HomeMy WebLinkAboutCorrespondence - Agenda Item No. 1
Araiza, Fatima
From:Barbara Russell <barbarajrussell@yahoo.com>
Sent:Monday, May 13,
To:eComment
Subject:Funding for the Arts
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
Mayor and City Council of Santa Ana,
I am writing to advocate for funding local arts programs
and events such as Art Walk because it is of great benefit
to the citizens of this city and puts Santa Ana on the map
for positive activities.
Sincerely,
Barbara Russell
Santa Ana, CA 92706
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Araiza, Fatima
From:Mr John Spiak <j_spiak@yahoo.com>
Sent:Monday, May
To:eComment
Subject:Santa Ana Leadership - Please Support the Arts
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
Dear City of Santa Ana Leadership,
I am writing as a City of Santa Ana resident, living here since 2011, but with a family history that dates back to
1954, when my grandparents moved to this great City. My dad is a 1956 Santa Ana HS graduate; he and I
attended Santa Ana College. My grandparents remained the residents of this City (N. Towner Street in what is
now called Washington Sq Neighborhood) until they passed away: my Grandfather in 1998 and my
grandmother in 2006. I spent much of my childhood in this City, riding the Tucker Ponies located on 17th
Street, getting family photos taken in a Downtown Studio, going to PepBoys on First St. to get car repair parts
with my Grandfather, field trips to the Bowers Museum, marching in parades down Flower Street and playing
field shows at Santa Ana Stadium, going with friends to The Skate Ranch, and picking up take-out Chinese food
with my family from Koos on Main Street.
In the late 1990s, I began to come to Downtown Santa Ana to engage with a more contemporary art scene. I
would visit Grand Central Art Center, the studios within the Santora Building, and the Orange County Center
for Contemporary Art. I was fortunate to play a part in helping to recommend artists for two exhibitions of 100
artists in the Spurgeon Building back in those days. I brought local friends and ones from other communities
with me; they were always impressed with the energies and cultures of Santa Ana.
I provide these details to express how much this City has impacted my life and how much I LOVE THIS CITY
AND ITS ARTS AND CULTURE!!!
The City of Santa Ana has always been a model for culture in our region and beyond, and in the late 1990s, it
also became recognized as a leader in the contemporary arts. The artists and institutions that began this
activation, and still do activate it, making it vibrant, creative, and innovative City. It's had moments of
expansion and contraction, but the current energy is alive and thriving! Artists from our community receive
national awards and grants, get opportunities within our City and far beyond, and engage in deep and
meaningful ways.
The arts and culture have a profound positive impact on both the reputation and economic impact of our great
City of Santa Ana. I hear statements at gathered events about these impacts - at School Board meetings where
the fantastic effects of Santa Ana Unified's SanArts and OCSA programs and students are being praised; at the
Grow Conference and Santa Ana Chamber events hearing affordable and other housing developers, as well as
corporate leaders, express they are doing business in our City as the Arts attracted them for potential residents
and their employees. The City leadership often states that Santa Ana is a City of the Arts - I couldn't agree
more.
While we love all these positives and the recognition of others for all that artists and institutions in the Arts are
doing for our City, I feel there is a gap in some actualities – primarily funding support in the form of the city
dedicated budget, grants supporting local artists, and community-led arts organizations.
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I realize budgets can be challenging to balance in this City's size and scale. Still, priorities and recognition of
the benefits the Arts and Culture provide, and have provided, within our communities need to be taken more
seriously and into account as this year's budget is established. The artists of our communities need opportunities
to be supported by our City in the ways they have all supported this City for decades. The First Saturday Art
Walk's economic impact alone is tremendous – locals and visitors spend hours Downtown, spending money on
food, activities, and parking.
There are also opportunities for the City to explore outside Federal and State grants in support of artists and
cultural programs, bringing funds to the City funds that can help support engaged artistic practices.
The Arts Masterplan, developed many years ago, lays out many potential processes that should be implemented.
Still, that plan needs to be updated to better reflect the current needs of artists, the community, and our City.
The City of Santa Ana Grants to Artist process must also be reevaluated. The system placed too many upfront
expenses and burdens upon the artists and had a prolonged reimbursement process, causing them to incur
additional debts throughout their projects that have had negative impacts.
With the above stated, I am writing to support the artists and creatives of our community to help secure a
portion of the City of Santa Ana budget that is fair and reasonable in proportion to all they provide for our
communities. They have a strong voice that, for too long, has been ignored and needs to be heard and respected.
Please see and listen to the artists and creatives of our community and support their vision, as it is the vision of
our City!
Respectfully submitted,
John D. Spiak
Santa Ana Resident
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Araiza, Fatima
From:John Cano <johncano@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, May
To:eComment
Subject:Thank you for your Support of DMI
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
To whom it may concern,
Thank you for providing for the arts and education. Offering financial support to Dance Music Initiative has
allowed us to bring in new students, educators, equipment and materials which has expanded our reach and
impact. Seeing the excitement and elevated mood from sharing in a craft is extremely rewarding as well as the
positive impact it makes our and adjacent communities.
Thank you again for the support,
John A. Cano
(
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Araiza, Fatima
From:C Lee <chawesome87@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday,
To:eComment
Subject:Community Outreach Request & Arts Funding Advocacy
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
Hi,
Santa Ana is expanding with many new developments; we advocate for 1% funding from those new ventures be
dedicated to local artists and small arts organizations. Artwalk relies on Event Sponsorships funding. Without it,
this treasured arts experience that attracts thousands to our city each month and connects artists with their
community is in jeopardy.
I've watched non-profits, like Dance Music Initiative (https://dancemusicinitiative.org), grow and provide free
services to the community. Small non-profits like these require advocacy and funding to succeed in our
communities. Imagine the additional footprint non-profits like these can make!
Thank you,
--
Cha Lee
PMC, CRC
m: (
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Araiza, Fatima
From:Mire Molnar <mire.chantal.molnar@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, May
To:eComment
Subject:Fwd: 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.
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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
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Araiza, Fatima
From:RxEyes <alke_mist@yahoo.com>
Sent:Tuesday,
To:eComment
Subject:Arts Funding - Item 30 Fiscal Year2024-25 Budget Work Study Session
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
I am writing to advocate for the fair funding of the arts in Santa Ana. Earning options and artistic support from my hometown of Santa
Ana has made all the difference in the world. Opportunities 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.
We are asking you to please FUND THE ARTS city of Santa Ana.
