P
ublic safety unions and real estate interests are pouring tens of thousands of dollars into Santa Ana's city council races this year, amid allegations that the police union has an outsized influence on city hall. This comes as a rent control measure is set to appear on the November ballot, with real estate interests heavily opposing it.

    Progressive groups like OC Action are also spending money on their preferred candidates, but in smaller amounts compared to public safety unions and real estate interests. The police union has spent over $130,000 on Mayor Valerie Amezcua's reelection campaign, City Commissioner Mario Alvarado's Ward 5 campaign, and lawyer Jeffery Katz's Ward 3 campaign.

    The spending follows a tumultuous year for Santa Ana officials, including the departure of former City Manager Kristine Ridge, who alleged that elected officials pressured her to boost former police union president Gerry Serrano's pay and pension. The city council narrowly approved a $27 million police contract in June, which has raised concerns about the union's influence.

    Real estate interests are also spending big on local races in Santa Ana, with the California Real Estate Independent Expenditure Committee spending over $93,000 against Councilwoman Thai Viet Phan, a proponent of rent control. The committee is funded primarily by the National Association of Realtors.

    Voters will decide on several ballot measures in November, including rent control and noncitizen voting. A committee funded by real estate interests has spent over $179,000 opposing these measures, with additional donations from the California Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors.

    Other advocacy groups like Chispa, OC Action, and Democratic campaign donor Quinn Delaney are also contributing to candidates in Santa Ana through political action committees. The Orange County Political Action Committee spent over $18,000 on Councilman Johnathan Hernandez's reelection campaign, while the California Working Families Party spent $5,000 on digital advertisements in support of Hernandez and another $5,000 in support of Councilwoman Jessie Lopez's reelection campaign.