closed Session agenda. CLOSED SESSION: At 4:03 P.M., Mayor Aitken recessed to Closed Session for consideration of the following: CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (Initiation of litigation pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (d) of California Government Code Section 54956.9): One potential case 2. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE RESIGNATION (California Government Code Section 54957(b)(1)) At 5:01 P.M., Mayor Aitken reconvened the Anaheim City Council. MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Ashleigh E. Aitken and Council Members Carlos A. Leon, Ryan Balius, Natalie Rubalcava, Norma Campos Kurtz, Kristen M. Maahs, and Natalie Meeks INVOCATION: Pastor Ethan Hedberg, Ambassador Church FLAG SALUTE: Council Member Norma Campos Kurtz City Council Minutes of February 3, 2026 Page 2 of 23 Without objection, Mayor Aitken requested to hear the Report on Closed Session Actions out of order. REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION ACTIONS: City Attorney Robert Fabela reported that on Closed Session Item No. 1, on a vote of 7-0, the City Council authorized the City Attorney to file a Petition for Receivership against Marylyne Patao, owner of the property located at 905 Emily Street. He announced that for Closed Session Item No. 2, the City Council, on a 7-0 vote, accepted the resignation of City Manager Jim Vanderpool, effective February 3, 2026 at 5:00 P.M., subject to a resignation notice and agreement. PRESENTATIONS: Recognizing Katella High School's Spirit Squad for their collection of food and clothing for the community Mayor Aitken recognized Katella High School's Spirit Squad for holding a drive to collect food and clothing, directly helping those in the community. She shared that the squad showed school pride and the valuable lesson of giving back to the community. She added that they balance school, practices, and other responsibilities while giving back to the community. Recognizing Randy Reyes for his years of service to the City of Anaheim Mayor Aitken recognized Randy Reyes for his nearly 50 years of service to the City of Anaheim. She shared that he began his career in 1976 as a Recreation Aide at Pearson Park, following his graduation from Servite High School. She added that he later grew into leadership roles, including as site director. She stated that since 2000, Mr. Reyes has been a welcoming presence at Brookhurst Community Center. She shared that his commitment to service reflects a family legacy, noting that his mother, Eleanor Reyes, worked for the Community Services Department and established the Tiny Tots program. She reported that in addition to his City service, Mr. Reyes spent 37 years teaching social science and physical education at Anaheim High School. She shared that he will retire in June 2026, leaving a lasting impact on the City's parks, schools, and the community. Mr. Reyes thanked the City for hiring him and shared his pleasure in serving the City. He thanked his family for attending, the participants in City programs, and his colleagues. ACCEPTANCE OF OTHER RECOGNITIONS (To be oresented at a later Recognizing February 11, 2026, as 2-1-1 OC day and February 2026 as 2-1-1 OC Month Recognizing February 17, 2026, as Random Acts of Kindness Day Recognizing February 2026 as Black History Month Recognizing February 2026 as American Heart Month Recognizing February 2026 as Career and Technical Education Month ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA: City Clerk Theresa Bass announced that for Public Hearing Item No. 10, the applicant has requested to continue the public hearing to the March 3, 2026 City Council meeting. City Council Minutes of February 3, 2026 Page 3 of 23 PUBLIC COMMENTS (all agenda items): Prior to receipt of public comments, City Clerk Theresa Bass provided an outline of procedures for public comments, notice of translation services, and a brief decorum statement. City Clerk Theresa Bass reported that a total of 113 public comments were received electronically prior to 3:00 P.M. [A final total of 122 public comments were received electronically, distributed to the City Council, and made part of the official records]. — See Appendix. Mark Richard Daniels commented on celebrity criticism of federal immigration enforcement at the recent Grammy Awards. He supported the remarks and voiced opposition to the role and presence of immigration authorities. He expressed concern about escalating violence and future harm due to federal immigration enforcement. Susan Burrows expressed concerns regarding the alleged misuse of library equipment at the Haskett Branch Library. She shared that she found materials regarding items and literature to encourage public interaction with federal immigration enforcement activities. She questioned whether taxpayer funds were used to produce the items and materials. She emphasized her support for law enforcement and the respectful expression of different viewpoints. She also voiced her support for Love Anaheim. Ruben Greg Soto shared his personal experiences and expressed concern regarding substance abuse. He alleged misconduct by individuals and institutions and shared his interactions with law enforcement. He expressed additional concerns about alcohol service at locations where minors may be present. Jeanine Robbins raised concerns about corruption in the City and information leaked during Closed Session. She commented on high turnover rates for the City Manager and Chief of Police. She questioned transparency and accountability among City officials and raised concerns regarding law enforcement practices. She questioned the lack of investigation into the death of Jordan Brandman and the release of information in the death of Alberto Arzola, and development in the City by a former Council Member. She called for greater accountability and systemic change. Mike Robbins criticized current and former Council Members regarding a lack of transparency and the influence of special interests on decision -making. He commented on discussions with the Angels, which include individuals from the previous negotiations. He raised concerns about funding priorities and campaign contributions impacting Council decisions. S. Mercadante expressed concern about City decision -making influenced by special interests. She cited the Deer Canyon project as an example, noting evacuation safety concerns and documented evacuation issues. She stated that although there were documented safety concerns, the project was not denied unanimously. She expressed concern regarding the environmental and health impacts of Disneyland fireworks. She stated that the City approved the Disneyland Forward project, although significant and unavoidable impacts were raised. She referenced the Angels Stadium deal and corruption investigation to call for greater accountability, independent decision -making, and efforts to restore public trust. R. Joshua Collins raised concerns about homelessness and the challenges unhoused mothers face. He questioned the actions the City is taking to support families and prevent student homelessness. He emphasized the need for improved access to services and assistance for vulnerable populations, noting that some individuals have difficulty obtaining support through City Net. He proposed implementing an income -based "day fine" system to help prevent financial hardship that may contribute to homelessness. City Council Minutes of February 3, 2026 Page 4 of 23 Lizz Diaz shared her personal experience separating from her spouse and seeking stable housing for her and her children after losing her home. She described her employment efforts to make a living to support her family. She shared her involvement in the community through church service and volunteer activities. She expressed her desire to secure housing to continue to serve the community. G. Price expressed public safety concerns over the proposed Festival project. She explained that the project is located in a high fire hazard area, citing risks over evacuation limitations, traffic congestion, and insufficient infrastructure. She stated that approving the project would create public safety risks and potential legal liability for the City. She questioned special interest influences surrounding the project and requested that the public hearing be reopened to allow for further community input. Carina shared that she seeks justice for the death of Albert Arzola. She requested the release of the unedited body camera footage and the names of the officers involved. She expressed concern regarding the City Council's response and engagement on the matter and called for more proactive leadership and action. Lorranie shared personal remarks regarding Albert Arzola. She described his character, work ethic, and close relationships with his family and loved ones. She shared her grief over the loss and the impact on the families. She called for justice for his death. Mariah expressed concern about law enforcement's response to the death of Albert Arzola. She commented on the treatment of family members and children present, and the emotional impact on the families involved. She called for accountability, justice, and the release of the full body camera footage. Grace A. called for accountability and justice for the death of Albert Arzola. She alleged patterns of excessive force by the Undercover Division and disputed claims by the Police Chief regarding individuals tagging. She expressed concern regarding the timeline of the investigation and the inconsistency between statements on the incident. She requested the release of the unedited body camera footage and increased transparency. She shared the ongoing emotional distress experienced by the family and community. She reported potential Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance issues in the Council Chamber. Leslie L. expressed concerns over the Police Chief's statements on the officer -involved shooting of Albert Arzola. She recommended that the Police Department improve public relations and communications training to restore public trust. She shared that Albert was a promising 19-year-old and noted the impact of the loss on the family. She acknowledged the apology issued by Council Member Rubalcava but raised concerns about the ongoing harassment of the family within the community. She highlighted the Arzola family's contributions to the community without recognition. She requested the release of the full body camera footage. Sergio P. raised concerns over a reported Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) meeting at Angel Stadium. He noted that the meeting caused fear among employees and community members. He questioned the City's role and use of public resources in relation to ICE's presence on City property. He expressed his support of the Arzola family and described Albert Arzola as a motivated and determined 19-year-old with future aspirations. Mayor Aitken requested that Assistant City Manager Garcia follow up with the Angels organization to confirm ICE activity. Art Castillo shared his personal experiences working in Parks and Recreation and alleged mistreatment and exploitation of immigrant workers, including wage issues and retaliation. He recounted events he witnessed that were not publicly reported. He expressed concern about alleged City Council Minutes of February 3, 2026 Page 5 of 23 cooperation with ICE agents and raised issues regarding police practices and misconduct by officers He urged the City Council to listen to community concerns and work toward solutions to improve public trust. He expressed his sympathy for the Arzola family. Joe Gutierrez expressed opposition to the Festival development in Anaheim Hills due to public safety concerns. He explained that wind -driven wildfires in the Canyon area are highly unpredictable and could result in significant damage and emphasized the need for preventative measures. He referenced previous major wildfire events and emphasized the importance of preparedness and proactive planning. He provided an example of Morgan Stanley employee Rick Rescorla who evacuated over 2,600 employees during 9/11. He urged the City Council to delay development until adequate infrastructure and safety measures are put in place. Betty Farnsworth raised concerns regarding public safety related to traffic, evacuation routes, and infrastructure limitations for the Festival project. She opposed the development in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, citing risks to life and property. She referenced previous fire incidents to emphasize the dangers and community vulnerability. She urged the City Council to prioritize public safety responsibilities and to reconsider the project. She noted potential liability concerns if development proceeds without adequate safety measures. Vance Dizney suggested retrofitting the Regal Theater and retrofitting ideas on the freeway. Joni Gaynor shared her opposition to the proposed Festival development and requested that public comment be reopened for the March 3 City Council meeting. She explained that key questions had not been answered and the public had not been given a fair opportunity to respond to updated project proposals. She emphasized concerns over transparency and incomplete information, including consideration of alternative locations. She stated that reopening the public comment period would ensure fairness, transparency, and public trust. She commented that the Know Your Way evacuation plan is inadequate and unfamiliar to the public. She urged the City Council to prioritize resident safety and public trust before moving forward. Dean Gaynor expressed opposition to the proposed Festival development. He shared his personal experience during wildfire evacuations, noting traffic congestion and hours to travel short distances. He emphasized that existing infrastructure is insufficient and questioned the reliability of traffic studies that do not reflect real -life emergency conditions. He warned that adding over 1,000 additional vehicles would increase the traffic congestion in the area. He referenced his experience during the Lahaina fires and the emotional impact of wildfires. He urged the City Council to prioritize public safety and consider alternative locations for the project. Douglas Robbins spoke in opposition to the proposed Festival development, expressing concerns over evacuation safety and the accuracy of the Environmental Impact Report (EIR). He stated that the EIR does not reflect realistic evacuation scenarios and underestimates evacuation times. He challenged the comparisons between the previous theater traffic and the proposed residential development. He urged the City Council to prioritize public safety and deny the project. Christine Lopez Ediss spoke about the fatal police shooting involving her nephew, Albert Arzola. She called for the immediate release of the unedited body camera footage and questioned the use of force in the incident. She urged City Council Members to engage directly with the family and the community and take accountability. She called on the City Council and the Police Department to rebuild public trust through open communication and full disclosure. She emphasized the need for systemic changes in policing practices to ensure accountability and prevent similar incidents in the future. City Council Minutes of February 3, 2026 Page 6 of 23 Pearl addressed the City Council regarding the fatal police shooting involving her brother Albert Arzola. She stated that her brother did not have a criminal record and called for the release of the officer's names and unedited body camera footage of the incident. She expressed frustration over the Police Department's handling of the incident and alleged a lack of transparency and accountability. She alleged harassment by the Police Department near her home. She urged the City Council to take action, engage with the family, and address community concerns about policing practices and public safety. Bryan Kaye criticized current processes surrounding police accountability. He expressed concern over the reliance on current police procedures, including addressing investigations into officer - involved shootings, and called for changes. He urged the City Council to take steps to reform existing processes, improve accountability, and prevent future tragedies. Shelly Robbins expressed opposition to the proposed Festival development project, citing significant deficiencies in the EIR related to traffic and evacuation analysis. He explained that the EIR relies on limited data, which did not account for extended peak traffic hours and congestion areas. He emphasized that the evacuation modeling does not account for real -world human behavior during emergencies. She expressed concern about the shift from low -density commercial use to residential. She urged the City Council to deny the project due to unresolved safety issues. Andrea Phelps urged the City Council to deny the Festival project. She explained that comparisons to the former movie theater use are misleading compared to the increased vehicle traffic for residential use. She suggested that the site remain commercial, which would benefit the surrounding residents and community. She expressed concern about evacuation safety, fire safety issues, and increased traffic in the community. She added that the Wildland.Urban Interface Regulations require a 100-foot buffer zone and a five-foot non-combustible zone around the property. She referenced insufficient parking at similar developments. She explained that the project is overly dense, prioritizes profit over quality of life, and should be denied or reduced. Engler Fish Phelps urged the City Council to deny the proposed Festival project. He expressed concerns about overcrowding and evacuation safety. He raised questions over the Know Your Way evacuation plan, including resident notification and coordination during an emergency. He questioned the need for the development, noting the project is not required under the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA). He requested that the City Council consider reducing the project's density to improve safety. Steve Herr requested that the City Council deny the proposed Festival project due to evacuation and safety issues similar to the ones mentioned during the Deer Canyon project denial. He shared his personal experiences evacuating during other wildfires, noting significant traffic congestion that prevented his wife from leaving the area. He expressed concern that adding 500 housing units would worsen evacuation challenges, increase traffic congestion, and strain the existing infrastructure. He urged the City Council to deny the project. Dewayne Fillipi expressed safety concerns regarding the proposed Festival development. He explained that community opposition to the project is driven by previous wildfire experiences and doubts about the Know Your Way Evacuation Plan. He emphasized the need for better communication and transparency regarding the evacuation plan and resident feedback. He urged the City to build community engagement in the process to build trust and address safety concerns regarding evacuations. Grace McGee urged the City Council to reject the proposed Festival project. She cited concerns over increased traffic, wildfire evacuation safety, and the project's location in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. She stated that existing traffic congestion has increased due to freeway cut -through City Council Minutes of February 3, 2026 Page 7 of 23 traffic and noted that any additional units would strain evacuation routes. She expressed concern over the safety of families, children, and seniors in the event of an emergency. She noted that District 6 has contributed significantly to housing development and questioned the City Council's position since the denial of the Deer Canyon project. She urged the City Council to deny the project. Leida Erickson spoke in opposition to the proposed Festival project. She described the challenges of evacuating with young children during a fire and emphasized the dangers of the existing evacuation routes. She shared that when her home was built, the City was zoned for low -density housing and expressed concern about the increased development over the years. She urged the City Council to consider the real -life risks residents face during wildfire emergencies. Mazatl T. Tepehyolotzin expressed solidarity with Anaheim Hills residents regarding concerns over the proposed Festival project and with the Arzola family. He emphasized opposition to the development based on financial interest and called for protecting natural resources and open space. He expressed concern over justice, transparency, and trust in local government. He urged City leadership to act in the community's best interest and support healing and accountability. Tannis Dunbar Soto spoke in opposition to the proposed Festival project. She expressed concerns over wildfire safety, evacuation capacity, and traffic congestion in the area. She noted the area's limited evacuation routes and vulnerability during emergencies. She urged the City Council to deny or delay the project until resident concerns have been fully addressed. She suggested considering alternative commercial uses for the site, including restaurants, grocery stores, or community services, rather than additional housing. She recommended that the City coordinate with transportation and public safety agencies to improve freeway access and emergency evacuation planning. Tammy Hill expressed concerns over wildfire evacuations related to future development in the area. She acknowledged the City's Know Your Way Plan but questioned its effectiveness without testing. She referenced the Paradise fire and emphasized how quickly emergency situations can escalate and the dangers of traffic gridlock during evacuations. She urged the City Council to prioritize realistic emergency preparedness and public safety planning. She encouraged the Council Members to work collaboratively and focus on shared community goals. Doug Hill spoke in opposition to the proposed Festival project citing wildfire evacuation and infrastructure concerns. He stated that the proposed rezoning could lead to expanded dense housing, inconsistent with the area's original zoning designation and location in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. He shared his personal experience evacuating and the delays due to traffic congestion. He urged the City Council to prioritize infrastructure improvements and expanded evacuation routes before approving further development. Andrew Winger expressed concern regarding transparency and availability of traffic and evacuation planning information related to the proposed Festival project. He referenced previous statements from City officials and Council regarding the traffic model used to evaluate evacuation impacts. He noted that the requests for the supporting study and related communication procedures had not been fulfilled. He expressed concerns that the City Council would be making decisions without the public having access to key supporting information. He formally requested that the City Council reopen the public comment period for the Festival project to allow residents the opportunity to review and respond to outstanding documents. Teresa Ploum spoke in opposition to the Festival project, expressing concerns about wildfire evacuations safety, traffic congestion, and the uncertainty of the Know Your Way Plan. She acknowledged improvements in emergency coordination since the 2017 Canyon 2 Fire; however, she stated that the Know Your Plan remains untested. She questioned project testimony that additional vehicles would have a minimal impact on evacuation times. She urged the City Council to complete City Council Minutes of February 3, 2026 Page 8 of 23 infrastructure improvements before approving additional development and requested that the public comment period for the hearing be reopened to allow residents to respond to updated information. She expressed support for greater transparency and accountability in community matters. Linda Hurley expressed concerns regarding the proposed Festival project and the Know Your Way Evacuation Plan. She noted the proximity of a nearby senior living facility and raised concerns about the ability for elderly residents to evacuate safely. She referenced wildfire fatalities in other communities with limited evacuation routes as a cautionary example and argued that Anaheim Hills' larger population and similar ingress/egress limitations could create significant risks. She urged the City Council to prioritize resident safety over development interests and deny the project. Stephanie Dorantes addressed the City Council in support of the Arzola family. She called for accountability, transparency, and the release of information related to the officer -involved shooting. She urged the City Council to take action to ensure accountability for the officers involved and called for justice for the family. She expressed opposition to the proposed Festival project, citing public safety concerns. Marc Herbert spoke regarding concerns about transparency, accountability, and public engagement in City government. He referenced news articles, development -related concerns, and issues related to the Anaheim Community Foundation. He expressed concerns regarding the City's management of public concerns and urged the City Council to improve transparency, responsiveness, and public trust. Kenneth Batiste addressed the Council regarding concerns about accountability, transparency, and public safety. He referenced concerns about corruption and budget management in the City. He called for accountability in the death of Albert Arzola and urged the release of information related to his death. He spoke in opposition to the proposed Festival project, noting concerns over wildfire safety, evacuation challenges, and impacts to the residents in the community. He urged the City Council to prioritize community safety. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS: Council Member Maahs thanked Anaheim Fire & Rescue for their visit to Sycamore Junior High and for providing sidewalk CPR training. She invited District 5 residents to a Community Open House on Wednesday, February 18th, at Sunkist Elementary School. She shared that information on street takeovers, Code Enforcement, fire preparedness, traffic safety, OCVIBE, and fireworks would be provided. She announced that Police Chief Cid would also be in attendance. Council Member Meeks announced the District 6 Community Meeting on February 19th. She shared that she invited the Fire Department, Police Department, and Public Works Department to attend to provide information on traffic and Know Your Way. She noted the additional exposure fire safety has received from the community. She encouraged the public to attend and learn about fire zones and communication methods. She noted the importance of evacuation methods and safety in the area despite the outcome of the Festival Project. In response to Mayor Aitken, Council Member Meeks announced the meeting would be held at the East Anaheim Community Center from 5 to 7 p.m. Mayor Aitken announced that community meetings would be held in each district and information would be provided on the City's social media. Council Member Rubalcava requested to adjourn the meeting in memory of San Bernardino County Sheriff Sergeant Grant Ward who passed away due to cancer. She expressed her condolences to his City Council Minutes of February 3, 2026 Page 9 of 23 family and recognized his sacrifices and cancer battle. She recognized the passing of Maria Ponce. She thanked Director of Housing and Community Development Grace Ruiz-Stepter, who assisted Ms. Ponce with finding housing. Council Member Rubalcava expressed her condolences to the Arzola family. She stated that there is an independent process associated with the incident and would be reviewed by the District Attorney's Office. She explained that the internal process for the City is to review alternatives and assured the family that the process is ongoing. She stated that the City Council would continue to work on what's best for the residents. She requested to adjourn the meeting in memory of Alberto Arzola. Council Member Rubalcava acknowledged the resignation of former City Manager Jim Vanderpool. She highlighted his work in the City and acknowledged the resilience and professionalism he demonstrated throughout his tenure. She shared that despite difficult times, he served as a steady source of stability for employees and residents. She added that the foundation he set for the City would remain. She thanked Assistant City Manager Greg Garcia for filling in. She addressed Department Heads, City employees, and residents, sharing that the City Council cares about the future of the City and would continue to advocate for the residents. She thanked Jim Vanderpool for his service to the City. Council Member Balius shared that Mr. Vanderpool provided consistent leadership to the City during challenging periods. He noted that he was involved with advancing the Beach Boulevard project in District 1 and leading the City through the COVID-19 pandemic. He reported that Mr. Vanderpool was the longest tenured City Manager for Anaheim over the past fifteen years. He shared that stability in City leadership is an important factor in maintaining confidence in local government by employees and residents. He added that his tenure provided a level of consistency that was valued by the City and the community. He stated that as the City moves forward, the selection process would focus on the qualifications and the capacities necessary to lead the City. He thanked Mr. Vanderpool for his service. Council Member Balius announced that the District 1 Community Meeting would be on Wednesday, February 4 at Brookhurst Community Center. Mayor Pro Tern Leon shared his participation in the Point in Time Count hosted by the County of Orange every two years. He explained that the event provides an understanding of how many unhoused individuals are living on the street. He shared that the experience allowed him to hear individuals' stories and provide perspective. He thanked Housing and Community Development Department staff for joining him and their continued work. Mayor Pro Tem Leon echoed his Council colleagues' comments and thanked Mr. Vanderpool for his service to the City. He reported that under his leadership, the City made progress on important priorities and delivered results. He added that leadership transitions can cause uncertainty, but expressed full confidence in the strength of the City and professionalism of City staff. He shared that the City's employees are the backbone of the City and highlighted their dedication. He wished Mr. Vanderpool the best in his future endeavors and expressed gratitude to City staff who continue to work for the residents. Council Member Kurtz thanked Mr. Vanderpool for his service to the City. She thanked Assistant City Manager Garcia for stepping up and ensuring the City would move forward. She thanked the Department Heads for their commitment to the City's residents. Council Member Kurtz shared that her prayers extend to the Arzola family. She shared that she looks forward to a full, complete, and transparent report on the incident. She assured the family that the report would come and the investigation would be thorough. Mayor Aitken thanked the Syrian American Medical Society for the invitation to their event. She shared that the event was attended by doctors raise money for those impacted by the civil war in Syria. She highlighted the many members of the Syrian community who attended. She reported that she attended the United States Conference of Mayors, where she chaired a panel on arts and representing voices in the community. She added that she met with two United States Senators to discuss immigration and ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) to ensure safety in the City Council Minutes of February 3, 2026 Page 10 of 23 community. Mayor Aitken thanked the Police Department, Fire Department, and Public Works Department for their work during the Disneyland Half Marathon. She shared that the course passed through Downtown Anaheim, small businesses, City Hall, and the Resort area. She highlighted the community meetings with Chief Cid and his outreach efforts in the community. She thanked the residents who attended. ITY MANAGER'S UPDATE: Assistant City Manager Greg Garcia reported that District Community Open House meetings would begin on February 4, 2026, in District 1. He shared that all residents are welcome to attend. He added that residents can stop by at any time between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. with no need to arrive at the start of the Open House. He reported that City leaders and staff would be present and available to connect with residents. He shared that each district's open house will cover a variety of topics relevant to their neighborhoods and staff will be seeking high-level feedback and thoughts on what residents think about the stadium site. He shared that information on the locations and details of the open houses would be available on the City's social media and website. CONSENT CALENDAR: At 7:43 p.m., the Consent Calendar was considered, with Council Member Kurtz pulling Item No. 5 and Mayor Aitken pulling Item No. 6. MOTION: Mayor Pro Tem Leon moved to adopt the balance of the consent calendar as presented, in accordance with reports, certifications, and recommendations furnished each City Council Member, seconded by Council Member Maahs. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Leon, Balius, Rubalcava, Kurtz, Maahs, and Meeks); NOES — 0. Motion carried. B105 1. Receive and file minutes of the Cultural and Heritage Commission meeting of December 18, 2025; Library Board meeting of December 8, 2025; and Older Adults Commission meeting of November 20, 2025. B105 2. Appoint three new members to the Anaheim Workforce Development Board with terms ending June 30, 2030 [Karla Rodriguez and Kurtis Adams, representing business; and Richard Licerio, representing labor]. 3. Approve Contract No. MA 106-498952 with Johnson Controls Fire Protection LP, in an AGR-15822 amount not to exceed $420,812.96, for the upgrade of the Fire Suppression System Panel: Node 1 at the Anaheim Convention Center; and authorize the Purchasing Agent to execute all necessary contractual documents related to the agreement, in accordance with Sourcewell Cooperative Contract No. 030421-JHN between Sourcewell and Johnson Controls Fire Protection LP. 4. Waive the sealed bidding requirement of Council Policy 4.0 and authorize the issuance of a D180 Purchase Order to Motorola Solutions, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $981,885.95 for the purchase of Motorola 800 MHz radio equipment; and authorize the Purchasing Agent to execute all necessary contractual documents. City Council Minutes of February 3, 2026 Page 11 of 23 7. Approve an Independent Contractor Agreement with the Coast Community College District, in AGR-15825 the amount of $50,000 paid to the City, for the Strong Workforce Program Transforming Intermediary Partnerships for Student Success, for a term ending June 30, 2026; and authorize the Director of Housing and Community Development, or designee, to execute and administer the agreement and any future modifications; and increase the Housing and Community Development Department's Fiscal Year 2025/26 budget by $50,000. BUSINESS CALENDAR: 5. Authorize the issuance of a Purchase Order to Velocity Truck Centers, in the amount of D180 $331,635.41 for the purchase of one Freightliner packer truck; and authorize the Purchasing Agent to execute all necessary contractual documents in accordance with Sourcewell Cooperative Contract No. 032824-DAI between Sourcewell and Daimler Trucks North America. DISCUSSION: Council Member Kurtz expressed her support for the purchase of the vehicle. She inquired about the timeline to receive the new vehicle. Director of Public Works Rudy Emami reported that the truck would take 18 to 24 months through the build and delivery. In response to Council Member Kurtz, Director Emami stated that service levels continue without the truck in operation. He explained that the requested vehicle is one of two in service. He explained that the truck is being replaced due to a fire, with insurance proceeds contributing to the purchase of the new vehicle. He added that due to the delays in vehicle acquisitions, the Department has been supplementing work with pickup trucks, stake bed trucks, and a smaller packer truck. Council Member Kurtz thanked Public Works for being flexible and expressed hope the vehicle would be delivered sooner than 24 months. MOTION: Council Member Kurtz moved to authorize the issuance of a Purchase Order to Velocity Truck Centers, in the amount of $331,635.41 for the purchase of one Freightliner packer truck; and authorize the Purchasing Agent to execute all necessary contractual documents in accordance with Sourcewell Cooperative Contract No. 032824-DAI between Sourcewell and Daimler Trucks North America, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Leon. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Leon, Balius, Rubalcava, Kurtz, Maahs, and Meeks); NOES — 0. Motion carried. 6. Approve a Renewable Power Purchase Agreement with Cameron Ridge LLC, at an average AGR-15823 annual cost of $12,800,000, to purchase wind -generated energy and associated renewable AGR-15824 and capacity attributes from the Cameron Ridge Project for a ten year term (term aggregate of $128 million); approve a Renewable Power Purchase Agreement with Alta Oak Realty, LLC, at an average annual cost of $5,700,000, to purchase wind -generated energy and associated renewable and capacity attributes from the Zephyr Park and Oak Creek Projects for a ten year term (term aggregate of $57 million); and authorize the Public Utilities General Manager, or designees, to execute the agreements and any amendments or restatements to the agreements that are cost-neutral/reducing or that involve only minor administrative cost increases, and execute all related or implementing documents to the agreements, including documents contemplated by the agreements, assignments, collateral assignments, power scheduling agreements, and scheduling coordinator agreements; and take the necessary actions to implement and administer the agreements. City Council Minutes of February 3, 2026 Page 12 of 23 Public Utilities General Manager Dukku Lee reported that the item is for two Power Purchase Agreements to receive wind -generated energy and the associated renewable and capacity attributes. He stated that the facilities are located near Tehachapi, California, approximately 30 miles southeast of Bakersfield. He reported that in Spring 2025, Anaheim Public Utilities (APU) issued a Request for Proposal, which received 16 responses. He shared that Terra -Gen Development Company, LLC (Terra -Gen) submitted a proposal for two facilities that had been operating since 1999. He noted that the facilities include approximately 120 wind turbines, providing a combined capacity of 78 Megawatts (MW), enough to serve 29,000 homes. General Manager Lee reported that a key benefit of the facilities is that they could begin delivery soon after execution of the agreements, and the City receives renewable energy credits that assist with State compliance for renewable power regulations. He added that the capacity of the resource helps meet the original grid operator requirements for reliability and capacity. He stated that the pricing for the resource is $18.5 million per year, and includes energy, renewable attributes, and capacity. He noted that by bundling the components, the City avoids spending $6.7 million per year in separate market purchases wholesale, resulting in a net annual cost of $11.8 million. He added that the City only pays for the energy that is delivered. He concluded that the agreements support Anaheim's clean energy goals while maintaining affordability and reliability for customers. DISCUSSION: Mayor Aitken requested clarification on the funding source for the agreements. General Manager Lee confirmed that the agreements would be funded through Public Utility funds, not the General Fund. He explained that the Department maintains both an Electric Utility Fund and a Water Utility Fund, and clarified that the agreements would specifically be paid from the Electric Utility Fund. In response to Mayor Aitken, General Manager Lee reported that residents support green energy initiatives, but have expressed concern regarding increased rates. He explained that APU has been transitioning away from higher -emission energy sources, noting the final took its final kilowatt hour of energy from coal last year. He emphasized the Department's efforts to balance compliance with State climate policies while minimizing costs and maintaining affordability. He noted that the differential between the City and Southern California Edison is reaching 50%. Mayor Aitken inquired about the City's long-term plan on purchasing or acquiring an ownership stake in renewable power companies or if the City would continue to enter into Power Purchase Agreements. General Manager Lee explained that the City's current strategy is to maintain flexibility with energy procurement. He noted that staff explored installing battery storage adjacent to an existing plant and solicited proposals; however, the proposals received were costly. He added that maintaining flexibility is important as the City monitors market conditions, including tariffs and other factors that may affect energy costs. Council Member Balius requested information on the estimated cost increases to the rates for the contract. General Manager Lee explained that the agreement is part of the City's broader $300 million power supply portfolio and does not represent a standalone cost increase. He stated that the contract accounts for approximately 6% of the overall portfolio and clarified that the City only pays for the energy it actually receives. He noted that costs can be offset through wholesale markets, and the agreement replaces former coal -based energy resources. City Council Minutes of February 3, 2026 Page 13 of 23 In response to Council Member Balius, General Manager Lee reported that the City's utility rate increases over recent years averaged 1.5% annually. Council Member Balius requested clarification regarding the renewable portfolio standard of approximately 42% and how renewable energy percentages are calculated. General Manager Lee explained that renewable energy projections are based on modeling using historical wind generation profiles. He noted that the wind resource has been operating since 1999, allowing the City to use historical performance data to estimate the amount of energy expected to be received. Council Member Rubalcava commended General Manager Lee for his leadership and highlighted APU as a valuable enterprise asset. She highlighted the competitive rates compared to other utility companies and the reliability of Anaheim's power system. She acknowledged the Department's progress in technology and infrastructure modernization, particularly in improving remote outage detection and maintaining reliable service for residents. MOTION: Mayor Aitken moved to approve a Renewable Power Purchase Agreement with Cameron Ridge LLC, at an average annual cost of $12,800,000, to purchase wind -generated energy and associated renewable and capacity attributes from the Cameron Ridge Project for a ten year term (term aggregate of $128 million); approve a Renewable Power Purchase Agreement with Alta Oak Realty, LLC, at an average annual cost of $5,700,000, to purchase wind -generated energy and associated renewable and capacity attributes from the Zephyr Park and Oak Creek Projects for a ten year term (term aggregate of $57 million); and authorize the Public Utilities General Manager, or designees, to execute the agreements and any amendments or restatements to the agreements that are cost-neutral/reducing or that involve only minor administrative cost increases, and execute all related or implementing documents to the agreements, including documents contemplated by the agreements, assignments, collateral assignments, power scheduling agreements, and scheduling coordinator agreements; and take the necessary actions to implement and administer the agreements, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Leon. