HomeMy WebLinkAboutCORRESPONDENCE - 85ASalas, Diana
From: Greg Camphire <gcamphire@gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, June 05, 2020 10:29 AM
To: eComment
Subject: Police Accountability and Community Investments
Hello,
My name is Greg, I'm a resident of Santa Ana. I'm calling on Mayor Pulido and the Santa Ana City
Council to end police violence and support the Movement for Black Lives by cutting police spending,
investing in Santa Ana communities, enacting meaningful police accountability, transparency, and
civilian oversight.
Santa Ana deserves meaningful systemic change!
Sincerely,
Greg C.
Salas, Diana
From:
Cinthia Yareli <cinthia.ramos12@gmail.com>
Sent:
Sunday, June 07, 2020 5:40 PM
To:
eComment
Subject:
"Police Oversight Committee"
Want to hear my thoughts on a Police Committee? Well, let me just say that it is the dumbest I've
ever heard. We don't need that What we need is reform in the police department. We need to make
sure that police don't take advantage of their power. We need to fire the bad ones and hire good ones. THAT'S
what we need.
Salas, Diana
From:
Andrew Sedillo <andrewfrom5to7@yahoo.com>
Sent:
Sunday, June 07, 2020 7:31 PM
To:
eComment
Subject:
Police oversight
Santa Ana resident, please abolish the police, invest in community, oversight isn't enough. Thank you.
Salas, Diana
From: Izare Chavez<22izarechavez@samueliacademy.org>
Sent: Tuesday, June 09, 2020 11:08 AM
To: eComment
Subject: Police Oversight Committee
Dear Council members:
My name is Izare Chavez, I'm 16 years old and I was raised in Santa Ana,California.I am writing this email as a
concerned citizen. I am shocked by the misconduct of the Santa Ana Police department. SAPD has the highest
number of fatal shootings in Orange County with 27 shootings per 324,568 residents and is one of the deadliest
police departments in the county. During the recent BLACI{ LIVES MATTER protests Santa Ana Police were
firing rubber bullets directly at citizens. Rubber bullets are not meant to be shot directly at people and yet this is
exactly what your officers were doing. The evidence is on video and all over the internet. These examples are
why I think that we should have a police oversight committee so that we can hold police that are abusing their
power accountable. I do not want to be the next victim of police brutality.
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Salas, Diana
From:
Susana Llamas <susanallamas17@gmail.com>
Sent:
Tuesday, June 09, 2020 11:1 S AM
To:
eComment
Subject:
POLICE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE
My name is Susana and I was born and raised in Santa Ana. As a resident
of Santa Ana I am DEEPLY concerned about the ongoing abuse of power
by the Santa Ana Police department. The standard Santa Ana police
training is only 976 hours, while a cosmetologist is required to complete
1600 hours, and when you graduate cosmetology school, you still have
MUCH to learn before you are doing hair on your own. Yet when Santa
Ana police graduate they are essentially given the task of handling life and
death situations after ONLY 976 hours of LAUGHABLE training. Santa
Ana police chief David Valentin is the head of this corrupt department. In
2019 the state of California passed law SB 1421, which gives the public
access to exclusive police records of misconduct and internal
investigations. In a DESPERATE attempt to cover up the loads of
corruption with his department, Chief Valentin submitted a request to the
city council to destroy these records. Which SCREAMS how guilty he and
his department are. Thankfully for the community the departments
untrustworthy and despicable behavior is being brought to light, thanks to
video recording. Chief Valentin cannot be trusted to ensure that the police
are "protecting and serving" Santa Ana residents. During the BLACK
LIVES MATTER protests the Santa Ana police shot a photographer
directly in the head with a rubber bullet, which could have ended up being
another fatality! ! ! Rubber bullets are not meant to be used in close range
and CAN be deadly when shot directly at people! But we cannot expect the
Santa Ana Police department to follow rules OR guidelines even when the whole city is
watching. From having the highest number of fatal shootings in Orange
County to the transparent disregard for people's lives, the Santa Police
department has proven to be in DIRE need of reform, and that starts with a
POLICE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE!!!
I
Salas, Diana
From: KJ Hobby <kjhobby98@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, June 11, 2020 11:47 AM
To: eComment
Subject: Police Oversight Committee
To whom this may concern,
My name is Kevin Hobby II and I am emailing you with interest in the thought of a Police Oversight Committee
in Santa Ana. I am not an official resident of Santa Ana; I live in Brea, however, I view all of Orange County as
my home and spend a good amount of time within the city of Santa Ana. As a young Black Man, I spent most
of my adolescence having to be taught and self -educate myself on the fact that there is a set of unwritten rules
that people of color must adhere to when interacting with law enforcement; unwritten rules that you may not be
aware of if you are not a person of color. What occurred in Minneapolis with George Floyd is not a
new situation, there is just a bigger spotlight on the situation now. With the spotlight being as enormous as it is
now, it is time for us to execute solutions. I am not seeking a role on the oversight committee, I am only looking
to assist your community with the knowledge that I have attained and also give an outside perspective that I
believe could benefit the city of Santa Ana. I look forward to hearing a response and hopefully one that allows
me to be a part of the progression.
Best regards,
Kevin Hobby II
Salas, Diana
From: Bob Quinn <Bob@PlaygroundDTSA.com>
Sent: Thursday, June 11, 2020 3:49 PIA
To: eComment
Subject: Thank You, and a comment about fair policing
I'm Bob Quinn, one of the owners of Playground Restaurant on 4th Street. I would like to extend my thanks to
the city and its police force for its exemplary handling of the recent downtown protests against police
brutality. Both protests with which I am familiar caused large numbers of protestors to congregate very near
our restaurant, above which my son and his young family have lived for years. Having seen the looting in Long
Beach and Santa Monica on the television, I feared that my son's family might not be safe and that everything
we had worked for might be demolished in a few minutes of mayhem if things got out of control. My fear was
not realized. The crowds were very peaceful, and we suffered no vandalism or looting. Thank you for
protecting us.
Thank you too for your professionalism and restraint in keeping the protestors safe. The First Amendment
rights of free speach and assembly are, in my mind, two of the things that have made America the great
country that it is. Three generations of my family exercised our First Amendment rights when we marched in
the LBGTQ protest last week. The police kept the order and even when some of the protestors screamed slurs
in the face of multiple officers, they maintained their professionalism and restraint. As I said, the behavior of
the peace officers was exemplary.
Like most Americans, I am horrified by the videos I have seen of the worst examples of treatment of
predominantly black and brown citizens at the hands of police. I want to encourage you - our community
leaders - to continue to pursue the appropriate balance between law and order and the respect for the civil
rights of all individuals in our city. Let me put my hope as succinctly as I know how: I hit the lottery being born
a white male American. The system was designed by people like me for people like me. We need to adjust
that system, so it works for everyone. For example, I have occasional interactions with the police. Often it is
to meet the officers who patrol our area of downtown and to introduce myself. Occasionally my interaction
begins with lights in my rearview mirror directing me to pull over. When that happens, I do as my father
taught me and place my hands high on the wheel and wait for the officer to approach. I am always cordial and
respectful, as has been the officer in every case I can remember. Generally, I continue on my way with a
traffic citation in my pocket, but I can't think of a time I hadn't earned it. The point is when I interact with the
police I expect to be treated with respect. But I fear my experience sounds unfamiliar or even unbelievable to
many people of color in this country. I would like to suggest that your work will be done on this issue when
everyone who interacts with our peace officers has the same expectation I do about how they will be treated.
Thanks for everything you do. We are very happy to be a part of the Santa Ana community.
t
Salas, Diana
From:
Margaret Sullivan <magi81 @hotmail.com>
Sent:
Saturday, June 13, 2020 11:31 AM
To:
eComment
Subject:
YES to Police Oversight Committee
I am a nurse assistant and new Santa Ana resident (Feb 2020), thrilled to be here. I live in the French Park
neighborhood.
I assumed my city has some kind of police oversight committee, but recently learned we do not.
I urge the City of Santa Ana to form a police oversight committee as soon as possible.
Thank you,
Margaret Sullivan
516 East Wellington Ave Apt A
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Sent from Outlook
Orozco, Norma
From:Margaret Sullivan <magi81@hotmail.com>
Sent:Saturday, June 13, 2020 11:31 AM
To:eComment
Subject:YES to Police Oversight Committee
Categories:Correspondence
I am a nurse assistant and new Santa Ana resident (Feb 2020), thrilled to be here. I live in the French Park
neighborhood.
I assumed my city has some kind of police oversight committee, but recently learned we do not.
I urge the City of Santa Ana to form a police oversight committee as soon as possible.
Thank you,
Margaret Sullivan
516 East Wellington Ave Apt A
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Sent from Outlook
1
Orozco, Norma
From:Kayla Saadeh <kmsaadeh3@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, June 15, 2020 5:37 PM
To:eComment
Subject:Public comment for 6/16 city council meeting
Hello,
I would like to publicly comment on the following matters:
1. I would like to express my support for item 85a, calling for the urgent creation of a police oversight
commission.
2. I would like to express my support for item 85b, calling for increased funding for schools. Generally, I would
like to express support for allocating decreased funding in SAPD, and funnel increased funding to the
community, including schools, mental health care, libraries, etc.
Thank you.
Kayla Saadeh
1
Orozco, Norma
From:Jordan Johnson <jordan.paris.johnson@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, June 15, 2020 9:56 PM
To:eComment
Subject:Police Oversight Commission
Hello,
I am writing in support of creating a police oversight commission for the city of Santa Ana. We need to make
sure that police officers who abuse their position are held accountable for their actions. I am also writing to
again ask that the new fiscal budget not include an increase in funds to the police department. I believe those
funds can be better allocated to other city programs.
