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Orozco, Norma From: mayra abarca <mayra.abarca@att.net> Sent: Tuesday, July 07, 2020 9:14 AM To: eComment Subject: Proposed Police Budget Increase Good Morning Council Members, I'd like to provide my input on the proposed police budget increase. First, let me start off by saying that I was born and raised in Santa Ana and am currently a homeowner in Pacific Park. I take great pride in our city. I find it unfortunate that the new fad is to defund the police and the logic behind it is to divert those funds into the community instead. However, SAPID already reinvests money back in to the community on a large scale. I imagine most residents are not aware of this or they might feel differently. I've included the community programs SAPID is involved in. This list is not all inclusive, I'm sure. • Gang Reduction Intervention Program (GRIP) • Police Athletics and Activities League (PAAL) • Citizens Academy (weeks long course to give residents in-depth look into policing) • Open Houses (allowing the community to tour the station) • Coffee with a Cop (to support an open dialogue with the community) • Shop with a Cop (adopt a family during Christmas time) • Officers are assigned to different homeowners association and neighborhood watch meetings • Shop a Cop fundraiser in which officers serve as waiters, monies used for Special Olympics • Read Across America (read to elementary school children) • Ride Along Program • Explorer Program The list can go on. Most recently, due to COVID, I've seen officers recently participating in birthday drive by's and delivering meals to the elderly. I've seen news articles about officers donating items and money to reimburse theft victims like one that circulated about landscaping tools that were stolen. On a more personal lever, I've even had an officer walk up to my son and give him a police sticker. Those community relations are vital. It's important to silence the noise of the current fad about defunding the police. The movement has snowballed solely because it's what's currently popular and trending on social media. Unfortunately, it's a very one-sided voice, coming from those that are not stopping to listen to facts and refusing to be challenged with productive conversation. Now, more than ever, our officers are invaluable to our city. I respectfully urge you to approve the proposed increase allowing our officers to continue the good work that they do. Thank you, Mayra Abarca Sent from AT&T Yahoo Mail for iPhone