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HomeMy WebLinkAbout85B - ADDRESS PBID CONCERNS DISESTABLISHMENTROH (07/02/12) RESOLUTION NO. 2012-XXX A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA STATING ITS INTENTION TO DISESTABLISH THE DOWNTOWN SANTA ANA COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT, AND SETTING A TIME AND PLACE FOR PUBLIC HEARING THEREON. BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. The City Council of the City of Santa Ana hereby finds, determines and declares as follows: A. On December 15, 2008, in compliance with Article XX of Chapter 13 of the Santa Ana Municipal Code (the "Law"), the City Council established the Downtown Santa Ana Community Management District (the "CMD") by adopting Resolution No. 2008-078. B. Section 13-214 of the Law permits the dissolution of the CMD by resolution after the city council first adopts a resolution of intent to disestablish the CMD prior to the required public hearing. C. The City Clerk has received multiple petitions seeking the disestablishment of the CMD. D. On August 1, 2011, the City Council requested that staff begin proceedings to disestablish the CMD. On August 24, 2011, the City Council decided to continue this item for future consideration. On September 19, 2011, the City Council decided to continue this item to October 3, 2011. On October 3, 2011, the City Council decided to continue this item to October 17, 2011. On October 17, 2011, the City Council decided to continue this item to November 7, 2011. On November 7, 2011, the City Council decided to not take any further action toward disestablishment at that time. The matter came back before the City Council for further consideration on July 2, 2012. Section 2. Pursuant to Sections 13-214 of the Law, the City Council hereby declares its intention to set a public hearing regarding the disestablishment of the CMD. This action is taken in response to the multiple petitions received by the City Clerk requesting the disestablishment of the CMD. Specifically, the City Clerk received fifty- six (56) signatures on petitions protesting against the existence of the CMD. In addition, this action is supported by the fact that there were multiple individuals in support of Resolution No. 2012-XXX 856_1 Page 1 of3 alternative maps presented to the City Council proposing reduced boundaries to the current CMD. Further, although the City had the authority to vote for the establishment of the CMD as a property owner in the zone, there are questions regarding the overall support for the CMD from the remaining property owners during the vote if the City had not cast votes in support of the CMD. Section 3. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council shall conduct a public hearing on the disestablishment of the CMD on August 6, 2012, at 6:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, in the City Council Chambers located at 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, California 92702. At the hearing, the City Council will consider adopting a resolution disestablishing the CMD. The City Council will also hear all persons for or against disestablishment of the CMD. Section 4. If the CMD is disestablished, any remaining revenues, after all outstanding debts are paid, derived from the levy of assessments, or derived from the sale of assets acquired with the revenues, or from bond reserve or construction funds, shall be refunded to the owners of the property or businesses then located and operating within the CMD in which assessments were levied by applying the same method and basis that was used to calculate the assessments levied in the fiscal year in which the CMD is disestablished, in accordance with section 13-214 of the Law. Section 5. The notice of the hearing on disestablishment required by section 13-214 of the Law shall be given by mail to the property owner of each parcel or to the owner of each business subject to assessment in the district, as appropriate. The notice shall be mailed to the property and/or business owners at least thirty (30) days prior to the date of the public hearing. Section 6. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the City Council, and the Clerk of the Council shall attest to and certify the vote adopting this Resolution. ADOPTED this 2"d day of July, 2012. Miguel A. Pulido Mayor APPROVED AS TO FORM: By: Sonia R. Carvalho City Attorney Resolution No. 2012-XXX Page 2 of 3 85B-" AYES: Councilmembers NOES: Councilmembers ABSTAIN: Councilmembers NOT PRESENT: Councilmembers CERTIFICATE OF ATTESTATION AND ORIGINALITY I, MARIA D. HUIZAR, Clerk of the Council, do hereby attest to and certify the attached Resolution No. 2012-XXX to be the original resolution adopted by the City Council of the City of Santa Ana on Date: Clerk of the Council City of Santa Ana Resolution No. 2012-XXX 856.3 Page 3 of 3 85B-4 Correspondence for Item 85A 85B-5 .o - ol, Huizar, Maria From: Ava Steaffens <ava@kidworksonline.org> Sent: Wednesday, June 06, 2012 6:14 PM To: Huizar, Maria Subjct: Downtown Inc As one who lives, works and plays in Santa Ana, I would like to express my support for the work of Downtown Inc. I have been very impressed by the improvements that I have seen in Downtown since I moved into the city in 2006. When we first moved here, my husband and I had a tough time finding a decent place to go out to dinner in Downtown. Now, we have all kinds of choices. We are also thrilled with the Art Walk as well as the many events that are sponsored and co- sponsored by Dowtown Inc. that are bringing life into the Downtown. I've had the pleasure of getting to know Vicki Baxter and am thankful for the tremendous effort and all her hard work in helping to make Downtown a safe, attractive and inviting place to be. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions, Ava Steaffens President/CEO MdWor s- touching fives with hope: ava@kidworksonline.org tel: 714-834-9400 x103 1902 W. Chestnut Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92703 "Restoring at-risk neighborhoods one life at a time" i 85B-7 Huizar, Maria From: Bob stewart <bob@stewartsound.com> Sent: Thursday, June 14, 2012 12:38 PM To: Huizar, Maria Cc: Vicky Baxter Subject: Fwd: Letter Dear Maria, Several years ago I decided to move my business to downtown Santa Ana. I was seeing the beginning of an immerging downtown. For several years after the advent of the Artist Village, I saw stagnancy in the downtown and began to feel I had made a mistake. Nothing was moving forward. Several other property owners came together and decided to look into the possibility of a Community Management District. DSABA (Downtown Santa Ana Business Association) was not working due to infighting and lack of vision with a complete unwillingness to change. It was not easy to run our businesses, formally begin a 501©6 nonprofit and be at the leadership of a changing dow-town. However, we were committed to the prospect of revitalization in downtown Santa Ana. We have given our time, money and donated our expertise at "no charge" when needed, to move this new nonprofit into the successful organization it has become. Downtown Inc is not only a vibrant force to the businesses downtown but has made inroads into the community and social issues facing this city. Vicky has convinced us that PBIDs cannot ignore social issues such as the homeless and is at the helm of forming a coalition of civic leaders, the faith community, government and others to begin an effort that could make us a model to all counties in California. She is basing this on the Navigator Program used in Sacramento and San Diego that has received Presidential Awards. The Community Policing Project formed with Santa Ana Police Department along with radios funded by Downtown Inc given to our businesses, has been described by the Justice Department as a model to large cities our size. I am on the Executive Committee with Downtown Inc and cannot understand this continued smear of the organization. We have strived to be transparent, we invite the public to all our meetings and we have done everything possible to recruit new diverse directors and members. We are focused on success and assisting all the businesses in downtown. The naysayers and people who continue to storm City Hall hurt Santa Ana. Their agenda is beyond our understanding because they refuse to come to the table. What is most amazing to me personally is that these same people held contempt for each other before Downtown Inc and now they have formed a "social club". Perhaps we should be commended for uniting them for the first time. If they would put the effort and time into what they so fervently oppose, they may find common ground and realize we are all here to prosper our businesses, raise our families and live the American dream in unity. My sincere desire would be to see all businesses in the district part of the equation, actively involved with Downtown Inc and making a difference in revitalizing Downtown Santa Ana. Last week we held a Tri Mixer with over 250 businesses represented. The positive comments and pleasure at what is taking place in downtown Santa Ana was refreshing to hear from business people in Santa Ana and throughout Orange County. Keeping this issue at the forefront at City Council hurts bringing consumers and new businesses downtown. If PBIDs did not work, then there would not be 1500 across the United States and now internationally accepted and embraced. Several Cities have called us for details in beginning a PBID (Orange, Brea, Pasadena, San Pedro, and Newaort Beach). Our success shows! Sincerely, Bob Stewart Past President Downtown Inc 1 85B-8 Huizar, Maria From: Dennis Dascanio <ddascanio@sbcglobal.net> Sent: Thursday, June 07, 2012 2:49 PM To: Huizar, Maria Subject: Support for DTI Dear Ms. Maria Huizar, Clerk of the Counsel: This writing is in response to ongoing negative information that has been recycled and put out by opponents of the DTI and PBID. I am a new member of the DTI Board and proponent of it's mission and accomplishments. I have been a business owner in Santa Ana since 1987. For the first 24 years, I was at the same location at 17Th Street and Flower (960 West 17Th Street). Last May, I decided to relocate my