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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCORRESPONDENCE - CLOSED SESSION 1b.4 it City Council Meeting Correspondence. 4/17/2018 �O)II Item Closed 1.CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL --EXISTING LITIGATION pursuant to paragraph (1) of No. Session - subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9 of the Government Code: b.The Orange County Catholic Worker, 1b. et al. v City of Santa Ana, United States District Court for the Central District of CA (S.D.), Case No.: 8:17-cv-01340 Date of Name Representative of In Favor of In opposition Correspondence RA*. of RA*. 1 4116/2018 Nate Rangel (Homelessness Concerns) 2 4116/2018 Rebecca Clifford Santa Ana Resident (Homelessness Concerns) 3 4/1612018 Maria Banuelos Santa Ana Resident (Homelessness Concerns) 4 4/16/2018 Darla McBee (Homelessness Santa Ana Resident Concerns) 5 4/1712018 Bobi Keenan (Homelessness Santa Ana Resident Concerns) 6 4/17/2018 Abigail Aleman Santa Ana Resident (Homelessness Concerns) 7 4117/2018 Mac Alaniz (Homelessness Santa Ana Resident Concerns) 8 4116/2018 "mommyofdos30" Santa Ana Resident (Homelessness Concerns) 9 4117/2018 Maria Flores (Homelessness Santa Ana Resident Concerns) *RA - Recommended Action Tuesday, April 17, 2018 Page 1 of J. Orozco, Norma From: Nate Rangel < Sent: Monday, April 16, 2018 8:41 AM To: eComment Subject: Share the load now The city of Santa Ana has not only been overrun by an increase in the homeless population, but we have also been overrun by the uncooperative spirits of our neighbors, find it easy to push off, and in some cases redirect, homeless persons to our city. We can tolerate this no longer. As an American of Mexican dissent, and one who is not given to Play the race card, I am compelled to at least consider the fact that our neighboring cities see Santa Anna as the best place to distribute their undesirable issues. Is it because of our demographic? It has to be asked. Nate Orozco, Norma From: rebecca Clifford < Sent: Monday, April 16, 2018 8:54 AM To: DOC_Chamber@cacd.uscourts.gov; eComment Subject: Concern for Homelessness in Santa Ana Follow Up Flag: Follow up Flag Status: Flagged Dear Judge Carter, As a resident of Santa Ana for 31 years (I moved here when I was 9), 1 have seen this city go through many phases. Sure, we have a great deal of issues that seem to multiply the burdens our city shoulders. But at present, the issues regarding the homeless in our streets have grown to a point where we tax paying, home owning, child raising families are hurting and being suffocated with the consequences of their multiplied presence. Don't get me wrong, the homeless are in their situations for a variety of different reasons, and they NEED help/assistance. They NEED to be able to access that help more easily than it is to remain in the state they are currently in. But our shelters are OVER full, making them very difficult to regulate and maintain order. If our temporary shelters could be spread out throughout the county, no doubt, the needs of this population could more easily be assessed and given. But cramming them ALL in one city, which is one of the more disadvantaged cities in the county, is a recipe for disaster. And we are seeing this disaster all over our city. Just in the last two days, I have called the police 3 times regarding a man who tipped over a public trashcan at a bus stop and was on his knees going thru the trash, completely exposing his buttocks to everyone for an extended period of time. I was jogging and watched as a father with 2 young girls had to bike ride by this individual and people had to sit on the bus stop and endure this sight. Another woman was shouting at traffic and then abruptly decided to walk into oncoming traffic at a busy intersection. Yesterday, I opened my garage in my condo complex to get our 3 young children into our minivan, and there was a man who looked to be unconscious with his head under our dumpster, with all our complex's trash strewn about him. My kids have been in my car when I have been shouted at by homeless people for not giving them money (we are on a very tight budget and currently make a combined salary of $40,000 a year) and chased down the road by a man, shouting profanities. My oldest daughter, who is 6, asking, "What is he saying mommy, and why is he yelling?' I try to explain the homeless plight in a way they can understand and will not be frightened of them, because I hear most are harmless. But I think the harmless ones are in shelters, and those on our streets are not of a right mind and truly dangerous. My kids are now terrified of homeless people. This is not even bringing into account the bloody syringes we have found in our neighborhood park restrooms, human poop in various places, and getting approached while my daughter and I are trying to bike ride on the bike trail. And stories of a girl getting abducted by a transient, while walking to school, just a few streets away from where we live. My kids are scared. I am scared and very concerned. I used to do homeless outreach and ministries, but living in Santa Ana at present, after having the homeless population double in the past year with no hope of relief or sign of change, I have changed my views and my compassion has become reluctant. Our city council seems to be preoccupied with other matters, and our County officials don't want to "stick their necks out" to help our poor city. After all, "what is in it for them, when all the "rich" cities are going to shout at them and threaten lawsuits". I will allow our circumstances to affect the way I vote in the next election. But how will that help our city who is shouldering the weight of this I whole homeless isssue, while our most affluent cities shout "Not in my backyard! Not around my children!" All the while, more and more homeless get pushed on us because "Santa Ana is where all the resources are". Well, it is time for other cities to do their