Do the Right Thing,
Rogelio Reyes bka Roger Eyes R
Santa Ana Resident & business owner
multidisciplinary artist in residency at CSFU’s Grand Central Art Center
Art Director Santa Ana Community Artista Coalition
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Araiza, Fatima
From:Flores, Gaston
Sent:Wednesday, May 15, 2024 8:24 AM
To:eComment
Subject:FW: Contact the City Council Submission
From: notify@proudcity.com <notify@proudcity.com>
Sent: Wednesday, May 15, 2024 7:22 AM
To: Flores, Gaston <GFlores@santa-ana.org>
Subject: Contact the City Council Submission
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
Name
Keith Carpenter
Email
edison@pacbell.net
Address
SANTA ANA, California 92704
United States
Map It
Phone
(
Who is this message for?
Mayor Valerie Amezcua
Mayor Pro Tem Thai Viet Phan
Councilmember Benjamin Vazquez
Councilmember Jessie Lopez
Councilmember Phil Bacerra
Councilmember Johnathan Ryan Hernandez
Councilmember David Penaloza
Comments or questions
Budget 2024-25
Upload a file
Budget-2024-25.pdf
1
Araiza, Fatima
From:Christina Valenzuela <christina.valenzuela@live.com>
Sent:Wednesday, May 15,
To:eComment
Subject:Special City Council Meeting 5-16-24, Item #1, exhibits 2 &
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
My name is Christina Valenzuela and I have lived in Washington Square, part of Ward 5 for (20 years)
Whenever I want to take my children outside to play in a larger area than my backyard, I need to drive outside
of my neighborhood to do this. I would like to see a walkable park here in my own neighborhood to provide a
safe place to play for the kids and parents to relax.
Please support the passing of a feasibility study for a park in Washington Square.
Sincerely,
Christina Valenzuela
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Araiza, Fatima
From:Lindsay Manning <asulinz@hotmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday, May
To:eComment
Subject:Special City Council Meeting 5-16-24 / Item #1 / Exhibits 2 & 3
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
My name is Lindsay Manning and I have been a resident of Washington Square (part of Ward 5) for almost 8
years now. I am e-mailing you to let you know my desire for a nearby park.
I have 2 children and when they were little we had to get in our car and drive to Floral Park or Morrison Park
to go play somewhere outside of our own yard....Do you know how hard this is and how much work this is as a
mom of 2 small kids? Its downright exhausting sometimes - all I ever wanted was an easy stroller walk to a
park to get out and get some fresh air and Washington Square never had that to offer. We used to reside in
Irvine and did this all the time - and it is the one thing we missed when we moved to Santa Ana. I know when
I say a park would be adored and utilized by Washington Square families that I would not be alone. I am part
of the Mom's Facebook group in Washington Square and a constant post is "where do you take your kids to
the park" and the answer is always well get in the car and drive......I would love to be able to tell moms we
have a lovely park in our own square - and that it is safe and useable for all ages!
I ask you....please support the passing of a feasibility study for a park in Washington Square. Do it for the
kids! The future of Santa Ana!
Sincerely,
Lindsay Manning
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Alcala, Abigail
From:Maria Ramirez <maria_2002_10@yahoo.com>
Sent:Wednesday, May
To:eComment
Subject:Special City Council Meeting 5-16-24, Item #1, exhibits 2 & 3
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
My name is Maria Ramirez and I have lived in Washington Square, part of Ward 5 for 7 years.
Whenever I want to take my children outside to play in a larger area than my front yard (I live in a duplex with a small
back patio), I need to drive outside of my neighborhood to do this. I would like to see a walkable park here in my own
neighborhood to provide a safe place to play for the kids and parents to relax. Please support the passing of a feasibility
study for a park in Washington Square.
Sincerely,,
Maria Ramirez
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Araiza, Fatima
From:Stephanie Butler <stephanie@sixtoesstudio.com>
Sent:Wednesday, May
To:eComment
Subject:Comment Re: Santa Ana Arts Budget: Arts and Culture Master Plan, Arts and Culture
Council
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
Re: Santa Ana Arts Budget: Arts and Culture Master Plan, Arts and Culture Council
Esteemed members,
Thank you for reviewing the Arts and Culture budget of our city and considering the ideas proposed for an
examination of the return on investment in Bowers Museum over the past decades, and how it impacts potential
opportunities for Visual and Performing Artist residents in Santa Ana.
I believe that Bowers Museum holds value to our city as an art historical institution. My focus as art educator,
artist, small arts business owner, and hopeful artist incubator is on extant and upcoming artists, specifically in our
vibrant city. We have an abundance of extraordinary artists residing in our city, and many more up-and-coming
artists ready for guidance and investment in them.
We are about to experience rapid growth of residency and tourism to Santa Ana, and many artists already report
struggles in obtaining enough space to work, which limits their ability in the type of work, quantity of works
produced, and ability to grow their microbusinesses (as artists are microbusinesses) in our city. Your budgetary
decisions may directly impact thousands of artist residents.
Since there is a wealth of data already available to you on the economic impact of the arts in our city and county, I’ll
summarize my respectful requests short:
When considering budgetary decisions, please prioritize our living visual and performing artists residing in
Santa Ana first. Your investment in your own residents will have massive impacts and returns in
representation,
economic and cultural metrics, quality of life for our residents, tourism, and much more. “Support living
artists; the dead ones don’t need it.”
Please analyze the return on investment the City makes in Bowers Museum: which focuses exhibiting
global art history, and is a 501(c)3 that has many more opportunities for grants and fundings than local
resident visual and performing artists do.
Please consider the fiscally sound and proactive investment in the Arts and Culture budget, including the
retro-active funding of the Arts and Culture Master Plan that has not been fully funded for six years. Each
dollar of investment in our extant, local visual
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and performing artists generates about eleven dollars of economic activity: generating revenue for artists,
local stores, restaurants, hotels, commercial realty, and increasing tourism.
Please move forward with instituting and codifying a Percent for the Arts from the city annual budget and
new construction and improvement projects above a large threshold on Santa Ana. Percent for the Arts
Programs have positively impacted cities since 1959,
and are active in 27 states nationwide currently.
Now is the best time to support the workforce of visual and performing artists residing in Santa Ana. As individual
proprietors of our small businesses and micro-businesses, we are not afforded the access to funding that 501(c)3
such as Bowers Museums can employ. We can only grow when invested in. Thank you for recognizing the
opportunities and proactively investing in the living Santa Ana artists.
