1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:01:21,450 2 00:01:21,450 --> 00:01:22,110 Not this. 3 00:01:22,110 --> 00:01:29,050 4 00:01:29,050 --> 00:01:31,250 I call tonight's special meeting of La 5 00:01:31,250 --> 00:01:34,170 Palma City Council to order. 6 00:01:34,170 --> 00:01:36,130 Roll call. 7 00:01:36,130 --> 00:01:37,290 Mayor Waldman. 8 00:01:37,290 --> 00:01:38,210 Here. 9 00:01:38,210 --> 00:01:41,060 Mayor Pro Tem Nitesh Patel. 10 00:01:41,060 --> 00:01:41,560 Here. 11 00:01:41,560 --> 00:01:46,530 12 00:01:46,530 --> 00:01:47,890 Councilmember Vikesh Patel. 13 00:01:47,890 --> 00:01:49,010 Here. 14 00:01:49,010 --> 00:01:51,450 Let the record reflect Mayor or Councilmember 15 00:01:51,450 --> 00:01:53,770 Debbie Baker and Councilmember Janet 16 00:01:53,770 --> 00:01:56,490 Keo Conklin are not present. 17 00:01:56,490 --> 00:02:01,420 Pursuant to Government Code section 54954-38, 18 00:02:01,420 --> 00:02:02,420 time has been-- 19 00:02:02,420 --> 00:02:08,620 [INAUDIBLE] all City Council to vote on. 20 00:02:08,620 --> 00:02:09,699 Mayor Walden. 21 00:02:09,699 --> 00:02:10,660 Here. 22 00:02:10,660 --> 00:02:12,376 Mayor Pro Tem Nitesh Patel. 23 00:02:12,376 --> 00:02:13,780 Here. 24 00:02:13,780 --> 00:02:14,280 OK. 25 00:02:14,280 --> 00:02:17,780 26 00:02:17,780 --> 00:02:21,240 Pursuant to Government Code section 5494-38, 27 00:02:21,240 --> 00:02:25,860 a time has been reserved at this point in the agenda 28 00:02:25,860 --> 00:02:28,380 for persons wishing to speak on an item 29 00:02:28,380 --> 00:02:31,060 that is listed on this agenda. 30 00:02:31,060 --> 00:02:33,700 By law, the city council is prohibited from taking 31 00:02:33,700 --> 00:02:35,780 action on such oral comments. 32 00:02:35,780 --> 00:02:37,580 The matter will be automatically referred 33 00:02:37,580 --> 00:02:40,740 to staff for appropriate response or action, 34 00:02:40,740 --> 00:02:43,980 or will be placed on the agenda of a future meeting. 35 00:02:43,980 --> 00:02:45,910 Does any member of the public wishing to speak? 36 00:02:45,910 --> 00:02:48,980 37 00:02:48,980 --> 00:02:53,070 Seeing no takers, I will recess this meeting until 5:00 PM. 38 00:02:53,070 --> 00:03:47,910 39 00:03:47,910 --> 00:03:52,070 OK, I'd like to welcome everybody Palma to the 2025 40 00:03:52,070 --> 00:03:53,920 State of the City address. 41 00:03:53,920 --> 00:03:56,120 And I am Mayor Mark Waldman. 42 00:03:56,120 --> 00:03:58,560 And we're going to begin by standing. 43 00:03:58,560 --> 00:04:02,840 We're going to have the pledge followed by an invocation 44 00:04:02,840 --> 00:04:03,760 by Peter-- 45 00:04:03,760 --> 00:04:06,350 Pastor Peter Hernandez from La Palma Christian Center. 46 00:04:06,350 --> 00:04:15,600 47 00:04:15,600 --> 00:04:16,300 Pardon me. 48 00:04:16,300 --> 00:04:24,640 49 00:04:24,640 --> 00:04:25,700 We want attention. 50 00:04:25,700 --> 00:04:28,864 51 00:04:28,864 --> 00:04:32,000 Color guard advanced, have salute. 52 00:04:32,000 --> 00:04:34,580 Those not in uniform, lift your right hand over your heart. 53 00:04:34,580 --> 00:04:44,680 54 00:04:44,680 --> 00:04:48,090 Color guard halt. Color guard, across the colors. 55 00:04:48,090 --> 00:05:06,020 56 00:05:06,020 --> 00:05:10,160 Guard halt. [INAUDIBLE] the colors. 57 00:05:10,160 --> 00:05:36,222 58 00:05:36,222 --> 00:05:39,030 Color guard, post the colors of the United States of America. 59 00:05:39,030 --> 00:05:42,650 60 00:05:42,650 --> 00:05:45,030 Color guard, post the colors of the state of California. 61 00:05:45,030 --> 00:05:48,610 62 00:05:48,610 --> 00:05:51,050 Color guard, post the colors of the city of La Palma. 63 00:05:51,050 --> 00:05:57,660 64 00:05:57,660 --> 00:05:58,810 Color guard, honor your colors. 65 00:05:58,810 --> 00:06:01,460 66 00:06:01,460 --> 00:06:03,940 Please join me in the Pledge of Allegiance. 67 00:06:03,940 --> 00:06:07,320 I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America 68 00:06:07,320 --> 00:06:12,780 and to the Republic for which it stands one nation under God, 69 00:06:12,780 --> 00:06:18,060 indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. 70 00:06:18,060 --> 00:06:19,100 Color guard, regroup. 71 00:06:19,100 --> 00:06:26,620 72 00:06:26,620 --> 00:06:27,650 Color guard, forward march. 73 00:06:27,650 --> 00:06:41,060 74 00:06:41,060 --> 00:06:45,860 Halt. Color guard, dismissed. 75 00:06:45,860 --> 00:06:47,500 Audience, please-- 76 00:06:47,500 --> 00:06:50,610 Please remain standing for our invocation. 77 00:06:50,610 --> 00:06:52,330 Thank you very much, Boy Scout troop 16. 78 00:06:52,330 --> 00:06:55,510 79 00:06:55,510 --> 00:06:58,750 Would you guys all join me in prayer this evening? 80 00:06:58,750 --> 00:07:02,150 Dear God, we thank you for our beautiful city. 81 00:07:02,150 --> 00:07:03,790 We thank you for this time that you've 82 00:07:03,790 --> 00:07:05,090 allowed us to gather today. 83 00:07:05,090 --> 00:07:06,990 We thank you for all the provisions 84 00:07:06,990 --> 00:07:08,370 that you've given to our city. 85 00:07:08,370 --> 00:07:11,450 We pray that you would be here with us today in our midst, 86 00:07:11,450 --> 00:07:15,070 as we celebrate some wins and as we look to the future 87 00:07:15,070 --> 00:07:16,510 as what to improve. 