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rmmiy <br />El Centro Cultural de Mexico <br />313 N Birch Street Santa Ana, CA 92701 <br />elcentroculturaldemexico.org <br />Dear Councilmembers, <br />I am writing to wholeheartedly support the Wellness District Resolution, a vision to guide <br />downtown Santa Ana's transformation so that all residents can have an opportunity to <br />participate and thrive in the new prosperity. <br />The changes coming to downtown Santa Ana are exciting. The area has long been the region's <br />cultural and economic hub, and the transformation promises to turn Santa Ana into a premier <br />destination. The Wellness District complements that future with innovative ideas to ensure that <br />downtown Santa Ana continues to meet the needs of its most loyal and reliable customer base <br />— its local residents. Along with new restaurants and retail, the Wellness District seeks to <br />provide balance by ensuring that local residents have options that meet their needs, such as <br />places to buy affordable grocery stores and everyday wellness products. The proposal also calls <br />for more bike lanes, a mercado to incubate local artists and businesses, and opportunities for <br />micro- farming in the heart of the city. These ideas are examples of equitable development that <br />includes the need of underserved residents. They also are good economics: the purchasing <br />power of local residents is projected to be $137 million, which could help fuel the area's <br />growth. <br />More importantly, this is a vision of downtown that residents want. The Wellness District was <br />created by a diverse coalition of non - profit organizations, longtime business owners, and adult <br />and youth residents who want to ensure that downtown will continue to reflect their needs and <br />sense of community. They want to provide input to the changes, and are also willing to invest in <br />its future. Already, this coalition has supported efforts to brand and market downtown Santa <br />Ana as a unique destination that celebrates its cultural heritage. <br />With the implementation of the Wellness District, the city council can demonstrate its <br />commitment to making Santa Ana a great place to live, work, and play for all. <br />We urge you to support this vision of a healthy and vibrant downtown Santa Ana. <br />Sincerely, <br />Joese Hernandez <br />El Centro Cultural de Mexico <br />60B -12 <br />