Santa Ana’s gentrification wars

AirTalk's March 28, 2011, debate on downtown Santa Ana's proposed development projects at the Libreria Martinez.

Does downtown Santa Ana need a face lift? The Santa Ana City Council has proposed multiple projects to upgrade housing and bring new business activity to the area. But some very vocal and active groups oppose this redevelopment. They argue that these changes will push out family owned businesses and negatively transform the character of downtown Santa Ana. On March 28, AirTalk went "on the road" to Libreria Martinez in Santa Ana to debate the pros and cons of that city’s revitalization process. Will the refurbishing of downtown Santa Ana improve or hurt the quality of life and well-being of residents there?

Does downtown Santa Ana need a face lift? The Santa Ana City Council has proposed multiple projects to upgrade housing and bring new business activity to the area. But some very vocal and active groups oppose this redevelopment. They argue that these changes will push out family owned businesses and negatively transform the character of downtown Santa Ana. On March 28, AirTalk went "on the road" to Libreria Martinez in Santa Ana to debate the pros and cons of that city’s revitalization process. Will the refurbishing of downtown Santa Ana improve or hurt the quality of life and well-being of residents there?

Bonus Web Audio: Audience questions and comments from the Santa Ana Event.

Guests

Carlos Bustamante, Santa Ana Councilman - Ward 3, Director of Administration at Orange County Public Works

Michele Martinez, Santa Ana Councilwoman – Ward 4 which includes the downtown area; Human Resources and Education Foundation Director

Eric Altman, Executive Director of OCCORD, Orange County Communities Organized for Responsible Development

Dr. Arturo Lomeli, dentist and Santa Ana property owner; President of the Santa Ana Coalition for Better Government.

Carolina Sarmiento, board member of El Centro Cultural de Mexico