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Chispa June 2, 2023 Mayor Amezcua and Members of the Council City of Santa Ana 20 Civic Center Plaza P.O. Bo 1988, M31 Santa Ana, CA 92701 Re: Agenda Item # 52 - Ordinance to Adopt Fiscal Year 2023-24 Budget Cycle Mayor Amezcua and Members of the City Council, I write on behalf of Chispa to urge the Santa Ana City Council (Council) to direct the City of Santa Ana (City) staff to adopt our recommended investments within the City's 2023-24 Fiscal Year (FY). Chispa is a membership based organization for young Latinxs advocating for systemic changes across Orange County that uproot systems of oppression and cultivate systems grounded in community accountability, solidarity, and self-determination for our communities to thrive. In furtherance of our mission we are committed to advocate for a community -centered municipal budgets that prioritize investments in our community, police transparency and accountability, and the expansion of youth programs and job opportunities. At past City Budget meetings, this Council expressed a strong desire to continue improving safety by addressing root causes and investing in residents' material needs, well being, and opportunities to thrive. We believe that the recommendations outlined below achieve these goals by strengthening our City's infrastructure, focusing on crucial programs such as providing mental health services, counseling and preventative services, jobs, and recreational activities. The recommendations below also further the City's goal of developing and maintaining an effective and meaningful system of police oversight that is responsive to residents' needs.. 1. Well -Funded and Robust Police Oversight Commission (Commission) a. The Council must rollover the previous budget commitment of $1 million dollars and ensure the Independent Director and the Management Analysis Position are filled and hired for the Calendar year. b. Residents deserve a well funded and robust Commission that is adequately staffed and resourced. 2. Increase Grants to Community Based Organizations (CBO) a. Allocate $200,000 to provide four $50,000 grants to CBOs.