On this Thanksgiving day, Mayor Valerie Amezcua has taken a moment to share a critical message with the Santa Ana community. While today is traditionally a time for family and friends, Mayor Amezcua urges residents to consider an important matter that directly impacts the city
The spotlight is on the impending approval of the MHA (Mental Health Association) program on Main St. by the Board of Supervisors. This initiative, designed to address mental health concerns, has ignited significant apprehensions within the community, particularly in an area already grappling with challenges linked to homelessness, crime, and unsafe activities.
Mayor Amezcua draws attention to the pressing need to shield Santa Ana from becoming a hub for programs that might inadvertently exacerbate the existing difficulties associated with mental health issues in the region.
“When is enough, enough!!! Not In Our City!!” Mayor Amezcua passionately declares, rallying residents to join city staff and other concerned citizens at the upcoming Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday. The collective aim is to voice strong opposition to the approval of the Mental Health Association program, sending a resounding message that such initiatives are unwelcome in Santa Ana.
Residents are being encouraged to actively engage in this opposition by reaching out to the office of Supervisor Sarmiento, making their stance known. Mayor Amezcua advises communication emphasizing that Santa Ana does not wish to host the Mental Health Association program and pointing out alternative cities that could better accommodate such initiatives while still providing necessary mental health services.
This call to action underscores Mayor Amezcua’s unwavering commitment to protecting the community. It also reflects the broader sentiments of residents who feel that Santa Ana has been overburdened with homelessness, transient populations, crime, and drugs, in part due to the concentration of homeless housing and the county jail in the downtown area. Concerns have been raised about individuals arrested in other cities being released in downtown Santa Ana, with social services readily accessible, contributing to the complex challenges faced by the community.
As the city grapples with these multifaceted issues, the urgent pushback against the Mental Health Association program approval highlights the determination of Santa Ana residents to shape the trajectory of their city and address the interconnected challenges it faces.
