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Middleton, Samuel From: Rosalina Davis <ocrosalina@yahoo.com> Sent: Sunday, November 13, 2022 8:36 PM To: Sarmiento, Vicente Cc: eComment Subject: Downtown BID Agenda Item 11-15-22 Dear Honorable Mayor Sarmiento and Councilmembers: Reference: Support of Dissolution of BID Downtown Request to have this document entered into your records for City Council Meeting 11/15/22 My name is Rosalina Davis and I am from the City of Placentia where my family and I have had a business as owners/operators for over 57 years in Old Town. I am the President of our downtown merchant's group and we have excelled in all of our events without a BID. Most notably we created the first Tamale Festival in the OC and it is now thriving on its 28th year attracting up to 20,000 attendees. Like all cities we face the economic trends of financial great times as well as challenging times of financial instability all while trying to sustain a safe, vibrant and stable community. For many years now I have frequently visited, shopped and dined in your downtown business area and have gotten to know many of your stakeholders quite well. I love the vibe and great energy in your downtown and the diversity of businesses that have been developed throughout the years. I can remember when the City initiated the BID with Ms. Vicki Baxter as the Executive Director and that was a perfect time and decision to institute such a program for that era. Today's business climate is different, currently most businesses are suffering from inflation, a shortage of staff and the prospect of an economic downturn. Santa Ana downtown businesses have gone through tremendous financial challenges, first, for almost two and a half years a worldwide pandemic, secondly, the construction perils and shutdown of 4th Street and most recently the fire to the buildings on 4th Street that have been catastrophic to the small independent businesses and property owners. Additionally, Santa Ana has the highest City tax in the county curtailing prospective buyers of large ticket items. For these reasons I write to you in support of the dissolution of the BID program. One more tax increment to these businesses could put them in the brink of jeopardy. I am lucky enough to personally know many of your business owners who are committed and passionate about Santa Ana and who have the experience, knowledge and know-how to continue to make Santa Ana thrive without another tax. Please consider the decision to help them during this critical time and not to burden them with self -taxation. I thank you and appreciate the opportunity of allowing me to express my views and concerns regarding your business community investments and livelihoods. Sincerely, Rosalina Davis, President Placita Santa Fe Merchants Association And Tlaquepaque Restaurant