HomeMy WebLinkAboutCorrespondence - Item 24 Becerra, Alexis
From: Elizabeth Bausman <
Sent: Tuesday, May 5, 2026 4:15 PM
To: eComment
Subject: Washington Square Neighborhood Park
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana.Use caution when opening attachments or links.
My name is Elizabeth Bennett-Bausman and I live in Washington Square Neighborhood within Ward 5. 1 urge
you to seriously consider the area between Lowell and Olive, and 151h and 17th for a walkable neighborhood
park. Our neighborhood does not have any other vacant space that can be used for a park. Over the 35+
years we have lived in Washington Square that area has been talked about for a park several times. Most of
the time the owners were not open to selling or the selling price was too high. Now it seems that both of
those are coming together in a positive light to where the long awaited park could be a reality. Our
neighborhood is one of the few in Santa Ana that does not have any place for our children to play, our families
to enjoy outdoor exercise and games or to sit and visit, even a quiet place to enjoy nature and read. Our
children are deserving of having a place to call their own and to be proud of. The infrastructure needed to
make this a pleasant, welcoming place would not be much. Upkeep would be minimal as there would be no
parking or facilities needed. But it would provide our families with a place where we could welcome friends
and family members and enjoy some tranquility in the midst of a busy city. Please add this space to the City's
Master Parks Plan.
Thank you.
Elizabeth Bennett-Bausman
Washington Qquare Resident
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Becerra, Alexis
From: Shawn Verdin <
Sent: Tuesday, May 5, 2026 4:31 PM
To: eComment
Subject: Agenda Item #30 Washington Square Park (for 5-5)
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana.Use caution when opening attachments or links.
Dear Santa Ana City Council,
My name is Shawn Verdin, and I live in Ward 5 in the Washington Square neighborhood.
I am writing with urgency regarding a recent development.
Washington Square is a vibrant, community-focused neighborhood with tree-lined
streets and strong daily resident connection, yet it lacks a dedicated park where people
of all ages can gather, children can play, and the community can thrive. As an
environmental justice area, a park is not just an amenity, it is a matter of equity,
public health, and quality of life.
Establishing a park here directly supports the City's Parks Master Plan goal of 1.5 acres
per 1,000 residents. With over 2,000 residents, Washington Square remains
underserved, even when the 10th & Flower park under development is completed. This
is a clear opportunity to improve health outcomes, strengthen community connections,
and provide much-needed open space.
This project is also highly feasible:
•A willing property seller is in place
• The undeveloped land allows for a straightforward construction process
• No significant traffic or access concerns; entry is within the neighborhood
• Minimal infrastructure investment due to the park's passive design
The property is now actively being marketed to developers, referencing California Senate Bill 9, which allows increased
residential density, potentially up to four units per lot. This
significantly increases the risk of sale and development before the City can act.
The City of Santa Ana has already exceeded the housing development goals set forth by the State of California.
Increasing urban density further is not what this city needs.
respectfully urge you to:
• Prioritize this property for acquisition
• Allocate funding in the upcoming study sessions per Option 2 of the Feasibility Study
• Act promptly to prevent loss to private development
Washington Square residents strongly support a neighborhood park and are deeply
concerned about potential high-density development on this site. This is a rare and
time-sensitive opportunity to secure a lasting public benefit by utilizing the only
undeveloped land suitable for a park in our neighborhood. I urge you to act quickly.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Shawn Verdin
Washington Square Resident
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Becerra, Alexis
From: Gay Olivos <
Sent: Wednesday, May 6, 2026 9:12 PM
To: eComment
Subject: Council Meeting of May 5, 2026 - Line Item #30 2026/2027 Budget - Councilman
Vazquez & Coucilman Phan
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana.Use caution when opening attachments or links.
Re: Council Meeting of May 5, 2026
Subject: Item #30 — 2026/2027 Budget
Dear Mayor, Councilmembers and Staff:
There was quite a bit to cover during the Budget Presentation from last night's May 5th
Meeting which the common viewer is unable to clearly view and the fact that it was later in the
evening, the attention span or at least mine began to dwindle. Regardless, I do want to "scrub"
the line-item budgets and will address in an additional email by the next City Council Meeting.
