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Orozco, Norma <br /> From: Edgar Velasco <edgarvelasco8@yahoo.com> <br /> Sent: Friday, May 13, 2022 5:41 AM <br /> To: eComment <br /> Subject: Budget Workshop - Agenda Item #1 <br /> Greetings Mayor Sarmiento and other members of the Council, <br /> My name is Edgar Velasco and I live in Ward 5. 1 am writing today to express my opinions on our city budget for this <br /> year. The budget for fiscal year 2022-23 looks overwhelmingly in favor for SAPID and needs to prioritize community <br /> organizations and services that help our most vulnerable residents, including the youth, immigrant individuals, houseless <br /> community members, low-income neighborhoods, and more. <br /> Last year,40%of our general funds went to SAPID.Their constant over abundance in funding has granted them too much <br /> power and authority.Their vehicles are looking more and more militarized,while empty lots are being sold for profit. <br /> Being that SAPID is the 10th deadliest police force in California,we need to focus our monetary needs elsewhere. In the <br /> past, SAPID has punished and criminalized our community by ignorant behavior, such as the Disney song incident. <br /> Clearly, a lot of the officers do not have respect for our community and simply seek a check.Their budget is far <br /> overreaching that eliminates the checks and balances we have in place. <br /> This year,we need our Council to put this community first. Funds from SAPID should be re-allocated to fund the <br /> following programs: <br /> Community development, Bower's museum, our library, Public works and other services that'll positively impact the <br /> community. <br /> It's important our children, students and parents feel safe and inspired to see our city proudly represented.The over- <br /> militierization of our police simply brings fear and concern in our community. Please let's have our police budget greatly <br /> reduced to about 20%.Their budget hasn't budged for years now,they're already funded and equipped. We need to <br /> make sure they don't excessively spend their budget simply for having such a large contribution. <br /> Sincerely, a concerned Santa Ana citizen <br /> Edgar Velasco <br /> Sent from my iPhone <br /> i <br />