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t / � <br />HEIGH&ORHOOO ASSOC 1010 S <br />Via Email: eComment2santa-ana.org <br />March 14, 2024 <br />Mayor and Council Members of Santa Ana <br />22 Civic Center Plaza <br />Santa Ana, CA 92701 <br />Re: Agenda Item 424 on the March 19, 2024 Calendar <br />Ordinance Establishing Distance Requirements for Targeted Residential Picketing <br />Dear Hon. Mayor and Council Members: <br />In the timeless wisdom of the Supreme Court's decision of Carey v. Brown, resides a <br />fundamental truth: the sanctity of the home is sacrosanct. It is the fortress of tranquility, the <br />bastion of peace, the haven where individuals seek solace from the tumult of the world. It is <br />within these hallowed walls that families nurture, dream, and find respite from the rigors of daily <br />existence. Such an essential refuge must be safeguarded from undue intrusion and disruption. <br />Thus, it is with great urgency and conviction that the board of the Floral Park Neighborhood <br />Association implores this Council to consider and adopt the proposed ordinance prohibiting <br />targeted residential picketing within our community. <br />Our neighborhood has regrettably become the unfortunate stage for a series of disruptive and <br />distressing protests. These demonstrations, characterized by blaring sirens, raucous bullhorns, <br />and incessant drumming, have not only violated the peace and quietude of our streets but have <br />directly targeted a singular neighbor to the detriment of all nearby residents. <br />In the eloquent words of the Supreme Court, the well-being, tranquility, and privacy of the home <br />are indeed of the highest order in a free and civilized society. As such, it is imperative that <br />measures be taken to preserve these cherished values. The proposed ordinance aligns with <br />established legal principles, recognizing that while the freedom of speech is a bedrock of our <br />democracy, it must be exercised responsibly and with due regard for the rights and well-being of <br />others. <br />In the landmark case of Ward v. Rock Against Racism, 491 U.S. 781, 791 (1989), the Supreme <br />Court affirmed that governments may impose reasonable restrictions on the time, place, or <br />manner of protected speech, provided such restrictions are justified by significant governmental <br />interests and do not unduly infringe upon alternative channels of communication. The ordinance <br />