Stephanie Butler, MA
Art Educator
Artist
Small Business Owner
Stephanie Butler
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Araiza, Fatima
From:Quyen Dinh <qdinh1977@yahoo.com>
Sent:Wednesday,
To:eComment
Subject:Arts funding
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
To the City of SA,
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.
Thanks,
Quyen Dinh
Sent from my iPhone
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Araiza, Fatima
From:Owen Ela <owenela@gmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday,
To:eComment
Subject:Arts Funding for Santa Ana
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
Dear Mayor and City Council,
I am writing to you today to express my strong support for robust arts funding in our beloved city of Santa Ana.
The arts play a vital role in enriching our community, fostering creativity, and promoting cultural diversity. As a
resident and business owner in Santa Ana, I have witnessed firsthand the positive impact that arts initiatives
have on our city's vibrancy and vitality.
However, it is concerning to note that arts funding in Santa Ana is currently in jeopardy. With the recent
cessation of federal funding for grants directly benefiting artists and organizations, coupled with the city's
failure to allocate sufficient resources to support our Arts and Culture Master Plan for over six years, the future
of the arts in Santa Ana hangs in the balance.
I urge you to prioritize arts funding in the city budget and to allocate resources towards initiatives that support
local artists, arts organizations, and cultural events. Investing in the arts not only enhances our quality of life but
also drives economic development, tourism, and community engagement.
Furthermore, I encourage the city to explore innovative funding mechanisms, such as allocating a percentage of
funding from new private developments to the arts budget, as well as fully funding the Arts and Culture Master
Plan.
Santa Ana is renowned for its vibrant arts and cultural scene, and it is imperative that we continue to nurture
and support it for the benefit of current and future generations.
Thank you for considering my comments, and I hope to see Santa Ana continue to thrive as a hub of creativity
and cultural expression.
Sincerely,
Owen Ela
Resident Vinyl
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Shop: residentvinyl.com
Follow: @residentvinyl
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Araiza, Fatima
From:tracyp4210@aol.com
Sent: 2024 4:28 PM
To:eComment
Subject:Washington Square Park
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
Dear Santa Ana City Council,
I’m writing to you in hopes you will consider a park for our neighborhood where there is now a vacant lot.
From a longtime Washington Square resident & homeowner
Thank you in advance for this consideration
Sincerely,
Randy & Tracy Simons
Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS
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Araiza, Fatima
From:Annabella Pritchard <tinzar2004@hotmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday, May 15,
To:eComment
Subject:Re: Robust & Equitable Arts Budget
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
To Whom It May Concern,
This email is to request your support in redirecting funds from Bowers Museum to smaller non-profits &
community cultural events for Arts & Culture in Santa Ana, like Noche de Altares & Art Walk. Your past
support helped to bring black artists to Orange County Center for Contemporary Art at the beginning of May
2024. A historic and long over due exhibition that celebrates black creativity in Orange County, Ca.
Please provide fair and robust and equitable art funding for Santa Ana so that the community can continue to
creatively flourish and inspire future generations of artists and leaders.
Sincerely,
Annabella Pritchard
Independent curator
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Araiza, Fatima
From:Jouvon Michael <jouvonmichael@gmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday, May
To:eComment
Subject:Art Funding in Santa Ana
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 as a dedicated member of our local arts community, with over thirteen years of contributing to
Santa Ana's cultural vibrancy through my murals and public art projects, such as the one at 4th Street Market.
My work and the work of many other local artists not only enhance the aesthetic value of our city but
significantly contribute to the economic vitality of local businesses by attracting visitors and residents alike to
various city locales.
Despite these contributions, there remains a stark underfunding of the arts, which jeopardizes the continuation
of a lively and productive artistic community in Santa Ana. I am aware of the recent information that our city
has designated $1 million for local arts organizations, recognizing it as a necessary and overdue step toward
supporting our cultural heritage. However, the current level of support, which averages funding for barely four
projects per city ward annually, is insufficient given the scale and impact of our work.
The success of events like Artwalk, which draws thousands of attendees monthly, depends significantly on
Event Sponsorships funding. With Santa Ana experiencing growth with many new developments, it is
imperative that a portion of this development—specifically, 1%—be dedicated to local artists and small arts
organizations.
The Bowers Museum has received substantial subsidies from our city for the past 37 years, with $1.6 million
allocated last year alone. While we recognize the value provided by established institutions like the Bowers
Museum, it is crucial for funding strategies to evolve alongside our growing city to better distribute resources
among all local arts initiatives.
Given these points, I strongly advocate for the following actions:
1. Increase the funding for local artists and small arts organizations beyond the initial $1 million to more
adequately reflect the number of active artists and projects within our community.
2. Ensure the 1% funding from new developments is strictly allocated to local artists and cultural events,
fostering an ecosystem that benefits all stakeholders.
3. Reevaluate the distribution of city arts funding, especially concerning long-standing allocations to major
institutions, to enhance equity and inclusion within our arts funding model.
Investing in local arts is a direct investment in the economic and social health of Santa Ana. I urge you to
consider these requests seriously and act swiftly to safeguard and nurture our city’s cultural and artistic
expression.
Thank you for your attention to this vital issue. I am eager to see how your decisions will positively impact our
community.
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Sincerely,
Jouvon
Local Artist, Santa Ana, CA
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Araiza, Fatima
From:Albert Lopez <albert.lopez3@icloud.com>
Sent:Wednesday,
To:eComment
Subject:Artist grants
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
Hello City of Santa Ana,
I was one of first Artist grant recipients to receive an artists grant during a very expecting moment for me and The City
Santa Ana. The City was able to recognize the importance of supporting the arts. These grant have help fund and bring
amazing art project to Santa Ana community that were in dyer need. The master plan was a great start but has been in
jeopardy for many years not being able to comply with the mission. I’m hoping to see the same excitement from the City
to help revitalize funds to support this very important investment of the artist and residents of this community.
Sincerely Artist & Resident of The City of Santa Ana,
Albert Lopez Jr.
Sent from my iPhone
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Araiza, Fatima
From:Mari Muller <marimuller44@gmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday,
To:eComment
Subject:Special City Council Meeting 5-16-24, Item #1, exhibits 2 & 3
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
Hello,
My name is Mari Muller and I have lived in Washington Square, part of Ward 5, for 1 year.
Whenever I want to take my child outside to play in a larger area than my backyard, I need to drive outside of
my neighborhood to do this.
