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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCorrespondence - Item No. 1Zuniga, Diana From: Adriana Yazmin Martinez < Sent: Wednesday, May 14, 2025 3:19 PM To: eComment Subject: Arts Funding Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links. Greetings, My name is Adriana Martinez and I am an artist who has participated in the city of Santa Ana for more than a decade. Bringing programing and free art material to the SA community. I am asking for more funding for the arts. As someone who is out here doing the work, spending time in the community there is a real need for the funding to continue but also expand. The city of Santa Ana is greatly underserved, there is only one library that offers programming. As someone who has benefited from the grants and used it to work with the senior population, I can tell you that they are also greatly underserved. The city of Santa Ana needs continuous funding and opportunities for aspiring artists. As a muralist, we need more funding to restore murals that have greatly added to the cityscape of SA. When you invest in the artist we are able to pay that forward 1 OX fold. I ask that you invest in us so that we may serve the community you claim to serve. Thank you for your attention. Adriana Martinez Zuniga, Diana From: Yenny Bernal < Sent: Wednesday, May 14, 2025 3:57 PM To: eComment Subject: INVESTING IN THE ARTS IN SANTA ANA Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links. Dear city council members, As a local artist, teacher, and small business owner specialized in Arts and Culture events, I am once again, as I do every year voicing the importance about the continued need for arts funding in our city. Art Heals and as the City of the Arts in OC we have made a pledge to continue to spread creativity and mental health to our residents and visitors. But most importantly, it is crucial that once we are accepted as grantees, rendered our services paid from our own pockets that we get paid in time as stipulated on pur Artists Ageements. Unfortunately, the person in change of the artists liaison is unwilling/unable to solve payment issues. In example, I'm still waiting for payment for an event produced in Nov. 2024, invoiced Dec. 16th and still unpaid even though they said that all documentation has been received. This should be unacceptable as we depend on the promised funding to keep our business afloat. I hope that you will take our comments and requests to heart as I know you understand the impact that arts and culture bring to our city from a monetary perspective as well. Thank you for your time. Best Wishes, Zuniga, Diana From: Mr John Spiak < Sent: Wednesday, May 14, 2025 4:01 PM To: eComment Subject: Support Letter for the Arts Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links. John D. Spiak May 14, 2025 City Council City of Santa Ana 20 Civic Center Plaza Santa Ana, CA 92701 Dear Members of the City Council, I am reaching out to express my enthusiastic support for allocating $200,000 in the upcoming budget to strengthen local arts initiatives in Santa Ana. Having long been intertwined with the arts community here, I believe it is vital for us to champion the vibrant arts scene that defines our city. Government -funded arts initiatives, such as the ''Investing in the Arts'' grants, significantly enhance the quality of life for residents, youth, families, and seniors. Amid rising inflation and cuts to similar programs, these initiatives fortify our local creative economy and attract creatives to our community, unlocking new avenues for tax revenue. Artists who have benefited from city grants or arts event funding have forged innovative partnerships with local businesses, drawing new visitors to Santa Ana to experience the arts in novel ways. Every First Saturday of the month, the arts attract thousands of visitors to our downtown, who not only enjoy the visual art spaces but also frequent our local restaurants, businesses, bars, and parking garages. This surge brings fresh business and tax revenue, along with positive press generated through art spaces' email invitation campaigns and regional/national exhibition press reviews, solidifying Santa Ana's reputation for its flourishing arts community. Travel Santa Ana has spotlighted our arts scene, showcasing the distinctive and dynamic environment that sets Santa Ana apart from neighboring cities. Moreover, Santa Ana boasts numerous historic murals in need of restoration. These murals are a source of pride and elevate our standing as an arts destination, potentially generating