HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-28-2026 Minutes SCCAPPROVED BY THE SANTIAGO CREEK COMMISSION ON APRIL 22, 2026.
MINUTES
City of Orange
Santiago Creek Commission
January 28, 2026
The Santiago Creek Commission of the City of Orange, California convened on January 28,
2026, at 5:30 p.m. in a Regular Meeting in the Council Chamber, 300 E Chapman Avenue,
Orange, California.
1. OPENING/CALL TO ORDER
Chair Moeller called the meeting to order at 5:32 p.m.
1.1 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by Chair Brendon Moeller
1.2 ROLL CALL
Present: Galera, Adams, Baca, Hillman, Knight, Tillou, and Moeller
Absent: None
2. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Public Speakers:
Theresa Sears shared the biological assessment survey of select locations in the
Creek and provided an update on 2025 grant funding opportunities.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
3.1 Approval of minutes of the Santiago Creek Commission Regular Meeting held on
October 22, 2025.
Commissioner Tillou requested the minutes include community gardens and
educational workshops as ways to engage schools and environmental groups.
A motion was made by Commissioner Tillou, seconded by Commissioner Baca, to
approve the minutes as amended. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Galera, Adams, Baca, Hillman, Knight, Tillou, and Moeller
Noes: None
Absent: None
4. COMMISSION BUSINESS
4.1 Review of the draft Santiago Creek Strategic Plan.
Deputy City Manager Jack Morgan presented the staff report.
Public Speakers:
Theresa Sears thanked staff for their work and suggested the strategic plan be
renamed to the Santiago Creek Greenbelt.
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Santiago Creek Commission Minutes January 28,2026
Jensen Hallstrom suggested changes be made to the definitions page and would like
ancient trees to be declared historic sites.
Joel Robinson suggested various modifications to the Santiago Strategic Plan.
Written Comments:
Bonnie Robinson recommended the Plan address landscapers and suggested various
modifications to the Strategic Plan.
Shari Dalai requested habitat protection and ecological restoration be the highest
priority.
Susan Schwartz recommended various changes to the Strategic Plan regarding
electric vehicles and illegal activity.
Robert H shared his priorities that included extending the trail for recreation, monitoring
illegal activity and improving lighting.
Zak Goldman suggested more trees be planted, monitoring illegal activity, addressing
trash in the creek and limiting electric bike speed.
Kristen Norton would like to see more trash removal and graffiti removal.
Susan Inman shared a list of recommendations regarding electric bike safety, user
education, trail design, ecosystem management and community engagement.
Gene Lawson would like to see more trash removal and replacement of non-native
plants.
Anne OMalley suggested dog waste bag dispensers be placed along the trail.
Bryce would like to see security patrolling around the Creek.
Fadi Aoun suggested repairs be made to asphalt when needed, shared his safety
concerns for electric bikes and suggested additional lighting.
Ron Newcomb suggested adding "safety" to the Values Section, creating a cohesive
and corresponding aesthetic and extending the trail to improve recreation and access
opportunities.
Carson Tinucci supports efforts to restore the Creek.
Commissioners discussed various administrative changes to the Santiago Strategic
Plan and made the following suggestions: collaborate with Public Works and
Community Services on potential projects, add the Santiago Creek Greenway Alliance
as a collaborator, provide a link to relevant documents used for the Strategic Plan
review, modify the land acknowledgment page and bike path maps, remove the duck
feeding stations and focus on educational signage.
A motion was made by Commissioner Tillou, seconded by Commissioner Knight, to
approve the draft plan with the incorporation of the features highlighted during
discussion. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Galera, Adams, Baca, Hillman, Knight, Tillou, and Moeller
Noes: None
Absent: None
4.2 Selection of Santiago Creek Commission Officers.
Public Comment:
None
A motion was made by Commissioner Tillou, seconded by Commissioner Adams, to
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Santiago Creek Commission Minutes January 28,2026
nominate Brendon Moeller as Chair for a term ending January 27, 2027. The motion
carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Galera, Adams, Baca, Hillman, Knight, Tillou, and Moeller
Noes: None
Absent: None
A motion was made by Commissioner Tillou, seconded by Commissioner Adams, to
nominate Pamela Galera as Vice Chair for a term ending January 27, 2027. The
motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Galera, Adams, Baca, Hillman, Knight, Tillou, and Moeller
Noes: None
Absent: None
5. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
The next Regular Santiago Creek Commission meeting will be held on Wednesday,
April 22, 2026, at 5:30 p.m., in the Council Chamber.
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