TO: Chair and Members of the Santiago Creek Commission
FROM: Jarad Hildenbrand, City Manager
1. SUBJECT
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Revisions to the Santiago Creek Strategic Plan
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2. SUMMARY
On January 28, 2026, the Santiago Creek Commission approved the Santiago Creek Strategic Plan. The Santiago Creek Strategic Plan was subsequently adopted by the Orange City Council on February 24, 2026. The City of Orange received comments expressing concerns about the plan’s brief historical section as well as Project No. 1.13. Staff have drafted revised language for the Santiago Creek Commission’s consideration.
3. RECOMMENDED ACTION
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Consider the potential revisions to the Santiago Creek Strategic Plan.
Approve or deny the proposed changes to the Santiago Creek Strategic Plan.
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4. FISCAL IMPACT
None.
5. STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS
Goal 6: Ensure the Preservation of Historic Resources
6. DISCUSSION AND BACKGROUND
On January 28, 2026, the Santiago Creek Commission (SCC) approved the Santiago Creek Strategic Plan (Plan). The City Council formerly adopted the Plan at its regular meeting held on February 24, 2026. Prior to the SCC adopting the Plan, the SCC held several meetings through 2024 and 2025 to establish the Plan’s framework and contents, including a section dedicated to the Santiago Creek’s history.
Referred to in the Plan as “A Brief History about the Santiago Creek,” (Brief History) this section is intended to provide a concise overview of the Santiago Creek’s development and connection to the surrounding community. In its current form, the Brief History does not mention the sand and gravel mining operations that occurred along the Creek. Staff are presenting a modified version that includes relevant language to capture this history. Lastly, in recognizing the impacts that mining operations have had on the Santiago Creek, it has been suggested that Project 1.13 be removed from the Plan. Both potential changes are presented below.
Proposed Change to the Brief His...
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