additional revenue. As a city that prides itself on being a hub for the arts, Santa Ana should persistently expand programs and initiatives that celebrate and enhance access for residents, visitors, arts enthusiasts, youth, families, and the myriad small businesses that thrive alongside a vibrant arts community. In addition to the proposed $200,000, the council should also explore a potential 1% for the Arts policy connected with development projects, a common practice for supporting the arts in many cities nationwide. Thank you for your time and consideration of this letter and the voices of our community in support of the arts. Sincerely, John D. Spiak Santa Ana Resident Alcala, Abigail From: Bryan Chang <bchang@dancemusicinitiative.org> Sent: Thursday, May 15, 2025 3:03 AM To: eComment Subject: Santa Ana Arts funding Am: ciifl.W�in, "H in eu uffl nror 0na1n°n9 fug-oai mtsn de o, 'Ci y oro'S: nu a Anna. Use caion when n:pel inn aflaclnn enu s or finks. To whom it may concern, As an organization that has received Santa Ana arts funding, we would like to express our sincerest gratitude and highlight some of the positive benefits that publicly funded art initiatives bring to the community. Through the support of the Investing in the Artist grant, our nonprofit has been able to host free, weekly DJ lessons that are open to the public. We've had the privilege of serving dozens of established and emerging artists in their pursuit of artistic music mixing and curation. In addition to the arts education that youth, families, and seniors have gained by attending our lessons, our nonprofit is now able to show appreciation to our six teaching artists by providing a modest stipend for their time, equipment, and expertise something we've been unable to do until now, despite offering these free classes for the past 15 years. On top of all that, we are also generating tax revenue and parking fares by bringing customers to the Santa Ana restaurant that hosts our classes. We are proud to call Santa Ana the hub of our community programming. The city's unwavering supportboth community and financial —for the arts has attracted students and artists from across Southern California. We truly believe that the arts breathe life into neighborhoods, and it's heartwarming to see Santa Ana prioritize them. Your support and consideration are greatly appreciated. Bryan 1",1 19(,,)9 21O 1((,),I as www.dancemusicinitiative.or� Alcala, Abigail From: suzie c sancloval < Sent: Thursday, May 15, 2025 8:23 AM To: eComment Subject: City Council Special Meeting: from Santa Ana Healthy Neighborhoods Alliance, May 15,2025 Attachments: Support Cypress Fire Station Services.docx Am: eifl.Win,]Ifis eauffl orOnawd fug-mn onutsde o'Cu y o�'Sanm Ana. Use canon when opelfing aflachmews or finks. Please be so kind as to distribute. Thank you. Susana Sandoval May 15, 2025 Dear Mayor Ms. Amezcua, Mayor Pro tem Ms. Lopez, and council members Mr. Bacerra, Mr. Hernandez, Mr. Penaloza, Viet Phan, and Mr. Vazquez: The Santa Ana Healthy Neighborhoods Alliance (SAHNA) supports the Cyress Fire Station services for Seniors and the PAAL Program to move forward as supported by the community and voted for approval by esteemed mayor Valerie Amezcua and City Council members. We endorse continuing these much -needed services for the current Budget now moving to the final stages for approval. The SAHNA mission is to improve the health, safety and education of children, families and the community at large. As seniors we are in need of services for our mobility, health, learning and cognition, classes targeted for us, and other resources we can access. Seniors are a growing population in Santa Ana and there are not enough services for us. The Cypress Fire Station is the perfect location, densely populated area and lacking in Senior Services and the PAAL program to meet the needs of the children and parents in the surrounding neighborhoods. We have experienced that the Police Athletic & Activity League (PAAL) mission and activities contribute to SAHNA's mission and the City's commitment to Seniors and the PAAL mission. We were thrilled when the City Council approved the PAAL Program to be located at Cypress Fire Station --- and exuberant that services/activities will be made available to our seniors. We personally will take advantage of the senior activities and will promote them with our peers and community network. It is our hope, and we believe you will not throw us under the bus, and we are included in the final budget approval. Most Sincerely, Susana Sandoval, Co -Chair Santa Ana Healthy Neighborhoods Alliance