Thank you for your time,
Jordan Johnson
Washington Square Resident
714-225-6016
1
Orozco, Norma
From:Selina Torris <selinatorris@yahoo.com>
Sent:Tuesday, June 16, 2020 8:24 AM
To:eComment
Subject:Police Oversight Comittee
Hello,
My name is Selina Gallegos. I am a current Santa Ana resident, born and raised, attending Santa Ana College. I
wish to speak at the city council meeting on June 16, 2020 on behalf of the police oversight committee. For a a
very long time there has been an issue getting under my skin and that is the way the police system is handled in
Santa Ana and the way the police system carries itself here in Santa Ana. I have witnessed police who are
supposed to protect and serve our communities, act out violently and inappropriately against community
members. I have personally experienced racial bias from police officers here in Santa Ana. I have seen police
officers and gang unit act more as a gang than the very gangs here in Santa Ana. This mindset that it is us
against the police and the police against us needs to change. It is not right for us as a community to fear the very
same people we are paying and entrusting our safety with. We are trusting them to protect us of harms way and
they are turning around and harming us. Something has got to give because if things do not change, the
residence of Santa Ana will have no other choice but to apply pressure until the police department is abolished.
We are not dumb, we are not naive, and at this point we are not afraid to stand for what is right. We appoint all
of you sitting in the chairs you sit today and do not forget that at any given election we can replace you. It is
time for the power trip to end and for you as the city council board and community police department to act on
behalf of the residences of Santa Ana. In order to do so we must first create a neutral unbiased police oversight
committee. This committee needs to be made up of voluntary based citizens and no police officers or members
of the POA. The police already have a POA to advocate for them, so now it is time and extremely crucial that
the residence of Santa Ana have someone to advocate on their behalf.
Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android
1
Orozco, Norma
From:Terra Brett <terrabrett@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, June 16, 2020 8:48 AM
To:eComment
Subject:City council meeting
I am a homeowner of over 10 years in santa ana, and I strongly believe that we need community oversight of the
police. They have a huge budget that uses most of our city funds and do little to make me feel safer in this city.
We need to get the community involved in how we police our people and allow more of the jobs that the police
handle to be outsourced to other organizations that will not meet these calls with violence.
Terra Brett
BUSH ST
1
Salas, Diana
From:Janine Maria <brokensouvenir@msn.com>
Sent:Tuesday, June 16, 2020 10:15 AM
To:eComment
Subject:City Meeting 6/16/2020 Comments - Items 75A, 85A, and 20C
To Mayor Pulido and Councilmembers:
My name is Janine Stallings, I am a homeowner in the Memorial Park area of Santa Ana. I am writing to ask
that the City Council reject the police budget for FY 2020-2021 and all planned police related expenditures.
The proposed budget increases spending for police at a time when we are seeing budget shortfalls due to
COVID-19, and mass demonstrations demanding a reimagining of how we spend money for issues currently
being handled by police. This is also immediately following the Santa Ana police union purchasing a special
election to remove a Councilmember they did not like. This kind of corruption should not stand.
Reject the budget in its current form. Over time we have asked the police to do more and more, and we have
allocated resources away from services that prevent crime in favor of policing and incarceration. Let's put our
money where our values are. Defund the police and increase spending for social services, education, libraries,
homelessness services, mental health, affordable housing, public health, public transit, immigrant services,
and programs for low income residents. Reimagine how we respond to emergency calls. Send Social Workers
and case managers to calls regarding mental health and homelessness (and stop criminalizing homelessness).
Send Social Workers and workers better trained in de-escalation to domestic calls. Send detectives, victim
support advocates, and case workers when crimes are reported after the fact. Demilitarize the police. These
are just some obvious possibilities - rethink every type of call and every line item being spent on police now,
and determine if it can be better handled in a different way. This should lead to a massive divestment of police
in favor of actual public safety and community investment.
Approve item 85A. Create an oversight committee including citizen involvement. The committee should have
investigative powers and real teeth to hold police accountable. The committee should be well positioned to
suggest alternative spending options. Fund the committee. Engage the community.
Address the corrupt relationship between the Council and the police union. The police union should not be
able to use the distraction of a pandemic to force a special election and oust a Councilmember. If you were to
support rethinking police spending, would your position on the Council be at risk too? That is corruption. Seize
this moment to get the Council out from under the thumb of the police union.
Thank you,
Janine Stallings
2116 S Sycamore St, Santa Ana
1
Salas, Diana
From:Hastin Zylstra <hastin@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, June 16, 2020 10:35 AM
To:eComment
Subject:Public Comment for tonight's City Council meeting
Hello! My name is Hastin Zylstra, and I'm a homeowner in Santa Ana, Ward 7. I've lived in Santa Ana for 6
years.
I am stating my opinion in support of the police oversight committee, and adjusting the budget of the police
department in Santa Ana.
In regards to the budget, I understand that Police are expensive and that we need to ensure that our city is safe.
But I do not believe that we need to devote so much of the budget (42% of the FY 2019-2020 budget) to the
police force. Instead, I would like to see more of that budget be devoted to community outreach, or specific
specialised response units (such as for homelessness, mental health, or non-violent crimes). Too often as a city,
we dispatch armed police officers to handle these issues. As a small business owner in Orange County who has
to deal with homelessness issues, I would rather know that the person I am calling is going to provide actual
solutions for the individual rather than just arresting them - or possibly injuring them.
In regards to the police oversight committee, it would be a fantastic first step into more transparency for our
police department. As an important part of our community, we need to ensure that our police are held
accountable by its citizens and city. Transparent reports and details on police mishandling will ensure that our
citizens (POC especially) get a full insight into positive and poor handling of policing issues.
Thank you.
1
Salas, Diana
From:Maria Ceja <ceja.maria95@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, June 16, 2020 11:16 AM
To:eComment
Subject:Item 85A
Mayor and City Council Members,
Although an oversight board may seem ideal at this point, especially because of the growing awareness of the
recent and long history of police brutality across the country, I ask that you be critical in your
decisionmaking process. From my own research, I have learned that there has not been sufficient research on
the effectiveness of a police oversight board. There are certain power dynamics that come into play when
speaking of a board within the bureaucratic system of the local city government, especially when the Police
Officers' Association seems to have an overwhelming amount of power in our local politics. If an oversight
board is what you all consider the goal, I ask that you seek alternatives and think outside of the box. If you all
feel you must resort to an oversight board, I ask that it is independent of the police department (i.e. the majority
of the members have no connections to the police whatsoever), then it is given the appropriate amount of
resources (it is difficult to analyze individual cases with inadequate funding), and that it holds the power to
appropriately hold police officers be held accountable.
This is just of the tip of the iceberg of requirements that should be part of the process of creating an oversight
board. I strongly believe that the ultimate goal should be to defund the police and phase into the ultimate police
abolition. I ask that you envision of future without police and a future in which we care for our community and
create healthy relationships among all community members.
Thank you,
Maria Ceja
1
Salas, Diana
From:Michelle Pulido <mpulido729@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, June 16, 2020 12:32 PM
To:eComment
Subject:85A
Please enable police transparency and public information of activity rather than an oversight committee. We
would like to perform our own oversight.
Michelle Pulido
1
Salas, Diana
From:Katie Newman <katiemarienewman@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, June 16, 2020 12:33 PM
To:eComment
Cc:Pulido, Miguel; Sarmiento, Vicente; Solorio, Jose; Villegas, Juan; Penaloza, David;
Bacerra, Phil; Mendoza, Nelida
Subject:6-16-20 Public Comment for Santa Ana City Council
Attachments:Katie Newman_Santa Ana City Council Mtg Public Comment Attachments
06-16-20.pdf
Dear Mayor Pulido, Councilmember Sarmiento, Councilmember Solorio, Councilmember Villegas,
Councilmember Penaloza, Councilmember Bacerra and Councilmember Mendoza,
My name is Katie Newman and I am a proud homeowner and resident of Santa Ana. I live in the
Thorton Park neighborhood of Ward 4.
I grew up in Newport Beach and my late father was an officer for NBPD for nearly 30 years. He
retired as a police captain. My dad made me feel safer than anyone on earth. However the
inhumane reality is that my experience is limited to my race, my color, and the socioeconomics of
the community where I was raised.
I am deeply concerned for the public safety of Santa Ana and Orange County at large. Santa Ana is
among 8 of the largest Police Departments in the country that "kill black men at a higher rates than
the US murder rate."(www.mapping police violence.org) Our city is also currently at an F rating
from Campaign Zero, and only has adopted 2 of the 8 outlined polices to limit the use of force and
eliminate police violence. I see that we are in the process of updating our policy - this is URGENT/
(https://policescorecard.org/?city=santa-ana)
I ask you to delay item 20C Awarding a purchase order to National Auto Fleet for $236,215
and amending the contract with Stommel Inc dba Lehr Auto Electric to increase the budget
by $75,000 to a total of $1,075,000.
I ask you to delay ALL items pertaining to an increase in police funding.
I ask you to focus your energy on remodeling our concept of public safety so that every
resident of Santa Ana can live safely. We need you to deeply examine ALL police spending
and reallocate funds to comprehensive community well being such as:
community services
healthcare
youth programs
increased mental health services
neighborhood infrastructures
childcare
1
rehabilitation and the re-entry process for formerly incarcerated individuals, and to help
increase employment and education rates.
community outreach for those who need these services most
We demand that you require our Santa Ana Police Department to immediately implement harm
reduction policies as we collaboratively remodel public safety for our community. First and
foremost the implementation of a COMMUNITY LEAD Police Oversight Committee. We need
swift accountability and justice NOW.
How can we get better if we blindly invest in inhumane policing instead of our community's well
being? We urge you as our elected officials to holistically invest in safeguarding the health of our
citizens so that we and future generations can live peacefully and safely with each other.
I join in solidarity with the freedom fighters in Minneapolis, Louisville, and across the United
States. I call for the end to inhumane policing and police induced terror. I call for the strengthening
of our community health systems and creation of true public safety. We Can and We Must.
I thank you for your time and efforts in making true public safety a reality in Santa Ana.