However, there were a few comments which stood out:
With respects to Councilmember Benjamin Vazquez — I couldn't agree more. We must invest in
our youth, we must invest in our housing, and we must invest in our parks. As you know, I
volunteer as a T-Ball Coach and Flag Football coach for the Parks and Recreation Department,
and it is an opportunity and an honor to mentor these young minds —the future of our city.
Their little minds are full of curiosity and energy and I remind them that these parks are for
them. The friendships and memories they will attain during practice, games, awards will carry
with them forever. And I believe, keeping our Santa Ana youth in sports is key and keeps them
away from "gang" activity. We have players from all over the city — they come from different
neighborhoods and they attend different schools. More importantly, our parks and recreation
department keep the cost low so that our youth can afford to play. Other organized sports -
which are not subsidized by the city - are costly and unfortunately many children with extreme
talent cannot afford the cost.
I don't want any child who wishes to run those bases or make that touchdown denied due to
the inability to pay. I have come across more single moms in the parks with more children in
tow and all they want is for their child to play baseball, softball, basketball and flag football.
Keeping the registration fee low allows them to do just that. Lets keep investing in our youth.
Thank you Councilmember Vazquez for speaking up on this item.
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With respects to Councilmember Phan — I do agree that we cannot afford $3 Million dollars for
the Washington Square Park. I applaud you for your candid remark and you stand correct. I live
in the Willard neighborhood and a block away from Washington Square and this park would
benefit my family; however, it is too expensive. I like the idea of the owner's coming down in
price.
For the record, I grew up in Washington square — on Louise Street, attended Wilson Elementary
and then Willard Jr High School and this was before Louise Street was blocked off at 17th Street
and also parameters put in off of Civic Center along with DO NOT ENTER signs from Washington
crossing Flower St and from Washington crossing from Bristol. Us kids played in the street or at
Wilson Elementary — we never had a park at a time when there was still penny candy, and we
drank out of the neighbors hoses. Although I am sympathetic to the Washington Square
residents and I do agree a park is long overdue; I cannot agree in spending $3 Million to do so.
Thank you for all you do!
Gay Olivos
Ward 5 Resident
p.s. Can you please add the Economic Development presentation from Mike Garcia to the
notes? I was unable to pull it up and did want to make some comments on his presentation.
z
Zuniga, Diana
From:
Sent: Monday, May 18, 2026 5:28 AM
To: eComment
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana.Use caution when opening attachments or links.
I live in Washington square i do not believe a park is in the best interest of Washington square,it will bring more
homeless into the neighborhood and more crime
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Zuniga, Diana
From: smsalenius <
Sent: Monday, May 18, 2026 11:52 AM
To: Amezcua, Valerie; Phan, Thai; Vazquez, Benjamin; Lopez, Jessie; Bacerra, Phil;
Hernandez, Johnathan; Penaloza, David; smsalenius@aol.com; eComment
Subject: Item 24: Washington Square Park
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
My name is Sylvia Salenius. I am a retired environmental planner and have been a resident of Washington Square in
Ward 5 for 49 years. I raised my daughter here, attending Santa Ana schools.Throughout that time there was no
neighborhood park, no safe area for play equipment,for running across a grassy field,for learning to ride a mini 2-
wheeler or take a walk in a peaceful landscaped environment. Every day I see so many neighbors walking their dogs by
my kitchen window. It would be great for them to have a local space to walk them in nature.
We have a perfect opportunity to create such a friendly greenspace on the vacant property at the north end of Olive and
Lowell Streets!There is too much pressure to develop this land as high density apartments. Our neighborhood is a quiet
refuge and should not be disturbed.Just allow us to add housing units by developing ADUs on our current lots in a way
that is more consistent with our current density.
Please make the purchase of this land for a Washington Square Neighborhood Park a priority. We need a family-oriented
space to get together with friends and relatives, solidify our sense of community and encourage our pride in Santa Ana
as a great place to live!
Thank you for your consideration,
Sylvia Salenius
Sent from my Galaxy
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Zuniga, Diana
From: Salvador Del Real <
Sent: Monday, May 18, 2026 11:52 AM
To: eComment
Subject: Bike trail
Attention:This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
Yes it's a great idea it will keep unwanted people from illegal activities and make safer for the people who live in this
area also safety for the students who use this trail to commute to school let's get done
Sent from my iPhone
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Zuniga, Diana
From: Marcella Collins <
Sent: Monday, May 18, 2026 12:25 PM
To: eComment
Subject: After School Programs
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana.Use caution when opening attachments or links.