office to the Artist Village, 200 N. Main Street, to a building I recently purchased. The decision to purchase and move into the downtown area was because of changes to the PBID area that I had been witnessing over the past 1-2 years. Prior to that, I could not have even considered moving into the area. It had long been in decline from it's hey days of the 1980's, with crime and grime as it's lasting image.. I can now say that I feel safe and I am a proud owner of the Builders Exchange building and I look forward to years of being part of the local business District. As a DTI Board member, I have never known there to be any kind of pension or 401 K program available to employees or members. All financial records are available for viewing on-line. We serve as volunteers and I consider all employees loyal to the advancement of the business district and it's surrounding areas. The meetings are open to the public, and input is openly requested. Opposition and discussion is a fundamental and integral part of public functions and forums, such as the PBID. Slander or defamation only hurts the advancements that are the mission of the DTI. Results, however, speak far louder than words, and the results attained by DTI in the PBID area in such a short period of time are stunning. Regards, Dennis Dascanio Proud owner of Builders Exchange historical building and DTI Board member. i 85B-9 Huizar, Maria From: Dwight Smith <dwightlsmith@gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, June 06, 2012 8:40 PM To: Huizar, Maria Cc: Vicky Baxter; Tim Rush; Walters, Paul Subject: Downtown Ms. Huizar, Downtown Inc., and especially Ms. Vicky Baxter, have opened my eyes to the possibilities of working with a BID. Our sister organization, the LACW, stands in awe of the relationship we have enjoyed with Downtown, inasmuch as they have long fought with various BID's in downtown Los Anegeles, costing both sides tens of thousands of dollars yearly, and generating reams of bad press for the city. When we had a problem with an ill-educated security guard, it was resolved to our satisfaction in a manner that could serve as a model for BID's across the country. It is deplorable to me that any organization should have to refute slander, and I hope the City could publicly express it disfavor for those who have lied about the use to which Downtown Inc. puts the public's tax dollars. I for one would like to see transparency include the investigation and even prosecution of those who use the mails to generate damaging untruths about civic institutions. If Janet Nguyen can fire people for disagreeing with her, can't we at least find and help sue those that lie about those acting on behalf of the City? It's hard enough to teach the people of the OC how wonderful Santa Ana is - we simply cannot tolerate those in our midst who stoop to lies and false innuendo. My hat is off to Vicky Baxter and Downtown for peaceably enduring this terrible slander. Let me know of I can help. Dwight Smith, occatholicworker.org 1 85B-10 Huizar, Maria From: Eddie Quillares <eddie.quillares.rlwt@statefarm.com> Sent: Thursday, June 07, 2012 11:22 AM To: Huizar, Maria Subject: My Story Maria, The purpose of this email is to share my story with you regarding my growth and success in Downtown Santa Ana. I opened my business in Santa Ana in September 2010. 1 am very fortunate to share that I opened my agency with two associates and now I have six team members that have embraced the Santa Ana community and the surrounding areas. Our success was not only due to our systems and processes but most importantly with organizations such as: Santa Ana Chamber of Commerce, Orange County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Santa Ana Downtown Inc. Collectively, these organizations have continuously supported not only our business needs, but the needs of the community - especially in Downtown Santa Ana. From the time that I arrived in Santa Ana in 2010 to our last Tri-Mixer hosted in Downtown Inc. last week, I have seen substantial growth in the local community and the influence that Downtown Inc. has made in the Downtown culture. It has given Downtown the positive attention it deserves for creating a culture that is embracing not only the current business owners but the new business that are opening on a daily basis. I am a strong believer that "You get out of it, what you put into it," and it is righteous to state that Downtown Inc. is the core to the imminent growth in Santa Ana. I am confident that I would not be at this point in my business without the help of community organization in Santa Ana and Orange County, but Downtown Inc. has been the backbone to my growth in the Downtown area. My information is listed below if you would like to speak with me directly or I am a few blocks away so feel free to stop by and say hello. I have plenty of stuffed bears and chip clips!! Best, Eddie Q Eddie Quillares Jr, Agent License #OG82888 State Farm Agent Providing Insurance and Financial Services Phone (714) 617-7150 Direct (562) 787-1799 Fax (714) 617-7158 Address 415 N. Broadway, Santa Ana, CA 92701 Email