HomeMy WebLinkAboutCORRESPONDENCE- 75BSalas, Diana
From:
Hairo Cortes <hairo@chispaoc.org>
Sent:
Tuesday, April 21, 2020 2:00 PM
To:
eComment
Cc:
Penelope Lopez
Subject:
Re: 75B. COVID-19 Response Funding Plan
Attachments:
Chispa Letter - SA COVID Funds.pdf
I attached is a letter regarding Item 75B.
In Solidarity
Hairo Cortes
Executive Director I Chispa
e: hairo(achispaoc.org c: 657.272.247,5 t: (c)HCortesc)6
1505 E �7th Street, Suite 117 Santa Ana, CA 92705
Chispa is building a political home for Latinx Youth in Orange Countv! Please consider making a
small donation to help us build our casita. Chispa is a proiect of Tides Advocacv. a .roi(c)4 non-profit
organization.
ED
CortridentialityNotice: This communication with its contents may contain confidential and/or legally privileged information. It is solelyfor the use ofthe
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Chispa
4/21/2020
Mayor Pulido and City Councilmembers
City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza
P.O. Bo 1988, M31
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Re: 75B. COVID-19 Response Funding Plan
Dear Members of the Council,
Chispa is a brave organizing political home for young Latinx identifying peoples. Chispa seeks
to engage with excluded peoples to uproot systems of oppression and cultivate systems grounded
in community accountability, solidarity, and self-determination for our communities to thrive.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated needs that were already existing in our communities.
As you make amendments to your 2015-2020 Consolidated Plan to access emergency funding
intended to assist in making a timely response to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic we ask
that you consider/prioritize Economic Development, Housing, and Mental Health resources.
Economic Development:
Small businesses have been especially impacted as many do not have the working capital to
weather months of mandated shut -down while maintaining payrolls and employment benefits.
The amendments being proposed include expanding the city's existing Small Business Incentive
Program with $500,000 to provide additional loans and grants. We recommend the following
actions to make the program more accessible to the city's small businesses:
1) creating a Worker Cooperative Development Fund for grants to nonprofits or
community organizations that provide incubation and conversion programs, training and
technical assistance, 2) rebuilding a robust local economy by waiving business and
occupation taxes, permit and license fees for small businesses. For microbusinesses—those
with less than five employees —we call on the city to provide grants that cover 40% of
payroll costs for the duration of shelter -at-home, and 3) holding larger companies
accountable to worker policies around collective bargaining rights and paid sick leave; and
more.
City policy can support workers and small businesses by providing incentives towards the
formation of worker cooperatives. Inclusive economic development addresses the root
causes of economic disparity and supports wealth building amongst City residents most
vulnerable to displacement.
o Worker cooperatives are a successful manner in which low-income communities
of color can build wealth and thrive. More than half of worker cooperatives in the
United States today were designed to improve low -wage jobs and build wealth in
communities most directly affected by inequality, helping vulnerable workers
build skills and earning potential, household income and assets.
o According to the New York Times, "by placing workers' needs ahead of profits,
they address the root cause of economic disparity." (3/23/14)
Small businesses and workers have been hard hit by COVID-19, and many will struggle
to reopen.
o Businesses with fewer than 100 workers make rip about one-third of national
employment, and serve as vital anchors in local communities. Cities like Seattle
and New York have mobilized efforts in support of their small businesses, and we
need Santa Ana to be a much needed first responder for ours.
Workers need to be protected now and always. COVID-19 revealed the importance of
paid sick leave and access to health care and coverage for all workers.
Housing:
While there are moratoriums on evictions, housing costs are still a major concern, particularly for
lower -income households who may be at risk of homelessness once the moratorium is lifted.
Affordable Housing and Homelessness prevention must be a community priority to prevent
increase in homelessness as housing protections are lifted. We support the proposed amendment
allocating $1,310,435 to start up the new permanent emergency shelter to help house homeless
individuals during COVID-19. The amendments also include an allocation of $500,000 for an
Emergency Rental Relief Fund. There is a need for such a fund in the City of Santa Ana and it is
important that it is accessible to residents with the greatest need. This includes residents that are
undocumented and have very -low and extremely -low incomes. We recommend the following
actions:
- Renew the Safely Home in Santa Ana rental assistance program to target
undocumented tenants that will not be able to access the CDBG funded Emergency
Rental Relief Fund To increase accessibility:
- Remove the 3-day pay or quit notice trigger as evictions have been paused
- Remove w-9 requirements when possible or have the tenant sign the w9
(requiring the landlord to sign the w9 adds an unnecessary barrier). The
tenant can be made responsible for delivery the payment to the landlord and
provide a receipt of payment to the organization running the program
- Remove requirement for the tenant to prove that they will be able to pay rent
the following month as COVID-19 makes this difficult
- Emergency Rental Relief Fund
- Make this fund available to mixed immigration status households by
prorating the rental relief they can receive based off the number of eligible
recipients in the household
- Model the Safely Home in Santa Ana program and remove that program's
identified barriers
Thank you for your consideration of these critical elements of the City's response to COVID-19.
