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May 18, 2026 OCTax.org Orange County Taxpayers Association Santa Ana City Hall 20 Civic Center Plaza Santa Ana, CA 92701 Re:Opposition to Agenda Item 20-Second Reading of an Ordinance Establishing Staffing and Operational Standards for Self-Service Checkout Stations in Drug and Food Retail Establishments Mayor Amezcua and Members of the Santa Ana City Council, The Orange County Taxpayers Association represents taxpayers on government tax and spending issues, advocating for policies that are fair, transparent, cost-effective, and supportive of the economy. We are writing regarding Agenda Item 20 on the May 19 Santa Ana City Council agenda; the second reading of the proposed ordinance establishing staffing and operational standards for self-service checkout stations in drug and food retail establishments.We are concerned this ordinance would impose significant restrictions on the use of self-checkout technology. We are confident that this ordinance would: 1) Increase Costs for Consumers:Self checkout machines allow stores to control costs, reduce wait times, and provide faster, more convenient service. Restricting or banning these machines results in higher staffing costs, new compliance burdens, and reduced operational efficiency. 2) Hurt Neighborhood Stores&Community Access: Small and independent retailers are often the only convenient option for families. Policies that increase operational costs and reduce efficiency make it harder for stores to stay open, keep prices affordable, and continue serving local residents. 3) Limit Consumer Choice and Convenience: Self Checkout provides a fast and convenient option for consumers making quick trips, purchasing only a few items or shopping during peak hours. Limiting these options restricts flexibility for consumers, creating one-size-fits-all approach that does not reflect the average Californians'shopping experience. The concerns outlined above such as increased costs for consumers, added burdens on neighborhood stores, and reduced convenience and choice for residents, directly conflict with our principles and would ultimately harm the taxpayers and communities this Council serves.We respectfully urge the Santa Ana City Council to reject this proposed ordinance and instead support policies that preserve affordability, consumer flexibility, and economic opportunity for all residents of Santa Ana. Thank you for your attention to this matter! Orange County Taxpayers Association-PO Box 5881 Orange,CA 92863