As a former teacher and parent, I can attest to the importance and great value to the community of having after school
programs for students.
It gives them a safe space to socialize and participate in activities. In my opinion,there's almost no better way to invest
in the future of our community.
Marcella Collins
Sent from Yahoo Mail for Whone
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Zuniga, Diana
From: Erika Valencia <
Sent: Monday, May 18, 2026 1:09 PM
To: eComment
Subject: Agenda Item #24 Work Study Session
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 Erika Valencia. As a mother born and raised in Santa Ana whose children are now also raised here, I've
noticed that the City PAAL Program is facing severe budget cuts.This is concerning because my kids have been doing the
City programs for two years now. Reducing the budget would affect their experience in creating memories, learning new
things, and meeting new friends with similar interests.
As a concerned parent and citizen I ask you to please reconsider the budget cuts for the City PALL Program.
Thank you,
Erika Valencia
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Zuniga, Diana
From: Jessica Hernandez <
Sent: Monday, May 18, 2026 1:18 PM
To: eComment
Subject: No PAAL cuts
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana.Use caution when opening attachments or links.
The City's PAAL program is facing severe budget cuts that could eliminate afterschool and summer camp programs that
serve local children and families.This is completely unacceptable. In a city that has been deeply affected by ICE and has
experienced a lot of pain and disenfranchisement since these dang things started WE as a community need enrichment
programs.This is why our parents and grandparents immigrated here-for the collective opportunity and for the social
supports and enrichment activities. This is why we pay such high taxes. Our hopes and dreams lay with the youth and
the opportunities they are provided but we need to make it a priority. As a community we have come together and
voiced this many a times. Now it's time for you guys to put it to action. Make it happen.
Wanna lower crimes? Keep the youth busy.Teach them soft skills that are learned in sports and after school activities.
Studies have shown that parks filled with families increase local business foot traffic, improve safety, reduce loitering
and so many other benefits AND on top of all that there is this sense of community that is fostered and cultivated. We
need this on so many levels- not just from the budget perspective.
I hope this comment is taken with the serious tone it is intended with. I hope the budget cuts are reconsidered because
our community needs more joy, especially for our youth.
Thank you for your time,
-Jess
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Zuniga, Diana
From: Amy B <
Sent: Monday, May 18, 2026 1:26 PM
To: eComment
Subject: Washington Square Park, Item 24
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana.Use caution when opening attachments or links.
Dear Madam Mayor and City Council Members,
My name is Amy Becker and I live in Ward 5. 1 have lived here since 2017 after moving from South Orange
County. I love my neighborhood and living in Santa Ana. I am writing to ask you to protect the funding for the
Washington Square park land acquisition in the upcoming budget.
This is our final chance. The land is currently for sale, and if the city does not act now, Washington Square
will be permanently left without a walkable park.
Our neighborhood is full of families, children, and seniors who deserve a safe, local place to gather. Please
prioritize our community's health and safety by ensuring this land purchase remains in the budget.
Thank you for your leadership and for standing with Washington Square.
Best regards,
Amy Becker
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Zuniga, Diana
From: pjl <
Sent: Monday, May 18, 2026 1:32 PM
To: eComment
Subject: Tuesday Council Budget
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana.Use caution when opening attachments or links.
For the Council meeting recommendations for next fiscal year budget:
The bike trails adjacent to the UPRR paralleling Alton Ave in the South part of Santa Ana need actively monitored
cameras. This area has long been an issue with tagging,trash, camping, drugs and other sketchy activity. The activity on
the trail and the railroad go unmonitored, and illegal activity is unchecked. It is very difficult for SAPID to patrol and
enforce basic public safety issues.
Installing monitored cameras would improve safety for all residents and bike trail users, especially students of
Saddleback, Segerstrom,Thorpe, and Macarthur. This would encourage more use of the bike trails; alternate
transportation other that private vehicles is a priority for us all.