I would like to see a walkable park here in my own neighborhood to provide a safe place to play for the kids
and parents to relax.
Please support the passing of a feasibility study for a park in Washington Square.
Sincerely,
Mari Muller
—
Mari Muller
(
1
Araiza, Fatima
From:Maggie Baranick <maggiebaranick@gmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday, May
To:eComment
Subject:Arts funding
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
Dear Council Members,
I am writing to advocate for a reallocation of funding in support of our community's artists and
vibrant art walk initiatives and a reconsideration of the current allocation towards Bowers Museum
As a resident deeply invested in the cultural life of our city, I have witnessed firsthand the
transformative power of community art walks in bringing people together, fostering local talent, and
enriching our neighborhoods. These events not only showcase the creativity and diversity of our
community but also provide accessible opportunities for engagement and connection.
However, it is disheartening to see that our city's current funding priorities disproportionately favor
Bowers over community-based initiatives like art walks. While museums certainly have their place in
preserving and promoting art, they often cater to a more limited audience and may not directly
benefit the broader community in the same way that art walks do.
By investing in these grassroots initiatives, we can amplify the voices of local artists, invigorate public
spaces, and create meaningful experiences that resonate with residents of all ages and backgrounds.
Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I look forward to seeing positive changes that will
benefit our community as a whole.
Sincerely,
Maggie Baranick
Sent from my iPhone
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Araiza, Fatima
From:Dave Leon <dave@LOCKOUTMUSICSTUDIOS.COM>
Sent:Wednesday,
To:eComment
Subject:Robust & Equitable Art Funding
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
To Whom It May Concern,
As someone who provides professional studio spaces to hundreds of artists and musicians in Santa Ana, I am aware of the
importance of arts funding. Please dedicate 1% of funding to the arts community in Santa Ana so we can continue to have
Art Walk and Noche de Altares and other cultural events in Santa Ana. It is crucial to have a thriving arts community in
DTSA!
Thanks!
Dave Leon
Lockout Music Studios & Creative Offices
www.lockoutmusicstudios.com
(
1
Araiza, Fatima
From:Natalie Bates <nbates429@gmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday,
To:eComment
Subject:Special City Council Meeting 5-16-24, Item #1, Exhibits 2 & 3
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
Hello City Council Members,
My name is Natalie Serna-Bates and I have lived in Washington Square, part of Ward 5 for 12 years.
Our city is lacking in safe, updated park facilities for our community. When my young daughter wants to visit a
park, we often have to drive to a neighboring community to access something that should be available in my
own city. I would like to be able to have a walkable park here in Washington Square to watch my daughter play
and join and engage with neighbors.
Please support the passing of a feasibility study for a park in Washington Square.
Thank you for your consideration to the needs of our community and neighborhood of Washington Square.
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Araiza, Fatima
From:Johnny Muller <johnny.m.muller@gmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday,
To:eComment
Subject:Special City Council Meeting 5-16-24, Item #1, exhibits 2 & 3
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
My name is John Muller and I have lived in Washington Square, part of Ward 5, for 1 year.
Whenever I want to take my child outside to play in a larger area than my backyard, I need to drive outside of
my neighborhood to do this.
I would like to see a walkable park here in my own neighborhood to provide a safe place to play for the kids
and parents to relax.
Please support the passing of a feasibility study for a park in Washington Square.
Sincerely,
Johnny Muller
creative director / owner
m :
e : jm@johnnymullerdesigns.com
1
Araiza, Fatima
From:Allen Moon <allenscottmoon@gmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday,
To:eComment
Subject:Arts Funding is crucial to downtown
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:Jose Leon <jjleon.leon@gmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday,
To:eComment
Subject:Please support a park in Washington square
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
My name is Jose Leon and I live at 1319 Louise street in Washington square with my wife Jenny and my two young
daughters. My family and I are urging our city leaders to support Washington Square neighborhood’s proposal for the
construction of a community park.
I do want to applaud the city of Santa Ana for already building some new parks throughout the city! I hope to see this
trend continue of more park being built for us all to enjoy.
Respectfully
Jose Leon
Santa Ana, CA 92706
Sent from my iPhone
1
Araiza, Fatima
From:Jenny Leon <jagorman@gmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday,
To:eComment
Subject:Park support for Washington Square
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
Hello- I am a resident of the Washington Square neighborhood where I have lived with my husband and 2
young daughters for the past 14 years. We would love to see s neighborhood park developed in Washington
Square as we have always have to drive to neighboring Floral Park or Morrison park to enjoy park space with
our young girls. Having more family/park space would be enriching for the city and add value to the community
and neighborhoods nearby.
Please consider a park in Washington Square!
Jenny Leon
1
Araiza, Fatima
From:Tmichalski73 <tmichalski73@gmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday,
To:eComment
Subject:Special City Council Meeting 5-16-24, Item #1, exhibits 2 & 3
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
Hello,
My name is Tony Michalski and I have lived in Washington Square, part of Ward 5 for just under 15 years.
I am in favor of a park and would like to see a walkable park here in my own neighborhood to provide a safe
place for kids to play and residents of Washington Square and nearby communities to enjoy.
Please support the passing of a feasibility study for a park in Washington Square. Thank you.
Regards,
Tony
Anthony “Tony” Michalski
1
Araiza, Fatima
From:nina.jirik@washington-square.org
Sent:
To:eComment
Subject:Special City Council Meeting 5-16-24, Item #1, exhibits 2 & 3
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
Dear Mayor Amezcua, City Council & Santa Ana Staff,
My comments today are the same as a month ago, only more passionate. I am pleasantly and frequently
surprised when I walk the neighborhood and meet young families I’ve not previously encountered. These
families NEED a walkable park to take their children to after school and work. On weekends these families
need a safe relaxing place to play without having to pack everyone in the car and driving out of the
neighborhood.
The residents of Washington Square are very active in the community and in all areas of Quality of
Life. For this reason, you can be assured we will be very engaged in working with the City of Santa Ana to
uncover sources of funding to support the purchase and build of a walkable park in our neighborhood.
Regarding the FY24/25 Budget discussion:
I am in support of approving the Feasibility Study for the Washington Square Neighborhood Park. The
Parks and Rec department supports it, the Parks & Rec Commission supports it, 653 of our residents
signed a petition to support it. The time to move forward is now. The parcel in question is the only
vacant land in Washington Square and the owner wants to sell it either for a park or to a developer.