Sincerely,
Katie Newman
2
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Salas, Diana
From:Karla Navarro <karma_karla@icloud.com>
Sent:Tuesday, June 16, 2020 12:35 PM
To:eComment
Subject:Agenda 75A and 85A
Hello, my name is Karla Navarro
I am in favor of agenda item 75A
I am in favor of agenda item 85A
I am a Santa Ana resident and have been my whole life -30 years to be exact. I believe our city can be an example and
lead the way for other cities if we adopt these agendas.
I believe the people have been very vocal in supporting these agendas and will benefit tremendously from their passing.
Thank you for your time
Karla Navarro
1
Salas, Diana
From:Allison Vo <allisonpvo@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, June 16, 2020 1:36 PM
To:eComment
Subject:Public Comment 6-16-2020: Support for Agenda Items 85A, 75A, 65B
Dear Mayor Pulido and Santana councilmembers,
My name is Allison and I am a resident in Orange County.
I am submitting a public comment for today's city council meeting on 6-16-2020 in support of agenda items 85A, 75A, and 65B.
It is time our city works to uphold the values our communities have been calling for and demanded for years now.
As the protests across the US and our local cities make urgently clear: Black lives matter, and the issue of police violence and accountability are no
longer up for debate.
I am calling to support:
(1) Agenda Item 85A - Establish a strong Civilian Police Oversight Commission with subpoena, investigatory, and disciplinary powers
(2) Agenda Item 75A - Defund the Santa Ana Police Department so that no more money goes to the PD. Instead, reinvest this money into our
communities. It is unacceptable for the city to even consider increasing public safety spending by $13.5 million during COVID-19 and an economic
crisis.
(3) Agenda Item 65B - Renew the Deportation Defense Fund at its current level of $200,000 to continue providing protection to Santa Ana residents
facing detention and deportation.
Please act swiftly.
Sincerely,
Allison Vo
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Salas, Diana
From:Emily Jackson <emilyjacksonmd@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, June 16, 2020 1:59 PM
To:eComment
Subject:Agenda item 85A, City Council meeting 6/16/20
Santa Ana City Council-
I am submitting this public comment with the expectation that it will be included as a part of the permanent
record for the City Council meeting held on 6/16/20.
While I am pleased that the City Council is willing to entertain the idea of a police oversight commission, the
reality is that we do not need you to research this to decide. It is already clear that we need the Commission.
There is ample research available already to support the creation of such a commission, as well as some of the
features of such a commission.
I am calling on the City Council to establish an all-civilian oversight structure with discipline power that
includes a Police Commission and Civilian Complaints Office with the following powers:
The Police Commission should:
determine policy for the police department based on community input and expertise
share policy and policy changes in publicly accessible formats
discipline and dismiss police officers
hold public disciplinary hearings
select the candidates for Police Chief, to be hired by the Mayor
evaluate and fire the Police Chief, if needed
receive full-time, competitive salaries for all members
receive regular training on policing and civil rights
not have current, former or family of police officers as members
select its members from candidates offered by community organizations
The Civilian Complaints Office should:
receive, investigate and resolve all civilian complaints against police in 120 days
establish multiple in-person and online ways to submit, view and discuss complaints
be immediately notified and required to send an investigator to the scene of a police shooting or in-
custody death
be allowed to interrogate officers less than 48 hours after an incident where deadly force is used
access crime scenes, subpoena witnesses and files with penalties for non-compliance
make disciplinary and policy recommendations to the Police Chief
compel the Police Chief to explain why he/she has not followed a recommendation
have the Police Commission decide cases where the Police Chief does not follow recommendations
issue public quarterly reports analyzing complaints, demographics of complainants, status and findings
of investigations and actions taken as a result
be housed in a separate location from the police department
be funded at an amount no less than 5% of the total police department budget
have at least 1 investigator for every 70 police officers or 4 investigators at all times,whichever is greater
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have its Director selected from candidates offered by community organizations
not have current, former or family of police officers on staff, including the Director
(Ex: San Francisco Charter Policies on Police Commission and Office of Citizen Complaints)
--
Emily Jackson MD MPH
Family Physician, Reproductive Health Specialist
Fullerton, CA
2
Salas, Diana
From:Rachel Will <rachelewill@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, June 16, 2020 2:07 PM
To:eComment
Subject:Defund Santa Ana PD: 20C, 25E, 75A, 85A
Dear Santa Ana City Council,
My name is Rachel Will and I am a voting resident of the 3rd ward in Santa Ana. I am writing to you today to
oppose all increases in funding of the police budget and advocate for defunding of the police department, with
the budget instead reallocated toward social services in Santa Ana to serve our most vulnerable populations. I
specifically oppose items 20C, 25E, and police funding related to 75A.
Additionally, while a police oversight commission proposed in item 85A may seem like a step in the right
direction it only further legitimizes police violence and funding. Instead, as proposed by Mariame Kaba in the
New York Times, I believe "the only way to diminish police violence is to reduce contact between the public
and the police." I further advocate for the defunding of Santa Ana PD.
Thank you for your consideration.
Best wishes,
Rachel
--
Rachel Will
rachelewill@gmail.com
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Salas, Diana
From:Joanna Cazares <joanna.cazares.jc@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, June 16, 2020 2:07 PM
To:eComment
Subject:Santa Ana City Council Meeting 06/16/2020
To City Council:
Community safety is something that cannot be provided by the police department. As a matter of fact,
community safety is only possible with the enrichment of education, affordable housing, accessible healthcare,
and opportunities for our growing homeless population. Increasing the budget for the police department in Santa
Ana will only increase racially driven arrests. We must stop the terrorization and oppression of our community
of color that law enforcement has brought upon Santa Ana, and instead allocate funds to our community. It
is with this belief that I bring up the following reasonings.
Santa Ana City Council should hold the Santa Ana Police Department accountable. There needs to be an
establishment of strong Civilian Police Oversight Commission with subpoena, investigatory, and disciplinary
powers.
With that being said, Santa Ana City Council should deny any future requests for budget increases of the Santa
Ana Police Department.
As a community, we request and demand that the Santa Ana Police Department be defunded.
Those funds can be allocated back into our communities, more specifically to the prominent problems our city
faces.
As we know, our homeless population is increasing, and efforts should be made for them such as housing, job
opportunities and training, rehab programs if needed, mental health evaluations, COVID-19 treatments for free,
etc.
We must also enrich our youth in providing them programs that benefit them. More art programs and
musical programs should be implemented in daily learning. Our students in need should be given free internet
access in their homes in order to complete their studies as mandated by the state.
Currently, our city is facing a rent crisis due to the gentrification of our communities and the pandemic. Rent
assistance should be given to the residents of Santa Ana struggling to pay rent because of COVID-19. We
should not stop there. Affordable housing should be made available to all Santa Ana residents as well. We have
to think of our community and the people who make up the community! Rent should have never spiked to the
insane amount it has in the past years.
There are many ways to help our community and our people, what I mentioned is only a minimum. We must
make it possible, our people are demanding to be heard. To reiterate, the people of Santa Ana are demanding
that Santa Ana City Council defund the Santa Ana Police Department, allocate those funds to community
enriching programs/parks/assistance, and also hold the department accountable.
With gratitude,
Joanna Cazares
A Resident of Santa Ana
1
2
Salas, Diana
From:Linden Reid <thelinreid@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, June 16, 2020 2:32 PM
To:eComment
Subject:Council meeting 6/16/20 comments
My name is Linden Willis and I live in downtown Santa Ana.
Item 75A:
I want the Council to redistribute the proposed $13.5 million police budget increase to the PD into other
community-building programs instead. I would like to see all of the funds for Measure X allocated towards
addressing homelessness to go towards resources for homeless people instead of police response to
homelessness.
Item 85A:
I support the creation of a police oversight commission.
1
Salas, Diana
From:Olga Rodriguez <olgarodrilau@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, June 16, 2020 2:55 PM
To:eComment
Subject:June 16, 2020 Item 85A
To Mayor Pulido and Santa Ana Councilmembers,
I do support the research into a creation of a police oversight commission, however, I demand that, upon
creation of the commission, you grant them subpoena power, investigatory authority, disciplinary authority, and
the ability to hire and fire officers, including the Chief of Police. If these authorities and powers are not given to
the commission, then there is no real way for the residents of Santa Ana to hold the SAPD accountable and keep
them in line.
Sincerely,
Olga Rodriguez Lau
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
1
Orozco, Norma
From:Sandra Esmeralda De Anda <andasandes@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, June 16, 2020 3:25 PM
To:eComment
Subject:85A
Categories:Correspondence
Hello, My name is Sandra De Anda. I have been a long time resident of Santa Ana. It is my hometown and it is
the hometown of my brother who recently started experiencing schizophrenic episodes. I do not have
confidence in the current SAPD department to de-escalate mental health crisis issues. I live with fear everyday
that your police department department will be the reason why my brother loses his life. I have seen SAPD
police department try to deescalate mental health crisis on Minnie St. where I grew up for many years and it
usually ended up with police using excessive force on our immigrant and refugee communities! Another issue I
want to touch upon, is that though Santa Ana is a sanctuary city, I am for certain that your police department is
still data sharing with ICE to detain our community members. I am a first responder for the OC Rapid Response
Network and for some reason SAPD is always on the scene when ICE shows up. Also when someone is arrested
for a crime by the police, inevitably the next week ICE shows up at their doorstep. They are doing this during
this pandemic. There needs to be a police oversight board to hold the SAPD department accountable now! This
is how we protect our communities. We got us!
1
Orozco, Norma
From:Jessenya Reyes <jessenyareyes178@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, June 16, 2020 3:34 PM
To:eComment
Subject:June 16 City Council Meeting Agenda Item 85A
Dear City Council,
My name is Jessenya Reyes, a resident of Ward 4. As we can see by looking at the events occurring around the
country, cops and police systems need to be held accountable. They have hurt our communities for too long,
and SAPD is no exception. SAPD has flexed its muscles in city affairs more than necessary, so it is even
important we find ways to hold them accountable. One initial step would be the creation of a police oversight
commission, which I am calling on you to do, accompanied by a deadline, to move forward with accountability.