Proud Resident of Santa Ana for 35 plus years Alcala, Abigail From: Irma Jauregui < Sent: Thursday, May 15, 2025 10:37 AM To: eComment Subject: Special meeting and budget items Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links. Dear Mayor and honorable council members, I know the work that is before you for the coming budget is one of the issues of high importance for our senior community and it's well-being, is to continue as committed for the Cypress fire station to support the PAAL program both for our children and our seniors. We are in dire need of more senior centers and programs as our population ages and more services and the efficient and high utilization of the fire station for both our children, and our seniors is of highest importance and most needed! This is one of the most densest neighborhoods in our city, and this location is ideal for everyone in the South corridor. Thank you again for keeping your promises as originally committed, and we look forward to the grand opening and hopefully the near future. Most sincerely, Irma P Jauregui Wilshire Square resident and SAHNA co founder Alcala, Abigail From: PICO LOWELL <picolowell.association@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, May 15, 2025 11:53 AM To: eComment Subject: Letter of Support for Full Funding of the Tolliver -Bristol Corridor Park Project Attachments: Letter of Support for Bristol -Tolliver Park.pdf Amteiin ioiu ll in eu uffl nror Ona1ed fig-oai mtsn de o, 'Ci y oro'S: nu a Anna. Use caion when n:pei inn at aclnn enu s or finks. Dear Mayor and Honorable City Council Members, As Co -Presidents of the Pico Lowell Neighborhood Association, we are writing to express our strong support for the Tolliver -Bristol Corridor Park Project and to respectfully urge the City to allocate full funding for its completion. This much -needed green space will provide essential recreational opportunities for families and residents in our community. We believe this project aligns with the City's commitment to equitable access to parks and open spaces. We also encourage continued prioritization of green space development on the remaining vacant lots along Bristol Street. Please find our formal letter of support attached. Thank you for your leadership and continued dedication to our neighborhoods. Best Regards, Lizeth Fuentes and Valerie Magdaleno Co -Presidents Pico Lowell Neighborhood Association Pico Lowell Neighborhood Association Santa Ana, CA 92703 picolowell.association@gmail.com Date: 5/15/2025 Santa Ana City Council City of Santa Ana 20 Civic Center Plaza Santa Ana, CA 92701 Subject: Request for Full Funding of the Tolliver -Bristol Corridor Park Project Dear City Council Members, On behalf of the Pico Lowell Neighborhood Association, we are writing to express our strong support for the Tolliver -Bristol Corridor Park Project and to advocate for its full funding and timely completion. This exciting project proposes to transform vacant, City -owned parcels at the intersection of Bristol Street and Tolliver Street into a vibrant, 1.25-acre community park. The current design includes drought -tolerant landscaping, shade trees, recreational features, pedestrian pathways, signage, lighting, and picnic benches —amenities that are much needed in our dense urban neighborhood. However, we are concerned that funding has not yet been secured for critical recreational components of the plan, specifically the basketball court and skate park. These elements are essential to activating the space, drawing positive community use, and ensuring the park becomes a welcoming environment for families and youth. Without them, the risk increases, and the area will remain underused and vulnerable to vandalism. Fully funding these features will help transform this corridor into a safe, lively, and inclusive community space where children can play, teens can skate or shoot hoops, and neighbors can gather —something our community currently lacks. Our neighborhood has no nearby park and no accessible open space for residents to walk their dogs, enjoy the outdoors, or let their children play safely. We respectfully urge you to fully fund the Tolliver -Bristol Corridor Park, including the basketball court and skate park, and to continue prioritizing the development of additional green spaces on the remaining vacant lots along Bristol Street. Thank you for your leadership and commitment to equitable access to parks and recreation. We look forward to your support in bringing this much -needed project to life for our community. Sincerely, Lizeth Fuentes and Valerie Magdaleno Co -Presidents Pico