Eddie@EddieQinsurance.com Web www.EddieQinsurance.com ,,A Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail. A Good Neighbor is a Green Neighbor. TM 1 85B-11 Huizar, Maria From: Ellen Seefeldt <seefeldt3@cox.net> Sent: Thursday, June 07, 2012 12:31 PM To: Huizar, Maria Subject: Downtown Inc. To Whom It May Concern: I am a gallery director for Avantgarden Gallery in the Santora Arts Building. We are part of Orange County Fine Arts Association, one of the largest, and the oldest arts organization in Orange County, with headquarters in Santa Ana. Recently I have been disappointed upon hearing criticisms about Downtown Inc. Since they took over the art walk, we havehad nothing but improvements in the surrounding area with new restaurants, a cleaner environment, more security. family friendly events in the promenade, and nothing but support of the Artists Village. I was invited to be a part of the marketing committee during their first year and was impressed with how DTI handled all the requests for support from, not only the arts community, but from Calle Cuatro merchants, and organizers of all the events that make the city great. I have seen that other merchants and property owners have also been at these meetings, and that many of the gallery owners have participated in different committee meetings and projects. I grew up in neighboring La Habra, and although I now live in south county, I work and shop and go to restaurants in Santa Ana. I have seen many changes over the years, more positive changes recently with new downtown store fronts and new restaurants and businesses. These changes I attribute to the work of Downtown, Inc.! It's unfortunate that a few individuals have to criticize and spread untruths about an organization that has done so much to improve Santa Ana! Ellen Seefeldt Avantgarden-The Art Gallery www.artavantgarden.com www.ocfinearts.org 1 85B-12 Huizar, Maria From: Everett, Caleb <caleb@careercalifornia.edu> Sent: Thursday, June 07, 2012 12:48 PM To: Huizar, Maria Subject: Downtown Inc. Dear Mrs. Huizar, I am writing to express my support for Downtown Inc. I understand they have been the subject of some recent criticism. As a small business owner, I really appreciate and have benefited from their efforts. The downtown area is clean and safe. The events they put on are terrific and any time we call for help, whether it be an introduction or help planning an event, they are always very responsive and very helpful. Sincerely, Caleb Everett Chief Executive Officer Carcer College of California 201 E. 4th Street, Suite 200 Santa Ana, CA 92701 (714) 243-8614 phone and fax www.careercalifornia.edu Join Our Community! 1 85B-13 Huizar, Maria From: guzmar@netzero.net Sent: Thursday, June 07, 2012 12:28 PM To: Huizar, Maria Subject: Downtown, Inc. is putting the Wow in Downtown! June 7, 2012 Dear Honorable Mayor Pulido and City Council Members, I am delighted with the enhancements I've seen in Downtown Santa Ana. Since Downtown, Inc. was established and placed under the energetic, professional leadership of Vicky Baxter, we've witnessed the transformation of the drab Pepto Bismol Fiesta Marketplace into a refreshed, energized, upscale looking East End Shopping District with a greater variety of new shops. It's a cleaner, safer and more desirable place to shop, to meet friends for lunch or dinner and to enjoy entertainment. Personally, I was very excited that my son, DJ Frosty, Executive Director of www.Dublab.com's Dublab Soundsystems conducted a live broadcast of Dublab (internet radio) from "The Crosby" to a packed crowd a year ago. In 2005, my son, Mark McNeill, was named DJ of the year by LA Weekly. He performs at concert events and venues worldwide--South Africa, Japan, Europe, and South America as well as the Hollywood Bowl, Disney Concert Hall, the Getty Center, LACMA for the LA Arts Commission and LA Department of Cultural Affairs. Mark was impressed with the "new" downtown Santa Ana. Wilshire Square Neighborhood Association has planned the first of many social events at restaurants in downtown. Our first Wilshire Square social will be held at "Chapter One" Restaurant on June 20th. Downtown has become a desirable location to meet with a variety of attractive restaurants and safe, convenient parking. Planning our social events downtown is a vote of confidence in what Downtown, Inc. is accomplishing in transforming Downtown Santa Ana into a great place to have fun and shop. Sincerely, Mary Guzman, President Wilshire Square Neighborhood Association (714) 380-2210 cell 53 Year Old Mom Looks 33 The Stunning Results of Her Wrinkle Trick Has Botox Doctors Worried tons umerproducts.corn 1 85B-14 Huizar, Maria From: James Kendrick <lrags@att.net> Sent: Friday, June 08, 2012 10:09 AM To: Huizar, Maria Subject: Support:DTI Honorable Mayor and City Council Members, I, James Kendrick, owner of Santa Ana's best News Stand, Rags, located at 454 North Broadway #100, Santa Ana, CA 92701, do support DTI, better known as Downtown INC. As a member of DASBA when I first opened, and to pay and extra tax based on my gross sales as other Downtown Merchant, it was a relief