We urge you to include the recommendations listed aboveYour actions can address urgent,
growing concerns about current affordable housing production —while promoting ongoing
development of the affordable homes our residents desperately will need, during and after this
crisis.
Sincerely,
Hairo Cortes
Executive Director
Chispa
Salas, Diana
From:
Valeria Esqueda <valeria.esqueda97@gmai1.com>
Sent:
Tuesday, April 21, 2020 3:04 PM
To:
eComment
Subject:
AGENDA POINT 75B
Hello,
My name is Valeria Esqueda. In the adoption of a funds for housing/houseless people plan, I want to know
when the city will finally provide an emergency rental assistance fund, regardless of citizenship status? The
City of LA has already launched a similar program.
Regards,
Valeria
IN
Advancingsocial justice and empowering low-income Vietnamese and immigrant
communities in Orange County.
Garden Grove, CA 92843 1 www.vietrise.orn I generalcavietrise org I @vietriseoc
April 21, 2020
Mayor Pulido and City Councilmembers
City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza
P.O. Bo 1988, M31
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Re: 75B. COVID-19 Response Funding Plan
Dear Mayor Pulido and Members of the Santa Ana City Council,
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated needs that were already existing in our communities. As you
make amendments to your 2015-2020 Consolidated Plan to access emergency funding intended to assist in
making a timely response to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, we ask that you consider/prioritize
Economic Development, Housing, and Mental Health resources.
Economic Development
Small businesses have been especially impacted as many do not have the working capital to weather months
of mandated shut -down while maintaining payrolls and employment benefits. The amendments being
proposed include expanding the city's existing Small Business Incentive Program with $500,000 to provide
additional loans and grants. We recommend the following actions to make the program more
accessible to the city's small businesses:
1. Create a Worker Cooperative Development Fund for grants to nonprofits or community
organizations that provide incubation and conversion programs, training and technical
assistance.
2. Rebuild a robust local economy by waiving business and occupation taxes, permit and
license fees for small businesses. For microbusinesses—those with less than five
employees —we call on the city to provide grants that cover 40% of payroll costs for the
duration of shelter -at-home.
3. Hold larger companies accountable to worker policies around collective bargaining rights
and paid sick leave; and more.
City policy can support workers and small businesses by providing incentives towards the formation of
worker cooperatives. Inclusive economic development addresses the root causes of economic disparity and
supports wealth building amongst City residents most vulnerable to displacement.
Page 1
3
Advancing sodal justice and empowering low-income Vietnamese and immigrant
communities in Orange County.
rmGarden Grove, CA 92843 I www.vietrise.o% I aeneralPvietrise org I @vietriseoc
• Worker cooperatives are a successful manner in which low-income communities of color can build
wealth and thrive. More than half of worker cooperatives in the United States today were designed
to improve low -wage jobs and build wealth in communities most directly affected by inequality,
helping vulnerable workers build skills and earning potential, household income and assets.
• According to the New York Times, "by placing workers' needs ahead of profits, they address the
root cause of economic disparity." (3/23/14)
Small businesses and workers have been hard hit by COVID-19, and many will struggle to reopen.
• Businesses with fewer than 100 workers make up about one-third of national employment, and
serve as vital anchors in local communities. Cities like Seattle and New York have mobilized efforts
in support of their small businesses, and we need Santa Ana to be a much needed first responder
for ours.
Workers need to be protected now and always. COVID-19 revealed the importance of paid sick leave and
access to health care and coverage for all workers.
Housing_
While there are moratoriums on evictions, housing costs are still a major concern, particularly for
lower -income households who may be at risk of homelessness once the moratorium is lifted.
Affordable Housing and Homelessness prevention must be a community priority to prevent increase in
homelessness as housing protections are lifted. We support the proposed amendment allocating
$1,310,435 to start up the new permanent emergency shelter to help house homeless individuals during
COVID-19. Our recommendation would be that these investments are made in a way that addresses
immediate housing needs and creates opportunities that can be leveraged in the near future to create
permanent affordable housing opportunities. The amendments also include an allocation of $500,000 for
an Emergency Rental Relief Fund. There is a need for such a fund in the City of Santa Ana and it is
important that it is accessible to residents with the greatest need. This includes residents that are
undocumented and have very -low and extremely -low incomes. We recommend the following actions:
1. Renew the Safely Home in Santa Ana rental assistance program to target undocumented
tenants that will not be able to access the CDBG funded Emergency Rental Relief Fund.
