HomeMy WebLinkAboutCorrespondence - Item 30
Araiza, Fatima
From:Adriana Yazmin Martinez <a.yazmin.m@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, May 05, 2024 9:01
To:eComment
Subject:Arts Funding-Item 30 Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget Work Study Session
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
Greetings Mayor and City Council,
I am writing to you today to make a public comment in support of arts funding in our city.
As a grantee from an Investing in the Artist Grants, I feel the need to advocate for the city to fund the 1 million
dollars a year. The grant I received helped to bring programming to senior citizens, a community that is under
served. I also like to remind ya'll, that you have one library in the city. There are few creative outlets and
community spaces for residents of Santa Ana to begin with, there needs to be a more robust arts budget in the
city.
As someone who originally came to the city and got involved with the artists community through Artwalk, I
find it essential to fund Artwalk. I hope that it continues to bring folx to the city, but in particular artists who are
looking for a place of inspiration and opportunity. In working closely within the community, there are a lot of
local young artists who need access to creative workshops and other opportunities that can expose them to the
arts world. Access to the art can not only come through private schools in the area, artwalk and these cultural
driven events need to continue to be funded.
There is already an Arts Culture Master Plan that can be put into action if funding were more available to us.
New and private development should help in funding the arts. I am also requesting that the Bowers Museum is
reviewed, I was surprised to hear how much funding they have access to. I love the programming they do at the
Bowers but with the money they get they should be doing twice as much as they are currently doing.
The Arts and Culture Department is lacking in the ability to really help artists and with the lack of funding we
are really struggling out here to continue to do the work that needs to be done. I hope you consider my
statement and find a better way to fund and support the artist.
I appreciate your consideration.
--
Adriana Martinez
1
Araiza, Fatima
From:Owen Ela <owenela@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, May
To:eComment
Subject:Arts Funding - Item 30 Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget Work Study Session
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
Dear Mayor and City Council,
As a Santa Ana resident and business owner, I am reaching out today to express my fervent support for the
robust funding of arts initiatives within our city.
It is imperative that we collectively advocate for the preservation and enhancement of our cultural landscape.
To this end, I urge all stakeholders to rally around the following key points:
1. Artists Grants and Event Sponsorships: We propose that the city allocate a substantial sum of 1
million dollars annually towards artist grants and event sponsorships, ensuring the sustained vitality of
our artistic community.
2. Artwalk: Direct funding for Artwalk should be prioritized within the city's budget on an annual basis,
recognizing its integral role in fostering artistic expression and community engagement.
3. New and Private Development: We advocate for a progressive measure whereby 1% of funding from
each new private development in the city is allocated to bolster the arts budget, underscoring our
commitment to the enrichment of cultural endeavors.
4. Full Funding of the Arts Culture Master Plan: It is imperative that the Arts Culture Master Plan
receives full financial support from the city, as outlined in our comprehensive strategy for advancing the
arts within our community.
5. Arts and Culture Department: The importance of adequately funding the Arts and Culture
Department cannot be overstated, as it serves as the cornerstone for the promotion and preservation of
our rich cultural heritage.
The context surrounding this plea is dire. With the cessation of federal funding that previously sustained crucial
grants for artists and organizations, coupled with the city's neglect of the Arts and Culture Master Plan for over
six years, the future of arts funding hangs precariously in the balance.
Over the past years, direct arts funding has yielded immensely positive impacts on our city's cultural vibrancy
and economic development. However, recent developments, such as the depletion of Covid federal funding
earmarked for event sponsorships, underscore the urgent need for sustainable, long-term investment in our arts
ecosystem.
It is disheartening to note that Santa Ana, despite its rich cultural tapestry, lags behind other cities in Orange
County in terms of arts funding. While grassroots organizations and individual artists receive a mere 400K
annually, institutions like the Bowers Museum enjoy subsidies surpassing the million-dollar mark.
In light of these disparities, I urge you to prioritize the allocation of resources towards the arts, ensuring that our
city remains a beacon of creativity and cultural vitality for generations to come.
1
Sincerely,
Owen Ela
Resident Vinyl
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Shop: residentvinyl.com
Follow: @residentvinyl
2
Araiza, Fatima
From:Maggie Baranick <maggiebaranick@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, May 06,
To:eComment
Subject:Arts funding-Item 30 Fiscal Year 2025-25 budget work study session
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
Dear Mayor and City Council,
As a Santa Ana resident and business owner, I am reaching out today to express my support for the funding of
arts initiatives within our city.
It's imperative that we advocate for the preservation of the arts and rally around the following:
1. Artists Grants and Event Sponsorships: We propose that the city allocate a substantial sum of 1
million dollars annually towards artist grants and event sponsorships, ensuring the sustained vitality of
our artistic community.
2. Artwalk: Direct funding for Artwalk should be prioritized within the city's budget on an annual basis,
recognizing its integral role in fostering artistic expression and community engagement.
3. New and Private Development: We advocate for a progressive measure whereby 1% of funding
from each new private development in the city is allocated to bolster the arts budget, underscoring our
commitment to the enrichment of cultural endeavors.
4. Full Funding of the Arts Culture Master Plan: It is imperative that the Arts Culture Master Plan
receives full financial support from the city, as outlined in our comprehensive strategy for advancing
the arts within our community.
5. Arts and Culture Department: The importance of adequately funding the Arts and Culture
Department cannot be overstated, as it serves as the cornerstone for the promotion and preservation of
our rich cultural heritage.
The city's neglect of the Arts and Culture Master Plan has placed the future of the arts in a precarious spot.
Santa Ana, lags behind other cities in Orange County in terms of arts funding despite its rich cultural heritage.
Direct arts funding has yielded immensely positive impacts on our city's cultural vibrancy and economic
development. I urge you to prioritize the allocation of resources towards the arts, ensuring that our city remains
a beacon of creativity and cultural vitality for generations to come.
Sincerely,
Maggie Baranick
1
Araiza, Fatima
From:Joy Fire <joyfireblacksmith@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday,
To:eComment
Subject:Arts Funding - Item 30 Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget Work Study Session
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
Greetings City Council Members,
Thank you for listening to and reading public comments from concerned community members like me. I moved
to Irvine in 2014 and had somewhat of a difficult time adjusting to this new environment. When I finally found
out about the art walk in Santa Ana and started attending I knew this was something special, and Santa Ana
quickly became the center of my community and a place where I could feel at home in Orange County. It is the
unique artistic and entrepreneurial nature of the city, which has been cultivated by Santa Ana locals, that makes
this place such a jewel. And a large part of what has supported that entrepreneurial and creative local
community is funding for the arts. I have rented a small studio space in Santa Ana for several years now, this
city is one of the few places in Orange County that has these kinds of artistic spaces available. I do everything I
can to participate in and support my community, acknowledging the work and struggle of so many others who
have been here long before me and have worked so hard to make this city what it is. It is already getting more
and more expensive to live and work in Santa Ana for artists and creatives, and if these people are pushed out
Sana Ana will lose what makes it special. In order to continue to cultivate the beauty of this community I urge
you to consider the following.