to see Downtown INC., take over. Even as some property owners may agree as a special district, a lot of property owners wanted to do nothing but take advantage of the city and milk it dry demanding the city to maintain and promote the Downtown. Dow,,itown INC, is still in its infancy, and still needs a chance to grow and help Santa Ana reach its full potential as a special mix use district. I really feel that all the property owners need to be educated and really try to work on the long term vision. Prior City Councils formed a special district, with over lays and try to look into the future of a more diverse and multi cultural Downtown reaching out to everyone. So please let Downtown INC have a chance to mature and reach out to build a stronger Santa Ana. Sincerely, James Kendrick Owner Rag, News Stand 454 N Broadway #100 Santa Ana, CA 92701 85b-15 Huia_ar, Maria From: Jeffrey D Hall <jeff@chapteronetml.com> Sent: Thursday, June 07, 2012 12:46 AM To: Huizar, Maria Cc: Jeff Jensen Subject: Chapter One: the modern local's Support for Downtown Inc. MARIA We would like to voice our support for Downtown Inc. Our business, that generates a large amount of tax revenues, in a building that was virtually empty when we arrived, which also employs 50+, mostly local and semi-local employees, would never have been located in Santa Ana, without the support of Downtown Inc. It gave us the confidence to make a $million investment in this city and that was before we understood the entirety of their support. I cannot and do not want to imagine this downtown without Downtown Inc. There are many loud, persistent people that constantly voice their disdain for this great organization. Their numbers are small and most don't seem to even be within the district anymore, but it seems to have become the most involved and time consuming aspect of their lives. If they truly wanted to improve the community, as they claim, then they should take half of the time that they are spending arguing against DTI and instead direct it positively into the community and their businesses. Then, ironically, they would probably figure out the greatest way to truly make Downtown Inc. less of an issue in their lives, through economic prosperity. Downtown Inc. is imperative to the continued growth of this area. Thank you for your time. Jeff Hall Chapter One: the modern local 227 N. Broadway Downtown Santa Ana, CA 92701 (714) 724-1031 CELL (714) 352-2225 MAIN (714) 352-2242 FAX www.cha_pteronetml. coin Become a FAN on Facebook! FOLLOW US ON TWITTER@ Chayteronetml A please consider the environment before printing this. 1 85B-16 Huizar, Maria From: Sent: To: Subject: style4sight@gmail.com on behalf of Julia T Thursday, June 07, 2012 12:04 PM Huizar, Maria In support of Downtown Inc. - OCFA <julia@ocfashionassociation.com> Dear Mrs. Huizar, My name is Julia Tudor. I am the President and Founder of the OC Fashion Association. The OCFA is a non-profit organization that supports emerging fashion talent in Orange County and aims to liven up the almost non-existent Orange County fashion scene through various fashion related events such as the popular OC FASHION WEEK, mixers, exhibits, media productions and even public fashion flash mobs. I am writing to you on behalf of my organization in regards to Downtown Inc. to share my outmost appreciation for their outstanding efforts. We had the pleasure of working with them last year and we hope to work again soon in bringing more fashion to Downtown. It was because of Downtown Inc's help with our first fashion show last year that OCFA kept coming back and had 7 more other events in Santa Ana, including the branded OC FASHION WEEKs events. Downtown Inc's support for our new organization was and still is invaluable to us in ensuring successful fashion events. With their help we were able to put on great fashion shows unparallel to anything seen in Orange County before and to this day these shows are being hailed by the media and fashion enthusiasts in Orange County, Los Angeles and San Diego! Downtown Inc. helped us tremendously in navigating the right channels to obtain permits, they made the connections we needed with the business in Downtown, lend us prepping rooms, security for our events, and sponsored our May 26 event last year among many other things. Please, take a minute to watch these two videos of last's year's OC FASHOIN WEEK which took place outdoors on the 2nd Street Promenade in front of the Grand Central Art Center featuring four fall/winter designer collections. http://youtu.be/7n 15hx7zVU , http://vimeo.com/24100733# Without Downtown Inc.s' help none of our events would have been possible simply because not enough resources would have been at our disposal to make our small and large production events a reality otherwise. Their board of directors and the amazing staff are very passionate people who are obviously extremely determined to help the community and revive the Downtown despite all criticisms and alligations by those who do not believe in its mission. But we believe that their efforts and dedication, many times going beyond normal office