To increase accessibility:
a. Remove the 3-day pay or quit notice trigger as evictions have been paused.
b. Remove W-9 requirements when possible or have the tenant sign the W-9
(requiring the landlord to sign the W-9 adds an unnecessary barrier). The tenant
can be made responsible for delivery of the payment to the landlord and provide a
receipt of payment to the organization running the program.
c. Remove the requirement for the tenant to prove that they will be able to pay rent
the following month as COVID-19 makes this difficult.
Page 2
Advancing socialjusticeand empowering low-income Vietnamese and immigrant
communities in Orange County.
Garden Grove, CA 928431 www.victrise.org I eeneralravietrise.org I @vietriseoc
2. Emergency Rental Relief Fund
a. Make this fund available to mixed immigration status households by prorating
the rental relief they can receive based on the number of eligible recipients in the
household.
b. Model the Safely Home in Santa Ana program and remove that prograWs
identified barriers.
Thank you for your consideration of these critical elements of the City's response to COVID-19. We urge
you to include the recommendations listed above. Your actions can address urgent, growing concerns
about current affordable housing production —while promoting ongoing development of the affordable
homes our residents desperately will need, during and after this crisis.
Sincerely,
w
J�__
Tracy La
Executive Director
VietRISE
Page 3
Orozco, Norma
From: Fred Hatef <fredhatef7@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, April 21, 2020 4:28 PM
To: eComment
Subject: Public Comment for Agenda Item No. # 75B
Hello,
The current moratorium dictates that renters have until 6 months after the emergency is lifted to pay back
missed rent, the rent freeze protections should match this timeline. Otherwise, renters will face rent increases
after May 31 st that will make it impossible for them to ever become current on missed rent payments and firture
rent payments. Ultimately, this will further aggravate and destabilize the financial crisis that has been brought
about by the COVID-19 pandemic and many will end up homeless. As the city is considering how to ensure
housing safety measures, please consider extending the rent freeze until 6 months after the emergency is lifted
as one of the best methods.
Please consider malting the funds for emergency relief for renters available regardless of citizenship status. Also
consider helping renters who face landlord retaliation pay for legal support, pay for the accumulated debt of
staying current with rent, and repaying past due rent.
M
4/21/2020
Mayor Pulido and City Councilmembers
City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza
P.O. Bo 1988, M31
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Re: 75B. COVID-19 Response Funding Plan
Dear Members of the Council,
The Central Intersections Initiative is composed of multiple organizations that are working together to address the issues
of Economic Development, Housing, and Mental Health. The goal of Intersections is to impact systemic change and
determinants of health in Central Santa Ana and Stanton. The Central Intersections Initiative includes organizations that
have worked alongside and in service of Santa Ana residents.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated needs that were already existing in our communities. As you make
amendments to your 2015-2020 Consolidated Plan to access emergency funding intended to assist in making a timely
response to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic we ask that you consider/prioritize Economic Development, Housing,
and Mental Health resources.
Economic Development:
Small businesses have been especially impacted as many do not have the working capital to weather months of mandated
shut -down while maintaining payrolls and employment benefits. The amendments being proposed include expanding the
city's existing Small Business Incentive Program with $500,000 to provide additional loans and grants. We recommend
the following actions to make the program more accessible to the city's small businesses by:
1) creating a Worker Cooperative Development Fund for grants to nonprofits or community organizations that
provide incubation and conversion programs, training and technical assistance,
2) rebuilding a robust local economy by waiving business and occupation taxes, permit and license fees for small
businesses. For microbusinesses—those with less than five employees —we call on the city to provide grants that
cover 40% of payroll costs for the duration of shelter -at-home, and
3) holding larger companies accountable to worker policies around collective bargaining rights and paid sick leave;
and more.
• City policy can support workers and small businesses by providing incentives towards the formation of worker
cooperatives. Inclusive economic development addresses the root causes of economic disparity and supports
wealth building amongst City residents most vulnerable to displacement.
o Worker cooperatives are a successful manner in which low-income communities of color can build wealth
and thrive. More than half of worker cooperatives in the United States today were designed to improve
low -wage jobs and build wealth in communities most directly affected by inequality, helping vulnerable
workers build skills and earning potential, household income and assets.
o According to the New York Times, "by placing workers' needs ahead of profits, they address the root
cause of economic disparity." (3/23/14)
• Small businesses and workers have been bard hit by COVID49, and many will struggle to reopen.
o Businesses with fewer than 100 workers make up about one-third of national employment, and serve as
vital anchors in local communities. Cities like Seattle and New York have mobilized efforts in support of
their small businesses, and we need Santa Ana to be a much needed first responder for ours.