An appraisal of the vacant land has already been completed, and is nowhere near the original asking price
of the seller. If price was ever looked at as a barrier to proceed, know that there is plenty of room for
negotiation. Additionally, the seller is open to breaking up the individual parcels, to make for a more
favorable transaction. This to say, please proceed with a Feasibility Study.
re: staff recommendations:
1. 10th & Flower Park: The 10th & Flower park under development is adjacent to the extreme lower
end of Washington Square, will primarily serve the Willard Neighborhood and is across a busy
thoroughfare, Flower St and is not easily walkable.
2. The location wasn't identified in the Park Master Plan: The Master Plan was published in May 2022
and compiled long before that by the Parks and Rec former Executive Director. That is prior to the
parcel in question was identified as a possible park site. Washington Square is in Gap Area 15 of
the Master Plan, called out as park deficient and is also in an environmental justice area. The
Master Plan calls for increasing the amount of park acreage to 1.5 acres/1000 residents by 2032
and adding this 1/3 acre site to the mix is a step in the right direction. Master Plan Action Plan #8
states "Evaluate Park Acquisition Opportunities - Convene a work group that brings together City
interagency staff, community leaders, and private enterprise to identify and evaluate acquisition
opportunities, creating a status report and metrics to measure progress." That's what the
Washington Square Park Ad-Hoc Committee has been doing!
3. Zoned for R1: An easy fix by a vote of City Council
4. Increased operations & maintenance costs: This proposed pocket park will be relatively low
maintenance. We're recommending a passive park with lots of greenspace for play and social
interaction. It's proximity to the 10th and Flower project means that the maintenance and security
1
crews can service it as a part of their routine. There probably wouldn't be restrooms or structures
that require continued cleaning or repair.
The Measure-X Committee has indicated support of the study and may provide partial funding.
This is a one-time opportunity to acquire undeveloped land for a pocket park to serve a park-deficient
neighborhood. Please move forward with the Feasibility Study in the mid-year budget.
Thank you for your consideration
Nina Jirik Ward 5
Washington Square Neighborhood Association Co-President
--
Nina Jirik
WSNA Co-President
Santa Ana, CA 92706
(
2
Araiza, Fatima
From:Connie Major <conniemajor@yahoo.com>
Sent:Thursday, May
To:eComment
Subject:What I sent: Special City Council Meeting 5-16-24, Item #1, exhibits 2 & 3
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
My name is Connie Major and I have lived in Washington Square, part of Ward 5 for 47 years!
I have dreamed of a park being developed on the north end of Olive St, my street, and Lowell for all those
years. A park to walk to, to take the kids to would have been so helpful as there are no parks we can walk to.
Now it would be a great place to walk the grandkids to and watch them play. I would love a place away from
home to just relax and let life pass by. A park in the Washington Square neighborhood on this vacant land
makes a lot of since. Please support the passing of a feasibility study for the park.
On another note, we on N. Olive are loosing all 26 of our beautiful old canopy Carob trees as the Tree Dept has
announced they are removing them all. It is in process now, we are being stripped, 80 trees throughout the city.
Please help the parrots with their shelter and food source and retain some of our city's natural history by
requesting the new park contain Carob trees! This would help connect the park to the neighborhoods character
and help save the parrots. My husband and I love the parrots, 15 yeas ago a baby crashed into our window's
reflection of sunset. We rescued him, named him Lucky and show him off on walks through the city.
Sincerely, Connie
Best Regards,
Connie Major, A Ceramic Artist - Clay is clean dirt and I love to play in it!
(
https://www.facebook.com/connie.s.major/media_set?set=a.10201556099765810.1073741826.1276883855&ty
pe=3
1
Araiza, Fatima
From:Fernanda Zendejas <zendf1988@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 16,
To:eComment
Subject:Special City Council Meeting 5-16-24, Item #1, exhibits 2 & 3
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
Hello,
My name is Fernanda Zendejas and I have lived in Washington Square, part of Ward 5 for 5 years.
Whenever I want to take my dogs outside to play in a larger area than my backyard, I need to drive outside of my
neighborhood to do this. I would like to see a walkable park here in my own neighborhood to provide a safe place to
play for families to relax.
Please support the passing of a feasibility study for a park in Washington Square.
Sincerely,
Fernanda
Sent from my iPhone
1
Araiza, Fatima
From:Michele Weiler <micheledw3@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May
To:eComment
Subject:Special City Council Meeting 5-16-24, Item #1, exhibits 2 & 3
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
My name is Michele (and Bruce) Weiler and we have lived in Washington Square, part of Ward 5 for 40
years.
Whenever I want to take my grandchildren outside to play in a larger area than my backyard, I need to
drive outside of my neighborhood to do this. I would like to see a walkable park here in my own
neighborhood to provide a safe place to play for the kids and parents and grandparents to relax.
Please support the passing of a feasibility study for a park in Washington Square.
Sincerely,
Michele Weiler
Westwood Ave
1
Araiza, Fatima
From:Adriana Rodriguez <adrianarod.097@icloud.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 16,
To:eComment
Subject:Art and Culture Budget
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
My name is Adriana Rodriguez
I work in downtown Santa Ana and live all my life here in Santa Ana and I would like to make a comment regarding the
arts & culture budget.
To have Bowers receive 80% of this budget when it appears to be unnecessary is disheartening. This budget needs to be
fairly and equally distributed to more than just one entity.
This could foster and strengthen a truly creative city attracting more businesses and attracting customers to the
businesses currently in the city.
For example, the downtown’s art walk is a revenue generator for many downtown businesses. These businesses need
the help especially after construction. Funding of this monthly event by the city is an obvious win-win. This is just ONE
example. So why is it not funded? How does funding bowers millions of dollars help create revenue for other businesses
in the area? It seems that it only benefits Bowers.
I hope that our leadership will do the right thing and spread the support to other arts/culture endeavors and we can all
benefit.
Sent from my iPhone
1
Araiza, Fatima
From:Alexa N <alexanuzzo25@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday,
To:eComment
Subject:Fair Funding of the Arts
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
I am writing to advocate for fair funding of the arts in Santa Ana. This is important because the budget needs to be
spread out evenly. I am an artist living and working in downtown Santa Ana. I see the effects firsthand as someone who
produces art & is in community with other artists.
I know how impactful this can be to make our downtown better for everyone. If Bowers museum is getting 80% of the
funding, who chose that & why? The disparity between the cash flow is astounding. We need better funding for the arts.