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Leon, Balius, Rubalcava, Kurtz, Maahs, and Meeks); NOES — 0. Motion carried. D160 8. Receive a presentation of the Chief of Police's strategic priorities for the first 100 days in office, which includes his intention to learn and evaluate the Anaheim Police Department and the community it proudly serves [informational item]. Chief of Police Manny Cid thanked the City Council for the opportunity to present. He acknowledged previous Council comments regarding challenges and uncertainty during leadership transitions. He noted that every management level employee at the Police Department, sworn and professional staff, were present. He shared that each person has welcomed him with open arms and excitement. He thanked the Police Department staff at all levels and expressed confidence in the team to serve the community each day. Chief Cid reported that his initial focus has been on assessing the organization, learning departmental operations, and building relationships internally and externally. He shared that he has been attending patrol briefings across all shifts to meet them and establish expectations for the organization. He added that he would be meeting with each section in the organization, including management to evaluate strengths and areas for improvement, and engaging with employee union leadership. He emphasized the importance of collaboration, trust, and establishing a shared vision for the Police Department. He emphasized the value of the Police Department's management team and noted the importance of understanding the Department's history and institutional knowledge to help City Council Minutes of February 3, 2026 Page 14 of 23 guide future improvements. He reported meeting with Department Heads, including Fire Department leadership, and praised the City's executive leadership team for their professionalism and talent. He discussed outreach efforts with the City Council, school district leaders, business and resort stakeholders, and community groups to better understand community needs and strengthen partnerships. He noted his participation in community events and Police Review Board meetings. He announced his plans to re-establish the Chief's Community Advisory Panel to provide feedback on policies and initiatives. Chief Cid outlined key strategic priorities focused on strengthening the Police Department's operations and workforce. He emphasized team -building as a foundational priority, noting the importance of fostering collaboration across all levels. He explained that the priority is achieved through clarifying expectations, focusing on the Department's mission to serve the community, improving morale within the organization, reorganization, and supporting professional development and succession planning. He stated that creating a strong internal culture and maintaining high standards of professionalism are essential to the Department's long-term success. Chief Cid identified another major priority to reprioritize Patrol Operations. He reported plans to evaluate staffing and organizational structure to increase patrol presence in the community, improve response times, enhance visibility, and support proactive policing efforts. He noted that increased officer presence can help reduce and deter crime, address quality of life issues, and strengthen public safety in neighborhoods facing ongoing challenges, including gang activity, homelessness, and challenges along Beach Boulevard. Chief Cid identified traffic safety and enforcement as a top community concern. He noted that expanding the Traffic Bureau is a priority. He noted the Bureau is important to work in and around the Resort District and for special events. He stated that expanding the Bureau would help increase efforts to address street takeovers and racing, a -bike safety, and other traffic concerns. He expressed interest in establishing a Commercial Enforcement Unit to support safety oversight for the City's major commercial and entertainment areas. Chief Cid highlighted the importance of building and preserving trust in the community through professionalism, accountability, and transparency. He reported that he would be evaluating the Department's processes and policies, including use -of -force and pursuit policies, to ensure they remain effective and responsive to community expectations. He emphasized transparency in departmental operations and data sharing. He highlighted the role of data transparency and clear public access to departmental policies as key components in building public trust and maintaining accountability. He emphasized the importance of fiscal responsibility within the Department, noting that effective management of overtime was necessary to support public safety services. He acknowledged that overtime is necessary to support public safety services, particularly for major events, the Resort District, and other large venue; however, the Department would continue to seek ways to operate as efficiently and responsibly as possible while maintaining service levels. Chief Cid discussed the importance of long-term planning and preparing the Department for future growth and emerging public safety demands. He noted upcoming major events and developments in the City including the 2028 Summer Olympics, expansion of the Resort District, and OCVIBE, as opportunities that would require strategic planning and operational readiness. He emphasized the need to evaluate staffing models, invest in technology including drones, the Real Time Crime Center, and improve operational efficiencies to keep offices in the field and enhance service deliveries. He highlighted the importance of emergency preparedness and collaboration with the Fire Department to respond effectively to natural disasters, major incidents, and other community safety incidents. City Council Minutes of February 3, 2026 Page 15 of 23 DISCUSSION: Mayor Aitken thanked the Chief for meeting with each Council Member to discuss priorities. She inquired about future plans on staffing levels for sworn and non -sworn personnel. Chief Cid acknowledged that public safety represents a significant portion of the City's budget and emphasized that staffing is the foundation for effective public safety services. He explained that staffing needs are measured by an officer -to -resident ratio. He noted that with the City's population, combined with the annual visitor volume, the City requires additional service demands beyond typical city comparisons. He explained that the national average is 1.5 officers for every 1,000 residents. He stated that a staff size of 500 sworn officers would be a reasonable long-term goal to maintain effective service levels while remaining efficient. He noted that reaching that number would require a phased, long-term approach and careful planning to balance service demands, employee workload, and fiscal responsibility. In response to Mayor Aitken, Chief Cid emphasized that technology will play an important role in the future of the Police Department. He highlighted the Real Time Crime Center as an example of technology improving operational efficiency, officer safety, and overall effectiveness. He noted that technology can serve as a force multiplier, helping address staffing challenges and improve service delivery. He discussed the potential use of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to streamline administrative tasks such as report writing to allow officers to spend more time in the field. He emphasized the importance of balancing innovation with careful evaluation to ensure technology investments are practical, effective, and fiscally responsible. Council Member Meeks thanked the Chief for his leadership and strategic direction during his first 30 days in office. She expressed support for the Chief's focus on team -building and organizational planning and encouraged continued evaluation of overtime usage and staffing levels. She expressed concerns over potential burnout due to ongoing overtime demands, particularly for recurring annual events and public safety needs, and suggested that expanding staffing may be a more fiscally responsible and sustainable long-term solution than relying heavily on overtime. Chief Cid acknowledged Council Member Meeks' concerns and noted that he has engaged in discussions with the management team regarding a balance. He stated that overtime will continue to play a necessary role in providing public safety services, but emphasized that as staffing levels grow and efficiencies improve, overtime demands should be reduced. He noted that reducing excessive overtime is important not only for fiscal responsibility but also for employee wellness, emphasizing the importance of ensuring officers are well -rested, healthy, and prepared to perform their duties effectively. Council Member Rubalcava thanked the Chief for the overview and commended his thoughtful approach to assessing the Department's needs and operations. She expressed support for the Chief's internal evaluation of staffing and resource allocation over the use of a consultant, emphasizing the importance of understanding operational needs before making budget decisions. She highlighted concerns regarding concerns regarding overtime, particularly mandatory overtime, and its impact on employee quality of life, including dispatch staff and sworn personnel. She requested that the Chief work with City partners who enhance overtime in the City. She encouraged him to review staffing and reimbursement arrangements related to the City's resort district and major events to ensure the City is adequately compensated for public safety services provided. She requested that he evaluate the staffing for major events at the Honda Center and Disneyland to assess the staffing needs and the fully -burdened costs to the City. She mentioned she received concerns from residents regarding overtime costs for a recent Disney event. She requested additional information regarding the Chief's Advisory Council including the structure, purpose, and how community members would be selected to provide input and guidance. City Council Minutes of February 3, 2026 Page 16 of 23 Chief Cid confirmed that there was a citizens' advisory committee at his previous department in the City of Glendale. He explained that they accepted applications citywide with parameters to attract different stakeholders from different cultural, faith -based, educational, and community stakeholder groups. He explained that the purpose would be to strengthen relationships, build trust, provide community feedback on department initiatives and policies, and improve communication between the Police Department and the broader community. He reported his intent to launch the application process later in the year once he completes his initial transition and assessment period. Council Member Rubalcava expressed her support for the advisory group and encouraged the Chief to ensure broad and inclusive community representation. She emphasized the importance of including residents from diverse backgrounds, working families, parents, and neighborhood residents who have connections to the community. Council Member Kurtz expressed support for the reprioritization of patrol operations, particularly efforts to reduce response times and increase officer presence in neighborhoods. She emphasized the value of officers building relationships within the communities, understanding neighborhood - specific concerns, and improving safety through direct engagement. She highlighted the importance of addressing the needs of underserved communities and ensuring equitable attention and public safety services across all neighborhoods. Council Member Balius congratulated the Chief on his first 30 days in office. He inquired about current response times. Chief Cid shared plans to improve transparency by providing regular public updates on key Police Department performance metrics, including response times, crime trends, and traffic enforcement activity. He reported that the current emergency response times are averaging six- to seven minutes, with a goal to reduce the average to five minutes or less. Council Member Balius thanked the Chief for his commitment to sharing data and performance metrics, noting the importance of keeping both the community and Council informed about public safety trends and Department performance. He expressed support for the Chief's planned review of departmental policies and emphasis on accountability to ensure policies are followed. He inquired about the future role of technology in policing, specifically whether existing tools such as surveillance cameras can be used more proactively to prevent incidents and improve public safety response, rather than solely serving as investigative tools after incidents occur. Chief Cid reported that advancements in technology can support more proactive policing and serve as a force multiplier for the Department. He explained that tools such as real-time intelligence centers can improve situational awareness and help identify issues before they escalate. He mentioned based on his previous experience, he noted that increased technological monitoring can also generate additional workload for officers who must respond to those incidents. He emphasized the need to balance technology implementation with staffing capacity and operational demands, while noting that future technological advancements may allow for more automated alerts and improved efficiency. Council Member Balius emphasized the importance of evaluating operational efficiencies, including patrol deployment strategies, noting that Anaheim's geographic size may require a more decentralized approach to improve response times and coverage. He highlighted the effectiveness of the City's homeless outreach efforts, citing a recent example during the Point -in -Time Count where a Homeless Assessment Liaison Officer (HALO) successfully connected an unhoused individual with services quickly. He inquired whether the Police Department is assessing strategies to address City Council Minutes of February 3, 2026 Page 17 of 23 individuals who repeatedly refuse services and whether additional approaches may be considered to better respond to ongoing homelessness -related challenges in the community. Chief Cid acknowledged that while he is still in the early stages of his tenure, he is actively assessing the City's homelessness response strategies and the effectiveness of specialized units such as the HALO team. He noted that part of his role will be identifying and removing operational obstacles to improve service delivery and responsiveness to community challenges. He stated that addressing homelessness may require collaboration across City departments, including evaluating environmental design solutions and potential enforcement tools in coordination with the City Attorney's Office. He shared that the Department will continue exploring options and bring forward recommendations as needed. In response to Council Member Maahs, Chief Cid expressed strong support for the School Resource Officer (SRO) program, emphasizing its importance from both a public safety and community relationship -building perspective. He shared his personal experience as a parent and his own positive interactions with an SRO as a youth, he highlighted the program's role in creating safe school environments and fostering trust between law enforcement, students, parents, and school staff. He noted that the City has made significant investments in youth services and stated he does not intend to scale back those efforts, but rather hopes to expand the program in the future to ensure full school coverage. Council Member Maahs expressed her appreciation for his support of school safety and youth engagement efforts, noting the importance of school resource officers from the perspective of a parent. She commented on his emphasis on teamwork and collaboration, recognizing the value of maintaining a team -oriented focus in serving the community effectively. Mayor Pro Tern Leon thanked Chief Cid for his early leadership and acknowledged the challenges of stepping into the role during a complex time for the City. He requested additional clarification on the Police Department's role as a public safety agency, separate from immigration enforcement, emphasizing the importance of maintaining community trust and ensuring residents feel safe contacting law enforcement without fear. Chief Cid reaffirmed that the Anaheim Police Department does not participate in, assist with, or enforce immigration laws, consistent with State law, departmental policy, and departmental practice. He emphasized that the Department's role is public safety and maintaining community trust, and stressed that residents should not hesitate to contact police for assistance or to report crimes, regardless of immigration status. He acknowledged the fear and confusion that immigration enforcement activity can create in the community and noted that the Department would continue outreach and education efforts to reinforce the Department's mission. He clarified that while the Department does not assist federal immigration enforcement, it is legally prohibited from obstructing federal agencies in the performance of their duties. Mayor Pro Tem Leon expressed appreciation for Chief Cid's focus on transparency, policy review, and community trust -building, emphasizing that public confidence requires a multifaceted approach and continuous improvement. He mentioned homelessness as a significant ongoing issue, , particularly in District 2, and acknowledged the work of the HALO team in addressing homelessness - related challenges. He suggested exploring the future creation of a narcotics unit to support HALO officers in addressing drug -related activity encountered in the field and suggested it as a potential long-term consideration for the Department's strategic planning. Chief Cid expressed strong support for re-establishing the narcotics teams within the Police Department. He shared his experience in narcotics enforcement at both the local and regional levels. City Council Minutes of February 3, 2026 Page 18 of 23 He emphasized the importance of addressing street -level drug activity as well as larger -scale trafficking impacting the community, particularly given Anaheim's location within the greater Los Angeles high -intensity drug trafficking area. He acknowledged that staffing constraints remain a challenge and noted that expanding specialized narcotics enforcement efforts would likely depend on future organizational growth and resource availability. In response to Mayor Pro Tern Leon, Chief Cid acknowledged the City's and Police Department's significant progress in addressing homelessness, crediting the HALO team's growth and effectiveness in delivering results. He noted that while additional work remains, the Department has made meaningful strides and continues to see strong value from the City's investment in the program. He reported that the HALO team still has a small number of vacancies to fill and indicated that additional staffing could further strengthen the team's capacity, given the ongoing demand for homelessness outreach and services. He emphasized that the team's work has been highly impactful and continues to provide substantial benefits to the community. Council Member Rubalcava requested additional information on the strategies to address gang activity. Chief Cid identified gang prevention and enforcement as a key priority. He outlined a three -pronged approach for gang enforcement, suppression, and deterrence, including positive youth engagement, continued gang suppression through visible patrol and enforcement in impacted neighborhoods, and strengthened investigative efforts targeting gang leadership and organized criminal activity. He noted that while the Department has strong foundations in youth outreach and patrol -based suppression, additional work is needed to enhance the investigative component, which he intends to strengthen in the coming months. Council Member Rubalcava commended Chief Cid's early leadership and the strong support shown by Police Department personnel, noting it as a positive indication of departmental morale and organizational culture. She emphasized the importance of respectful and positive interactions between officers and youth, highlighting the role law enforcement can play in shaping young people's perceptions and futures. She praised community engagement efforts, including youth -focused programs and neighborhood outreach, and expressed support for the Chief's vision and anticipated positive changes within the Police Department. Mayor Aitken thanked Chief Cid and the Police Department personnel for their service and attendance. Informational item; no formal action taken by the City Council. D112 9. Discussion and possible action to waive the attorney -client privilege as to a Memo dated January 26, 2026 from the City Attorney's Office — Ethics Division to the Mayor and City Council regarding "Gift Reporting Requirements for Section 87200 Filers (Form 700) and Analysis of Resort Stay Provided by a Donor". Mayor Aitken announced that she requested the item to consider an internal investigation into allegations regarding unreported gifts by the City Manager and potential failures to disclose documents in response to Public Records Act requests. She added that she requested the Ethics Officer's memo to be released as a public record. She noted that the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) had initiated an independent investigation into possible gift reporting and disclosure violations, including public records compliance. She added that the District Attorney's Office was investigating disclosures from the January 27th Closed Session. She explained that in light City Council Minutes of February 3, 2026 Page 19 of 23 of the external investigations, she would withdraw her request for staff and the City Attorney's Office to conduct any further investigations. ' MOTION: Mayor Aitken moved to waive the attorney -client privilege as to the Memo dated January 26, 2026 from the City Attorney's Office — Ethics Division, seconded by Mayor Pro Tenn Leon. City Attorney Fabela advised that unless the Council waives the privilege, the subject matter and contents of the memo should be withheld from discussion. He noted that if the Council votes to waive the privilege, the memo would become a public record. DISCUSSION: Council Member Rubalcava inquired if the District Attorney's Office has subpoena authority to obtain documents protected by the attorney -client privilege. City Attorney Fabela shared that in his experience, the District Attorney's Office has procedures for reviewing and segregating potentially privileged records from materials used in an investigation, but he could not confirm whether that applies as a general rule. In response to Council Member Rubalcava, City Attorney Fabela reported that staff could prepare a memo for the public outlining the subject matter of the Ethics Officer's memo that would provide the public information while preserving attorney -client privilege. Council Member Rubalcava expressed concern about waiving attorney -client privilege, emphasizing the importance of preserving legal confidentiality and work product protections. She stated that waiving privilege could set a negative precedent and suggested instead requesting a separate memo for the public from the Ethics Officer on similar policy issues to provide transparency without compromising privileged legal communications. City Attorney Fabela confirmed the Council could request a separate memo for the public. He clarified that waiving attorney -client privilege in this instance would constitute a limited waiver, not a blanket precedent for future privileged communications. He noted that any future waiver of privileged materials would require separate Council action. Council Member Rubalcava stated that she would support the motion, explaining that the information should be publicly available. She acknowledged the City Attorney's Office for preparing the memo. She expressed concern about the item's presentation but shared support for transparency and public access to the information. Council Member Meeks concurred with Council Member Rubalcava's position. She requested that the City Attorney and Ethics Officer review the memo to ensure that any confidential personnel -related information is protected and that disclosure does not create legal or privacy concerns for the City. City Attorney Fabela stated that staff is comfortable with releasing the memorandum but will conduct an additional review to ensure that no confidential personnel -related information is disclosed. Council Member Kurtz expressed concern regarding the item and shared that she would not be supporting the motion. She explained that allowing privileged documents discussed in Closed Session to be released could create concerns for future personnel matters, labor negotiations, and other confidential discussions, and stressed the expectation that materials shared in Closed Session remain protected. In response to Council Member Balius, City Attorney Fabela clarified that the intent of the memo was to provide legal guidance to the Council on a matter receiving significant public attention and was not City Council Minutes of February 3, 2026 Page 20 of 23 the result of an investigation or fact-finding process. He explained that the memo was based on publicly available information and outlined applicable legal standards. He stated that the document was not considered a personnel record and could be released without disclosing confidential employee information. Council Member Balius requested clarification on whether the memorandum was prepared in relation to an employee matter and whether it would be treated as a personnel document. City Attorney Fabela reported that the information included in the memo would not meet the definition of a personnel record under the Public Records Act. In response to Council Member Balius, City Attorney Fabela clarified that the proposed waiver is limited solely to the January 26, 2026 memo and does not extend to any other privileged records or documents. He emphasized that any future waiver of attorney -client privilege would require separate Council action. Mayor Aitken expressed her support for the City's Ethics Officer and emphasized the importance of transparency in sharing ethics guidance provided to the Council. She noted that the City Attorney and Ethics Officer serve as legal advisors to the Council, and that the Council holds the authority to waive privilege on a document -by -document basis. She supported releasing the January 26, 2026 memo to the public and relevant investigative agencies as a starting point for greater transparency. She suggested a broader policy discussion on making the Ethics Officer's opinions publicly available. In response to Council Member Rubalcava, City Attorney Fabela confirmed that the waiver only applies to the specific memo. Council Member Rubalcava requested clarification on how the City Attorney's Office handles alleged Brown Act violations, noting that such complaints are typically reported to the governing agency where the alleged violation occurred, and inquired whether the City would proactively notify the District Attorney's Office upon receiving such concerns. City Attorney Fabela confirmed that the City Attorney's Office intends to following the process and would cooperate with the District Attorney's inquiries. Council Member Rubalcava emphasized the importance of ensuring that any concerns raised by Council Members regarding Brown Act Violations are forwarded to the District Attorney's Office. City Attorney Fabela clarified that the City's role is to advise and prevent Brown Act violations and, when inadvertent violations occur, to take corrective action to ensure transparency and compliance. He noted that it is not the City's practice to refer every potential issue to the District Attorney, but stated that clear and intentional violations would be handled differently and addressed through the appropriate channels. Council Member Rubalcava expressed appreciation toward the City Attorney for providing guidance and educational materials related to Closed Session procedures and to the City Clerk for providing recent updates on the Brown Act. MOTION: Mayor Aitken moved to waive the attorney -client privilege as to the Memo dated January 26, 2026 from the City Attorney's Office — Ethics Division, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Leon. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 6 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Leon, Balius, Rubalcava, Maahs, and Meeks); NOES — 1 (Council Member Kurtz). Motion carried. City Council Minutes of February 3, 2026 Page 21 of 23 PUBLIC HEARING: C280 10. Applicant requests to continue the public hearing to the Council meeting of March 3, 2026. DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION NO. 2023-00043 FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT (FEIR) NO. 358 AND MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM NO. 397 GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT AMENDMENT NO. 6 TO FESTIVAL SPECIFIC PLAN NO. 90-1 WITH ZONING CODE AMENDMENT TO CHAPTER 18.108 (FESTIVAL SPECIFIC PLAN NO.90-1 (SP 90-1) ZONING AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS) OF THE ANAHEIM MUNICIPAL CODE FINAL SITE PLAN DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT NO. 2025-00001 OWNER: OTR, an Ohio General Partnership, One California Street, Suite 2700, San Francisco, CA 94111 APPLICANT: Sean McEachern, Shea Properties Management Company, Inc., 130 Vantis Drive, Suite 200, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656 PROJECT LOCATION: The project site consists of the entirety of the existing 85.7-acre Anaheim Hills Festival Specific Plan, generally located south of Santa Ana Canyon Road between Festival Drive and Roosevelt Road, in the City of Anaheim. REQUEST: The applicant requests approval of a General Plan Amendment; Amendment No. 6 to Specific Plan No. 90-1, to amend the Specific Plan document and Chapter 18.108 (Festival Specific Plan No. 90-1 (SP 90-1) Zoning and Development Standards) of the Anaheim Municipal Code; Final Site Plan; and a Development Agreement to establish a new Development Area (DA 5) within the existing boundaries of the Anaheim Hills Festival Specific Plan to accommodate residential uses in combination with the site's existing commercial development. DA 5 would be created by reallocating land from the existing DA 2, reducing its size from approximately 48 acres to 31.8 acres. The resulting 16.2-acre area would form the new DA 5. All proposed development would be confined to DA 5, which encompasses Assessor's Parcel Numbers (APNs) 354-451-19 and 354-451-32. The proposed project includes the demolition of an approximately 62,676-square foot cinema within DA 5 to construct a 447-unit multiple -family residential community. The proposed multiple -family community would consist of a four-story residential building, wrapped around a five -level parking structure with one subterranean level. All residential units are single -story and include one -bedroom, two -bedroom, and three -bedroom options with private balconies or patios. Project amenities include a clubhouse, two swimming pools, courtyards, a fitness center, and mail area. In addition to the project's private amenities, the applicant is proposing an enclosed outdoor dog park along Festival Drive and bluff park along the north edge of the newly proposed DA 5, which would be open to the residents of the community and the general public. The applicant requests the General Plan Amendment and Specific Plan Amendment to allow for the proposed residential uses and the creation of DA 5. The General Plan Amendment would change the land use designation within DA 5 from Regional Commercial to Mixed -Use Medium. The Mixed -Use Medium land use designation allows for residential development in either a stand-alone or mixed -use configuration at a density of up to 36 dwelling units per acre, and the non-residential development at a maximum floor area ratio of 0.35. The Specific Plan Amendment would amend the Specific Plan No. 90-1 document to allow for the mixed - use land uses on a total of 16.2 acres (DA 5) and includes other text and exhibit amendments City Council Minutes of February 3, 2026 Page 22 of 23 related to signage, permitted uses, design guidelines, and development standards. The Specific Plan Amendment would also amend Anaheim Municipal Code Chapter 18.108 (Festival Specific Plan No. 90-1 (SP 90-1) Zoning and Development Standards), to incorporate the proposed residential standards into DA 5 and other clarifying changes related to signage, permitted uses, and development standards. ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: The City Council will consider certification of Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) No. 358, including the adoption of Findings of Fact, Statement of Overriding Considerations, and Mitigation Monitoring Program (MMP) No. 397, and determine that FEIR No. 358 was prepared in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and FEIR No. 358 and MMP No. 397 are adequate to serve as the appropriate environmental documentation for the project, and no further environmental documentation needs to be prepared for the project. ACTION TAKEN BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION: Approved Resolution No. PC2025-033 recommending the City Council certify a Final Environmental Impact Report No. 358, adopt findings and Statement of Overriding Considerations, and adopt Mitigation Monitoring Program No. 397 for the Anaheim Hills Festival Project and related actions; Resolution No. PC2025-034 recommending the City Council approve and adopt a proposed General Plan Land Use Element Amendment; Resolution No. PC2025-035 recommending that the City Council approve a Final Site Plan for the construction of 447 multiple -family units and make certain findings in connection therewith, as amended to add Condition of Approval No. 43 and renumber the Conditions of Approval to reflect the change; and Resolution No. PC2025-036 recommending City Council approve and adopt Development Agreement No. 2025-00001 by and between the City of Anaheim, and OTR, an Ohio Partnership. VOTE: 6-1 (Chairperson Walker and Commissioners Abdulrahman, Castro, Lieberman, Perez, and Tran-Martin voted yes; Commissioner Kelly voted no) (Planning Commission meeting of November 17, 2025) [continued from the Council meetings of December 16, 2025, Public Hearing Item No. 20 and January 13, 2026, Public Hearing Item No. 16]. Continue the public hearing to the Council meeting of March 3, 2026. MOTION: Council Member Kurtz moved to continue the public hearing to the Council meeting of March 3, 2026, seconded by Council Member Meeks. ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES — 7 (Mayor Aitken and Council Members Leon, Balius, Rubalcava, Kurtz, Maahs, and Meeks); NOES — 0. Motion carried. PUBLIC COMMENTS (non -agenda items): None COUNCIL AGENDA SETTING: Mayor Pro Tern Leon requested an appointment of an Interim City Manager at the February 24, 2026 City Council meeting and an item to discuss options on the recruitment process for a new City Manager with direction to the Human Resources Director. He requested a recognition for Radiant Brewery on their 51h Anniversary. City Attorney Fabela clarified that the Interim City Manager appointment would be on the Closed Session agenda for the following meeting. He requested clarification on the timeline for the Human Resources item. Mayor Pro Tem Leon stated there was flexibility on the item. City Council Minutes of February 3, 2026 Page 23 of 23 Council Member Maahs requested an update on the Lincoln Project located on State College Boulevard between Lincoln and East Street. Council Member Kurtz requested a discussion on Anaheim Contigo's funding, programming longevity at the current funding rate, and whether the program meets the needs of the residents. Assistant City Manager Garcia confirmed that the item could be scheduled for the following City Council meeting. Council Member Meeks added on to Mayor Pro Tem Leon's request on options for a nationwide recruitment for a new City Manager. She highlighted the previous City Manager's leadership and long-lasting initiatives for the City. She requested a nationwide recruitment similar to the Police Chief's. Council Member Rubalcava requested a memo from the Human Resources Director regarding the recruitment process, and that the memo be included in the presentation to the City Council for the City Manager recruitment item. She highlighted Mayor Pro Tern Leon's request and reiterated that it be a public discussion and stated the importance of finding the right candidate. She requested the meeting adjourn in memory of Alberto Arzola, San Bernardino County Sheriff's Sergeant Grant Ward, and Maria Ponce. Council Member Balius acknowledged a resident's question regarding the public comment period for the Festival project public hearing. He mentioned that speakers can address the City Council during the General public comment portion of the meeting. Mayor Pro Tern Leon requested an item on the potential expansion of the Anaheim Contigo program at a future meeting. Assistant City Manager Garcia responded that staff would work with him on including the request with the item requested by Council Member Kurtz or if the item would be presented separately at a later date. ADJOURNMENT: With no further business before the Council, Mayor Aitken adjourned the City Council at 9:19 p.m., in memory of San Bernardino County Sheriff's Sergeant Grant Ward, Maria Ponce, and Alberto Arzola. Respectfully submitted, TITe esa'Bass, CIVIC Cit Cleek Date: 1/28/2026 8:50:25 AM From: "Sha Asghar" _ To: "Public Comment" publiccomment@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Opposition to Additional Housing at the Festival Center Due to Evacuation and Public Safety Concerns You don't often get email from L.eam whXthis is important Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Mayor and City Council, I am writing to formally express my opposition to the proposed construction of additional housing at the Festival Center in our neighborhood. Our area is already extremely dense, and existing infrastructure has proeen inadequate during emergencies. Evacuation routes are limited, traffic congestion is se\,ere, and emergency access is frequently compromised e\,en under normal conditions. In the event of a fire, earthquake, flood, or other emergency, the current evacuation process is already unsafe and inefficient for residents. Adding more housing would significantly increase the risk to public safety. Higher population density will place additional strain on evacuation routes, emergency services, and first responders, potentially putting lives at risk. I urge you to reject this proposal, growth should not come at the expense of resident safety. Thank you for your time and consideration. I respectfully ask that public safety be treated as a primary factor in your decision -making process. Sincerely, Sasha Asghar Hunters Pointe From: Heather W Sent: Thursday, January 29, 202612:16 PM To: Theresa Bass <TBass@anaheim.net> Subject: [EXTERNAL] Written Public Comment—CEQA Fire and Evacuation Impacts (February 3 City Council Meeting) IYou don't often get snail from— Learn why this is important Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Ms. Bass, Please accept this letter as written public comment for the February 3 City Council meeting regarding the proposed 400-unit hWdensity housing development located within a designated Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. I am a resident of the City of Anaheim and submit this comment to ensure the following concerns are clearly entered into the administrative record prior to the Councirs vote. Under the California Fmvironmental Quality Act (CEQA), a project requires preparation of a fill Environmental Impact Report (EIR) when there is substantial evidence that it may cause significant environmental impacts or expose people to substantial hazards. This project presents foreseeable and potentially significant impacts related to wildfire risk and evacuation safety that have not been adequately analyzed. Specifically, the current environmental review fails to nwaningfrilly evaluate evacuation capacity under realistic wildfire conditions. Primary evacuation routes, including Weir Canyon Road and Santa Ana Canyon Road, already experience severe congestion during normal conditions. Doing the Canyon Fire 2, evacuation traffic reportedly slowed to approximately one rile per hour —demonstrating real, docutnented evacuation failure even without the addition of Hundreds of new housing runts. The project would significantly increase population density, vehicle trips, and emergency response demands in an area with limed egress. Reliance on evacuation plans, fire code compliance, or public education does not constitute adequate mitigation under CEQA, as these measures do not increase roadway capacity, reduce evacuation tirines, or address cumulative evacuation impacts. CEQA requires analysis of cutnilative impacts and environmental hazards based on actual conditions, not theoretical assumptions under ideal circurnstances. The existing record contains substantial evidence that wildfire evacuation impacts may be significant and u n -Mgated, triggering the need for a full EIR or, at nvnimu ri, additional environmental review focused on wildfire risk and evacuation capacity. I respectfully urge the City Council to refrain from approving this project without first requiring preparation of a full Environmental Impact Report that rigorously analyzes wildfire hazards, evacuation timing and capacity, cumulative impacts, and feasible mitigation measures. Alternatively, the Council should delay approval until such analysis is completed and made available for public review. Approval without adequate CEQA review exposes the City to avoidable risk and places current and fish are residents in danger. Please include this comment in the official record for the February 3 meeting and ensure it is provided to the City Council prior to their vote. Thank you for your attention. Sincerely, Heather Wakely Anaheim Resident District 6 Date: 1/30/202611:43:22 AM From To: "Public Comment" publiccomment@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Anaheim IHIls Festival Apartment Plan You don't often get email fro Learn why this is important Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. As a 32 year resident of Anaheim HiHs I am asking you to reconsider the proposed apartment complex at the Festival Center. Our infrastructure can not support this plan in case of a fire emergency. At the last fire it took m hours to travel a few short miles to my brother's home near Lakeview. It is way too congested here now. I have heard there is a "know your way plan." Where is this plan, because until the meting I didn't even know a plan existed! And if thousands of us are using the same plan, how will we ever get out of here? My street ends at the rnourrtanis. There is only one way out of here! Please consider our safety and the horrible situation these extra cars will pose for our area and reject this plan! PLEASE Linda Schryver Yahoo Mail• Search, Organize, Conquer Date: 1/30/2026 7:03:18 PM From "Albert Milo" To: "Public Comment" publiccomment@anaheim.net Subject: [EXTERNAL] Deer Park & Festival Development Projects You don't often get email from Learn why this is jmportant Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. I am writing to let the City Council know that we have lived in Anaheim Hills for 39 years. We have a)perienced two major wildfires during our residency. The one in 2003 that started on the Orange side of the hill and came over the hill very dose to our Horizons HOA It was frightening to saythe least. Then there was the more recent wildfire that mandated an evacuation of our neighborhood. During this event we tried to evacuate, but looking down from our home at Stagecoach Road, all we could see was bumper -to -bumper traffic that was NOT moving. There was no wayto follow evacuation orders, so we and our neighbors stuck it out in our homes. After these scary incidents City Council reaction was to post evacuation route signs and issue an evacuation map. These efforts are futile and of no use to those of us living in Anaheim Hills. The signs and map will NOT prevent a repeat of another mandated traffic be -up. To proceed with the developments at the Festival Mall and the Deer Canyon will make a worse situation even deadlier. Sadlyafter 39 years, myspouse and I have decided we need to be proactive and move out of Anaheim Hills. The CityCouncil's onlyconcem seems to be aligned with those of the developers ratherthan with the safetyof the residents currentiyliving here. We love Anaheim Hills, but dread the ne#wildfire incident, especially if the Deer Canyon and Festival Projects move forward. Albert J. Milo & Thomas L. Johnson Horizons HOA Date: 1/31/2026 8:27:24 AM From: "Rouhina Mehregan" "Public Continent" publicconnnent@anaheimnet, "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" To: CLeon@anaheimnet, "Ryan Balius" RBalius@anaheimnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava@anabeimnet, "Norma C. Kurtz" NKuttz*anaheimnet, "KristenMaahs" KMaahs@anaheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks(kanaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Festival center You don't often get email from Learn why tivs is jrrportart Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Hello, I'm writing to you to voice my concern about the possible build out at the festival center. I've been an anaheim hill resident as of 2014 and was here when the canyon 2 fire happened. I am very concerned about the traffic situation in case of a fire. I had to rush home to get my dog last time and it took me 3 hours to get to the top of the hill. Unfortunately I work 30 minutes from home so I can't just rush home right away in case of a fire. Since then I've come to some city council meetings and I know any time there's talk of a development the city council talks about how know your way is magically going to solve all traffic problems in case of a fire. Let me tell you that having been so traumatized from the last fire I've looked it that map many times but I still couldn't tell you which way I'm supposed to go. And since that fire a lot of the houses have switched owners who are not aware of the traffic situation in case of a fire nor the know your way plan. This plan isn't tested and it's foolish to believe it will work. That's absolutely gambling with our lives. I can guarantee that every parent will be rushing to the area to get their kids or pets. Most people don't have a village to help them these days. I didn't have kids back in the canyon 2 fire time. But now I have to little ones in addition to my dog and you bet if there's a gridlock like last time I'm abandoning my car and running up the hill on foot. People are going to act "irrational" and risky in case of a fire. You really can't expect everyone to follow know your way like good Little emotionless robots. I know that studies that traffic studies that may be done may claim that the traffic will decrease if the center is rezoned (somehow the studies always come out in favor of the developers). But people won't be rushing to a shopping center in case of a fire and they will absolutely be rushing home. This will absolutely make traffic worse for those of us that have to make it to the top of the hill (I live on Serrano x Nohl ranch road). I urge you to come and see the traffic anywhere on Santa Ana canyon around 4-7 PM. Can you guarantee the fire won't happen during rush hour? We don't even go grocery shopping during that time because it takes at least triple the time to get to places. Having to evacuate during a rush hour is already a death sentence... add more traffic to the area and it can be a death sentence any time of day. Please care about our lives. I know most of you don't live here. Please don't put my children's lives on the line. As a mother, I beg you. Rouhina Mehregan Email and Speech Suggestions: 1. We need to make sure they reopen the public comments for the Festival project on the March 3rd meeting. They let the Developer have additional chances. We deserve the same opportunity to defend our community. 2. If possible, focus on the Evacuation traffic rather than daily traffic. 3. Use the following as talking points: a. Know Your Way Plan i. Untested ii. Poorly communicated iii. Unrealistic to keep people from going home to save family. iv. No plan to evacuate Elderly, Disabled, or Children v. Relies on people being rational during an emergency vi. Effectiveness hasn't been studied vii. Unclear evacuation timeline goals b. Changing from Commercial to Residential zoning adds more cars to the evacuation traffic — Few people go shopping when fire danger is high, but everyone goes home when the fire starts. c. If they allow Festival, there's a higher likelihood that others will pass, such as Deer Canyon or Future Projects Date: 2/I/2026 8:44:15 AM From "Rich" To: "Public Conmmitt" publiccomrnent(kanaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Festival [You don't often get email from Learn why this is important at his://aka.rns/LeamAboutSenderldentification ] Warning: This errail originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Please consider this as a letter in opposition to the size ofthe proposed development ofthe festival project . This is too large ofa project considering that it is in a high fire area. Yes there is a lot of reasons for the traffic congestion in the area but this project will only add to them I have lived in the hills for over 40 years and it gets worse every year. This will only compound the issue. Thank you. PichFagner Sent frommy Whone Date: 2/1/2026 8:44:20 AM From "Aline Young" To: "Public Content" publiccornrnent(kanaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Festival Proposed Aparhnents [You don't often get email from Learn why this is important at ht_pt s://aka.rrs/LeamAboutSenderldentification ] Warning: This ernail originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. To whomit may concern: a vote yes for the above will cause me to vote no any time anyone on this council comes up for reelection. It is unsafe fire hazard and completely irresponsible to pretend it isn't with silly non fact based studies of evacuation. You are voting to cause harm to your constituents. Fixthe roads and flow oftraffic on Weir and Santa Ana Canyon and fixthe overflow of 91 that causes huge traffic issues in our neighborhoods. Your answer is to simply ignore. I assure you the voters will not. Aline Youn Date: 2/1/2026 11:43:49 AM From: To: "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheim.net Subject: [EXTERNAL] Opposition To The Festival Center Project You don't often get email from � Learn wliflis is m=ortant Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. bear Major: I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed Festival Center project due to serious and unresolved public safety and evacuation concerns. This area already suffers from severely limited ingress and egress and is located within a designated Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. Evacuation challenges are well -documented, and to date, the City has not demonstrated that this project would improve — or even maintain — safe evacuation conditions for existing residents. The proposed traffic and circulation measures fall short of addressing the realities of emergency scenarios. Approving a high -density development without a proven, effective evacuation strategy is not only irresponsible — it places lives at risk. Public safety is not negotiable. Until the City can provide clear, data -driven evidence that evacuation and emergency access concerns have been fully resolved, I urge you to deny or, at minimum, delay approval of the Festival Center project. Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. Sincerely, Robert Wolkowicz cc: Councilmembers Date: 2/1/20261:24:08 PM From: "Michael Wakely"1 "Public Comment" publicconnnent@anaheimnet, "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" To: CLeon@anaheimnet, "Ryan Balius" RBalius@anaheimnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava@anaheimnet, "Norma C. Kurtz" NKurU2*auaheimne4 "KristenMaahs" KMaahs@anaheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Festival redevelopment Some people who received this message don't of get email from Learn w , this is n�ortant Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Subject: Please vote NO on the Shea/Festival Center apartments — It's a safety issue Dear Council Member, I am writing to you as a resident of Anaheim Hills to ask you to please vote "No" on the proposed apartments at the Anaheim Hills Festival Center. I lived here during the Canyon Fire 2 in 2017, and I will never forget the feeling of being stuck in my car, watching the smoke get closer, and literally not moving for over an hour. It wasn'tjust "traffic" —it was a total standstill. The thought of adding hundreds of new apartments and about 1000+ more people to that exact same escape route is terrifying to those of us who have actually been in that situation. The reports for this project say that adding these cars will "only' add about 7 minutes to the evacuation time. But when you're already stuck for three hours and the fire is moving toward you, 7 minutes is a lifetime. We don't have extra roads or "secret" ways out of the Hills; we all end upon the same few lanes. Adding more people to a neighborhood that is already a bottleneck during afire just creates a tragedy waiting to happen. I understand that the city needs housing, but it shouldn't be built in a place where people are already struggling to get out safely. Please don't make an existing danger even worse just for a new development. We are asking you to prioritize the lives and safety of the people who already live here and pay taxes here. ROADS BEFORE ROOFS Sincerely, Michael R Wakely Date: 2/l/2026 1:46:18 PM From: "Douglas R Robbins" To: "Public Comment" publiccomment@anaheim.net Subject: [EXTERNAL] Festival Proposed Apartment Project You don't often get email from Learn why this is ml2ortant Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. To whom it may concern, While I appreciate that the Fire Dept has made a plan for for our next out of control raging fire. That does not mean we have nothing to worry about. I am 100% sure, the Fire Dept thought they had a plan that would work in the the Palisades fire, I am sure the Fire Dept in the Eaton Fire also thought they had a plan. I am sure the Fire Dept in Paradise had a plan as well. My point being, while it is good to have a plan. That doesn't mean disaster wont strike, and these plans do not prevent a disaster! Trying to predict the unpredictability of a raging wildfire driven by Santa Ana Winds and the unpredictability of what people are going to do in these situation's is impossible! If I was wrong on this assumption, than none of these disasters would have ever happened. The decision to shut the freeway down during an event will not be made lightly. And likely wont happen until we have some real evacuation issues, by then it will be too late. And these decisions will include budget and resource complications. The Anaheim PD has roughly 400 sworn in officers, to shut down the freeway and block the streets and off ramps of the freeway it will take a huge percentage of those officers to stand at every street and access or egress point. And how long to deploy them? If we even have budget and the resources. These are the kind of problems that happen during these tragic events. While all this planning is helpful, it will not go off as planned and people will die. Maybe not this year or next, but it will happen! The EIR is deeplyflawed in its assessment of the fire risk and does not address fire hazards in a worse case scenario. instead it cherry picks an optimistic situation in favor of the project and developer. Mayor Aitken said at the meeting that we don't need this project as far as required building set forth by the state. And even if we hadn't met our goals there are exceptions for High Fire risk zones. Knowing that we already have an unacceptable 3 hour evac time already, and we don't need the project to fulfill state requirements. The residents are pleading with you to not put their families at any more risk than we already have. Why would you vote for this project that increases any time to our already unacceptable 3 hour evacuation time? It is reckless and endangers hundreds of peoples life unnecessarily. As Council Person your number one responsibility has to be public safety. I am going ask you again, please vote No on this project! It is unnecessary and only creates more danger to the residents! Thank You, Douglas Robbins Date: 2/1/2026 2:57:57 PM From: "Sherry Wakely" "Public Comment" publicconnnent@anaheimnet, "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" To: CLeon@anaheimnet, "Ryan Balius" RBalius@anaheimnet, "Nornra C. Kurtz" NKurtoii anaheimnet, "Kristen Maahs" KMaahs@anaheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@anaheimnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Festival redevelopment Some people who received this message don't of get email from Learn why this is important Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Subject: Please vote NO on the Shea/Festival Center apartments — It's a safety issue Dear Council Member, I am writing to you as a resident of Anaheim Hills to ask you to please vote "No" on the proposed apartments at the Anaheim Hills Festival Center. I lived here during the Canyon Fire 2 in 2017, and I will never forget the feeling of being stuck in my car, watching the smoke get closer, and literally not moving for over an hour. It wasn'tjust "traffic" —it was a total standstill. The thought of adding hundreds of new apartments and about 1000+ more people to that exact same escape route is terrifying to those of us who have actually been in that situation. The reports for this project say that adding these cars will "only' add about 7 minutes to the evacuation time. But when you're already stuck for three hours and the fire is moving toward you, 7 minutes is a lifetime. We don't have extra roads or "secret" ways out of the Hills; we all end upon the same few lanes. Adding more people to a neighborhood that is already a bottleneck during afire just creates a tragedy waiting to happen. ANTICIPATING THAT AMBULANCES WILL BE USED TO EVACUATE THE ELDERLY IN THE ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES AND APARTMENTS HERE IS INSANE! I understand that the city needs housing, but it shouldn't be built in a place where people are already struggling to get out safely. Please don't make an existing danger even worse just for a new development. We are asking you to prioritize the lives and safety of the people who already live here and pay taxes here. ROADS BEFORE ROOFS Sincerely, Sherry Wakely Division 6 Date: 2/1/2026 5:23:43 PM From: "Danielle Gorsha" To: "Public Comment" publicconment@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Festival: Ana Hills is gridlock, unlike West Anaheim You don't often get email from Leamn & this is important Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Hello, I'm a 26-yr resident of Anaheim Hills. I own a rental company, and my customers are primarily tourists staying in hotels and vacation rentals in the Anaheim resort area. My team and I drive throughout West Anaheim 7 days a week, from 6 am to midnight. West Anaheim traffic is exceptionally well managed, and I rarely encounter gridlock, even during busy events at the convention centerjust outside Disneyland. On the other hand, ourtraffic in Anaheim Hills has increased significantly. Imperial, Santa Ana Canyon, Weir Canyon and Serrano are undrivable during many hours of the day. My entrance to the 91 West should be Imperial, but it is gridlocked 90% of the time, and Google recommends entering at Lakeview. Exiting Imperial from the 91 has become complete gridlock 75% of the time I travel through it, and I can rarely even turn onto Santa Ana Canyon. Google recommends exiting at Lincoln/Nohl Ranch about 50% of the time. Anaheim Hills serves as a bypass to drivers trying to avoid the 55 and 91 freeways. SR-91 freeway is projected to see a 50% increase in traffic by 2035. (US Dept of Transporation) • WHAT is being done to mitigate this? • WHY are new developments being considered before infrastructure is deemed to be adequate? • WHY is the safety of Anaheim residents in a VERY HIGH FIRE HAZARD zone being disregarded? • It's illogical and irresponsible to consider adding 450-500 units, which will translate to 1000+ more cars. I encourage the council to: • Delay or deny the Festival project until traffic mitigation and evacuation improvements are made. • Explore alternative locations or smaller developments. The out-of-state developer should not be a higher priority than your own residents. Thanks for your time, Danielle Gorsha Date: 2/1/2026 9:44:50 PM F'rotn: "Rick Moyer"- "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheimnet, "Public Comment" publiccornment@anaheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" To: NMeeks@anaheimnet, "Ryan Balius" RBalius@anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" CLeon@anaheimnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava@anaheimnet, "Norma C. Kurtz" NKurbz &anaheimnet, "Kristen Maahs" KMaahs@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] "Absolute Gridlock" Attachment: Landforming excerpt pdf, You don't often get email from Learn why this is important Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Mayor Aitken and Anaheim City Council Members: The purpose of this correspondence is to voice objection to the Festival Center development, as well as any other proposed high -density housing projects in Anaheim Hills. To understand the basis for my objection, I need to provide some background. My name is Dr. Rick Moyer and I am a retired Internist. After working in Emergency Medicine at a Level I trauma center for a few years at the beginning of my medical career, I established a medical practice in San Bernardino, while my wife Kaye completed a residency in Anesthesiology at Loma Linda. In 1995 we purchased the home of former Angel baseball player Fred Lynn. Our home is situated on a 2 acre parcel uphill from Serrano Avenue, within the Santiago Geologic Hazard Abatement District (SGHAD). From our backyard we can see a large portion of Serrano Avenue. While working in the field of Emergency Medicine I worked with a group of doctors who manned helicopter rescue missions. This provided me with experience in caring for burn victims in the field. At the end of this paragraph is a link to a Channel 7 news clip from October 9, 2017, the day of the Canvon 2 fire. We live on Via EI Estribo and spent the day protecting our home from embers and spot fires using our fire pump and protective gear. Around one minute and 47 seconds into the clip, the reporter describes the evacuation route on Serrano Avenue as "ABSOLUTE GRIDLOCK". This refers to a total standstill in traffic, where movement is impossible in either direction. https://abc7.com/videoClip/2512964/ My wife and I can attest to the GRIDLOCK as we can see Serrano from our back vard. At one point in the dav, when we were surrounded by fire and exhausted bevond measure, we had to decide whether to stav and fight the fire or evacuate. Notina the GRIDLOCK on Serrano, which was the only wav out, we decided we'd be better off taking our chances fighting the fire than becoming victims of a failed evacuation. I should mention that the fire commander on scene (from El Toro, not Anaheim) recruited us and our equipment to stop the forward progression of the fire. We were successful and later received recognition from Cal -Trans for our involvement in what was referred to as the "Zone of Danger". Whether it's Lahaina, Paradise, Anaheim Hills or anvwhere else for that matter, a "DEATH TRAP" may be created by a bottlenecked evacuation route or GRIDLOCK. Although Serrano is uphill from Santa Ana Canvon, the GRIDLOCK on Serrano was due to back-up from congestion further down the hill on Santa Ana Canvon. In wind -driven fires such as the Canvon 2 fire, smoke blows hard, stays low to the around, and may enqulf vehicles. Unless you have specialized respiratory equipment, you cannot avoid inhaling the carbon monoxide (and other toxins) that are present in the smoke. Once in the bloodstream, the carbon monoxide molecules displace oxvaen molecules from red blood cells. This leads to low oxvaen levels, or'Upoxia", which in turn causes sedation, confusion, possible seizures and potentiallv even death. Complications of smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide poisoning are a maior reason why people are found dead in their cars followinq evacuations from a fire. Our community was fortunate not to have more victims during the failed evacuation that occurred during the Canyon 2 fire. When Dr. Kave Mover and I served on the SGHAD board a few vears aqo we learned a little bit about Anaheim's inner workinqs. For example, we learned that Anaheim often relies on outside vendors to provide summary reports and recommendations. This serves to transfer liabilitv from the city to an outside party. Althouqh I've not seen a recent report reqardinq the Evacuation Plan for Anaheim Hills, I believe you have probably been provided with a report indicating the Plan is acceptable and therefore you should approve the development. However, I have iust provided you with evewitness accounts of the ABSOLUTE GRIDLOCK that occurred during the Canvon 2 fire evacuation. I have also provided you with information regarding the DEATH TRAP that is created by GRIDLOCK. You can search the internet and see how manv people died in the Lahaina and Paradise fires. It is also my understandina that dozens, if not hundreds, of Anaheim Hills residents have sent emails, attended Citv Council meetings, etc. voicing their obiections to adding high-densitv development in Anaheim Hills due to the traffic problems that alreadv exist. My wife, who grew up with NASCAR racing legends Bobbv and Donnie Allison, recently commented that due to the freewav short -cutters and congestion, gettino on Serrano and Santa Ana Canyon in the afternoons carries the same danger and anxiety as leaving a pit stop and entering a NASCAR race. Also while serving on the SGHAD board, we came across a book called Landformina, by Horst Schor. A chapter of the book (attached) is dedicated to the development of Anaheim Hills. In his book, Mr. Schor describes how the development of Anaheim Hills was almost scrapped due to challenaes created by steep topoaraphv, unfavorable aeoloav and canon conditions. Oriainal plans which included high -density housing had to be ditched and the Citv had to implement a novel and unproven method of gradinq called "Landform gradinq and revegetation". Consequently, the geoqraphv of Anaheim Hills onlv allows a limited capacity for ingress and egress. Manv of the roads from "up the hill" exit onto single lane roads before exiting the area, setting up multiple opportunities for "DEATH TRAPS" during an evacuation. The geoqraphv cannot be changed. All of this was previously reviewed by the Anaheim Citv Council back in 1975 but apparently Iona forgotten. Anaheim Hills iust cannot handle the increase in vehicular traffic that will come with high density development. Why is high -density development in Anaheim Hills even being discussed? Is the city that is home to "The Happiest Place on Earth" so desperate for additional revenue that you would jeopardize the lives of the residents of Anaheim Hills? Please sav NO to anv current and/or future high -density development in Anaheim Hills until such time that an Evacuation Plan can be developed that is proven to be safe and effective, thorouqhlv tested and approved by the residents. I'll close with one last auestion for each of you - Will you be able to sleep at night if you personally approve of any of these projects and we have casualties from another failed evacuation? Sincerely, Richard J. Moyer, M.D. Dr. Rick Moyer v `pNDFO RM IN - G HORSTJ.SCHOR AND DONALD H. GRAY 322 HILLSIDE DEVELOPMENTS AND MASS -GRADING APPLICATIONS revegetated slope areas as acceptable mitigation for the taking of native habitat. All this work was accomplished within the actual con- struction site (involving no expensive and distant off -site property acquisition) and facilitated the long-term maintenance responsibili- ties. d. Reestablishment of the former seasonal runoff pattern and hydrologic conditions on the man-made slopes through landform grading. e. Minimal impact on the quality of life, visual aesthetics, and wildlife habitat. As Fill F proved after five years, this area is hardly distin- guishable —to the untrained eye —from the original canyon scenery, both in terms of landforms and vegetative patterns (see Figure 12.19). f. No negative impact on private property values. Property values in the surrounding area have actually increased significantly. 12.3 ANAHEIM HILLS, CALIFORNIA 12.3.1 Type of Project A 4,300-acre, master -planned, mixed land -use community in very steep hill- side terrain. The project, as finally implemented, included mixed residential Figure 12.19 Aerial viely of Toyon tanks, surrounding area, and Fill Site F five years after construction. �f 'f y wap�t ) use hoh tent fina and 12.: The neaj ima mar 12.; Ana sub, 12.2 The The Dur and dev( 1P rele. aboi area Poo: and mat: 12.3 The also and annc off, nica land T clud dom surf, NS ANAHEIM HILLS, CALIFORNIA 323 taking of use (primarily single-family detached housing); commercial uses; a public 18- :tual con- hole golf course owned and operated by the County of Anaheim; a private property tennis club; a large, privately operated equestrian facility; parks; schools; and ponsibili- finally eight miles of public trails owned and maintained by Orange County and connected to the county's regional trail system surrounding the project. ydrologic `iftg 12.3.2 Location wildlife The site is in Orange County, approximately 23 miles south of Los Angeles, l y dentin- near the border with Riverside County. Now almost fully developed, approx- }. imately two-thirds of the project is situated in the City of Anaheim; the re- e 12.12.1 9 mainder in the City of Orange. values in 12.3.3 Clients Anaheim Hills, Inc., the master developer management company (initially a subsidiary of the Robert H. Grant Corp., later of Texaco Inc.). 12.3.4 Jurisdictional Issues teep hill- The Anaheim Hills project had to confront difficult jurisdictional challenges. sidentiai The project fell within or under three separate government or political entities. During the initial planning stages, the County of Orange, the City of Anaheim, and the City of Orange had jurisdiction over various portions of the proposed development. At the county level, the initial primary issue became the controversial early release from an Agricultural Land Preserve Overlay. This overlay covered about a third of the project site, directly in the path of a rapidly urbanizing area, with most critical utilities already in place for service. On the city side, poorly defined, overlapping, and competing spheres of influence boundaries and jurisdictional issues had to be resolved through the Local Agency For- mation Commission. 12.3.5 Site Conditions and Development Constraints The site is characterized by an east -west trending, largely narrow ridgeline, also known as the Burrell Ridge, with a gentler slope descending to the north and terminating near the east -west running Santa Ana River. This portion was annexed by City of Anaheim. To the south, the ridge exhibits a steeper drop- off, this portion becoming part of the City of Orange Annexation. Geotech- nically, the site faced severe challenges from the presence of numerous landslides and faults. The original master plan showed very intense development patterns, in- cluding a proposal for three new lakes with apartments and high -density con- 5ve year; dominiums clustered around the water features. A water reservoir with a surface area of 80 acres at capacity already existed on the property. This plan 324 HILLSIDE DEVELOPMENTS AND MASS -GRADING APPLICATIONS was adopted by the City of Anaheim; in anticipation, it would become the appi major stakeholder because of the size of its projected sphere of influence. As in F the project entered the more serious engineering stage, and actual geologic drai investigations took place, it became apparent that the initial master -plan pro- mur posal would be unsustainable for a number of reasons: ulat_ �71. The topography proved to be too steep (over 40 percent of the site was 12.2 in terrain for slopes 40 percent or steeper), and it would have been cost prohibitive to move the volume of earth per acre needed to generate the Rat] necessary level building sites. ardi 2. The geology of the site revealed large existing or suspected landslide seni t( masses and fault lines, requiring significant remedial and costly grading o operations that the estimated developed land values could not support. lant Canyon conditions, very deep alluvial deposits and fractured bedrock the r The canyon walls in the location of the dams for the proposed lakes, pre- scat vented their construction (an example of when planning and market desires get too far ahead of engineering). scat envi 4. The regulatory agency's later desires and the changing market in the tatic direction of lower density required a reevaluation of the land plan. nine pub 12.3.E Initial Development Plan —Community Objections F The revised new master plan that emerged entailed the elimination of the caul and three lakes that would have drowned the canyons. Instead, these areas were sign proposed to be preserved as parks and open spaces. As grading progressed gins and early residents moved in, objections were raised about the intensity of Fort the grading, the massive transformation of the landforms, and the lack of any chat aesthetic consideration. These objections evolved over a period of five years ..pu into strong public opposition to the continuation of what was perceived as con: +/7 "raping the hills." Environmental action groups and antidevelopment forces became more ve- is d hement and organized. This opposition manifested itself in the form of fre- prof quent letters to local newspapers and strong objections voiced at public tatit hearings before the Planning Commission and City Council. It soon became Nut apparent that the city would be forced into taking action. The opposition Los clamored for restrictions on grading and density based on the steepness of tion the topography. cou The opposition insisted that the steeper the natural slopes in a given area, Frai the less volume of earth movement per acre and the less density per acre be allowed. They circulated a proposal stating that when natural slopes were 25 12.. percent or steeper, the density was to be reduced to less than one home per acre with little or no grading allowed. Since a little less than 50 percent of An the project site exhibited slopes of 40 percent or more, it became apparent velc that under such restrictions, the master plan for this development, although pos is I ANAHEIM HILLS, CALIFORNIA 325 .ome the approved, could never be implemented. And the entire infrastructure, already ence. As in place or under construction (streets and highways, sewer, water, storm geologic drains, dry utilities, fire services, police, parks, etc.) and sized for a com- Man pro- munity of 25,000 residences, would become a wasted expenditure for a pop- ulation of less than a quarter of that figure. site was 12.3.7 Adopted Plan--Landform Grading Alternative )een cost erate the Rather than waiting for the City to take more drastic action and thus jeop- ardize the continuation of the entire project, the principal author, at that time landslide senior vice president in charge of all development functions for the developer, grading opted to take the initiative. His efforts culminated in the formulation of a support. landforrn grading and revegetation concept. This approach was proposed to the community and the city as a revision to the existing grading ordinance. bedrock The new proposal showed clear sensitivity for the land, as it restored or re- lees, pre- created a more natural looking topography and featured an alternative land- 1 market scaping and revegetation plan in place of the previous rigid, linear, and sterile environment. The city staff was pleased and allowed some initial implemen- et to the tation on an experimental basis. This allowed the decision makers (i.e., plan - plan. ning director, city engineer, planning commission, and city council) and the public to inspect the proposal on the ground. Following positive reaction from all affected parties and constituencies, the revised grading ordinance proceeded through a brief public hearing process n of the and was formally adopted by the city. The full implementation involved a eas N erc significant amount of training of planners, civil engineers, geotechnical en- ogresse-_ gineers, landscape architects, grading contractors, and landscape contractors. msity ol Fortunately, creative individuals emerged in all these fields, and they met the k of an,. challenge. The key individual was the grading designer, the individual who ive year, "put the pencil on the paper" to execute the concept from which it could be �eived constructed. However, the most important element that drives any innovation is the willingness of all parties to accept and follow through on a design. more With that the Anaheim Hills Planned Community became the pioneering n of fr, project that first implemented the concept of landform grading and revege- it puE tation. This project became a showcase for others to examine and emulate. i became Numerous other local and more distant communities, including the City of :)pos3ti= Los Angeles, sent their representatives to inspect the project and its innova- pne— " tions and to learn from this experience. Visiting professionals from foreign countries were intrigued as well, including representatives from Australia, ten a:v France, Taiwan, and Japan. r acre 12.3.8 Highlights and Features of Landform Grading Plan 4rce An overhead, aerial photo of the hillside topography prior to and after de- velopment are shown in Figures 12.20 and 12.21 respectively. The shape and position of ridges, valleys, and other critical terrain features prior to devel- P N 326 HILLSIDE DEVELOPMENTS AND MASS -GRADING APPLICATIONS Figure 12.20 Overhead, aerial view of terrain prior to development showing position of ridges, valleys, and other terrain features, Anaheim Hills, California. Figure 12.21 Overhead, aerial view of landform-graded hillside development, show- ing conformance with underlying terrain features, Anaheim Hills, California. OPT Ian Cot the for gra dif to - apl ilh in 12. 1111 gri for wa nit ani to( an( Fi: nit ,e )osition ANAHEIM HILLS, CALIFORNIA 327 opment can be seen in Figure 12.20. The same aerial view of the area after landform grading is shown in Figure 12.21. The overall development plan conforms with the underlying terrain features. A bird's-eye, aerial view of the entire Anaheim Hills residential development is shown in Figure 12.22. The pad shapes and hillside profiles below the pads conform to the land - form grading design principles described in Chapter 7. Views of the landform- graded pad areas are shown in Figure 12.23 and Figure 12.24. Essential differences between "conventional" versus "landform" grading approaches to hillside development are contrasted in Figure 12.25. These two grading approaches are also contrasted in the street scenes in Figure 12.26, which illustrates a conventional treatment as opposed to the grading approach used in the Anaheim hills. 12.3.9 Performance Evaluation The first slopes on this project were graded and revegetated using landform grading and revegetation principles in 1975. Thus, an over 30-year-long per- formance record is available. The landform grading and revegetation approach was instrumental in allowing the 4,300-acre hillside master -planned commu- nity to be implemented. This approach was well received by the community and by various regulatory agencies. It provided a new and useful marketing tool to the developer and his builders because of its special appeal to buyers and new residents. Figure 12.22 Bird's-eye, aerial view of completed Anaheim Hills planned con nu- nity, showing mixed land -use development. Date: 2/1/202610:05:21 PM From "Joni Gaynor" "Public Conrnent" publicconnnent@anaheimnet, "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" To: CLeon@anaheimnet, "Ryan Balius" RBalius@anraheimnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava@anaheimnet, "Norma C. Kurtz" NKurfz*anaheimnet, "KristenMaahs" KMaahs@anaheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Save Anaheim Hills You don't often get email fro Learn why this is important Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Members of the Council, Thank you for allowing community m tubers to participate in the review of the Festival project. I am writing to formally oppose the proposed residential development at the Festival shopping center and to respectfully request that public comment be reopened at the March 3 City Council meeting. The developer has been granted additional opportunities to revise, clarify, and present their proposal with respect to them working with union workers. Residents of this community deserve the same opportmity to respond, especially given the seriousness ofthe safety concerns involved.There are still variables that need to be addressed such as alternative locations for this housing project, the traffic report that has yet to be publically shared, etc. Reopening public comtnerit is essential to maintaining fairness, transparency, and public trust in this process. My primary concern is evacuation safety, not routine daily traffic. The proposed project relies heavily on the "Know Your Way' evacuation plan, which remains untested, poorly connranucated, and unrealistic under real emergency conditions. During an active wildfire or similar disaster, it is not reasonable to expect residents to behave in a calm purely rational manner. People will attempt to return home to protect family members, pets, and property, regardless of guidance to do otherwise. This has been proven in fires such as Carryon 2 Fire, Ahadena Fires, Paradise Fire, and the Maui Fires. There is no clear or workable plan for evacuating elderly residents, individuals with disabilities, or children. The facility just behind the proposed Festival project is a senior residence housing facility and drug the last two fires, I had neighbors who could not gain access to them because the road between the proposed Festival project and the senior housing was at a stand still. These populations require additional tirne, assistance, and coordination, yet the proposal does not address how those needs would be net. The effectiveness of the evacuation approach has not been studied, and there are no clearly defined evacuation tinclinne goals that demonstrate how long it would take to safely clear the area. This also impacts nc personally as I live in the tract just above the proposed Festival project and it took me 2.5 hours to drive from my home to Target (less than 1/4 mule), junping the sidewalk to get there. Changing the Festival site from commercial to residential zoning significantly increases evacuation risk. When fire danger is high, few people are shopping, but when an emergency begins, everyone attempts to go home. Residential development adds hundreds of vehicles that will all be rnoving simultaneously during an evacuation, placing additional strain on already limited routes. Finally, approval of this project sets a precedent. If the Festival project is allowed to rmve forward, it becomes rmre likely that other large scale projects, such as Deer Canyon or future developments, will also be approved, compounding evacuation risks across the comity. For these reasons, I strongly urge you to reopen public con ywrit at the March 3 meeting and to carefully reconsider this project with evacuation safety as a primary factor. Our connnnity deserves a rrearmgfud opportunity to defend our safety and well being. Lastly, you took an oath to protect the citizens ofyour comminity. I would say that approving this project does just the opposite. This project puts ALL ofyour District 6 residents in HARM! Thank you for your time and consideration Sincerely, Joni Gaynor Joni Gaynor Date: 2/1/202611:03:29 PM Front " I - Ida " To: "Rick Moyer" "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheimnet, "Public Comment" publiccomnrnt@anaheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" Cc: NMeeks@anaheimnet, "Ryan Balius" RBalius*anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" CLeon@anaheimnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava@anaheimnet, "Norma C. Kurtz" NKurt *anaheimnet, "Kristen Maahs" KMaahs@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: "Absolute Gridlock" You don't often get eru it from Learn why this is mWortant Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Excellent letter, Rick! I agree with you As long as the city is absolved ofresponsrbili y, which it clearly is, I don't think they feel compelled to care. IMHO, with the exception of Ashleigh Aitken, this has increasingly becorre, an us versus them situation. The lobbyists are pushing hard, and my understanding is that Curt Pringle is heavily involved. I'm not sure if Andrew mentioned this, but Natalie Meeks referred him to Rudy Fxm r who spent a good deal of time with him, but essentially dismissed Andrew's concerns outright. It appears they arc all aligned and focused on convincing others that Know Your Way is a solid and reliable plan I've spoken with several retired firefighters who have said plainly that the fire chief should know better than to ever guarantee public safety in a fire scenario. We are keeping our fingers crossed that there is a massive showing on Tuesday night, and that perhaps with enough pushback, they decide to vote against the developer. On Sun, Feb 1, 2026 at 9.45 PM Rick Moyer wrote. Dear Mayor Aitken and Anaheim City Council Members: The purpose of this correspondence is to voice objection to the Festival Center development, as well as any other proposed high -density housing projects in Anaheim Hills. To understand the basis for my objection, I need to provide some background. My name is Dr. Rick Moyer and I am a retired Internist. After working in Emergency Medicine at a Level I trauma center for a few years at the beginning of my medical career, I established a medical practice in San Bernardino, while my wife Kaye completed a residency in Anesthesiology at Loma Linda. In 1995 we purchased the home of former Angel baseball player Fred Lynn. Our home is situated on a 2 acre parcel uphill from Serrano Avenue, within the Santiago Geologic Hazard Abatement District (SGHAD). From our backyard we can see a large portion of Serrano Avenue. While working in the field of Emergency Medicine I worked with a group of doctors who manned helicopter rescue missions. This provided me with experience in caring for burn victims in the field. At the end of this paragraph is a link to a Channel 7 news clip from October 9, 2017, the day of the Canvon 2 fire. We live on Via El Estribo and spent the day protectinq our home from embers and spot fires usinq our fire pump and protective qear. Around one minute and 47 seconds into the clip, the reporter describes the evacuation route on Serrano Avenue as "ABSOLUTE GRIDLOCK". This refers to a total standstill in traffic, where movement is impossible in either direction. https://abc7.com/videoCiip/2512964/ My wife and I can attest to the GRIDLOCK as we can see Serrano from our back vard. At one point in the dav, when we were surrounded by fire and exhausted bevond measure, we had to decide whether to stav and fiqht the fire or evacuate. Notinq the GRIDLOCK on Serrano, which was the onlv wav out, we decided we'd be better off taking our chances fighting the fire than becoming victims of a failed evacuation. I should mention that the fire commander on scene (from El Toro, not Anaheim) recruited us and our equipment to stop the forward progression of the fire. We were successful and later received recognition from Cal -Trans for our involvement in what was referred to as the "Zone of Danger'. Whether it's Lahaina, Paradise, Anaheim Hills or anvwhere else for that matter, a "DEATH TRAP" may be created by a bottlenecked evacuation route or GRIDLOCK. Although Serrano is uphill from Santa Ana Canvon, the GRIDLOCK on Serrano was due to back-up from congestion further down the hill on Santa Ana Canvon. In wind -driven fires such as the Canvon 2 fire, smoke blows hard, stays low to the ground, and may engulf vehicles. Unless you have specialized respiratory equipment, you cannot avoid inhalinq the carbon monoxide (and other toxins) that are present in the smoke. Once in the bloodstream, the carbon monoxide molecules displace oxvqen molecules from red blood cells. This leads to low oxvgen levels, or 'hvpoxia", which in turn causes sedation, confusion, possible seizures and potentially even death. Complications of smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide poisoning are a maior reason why people are found dead in their cars following evacuations from a fire. Our community was fortunate not to have more victims during the failed evacuation that occurred during the Canyon 2 fire. When Dr. Kave Mover and I served on the SGHAD board a few vears ago we learned a little bit about Anaheim's inner workings. For example, we learned that Anaheim often relies on outside vendors to provide summary reports and recommendations. This serves to transfer liabilitv from the city to an outside party. Although I've not seen a recent report reciardinq the Evacuation Plan for Anaheim Hills, I believe you have probably been provided with a report indicating the Plan is acceptable and therefore you should approve the development. However, I havejust provided you with eyewitness accounts of the ABSOLUTE GRIDLOCK that occurred during the Canyon 2 fire evacuation. I have also provided you with information recardina the DEATH TRAP that is created by GRIDLOCK. You can search the internet and see how manv people died in the Lahaina and Paradise fires. It is also my understandinq that dozens, if not hundreds, of Anaheim Hills residents have sent emails, attended Citv Council meetings, etc. voicina their obiections to addina hiah-density development in Anaheim Hills due to the traffic problems that already exist. My wife, who qrew up with NASCAR racing legends Bobbv and Donnie Allison, recentiv commented that due to the freewav short -cutters and congestion, cettina on Serrano and Santa Ana Canyon in the afternoons carries the same danger and anxiety as leaving a pit stop and entering a NASCAR race. Also while servina on the SGHAD board, we came across a book called Landformina, by Horst Schor. A chapter of the book (attached) is dedicated to the development of Anaheim Hills. In his book, Mr. Schor describes how the development of Anaheim Hills was almost scrapped due to challenges created by steep topoaraphv, unfavorable aeoloav and canvon conditions. Oriainal plans which included hiqh-densitv housinq had to be ditched and the Citv had to implement a novel and unproven method of aradina called "Landform aradina and reveaetation". Consequently, the aeoaraphv of Anaheim Hills only allows a limited capacity for inaress and egress. Manv of the roads from "up the hill" exit onto sinale lane roads before exiting the area, setting up multiple opportunities for "DEATH TRAPS" during an evacuation. The aeographv cannot be chanced. All of this was previously reviewed by the Anaheim City Council back in 1975 but apparentiv Iona forgotten. Anaheim Hills lust cannot handle the increase in vehicular traffic that will come with high density development. Why is high -density development in Anaheim Hills even being discussed? Is the citv that is home to "The Happiest Place on Earth" so desperate for additional revenue that you would ieopardize the lives of the residents of Anaheim Hills? Please sav NO to anv current and/or future high-densitv development in Anaheim Hills until such time that an Evacuation Plan can be developed that is proven to be safe and effective, thorouahlv tested and approved by the residents. I'll close with one last question for each of you - Will you be able to sleep at night if you personally approve of any of these projects and we have casualties from another failed evacuation? Sincerely, Richard J. Moyer, M.D. Dr. Rick Moyer Date: 2/1/202611:11:01 PM Frog "Andrew Winger" M "Public Con Nnent" publicconnnent@anaheimnet, "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" To: CLeon@anaheimnet, "Ryan Balius" RBalius@anaheimnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava@anabeimnet, "Nonrua C. Kurtz" NKuttz*anaheimnet, "KristenMaahs" KMaahs@anaheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] 2/3/26 Meeting Continent You don't often get emid from Leam why this is important Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Anaheim City Council, With Festival, you have given the developer multiple extensions to renegotiate the Union Contracts, but have taken steps to silence the people you represent. You must commit to opening the Public Comments with regards to the Festival Project during the March 3rd City Council Meeting. The City is claiming that the evacuation times have been solved without providing any concrete evidence. There have been no fire studies to quantify the benefits of the Know Your Way plan. The only credible studies were included in the EIR's that both support the 3 hour evacuation times, using the latest modeling software. In addition, The City seems to be relying on an unreleased traffic study from 2025. Upon asking for this document during the last City Council meeting, this information has not been provided. When provided, the citizens should have ample time to review and comment. Councilmember Meeks outlined steps the city is taking with regards to communication between internal departments, as well as with external agencies such as Cal -Frans, and neighboring cities. I have asked for the written plans for these to verify that a plan exists, and have not been able to uncover such a document. Mr. Emami stated it was part of the Know Your Way Plan. I am still waiting for it. Furthermore, during the Jan 13 city council meeting, Mayor Aitken said this project wasn't necessary in order to meet the housing requirement. In fact, the city really doesn't need this project. Why are you going against public opinion and forcing this project through when it isn't needed, isn't important, and is bad for the community? Why are you negating the benefits of the Know Your Way Plan by using it to add to the problem again? Now is the time for transparency. The citizens you represent should be able to view all source information related to your decisions and given ample time to review the documents. For this reason, you must re -open public comments on the Festival Project during the March 3rd meeting. Thanks, Andrew Winger Anaheim, CA 92867 Date: 2/2/2026 8:22:43 AM From "Tom Schneider" To: "Public Comment" publicconnnent@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Festival Shopping center development proposal You don't oftcn get email from Learn why this is important Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Tom Schneider 1 /2/26 Anaheim City Council 200 S. Anaheim Blvd. Anaheim, CA 92805 Subject: Opposition to the Festival Shopping Center Development Proposal in Anaheim Hills Dear Honorable Mayor and Members of the Anaheim City Council, I am writing to formally express my strong opposition to the proposed Festival Shopping Center development in Anaheim Hills. While I support responsible economic growth in our community, this project poses significant concerns that outweigh any potential benefits. 1. Increased Traffic and Safety Impacts Anaheim Hills already experiences high congestion on major corridors such as Imperial Highway, La Palma Avenue, and Canyon Rim Road. Introducing a new commercial center —along with its associated delivery trucks, increased visitor volume, and extended operating hours —will exacerbate traffic bottlenecks and create additional safety hazards for residents, pedestrians, and school commuters. 2. Strain on Local Infrastructure Our neighborhoods are not designed to support the level of infrastructure demand that a development of this scale will create. Noise pollution, increased wear on roads, and added pressure on utilities and emergency services are inevitable consequences that the city must carefully consider. 3. Negative Impact on Community Character Anaheim Hills has long been valued for its suburban, family -focused environment. A high -density commercial center is incompatible with the surrounding residential neighborhoods and threatens to erode the character and quality of life that residents deeply value. 4. Environmental and Open -Space Concerns The proposed development site plays an important role in maintaining local green space and providing natural buffers. New construction would contribute to habitat disruption, increased pollution, and loss of natural landscape —all at a time when communities across California are striving to preserve open areas and promote sustainable planning. S. Lack of Demonstrated Community Need Existing retail centers in the area —including Anaheim Hills Festival Center, Savi Ranch, and nearby shopping plazas —already meet the commercial needs of residents. Many of these centers struggle with vacancies. Adding yet another development does not serve residents and may worsen vacancy rates across the region. For these reasons, I respectfully urge the Council to reject the Festival Shopping Center development proposal and prioritize planning solutions that protect neighborhood safety, preserve open space, and reflect the long-term interests of Anaheim Hills residents. Thank you for your time, consideration, and continued commitment to our community. I ask that this letter be included in the public record for the upcoming review of this project. Sincerely, Tom Schneider Date: 2/2/2026 9:55:28 AM Front "Rick Moyer" To: "Linda" "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheimnet, "Public Comment" publicconanent@anaheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" Cc: NMeeks@anaheimnet, "Ryan Balius" RBalius*anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" CLeon@anaheimnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava@anaheimnet, "Norma C. Kurtz" NKur *anaheimnet, "Kristen Maahs" KMaahs@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: "Absolute Gridlock" You don't often get email fro Learn why this is important Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. As I first learned in college and later in medical school, huumns are the only species in the Animal Kingdomthat don't learn from their mistakes. In the 1970's, the City of Anaheim mistakenly made plans for high -density development in Anaheim Hills. Engineers later determined this was not feasible due to geography, geology and other factors (see L.andforming). What has changed in the past 50 years that nukes anyone think that high - density development m Anaheim Hills is now OK? The geography has not changed. The geology has actually worsened significantly due to nuhiple landslides. The street infrastructure is essentially unchanged. The only major change is that the State ofCalifomia has designated the entire area to be in the highest category of risk for wildland fires. Common sense and history dictate that high -density development is not a good idea for Anaheim Hills. Hopefully, the deciding parties will not make the same mistake twice. Sincerely, Rick. On Sun, Feb 1, 2026 at 11 fl3 PM Linda wrote: Excellent letter, Rick! I agree with you As long as the city is absolved of responsibility, which it clearly is, I don't think they feel compelled to care. MHO, with the exception of Ashleigh Aitken, this has increasingly become an us versus them situation The lobbyists are pushing hard, and my understanding is that Curt Pringle is heavily involved. I'm not sure if Andrew mentioned this, but Natalie Meeks referred himto Rudy Errnmi, who spent a good deal of tine with hirr, but essentially dismissed Andrew's concerns outright. It appears they are all aligned and focused on convincing others that Know Your Way is a solid and reliable plan. I've spoken with several retired firefighters who have said plainly that the fire chief should know better than to ever guarantee public safety in a fire scenario. We are keeping our fingers crossed that there is a massive showing on Tuesday night, and that perhaps with enough pushback, they decide to vote against the developer. On Sun, Feb 1, 2026 at 9.45 PM Rick Moyer wrote: Dear Mayor Aitken and Anaheim City Council Members: The purpose of this correspondence is to voice objection to the Festival Center development, as well as any other proposed high -density housing projects in Anaheim Hills. To understand the basis for my objection, I need to provide some background. My name is Dr. Rick Moyer and I am a retired Internist. After working in Emergency Medicine at a Level I trauma center for a few years at the beginning of my medical career, I established a medical practice in San Bernardino, while my wife Kaye completed a residency in Anesthesiology at Loma Linda. In 1995 we purchased the home of former Angel baseball player Fred Lynn. Our home is situated on a 2 acre parcel uphill from Serrano Avenue, within the Santiago Geologic Hazard Abatement District (SGHAD). From our backyard we can see a large portion of Serrano Avenue. While working in the field of Emergency Medicine I worked with a group of doctors who manned helicopter rescue missions. This provided me with experience in caring for burn victims in the field. At the end of this paragraph is a link to a Channel 7 news clip from October 9, 2017, the day of the Canvon 2 fire. We live on Via El Estribo and spent the day protecting our home from embers and spot fires using our fire pump and protective gear. Around one minute and 47 seconds into the clip, the reporter describes the evacuation route on Serrano Avenue as "ABSOLUTE GRIDLOCK". This refers to a total standstill in traffic, where movement is impossible in either direction. httos://abc7.com/videoCliD/2512964/ My wife and I can attest to the GRIDLOCK as we can see Serrano from our back vard. At one point in the dav, when we were surrounded by fire and exhausted bevond measure, we had to decide whether to stav and fight the fire or evacuate. Noting the GRIDLOCK on Serrano, which was the only wav out, we decided we'd be better off taking our chances ficihtinci the fire than becomino victims of a failed evacuation. I should mention that the fire commander on scene (from El Toro, not Anaheim) recruited us and our equipment to stop the forward progression of the fire. We were successful and later received recognition from Cal - Trans for our involvement in what was referred to as the "Zone of Danger". Whether it's Lahaina, Paradise, Anaheim Hills or anywhere else for that matter, a "DEATH TRAP" may be created by a bottlenecked evacuation route or GRIDLOCK. Although Serrano is uphill from Santa Ana Canvon, the GRIDLOCK on Serrano was due to back-up from congestion further down the hill on Santa Ana Canvon. In wind -driven fires such as the Canvon 2 fire, smoke blows hard, stays low to the ground, and may engulf vehicles. Unless you have specialized respiratory equipment, you cannot avoid inhaling the carbon monoxide (and other toxins) that are present in the smoke. Once in the bloodstream, the carbon monoxide molecules displace oxvqen molecules from red blood cells. This leads to low oxvaen levels, or "hvpoxia", which in turn causes sedation, confusion, possible seizures and potentially even death. Complications of smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide poisonina are a maior reason why people are found dead in their cars following evacuations from a fire. Our community was fortunate not to have more victims during the failed evacuation that occurred during the Canyon 2 fire. When Dr. Kave Mover and I served on the SGHAD board a few vears aqo we learned a little bit about Anaheim's inner workings. For example, we learned that Anaheim often relies on outside vendors to provide summary reports and recommendations. This serves to transfer liabilitv from the citv to an outside party. Althouqh I've not seen a recent report regardinq the Evacuation Plan for Anaheim Hills, I believe you have probably been provided with a report indicating the Plan is acceptable and therefore you should approve the development. However, I have iust provided you with evewitness accounts of the ABSOLUTE GRIDLOCK that occurred during the Canvon 2 fire evacuation. I have also provided you with information reqardinq the DEATH TRAP that is created by GRIDLOCK. You can search the internet and see how manv people died in the Lahaina and Paradise fires. It is also my understanding that dozens, if not hundreds, of Anaheim Hills residents have sent emails, attended Citv Council meetinqs, etc. voicing their obiections to addinq hiqh-densitv development in Anaheim Hills due to the traffic problems that alreadv exist. My wife, who grew up with NASCAR racing legends Bobbv and Donnie Allison, recentiv commented that due to the freewav short -cutters and conqestion, aettinq on Serrano and Santa Ana Canyon in the afternoons carries the same danger and anxiety as leaving a pit stop and entering a NASCAR race. Also while serving on the SGHAD board, we came across a book called Landforminq, by Horst Schor. A chapter of the book (attached) is dedicated to the development of Anaheim Hills. In his book, Mr. Schor describes how the development of Anaheim Hills was almost scrapped due to challenges created by steep topoaraphv, unfavorable geologv and canvon conditions. Original plans which included hiah-densitv housina had to be ditched and the Citv had to implement a novel and unproven method of gradinq called "Landform gradinq and reveaetation". Consequently, the geographv of Anaheim Hills only allows a limited capacity for ingress and egress. Manv of the roads from "up the hill" exit onto sinale lane roads before exiting the area, setting up multiple opportunities for "DEATH TRAPS" during an evacuation. The geoqraphv cannot be changed. All of this was previously reviewed by the Anaheim Citv Council back in 1975 but apparently long foraotten. Anaheim Hills iust cannot handle the increase in vehicular traffic that will come with high density development. Why is high -density development in Anaheim Hills even being discussed? Is the citv that is home to "The Happiest Place on Earth" so desperate for additional revenue that you would ieouardize the lives of the residents of Anaheim Hills? Please sav NO to anv current and/or future high-densitv development in Anaheim Hills until such time that an Evacuation Plan can be developed that is proven to be safe and effective, thorouahlv tested and approved by the residents. I'll close with one last question for each of you - Will you be able to sleep at night if you personally approve of any of these projects and we have casualties from another failed evacuation? Sincerely, Richard J. Moyer, M.D. Dr. Rick Moyer Dr. Rick Moyer Date: 2/2/202610:12:50 AM From "Arran Creechley"M "Public Continent" publicconnnent@anaheimnet, "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" To: CLeon@anaheimnet, "Ryan Balius" RBalius@anaheimnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava@anaheimnet, "Non= C. Kurtz" NKurU2*auaheimne4 "KristenMaahs" KMaahs@anaheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Logic and Safety: Why the Festival Center Project is a Mistake [You don't often get email from Loam why this is important at https://aka.ms/LeamAboutSenderldentification ] Warning: This email originated from outside the City ofAnaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Council Mender, I amwriting to ask you to vote "No" on the Anaheim Hills Festival Center apartment project. You don't need to be a traffic expert to see that Santa Ana Canyon Road is already at its limit. Most days, just getting to the store or work is a challenge. The idea that we can add over 400 apartments and about 1300 people to this area without creating a disaster during a wildfire evacuation just doesn't pass the "common sense" test. The city's own reports admit that it already takes residents over three hours to get out during a fire. To then say that adding another 7 rninutes of delay is "not a big deal" is incredibly frustrating to those of us who live here. If a bucket is already overflowing, you don't keep pouring more water into it and say it's fine. By approving this, the city is basically admitting the evacuation plan is broken but choosing to make it even more crowded anyway. We need our leaders to look at the reality ofour streets, not just the numbers on a developer's spreadsheet. Please do the responsible thing and protect the residents who are already here. We need better ways to get out ofthe Hills, not more people trapped in them Please vote "No" on this project. Sincerely, Arran Creechley Date: 2/2/202610:51:56 AM From: 'Bridget Winger" "Public Comment" publiecommentCanaheimnet, "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken a�anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" To: CLeon@anaheim.net, "Ryan Balius" RBaliusCqanaheimnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava a,anaheimnet, "Norma C. Kurtz" NKurtz@anaheimnet, "Kristen Maahs" KMaahs@anaheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Request to Extend Vote on the Festive Center and Open Public Comment You don't often get email from Learn why this is nnportant Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Anaheim City Council, I am writing to respectfully request that the Council extend the official vote on the Anaheim Festive Center development proposal until March 3, 2026, and open the meeting for public comment. Residents of District 6 deserve a fair and equitable opportunity to be heard on a project of this scale and potential impact. It has been noted that the developer has been given multiple opportunities to present, clarify, and advocate for their plans. In the interest of transparency and balanced civic engagement, the residents of District 6 should be afforded the same respect and consideration. There is significant community concern regarding the proposed Anaheim Festival housing project, particularly given that much of the area falls within a designated high fire hazard zone. This classification raises serious questions about resident safety, long-term risk mitigation, and the project's compatibility with regional fire -safety planning. To date, there has been insufficient clarity regarding evacuation routes, capacity, and emergency response strategies, all of which are critical in a community already vulnerable to wildfire threats. Given these legitimate concerns, the public deserves the chance to thoroughly review the proposal, ask questions, and provide informed input before any final decision is reached. Extending the vote and reopening public comment would reflect the City's commitment to transparency, community involvement, and responsible long-term planning. Thank you for your attention, and I appreciate your consideration of this request. I look forward to your leadership in ensuring that resident voices are included in this important decision. Sincerely, Bridget Winger Date: 2/2/202611:05:21 AM From 'Betty Farnsmrth" "Public Coninent" publiccoirenent@anaheimnet, "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheimnet, "Carios A. Leon" To: CLeon@anaheimnel, "Ryan Balius" RBalius@anaheimnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" N�Rubalcava@anaheimnet, Norma C. Kiuti NKiniz@anaheimnet, "Kristen Maahs KMaahs(a)anaheunnet, Natalie Meeks NMeeks@anaheim.net Subject: [EXTERNAL] Festival Development Attachment: IMG 2426.jpeg; You don't often get email from Learn why this is important Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. We are Anaheim citizens and we urge you to VOTE NO on the Festival Project. As City Council niembers we believe your foremost duty is to protect the public, your constituerits. The city's Strategic Plan cites INFRASTRUCTURE and PUBLIC SAFETY Utkss fis STRATEGIC PLAN is a lie, YOU MUST VOTE NO! We do not believe any additional building be considered until the infrastructure is improved including the Fairmont overpass. Changing the zoning from cornrnrcial to residential severely impacts traffic in a disaster. People go home to get loved ones then evacuate. That being said the traffic study is flawed m the assumption of trips. People do not go shopping during a fire. Know Your Way: i. Untested ii. Poorly communicated iii. Unrealistic to keep people from going home to save family. iv. No plan to evacuate Elderly, Disabled, or Children at home v. Relies on people being rational during an emergency vi. Effectiveness hasn't been studied vii. Unclear evacuation goals Let's not become another disaster statistic, like Paradise, Palisades, Alta Dena, PROTECT YOUR CONSTITUENTS VOTE NO Betty and Dana Farnsworth Anaheim Residents and Anaheim Voters -j.vw!irNrww_j wi A& 40 • re Ensure Enhance Expand fiscal livability infrastructure responsibility and amenities Foster a high performing organization 5 Promote public safety 6 Encourage development and tourism Date: 2/2/202611:52:35 AM From: "Jell' Richardson" "Public Comment" publicconnnent@anaheimnet, "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" To: CLeon@anaheimnet, "Ryan Balius" RBalius@anaheimnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava@anaheimnet, "Norma C. Kurtz" NKuttz*anaheimnet, "KristenMaahs" KMaahs@anaheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Please vote NO on the Shea/Festival Center apartments — It's a safety issue You don't often get email from Learn why thjs is jmpottarn Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Council Member, I'm writing because this proposed apartment project at the Anaheim Hills Festival Center is not just bad planning —it is dangerous, and it is infuriating that it's even being considered. I lived through the Canyon Fire 2. 