We demand full transparency from SAPD and I urge you as city council to push this process. Thank you for
your time.
Best,
Jessenya Reyes
Email: jessenyareyes178@gmail.com
1
Orozco, Norma
From:Kelly Kraus-Lee <kellyakraus@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, June 16, 2020 3:44 PM
To:eComment
Subject:Comment on Item 85A
I am in support of establishing a civilian police oversight commission, given it meets best practices outlined by
experts, specifically the 8 points below as discussed in Udi Ofer's article "Getting It Right: Building Effective
Civilian Review Boards to Oversee Police." I've included a link to the text below.
Ofer's definition includes two critical points: civilian staffing and investigative power. On page 11 of the link,
he outlines the key components of effective civilian review:
1. a board majority nominated by civic organizations (not the police chief)
2. broad scope to review complaints (provides community members with the opportunity to seek redress)
3. independent investigatory authority (including subpoena authority)
4. ensure discipline sticks )findings must be binding)
5. audit policies and practices (ability to review underlying policies that could be the underlying cause for
individual rights violations)
6. secure funding (budget tied to a fixed percentage of police budget)
7. due process for police officers
8. public access/reporting
Link to Ofer's article:
https://scholarship.shu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=&httpsredir=1&article=1572&context=shlr
Without these 8 criteria as the absolute bare minimum, any potential commission will be meaningless. I also
invite the council to review recommendations from Campaign Zero on how to have effective civilian oversight
structures: https://www.joincampaignzero.org/oversight. It is critical that we structure any potential oversight
commissions in a way that it can be effective and not subject to outside influence.
Kelly Kraus-Lee
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Orozco, Norma
From:Hannah Getahun <hannah.getahun@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, June 16, 2020 3:53 PM
To:eComment
Subject:Comment for City Council meeting
Hello,
I am commenting regarding the agenda items 75 A and 85 A for tonight's city council meeting.
Santa Ana City Council has the opportunity to undo years of violence done to the community at the hands of the
police. According to Mapping Police Violence, Santa Ana PD has one of the most violent records of any city in
America. The average yearly murder rate by the police is 7 people according to the site. I know that the city
council is entirely made up of POC, so your decision to fund the police so heavily begs the question: Do you
care about us? Santa Ana is majority minority and, more specifically, majority Latinx. With the recent BLM
police brutality protests and calls to defund the police, I implore the city council to divest these funds to
recreation services and youth programs.
As an aspiring environmental journalist, I have read study after study that shows that cultivating our youth
through education and recreation can help children succeed in life and reduce rates of health issues like
diabetes. It can even reduce community crime. In addition, there needs to be more investment on community
green spaces.
So often, people think the solution is to heavily police communities rather than investing in these communities.
We need resources, not policing.
In addition, a police oversight commission LED BY CITIZENS with NO TIES TO THE POLICE should be
looked into. We need police accountability. The fact that there is no police oversight in the first place makes no
sense.
As a resident of Santa Ana who has lived here since I was 5 years old, I do not want to see my community
suffer any longer at the hands of poor decision making. When you guys vote to pass these exorbitant police
budgets, you are not thinking about the citizens of Santa Ana. These decisions affect whole communities and
should be taken seriously.
--
Hannah Getahun
1
Orozco, Norma
From:Dylan Thompson <dylan.w.thompson@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, June 16, 2020 3:57 PM
To:eComment
Subject:Comment on 85A
Please support a civilian police oversight commission that has some sort of subpoena or investigatory
power. We live in a democracy and the police are supposed to work for the people. The least we can have on
the local level is some way to check the excesses of the department through transparency and community
participation. The police, council and personnel board has not been enough. And if the police can't do
community policing, well then the community demands to be involved in the police department.
-Dylan
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Orozco, Norma
From:Melissa Palmerin <palmerinmelissa@yahoo.com>
Sent:Tuesday, June 16, 2020 3:59 PM
To:eComment
Subject:Item 85A
Dear Santa Ana city council,
My name is Melissa Palmerin. I live in ward 6, and I am commenting on item 85. I am opposing the oversight
committee and below I will provide data supporting my claim.
In 2017, members of the Santa Ana city council proposed to create an oversight committee after Santa Ana
police officers unjustly killed an unarmed homeless person, named Richard Gene Swihart. However, it was not
only the killing of Richard that sparked the need of an oversight committee but the deaths prior to that, which
caused taxpayers, in 2016, to payer $8.5 million to settle three cases of police shootings. According to Voice of
OC, from 2007 to 2017, Santa Ana Taxpayers covered more than $17 million in legal costs for cases of police
brutality. Another proposal intended to create an oversight committee was brought to the city council in
2019 by Cecilia Iglesias but did not come to fruition. Yet, now in 2020, the city council will again revisit and
"consider" creating a police oversight committee, which does not clearly indicate if it is a community oversight
committee. The Santa Ana residents can see the false narrative that has been perpetuated in our city council
for years, the equity of perception without the integrity of actionability.
For the past week, I have been researching Santa Ana's funding and our police department, what I found was
alarming. Each member of the city council decided to allocate 43% of the city budget to the police department,
plus the pensions and raises, which will equate the police department getting half the budget. The same police
department that has been ranked among the 8 departments in California to kill black men at a higher rate than
the US murder rate (Mapping Police Violence). We are among many cities, where Black people are killed at
9.4 x the rate of White people and Latinx people are killed at 1.2x the rate of White people (Mapping Police
Violence). The city council is giving half our city budget to the department who was given 34% in policing
(California Police Scorecard). The Santa Ana police department has 13 deadly force incidents between 2013-
2018, that is 70% higher than the other California police departments. According to the Urban Peace Institute,
Santa Ana has experienced a 62% increase in homicides since 2014 (Santa Ana Community Safety
Assessment 3). Urban Peace Institute pointed out that the majority of resources are invested in the SAPD and
not in service providers that serve the youth and families (5). Our city council needs to invest in the community
and not in the police department. We need to re-allocate the police department budget to social workers,
affordable housing, youth programs, education, helping those who are undocumented, healthcare,
employment, counselors, mental health programs, drug addiction programs, and homelessness. The police
department was given these jobs by default and it has put many individual's lives at risk, not only physically,
but mentally and emotionally. It has been stated by the American Public Health Association that policing is a
public health issue. We have seen the adverse effects of policing in the Black community, the Latinx
community, and the Native American community.
As our city council, we are telling you, increasing the police budget, will not deter the 46% increase in violent
crimes (20). Santa Ana has 52% of the homeless population from all OC, 26% are women who are vulnerable
to sexual assault (4). Santa Ana has 33% of documented gang members in OC, the majority of those in gangs
are young people (4). We do not need Santa Ana police's gang suppression strategy, who has shown in the
past 5 years to be unable to help these gang members. When I say help, that does not mean send them to jail,
this means to get them into programs, help them get a good-paying job, housing, health care, and education.
There is a reason why crime has not gone down. There is a reason why homelessness has risen 77% just in
2017, 37% of which have mental illnesses (31). There is a reason why our poverty rate is 17%. There is a
reason why only 22.3% of those who live in Santa Ana graduate from high school (Data.census.gov). There is
1
a reason why the median earnings for males are $42,498 and females $29,970. There is a reason why
homelessness, fear of deportation, drug use and general disorders, and gun violence are top safety concerns
for residents. It starts with the budget, defunding the police, and allocating the majority of the money to
services that will better equip the people of Santa Ana to thrive rather than just survive on the crumbs given to
us when we provide a whole meal to our institutions. We know this can be done because we have seen
Minneapolis pledge to dismantle the police department, Seattle has the autonomous zone, New York and Los
Angeles stated it will decrease the budget for their police department. In Chicago, Texas, Washington there
are programs geared to help the youth go to college and deal with the trauma they face daily.
Citations in support of my claims:
“California Police Scorecard.” CA Police Scorecard, policescorecard.org/?city=santa-ana.
Data.census.gov, data.census.gov/cedsci/profile?q=Santa+Ana+city%2C+California.
Mapping Police Violence, mappingpoliceviolence.org/.
SANTA ANA COMMUNITY SAFETY ASSESSMENT.
d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/sabhc/pages/130/attachments/original/1562790671/UPI_Santa_Ana_Report_
Digital.pdf?1562790671.
\[Page 72 of the Urban Peace Institute offers a way in which the city council can better Santa Ana\]
2
Salas, Diana
From:imelda rodriguez <imeldaoda@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, June 16, 2020 3:19 PM
To:eComment
Subject:75A and 85A
My name is Imelda Rodriguez and I am commenting on item 75A. To begin to address the problem of police
violence in our community, I urge the Council to cut down the Santa Ana Police Department's Budget and use
the savings to support city programs instead.
Regarding item 85A, I support the Council granting community oversight of the police department through the
creation of a civilian review board with the following powers: subpoena power; investigatory authority;
disciplinary authority; and the ability to hire and fire officers, including the Chief of Police.
1
Salas, Diana
From:cecilia rivas <rivas.cecilia1966@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, June 16, 2020 3:19 PM
To:eComment
Cc:Pulido, Miguel; Villegas, Juan
Subject:City of Santa Ana Meeting Ecomment
My name is Cecilia Rivas,
I live in Ward 5 and I am commenting on item 75A as well as item 85A.
I OPPOSE more money being given to the Santa Ana Police Department. We need to reinvest money into the
communities. The City of Santa Ana should NOT increase public safety spending but rather cut the Police
Departments budget in half.
Agenda item 75A.
Thank you,
Cecilia Rivas
Secondly, the City of Santa Ana needs to establish a strong Civilian Police Oversight Commission with
subpoena, investigatory and disciplinary action.
Agenda item 85A.
