Gabriel Almanza

The commission received a presentation from a Council Member regarding the Orange County Aging Services Collaborative. Discussions on new business centered on emergency preparedness for seniors, including potential seminars, earthquake safety kits, and the use of emergency status stickers for residences. The commission also discussed conducting an emergency drill at the Senior Center and inviting a CERT representative for a future presentation. Unfinished business included an update on social media focus posts, and informational items included a proposal for individual meetings between commissioners to align on commission missions and collaborative activities.

The commission discussed the potential sale of a property located on Eton Place, which has been part of a long-term Neighborhood Revitalization Plan, with the ultimate goal of developing affordable housing for the city. The commission voted to recommend the property purchase for the next city council meeting. Additionally, staff provided information regarding the upcoming HUD Annual Action Plan, and commissioners shared ideas for increasing public engagement through social media.

The board meeting focused on the FY2026/2027 CDBG Funding Cycle, featuring presentations from several non-profit organizations including the YMCA, YWCA of Orange County, Pathways of Hope, Waymakers, Meals on Wheels OC, and MOM's OC. Additionally, the board received information regarding the upcoming Youth in Government Day program hosted by the Community Services Department.

The meeting focused on the FY26/27 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding cycle. Multiple non-profit agencies, including The Eli Home, Creative Identity, Community Legal Aid, Boys and Girls Club of Central Orange Coast, Big Brothers Big Sisters OC, Alzheimer's Orange County, and Access California Services, provided in-person presentations for the board's funding consideration. Additionally, staff provided an update regarding an agency that was scheduled to present during the session.

The Commission discussed several reports and projects, including updates on the Maxwell Dog Park maintenance requests, the Parks Ranger patrol statistics, and recreation and human services activities such as the Winter CampVenture and community resource center holiday celebrations. Key infrastructure projects reviewed included the progress of the Boysen Park refresh, the Brookhurst Splash Pad construction, the Energy Field improvements, and the Meadow Park Master Plan, for which approval was requested. Other updates covered improvements at various parks, tree placement programs, and athletic field maintenance schedules.