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To: David Cavazos — Santa Ana City Manager <br />From: Washington Square Neighborhood Association (WSNA) Board Members <br />Subject: Vacation Rental Concerns in Washington Square Neighborhood <br />Dear David Cavazos: <br />All of the Washington Square Board Members and many WS residents are very concerned about <br />the home at 928 N. Baker Street, 928 is presently undergoing a massive renovation to prepare it <br />to become a 5 bedroom/4 bathroom vacation rental with a pool and jacuzzi and great room. The <br />owner is doubling the square footage of the original house and adding a second story. The <br />original 1930s home was 2 bedrooms and I bath. These facts are on record in the Santa Ana <br />Planning Department. <br />When we saw "The Animal House" OC Register article on August 29, 2015, we recognized our <br />own budding problem. However, we are greatly encouraged that you find "Protecting our <br />neighborhoods is important". <br />We are coming to you today for neighborhood protection. Protection from the soon to be <br />Operating vacation rental at 928 N. Baker Street. We have not had the opportunity to meet the <br />owner. I have talked to various workers on site and they have said that the owner's goal for the <br />property is to be a vacation rental. One worker told me the owner's company is Pacific Legacy <br />in Villa Park. Thus far, we have not been successful in making contact with the owners. <br />We have already met with staff from the Santa Ana Planning/,Building Department concerning <br />this property. That meeting took place on 4-16-15 at 3:3'0pm. Staff told us that as long as the <br />owner of the house has a Santa Ana Business License they can use the house as a vacation rental. <br />They told as nothing can be done to stop vacation rental use. The Santa Ana Planning/Bldg. <br />Department has all the permits, drawings and statistics. <br />But now there is this West Floral Park "Animal House". Now it sounds like the City has a <br />different view on vacation rentals in our neighborhoods. Now we come to you hoping this <br />different view will protect us from getting to the point that drove West Floral Park to your door. <br />The owners and residents of Washington Square homes are committed to maintain the historic <br />character oour neighborhood and we value our quality of lift here. A vacation rental would be <br />decidedly out of character for our neighborhood and detrimental to our personal and property <br />values. <br />