• Workers need to be protected now and always. COVID-19 revealed the importance of paid sick leave and access
to health care and coverage for all workers.
Housine:
While there are moratoriums on evictions, housing costs are still a major concern, particularly for lower -income
households who may be at risk of homelessness once the moratorium is lifted Affordable Housing and Homelessness
prevention must be a community priority to prevent increase in homelessness as housing protections are lifted. We
support the proposed amendment allocating $1,310,435 to start up the new permanent emergency shelter to help house
homeless individuals during COVID-19. Our recommendation would be that these investments are made in a way that
addresses immediate housing needs and creates opportunities that can be leveraged in the near future to create new
permanent affordable housing opportunities. The amendments also include an allocation of $500,000 for an Emergency
Rental Relief Fund. There is a need for such a fund in the City of Santa Ana and it is important that it is accessible to
residents with the greatest need. This includes residents that are undocumented and have very -low and extremely -low
incomes. We recommend the following actions:
- Renew the Safely Home in Santa Ana rental assistance program to target undocumented tenants that will
not be able to access the CDBG funded Emergency Rental Relief Fund To increase accessibility:
- Remove the 3-day pay or quit notice trigger as evictions have been paused
Remove w-9 requirements when possible or have the tenant sign the w9 (requiring the landlord to
sign the w9 adds an unnecessary barrier). The tenant can be made responsible for delivery the
payment to the landlord and provide a receipt of payment to the organization running the program
Remove requirement for the tenant to prove that they will be able to pay rent the following month
as COVID-19 makes this difficult
- Emergency Rental Relief Fund
Make this fund available to mixed immigration status households by prorating the rental relief they
can receive based off the number of eligible recipients in the household
Model the Safely Home in Santa Ana program and remove that program's identified barriers
Thank you for your consideration of these critical elements of the City's response to COVID-19. We urge you to include
the recommendations listed aboveYour actions can address urgent, growing concerns about current affordable housing
production —while promoting ongoing development of the affordable homes our residents desperately will need, during
and after this crisis. If you have any questions please contact Cesar Covarrubias at cesarc@kennedycommission org.
Sincerely,
Central Orange County Intersections Initiative
CRECE, Cooperacion Santa Ana, The Kennedy Commission, Latino Health Access
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAM[) - Orange County, Vecindario Lacy en Accion (VeLA)
;Kennedy +?00
COMMISSION -
00PERACION SAVA ANA ®IlflTl orange County
National /alliance on Mental IIInws
April 21, 2020
Mayor Pulido and City Councilmembers
City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza
P.O. Bo 1988, M31
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Re: 7513. COVID-19 Response Funding Plan
Dear Members of the Council,
ennedy
• M M I S 5 1 •
www. kennedycommissi on.org
17701 Cowan Ave., Suite 200
Irvine, CA 92614
949 250 0909
Fax 949 263 0647
The Kennedy 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 COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated needs that were already existing in our communities. As you make
amendments to your 2015-2020 Consolidated Plan to access emergency funding intended to assist in making a
timely response to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic we ask that you consider/prioritize Economic
Development, Housing, and Mental Health resources.
Economic Development:
Small businesses have been especially impacted as many do not have the working capital to weather months of
mandated shut -down while maintaining payrolls and employment benefits. The amendments being proposed
include expanding the city's existing Small Business Incentive Program with $500,000 to provide additional
loans and grants. We recommend the following actions to make the program more accessible to the city's small
businesses by:
1) creating a Worker Cooperative Development Fund for grants to nonprofits or community
organizations that provide incubation and conversion programs, training and technical assistance,
2) rebuilding a robust local economy by waiving business and occupation taxes, permit and license fees for
small businesses. For microbusinesses—those with less than five employees —we call on the city to provide
grants that cover 40% of payroll costs for the duration of shelter -at-home, and
3) holding larger companies accountable to worker policies around collective bargaining rights and paid
sick leave; and more.