It is the cornerstone of why people come to Santa Ana & other destinations in the first place. Art brings people together.
We are in desperate need of change in how neglected the arts are here. Imagine if we could have multiple art walks in
different parts of the city to highlight the people who are creatives here. It would help the economy flourish & better
support folks who have jobs that aren’t the cookie-cutter path to success. Supporting a city using your gift, where you
aren’t able to even afford rent is very sad.
1
Araiza, Fatima
From:Alexandra Sasikumar <alexandra.sasikumar@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 16, 2024
To:eComment
Subject:Arts budget
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
Hello,
I would like to see more of the arts budget allotted to community arts events such as art walk and Noche de Altares.
Please redirect funding from Bowery Museum to these types of grassroots events.
Arts and culture is important to communities and should be funded as much as possible (1 million sounds like a good
start).
To hep cover the costs,new developments should be required to contribute to 1% of their budget to the arts budgets.
Thank you,
Alexandra Sasikumar
Sent from my iPhone
1
Araiza, Fatima
From:Alta Baja Market <altabajamarket@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 16, 2024 11:55 AM
To:eComment
Subject:comment regarding arts/culture funding
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
Good afternoon-
My name is Delilah Snell. I have been the owner of Alta Baja Market in downtown for the past 8 years. I also
lived in the city for over 20 years.
I would like to make a comment regarding the budgeting/funding or really lack of for all of the other arts and
culture endeavors. Why does Bowers receive 80% of this budget? Is it because of rent -- because from what I
have seen, this is city property. If taxpayers are going to give this institution so much funding, the residents of
Santa Ana should be able to have access to the museum for free and not just Sundays. Not everyone, including
myself, is free on Sundays. I work every Sunday and many people in this city have that one day only to do
important chores/errands -- this is the only day they have off. And at a price of $50/per person, this doesn't seem
accessible to all.
This comment is not a bashing of Bowers, but more an acknowledgement of a severe disproportion in funding
and I hope for our leadership to see an opportunity where many entities can benefit. As most artists can attest,
funding even in the smallest amounts make a big impact. To have even 50% of this budget could be significant
in diversifying the creativity of our city, encouraging more artists/groups/entities to participate in Santa Ana and
if I have to speak selfishly, contribute positively to the economy and businesses especially of our downtown.
For example, Art Walk which is every first Saturday of the month is a huge revenue boost for downtown. Just
ask anyone! Could you imagine if the city provided substantial fund for this event? Maybe the event could be
all day, maybe it could attract more creatives or have more activities. There are so many "wins" from just this
one example alone. My store hosts a "Walking Art Tour" of our downtown a few times a year. For our Rancho
Gordo bean Encuentro last year, visitors from Ojai, San Diego and ARIZONA went on this tour and were
excited about the art scene of downtown. Imagine if there was more support.
I am asking for all of you to diversify arts and culture funding. Creativity does not just live at the Bowers and
creating equal funding will benefit so many more.
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
1
714.783.2252 (BAJA)
@altabajamarket
2
Araiza, Fatima
From:Ali Coyle <alicoylemusic@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday,
To:eComment
Subject:Funding of the arts in Santa Ana
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 to make a public comment in support of robust arts funding that is fairly
distributed across the Arts and Culture Department in our city.
The experience and dedication of Santa Ana’s artist community is unmatched, and the funding
would allow for our beautiful and diverse art culture to thrive and bring vibrancy and growth to our
city.
The budget is a tedious puzzle, but I know that an audit of past spending and a reorganization of
funds will allow for a fair distribution.
I advocate for a budget of one million dollars to fund Arts and Culture, and that our city fund
events such as the Art Walk and Noche de Altares directly.
I request for the city to introduce a “1% for the arts” on all new and private development, and a fair
redirection of funds from The Bowers Museum to Santa Ana Arts and Culture.
Thank you for your hard work, time, and consideration.
Ali Coyle
--
Ali Coyle
Singer, Songwriter, Instrumentalist
@alicoylemusic / www.alicoylemusic.com
“A first generation Irish-American artist, Ali Coyle creates poetic and moody music that speaks to your soul.” - Atwood Magazine
Press Inquiries to kershonam@gmail.com
1
Araiza, Fatima
From:sheila.anderzunas@gmail.com
Sent: PM
To:eComment; Amezcua, Valerie; Bacerra, Phil; Penaloza, David; Phan, Thai; Lopez, Jessie;
Hernandez, Johnathan; Vazquez, Benjamin
Subject:Equitable Arts Budget for Santa Ana
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
Good Afternoon, I have worked in Downtown Santa Ana for about 10 years now. I believe that the arts budget has not
been fair to ALL artists and artist programs in Santa Ana, with 80% going to the Bowers Museum.
I request for the city to fund $1M to be designated to the Arts and Culture Department for local artists and local arts
organizations, specifically Art Walk and Noche de Altares that attracts 1000s of visitors and the local businesses benefit
from these events. Additionally I request for the city to introduce a 1% for the arts on all new and private development;
and the city immediately redirects all the Bowers Museum funding to the Arts and Culture Department.
Sheila Anderzunas
When we no longer have good cooking in the world, we will have no literature, no high and sharp intelligence, nor
friendly gathering, nor social harmony.
-Marie-Antoine Caréme
1
Alcala, Abigail
From:Robb Hart <robbhart@me.com>
Sent:Thursday,
To:eComment
Subject:Special City Council Meeting 5-16-24, Item #1, exhibits 2 & 3
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
My name is Robb Hart and I lived in Washington Square, part of Ward 5 for 3 years)
Whenever I wanted to be outside in an area bigger than my backyard, I needed to drive outside of my
neighborhood to do this. I would like to see a walkable park here in Washington Square to provide a safe place
for the kids to play and a place to relax.
I urge you to back the initiation of a feasibility study for a park in Washington Square. This study will help to
understand the practicality and potential of such a project, paving the way for a safer and more vibrant
community.
Sincerely,
Robb Hart
1
Alcala, Abigail
From:Abraham Vivanco <abrahamavivanco@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 16,
To:eComment
Subject:Special City Council Meeting 5-16-24, Item #1, exhibits 2 & 3
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
To whom it may concern,
My name is Abraham Vivanco and I have lived in Washington Square, part of Ward 5 for 4 years with my wife.
