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April 3, 2018 Mayor Pulido and Santa Ana City Council Members City of Santa Ana 20 Civic Center Plaza P.O. Box 1988, M31 Santa Ana CA, 92701 Re: Support — 20A Appropriation of Funds for the Completion of the 6"' and Lacy Park Dear Mayor Pulido and City Council Members, wwwkennedyconunission.org 17701 Cowan Ave, Suite 200 Irvine, CA 92614 949 250 0909 Fax 949 263 0647 The Kennedy Commission (the Commission) is a broad based coalition of residents and community organizations that advocates for the production of homes affordable for families earning less than $20,000 annually in Orange County. Formed in 2001, the Commission has been successful in partnering and working with jurisdictions in Orange County to create effective policies that has led to the new construction of homes affordable to lower income working families. The purpose of this letter is to express support for the appropriation of $415,066 in acquisition and development funds that are needed to complete the development of a new open space in the Lacy neighborhood. The Commission has a history of working with community residents in the Lacy neighborhood in partnership with other community-based organizations, the school district, and local businesses to improve access to health and wellness opportunities. This has included open space, affordable housing, complete streets, increased programming for children and youth, and the establishment of a Wellness District in the adjacent business improvement district. We continue to hear from community residents that more open space is needed which prioritizes and programs outdoor activities for middle and high school age youth. This is why we worked with City staff in the past year to engage residents in community input sessions in the Lacy neighborhood regarding the conversion of 3 parcels previously zoned as residential into a.42 acre open space. In these input meetings, residents were very supportive of the idea, and consistently made a recommendation for open space that will serve as a place for youth to recreate. Recommendations have included skate amenities, a playground, and a bathroom. We see the development of a new open space as a much needed asset for Lacy area youth and their families. We remain committed to and look forward to continue to work with residents. City staff, and local stakeholders to ensure that we collaboratively develop a blueprint and programming plan for open space in Lacy that will improve the quality of life for residents. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions; I can be reached at (949) 250-0909 or cesarc(a kennedycolmnission.or . Sincerely, Cesar Covalrrubias Executive Director