88 00:07:16,510 --> 00:07:18,370 I thank you for all of those who are in office. 89 00:07:18,370 --> 00:07:20,090 I thank you for our first responders, 90 00:07:20,090 --> 00:07:23,370 and I pray that you would continue to just be with them, 91 00:07:23,370 --> 00:07:25,130 to guide them, to protect them. 92 00:07:25,130 --> 00:07:27,710 I pray that you would give us a great night of fellowship 93 00:07:27,710 --> 00:07:29,510 amongst one another, and that you just 94 00:07:29,510 --> 00:07:30,930 continue to be in our midst. 95 00:07:30,930 --> 00:07:33,490 We pray this all in you're all powerful name. 96 00:07:33,490 --> 00:07:35,270 Amen. 97 00:07:35,270 --> 00:07:36,090 Please be seated. 98 00:07:36,090 --> 00:07:43,390 99 00:07:43,390 --> 00:07:49,600 We will now begin the banquet portion of our speech. 100 00:07:49,600 --> 00:07:50,540 So I will say nothing. 101 00:07:50,540 --> 00:07:53,440 And you guys get to eat. 102 00:07:53,440 --> 00:07:55,680 The tables don't have numbers, so we'll just have to do 103 00:07:55,680 --> 00:07:57,700 this in a civilized manner. 104 00:07:57,700 --> 00:07:59,180 So why don't we just start in the back, 105 00:07:59,180 --> 00:08:02,280 and the people who are the hungriest 106 00:08:02,280 --> 00:08:03,540 perhaps should go first. 107 00:08:03,540 --> 00:08:04,040 Yeah. 108 00:08:04,040 --> 00:47:50,790 109 00:47:50,790 --> 00:47:52,990 All right, ready to go. 110 00:47:52,990 --> 00:47:53,570 Oh, yeah. 111 00:47:53,570 --> 00:48:03,110 112 00:48:03,110 --> 00:48:07,270 OK, please be seated. 113 00:48:07,270 --> 00:48:10,270 Please be seated. 114 00:48:10,270 --> 00:48:11,080 It's showtime. 115 00:48:11,080 --> 00:48:32,110 116 00:48:32,110 --> 00:48:32,610 Thank you. 117 00:48:32,610 --> 00:48:34,300 I'd like to reintroduce myself. 118 00:48:34,300 --> 00:48:37,080 I am Mayor Mark Waldman, and I would like to introduce 119 00:48:37,080 --> 00:48:38,880 the rest of the city council-- 120 00:48:38,880 --> 00:48:50,880 Mayor Pro Tem Nitesh Patel, Councilmember Debbie Baker, 121 00:48:50,880 --> 00:48:57,510 Councilmember Janet Keo Conklin and Councilmember Vikesh Patel. 122 00:48:57,510 --> 00:49:01,280 123 00:49:01,280 --> 00:49:02,760 Also, we'd like to do a thank you 124 00:49:02,760 --> 00:49:06,960 to our federal, state, and local elected representatives. 125 00:49:06,960 --> 00:49:09,440 We are fortunate to have strong representation 126 00:49:09,440 --> 00:49:12,520 and advocacy at both the state and federal levels 127 00:49:12,520 --> 00:49:14,200 on behalf of the public. 128 00:49:14,200 --> 00:49:17,760 Our elected representatives include Congressman Derek Tran, 129 00:49:17,760 --> 00:49:21,120 State Senator Tony Strickland, Assemblywoman 130 00:49:21,120 --> 00:49:25,880 Sharon Fort-Silver, and County Supervisor Janet Nguyen. 131 00:49:25,880 --> 00:49:27,560 And this evening, we are also joined 132 00:49:27,560 --> 00:49:30,760 by two of their representatives, Maddie Mark-Noble 133 00:49:30,760 --> 00:49:36,730 from the Office of Senator Tony Strickland 134 00:49:36,730 --> 00:49:39,730 and Anthony Monroy from the Office of Assemblywoman 135 00:49:39,730 --> 00:49:41,030 Sharon Fort-Silver. 136 00:49:41,030 --> 00:49:44,290 137 00:49:44,290 --> 00:49:46,690 Additionally, we are honored to welcome dignitaries 138 00:49:46,690 --> 00:49:49,810 from our neighboring cities, including Councilmember Ali 139 00:49:49,810 --> 00:49:57,170 Taj from the city of Artesia and several distinguished guests 140 00:49:57,170 --> 00:49:58,850 from the City of Cerritos-- 141 00:49:58,850 --> 00:50:10,490 Mayor Frank Yokoyama, Mayor Pro Tem Linda Johnson, 142 00:50:10,490 --> 00:50:19,970 Councilmembers Jennifer Hong, Mark Pulido, 143 00:50:19,970 --> 00:50:25,850 and Sophia [? Say, ?] as well as Cerritos 144 00:50:25,850 --> 00:50:27,420 City Manager Robert Lopez. 145 00:50:27,420 --> 00:50:32,140 146 00:50:32,140 --> 00:50:34,700 Also, I have an updated list, so I'd also 147 00:50:34,700 --> 00:50:38,260 like to introduce Poppy Hill Bonales, principal of Kennedy 148 00:50:38,260 --> 00:50:46,780 High School, Matt Sweat's Division Chief Orange County 149 00:50:46,780 --> 00:50:54,060 Fire Authority [INAUDIBLE], Adam Hernandez, Director 150 00:50:54,060 --> 00:50:55,900 of Student Services for the Anaheim 151 00:50:55,900 --> 00:50:56,890 Union High School District. 152 00:50:56,890 --> 00:51:01,340 153 00:51:01,340 --> 00:51:07,860 Seema Sidhu from the Anaheim Union High School District, 154 00:51:07,860 --> 00:51:11,300 and from the Centralia Elementary School District, Dr. 155 00:51:11,300 --> 00:51:23,420 Stacy Chang, Rami Bishara, and former Cerritos Mayor 156 00:51:23,420 --> 00:51:25,360 and Councilmember Chung Vo. 157 00:51:25,360 --> 00:51:29,750 158 00:51:29,750 --> 00:51:32,950 Next, I would like to introduce the city management staff-- 159 00:51:32,950 --> 00:51:41,310 Interim City Manager Mike Egan, Deputy 160 00:51:41,310 --> 00:51:42,900 City Manager Joseph Cisneros. 