Response times would be improved. Activity would be diminished.Trespassing could be reduced. Trash and
Fire/paramedic responses would be reduced. Calls for public works, and complaints from residents would be
reduced. Petty theft,vandalism, and burglary of homes, cars, and business would be reduced. Insurance rates for
homes, cars, and business would be contained or even reduced; making the area more attractive. Home and business
values would improve. Aesthetics would improve. Police would be more efficient in containing and responding to
issues. Police time could be better spent on higher priority items.
Having recorded evidence of issues in that area will strengthen the hand of City officials in their on-going discussions for
Union Pacific to literally clean up their act.
Considering the numerous development activities in this area (currently over 6,500 housing units in process; numerous
commercial and retail units) and the impact on streets and travel,we should be making every effort to improve the area
to maximize the ROI for the City on these developments, and ensure their attractiveness to new residents. And future
budgets.
Installing cameras for public safety has numerous significant tangible and intangible benefits to the City.
Pete
"Ethics is knowing the difference between what you have a right to do and what is right to do." Justice Potter Stewart
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Zuniga, Diana
From: curt merlo <
Sent: Monday, May 18, 2026 2:35 PM
To: eComment
Subject: Item 24, Washington Square Park
Attention:This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
Hi,
I live in Washington Square on Olive St. and I just wanted to write to let you know we have small children and are VERY
interested in the park that is being purposed for our Neighborhood. I would kindly ask that you keep the funding for the
property acquisition for this project in the budget.Thank you very much!
Curt Merlo
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Becerra, Alexis
From: Gay Olivos <
Sent: Tuesday, May 19, 2026 3:20 PM
To: eComment
Subject: Item #24— Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget Work Study Session
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana.Use caution when opening attachments or links.
Item #24— Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget Work Study Session
Attn: Mayor, Councilmembers and Staff
The following are the budget Items I would like to see either approved and/or eliminated for the 2026/2027
fiscal year. This is not to say that for fiscal year 2027 and 2028—these items can be revisited.
EXHBT # Description
1 TOT Tax Increase Increase Tax
Unfunded One-Time Needs
2 for Consideration Do Not Approve Approve Need More Info
1 Washington Square $ 4,000,000.00
Bristol /Wilshire Splash
2 Pads $ 3,900,000.00
Pre-fabricated restrooms $ 650,000.00
Pump Truck $ 500,000.00
Dog Park $ 200,000.00
Mini Pitch $ 150,000.00
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Utilities - What does this
consist of-who is paying
now $ 250,000.00
General Site Improvements
- Need Specifics $ 500,000.00
3 Pre-Fabricated Restroom
3 at Centennial Park $ 1,950,000.00
Cabrillo Park Restroom &
4 General Site Improvements $ 650,000.00
Alton Bike Trail Lights &
5 Cameras $ 600,000.00
Street Lights & 18th &
6 Jefferson $ 350,000.00
Cement for Privately
7 Funded Padel Courts $ 300,000.00
8 Edna Park Shade Structure $ 250,000.00
Street Lights - Little King
9 Park $ 100,000.00
# Description
Under Expenditure Savings Eliminate Do Not Eliminate Need More Info
FTE Savings from 16 Long-Term
1 Vacant Posistions $ 1,941,290.00
Reduce Part-Time Budges by
2 300. $ 2,045,120.00
Reduce Human Resources
3 Seasonal Part Time $ 100,000.00
Homelss Services Division
4 1 Manager.. 1 $ 207,530.00
2
Eliminate Navigation Center
5 General Fund Contribution $ 75,000.00
Under Reductions to PWA
6 Contracts
Street Light Pole Work $ 200,000.00
Alley Improvements $ 300,000.00
Park Maintenance $ 960,572.00
Parks Armed Security $ 333,400.00
Align Traffic & Construction
7 Egineer Budget $ 100,000.00
8 Reduce Cultura from 4 to 2 $ 30,000.00
Eliminate Sports & Rec
9 Equipment Lending &Addl Pro $ 200,000.00
10 Eliminate Zoo Maps $ 4,000.00
Partially Reduce General Fund
11 for Youth & Senior $ 50,000.00
Partial Pass-Through of Planning
12 & Building Contract $ 400,000.00
Eliminate Employee
13 Appreciation Lunch $ 30,000.00
Eliminate Language
14 Recertification $ 100,000.00
15 Arts & Culture Programs $ 144,750.00
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16 SARTC Maintenance Subsidy $ 183,333.00
Historic Resource Commssion -
17 Fully recovered fees $ 54,800.00
Remove or cut the Nice To Haves under the following
4 Planning and Building
1 Neighborhood Support Services
2 Neighborhool reviews
3 Hu8man Resources - related services
City Managers Office
1 Business Expositions
2 Sister City Sahuayo
3 Council Aids
4 Leadership Training
City Clerk
1 Reduce Commissions
Thank you,
Gay Ofivos
Ward 5
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5
Becerra, Alexis
From: Barbara Holmes <
Sent: Tuesday, May 19, 2026 3:28 PM
To: eComment
Subject: item 24, Washington Square park
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana.Use caution when opening attachments or links.
