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California Short Term Rental August 5, 2025 The Honorable Valerie Amezcua Members of the Santa Ana City Council 22 Civic Center Plaza Santa Ana, CA 92701 Dear Mayor Amezcua and Members of the Santa Ana City Council, We are writing on behalf of the many residents who previously hosted short-term rental guests in Santa Ana. These were not large commercial operations; rather, they were predominately families and individuals who opened their homes to travelers to help cover everyday expenses such as medical bills and mortgages, while contributing to the local economy. The latest Orange County Daily Grand Jury report, "Long Term Solutions to Short Term Rentals" reaffirms that blanket bans on short-term rentals are rarely successful. The report also debunks the common misconception that short-term rentals drive up housing costs. In fact, it finds no conclusive evidence that allowing home sharing has a measurable impact on affordable housing in jurisdictions where such rentals are responsibly regulated. Before the short term rental ban, people acted in good faith and brought real benefits to local neighborhoods and the city as a whole. STR operators supported local small businesses and welcomed travelers who generated economic activity throughout Santa Ana. Participation in the local tourism ecosystem was meaningful, and many former hosts did so with pride and respect for neighbors. We urge the Council to consider reasonable, balanced regulations that allow for short-term rentals and provide exemptions during major events such as the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics. These exemptions would not only meet the city's tourism and lodging needs during high demand periods, but would also allow for more generated revenue for the city. Santa Ana has the opportunity to lead by example by adopting regulations that address community concerns without shutting the door on residents earning supplemental income through responsible home sharing. We are eager to be part of the solution and respectfully ask that you engage with us to build a framework that works for residents, visitors, and the City. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, California Short Term Rental Association (CalSTRA)