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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCorrespondence - #01Orozco, Norma From: Connie Major <conniemajor@yahoo.com> Sent: Monday, March 01, 2021 3:30 PM To: eComment Subject: Mexican Cultural Center, 827 N. Ross St. Dear Council and Mayor, I am writing in regards to the growing encampment of homeless at the Mexican Cultural Center, 827 N. Ross St. My husband and I would like the council to advise code enforcement to follow the rules and get these people to safe housing with proper health amenities. They should not be camping out. Do not let the issue slide!!! Best Regards, Connie Major, A Ceramic Artist - Clay is clean dirt and I love to play in it! (714) 547-7404 land (714) 673-8114 cell https://www.facebook.com/connie.s.major/media set?set=a.10201556099765810.1073741826.1276883855&ty pe=3 Orozco, Norma From: Noe C <wishes_03@hotmail.com> Sent: Monday, March 01, 2021 3:40 PM To: eComment Subject: Mexican Cultural Center at Ross Hello everyone I can't believe no one is doing anything or at least this is what it looks like with the homeless problem at the Mexican Cultural Center. It is ashamed how this beautiful city never gets to show its true beauty because some people just do not do their job. I am paying very high taxes, have been living in the city for 40 yrs and I can easily go to another city just like many politicians have chosen but I don't because I love my city and its people. All we ask is for all of you to do your job !!! Thanks in advance Orozco, Norma From: tamerou@aol.com Sent: Monday, March 01, 2021 4:49 PM To: eComment Subject: Homeless As a resident of Santa Ana (Washington Square), I am deeply disturbed to see the unauthorized and unpermitted homeless encampment that is developing at 10th St. and Ross. It is troublesome in a number of ways: the proximity to several schools, the safety issues (drugs, excrement, unsanitary conditions, and most especially the potential spread of covid-19. Our city holds the dubious record as one of the highest cities for covid infections and we have a large population of individuals who have had difficulty in accessing vaccination sites. It is time --beyond time --for the City of Santa Ana to take action. Patricia Lenahan Vice -President, Washington Square Neighborhood Assn. Flores, Dora From: Carl Benninger <benninger72@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, March 01, 2021 11:01 PM To: eComment Subject: Enforce the laws of Santa Ana This email is in support of enforcing the laws of the city of Santa Ana. The Mexican Cultural Center strongly believes they are helping the homeless but in truth they are enabling them to stay homeless which in the long run is hurting. Their efforts prevent the homeless from getting the help they need to get off the street, Look at some of the people interviewed, one guy who has been homeless for 47 years or the guy who is homeless for 20 years. Now his daughter is with him. She has been homeless for four years ever since she was released from frost care. These are the type of people who need the help that shelters can provide. Our Tax dollars are our paying for these shelters. So please do not let this slip. Enforce the laws of the city and stop the Mexican Cultural Center from thumbing its nose at the city. We are a city ruled by laws please keep that way. Carl Benninger 1829 W. Garry Ave Santa Ana, CA 92704 1 Flores, Dora From: Tim Johnson <tjohnson@jlkrllp.com> Sent: Monday, March 01, 2021 10:43 PM To: eComment Cc: Lopez, Jessie; Penaloza, David; Sarmiento, Vicente; Phan, Thai; Mendoza, Nelida; Bacerra, Phil; Hernandez, Johnathan Subject: Closed Session Item #1 (El Centro) It is my understanding that the council will be discussing the homeless encampment at El Centro Cultural de Mexico (El Centro), and possibly further fines and legal action against El Centro, in Closed Session agenda item #1. Legal action is a powerful tool- one that I have advocated for previously on various topics. However, it should be a tool of last resort when parties are unable to work together towards a common goal. As a resident of Santa Ana, I urge the city council to seek alternative remedies rather than sue/fine a non-profit in our own city ... a non-profit that seemingly works to help our community. It is my belief that El Centro does not necessarily want or invite the unhoused folks that have taken up camps on their property, but instead they are refusing to kick them off of their property or call our already over burdened police and code enforcement officers. I believe that El Centro is wanting to help those that are residing on their property. I also believe that