1. Sponsor artist grants and events. The work of artists and the unique events that are hosted in Santa Ana draw
people here, which grows the economy.
2. Fully fund artwalk. This is so important to me, as it is what brought me to the city and how I was first
introduced to the incredible creative community here. If you lose artwalk I am afraid you will lose the soul of
Santa Ana.
3. Tax new developments in Santa Ana and give that funding to the arts budget. We all know housing is a huge
issue in California in general, so we do need new development. But giving a small percentage of funding from
these developments to go towards the arts will help to maintain the artistic beauty of the city that makes people
want to live here in the first place.
4. Fund the Arts Culture Master Plan fully. In comparison to other cities in Orange County Santa Ana has a small budget for the arts,
and look what the community has been able to do with that! More funding for this master plan will allow artists and artistry to truly
flourish.
5. More funding for the Arts and Culture Department. Again, the arts are the beating heart of this community and what draws people
here from all over Orange County. Fully funding the Arts and Culture Department will strengthen and support the incredible creative
diversity of the Santa Ana community and all of the many grassroots arts organizations and individuals who make it the special place
that it is.
Thank you again for your time considering these comments, and for your service to the city of Santa Ana.
Joy Fire
Pronouns: she/her
joyfireblacksmith.com
1
InclusiveBlacksmiths.com
2
Araiza, Fatima
From:Yvonne Flores <yvonnefloresrealtor@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, May 06,
To:eComment
Cc:Jose Flores
Subject:Arts Funding - Item 30 Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget Work Study Session
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
Mayor and City Council,
I am writing to you today to make a public comment in support of robust arts funding in our city. Santa Ana is
the heart of the County and the City must include Art in the City's 2024-25 Budget or get left behind in the Arts
scene by other cities.
1. ARTWALK - I advocate for the city to fund Artwalk directly every year and that the Artwalk be redirected and held in the Artists
Village instead of the East End as it is now.
2. NEW AND PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT
I advocate for the city to require 1% funding to be given to the arts budget from every new private development in the city.
3. ARTISTS GRANTS AND EVENT SPONSORSHIPS - I advocate for the city to fund this at 1 million dollars a year.
4. ARTS CULTURE MASTER PLAN - I advocate that the city fully fund an Arts Culture Master Plan. Compared to other cities
in Orange County who lack the vibrant and organic arts and culture, Santa Ana has one of the smallest budgets in the county.
5. ARTS AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT - I advocate that the city create and fund an Arts and Culture Department that will
help lead the city in Arts and Culture.
6. BOWERS MUSEUM - For 2023/2024 The Bowers Museum received a subsidy of $1,674,210. I advocate that you reduce
the amount given to Bowers Museum and cap it at $1M per year, which would allow you to provide $674,210 to Arts
throughout the rest of the city. Stop giving all the money to Bowers Museum and share the wealth throughout the city and to
all artists within the city.
Respectfully,
Yvonne Flores
Resident and Business Owner
Artists Village, Santa Ana
--
Yvonne Flores, ARM, CPM Candidate
Broker DRE #01221486
Property Manager | Notary Public
OFFICE: 714-452-1111 |
Yvonne.Flores@Westcliff.Properties
WestcliffPropertiesCA.com
VENDORS: Please email invoices
to: westcliff@invoices.appfolio.com
1
Araiza, Fatima
From:Jeff Jensen <jj@chapteronetml.com>
Sent:Monday, May
To:eComment
Subject:Arts Funding- Item 30 FY 24-25 Budget work study session
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
Good Evening City Council and Staff,
Fully fund Artwalk. Downtown Santa Ana & the Artist village will not be what it is without the Artwalk. Not
sure why this monthly event is not already a fully funded item from the city since it has big potential to draw
huge crowds and generate tax revenue.Also, we need to make sure we are not ticketing everyone visiting
Downtown for events like Artwalk, Tamale Fest and City De Mayo. These events bring people in that may have
never been down here before and WE WANT THEM TO COME BACK.
Bowers funding. Relook at the money going to the Bowers. Take a look into the vendors that they are using that
are not from Santa Ana and paying with the money they are getting from Santa Ana.
Fund the arts culture master plan. 2015-2025.
Fund the Artist grants and event sponsorships with at least 1 million. This will put a spotlight on the upcoming
artists from the local area and start economic development with different events that can be curated here in our
own city before other cities pick up what we stop doing.
Thank you,
JJ
Jeffrey Jensen
Chapter One: the modern local
227 N. Broadway
Downtown Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 352-2225 MAIN
www.chapteronetml.com
1
Araiza, Fatima
From:Harley B <bandbpro@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday,
To:eComment
Subject:Arts Funding - Item 30 Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget Work Study Session
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
Mayor and City Council,
I am writing a public comment in support of robust arts funding in the city of Santa Ana
There should be a minimum of 1 million dollars for artists grants and event sponsorships
The city should directly fund the artwalk, it’s a huge cultural necessity and brings lots of business.
A minimum of 1% funding from every new private development should be given to the arts.
Please fully fund the arts culture master plan as it has not been for 6 years.
Please hire a grant writer for the arts and culture department so they can find more funding for the arts in addition to
the funding stated above.
Please request a review of Bowers Museum funding; they receive 1 million dollars every year that should be centralized
and equitably shared through the Santa Ana arts community.
Thank you
- Harley
Sent from my iPhone
1
Araiza, Fatima
From:Tim Johnson <tjohnson@jlkrllp.com>
Sent:Monday, May 06, 2024 6:36 PM
To:eComment; Amezcua, Valerie; Lopez, Jessie; Bacerra, Phil; Penaloza, David; Hernandez,
Johnathan; Phan, Thai; Vazquez, Benjamin
Cc:Downs, Kathryn
Subject:Item 30- Budget Work Study Session
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
Mayor Amezcua, Mayor Pro Tem Phan, my Ward 3 Councilmember Lopez and all of our City Council (cc Dir
Downs)…Whenever I see a budget item and I have ?me to review it, I will do my best to do so. Director Downs has been
pu?ng together some good informa?on for the council including a pre?y snazzy looking presenta?on! You have
listened and given feedback.
The Council appears to be concerned about the impending sunset of Measure X- I am hearing discussion from the dais
about it. That is encouraging. I feel like I have been making some of these same comments over the past years about
ge?ng ready for the sunset of Measure X. In fact, I just did an email search, and my recollec?on is correct…almost since
the beginning of the increased sales tax generated by Meas X, I have been saying that “now is the ?me” to get ready for
the sunset. Pre?y much every year, mul?ple ?mes a year. Well, if yesterday was the best ?me to get ready for it, the
next best ?me is today.
It is easy to say that we need to get ready. It also feels good to fund expanding programs in our city. No one want to cut
services. Services is what our city provides to our residents. Residents want nice parks, streets, sidewalks, and other
ac?vi?es- this all costs money. I get it…truly I do.