part. But they WILL NEVER do that unless they are FORCED to do so by the law or soeonme who truly cares about fairness, someone like you. I would show up at all meetings with signs or protest and voice my concerns, like the people bussed in from Irvine. But reality is I cannot afford a baby sitter and both my parents work and are unable to watch my children. I am not ready to introduce my 6, 4, and 2 year olds to the injustices of ourjustice system and the ill workings of our local representatives. Rather, I would love to tell them the story of how, in this particular instance, our Justice system and our City Council truly made decisions that were right and helpful for all the people in our city and county, housed and unhoused, not just in favor or those who have the money or those who have "political power". Here is my heart poured out. I have little hope this can bring change, but I am doing what I can and am praying for those who are making the decisions and have such power over the quality of our very lives. Thank you for your time and efforts on these matters. Sincerely, Rebecca Clifford Resident of Santa Ana on Fairview and Trask Orozco, Norma From: Maria Banuelos < Sent: Monday, April 16, 2018 8:01 PM To: eComment Subject: Time to sue the County. Dear City Council. The homeless population continues to explode in our City and it is continually deteriorating the quality of life for Santa Ana residents and business owners, for years the City has ignored our complains, it seems that we the working class are the lowest priority and it is time for you to show that you deserve our trust. The time is now for the City to protect us by taking legal action and sue the County. I'm giving my support to the Santa Ana City Council to exercise all legal actions available in forcing the County of Orange to equitable solve the homeless issue. Thank you Maria Banuelos 3 Orozco, Norma From: Darla McBee < Sent: Tuesday, April 17, 2018 9:14 AM To: eComment; City Council; DOC_Chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov Subject: Santa Ana Homeless - Time to take legal action To whom it may concern, I am a Santa Ana resident of over 8 years. Santa Ana has been a dumping ground for homeless. This is not fair to the residents of this city. It is not fair that my home value has not gone up as much as Irvine and Laguna Nigel because we have these type of problems. It is not fair my taxes are going up due to these type of problems while other city's get to avoid dealing with this county wide problem. It is not fair for our children to have parks riddled with feces and needles. Our children are just as important and deserve a safe and clean environment just as much as Irvine. I heard those people talking a few weeks ago and it made me sick. Irvine values their children and residents more then Santa Ana. Why? Because it is a largely Hispanic populated city? are Hispanics not worthy of safe and clean environment? And what about our businesses? Santa Ana is a creative and innovative hub with so much potential. There is a lot of talent and culture that can draw people from all over the country to visit and spend money in our city. But with these homeless sleeping and leaving needles around - who is going to want to visit? Not to mention you are never sure when a homeless person may do something harmful to you. Some of these homeless are very sick and unpredictable. I should not have to fear being randomly punched or have someone randomly dart out in front of my car. We need to step up and say enough is enough. We need other cities to participate in the solution NOW. Not leave them in Santa Ana and discuss solutions for months and months. We need action now. 1 100% support Santa Ana council to take legal action. Thanks! Darla McBee Wilshire Square Orozco, Norma From: Huizar, Maria Sent: Tuesday, April 17, 2018 11:26 AM To: eComment Subject: FW: Message for Mayor and Council Members re: Homeless From: bobi I<eenan [ Sent: Tuesday, April 17, 2018 11:10 AM To: Huizar, Maria <MHuizar@santa-ana.org> Subject: Message for Mayor and Council Members re: Homeless Hi Maria, Can you please pass my thoughts along to the Mayor and Council Members and add them to the public record if possible. Thank you always. 17 April 2018 Dear Mayor and Council Members, I am unable to attend the Council Meeting tonight, but I want to make my opinion known to you. The number of homeless in Orange County has been steadily increasing. The number of homeless in our City is disproportionate to the rest of the cities in our County. This is a multifaceted problem which cannot be easily solved and it will take a multi -disciplinary approach to make the situation better. The City of Santa Ana has for many years, contributed much more than its fair share in providing services to homeless people at great cost to our residents and taxpayers. I believe very strongly that everyone who lives in Orange County has some responsibility to respond to the problem of homelessness. This is an issue that must be addressed by the County in terms of finding and finding places for the homeless to live. I have little regard for the scores of South Comity residents who persuaded the Board of Supervisors to scrap plans for providing temporary homeless housing in their cities. It is outrageous. Too much of our City's resources, financial, social services, police and fire, as well as money, are being spent while the County Supervisors and the other Orange County Cities are shirking the problem. I strongly urge you to take any legal action necessary to ensure that the County Board of Supervisors and the other cities in our County take responsibility for dealing with the immediate and long- term needs of our homeless population. Sincerely, bobi lfeenan Orozco, Norma From: Abigail Aleman < Sent: Tuesday, April 17, 2018 12:04 PM To: eComment; City Council; DOC_Chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov Subject: Homeless issue in our neighborhoods in Santa Ana Good