El Centro wants to provide a COVID safe place non -congregate place for those on their property now. I alsc believe that the City of Santa Ana, its residents and business owners also want to have neighborhoods free of unhoused individuals setting up camps in parking lots, parks, trials, creeks and other areas. Since El Centro and the City both ultimately want the same thing, I encourage us to take steps to help accomplish that goal. I urge you to work with El Centro and other groups such as Wound Walk that are willing and able to do the hard work of evaluating and referring the unhoused to an appropriate solution. Policing and suing El Centro will not solve this issue, but instead it will utilize limited city PD resources, push the unhoused to another location most likely in Santa Ana, and quite possibly create a CEQA issue wherever they may be pushed to because they likely do not have adequate toilet, bathing, trash, and other hygiene facilities available to them- especially during the pandemic. By pushing them to another location, this may require a full environmental impact report under CEQA which I do not believe has been done. Doing an EIR, or not doing one and getting sued, would likely be a cost that the city could use somewhere else actually progressing towards helping this situation. Since there is an expected environmental impact if it is determined to displace the dozens of folks living there, I would expect that the city would do a full environmental impact report just as it would with other projects prior to voting on this. I am not a CEQA expert but it feels like this would have an impact the surrounding area. How about the city work together with El Centro, Wound Walk, and others that want to make the situation better for not only those who are camping there but also the neighbors- both residential and businesses. If the goal is to clean up the area, and our city, just fining a non-profit will not accomplish said goal- it will simply push them to another area and we start this cycle over again with a different target to fine/sue. We have been pushing this problem around for too long and by taking this course of action, we will continue down that road. I would also urge the city to consider utilizing Project Roomkey funding that the state has through September. I believe that the county has indicated that even though they are not further pursuing use of state Project Roomkey funding that they would allow cities to access. I also believe that since we are a city of over 300K residents that we may also be able to apply directly to the state for this funding. Project Roomkey funding would allow our city to provide real short term housing, with a door, to these folks, allow them to receive the evaluations and services they need, while at the same time quite possibly helping a local motel owner out at a time where motel stays may be suffering due to the pandemic. Additionally, this would allow the county housing professionals and other mental health professionals to help them move on to more appropriate levels of housing and care. I would urge the city to explore this option while working with El Centro instead of fighting them. I believe that both Fullerton and Buena Park have utilized Project Roomkey funding to help with encampments in their own cities. Santa Ana should do the same. Residents are rightfully frustrated by what they see at El Centro. Some may be frustrated because of the visual distraction. Others feel that the individuals there should just go to a shelter while others think that the city should just ship all of them to South County. Still others may not feel safe- rightly or wrongly, it is what they feel based on their experiences. Some may just want them to be somewhere else. I understand those frustrations. However, simply focusing on removing that one encampment through fines and lawsuits against El Centro I do not believe is the right direction. Instead, let's work towards getting them in real housing and providing the services that they need- delivered in a manner that is appropriate for them even if that means we are changing our shelter system to meet those needs instead of trying to fit them in the shelter system that may not actually help them recover and progress. The end goal of a lawsuit and fines would be simply to remove those camping on that site. But, is that what we really want ... just to kick them off of that particular site? That may be what some want today, but it should not be what we want in the long term. In the long term, I believe that we need to provide services for these individuals... there are some that have some serious needs and simply having them