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Mitre -Ramirez, Norma <br />From: Alexis Teodoro (SABHQ <alexis.teodoro@sa-bhc.org> <br />Sent: Tuesday, October 3, 2017 6:05 PM <br />To: eComment <br />Subject: Item 50A "Emergency Ordinance" 10/3/17 <br />Attachments: Letter on 50A.doc <br />Dear City Council of Santa Ana, <br />Please see attached my letter on item 50A. I have also pasted the contents of letter below: <br />October 3, 2017 <br />City of Santa Ana <br />Council Chambers <br />22 Civic Center Plaza <br />Santa Ana, CA <br />Re: Emergency Ordinance Item #50A on 10/03/17 Council Meeting <br />Dear City Council of Santa Ana, <br />I am writing this letter as a private citizen because I am concerned that all of you might vote on item 50A <br />without allowing the current democratic process that exists within the city for adopting ordinances. I have <br />worked with the city on many policies where we had to obey this process that requires two readings before a <br />vote. This process is democratic because it properly allows the public to provide timely input. <br />In addition, I have been informed by advocates who serve the homeless and unhoused population here in <br />Santa Ana and across Orange County. They brought up to me issues with this ordinance especially around the <br />enforcement mechanisms within the language that may lead to further criminalization. I would like to remind <br />the city that a Sanctuary place is for everyone, the immigrant community and those of our community members <br />that currently do not have the means to obtain permanent housing and as a result are forced to live on the <br />street where they become more vulnerable and prone to abuse. <br />As a Santa Ana resident, I too want to see the issue be resolved like you all do. However, without proper input <br />from the residents, the public, and those most vulnerable and closest to the issue and their allies, is not <br />democratic and sets a dangerous precedent for current proposed initiatives and future policy making. <br />Thank you for your leadership on this issue but please allow the currently existing democratic process to be in <br />motion and set time to speak with the impacted community, their allies and the attorneys that are working <br />every day to defend the civil rights of the homeless and unhoused community. <br />Respectfully, <br />Alexis Nava Teodoro <br />