1
Salas, Diana
From:Liliana Mora <13moral@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, June 16, 2020 4:00 PM
To:eComment
Subject:Agenda Items 75A and 85A
Good afternoon,
My name is Liliana Mora and I am writing to urge City Council to not adopt the 2020-2021 City Budget until
there are serious changes made. 50% of our budget should not be going towards the police department.
Redirecting that public money towards services that actually serve our community and our youth is of utmost
importance.
Furthermore, City Council should direct the city manager to research the creation of a police oversight
commission and present the findings within 90 days. It is the city council's duty to make sure that public
servants are actually serving the community and hold them accountable when they're not.
Thank you,
LIliana Mora, Resident of Santa Ana Ward 4
1
Salas, Diana
From:Berenise Lopez <thisisberelopez@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, June 16, 2020 4:10 PM
To:eComment
Subject:Item #85 - City Council
Good Evening.
My name is Berenise- I live in Wilshire Square and have lived in Santa Ana for 27 years. I’m sure you’re aware of the
current protests and call to action over the past couple weeks. I’m writing to show my support for the Black Lives Matter
movement and to implore City Council to officially and unequivocally publicly condemn police brutality. While the most
recent murders by police have taken place miles from Santa Ana, the city is well acquainted with police violence. Most
recently, a Hispanic older man was working on his daughter’s car when SAPD physically assaulted him. We have yet to
hear an explanation on the issue.
While city council has added information on a measure for an Oversight Committee, the strategic plan is the same from
2014-2019 and therefore needs to be updated with the proposed changes city council suggests. Simply wishing to
collaborate with the community and have coffee talks with police will not ensure a level of trust - there needs to be
actual systemic change for the good of Santa Ana.
I am calling to defund the police department. Many of you consider yourselves to still being Santaneros but I would like
you to tell us why the PD gets 144 Million Dollars, when the library has had the same tables since the first time I went in
there in 2001. I want you to tell me why I rented a book on photography and the most recent one was from 2008. Why
the PD get $144 Million but the schools near my house ask parents for donations like napkins, Kleenex, colored pencils,
or erasers. Why does PD get $144 Million when some kids cannot get lunch if they still owe on the previous days
lunch. Why did city council support $25 Million dollars? Why is the PD asking for 13.5 Mil more when we’re in the
middle of a global pandemic?
You say you want to help Santa Ana for the better then city council must ensure the police oversight committee has
members from the community rather than people the police department gets to pick. You say you want to help Santa
Ana then start with defunding the police and investing in education, in social programs to help combat addiction and
teen homelessness. Fund the library and adult voting centers to learn about props and motions, fund classes for small
business owners so that we can make sure they know what’s best for them.
And for those you of still upset about the looting and rioting, Smart & Final will be fine and if you really cared about the
small business affected then in addition to picking up a broom for a photo op, you should defund the police department
and start by handing those small business a check.
- Santa Ana Resident
1
Salas, Diana
From:Leonel Flores <leonel.flores40@yahoo.com>
Sent:Tuesday, June 16, 2020 4:44 PM
To:eComment
Subject:Item 85a
Good Afternoon,
My name is Leonel Flores and I am in favor of item 85f. The city of Santa Ana and the Santa Ana Police department need
to create a police oversight committee to prevent another grand chaos or riot from occurring. Hiding a police officer’s
abuse of power is being an accomplice, and this is what the city will continue to be if there is no action taken. Creating a
police oversight committee and releasing all police misconduct records should be a top priority for the city if they ever
wish to restore peace and trust with their citizens.
Have a great evening,
Leonel Flores
1
Salas, Diana
From:Kayleigh Levitt <kayleighlevitt@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, June 16, 2020 4:56 PM
To:eComment
Subject:Comment on item 85A
Dear Mayor Pulido and Members of the Council,
In your research I hope you find that activists calling for justice for black lives have found that oversight
commissions further legitimize the role of police. This goes against the national effort to defund and de-
legitimize the idea that police have a role in public safety.
Kayleigh Levitt
Ward 5
1
Salas, Diana
From:Rod Curiel <curiel_rod@yahoo.com>
Sent:Tuesday, June 16, 2020 5:26 PM
To:eComment
Subject:Agenda 75A and 85A
Hello,
My name is Rodolfo Curiel. I have been a Santa Ana resident for the majority of my life.
I believe our city can be an example and lead the way for other cities if we adopt these agendas.
I believe the people have been very vocal in supporting these agendas and will benefit tremendously from their passing.
Thank you for your time,
Rodolfo Curiel
curiel_rod@yahoo.com
1
Salas, Diana
From:Kelli <ksjule09@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, June 16, 2020 5:51 PM
To:eComment
Subject:Yes on 75A & 85A with specific instructions per comment on reach item
I support the following items on today's City Council agenda:
Item 75A - Yes on Defunding Police and Investing In Community
1. The last month of protests have reminded us all, Black and communities of color as a whole need
more support, not surveillance and suppression. We call on you to recognize the errors of the
past and try out a new, more effective strategy for community recovery - start defunding the
SAPD now and use those funds to invest in what our communities truly need - housing, economic
and legal assistance, youth programming, and racial healing.
2. The city was drowning in deficits for a decade after the last recession because we couldn’t break our
addiction to expensive, unaccountable, and ineffective policing and incarceration hoping it would deliver
community safety. Measure X was an opportunity to fix this by generating revenues to rebalance our city
priorities, allowing us to invest in what really makes a community safe and prosperous. Yet, much of that was
squandered on more of the same -- more police officers getting bigger payouts and still incurring overtime and
without any clear metrics for success.
3. The City Council sold Measure X to voters as an opportunity to help Santa Ana finally invest in our
communities to make them truly safe, stable spaces that residents can thrive in. Regrettably, our elected
representatives squandered much of that opportunity long before this pandemic hit our city.
4. Taking a page out of an old, ineffective playbook, you handed out a lavish police contract that had little
to do with community safety -- leading us to the brink of yet another council-made deficit. Now we’re being
asked to bear the burden of “difficult choices” due to budget shortfalls while our police department skates by
with an 8% budget increase funded by our taxes.
5. The city was drowning in deficits for a decade after the last recession because we couldn’t break our
addiction to expensive, unaccountable, and ineffective policing and incarceration hoping it would deliver
community safety. Measure X was an opportunity to fix this by generating revenues to rebalance our city
priorities, allowing us to invest in what really makes a community safe and prosperous. Yet, much of that was
squandered on more of the same -- more police officers getting bigger payouts and still incurring overtime and
without any clear metrics for success.
6. After more than a decade of this failed approach that hasn’t made our communities safer all while
burning through our taxes, you’d think we’d learn our lesson. But it’s not too late, the lesson is this -- you
can’t balance the budget long term without defunding the police. Look at your projections, it simply can’t
be balanced by squeezing the rest of us. For this city to once and for all get its house in order, it must kick
the SAPD habit and begin making amends to the communities that have paid for it so dearly.
7. We’re in a racial justice, health, and budget crisis. Your own projections anticipate the city will be
running a deficit of $20 million next year, growing to a $35 million annual deficit in just two years. All of
this coming right after we passed Measure X to fix a decade of budget shortfalls. This mess can’t be blamed on
Covid or shutdowns, it’s a matter of misplaced priorities and principles.
1
8. Cutting social programs, tapping reserves, raising fees and taxes, and hoping for federal or state
bailouts won’t get us through this and set the stage for a real recovery. It didn’t work ten years ago and it’s the
wrong path now.
9. The best tool to dig us out of this ongoing manmade disaster and to build a better Santa Ana is
to defund the Police Department -- the primary driver of this deficit. Just returning the SAPD budget to
its 2018 (pre-Measure X) levels would be an instant savings of nearly $25 million -- enough to fill this
year’s budget gap with enough left over to adequately fund alternative community safety measures
such as youth programming.
Item 85A - Yes on Creating an Effective Civilian Oversight of the Police Department
1. Santa Ana needs to establish an effective Civilian Review Board with the authority to exercise
proper oversight and accountability of the Police Department and its officers. In order to have
meaningful oversight, it needs to have subpoena power; investigatory authority; disciplinary
authority; and the ability to hire and fire officers, including the Chief of Police. Even then, the
creation of such an oversight body is the bare minimum the city can do and needs to be part of
other efforts to approach public safety by divesting from enforcement and investing in positive
community programs that address residents’ needs.
2. Santa Ana Police Department (SAPD) is one of the deadliest police departments in the country,
and has the highest number of fatal shootings by police officers in Orange County, with 27 fatal
shootings in the period between 2006 and 2016.
3. What’s more, From 2016 to 2018, Santa Ana had 13 deadly use of force incidents, 70% higher
than all other California Police Departments. In most of these cases, officers did not attempt to address the
situation without lethal force.
4. Use of force incidents have cost the city millions in settlements. These settlements are another
example of the city’s subsidizing of a failed tough on crime approach to public safety at odds with real
community safety which would require robust investment in social services, including mental health, youth
programs, housing, and education.
1. The establishment for a police oversight commission has been long overdue. The first demand for
police oversight was presented by the Orange County Congress of Racial Equity (CORE) 1965. It's
been 55 years since then and the police department has continued to operate without basic oversight
and accountability, all while receiving the largest share of our tax dollars. It is time you listen to the
decades long demand for effective police oversight, and the current demand to redefine what safety
looks like by investing in robust social services, not more policing and suppression
Kelli Sjule
Ward 3 resident
2
Orozco, Norma
From:Nathan Taft <taft.nathan@gmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday, June 17, 2020 8:38 PM
To:eComment
Subject:Comment for agenda item 85a
Hi,
My name is Nathan Taft and I am a Santa Ana resident living at 1919 Sherry Ln, Santa Ana CA 92705. I am
commenting in support of establishing a police oversight commission.
I am also voicing my support for reallocating money from the police department to other community and social
programs.