No one wants to say…but, wait, can we afford it? Should we consider dialing it back or at least not expanding this
par?cular program. Should we put aside money for the future when we know that revenue will drop?
We need to start having those difficult discussions. So urge you to try to think about what our city will look like and the
services that our residents expect from the city, when Measure X revenue drops by over $30M per year. Think how
much easier it will be to have a gradual ramp down instead of a dras?c cliff. When we save funding by increasing the
general fund in something like a Measure X Sunset Stabiliza?on Fund to where we are pu?ng aside some revenue today
in order to prepare for the future revenue drop but provide gradually reduced services, the impact will not be felt so
dras?cally.
I would have preferred to have done this in years that we were seeing Meas X revenue increase but we had our chance
at that in the past and chose not to do it. Now, Meas X is constric?ng a bit but we can s?ll do this if we make it a
priority.
Now, I know that many will say something like…just bring in more revenue. As Director Downs will tell, you bringing in
the type of revenue that the drop Meas X will have, is likely near impossible right now. Sure, we can do some things that
will marginally move the needle but it will not be the solu?on many think it is. The drop in revenue is quite simply too
large.
I know the City is doing its best to try to focus its spending on one-?me expenditures. I appreciate how the
presenta?ons, including the one you have in hand now, highlights the one ?me nature of certain items. However, when
we are spending one ?me money year a?er year, then it starts to feel like a recurring expenditure. If you really think it is
one ?me spending, then try to do a rolling rota?on of expenditure blackouts from Meas X to see how one ?me
1
expenditures feel in our community. Or, at a minimum, do a mock budget of what a post sunset budget may look like. I
think it will be eye-opening for us all.
We will need to do what we can do now to increase revenue in the future, but we also should really consider se?ng
aside funds for the known revenue drop that will be coming. If we don’t take those steps now, then we will either have
dras?c service cuts or the future council will be forced to go to the voters to choose to increase taxes on
themselves. Either way though, we should be fiscally sound and doing things today that will posi?vely impact the future.
I know that we will hear thoughts on spending money on some great programs while discussing the budget, but I
implore you to balance that with the knowledge that we will have a huge drop in revenue in the future.
I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this.
Tim Johnson , CPA
Partner
(949) 860-9892
(714) 743-1065
tjohnson@jlkrllp.com
2601 Main Street, Suite 580, Irvine, CA 92614
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.
2
Araiza, Fatima
From:Matt Williams <mattisstuck@hotmail.com>
Sent:Monday, May
To:eComment
Subject:Arts Funding - Item 30 Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget Work Study Session
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
Mayor and city council,
I am writing to you today to make a public comment in support of robust arts funding in our city.
Notes and talking points:
1. Artists Grants and Event Sponsorships
We advocate for the city to fund this at 1 million dollars a year.
2. Artwalk
We advocate for the city to fund artwalk directly every year.
3. New and private development
1% funding to be given to the arts budget from every new private development in the city.
4. Fund the Arts Culture Master Plan fully
5. Arts and Culture Department
To act proactively and request sponsorships and funding from outside the city like every other
department in the city does. Why doesn’t our Arts and Culture Department do this already?
Lack of leadership? Infrastructure?
6. Bowers Museum
Request to review current processes and data. Redirect funding to be allocated directly and
centralized within the Arts and Culture Department that will fund artist grants and event
sponsorships directly.
Best Regards,
Matt Williams
Santa Ana Resident
1
Araiza, Fatima
From:Becky Black <beckyblack111@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, May
To:eComment
Subject:Arts Funding - Item 30 Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget Work Study Session
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
Mayor and City Council,
I am writing to you today to make a public comment in support of robust arts funding in our city.
Putting the Bowers Museum over a 1 million dollar subsidy in contrast to local artists and grassroots efforts
who receive between 2K to 20K in funding a year doesn’t make sense in light of efforts made by the following
local organizations:
Investing in the Artist Grants grantees and Projects:
Artesia Pilar Neighborhood Association - La Raza mural restoration project
Peggy Iguarte Public Art DTSA
Showtime Ballet - Dance shows for families and kids
VALA - Viet Film Fest
OCCCA - Orange County Center for Contemporary Art - Free Exhibits
OCSA - Orange County School of the Arts - Community Arts Festival
OCEAA - Orange County Educational Arts Academy - Storytelling Project
Event Sponsorship Grants:
Women’s Day Fest
Noche de Altares
Day of the Dead
TamalFest
LibroMobil
Artwalk:
Direct economic development for DTSA business and artists
Promotes culture and community
Highlights local vendors and artists
Funds local bands and musicians
Showcases SAUSD Arts students with Boca de Era
Exhibitions that speak to our history, culture and people
I support the following expenses:
1) Artists Grants and Event Sponsorships - I advocate for the city to fund this at 1 million dollars a year.
2) Artwalk - I advocate for the city to fund artwork directly every year.
3) New and private development - 1% funding to be given to the arts budget from every new private
development in the city.
4) Fund the Arts Culture Master Plan - fully
5) Arts and Culture Department - to act proactively and request sponsorships and funding from outside the city
like every other department in the city does.
1
6) Bowers Museum - Request to review current processes and data. Redirect funding to be allocated directly
and centralized within the Arts and Culture Department that will fund artist grants and event sponsorships
directly.
Thank you,
Becky Black
OCCCA Member
2
Araiza, Fatima
From:Quyen Dinh <qdinh1977@yahoo.com>
Sent:Tuesday, May
To:eComment
Subject:Arts Funding - Item 30 Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget Work Study Session
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
Mayor and city council,
I am writing to you today to make a public comment in support of robust arts funding in our city.
Arts funding in our city is in jeopardy. Despite having one of the best creative communities, we are lowest in arts funding
compared to other cities in Orange County.
As an artist, I can see how our city has become a vibrantly creative community through previous artist grants and event
sponsorships, especially for monthly artwalks.
I urged the city to resume arts funding so that our downtown culture can continue to flourish and thrive artistically,
which in turns, brings in economic value and profit.
I, myself, am proud to be a part of this community and contribute to its creative environment by being a fulltime artist
with open studio events here in downtown. I want to see this arts community continually supported so that we can
make a good thing even better. Please resume and continue our funding as it will help the city in innumerable ways.
Thank you for your attention and consideration.
Sincerely,
Quyen Dinh
You can find my work on IG @the_parlor_workshop
1
Araiza, Fatima
From:Mire Molnar <mire.chantal.molnar@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, May
To:eComment
Subject:Arts Funding - Item 30 Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget Work Study Session
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
Mayor and city council,
I am writing to you today to make a public comment in support of robust arts funding in our city.
I've lived and worked in Santa Ana off and on since I was born, 47 years ago. I am a daughter of an art
professor who worked for 30 years at Santa Ana College and I am also an artist and musician. I worked at
Memphis at the Santora when it was still on 2nd street and have enjoyed the art, LatinX culture, food and
community that the unique downtown area provides. I currently reside in Ward 4, 92704 Santa Ana.
