Concerns over a Brown Act violation arose as Santa Ana, California, moved forward with implementing a rent control ordinance on Oct. 5. The discussion of a potential rent control ordinance that would prevent property owners from increasing rent more than 3 percent per year continued amid controversy. Violating the Brown Act would not only lead to delays in the implementation of rent control but would tie the council up in litigation. Council members Phil Bacerra, Nelida Mendoza, and Mayor Pro Tem David Penaloza opted out of participating in the discussion in the belief the Brown Act was violated, stating the ordinance was discussed between members prior to the first vote on Sept. 21, which passed marginally 4–3. “I will be leaving the room out of an abundance of caution,” Mayor Pro Tem David Penaloza said during the Oct. 5 council meeting. “I’m just not comfortable voting or participate in any discussion …
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