Whenever we want to be outside in a larger area bigger than my backyard, I need to drive outside of my
neighborhood to do this. I would like to see a walkable park here in my own neighborhood of Washington
Square to provide a safe place to play for the kids and a place to relax.
Please support the passing of a feasibility study for a park in Washington Square.
Sincerely,
Abraham Vivanco
Washington Square Resident
1
Alcala, Abigail
From:Yenny Bernal <upliftingsoulart@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May
To:eComment
Subject:SA Arts Finishing-Public Cpmment
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
Good evening Council members and Mayor Amezcua,
My name is Yenny Bernal and I am a visual artist, small business owner, and art teacher in the city of Santa
Ana.
I have been involved with dtsa's arts and culture for the last 10 years of my life. In ways that include event
coordination and planning for our various city activities such as Art Walks, Farmers market children's activity
booths, Community round table conversations for the city of santa ana, Coordination and planning of the last 5
de Mayo festival that happened on the fourth street ,etc.
I currently own a small gallery and Makerspace that's dedicated to low-cost diy activities & fine art classes. As
well as coordinating most of Main Place Mall's Art Events in collaboration with local artists and orgs. via art
shows, educational workshops, & live music.
I wanted to tell you about myself and my story so that you can put a face to all of the small businesses of local
creatives that have little to no opportunity of funding to continue to bridge the lack of arts education and Equity
for artists an educators in our city.
I strongly want to express how important this funding is for the upcoming generations of Santa Ana rising
artists who like me deserve to be ble to thrive in their creative careers and be their own bosses whilst
enlightening our community with their love and passion for the Arts.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. A special shout-out to those of you in the council who
always stand behind us in this fight for Arts Equity for the city of the arts!
Best Wishes,
Yenny Bernal
1
Alcala, Abigail
From:Debra Russell <debragomezrussell@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May
To:eComment
Subject:Advocating for a robust and equitable arts budget
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
Dear Mayor Amezcua and City Council,
I am writing to you as both a lifelong Santa Ana resident and as one of your Arts & Culture Commissioners in support of
robust and equitable funding for the arts in our city.
Shortly after I joined the Commission, you all made an important decision to substantially increase the existing budget
for arts grants and event sponsorships. As a result we saw an expansion of incredible and unique arts opportunities grow
across all the Wards of our City. Neighborhood organizations applied to host reunions and chalk festivals. Cultural
groups and nonprofits applied to celebrate important holidays and events with the broader community. Artists of all
genres offered free workshops for drawing, mural painting, mosaic projects, for learning how to DJ. Our downtown
pulsed with a panoply of arts experiences from the monthly Artwalk to the widely-recognized Noche de Altares,
multiple-venue and youth-oriented Boca de Oro literary festival, Tamal Fest which brings many of our small businesses
together, a Vietnamese Film Festival at the beloved arthouse Frida Cinema—over fifty ways for local residents to have
rich, interactive, creative experiences, together, in the span of a single year. This relatively small infusion of funding
made all of this possible. It inspired Santa Ana residents who had never considered applying to develop plans and dream
bigger. It encouraged artists who call other cities home, to create art and arts experiences here in Santa Ana instead. It
showed all of SoCal that Santa Ana is a dynamic and exciting place for the arts all year round. You made the claim that
Santa Ana is a “city of the arts” a reality.
As a Commissioner, I try to engage with local artists and arts organizations as often as I can to experience what they
create but also to learn how we can best support them. The number one issue they raise is funding. For them to
continue making art here in our Santa Ana, and offering such rich and unique arts experiences to all the residents of our
city, they need to know that we see their contributions and value them. The best way we can do this is by funding the
arts in robust and equitable ways. Without these kinds of guarantees—they tell me, over and over—they are much
more likely to focus their efforts in other places and cities where they feel valued and can afford to create. When that
happens, we and all the residents of Santa Ana lose out.
It has come to my attention that much of our budget for arts and culture goes to one single arts institution. And that the
funding for this institution is even increasing next year, while the funding for our local artists and small arts
organizations is not. This is not fair to the individuals and communities who have worked so hard to bring the many
events and festivals and workshops and celebrations to our City. It is not fair that our youth and residents and seniors
will now lose opportunities to learn and connect with the arts that they had access to just last year. It is not fair that
we direct the majority of our arts funding to one institution that cannot claim this same diversity of offerings and
community connection. Not only is it unfair, but it is inequitable.
I urge you, as our Council, to show the local artists and small arts organizations of our City that you see them and value
them. Increase funding for arts—not for one solitary institution.
Yours,
Debra Russell
Ward 6 Resident
1
Arts & Culture Commissioner
--
“You have to act as if it were possible to radically transform the world and you have to do it all the
time." — Angela Davis
2
Alcala, Abigail
From:sylvia.salenius <sylvia.salenius@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May
To:eComment
Subject:Subject: Special City Council Meeting 5-16-24, Item #1, exhibits 2 & 3
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
I have lived at in Washington Square (part of Ward 5) for over 47 years. I have raised a
daughter here. For all that time, there has been a large, vacant parcel of land at the northern end of Olive and
Lowell Streets that would be a perfect location for a neighborhood park.
The schoolyard at Wilson School is unavailable during non-school hours and there has never in all those years
been another recreational open space within safe walking distance for Washington Square children and adults.
This vacant land would be a natural for grassy areas, landscaped walking paths, park benches, picnic tables and
play equipment.
I urge you to support the passage of a feasibility study for a park in Washington Square.
Thank you for your consideration,
Sylvia M. Salenius
Sent from my Galaxy
1
Alcala, Abigail
From:webmaster@washington-square.org
Sent:Thursday, May 16, 2024 2:22 PM
To:eComment
Subject:Special City Council Meeting 5-16-24, Item #1, exhibits 2 & 3
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
Hello,
David Jirik here, 38 year Washington Square, Ward 5 resident. I'm in favor of creating a walkable
neighborhood park from the vacant lots above Olive and Louise Streets and support putting the funds for
the feasibility study of said park in the 24/25 budget.
We need a gathering place for neighbors, a place to walk dogs, for children to romp and do all the things
you can do in a safe, open space. The property owner wants to sell it soon and if the City doesn't indicate
a willingness to buy it, we're going to lose the only chance to have a park within Washington Square.
Please keep the funds for a feasibility study in the budget as you craft and vote on the 24/25 outlay.
