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Orozco, Norma <br /> From: Stephen Mayfield <stephenmayfield87@gmail.com> <br /> Sent: Wednesday, May 11, 2022 5:09 PM <br /> To: eComment <br /> Subject: Budget Workshop - Agenda Item #1 <br /> Greetings Mayor Sarmiento and other members of the Council, <br /> My name is Stephen Mayfield and I live in Ward 3. I am writing today to express my opinions on our city <br /> budget. The budget for fiscal year 2022-23 needs to prioritize community organizations and services that help <br /> our most vulnerable residents, including the youth, immigrant individuals, houseless community members, low- <br /> income neighborhoods, and more. <br /> Last year, 40% of our general funds went to SAPD. While I support the police and the safety of our community <br /> it might help to spend portions of those funds on better community policing programs, homelessness support, <br /> drug rehabilitation, low and middle income jobs to get folks working, off the streets and safe. It is also <br /> disturbing to see some of the behavior of the SAPD recently in the news (the playing of copyright music to <br /> avoid being posted on the internet, the accusations of gang like activity in the force. There is likely opportunity <br /> for retraining and hiring as well. What about community based certifications or up-skilling of officers? <br /> This year, we need our Council to put this community first. Some funds from SAPD should be re-allocated to <br /> fund the following programs: <br /> Youth after school programs like sports and other activities, <br /> Services for systems-impacted youth <br /> Services for houseless community members <br /> Services for DACA/undocumented community <br /> Youth internships and job opportunities <br /> City-sponsored youth center] <br /> Parks <br /> And community arts projects. <br /> These funds could also be set forth into new small business reinvestments as this city continues to revitalize and <br /> thrive. <br /> I love Santa Ana, and this is important because I want to continue to live in a community where government <br /> works and people help each other. Thank you for your consideration. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> -Stephen <br /> Thanks <br /> Stephen Mayfield <br /> i <br />