161 00:51:42,900 --> 00:51:50,110 162 00:51:50,110 --> 00:51:51,890 Also, just to backtrack for a second, 163 00:51:51,890 --> 00:51:53,750 the superintendent for the District 164 00:51:53,750 --> 00:51:55,410 of Centralia School District-- 165 00:51:55,410 --> 00:52:02,190 166 00:52:02,190 --> 00:52:04,710 you get a special introduction because some of you 167 00:52:04,710 --> 00:52:06,910 didn't make the list-- 168 00:52:06,910 --> 00:52:13,590 Assistant to the City Manager Alicia Farnell, 169 00:52:13,590 --> 00:52:20,750 City Clerk Norma Shivara, Community Development and Public 170 00:52:20,750 --> 00:52:26,720 Works Director Belinda Dinus, Public 171 00:52:26,720 --> 00:52:28,190 Works Manager Jake Cervera. 172 00:52:28,190 --> 00:52:32,000 173 00:52:32,000 --> 00:52:42,720 Police Chief Joe Guerrero, Police Captain Jesse Amen, 174 00:52:42,720 --> 00:52:44,470 and Police Captain James Roche. 175 00:52:44,470 --> 00:52:48,840 176 00:52:48,840 --> 00:52:52,720 I'd also like to thank members of our two citizen committees. 177 00:52:52,720 --> 00:52:55,620 That is the Development and Circulation Committee 178 00:52:55,620 --> 00:52:58,240 and the Community and-- 179 00:52:58,240 --> 00:53:00,560 Community Activities and Beautification Committee. 180 00:53:00,560 --> 00:53:02,440 If there are any members here-- 181 00:53:02,440 --> 00:53:04,020 I know I saw at least one-- 182 00:53:04,020 --> 00:53:05,780 please rise and just give them a two. 183 00:53:05,780 --> 00:53:09,840 184 00:53:09,840 --> 00:53:10,460 Thank you. 185 00:53:10,460 --> 00:53:15,840 186 00:53:15,840 --> 00:53:21,240 So let's take a look at 2025 goals and accomplishments. 187 00:53:21,240 --> 00:53:23,240 So this year, we had a meeting. 188 00:53:23,240 --> 00:53:27,010 This was early in February this year, which is kind of late, 189 00:53:27,010 --> 00:53:29,970 but we focused on the following goals and objectives-- 190 00:53:29,970 --> 00:53:33,490 modeling municipal excellence and fiscal stewardship, 191 00:53:33,490 --> 00:53:37,010 maintaining a low crime rate, promoting economic development 192 00:53:37,010 --> 00:53:40,850 through business engagement and economic development strategies, 193 00:53:40,850 --> 00:53:43,890 preserving city assets and public infrastructure, 194 00:53:43,890 --> 00:53:46,770 and continuing to provide quality community events 195 00:53:46,770 --> 00:53:49,050 and programs for our residents. 196 00:53:49,050 --> 00:53:51,970 Many of these have been goals and objectives that have been 197 00:53:51,970 --> 00:53:54,490 around for years, and they're probably similar to those 198 00:53:54,490 --> 00:53:55,910 in many other cities. 199 00:53:55,910 --> 00:53:57,790 But they're good ones, so we'll stick with them. 200 00:53:57,790 --> 00:54:02,690 201 00:54:02,690 --> 00:54:04,490 Skip the next one, please-- the accomplishments. 202 00:54:04,490 --> 00:54:06,650 We'll get to that after. 203 00:54:06,650 --> 00:54:09,730 2025 marked the year of significant organizational 204 00:54:09,730 --> 00:54:12,650 change for the city, including multiple department 205 00:54:12,650 --> 00:54:15,770 reorganizations and executive-level staffing 206 00:54:15,770 --> 00:54:17,170 transitions. 207 00:54:17,170 --> 00:54:20,570 So in January 2025, the community service 208 00:54:20,570 --> 00:54:22,490 and public works director resigned 209 00:54:22,490 --> 00:54:26,460 and deputy city manager, who has more hats than any kind 210 00:54:26,460 --> 00:54:27,860 of a millinery shop. 211 00:54:27,860 --> 00:54:30,740 Joseph assumed acting director responsibilities 212 00:54:30,740 --> 00:54:35,340 while the city discussed the department reorganization. 213 00:54:35,340 --> 00:54:38,580 Also following the retirement of City Clerk Kimberly Koenig 214 00:54:38,580 --> 00:54:41,140 after 18 years of service, Norma Ali 215 00:54:41,140 --> 00:54:43,380 was hired, bringing strong experience 216 00:54:43,380 --> 00:54:46,340 to municipal clerk operations. 217 00:54:46,340 --> 00:54:48,860 In April of 2025, our city manager 218 00:54:48,860 --> 00:54:52,860 announced his departure to serve as Whittier city manager. 219 00:54:52,860 --> 00:54:55,060 Following a competitive recruitment process 220 00:54:55,060 --> 00:54:57,660 with 87 applicants, the city council 221 00:54:57,660 --> 00:54:59,810 appointed Peter Kim, a longtime La 222 00:54:59,810 --> 00:55:02,280 Palma resident and former councilmember, 223 00:55:02,280 --> 00:55:05,340 as the new city manager. 224 00:55:05,340 --> 00:55:07,510 Peter will be joining us later this month. 225 00:55:07,510 --> 00:55:10,460 226 00:55:10,460 --> 00:55:13,540 To strengthen the executive administrative capacity, 227 00:55:13,540 --> 00:55:16,620 the city also hired Alicia Farnell as assistant 228 00:55:16,620 --> 00:55:18,940 to the city manager. 229 00:55:18,940 --> 00:55:22,690 And last but not least, our police chief, Joe Guerrero, 230 00:55:22,690 --> 00:55:26,150 a 29-year law enforcement veteran who will retire 231 00:55:26,150 --> 00:55:29,750 on October 25, including a distinguished career with 232 00:55:29,750 --> 00:55:32,150 the La Palma Police Department. 233 00:55:32,150 --> 00:55:33,990 The city expresses deep gratitude 234 00:55:33,990 --> 00:55:36,950 to Chief Guerrero for his years of dedicated service 235 00:55:36,950 --> 00:55:39,570 and wishes him the very best in retirement. 