When the Santora building was sold and Memphis lost their discounted lease agreement and all of the artists,
who had seeded the culture of DTSA for the past 10 years, were all kicked out, I witnessed a rich culture and
community vortex be dismantled in front of my eyes. It was very heartbreaking.
Remarkably since then DTSA has managed to continue to be a hub for artists and a space for community.
Some of my favorite events to go to with my family are Dia Day Los Muertos, PRIDE, Artwalk, Witchwalk
(which doesn't happen anymore but was great) and to go see live music on the streets and eat yum street
food.
I understand that from the City's perspective you are looking to bring in money. And even though some
developers may think that all they have to do is rely on city or state subsidies for around 10 years, till the area
is up and running with the buzz of gentrification so that then they can move in with fancy restaurants,
apartments, hotels etc. But I would argue that once the support for local artists and community is gone, so is
the heart and soul of the area and that without that piece, DTSA will turn back into the ghost town that it once
was.
It's the arts and local community that bring the people who buy the
food/drinks/events/rent in the area.
So I am asking you today to support the arts in Santa Ana. It is important to locals and it is important to
business. Here is a list of requests I'd like the City Council to support:
1.
Artists Grants and Event Sponsorships
We advocate for the city to fund this at 1 million dollars a year.
2. Artwalk
We advocate for the city to fund artwalk directly every year.
3. New and private development
1% funding to be given to the arts budget from every new private development in the city.
1
4. Fund the Arts Culture Master Plan fully
5. Arts and Culture Department
To act proactively and request sponsorships and funding from outside the city like every other
department in the city does. Why doesn’t our Arts and Culture Department do this already? Lack of
leadership? Infrastructure?
6. Bowers Museum
Request to review current processes and data. Redirect funding to be allocated directly and
centralized within the Arts and Culture Department that will fund artist grants and event sponsorships
directly.
Please support the arts to keep our Santa Ana alive.
With much gratitude,
Miré Molnar
Graphic Designer
UC Irvine
2
Araiza, Fatima
From:Allen Moon <allenscottmoon@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, May
To:eComment
Subject:Arts Funding - Item 30 Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget Work Study Session
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
Mayor and city council,
I am writing to you today to make a public comment in support of robust arts funding in our city.
I moved to Santa Ana almost twenty years ago because of a robust arts and culture environment. Sadly, I have
witnessed the rich environment slowly over these past years.
It’s clear to me that the downtown environment has suffered in attendance and it is in direct correlation the the
deteriorating amount of cultural activity.
Arts and culture needs funding to thrive. And, the downtown businesses need the artistic environment for them
to thrive - it is hand in hand.
The responsible thing to do would be to ensure a rich cultural environment through the funding of cultural
programs.
-Artwalk must be funded properly. It is the engine that drives the excitement of the city.
-Artists Grants and Event Sponsorship funding must return to previous levels to ensure that artists stay and
work here.
-New development comes in large part because of the unique cultural environment Santa Ana has - they should
invest in this with percentage funding in all new development projects.
-The Cultural Master Plan was created and was never funded. It’s time to fund it.
Please do what needs to be done to ensure a vibrant cultural community.
Allen
+
1
Araiza, Fatima
From:Margo Alleman <allemanmargo@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, May 07,
To:eComment
Subject:Arts Funding - Item 30 Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget Work Study Session
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
I have been really impressed in recent years with the flourishing artistic community in Santa Ana, from the
monthly art walks, to the colorful murals, to the rich cultural experiences I happen upon regularly in public
spaces. I have recently moved my artistic practice to Santa Ana for this very reason, and it would be a shame to
see this lively community diminished. I know for a fact that many of my peers are drawn to Santa Ana for this
very reason and visit regularly to partake in the arts and culture that the city offers.
A lot of the arts have benefited from federal Covid funding in recent years, and the evidence of that is clear.
People want to live, work, and shop in beautiful vibrant communities. Funding the Santa Ana Art and Culture
Department ensures that we can continue to make Santa Ana a destination for people all over Orange County to
visit. As more people come, so does money and development. Therefore, it only makes sense that the funding
for Artist Grants and Event Sponsorships come from new developments in the city. Artists are often looked over
in society, but Santa Ana has the opportunity to pick up where the covid funding left off, and make sure that as
development grows, so does our rich artistc community.
Cheers,
Margo Scout
(they/them)
1
Araiza, Fatima
From:katty torres <kttytrrs89@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, May
To:eComment
Subject:Arts Funding- Item 30 Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget Work Study Session
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
I'm writing to advocate for stronger financial support for the arts within our city. In my capacity, as a
local business artist, I'm reaching out to emphasize the urgent need for substantial investment in our
city's arts community. I strongly advocate for the city to allocate $1 million annually toward funding
Artist Grants and Event Sponsorships. Our Arts and Culture Master Plan has gone unfunded by the
city for over six years. It's discouraging to observe that Santa Ana's budget for arts and culture
remains the smallest among comparable cities in Orange County.
On the other hand, the Bowser Museum receives over one million dollars a year. Even with this,
they’ve applied to receive artist grants for their projects and events. The question comes to mind;
“Why do they still need public money?”
Contrasting the over one million dollar subsidy allocated to the Bowers Museum with the modest
funding received by local artists and grassroots efforts, ranging from 2k to 20k in funding a year like;
La Raza mural restoration project
OCCCA- exhibitions and free workshops
OCSA- Community Arts Festival
Woman’s Day Fest
Day of the Dead
Monthly Artwalk- promotes culture and community and highlights local vendors and artist
1
And these are only a few.
Best,
Katty Torres
2
Araiza, Fatima
From:Funday Collective <fundaycollective@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, May 07,
To:eComment
Subject:Arts Funding- Item 30 fiscal year 2024-25 Budget Work Study Session
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
I'm reaching out to champion increased financial backing for the arts in our city. As a local business
artist, I'm highlighting the pressing necessity for significant investment in our city's artistic endeavors.
I firmly advocate for the city to commit $1 million annually towards supporting Artist Grants and Event
Sponsorships. It's disheartening to note that our Arts and Culture Master Plan has gone without
city funding for over six years. It's concerning that Santa Ana's budget for arts and culture remains
the smallest among neighboring cities in Orange County.
In stark contrast, the Bowers Museum receives an annual subsidy exceeding one million dollars.
Despite this substantial funding, they still seek artist grants for their projects and events. This raises
the question: "Why is there still a need for public funding?" Comparing the substantial subsidy
provided to the Bowers Museum with the modest funding received by local artists and grassroots
efforts, ranging from 2k to 20k per year, prompts reflection.
Instead, invest in Artist grants and projects, event sponsorships, and Artwalk like:
-Peggy Iguarte Public Art DTSA
-VALA- Viet Film Fest
- TamalFest
-LibroMobil- Loteria at Bristol Mall
-DTSA ArtWalk - promotes culture and community, it highlights local vendors and artists, and directs
economic development for DTSA businesses and artists.