move will not meet those needs but in fact may actually exacerbate those needs. I pray that you carefully consider your next step and work towards a solution instead of just short term action- especially against a non-profit that likely does not have the financial resources to devote to a legal defense. The easy thing to do is fine and sue, the right thing to do is to work towards a solution. Kindly, Tim Johnson Rosenber c.,.merek.e, ., Proudly part of the Wglobai family 0®® Tim Johnson, CPA Partner { (949) 860-9892 8 (714)743-1065 Q tjohnson@jlkrllp.com 2601 Main Street, Suite 580, Irvine, CA 92614 Q See our latest business news and insights by clicking here This message (including any attachments) contains confidential information intended for a specific individual and purpose, and is protected by law. If you are not the intended recipient, you should delete this message. Any disclosure, copying, or distribution of this message, or the taking of any action based on it, is strictly prohibited. JLK Rosenberger is a California Limited Liability Partnership and a member firm of PKF International Limited, a family of legally independent member firms and does not accept any responsibility or liability for the actions or inactions on the part of any other individual member or correspondent firm or firms. Flores, Dora From: Maura Mikulec <maura@mikulec.com> Sent: Monday, March 01, 2021 8:05 PM To: eComment Subject: Comment on Closed Session Item #1 I'm writing to express my concern about recent issues with El Centro Cultural de Mexico. As a social worker I'm all too familiar with the complexities involved in homelessness. I just want to urge the council to work with the center and all of their advocates on smart, realistic, innovative, compassionate, and caring solutions to issues there. I'm concerned about the individuals who are staying there, and what will happen to them if the city's pressure on the Center ends with their displacement. And you have to know that if they are coerced to move on, not only do you cause a lot of suffering, but you're just moving "the problem" to another place. Moving people along like that solves nothing. And another issue to consider in regards to "the problem"...1 hope the city will be mindful of environmental impacts in their actions. Displacing people like that can have unforeseen environmental impacts that need to be considered as you're making decisions about how to help people. And really, it's unconscionable that as organizations, individuals, and even businesses are exhibiting compassion and tolerance for people experiencing homelessness, the city is "going after them." I know homelessness is challenging, and there are many competing priorities, but the people suffering on the streets and in encampments are not the enemy, nor are those trying to help them. It is my understanding that the city can access Project Roomkey funds to get many of these people into motel rooms. That would benefit the motel owners, and the people who just need a roof over their heads. I urge you to consider aggressively going after these funds - that sit on the table - as part of the solution to the homelessness issues you're currently grappling with. Thank you for the opportunity to comment. Maura Mikulec, Orange County resident for over 50 years Flores, Dora From: Ivy Montemayor-Poggi <ivy.poggi@yahoo.com> Sent: Monday, March 01, 2021 5:11 PM To: eComment Subject: Cultural Canter 827 N Ross Uphold code enforcement rules and clean up the area. Please, enforce the rules. Stop making exceptions and make business, people and private worship places follow the rules! We have a new shelter make the homeless go there or keep moving Thank you Ivy Poggi Sent from myiPhone Flores, Dora From: Keren <keren1219@aol.com> Sent: Monday, March 01, 2021 5:56 PM To: eComment Subject: Homeless Encampment at 10th and Ross Dear Members of the Santa Ana City Council, As a mental health practitioner, I am certainly sympathetic to the plight of the homeless, however, I am extremely concerned about the homeless encampment at 1 Oth and Ross. It is troubling in a number of ways: the proximity to several schools, the health issues it presents (drugs, excrement, other unsanitary conditions, and most especially the potential spread of covid-19. It is well past time for the City of Santa Ana to take action. Please do not let this issue "slide Very Sincerely, Keren L Clark, LMFT Flores, Dora From: David Jirik <david@heliotrope-studios.com> Sent: Monday, March 01, 2021 6:14 PM To: eComment Subject: Homeless camp at 10th & Ross As a 36 year resident of Washington Square and a retired Santa Ana business owner, I urge the Council to