Laserfiche WebLink
Mitre -Ramirez, Norma <br />From: Maneafaiga, Iupeli <br />Sent: Tuesday, April 19, 2016 5:59 AM <br />To: eComment <br />Subject: Santa Ana City Jail <br />Categories: Correspondence <br />Hi I am a Correctional Officer at SAJ. Since I can't make the meeting on 04/19/16 1 am sending this email in support of <br />keeping the jail open. First and foremost thank you for taking the time to hear both sides of the issue. It is no secret that <br />the Santa Ana City Council is under tremendous pressure from the LGBT and other special interest group. So first I would <br />like to address the concern pertaining to the housing of transgender at SAJ. I have been with the jail 12 years and my <br />experience with this group has always been positive. Its seems that most of them share the same story of abuse at their <br />previous facility. When they first arrive a SAJ there is a senses of fear and nervousness as they await for <br />processing. Some talk openly about their unpleasant experience at the facilities where they came from being housed in <br />a General Population unit. Currently a SAJ the transgender are housed with other transgender which over the years has <br />become a "safe haven" for them compared to the option of general population housing. If the ICE contract is discontinue <br />this safe haven will be no more and it would be a disservice to the transgender population. This fight is not with the city <br />of Santa Ana but with the Federal Government, they are going to be housed somewhere why not Santa Ana Jail where <br />they are safe and treated with dignity and respect. <br />On the money side of SAJ, I truly believe that the city council should strongly consider a YES VOTE on the new ice <br />contract. This would help stabilize the jail moving forward. This contract will bring roughly 2 million dollars and help <br />offset some of its the expenses. With 8 years left on the bond payment I believe the city will recoup its loses after the <br />bond has been satisfied. Therefore I urge the city council to VOTE YES on the new ice contract because this would best <br />benefit the citizens of Santa Ana. May God bless the Mayor and the City Council as you make this very significant <br />decision. <br />Iupeli Lee Maneafaiga <br />Correctional Officer <br />SAPD /Jail Division <br />