CHULA VISTA, Calif — City Councilmember Andrea Cardenas made her first appearance Tuesday since criminal charges were filed last month. There was also new developments in plans to address homelessness in the city.
Andrea Cardenas was seen back in the council chambers for the first time. She and her brother face charges that range from conspiracy to commit fraud to money laundering related to PPP loans. They've plead not guilty to all charges.
"Give us those positions that are causing us to step away. We already know you aren't going to resign that's what you told us. Allow the city to step away," said a Chula Vista resident during Tuesday's council meeting.
The city is also working to prevent homelessness. The Chula Vista police say about half of the city's homeless population is not from Chula Vista.
"All the crimes have been increasing I'm seeing graffiti," said Roberto Ramirez, a business owner.
A man who owns a jiu-jitsu studio on Palomar Street says the growing number of unsheltered people are impacting his business.
"Businesses are, owners are so fed up. The parents, students, adults and kids. If no action is taken we're going to get together as a community and take action," he said.
One of his students, a 7-year-old boy, shared his worries.
"If they wanna go find shelter, they should go find shelter. I've seen a lot of nasty stuff. People crawling like zombies acting really weird," said the seven-year-old.
The city is working on ways to get more people off the streets. There was discussion on new ideas to cut down on abandoned shopping carts. This includes requiring stores to have abandoned shopping cart programs.
There was also a brief conversation about a homeless encampment ban, similar to the policy approved in the city of San Diego.
WATCH RELATED: Chula Vista Council Member Andrea Cardenas and her brother enter not guilty pleas to fraud charges