Thank you for your consideration,
David Jirik
Washington Square Neighborhood Association Social Media Coordinator/Webmaster
1
Alcala, Abigail
From:Cindy Carcamo <cindycarcamo@yahoo.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 16,
To:eComment
Subject:Specialty City Council Meeting 5-16-24, Items #1, exhibits 2&3
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
Subject: Specialty City Council Meeting 5-16-24, Items #1, exhibits 2&3
Dear Santa Ana City Council:
My name is Cindy Carcamo and I have been Santa Ana residents since 2003. We have very much enjoyed our time living
in the Washington Square neighborhood.
One thing I have often wished for myself and my 9 year-old daughter is a neighborhood park within walking distance of
our home. I would urge you to approve the funding for a Feasibility Study for our desired walkable pocket park. This is
the last undeveloped property in our neighborhood, perfect for a park. Also, it would go a long way toward fulfilling
one of the promises city leaders made to expand residents’ access to parks, if voters passed Measure X.
Sincerely,
Cindy Carcamo and Cora Carcamo Mello (9-year-old) Olive Street, Washington Square residents
Sent from my iPhone
1
Alcala, Abigail
From:Lindo, Jared@DOT <Jared.Lindo@dot.ca.gov>
Sent:Thursday, May 16,
To:eComment
Subject:Special City Council Meeting 5-16-24, Item #1, exhibits 2 & 3
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
Hello, My name is Jared Lindo and I have lived in Washington Square, apart of Ward 5 for 7 years.
I am here to show that I am in full support of the city achieving its mission and 10 year goal of 1.5 Acres per
1000 residents and to connecting its residents to safe, open and green spaces. I would like to advocate for the
neighborhood that I live in and make sure that our neighborhood is being served fairly and equitably. The 2022 City
Park Master Plan identified the entire residential neighborhood of Washington Square as an underserved area though
its park access and equity analysis, a metric used to prioritize access to park facilities. I would like to point out that the
PMP made one small but significant oversight in its Park Access and Equity Analysis in Table B-1, the analysis never
identified Washington Square as an Environmental Justice Community, even though it clearly is per the PMP
Environmental Justice Community Map CN-3, resulting in Washington Square Neighborhood missing its designation
as “underserved area with the highest priority needs”, when it should have been. It’s hard enough on the
neighborhood of over 2,111 people identified as underserved area for access to park facilities, being designated as an
th
Environmental Justice Community, 86 percentile in Low Income, and is now being disproportionately under-
represented in an analysis for its park needs and access. I would like to note that the PMP lists 10 neighborhood park
recommendations, with only half of those locations designated as “underserved areas with highest priority needs” and
Washington Square, not a part of that list, as being the only designated “underserve areas with highest priority needs”
that currently has no exiting community park access and no proposed park access identified in the City. It is my hope
that the City correct this oversight and includes the proposed Washington Square Neighborhood park site acquisition
and development in its budget and current park plan.
References Below:
According to CalEPA SB 535 Disadvantaged Communities 2022 (Census Tracts and Tribal Areas)
Senate Bill 535 (De León, Statutes of 2012) directed that at least a quarter of the proceeds go to projects that
provide a benefit to disadvantaged communities and at least 10 percent of the funds go to projects located within
those communities.
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EPA's Environmental Justice Screening and Mapping Tool
(Version 2.2)
Risk Management Program
The agency’s RMP rule protects public health and the environment by requiring industrial facilities
with large amounts of toxic and flammable chemicals to prevent accidental air releases of those
chemicals that could cause deaths and injuries, damage to property or the environment, or
require evacuations in surrounding communities.
Historically underserved and overburdened populations disproportionately live within close
proximity to RMP facilities compared with other populations. There are approximately 131 million
people living within three miles of RMP facilities, of which approximately 20 million identify as
Black or African American, 32 million identify as Hispanic or Latino, and 44 million earn less than
or equal to twice the poverty level. Communities living near RMP facilities are most at risk of
exposure in the event of an accidental chemical release.
2
Proposed location is low income in the 86 percentile
3
4
5
6
7
Jared Lindo, PE
Project Manager
Senior Transportation Engineer
Caltrans D12 Programming & Project Management
(657)328-6614 Office
( Cell
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Alcala, Abigail
From:(null) (null) <le_canuck@yahoo.com>
Sent:Thursday,
To:eComment
Subject:Special City Council Meeting 5-16-24, Item No. 1, exhibits 2 and 3
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
Madame Mayor and Council Members,
We know you have a lot of tough decisions regarding next year’s budget. We in Washington Square live in one of the
park-poorest sections of the city. Please help to keep our dream of a park in our neighborhood alive.
Thank you for your consideration of this matter.
Michael Mello
Washington Square resident and Washington Square Neighborhood Association Board Member
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Alcala, Abigail
From:Rita Merlo <rita.aya.merlo@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May
To:eComment
Subject:Special City Council Meeting 5-16-24, Item #1, exhibits 2 & 3
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
My name is Rita Merlo and I have lived in Washington Square, part of Ward 5 for 8 years.
Whenever I want to be outside in a larger area bigger than my backyard, I need to drive outside of my
neighborhood to do this. I would like to see a walkable park here in my own neighborhood of Washington
Square to provide a safe place to play for the kids and a place to relax.
Please support the passing of a feasibility study for a park in Washington Square.
Sincerely,
Rita
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Alcala, Abigail
From:Bryan Chang <bchang@dancemusicinitiative.org>
Sent:Friday, May 17, 2024 6:23 PM
To:eComment
Subject:Fwd: 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,
I would like to express my gratitude after attending yesterday's council meeting. Regarding arts funding, we felt
heard and supported. The council asked great questions and I look forward to how things develop.
This was the first city council meeting that I've attended and it was eye opening and refreshing. I think the
general public can easily get disillusioned and apathetic with government given today's economic struggles for
the average person. I was inspired to see a tightly run ship, with passionate, intelligent, well-spoken leaders at
the helm asking the difficult questions and championing public benefit. This solidifies exactly why we bring our
programs to Santa Ana. The community and its leaders are exactly the kind of people that we want to serve.
Sincerely,
Bryan
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Bryan Chang <bchang@dancemusicinitiative.org>
Date: Tue, May 7, 2024 at 12:48 PM
Subject: Arts Funding - Item 30 Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget Work Study Session
To: eComment@santa-ana.org <eComment@santa-ana.org>
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.
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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
--
Bryan Chang :: Founder & Executive Director :: Dance Music Initiative, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit :: EIN 81-
1315116 :: 909-210-3464 :: www.dancemusicinitiative.org
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