Lowell Neighborhood Association Alcala, Abigail From: Debra Russell < Sent: Thursday, May 15, 2025 2:36 PM To: Lopez, Jessie; eComment Subject: Advocating for Arts Funding in our 2025 City Budget Attachments: 1. CA_CityOfSantaAna_AEP6_OnePageSummaryOfFindings (1).pdf Am: eiifl.Win, Tlfis eu uffl nror Ona1n°n9 fug-oai onut;n de o, 'Cu y oro ' S: nu a Anna. Use can fionn when opelfing aflaclnn enu s or finks. Dear Mayor Amezcua and City Councilmembers, I recently perused the Travel Santa Ana website—intended to entice visitors to come and see what our city has to offer —and was reminded that when others think of us, they think of the arts. Their website features many of the bright and vibrant murals painted by local artists across our downtown, with recommendations to check out our monthly Artwalk among other arts -oriented opportunities. Our reputation for being a unique and creative place has also been echoed in numerous conversations with colleagues in my field across the state of California. It is a reputation for us all to be proud of —and to continue to grow through dedicated arts funding. The most recent Arts 8t Economic Prosperity report (summary is attached), commissioned by the City of Santa Ana, to gauge the impact of the arts on our local economy supports this call for dedicated funding. For instance, in 2022, over 700 jobs were tied directly to the creative economy in our city. When people come to explore Santa Ana, they also spend: $30 per person, per event, on average when engaged in arts -related activities. Researchers found that in 2022 alone there was $9.6 million spent on arts and culture events here by locals and visitors. And there is room to expand this economy even further with dedicated investment in artist grants to ensure there are more reasons for folks to visit —and spend —in the future. Investing in our artists and in arts experiences also raises the quality of life and attractiveness of our city. As the parent to two school -aged children, I appreciate that Santa Ana is home to so many regular and free gatherings, performances, workshops, and innovative ways that my family can engage in the arts. It is a reason that other families and friends in our circle travel here, spend their money, and leave with the impression that Santa Ana has a thriving arts scene worth coming back for. Having dedicated funding for grant opportunities specifically for artists who live and work in Santa Ana is another way we ensure that the arts are not only what attracts others but is what we are known for across the Southland. As you make your budget decisions for our city this year, I urge you to continue our investment in dedicated arts funding. It makes sense from a financial perspective to help grow our own creative economy. It makes sense for all the residents —children, families, seniors —who have access to arts experiences that enrich their connection to our city, to each other, and to future workforce opportunities that prioritize creative thinking. It also communicates to those who call this city home or decide to visit that Santa Ana is an exciting and vibrant hub where the arts and artists thrive. Thank you for your service to our city and your leadership to ensure that Santa Ana continues to be known as "a city of the arts" to all. Respectfully, Debra Russell Proud Resident, Parent, Educator, Board Member, 8t Commissioner M 1, I VOW, A 1 J R) m Santa Ana is United by -Or. Inal When it comes to Southern California clestinou city bursting with creative energy and a uniq],f,spittiF ,CT'rCM'ic8k1"►S ARTS&for the •t PLACE YOUR LOGO HERE The Economic and Social Impact of Nonprofit Arts and Culture Organizations and Their Audiences in City of Santa Ana Total Industry Expenditures (FY2022) 1 $44,460,618 1 $9,565,081 $54,025,699 Economic Impact of Spending by Arts and Culture Organizations and Their Audiences Toil.nor�o Employment .. �, 4 rg izrans, at .. Personal Income Paid to Residents $44,005,614 Local Tax Revenue (city and county) • State Tax Revenue Federal:• Event -Related Spending by Arts and Culture Audiences Totaled $9.6 million Total Attendance to In -Person Events 261,900 53,262 315,162 Percentage of Total Attendance 83.1% 16.9% 100.0% Average Per Person, Per Event Expenditure $27.35 $45.10 $30.34 Total Event -Related Expenditures $7,162,965 $2,402,116 $9,565,081 Nonprofit Arts and Culture Audiences Spend an Average of $30.34 Per Person, Per Event Food and Drink $9.48 $15.43 $10.49 Retail Shopping $5.99 $10.92 $6.82 Overnight Lodging (one night only) $0.96 $3.61 $1.40 Local Transportation $3.32 $7.95 $4.10 Clothing and