Shipp: I would ask the Council to identify available City-owned land where we can build housing that working families and seniors can afford. We would partner with nonprofit builders and seek housing grants and other available funding to help pay for construction.

These developments would be dedicated to affordable housing, with written requirements that keep rents affordable for the long term. We need homes that fit families, seniors, and people with disabilities.

I would also support helping nonprofit partners buy and repair existing apartment buildings so they remain affordable. Every project should clearly explain who can afford to live there, how many homes it provides, what it costs, and when it will be finished.

If so, do you believe the City has sufficient water and infrastructure to support them without increasing water rates or reducing water reliability for residents and existing businesses? If a AI data center were proposed, what requirements would you impose on its water use and wastewater discharge?

Shipp: I would consider an AI data center only if the company can prove it benefits Santa Ana and will not leave residents paying the bill. I would not assume our water, electricity, and sewer systems can handle it without an independent review.

The company would have to pay for the additional infrastructure its project needs. I would require strict water-use limits, cooling equipment that uses as little water as practical, recycled water where available and suitable, and restrictions during droughts.

Wastewater would need to meet limits on chemicals and temperature, with treatment when needed and regular testing. Water use and compliance reports should be public.

If the project threatens reliable service or shifts its costs onto residents and existing businesses, I would oppose it. I also would like to have some type of bond a capital bond that would need to go in effect day so as a result of the data center failing there would be capital to rebuild the damaged cause so it does not cost our residents more money.

Correction: The questionnaire originally stated that Buena Park had opted to use AI to handle emergency calls. The program involves certain non-emergency calls. The response below was submitted in response to the original wording of the question and is published as submitted. We regret the error.

Shipp: NO!!!! I would not support replacing trained 911 dispatchers with AI. When someone’s life is at risk, human judgment and accountability matter.

I would consider a limited pilot for routine, non-emergency calls if it helps dispatchers focus on emergencies. Residents must be able to reach a person quickly, with language access, privacy protections, and immediate transfer when a call involves danger.

I would propose funding a small pilot through identified savings within the police budget or an eligible grant, without cutting emergency staffing. Any expansion would require public results showing accuracy, reliable service, and savings after all costs are included. Saving money only matters if people still get the help they need.

This question does not ask you to simply weigh the perceived pros and cons of ALPRs. Please clearly state your position and cite data or evidence that supports it.

Shipp: [I support] only limited use of license plate readers only with strict privacy rules and proof of results. California’s 2020 audit found 99.9% of Los Angeles’ stored images had no hot-list match when captured. That shows how broadly these systems collect information. I would require short retention periods, logged searches, independent audits, no sharing for civil immigration enforcement, and public reporting of crimes actually solved.

Editor’s Note: Shipp is referring to the California State Auditor’s 2020 audit of automated license plate readers, which found that 99.9% of the 320 million images stored by Los Angeles involved vehicles that were not on a hot list when the image was captured.

Shipp: I would push for plain-language budget summaries, multilingual outreach, neighborhood meetings at different times, and easy phone and online feedback. Residents should see spending choices before decisions are made and receive clear explanations afterward.

Shipp: By December 2027, my goal is a working resident-request tracking system. Residents would receive a tracking number, a staff contact, and a response within 30 days, with progress updates until the request is resolved or a decision is explained.

Shipp: Push for coordinated construction schedules so streets are not repeatedly torn up, enforced noise limits, safe walking routes, and inspected repairs with contractor warranties. Preventive street maintenance should be budgeted before potholes grow. Posting notices online alone is not enough. Residents and businesses should receive advance multilingual notices, text alerts, clear detours, and one contact for problems.

Shipp: Hold regular youth and senior listening sessions at existing schools, libraries, and senior centers. Using current meetings and community partners would keep costs low. Participants should receive updates showing how their input affected City decisions.

Note: This question is not asking to solely identify or list the underlying causes of gang violence. Please focus your response on the actions you would take if elected.

Shipp: I would bring the Council a plan funding trained violence-intervention workers, paid youth jobs, and evening recreation in neighborhoods most affected by shootings. I would also request focused investigations of shootings and illegal gun trafficking, with quarterly public progress reports. Funding should follow measurable results: fewer shootings, fewer repeat incidents, and more young people connected to work and support.

What, if anything, would you encourage the City to change about the current process? Is part of your solution to build more parks? If so, how will that be paid for given budget difficulties?

Shipp: I’m not convinced access is fair unless smaller community groups have a real chance to reserve space. I would push for clear prices, a public availability calendar, affordable youth rates, and fair scheduling. First, improve existing parks and share school fields. I support more parks where needed, using grants and eligible developer fees, with maintenance funding identified before building.

