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Dear Council Members - We are extremely concerned about a pending move to terminate the Downtown "security" program. Since we purchased the building in 2018 we have worked hard to bring revitalization and flourishing business into the area and our building currently boasts approximately 80 small business tenants and artists operating in The Historical Spurgeon Building located on 4`h street in the Artists District. We are sure no one would dispute our contribution to Santa Ana's local history as well. We have taken great effort and pride (and a little more cost than we'd hoped) in creating the best work environment for our tenants at the Spurgeon building and one of the most important aspect of that environment is providing safety. It has not been without help from security provided by the Downtown "security" program that we could have achieved our current level of occupancy because we know that few small businesses want to operate in areas where there is the threat of theft, defacing of property, and general unsafety for their employees as well as for their products and ability to provide services. Everyone has already suffered the terrible effects of on again off again COVID related regulating. The various protests and civil unrest that occurred as a result were hurdles, we could not have overcome without the help of Downtown "security". The terminating of Downtown "security" services would only add insult to injury as our small businesses work hard to survive until a vaccine can reach the public and do its job. All you have to do is look at some of the larger cities across the nation to know that losing security could cause a fire sale in the downtown area making it only more difficult and taxing on the local residents to achieve the beautiful walkable Artist's District intended where people can enjoy all the good things that Santa Ana has to offer. Some of the small businesses in our building have been there for many years and I'm sure they wantto continue to be and contribute to the neighborhood of Santa Ana. In addition, the many times we have relied upon the Downtown "security" they have arrived and acted professionally and with compassion to our homeless and transient population which can sometimes be particularly challenging. We feel they are an integral service arm helping to alleviate police interactions, thereby leaving the police to handle the more pressing public safety issues. Santa Ana is rich with history and culture in the Downtown area and it has so much to offer, but if people don't feel safe, they simply won't come here. If they don't come the city won't thrive. It is our hope that you will consider the Downtown "security" program a priceless part of Santa Ana's services like we do and make the decision to keep it going for the good of all concerned. Regards, Spurgeon DTOC, LLC