236 00:55:39,570 --> 00:55:47,110 237 00:55:47,110 --> 00:55:50,380 Let's take a look at 2025 economic and financial outlook. 238 00:55:50,380 --> 00:55:53,550 239 00:55:53,550 --> 00:55:56,590 The main key-- rising national debt and persistent inflation 240 00:55:56,590 --> 00:55:59,030 continued to drive up the cost of living, 241 00:55:59,030 --> 00:56:01,510 push loan interest rates higher, and create 242 00:56:01,510 --> 00:56:05,590 market uncertainty while limiting federal investment. 243 00:56:05,590 --> 00:56:07,430 Therefore, in our projection, city revenues 244 00:56:07,430 --> 00:56:09,510 are projected to grow at a slower pace 245 00:56:09,510 --> 00:56:12,670 amid broader economic headwinds, and staff continues 246 00:56:12,670 --> 00:56:15,470 to closely monitor national and state trends 247 00:56:15,470 --> 00:56:17,750 while maintaining a conservative approach 248 00:56:17,750 --> 00:56:20,200 to budgeting and expenditures. 249 00:56:20,200 --> 00:56:22,280 Despite these challenges, La Palma 250 00:56:22,280 --> 00:56:24,800 continues to demonstrate strong fiscal health, 251 00:56:24,800 --> 00:56:29,280 maintaining over 133% in fungible reserves. 252 00:56:29,280 --> 00:56:31,720 Staff anticipates that those reserves will increase even 253 00:56:31,720 --> 00:56:34,720 further later this year, when we are finally reimbursed 254 00:56:34,720 --> 00:56:38,000 for a grant to a base for a meeting project 255 00:56:38,000 --> 00:56:41,880 that has now been completed. 256 00:56:41,880 --> 00:56:45,760 He gets ahead of us-- look like continued financial stability. 257 00:56:45,760 --> 00:56:48,360 Additionally, the city continues to aggressively pursue 258 00:56:48,360 --> 00:56:52,040 new revenue sources to general fund expenditures, 259 00:56:52,040 --> 00:56:53,960 as demonstrated by the $2 million 260 00:56:53,960 --> 00:56:55,920 federal grant for the median project, which 261 00:56:55,920 --> 00:56:58,660 we're waiting for, which is now 100 complete-- 262 00:56:58,660 --> 00:56:59,980 100% complete. 263 00:56:59,980 --> 00:57:02,980 And I hope you people agree that they look fantastic. 264 00:57:02,980 --> 00:57:06,160 265 00:57:06,160 --> 00:57:09,320 So we come to our 10-year general fund forecast. 266 00:57:09,320 --> 00:57:10,900 And if you take a look at the graph, 267 00:57:10,900 --> 00:57:13,100 you will see that for several years, 268 00:57:13,100 --> 00:57:17,360 it appears that expenditures are greater than revenues. 269 00:57:17,360 --> 00:57:19,770 The problem is that this graph includes 270 00:57:19,770 --> 00:57:23,410 a $400,000 annual transfer from the general 271 00:57:23,410 --> 00:57:26,010 fund to our reserves. 272 00:57:26,010 --> 00:57:28,050 Transferring money from checking to savings 273 00:57:28,050 --> 00:57:29,970 is not really an expense. 274 00:57:29,970 --> 00:57:34,390 So on the next graph, if you correct for that transfer, 275 00:57:34,390 --> 00:57:38,050 you'll find that each year you can expect revenues 276 00:57:38,050 --> 00:57:39,770 to exceed expenditures except for one 277 00:57:39,770 --> 00:57:44,110 year, which will be next year. 278 00:57:44,110 --> 00:57:46,470 But I will tell you that because of the way we budget, 279 00:57:46,470 --> 00:57:49,050 our revenues are budgeted very conservatively, 280 00:57:49,050 --> 00:57:51,950 and we generally overbudget for expenses. 281 00:57:51,950 --> 00:57:57,290 So each year, we tend to do much better than the forecast. 282 00:57:57,290 --> 00:57:58,710 But if you're going to do planning, 283 00:57:58,710 --> 00:58:00,690 you've got to be careful to make sure you're 284 00:58:00,690 --> 00:58:03,370 planning for a more conservatively in case something 285 00:58:03,370 --> 00:58:04,080 does go awry. 286 00:58:04,080 --> 00:58:09,050 287 00:58:09,050 --> 00:58:13,490 Let's take a look at a general budget expenditures. 288 00:58:13,490 --> 00:58:16,100 And in a full-service city with its own police department, 289 00:58:16,100 --> 00:58:18,860 it probably is no surprise that police 290 00:58:18,860 --> 00:58:22,750 plus administrative services take up about 70% of the total. 291 00:58:22,750 --> 00:58:28,140 292 00:58:28,140 --> 00:58:30,600 Yeah, we prepared basically a status quo budget, 293 00:58:30,600 --> 00:58:32,660 maintaining the same high-quality programs 294 00:58:32,660 --> 00:58:35,860 and services residents have come to expect. 295 00:58:35,860 --> 00:58:40,740 Total expenditures and transfers are projected at 15.4 million, 296 00:58:40,740 --> 00:58:44,280 reflecting about a 4% increase over the previous fiscal year. 297 00:58:44,280 --> 00:58:47,260 298 00:58:47,260 --> 00:58:48,660 And if you take a look at our general fund 299 00:58:48,660 --> 00:58:53,600 revenue, the top five revenue sources, 300 00:58:53,600 --> 00:58:56,700 which account for about 60%-- 301 00:58:56,700 --> 00:59:01,380 property taxes, transaction and use tax, sales taxes, 302 00:59:01,380 --> 00:59:05,790 use and utility taxes, and our transient occupancy tax or hotel 303 00:59:05,790 --> 00:59:06,290 tax. 304 00:59:06,290 --> 00:59:12,380 305 00:59:12,380 --> 00:59:13,520 Take a look at our budget-- 306 00:59:13,520 --> 00:59:15,910 nice budget overview. 