2014-12-08 PUBLIC SAFETY - Laserfiche WebLink

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At this time, Chairman Benavides comes back to Public Comments from speakers who wish to address items that are not on the Agenda. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Debbie Muise, resident of Morrison Park neighborhood: requests reconsideration for the elimination of Santa Ana's five park rangers. Neighborhood associations were not notified about the park ranger issues. Eric Scandrett, resident of Morrison Park: would like residents to be notified when major changes are to be made, such as recent discussions about traffic guards, homeless shelters, and now park rangers. Ann Salisbury, resident of Floral Park neighborhood: Santa Ana is one of the most densely populated cities in America; she wants the parks to be safe. Would like the park rangers to remain, believes the police will not want to take reports of low -level crimes. Monica Suter, here on behalf of Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Santa Ana Chapter, currently President. Ms. Suter is also a City employee for almost 16 years. Indirectly heard that the Park Ranger program was going to be eliminated and sent an e -mail to Ed Raya, Executive Director, Personnel. Concerns involve not only our members, but the community members. Do not want to move this to the Police Department because of the low level crimes that won't be addressed. Put this item on hold. Renee Hernandez, Santa Ana City employee representing the park rangers: hold off on a decision, look at all alternatives. The park rangers provide a very important service. Tish Leon, regarding the park rangers: at least give the community a chance for their input. Ms. Leon was also upset about the arrests of two females over the weekend. The females are community activists who were arrested at a DUI checkpoint while they were there with Cop Watch. Complaint of the officers being disrespectful, as well as jail staff. Rich Garcia, Memorial Park Neighborhood Association: out of 35 neighborhood associations, only one knew about the park ranger item. He said he was speaking for the leaders of all the Associations saying there needs to be transparency regarding safety issues for the public. Steve McGuigan, Riverview West and Westend COP: high density areas that need park rangers in the parks, not the police. Want the police out patrolling the streets. Table the decision for now.