take action on the homeless camp and not "let it slide" Two years ago my business was negatively impacted by the large camp along the Santa Fe railroad tracks near St. Gertrude and Standard. That is an industrial area but the 10th and Ross camp is too close to schools, the Civic Center and residential neighborhoods, including ours. You have only to look on Nextdoor or our Facebook group to see the uptick in thefts and petty crime. Please take action on this issue on Tuesday. Thank you. David Jirik Heliotrope Studios 1406 N. Towner Street Santa Ana, CA 92706 714.337.0732 Flores, Dora From: timrush@bhhscaprops.com Sent: Tuesday, March 02, 2021 10:32 AM To: eComment Subject: Santa Ana Council Meeting 03/02/21 RE: Homeless encampment at Central Cultural de Mexico (CCDM), North Ross, Willard Neighborhood Honorable Mayor and Members of the Council; You are all aware of the evolving public health issue of CCDM's sanctuary of the homeless population in their parking lot. Given the commitment of resources by numerous government agencies not the least of which is the City of Santa Ana towards the homeless why would we allow any entity to ignore zoning law by hosting such a group of people? You cannot make an exception here as they have no accommodations and you will open the door for more of these type of situations. The abandonment of zoning law restrictions will be the signal the collapse of this city. This continued assault on our quality of life is unacceptable. Please take the leadership role of enforcing our laws and demand that CCDM shut this illegal operation down immediately. There are plenty of options for the homeless. Thank you for supporting neighborhood and community standards. Sincerely, Tim Rush, Wilshire Square. Tim Rush Senior Vice President Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties 18000 Studebaker Road Suite 600 Cerritos, CA 90703 (714) 299-4455 https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothVdennisrush/ California Properties Flores, Dora From: Aj Flores <anj.flores09@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, March 02, 2021 11:19 AM To: eComment Subject: Homeless issue on Ross & 10th Hello! My name is Jessica and my 3 daughter's attend A Sol Academy, they're due back to physical school on 3/15, however with the growing homeless surrounding the area I am extremely concerned for their safety and the safety of the neighborhood. How is the City going to handle this situation and ensure the safety of the schools and neighborhood? Thank you for your time. Orozco, Norma From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: Attachments: March 2, 2021 Irvine United Congregational Church 4915 Alton Parkway Irvine, CA Steve Goetz <sgoetz53@gmaiLcom> Tuesday, March 02, 2021 12:02 PM eComment carolina@elcentroculturaidemexico.org Letter for March 2 City Council Meeting from Irvine United Congregational Church Letter to Santa Ana City Council.pages Dear Santa Ana City Council Members Irvine United Congregational Church has been supporting several programs and homes that serve our unsheltered neighbors. The persons whose names follow this letter are members of our church's Mission and Service Ministry. Our position toward homelessness is that our neighbors who lack shelter must always be treated with dignity, compassion and assistance. To treat the state of being unsheltered as a misdemeanor or as a ticket -able offense, or to fine an institution such as El Centro Cultural de Mexico who are offering dignity, compassion, and assistance to the unsheltered, is simply indefensible. We urge you to find a way to relieve El Centro of the $1,800 penalty levied against them and arrive, as an elected group of city officials, to fair and humanitarian solutions for the homeless near El Centro and also the renters in the same building. Fining, ticketing, and confiscating the possessions of the unsheltered population in the parking lot next to El Centro is, in the end, not a solution. Thank you for considering our support on behalf of both the unsheltered and the directors of El Centro Cultural de Mexico Respectfully, Steven Goetz, Co -Chair M&S Felicity Figueroa Sharon Lynn, Co -Chair M&S Debbi Six Rev. Sarah Halverson-Cano, Pastor Kathi Smith Pam Kamps Tommie Kozlov True peace is not the absence of war. Rather it is the presence of justice. Orozco, Norma From: breanna mercado <breannamercado@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, March 02, 2021 12:07 PM To: eComment Subject: 3/5/2021 Meeting To Whom It May Concern: I have lived in Santa Ana all my life & attended Santa Ana USD schools. I used to walk home & was never worried. As an adult I avoid areas in my own