And many, many more.
Thank you,
FundayCo.
1
Araiza, Fatima
From:Mike Limón <mlimon@oceaa.org>
Sent:Tuesday, May 07, 2024 12:31 PM
To:eComment
Subject:Arts Funding - Item 30 Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget Work Study Session
Attachments:Screenshot 2024-05-07 at 12.19.17 PM.png; Screenshot 2024-05-07 at 12.28.26
PM.png; Screenshot 2024-05-07 at 12.28.04 PM.png
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
Mayor and city council,
I am writing to you today to make a public comment in support of robust arts funding in our city.
OCEAA received the SANTA ANA INVESTING IN THE ARTIST GRANT for the 2023-24 school year, which gave the OCEAA
such a great opportunity to showcase something we’ve never done before to the greater Orange County community.
Below are a few bullet points about the tremendous impact this grant had:
thth
1. This grant gave our 6 and 7 grade students the opportunity to showcase self-expression in a way they’ve
never done before. This provided these young students with an opportunity to develop their confidence in front
of a live audience, several times.
th
2. “I Contain Multitudes” was the show that was born out of this grant, the show made its debut on April 9 at
th
UCI’s Barclay Theater and it had an encore performance at the Santa Ana High School Theater on April 13 for
OCEAA’s Annual Ritmos Del Mundo show, which was received with rave reviews!
3. This program had newly created music, choreographed dance, vocals and very artistic touches, all which were
created from the ground up. The OCEAA Librarian, through this grant, was also giving the opportunity to develop
his professional capacity to grow these skills to be able to support these students, the Santa Ana community and
the OCEAA community.
4. The origin of this inspiration came from the Covid-19 pandemic, and how students felt during that time, so this
opportunity gave students a moment to reflect and grow past those challenging life events we all lived together.
We hope the City of Santa Ana continues to invest in our youth, which we are educating and developing to become our
future leaders of tomorrow, today.
Attached are a few pictures of this program.
Best regards,
Mike Limón
Executive Director
Orange County Educational Arts Academy
825 N. Broadway Street
Santa Ana, CA 92701
O: 714-619-2966
C: 562-713-3544
1
Alcala, Abigail
From:Bryan Chang <bchang@dancemusicinitiative.org>
Sent:Tuesday, May 7, 2024 12:49 PM
To:eComment
Subject:Arts Funding - Item 30 Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget Work Study Session
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
Greetings mayor and city council,
My name is Bryan Chang and I am the Executive Director for an arts education nonprofit. We host free DJing
lessons that are open to the public in Santa Ana on a weekly basis. We started in 2010 and have been hosting
them in Santa Ana for the last 2.5 years.
We were recently awarded a modest grant from the Arts & Culture Department of Santa Ana. The funds have
enabled us to offer our teaching volunteers a small stipend for their time/expertise, support the small business
Santa Ana restaurant that hosts our classes by purchasing food and drink for teachers and performers, vinyl
records for teaching, as well as infrastructural expenses. We've previously offered our programming in Irvine,
Costa Mesa, Tustin, Garden Grove, and Newport Beach. Santa Ana has been the first city to offer support. For
that we are immensely appreciative.
I am writing to you today to make a public comment in support of continuing this type of robust arts funding in
our community. I hope the Arts & Culture Department of Santa Ana can continue making these grants available
to arts organizations like ours.
I'd also like to call to attention the disparity of how Santa Ana allocates its arts funding by quantifying the
amount of benefit each grant dollar confers.
As David Byrne poignantly wrote in his publication How Music Works, "Opera halls, ballets, and large art
museums receive more funding... than do popular art and what might be considered popular music venues. This
is because of the edifying value ascribed to such institutions by people of a privileged economic and social
class..."
Case in point is that Santa Ana has the budget to offer a subsidy to the Bowers Museum of over $1.6M for
2023/2024 (as it rightfully should), however disproportionately 4x the amount allocated to all grassroots arts
organizations combined. An avid art seeker will most likely only attend Bowers once a year. That same person
will likely participate in their local art resources monthly or even weekly. Conservatively estimating, small
organizations are getting 12x the participation rates for a quarter of the funding support.
Museums are undoubtedly an important hub for art and Santa Ana clearly values their contributions. However,
locally run arts organizations are vital to a city's culture and have the potential of reaching more people on a
regular basis. Especially organizations that empower residents of the city to participate directly in the arts,
versus just being a spectator. I'm asking for Santa Ana to value impact over prestige.
Sincerely,
Bryan Chang
1
--
Bryan Chang :: Founder & Executive Director :: Dance Music Initiative, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit :: EIN 81-
1315116 :: 909-210-3464 :: www.dancemusicinitiative.org
--
Bryan Chang :: Founder & Executive Director :: Dance Music Initiative, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit :: EIN 81-
1315116 :: 909-210-3464 :: www.dancemusicinitiative.org
2
Ibarra, Evelyn
From:Alicia Rojas <aliciarojasart@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, May
To:eComment; Amezcua, Valerie; Bacerra, Phil; Penaloza, David; Phan, Thai; Lopez, Jessie;
Hernandez, Johnathan; Vazquez, Benjamin
Cc:Debra Russell; Indigo Vu; MacNair, Robyn; Joese Gloria;
drsusielopezguerra@gmail.com
Subject:Arts Funding - Item 30 Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget Work Study Session
Attachments:BOWERS MUSEUM - 2001 AMENDED _ OPERATING AGMT.pdf
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
Mayor, City council and arts commission,
My name is Alicia Rojas, I am a local community artist residing in ward 6 with a small business and studio in
ward 5. I am writing to you today to make a public comment in support of robust arts funding in our city. Arts
funding in our city is in jeopardy. Federal funding that has sustained grants that go directly to artists and
organizations has come to an end. The city has not funded our Arts and Culture Master Plan for over 6
years. The arts funding that goes directly to local artists and local organizations has made a great and positive
impact on our city and our economic development in the last years.
For the last 3 years, the arts and culture department has been able to award event sponsorships through Covid
federal money (Revive Santa Ana) in the amount of 300k a year and that funding has now run out. How can
we make sure that the city now adopts these small event sponsorships in our permanent city budget?
For the last 9 years, the arts and culture department has been able to award individual artist grants in the
amount of 100k a year.
Compared to other cities in Orange County that lack vibrant and organic arts and culture, Santa Ana has one
of the smallest budgets in the county. In comparison the City of Irvine arts budget is around 2.5 million dollars a
year.
The total funding for the arts that goes directly to artists and grassroots organizations is 400K a year.
Compared to a staggering subsidy of over one million dollars that the Bowers Museum receives yearly since
1987. For 2023/2024 The Bowers Museum received a subsidy of $1,674,210
Why does our city prioritize funding and subsidizing the Bowers Museum for 37
years and not equally fund our arts infrastructure, artists' grants, or master plan?