307 00:59:15,910 --> 00:59:19,190 Overall, our fiscal health is very strong. 308 00:59:19,190 --> 00:59:22,730 The total adopted general budget again is 15.3 million, 309 00:59:22,730 --> 00:59:25,490 with the overall city budget at about double that amount. 310 00:59:25,490 --> 00:59:30,270 So that would be federal state sources, grant money, sewer. 311 00:59:30,270 --> 00:59:32,630 As of June, the city's total reserves 312 00:59:32,630 --> 00:59:38,310 amounted to over 20.5 million, which represents roughly 133% 313 00:59:38,310 --> 00:59:40,510 of general fund expenditures. 314 00:59:40,510 --> 00:59:42,950 These reserves include 5.4 million 315 00:59:42,950 --> 00:59:47,550 in the general fund, 7.8 million in the emergency reserve, 316 00:59:47,550 --> 00:59:52,190 1.3 million in the capital outlay reserve, 3.6 million 317 00:59:52,190 --> 00:59:55,070 in the budget reserve, and 2.5 million 318 00:59:55,070 --> 00:59:57,630 set aside for City Hall replacement, 319 00:59:57,630 --> 01:00:01,430 ensuring a solid financial position for future needs. 320 01:00:01,430 --> 01:00:03,450 Now, naturally, all this money is fungible, 321 01:00:03,450 --> 01:00:06,790 so it required for a fiscal emergency. 322 01:00:06,790 --> 01:00:08,250 Money could always be moved around. 323 01:00:08,250 --> 01:00:09,570 This money is unrestricted. 324 01:00:09,570 --> 01:00:12,190 325 01:00:12,190 --> 01:00:15,800 Let's take a look at our police department. 326 01:00:15,800 --> 01:00:19,140 We often hear that La Palma is a quiet and safe community, 327 01:00:19,140 --> 01:00:20,280 and it truly is. 328 01:00:20,280 --> 01:00:22,640 But that safety is no coincidence. 329 01:00:22,640 --> 01:00:25,760 It's the result of our highly proactive police officers 330 01:00:25,760 --> 01:00:27,280 who work every day to deter crime 331 01:00:27,280 --> 01:00:30,560 and protect our neighborhoods. 332 01:00:30,560 --> 01:00:32,480 One of the department's greatest points of pride 333 01:00:32,480 --> 01:00:34,480 is its exceptionally fast response 334 01:00:34,480 --> 01:00:38,400 time, averaging just three minutes for priority one calls. 335 01:00:38,400 --> 01:00:41,360 That means when a resident calls during a crisis, 336 01:00:41,360 --> 01:00:44,280 help arrives almost immediately. 337 01:00:44,280 --> 01:00:47,640 And this efficiency is supported by the zone patrol program, 338 01:00:47,640 --> 01:00:50,100 which divides the city into five patrol zones 339 01:00:50,100 --> 01:00:53,280 to ensure consistent coverage and visibility. 340 01:00:53,280 --> 01:00:54,880 Officers dedicate time each shift 341 01:00:54,880 --> 01:00:58,000 to patrol their assigned areas with increased presence 342 01:00:58,000 --> 01:00:59,840 during nighttime hours. 343 01:00:59,840 --> 01:01:03,220 This proactive model has led to a notable decline in burglaries 344 01:01:03,220 --> 01:01:05,840 and allows the Department to focus resources 345 01:01:05,840 --> 01:01:07,920 where they're needed the most. 346 01:01:07,920 --> 01:01:11,360 Few communities in California can match such responsiveness. 347 01:01:11,360 --> 01:01:19,100 348 01:01:19,100 --> 01:01:21,540 But businesses and residents alike 349 01:01:21,540 --> 01:01:24,500 definitely do appreciate it. 350 01:01:24,500 --> 01:01:27,660 Let's take a look at our police department's school programs. 351 01:01:27,660 --> 01:01:29,980 We have police interaction with youth 352 01:01:29,980 --> 01:01:33,220 and our school resource officer program. 353 01:01:33,220 --> 01:01:35,900 We are proud to welcome Officer Perez as La 354 01:01:35,900 --> 01:01:38,060 Palma's new school resource officer 355 01:01:38,060 --> 01:01:41,380 for the 2025-2026 school year. 356 01:01:41,380 --> 01:01:44,960 Officer Perez brings a strong commitment to student safety, 357 01:01:44,960 --> 01:01:47,060 engagement, and mentorship, and we 358 01:01:47,060 --> 01:01:51,020 look forward to his positive impact on our campuses. 359 01:01:51,020 --> 01:01:53,980 We extend our sincere thanks to the Anaheim Union High School 360 01:01:53,980 --> 01:01:57,380 district for its continued support and funding 361 01:01:57,380 --> 01:02:00,020 of the school resource officer program, 362 01:02:00,020 --> 01:02:02,940 an investment that ensures safe and connected schools 363 01:02:02,940 --> 01:02:05,660 and communities. 364 01:02:05,660 --> 01:02:08,020 We also have several volunteer programs 365 01:02:08,020 --> 01:02:11,390 in the police department, its volunteers and policing, 366 01:02:11,390 --> 01:02:14,750 the community emergency response team, neighborhood watch, 367 01:02:14,750 --> 01:02:17,350 and our police explorers. 368 01:02:17,350 --> 01:02:19,910 If you are a member of one of these amazing groups, 369 01:02:19,910 --> 01:02:23,670 please stand up, raise your hand, and be recognized. 370 01:02:23,670 --> 01:02:24,330 All right. 371 01:02:24,330 --> 01:02:29,550 372 01:02:29,550 --> 01:02:35,430 So our volunteers in policing contribute over 3,200 hours each 373 01:02:35,430 --> 01:02:38,350 year, assisting with patrols, vacation checks, 374 01:02:38,350 --> 01:02:41,230 and administrative tasks. 