neighborhood I regularly went to prior. This homeless problem was becoming a problem, but is now a complete disaster to our city. My children attend El Sol. As I hope you are aware, in early 2020 a homeless man was running through the area rambling about a man with a gun. The school went on lockdown. While my kindergarten daughter just knew to stay inside, my 2nd grade son was at recess. He was on his way to the restroom & was locked out of class. He went running in the middle of campus having a panic attack thinking he was going to die. School personnel had to aid him in catching his breath. AT SCHOOL. This is unacceptable. No 7 year old, NO CHILD, should fear being at school. It is incredibly hard as a parent to console your child each morning trying to tell them school is safe, when in all actuality, I don't know that any longer. They also attended Storybook Preschool during the summer. On multiple occasions the director would need to call SAPID & lock the school because homeless would try to enter the premises or were digging through the trash cans. My children still attend school there and will be going back 3/15. Are we going to continue to step over the syringes & trash all along the sidewalks? Having to hold our breath because someone defecated on a building walking your child to school? It's time we stop relying on the County of Orange to fund solutions to the problem because they won't. Aiding Santa Ana in "their homeless problem" is not in their budget. Mayor Pulido waited for years for help and we have only gotten worse. Our city has increased taxes. Our city has rebudgeted. When are we as residents going to be able to have pride in our city again. Thank you. Flores, Dora From: Mike Tardif <mike@tardifsheetmetal.com> Sent: Tuesday, March 02, 2021 12:56 PM To: eComment Cc: Penaloza, David; Lopez, Jessie; Hernandez, Johnathan; Mendoza, Nelida; Bacerra, Phil; Phan, Thai; Sarmiento, Vicente Subject: Closed Session Item - El Centro Cultural de Mexico Mayor and Council Members, Regarding the current illegal homeless encampment currently occupying the public parking area of El Centro Cultural de Mexico on Ross St. — Please enforce Santa Ana City law and remove the unlawful homeless encampment. It is a danger to the public health and safety of residents and businesses in the area. Thank you, Mike Tardif Santa Ana Resident 1 Orozco, Norma From: Tom Lutz <Iuteri utz@aol.com> Sent: Tuesday, March 02, 2021 1:58 PM To: eComment Subject: Central Cultural de Mexico Dear Mayor and Members of the Council It is my understanding you will be discussing tonight in your closed session meeting the homeless issue taking place at the Central Cultural de Mexico, CCdM, at their Ross St. & 10th St. site. On behalf my Washington Square neighbors we urge you to refuse any sanctions which would allow the homeless encampment to be continued. Since the Courtyard closed at Ross St. and Santa Ana Blvd. and the homeless have moved to the CCdM, we have noticed an influx of homeless within our neighborhood which has created a sense fear with residents, especially those with small children who are home due to the pandemic, as well as residents who are out walking their dogs and being confronted by homeless begging for money. Just last Friday a homeless man was passed out in the middle of the street in the 1100 block of N. Westwood Ave. and police had to be called. The location of CCdM is only 4 half -blocks east of Washington Square and makes for easy access to our neighborhood looking for hand outs or other nefarious dealings. We in Washington Square urge you to refuse any compensation to CCdM to continue using their property for this kind of use where it might send a signal to other organizations to do the same. For way too long has our city put up with the homeless issue and all the demeaning things that have stemmed from it. With the recently opened Homeless Center on Yale St. it's time we demand the homeless be relocated there and take back OUR city before we lose both residents and businesses. Sincerely Tom & Nancy Lutz 1118 Freeman St. Orozco, Norma From: Nathaniel Greensides <mynci90@gmaii.com> Sent: Tuesday, March 02, 2021 3:28 PM To: eComment, Hernandez, Johnathan Subject: Closed Session Items March 2, 2021 - Item 1 Dear City Council and Councilmember Hernandez, As of today, the cops are attempting to further displace city residents who do not have the financial capability to maintain a roof over their heads. In other words, "homeless" community members and residents are being harassed by the police and the City's anti poor people policies are penalizing El Centro Cultural de Mexico (a community center created by and for