• City policy can support workers and small businesses by providing incentives towards the formation of
worker cooperatives. Inclusive economic development addresses the root causes of economic disparity
and supports wealth building amongst City residents most vulnerable to displacement.
o Worker cooperatives are a successful manner in which low-income communities of color can
build wealth and thrive. More than half of worker cooperatives in the United States today were
designed to improve low -wage jobs and build wealth in communities most directly affected by
inequality, helping vulnerable workers build skills and earning potential, household income and
assets.
o According to the New York Times, "by placing workers' needs ahead of profits, they address the
root cause of economic disparity." (3/23/14)
• Small businesses and workers have been hard hit by COVID-19, and many will struggle to reopen.
o Businesses with fewer than 100 workers make up about one-third of national employment, and
serve as vital anchors in local communities. Cities like Seattle and New York have mobilized
efforts in support of their small businesses, and we need Santa Ana to be a much needed first
responder for ours.
• Workers need to be protected now and always. COVID-19 revealed the importance of paid sick leave
and access to health care and coverage for all workers.
9
Housing:
While there are moratoriums on evictions, housing costs are still a major concern, particularly for lower -income
households who may be at risk of homelessness once the moratorium is lifted.
Affordable Housing and Homelessness prevention must be a community priority to prevent increase in
homelessness as housing protections are lifted. We support the proposed amendment allocating $1,310,435 to
start up the new permanent emergency shelter to help house homeless individuals during COVID-19. Our
recommendation would be that these investments are made in a way that addresses immediate housing needs and
creates opportunities that can be leveraged in the near future to create permanent affordable housing
opportunities. The amendments also include an allocation of $500,000 for an Emergency Rental Relief Fund.
There is a need for such a fund in the City of Santa Ana and it is important that it is accessible to residents with
the greatest need. This includes residents that are undocumented and have very -low and extremely -low incomes.
We recommend the following actions:
• Renew the Safely Home in Santa Ana rental assistance program to target undocumented tenants
that will not be able to access the CDBG funded Emergency Rental Relief Fund to increase
accessibility:
• Remove the 3-day pay or quit notice trigger as evictions have been paused
• Remove w-9 requirements when possible or have the tenant sign the w9 (requiring the
landlord to sign the w9 adds an unnecessary barrier). The tenant can be made responsible
for delivery the payment to the landlord and provide a receipt of payment to the
organization running the program
• Remove requirement for the tenant to prove that they will be able to pay rent the following
month as COVID-19 makes this difficult
• Emergency Rental Relief Fund
• Make this fund available to mixed immigration status households by prorating the rental
relief they can receive based off the number of eligible recipients in the household
• Model the Safely Home in Santa Ana program and remove that program's identified
barriers
Thank you for your consideration of these critical elements of the City's response to COVID-19. We urge you to
include the recommendations listed above. Your actions can address urgent, growing concerns about current
affordable housing production —while promoting ongoing development of the affordable homes our residents
desperately will need, during and after this crisis.
If you have any questions please contact Cesar Covarrubias at cesarcOkennedvcominission.org
Sincerely,
Cesar Covarrubias
Executive Director
Working for systemic change resulting in the production of homes affordable to Orange County's extremely low-income households
Orozco, Norma
From: Kayleigh Levitt <kayleighlevitt@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, April 21, 2020 4:48 PM
To: eComment
Subject: Public Comment for Agenda Item No. # 75B
Hello Mayor Pulido and Councilmembers,
Thank you for passing the eviction moratorium as it has provided necessary relief to people while
workplaces are shutdown to protect public health. I
for Santa Ana during this time to help tenants send
city provided under the moratorium and rent freeze.
have been volunteering at a tenants rights hotline
letters to their landlords to qualify for the rights the
I am hearing stories that people cannot pay for food, bills, or for legal support during this time. On our hotline
we are hearing that landlords are still threatening to call the police because of past due rent, as well as rejecting
the tenants letters that would qualify them for the right to repay rent up to 6 months after the emergency is
lifted. We have seen that pro bono support cannot match the scale of the retaliation or within the time needed.
While considering how to spend the funds from the federal and state level in response to COVID-19 housing
and homelessness issues, I urge you to provide a rental relief fund that is available to people regardless of
citizenship status.
One of the best methods to respond to COVID-19 on behalf of housing and homelessness without having to use
government funds to do so is to extend the rent freeze until 6 months after the emergency is over,
matching the timeline of the moratorium. Some stories I am hearing from people on the hotline is that
they had the maximum rent increases permitted under AB1482 (8.4%) prior to the rent freeze (their
rent increase was on April 1 st but the rent freeze became effective April 7). People are very
concerned about how to pay back past rent due in addition to staying current with rent payments.
Allowing landlords to increase rent during the repayment period is an additional factor leading to
eviction and homelessness. Extending the rent freeze allows renters to relieve some of the debt from
this crisis without having to use government funds.
Thank you for your time and continued efforts to protect the residents of Santa Ana.
Kayleigh Levitt
I