Ahead of the November general election, the Southern California News Group compiled a list of questions to pose to the candidates who wish to represent you. You can find the full questionnaire below. Questionnaires may have been edited for spelling, grammar, length and, in some instances, to remove hate speech and offensive language.
MORE: Read all the candidate responses in our Voter Guide
Name: Johnathan Ryan Hernandez
Current job title: Santa Ana City Councilmember
Political party affiliation: Non-Partisan
Incumbent: Yes
Other political positions held: None
City where you reside: Santa Ana
Campaign website or social media: hernandez4santaana.org
With the sundown of Measure X in a few years, the city is expected to lose millions in local sales tax revenue. Looking at the city’s budget, how would you address spending and where do you think cuts should be made? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)
The budget is a reflection of our values and priorities. It’s clear that we need to find new ways to fund the vital city services that residents rely on. I think it’s important to think outside of the box to address this challenge. The city of Santa Ana is home to world-class professional fighters, and one solution would be to work together with mixed martial arts organizations like UFC, which nearby Anaheim has shown to be successful, to host fighting events and consequently boost hotel sales and local tax revenue.
As a councilmember who was born and raised here, I have fought to ensure youth and families who live in communities like mine, which have been historically underserved, can access the library, afterschool programs and clean and safe parks. I also believe in building and maintaining strong relationships with county, state and federal partners to explore opportunities for grants and other funding resources. Cutting essential services that strengthen our quality of life should be an absolute last resort. I think more consideration could be given to cutting vacant roles and upholding accountability at City Hall so taxpayers aren’t given the short end of the stick regarding legal liabilities.
Some city leaders have pushed for more action to address public intoxication, and the state is encouraging the clearing out of encampments. As a leader, how do you see balancing the quality of life issues with addressing the needs of homelessness? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)
Residents deserve to feel safe and protected in the community they call home, and people experiencing homelessness should not be forced to choose between a tent or jail. We need to strengthen services that fully address the needs of the unhoused, including mental health treatment, drug counseling and job training. And more must be done to prioritize homeless prevention, which is why I was a strong proponent of Santa Ana’s rent stabilization and just cause eviction ordinance. The proposed criminalization of the unhoused does little to effectively solve homelessness in the long term, and we need to focus on housing and shelter that gets people off the street and provides the help they need for a healthy and stable life.
How can the city best meet the demand and mandates for more housing, including at lower prices, while also preserving the quality of life for existing neighborhoods and residents? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)
As a councilmember, I have worked tirelessly to ensure the city of Santa Ana invests in quality, affordable housing. I supported the Housing Opportunity Ordinance, which required that developers construct new and affordable units, renovate older units or pay into an “in-lieu” fee set aside that would go toward other affordable housing programs. I also worked together with residents and community organizations in Artesia Pilar to revitalize the neighborhood and develop more than 50 new units for low-income families, while utilizing public art and ensuring access to existing services and local businesses were uninterrupted by the construction of new affordable housing. As a father and resident whose family has lived here for generations, I believe more can be done to support first-time homebuyers, and I would continue to advocate for investments in programs that help local residents continue to afford to live in Santa Ana.
In your opinion, what is the biggest need your city faces, and how would you address it? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)
Youth in Santa Ana make up nearly a third of the population, which is one of the highest shares among cities in Orange County. Our city is at a crossroads regarding the upcoming budget shortfall, and significant investments for youth must continue if we want to strengthen the future of Santa Ana. This is why I strongly believe in funding job programs that allow residents to live and work in the city they call home and creating opportunities for youth and their families to get ahead, including support for parks, community programs and economic development. When we fund these programs, it improves overall quality of life and makes communities safer.
Why would you make a good leader, and how would you represent the diverse communities of your city? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)
I am a lifelong resident of Santa Ana who is dedicated to serving people. At 14 years old, I began organizing in my community. Growing up, I realized that our neighborhoods deserve better. In 2020, I was honored to earn the support of Ward 5 to serve on the City Council. I made a commitment to put people first, not outside special interests, and I’m proud of the work we’ve done for a safer and healthier Santa Ana.
For decades, the neighborhoods in Ward 5 have been left behind, and I’ve made it a mission to ensure that residents feel empowered to make their voices heard. That’s why under my leadership, the city of Santa Ana has brought more affordable housing, the police oversight commission, good-paying union jobs, public art and renovated murals that honor our culture, three new park spaces and rent stabilization, and we became the first city in the history of the U.S. to recognize Chicano Heritage Month. I know more needs to be done, and my top priority is to ensure Santa Ana keeps moving forward, not back to a time when some politicians at City Hall put their own corrupt interests before the needs of residents.
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