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Dale Helvig <br /> Resident, Santa Ana CA 92706 <br /> March 17, 2026 <br /> Mayor Amezcua and Santa Ana City Councilmembers <br /> City of Santa Ana <br /> 20 Civic Center Plaza, 81h Floor <br /> Santa Ana CA 92702 <br /> Subject: General Comment- Special Event Sponsorship Policy <br /> On October 7th I spoke at the City Council meeting regarding the distribution of discretionary funds <br /> approved by City Councilmembers, with a particular concern related to an approved request from the <br /> Anaheim-based Latino Muslim Unity organization for an event location outside of Santa Ana. At that <br /> time, I committed to request related information from the City and provide Council with an analysis of <br /> the data received and the policy itself. <br /> On October 8, 2025, 1 submitted a Public Records Request (25-2503) to obtain a breakdown of the <br /> distribution of the $10,000 discretionary funds of each councilmember and the mayor, going back <br /> 4 years. I would like to thank the city for the prompt response. I compiled this information into a <br /> compact, easy to read listing of all transactions, including whether or not my research showed that the <br /> organization operated within Santa Ana or held the event within Santa Ana. <br /> On November 9, 2025, 1 separately sent an individual list to each member of the council, because in <br /> some cases the information provided was not entirely clear. I stated, "No response required if you agree <br /> with the information." Some responded with clarifications and I made the appropriate corrections. <br /> On January 14, 2026, 1 sent the completed list to all members of the council and asked that it be <br /> included in the January 20, 2026 City Council meeting. <br /> On January 20, 2026 1 spoke for the second time on this issue, still believing there was an issue regarding <br /> the disbursement of$3000 to the Latino Muslim Unity organization for the event held on June 7, 2025. <br /> On February 6, 2026, 1 submitted a second Public Records Request (26-342) for the completed Donation <br /> Request Form submitted by Councilmember Jessie Lopez for the $3000 for the Latino Muslim Unity EID <br /> Fair held on June 7, 2025. <br /> On March 10, 2026, 1 received my response. It identified the date of the event, the organization name <br /> (Latino Muslim Unity) and the event (EID Fair). What was also included was a flyer that identified the <br /> event was held at 1610 E. First Street, Santa Ana. Until that time the only information available was the <br /> event was organized by a group from Anaheim. Had Councilmember Lopez responded to my initial <br /> email clarifying that the event was located in Santa Ana, this issue could have been resolved months <br /> ago. A lot of my time and City resources were needlessly used. Moving forward I think we can all do <br /> better. <br /> Page 1 of 2 <br /> 2026-03-17 Letter to City Council-Special Event Sponsorship Policy <br />