1 was one of the residents trapped in a car that didn't move for over an hour while the fire came toward us. That wasn't "inconvenient." It was terrifying. It was the kind of moment you don't forget because you genuinely don't know if you're going to get out. Our evacuation routes already fail under pressure. That is a fact, not an opinion. So when I see reports claiming this project will add "only" seven minutes to evacuation times, it feels like a slap in the face. Seven minutes in a wildfire evacuation is not small. It is not acceptable. It is the kind of delay that costs lives. And everyone who lives here knows we have no alternate routes, no backup roads, no extra capacity. We barely make it out as it is. Adding hundreds of apartments and more than a thousand new residents to a known choke point is reckless. It shows a complete disregard for the people who already live here and have already experienced the danger firsthand. It tells us that our safety is negotiable — and it absolutely is not. Anaheim may need housing, but not here. Not in a place where the evacuation system is already stretched to its breaking point. Not in a community that has already lived through the consequences of poor planning. I am urging you — bluntly and urgently — to vote No. Do not put more lives at risk. Sincerely, Jeff Richardson Date: 2/2/202611:55:40 AM Front "Adele Richardson" "Public Comment" publicconnnent@anaheimnet, "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" To: CLeon@anaheimnet, "Ryan Balius" RBalius@anaheimnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubaleava@anaheimnet, "Norrua C. Kurtz" NKurfz*auaheimnet, "KristenMaahs" KMaahs@anaheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Logic and Safety: Why the Festival Center Project is a Mistake You don't often get errarl from Learn why this is important Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Council Member, I'murging you to vote No on the proposed apartments at the AnahennHrills Festival Center. As someone who lived through the Carryon Fire 2,1 know exactly how dangerous our evacuation routes already are. I was trapped in my car for over an how- while the fine moved toward us — not inching forward, not "heavy traffic," but a complete standstill. The idea of adding hundreds of apartments and more than a thousand new residents to that same bottleneck is intimating. The claim that this project will add "only' seven mitnrtes to evacuation times is insulting to anyone who has actually lived through a wildfire evacuation When you're stuck for howl with flames approaching, seven minutes is not minor — it's life -threatening. We have no alternate routes. No extra lanes. No hidden escape options. Approving this project would knowingly make an already dangerous situation even worse. Housing is important, but not at the cost of residents' safety. Do not put more lives at risk. Vote No. Sincerely, Adele Richardson Date: 2/2/20261:07:14 PM From: "Jeff Evans"� "Public Comment" publicconnnent@anaheimnet, "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" To: CLeon@anaheimnet, "Ryan Balius" RBalius@anaheimnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava@anaheimnet, "Norma C. Kurtz" NKuttz*anaheimnet, "KristenMaahs" KMaahs@anaheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Please vote NO on the Shea/Festival Center apartments — It's a safety issue You don't often get email from Learn why this is important Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Council Member, I am writing to you as a resident of [Your Neighborhood] to ask you to please vote 'No" on the proposed apartments at the Anaheim Hills Festival Center. I lived here during the Canyon Fire 2 in 2017, and I will never forget the feeling of being stuck in my car, watching the smoke get closer, and literally not roving Zr over an hour. It wasn't just "traffic" —it was a total standstill. The thought of adding hundreds of new apartments and about 1000+ more people to that exact sane escape route is terrifying to those of us who have actually been in that situation The reports for this project say that adding these cars will "only" add about 7 minutes to the evacuation firm. But when you're already stuck for three hours and the fire is moving toward you, 7 minutes is a lifetime. We don't have extra roads or "secret" ways out ofthe Hills; we all end up on the same few lanes. Adding more people to a neighborhood that is already a bottleneck during a fire just feels like a tragedy waiting to happen. I understand that the city needs busing but it shouldn't be built in a place where people are already struggling to get out safely. Please don't make an existing danger even worse just for a new development. We are asking you to prioritize the lives and safety of the people who already live here and pay takes here. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Address] Date: 2/2/2026 1:07:51 PM From "Esther Otrens" To: Public Conattent" publicconmcnt*anaheimnet, "Ashleigh Aitken" AAltken*a anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" Cl-eonna anaheimnet, "Rvan Balius" RBaGus@anaheimney "Natalie Rubalcava" NRuhalcava@anaheimnet, "Norma C. Kurtz" NKu tz(n)anaheimnet, "Kristen Maahs" KNlaahs@anaheimuet, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@anaheimnet Subject [E%TERNALI Vote No You don't often get err a l M Leam whytllis is important Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Council Member, I am writing to you as a resident to ask you to please vote "No" on the proposed apartments at the Anaheim Hills Festival Center. I lived here during the Canyon Fire 2 in 2017, a: The reports £or this project say that adding these cars will "only" add about 7 minutes to the evacuation time. But when you're already stuck for three hours and the fire is movi: I —0—tared th- the amity Weds l.uusiny, liar it Le built i, a pl— wh—e people — aI early--ygliny - yet uut aa£cly. Pleaee J--t snake — cxis tiny U—y— -- wo. Sincerely, Esther Owens Date: 2/2/20261:29:23 PM From "DeWayne FlIppi" To: "Public Connnent" publiccommeirt@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Shea Development You don't often get email from Learn why this is important Warning: This entail originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. There are two big drivers for opposition to the Shea project in Anaheim Hills: Both are evacuation related. One is the collective rnermryof fire disasters in the past, and the other is the lack of belief in the efficacy of Know Your Way. Nothing can be done about the first, but the second can be addressed by better connnnrication. Currently, I assune in the interests of sinpllcity, the plan has been boded down to a directive about what direction to drive. Having a plan is necessary, but never explaining it or defending it is a bad look. It leaves people to use their imagination and develop (hopefully invalid) assumptions. I suggest having those in charge of implementing the plan, explain to the residents how it will work and get feedback on the assumptions they are using. Ideally this is in sorr e face to face comrm* event but should also be back by sonic documerrtation. No plan is going to be perfect in the face of a relatively unpredictable threat, the people of good faith at least would sleep better knowing that the plan actually exists and has been thought through (including the cars introduced by the new development). Best regards, DeWa e Frl i Date: 2/2/20261:31:34 PM From "Gillian May Hung" "Public Comment" publicconnnent@anaheimnet, "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" To: CLeon@anaheimnet, "Ryan Balius" RBalius@anaheimnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava@anaheimnet, "Non= C. Kurtz" NKurU2*auaheimne4 "KristenMaahs" KMaahs@anaheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Please vote NO on the Shea/Festival Center apartments — It's a safety issue [You don't often get email from Learn why this is important at https://aka.ns/LeamAboutSenderldentification ] Warning: This email originated from outside the City ofAnaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Council Member, I amwriting to you as a resident of AnaheimHills to ask you to please vote "No" on the proposed apartments at the Anaheim Hills Festival Center. I lived here during the Canyon Fire 2 in 2017, and I will never forget the feeling ofbeing stuck in my car, watching the smoke get closer, and literally not moving for over an hour. it wasn't just "traffic" it was a total standstill. The thought of adding hundreds of new apartments and about 1000+rmre people to that exact same escape route is terrifying to those ofus who have actually been in that situation. The reports for this project say that adding these cars will "only" add about 7 minutes to the evacuation time. But when you're already stuck for three hours and the fire is moving toward you, 7 minutes is a lifetime. We don't have extra roads or "secret" ways out of the Hills; we all end up on the same few lanes. Adding more people to a neighborhood that is already a bottleneck during a fire just feels like a tragedy waiting to happen. I understand that the city needs housing, but it shouldn't be built in a place where people are already struggling to get out safely. Pleas e don't make an existing danger even worse just for a new development. We are asking you to prioritize the lives and safety ofthe people who already live here and pay taxes here. Sincerely, GlhanMay LIN Sent fromnry iPhonc Date: 2/2/2026 2:06:25 PM Frolm "Linda Ruiz" "Public Comment" publicconmient@anaheimnet, "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" To: CLeon@anaheimnet, "Ryan Balius" RBalius@anaheimnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava@anaheimnet, "Nontua C. Kurtz" NKurb2*anaheimnet, "KristenMaahs" KMaahs@anaheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Please vote NO on the Shea/Festival Center apartments [You don't often get email from Learn why this is important at httl2s://aka.ns/LeamAboutSenderldentification ] Warning: This email originated from outside the City ofAnaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Council Mender, I amwriting to you as a resident of The Highlands to ask you to please vote "No" on the proposed apartments at the Anaheim Hills Festival Center. I lived here for 25 years and have had to evacuate twice due to the fires. Please vote no to any new projects that will increase the evacuation time. We try not to leave our house around dinner time because the traffic is horrible, even to have dinner at Islands!!! I understand that the city needs housing, but it shouldn't be built in a place where people are already struggling to get out safely. Please don't make an existing danger even worse just for a new development. We are asking you to prioritize the lives and safety of the people who already live here and pay taxes here. Sincerely, Linda Ruiz Date: 2/2/2026 2:38:31 PM Front: "JULIE VANDERPOOL "Public Comment" publicconnnent@anaheimnet, "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" To: CLeon@anaheimnet, "Ryan Balius" RBalius@anaheimnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava@anaheimnet, "Non= C. Kurtz" NKurb2*anaheimnet, "KristenMaahs" KMaahs@anaheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Please vote NO on the Shea/Festival Center apartments — It's a safety issue [You don't often get email fro Learn why this is important at httns://aka.ms/LeamAboutSenderldentification ] Warning: This email originated from outside the City ofAnaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Council Member, We simply don't have the infrastructure to support these kinds ofdevelopments. This is, in our opinion, the ONLYissue to consider as we vote. I would amwriting to you as a resident of Bel -Air to askyou to please vote "No" on the proposed apartments at the Anaheim Hills Festival Center. I lived here during the Canyon Fire 2 in 2017, and I will never forget the feeling ofbeing stuck in my car, watching the smoke get closer, and literally not moving for over an hour. It wasn't just "traffic" —it was a total standstill. The thought ofadding hundreds ofnew apartments and about 1000+more people to that exmct same escape route is terrifying to those ofus who have actually been in that situation. The reports for this project say that adding these cars will "only" add about 7 minutes to the evacuation time. But when you're already stuck for three hours and the fire is roving toward you, 7 minutes is a lifetime. We don't have extra roads or "secret" ways out of the Hills; we all end up on the same few lanes. Adding more people to a neighborhood that is already a bottleneck during a firejust feels like a tragedy waiting to happen. I understand that the city needs housing, but it shouldn't be built in a place where people are already struggling to get out safely. Please don't make an existing danger even worse just for a new development. We are asking you to prioritize the lives and safety of the people who already live here and pay taxes here. Sincerely, Jeffand Julie Vandemool Sent frommy iPad Date: 2/2/2026 3:08:10 PM From: "crscbuild" "Public Comment" publicconnnent@anaheimnet, "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" To: CLeon@anaheimnet, "Ryan Balius" RBalius@anaheimnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava@anaheimnet, "Norma C. Kurtz" NKuttz*anaheimnet, "KristenMaahs" KMaahs@anaheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Please vote NO on the Shea/Festival Center apartments — It's a safety issue You don't often get email from Learn why this is important Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Council Member, I am writing to you as a resident of [Your Neighborhood] to ask you to please vote 'No" on the proposed apartments at the Anaheim Hills Festival Center. I lived here during the Canyon Fire 2 in 2017, and I will never forget the feeling of being stuck in my car, watching the smoke get closer, and literally not roving for over an hour. It wasn't just "traffic"-t was a total standstill. The thought of adding hmmdreds of new apartments and about 1000+ more people to that exact same escape route is terrifying to those of us who have actually been in that situation The reports for this project say that adding these cars will "only" add about 7 minutes to the evacuation firm. But when you're already stuck for three hours and the fire is moving toward you, 7 minutes is a lifetime. We don't have extra roads or "secret" ways out ofthe Hills; we all end up on the same few lanes. Adding more people to a neighborhood that is already a bottleneck during a fire just feels like a tragedy waiting to happen. I understand that the city needs busing but it shouldn't be built in a place where people are already stmgglnIg to get out safely. Please don't make an existing danger even worse just for a new development. We are asking you to prioritize the lives and safety of the people who already live here and pay taxes here. Sincerely, Joanne Shelton I was also here for the other fire which I believe was in 2008? It was ten-ifynng. Please help us stay safe. Sent from my Galaxy Date: 2/2/2026 3:25:27 PM From "Terry Hanly" To: "Public Comment" publiiccomtnent@anaheim.net Subject: [EXTERNAL] Opposition to Festival Center Development — Public Safety and Fire Evacuation Risks You don't often get email fro Learn why this is important Waring: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Mayor and Members of the Anaheim City Council, I am writing to formally and strongly oppose the proposed Festival Center development at the former Festival Shopping Center site due to serious, unresolved public safety and evacuation concerns. This project is proposed within a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, an area that has already demonstrated dangerous limitations in ingress, egress, and evacuation capacity. Existing residents of Anaheim Hills are well aware that evacuation during a wildfire or other emergency is already difficult and, at times, unsafe. Adding a large, high -density development in this location will only worsen those conditions. The City has not demonstrated that evacuation safety for existing residents will be maintained, let alone improved, by this project. Prior analyses have relied on flawed traffic calculations, assumptions that do not reflect real -world emergency conditions, and mitigation measures that have not been proven effective during an actual evacuation. Athree-hour evacuation window is unacceptable, particularly in an area prone to fast-moving wildfires. Additionally, reliance on "Know Your Way" programs or "shelter in place" strategies is not humane, enforceable, or appropriate in a severe fire zone. These approaches do not substitute for adequate infrastructure, safe evacuation routes, or guaranteed emergency vehicle access. Current plans fail to show sufficient capacity for emergency response vehicles or safe resident escape during a crisis. Approving this development would place existing residents at increased and unnecessary risk. City Council members are elected to represent the safety and well-being of residents, not to accommodate development that compromises public safety. Until the City can provide a transparent, independently verified, and demonstrably effective evacuation and emergency access plan, approval of the Festival Center project should be denied or delayed. Public safety must come before increased density. I urge you to act responsibly and protect the residents of Anaheim Hills by opposing this development in its current form. Sincerely, Teresa Hanly Council District 6 Date: 2/2/2026 3:44:37 PM Fronx "Kathy Vargas" To: "PublicConereM pt cconunentaanatenn.net Subject: [EXTERNAL] Festival Center [You don't often get cmail from- Loam why this is important at htmsJ/aka.rns/LearnAboutSenderldcntifrcation ] Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anahehn Do not click lhilts or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Opposition to Festival Center — Public 'Safety and Evacuation Concerns Dear Mayor and City Council, am writing to formally oppose the proposed FestivaP Ce,)ter project due to unresolved public safety and evacuation concerns. This area already suffers from limited ingress and egress and is located within a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. Evacuation is currently a known problem, and the City has not demonstrated that the Festival Center will improve evacuation safety for existing residents. Proposed traffic or circulation measures have not been shown to meaningfully address evacuation reliability under emergency conditions. Approving a major new development without a proven, effective evacuation plan places existing residents at increased risk. Public safety must be resolved before additional density is considered. For these reasons, I urge the City to deny or delay approval of the Festival Center until evacuation and emergency access issues are fully and transparently addressed. Sincerely, Sincerely, Ka th and Frank Var as Date: 2/2/2026 4:22:11 PM Front "Kathy Vargas" To: "Public Continent" publicconsmut@anabeimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Festival Center You don't often get email from Learn why this is im2ortant Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Council Member, Please read my opposition to the Festival Center Project. Previously you have heard the residents of Anaheim Hills community stating one of our major concerns is fire evacuation. I live within a smaller community of Anaheim Hills. I live in a community directly off of Santa Ana Canyon Rd where a private road forks into Canyon Crest and Martin Road. These roads have additional roads that branches from them for over hundreds of more residential housing. There's a sign posted at the entry of Canyon Crest and Martin Road that states No Outlet. So, the only way to exit is Santa Ana Canyon Rd. There is 1 stop sign for this exit either for a right or left turn on Santa Ana Canyon Road. A motorist exiting needs to wait until traffic is clear in order to make a right hand turn heading towards the Festival. To make a left hand turn is worse because it has to be clear in both directions to turn safely. There are times such as rush hours when it is more difficult. Down the road on the left is El Rancho Charter School and during dismissal times of course there's traffic coming from the school. In the 24 years we lived in our home we needed to be evacuated twice. We were trapped trying to exit the bumper to bumper traffic on Santa Ana canyon rd before someone let us through. Reminder that Santa Ana Canyon and Canyon Rim are designated evacuation routes. The Festival Center project would vastly impact the traffic and congestion we already have on a daily basis. And fire evacuation is of the utmost priority.) can not imagine any more vehicles added to this road. Please hear the concerns of Anaheim Hills residents and please deny approval for the Festival Center Project. Thank you, Very Sincerely, Kathy and Frank Vargas Date: 2/2/2026 3:55:21 PM From "Lauri Jordan" "Public Comment" publicconnnent@anaheimnet, "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" To: CLeon@anaheimnet, "Ryan Balius" RBalius@anaheimnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava@anaheimnet, "Nonrua C. Kurtz" NKurU2*anaheimne4 "KristenMaahs" KMaahs@anaheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Please vote NO on the Shea/Festival Center apartments — It's a safety issue [Some people who received this message don't often get email from Learn why this is important at httns://aka.rrrs/LeamAboutSenderldentification ] Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Council Merger, I am writing to you as a longtime resident of Anaheim Hills to ask you to please vote "No" on the proposed apartments at the Anaheim Hills Festival Center. I lived here during the Canyon Fire 2 in 2017, and I will never forget the feeling ofbeing stuck in my car, watching the smoke get closer, and literally not moving for over an hour. It wasn't just "traffic" it was a total standstill. The thought of adding hundreds ofnew apartments and about 1000+more people to that exact same escape route is terrifying to those ofus who have actually been in that situation. The reports for this project say that adding these cars will "only" add about 7 minutes to the evacuation time. But when you're already stuck for three hours and the fire is moving toward you, 7 minutes is a lifetime. We don't have extra roads or "secret" ways out of the Hills; we all end up on the same few lanes. Adding more people to a neighborhood that is already a bottleneck during a fire just feels like a tragedy waiting to happen. I understand that the city needs housing, but it shouldn't be built in a place where people are already struggling to get out safely. Please don't make an existing danger even worse just for a new development. We are asking you to prioritize the lives and safety of the people who already live here and pay taxes here. Sincerely, Lauri Jordan Date: 2/2/2026 4:15:36 PM From: "Marla Chapman" "Public Comment" publiccomnent@anaheimnet, "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" To: CLeon@anaheimnet, "Ryan Balius" RBalius@anaheimnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava@anaheimnet, "Norma C. Kurtz" NKurU2*auaheimne4 "KristenMaahs" KMaahs@anaheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Concerns about the Festival Center Project and Wildfire Safety [You don't often get email from Learn why this is important at https://aka.rrs/LeamAboutSenderldentification ] Warning: This email originated from outside the City ofAnaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Council Menber, I moved to Anaheim Hills because it is a beautiful, family -oriented corrnrarnity, but I am very concerned about the proposed Shea/Festival Center apartment project. Since nerving here, I've learned that our neighborhood is in a high -risk fire zone with very limited ways to get out. I was shocked to read that it already takes over three hours to evacuate this area during an emergency. Adding over 1,000 more people and their cars to our streets seems like a huge risk to everyone's safety. I don't want our city to be associated with the likes ofParadise or the Palisades fire. The project's environmental report admits that these new apartments will make evacuation times even longer. As a parent, I think about what would happen if a fire broke out while I was trying to get my kiddos to safety. If the roads are already failing, adding hundreds more cars into the rnixwill make a bad situation impossible. It feels like the city is hoping for the best rather than planning for the worst. I amnot against new housing in general, but it has to be built in the right places. Putting high -density housing at a known bottleneck in a fire zone is not responsible. I am asking you to please put our safety first and vote "No" on this project until we have a real solution for getting people out of the Hills safely. Sincerely, Marla Chapman (on behalfofmyselfand my family of 5) Date: 2/2/2026 4:40:38 PM From: "TinOlaerts" "Public Comment" publicconnnent@anaheimnet, "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" To: CLeon@anaheimnet, "Ryan Balius" RBalius@anaheimnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava@anaheimnet, "Norma C. Kurtz" NKuttz*anaheimnet, "KristenMaahs" KMaahs@anaheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Vote NO on the Festival Center Development You don't often get enuil from— Learn why this is important Wanting: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Council Member, I am writing to you as a concerned resident of the Old Bridge comnurity who has lived in Anaheim Hills for over 15 year. This cone unity is our hone, and like rnany long tines residents, I am deeply worried about the safety implications of the proposed apartment development at the Anaheim Hills Festival Center. I respectfully ask that you please vote "No" on this project. I lived here during the Canyon Fire 2 in 2017, and that experience is something I will never forget —especially as a parent. I remember sitting in my car with traffic completely at a standstill, watching the sroke get closer, unable to move for over an hour. At the tirre, I kept thinking about how I would protect my children if the fire reached us before we could escape. It wasn't just inconvenience or fiustratior" was fear. The proposal to add hundreds of new apartments and more than a thousand additional residents to the sarre limited evacuation routes is alarnvng. Those of us who live here know there are no alternative roads out of the Hills during an erergency. Everyone funnels into the sane few lanes, which already become gridlocked during evacuations. Project reports suggesting that evacuation times would increase by ` only" seven rni hates fail to reflect the reality of these situations. When fires are approaching and families are trapped in traffic for hours, seven rninutes can make the difference between safety and disaster. I understand the city's need for housing but it should not corm at the expense of public safety --especially in a high fire -risk area with known evacuation challenges. As a parent, I cannot support a development that makes it harder for families to get out safely during an emergency. Please priorhize the safety of the residents who already live, work, raise famrnlies, and pay taxes m Anaheim Hills. I urge you to vote No on the Shea/Festival Center aparhrrent project. Sincerely, TimOlaerts Date: 2/2/2026 4:46:27 PM From "Aline Young" - "Public Comment" publicconnnent@anaheimnet, "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" To: CLeon@anaheimnet, "Ryan Balius" RBalius@anaheimnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava@anaheimnet, "Non= C. Kurtz" NKurU2*auaheimne4 "KristenMaahs" KMaahs@anaheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Please vote NO on the Shea/Festival Center apartments — It's a safety issue [You don't often get email from Learn why this is important at ht_pt s://aka.rrs/LeamAboutSenderldentification ] Warning: This email originated from outside the City ofAnaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Council Menber, I am writing to you as a resident of Fast Hills to ask you to please vote "No" on the proposed apartments at the Anaheim Hills Festival Center. I lived here during the Canyon Fire 2 in 2017, and I will never forget the feeling ofbeing stuck in my car, watching the smoke get closer, and literally not rnoving for over an hour. It wasn't just "traffic"it was a total standstill. The thought of adding hundreds of new apartments and about 1000+ more people to that exact sarre escape route is terrifying to those ofus who have actually been in that situation. The reports for this project say that adding these cars will "only" add about 7 minutes to the evacuation time. But when you're already stuck for three hours and the fire is moving toward you, 7 minutes is a lifetime. We don't have extra roads or "secret" ways out of the Hills; we all end up on the same few lanes. Adding more people to a neighborhood that is already a bottleneck during a fire just feels like a tragedy waiting to happen. I understand that the city needs housing, but it shouldn't be built in a place where people are already struggling to get out safely. Please don't make an existing danger even worse just for a new development. We are asking you to prioritize the lives and safety ofthe people who already live here and pay taxes here. Sincerely, AhneAline YoY Date: 2/2/2026 4:53:11 PM From "Kylie Haupert'a "Public Continent" publicconnnent@anaheimnet, "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" To: CLeon@anaheimnet, "Ryan Balius" RBalius@anaheimnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava@anaheimnet, "Norma C. Kurtz" NKurU2*auaheimne4 "KristenMaahs" KMaahs@anaheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Please vote NO on the Shea/Festival Center apartments — It's a safety issue [You don't often get email from Learn why this is important at htt_ps://aka.ms/LeamAboutSenderldentification ] Warning: This email originated from outside the City ofAnaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Council Menber, I amwriting to you as a resident of AnaheimHills to ask you to please vote "No" on the proposed apartments at the Anaheim Hills Festival Center. I lived here during the Canyon Fire 2 in 2017, and I will never forget the feeling ofbeing stuck in my car, watching the smoke get closer, and literally not nnving for over an hour. It wasn't just "traffic" it was a total standstill. The thought of adding hundreds of new apartments and about 1000+rmre people to that exact same escape route is terrifying to those ofus who have actually been in that situation. The reports for this project say that adding these cars will "only" add about 7 minutes to the evacuation time. But when you're already stuck for three hours and the fire is moving toward you, 7 minutes is a lifetime. We don't have extra roads or "secret" ways out of the Hills; we all end up on the same few lanes. Adding more people to a neighborhood that is already a bottleneck during a fire just feels like a tragedy waiting to happen. I understand that the city needs housing, but it shouldn't be built in a place where people are already struggling to get out safely. Pleas e don't make an existing danger even worse just for a new development. We are asking you to prioritize the lives and safety ofthe people who already live here and pay taxes here. Sincerely, K he Gomez Date: 2/2/2026 5:32:58 PM Froth "Kathy Balbuena' "Public Conrnent" publicconnnent@anaheimnet, "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheimnet, "Catios A. Leon" To: CLeon@anaheimnet, "Ryan Balius" RBalius@anaheimnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava@anaheimnet, "Norma C. Kurtz" NKuttz*anaheimnet, "KristenMaahs" KMaahs@anaheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Please vote NO on the Shea/Festival Center apartments — It's a safety issue [Some people who received this message don't often get email fro Learn why this is important at httns://aka.rrrs/LeamAboutSenderldentification ] Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Council Member, I am writing to you as a resident of Mohler Drive to ask you to please vote "No" on the proposed apartments at the Anaheim Hills Festival Center. I lived here during the Canyon Fire 2 in 2017, and I will never forget the feeling ofbeing stuck in my car, watching the smoke get closer, and literally not moving for over an hour. It wasn't just "traffic" it was a total standstill. The thought of adding hundreds of new apartments and about 1000+rmre people to that exact same escape route is terrifying to those of us who have actually been in that situation. The reports for this project say that adding these cars will "only" add about 7 minutes to the evacuation time. But when you're already stuck for three hours and the fire is moving toward you, 7 minutes is a lifetime. We don't have extra roads or "secret" ways out of the Hills; we all end up on the same few lanes. Adding more people to a neighborhood that is already a bottleneck during a fire just feels like a tragedy waiting to happen. I understand that the city needs housing, but it shouldn't be built in a place where people are already struggling to get out safely. Please don't make an existing danger even worse just for a new development. We are asking you to prioritize the lives and safety of the people who already live here and pay taxes here. I have lived in my home for 32 years. I love this conamrnity so torch, but if the housing goes through, I will be selling and leaving Anaheim Hills. Sincerely, Kathv Balbuena Sent frommy iPhone Date: 2/2/2026 5:33:20 PM From: "Joy Pickett" _ "Public Comment" publicconnnent@anaheimnet, "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" To: CLeon@anaheimnet, "Ryan Balius" RBalius@anaheimnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava@anaheimnet, "Nonrna C. Kurtz" NKurfz*anaheimnet, "KristenMaahs" KMaahs@anaheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Please vote NO on the Shea/Festival Center apartments — It's a safety issue You don't often get eniul from Leam why this is important Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Council Member, I amwriting to you as a resident of [Your Neighborhood] to ask you to please vote 'No" on the proposed apartments at the Anaheim Hills Festival Center. I lived here during the Canyon Fire 2 in 2017, and I will never forget the feeling of being stuck in my car, watching the smoke get closer, and literally not mmving for over an hour. It wasn't just "traffic" --it was a total standstill. The thought of adding hundreds ofnew apartments and about 1000+ rmre people to that enact saner escape route is terrifying to those of us who have actually been in that situation. The reports for this project say that adding these cars will "only" add about 7 mm�rtes to the evacuation tines. But when you're already stuck for three hoes and the fire is moving toward you, 7 minutes is a lifetime. We don't have extra roads or "secret" ways out of the Hills; we all end up on the sarne few lanes. Adding more people to a neighborhood that is already a bottleneck during a fire just feels Ike a tragedy waiting to happen I understand that the city needs housing but it shouldn't be built in a place where people are already struggling to get out safely. Please don't make an existing danger even worse just for a new developnnent. We are asking you to prioritize the lives and safety of the people who already live here and pay taxes here. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Address] Date: 2/2/2026 5:37:17 PM From "Tracy O'Day" - To: Public Cottmcnt" publicconmcnt@anaheimnet, "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitkengzaaheintrud, "Carlos A. Iron" Oxongunaheinnet, "Ryan Balius" RBalius*Anahehnnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava@anaheimnet, "Nomra C. Kurtz" NKwtz(a anahcimnet, "Kristen Maahs" KMaahs@Anahcimnet, "Natalie Meeks" NMceks(a anaheimnct Cc: "Tracy O'Day" - Subject: [EXTERNAL[ Vote `No' AH Festival Apts You don't often get email from -Tram mdZqhs is iapona`rt Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attaclunents unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Council Member, I am writing to you as a resident of The Summit Community to ask you to please vote 'No' on the proposed apartments at the Anaheim Hills Festival Center. I lived here during the The reports for this project say that adding these cars will "only" add about 7 minutes to the evacuation time. But when you're already stuck for three hours and the fire is move. I understand that the city needs housing, but it shouldn't be built in a place that is known for wildfires and where people are already struggling to get out safely. Please don't Sincerely, Tracy O'Day Sent from nTf Phone Date: 2/2/2026 5:39:37 PM From: "Hayley Uno" hayley@lozeaudnuy.com "Amanda Lauffer" ALauffer(a),anahehnnet, "City Clerk" cityclerk@anaheimnet, "Theresa Bass" TBass@anaheimnet, "Public Continent" publiccomment@anaheimnet, "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheimnet, To: "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@anahehnnet, "Ryan Balius" RBalius@anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" CLeon@anaheimnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava@anaheimnet, "Norma C. Kurtz" NKurtz*anaheimnet, "Kristen Maahs" KMaahs@anaheim.net "Rebecca. Davis" rebecca@lozeaudnny.comu, "Chase Preciado" chase@lozeaudnuy.com, "Emy Upkind" Cc: Emy@Iozeaudnuy.con; "Leslie Reider" leslie@lozeaudnuy.com Subject: [EXTERNAL] SAFER Supplemental Coranent Submission on the FEIR for the Anaheim Hills Festival Specific Plan Amendment Project (SCH No. 2024010859; Development Application No. 2023-00043) Attachment: 2026.02.02 SAFER Supplemental CC Corm rent - Festival AnaheimK& - FINALpdf, You don't often get email from hayley@lozeaudniry.com Learn why this is importarmt Wanting: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Mayor Aitken, Honorable Members of the Anaheim City Council, Ms. Bass, and Ms. Laufer, On behalf of Supporters Alliance for Environmental Responsibility ("SAFER, please fiord attached supplemental comnnents regarding the Final E nvTonmental hnpact Report for the Anaheim Hills Festival Specific Plan Amendment Project (SCH No. 2024010859; Developffmi Application No. 2023-00043) ('Project'). The Project is scheduled to be heard as Agenda Item 10 at the City Council meeting on February 3, 2026 at 5pm If you could please confirm receipt of this email and the attached conrvnts, that would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time! Best regards, Hayley Uno Hayley Uno (she/her) Lozeau Drury LLP 1939 Harrison Street, Suite 150 Oakland, CA 94612 Office: (510) 836-4200 havle) (& ozeaudru W.com T 510.836.4200 1939 Harrison Street, Ste. 150 www.lozeaudrury.com F 510.836.4205 Oakland, CA 94612 rebecca@lozeaudrury.com VIA EMAIL February 2, 2026 Ashleigh Aitken, Mayor Natalie Meeks, Mayor Pro Tem Ryan Balius, Council Member Carlos Leon, Council Member Natalie Rubalcava, Council Member Norma Campos Kurtz, Council Member Kristen Maahs, Council Member Anaheim City Council 200 South Anaheim Boulevard, 7th Floor Anaheim, CA 92805 publiccomment@anaheim.net aaitken@anaheim.net nmeeks@anaheim.net rbalius@anaheim.net cleon@anaheim.net nubalcava@anaheim.net nkurtz@anaheim.net kmaahs@anaheim.net Amanda Lauffer, Senior Planner Planning Services Division City of Anaheim 200 South Anaheim Boulevard, Suite 162 Anaheim, CA 92805 alauffer@anaheim.net Theresa Bass, CMC, City Clerk Anaheim City Clerk's Office 200 South Anaheim Boulevard, Room 217 Anaheim, CA 92805 cityclerk@anaheim.net tbass@anaheim.net Re: Supplemental Comment on the Final Environmental Impact Report for the Anaheim Hills Festival Specific Plan Amendment Project (SCH No. 2024010859; Development Application No. 2023-00043) Dear Mayor Aitken, Honorable Members of the Anaheim City Council, Ms. Bass, and Ms. Lauffer: This supplemental comment is submitted on behalf of Supporters Alliance for Environmental Responsibility ("SAFER") regarding the Final Environmental Impact Report ("EIR") prepared for the Anaheim Hills Festival Specific Plan Amendment Project (SCH No. 2024010859) ("Project"). The Project is scheduled to be heard at the Anaheim City Council meeting on February 3, 2026 at 5pm as Agenda Item 10. On November 17, 2025, SAFER submitted written comments ("November 17 Comment") to the Anaheim Planning Commission regarding the EIR's inadequate mitigation measures and deficient analysis of the Project's indoor air quality impacts. SAFER's November 17 Comment included comments from indoor air quality expert and certified industrial hygienist SAFER Comment Re: Anaheim Hills Festival Specific Plan Amendment Project February 2, 2026 Page 2 of 6 Francis Offermann, P.E., C.I.H., who concluded that the Project would have significant adverse human health impacts related to indoor air quality. On November 18, 2025, Kimley-Horn & Associates, Inc. ("Kimley"), the City's environmental consultant, prepared and submitted to the City responses to SAFER's November 17 Comment ("RTC Memo"). After careful review of the RTC Memo, SAFER maintains that the EIR failed to adequately analyze and mitigate the Project's significant indoor air quality impacts. SAFER thus respectfully requests that the City Council deny certification of the EIR and instead require the City to address the EIR's shortcomings in a recirculated EIR pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA"), before Project approval. PROJECT DESCRIPTION The Project involves the demolition of an existing movie cinema on the Project site and the construction of a new, 447-unit, multi -family residential building with a five -level wraparound parking structure with one level of subterranean parking on 16.2 acres of a 85.7-acre site, located in the Anaheim Hills area of the City of Anaheim. The Project site is bounded by Santa Ana Canyon Road and SR-91 to the north, Roosevelt Road to the east, single family residences to the south, and undeveloped land to the west. Surrounding land uses include commercial uses to the north, office and institutional uses to the east, residential uses to the south, and undeveloped private parcels, a park preserve, and a utility transmission corridor to the west. The site currently has a General Plan land use designation of Regional Commercial. The site consists of the entirety of the Anaheim Hills Festival Specific Plan ("Specific Plan"), which currently includes four different commercial Development Areas ("DAs"). The Project includes amendments to the Specific Plan and General Plan. The Specific Plan amendment would create a new development area, DA 5, within the existing Specific Plan boundaries to allow for the development of residential uses mixed in with existing commercial development. DA 5 would reduce DA 2 from 48 acres to 31.8 acres. The net reduction of 16.2 acres from DA 2 would be used to create DA 5 and build the Project. The General Plan amendment would change the Project site's land use designation from Regional Commercial to Mixed -Use Medium. LEGAL STANDARD I. CEQA and Environmental Impact Reports CEQA has two primary purposes. First, CEQA is designed to inform decisionmakers and the public about the potential, significant environmental effects of a project. (14 Cal. Code Regs. ["CCR"] § 15002(a)(1).) "Its purpose is to inform the public and its responsible officials of the environmental consequences of their decisions before they are made. Thus, the EIR `protects not only the environment but also informed self-government. "' (Citizens of Goleta Valley v. Bd. Of Supervisors (1990) 52 Cal.3d 553, 564.) Second, CEQA requires public agencies to avoid or reduce environmental damage when "feasible" by requiring "environmentally superior" alternatives and all feasible mitigation measures. (14 CCR § 15002(a)(2) and (3); see also SAFER Comment Re: Anaheim Hills Festival Specific Plan Amendment Project February 2, 2026 Page 3 of 6 Berkeley Jets Over the Bay Com. V. Board of Port Cmrs. (2001) 91 Cal.AppAth 1349, 1354; Goleta Valley, 52 Cal.3d at 564.) CEQA requires that an agency analyze the potential environmental impacts of its proposed actions in an Environmental Impact Report ("EIR"), except in certain limited circumstances. (See, e.g., Pub. Res. Code ["PRC"] § 21100.) The EIR is the very heart of CEQA. (Dunn -Edwards v. BAAQMD (1992) 9 Cal.AppAth 644, 652. The EIR is an "environmental `alarm bell' whose purpose is to alert the public and its responsible officials to environmental changes before they have reached the ecological points of no return." (Bakersfield Citizens for Local Control v. City of Bakersfield (2004), 124 Cal.AppAth 1184, 1220.) The EIR also functions as a "document of accountability," intended to "demonstrate to an apprehensive citizenry that the agency has, in fact, analyzed and considered the ecological implications of its action." (Laurel Heights Improvements Assn. v. Regents of Univ. of Cal. (1988) 47 Cal.3d 376, 392.) The EIR serves to provide agencies and the public with information about the environmental impacts of a proposed project and to "identify ways that environmental damage can be avoided or significantly reduced." (14 CCR § 15002(a)(2).) Critical to this purpose, the EIR must contain an "accurate and stable project description." (Cnty. of Inyo v. City of Los Angeles (1977) 71 Cal.App.3d 185 at 192-93 ("An accurate, stable and finite project description is the sine qua non of an informative and legally sufficient EIR.") The project description must contain (a) the precise location and boundaries of the proposed project, (b) a statement of the project objectives, and (c) a general description of the project's technical, economic, and environmental characteristics. (14 CCR § 15124.) II. Standard of Review The California Supreme Court has emphasized that: When reviewing whether a discussion is sufficient to satisfy CEQA, a court must be satisfied that the EIR (1) includes sufficient detail to enable those who did not participate in its preparation to understand and to consider meaningfully the issues the proposed project raises [citation omitted] ... (Sierra Club v. Cty. Of Fresno (2018) 6 Cal.5th 502, 510 (2018) [citing Laurel Heights Improvement Assn., 47 Cal.3d at 405].) The Court in Sierra Club v. Cty. of Fresno also emphasized that another primary consideration of sufficiency is whether the EIR "makes a reasonable effort to substantively connect a project's air quality impacts to likely health consequences." (Id. at 510.) "Whether or not the alleged inadequacy is the complete omission of a required discussion or a patently inadequate one -paragraph discussion devoid of analysis, the reviewing court must decide whether the EIR serves its purpose as an informational document." (Id. at 516.) Although an agency has discretion to decide the manner of discussing potentially significant effects in an EIR, "a reviewing court must determine whether the discussion of a SAFER Comment Re: Anaheim Hills Festival Specific Plan Amendment Project February 2, 2026 Page 4 of 6 potentially significant effect is sufficient or insufficient, i.e., whether the EIR comports with its intended function of including `detail sufficient to enable those who did not participate in its preparation to understand and to consider meaningfully the issues raised by the proposed project."' (Sierra Club, 6 Cal.5th at 516 [citing Bakersfield Citizens for Local Control v. City of Bakersfield (2004) 124 Cal.AppAth 1184, 1197].) "The determination whether a discussion is sufficient is not solely a matter of discerning whether there is substantial evidence to support the agency's factual conclusions." (Id. at 516.) As the Court emphasized: [W]hether a description of an environmental impact is insufficient because it lacks analysis or omits the magnitude of the impact is not a substantial evidence question. A conclusory discussion of an environmental impact that an EIR deems significant can be determined by a court to be inadequate as an informational document without reference to substantial evidence. (Id. at 514.) Additionally, "in preparing an EIR, the agency must consider and resolve every fair argument that can be made about the possible significant environmental effects of a project." (Protect the Historic Amador Waterways v. Amador Water Agency (2004) 116 Cal.AppAth 1099, 1109.) DISCUSSION I. The City must address and mitigate the Project's significant adverse indoor air quality impacts in a revised EIR. In its RTC Memo, Kimley responded to analysis in SAFER's November 17 Comment from indoor air quality expert and certified industrial hygienist Bud Offermann, P.E., C.I.H. Mr. Offermann reviewed the EIR and other relevant documents prepared for the Project. He found that the EIR provided no analysis of the Project's indoor air quality impacts. He concluded that the Project will expose its future residents to significant adverse health impacts related to indoor air quality, particularly emissions of the cancer -causing chemical formaldehyde from Project building materials. (See November 17 Comment, Ex. A.) Mr. Offermann is a leading expert on indoor air quality and has published extensively on the topic. A. Under CEQA, the City has a duty to address the Project's indoor air quality impacts on future residents. In response to Mr. Offermann's findings, Kimley argued that the Project's indoor air quality impacts on future Project residents are not considered environmental impacts under CEQA and therefore do not need to be addressed in the EIR. (RTC Memo at 6.) However, the City's failure to address the Project's formaldehyde emissions is contrary to the California Supreme Court's decision in California Building Industry Ass'n v. Bay Area Air Quality Mgmt. Dist. (2015) 62 Cal.4th 369, 386 ("CBIA"). The Court held in CBIA that CEQA does not generally require lead agencies to analyze the impacts of adjacent environmental conditions on a project. (Id. at 800-01.) However, to the extent that a project may exacerbate existing environmental conditions at or near a project site, those effects would still have to be considered SAFER Comment Re: Anaheim Hills Festival Specific Plan Amendment Project February 2, 2026 Page 5 of 6 pursuant to CEQA. (Id. at 801 ["CEQA calls upon an agency to evaluate existing conditions in order to assess whether a project could exacerbate hazards that are already present"].) In so holding, the Court expressly held that CEQA's statutory language requires lead agencies to disclose and analyze "impacts on a project's users or residents that arise from the project's effects on the environment." (Id. at 800.) The carcinogenic formaldehyde emissions that Mr. Offermann has identified are not an existing environmental condition. Those emissions will be from the Project. Residential tenants will be the Project's users. Currently, there is presumably little to no formaldehyde emissions at the site. Once built, the Project will start emitting formaldehyde at levels posing significant direct and cumulative health risks to the Project's users. The California Supreme Court in CBIA expressly found that this air emission and health impact from the Project on the environment and a "project's users and residents" must be addressed under CEQA. The California Supreme Court's reasoning is well-grounded in CEQA's statutory language. CEQA expressly includes a project's effects on human beings as an effect on the environment that must be addressed in an environmental review. "Section 21083(b)(3)'s express language, for example, requires a finding of a `significant effect on the environment' (§ 21083(b)) whenever the `environmental effects of a project will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly."' (CBIA, 62 CalAth at 800 [emphasis in original].) Likewise, "the Legislature has made clear —in declarations accompanying CEQA's enactment — that public health and safety are of great importance in the statutory scheme." (Id., citing e.g., §§ 21000, subds. (b), (c), (d), (g), 2 100 1, subds. (b), (d).) It goes without saying that the Project's future residents are human beings, and their health and safety must be subjected to CEQA's safeguards. The City thus has a duty to investigate issues relating to a project's potential environmental impacts. (See County Sanitation Dist. No. 2 v. Cnty. of Kern, (2005) 127 Cal.AppAth 1544, 1597-98. ["[U]nder CEQA, the lead agency bears a burden to investigate potential environmental impacts."].) The Project will have significant effects on indoor air quality and health risks by emitting formaldehyde that will expose future residents to cancer risks exceeding SCAQMD's significance threshold for cancer risk of 10 per million. B. Mr. Offermann's indoor air quality analysis is based on currently available information from the City. Additionally, Kimley claimed that Mr. Offermann's analysis is invalid and unsubstantiated because it was based purely on unreasonable speculation and false assumptions regarding the Project's construction and residential unit specifications. (RTC Memo at 6.) However, Mr. Offermann's comments are based on the currently available information provided by the City in the EIR and its technical reports. None of the available documents disclosed which building materials will be used to construct the Project. It is the City's duty to investigate and disclose this information. As Mr. Offermann explained in his analysis, many composite wood products used in building materials commonly found in residences and commercial spaces contain formaldehyde -based glues which release formaldehyde gas over a very long period of SAFER Comment Re: Anaheim Hills Festival Specific Plan Amendment Project February 2, 2026 Page 6 of 6 time. He states, "The primary source of formaldehyde indoors is composite wood products manufactured with urea -formaldehyde resins, such as plywood, medium density fiberboard, and particle board. These materials are commonly used in residential, office, and retail building construction for flooring, cabinetry, baseboards, window shades, interior doors, and window and door trims." (November 17 Comment, Ex. A at 2-3.) C. The City has provided no evidence that Mr. Offermann's indoor air quality analyses are based on outdated data. Furthermore, Kimley alleged that Mr. Offermann's analysis and cited studies are irrelevant and based on outdated data inconsistent with the Project. (RTC Memo at 7.) However, Kimley provides no evidence that Mr. Offermann's studies are irrelevant or outdated. In light of the City's lack of any evidence to the contrary, the EIR does not comply with CEQA, and the Project must undergo CEQA review through a revised EIR instead before Project approval. CONCLUSION For the foregoing reasons, SAFER respectfully requests that the City Council require the City to revise the EIR to adequately address and mitigate the Project's significant adverse impacts and ensure compliance with CEQA. The City should then recirculate the EIR so that the public will have a full opportunity to review and comment on the analysis and mitigation measures. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Rebecca Davis LOZEAU DRURY LLP Date: 2/2/2026 5:48:55 PM Frorn: "Public Comment" publicconnnent@anaheimnet, "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" To: CLeon@anaheimnet, "Ryan Balius" RBalius@anaheimnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava@anaheimnet, "Nonrrra C. Kurtz" NKurU2*auaheimne4 "KristenMaahs" KMaahs@anaheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Please vote NO on the Shea/Festival Center apartments — It's a safety issue [You don't often get email fro Learn why this is important at httns •J/aka.ns/LeamAboutSenderldentification ] Warning: This email originated from outside the City ofAnaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Council Member, I amwriting to you as a 28 year resident of Sycamore Canyon to ask you to please vote "No" on the proposed apartments at the Anaheim Hills Festival Center. I lived here during the Canyon Fire 2 in 2017, and I will never forget the feeling ofbeing stuck in my car, watching the smoke get closer, and literally not rrnving for over an hour. It wasn't just "traffic" it was a total standstill. The thought of adding hundreds of new apartments and about 1000+ more people to that exact same escape route is terrifying to those ofus who have actually been in that situation. The reports for this project say that adding these cars will "only" add about 7 minutes to the evacuation time. But when you're already stuck for three hours and the fire is moving toward you, 7 minutes is a lifetime. We don't have extra roads or "secret" ways out of the Hills; we all end up on the same few lanes. Adding more people to a neighborhood that is already a bottleneck during a fire just feels like a tragedy waiting to happen. I understand that the city needs housing, but it shouldn't be built in a place where people are already struggling to get out safely. Pleas e don't make an existing danger even worse just for a new development. We are asking you to prioritize the lives and safety ofthe people who already live here and pay taxes here. Sincerely, Helen Scott Sent fromnry iPhone Date: 2/2/2026 5:50:21 PM From "Teresa P"� "Public Continent" publicconnnent@anaheimnet, "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" To: CLeon@anaheimnet, "Ryan Balius" RBalius@anaheimnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava@anaheimnet, "Nonrua C. Kurtz" NKuttz*anaheimnet, "KristenMaahs" KMaahs@anaheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Festival development You don't often get ermd from Leam why this is important Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Council Member, I am writing to you as a resident of Belsomet to ask you to please vote "No" on the proposed apartments at the Anaheim Hills Festival Center. I lived here during the Canyon Fire 2 in 2017, and I will never forget the feeling of being stuck in my car, watching the smoke get closer, and literally not ffovina for hours - I never did make it out of the area. It wasn't just "traffic" - it was a total standstill. ".-- t'roaght of adding hundreds of new apartments and about 1000+ more people to that exact same escape route is terrifying to those of us who have actually been in that situation. The reports for this project say that adding these cars will "only" add about 7 minutes to the evacuation time. But when you're already stuck for three hours and the fire is moving toward you, 7 minutes is a lifetime. We don't have extra roads or "secret" ways out of the Hills; we all end up on the same few lanes. Adding more people to a neighborhood that is already a bottleneck during a fire just feels like a tragedy waiting to happen. I understand that the city needs housing, but it shouldn't be built in a place where people are already struggling to get out safely. Please don't make an existing danger even worse just for a new development. We are asking you to prioritize the lives and safety of the people who already live here and pay taxes here. Sincerely, Teresa Ploum Date: 2/2/2026 5:52:23 PM From: 'Ben and Nancy Hunter" "Public Conrnent" publicconmrnt@anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" CLeon@anaheimnet, "Ashleigh Aitken" To: AAitken@anaheimnet, "Ryan Balius" RBalius@anaheim net, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava@anaheimnet, "Norma C. Kurtz" NKurtz*anaheimnet, "KristenMaahs" KMaahs@anaheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Logic and Safety: Why the Festival Center Project is a Mistake You don't often get email from L eam why this is important Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Council Members, I am writing to ask you to vote "No" on the Anaheim Hills Festival Center apartment project. You don't need to be a traffic expert to see that Santa Ana Canyon Road is already at its limit. Most days, just getting to the store or work is a challenge. The idea that we can add over 400 apartments and about 1300 people to this area without creating a disaster during a wildfire evacuation just doesn't pass the "common sense" test. The city's own reports admit that it already takes residents over three hours to get out during a fire. To then say that adding another 7 minutes of delay is "not a big deal" is incredibly frustrating to those of us who live here. If a bucket is already overflowing, you don't keep pouring more water into it and say it's fine. By approving this, the city is basically admitting the evacuation plan is broken but choosing to make it even more crowded anyway. We need our leaders to look at the reality of our streets, not just the numbers on a developer's spreadsheet. Please do the responsible thing and protect the residents who are already here. We need better ways to get out of the Hills, not more people trapped in them. Please vote "No" on this project. Sincerely, Ben and Nancy Hunter Date: 2/2/2026 5:56:16 PM From: "Maria Bessem" To: "Public Corrnnent" publiccomnent@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Proposed Festival Development of 447 apartments You don't often get email from Learn why this is important Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear City Council members, As a 30 year resident of East Anaheim, I am opposed to the extremely large project on a postage sized parcel. Rezoning the second level of Festival center opens us up to even more high density housing in the future. We simply do not have the infrastructure and a safe evacuation timetable as it stands now. An additional 900+ residents and cars will make emergency services and evacuation even more lengthy during a crisis. Please put the safety and quality of life of East Anaheim residents before profits. Best Regards, Date: 2/2/2026 6:56:10 PM From "Rose Edwards" E "Public Comment" publicconnnent@anaheimnet, "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" To: CLeon@anaheimnet, "Ryan Balius" RBalius@anaheimnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava@anaheimnet, "Nonrua C. Kurtz" NKurU2*auaheimne4 "KristenMaahs" KMaahs@anaheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Please vote NO on the Shea/Festival Center apartments — It's a safety issue [You don't often get email from Learn why this is itTortant at his:Haka.rrNfLeamAboutSenderldentification ] Warning: This email originated from outside the City ofAnaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Council Member, I amwriting to you as a 40 year resident of Snaheim Hills, to ask you to please vote "No" on the proposed apartments at the Anaheim Hills Festival Center. I lived here during the Canyon Fire 2 in 2017, and i will never forget the feeling ofbeing stuck in my car, watching the smoke get closer, and literally not nnving for over an hour. It wasn't just "traffic" it was a total standstill. The thought of adding hundreds ofnew apartments and about 1000+more people to that exact same escape route is terrifying to those ofus who have actually been in that situation. The reports for this project say that adding these cars will "only" add about 7 minutes to the evacuation time. But when you're already stuck for three hours and the fire is moving toward you, 7 minutes is a lifetime. We don't have extra roads or "secret" ways out of the Hills; we all end up on the same few lanes. Adding more people to a neighborhood that is already a bottleneck during a fire just feels like a tragedy waiting to happen. I understand that the city needs housing, but it shouldn't be built in a place where people are already struggling to get out safely. Please don't make an existing danger even worse just for a new development. We are asking you to prioritize the lives and safety ofthe people who already live here and pay taxes here. Sincerely, Rose Edwards Sent fromnry iPhone Date: 2/2/2026 7:07:17 PM Frorm "Grace McGee" M "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" To: CLeon@anaheimnet, "Ryan Balius" RBalius@anaheimnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava@anaheimnet "Norma C. Kurtz" NKurbz*anaheimnet, "Kristen Maahs" KMaah@ sanaheimnet, "Public Comment" Cc: publiccomnent@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] PLEASE Vote NO on Festival project [You don't often get email fro Learn why this is important at httns://aka.ms/LeamAboutSenderldentification ] Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Please vote no on the Festival project. The theater traffic has already been replaced, and vastly more so, by all the cut -through 91 fwy traffic over the last several years!!! Are you seriously willing to risk all the lives of the farmrilies that live here by adding more traffic to a VERYMCiH FIRE SEVERITYZONE? Are you willing to risk all the lives ofthe families who move into the proposed Festival project? What about all the private schools, and kids activities... how are they going to evacuate ifparents can't come into the area to get their kids, per the Know Your Way plan rules? Are you willing to risk all of these children's lives? What about all of the elderly at the Overlook, Palacio, Brookdale, and Meridian senior living facilities? What about all of the elderly in their homes? Are you willing to risk all of their lives? Your yes vote would mean you are knowingly endangering erdsting citizens, plus all the new Festival residents, because increasing traffic in the area mans even more people will be stuck and can't escape the next wildfire. Please help us, and vote NO. Sincerely, Grace McGee Sent frommy iPhone Date: 2/2/2026 7:22:19 PM From "Heidi To: "Public Public Continent" publicconmrent*anaheimnet, "Ashleigh Aitken" AAltken*a anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" CLeonna anaheimnet, "Rvan Balius" RBalius(&Anaheimney "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava@anaheimnet, "Nonni Kur tz" rtz" NKmtz(n)anaheimnet, "LKil "Kristen Maahs" aahs@anaheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@amaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL[ PleaseM vote NO on the Shea/Festival Center apartments — It's a safety issue You don't often get email from—L.Hn v y this is important Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not elick links or open attachmems unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Council Member, I an writing to you as a resident of Runnina Springs Elementry school district to ask you to please vote "No" on the proposed apartments at the Anaheim Hills Festival Center. I 1. My neighbors had to bleak into our home to save our dogs and sat on Weis Canyon £or 6 hours with fire surrounding them. The thought of adding hundreds of new apartments and about 1000+ more people to that exact same escape route is terrifying to ALL of us'!'! The —poets £or this p—ject say that adliny tr,ese cars will "only" aJJ about 7 minutes to the evacuation time. But wl.en you'— already stuck fol three ho uis a -I thfire is mo vi. Serrano has already became a mini highway, with Corona residents using our neighborhood as a highway connecting to the 91. I understand that the city needs housing, but it shouldn't be built in a place where people are already struggling to get out safely. Please don't make an existing danger even wo. Sincerely, He' di To— s Sent from my (Phone Date: 2/2/2026 7:34:32 PM From "Lisa Henry" "Public Comment" publicconnnent@anaheimnet, "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" To: CLeon@anaheimnet, "Ryan Balius" RBalius@anaheimnet, "Natalie Rubaleava" NRubaleava@anaheimnet, "Non= C. Kurtz" NKuttz*anaheimnet, "KristenMaahs" KMaahs@anaheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Please vote NO on the Shea/Festival Center apartments — It's a safety issue You don't often get email from Learn why this is important Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Council Member, I am writing to you as a resident of [Your Neighborhood] to ask you to please vote 'No" on the proposed apartments at the Anaheim Hills Festival Center. I lived here during the Canyon Fire 2 in 2017, and I will never forget the feeling of being stuck in my car, watching the smoke get closer, and literally not roving Zr over an hour. It wasn't just 'Vac" —it was a total standstill. The thought of adding hundreds of new apartments and about 1000+ more people to that exact same escape route is terrifying to those of us who have actually been in that situation The reports for this project say that adding these cars will "only" add about 7 minutes to the evacuation time. But when you're already stuck for three hours and the fire is roving toward you, 7 nzR#es is a lifetime. We don't have extra roads or "secret" ways out of the Hills; we all end up on the same few lanes. Adding more people to a neighborhood that is already a bottleneck during a fire just feels bike a tragedy waiting to happen 1 understand that the city needs housing, but it shouldn't be built in a place where people are already stn.W)i ng to get out safely. I experienced the 2017 fires and it was to fying. Don't make me have to do it again. Please don't make an existing danger even worse just for a new development We are asking you to priomitiz-- the lives and safety of the people who already live here and pay taxes here. Sincerely, Elizabeth He Date: 2/2/2026 7:37:16 PM From "Jayson Belt" To: "Public Comimnt" publiccomment@anaheim.net Subject: [EXTERNAL] Council meeting re: Festival Center development You don't often get email from Learn why this is nnportant Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. To the council, My family and I moved to this neighborhood 2 1/2 years ago. We absolutely love the area and the conrm*. That said, the traffic is surprisingly problematic. Fromweekerxl travelers trying to get out of town and using Santa Ana Carryon to bypass 91 traffic to simple before/after school insanity. We're bu rstnrg MEltrid every day we spend over an bour of our lives in pickup/drop offtraffic. For a total round trip of miles at the rnost, it's a significant impact. Beyond that, if there's any actual problem on Santa Ana Canyon, those tirms can be astronomically worse. I've reached out to Public Works several tirr es since we've moved about contractors doing work before 830am on Santa Ana Canyon, Nohl Ranch, hrperial, and Canyon Rim Public Works has been incredible in addressing these issues promptly. That said, the ninimal disruption from these road/landscape projects can back up traffic for rnore than 20 minutes- on top of regular congestion The point of this is simple- our current infrastructure is barely capable of serving the con runity as it is. Any additional vehicles or population is a recipe for an absolute safety nightmare. Given the lack ofarterial options in/out of Anaheim Hills, there should be significant consideration given to the safety implications of a high fire risk area. Please stop the Festival Center development before we find out what an additional 400+ residents will do to our ability (or lack thereof) to get our f niflies where they need to be, safely. -Jayson Belt Date: 2/2/2026 7:56:27 PM From "Rick Moyer" - To: "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@anaheimnet "Andrew Winger" 'Linda" 'Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" CLeon@anaheimnet, "Kristen Maahs" KMaahs@anaheimnet, "Ryan Balius" RBalius@anaheimnet, Cc: 'Nornra C. Kurtz" NKurtz@anaheimnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava@anaheimnet, "Public Connnent" publiccomnent@anaheimnet Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL] "Absolute Gridlock" Dear Natalie: Thank you for taking the time to edam your position This is a matter of accountability. Ifyou are so confident that the new Evacuation plan will address the critical issues raised by the Anaheim Hills comrnmity (e.g. gridlock, death traps, extraordinary delays, single lane passages/bottlenecks, potential direction into a fire, poor signage, etc.) then you should be willing to accept full responsibility if anything goes wrong with the evacuation during the next fire. Will you do this? Will you stand up during tornorrow night's city council meting and announce that you will take full responsibility? Ifyou won't then who will? The authors of the plan? Who will we hold accountable for casualties as a result of the next failed evacuation? Have you considered having a coinnit tee of concerned residents who actually use and know the roads review the plan and have input? Sincerely, Rick On Mon, Feb 2, 2026 at 2:08 PM Natalie Meeks <NMeeks&naheimnet> wrote: Dear Neighbor— Thank you to everyone that took the time to share their thoughts on the proposed project at the Festival Center. Our community is beautiful but it is the caring people that make it so special. I will always make the safety of our community a priority, which includes wild fire safety and evacuation. Many residents vividly recall the unsuccessful evacuation during the 2017 fire and carry fear with them from that experience. Identifying what went wrong and fixing it to insure it won't happen again has been my mission. There were a lot of lessons learned in the 2017 evacuation which have been incorporated in to current evacuation plans. Since that time, the City's Fire Department, Police Department and Public Works have done significant work and coordinated with our adjacent and partner entities to develop an evacuation plan that addresses the previous failures. Since a full scale test of the plan isn't feasible since it would require complete shutdown of the 91 Freeway and 241 Toll Road, a traffic model was implemented to confirm the plan will work. Every potential fire is different, so multiple scenarios have been tested. All of the planning and traffic modelling include significant traffic generation from the Festival site. Whether it is a commercial use (like the theater was) or the proposed residential use, the traffic from the site will be very similar and is included in the evacuation models. Another concern is the surrounding infrastructure available for evacuation. The traffic issues in Anaheim Hills are the result of freeway traffic cutting through our community to bypass gridlock on the 91 Freeway and 241 Toll Road. Without this cut through traffic, Anaheim Hills has sufficient infrastructure to serve the community. We must address this issue at its source and improvements are underway. The 91/241 Direct Connector project will begin construction this year and will be complete in 2029. Construction has already begun on a multi -phase improvement plan for the 91 Frwy which will add lanes and reduce weaving to avoid backups. These projects will not eliminate cut through traffic but will significantly reduce it. When considering the proposed project, I also need to consider State mandates for housing. This site at the Festival Center is the only housing site in Anaheim Hills included in the City's Housing Plan. It is arguably the least impactful site in Anaheim Hills for housing since the site is already approved for development. The traffic generated by the proposed project is offset by the previous commercial use. The building size and scale is not out of place with the surrounding commercial uses. The project does not impact open space. The project retains the gym and the daycare which are important amenities for the community. The project development agreement requires investment in the Festival Center commercial uses to attract high quality tenants and help insure the economic viability of the center for many years to come. On January 13, 2026, the City Council opened the public hearing to hear public testimony and staff presentations. After additional discussion, the City Council voted to continue the item to the February 3, 2026 meeting. The City Council Agenda for the February 3rd meeting has been posted to the City's web5ite, here: https://www.anaheim.net/2142/View-City-Council-Meetings. The applicant has requested a continuance to the March 3, 2026 City Council meeting, which the City Council will consider at tomorrow's meeting. Should the City Council vote to approve the continuance, the item would be discussed during the March 3rd City Council meeting. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have additional questions. Sincerely, Natalie Meeks Anaheim Council Member District 6 From: Rick Moyer Sent: Sunday, February 1, 20269:44 PM To: Ashleigh Aitken <AAitkenOanaheim.net>; Public Comment <pubIiccomment@anaheim.net>; Natalie Meeks <NMeeks(cDanaheim.net>; Ryan BaIius <RBalius(@anaheim.net>; Carlos A. Leon <CLeonCcDanaheim.net>; Natalie RubaIcava <NRubaIcavaCa)anaheim.net>; Norma C. Kurtz <NKurtz0anaheim.net>; Kristen Maahs<KMaahsPanaheim.net> Subject: [EXTERNAL] "Absolute Gridlock" Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Mayor Aitken and Anaheim City Council Members: The purpose of this correspondence is to voice objection to the Festival Center development, as well as any other proposed high -density housing projects in Anaheim Hills. To understand the basis for my objection, I need to provide some background. My name is Dr. Rick Moyer and I am a retired Internist. After working in Emergency Medicine at a Level I trauma center for a few years at the beginning of my medical career, I established a medical practice in San Bernardino, while my wife Kaye completed a residency in Anesthesiology at Loma Linda. In 1995 we purchased the home of former Angel baseball player Fred Lynn. Our home is situated on a 2 acre parcel uphill from Serrano Avenue, within the Santiago Geologic Hazard Abatement District (SGHAD). From our backyard we can see a large portion of Serrano Avenue. While working in the field of Emergency Medicine I worked with a group of doctors who manned helicopter rescue missions. This provided me with experience in caring for burn victims in the field. At the end of this paragraph is a link to a Channel 7 news clip from October 9, 2017, the day of the Canvon 2 fire. We live on Via El Estribo and spent the day protecting our home from embers and spot fires using our fire pump and protective aear. Around one minute and 47 seconds into the clip, the reporter describes the evacuation route on Serrano Avenue as "ABSOLUTE GRIDLOCK". This refers to a total standstill in traffic, where movement is impossible in either direction. https://abc7.com/videoCl ip/2512964/ My wife and I can attest to the GRIDLOCK as we can see Serrano from our back vard. At one point in the dav, when we were surrounded by fire and exhausted bevond measure, we had to decide whether to stav and fight the fire or evacuate. Notinq the GRIDLOCK on Serrano, which was the only way out, we decided we'd be better off takina our chances fiahtina the fire than becomina victims of a failed evacuation. I should mention that the fire commander on scene (from El Toro, not Anaheim) recruited us and our equipment to stop the forward proaression of the fire. We were successful and later received recognition from Cal -Trans for our involvement in what was referred to as the "Zone of Danger'. Whether it's Lahaina, Paradise, Anaheim Hills or anvwhere else for that matter, a "DEATH TRAP" may be created by a bottlenecked evacuation route or GRIDLOCK. Although Serrano is uphill from Santa Ana Canyon, the GRIDLOCK on Serrano was due to back-up frorn congestion further down the hill on Santa Ana Canvon. In wind -driven fires such as the Canvon 2 fire, smoke blows hard, stays low to the ground, and may engulf vehicles. Unless you have specialized respiratory equipment, you cannot avoid inhalinq the carbon monoxide (and other toxins) that are present in the smoke. Once in the bloodstream, the carbon monoxide molecules displace oxvaen molecules from red blood cells. This leads to low oxvaen levels, or "Nooxia", which in turn causes sedation, confusion, possible seizures and potentially even death. Complications of smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide poisoning are a maior reason why people are found dead in their cars following evacuations from a fire. Our community was fortunate not to have more victims during the failed evacuation that occurred during the Canyon 2 fire. When Dr. Kaye Mover and I served on the SGHAD board a few years aqo we learned a little bit about Anaheim's inner workings. For example, we learned that Anaheim often relies on outside vendors to provide summary reports and recommendations. This serves to transfer liabilitv from the citv to an outside party. Althouqh I've not seen a recent report reqardinq the Evacuation Plan for Anaheim Hills, I believe you have probably been provided with a report indicating the Plan is acceptable and therefore you should approve the development. However, I have iust provided you with eyewitness accounts of the ABSOLUTE GRIDLOCK that occurred durina the Canvon 2 fire evacuation. I have also provided you with information regardinq the DEATH TRAP that is created by GRIDLOCK. You can search the internet and see how many people died in the Lahaina and Paradise fires. It is also my understanding that dozens, if not hundreds, of Anaheim Hills residents have sent emails, attended City Council meetings, etc. voicing their obiections to adding high-densitv development in Anaheim Hills due to the traffic problems that already exist. My wife, who grew up with NASCAR racing leaends Bobbv and Donnie Allison, recently commented that due to the freeway short -cutters and congestion, gettinq on Serrano and Santa Ana Canyon in the afternoons carries the same danger and anxiety as leaving a pit stop and entering a NASCAR race. Also while serving on the SGHAD board, we came across a book called Landformina, by Horst Schor. A chapter of the book (attached) is dedicated to the development of Anaheim Hills. In his book, Mr. Schor describes how the development of Anaheim Hills was almost scrapped due to challenges created by steep topogranhv, unfavorable aeologv and canvon conditions. Original plans which included hiah-densitv housing had to be ditched and the City had to implement a novel and unproven method of gradina called "Landform gradinq and reveaetation". Consequently, the aeoaraphv of Anaheim Hills only allows a limited capacity for ingress and egress. Manv of the roads from "up the hill" exit onto single lane roads before exitina the area, settinq up multiple opportunities for "DEATH TRAPS" during an evacuation. The aeoaraphv cannot be chanaed. All of this was previously reviewed by the Anaheim Citv Council back in 1975 but apparently Iona forqotten. Anaheim Hills iust cannot handle the increase in vehicular traffic that will come with high density development. Why is high -density development in Anaheim Hills even being discussed? Is the city that is home to "The Happiest Place on Earth" so desperate for additional revenue that you would ieooardize the lives of the residents of Anaheim Hills? Please sav NO to anv current and/or future high -density development in Anaheim Hills until such time that an Evacuation Plan can be developed that is proven to be safe and effective, thorouahlv tested and approved by the residents. I'll close with one last Question for each of you - Will you be able to sleep at night if you personally approve of any of these projects and we have casualties from another failed evacuation? Sincerely, Richard J. Moyer, M.D. Dr. Rick Moyer Dr. Rick Moyer Date: 2/2/2026 8:30:38 PM Frog "Crafty Sarah". "Public Comment" publicconnnent@anaheimnet, "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" To: CLeon@anaheimnet, "Ryan Balius" RBalius@anaheimnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava@anaheimnet, "Nortna C. Kurtz" NKurU2*auaheimne4 "KristenMaahs" KMaahs@anaheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Please vote NO on the Shea/Festival Center apartments — It's a safety issue [You don't often get email fro Learn why this is important at httns://aka.rrN/LeamAboutSenderldentification ] Warning: This email originated from outside the City ofAnaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Council Member, I amwriting to you as a resident of [Your Neighborhood] to ask you to please vote "No" on the proposed apartments at the Anaheim Hills Festival Center. I lived here during the Canyon Fire 2 in 2017, and i will never forget the feeling ofbeing stuck in my car, watching the smoke get closer, and literally not moving for over an hour. It wasn't just "traffic" it was a total standstill. The thought of adding hundreds ofnew apartments and about 1000+more people to that exact same escape route is terrifying to those ofus who have actually been in that situation. The reports for this project say that adding these cars will "only" add about 7 minutes to the evacuation time. But when you're already stuck for three hours and the fire is moving toward you, 7 minutes is a lifetime. We don't have extra roads or "secret" ways out of the Hills; we all end up on the same few lanes. Adding more people to a neighborhood that is already a bottleneck during a fire just feels like a tragedy waiting to happen. I understand that the city needs housing, but it shouldn't be built in a place where people are already struggling to get out safely. Please don't make an existing danger even worse just for a new development. We are asking you to prioritize the lives and safety ofthe people who already live here and pay taxes here. Sincerely, Sarah Sent frommy iPhone Date: 2/2/2026 9:53:46 PM Frog "Mary Tran" _ "Public Continent" publicconnnent@anaheimnet, "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" To: CLeon@anaheimnet, "Ryan Balius" RBalius@anaheimnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava@anaheimnet, "Non= C. Kurtz" NKurU2*auaheimne4 "KristenMaahs" KMaahs@anaheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Concerns about the Festival Center Project and Wildfire Safety [You don't often get email fro Learn why this is important at httns:,/aka.ns/LeamAboutSenderldentification ] Warning: This email originated from outside the City ofAnaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Council Member, I moved to Anaheim Hills because it is a beautiful, family -oriented corrimnity, but I am very concerned about the proposed Shea/Festival Center apartment project. Since moving here, I've learned that our neighborhood is in a high -risk fire zone with very limited ways to get out. I was shocked to read that it already takes over three hours to evacuate this area during an emergency. Adding over 1,000 more people and their cars to our streets seems like a huge risk to everyone's safety. The project's environmental report admits that these new apartments will make evacuation times even longer. As a parent, I think about what would happen if a fire broke out while I was trying to get my [kids/pets/elderly parents] to safety. Ifthe roads are already failing, adding hundreds more cars into the mixwill make a bad situation impossible. It feels like the city is hoping for the best rather than planning for the worst. I amnot against new housing in general, but it has to be built in the right places. Putting high -density housing at a known bottleneck in a fire zone is not responsible I am asking you to please put our safety first and vote "No" on this project until we have a real solution for getting people out of the Hills safely. Sincerely, Mary Tran Sent fromnry iPhone Date: 2/2/2026 9:58:38 PM From: "Andy Cao" "Public Comment" publicconnnent@anaheimnet, "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" To: CLeon@anaheimnet, "Ryan Balius" RBalius@anaheimnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava@anaheimnet, "Non= C. Kurtz" NKurfz*anaheimnet, "KristenMaahs" KMaahs@anaheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Why the Festival Center Project is a Mistake You don't often get eniiff fro Learn why this is important Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Council Member, I am writing to ask you to vote 'No" on the Anaheim Hills Festival Center apartnicit project. You don't need to be a traffic expert to see that Sawa Ana Canyon Road is already at its linrit. Most days, just getting to the store or work is a challenge. The idea that we can add over 400 aparhnents and about 1300 people to this area without creating a disaster during a wildfire evacuation just doesn't pass the "congmn sense" test. The city own reports admit that it already takes residents over three hours to get out during a fire. To then say that adding another 7 minutes of delay is "not a big deal" is incredibly frustrating to those of us who We here. If a bucket is already overflowing you don't keep pouring more water into it and say it's fine. By approving this, the city is basically adnutting the evacuation plan is broken but choosing to make it even rnore crowded anyway. We need our leaders to look at the reality of our streets, not just the numbers on a developer's spreadsheet. Please do the responsible thing and protect the residents who are already here. We need better ways to get out of the Hills, not tnore people trapped in them Please vote 'No" on this project. Sincerely, Andy Cao Date: 2/2/2026 9:59:11 PM From "Patty Fltzjerrells"I "Public Comment" publicconnnent@anaheimnet, "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" To: CLeon@anaheimnet, "Ryan Balius" RBalius@anaheimnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava@anaheimnet, "Nontna C. Kurtz" NKurU2*auaheimne4 "KristenMaahs" KMaahs@anaheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Please vote NO on the Shea/Festival Center apartments — It's a safety issue [You don't often get email from Learn why this is important at httns • /aka.rrs/LeamAboutSenderldentification ] Warning: This email originated from outside the City ofAnaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Council Mender, I amwriting to you as a resident of AnaheimHills to ask you to please vote "No" on the proposed apartments at the Anaheim Hills Festival Center. I have lived here over 30 years and during the Canyon Fire 2 in 2017, and i will never forget the nightmare feeling ofbeing stuck in my car, watching the smoke get dangerously closer, and literally not moving for over an hour. It wasn't just "traffic" it was a total standstill. The thought ofadding hundreds ofnew apartments and about 1000+more people to that exact same escape route is absolutely terrifying to those ofus who have actually been in that situation. The reports for this project say that adding these cars will "only" add about 7long minutes to the evacuation time. But when you're already stuck for three hours and the fire is moving toward you, 7 minutes is a lifetime. We don't have extra roads or "secret" ways out ofthe Hills; we all end up on the same few lanes. Adding more people to a neighborhood that is already a bottleneck during a fire just feels like a nightmare and tragedy waiting to happen. I understand that the city needs housing, but it shouldn't be built in a place where people are already desperately struggling to get out safely. Please don't make an existing danger even worse just for a new development. We are asking you to please prioritize the lives and safety of the people who already five here and pay taxes here. Sincerely, Patricia Fitz'errells Sent frommy iPhone Date: 2/2/202610:58:43 PM From: "Anita Yacoub" "Public Corrrnent" publicconnnent@anaheimnet, "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" To: CLeon@anaheimnet, "Ryan Balius" RBalius@anaheimnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava@anaheimnet, "Norma C. Kurtz" NKurfz*anaheimnet, "KristenMaahs" KMaahs@maheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Public Safety Concerns Regarding the Festival Center Proposal You don't often get email from Learn why this is important Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Council Member, I am writing to respectfully ask that you oppose the Anaheim Hills Festival Center apartment proposal Anyone who regularly uses Santa Ana Canyon Road knows it is already overwhelmed. Everyday errands, cola sting, and school drop- offs are routinely slowed by heavy congestion Adding more than 400 new apartrnents—bringing roughly 1,300 additional residents into the area —wises serious concerns, especially when considering emergency situations such as wildfire evacuations. City documentation indicates that evacuating Anaheim Hills during a fire can already take rnore than three hours. In that context, disrriissing additional delays as insilpAlcant feels, disconnected frorn the reality residents face. When an evacuation system is already stretched to its breaking point, adding nxrre people and vehicles only increases the risk. Approving this project sends the tressage that known evacuation shortconmngs are being accepted rather than fixed. Our convarity needs decision-n akers who priorkim real -world safety conditions over theoretical trams models. Before increasing residential density, the city should focus on improving traflic flow and ensuring residents have reliable, safe evacuation routes during emergencies. I urge you to consider the safety of those who already live here and to reject this proposal until neaningful infrastructure improverrents are in place. please vote No on the Festival Center project. Thank you for your titre and consideration Sincerely, Arita Yacoub Date: 2/2/202611:17:18 PM From "Nat" To: "Public Comrmnt" publiccomment@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Regarding the Festival Center Proposal You don't often get email from L.cam why this is important Warning: This entail originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the ruessage. Dear Council Member, I chose to rmve to Anaheim Hills because of its strong sense of comrrunity and quality of life, but I am deeply concerned about the proposed Shea/Festival Center apartn ent developnwnt and what it mans for public safety. Since living here, I've beconu increasingly aware that our area is designated as a high wildfire risk zone with very lumted evacuation routes. Learning that it already takes trnre than three hours for residents to evacuate during a fire was alarrning. Adding more than 1,000 additional residents —arid rid the vehicles that corm with them onto the same constrained roadways introduces a level of risk that should not be ignored. The emirormnental analysis for this project acknowledges that evacuation times will increase if the development moves forward. As someone responsible for the safety of my firmly, I can't help but think about the consequences of a wildfire occurring while residers are trying to leave sirnrltaneously. When road capacity is already strained, even small increases in traffic can turn a dangerous situation into a catastrophic one. Approving this project feels less like careful planning and more like crossing forgers and hoping conditions never reach their worst. I support responsible housing development, but location tratters. Concentrating high -density housing at an existing traffic bottleneck within a fire - prone area is not a prudent decision Public safety should corm before development timelines. I respectfully urge you to place the safety of current residents first and vote No on the Festival Center project until neaningU evacuation and infrastructure solutions are in place. Sincerely, Natalie Yacoub Date: 2/3/2026 3:43:48 AM From: "Mark Richardson" "Public Conrnent" publicconnnent@anaheimnet, "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" To: CLeon@anaheimnet, "Ryan Balius" RBalius@anaheimnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava@anaheimnet, "Norma C. Kurtz" NKurU2*auaheimne4 "KristenMaahs" KMaahs@anaheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Vote No on Anaheim Hills Festival Project [Some people who received this message don't often get email from Learn why this is important at httns://aka.rrrs/LeamAboutSenderldentification ] Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Council Merger, I respectfully ask you to vote No on the Anaheim Hills Festival apartment project because ofinadequate infrastructure to support additional traffic and for safety reasons in the event of fire or other disaster. Thankyou Sincerely, Mark Richardson, Anaheim Hills 50 year resident Sent frommy iPhone Date: 2/3/2026 5:54:43 AM From "jason gilbert" "Public Continent" publicconnnent@anaheimnet, "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" To: CLeon@anaheimnet, "Ryan Balius" RBalius@anaheimnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava@anaheimnet, "Norma C. Kurtz" NKurU2*auaheimne4 "KristenMaahs" KMaahs@anaheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Concerns about the Festival Center Project and Wildfire Safety [You don't often get email fro Learn why this is important at httns://aka.rm/LeamAboutSenderldentification ] Warning: This email originated from outside the City ofAnaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Council Member, I moved to Anaheim Hills because it is a beautiful, family -oriented corrimnity, but I am very concerned about the proposed Shea/Festival Center apartment project. Since moving here, I've learned that our neighborhood is in a high -risk fire zone with very limited ways to get out. I was shocked to read that it already takes over three hours to evacuate this area during an emergency. Adding over 1,000 more people and their cars to our streets seems like a huge risk to everyone's safety. The project's environmental report admits that these new apartrnents will make evacuation times even longer. As a parent, I think about what would happen if a fire broke out while I was trying to get my [Icids/pets/elderly parents] to safety. Ifthe roads are already failing, adding hundreds more cars into the mixwill make a bad situation impossible. It feels like the city is hoping for the best rather than planning for the worst. I amnot against new housing in general, but it has to be built in the right places. Putting high -density housing at a known bottleneck in a fire zone is not responsible I am asking you to please put our safety first and vote "No" on this project until we have a real solution for getting people out of the Hills safely. Sincerely, Jason trilbert Date: 2/3/2026 6:04:50 AM From: "Rick Moyer' "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheimnet, "Kristen Maahs" KMaahs@anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" To: CLeon@anaheimnet, "Ryan Balius" RBalius@anaheimnet, "Norma C. Kurtz" NKurtz*anaheimnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava@anaheimnet, "Public Comment" publicconanentCaanaheirnnet, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Death Traps Waring: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Mayor Aitken and Anaheim City Council Members: Why do people die in their cars during wildfire evacuations? Let's ask Al: "People die in their cars during wildfire evacuations prinarily because they becoarne trapped by fast -raving flames in, or get stuck in, dense traffic on narrow escape routes, leading to asphyxiation from smoke inhalation or extreme heat exposure. The intense heat --up to 1,500°F—can cause vehicles to catch fire, nick or fail mechanically, leaving occupants helpless. Key reasons for fatalities in vehicles during wildfire evacuations include: • Trapped in Traffic Jatrn: Inniajor disasters Ike the 2018 Camp Fie aril 2023 Labaina Fire, limited, narrow roads became congested, preventing escape and making vehicles sitting ducks for advancing flames. • Delayed Evacuation: Many victims wait too long to leave, attempting to flee only when the fire has already reached their location, turning routes into death traps. • Smoke and Heat Inhalation: When fires overtake a road, the air becomes filled with smoke and poisonous gases, which are tare likely to cause death than fire itself • Vehicle Failure: Extreme heat can cause engines to fail, electronics to break down, and tires to melt, leaving drivers stranded. • Disorientation: Dense smoke can make it impossible to see the road, causing drivers to drive off -road or abandon their cars in panic. While staying it the car is generally considered safer than running, it becomes fatal when the vehicle is directly consumed by the fire front." You all know that traffic in Anaheim Hills is already congested and there is no innediate remedy for the freeway cutters. The fire evacuation during the 2017 fire was a total failure, highlighted by ABSOLUTE GRIDLOCK. No measures have been implemented to prevent gridlock from occurring again during the next fire evacuation and Councilwoman Meeks admits there is no way to test the current evacuation plan proposal. I understand that, according to Mayor Aitken, the Festival Center housing development is not necessary for Anaheim to meet its housing requirements so there is no justifiable reason to approve any high -density developnent in Anaheim Hills other than to pacify a developer. Please do the right thing and just say no to the Festival Center. Sincerely, Rick. Dr. Rick Moyer Date: 2/3/2026 6:53:39 AM From: "John Belanger" "Public Comment" publiecommentCanaheimnet, "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken a�anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" To: CLeon@anaheim.net, "Ryan Balius" RBaliusCqanaheimnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava a,anaheimnet, "Norma C. Kurtz" NKurtz@anaheimnet, "Kristen Maahs" KMaahs@anaheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Please Vote NO on the Shea/Festival Center Apartments — Public Safety Concern You don't often get email fro Learn why this is important Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Council Member, I am writing as a resident of Anaheim Hills to respectfully urge you to vote NO on the proposed Shea/Festival Center apartment development. I lived here during Canyon Fire 2 in 2017, and I will never forget that experience. I was trapped in my car for over an hour, barely moving, while smoke thickened and the fire moved closer. This was not ordinary congestion —it was a complete standstill during an active wildfire evacuation. Anyone who lived through that event understands how vulnerable our neighborhood already is. The traffic and evacuation studies for this project suggest the added development would increase evacuation times by "only' about seven minutes. That number may sound minor on paper, but in a real emergency, seven minutes can be the difference between getting out safely and being overtaken by fire. When evacuation times are already measured in hours, every additional minute matters. Anaheim Hills has very limited evacuation routes. There are no alternate roads or secondary exits —residents are funneled into the same few arteries. Adding hundreds of apartments and well over a thousand additional residents to an area that already functions as a bottleneck during emergencies significantly increases the risk to everyone who lives here. I understand the city's need for housing, but development should not come at the expense of public safety. Placing high -density housing in a high fire severity zone with known evacuation constraints creates a foreseeable and preventable danger. I respectfully ask you to prioritize the safety of current and future residents and vote NO on this project. