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Since the Downtown BIDS were set up wrongfully as detailed in the attached Grand Jury Report, suffered through severe dysfunction in its first decade and is still limping onward, why don't we take this opportunity to curb some massive spending and review this whole situation? Before you re -fund the BID, I ask that you: • conduct an Audit and Investigation of Downtown Inc/SABC to determine whether they are using City Resources and Money to benefit primarily their own board members, leadership and associates • recommend that a new RFP is drafted, with the input of business -owners (as opposed to property -owners) and representatives from Santa Ana's diverse neighborhoods • enact Conflict of interest guidelines for future BIDS so that equity is ensured with public monies, as opposed to self -funded owner -initiatives and commercial districts With these measures taken, I know that not only Santa Ana's downtown will benefit, but the City as a whole. I would be happy to discuss this matter further, if you have any questions or to connect you with my colleagues in the BID, Booster, Public Event and P1aceMaking field. A also urge the City Council to review the Grand Jury Report, to determine if the concerns identified in it are still in effect today. Keep up the great work! Sincerely, --- Victor Payan I have attached the 2011-2012 OC Grand Jury report section on the Santa Ana's Property -Based Improvement District to facilitate your review. Additionally, below is the summary of findings and recommendations from the report: FINDINGS: In accordance with California Penal Code §933 and §933.05, the 2011-2012 Orange County Grand Jury requires responses from each agency affected by the Findings/Conclusions presented in this section. The responses are to be submitted to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court. Based on its study of the Santa Ana Property Based Improvement District, the 2011-2012 Orange County Grand Jury makes the following Findings/Conclusions: F1. City of Santa Ana appears to be in violation of California State Law in the formation of this Improvement District. F2. Monies collected from the improvement district appear to have only benefited a few and have not resulted in a direct benefit to the assessed property as required by California law.