Thank you,
Nathan Taft
1
Orozco, Norma
From:Ashley Lloyd <ashleythelloyd@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, June 18, 2020 12:37 PM
To:eComment
Subject:Council meeting June 18
To whom this may concern,
My name is Ashley Lloyd and I am a Santa Ana resident. Per 85a, I would like the council to permit the proper
research that would lead to oversight of the Santa Ana Police Department (SAPD). I believe this can only be
achieved with the oversight from our own community. The Santa Ana Police department needs to to held
accountable by its people; just as you require accountability from your citizens.
-Ashley Lloyd
1
Orozco, Norma
From:Houston, Nicole
Sent:Thursday, June 18, 2020 12:58 PM
To:eComment_Forwarding
Subject:FW: City Council Meeting June 18, 2020: Agenda Items 75A and 85A
From: Jessenya Reyes \[mailto:jessenyareyes178@gmail.com\]
Sent: Thursday, June 18, 2020 10:45 AM
To: Pulido, Miguel <MPulido@santa-ana.org>
Subject: City Council Meeting June 18, 2020: Agenda Items 75A and 85A
Dear City Council,
My name is Jessenya Reyes, and I am a constituent of Ward 4. I was born and raised in Santa Ana,
and I love my city. I want Santa Ana residents to thrive, but a lot of change needs to happen, and that
change can start with shifting the city budget, which you all have the power to influence as city council
member.
It doesn't make any sense that the city budget is decreasing, yet funding for SAPD continues to
increase. Nearly 50% of the budget for 15 years going towards SAPD is too much, especially right
now in the midst of a pandemic. Our people need financial assistance, including housing and rental
assistance. We need to invest in our youth, who have been negatively impacted by the sudden
changes to their education. We also continue to need community spaces.
We are also in the midst of widespread upheaval over the systemic violence. We will no longer accept
empty gestures and suggestions of reform.We need to defund SAPD. We need a budget that
adequately and effectively meets the needs of Santa Ana residents during this trying and uncertain
time; and we need a budget that supports communities and supports their wellbeing, not one which
empowers the forces that tear them apart. We need so many things that are not cops, thus the
proposed increases to SAPD can and should be re-directed to caring for our community instead.
We also demand full transparency from SAPD and I urge you as city council to push this process.
SAPD has flexed its muscles in city affairs more than necessary, and it has hurt our communities, so
it is important we find ways to hold them accountable. One initial step would be the creation of a
police oversight commission, which I am calling on you to do, accompanied by a deadline, to move
forward with accountability.
Please consider changing the proposed budget to reflect the needs of Santa Ana residents and
creating a police oversight commission, which has long been overdue. Thank you for your time.
Best,
Jessenya Reyes
Email: jessenyareyes178@gmail.com
1
Orozco, Norma
From:Houston, Nicole
Sent:Thursday, June 18, 2020 1:02 PM
To:eComment_Forwarding
Subject:FW: Defund the police and allow effective civilian oversight
From: Janette Stanford \[mailto:piggelover@gmail.com\]
Sent: Wednesday, June 17, 2020 10:24 PM
To: Pulido, Miguel <MPulido@santa-ana.org>; Sarmiento, Vicente <VSarmiento@santa-ana.org>; Penaloza, David
<DPenaloza@santa-ana.org>; Solorio, Jose <JSolorio@santa-ana.org>; Bacerra, Phil <pbacerra@santa-ana.org>;
Mendoza, Nelida <nmendoza@santa-ana.org>
Subject: Defund the police and allow effective civilian oversight
To Whom it may Concern:
Defunding Police and Investing In Community
1. The last month of protests have reminded us all, Black and communities of color as a whole need
more support, not surveillance and suppression. We call on you to recognize the errors of the
past and try out a new, more effective strategy for community recovery - start defunding the
SAPD now and use those funds to invest in what our communities truly need - housing, economic
and legal assistance, youth programming, and racial healing.
2. The city was drowning in deficits for a decade after the last recession because we couldn’t break our
addiction to expensive, unaccountable, and ineffective policing and incarceration hoping it would
deliver community safety. Measure X was an opportunity to fix this by generating revenues to
rebalance our city priorities, allowing us to invest in what really makes a community safe and
prosperous. Yet, much of that was squandered on more of the same -- more police officers getting
bigger payouts and still incurring overtime and without any clear metrics for success.
3. The City Council sold Measure X to voters as an opportunity to help Santa Ana finally invest in our
communities to make them truly safe, stable spaces that residents can thrive in. Regrettably, our
elected representatives squandered much of that opportunity long before this pandemic hit our
city.
4. Taking a page out of an old, ineffective playbook, you handed out a lavish police contract that had little
to do with community safety -- leading us to the brink of yet another council-made deficit. Now we’re
being asked to bear the burden of “difficult choices” due to budget shortfalls while our police
department skates by with a 7% budget increase -- funded by our taxes.
5. After more than a decade of this failed approach that hasn’t made our communities safer all while
burning through our taxes, you’d think we’d learn our lesson. But it’s not too late, the lesson is this -
- you can’t balance the budget long term without defunding the police. Look at your projections,
it simply can’t be balanced by squeezing the rest of us. For this city to once and for all get its house in
order, it must kick the SAPD habit and begin making amends to the communities that have paid
for it so dearly.
7. We’re in a racial justice, health, and budget crisis. Your own projections anticipate the city will be
running a deficit of $20 million next year, growing to a $35 million annual deficit in just two
years. All of this coming right after we passed Measure X to fix a decade of budget shortfalls. This
mess can’t be blamed on Covid or shutdowns, it’s a matter of misplaced priorities and principles.
1
8. Cutting social programs, tapping reserves, raising fees and taxes, and hoping for federal or state
bailouts won’t get us through this and set the stage for a real recovery. It didn’t work ten years ago and
it’s the wrong path now.
9. The best tool to dig us out of this ongoing manmade disaster and to build a better Santa Ana is
to defund the Police Department -- the primary driver of this deficit. Just returning the SAPD
budget to its 2018 (pre-Measure X) levels would be an instant savings of nearly $25 million --
enough to fill this year’s budget gap with enough left over to adequately fund alternative
community safety measures such as youth programming.
Creating an Effective Civilian Oversight of the Police Department
1. Santa Ana needs to establish an effective Civilian Review Board with the authority to exercise
proper oversight and accountability of the Police Department and its officers. In order to have
meaningful oversight, it needs to have subpoena power; investigatory authority; disciplinary
authority; and the ability to hire and fire officers, including the Chief of Police. Even then, the
creation of such an oversight body is the bare minimum the city can do and needs to be part of
other efforts to approach public safety by divesting from enforcement and investing in positive
community programs that address residents’ needs.
2. Santa Ana Police Department (SAPD) is one of the deadliest police departments in the country,
and has the highest number of fatal shootings by police officers in Orange County, with 27 fatal
shootings in the period between 2006 and 2016.
3. What’s more, From 2016 to 2018, Santa Ana had 13 deadly use of force incidents, 70% higher
than all other California Police Departments. In most of these cases, officers did not attempt to
address the situation without lethal force.
4. Use of force incidents have cost the city millions in settlements. These settlements are another
example of the city’s subsidizing of a failed tough on crime approach to public safety at odds with real
community safety which would require robust investment in social services, including mental health,
youth programs, housing, and education.
5. The establishment for a police oversight commission has been long overdue. The first demand for
police oversight was presented by the Orange County Congress of Racial Equity (CORE) 1965. It's
been 55 years since then and the police department has continued to operate without basic oversight
and accountability, all while receiving the largest share of our tax dollars. It is time you listen to the
decades long demand for effective police oversight, and the current demand to redefine what safety
looks like by investing in robust social services, not more policing and suppression.
Sincerely,
Janette Stanford
2
Orozco, Norma
From:Houston, Nicole
Sent:Thursday, June 18, 2020 1:03 PM
To:eComment_Forwarding
Subject:FW: Defund the police
From: Ambereen Siddiqui \[mailto:ambersky324@gmail.com\]
Sent: Wednesday, June 17, 2020 8:23 PM
To: Mendoza, Nelida <nmendoza@santa-ana.org>; Villegas, Juan <JVillegas@santa-ana.org>; Bacerra, Phil
<pbacerra@santa-ana.org>; Solorio, Jose <JSolorio@santa-ana.org>; Sarmiento, Vicente <VSarmiento@santa-ana.org>;
Penaloza, David <DPenaloza@santa-ana.org>; Pulido, Miguel <MPulido@santa-ana.org>
Subject: Defund the police
I am emailing to support:
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
(1) Agenda Item 75A - Defund the Santa Ana Police Department so that no more money goes to the PD.
Instead, reinvest money into our communities. It is unacceptable for the city to even consider increasing public
safety spending by $13.5 million during COVID-19 and economic crisis. Renew the Deportation Defense Fund
at its current level of $200,000 to continue providing protection to Santa Ana residents facing detention and
deportation.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
(2) Agenda Item 85A - Establish a strong Civilian Police Oversight Commission with subpoena, investigatory,
and disciplinary powers
1
Orozco, Norma
From:Houston, Nicole
Sent:Thursday, June 18, 2020 1:04 PM
To:eComment_Forwarding
Subject:FW: Defunding the Police
From: Marco-Landon Siu \[mailto:marcodomingosiu@gmail.com\]
Sent: Wednesday, June 17, 2020 7:58 PM
To: Pulido, Miguel <MPulido@santa-ana.org>; Mendoza, Nelida <nmendoza@santa-ana.org>; Villegas, Juan
<JVillegas@santa-ana.org>; Bacerra, Phil <pbacerra@santa-ana.org>; Solorio, Jose <JSolorio@santa-ana.org>;
Sarmiento, Vicente <VSarmiento@santa-ana.org>; Penaloza, David <DPenaloza@santa-ana.org>
Subject: Defunding the Police
Hello,
I am speaking in support of agenda items (75A or 85A),
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
It is time our city works to uphold the values our communities have been calling for and demanded for
years now. As the protests across the US and in our city make urgently clear: Black lives matter, and
the issue of police violence and accountability are no longer up for debate.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I am emailing to support:
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
(1) Agenda Item 75A - Defund the Santa Ana Police Department so that no more of our money goes
to the PD. Instead, reinvest our money into our communities. It is unacceptable for the city to even
consider increasing public safety spending by $13.5 million during COVID-19 and economic crisis.