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, John Belanger Get Outlook for iOS Date: 2/3/2026 6:59:22 AM From "Su Thome' To: "Public Comment" publiccomment(danaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] You don't often get email fro Learn why this is important Warming: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Sir or Madam I am writing to express serious concerns regarding the proposed construction of additional apartment buildings in an area that is already heavily congested. The current level of traffic, limited road capacity, and high pedestrian activity make this area increasingly unsafe. Adding more residential units will significantly increase vehicle traffic, parking demand, and foot traffic, finther straining infrastructure that is already overburdened. Emergency vehicle access, pedestrian safety, and overall quality of life are at risk if developirient continues without adequate plaru ing and mitigation Before any further construction is approved, I strongly urge a thorough review of traffic safety, infrastructure capacity, and emergency access. Without rneannlgfid improverrunts to roads, public transport, and safety measures, this development poses a real risk to residents and the swolIIlding CUTTIIrtuity. I ask that these safety concerns be taken seriously and carefully considered before roving forward with any additional approvals. Dont forget the fires of 2017. Thank you for your time and attention to this natter. Sincerely, Dan and Su Thorne Date: 2/3/2026 7:45:11 AM From "Kyle Minshall"M "Public Conrnent" publicconnnent@anaheimnet, "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" To: CLeon@anaheimnet, "Ryan Balius" RBalius@anaheimnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava@anaheimnet, "Non= C. Kurtz" NKurU2*,auaheimne4 "KristenMaahs" KMaahs@anaheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Please vote "Yes" on the Festival Center Project [You don't often get email from am why this is important at httns://aka.rrs/LeamAboutSenderldentification ] Warning: This email originated from outside the City ofAnaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Council Menber, I amwriting to ask you to vote "Yes" on the Anaheim Hills Festival Center apartment project. NIMBYs will loudly res ist any new development: they will show up to meetings and make the case that they are the majority. They are not. More housing is absolutely critical with the ongoing crisis and new construction is exactly what we need. The current objection seerns to be rooted around "safety"; appealing to evacuation times during the threat of fire. While I would never seekto diminish that risk, I find it extraordinarily flia sy that it warrants the wholesale rejection ofnew construction. The city is more than capable ofniultitasking; we can solve evacuation problems as new places get built. And I'msure even in a world in which evacuation times were magically addressed by a proposal, they'd just find another shallow excuse to oppose ("traffic", "parking", "crowds", "neighborhood character", the list goes on and on and on). Please stand fumamidst their melodrama and help us get this built. The revitalization project looks extremely exciting in addition to the apartments. I can't wait to see it materialize. Thank you for your time and attention and best of luck with the remaining steps of the process. Sincerely, Kyle Minshall Date: 2/3/2026 7:48:48 AM From "Heather French"M "Public Comnent" publicconnnent@anaheimnet, "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" To: CLeon@anaheimnet, "Ryan Balius" RBalius@anaheimnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava@anaheimnet, "Norma C. Kurtz" NKurtz*anaheimnet, "KristenMaahs" KMaahs@anaheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Public Comments—2/3/26 Meeting You don't often get ema>7 from Leam why this is important Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Council Member, I am writing as a resident of Anaheim Hills to respectfully urge you to vote No on the proposed apartment development at the Anaheim Hills Festival Center. I lived here during the Canyon Fire 2 in 2017, and I vividly remember being trapped in my car as traffic came to a complete standstill. For more than an hour, no one moved as smoke closed in. It was frightening, and it made painfully clear how limited our evacuation routes truly are. The project's reports indicate that the additional traffic would add "only" about seven minutes to evacuation times. But when evacuation already takes hours during an active wildfire, seven minutes is not insignificant —it can be the difference between safety and real danger. Anaheim Hills does not have alternative exit routes; during an emergency, everyone funnels onto the same few roads. Adding hundreds of apartments and over a thousand additional residents to this already constrained corridor creates a serious and avoidable safety risk. I recognize the city's need for additional housing, but it should not come at the expense of public safety especially in an area with known evacuation challenges and wildfire risk. Expanding density in a location that is already vulnerable only increases the likelihood of a catastrophic outcome during the next emergency. Please prioritize the safety of the residents who already live, work, and pay taxes in this community respectfully ask that you vote No on this development. Sincerely, Heather French Date: 2/3/2026 7:50:00 AM From "noreen francis"M "Public Conrnent" publicconnnent@anaheimnet, "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" To: CLeon@anaheimnet, "Ryan Balius" RBalius@anaheimnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava@anaheimnet, "Non= C. Kurtz" NKurU2*auaheimne4 "KristenMaahs" KMaahs@ naheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Logic and Safety: Why the Festival Center Project is a Mistake [You don't often get email fro Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LeamAboutSenderldentification ] Warning: This email originated from outside the City ofAnaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Council Member, I amwriting to ask you to vote "No" on the Anaheim Hills Festival Center apartment project. You don't need to be a traffic expert to see that Santa Ana Canyon Road is already at its limit. Most days, just getting to the store or work is a challenge. The idea that we can add over 400 apartments and about 1300 people to this area without creating a disaster during a wildfire evacuation just doesn't pass the "common sense" test. The city's own reports admit that it already takes residents over three hours to get out during a fire. To then say that adding another 7 minutes of delay is "not a big deal" is incredibly frustrating to those of us who live here. If a bucket is already overflowing, you don't keep pouring more water into it and say it's fine. By approving this, the city is basically admitting the evacuation plan is broken but choosing to make it even more crowded anyway. We need our leaders to look at the reality ofour streets, not just the numbers on a developer's spreadsheet. Please do the responsible thing and protect the residents who are already here. We need better ways to get out ofthe Hills, not more people trapped in them Please vote "No" on this project. Sincerely, Noreen Francis Sent fromnry iPad Date: 2/3/2026 7:56:42 AM From "Linda"— "Public Comment" publicconnment@anaheimnet, "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" To: CLeon@anaheimnet, "Ryan Balius" RBalius@anaheimnet, "Natalie Rubaleava" NRubalcava@anaheimnet, "Norma C. Kurtz" NKurfz*anaheimnet, "KristenMaahs" KMaahs@anaheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Please vote NO on the Shea/Festival Center apartments — It's a safety issue You don't often get ermil fro I earn yft this is 'nuortart Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Council Member, I am writing to you as a resident of Anaheim Hills to ask you to please vote 'No" on the proposed apartments at the Anaheim Hills Festival Center. The reports for this project are bogus. With ]krited in ingress and egress, we are sitting ducks. It is unconscionable that representatives who arc supposed to work for the people are working against us Thank you, Lkrda Hurley Date: 2/3/2026 8:24:55 AM From: "Jennifer Belt" "Public Cornment" publicconnnent@anaheimnet, "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" To: CLeon@anaheimnet, "Ryan Balius" RBalius@anaheimnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava@anaheimnet, "Norma C. Kurtz" NKurfz*anaheimnet, "KristenMaahs" KMaahs@anaheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Vote No on Shea/Festival Center Apartments You don't often get email fro Learn why this is importatrt Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Council Member, My name is Jennifer Bch & I have lived in Anaheim Hills with my husband & four kids for 2.5 years. We love this coniumity & are grateful to live here. However, the traffic & congestion on city streets, particularly Santa Ana Canyon, is surprisingly problematic & frustrating on a daily basis. It takes a very long time to travel a short distance & simply driving kids to school or running an errand takes mach longer than it should, unfortunately decreasing quality of We here. I have not lived here during a fire evacuation, but I have heard stories from residents who lived here in 2017 & those stories are very scary as people were not able to evacuate quickly due to traffic. To think that you are considering allowing the building of additional housing & adding more cars & people to this area is both irresponsible & dangerous. The traffic on a normal day is a nuisance, but the thought of the additional traffic congestion due to evacuation with a fire closing is terrifying & makes ine reconsider if it is safe to live here. Please vote NO on the Shea/Festival Center Apartments. Thank you for your consideration, Jennifer Bch Date: 2/3/2026 8:31:25 AM From "Cheril Dragon" To: "Public Comment" publicconnnent@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Proposed 447 NewApts. at The Festival You don't often get email from Learn why this is important Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. So sick of city councils re zoning to suit their desires. I object for ninny reasons. The one I will mention is the present traffic on Santa Ana Canyon Rd. In front of The Festival headed to Weir canyon then the 91 frwy. Tyre are days that the traffic is completely backed up and it takes forever to get to Weir Canyon YM. When you can finally get to the f-wy, it's stopped. I feel so sorry for those poor people just trying to get home from work including the 18 wheelers trying to get to their destination. You have to look at the big picture beyond SC Rd. This giant apt bldg. Is going to wreak more havoc on an already overcrowded area. You mast take into account, people's well being of even more horrific traffic. Cheril Dragon Date: 2/3/2026 8:50:52 AM From "Vishal Chheda" "Public Conrnent" publicconnnent@anaheimnet, "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" To: CLeon@anaheimnet, "Ryan Balius" RBalius@anaheimnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava@anaheimnet, "Non= C. Kurtz" NKurU2*auaheimne4 "KristenMaahs" KMaahs@anaheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Concerns about the Festival Center Project and Wildfire Safety [You don't often get email from Learn why this is important at httns://aka.ms/LeamAboutSenderldentification ] Warning: This email originated from outside the City ofAnaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Council Menber, I moved to Anaheim Hills because it is a beautiful, family -oriented corrmamity, but I am very concerned about the proposed Shea/Festival Center apartment project. Since nerving here, I've learned that our neighborhood is in a high -risk fire zone with very limited ways to get out. I was shocked to read that it already takes over three hours to evacuate this area during an emergency. Adding over 1,000 more people and their cars to our streets seems like a huge risk to everyone's safety. The project's environmental report admits that these new apartments will make evacuation times even longer. As a parent, I think about what would happen if a fire broke out while I was trying to get my [Icids/pets/elderly parents] to safety. Ifthe roads are already failing, adding hundreds more cars into the mixwill make a bad situation impossible. It feels like the city is hoping for the best rather than planning for the worst. I amnot against new housing in general, but it has to be built in the right places. Putting high -density housing at a known bottleneck in a fire zone is not responsible I am asking you to please put our safety first and vote "No" on this project until we have a real solution for getting people out of the Hills safely. Sincerely, Vishal Chheda, MD Resident ofAnaheimHills Date: 2/3/2026 8:51:58 AM From "Maria Meyer" "Public Conrnent" publicconnnent@anaheimnet, "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" To: CLeon@anaheimnet, "Ryan Balius" RBalius@anaheimnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava@anaheimnet, "Non= C. Kurtz" NKurU2*auaheimne4 "KristenMaahs" KMaahs@anaheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Logic and Safety: Why the Festival Center Project is a Mistake [You don't often get email from Learn why this is important at https:Haka.ms/UamAboutSenderldentification ] Warning: This email originated from outside the City ofAnaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Council Mender, I amwriting to ask you to vote "No" on the Anaheim Hills Festival Center apartment project. You don't need to be a traffic expert to see that Santa Ana Canyon Road is already at its limit. Most days, just getting to the store or work is a challenge. The idea that we can add over 400 apartments and about 1300 people to this area without creating a disaster during a wildfire evacuation just doesn't pass the "common sense" test. The city's own reports admit that it already takes residents over three hours to get out during a fire. To then say that adding another 7 rninutes of delay is "not a big deal" is incredibly frustrating to those of us who live here. If a bucket is already overflowing, you don't keep pouring more water into it and say it's fine. By approving this, the city is basically admitting the evacuation plan is broken but choosing to make it even more crowded anyway. We need our leaders to look at the reality ofour streets, not just the numbers on a developer's spreadsheet. Please do the responsible thing and protect the residents who are already here. We need better ways to get out ofthe Hills, not more people trapped in them Please vote "No" on this project. Sincerely, Maria Meyer Sent fromnry iPhone Date: 2/3/2026 8:59:08 AM From: "Tina Aluzd - Lounsbury" To: "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheimnet, "Public Comment" pub6ccorrnnent a�anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Resident concern; Anaheim Hills Festival Center 447-unit residential project (Development Application No. 2023-00043) Some people who received this message don't often get email fro Learn why this is important Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Date: February 3, 2026 City of Anaheim Mayor and Members of the City Council 200 S. Anaheim Boulevard Anaheim, CA 92805 Via email address: publiccomment@anaheim.net; aaitken@anaheim.net Regarding: Anaheim Hills Festival Center 447-unit residential project (Development Application No. 2023-00043) Dear Mayor and Members of the City Council, I am writing to formally express my opposition to the proposed 447-unit residential development at the Anaheim Hills Festival Center. I became an Anaheim Hills resident in 2020, when I made the deliberate decision to purchase a home in this community. I chose Anaheim Hills thoughtfully and intentionally —because of its natural beauty, cleanliness, strong sense of order, limited transient population, family -oriented environment, and overall commitment to safety and quality of life. These characteristics distinguish Anaheim Hills from other areas and are central to why residents invest here and remain engaged stewards of the community. pay multiple homeowners association assessments, along with city, county, and state taxes, and I do so with the reasonable expectation that public safety and emergency preparedness remain the City's highest priorities. I strongly oppose any project that introduces foreseeable and preventable risk to residents —particularly in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone —or that may ultimately require public funds to mitigate hazards created by private development. Professional Perspective — Emergency Care, Public Health, and EMS Impact I am a licensed Registered Nurse and a licensed Public Health Nurse in the State of California, a Former Emergency Room Nurse, and a Clinical Consultant, with professional experience spanning acute emergency care, public health, and healthcare system operations. From both a frontline clinical and population -health perspective, this proposed development raises serious and legitimate concerns. High -density residential development in wildfire -prone areas directly affects: Emergency Medical Services (EMS) response times Fire and rescue access during evacuations Hospital surge capacity, diversion risk, and patient throughput Medically vulnerable populations, including seniors, individuals with disabilities, oxygen -dependent patients, and those with chronic or mobility -limiting conditions Unlike a vacant or intermittently used commercial site, residential development creates continuous population exposure, including individuals who may be unable to self -evacuate quickly or safely. These realities place added strain on EMS, emergency departments, and hospital systems during disasters —strain that cannot be fully mitigated through traffic modeling alone. Fire Safety and Evacuation Concerns While I was not a resident during the 2017 Canyon Fire 2, the documented evacuation failures from that event are widely known and remain highly relevant today. Asa former ER nurse, lam acutely aware that minutes matter during emergencies —and that evacuation delays translate directly into increased injuries, delayed care, and preventable loss of life. Although City leadership references "lessons learned" and updated evacuation plans, traffic models cannot replicate real -world emergency conditions, including: Human behavior under stress and panic Smoke, reduced visibility, and falling embers Disabled or stalled vehicles Power outages and traffic signal failures Nighttime evacuations when residents are asleep Simultaneous EMS ingress while residents are evacuating The assertion that "traffic generated by the proposed project is offset by the previous commercial use" is deeply concerning and not clinically or operationally credible. A vacant cinema does not generate: 24-hour residential occupancy Nighttime sleeping populations Families, children, seniors, or medically fragile residents Sustained daily vehicle demand during emergencies Residential density fundamentally and irreversibly changes the risk profile of this site. Infrastructure Limitations and Cut -Through Traffic The City has acknowledged that evacuation challenges in Anaheim Hills are exacerbated byfreeway cut -through traffic. While future infrastructure projects are planned, some will not be completed until 2029. From an emergency preparedness standpoint, it is unacceptable to justify increased risk today based on future, uncompleted infrastructure. Public safety decisions must be based on current, real -world conditions, not projected improvements. Impact on Emergency Systems and Taxpayers As both a healthcare professional and taxpayer, I am deeply concerned that this project: Increases demand on fire, police, and EMS services Exacerbates emergency department crowding during disasters Raises the likelihood of future taxpayer -funded emergency mitigation Places first responders and healthcare workers in more dangerous conditions Creates moral and legal risk should evacuation challenges result in injury or loss of life I do not support development that knowingly places residents, emergency personnel, or public systems in compromised positions —particularly when these risks are already well documented and repeatedly raised by the community. Closing This opposition is not opposition to housing. It is opposition to inappropriate siting, excessive density, and avoidable public safety risk. Anaheim Hills is valued precisely because it has remained a safe, well -maintained, low -transiency community. Approving this project undermines those qualities and introduces risks that cannot be fully mitigated. I respectfully urge the City Council to reject this proposal and prioritize solutions that protect life, preserve community safety, and uphold the standards that drew residents like myself to Anaheim Hills in the first place. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Tina R. Aluzzi-Lounsbury, BSN, RN, PHN Anaheim Hills Resident Sent from my iPhone Date: 2/3/2026 9:06:56 AM From "Kim Johnson" To: "Public Commnt" publiccomrnent@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Festival Center Project 92808 You don't often get email fro Learn why this is iWortant Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Hello, I am writing my public connr ent to formally oppose the Festival Center apartment project at 8020 Santa Ana Canyon Road, Anaheim CA 92808. I have been a resident in this zip code for over 30 years and am very concerned about the impact this project will have on my conTrwity. Specially, rmconcerned about infrastructure and safety. This commu* is free -way locked - with few choices for evacuating in an emergency. 'Know you Way" is a theoretical and idealisting idea for evacuations when thousands will be on the same few roads out. I know my way out of here -- but when there are only a few ways out --- knowing won't save my life! ! ! The Anaheim City Council is entrusted with several goals for Anaheim I realiae economic growth is one of them However, that cannot supercede the goal of maintaining the safety of this coma n ity as well! And allowing the Festival Center project to nave forward will be in the best interest of this community. Please Vote NO!!! Thank you for your time! Kim Johnson Anaheim 92808 resident Date: 2/3/2026 9:12:00 AM From "diane modmi th" I "Public Comment" publicconnnent@anaheimnet, "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" To: CLeon@anaheimnet, "Ryan Balius" RBalius@anaheimnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava@anaheimnet, "Nonrrra C. Kurtz" NKurU2*auaheimne4 "KristenMaahs" KMaahs@anaheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Please vote NO on the Shea/Festival Center apartments — It's a safety issue [You don't often get email fro Learn why this is important at httus://aka.ms/LeamAboutSenderldentification ] Warning: This email originated from outside the City ofAnaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Council Member, I amwriting to you as a resident of Summit Court in Anaheim Hills to ask you to please vote "No" on the proposed apartments at the Anaheim Hills Festival Center lived here during the Canyon Fire 2 in 2017, and I will never forget the feeling ofbeing stuck in my car, watching the smoke get closer, and literally not moving for over an hour. It wasn't just "traffic" it was a total standstill. The thought of adding hundreds of new apartments and about 1000+ more people to that exact same escape route is terrifying to those ofus who have actually been in that situation. The reports for this project say that adding these cars will "only" add about 7 minutes to the evacuation time. But when you're already stuck for three hours and the fire is moving toward you, 7 minutes is a lifetime. We don't have extra roads or "secret" ways out of the Hills; we all end up on the same few lanes. Adding more people to a neighborhood that is already a bottleneck during a fire just feels like a tragedy waiting to happen. I understand that the city needs housing, but it shouldn't be built in a place where people are already struggling to get out safely. Pleas e don't make an existing danger even worse just for a new development. We are asking you to prioritize the lives and safety ofthe people who already live here and pay taxes here. Sincerely, Diane Woodworth Date: 2/3/2026 9:12:07 AM From "john eun"— "Public Comment" publicconnnent@anaheimnet, "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" To: CLeon@anaheimnet, "Ryan Balius" RBalius@anaheimnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava@anaheimnet, "Nonrrra C. Kurtz" NKurU2*auaheimne4 "KristenMaahs" KMaahs@anaheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Please vote NO on the Shea/Festival Center apartments — It's a safety issue [You don't often get email from Learn why this is inportant at https://aka.ns/LeamAboutSenderldentification ] Warning: This email originated from outside the City ofAnaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Council Menber, I amwriting to you as a resident of [Your Neighborhood] to ask you to please vote "No" on the proposed apartments at the Anaheim Hills Festival Center. I lived here during the Canyon Fire 2 in 2017, and i will never forget the feeling ofbeing stuck in my car, watching the snake get closer, and literally not moving for over an hour. It wasn't just "traffic" it was a total standstill. The thought of adding hundreds ofnew apartments and about 1000+more people to that exact same escape route is terrifying to those ofus who have actually been in that situation. The reports for this project say that adding these cars will "only" add about 7 minutes to the evacuation time. But when you're already stuck for three hours and the fire is waving toward you, 7 minutes is a lifetime. We don't have extra roads or "secret" ways out of the Hills; we all end up on the same few lanes. Adding more people to a neighborhood that is already a bottleneck during a fire just feels like a tragedy waiting to happen. I understand that the city needs housing, but it shouldn't be built in a place where people are already struggling to get out safely. Please don't make an existing danger even worse just for a new development. We are asking you to prioritize the lives and safety ofthe people who already live here and pay taxes here. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Address] Sent fromnry iPhone Date: 2/3/2026 9:13:05 AM From "diane modmi th" "Public Comment" publicconnnent@anaheimnet, "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" To: CLeon@anaheimnet, "Ryan Balius" RBalius@anaheimnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava@anaheimnet, "Nonrrra C. Kurtz" NKurU2*auaheimne4 "KristenMaahs" KMaahs@anaheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Please vote NO on the Shea/Festival Center apartments — It's a safety issue [You don't often get email from Learn why this is important at httus://aka.ms/LeamAboutSenderldentification ] Warning: This email originated from outside the City ofAnaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Council Menber, I amwriting to you as a resident of Summit Court to ask you to please vote "No" on the proposed apartments at the Anaheim Hills Festival Center. I lived here during the Canyon Fire 2 in 2017, and I will never forget the feeling ofbeing stuck in my car, watching the smoke get closer, and literally not nnving for over an hour. it wasn't just "traffic" it was a total standstill. The thought of adding hundreds of new apartments and about 1000+rmre people to that exact same escape route is terrifying to those ofus who have actually been in that situation. The reports for this project say that adding these cars will "only" add about 7 minutes to the evacuation time. But when you're already stuck for three hours and the fire is moving toward you, 7 minutes is a lifetime. We don't have extra roads or "secret" ways out of the Hills; we all end up on the same few lanes. Adding more people to a neighborhood that is already a bottleneck during a fire just feels like a tragedy waiting to happen. I understand that the city needs housing, but it shouldn't be built in a place where people are already struggling to get out safely. Pleas e don't make an existing danger even worse just for a new development. We are asking you to prioritize the lives and safety ofthe people who already live here and pay taxes here. Sincerely, Diane Woodworth Date: 2/3/2026 9:32:42 AM From "Mrugakshi Deflwala "Public Conrnent" publicconnttent@anaheimnet, "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" To: CLeon@anaheimnet, "Ryan Balius" RBalius@anaheimnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava@anaheimnet, "Norma C. Kurtz" NKuttz@auaheimnet, "KristenMaahs" KMaahs@anaheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Logic and Safety: Why the Festival Center Project is a Mistake [You don't often get email from Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LeamAboutSenderldentification ] Warning: This email originated from outside the City ofAnaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Council Mender, I amwriting to ask you to vote "No" on the Anaheim Hills Festival Center apartment project. You don't need to be a traffic expert to see that Santa Ana Canyon Road is already at its limit. Most days, just getting to the store or work is a challenge. The idea that we can add over 400 apartments and about 1300 people to this area without creating a disaster during a wildfire evacuation just doesn't pass the "common sense" test. The city's own reports admit that it already takes residents over three hours to get out during a fire. To then say that adding another 7 rninutes of delay is "not a big deal" is incredibly frustrating to those of us who live here. If a bucket is already overflowing, you don't keep pouring more water into it and say it's fine. By approving this, the city is basically admitting the evacuation plan is broken but choosing to make it even more crowded anyway. We need our leaders to look at the reality ofour streets, not just the numbers on a developer's spreadsheet. Please do the responsible thing and protect the residents who are already here. We need better ways to get out ofthe Hills, not more people trapped in them Please vote "No" on this project. Sincerely, Mmgaks hi Deliwala Willowick Cir Anaheim hills Date: 2/3/2026 9:52:22 AM From: "Amy King" "Public Comment" publicconnnent@anaheimnet, "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" To: CLeon@anaheimnet, "Ryan Balius" RBalius@anaheimnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava@anaheimnet, "Norma C. Kurtz" NKurfz*anaheimnet, "KristenMaahs" KMaahs@anaheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Logic and Safety: Why the Festival Center Project is a Mistake You don't often get email from Learn why this is important Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Council Member, I amwriting to ask you to vote "No" on the Anaheim Hills Festival (enter apartment project. You don't need to be a traffic expert to see that Santa Ana Canyon Road is already at its limit. Most days, just getting to the store or work is a challenge. The idea that we can add over 400 apartments and about 1300 people to this area without creating a disaster during a wildfire evacuation just doesn't pass the "common sense" test. The city's own reports admit that it already takes residents over three hours to get out during a fire. To then say that adding another 7 minutes ofdelay is "not a big deal" is incredibly frustrating to those ofus who five here. If a bucket is already overflowing, you don't keep pouting more water into it and say it's fine. By approving this, the city is basically admitting the evacuation plan is broken but choosing to make it even more crowded anyway. We need our leaders to look at the reality of our streets, not just the numbers on a developer's spreadsheet. Please do the responsible thing and protect the residents who are already here. We need better ways to get out of the Hills, not rmre people trapped in them Please vote "No" on this project. Sincerely, Amy Sent from AOL on Android Date: 2/3/202610:17:49 AM From "Shelley Shull' "Public Comment" publicconnnent@anaheimnet, "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" To: CLeon@anaheimnet, "Ryan Balius" RBalius@anaheimnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava@anaheimnet, "Norma C. Kurtz" NKuttz*anaheimnet, "KristenMaahs" KMaahs@anaheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Anaheim Hills Festival -Project Number: DEV2023-00043 You don't often get emid from =Learn why this is importatrt Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Mayor Aitken and Council Members, Thank you in advance for your time and consideration. I live at where I have been a resident for over 32 years I am writing to express my concerns regarding the Anaheim Hills Festival Project Number: DEV2023- 00043 to add 447 multiple -family attached residential units. Adding a complex with at least 1,000 more residents would be disastrous for our community's safety. Please consider the negative impact such a project would have on an already existing congested traffic problem and the issue of evacuation in a fire. My family has personally experienced several evacuations. During one of the fires we were unable to leave the area. Traffic was gridlocked. Police blocked access to get elderly out it the senior apartments on Festival. I literally looked him in the eye and told him he was going to be responsible for the death of trapped seniors. I moved the barrier, my husband drove in and we were able to get - 80 year old mom out. We could not drive any further so we fearfully sat in our car in the Festival parking lot for over 6 hours with our children and 80 year old mother in our car as we watched the fires all around us. Our neighbor and local retired Fire Chief has expressed his great concern for adding more than 800- 1,000 permanent residents at Festival Center. The additional traffic would be a detriment to our safety. Please protect our community and our lives by preventing this project from proceeding. Your careful consideration is greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Shelley Shuff Date: 2/3/2026 10:36:44 A I From: "Roger and Kim Johnson" To: "Public Comment" publiccommentCaanaheimnet Subject: [EXTEWNAL] Anaheim Hills Project You don't often get email from Learn why this is important Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Good morning This is very simple. Vote no on the Anaheim Hills Festival project. I would like to see the council stand up to these projects and send them packing. If the city has already meet the goal of affordable housing then why do we need more projects like this?? Roger Johnson 30 year Anaheim Hills resident Date: 2/3/202610:46:20 AM From: "Public Comment" publicconnnent@anaheimnet, "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" To: CLeon@anaheimnet, "Ryan Balius" RBalius@anaheimnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava@anaheimnet, "Non= C. Kurtz" NKuttz*anaheimnet, "KristenMaahs" KMaahs@anaheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Please vote NO on the Shea/Festival Center apartments - It's a safety issue Some people who received this message don't of get email fro Learn why this is important Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Council Member, I am writing to you as a resident of Anaheim Hills to ask you to please vote 'No" on the proposed apartments at the Anaheim Hills Festival Center. I lived here during the Canyon Free 2 in 2017, and I will never forget the feeling of being stuck in my car, watching the smoke get closer, and literally not rmving for over an bour. It wasn't just "traffic" —it was a total standstill. The thought of adding hundreds of new apartnients and about 1000+ more people to that exact sane escape route is terrifying to those of us who have actually been in that situation. We know of an elderly resident who nearly died in her car due to heat stroke and dehydration after being stuck in her car for over three hours on Santa Ana Canyon Road. You have to think about the total impact of these evacuation efforts on the citizens. The reports for this project say that adding these cars will "only" add about 7 minutes to the evacuation time. But when you're already stuck for three hours and the fire is rnoving toward you, 7 minutes is a lifetime. As a retired school administer, I can tell you that it takes more than 7 Minutes to evacuate a single classroom That claim is ludicrous and should not be believed. We don't have extra roads or "secret" ways out of the Hills; we all end up on the same few lanes. Adding more people to a neighborhood that is already a bottleneck during afire just feels like a tragedy waiting to happen. We don't want another Palisades or Altadena! You have the power to prevent that from happening. I understand that the city needs housing but it shouldn't be built in a place where people are already struggling to get out safely. Please don't make an existing danger even worse just for a new development. We are asking you to prioritize the lives and safety of the people who already live here and pay taxes here. Thank you for your attention to this rnatter. Sincerely, Jan & Ihv� Peterson Date: 2/3/202611:49:37 AM From "Jordana Owens" M "Public Continent" publicconnnent@anaheimnet, "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" To: CLeon@anaheimnet, "Ryan Balius" RBalius@anaheimnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava@anaheimnet, "Non= C. Kurtz" NKurU2*auaheimne4 "KristenMaahs" KMaahs@anaheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Logic and Safety: Why the Festival Center Project is a Mistake [You don't often get email from Learn why this is important at httns://aka.ms/LeamAboutSenderldentification ] Warning: This email originated from outside the City ofAnaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Council Mender, I amwriting to ask you to vote "No" on the Anaheim Hills Festival Center apartment project. You don't need to be a traffic expert to see that Santa Ana Canyon Road is already at its limit. Most days, just getting to the store or work is a challenge. The idea that we can add over 400 apartments and about 1300 people to this area without creating a disaster during a wildfire evacuation just doesn't pass the "common sense" test. The city's own reports admit that it already takes residents over three hours to get out during a fire. To then say that adding another 7 rninutes of delay is "not a big deal" is incredibly frustrating to those of us who live here. If a bucket is already overflowing, you don't keep pouring more water into it and say it's fine. By approving this, the city is basically admitting the evacuation plan is broken but choosing to make it even more crowded anyway. We need our leaders to look at the reality ofour streets, not just the numbers on a developer's spreadsheet. Please do the responsible thing and protect the residents who are already here. We need better ways to get out ofthe Hills, not more people trapped in them Please vote "No" on this project. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Address] Sent frommy iPhone Date: 2/3/202612:06:25 PM Frog "Adam" — "Public Comment" publicconnnent@anaheimnet, "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" To: CLeon@anaheimnet, "Ryan Balius" RBalius@anaheimnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava@anaheimnet, "Nonrua C. Kurtz" NKurfz*anaheimnet, "KristenMaahs" KMaahs@anaheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Concerns About Evacuation Safety and the Festival Center Project You don't often get ernul from Learn why this is important Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Council Member, I am writing to express my opposition to the Anaheim Hills Festival Center apartment developer ent and to urge you to vote No on this proposat Traffic conditions along Santa Ana Canyon Road are already a daily challenge for residents. Congestion is routine, not occasional, and it affects everything from cornntnng to basic errands. Introducing more than 400 additional apartment units adding approximately 1,300 people to an area with limited access poirrrtss—raises serious public safety concerns, particularly during w>ldfire evacuations. The city's own analyses show that evacuations from Anaheim Hils can already take several hours under current conditions. When evacuation firms are this long to begin with, even modest increases in traffic can have real consequences. Framing additional delays as minor al overlooks the cumulative impact and the very real risk faced by residents trying to leave during an emergency. Rather than approving large-scale residential projects in an already constrained area, the city should first address evacuation capacity and traffic linritations. Expanding population density without improving exit routes places existing residents in a more vulnerable position and shifts risk instead of reducing it. I respectfully ask that you prioritize public safety and the well-being of the current connruity. Until evacuation and traffic infrastructure are meaningHly improved, developments of this size should not rmve forward. Please vote No on thre Festival Center project. Sincerely, Adam Farias Thank you Adam Farias Date: 2/3/202612:10:44 PM From "Andrew Wmger" To: "Public Comtnent" publiccorrnmnt@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fwd: Request to Reopen Public Comment — Festival Project (New/Unavailable Records) Attachment: Hurley PRA Extension 01232026-4.pdf, You don't often get email from Learn why this is important Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. I'm forwarding to publiccornment because this needs to be included as public record. ---------- Forwarded message --------- From Andrew Winger o Date: Mon, Feb 2, 2026 at 11:31 PM Subject: Request to Reopen Public Continent — Festival Project (New/Umvallable Records) To: <aaitken@maheimnet>, <cgyclerkCc�anaheimnet> Dear City Clerk Theresa Bass and Mayor Ashleigh Aitken, Thank you Mayor Aitken for speaking with me last night at the Anaheim Hills Golf Course event. I'm writing to respectfully request that the City Council reopen public comment on the Festival Project when it returns for consideration on March 3rd, so residents can review and comment on newly identified information and records that have not yet been made available to the public. What has changed / what is outstanding: 1. 2025 traffic study referenced in decision -making Based on conversations with Mr. Rudy Frnarm, it appears the fire evacuation safety discussion has relied in part on a 2025 traffic study that is currently not publicly available. The study has been requested, but has not yet been provided. A Public Records Act request was submitted on January 23rd is also pending. The City has indicated it will use an additional 14 days from today to respond. 2. Evacuation coordination procedures and interagency plans Councilmember Meeks referenced evacuation procedures involving interagency coordination (Fire/Pohce, Caltrans, neighboring jurisdictions). These plans have also been requested but have not yet been provided. Because these materials appear relevant to evacuation safety and public understanding ofthe project, it is important that residents have an opportunity to review them before the Council takes final action. Reopening public cormgnt would allow the public to provide informed input on records that may materially affect the evacuation analysis and related conclusions. Ifpossible, please confirm: • Whether the Council will reopen public comment for this item at the next meeting where it is considered, and • The best way to ensure these records are irnde available to the public in advance of that meeting. Thank you for your time and for your help. Attachrrrnt: Public Information Request Sincerely, Andrew Winger City Attorney February 2, 2026 Linda Hurley Re: Public Records Act Request (Gov. Code § 7920.000, et seq.) Request No. 01232026-4 Dear Linda Hurley: The City of Anaheim ("City") received your Public Records Act request on January 23, 2026. Therein, you seek to obtain a copy of the following records: "... 1. The fire evacuation / wildfire safety study conducted in or around Summer 2025 that evaluates evacuation capacity, traffic flow, and emergency access for Anaheim Hills, including any studies utilizing or referencing the "Know Your Way" evacuation protocol, and any associated appendices, technical memoranda, modeling outputs, or staff summaries. 