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Chispa <br />July 31th, 2023 <br />Santa Ana City Council <br />20 Civic Center Plaza, <br />Santa Ana, CA 92701 <br />Re: Agenda Item #39 - Intoxication Detention and Service Offering Policy <br />Chispa is writing to express our opposition to Agenda Item #39 from the previous City Council <br />meeting. We believe our City should prioritize investments proven to address the root causes of <br />crime, such as parks, libraries, and initiatives aimed at supporting our youth, rather than detaining <br />individuals for intoxication. <br />The appropriate approach to dealing with residents facing substance abuse in public areas is to <br />provide them with immediate care without resorting to local jails. We advocate for a holistic and <br />humane treatment of our residents, extending life-saving services without criminalization. <br />The investments in our parks, libraries, and youth programs have doubled in recent years, thanks <br />to the efforts of the previous Council, significantly enhancing the quality of life in our <br />neighborhoods. As a result, Forbes has recognized our City as one of the safest in the country, <br />highlighting the positive impact of community -centered investments. In contrast, increasing <br />police budgets and adopting tough -on -crime policies, like Item 39, are not the solutions to <br />improve community safety. <br />For these reasons, Chispa urges you to oppose Item 39 and instead prioritize investments and <br />approaches that address the root causes of crime and promote community well-being. <br />Best, <br />Bulmaro Vicente <br />Political and Policy Director <br />https://www.forbes.com/sites/laurabegleybloom/2 02 3/01/31/report-ranks-americas-15-safest-and-most-da <br />ngerous-cities-for-2 02 3/?sh=1038d4673 09 a <br />