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Page 2 January 31, 2020 HONORABLE MAYOR & CITY COUNCIL CITY OF SANTA ANA A Family Justice Center is not office space at the Police Department, which is what the Councilmember is trying to pass off on an unsuspecting public. This phony Family Justice Center is a political ploy. A Family Justice Center by definition is a safe, confidential and friendly place where assistance is provided to survivors of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault and elder/dependent adult abuse; a place away from the police department not the police department. The police department is just that, a police department and detention facility. At the December 10, 2019, Public Safety Committee meeting during the discussion of the Family Justice Center both Councilmembers Iglesias and Penaloza stated opposition and commented on the fact that no family justice center in existence is currently housed at a police facility and recommended best practices of it being off site. How is it that two of three councilmembers of this committee voice serious concern and opposition yet this political fallacy moves forward? This claim is deceptive and demeans the good work of other non-profit foundations working to fund this type of needed community resource, as well as doing a disservice to the families and victims in need of these services. It is nothing more than a political ploy and is a further indication that the Councilmember is misusing his position on the Public Safety Committee. th On December 19, in a city press release reference the SAPD hiring 50 police officers Mr. Villegas said, This is not only insulting to our officers but a slap in the face. More importantly, this is absolutely political, misleading and lying to residents and families of Santa Ana. Mr. Villegas was an absolute no in the approval of the public safety budget. For Mr. Villegas to pass himself off has the public safety supporter and take credit for the police unconceivable but unconscionable. On December 30, 2019, again Mr. Villegas is quoted in the Orange County Register with Ms. Iglesias saying, Well, Mr. Villegas, who is a union member himself with the Orange County Employees Association, knows that all our police officers are membe By saying he does not support our union, officers. This is contradictory, especially as a union member himself and a special security officer for the county. How can these Councilmembers sit on this committee when they show no respect for the principles or the parties involved in these vital issues, where they have shown distain for the stakeholders including the Association and the citizens, and where they have acted for their personal interests rather than those of the City? We ask that you respond to this request by placing this matter on the Council agenda for consideration by the Council as a whole. Not addressing this issue can only be seen as condoning their behavior. We seek positive, ethical and professional conduct from our elected officials. Removing these Councilmembers from the Public Safety Committee is a step toward that goal. Sincerely, SANTA ANA POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE I.D. 841683 SAPOAPAC/rr SAPOA - PAC Committee ID 841683 Letter to Santa Ana City Council - January 31, 2020