375 01:02:41,230 --> 01:02:44,590 The community emergency response team empowers residents 376 01:02:44,590 --> 01:02:46,750 through a FEMA-approved regional training 377 01:02:46,750 --> 01:02:51,750 program in disaster preparedness and emergency response. 378 01:02:51,750 --> 01:02:54,670 The neighborhood watch program enhances neighborhood safety 379 01:02:54,670 --> 01:02:58,510 by encouraging residents to report suspicious activity 380 01:02:58,510 --> 01:03:02,030 and stay engaged through regular monthly meetings. 381 01:03:02,030 --> 01:03:05,830 And our police explorers, a group of dedicated youth between 382 01:03:05,830 --> 01:03:08,600 the ages of 14 and 20, and they contribute 383 01:03:08,600 --> 01:03:11,320 over 3,000 hours annually. 384 01:03:11,320 --> 01:03:14,200 They take part in community events, training exercises, 385 01:03:14,200 --> 01:03:17,080 and ride alongs, and they gain valuable experience 386 01:03:17,080 --> 01:03:19,440 while supporting our department. 387 01:03:19,440 --> 01:03:21,510 Thanks to all of you and keep up the good work. 388 01:03:21,510 --> 01:03:25,120 389 01:03:25,120 --> 01:03:26,620 It's through community service. 390 01:03:26,620 --> 01:03:28,260 It is the heart of our community, 391 01:03:28,260 --> 01:03:29,920 and the city council takes great pride 392 01:03:29,920 --> 01:03:32,600 in providing high-quality programs and events that 393 01:03:32,600 --> 01:03:34,600 bring residents together and enhance 394 01:03:34,600 --> 01:03:36,120 La Palma's quality of life. 395 01:03:36,120 --> 01:03:42,848 396 01:03:42,848 --> 01:03:47,480 Here's a list of the top is the 2026 events. 397 01:03:47,480 --> 01:03:48,860 And you're free to use that. 398 01:03:48,860 --> 01:03:50,620 The list is also in your program, 399 01:03:50,620 --> 01:03:52,960 so please take it home and put the stuff on your calendar 400 01:03:52,960 --> 01:03:54,240 if you're interested. 401 01:03:54,240 --> 01:03:57,120 Later, coming up pretty shortly on October 402 01:03:57,120 --> 01:04:02,000 26 is our 70th anniversary celebration 403 01:04:02,000 --> 01:04:03,960 and Halloween carnival-- 404 01:04:03,960 --> 01:04:07,090 very interesting pairing if you ask me. 405 01:04:07,090 --> 01:04:10,370 On November 8, we'll be having our Veterans Day ceremony, which 406 01:04:10,370 --> 01:04:13,570 is a new event dedicated to honoring and recognizing 407 01:04:13,570 --> 01:04:15,130 La Palma's veterans. 408 01:04:15,130 --> 01:04:17,370 We invite the entire community to take part 409 01:04:17,370 --> 01:04:19,530 in this meaningful celebration. 410 01:04:19,530 --> 01:04:22,090 More details are available online 411 01:04:22,090 --> 01:04:27,610 and please RSVP soon to reserve your spot. 412 01:04:27,610 --> 01:04:30,450 Also December 3, we will have our annual holiday 413 01:04:30,450 --> 01:04:32,970 tree lighting ceremony, and Santa 414 01:04:32,970 --> 01:04:34,360 Claus will be attending again. 415 01:04:34,360 --> 01:04:37,530 416 01:04:37,530 --> 01:04:38,890 We also have community service. 417 01:04:38,890 --> 01:04:42,890 There's several programs to help members in need. 418 01:04:42,890 --> 01:04:47,530 We have our Meals on Wheels program, 419 01:04:47,530 --> 01:04:49,730 and they delivered last year 1,400 meals 420 01:04:49,730 --> 01:04:51,810 to La Palma seniors this year. 421 01:04:51,810 --> 01:04:53,910 In addition to providing nutritious meals, 422 01:04:53,910 --> 01:04:55,890 the program also connects seniors 423 01:04:55,890 --> 01:04:58,850 to regional resources and supply services 424 01:04:58,850 --> 01:05:01,490 through our strong volunteer network. 425 01:05:01,490 --> 01:05:04,820 And for our teens, La Palmas Inspo Teen program 426 01:05:04,820 --> 01:05:08,160 provides a safe environment for teenagers to connect with peers, 427 01:05:08,160 --> 01:05:11,140 complete homework, and enjoy recreational activities 428 01:05:11,140 --> 01:05:12,900 at Central Park. 429 01:05:12,900 --> 01:05:16,460 The summer Volunteens program focuses on community service 430 01:05:16,460 --> 01:05:19,740 and offers our young adults a valuable real-life experience 431 01:05:19,740 --> 01:05:21,220 through volunteer work. 432 01:05:21,220 --> 01:05:24,820 This year, approximately 30 teens participated as volunteers 433 01:05:24,820 --> 01:05:26,460 at various events. 434 01:05:26,460 --> 01:05:29,580 Thank you to the volunteers for all their contributions. 435 01:05:29,580 --> 01:05:31,940 And then we have La Palma's Tiny Tots program, which 436 01:05:31,940 --> 01:05:35,300 is in high demand, and it continues 437 01:05:35,300 --> 01:05:37,540 to be offered to La Palma families and some families 438 01:05:37,540 --> 01:05:38,860 outside La Palma. 439 01:05:38,860 --> 01:05:41,540 This is for children age 3 to 5 and provides 440 01:05:41,540 --> 01:05:45,220 essential educational, social, and developmental skills 441 01:05:45,220 --> 01:05:47,820 to prepare them for kindergarten, with up to 48 442 01:05:47,820 --> 01:05:49,700 children per session. 443 01:05:49,700 --> 01:05:53,180 And finally, the 2025 summer day camp program 444 01:05:53,180 --> 01:05:54,620 was a great success. 