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As CLUE, we educate, organize, and mobilize the faith community to accompany <br />CLUE <br />workers and their families in their struggle for good jobs, dignity, and justice. <br />b" <br />May 6, 2025 <br />Clergy & Laity United <br />for Economic Justice <br />Mayor Amezcua and Members of the Council <br />Board <br />City of Santa Ana <br />Ali Tweini <br />20 Civic Center Plaza <br />Teamsters Locd12010 <br />P.O. Bo 1988, M31 <br />Co Ch,)ir <br />Rev. Canon Melissa McCarthy <br />Santa Ana, CA 92701 <br />Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles <br />rr rti�:- <br />Christopher French <br />Re: Agenda Item # 25 - Budget Direction — Police Oversight Commission <br />Hollywood Community Housing <br />Treasurer <br />Dear Mayor Amezcua and Members of the Santa Ana City Council, <br />Mary Stancavage <br />Meditation Coalition <br />Secretary <br />Clergy & Laity United for Economic Justice (CLUE) educates, organizes, and mobilizes the <br />Izeah Chairez <br />National Union of Healthcare <br />faith community to accompany workers and their families in Los Angeles County and Orange <br />Workers(NUHW) <br />County in their struggle for good jobs, dignity, and justice. We are writing today to urge the <br />Rabbi Neil Comess-Daniels <br />Santa Ana City Council to direct city staff to include funding for the Police Oversight <br />Beth Shir Shalom, Emeritus <br />Rabbi Dr. Stephen J. Einstein <br />Commission and its Independent Director in the upcoming 2025-2026 fiscal year budget. <br />Congregation B'nai Tzedek <br />Rabbi Daniel Mehlman <br />Temple NerTamid <br />The police officers who patrol our communities are armed with lethal weapons and have the <br />Pastor Bridle Roberts <br />power to detain, arrest, and dramatically change the course of the lives of our community <br />UNITE HERE Local11 <br />members, and their families. Mistakes and misconduct by police can end life and lead to harm <br />Vivian Rothstein <br />Santa Monica CLUE Committee <br />that spans generations within families. Therefore as people of faith we believe the police must <br />Derek Smith <br />be held to an extremely high standard and comprehensive oversight. Such oversight requires full <br />United Food and Commercial <br />funding and the hiring of expert staff. <br />Workers International Union <br />(UFCW) Local324 <br />Rev. Gary Bernard Williams <br />The Council took a meaningful step toward community accountability by establishing this <br />Saint Mark United Methodist <br />Church <br />Commission in 2022, following years of advocacy from residents and community organizations. <br />In the 2022-2023 budget cycle, the Council allocated $1 million to support its creation, <br />Staff <br />Rev. Jennifer Gutierrez <br />including funding for an Independent Director and support staff. However, the City has not yet <br />Director <br />hired a Director, which has significantly hampered the Commission's ability to investigate <br />Sithy Bin <br />complaints of police misconduct and carry out its core functions. <br />Faith -Rooted Organizer <br />Lucero Garcia <br />Senior Faith -Rooted Organizer <br />We strongly urge the Council to reaffirm its prior budget commitment, and ensure continued <br />Matthew Hom <br />funding for both the Independent Director position and the overall operations of the <br />Faith -Rooted Organizer <br />Commission. The community deserves a well-resourced and fully operational <br />Rev. Kara Howard <br />HR/Admin Manager <br />Commission one that can meaningfully promote transparency, accountability, and trust. <br />Pastor Cue Jn'Marie <br />Faith -Rooted Organizer <br />Thank you so much for your attention. <br />Julia Mats <br />Communications Coordinator <br />Rev. Dr. Rob Muthiah <br />With hope and solidarity, <br />Director of Leadership <br />Development <br />Autumn Overton <br />Rev. Jennifer Gutierrez <br />Faith -Rooted Organizer <br />Executive Director, CLUE <br />Guillermo Torres <br />Director of Immigration <br />Jacki Weber <br />Development Director <br />464 Lucas Ave #202 • Los Angeles, CA 90017 213-481-3740 www.cluejustice.org Printed in-house <br />