Accessories $2.47 $2.23 $2.43 Groceries and Supplies $3.01 $2.39 $2.91 Childcare $0.64 $0.87 $0.68 Other/Miscellaneous $1.48 $1.70 $1.51 Overall Average Per Person, Per Event $27.35 $45.10 $30.34 Source: Arts & Economic Prosperity 6: The Economic and Social Impact Study of Nonprofit Arts and Culture Organizations and Their Audiences in the City of Santa Ana. For more information about this study or about other cultural initiatives in the City of Santa Ana, contact the City of Santa Ana. Copyright 2023 by Americans for the Arts. To learn more, visit www.AEP6.AmericansForTheArts.org. Past studies have focused primarily on the financial, economic, and tourism contributions of the nonprofit arts and culture industry. AEP6 expands beyond those topics to include measures of social impact. Surveys completed by individual attendees in the the City of Santa Ana demonstrate an appreciation for how the arts and culture impacts the development and well-being of the community and its residents. Audiences Demonstrate Appreciation for the Impact of Arts and Culture About This Study Americans for the Arts conducted AEP6 to document the economic and social benefits of the nation's nonprofit arts and culture industry. The study was conducted in 373 diverse communities and regions across the country, representing all 50 states and Puerto Rico. The City of Santa Ana joined the study on behalf of the City of Santa Ana. For additional information including the national report, summaries for the 373 communities, an online calculator, and a description of the project methodology, visit www.AEP6.AmericansForTheArts.orq. Surveys of Nonprofit Arts and Culture Organizations Nationally, detailed information was collected from 16,399 nonprofit arts and culture organizations about their FY2022 expenditures (e.g., labor, local and non -local artists, operations, materials, facilities, and asset acquisition), as well as their event attendance, in -kind contributions, and volunteerism. Surveys were collected from February through July 2023. Some organizations only provided total expenditures and attendance (they are included in the study). Responding organizations had budgets ranging from a low of $0 to a high of $375 million. Response rates for the 373 communities averaged 43.9% and ranged from 5% to 100%. In the City of Santa Ana, 21 of the 56 total eligible nonprofit arts and culture organizations identified by the City of Santa Ana provided the financial and attendance information required for the study analysis —an overall participation rate of 37.5% It is important to note that each study region's results are based solely on the survey data collected. Therefore, the less-than-100 percent response rates suggest an understatement of the economic impact findings. Surveys of Nonprofit Arts and Culture Audiences Audience -intercept surveying, a common and accepted research method, was conducted to measure event -related spending by audiences. Attendees were asked to complete a short survey while attending an event. Nationally, a total of 224,677 attendees completed the survey. The randomly selected respondents provided itemized expenditure data on attendance -related activities such as meals, souvenirs, transportation, and lodging, as well as socioeconomic information, ZIP code of primary residence, and four social impact questions. Data was collected from May 2022 through June 2023 at a broad range of both paid and free events. In the City of Santa Ana, a total of 859 valid audience -intercept surveys were collected from attendees to nonprofit arts and culture performances, events, exhibits, and special events during the period from May 2022 through June 2023. Studying Economic Impact Using Input -Output Analysis Americans for the Arts uses the IMPLAN platform to create the customized models for each of the 373 study regions. Input-output models calculate the interdependencies between various sectors or industries within a region. This analysis traces how many times a dollar is respent within the local economy before it leaks out, and it quantifies the economic impact of each round of spending. This form of economic analysis is well suited for AEP studies because it can be customized specifically to each participating community, region, or state. To complete this analysis for the City of Santa Ana, the researchers used the IMPLAN platform to build a customized input-output model based on the unique economic and industrial characteristics of Orange County. Research Notes: For the purpose of this study, local attendees live within Orange County; nonlocals live elsewhere. C:1 a g o 2 om