445 01:05:54,620 --> 01:05:58,460 An average of 55 campers per week, children aged 6 through 12 446 01:05:58,460 --> 01:06:02,150 enjoyed a variety of fun recreational excursions 447 01:06:02,150 --> 01:06:04,439 and activities. 448 01:06:04,439 --> 01:06:08,224 We respond to public works and community development. 449 01:06:08,224 --> 01:06:11,190 450 01:06:11,190 --> 01:06:14,010 So I've mentioned this earlier, but completed this year, 451 01:06:14,010 --> 01:06:17,110 the street medians have been refreshed with new landscaping 452 01:06:17,110 --> 01:06:18,550 all throughout the city. 453 01:06:18,550 --> 01:06:21,630 This summer, La Palma Avenue was paved with slurry seal 454 01:06:21,630 --> 01:06:24,430 and restriped, in keeping with our adopted pavement management 455 01:06:24,430 --> 01:06:28,870 program to keep our streets and roads in high-quality condition. 456 01:06:28,870 --> 01:06:32,310 Residential zone 4 was completed at the same time, 457 01:06:32,310 --> 01:06:35,230 and various neighborhoods are on schedule for regular maintenance 458 01:06:35,230 --> 01:06:36,020 in the near future. 459 01:06:36,020 --> 01:06:39,910 460 01:06:39,910 --> 01:06:42,330 Next are Valley View Street rehabilitation. 461 01:06:42,330 --> 01:06:43,990 So to highlight upcoming-- 462 01:06:43,990 --> 01:06:45,790 these infrastructure projects, this 463 01:06:45,790 --> 01:06:50,830 is a big major arterial in need of-- in need of rehabilitation. 464 01:06:50,830 --> 01:06:52,630 Due to the heavy traffic, this corridor 465 01:06:52,630 --> 01:06:56,550 requires more significant work than a typical slurry seal 466 01:06:56,550 --> 01:06:57,370 project. 467 01:06:57,370 --> 01:07:00,600 The city, in collaboration with Townsend Public Affairs, 468 01:07:00,600 --> 01:07:04,520 has submitted a grant request for $12.5 million, 469 01:07:04,520 --> 01:07:06,520 securing support from the city of Buena 470 01:07:06,520 --> 01:07:08,240 Park and Orange County Transportation 471 01:07:08,240 --> 01:07:10,440 Authority officials. 472 01:07:10,440 --> 01:07:12,480 The grant is ultimately subject to approval 473 01:07:12,480 --> 01:07:14,940 by the Southern California Council of Governments 474 01:07:14,940 --> 01:07:16,280 by the end of this year. 475 01:07:16,280 --> 01:07:19,520 If approved, the city would begin design of the project 476 01:07:19,520 --> 01:07:20,490 as soon as possible. 477 01:07:20,490 --> 01:07:24,760 478 01:07:24,760 --> 01:07:27,980 Our police station is in dire need of a renovation, 479 01:07:27,980 --> 01:07:31,040 and the city is seeking various funding sources to improve 480 01:07:31,040 --> 01:07:33,120 the facility conditions. 481 01:07:33,120 --> 01:07:35,120 The city currently has a grant application 482 01:07:35,120 --> 01:07:37,800 pending with the federal government for this project. 483 01:07:37,800 --> 01:07:40,960 While progress at the federal level has been slow, 484 01:07:40,960 --> 01:07:43,440 we remain optimistic that the grant will eventually 485 01:07:43,440 --> 01:07:45,680 be awarded, allowing the police department 486 01:07:45,680 --> 01:07:48,080 to undergo a much-needed modernization 487 01:07:48,080 --> 01:07:49,050 and facility upgrade. 488 01:07:49,050 --> 01:07:52,480 489 01:07:52,480 --> 01:07:54,520 The city yard water well recently 490 01:07:54,520 --> 01:07:57,080 completed its rehabilitation of the pump and motor 491 01:07:57,080 --> 01:07:58,690 this past summer. 492 01:07:58,690 --> 01:08:01,330 The city second well site off Walker Street 493 01:08:01,330 --> 01:08:03,930 is also in need of rehabilitation. 494 01:08:03,930 --> 01:08:06,810 A utility rate proposal is underway to ensure that funding 495 01:08:06,810 --> 01:08:11,290 is available to maintain our city's water infrastructure now 496 01:08:11,290 --> 01:08:12,550 and for years to come. 497 01:08:12,550 --> 01:08:15,370 498 01:08:15,370 --> 01:08:19,250 At the end of the Palmer Avenue, plans to widen the Delano Bridge 499 01:08:19,250 --> 01:08:23,090 are in progress, with the city of Cerritos as the lead agency 500 01:08:23,090 --> 01:08:24,770 and the city of La Palma involved 501 01:08:24,770 --> 01:08:28,689 in regular monthly meetings and reviews along the way. 502 01:08:28,689 --> 01:08:32,649 The design is at 65% completion, and the cities are working 503 01:08:32,649 --> 01:08:34,370 collaboratively to fund-- 504 01:08:34,370 --> 01:08:36,870 find funding sources to finish the design 505 01:08:36,870 --> 01:08:38,890 and secure allocations for construction. 506 01:08:38,890 --> 01:08:41,930 It is anticipated that the construction for this project 507 01:08:41,930 --> 01:08:43,310 will be $30 million. 508 01:08:43,310 --> 01:08:47,210 509 01:08:47,210 --> 01:08:50,330 Switching gears to showcase private development projects 510 01:08:50,330 --> 01:08:54,450 and new businesses in La Palma, the city's economic development 511 01:08:54,450 --> 01:08:57,859 and land use ad hoc committee, comprised of Mayor Pro Tem 512 01:08:57,859 --> 01:09:00,660 Nitesh Patel and Councilmember Debbie Baker, 513 01:09:00,660 --> 01:09:02,620 have been working diligently to continue 514 01:09:02,620 --> 01:09:06,819 bolstering the state of the city's economic progress. 