hours, will eventually prevail. They work effortlessly to put Downtown Santa Ana on the map again, and we trust, this is no easy job. We are truly inspired by their determination to work against all adds, 1 85B-17 all criticism and continue to do a great job no matter what. The changes they bring to Downtown are for the better and it has been obvious to many of the people we brought to our events in Downtown, people who outcasted Santa Ana a long time ago as being unsafe and unfit for a fashion scene, that this is now a NEW place with new potential and countless opportunities. Only thanks to organizations like Downtown Inc., the public's old mentality about Santa Ana is constantly changing for the better and this is no small accomplishment! Thank you for your time reading this message. We hope that you will too share our support for Downtown Inc.'s unmatched efforts, its board members and staff in helping Downtown Santa Ana reach its potential of the only urban Orange County hotspot filled with history, culture and innovation! Sinerely, Julia Tudor President/ Founder of OC Fashion Association SEE YOU IN THE SPOTLIGHT! EXPERIENCE - EMERGE - EXPOSE The OC Fashion Association is a non-profit mutual benefit corporation dedicated to promoting unity within our diverse fashion community while supporting emerging talent. website: httE..//www.ocfashionassociation.com facebook fan page: httg://www.facebook.corn/OCFashionAssociation twitter: http://www.twitter.com/OCFASSOC tumblr: httl)://ocfashionassociation.tumblr.com/ tumblr: htto://ocfashionweek.tumblr.com/ linkedin group: htti)://www.linkedin.com/groups?mostPooulai-=&qid=3681670 mailing address: PO BOX 2455, Costa Mesa, CA 92628 2 85B-18 Huizar, Maria From: kathie warren <artiskathieQa msn.com> Sent: Thursday, June 07, 2012 8:54 PM To: Huizar, Maria Subject: Regarding DTI Dear Maria Huizar, I'm an artist and an 18 year participant in the artist village, and for 10 years I've had my gallery in the basement of the Santora Building, the Green Door gallery. I have observed the changes over the years. Vicky and the team of Downtown Inc. has removed the grey film, the disintegrating aura, over the redevelopment area. The streets are clean, I don't feel like I'm passing through a dump any more, or attacked with mounds of paper flyers, or smells of urine. The beautiful buildings almost shine in the day time. The doors smile with an invitation to enter. I see friendly alert security. I see police on horses, they give a feeling of safety yet family friendly, I see children who might otherwise be intimidated by officers go up to the horses and talk to the officers. Where there was no communication before we the artists are embraced and empowered by DTI. They come to the artwalk they BUY art, they care. They maintain consistency in organizing the art walk. They oversee the bureaucracy in holding events, handle permits, reach out to other businesses to generate cross promotion. They promote and facilitate, making the Santa Ana Art Walk the envy of other cities. The fruit of their efforts is apparent when people come into my gallery. They come from Laguna, Irvine, Fresno, the bay area, San Diego, Riverside, New York, Texas and so many other places. Local people come back with visiting relatives and friends. A daughter brought her artist mother visiting from Greece, who purchased a small painting. Some visiting from other countries. No they don't all buy art, but they go to the restaurants, they tell others, and come back with more friends. These people come day time and night time, they feel safe, they park and have a full evening of activities. Now we need to stimulate the BUYING of art. The art has been the driving force, and DTI has been the fuel to create this vibrate community. The recent DTI May mixer was a great example of how the community now comes together. Artists, politicians, 4th street businesses, SAC event planning students, a racial mix. It was a picture of how DTI has brought everyone together to work together. There is so much more that they do behind the scenes that makes Santa Ana sparkle, of course there is more work to do. People that I talk to love coming and moving to Santa Ana because it now feels safe, clean and active. They are stimulated, and inspired, they don't get that in planned communities like Irvine and it's 3 shades of beige, or even in beautiful Laguna, where the art doesn't change. Santa Ana is historical, it is organic and the art here reflects that. Walk 3-5 blocks in any directions and you experience a cultural trip without getting on a plane. I sit on the 2nd street promenade, in a one hour, I will see a woman pushing a stroller, 4 laughing students, a couple of suits with briefcases, a homeless man with his bags, a couple of nicely dressed women of color chatting up a storm, an artist waring torn paint dripped, jeans; pushing a dolly of paintings, a workman with broom and trash can; a spaced out skinny kid. Black, white, Hispanic, Asian. This is not only Santa Ana it is America. So I I'm digressing into what could have been a Steinbeck novel. The bottom line is that DTI makes a big