Renew the Deportation Defense Fund at its current level of $200,000 to continue providing protection
to Santa Ana residents facing detention and deportation.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
(2) Agenda Item 85A - Establish a strong Civilian Police Oversight Commission with subpoena,
investigatory, and disciplinary powers
As your constituent, I hope you listen to my demands.
Best,
--
Marco-Landon Siu (he/him/his & they/them/theirs)
Masters in Education
UC Los Angeles | Graduate Student
(510) 508-7790 | marcodomingosiu@gmail.com
1
Orozco, Norma
From:Rachel Kraus-Lee <rkrauslee@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, June 18, 2020 1:28 PM
To:eComment
Subject:Comment on 85A
I am a resident of Santa Ana and I support item 85A. We need meaningful police oversight in this city. We have
one of the deadliest police departments in the country, and the highest number of fatal shootings by police
officers in the county. At the bare minimum, we need an oversight commission with investigatory authority
(including subpoena power); disciplinary authority; the ability to hire and fire officers, including the Chief of
Police; and civilian staffing with the budget tied to a percentage of the police budget.
Signed,
Rachel Kraus-Lee
1
Orozco, Norma
From:PSV <jmil481@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, June 18, 2020 1:51 PM
To:eComment
Subject:Police Oversight Commission On Agenda 6/18/2020
To The City of Santa Ana Mayor and City Council
Re: Police Oversight Commission
June 18, 2020
To the Mayor, and City Council:
I live in Ward 4 and I want to take this opportunity to thank you all for this opportunity to communicate with you in this
way. I appreciate all that you are doing for our City, and for listening to your constituents' views, opinions, suggestions
and complaints. Your hard work and long hours have not gone unnoticed by me.
th
I listened to the entire council meeting on the 16. After hearing the hurt and desperately angry comments of Santa
Ana residents expressed over how police are interacting with the community, I think it is time for a commission to hear
the people, particularly in light of the BLM protests.
About 25 years ago in Santa Ana we had terrible police relationships. Under Chief Walter’s, programs for the
community’s children were set up to tear down the fears people had about the police, particularly with young school-
age children. As I understood it, the thinking was that if relationships could be improved early in life, relationships with
the police might be improved as these kids grew up. Frankly, I think it was good for the police too!
One particular event I remember was a street fair where Vons is located on South Bristol Street. There were ladder fire
trucks, police vehicles, a helicopter, and even a tank kids could climb in and out of and explore, which was a big hit! and
face painting and I think, donated food booths.
I took a 5 year old, whose family was desperately poor, to the Vons fair. I have pictures of him climbing all over the tank,
fire truck, and police car AND pictures with police officers. He also had an American Flag painted on his face (his choice),
and to this day, that picture is treasured by his family and by him. He had a ball! Unfortunately, that little boy is now
grown up, and his life is a revolving door in and out of jail and prison. I wish I could tell his story of what happened early
in his life that caused him to never trust the police again, and I feel contributed to his life of repeat incarceration. These
are stories you will never hear, because parents will never come forward – they harbor their distrust of the police and it
festers and is handed down to the next generation. They don’t “see” the good cops, even though they are there. It is
very tragic.
I’ve been mentoring families and children for 28 years, and at one point, these-get-to-know you events were cancelled
because of budget, and then everything went downhill, AGAIN! The families I know have become like my own
family. And many have expressed to me the fears and distrust of the police. When I heard the voices of hurt, angry and
th
scared callers on the 16, I could relate. They were really brave to speak up. It was hard for them, and I don’t think
you can realize that unless you talk with them in person, privately.
To fully understand what is happening in our community with these generationally handed down fears and experiences,
I feel there needs to be the confidential component to any commission. I personally know of people who will absolutely
not come forward for fear of being targeted or retaliated against. HOWEVER, having talked with some, they may come
to a confidential commission.
1
I pray that the Council will take that bold step to let the chips fall where they may to hear the experiences of our
Santa Ana residents for a better understanding, from the grassroots level.
I am ‘pro police’ and appreciate all they do to protect us and all they have to put up with as they lay their lives on the
line every single day. I tell them that every chance I get. We need to find a way to do better - on both sides – there
are stories out there to be heard that I feel will bring better understandings leading to solutions for all.
Thank you for your consideration.
V.P.
2
Orozco, Norma
From:cecilia rivas <rivas.cecilia1966@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, June 18, 2020 2:12 PM
To:eComment
Cc:Pulido, Miguel; Villegas, Juan
Subject:City of Santa Ana Meeting Ecomment
My name is Cecilia Rivas,
I live in Ward 5 and I am commenting on item 75A as well as item 85A.
I OPPOSE more money being given to the Santa Ana Police Department. We need to reinvest money into the
communities. The City of Santa Ana should NOT increase public safety spending but rather cut the Police
Departments budget in half.
Agenda item 75A.
Secondly, the City of Santa Ana needs to establish a strong Civilian Police Oversight Commission with
subpoena, investigatory and disciplinary action.
Agenda item 85A.
Thank you,
Cecilia Rivas
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Orozco, Norma
From:Greg Camphire <gcamphire@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, June 18, 2020 2:13 PM
To:eComment
Subject:Public Comment for Item 85A
Hello City Council Members,
As you continue your budget discussions related to Item 85A this evening, please know that the citizens who
elected you are demanding the creation and implementation of a police oversight commission. This commission
must specifically have the power to subpoena, investigate, and discipline police officers when they break the
law, use unnecessary force, or as in the case of George Floyd and so many others, actually murder citizens.
This much needed police oversight commission is just one of the demands for justice and accountability in the
context of our under-trained, over-militarized Santa Ana Police Department. Other initiatives include diverting
funds from a bloated and uneconomical police force budget, in order to redirect those funds towards crime
prevention and public health initiatives including parks, libraries, and youth community programs.
These and other initiatives will help break the stranglehold that the police union has held over this city, its
politicians, and citizens for far too long.
Do the bare minimum to protect Santa Ana by establishing a police oversight commission that has real power to
affect change.
Thank you,
Greg C.
Santa Ana
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Orozco, Norma
From:Ricardo manra <ricardomanra@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, June 18, 2020 2:14 PM
To:eComment
Subject:To Whom This May Concern
My name is Ricardo Manra and I am a born & raised Santa Ana resident. Per 85a, I would like the
council to permit the proper research that would lead to oversight of the Santa Ana Police Department
(SAPD). I believe this can only be achieved with the oversight from our own community. The Santa
Ana Police department needs to to held accountable by its people; just as you require accountability
from your citizens.
DEFUND THE POLICE
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Orozco, Norma
From:Lucy Dale <lucitajd23@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, June 18, 2020 3:12 PM
To:eComment
Subject:Item 85A - Creating an Effective Civilian Oversight of the Police Department
To whom it may concern,
I am writing to you for the urgent need of Santa Ana to establish an effective Civilian Review Board with the
authority to exercise proper oversight and accountability of the Police Department and its officers. In order to
have meaningful oversight, it needs to have subpoena power; investigatory authority; disciplinary authority; and
the ability to hire and fire officers, including the Chief of Police. Even then, the creation of such an oversight
body is the bare minimum the city can do and needs to be part of other efforts to approach public safety by
divesting from enforcement and investing in positive community programs that address residents’ needs.
Santa Ana Police Department (SAPD) is one of the deadliest police departments in the country, and has the
highest number of fatal shootings by police officers in Orange County, with 27 fatal shootings in the period
between 2006 and 2016.What’s more, From 2016 to 2018, Santa Ana had 13 deadly use of force incidents, 70%
higher than all other California Police Departments. In most of these cases, officers did not attempt to address
the situation without lethal force.Use of force incidents have cost the city millions in settlements. These
settlements are another example of the city’s subsidizing of a failed tough on crime approach to public safety at
odds with real community safety which would require robust investment in social services, including mental
health, youth programs, housing, and education.The establishment for a police oversight commission has been
long overdue. The first demand for police oversight was presented by the Orange County Congress of Racial
Equity (CORE) 1965. It's been 55 years since then and the police department has continued to operate without
basic oversight and accountability, all while receiving the largest share of our tax dollars. It is time you listen to
the decades long demand for effective police oversight, and the current demand to redefine what safety looks
like by investing in robust social services, not more policing and suppression.
As a resident of Santa Ana I demand you take action. Thank you.
Lucy Dale
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Orozco, Norma
From:imelda rodriguez <imeldaoda@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, June 18, 2020 3:16 PM
To:eComment
Subject:Item 85A
My name is Imelda Rodriguez and I am a Santa Ana Resident. I support the council granting
community oversight of the police department through the creation of a civilian review board with the
following powers: subpoena power; investigatory authority; disciplinary authority; and the ability to
hire and fire officers, including the Chief of Police. This is the bare minimum, the council should also
prioritize public safety by defunding the police and investing in community programs.
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Orozco, Norma
From:Karla Navarro <karma_karla@icloud.com>
Sent:Thursday, June 18, 2020 3:30 PM
To:eComment
Subject:Agenda 75A and 85A
Hello, my name is Karla Navarro
I am in favor of agenda item 75A
I am in favor of agenda item 85A
I am a Santa Ana resident and have been my whole life -30 years to be exact. I believe our city can be an example and
lead the way for other cities if we adopt these agendas.
I believe the people have been very vocal in supporting these agendas and will benefit tremendously from their passing.
Thank you for your time
Karla Navarro
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Orozco, Norma
From:Adriana Castro <adri.castro65@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, June 18, 2020 3:39 PM
To:eComment
Subject:Approve Item 75A & Item 85A
Dear Santa Ana City Council,
I am currently a law student that was raised in Santa Ana. My entire family is from Santa Ana. I am a product of
Santa Ana attending a public high school in this district. I consider myself lucky to be in this position, however,
I do not give Santa Ana the credit of creating these types of opportunities for its citizens. There should be many
other Santa Ana students getting their bachelor's degrees and attending graduate school. The current system is
set up to not encourage these systems, but instead increase oppression in our city. I blame this oppression in the
underfunding of programs designed to help its people prosper.
