Santa Ana Council begins negotiating with Chivas

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -September 20, 2011

City of Santa Ana has Entered into a Negotiating Rights Agreement with Chivas USA Enterprises LLC

SANTA ANA, Calif. (September 20, 2011) The City of Santa Ana is pleased to announce that it has entered into a negotiating rights agreement with Chivas USA Enterprises LLC. Chivas USA is the sister team of Club Deportivo Guadalajara, popularly known as 'Chivas', Mexico's most beloved soccer club. The
potential move to Santa Ana would include their Major League team, reserve division, youth teams, and
their non-profit foundation, which focuses on community service projects and programs.

The City and Chivas USA are exploring the potential relocation to Santa Ana, specifically to Willowick Golf
Course, which is owned by the city of Garden Grove but within the City of Santa Ana’s borders. The City of
Garden Grove is receptive to looking at the feasibility of this development.

“In these trying economic times, I am pleased that a Major League Soccer team would consider relocating to
our city to bring much needed resources. Chivas’ presence would create recreational amenities and programs for youth, bring economic development opportunities to our businesses, and revitalize areas within our city,” stated Mayor Miguel Pulido.
Edgar Sebastian Vazquez, President of Inter American Sports Association, added, “As a 30-year resident, I feel this is a magnificent opportunity for all the local athletes as well as the businesses in our community. At this moment when the economy is suffering this opportunity brings jobs, new businesses, and improves programs for our city’s youth. Chivas USA is an organization that supports local youth and will improve the city as a whole.”

Further media inquiries should be directed to the City of Santa Ana Public Information Officer Jose
Gonzalez.

Contact: Jose Gonzalez-City Manager’s Office
714-647-5200 - Office
714-822-4415 - Cell

The Official City of Santa Ana Statement on Chivas USA

“The City of Santa Ana has had very preliminary and informal discussions with Chivas USA, a Major League Soccer team currently playing at the Home Depot Center in Carson, regarding a potential relocation to a new soccer venue.  At present, the City has not engaged in any formal discussions or negotiations with Chivas, USA for these purposes.  In the event, the City were to pursue formal negotiations with any major league sports team to relocate to our community, we would ensure that all residents, neighborhood associations and other stakeholders would be properly notified and would have an opportunity to participate in the process.”

The above statement was issued by interim City Manager Paul Walters on June 21, 2011.

Is anyone really to believe that The City of Santa Ana would actually notify or involve neighborhood associations in the process to bring a professional sports franchise to Santa Ana?

We don't and neither should you.

The letter above was received from the City of Santa Ana on July 13, 2011 in response to a request for any correspondence between Chivas and The City of Santa Ana.

In the letter the Interim City Attorney Joseph Straka states that "meeting minutes, proposals, contracts, environmental and economic impact studies,records of ongoing negotions, of scheduled future meetings and the placing of related items on the council agenda." are exempt from disclosure.

Doesn't sound like the City of Santa Ana intends to either be truthful with the neighborhoods or offer them an opportunity to participate in the process.