Shipp: For people repeatedly returning to the streets, the current approach is not working. I would push for a City-County partnership that connects each person with a caseworker, appropriate shelter or housing, and mental health or addiction care. Follow-up must continue after release. We should measure success by people staying housed and getting help, not by arrests or encampments cleared.

Note: This question asks you to evaluate your individual response before and during the June 2025 immigration enforcement actions.

Shipp: During June 2025, I distributed food and clothing to help families in our community. That was a practical way I could respond to people’s immediate needs. But I would not call that alone sufficient.

Looking back, I could have connected that assistance sooner with trusted organizations providing immigration legal help and information about people’s rights. Food and clothing matter, and families also need support protecting their rights and keeping their households together.

Shipp: I do not believe the response is enough if families still cannot access reliable information, basic necessities, and a fair chance to exercise their rights. That is the standard I would apply to the City’s actions in June 2025 and since.

The City should protect its residents and families, including the taxpayers who help keep Santa Ana running. I would propose partnerships with trusted legal organizations, accessible information in residents’ languages, and coordinated emergency food and family assistance. The City cannot control federal immigration decisions, but it can help residents access legal support and fair due process.

Future plans or general statements of support do not answer this question.

Shipp: Before June 2025, I was already distributing food and clothing to help Santa Ana families, including families affected by immigration enforcement. I continued that support during June. My contribution was hands-on: helping families meet basic needs during a difficult time. That community work began before my campaign.

Note for the second part of this question, you must select one of three options only and explain why.

Shipp: I support abolishing ICE. I oppose an approach to immigration enforcement that terrorizes families and undermines community trust. Immigration responsibilities should be handled through a different, accountable system that respects human dignity, protects public safety, and guarantees fair due process. Everyone deserves fair treatment and a meaningful opportunity to have their case heard. Families should be able to report a crime, seek help, and take their children to school without fear.

Shipp: The mayor should bring people together, help solve problems, and keep residents informed, especially during a crisis. Hold me accountable for my preparation, honesty, follow-through, and vote. I cannot control the other six votes, but I must explain the outcome and keep working.

Identify specific services or spending you would reduce, revenues you would pursue, or other actions you would take to balance the budget.

Shipp: Respect the voters’ decision and begin adjusting spending before 2029. I would propose reducing outside consulting, nonessential travel, City-funded ceremonies, and duplicate administrative expenses. I would also review overtime, renegotiate contracts where possible, and delay nonessential purchases and projects.

For revenue, I would help fill vacant storefronts, speed up business permits without weakening safety standards, and pursue grants for eligible projects. I would not build a budget around money we only hope to receive.

My priorities would be emergency response, basic street and park maintenance, and youth and senior services. If more reductions were necessary, I would bring residents clear choices showing the savings and service impacts. Reserves could help with a temporary transition, but ongoing spending must match ongoing revenue.

What role should Santa Ana’s Police Oversight Commission have, and would you expand, limit or maintain its current authority? Be specific.

Shipp: Yes, that concern is understandable. Families deserve answers even when no charges are filed. As mayor, I would meet with families, press for timely public information, and pursue needed policy changes without prejudging cases. I support expanding independent oversight, including investigative support and subpoena authority where legally allowed. The Commission should review serious incidents and require public responses to its recommendations. Accountability builds trust.

Note: Weighing the pros and cons of permit parking is not an answer to this question.

Shipp: People should be able to come home from work and find somewhere to park. I would start with the neighborhoods facing the biggest shortages and work with willing schools, churches, and businesses to open unused parking lots at night.

I would also have the City identify where we can safely add spaces by improving existing parking layouts or creating neighborhood lots on suitable available land. Every proposal would include the cost, funding source, and number of spaces it would add.

I cannot honestly promise that parking will never be a problem again, but I can commit to a plan that adds usable spaces and measures whether it is making life easier for resident

What additional transit services or changes, if any, should the City pursue or advocate for with OCTA to accommodate increased transportation needs during the Olympics and other major events?

Shipp: My first step would be listening to people who ride the bus every day. I would work with OCTA to address the routes where buses are overcrowded, waits are too long, or service ends before people get off work.

I would ask the Council to prioritize lighting, seating, shade, and safe access at the busiest bus stops.

For the Olympics and other major events, I would push for extra buses, later service, and shuttles connecting to the Santa Ana train station. We should seek regional and event funding to help pay for those services. People who depend on the bus every day should keep reliable service while we accommodate visitors.

If elected, what would you propose to the Council on this specifically?

Shipp: I support changing Costa-Hawkins so cities have more say over which rental homes can be covered by local rent-control rules. Santa Ana needs more tools to help people stay in their homes when rents rise faster than their paychecks.

I would ask the Council to formally support changing the state law and work with our state representatives to push for it. The City cannot change that law on its own.