To whom it may concern,
Santa Ana ranks very low on the ParkScore for us cities at 41.9 points out of 100. There is very little per capita in our
city dedicated to green spaces. This affects the physical and mental health of our citizens.
Please make Santa Ana a healthier and more desirable city to thrive in for future generations. Make the public park in
Washington Square a reality by supporting the purchase of land for a park.
Sincerely,
Barbara Holmes
Resident of Washington Square
Barbara Holmes
www.barbaraholmes.com
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Becerra, Alexis
From: Victor Payan <vpayan@alumni.stanford.edu>
Sent: Tuesday, May 19, 2026 4:41 PM
To: eComment
Cc: amorris@santa-ana.gov; ycruz@santa-ana.com
Subject: Public COmment: Agenda Item 24,
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana.Use caution when opening attachments or links.
Hello, Mayor Amezcua and City Council,
I am writing to comment regarding Agenda Item 24, the Fiscal Year 202627 Budget Work Study
Session. As a Pacific Park resident who worked to save the Cypress Street Fire Station from being
sold to a private developer in 2022, 1 am writing to strongly request that NO funds be allocated for
the building's use as a SAPID PAAL location, as this was not a use that was requested by the
community, and that NONE of the uses for the building that the community DID identify in 2022,
and which we DID present to the City for consideration, were presented to the City Council when
you voted in 2022 to consider PAAL's use of the building.
The uses that WERE identified via a community survey administered in conjunction with the
Pacific Park Neighborhood Association and Friends of the Cypress Street Fire Station included:
A Digital Library
A Community Technology Center
Bridging the digital divide with computer and internet resources
Educational programs for youth and adults
Career development programs for youth and adults
Arts and culture events
Community meeting and event space
As I said, NONE of these uses were presented by staff to the Council for consideration when the
issue of the building's use was considered in 2022.
This represented a major betrayal by the City of the community effort to save the building for
public use and of the community input from our survey regarding what residents actually wanted
and needed from the building. We need a digital community technology center in Pacific Park that
serves ALL AGES from youth to seniors, not something that is limited to a very narrow age range
and is only open a few hours a week.
Additionally, PAAL already has a facility in Pacific Park, in our Roosevelt-Walker
Community Center. It is horribly underutilized, has been empty every time I have visited the
center, and I was told by Rosevelt staff that a community computer room was displaced so that
PAAL could take up occupancy there. The last time I looked in that room, all I saw was crayons and
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construction paper. This is not what our community needs. We need access to computers,
internet and resources ALL AGES can use.
I am including my public comment from August 16, 2022 below, which outlines the betrayals,
missed opportunities and hope that the Cypress Street Fire Station could still be purposed for
legitimate and valid community use.
As a leader of the Friends of the Cypress Street Fire Station who worked tirelessly to save the
building for community use and to gather community input via the survey, I urge the Council to
allocate NO FUNDING for the building to serve as a PAAL center, and to support its use as a
COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY CENTER / DIGITAL LIBRARY
Thank You,
Victor Payan
Pacific Park Resident
Founding Director, Media Arts Santa Ana (MASA)
---------- Forwarded message---------
From:Victor Payan <vpayan@alumni.stanford.edu>
Date:Tue,Aug 16, 2022 at 2:56 PM
Subject: Request to Table Agenda Item #22: Cypress FS staff recommendation does NOT reflect community input
To: eComment<eComment@santa-ana.org>
Cc: <cityclerk@santa-ana.org>, <kridge@santa-ana.org>, Soto, Daniel <dsoto@santa-ana.org>
Hello, City Council Members,
As a resident of Pacific Park, I am writing to strongly urge the City Council to table Agenda
Item #22 to prevent a travesty in relation to the use of the Cypress Fire Station, because
the staff recommendation DOES NOT reflect community input or requested use for the
space. Say NO to the use of the Cypress Fire Station as a PAAL location by the Santa
Ana Police Department.