afternoon. I am a Santa Ana resident and I am very concerned about the growing numbers of the homeless situation. Although the riverbed and civic center has been cleared out and looks marvelous, we still need to keep pushing for other cities to step up. The homeless population continues to explode in our City and it is continually deteriorating the quality of life for Santa Ana residents and business owners so it is time for the City Council to show. that you deserve our trust. The time is now for the City to protect us by taking legal action and sue the County. I'm giving my support to the Santa Ana City Council to exercise all legal actions available in forcing the County of Orange to equitable solve the homeless issue. Thank you Abigail Aleman l0 Orozco, !Norma From: Mac Alaniz < Sent: Tuesday, April 17, 2018 1:53 PM To: eComment Cc: City Council; doc_chambers@uscourts.gov Subject: Support of Legal Action Against the County of Orange To Whom it May Concern: I am a life long resident of Santa Ana for 40+ years and have seen the city through its high times and its currently lows. The current state of affairs with the homeless numbers increasing daily and encampments has hit critical mass here in Santa Ana. The city has always had its fair share of problems with Gangs and other issues and the men and women of the Santa Ana Police Department have done the utmost possible to protect its residents, but recently it seems that there is not enough police and protection against the amount of homeless who are either on the influence of drugs or are mentally unstable. Where we currently reside, there is a break in and theft nightly of vehicles in our neighborhood, I have personally have had my vehicle broken into twice in the past 6 months. Less than 3 miles from my residents on Feb 21st Amy Martinez was almost abducted by a Claudia Hernandez Diaz a vagrant who was on the influence of Narcotics and mental unstable. On March 12th one person was murdered and another critically injured at the homeless encampment at civic center plaza. How much more do we residence have to endure before action is taken? U.S. District Judge David Carter demanded on Feb 14th that the county needs to take action and city designated to have homeless encampments. Its residence from each of these city pushed back. They cried, "That the homeless encampment is less than 3 blocks form my kids school." "They felt unsafe". "my children shouldn't have to feel like they can't play outside". "We shouldn't be force to take them" "they are a burden on our city and resources'. How fair is it to us residents of Santa Ana, my family and my children. Because I reside in Santa are is the safety and the welfare of my children valued less than that of a family in Irvine, Huntington beach and the other city designated for encampment? Is it fair to expect our resources to be stretched and us residents of Santa ana to foot the bill for this. To those who complained saying that the encampment is less than three blocks from your kids school, In Santa Ana the encampment is on the bike trail and behind my sons playground fence. These vagrants only need to reach through the fence or hop over to reach my son. To those who complained and say they felt unsafe. Try having your car broken into two times and less than 6 months. Because theft leaves you feeling violated and once you feel better you get violated again. To those who complained and said, "My child shouldn't have to feel like he can't play outside". I say speak to the Mother of Amy Martinez who if it wasn't for a good samaritan and interceded between Amy and Claudia Diaz the vagrant high on narcotics. You don't know what that truly feels and to the ones who say they shouldn't be subjected or force to take them because they don't want to see this. You haven't seen nothing yet until you see one of these homeless person defecating on the street. As I stated before, this Homeless crisis has hit critical mass and its not fair that all other city feel that its ok or right to push them all on us. I am calling for action I am calling for legal action against the county of orange and demand action. enough is enough Mac A. Orozco, Norma From: N M < Sent: Monday, April 16, 2018 1:36 PM To: DOC_Chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov; City Council Subject: Homelessness Hello, I live and work in Santa Ana. First I want to say that I'm glad the Riverhead and other areas got cleaned. They look great, even my kids noticed. Now however, I see more and more homeless people back on our streets. I took a few pictures yesterday around Harbor and McFadden and this morning by the Old Courthouse. I also passed by where you have the shelter not far from the Courthosue and it looks awful. Just awful. Not sure if there isn't enough room inside, but they congregate outside and across the street. It's worse then when the Riverhead was being cleaned. Like I said, I live and work in this community, my family deserves to be in a safe, healthy community just like those who leave in more "affluent" areas. It is unfair for this City to be the dump site for all these eople in need. 0 Orozco, Norma From: Garcia, Edgar (CMO) Sent: Tuesday, April 17, 2018 11:04 AM Cc: !City Manager Subject: Constituent Request - Homeless Issue Mayor and City Council (blind copied), At the request of Maria Flores, a constituent verbally expressed her daughter's unfortunate experience with the homeless population. "My daughter was attending college and became homeless for a short period of time and in this time she was exposed to drugs and prostitution at the civic center. She is now in a coma in the hospital. As our policymakers, I would like to request justice for what happened to my daughter. Please remove the homeless from our community." Here is her contact information: Maria Flores ( Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Edgar R. Garcia Management Intem City Manager's Office City of Santa Ana P:(714)647-5240 E: egarcial0@santa-ana.org q