The Bowers Museum has been subsidized by taxpayers since 1987 (see attached LA Times article and
Contract amendment of 2001) amounting to over 34 million dollars over the years. Even with this
subsidy, the Bowers Museum has also applied to get a piece of the art grants for their projects and events
receiving an extra 5K from our events sponsorships for their Lunar Festival. The Bowers also occupies various
city-owned buildings without paying a lease, as we also give them yearly funding to subsidize their operation
budgets and we have also allotted them extra funding for building maintenance.
Isn't 37 years of subsidies enough? Can we please end these inequities and focus on our master plan
that included vast community engagement about what the arts and culture in our city should look
like?
Does the Bowers Museum hold more power than over 400 residents and arts leaders that participated
in the creation of the master plan?
1
The Bowers Museum is supposed to meet with the City Manager's office every year during February to request
a budget from the city. Has this taken place in 2024? How much are they requesting? Can you please make
this public and invite feedback from the community?
Also, why would they request more funding from the city by submitting proposals to obtain event sponsorship
grants after receiving most of our arts budget? Triple dipping into tax payers money?
How is access to this funding equitable to local artists and grassroots organizations and events that serve the
residents directly?
Why do they still need this public money when they have a huge million-dollar endowment?
How is this funding allotted?
What is the process Bowers Museum has in order to receive this public funding?
What is the money used for?
How does it benefit the community?
What opportunities have they created to mentor and showcase local artists?
How many tours, and workshops have they given per year to SAUSD students?
How many residents attend the Bowers on free resident Sundays?
Besides their free Sundays for Santa Ana residents, some of this funding has actually come from corporate
sponsors like Target and Museum Day from the state of California.
Putting the Bowers Museum over 1 million dollar subsidy In contrast with local artists and grassroots
efforts that receive between 2k to 20k in funding a year like:
Investing in the Artists Grants grantees and Projects: (Few samples)
Artesia Pilar Neighborhood Association - LA RAZA mural restoration project
Peggy Iguarte Public Art DTSA
Showtime Ballet - Dance shows for families and kids free of charge
VALA - Viet Film Fest
OCCCA - Orange County Center For Contemporary Art - Exhibitions and free workshop for kids
OCSA - Orange County School of the Arts - Community Arts Festival
OCEAA - Orange County Educational Arts Academy - Storytelling Project
Event Sponsorships Grants:
Woman’s Day Fest - Organized by local women
Noche de Altares - El Centro
Day of the Dead - Calacas
2
TamalFest - FeelGood Events
Among many, many others.
Artwalk: (Event grant awardee)
Direct economic development for DTSA business and artists
Promotes culture and community
Highlights local vendors and artists
Funds locals bands and musicians
Showcases SAUSD Arts students with Boca de Oro
Exhibitions that speak to our history, culture and people
I would like to request and advocate for the following.
Artists Grants and Event Sponsorships
We advocate for the city to fund this at 1 million dollars a year.
Artwalk
We advocate for the city to fund art walk directly every year.
New and private development
We advocate 1% funding to be given to the arts and culture budget from every new private
development in the city.
Fund the Arts Culture Master Plan fully
The city Arts Master plan has not been funded for over 6 years.
Arts and Culture Department
To act proactively and request sponsorships and funding from outside the city like every other
department in the city does. Hire a grant writer for the city arts and culture department.
Bowers Museum
Request to cancel the 37 year old subsidy the city has given the Bowers Museum immediately.
Request to redirect this arts funding to be allocated directly and centralized within the Arts and
Culture Department that will fund artist grants and event sponsorships directly and our Arts and
Culture Master Plan.
I thank you for taking the time to have a proactive and healthy discussion on the state of the arts budget in our
city and adopt a more robust budget that is equitable and supports the vibrant arts and culture community in
our city.
We can not continue to give 80% of our arts budget to just one entity, the Bowers
Museum.
3
Respectfully,
Alicia Rojas
Community Artist
www.alicia-rojas.com
we are fertile land-- somos tierra fértil
4
Ibarra, Evelyn
From:Ali Coyle <alicoylemusic@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, May
To:eComment
Subject:Arts Funding - Item 30 Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget Work Study Session
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
Mayor and City Council,
I am writing today to make a public comment in support of robust arts funding in our city.
I am a proud Santa Ana resident and lifelong artist and musician. One of the reasons that the soul
of Santa Ana shines so bright is our community’s dedication to The Arts.
I was surprised to learn that we have one of the smaller art budgets in the county, and that the
Arts and Culture Master Plan has not been funded in over 6 years, despite being featured on the
city website.
Now that Federal Covid sponsorships are coming to an end, it is crucial that The City of Santa Ana
step up into a role of major support for its Artists, and iconic Art Culture.
I am here to advocate for substantial funding of artist grants, event sponsorships, and the Santa
Ana Artwalk.
With so many new and private developments entering the city, I feel like there must be a way that
they can participate in funding the art budget as well. It is important that these inevitable changes
support existing communities.
It is my understanding that while The Bowers Museum receives substantial funding through
taxpayer subsidies, they have also applied for further sponsorship through city artist grant
funding. I request that this subject is assessed to ensure fairness to other Art outlets that would
greatly benefit from the city’s support. It is a realistic hope that an anchor like The Bowers
Museum will help feed support back into the community and we can all grow together.
I know that you love this city, and that there is no place quite like it.
Santa Ana and Art have become synonymous in many ways. I truly believe that your support of
programs such as the Arts and Culture Master Plan will enrich our city, its residents, and all who
visit us.
Thank you for your time and consideration,
1
Ali Coyle
2
Ibarra, Evelyn
From:RxEyes <alke_mist@yahoo.com>
Sent:Tuesday,
To:eComment
Subject:Arts Funding - Item 30 Fiscal Year2024-25 Budget Work Study Session
Attachments:PastedGraphic-2.tiff; SACAC log.webp
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
Opportunities from our city are not the only name in the game but having my hometown back my art projects has made all the difference in the
world. Options to create art projects for and with Santa Ana communities has made a huge impact in my art and my surroundings. Growing
collaborations with my fellow contemporaries and community leaders/members has enriched my artistic career in so many vital ways; building
friendships and bridges has enriched our communities in much larger ways. I couldn’t fathom these opportunities disappearing for our future
generations of talent we’ve cultivated.
Our city has long invested in it’s artists, and it’s easy for me to see it’s not done collecting on it’s returns and futures. Don’t make the mistake of
pulling out so soon by putting an end to the artistic development for our communities and the success future generations.
FUND THE ARTS city of Santa Ana
We advocate for the city to fund artwalk directly every year.
We advocate 1% funding to be given to the arts and culture budget from every new private development from the city.
We advice fro the Arts and Culture Master plan to be funded Fully.
We ask the city act proactively and request sponsorships and funding from outside the city like every other department does.
And
Request to review the current processes the Bowers Museum has.