If the law changes, I would propose reviewing which additional homes should receive protection, with input from renters and property owners. The goal is to protect families from unaffordable increases while allowing owners to maintain their buildings and earn a fair return. it has to make sense at the end of the day and we need to be able to keep working families housed and not on the edge of becoming homeless

Shipp: I support a public tracking system with phone and in-person options. Each request should receive a tracking number, assigned staff contact, and response within 30 days—even if approval takes longer. Overdue requests should be reviewed monthly.

Shipp: [I would] make it easier for small businesses to open, stay open, and hire people from Santa Ana. "CUT THE RED TAPE " That starts with one clear City contact who can help owners understand permits, costs, and requirements, along with clear timelines for getting answers.

I would ask the Council to address unnecessary delays, help fill empty storefronts, and connect businesses with available grants, affordable loans, and practical business assistance. I would also help local businesses understand how to compete for City contracts and make sure the City pays them on time.

Clean streets, safe shopping areas, and convenient access help businesses keep customers. With a tight budget, any new program needs a clear funding source and results we can measure. We should support businesses while being responsible with residents’ tax dollars.

Shipp: First things first disclose the conflict and seek written guidance from the City Attorney. When recusal is required, I would step out of discussion and voting and would not lobby colleagues privately. For political disagreements, I would hear residents, review the facts, and publicly explain my decision. Donors and supporters would get no special treatment.

Shipp: Yes, that stigma still exists. Crime, neglected streets, and negative stereotypes contribute to it, but they do not define our community. I would focus on clean neighborhoods, affordable housing, stronger local businesses, and pathways to good-paying careers. I also want our arts and cultures celebrated. Residents should be able to succeed, raise a family, and build a future right here in Santa Ana.

Shipp: I would consider a narrowly focused vacancy tax for residential or commercial properties deliberately kept empty for long periods, but I would not support a blanket tax on every vacant property. The goal should be getting homes occupied and storefronts open.

Any proposal should exempt active repairs, disaster damage, probate, documented hardship, and owners making a genuine effort to rent or sell at a reasonable market price. Owners should not be penalized for delays caused by City permits.

Before supporting it, I would want clear vacancy data, fair notice and appeals, and proof that enforcement would be worth the cost. I would also work to remove permit barriers and connect property owners with potential tenants. We should address deliberate neglect while protecting residents and small businesses facing real difficulties.

What more, if anything, should the City do to expand students’ access to studying spaces, programs, and resources outside of school?

Shipp: [I would] bring the City and school district together to share facilities, coordinate programs, and apply for grants together. Agreements should clearly divide staffing, security, and maintenance costs so we stretch our dollars while keeping services dependable.

[I would] start with supervised evening and weekend study spaces at existing libraries, community centers, and participating schools, especially where students lack quiet space or internet at home. Students need reliable Wi-Fi, computers, tutoring, and access to arts, recreation, and career programs. Partnerships with Santa Ana College and community organizations could help expand those opportunities. My goal is simple: use the buildings and resources we already have to give more young people somewhere safe to learn and grow.

Why or why not, and what concerns, if any, do you have about how this designation could affect these communities in future land-use or redevelopment decisions? What protections are or ought to be in place if residents are asked to leave due to redevelopment?

Shipp: I would not support calling an existing apartment community “low density” without a clear explanation and written protections for the people living there. Residents should not need a planning expert to understand what a City map means for their home.

I would ask the City to explain whether the label affects an owner’s ability to repair, rebuild, or replace those apartments in the future. The wording should accurately recognize the homes already there.

If redevelopment requires residents to move, I would push for advance notice, help with moving costs before they leave, legal assistance, and a real opportunity to return at an affordable rent. I would also seek requirements to replace affordable homes that are removed. Those protections should be enforceable, not just promises.

Shipp: I support aid when it clearly benefits our country and is used responsibly.

Shipp: I oppose harm and injustice against people anywhere in the world. Civilians deserve protection, dignity, and fair treatment.

Shipp: The Council should speak up when an outside issue affects our residents or their families, while staying focused on our responsibilities here at home.

Shipp: Yes. Rising housing costs are making it harder for longtime residents to stay. I support improving Santa Ana, but those improvements should benefit the people already here without pricing them out.

Shipp: Red pozole.

Shipp: Chicken.

Shipp: Aries (Mar 21 - Apr 20)

Editor's Note: If the selected place, its owner, or business has donated to or endorsed your campaign, an editorial note will disclose that relationship.

Shipp: El Cabrito (1604 W 1st St, Santa Ana, CA 92703). They opened their space for me to meet and talk with residents, and I appreciate their hospitality.

Shipp: Our culture—the people, traditions, and community pride.

Shipp: Santa Ana is a garden. Every teacher, student, worker, and small business owner represents a seed. I’m here to water that garden—with support, opportunity, and leadership that listens—so we can continue to GROW.