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From: David Mitchell < Date: July 21, 2015 at 2:23:22 PM PDT To: <rnpulidoksanta-ana.or > Subject: A Flag proposal from. David Mitchell of Calvary Church in Santa Ana Mayor Pulido As you consider your new proposal for the rainbow flag, I would like to offer a perspective and then a positive alternative suggestion which I believe can unite, not divide, our community. First, a perspective. I am David Mitchell, Senior Pastor of Calvary Church of Santa Ana. I was recently quoted in the Register regarding the rainbow flag proposal., I also serve as a chaplain with the SAPD and offer the invocation at your council meetings every few months. You probably do not know me, but I want to assure you that I seek the same compassionate community that you do. I have served at Calvary Church for 20 years. Our church has existed in Santa Ana for over 84 years. We have an emphasis to reach out to Santa Ana residents through the generosity of our congregation of 2500 people. We give over $100,000 each year to assist those in the midst of financial challenge with food, shelter, clothing and medical needs. We have an annual drive to collect backpacks and supplies for students in the public schools. We partnered with six other: Santa Ana churches to establish the `Love Santa Ana" initiative, reaching out to low income neighborhoods through painting projects, clean-up days, and street fairs. We offer ongoing volunteer opportunities with our local non-profit partnerships in the community, helping the homeless, prisoners, youth with special needs, orphaned and foster children, victims of domestic violence, and widows. A highlight is our partnership with the OC Rescue Mission providing the Hurtt Family Health Clinic office space in the Heritage Medical Building on our campus. Through this we help provide medical assistance to the poor and other people underserved with their medical needs. These are just some of the ways we try to make a positive impact to strengthen our community. 'Second, a proposal. I fear a negative and divisive reaction to the rainbow flag proposition, I still recall the pro -immigration protest in which the Mexican flag was waved to generate support. When other residents saw that flag, there was a strong resentment from those who had not expressed their opinion on that issue before. I fear more reaction like that on this issue that will pit groups of people against each other. This would be counterproductive to the goal of an inclusive and accepting community, My proposal is to commission a new flag for Santa Ana. It should be a flag that can represent the diverse nature of our community. I would love it to be anchored in the concept of pursuing life, liberty and the pursuit