2. The fire evacuation, traffic, or wildfire safety study relied upon or referenced for the Deer Canyon project, including any evacuation modeling, Fire Authority review documents, traffic assumptions, or staff analyses used to evaluate evacuation feasibility. This request includes any final reports, draft reports, peer reviews, internal memoranda, emails transmitting the studies, and any documents relied upon by City staff or Anaheim Fire & Rescue in approving or evaluating these analyses." The City is exercising the right to an additional fourteen (14) days to respond to your Public Records Act request. This extension is provided by Government Code §7922.535(b). Should you have any questions regarding this correspondence, please contact Theresa Bass in the City Clerk's office or the undersigned. Thank you for your kind cooperation in this regard. Sincerely, ROBERT FABELA, CITY ATTORNEY r � By: �B Orley Dep City Att cc: Susana Barrios, City Clerk Theresa Bass, City Clerk Jennifer Lemburg, City Clerk 200 S. Anaheim Blvd, Third Floor, Anaheim, CA 92805 • (714) 765-5169 Date: 2/3/202612:31:27 PM From "Lanny Meyer" "Public Comment" publicconnnent@anaheimnet, "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" To: CLeon@anaheimnet, "Ryan Balius" RBalius@anaheimnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava@anaheimnet, "Nonrrra C. Kurtz" NKurU2*auaheimne4 "KristenMaahs" KMaahs@anaheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Please vote NO on the Shea/Festival Center apartments — It's a safety issue [You don't often get email from am why this is important at httns://aka.ms/LeamAboutSenderldentification ] Warning: This email originated from outside the City ofAnaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Council Menber, I amwriting to you as a resident of [Your Neighborhood] to ask you to please vote "No" on the proposed apartments at the Anaheim Hills Festival Center. I lived here during the Canyon Fire 2 in 2017, and i will never forget the feeling ofbeing stuck in my car, watching the smoke get closer, and literally not moving for over an hour. It wasn't just "traffic" it was a total standstill. The thought of adding hundreds ofnew apartments and about 1000+more people to that exact same escape route is terrifying to those ofus who have actually been in that situation. The reports for this project say that adding these cars will "only" add about 7 minutes to the evacuation time. But when you're already stuck for three hours and the fire is moving toward you, 7 minutes is a lifetime. We don't have extra roads or "secret" ways out of the Hills; we all end up on the same few lanes. Adding more people to a neighborhood that is already a bottleneck during a fire just feels like a tragedy waiting to happen. I understand that the city needs housing, but it shouldn't be built in a place where people are already struggling to get out safely. Please don't make an existing danger even worse just for a new development. We are asking you to prioritize the lives and safety ofthe people who already live here and pay taxes here. Sincerely, Larry Meyer Date: 2/3/202612:31:27 PM From "Lanny Meyer" "Public Comment" publicconnnent@anaheimnet, "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" To: CLeon@anaheimnet, "Ryan Balius" RBalius@anaheimnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava@anaheimnet, "Nonrrra C. Kurtz" NKurU2*auaheimne4 "KristenMaahs" KMaahs@anaheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Please vote NO on the Shea/Festival Center apartments — It's a safety issue [You don't often get email from Learn why this is important at httns://aka.ms/LeamAboutSenderldentification ] Warning: This email originated from outside the City ofAnaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Council Menber, I amwriting to you as a resident of [Your Neighborhood] to ask you to please vote "No" on the proposed apartments at the Anaheim Hills Festival Center. I lived here during the Canyon Fire 2 in 2017, and i will never forget the feeling ofbeing stuck in my car, watching the smoke get closer, and literally not moving for over an hour. It wasn't just "traffic" it was a total standstill. The thought of adding hundreds ofnew apartments and about 1000+more people to that exact same escape route is terrifying to those ofus who have actually been in that situation. The reports for this project say that adding these cars will "only" add about 7 minutes to the evacuation time. But when you're already stuck for three hours and the fire is moving toward you, 7 minutes is a lifetime. We don't have extra roads or "secret" ways out of the Hills; we all end up on the same few lanes. Adding more people to a neighborhood that is already a bottleneck during a fire just feels like a tragedy waiting to happen. I understand that the city needs housing, but it shouldn't be built in a place where people are already struggling to get out safely. Please don't make an existing danger even worse just for a new development. We are asking you to prioritize the lives and safety ofthe people who already live here and pay taxes here. Sincerely, Date: 2/3/2026 12:47:22 PM From: "vickie dedic" "Public Comment" publiecommentCanaheimnet, "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken a�anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" To: CLeon@anaheim.net, "Ryan Balius" RBaliusCqanaheimnet, "Norma C. Kurtz" NKurti Oanaheimnet, "Kristen Maahs" KMaahsCanaheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks(a anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Apartment Complex in Festival Center You don't often get email from Learn why this is important Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear City Officials, Having barely survived the Fire of 2017, we are pleading with you to vote no on this development !!!!! We are residents of Hidden Canyon Estates and had to drive through fire on both sides of Hidden Canyon Road to escape that fire and lost many homes in our immediate neighborhood!!! It was a nightmare and the traffic is even worse now on Serrano than it was in 2017. In order to even get out that morning, a fire truck had to stop in the middle of Serrano and Hidden Canyon Road (and not fight the fire) to block the traffic so we could all get out. Then once we got out of our neighborhood we sat in traffic with fire all around us to get down the hill only to find more traffic at the bottom on Santa Ana Canyon Road. These through roads have now become an even worse nightmare because commuters have discovered all of them and between the hours of 2:00 and 7;00 PM all roads leading to the 91 fiwy are jammed with traffic. Sometimes it takes a good 10 minutes today to just get out of our neighborhood onto Serrano. Something needs to be done and it certainly isn't adding more traffic to this mess. Whenever there is any kind of incident on the 91 all streets are bumper to bumper with commuters even cutting through neighborhoods like Bel Air where Larkwood street becomes bumper to bumper. I witnessed this many times and it's insane. Unless an officer sits at the comer to ticket people, they still turn right onto Santa Ana Canyon Road out of Bel Air. I have many times asked why on earth there are no plans to put Fairmont through to over the freeway so at least us residents can get out of this mess??? Have been told no plans are on the books for this? WHY????? It would also help with evacuation in case of fire??? At this time, please VOTE NO on this project and any other projects that will add to our daily frustration of the traffic in these hills. Mitch and Vickie Dedic Date: 2/3/20261:17:40 PM From: "Julie Filppi' "Public Comment" publiccominent@anaheimnet, "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheimnet, "Ryan Balius" To: RBalius@anaheim.net, "Carlos A. Leon" CLeon@anaheimnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava@anaheimnet, "Norma C. Kurtz" NKurtza anaheimnet, "Kristen Maahs" KMaahs@anaheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Concerns about the Festival Center Project and Wildfire Safety You don't often get email fro Learn why this is important Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Mayor and City Council Representatives, I attended the Meet Your New Police Chief event last night at the Anaheim Hill Goff Course. It was clear that the new police chief was not well versed in the Know Your Way evacuation plan. Granted he is new to his position. He was well versed on other issues just not on this issue. My impression was that this is a low priority issue for the police department as be was not well briefed on the topic. The plan will require major police staff deployment to direct traffic throughout the hills in order to follow the Know Your Way plan. The City Council has detennumed this plan is the key to a safe fire evacuation for all east Anaheim residents. The public has zero confidence in the plan as it has been explained to us. This is due in part because public documents are not being openly shared. As residents whose lives depend on the plan, we need the following 1. RELEASE ALL TRAFFIC STUDYDOCUMENTS 2. GIVE US TIME TO REVIEW THOSE DOCUMENTS 3. REOPEN PUBLIC COMMENT ON THIS PROJECT 4. EXPLAIN WHY CURRENT 3 HOUR EVACUATION TIME IS OK 5. TRANSPARENCY In closing, I also would like to say that $100,000 to the fire department from the developer is insignificant. It should be considered an insuk. We need to replenish Fire Station 10 because you are reallocating resources to Fire Station 12. Dur* the SALT Deer Canyon project discussion the Fire Chief stated that a $2.3 million dollar contribution would be needed for equipnent, salaries, and hand crews for the first year. He explained the fiords would not cover ongoing costs. Thank you for your thoughtful consideration Julie Filppi East Anaheim Resident since 1972 Date: 2/3/20261:29:22 PM From "Nicholas Sliemers" To: "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@anahehnnet, "Public Comment" publiccomnentga anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Proposed Development -Festival Center You don't often get email from Learn why this is important Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. I am writing as a current resident of Anaheim Hills (92807) to voice concern over the proposed Festival Center apartments development. I have lived in the area my entire life - 42 years. In 2008, I watched my horrn bum to the ground as a result of the Freeway Fire. While it quickly burned, fire and emergency vehicles could not reach the hone before we lost everything. Here we are 18 years later, with a mach more highly concentrated population in the area, and there is no consideration with regard to additioml housing without any infrastructure changes. The sarric roads exist, with no lane expansion and no development of new roads or evacuation routes. This blatant disregard for human life in the event of an emergency is more than concerning. Please vote "No" on any proposed housing developments at the Anaheim Hills Festival Center. Sincerely, Nick Sliemers Date: 2/3/2026 1:41:46 PM From: To: "Public Comment" publiccomrnent@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] support for Festival project You don't often get email fro Learn why tivs is important Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Mayor Akins and Honorable City Council Members, As an Anaheim resident for the past fifteen years, I would like to express my strong support for the approval of the Festival Project. I currently rent in District 6 and have been planning to move to the Inland Empire due to rising housing costs. However, myjob is here in Orange County, my daughter also works here, and relocating to Riverside Countywould mean spending over 1.5 hours — often more —each way on the freeway. If given the opportunity to purchase a condominium in a safe area of Anaheim, close to where I work and shop, it would make a tremendous difference for my family and me. I understand that some residents oppose this project, but many of those voices come from individuals who already own homes in AH. From my understanding, this project includes affordable housing options, which is exactly what working families like mine need and hope to qualify for. My grandson IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIRPmaining in Anaheim —particularly within the Orange Unified School District My priority is keeping him within the same system while improving our quality of life by becoming homeowners. Regarding concerns about labor requirements, if changes would increase construction costs and ultimately be passed on to buyers, I believe it is best to allow the project to proceed as designed with the developer's chosen contractors. Affordability is critical, and the project will still be subject to all city inspections and regulations. I currently pay $4,300 in rent and im just throwing my money away since I dont get any benefit from renting. Purchasing a two - bedroom condominium would provide stability, financial relief, and long-term security for my family. Most importantly, it would allow us to stay close to work, reduce excessive commuting time, Please consider voting yes on the Festival Project. Many Anaheim residents are renters who aspire to homeownership, and this project offers a meaningful opportunity to live in a community that is safe, accessible, and worthy of calling home. please note that my grandson is also an Anaheim Kid like Mayor Akins! Thank you for your time and consideration Respectfully, Rosa I. Villicana Date: 2/3/20261:47:36 PM From "Rick Pollgreen" To: "Public Continent" publiccontine>rrt@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Opposition to the Festival Center Project Warning: This email originated from outside the City ofAnaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. > Dear CouncilMember and rrxdamrnayur Ashleigh, > I amwriting to urge you to vote Noon the proposed Anaheim Hills Festival Center apartment project. > You don't need to be a traffic engineer to recognize that Santa Ana Canyon Road is already operating at capacity. On most days, routine trips to work orthe grocery store are difficult and time-consuming. The notion that we can add more than 400 apartments —bringing roughly 1,300 additional residents without creating a serious public safety risk during a wildfire evacuation simply defies connron sense. > According to the city's own reports, current evacuation times already exceed three hours during a fire. To dismiss an additional seven minutes ofdelay as insignificant is deeply frustrating for those ofus who live here and would be directly affected. When a system is already failing, adding more strain does not fix it. Approving this project effectively acknowledges that the evacuation plan is inadequate while choosing to make conditions even worse. > Our elected leaders should focus on the real, live conditions on our streets —not just projections on a developer's spreadsheet. The responsible course of action is to protect existing residents and address our evacuation challenges before adding more people to an already constrained area. > We need safer, more reliable ways to leave the Hills in an emergency —not more residents trapped with limited options. I respectfully ask you to vote No on this project. > I beg of you. Sincerely, Rick Pollgreen Anaheim resident! Date: 2/3/20261:49:19 PM From "Karla Rebel' To: "Public Conmrnt" publicconmmnt@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Proposed 467 unit development at Festival [You don't often get email from Learn why this is important at his://aka.rrrs/LeamAboutSenderldentification ] Warning: This errail originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. I am concerned homeowner on the Mohler Loop in Anaheim Hills. I am opposed to the development of467 units at the Festival. This area is a VERYFHGH FIRE HAZARD SEVER]TYZONE and will jeopardize our safety adding all ofthese additional cars attempting to evacuate when the next fire occurs here. The traffic calculations that have been done and provided to you are NOT accurate. A 3 hour evacuation time is not acceptable. We do not want to be another Paradise Fire tragedy or a Pacific Palisades nightmare. Peoples lives are at stake and should be more important than a developer coning in here to make his profit and leave ....... no concern with the families that willbe affected in afire situation. "Shelter in Place" is an absolute ridiculous option....... it is not humane! There are not enough roads for our existing community to escape. The road access for our firefighters will also be in jeopardy. Please listen to the residents who live here and have gone through these horrific fires. Human lives are at stake. This should be your priority. Karla Rebel Date: 2/3/2026 2:08:03 PM From "HernlRittner= "Public Comment" publicconnnent@anaheimnet, "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" To: CLeon@anaheimnet, "Ryan Balius" RBalius@anaheimnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava@anaheimnet, "Nontlra C. Kurtz" NKurU2*auaheimne4 "KristenMaahs" KMaahs@anaheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Please vote NO on the Shea/Festival Center apartments — It's a safety issue [You don't often get email from am why this is irTortant at httns://aka.nrs/LeamAboutSenderldentification ] Warning: This email originated from outside the City ofAnaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Council Menber, I amwriting to you as a resident of [Your Neighborhood] to ask you to please vote "No" on the proposed apartments at the Anaheim Hills Festival Center. I lived here during the Canyon Fire 2 in 2017, and I will never forget the feeling ofbeing stuck in my car, watching the snake get closer, and literally not moving for over an hour. It wasn't just "traffic" it was a total standstill. The thought of adding hundreds ofnew apartments and about 1000+more people to that exact same escape route is terrifying to those ofus who have actually been in that situation. The reports for this project say that adding these cars will "only" add about 7 minutes to the evacuation time. But when you're already stuck for three hours and the fire is waving toward you, 7 minutes is a lifetime. We don't have extra roads or "secret" ways out of the Hills; we all end up on the same few lanes. Adding more people to a neighborhood that is already a bottleneck during a fire just feels like a tragedy waiting to happen. I understand that the city needs housing, but it shouldn't be built in a place where people are already struggling to get out safely. Please don't make an existing danger even worse just for a new development. We are asking you to prioritize the lives and safety ofthe people who already live here and pay taxes here. Sincerely, Hermann Rittner Date: 2/3/2026 2:08:42 PM From "HernlRittner'M "Public Comment" publicconnnent@anaheimnet, "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" To: CLeon@anaheimnet, "Ryan Balius" RBalius@anaheimnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava@anaheimnet, "Nontlra C. Kurtz" NKurU2*auaheimne4 "KristenMaahs" KMaahs@anaheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Please vote NO on the Shea/Festival Center apartments — It's a safety issue [You don't often get email fro Learn why this is important at httns://aka.ms/LeamAboutSenderldentification ] Warning: This email originated from outside the City ofAnaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Council Member, I amwriting to you as a resident of [Your Neighborhood] to ask you to please vote "No" on the proposed apartments at the Anaheim Hills Festival Center. I lived here during the Canyon Fire 2 in 2017, and I will never forget the feeling ofbeing stuck in my car, watching the snake get closer, and literally not moving for over an hour. It wasn't just "traffic" it was a total standstill. The thought of adding hundreds ofnew apartments and about 1000+more people to that exact same escape route is terrifying to those ofus who have actually been in that situation. The reports for this project say that adding these cars will "only" add about 7 minutes to the evacuation time. But when you're already stuck for three hours and the foe is moving toward you, 7 minutes is a lifetime. We don't have extra roads or "secret" ways out of the Hills; we all end up on the same few lanes. Adding more people to a neighborhood that is already a bottleneck during a fire just feels like a tragedy waiting to happen. I understand that the city needs housing, but it shouldn't be built in a place where people are already struggling to get out safely. Please don't make an existing danger even worse just for a new development. We are asking you to prioritize the lives and safety ofthe people who already live here and pay taxes here. Sincerely, Nella Rittner Date: 2/3/2026 2:23:04 PM From: 'BillWhitcomb" "Public Comrwnt" publicconnnent@anaheimnet, "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" To: CLeon@anaheimnet, "Ryan Balius" RBalius@anaheimnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava@anaheimnet, "Nonrrra C. Kurtz" NKurb2*anaheimnet, "KristenMaahs" KMaahs naheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks naheimnet Cc: "nmkely@cnis-ins.com" nmakely@cnis-ins.com, Subject: [EXTERNAL] Shea/Festival Center apartments You don't often get enuA fro Learn why this is important Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Council Member, There are about 55,000 residents in Anaheim Hills. Most live south of Santa Ana Canyon Rd. The only outlets for evacuation are Weir Canyon, Imperial Hwy, Santa Ana Canyon Rd, Noel Canyon Rd and Lakeview Av. During the 2017 fire it took up to 3 hours for residents to evacuate. Last year during the Pacific Palisades fire, the evacuation exits were similarly blocked with traffic. Many residents abandoned their cars on the roadways to flee to safety on foot. Unless there is an adequate way for residents to be notified or alerted that evacuation is necessary and that an evacuation route is capable to handling thousands of cars, then it is foolish to continue to build more housing in Anaheim Hills. Date: 2/3/2026 2:58:46 PM From: "Jeanette Saldivar" "Public Comment" publiccomment@anaheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@anaheimnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" To: NRubalcava@anaheimnet, "Norma C. Kurtz" NKurtz*anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" CLeon@anaheimnet, "Kristen Maahs" KA'laahsi@anaheimnet Cc: "Jeanette Saldivar" Subject: [EXTERNAL] YES to housing project Soar people who received this message don't often get email fro tins is important Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Mayor and Council, I hope you and your families are doing well. I am writing to express my support for the proposed condominium development at the AH. Anaheim has approved many developments overthe years in the flatland areas of the city —projects that I, along with other residents, opposed for various reasons. Despite our concerns, many of those developments moved forward, and our voices were not heard. For that reason, it is difficult to understand why this project is being so strongly opposed by Anaheim Hills residents, and why you would you vote no when we have a shortage of housing. During public comments, I was deeply saddened by remarks made that portrayed future residents in a negative and unfair way. Comments suggesting that working families would somehow lower the quality of the neighborhood were hurtful and divisive. Many of us were not born with privilege, but we work hard, raise our families here, and deserve the opportunity to own a home in Anaheim Hills. Some opponents cite traffic and fire concerns as reasons to deny this project. While these are important considerations, traffic already exists in this area and will continue to exist throughout the city. Public roads are meant to be used by everyone, and traffic impacts should not be used as a reason to deny housing opportunities —especially when the need for homeownership options is so great. This is a well -located project. It offers nearby shopping, dining, and services that reduce the need for long commutes. Similar developments are successful because they create walkable communities where residents can live, work, and shop locally. I respectfully ask the Mayor and City Council to vote yes in favor of this project. Housing should be for all —not only for those who already own homes. Please do not allow fear or discrimination to prevent hardworking families from having the opportunity to own a home in the hills. Best Regards! Jeanette Saldivar P.S. I understand that you may receive multiple emails from the same households opposing this project. I respectfully ask that you also consider the many young families and long-term renters who are struggling with rising rents and are seeking a real opportunity to become homeowners. Affordable homeownership is critical to keeping working families in Anaheim instead of forcing them to leave the city. Date: 2/3/2026 3:21:44 PM Frog "Kathleen Blum" "Public Comment" publicconnnent@anaheimnet, "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" To: CLeon@anaheimnet, "Ryan Balius" RBalius@anaheimnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava@anaheimnet, "Nonrrra C. Kurtz" NKurU2*auaheimne4 "KristenMaahs" KMaahs@anaheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Please vote NO on the Shea/Festival Center apartments — It's a safety issue [You don't often get email fro Learn why this is important at ht_pt s://aka.rrs/LeamAboutSenderldentification ] Warning: This email originated from outside the City ofAnaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Council Member, I amwriting to you as a resident of [Your Neighborhood] to ask you to please vote "No" on the proposed apartments at the Anaheim Hills Festival Center. I lived here during the Canyon Fire 2 in 2017, and I will never forget the feeling ofbeing stuck in my car, watching the snake get closer, and literally not moving for over an hour. It wasn't just "traffic" it was a total standstill. The thought of adding hundreds ofnew apartments and about 1000+more people to that exact same escape route is terrifying to those ofus who have actually been in that situation. The reports for this project say that adding these cars will "only" add about 7 minutes to the evacuation time. But when you're already stuck for three hours and the foe is moving toward you, 7 minutes is a lifetime. We don't have extra roads or "secret" ways out of the Hills; we all end up on the same few lanes. Adding more people to a neighborhood that is already a bottleneck during a fire just feels like a tragedy waiting to happen. I understand that the city needs housing, but it shouldn't be built in a place where people are already struggling to get out safely. Please don't make an existing danger even worse just for a new development. We are asking you to prioritize the lives and safety ofthe people who already live here and pay taxes here. Sincerely, Kathy Blum Date: 2/3/2026 3:10:51 PM From "Lori Hughes" To: "Public Comment" publiccomment@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: Anaheim Hills Festival Center Project You don't often get email fro Learn wllthis Is Mportant Warning: This entail originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. February 3, 2026 City ofAnaheim Mayor and Members of the City Council Regardmg. Anaheim Hills Festival Center 447-unit residential project (Development Application No. 2023-00043) Dear Mayor and Members of the City Council, I am writing to fonnally express my opposition to the proposed 447-unit residential development at Anaheim Hills Festival Corner. I am an Anaheim Hills resident, and my entire fanrily have been Anaheim Hills residents for the last 25 years. I am kindly requesting that the real life and death concerns regarding evacuations in our cormzi* be taken very seriously. Voting yes on the housing development at Festival Center will bring too many additional cars into the mix, making evacuations during a fire far more difficult and dangerous than was already the case in previous fires. I have heard that things will be done differently when the neat fire cones to our conTrwity, but this offers no assurance at all! Whatever different evacuation scenarios have been proposed, have not been tested in real life! The infrastructure remains the same, no matter what! The typical tine to travel 1 /4 to 1 /2 mile during the 2017 fires was about 2 1 /2 hours. How could that have even been acceptable to begin with! This supposed 7 additional minutes n tes evacuation time to get out with the new housing project is absolutely preposterous! ! ! Fires are unpredictable, people in a panic are unpredictable. It's a nice idea to think that all would go well and be fine, but that is simply not realistic! Eleven of my family members reside in Anaheim Hils (including my 93 year old mother). Six members of my family live behind or near the Festival Center. They have been through the last few fires, and their experiences during the 2017 evacuation were terr fyiing! ! ! I am deeply concerned about the safety and well being of my family members, and neighbors who live here! I know that in a real life situation, I would stop at nothing to rescue a member of my family. I have heard others state exactly the same thing! The new controlled "test plans" to evacuate the area is not enough to justify voting yes on this project. Test plans are just that, test plans. Please, please, don't dismiss the community's real life and death concerns that are based on past frightening experiences and credible, well documented evidence concerning the very real lack of infrastructure for this project. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and take seriously these things. Sincerely yours, Lori Hughes Date: 2/3/2026 3:52:17 PM From "DavidLinskens" To: "Public Comment" publicconnnent@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Proposed 467 unit development at Festival [You don't often get email from Learn why this is important at httns://aka.rrs/LeamAboutSenderldentification ] Waming: This ernail originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. I am concerned homeowner on the Mohler Loop in Anaheim Hills. I am opposed to the proposed development of467 units at the Festival. This area is a VERY HIGH FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONE and will jeopardize our safety adding all of these additional cars attempting to evacuate when the next fire occurs here. The traffic calculations that have been done and provided to you are NOT accurate. A 3 hour evacuation tirre is not acceptable. We do not want to be another Paradise Fire tragedy or a Pacific Palisades nightmare. Peoples lives are at stake and should be more important than a developer coming in here to make his profit and leave.......no concern with the families that will be affected in a fire situation. "Shelter in Place " is an absolute ridiculous option....... it is not humane! There are not enough roads for our existing community to escape. The road access for our firefighters will also be in jeopardy. Money versus safety .......... This development is hazardous to our comrmnity. I amshocked that this would even be on the table for discussion. The area:" VERY HIGH FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONE" should be enough to stop this development. Please listen to the residents. This is not the area for new developments Sincerely Dave Llnskens Date: 2/3/2026 8:31:29 PM From "Katelyn Richardson" To: "Public Comment" publiccomnent@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Apartment You don't often get ema> from Learn w%mTortant Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Council Member, I am asking you to vote No on the Anaheim Hills Festival Center apartment project because this proposal ignores what every resident here already knows: Santa Ana Canyon Road is maxed out. You don't need a traffic study to see it — just try driving it on any weekday. The idea that we can add more than 400 apartments and roughly 1,300 new residents without creating a dangerous evacuation nightmare simply defies common sense. The city's own reports acknowledge that it already takes residents over three hours to get out during a wildfire. Three hours. And yet we're being told that adding another seven minutes of delay is "not a big deal." That is infuriating. When people are trapped in their cars with a fire moving toward them, seven minutes is not a rounding error — it's a life -threatening delay. If a bucket is already overflowing, you don't keep pouring water into it and pretend it's fine. Approving this project would be an admission that the evacuation system is broken — and a decision to make it even worse anyway That is not responsible leadership. That is gambling with the safety of the people who already live here. We need leaders who will look at the reality on the ground, not just the numbers on a developer's spreadsheet. We need safer ways out of the Hills, not more people trapped in them when the next fire comes. Please do the right thing and vote No on this project Sincerely, Katelyn Richardson, Date: 2/4/2026 7:35:56 AM From "Sheryl Heinzehmm" "Public Comment" publicconnnent@anaheimnet, "Ashleigh Aitken" AAitken@anaheimnet, "Carlos A. Leon" To: CLeon@anaheimnet, "Ryan Balius" RBalius@anaheimnet, "Natalie Rubalcava" NRubalcava@anaheimnet, "Nonrna C. Kurtz" NKurU2*auaheimne4 "KristenMaahs" KMaahs@anaheimnet, "Natalie Meeks" NMeeks@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Please vote NO on the Shea/Festival Center apartments — It's a safety issue [You don't often get email from Learn why this is important at httns • /aka.rm/LeamAboutSenderldentification ] Warning: This email originated from outside the City ofAnaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Dear Council Menber, I amwriting to you as a resident of Running Springs to ask you to please vote "No" on the proposed apartments at the Anaheim Hills Festival Center. I lived here during the Canyon Fire 2 in 2017, and I will never forget the feeling ofbeing stuck in my car, watching the smoke get closer, and literally not moving for over an hour It wasn't just "traffic" it was a total standstill. The thought of adding hundreds of new apartments and about 1000+ more people to that exacts ame escape route is terrifying to those ofus who have actually been in that situation. The reports for this project say that adding these cars will "only" add about 7 minutes to the evacuation time. But when you're already stuck for three hours and the fire is moving toward you, 7 minutes is a lifetime. We don't have extra roads or "secret" ways out of the Hills; we all end upon the same few lanes. Adding more people to a neighborhood that is already a bottleneck during afire just feels like a tragedy waiting to happen. I understand that the city needs housing, but it shouldn't be built in a place where people are already struggling to get out safely. Please don't make an existing danger even worse just for anew development. We are asking you to prioritize the lives and safety ofthe people who already live here and pay taxes here. Sincerely, She 1 Heinzehmnn Sent fromnry iPhone Date: 1/28/20261:56:47 PM From: To: Subject: Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Date: 1/28/2026 2:07:57 PM From: To Subject: [EXTERNAL] #Anaheim City council meeting Apostles should have been vmman Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Date: 1/29/2026 8:42:03 AM Front To: Subject: [EXTERNAL] Watch "#Fullerton PD I drive slow bust the ones driving fast" on YouTube Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Date: 1/30/2026 8:23:44 AM Front To: Subject: [EXTERNAL] Watch "#Fullerton PD Sheriffs at North Court Justice welcome back Ruben' on YouTube Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Date: 2/2/2026 6:52:56 AM Front To: Subject: [EXTERNAL] Greg Laurie Harvest Church is evil pedophilers Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click Wilts or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. ChurchLeaders Newsletter First narne Your BEST email address Get emails and offers from ChurchLeaders.com Privacy Logo NewsPastorsMinistrySTATE OF THE CHURCHWorshipPodcastsVoicesNkn stry hrsidersShop Newsletters Christian News Child Sex Abuse Lawsuit Targets Former Harvest Christian Fellowship Pastor, Accuses Greg Laurie of Inaction September 19, 2025 By Stephanie Martin harvest christian fellowship Sept. 7 services at Harvest Christian Fellowship. Screengrab from YouTube / @harvestchurchyt Share In two lawsuits filed this week in U.S. District Court in California, two men who previously lived in a Rommnian orphanage accused a form r rrrgachurch pastor and missionary of child sexual abuse and trafficking. Editor's note: This article contains descriptions of child sexual abuse, which sorru readers might find disturbing. The two plaurti s, now 33 and 40, allege that Paul Haysgaard abused them and dozens of other children for rnore than eight years. More than 20 years ago, Haysgaard was on staffat Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, California. RELATED: San Diego Pastor Shot Dead in His Home; Suspect Apprehended, Motive Under Investigation Andrew Murray Collector Set Thumbnai Best ofAndrew Murray $59.96 $32.99 The church, founded and led by Pastor Greg Laurie, provided some financial support to Haysgaard, who eventually launched 10 orphanages in Romania. According to the lawsuits, Laurie and other Harvest leaders famed to supervise the missionary and ignored red flags about suspected abuse. Harvest said it is being wrongly targeted and was separate from Haysgaard's nonprofit, Actively Restoring Kids International The church said although it is concerned for any alleged victims, it is being financially extorted. Former Harvest Christian Fellowship Pastor Accused of Sexually Abusing Orphans In the federal lawsuits filed this week, Marian Barbu and Mbai Constantin Petcu alleged that Paul Haysgaard abused them for years while they lived at an orphanage he operated in Bucharest, Romania. (ChurchLeaders is naming the alleged victims because they went public.) In court documents, Barba described living conditions as "a torture chamber inside a prison" The plaintiffs were tied to beds and radiators, they said, and forced to kneel on walnut shells. They alleged that Haysgaard watched boys shower, masturbated in front of them and sexually assaulted and trafficked them serving as a pimp. While abusing the young victims, the pastor reportedly told them "I know what God wants. What I want, God wants." Victims reportedly talked openly among themselves and to orphanage staff about the abuse. London -based lawyer Jef McAlister, who represents the two Romanian Tien, said he expects to file at least 20 similar lawsuits on behalf of forcer orphanage residents. He said Haysgaard lured children with fast food and the prospect of a better life and education, yet marry of the alleged victims are still poor and illiterate. RELATED: Tim Tebow Shares Shocking Data With Shawn Ryan on the Brutal Abuse of Children': `This Is Happening in Our Backyard' "They have issues with trust [and have] had a hard slog," McAlister said of his clients, noting that many deal with post -traumatic stress disorder. "They would really like to get some sense they they've been heard and that the injustices they've suffered are recognized," lie added. The lawsuits allege that Harvest Christian Fellowship provided Haysgaard with $17,000 per month and that Haysgaard even brought some of his young victims to California for a church fiixdraiser. According to the lawsuit, a 2004 audit of Haysgaard's ministry revealed evidence of abuse, yet Richard Scludte, Harvest's missions pastor, took no action. Harvest: Accusations Are `Absolutely and Entirely False' In a statement to ChurchLeaders, a Harvest Christian Fellowship spokesperson called the allegations "serious and disturbing." But the statement noted, "The target here should be the alleged perpetrator, not our church" The legal action is `hisplaced," according to Harvest, because it `wrongly targets Harvest and our pastor as a form of financial extortion" Although Harvest has supported "hundreds of missionaries" financially over the years, the church said Haysgaard's organization in Romania was separate from the church In court documents, one of the plaintiffs described living conditions as "a torture chamber inside a prison" Click to Post 1 2 Continue reading on the neat page Stephanie Martin Stephanie Martin, a freelance writer and editor in Denver, has spent her entire 30-year journalism career in Christian publishing. She loves the Word and words, is a binge reader and grammar ntit, and is fanatic (as her family can attest) about Jeopardy! and pro football Read more Christian News 17 NFL Players Who LOVE Jesus (and Football) Christian News Pastor Warned to Know the Truth About the Migrant Caravan So He Joined It Christian News The Harvest and James MacDonald Controversy Fxplained Articles for Youth Leaders Christian Youth Group Names for Youth Ministry: 43 Fantastic Ideas Articles for Youth Leaders Christian Debate Topics for Youth 46 Subjects Teens Can Tackle Latest Articles Christian News Jelly Roll Delivers Powerfud Jesus -Filled Acceptance Speech at the 2026 Gramrrys Articles for Chiklren's Ministry Leaders Valentine's Day Church Ideas for Kids: Focus on Jesus Articles for Youth Leaders Valentine's Day Youth Group Ideas Celebrate God's Love Christian News `The Year I Was Canceled' Jen Hatmakcr Reflects on How Her Relationships Have Changed Since 2016 Logo ChurchLeaders.comis dedicated to resourcing infonn i ng and connecting a conmzmity ofchurch leaders for greater Kingdom4act worldwide. Contact us: support =,churchleaders.com Company Our Mission Contact Us Privacy Statement Advertise Terns of Service Your Privacy Choices Trending Christian News Jelly Roll Delivers Powerful Jesus -Filled Acceptance Speech at the 2026 Gramrrys Articles for Children's Ministry Leaders Valentine's Day Church Ideas for Kids: Focus on Jesus Articles for Youth Leaders Valentine's Day Youth Group Ideas Celebrate God's Love Popular Categories Christian News10079 Articles for Pastors3741 Articles for Outreach & Missions2511 Pastors 1557 Articles for Children's Ministry Leaders 1294 Articles for Youth Leaders 1041 Articles for Worship & Creative831 © ChtrchLeaders Date: 2/2/2026 7:25:20 AM From To: Subject: [EXTERNAL] First RESPONDERS makes u Look BAD SCREW your GOD Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Robert Morris ©Youtube: WFAA Robert Moms ©Youtube: WFAA ©1BTi rivs In a shocking fall from grace, Robert Morris, a foriver spiritual adviser to US President Donald Tnmp, has pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a 12-year-old girl, but will only serve just six months in jail. Morris, the founder and long-standing senior pastor of Gateway Chinch in Southlake, Texas, admitted in court in Oklahoma that he connnitted 'lewd or indecent acts' with a minor in the early 1980s. Keep Your Property Safe & Dry with Expert Gutter Cleaning & Repair Services. Keep Your Property Safe & Dry with Expert Gutter Cleaning & Repair Services. Coastal Rain Gutters Sponsored call to action icon more The victim, now 55-year-old Cindy Clenishire, says the abuse began in 1982, when Morris was a 21-year-old travelling evangelist staying with her family. The abuse allegedly continued for four years. Decades -Old Abuse Comes To Light Clemishire first came forward publicly in 2024, accusing Morris of grooming and abusing her when she was just 12 years old. Her story was first reported by church -watchdog sites and later confirmed in fortrul legal action. She described how Morris stayed in her f tr*s home and initiated a predatory relationship; her sister later said Morris had invited her into his room and told her to he on her back. Expand article logo Continue reading Morris initially denied the age of the victim referring vaguely to 'a young lady in previous statements, but under ruounting pressure, he resigned as senior pastor of Gateway Church in June 2024. Open the Youtube video On 02 October 2025, Morris entered a guilty plea before an Oklahoma judge on five felony counts of 'lewd or indecent acts with a child'. Under the tenns ofthe plea agreement, he was sentenced to 10 years, but all but six rnonths were suspended. He will serve those six tronths in the Osage County Jail, where the abuse occurred. Date: 1/28/2026 4:00:04 PM From: "Craig A Durfey" M To: Subject: [EXTERNAL] Study: 98% of teens have school cellphone bans, but majority don't followthem Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. I thought you would be interested in this story I found on MSN: Study. 98% of teems have school cellphone bans, but majority don't follow them - httpsl/www.nr.n.coriien-us/news/us/study-98-of-teens-have-school-cet?hone-bans-but-ni jority-dorm-follow theni/ar-AAIVb,j5? ocid=socialshare Date: 1/28/2026 7:46:26 PM Front "Craig A Durfey" To: "Public Comment" publiccouunent@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Fred: Bereaved parents demand Keir Starner backs under--16 social media ban now Waring: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Forwarded message - From Craig A Durfey Date: Wed, Jan 28, 2026 at 7.45 PM ---------- Forwarded message --------- From Craig A Durfey Date: Wed, Jan 28, 2026 at 7:38 PM I thought you would be interested in this story I found on MSN: Bereaved parents demuxl Keir Starner backs under-16 social media ban now - h�s1/www.nsn.corrien-us/news/world/bereaved-parents-demand-keir-starmer-backs-under- 16-social-rredia-ban-now/ar-AAIUVYKI? ocid=socialshare Date: 1/28/2026 8:00:03 PM From: "Craig A Durfey" To Subject: [EXTERNAL] Washington lawmakers target 'addictive' social media feeds in revived push for youth safeguards Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognise the sender and are expecting the message. I thought you would be interested in this story I found on MSN: Washington lawmakers target'addictive' social media feeds in revived push for youth safeguards - https://www.msn.conncti-us/news/pohbcs/wasfmgton lawmakers-target-addictive-socia)-media-feeds-irrrevived-puslrfor- youtlf- safeguards/ar-AAI Uwt99?ocid=socialshare Date: 1/29/2026 12:36:58 PM From: "Craig A Durfey" To: Subject: [EXTERNAL] Ford: In the Ne"s: Human Trafficking & Online Exploitation 1.29.26 Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. ---------- Forwarded message --------- From Million Kids <infonmillionkids.org> Date: Thu, Jan 29, 2026 at 10:06 AM Subject: In the News: Human Trafficking & Online Exploitation 1.29.26 To TAAql 1 1N K"Piytij Kids Safe- From Predators EDUCATE TO PROTECT & I9JN :kT/:IkiII THANK YOU FOR CARING. PLEASE FORWARD THIS EMAIL TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND LET'S FIGHT TOGETHER TO EDUCATE TO PROTECT OUR CHILDREN. NEWS STORIES COVERED (Scroll down to see content): • Human trafficking operation in California • Trafficking Survivors Relief Act signed into law • 15-year-old disappears after meeting someone on Roblox • Dealing with deepfakes/AI generated images • Trafficking: SFO training all frontline employees, Lawsuit against motels for allegedly facilitating sex trafficking; Trafficking requires corruption; What does human trafficking look like? Sextortion: Man in Albuquerque and man in British Columbia sentenced, Tips from an lT professional Around the Globe; Child on child online sex abuse increasing; Online scam job offers from Russia to Latin America; Woman filmed secretly and footage posted on TikTok; Man groomed children as drug runners, Nigerians arrested in Ghana The following content may contain sensitive topics. Reader discretion is advised. ORDER YOURS TODAY - Digital Warfare: Our Kids on the Frontline A must read... for every parent, grandparent, teacher, coach, school administrator, religious leader and anyone who cares about kids and wants to protect them from predators. Cyber exploitation of minors may be the fastest growing crime in the world. Click here > PDF and/or AUDIO Version Knowledge is power. The insights you'll gain here will help you build stronger, more honest conversations with your child, giving them the tools to resist, recover, and be leaders in a digital world. Most importantly, these conversations may not just shape their future... IT MAY SAVE THEIR LIFE. Click here Amazon > Kindle or paperback Operation 'Stand on Demand' nets 120 arrests in California related to human trafficking SAN DIFGO — California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced Monday the results of Operation "Stand on Demand," a statewide human trafficking enforcement effort that resulted in 120 arrests across multiple counties. The joint operation, coordinated by over 18 law enforcement agencies, occurred from January 19 to 24 and targeted sex buyers and traffickers. Of those arrested, 87 were charged with loitering, 25 with solicitation, and eight with pimping and pandering, according to the California Department of Justice. LINK TO ARTICLE Million Kids Insights: This was part of the annual statewide human -trafficking enforcement effort in California and ran January 19-24, 2026. It resulted in the 120 arrests across multiple counties and a renewed focus on reducing demand for commercial sexual exploitation. The operation targeted sex buyers, traffickers, and locations known for exploitation, while also identifying and supporting victims. The youngest victim was 12-years-old. The operation was the first major enforcement action in California using Assembly Bill 379, which: • Re -criminalized loitering with intent to purchase sex (misdemeanor). • Imposes felony penalties for soliciting sex from 16- or 17-year-olds (who had been excluded from an earlier bill). and • Establishes a Survivor Support Fund. Trump Signs Law Giving Human Trafficking Survivors A Path To Clear Records President Donald Trump on Friday, January 23, signed into law legislation creating a federal process for human trafficking survivors to seek relief from certain criminal convictions and arrest records tied directly to their exploitation. The White House said Trump signed H.R. 4:323, the "Trafficking Survivors Relief Act," which "establishes a process to allow human trafficking victims to file motions to vacate their convictions and expunge their arrest records for certain criminal offenses committed as a direct result of their being trafficked." LINK TO ARTICLE Million Kids Insights: The signing of this bill is a major victory for survivors of human trafficking in the U.S. and a critical step toward restoring justice for those who were forced or coerced into committing non-violent crimes as a direct result of their exploitation. Survivors of human trafficking often carry criminal records for non-violent offenses they were forced or coerced to commit while being exploited. The Act creates a clear federal process to help survivors defend themselves during prosecution and clear past convictions tied directly to their trafficking. It allows survivors to present evidence early in a prosecution showing that the alleged offense(s) happened as a direct result of being trafficked. This gives them a legal pathway to avoid being punished for crimes their traffickers compelled them to commit. If they can show that the non-violent crimes were a direct result of the trafficking, they can then petition the court to vacate convictions, and expunge the arrest records. (Side note: it does not apply if any of their victims were children.) Survivors often describe criminal records as a "second sentence" that follows them long after escaping exploitation. This new law recognizes a fundamental truth that victims are not criminals and It gives survivors a real chance to rebuild their lives without the shadow of coerced criminalization. Missing Long Island boy, 15, may have traveled to NYC to meet with someone he met on Roblox: report A missing Long Island teen was last seen at Grand Central Terminal two plus weeks ago — and police now believe he planned to link up with someone he met on a popular online game, his worried mother said. Thomas Medlin, 15, was reported missing after leaving the Stony Brook School campus around 3:30 p.m. on Jan. 9 and running to the Stony Brook Long Island Rail Road Station, where he caught a train to the Big Apple, according to the Suffolk County Police Department. LINK TO ARTICLE Million Kids Insights: Meeting new people online is very common for young people. They don't always understand the dangers or risks if they take it a step further and meet in person. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) has reported that their CyberTipline data shows that approximately 1 in 4 to 1 in 3 children involved in online -enticement cases go on to meet the offender face-to-face. This is an approximate 28% figure and it reflects cases where a child was contacted online by someone with sexual intent, and the child did meet the offender offline at least once. In many cases the predators will use "skins" or "loot box" giveaways in games like Roblox or Fortnite to initiate contact, build trust and an emotional attachment. (FYI: skins are digital outfits that change how a character, item, weapon or Avatar looks. Some are limited edition or rare.) These items function like digital currency and status symbols inside the game world. Kids, especially tweens and younger teens, often value these items which make them powerful tools for manipulation. Once a child has accepted the "gift", there is a sense of obligation to the giver and the predator may use it as leverage. The predator may test the boundaries by asking for small "favors". An example might be to voice chat or to send a photo. The predator is looking to see if the child will comply. Each time the child complies, there is often a reward given. The requests can then become more and more risky for the child, but the child is caught in the cycle of complying and receiving rewards. Over time this can lead to a request for explicit imagery or an in -person meet -up. We don't know if this is what happened with Thomas specifically, but we do know that online exploitation through gaming often happens this way. Kids who are online playing games need to know. ✓ n Never accept gifts from people you don't know offline and if someone offers gifts, tell a trusted adult. ✓ n Gifts should never require secrets, photos, or moving to private chats on other apps. ✓ ❑ Block and report anyone who pressures or manipulates you into doing something for a reward. ✓ ❑ Parents should check in -game friends lists and gift histories for anything suspicious. As a closing note, Thomas remains missing as of this writing. Anyone with information is urged to contact Fourth Squad Detectives at 631-854-8452 or call 911. When the Image Isn't Real: Addressing AI -Generated Explicit Photos Sexually explicit photos are appearing more often in educational environments. Whether the images are real (authentic) or fake (synthetic, including AI -generated or "deepfake"), the harm they cause can be significant. When authentic or synthetic images are created and distributed without the consent of the individual depicted, they constitute Non -Consensual Intimate Imagery (NCII), a form of Image -Based Sexual Abuse (IBSA). LINK TO ARTICLE Million Kids Insights: If you have children, have you asked their school administrators, or the school district, if they have a policy (and consequences) for producing and distributing authentic or deepfake images of classmates? Many do not. A May 2025 report said that 50 percent of teachers reported they had not received any state or district guidance on how to handle student reports of such incidents (govtech.com). Equally important: does the school or district have a procedure to assess, report and contain these types of incidents; providing support and safety for targeted students; interacting with law enforcement; applying student discipline; and setting up communication protocols. As a parent you need to know if the school or school district would try to keep it quiet, or would be willing to bring in law enforcement. On the other side of it, do your kids know that having an explicit image of a minor on their phone is breaking the law (even if consensually provided - like a boyfriend or girlfriend)? And if they share it, they could be charged with a crime. Here's what to tell your child if they were to ever receive such an image: 1. Don't touch the image No saving, sharing, forwarding, screenshotting, or deleting. Even if you didn't ask for it, handling it can create legal problems. 2. Stop responding to the sender Block them. Don't argue, don't explain, don't engage. 3. Tell a trusted adult right away A parent, caregiver, teacher, coach, or counselor can help you stay safe. 4. Report it An adult can help you report to your school, local law enforcement, or the CyberTipline. 5. Let adults handle the device They'll know how to protect evidence and keep you out of trouble. 6. Remember: You're not in trouble for receiving it You didn't do anything wrong. Speaking up is the safest move. Trafficking SFO to require all frontline employees to take human trafficking awareness training San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has announced expanded efforts to increase awareness of human trafficking. In partnership with Freedom Insight, all frontline airport employees will be required to take new training on how to recognize and report potential cases of human trafficking. The initiative will begin this January. LINK TO ARTICLE Lawsuit alleges California motel operators facilitated sex trafficking for profit A lawsuit has been filed against several franchisees of hospitality brand Motel 6, alleging that they were aware of and facilitated the sex trafficking of a woman. It also alleges that the victim (identified as Jane Doe 1) faced severe abuse, leading to her daughter (Jane Doe 2) being born with a permanent disability. A news release sent to FOX 5/KUSI from injury law firm Singleton Schrieber outlines the lawsuit filed by Jane Doe 1. It claims the defendants failed to take action against the alleged trafficking occurring at multiple Motel 6 locations throughout California. LINK TO ARTICLE Human trafficking depends on corruption at every step Were it not for border guards, public officials and other entities who look the other way in exchange for money or sexual favours — or are themselves being extorted — human trafficking could not occur on a large scale, according to a new report from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) published last week. LINK TO ARTICLE What does human trafficking look like? It may not be visible. It's likely not obvious. And it probably doesn't look like what you've seen portrayed in the movies or on TV. It can't be identified by looking for any one "type" of person, but rather by potential risk factors. LINK TO WEBSITE Million Kids Insights: Sex trafficking in hotels and other hospitality settings often hides in plain sight. One study showed that 75% of trafficking survivors reported being at a hotel/motel during exploitation or when they were being transported between locations. Staff and guests can watch for behavioral red flags, unusual room activity, and labor -related exploitation patterns. Things to look for at a motel/hotel include suspicious room use patterns: • Rooms paid in cash or prepaid cards • Do Not Disturb signs used constantly • Guests refusing housekeeping for multiple days • Excessive foot traffic to a room at all hours (constant flow of men) • Multiple rooms booked by the same person • Guests entering/exiting through side or rear entrances instead of the lobby • Cars parked backwards to hide license plates Suspicious behavior with minors would include if they are left alone in the guest room for long periods of time, minors who are with adults late at night or during school hours (not on vacation), and minors who appear coached, fearful, or unable to speak freely. Labor trafficking, including debt bondage, is also prevalent in the hospitality industry as hotels/motels frequently rely on subcontracted cleaning, maintenance, and seasonal workers who may be trafficked through an agency. Indicators include: • Workers with confiscated passports or IDs • Workers living in overcrowded or employer -controlled housing • Staff showing fear of supervisors or being monitored constantly • Workers with few personal possessions or no freedom of movement Something to note is that trafficking can occur at all hotel and motel price points. It is not limited to budget motels. If you suspect trafficking: • Do NOT confront or intervene directly with a suspected trafficker or victim. • Document what you see: dates, times, behaviors, room numbers. • If you are staff at the hotel, follow your hotel's internal reporting protocol (many states require training and signage). • Otherwise contact: Local law enforcement (911 if immediate danger) and/or the HSI Tipline: 1-866-347-2423. B.C. man gets 5-year sentence in Snapchat child sex abuse case, as advocates warn of surge A B.C. (Canada) man has been sentenced to five years in prison after pleading guilty to sex crimes involving a minor he met over Snapchat, his jailing coming amid what advocates say is a surge in "extreme online violence." LINK TO ARTICLE Albuquerque Man Sentenced for Online Sextortion and Sexual Exploitation of Two Minors An Albuquerque man was sentenced to 19 and a half years in prison for coercing a 15-year-old girl into producing sexually explicit images over several years and for sexually exploiting a second victim who was 12 years old. Adrian Puentes, 26, used Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok to coerce Jane Doe 1 into sending sexually explicit images beginning when she was in eighth grade. He threatened to post the material publicly, created new accounts when she blocked him, and spent three years manipulating and intimidating her before ultimately sharing the images online. Puentes also targeted a second victim, Jane Doe 2, who was 12. He contacted her by phone to request explicit material, sent her money, and met her multiple times at a public park, where he engaged in sexual acts with her. LINK TO ARTICLE Flirty chat to suicide in hours: The deadly new wave of AI -powered sextortion scams targeting American teens Ben Gillenwater is an IT expert with 30 years of experience and the creator behind the "family IT guy" accounts on social media, where he shares tips with parents on how to protect their kids online from harmful content, predators, and addictive algorithms, among other virtual risks. This is an interview with him as he provides helpful information for parents. LINK TO VIDEO & ARTICLE Million Kids Insights: Although a sextortion predator can be based in the U.S. or local, we are seeing that the majority are working out of foreign countries. This crime is able to happen because the world has become connected because of technology advances. Sometimes the victims are targeted based on their social media profile. Sometimes it is groups like the "Yahoo Boys" who have playbooks on how to target young people. And often it is random "phishing" using slave labor (trafficked victims forced to work in scam farms and call centers and called "forced criminality") in developing countries. These trafficked victims are forced to reach out to potential victims. They may have some information on the victim but basically "cold calling" until they can find someone who responds. At some point the criminals may actually conduct research to find ways to deepen the grooming process leading to sextortion or a romance scam. In sextortion, the goal is always he same: get a nude photo that can be used to blackmail the victim. And it isn't limited to kids. We've seen it happen to those in their twenties and thirties, up to those in their sixties. A conversation about sextortion with every family member is a must. AROUND THE GLOBE `Significant' increase in cases of child -on -child online sexual abuse, gardai say There has been a "significant" increase in cases of child -on -child online sexual abuse, An Garda Siochana has warned the Department of Justice. It comes as concerns are growing within the Government about the influence that access to pornography is having on children in Ireland. Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan said he was "deeply concerned" about pornography, and how it is "distorting" children's perception of sexuality and leading to more violent sexual assaults. LINK TO ARTICLE Inside the cruel plan to fool young Latinas seeking travel into making killer drones in Russia Young women from a dozen Latin American countries came to Russia seeking travel and opportunity with plans to break into the hospitality industry through a work exchange — and ended up manufacturing "kamikaze" drones used in MoscovJs war with Ukraine. Beginning just months after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, corporate recruiters targeted the women, mostly age 18-22, reeling them in through ads stressing sport and cultural exchange, according to a review of the material by The Post. Manufacturing company Alabuga Start made slick pitches on TikTok, Instagram, and other online platforms, tailored to the countries where they were seeking cheap laborers to manufacture the Geran-2, Russia's version of the Iran made Shahed-136 drone. LINK TO ARTICLE Women filmed secretly for social media content - and then harassed online Dilara was on her lunch break in the London store where she works when a tall man walked up to her and said: 1 swear red hair means you've just been heartbroken." The man continued the conversation as they both got in a lift, and he asked Dilara for her phone number. What Dilara did not realise was that the man was secretly filming her on his smart glasses - which look like normal eyewear but have a tiny camera which can record video. The footage was then posted to TikTok, where it received 1.3m views. "I just wanted to cry," Dilara, 21, told the BBC. LINK TO ARTICLE Man from Swindon groomed children on Snapchat and used them to deal drugs around town A man from Swindon (UK) who groomed children on Snapchat and used them to deal drugs on his behalf around the town has been jailed for more than five and a half years. Kyum Raham, 23, formerly of Northern Road, Rodbourne Cheney, trafficked his three teenage victims, all aged 16 and under, and used them as drug runners. Raham exploited the teenagers by recruiting them through Snapchat and then groomed them by offering them cash. LINK TO ARTICLE Cyber Security Authority nabs 7 in sextortion, MoMo fraud bust The suspects were all Nigerian living in Ghana and were arrested for sextortion, MoMo fraud and impersonation. (Note: MoMo is a Mobile Money app) LINK TO ARTICLE Links to listen to the P3 Podcast Be sure to Subscribe - Like Million Kids Social Media Links Be sure to Follow - Like - Subscribe Pandora CLICK HERE iHeart Radio CLICK HERE Spotify CLICK HERE Apple Podcasts CLICK HERE Amazon Music CLICK HERE Rumble CLICK HERE YouTube CLICK HERE Facebook: IEMillionKids Instagram: MillionKidsTeen X IEMillionKids Linkedln: Opal Singleton Linkedln: Million Kids BlueSky: Million Kids.bsky.social Parler: (o)MillionKids TikTok: @MillionKidsTeen National Human Trafficking Hotline: (hh�s://humantraffickinghotline.org/en)** 1-888-3737-888 or BeFree Textline Text "BeFree" (233733) [Spanish Version](https:Hhumantraffickinghotline.org/es) Obtenga Ayuda 24/7 Confidencial - 1-888-373-7888 Report Online Sexual Exploitation of Children: National Center for Missing & Exploited Children(hftp://www.missincikids.conVhome)** Go to[CyberTipline](http://wwv.missingkids.com/gethelpnow/cybertipline) or call 1- 800-THE-LOST Department of Homeland Security: Know2Protect is a Department of Homeland Security national public awareness campaign to educate and empower children, teens, parents, trusted adults and policymakers to prevent and combat online child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA). Explains how to report online enticement and victimization. Offers response and support resources for victims and survivors of online child sexual exploitation. Know2Protect ff you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or thoughts of suicide, call 988 or tpyf TALK to 741-741. DONATE TO MILLION KIDS Thank you for being part of the vision to keep every child safe from predators. Together, we are saving lives (c)2026 Million Kids You received this email because you signed up on our website, joined us for a workshop or made a purchase from us. Unsubscribe Date: 1/29/20261:45:42 PM Franc "Craig A Durfey" m To Subject Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognise the sender and are expecting the message. I thought you would be interested in this story I found on MSN: If phones don't belong in schools, neither do laptops - httpsl/www.nsn.con/eir us/lifestyle/parenting/if-phones-dorm-belong-h-schools-neither-do-laptops/ar-AAI ScVRC?ocid=socialsbare Date: 1/29/2026 4:15:49 PM From To: Subject: Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. I thought you would be interested in this story I found on MSN: Swapping screen time for books boosts language skills in preschoolers - lmpsJ/www.nrsn.con)�er�us/heahWother/swappingscreetrtime-for-books-boosts-language-skills-in preschoolers/ar-AAlUcFUE? ocid=socialshare Date: 1/31/2026 8:26:10 AM Front To: Subject: [EXTERNAL] New study: 39 percent of taw -year -olds with the most screen time had behavioral probleirn Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. I thought you would be interested in this story I found on MSN: New study: 39 percent of two -year -olds with the most screen three bad behavioral problerrs - httpsY/www.rrnn.corlien-us/he mother/new-study-39-percerit-of-two-year-olds-with the-rust-screen-tiTr-bad-bebavioral- problens/ar-AAI Vjg2M?ocid=socialsbare Date: 1/31/2026 3:46:05 PM From: "Craig A Durfey" M To: Subject: [EXTERNAL] Gen Zstudents are entering college unable to read full sentences, professors fear for the 'future' of the graduates Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. I thought you would be interested in this story I found on MSN: Gen Z students are entering college unable to read full sentences, professors fear for the 'future' of the graduates - httpsJ/www.rnsn.corrien-us/lifestyk/lifestyle-buzz/gen-z-students-are-enteringcollege-unable-to-read-full sentences-professors-fear-for-the-film-of-the-graduates/ar-AAIUg7zP?ocid=socialshare Date: 2/1/202610:48:34 AM Front To Subject: [EXTERNAL] An oasis where kids learn to be climate literate arnid trees, flower beds and herbs Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. An oasis where kids learn to be cli hate literate amid trees, flower beds and herbs https//www.lati ms.corrYenvironn rrt/story/2024-09-15/an-oasis-where-kids-learr�to-be-clrmte-literate-amid-trees-flower-beds-and-herbs At 24th Street Flernentary School, students'leam where their food comes from bow to grow it and cook it, and then, recycle the waste' Date: 2/1/2026 2:42:41 PM From: To: Subject: [EXTERNAL] Easy Way to Make Streets Safe for Cyclists.. Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. I thought you would be interested in this story I found on MSN: Easy Way to Make Streets Safe for Cyclists.. - httpsl/www."n.corrden- us/heaWfitness/easy-way-to-make-streets-safe-for-cyclists/vi-AAI tBlyZ?ocid=socialshare Date: 2/1/2026 9:35:18 PM From "Jessica Arredondo' To: "Public Comnent" publicconunent@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] No more silence! Justice for Albert Arzola! [You don't often get email from Learn why this is important at his://aka.rm/LeamAboutSenderldentificatlon ] Warning: This ernail originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Mayor Aitken and Members ofthe Anaheim City Council, I amwriting to demand justice for the police killing of Albert Arzola. I demand the full, unedited body camera footage from all officers, the inanediate release ofthe autopsy report, the names ofthe officers involved, and the immediate firing ofthe officer who shot Albert to death. Albert was ambushed by two AnaheimPD officers who leapt out of an unmarked vehicle and chased him to his house. One officer shot him in the back, killing him in front ofhis family. They threatened to shoot his family and then detained themat the scene for hours. They delayed medical attention for ten rrunutes and dragged Albert's lifeless body onto the sidewalk. Albert was doing nothing wrong and was not a threat to anyone. He was only 19-years-old and recently graduated fromKatella High School. He was a hard-working resident ofAnaheim who tookpride in his job and aspired to a career in culinary arts. He was a beloved son, family member and friend with a bright future ahead of him Albert should be alive today! I demand the full body camera footage of all officers fromthe incident. I demand the release ofthe autopsy report. I demand the names ofthe officers involved. And I demand that the officer who shot Albert be fired immediately. Justice for Albert Arzola! -Jessica Arredondo Date: 2/2/2026 5:12:33 PM From: To: "Public Coninent" publiccomrnentC.anaheim.net Subject: [EXTERNAL] City Council Agenda Item, or Just a Notification ofItem to be Presented by Resident Attachment: CITYcouncilANAHEIMfeb_3 2026.doex; You don't often get email fro Learn why this is irrPortant Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Hello Council Members and Ryan Balius: I have never attended or watched a Council Meeting (my bad). I am planning to attend the upcoming meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 3, at 5 pm. The issue I would like to present and hear your feedback or thoughts is: QUESTIONABLE USE OF 3D PRINTER AT HASKETT BRANCH LIBRARY. My email "report" is enclosed as an attachment below. Please email me if you cannot open it up. Thank you, Susan Burrows DATE: Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026 RE: Item Added to 2/3/26 Agenda (or Notice to Address Council) TO: Anaheim City Council FROM: Susan Burrows Dear Ryan Balius, Council Member District 1, AND City Council Members: I am a retired Anaheim City Elementary School teacher, visit the Haskett Library Branch often, enjoy volunteering for 6 or so Anaheim event celebrations per year, and have seen the popup tents for Council and City employees at those fun and informative Anaheim gatherings. On SUNDAY, JAN. 25, 2026 while in the women's restroom at the Haskett Branch Library, I noticed a sizeable "BAG OF ANARCHY AND OBSTRUCTION" — with about 10 "packets" placed near the sink for the public to take. I took 2 of them. I saw that THE WHISTLES AND BROCHURES were urging agitators to follow ICE cars (I know misidentifying vehicles has occurred) and gathering protesters together to loudly disrupt and interfere with law officers by using "CODED SIGNALS" from the whistles (some long and some short bursts of noise). At first I thought that protesters were being instructed to peacefully protest, as protected by the Constitution. I THOUGHT IT WAS FINE TO ACT LIKE THIS. Then I realized that: INTERFERING, DISTRACTING, BECOMING PHYSICALLY INVOLVED IN ALTERCATIONS, TRYING TO INJECT ONESELF INTO LAW ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS involving potential or actual criminals, and using WEAPONS (including vehicles) is not "protected speech." I was going to leave the BAG of propaganda as intended, but then I read and realized what was PRINTED ON THE BROCHURES! Urging the public to enter restricted areas, to physically and emotionally disrupt law enforcement officials doing their jobs to apprehend lawbreakers, and following/approaching/intimidating/ interacting with federal ICE agents and local law enforcement is not protected speech. Chaos and violence are likely to erupt. IN ADDITION, I believe the 3D laser white plastic "WHISTLES" in the packets were made on high-tech, very expensive machines — the 3D printer found in Haskett's LinkLabs -- and with taxpayer funds. This seems to be a MISUSE or ABUSE of taxpayer funds for a nefarious and dangerous purpose. This had to be known by library personnel because that LabLink is available only on a checkout/ appointment basis and a careful eye and locked door ensure its protection. Did anyone at City Hall know about or approve this? IN ADDITION TO THE BROCHURE INSTRUCTIONS FOR agitators/ protesters, there is an ADDITIONAL INSERT in the packet which informs people of the 11 (or more) libraries in Orange, Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Riverside Counties that offer "FREE" taxpayer -funded "services and materials" for the 3D Printer. I don't think the printing of the pages and card inserts were made at the library, but I am not sure about this aspect. This endeavor is possibly expensive and should not have happened, if the facts are shown to be true. I WONDER...what is going on??? Who all knows about this??? CURRENTLY, the LinkLabs reservations are FULL THROUGH THE ENTIRE MONTH OF FEBRUARY!!! Will thousands or tens of thousands of whistles and subversive activities be promoted through Anaheim's library system? (I saw a large box and white whistles on a table inside the LinkLabs.) It seems bizarre and unwise to oppose law enforcement officials; our large Anaheim Police Department is a stellar organization with an excellent reputation and high standards for policing and keeping our city safe and orderly. PLEASE DO NOT WORK AGAINST THE MEN AND WOMEN IN BLUE (and the many civilians on staff there), in their support and coordination with federal law enforcement agents. They have plenty on their plate under "normal circumstances" as we all know. I believe a heightened awareness of ALL KINDS OF ACTIVITIES should be in place at this particular time —that's why I'm writing this. Thank you for looking into this matter and taking it seriously. I am concerned for ALL loss of life and injuries that can be prevented by good government and proper oversight. Date: 2/3/2026 5:27:05 AM From: To Subject: [EXTERNAL] Watch "#Anaheim City council meeting tonightyou have a voice use it or quit complaining" on YouTube Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Date: 2/3/2026 6:40:57 AM Front To: Cc: Subject Warning: lids email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Date: 2/3/2026 7:24:53 AM From "Carina Munoz" To: "Public Comment" publicconumnt@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] No more silence! Justice for Albert Arzola! [You don't often get email from Learn why this is important at his://aka.ns/LeamAboutSenderldentification ] Warning: This ernail originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Mayor Aitken and Members ofthe Anaheim City Council, I amwriting to demand justice for the police killing of Albert Arzola. I demand the full, unedited body camera footage from all officers, the inanediate release ofthe autopsy report, the names ofthe officers involved, and the immediate firing ofthe officer who shot Albert to death. Albert was ambushed by two AnaheimPD officers who leapt out of an unmarked vehicle and chased him to his house. One officer shot him in the back, killing him in front ofhis family. They threatened to shoot his family and then detained themat the scene for hours. They delayed medical attention for ten rrunutes and dragged Albert's lifeless body onto the sidewalk. Albert was doing nothing wrong and was not a threat to anyone. He was only 19-years-old and recently graduated fromKatella High School. He was a hard-working resident ofAnaheim who tookpride in his job and aspired to a career in culinary arts. He was a beloved son, family member and friend with a bright future ahead of him Albert should be alive today! I demand the full body camera footage of all officers fromthe incident. I demand the release ofthe autopsy report. I demand the names ofthe officers involved. And I demand that the officer who shot Albert be fired immediately. Justice for Albert Arzola! Sent frommy iPhone Date: 2/3/2026 7:26:44 AM From To: "Public Consuent" publiccomnent@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] No more silence! Justice for Albert Armla! [You don't often get email from Learn why this is important at his://aka.nE/LeamAboutSenderldentificatlon ] Warning: This ernail originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Mayor Aitken and Members ofthe Anaheim City Council, I amwriting to demand justice for the police killing of Albert Arzola. I demand the full, unedited body camera footage from all officers, the inanediate release ofthe autopsy report, the names ofthe officers involved, and the immediate firing ofthe officer who shot Albert to death. Albert was ambushed by two AnaheimPD officers who leapt out of an unmarked vehicle and chased him to his house. One officer shot him in the back, killing him in front ofhis family. They threatened to shoot his family and then detained themat the scene for hours. They delayed medical attention for ten rrunutes and dragged Albert's lifeless body onto the sidewalk. Albert was doing nothing wrong and was not a threat to anyone. He was only 19-years-old and recently graduated fromKatella High School. He was a hard-working resident ofAnaheim who tookpride in his job and aspired to a career in culinary arts. He was a beloved son, family member and friend with a bright future ahead of him Albert should be alive today! I demand the full body camera footage of all officers fromthe incident. I demand the release ofthe autopsy report. I demand the names ofthe officers involved. And I demand that the officer who shot Albert be fired immediately. Justice for Albert Arzola! Date: 2/3/2026 7:27:17 AM From "Maribel Chavez" To: "Public Connnent" publiccomrnent(kanaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Justice for AlbertArmla! [You don't often get email from Learn why this is important at httns J/aka.ns/LeamAboutSenderldentification ] Warning: This ernail originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Mayor Aitken and Members ofthe Anaheim City Council, I amwriting to demand justice for the police killing of Albert Arzola. I demand the full, unedited body camera footage from all officers, the inanediate release ofthe autopsy report, the names ofthe officers involved, and the immediate firing ofthe officer who shot Albert to death. Albert was ambushed by two AnaheimPD officers who leapt out of an unmarked vehicle and chased him to his house. One officer shot him in the back, killing him in front ofhis family. They threatened to shoot his family and then detained themat the scene for hours. They delayed medical attention for ten rrunutes and dragged Albert's lifeless body onto the sidewalk. Albert was doing nothing wrong and was not a threat to anyone. He was only 19-years-old and recently graduated fromKatella High School. He was a hard-working resident ofAnaheim who tookpride in his job and aspired to a career in culinary arts. He was a beloved son, family member and friend with a bright future ahead of him Albert should be alive today! I demand the full body camera footage of all officers fromthe incident. I demand the release ofthe autopsy report. I demand the names ofthe officers involved. And I demand that the officer who shot Albert be fired immediately. Justice for Albert Arzola! NOW Date: 2/3/2026 8:03:07 AM From "Aiya Kanamd" To: "Public Comment" publicconvnent@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] No more silence! Justice for Albert Arzola! [You don't often get email from Learn why this is important at his://aka.ms/LeamAboutSenderldentification ] Warning: This errail originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Mayor Aitken and Members ofthe Anaheim City Council, I demand justice for the police killing of Albert Arzola. I demand the full, unedited body camera footage fromall officers (and frankly i'mnot sure why you haven't been compelled to share it with the family yet), the immediate release ofthe autopsy report, the names ofthe officers involved, and the immediate firing ofthe officer who shot Albert to death. Albert was ambushed by two AnaheimPD officers who leapt out of an unmarked vehicle and chased himto his house. One officer shot him in the back, killing him in front ofhis family. They threatened to shoot his farnily and delayed medical attention for ten rmnutes then dragged Albert's lifeless body onto the sidewallc Albert graduated frommy school Katella. He was a hard-working kid ofAnaheim who took pride in his job and aspired to a career in culinary arts. He was a beloved son, classmate and friend with a bright future ahead ofhim During my time at Katella, we had chain suicides after we lost a classmate in which more than 4 children died. Ifyou really actually truly, care about our youth you would take a very huge took at the way you treat themand set themup for death. Think about how many people will be crumbled because ofthis loss. Think about the person you love most, suddenly dying. Would there be a justification? I demand the full body camera footage of all officers fromthe incident. I demand the release ofthe autopsy report. I demand the names ofthe officers involved. And I demand that the officer who shot Albert be fired irrurrediately. Justice for Albert Arzola. With great disappointment, AK Date: 2/3/202610:25:24 AM From "Grace Arcola" To: "Public Comment" publiccomment@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] No more silence! Justice for Albert Arzola! [You don't often get email from Learn why this is important at httns://aka.ns/LeamAboutSenderldentification ] Warning: This ernail originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Mayor Aitken and Members ofthe Anaheim City Council, I amwriting to demand justice for the police killing of Albert Arzola. I demand the full, unedited body camera footage from all officers, the inanediate release ofthe autopsy report, the names ofthe officers involved, and the immediate firing ofthe officer who shot Albert to death. Albert was ambushed by two AnaheimPD officers who leapt out of an unmarked vehicle and chased him to his house. One officer shot him in the back, killing him in front ofhis family. They threatened to shoot his family and then detained themat the scene for hours. They delayed medical attention for ten rrunutes and dragged Albert's lifeless body onto the sidewalk. Albert was doing nothing wrong and was not a threat to anyone. He was only 19-years-old and recently graduated fromKatella High School. He was a hard-working resident ofAnaheim who tookpride in his job and aspired to a career in culinary arts. He was a beloved son, family member and friend with a bright future ahead of him Albert should be alive today! I demand the full body camera footage of all officers fromthe incident. I demand the release ofthe autopsy report. I demand the names ofthe officers involved. And I demand that the officer who shot Albert be fired imunediately. Justice for Albert Arzola! Respectfully, Grace Arzola Date: 2/3/202610:26:40 AM From "Baac Garcia" To: "Public Comment" publiccotmlent@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Justice for Albert Arcola: officer -involved shooting on December 6th 2025 [You don't often get email from Learn why this is important at https://aka.cos/LeamAboutSenderldentification ] Warning: This errail originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Mayor Aitken and Members ofthe Anaheim City Council, I amwriting to request transparency and accountability on the death of Anaheim resident Albert Arcola who was unjustly shot and killed by an Anaheimpolice officers gang unit. I demand the full, unedited body cameras footage fromall officers. Albert was ambushed by two AnaheimPD officers who leapt out of an unmarked vehicle with guns drawn and chased himto his house. One officer shot him in the back, killing him in front ofhis farnily. Albert was only 19-years-old and recently graduated fromKatella High School. He worked in the city of Anaheimand aspired to pursue a career in culinary arts. He was a beloved son, family member and friend with a bright future ahead of him Albert should be alive today! I request the full, unedited body camera video and audio of all officers fromthe incident. This is the fast step to understand what happened the night ofhis death with full transparency. The public has a right to know. Justice for Albert Arcola! Sent frommy iPhone Date: 2/3/202610:55:59 AM From 'ocean sindelar" To: "Public Comment" publiccomnient@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Justice for Albert Aizola: officer -involved shooting on December 6th 2025 [You don't often get email from Learn why this is important at his://aka.ins/LeamAboutSenderldentification ] Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Mayor Aitken and Members ofthe Anaheim City Council, J amwriting to request transparency and accountability on the death of Anaheim resident Albert Arcola who was unjustly shot and killed by an Anaheimpolice officers gang unit. I demand the full, unedited body cameras footage fromall officers. Albert was ambushed by two AnaheimPD officers who leapt out of an unmarked vehicle with guns drawn and chased himto his house. One officer shot him in the back, killing him in front ofhis family. Albert was only 19-years-old and recently graduated fromKatella High School. He worked in the city of Anaheimand aspired to pursue a career in culinary arts. He was a beloved son, family member and friend with a bright future ahead of him Albert should be alive today! I request the full, unedited body camera video and audio of all officers fromthe incident. This is the fast step to understand what happened the night ofhis death with full transparency. The public has a right to know. Justice for Albert Arcola! Sent frommy iPhone Date: 2/3/2026 10:58:46 AM From To: "Public Comment" publiccomment@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Justice for Albert Arcola: officer -involved shooting on December 6th 2025 [You don't often get email from Learn why this is important at his://aka.rrs/LeamAboutSenderldentification ] Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Mayor Aitken and Members ofthe Anaheim City Council, J amwriting to request transparency and accountability on the death of Anaheim resident Albert Arcola who was unjustly shot and killed by an Anaheimpolice officers gang unit. I demand the full, unedited body cameras footage fromall officers. Albert was ambushed by two AnaheimPD officers who leapt out of an unmarked vehicle with guns drawn and chased himto his house. One officer shot him in the back, killing him in front ofhis family. Albert was only 19-years-old and recently graduated fromKatella High School. He worked in the city of Anaheimand aspired to pursue a career in culinary arts. He was a beloved son, family member and friend with a bright future ahead of him Albert should be alive today! I request the full, unedited body camera video and audio of all officers fromthe incident. This is the first step to understand what happened the night ofhis death with full transparency. The public has a right to know. Justice for Albert Arcola! Date: 2/3/202611:14:27 AM From "Reyna Ediss" To: "Public Comment" publicconnnent@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Justice for Albert Arcola: officer -involved shooting on December 6th 2025 [You don't often get email from Learn why this is important at httns )/aka.rns/LeamAboutSenderldentification ] Warning: This errail originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Mayor Aitken and Members ofthe Anaheim City Council, I amwriting to request transparency and accountability on the death of Anaheim resident Albert Arcola who was unjustly shot and killed by an Anaheimpolice officers gang unit. I demand the full, unedited body cameras footage fromall officers. Albert was ambushed by two AnaheimPD officers who leapt out of an unmarked vehicle with guns drawn and chased himto his house. One officer shot him in the back, killing him in front ofhis farnily. Albert was only 19-years-old and recently graduated fromKatella High School. He worked in the city of Anaheimand aspired to pursue a career in culinary arts. He was a beloved son, family member and friend with a bright future ahead of him Albert should be alive today! I request the full, unedited body camera video and audio of all officers fromthe incident. This is the fast step to understand what happened the night ofhis death with full transparency. The public has a right to know. Justice for Albert Arcola! Reyna Ediss Sent frommy Whone Date: 2/3/202612:40:40 PM From "Cristian Hernandez" To: "Public Comment" publiccomment@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Justice for Albert Arcola: officer -involved shooting on December 6th 2025 You don't often get email from Learn this is ' rtant Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Mayor Aitken and Members ofthe Anaheim City Council, I amwriting to request transparency and accountability on the death ofAnaheim resident Albert Arcola who was unjustly shot and killed by an Anaheimpolice officers gang unit. I demand the full, unedited body cameras footage fromall officers. Albert was ambushed by two AnaheimPD officers who leapt out of an unmarked vehicle with guns drawn and chased himto his house. One officer shot him in the back, killing him in front ofhis family. Albert was only 19-years-old and recently graduated fromKatella High School. He worked in the city ofAnaheimand aspired to pursue a career in culinary arts. He was a beloved son, family member and friend with a bright future ahead of him Albert should be alive today! I request the full, unedited body camera video and audio ofall officers fromthe incident. This is the first step to understand what happened the night ofhis death with full transparency. The public has a right to know. Justice for Albert Arzola! Yahoo Mai: Search, Organize, Conquer Date: 2/3/202612:56:11 PM From To: "Public Commmnt" publiccotuwnt@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] No more silence! Justice for Albert Arzola! [You don't often get email from Learn why this is important at his://aka.rm/LeamAboutSenderldentificatlon ] Warning: This ernail originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. He was not a threat Mayor Aitken and Members ofthe Anaheim City Council, I amwriting to demand justice for the police killing ofAlbert Arzola. I demand the full, unedited body camera footage from all officers, the inanediate release ofthe autopsy report, the names ofthe officers involved, and the immediate firing ofthe officer who shot Albert to death. Albert was ambushed by two AnaheimPD officers who leapt out of an unmarked vehicle and chased himto his house. One officer shot him in the back, killing him in front of his family. They threatened to shoot his family and then detained themat the scene for hours. They delayed medical attention for ten minutes and dragged Albert's lifeless body onto the sidewalk. Albert was doing nothing wrong and was not a threat to anyone. He was only 19-years-old and recently graduated fromKatella High School. He was a hard-working resident ofAnaheim who tookpride in his job and aspired to a career in culinary arts. He was a beloved son, family member and friend with a bright future ahead of him Albert should be alive today! I demand the full body camera footage of all officers fromthe incident. I demand the release ofthe autopsy report. I demand the names ofthe officers involved. And I demand that the officer who shot Albert be fired imrnediately. Justice for Albert Arzola! Sent frommy iPhone Date: 2/3/20261:30:26 PM From "Christine Ediss" To: "Public Comrent" publicconnnent@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Release of video audio footage for Dec. 6thOfficer deadly force Incident You don't often get ema> from Learn why this is important Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Good afternoon Mayor and Council members, My nephew Albert Arzola was the victim of an unjustified deadly use of force incident by an Anaheim gang unit officer for an infraction involving tagging. It's fair to say that if it was justified then we would have all the unedited footage of both officers already made available? We ask that this footage be released now so we know what happened. You have failed to address the demand for transparency. You have received many requests over public comment and emails with many views specifically for the purpose that you do what's right forthe Anaheim community and family of Albert Arzola. Please do not ignore us anymore. Your constituents elected you to represent the public interest and protect their communities. The new police chief Manny Cid has an opportunity to be transparent and build the trust of the community by releasing the entire footage. Without this the residents will continue to have many questions unanswered and their trust in the police will grow distant. We are hereto seek justice forth Arzola family, yes, but we also want change so this doesn't happen to anotherfamiIy. The public has witnessed various events recently that questions the departments trust, we want transparent communication, and proactive community engagement. The culture within the department is in question... how they police our diverse communities needs to be addressed because right now our communities feel targeted and not mutually respected. We ask again for transparency and release all footage of the incident. We would like to meet with you to further discuss our requests. Let's schedule a meeting with the Arzola family at your earliest convenience. Christine Lopez Ediss, M.A. Date: 2/3/2026 2:17:26 PM From "Maria Cruz" To: "Public Comment" publiccotmlent@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Justice for Albert Arzola: officer -involved shooting on December 6th 2025 [You don't often get email from Learn why this is important at httns://aka.ns/LeamAboutSendeIldentificatlon ] Warning: This errail originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Mayor Aitken and Members ofthe Anaheim City Council, I amwriting to request transparency and accountability on the death of Anaheim resident Albert Arcola who was unjustly shot and killed by an Anaheimpolice officers gang unit. I demand the full, unedited body cameras footage fromall officers. Albert was ambushed by two AnaheimPD officers who leapt out of an unmarked vehicle with guns drawn and chased himto his house. One officer shot him in the back, killing him in front ofhis farnily. Albert was only 19-years-old and recently graduated fromKatella High School. He worked in the city of Anaheimand aspired to pursue a career in culinary arts. He was a beloved son, family member and friend with a bright future ahead of him Albert should be alive today! I request the full, unedited body camera video and audio of all officers fromthe incident. This is the fast step to understand what happened the night ofhis death with full transparency. The public has a right to know. Justice for Albert Arcola! Sent frommy iPhone Date: 2/3/2026 4:02:18 PM From "Cynthia Cortez" To: "Public Comment" publiccomment@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] No more silence! Justice for Albert Arzola! [You don't often get email from Learn why this is important at httns://aka.rrs/LeamAboutSenderldentification ] Waming: This ernail originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Mayor Aitken and Members ofthe Anaheim City Council, I am writing to demand justice for the police killing of Albert Arzola. I demand the full, unedited body camera footage from all officers, the inanediate release ofthe autopsy report, the names ofthe officers involved, and the immediate firing ofthe officer who shot Albert to death. Albert was ambushed by two AnaheimPD officers who leapt out of an unmarked vehicle and chased him to his house. One officer shot him in the back, killing him in front ofhis family. They threatened to shoot his family and then detained themat the scene for hours. They delayed medical attention for ten rrrinutes and dragged Albert's lifeless body onto the sidewalk. Albert was doing nothing wrong and was not a threat to anyone. He was only 19-years-old and recently graduated fromKatella High School. He was a hard-working resident ofAnaheim who tookpride in his job and aspired to a career in culinary arts. He was a beloved son, family member and friend with a bright future ahead of him Albert should be alive today! I demand the full body camera footage of all officers fromthe incident. I demand the release ofthe autopsy report. I demand the names ofthe officers involved. And I demand that the officer who shot Albert be fired immediately. Justice for Albert Arzola! Sent frommy iPhone Date: 2/3/2026 4:26:40 PM From: To: Subject: [EXTERNAL] Michigan bill would add 32% tax on lads' connected devices to fund youth services Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. I thought you would be interested in this story I found on MSN: Michigan bill would add 32% tax on kids' connected devices to find youth services - httpsl/www.nrnconfen-us/news/politics/riichipn-bill-would-add-32-tax-on-kids-connected-devices-to-find-yourth-services/ar- AAl VBgQnVocid=socialshare Date: 2/3/2026 5:11:56 PM From To: Subject: [EXTERNAL] More than 1 in 3 adolescent and teen boys are gambling and it often starts with video games Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. I thought you would be interested in this story I found on MSN: More than 1 in 3 adolescent and teen boys are gamblbig—and it often starts with video games - httpsl/www.1-mneon�en-us/hfestyle/ParenthVnure-than 1-irr3-adolescent-and-teen-boys-are-Burbling and-it-often-starts-with- video-grows/ar-AAI VAT19?ocid=socialshare Date: 2/3/2026 6:34:41 PM From: To Subject: [EXTERNAL] Your kid night be picking up a new accent from ganing Warning: This email originated from outside the Oity of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognise the sender and are expecting the message. I thought you would be interested in this story I found on MSN: Your kid nie t be picking up a new accent from gaming - httpsl4ww.nsn.corri/errus/news/tecbmlogy/your-kid-nri&-be-picking up-a-new-accent-from-ganiVar-AAIVtoH?ocid=socialshare Date: 2/4/2026 7:32:32 AM From: To: Subject: [EXTERNAL] Watch "#the truth about Ruben with your little girls and grown women praise the Lord" on YouTube Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. Date: 2/4/2026 7:43:20 AM From "Michael Mavrovouniotis To: "Public Comment" publicconnuent@anaheimnet Subject: [EXTERNAL] Public comment for the city council -accessible writeup of research on OC Animal Care Warning: This email originated from outside the City of Anaheim Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and are expecting the message. My OC Animal Care research published last week was selected for a sbowcase whose purpose is to make research accessible to the general public! This will create rmre interest m this project, as well as my earlier ones. It's easy for anyone to read. No science background required! bgs:lk*.growkudos.corWl eob5590&g