515 01:09:06,819 --> 01:09:09,140 The announcement of parking lot, landscaping, 516 01:09:09,140 --> 01:09:12,380 and signage improvements have resulted in a fully occupied 517 01:09:12,380 --> 01:09:16,100 and thriving shopping center, welcoming the addition of 55 518 01:09:16,100 --> 01:09:20,420 parking stalls, several trash enclosures and a new store, 519 01:09:20,420 --> 01:09:21,640 Kobos Furniture. 520 01:09:21,640 --> 01:09:24,540 521 01:09:24,540 --> 01:09:27,580 On the corner of Orangethorpe Avenue and Walker Street, 522 01:09:27,580 --> 01:09:30,500 Cocoa Chicken is getting a full makeover. 523 01:09:30,500 --> 01:09:32,920 Exterior facade improvements are well underway, 524 01:09:32,920 --> 01:09:35,420 with contemporary upgrades, additional parking 525 01:09:35,420 --> 01:09:39,870 stalls, new landscaping, and two new storefronts coming soon. 526 01:09:39,870 --> 01:09:43,380 527 01:09:43,380 --> 01:09:45,700 And our former Burger King has now 528 01:09:45,700 --> 01:09:48,180 been converted into a Pepe's. 529 01:09:48,180 --> 01:09:50,340 Pepe's Finest Mexican Food anticipates 530 01:09:50,340 --> 01:09:52,580 requesting final building approval 531 01:09:52,580 --> 01:09:55,790 by the end of this month, hopefully opening 532 01:09:55,790 --> 01:09:57,100 soon in the next few weeks. 533 01:09:57,100 --> 01:10:00,590 534 01:10:00,590 --> 01:10:03,630 CJ Foods is expanding its operations 535 01:10:03,630 --> 01:10:06,910 and opening a new food lab in Centerpoint, 536 01:10:06,910 --> 01:10:09,380 featuring a full test kitchen for their products. 537 01:10:09,380 --> 01:10:13,030 538 01:10:13,030 --> 01:10:15,470 And back at the Vietnam Center, which just had the parking lot 539 01:10:15,470 --> 01:10:19,670 renovation, right behind La Capilla, a local chain 540 01:10:19,670 --> 01:10:22,790 Korean barbecue restaurant, Shik Do Rak, 541 01:10:22,790 --> 01:10:25,350 is finishing up its interior remodel 542 01:10:25,350 --> 01:10:27,310 after a complete redo of the site's 543 01:10:27,310 --> 01:10:29,630 grease interceptor system. 544 01:10:29,630 --> 01:10:33,110 Shik Do Rak has other locations in Irvine and Garden Grove, 545 01:10:33,110 --> 01:10:35,500 and they hope to open before the holiday season. 546 01:10:35,500 --> 01:10:40,190 547 01:10:40,190 --> 01:10:44,670 Burnhouse is a new fitness studio opening in Centerpoint, 548 01:10:44,670 --> 01:10:46,830 which had a booth at the Festival of Nations 549 01:10:46,830 --> 01:10:49,510 last month to promote their new business. 550 01:10:49,510 --> 01:10:51,870 The studio is currently under construction 551 01:10:51,870 --> 01:10:54,000 and plans to open next month. 552 01:10:54,000 --> 01:11:00,760 Nook Coffee Bar has submitted plans for an interior remodel 553 01:11:00,760 --> 01:11:03,080 at a vacant suite in the La Palma Collection 554 01:11:03,080 --> 01:11:06,200 Center behind Popeye's. 555 01:11:06,200 --> 01:11:09,080 Nook has locations in Costa Mesa, 556 01:11:09,080 --> 01:11:11,260 Torrance, and Rancho Cucamonga. 557 01:11:11,260 --> 01:11:14,280 558 01:11:14,280 --> 01:11:17,720 And we are very excited to announce Radio Korea AM 559 01:11:17,720 --> 01:11:21,120 1540 has recently purchased a commercial building 560 01:11:21,120 --> 01:11:22,800 in Centerpoint. 561 01:11:22,800 --> 01:11:24,360 Building permits have been issued this week 562 01:11:24,360 --> 01:11:26,800 for their interior remodel to bring the majority 563 01:11:26,800 --> 01:11:30,280 of their operations from Los Angeles to La Palma, 564 01:11:30,280 --> 01:11:34,200 with approximately 65 employees. 565 01:11:34,200 --> 01:11:36,160 Radio Korea looks forward to engaging 566 01:11:36,160 --> 01:11:39,300 with the local community, supporting business attraction, 567 01:11:39,300 --> 01:11:41,950 and hosting various special events in La Palma. 568 01:11:41,950 --> 01:11:44,560 569 01:11:44,560 --> 01:11:47,680 And lastly, in the complex that we are in today, 570 01:11:47,680 --> 01:11:50,680 the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority 571 01:11:50,680 --> 01:11:54,010 is preparing a new building, which would be building 3, 572 01:11:54,010 --> 01:11:56,390 featuring a training recording studio, 573 01:11:56,390 --> 01:11:58,770 meeting spaces, and offices. 574 01:11:58,770 --> 01:12:01,650 The revised project was recently resubmitted last month 575 01:12:01,650 --> 01:12:04,450 in September and will be subject to public hearings 576 01:12:04,450 --> 01:12:06,770 by the Development and Circulation Committee, 577 01:12:06,770 --> 01:12:09,340 as well as the city council, in the coming months. 578 01:12:09,340 --> 01:12:12,690 579 01:12:12,690 --> 01:12:16,370 And this concludes this year's State of the City Address. 580 01:12:16,370 --> 01:12:17,630 Please enjoy more food. 581 01:12:17,630 --> 01:12:22,050 As I understand, there's plenty left over, courtesy 582 01:12:22,050 --> 01:12:24,850 of our wonderful partners at Above All Catering Events 583 01:12:24,850 --> 01:12:26,530 and have a safe drive home. 584 01:12:26,530 --> 01:12:30,250 Thank you all for attending and for your continued support 585 01:12:30,250 --> 01:12:32,720 in the great city of La Palma. 586 01:12:32,720 --> 01:12:51,000