Sincerely,
Rogelio Reyes bka Roger Eyes R
multidisciplinary artist in residency at CSFU’s Grand Central Art Center
Art Director Santa Ana Community Artista Coalition
1
Ibarra, Evelyn
From:Sara Guerrero <guerrero.sara@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, May 7,
To:eComment
Subject:Subject line: Arts Funding - Item 30 Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget Work Study Session
Attachments:Subject line Arts Funding - Item 30 Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget Work Study
Session.pdf
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
May 7, 2024
To our Mayor and City Council of Santa Ana,
I urge you as our elected officials to include, in our city’s annual budget, a robust budget line to support the
arts.
I write to you as someone who grew up here, attended its public schools, became a homeowner, a parent, a
professional arts leader and educator. I take much pride in being a member of this community. My spouse and
I raise our family here. The theater arts organization Breath of Fire Latina Theater Ensemble, that I founded
and I continue to support, is intentionally based here.
Arts is an essential component to our humanity and our ever growing population. The very center of our city is
defined as a place of arts and art making. However, Arts funding in Santa Ana is in jeopardy and compared to
other cities in Orange County who lack the vibrant and organic arts and culture, Santa Ana has one of the
smallest budgets in the county.
Growing up here is one of the reasons I found my path into the performing arts. And now as a working
professional and like many others in Santa Ana, I look for ways to extend opportunities and possibilities to our
community of youth, adults and families and future generations.
One way I am able to do this is through the REVIVE Santa Ana Arts Organization grant.
The funds my organization has been awarded is to support our Cantos Cuentos and Corridos Project of Santa
Ana using a nearly 300 year old Mexican and American story/songwriting tradition to share the untold stories of
the people and the history of Santa Ana.
Previously, I was awarded an individual arts grant (two consecutive years) from the city to develop new and
traditional folktales and fables for the stage with the youth of Santa Ana. The work toured to local middle and
elementary schools, día del niño festivals and was written and performed by the students of Santa Ana High
school students.
There are so many more amazing individuals and organizations that continue to provide a place for art making
for, with and by our community and list goes on.
Please take this opportunity to support the arts into the twenty-first century with funding to match.
I thank you for your time
Sincerely,
Sara Guerero,
founding executive director of Breath of Fire Latina Theater Ensemble
1
--
Sara Guerrero (she/hers) - a versatile theatre artist and educator, teatroguerrero.com
Founding Artistic Director, Breath of Fire Latina Theater Ensemble
Artist-in-Residence, Grand Central Arts Center of Cal State Fullerton, Ca.
Established Artist Award Recipient, The California Arts Council Individual Artists Fellowship (IAF) Region I, 2023-
24
Finalist/Honorable Mention Playwright, The 46th annual Bay Area Playwrights Festival
- sent by a magical theatre loving unicorn
2
Ibarra, Evelyn
From:Ryan_Mark R <ryanmark_reta@hotmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, May 7,
To:eComment
Subject:ARTS Funding - Item 30 Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget Work Study Session
Importance:High
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
Dear Mayor Valerie Amezcua and City Council Members,
I am writing to express my wholehearted support for robust arts funding in Santa Ana.
My name is Ryan Reta, and I believe there is a significant and urgent need for increased investment in the arts
within our city. Across the state and nation, art education often faces neglect in many communities. It is
imperative that we prioritize funding for the arts to address this disparity.
Furthermore, there is a crucial need for enhanced transparency regarding the allocation, management, and
auditing of these funds. Transparency is essential for ensuring accountability and fostering trust within our
community.
This letter is not just for the present; it is for the future generations who will inherit our city. It is for the
children whose lives can be enriched through exposure to the arts. By investing in arts education, we can
provide them with alternatives to the challenges they may face, nurturing their sense of worth and potential.
Arts and art education are indispensable for promoting mental health, fostering creativity, and cultivating a
sense of identity and belonging. They offer invaluable tools for problem-solving and self-expression,
empowering individuals to realize their full potential.
As members of this community, we have a collective responsibility to support our artists and creatives. The
arts serve as a powerful means of communication and community-building, enriching the cultural fabric of
Santa Ana.
I urge you to prioritize robust funding for the arts in our city, including support for arts organizations,
education initiatives, and community projects. Investing in the arts not only enhances our city's cultural vitality
but also attracts visitors and stimulates economic growth.
As an artist myself, I am deeply passionate about the transformative power of the arts. I sincerely hope that
you will consider my plea and take meaningful action to support Santa Ana's vibrant arts community.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Ryan Reta
1
Ibarra, Evelyn
From:Jose Flores <jose@westcliff.properties>
Sent:Tuesday, May 7, 2024 2:14 PM
To:eComment
Subject:Art Funding
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
Mayor and City Council,
I am writing to you today to make a public comment in support of robust arts funding in our
city. Santa Ana is the heart of the County and the City must include Art in the City's 2024-25 Budget
or get left behind in the Arts scene by other cities.
1. ARTWALK - I advocate for the city to fund Artwalk directly every year and that the Artwalk be redirected and held in the Artists
Village instead of the East End as it is now.
2. NEW AND PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT
I advocate for the city to require 1% funding to be given to the arts budget from every new private development in the city.
3. ARTISTS GRANTS AND EVENT SPONSORSHIPS - I advocate for the city to fund this at 1 million dollars a year.
4. ARTS CULTURE MASTER PLAN - I advocate that the city fully fund an Arts Culture Master Plan. Compared to other cities
in Orange County who lack the vibrant and organic arts and culture, Santa Ana has one of the smallest budgets in the county.
5. ARTS AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT - I advocate that the city create and fund an Arts and Culture Department that will
help lead the city in Arts and Culture.
6. BOWERS MUSEUM - For 2023/2024 The Bowers Museum received a subsidy of $1,674,210. I advocate that you reduce
the amount given to Bowers Museum and cap it at $1M per year, which would allow you to provide $674,210 to Arts
throughout the rest of the city. Stop giving all the money to Bowers Museum and share the wealth throughout the city and to
all artists within the city.
--
Jose M. Flores
French ParK Live Scan
714-614-0380 | Jose@Westcliff.Properties
WestcliffPropertiesCA.com
We appreciate your review,: https://sotellus.com/r/westcliff-properties/
1
Ibarra, Evelyn
From:Sandra Esmeralda De Anda <andasandes@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, May 7, 2024 2:58 PM
To:eComment
Subject:Arts Funding - Item 30 Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget Workstudy Session
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
Dear Mayor Valerie Amezcua and Santa Ana City Council Members,
Today, I am advocating for increased arts funding within our city. As a local published writer and writing
instructor, I've witnessed firsthand the transformative power of investing in programs that may otherwise be
inaccessible to low-income and first-generation immigrants in our community. While some artists, including
myself, seek funding from external sources such as foundations, reliance on such avenues shouldn't be the
standard practice, particularly when our art often reflects the essence of Santa Ana, our home.