difference for ALL. Thank you, Kathie Warren Green Door gallery, b-4 Santora/basement 1 85B-19 Huizar, Maria From: LuterLutz@aol.com Sent: Thursday, June 07, 2012 2:35 PM To: Huizar, Maria Subject: Downtown Inc. Maria, can you please distribute the following. Mayor and Council Members Nancy and I would like to go on record of supporting Downtown Inc. Having been the leader in developing the Artists Village in the 90's I have seen how the downtown is coming alive where before the town was closed up at five o'clock. Now the town is attracting leading businesses like DGWB and higher educational forums such as Grand Central Arts Forum and cutting edge restaurants and entertainment venues hosting national known groups at the old Yost Theater. This is especially an important time with the City suffering a budget crises to have an oversight body like Downtown Inc. to help promote downtown Santa Ana along with ensuring the safety of those patronizing the stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues and assuring clean sidewalks and store fronts. It is unfortunate that there is a perception that Downtown Inc. has a 401(K) or other type of retirement program. This is totally untrue and just another attempt to defame this organization. Sincerely, Tom & Nancy Lutz Washington Square Residents. 1 85B-20 Huizar, Maria From: Mcewenl@aol.com Sent: Wednesday, June 06, 2012 5:10 PM To: Huizar, Maria Subject: Downtown Inc Ms Huizar I would like to take a moment to express my support of Downtown Inc. As a twenty three year resident of Santa Ana, I have never felt as hopeful for the success of the downtown as I do now. Now, when I invite friends from outside the city to dinner or Art Walk activities, I'm assured we will have a fun, safe, entertaining time. My thanks to the hard work of Downtown Inc for bringing it all together. Without a central body to organize and promote, I don't think it would be possible. Thank you Debbie McEwen French Park 1 85B-21 Huizar, Maria From: mfpax@aol.com Sent: Thursday, June 14, 2012 9:36 AM To: Huizar, Maria Subject: DTI Dear Ms. Huizar, I am writing you to voice my support for Downtown Inc. and the positive impact it has had on the downtown area. This is probably no real surprise since I sit on the board. I work for the owners of 4 buildings in the downtown and they see the improvement to the area in just a couple of years. More importantly, they see the long term improvements that are possible. The taxes that they contribute to fund the PBID are not insignificant to our operations in these lean times, but they see it as a necessary investment for the future of the downtown and the long term success of their properties. Michael Paxton Spurgeon Venture Ltd. ssb-22 Huizar, Maria From: Mike Harvey <mike.harvey333@gmai1.com> Sent: Thursday, June 07, 2012 3:34 PM To: Huizar, Maria Subject: Santa Ana Downtown Inc. Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Mike Harvey and I have recently opened a small music publishing company in downtown Santa Ana. I chose Santa Ana as the place I wanted to be largely because of the way that the area around the Yost Theater had been cleaned up and made safer and more accessible to my clients. I did my research and found that this was made possible by the local merchants and the way they were able to work with Downtown Inc. I have gotten to know my neighbors and I have had a few opportunities to discuss issues that mattered to me with the people at DTI. They were always very helpful and full of useful information. We know that any organization that deals with the public is bound to attract both possitive and negative reviews from the people they serve and that is to be expected but when I heard that the folks at DTI were coming under fire I thought that I would tell my story and the way that I have had nothing but possitive experiences when working with them. I have to say that I think they are doing a great job. Thank You Mike Harvey 220 E. 4th Street, Suite 204 Santa Ana, CA. 92701 phone: 714-547-7071 85B'23 Huizar, Maria From: Minerva Figueroa <minerva.figueroa@cox.net> Sent: Wednesday, June 06, 2012 6:45 PM To: Huizar, Maria Subject: Downtown Inc. My name is Minerva Figueroa and I want you to know that I support Downtown Inc. in their effort to revitalize downtown Santa Ana. The organization was instrumental in helping us Harvey Milk Day and for the past 3 years it has been a trusted partner in many endeavors. Thank You, Minerva Figueroa-Orange County Equality Coalition-949 400 8123 85BL24 Huizar, Maria From: olivana @dslextreme.com <olivana@dslextreme.com> Sent: Thursday, June 07, 2012 1:51 PM To: Huizar, Maria Subject: support for Downtown Inc Madame, there was nathing done to revitalize the run down downtown of Santa Ana prior to Downtown Inc which I am fully supporting. Ivana and Oldrich Unger i 85B-25 Huizar, Maria From: Phil Calhoun <phil@betabenefits.com> Sent: Wednesday, June 06, 2012 4:56 PM To: Huizar, Maria Cc: Vicky Baxter Subject: Support for Downtown Inc. Follow Up Flag: Follow up Flag Status: Completed Maria, I am a property owner of the Minter House on 322 W. 3rd Street. We