I participated in the community effort to save the Cypress Fire Station for community use
and also attended community input sessions regarding desired use of the space.
A large portion of the community input focused on using the Cypress Fire Station for the
following purposes:
A Digital Library
A Community Technology Center
Bridging the digital divide with computer and internet resources
Educational programs for youth and adults
Career development programs for youth and adults
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Arts and culture events
Community meeting and event space
This was the prevailing view of the community input, and is alignment with recommended
use of the building by former Parks & Rec and Library Director Gerardo Mouet that goes
back to 2006.
This was expressed more recently at the Pacific Park Neighborhood Association's June
2022 meeting where community input on the Cypress Fire Station was on the agenda. As
you know, the Cypress Fire Station is located in the Pacific Park Neighborhood.
I left that meeting feeling sure that the input of the community was recorded by the staff
and would be included in the recommendation to City Council.
You can understand my surprise when I saw that the staff recommendation for the
Cypress Fire Station included NONE of these recommendations from the community and
instead prioritized use for the Santa Ana Police Department's PAAL program.
While a small but forceful number of individuals has been pushing for PAAL use of the
building, I have noted in a previous communication to the City and staff that these
individuals engaged in concerted efforts to silence and stifle community input that was not
in favor of the Cypress Fire Station as a PAAL location. Individuals who DO NOT RESIDE
in the Pacific Park Neighborhood were among the strongest advocates for SAPD use of
the Cypress Fire Station at the Pacific Park Neighborhood Association meeting.
I have also demonstrated how this seems to be coordinated and in cahoots with the SAPD
themselves. The SAPD's involvement in disenfranchising community members from use
of a public building in their community would be highly unscrupulous and unethical
behavior, and should be investigated.
Additionally, at the August 2022 Pacific Park Neighborhood Association meeting, the
SAPD announced that they would be launching the PAAL program in the Roosevelt
Walker Community Center. While this announcement also caused concern, it makes no
sense that the SAPD needs TWO PAAL locations in Pacific Park. Therefore, staff should
NOT have recommended SAPD use of the Cypress Fire Station.
Because of these alarming issues and irregularities, I strongly urge you to table Agenda
Item #22 and explore other uses for the Cypress Fire Station that are more in line with
what the majority of the community input requested and needs.
I also urge you to direct City staff to engage the Santa Ana Unified School District, Santa
Ana College and the Santa Ana Public Library on possible partnerships to deliver critical
educational, technology and career development training at the space.
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Given the aforementioned facts, I am sure you will agree that Agenda Item #22 as
recommended should not be approved. Please vote to table the item as written in order to
create a recommendation for use of the Cypress Fire Station that is not a sham and a
waste of a valuable opportunity to provide critical digital resources to Santa Ana residents
of all ages.
Do not hesitate to contact me at 619-701-0073 if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Victor Payan
Pacific Park Resident
Santa Ana Arts Leader
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Becerra, Alexis
From: Gay Olivos <
Sent: Tuesday, May 19, 2026 5:07 PM
To: eComment
Subject: City of Santa Ana Council Mtg 5-19-26 - Item #24— Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget
Work Study Session - Suggestions
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana.Use caution when opening attachments or links.
Item #24— Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget Work Study Session
Attn: Mayor, Councilmembers and Staff
A few suggestions on how to recover costs from the city:
1. Stop the studies. Stop the hiring of"consulting" firms from zoning studies to traffic studies to hotel studies.
They are unnecessary. I was not impressed by the consulting company the city hired for the zoning initiative,
who I believe was MIG? My notes say Laura Stitson. When questions were asked she was unfamiliar with the
City of Santa Ana street locations and they are "zoning" -streets matter. Up to that point, I thought she
worked for the city and was not transparent on who she was.