residents) for an issue which can easily be solved. Being "homeless" isn't just about people who live in exposure to the elements, it also looks like families (note that I didn't state just "a family") living cramped together in old cars and RVs which are also heavily policed. It looks like students who can't get their homework done because they aren't sure where "home" will be that night. It looks like unpermitted habitations being created in garages without access to their own bathroom. "Homelessness" is more than just living in exposure to the elements. Homelessness also looks like an eviction notice for a no-fault eviction simply because the landlord wants to jack up the rent and the Ellis Act allows for such. A stable community is "home". That home should not be allowed to be so easily destroyed by legal processes favoring the ability of landlords to destroy community. This is the only complicating factor which is preventing the issue from getting easily solved - the idea that only certain individuals are allowed to have power over our community and land. California law provides tenants the right to quiet enjoyment of the place in which they reside. Police harassment and presence infringes upon this right. Even apart from the pandemic, our community members who aren't able to enjoy residing in a safe, stable, and affordable dwelling because of the continued housing crisis should never be subjected to harassment and further displacement by law enforcement. Nor should we allow for penalties upon any persons who may be providing space for people to simply exist in peace. The ultimate irony here too is that literally next to the parking lot at El Centro is a giant parking structure which houses police vehicles. I find it telling that a bunch of inanimate war -mongering equipment/objects owned by the police get to have a roof over their heads while people and residents do not. You may be wondering, what is the "simple" solution? Well, "Homelessness" will not go away until people have a place to call home. As easily as the City can reduce in -lieu fees for developers who already have enough money (which might be considered a "hand-out" by some accounts), just as easily as the Federal Government can give CDBG grants to alleviate housing issues, so too can our elected officials declare and act upon finding stable and secure housing for those who are in our community. I beseech the Council to waive all penalty fees imposed upon El Centro relating to this matter. I beseech the Council to condemn the presence of any law enforcement officers upon the residents who are currently residing at El Centro especially during this continued pandemic. I hope that the council may do the right thing. Best regards, Nathaniel Greensides Ward 5 Resident Orozco, Norma From: Felicity <felicitynf@aol.com> Sent: Tuesday, March 02, 2021 4:51 PM To: eComment Subject: Support for El Centro and those without fixed aabode Dear Santa Ana City Council Members and Mayor Sarmiento -- I was extremely surprised and very disheartened to hear about the fine you levied against El Centro Cultural de Mexico as a result of their doing the work that you as a city should be doing: providing support and a place to stay to those Santa Ana residents who do not currently have either. There are many individuals and some organizations endeavoring to alleviate the terrible circumstances these unhoused residents are facing, but they need a few months to assess and place people in programs. An even better and quicker solution would be for the City of Santa Ana to undertake the providing of motel rooms to everyone, as most of those concerned already qualify for Project Roomkey, in which case any outlay by the city would be reimbursed by the state. Unhoused people need to be supported, not criminalized. They need decent permanent housing options as well as healthcare and access to city services such as trash pick-up, bathrooms and handwashing stations. A city like Santa Ana has the means to be that support. Apparently, all it lacks is the will. Please prove me wrong, enter into good faith conversations with El Centro, rescind the fines you have levied on them and return the money you have taken from a group that is doing your work for you. It is the right and the humane thing to do, and the community is counting on you to follow through. Thank you -- Felicity Figueroa Orozco, Norma From: Kiyoko Stella <kristy.stella@icloud.com> Sent: Tuesday, March 02, 2021 4:42 PM To: eComment Subject: Central Cultural de Mexico: homeless encampment Dear Santa Ana Mayor & Members of the City Council. Please take serious consideration of the overwhelming request from your community (which you serve) for your immediate support and action to properly manage and work to eliminate the homeless encampment at CCDM. We want to preserve the beauty, value and integrity of Santa Ana's communities and what is currently happening must be addressed with a better solution. Best, Kiyoko Kristy Stella Member of WSNA committee Sent from my iPhone Orozco, Norma From: selicadiaz@yahoo.com Sent: Tuesday, March 02, 2021 4:20 PM To: eComment Subject: Against Homeless Encampments on 837 S. Ross St. Santa Ana, CA 92701 Dear Mayor Sarmiento and Councihnembers It is very important that you approach the County Supervisors and make sure that every other city takes responsibility to house homeless in their cities. It it a shame that you have allowed El Centro Cultural De Mexico to host homeless on their property. El Centro Cultural De Mexico should be focusing in seeding positive programs to help the community. El Centro Cultural de Mexico must follow the City's Codes. Thank you, Selica Diaz Pacific Park Neighborhood Leader Dale Helvig 2536 N. Valencia St. Santa Ana CA 92706 714-541-7254 helvig_denny@msn.com March 2, 2021 Mayor Sarmiento and Santa Ana City Councilmembers City of Santa Ana 20 Civic Center Plaza, 8t' Floor Santa Ana CA 92702 Subject: Item 1— El Centro Cultural de Mexico You know better than most people in Santa Ana that the pandemic has put a strain on all inhabitants of the City. What has assisted in dealing with this situation are the rules provided to us by the federal, state or local governments. The common base has been social distancing, and the wearing of masks. When I drove past the Cultural Center encampment last week, I saw none of that. No social distancing or masks. I believe the Quality -of -Life Team (QOLT) has been to this site, but by all accounts, it appears few if any have accepted the assistance being offered. The Cultural Center is not a homeless shelter, nor should it be granted permission to act as one or as a camping site. Doing so will require the City to grant the same exceptions to all groups operating by the same or similar models, or risk being sued for discrimination. Assistance is one thing, setting up areas in the City that are not subject to basic health and safety rules is another. The City represents all residents and allowing a group of people to ignore the safety measures that are needed is unacceptable. If we are indeed all in this fight against COVID together, then we all need to follow the rules, like it or not. If there is room at the Yale Street or the Links facilities, the Quality -of -Life Team should assist in moving people into these facilities for the sake of all residents' personal health and safety. It is my understanding those locations are required to follow COVID protocols. The Cultural Center is in a tough spot, they understand both sides. They also know that by doing nothing they are not helping the situation. Their states in part: (bold and red for emphasis). "In a moment like this [COVID] it isn't possible, nor would it be responsible, to think or talk of reopening any part of the property for regular Centro activities (events or classes, either in the space or in the parking lots, since under present conditions it is essential that people not meet anywhere with others from outside their households. As far as renters, all we can do is strongly recommend that they maintain a sanitary protocol at least as strict as the one we published in August. We know this is a harsh policy, but as the ones who have accepted the greatest responsibility for Centro's conduct as a public, official entity, we have no choice but to respect and enforce quarantine until the danger is past. To do it any other way would be to invite tragedy." Page 1 of 2 2021-03-02 Letter to City Council Dale Helvig 2536 N. Valencia St. Santa Ana CA 92706 714-541-7254 helvig_denny@msn.com The City should provide relocation assistance and should not allow encampments like this to exist. It is not safe for the people without fixed abode nor for the surrounding community. To date the City has done a great job providing food, lodging and wrap around services for those in need. I encourage it to continue to do the right thing now by continuing to offer relocation assistance and wrap around services, as well as provide COVID protections for all its residents. Thank you for your thoughtful consideration. Stay safe, stay healthy. And Happy Birthday Jessie. Respectfully, Q-O. A. It Dale A Helvig Resident, Santa Ana cc: Kristine Ridge Steven Mendoza City Manager, Santa Ana Executive Director, Community Sonia Carvalho Development City Attorney, Santa Ana Page 2 of 2 2021-03-02 Letter to City Council