pay into the PBID and are pleased with what Vicky and her team are doing for the downtown. As a board member of the Santa Ana Chamber and a business owner operating from the Minter House, we appreciate what Santa Ana offers us. We are especially thankful for the security provided by Downtown Inc. as this has kept our employees and building safe as they walk downtown to eat and when they arrive for work and return to their cars to go home. We have owned the property for 10 years now and have seen starts and stops with downtown efforts to improve the downtown. What is currently happening downtown is a credit to Vicky's experience and management style. Our biggest challenge is the amount of the PBID fee we pay and the traffic at the park that gets a little tough at times. As an insurance agency we hope to work with more businesses downtown in an effort to increase revenues for the future. Please contact me as I would like to meet you and show you our office-house sometime, lunch is on me. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions. Thanks, Phil J. Calhoun, MBA President Beta Benefits Insurance Services "Where You Get Good Old Fashioned Customer Service" 322 W. 3rd St. Santa Ana, CA 92701 800.500-9799 ext. 226 FAX 714.664-0614 Lic # 0752323 My MISSION: "To Serve Without Conditions And Within God's Plan." 1 85B-26 Huizar, Maria From: Sue Rabin <suerabin@dslextreme.com> Sent: Thursday, June 07, 2012 8:51 PM To: Huizar, Maria Cc: 'Vicky Baxter' Subject: Downtown Inc Dear Maria, I have recently become familiar with Downtown Inc, Vicky Baxter and several supporters of the organization. As an Orange County resident I have seen downtown Santa Ana go through many changes over the years and within the last few years it has become more and more obvious that some change is occurring for the better. I truly believe this has everything to do with Downtown Inc's efforts. I know that the crime stats have decreased, while the cleanliness, arts, music, food and culture has increased in this area and so despite what a few people may say about this organization, it is clear to me that they are here to change Santa Ana for the better. Quite honestly I believe that those who feel they need to attack others and accuse them of wrong doings when they have no proof or no ground to stand on are the ones in fact that are guilty of the dishonesty and wrong doings themselves. I stand in support of the Downtown Inc as they stand in support of Downtown Santa Ana. Thank you, Sue Rabin 949-394-2540 1 85B-27 Huizar, Maria From: trina.fleming@cox.net Sent: Thursday, June 07, 2012 10:10 AM To: Huizar, Maria Subject: What is the city doing to support the efforts of Downtown Inc.? Maria - I just want to express my support of the Downtown, Inc. and the wonderful job they are doing in revitalizing downtown Santa Ana! It's nice to know that there is someone stepping up to the plate and not just talking about doing something, but is actually doing it. What is the city doing to support Downtown Inc. in their efforts?? Trina Fleming 23385 Gondor Drive Lake Forest, CA 92630 trina.fleming@cox.net 1 85B-28 Huizar, Maria From: Vance Gardner <vogardner@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, June 07, 2012 2:34 PM To: Huizar, Maria Subject: Support for DTI Dear Ms Huizar, I support Downtown Inc's efforts to revitalize the Santa Ana downtown. Santa Ana is a beautiful city with a rich history and heritage. However, I've lived in Orange County for the past 30 years and rarely have I gone into the city, until recently. When Downtown Inc was established; shopping, dining, arts and recreation were enhanced. Now my trips to the city are more varied and rewarding (and I want to go back). The non-profit is run in an ethical, open manner and is a real plus for the city. Please do not let a few fearful citizens taint DTI's exemplary record. Instead, applaud and support this great community organization. Thank you. Sincerely, Vance Gardner MD 1 85B-29 Huizar, Maria From: Victor and Lubna <vicnlubna@yahoo.com> Sent: Thursday, June 14, 2012 1:54 PM To: Huizar, Maria Subject: Thank goodness for DTI Dear Maria: I am a long time resident of Santa Ana and I have worked in the city for over 14 years. The revitalization efforts have made such a big difference in how I feel about the city and how I interact with it. My husband and I now go downtown for dining and entertainment (instead of leaving the city to spend our money elsewhere). In addition, when our friends come to visit, we take them downtown to showcase the beautiful and vibrant atmosphere. I'm always delighted to see the late night crowds walking around a city that used to have the highest crime reputation. We are so encouraged by the developments, that we've chosen to purchase an investment property (in addition to our primary home) in the city of Santa Ana. Santa Ana is not what it used to be, and that is thanks in large part to the efforts of DTI. We need to appreciate them and support them in all their efforts to uplift our city and neighborhoods. Lubna Debbini & Victor Gomez 1016 and 1108 N Towner, Santa Ana. 714-457-0237 i 85B-30