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<br />RELATED CALIFORNIA • 18201 Von Karman Ave., Ste. 900, Irvine, CA 92612 • (949) 660-7272 phone • (949) 660-7273 fax • www.relatedca.com <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />February 3, 2026 <br />Dear Santa Ana Mayor Amezcua and City Councilmembers, <br />Among Santa Ana residents and business owners public safety ranks as one of the most concerning and <br />challenging issues facing this historic city. It poses a real threat to community members and hinders the ability to <br />attract new business investment and development so vital to generating much needed tax revenue and jobs for the <br />City. <br /> <br />This is why Related Bristol urges the City Council to approve a request from the Santa Ana Police Department to <br />purchase a series of first-responder drones to aid officers in assessing and responding to emergencies, including <br />hostage, barricade and armed offender situations as well as fire incidents, search and rescue and vehicular <br />accidents. <br /> <br />The benefits of this technology, currently in play in most of Orange County’s 34 cities, but not Santa Ana, are <br />compelling. Drones can arrive at an accident or crime scene in under two minutes, providing crucial intelligence <br />before officers or fire crews reach the incident. Drones also reduce risks to officers in hazardous situations and <br />this leading-edge technology has a “force multiplier” effect, allowing limited personnel to cover large areas. <br /> <br />Related is investing $3 billion in the future of this great City by redeveloping 41 acres on South Bristol Street into a <br />vibrant mixed-use urban village with apartments, shops, restaurants, services, cafes and 13 acres of programmed <br />open space. Our commitment to build Related Bristol shows we believe deeply in the city’s importance, central <br />location and bright future. <br />However, we share the concerns of many, including the City’s top public safety officials, that without the most <br />advanced modern equipment, like drones, it is difficult to properly and responsibly serve one of the largest cities <br />and most densely populated in Orange County when an emergency occurs. <br />Simply put, when a 911 call comes in, every second matters. Drones can provide an almost immediate <br />assessment of what is unfolding on the ground, certainly far faster than officers racing multiple miles on crowded <br />city streets to reach an urgent situation. Drones can, and have been, the difference between a positive and tragic <br />outcome in cities across our region. <br />We urge the City Council to make an important and potentially life-saving investment by approving the Drone <br />request before you tonight. <br />Thank you for your consideration, <br />Steven Oh, Executive Vice President <br />Related California