Mark Abbott

The meeting included a special presentation by the County Supervisor providing a 2025 year in review, detailing significant activities such as attending numerous meetings, passing ordinances, and handling thousands of constituent cases. Key discussion points focused on holding the former supervisor accountable for embezzling pandemic funds, including efforts to recover the misappropriated funds. Updates were provided on county animal care initiatives, such as increased shelter opening hours, mandatory medical records for animals, and monthly reporting on intake and euthanasia rates, which resulted in reduced euthanasia numbers. Furthermore, the County Supervisor highlighted successful advocacy within the AQMD to defeat a rule that would have phased out residential gas water heaters and furnaces, and the negotiation of a collaborative agreement with the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles to move toward zero emissions while protecting jobs. Legislative action at the city level regarding synthetic kratom products (specifically banning synthetic 70 and restricting kratom sales to those over 18) was also discussed as a measure to combat local drug crises.

The meeting included recognitions for community service and local business. Miss Marilyn Bates was recognized for a generous donation of $150 to the city's transportation system, in honor of her late husband, former councilman Ron Bates. Taboon Mediterranean Express was highlighted as the business spotlight recipient for recognizing their authentic Middle Eastern cuisine and commitment to giving back. Matthew, a city employee, received congratulations for his hard work and dedication. The Cypress College Executive Director provided an update regarding student attendance from Los Alamitos, scholarship support from the Cypress College Foundation (over $1 million annually), and the upcoming Americana Awards event where Debbie Kent was named the 2026 Citizen of the Year for her decades of service as an educator and civic leader. During oral communications, Rodrigo Rodriguez, founder of Fresh Art Scoop, discussed his pet waste removal company's role in maintaining community cleanliness and promoting responsible pet ownership. The Mayor provided updates on her activities, including attending the OC San board meeting, the Cal Cities OC Division luncheon, and various policy and investor meetings, culminating in her swearing-in as the 2026 ACCOC board president.

The special City Council meeting included discussions and potential actions on several items. The first major item addressed was an agreement with the Kaya Group for the Community Center 2 project (formerly the Youth Center), which aims to transform the building into a multi-purpose space, including serving as future City Council chambers and an Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The council considered authorizing the use of a CMASS contract for expediency to meet a goal of project completion before Summer 2026, noting that the contractor previously renovated Community Center 1. The second key agenda item involved approving a Master Services and Purchasing Agreement with Axon for the Police Department's body-worn cameras and taser program upgrade. Discussion emphasized that the City of Los Alamitos is the last remaining department in Orange County without body-worn cameras, and the proposal includes a five-year lease covering updated tasers (Taser 10), body cameras, and virtual training simulations, utilizing an existing evidence submission portal with the District Attorney's office. Council members sought clarification on the contingency funds for both the construction project and the technology lease.

The Special City Council Meeting agenda included two closed sessions concerning anticipated and existing litigation, specifically related to correspondence from Shenkman & Hughes, PC, and two existing cases involving Orange County Catholic Worker and Los Alamitos Community United. The primary public hearing, the fourth of five, focused on the transition to a district-based City Council election system. Discussions involved reviewing draft maps of district boundaries, receiving public input, selecting a preferred map, and determining the election sequencing. The Council directed staff to prepare an Ordinance for introduction at the subsequent regular meeting to establish the by-district electoral system. The background detailed the context of the California Voting Rights Act (CVRA) challenge and the associated financial implications and safe harbor provisions.

The City Council meeting included recognition of Miguel Deator for 25 years of service in public works, a proclamation for Pacific Organic Pops in recognition of Small Business Saturday, and the presentation of the 2024 Mothers Against Drunk Driving Award to Detective Joel Espinosa. Additionally, Corporal Daniel Kim received an award from the Orange County Autotheft Advisory Commission. The council also discussed the Recreation Bucks program to encourage local shopping, allowing residents to earn discounts on community services programs and classes.