2. Any animal dropped off at the Orange County Animal Shelter should be at the expense of the County of
Orange and not the City of Santa Ana. We should not be paying any monies for the Orange County Animal
Shelter
3. Hold property owners accountable for their tenants. The owners are responsible for their graffiti cleanup,
and huge amounts of trash left on their corner or in their alleys—it should not be the responsibility of the
taxpayer. They should be required to install lighting throughout their building— no exception. They should be
responsible for their tenants parking. If our graffiti removal team has to "spray over" their building or retaining
wall—send them a bill for the costs. If Santa Ana Police Department is sent out to an apartment building for
violence or loud noises due to the apartment building not having adequate lighting and state of the art
cameras—send them a bill to recover our fees. Owners are responsible for their tenants— period.
4. Send fines to developers who are not progressing on their bldg. For example, One Broadway Plaza has been
dormant for over 20 years. Mr. Harrah should have been fined with an increase on those fines if the project is
dormant -this project was supposed to bring in revenue to our city—and has not. Bill them every month until
action is taken. Hold all developers accountable.
5. Santa Ana Stadium. I would charge private schools, for example Mater Dei, a higher fee. Any current or
future private schools who utilize our stadium should be paying more.
Additionally, I think we should think about raising funds for the bowl via a ceramic art piece or brick walkway.
Sell them as a fundraiser . A commemorative piece—there have been millions of Santa Ana residents— both
past and present -who have played at the bowl— Im sure many would like a commemorative piece of who
they were or are. And more often than not, when visitors enter the bowl they will see the depth of our
residents—dedicate a wall or two for this.
Finally, an item which will cost but well spent:
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Raises for the Council
6. 1 think all of the council should get a raise. I see all of the work you do and it's a "thankless job". Even
though we don't agree on every item, I can say with certainty that all of you commit to Santa Ana. And I bet
your families are affected by the countless hours all of you put in. With a raise—we can continue to attract
qualified representatives.
I'm all for in this measure and/or expenditure.
That's a wrap,
Gay Olivos
Ward 5
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Becerra, Alexis
From: Victor Payan <vpayan@alumni.stanford.edu>
Sent: Tuesday, May 19, 2026 8:24 PM
To: eComment
Cc: !City Clerk; Mills, Susan; Vazquez, Benjamin; Lopez, Jessie; Bacerra, Phil; Hernandez,
Johnathan; Phan, Thai; Penaloza, David; Amezcua, Valerie; amorris@santa-ana.gov;
ycruz@santa-ana.com
Subject: Santa Ana Clty Council Public Comment: Agenda Item 24, Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget
Work Study Session.
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana.Use caution when opening attachments or links.
Hello, Mayor Amezcua and City Council,
am writing to comment regarding Agenda Item 24, the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget
Work Study Session.
Please increase arts funding to match the contributions of Santa Ana arts sector to the
local economy and tax base. The City's arts program has grown exponentially since it
started 10 years ago, but the budget has not been increased to match its critical and
transformative service to the community and residents. We need funding to hire a
second staffer so the City can increase service and help the arts sector generate more
money from the city.
According to the Americans for the Arts' Arts & Economic Prosperity study, in which
Santa Ana participated, the non-profit arts sector contributes $54 million to the
economy. This includes $44 million in income paid to local workers, $1 .16 million in
local taxes and $2.46 million in state taxes.
Only a small percentage of non-profits filled out the survey, and the survey did not
include for-profit arts businesses, music venues like the Observatory, parking revenue,
restaurants or bars supported by patrons to arts events.
The amount of money spent in Santa Ana by every person attending a non-profit arts
event is $30 for locals and $45 for out of town attendees.
So, the direct multiplier benefit to Santa Ana taxes from arts related businesses is likely
more than $4 million a year.
Arts funding also supports programs for youth and adults that make them better
citizens, increase their quality of life and employability via new skills, and also reduces
crime.
Please support and increase funding for the Clty's arts budget and give back a bigger
portion of what the arts sector contributes to Santa Ana. It is not a handout. It is money
the arts sector is contributing to the City. Help the Santa Ana arts sector make more
money for the City.
Thank You,
-Victor Payan
Santa Ana Arts Leader
Founding Director
Media Arts Santa Ana (MASA)
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