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Letter of Recommendation An LTA RAJA MARKET 5 A N T p A N A L A 201 - ]TH STREET. SUITE 101 SANTA ANA, CA 92701 714-783-2252 ALTAFAjAMARKETCOM January 6th, 2023 Julie Castro Economic Development Specialist II, Community Development Agency I am writing this letter to offer my full support and importance for Jose Romo's team to carry on the Clean & Safe program for the downtown. As a business owner on a corner who is at my business nearly every day, I believe this position will be best facilitated by Mr. Romo's crew. They demonstrate care, professionalism, understanding and a connection to the environment they have served that would far exceed the work of other proposals offered. This position is of extreme importance and this is why I am writing to you. Jose's team has been an integral part of the downtown fabric for years. Anyone who has a business here knows this as the team not only by name but the team knows all of us by name and needs as well. This alone is extremely important and is invaluable as the dynamic of this area needs the care and knowledge that only a team with on -hand experience and institutional knowledge has. Jose's team has this experience --they have never faltered in their tasks. I have known Jose for over 20 years, since I helped to start the first farmers' market in downtown. His commitment to the district, the businesses, people and customers is unparalleled to anything that can be proposed. You simply cannot replace the years of work he and team have done. And quite honestly, we as a district that has been through so much over the past 3 years would appreciate and thrive with a team that understands our needs, our personalities, and just the landscape that is unique and special. This team gets it and Jose gets it as leading this team. Some examples of how Jose's team is vital to the area: - during the George Floyd demonstrations in Spring 2020: Jose and team members waited with me in front of my shop immediately without call to make sure the 4th street area was protected until police had a lockdown of the area. - constant immediate cleaning of the street/trash/loiters - assisting neighbors when there were disruptions in the market and street - assisting with clean communication when there was an interruption in the downtown - his team on a number of times have taken the lead to communicate to other business owners, customers of disturbances that affect the greater area -- notjust a single business. There are simply not enough ways to demonstrate how this team is as personable as they are efficient. This team's work cannot be replicated because this team actually CARES for the area and it shows every day. I see it constantly and it would give me concern to have a management team who did not understand the area put into a position of care who did not have the years of experience and natural appreciation for the downtown as Jose and his team has. I am more than happy to meet, write more, or do more to further show my support.