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Orozco, Norma From: Sent: To: Subject: Delilah Snell Alta Baja Market 201 E 4th St. Ste 101 Santa Ana, CA 92701 December 14, 2020 Alta Baja Channel <delilahsnelll @gmail.com> Tuesday, December 15, 2020 2:58 PM eComment Alta Baja Market/Delilah Snell letter City Manager, Council and Mayor City of Santa Ana 20 Civic Center Plaza Santa Ana, CA 92701 Dear City of Santa Ana Staff and Elected Officials, RE: PLEASE SUPPORT DOWNTOWN SECURITY PROGRAM IN 2021 The downtown area of this city is suffering in so many ways and even more so lately with the pandemic, constant construction and an economic turndown. In my over 4 years running Alta Baja Market, I cannot even begin to say how vital it is to have downtown security. Any lack of it would further deteriorate the majority of businesses that are hurting so much during this time. Security has been vital not just to my business, but to my employees, my customers and even myself. I have been the victim of vehicle break-ins, harassment, vandalism and I have been threatened with violence all in downtown (and there is evidence of break-ins to my shop) —and that's just me! Our store is in constant communication, calling or texting at least several times a week as a result of some instance. That constant communication, support and relationship that we have built with DTSA security has led to our business to grow as a result of customer confidence in the area and feeling of safety. This is just my own personal experience talking to people every single day in downtown. I cannot begin to imagine what other people, residents and business owners have experienced. Why do we as a city need to even think for a second that to minimize security would lead to a more vibrant downtown - especially NOW. Removing security, that responds in moments to distress and issues, puts more stress on a stressed -out business. If you want the downtown to succeed, if you want these businesses to survive these current times of extreme struggle, I am urging you - as a resident, business owner, customer and supporter of Santa Ana to keep current security. Please consider covering this year's gap in downtown's self -funded critical services to keep our engine running and supporting our downtown businesses. Overall, the total impact of your decision here is another $100,000. Yet this is a critical cost -saving and protective investment considering the alternatives of increased vandalism and decreased safety perceptions in downtown.