Over the past decades, I've observed Santa Ana evolve into a vibrant literary hub and a haven where artists
freely express themselves through mediums like murals, sculpture, and exhibitions. Sustaining this cultural
growth necessitates a robust local investment in the arts.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sandra - Ward 4
1
Ibarra, Evelyn
From:Adriana Alba <albab13@me.com>
Sent:Tuesday, May 7,
To:eComment
Subject:Arts Funding: Item 30 Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget Work Study Session
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
Dear Members of the Santa Ana City Council,
I am writing to you today as a concerned resident of Ward 1, an educator, a proud board member of Breath of
Fire Latina Theater Ensemble, and a parent who deeply values the role of arts and culture in our community. I
am advocating for increased and sustained funding for the arts in our city, particularly for initiatives that
directly support local artists and grassroots organizations.
As you are aware, arts funding in our city is facing significant challenges. With the cessation of federal funding
that previously supported grants for artists and organizations, and the city's failure to allocate resources to our
Arts and Culture Master Plan for over six years, the future of our vibrant arts community hangs in the balance.
Over the past few years, direct arts funding has had a profoundly positive impact on our city's cultural landscape
and economic development. However, with the depletion of resources such as the Covid federal funding
through Revive Santa Ana, which provided $300k annually for event sponsorships, and the cessation of
individual artist grants totaling $100k per year over the past nine years, the sustainability of our arts community
is under threat.
It is crucial that we take proactive steps to ensure the continued vitality of Santa Ana's arts scene. To this end, I
urge the City Council to consider the following recommendations:
1. Direct Funding for Artwalk: I strongly advocate for the city to allocate annual funding specifically designated
for Artwalk, a vital event that celebrates our local artists and brings our community together. This direct support
will ensure the sustainability of Artwalk for years to come.
2. 1% Funding from New Private Development: I propose that a portion of funding from new private
developments in the city, amounting to 1%, be allocated to the arts budget. This mechanism will provide a
consistent and sustainable source of funding to support local artists and cultural initiatives.
3. Full Funding for the Arts Culture Master Plan: It is imperative that the City Council fully fund the Arts and
Culture Master Plan, which serves as a roadmap for supporting and enhancing our city's cultural assets. By
investing in this plan, we demonstrate our commitment to fostering a vibrant arts community for future
generations.
4. Strengthening the Arts and Culture Department: I urge the City Council to prioritize the support and growth of
our Arts and Culture Department. Adequate staffing and resources are essential for effectively administering
arts programs, supporting local artists, and cultivating a thriving cultural ecosystem.
Furthermore, I would like to draw attention to the significant disparity in arts funding between Santa Ana and
other cities in Orange County. Despite our city's rich cultural heritage and vibrant arts community, our budget
for direct arts funding pales in comparison to the subsidies received by institutions such as the Bowers Museum.
While the Bowers Museum received a subsidy of $1,674,210 for the 2023/2024 fiscal year, our total funding for
1
direct arts support stands at only $400k annually. This imbalance underscores the urgent need for increased
investment in our local arts scene.
I urge the Santa Ana City Council to prioritize arts funding and expand initiatives that directly benefit our local
artists and cultural organizations throughout our city. By investing in the arts, we not only enrich our
community's cultural fabric but also stimulate economic growth and enhance the quality of life for all residents.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to seeing you move to build a Santa Ana that
continues to thrive as a hub of creativity and cultural innovation.
Sincerely,
Adriana Alba
2
Ibarra, Evelyn
From:Tony v <tonyviravega@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday,
To:eComment
Subject:Public comment on Item #30
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
Mayor and city council,
My name is Antonio Viramontes, and I am a resident of ward 3.
I am writing to you today to make a public comment in support of robust arts funding in our city.
Specifically, I want to advocate for Artists Grants and Event Sponsorships. I advocate for the city to fund this at 1 million
dollars a year.
Arts funding in our city is in jeopardy. Federal funding that has sustained grants that go directly to artists and
organizations has come to an end. The city has not funded our Arts and Culture Master Plan for over 6 years. The arts
funding that goes directly to local artists and local organizations has made a great and positive impact to our city and our
economic development in the last years.
For the last 3 years the arts and culture department has been able to award event sponsorships through Covid federal
money (Revive Santa Ana) in the amount of 300k a year and that funding has now run out.
Compared to other cities in Orange County who lack the vibrant and organic arts and culture, Santa Ana has one of the
smallest budgets in the county.
The total funding for the arts that goes directly to artists and grassroots organizations is 400K a year. Compared to a
staggering subsidy of over one million dollars that the Bowers Museum receives yearly.
I know you all take pride in our beautiful city of Santa Ana and its amazing cultures, which has been crafted by our local
artist. I urge you invest in the arts and artist of our community,
Thank you.
1
Ibarra, Evelyn
From:Alta Baja Market <altabajamarket@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, May 7, 2024 3:42 PM
To:eComment
Subject:support for arts funding for fiscal year 2024-25
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
Dear Mayor and City Council Members-
My name is Delilah Snell, I have been a business owner, activist and a community person who cares for our city and
especially downtown for many years.
I am writing to you today to make a comment for robust arts funding for this city. How can we call ourselves an creative
downtown, city that supports creatives and artists and no longer support them? Is it true that Bowers receives 2MIL a
year?? I appreciate this space, but as I have been told by many of my customers, that they are very expensive....at times,
more that they have experienced at other museums.
Why is so much money going directly to one entity? Can not a small portion be directed to other art outlets that make
our city a center with many creative outlets to explore that make the city rich and diverse? The arts and support of
creative spaces is what revived the downtown years ago and now it is on the brink of failing...our leadership needs to
realize this is an important part of our community and economy.
Thank you for your time.
- Delilah
--
¡Salud!
Alta Baja Market
Market + cafe celebrating the flavors above and below the US//MX border
Order our book: Beginner's Guide to Preserving
201 E. 4th St, ste 101
Santa Ana, CA 92701
714.783.2252 (BAJA)
@altabajamarket
1
Ibarra, Evelyn
From:ray vargas <rvargas3@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, May
To:eComment
Subject:Arts Funding - Item 30 Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget Work Study Session
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
Mayor and city council,
I am writing to you today to make a public comment in support of robust arts funding in our city. I am an artist and
resident of Santa Ana that hopes the city will choose to allocate at least 1 million dollars of funding to Artist Grants and
events. Art Walk is a great example of a popular local event that brings so much to the community and should be
completely funded by the city every year.
Santa Ana is a vibrant creative community, home to many artists like myself, and we ask that our city chooses to support
our work by allocating funds proportionate to other cities, whose arts funding dwarfs our own.
Best,
Ray Vargas
www.ramonvargasart.com
1
Ibarra, Evelyn
From:webmaster@washington-square.org
Sent:Tuesday, May 7, 2024 4:45 PM
To:eComment
Subject:May 7th Item 30
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
A quick thank you to the Mayor and City Council for including Washington Square's park feasibility study in
the proposed budget for '24-'25. We are all excited about moving forward with the project to get a
walkable park within our neighborhood and look forward to beginning the study when the budget is passed
in July.
Thanks again,
David Jirik
WSNA Webmaster and 38 year resident of Washington Square.
1