Santa Ana officials are facing scrutiny after returning a $6.7 million state grant intended for child care programming without informing the City Council. The grant, awarded in 2023, aimed to create seven child care facilities serving over 500 children, focusing on after-school care and full-day summer camps for low-income and at-risk youth.
City officials cited the inability to meet the state’s complex compliance requirements and the upfront costs as reasons for returning the grant. Assistant City Manager Kathryn Downs explained that the city lacked the expertise to navigate California’s stringent regulations and faced significant liability if they failed to comply. The program’s initial setup costs were estimated to be millions of dollars, with restroom construction alone projected at $10 million, a figure disputed by some council members.
Despite the potential benefits, Mayor Valerie Amezcua and Councilmember Thai Viet Phan supported the decision, citing the city’s looming $35 million budget deficit and the need to prioritize fiscal responsibility. However, some council members, including Johnathan Ryan Hernandez and Jessie Lopez, criticized the lack of transparency and communication, arguing that the city missed an opportunity to support its underserved youth.
The decision to relinquish the grant has sparked a debate on the city’s priorities and the need for affordable child care programs. As the city grapples with budget challenges, officials continue to evaluate the feasibility of implementing similar programs in the future.
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