The City of Santa Ana needs these two measures to help our community. The recent decision to give the Santa
Ana Police Department ("SAPD") an additional $200,000 for five police cars is disappointing when this money
could have gone to actually empower our community. Santa Ana needs effective Community Oversight with the
authority to exercise proper oversight and accountability of the Police Department and its officers. Further,
funds given to the Santa Ana Police Department can be used to create programs to help our youth or provide
housing. Anytime of assistance to aid the community would be a better cause than giving additional funds to the
SAPD.
I encourage the Santa Ana City Council to put their citizens first and not the SAPD to help other individuals in
our community reach success.
Best regards,
Adriana Castro
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Orozco, Norma
From:Abigail Aleman <abbyrd13@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, June 18, 2020 3:53 PM
To:eComment
Subject:Item 75A and 85A
Good afternoon, my name is Abigail and I'm a resident of Santa Ana for 7 years now and I would like to see
some changes for our city. ITEM 75A, I believe that there should be adequate funds for our community: parks,
libraries, community centers, garden spaces, youth programs. We passed Measure X in Hope's the funds would
be used for our community. I would rather see these programs be funded than Santa Ana Police Department.
Item 85A: I would like to see a poloce community oversight committee that is run by our communities. Our
community deserves better.
Best Regards
Abigail Aleman
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Orozco, Norma
From:Iliana Carolina Zepeda <zepedai@uci.edu>
Sent:Thursday, June 18, 2020 3:55 PM
To:eComment
Subject:Item 85A - We need Police Oversight Commission
It is time for us to keep police accountable. I hope that you all can listen to the people of Santa Ana
because we told you clearly what we need from you as our representatives. I hope that today you
will let us share our opinions.
I am writing in deep concern for the health of Santa Ana community. It has become more than clear
that a radical shift in our concept of policing and community health must take place at the local level.
It is unacceptable that Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities are living in persistent
fear of being killed by state authorities like police, immigration agents or even white vigilantes who
are emboldened by state actors.
Despite continued profiling, harassment, terror and killing of Black communities, local and federal
decision-makers continue to invest in the police, which leaves Black people vulnerable and our
communities no safer. Moreover, this deep lack of trust that the government is breeding by
terrorizing its own people, rather than safeguarding our health, is an alarming risk for future
generations to live peacefully and safely with each other.
While police funding has increased every single year, we somehow have to be more conservative on
funding for public health and community resources. Shame on you for prioritizing the oppression of
the people.
Santa Ana Police is the 8th most violent department in the U.S., and Anaheim is the 9th. This is not
what Orange County, CA stands for. From 2003-2016, Anaheim Police Department killed 33 people
during the process of arrest, and nearly 40% of them were unarmed. Since 2014, the rate of arrest-
related deaths caused by Anaheim PD exceeds that of LAPD, NYPD, and San Fran PD and is 74%
higher than average for police in California.
How can it be that agents funded for “public protection” are responsible for 17% of all homicides in
the city (2003-2016)? In the years 2009 and 2016, 36% of all homicides were in the hands of
Anaheim officers. Frankly, this is unacceptable. It is inhumane and impossible to ignore as an issue
anymore.
Rather, our city needs a radical increase in funding towards community services and healthcare. We
need youth programs, increased mental health services, neighborhood infrastructures, childcare, and
community outreach for those who need these services most. We need more funds for rehabilitation
and the re-entry process for formerly incarcerated individuals, and to help increase employment and
education rates. Orange County needs to build a society that does not need the level of policing.
I call for the strengthening of the education and health of our community of Santa Ana.
In Community,
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Iliana Zepeda
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Orozco, Norma
From:Jennifer Alvarez <alvarez_jennifer59@yahoo.com>
Sent:Thursday, June 18, 2020 3:55 PM
To:eComment
Subject:Public Comment: Agenda Item 75A and 85A
Dear City Council,
My name is Jennifer Alvarez and I am a resident of Ward 6.
It is very concerning that instead of defunding the SAPD which as an institution serves
to surveil and suppress Black and communities of color, the city council believes it is a
good idea to increase its budget to continue perpetuating injustices. The SAPD is one of
the deadliest police departments in California and has the highest number of fatal
shootings by police officers in Orange County. Our investment in this institution has
failed.
Therefore instead of continuing to fund an organization that is simply not working to
serve and protect the residents of Santa Ana, we must redirect our tax dollars from the
SAPD budget into investments that actually yield effective results that address the root
cause of many of the problems in Santa Ana. The sectors that the city should instead be
increasing its funding to are housing, economic and legal assistance, and youth
programming among others. Consequently, I oppose the proposed increase to the SAPD
budget and urge the city council to instead defund the SAPD.
Moreover, due to the incredibly poor track record of the SAPD, I vehemently urge the
city council to support the implementation of a Community Oversight Committee with
the authority to exercise proper oversight and accountability of the Police Department
and its officers.
I hope that the city council members and mayor make the righteous decisions to move
the city of Santa Ana forward.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Alvarez
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Orozco, Norma
From:Corey LoDuca <corey.loduca@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, June 18, 2020 3:57 PM
To:eComment
Subject:Defund SAPD & Institute Community Oversight
Members of the City Council,
Hi my name is Corey LoDuca and I waited 5.5 hours to speak during the city council meeting on Tuesday but
was never heard.
I am writing to urge you AGAIN to defund the 8th most violent police department in the US, SAPD. During
this pandemic we should not be considering increasing police funding by $13.5 million. SAPD certainly does
not deserve 20% of the entire city budget.
This money should go towards the actual protection of the community via increasing funding for public
healthcare, among funding other initiatives to support vulnerable groups who are being hit the hardest by the
COVID-19 crisis.
Your approval of the purchase of 4 more police vehicles is wholly unacceptable and morally bankrupt. SAPD
should not have more resources to profile, harass, and kill Black and Brown individuals or people experiencing
homlessness.
Thus, I implore you to hear your constituents and not continue to corruptly bow down to the police union.
Continuing, and especially increasing, police funding is to directly support militant police brutality and state
violence.
You are supposed to be public servants so listen to what the public wants; the time has come to show your so-
called "solidarity" and defund the police.
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Orozco, Norma
From:Josh Lee <joshuapatricklee@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, June 18, 2020 3:57 PM
To:eComment
Subject:Comment on 85A
Hello,
I am a resident of Santa Ana and I support item 85A. We need meaningful police oversight in this city. We have one of
the deadliest police departments in the country, and the highest number of fatal shootings by police officers in the
county. At the bare minimum, we need an oversight commission with investigatory authority (including subpoena
power); disciplinary authority; the ability to hire and fire officers, including the Chief of Police; and civilian staffing with
the budget tied to a percentage of the police budget.
Signed,
Josh Lee
1
Orozco, Norma
From:Tania Gonzalez <tgonzal1@icloud.com>
Sent:Thursday, June 18, 2020 3:58 PM
To:eComment
Subject:Comment on 85A
Hello,
I am a resident of Santa Ana and I support item 85A. We need meaningful police oversight in this city. We have one of
the deadliest police departments in the country, and the highest number of fatal shootings by police officers in the
county. At the bare minimum, we need an oversight commission with investigatory authority (including subpoena
power); disciplinary authority; the ability to hire and fire officers, including the Chief of Police; and civilian staffing with
the budget tied to a percentage of the police budget.
Signed,
Tania González
1
Orozco, Norma
From:Iliana Carolina Zepeda <zepedai@uci.edu>
Sent:Thursday, June 18, 2020 3:59 PM
To:eComment
Subject:Directing 3 Million in SAPD funds to SAUSD for their programs
My name is Iliana Zepeda and I am a resident of War 1. I am for the directing of $3 million in SAPD funds to
go to SAUSD, invest in our community, in our education, in our youth, and devest from the Santa Ana PD. I
also call for the defunding of police in our schools. It is sad and disappointing to see more police in school
every day and not have a nurse or counselor in schools to take care of our student's mental health needs.
In Community,
Iliana Zepeda
1
Orozco, Norma
From:Janine Stallings <brokensouvenir@msn.com>
Sent:Thursday, June 18, 2020 3:58 PM
To:eComment
Subject:City Meeting 6/18/2020 Comments - Items 75A and 85A
Approve item 85A, police oversight committee. Commit to it, not just that it will be considered. Give
the committee citizen involvement, investigative powers, and enforcement capabilities to hold police
accountable. Fund the committee. Engage the community.
Direct the committee to address the corruption between the police union and the City Council. The
police union should not be able to buy a special election and oust a Councilmember. If you were to
support rethinking police spending or support accountability, would your position on the Council be at
risk too? That is corruption. Why is a union associated with city employees allowed to finance
campaigns of Councilmember/Mayoral candidates who will then be voting on budget matters? That is
corruption. Seize this moment to get the Council out from under the thumb of the police union.
Respectfully,
Janine Stallings
2116 S Sycamore St, Santa Ana
Begin forwarded message:
From: Janine Maria <brokensouvenir@msn.com>
Date: June 16, 2020 at 10:15:13 AM PDT
To: "eComment@santa-ana.org" <eComment@santa-ana.org>
Subject: City Meeting 6/16/2020 Comments - Items 75A, 85A, and 20C
To Mayor Pulido and Councilmembers:
My name is Janine Stallings, I am a homeowner in the Memorial Park area of
Santa Ana. I am writing to ask that the City Council reject the police budget for
FY 2020-2021 and all planned police related expenditures. The proposed budget
increases spending for police at a time when we are seeing budget shortfalls due
to COVID-19, and mass demonstrations demanding a reimagining of how we
spend money for issues currently being handled by police. This is also
immediately following the Santa Ana police union purchasing a special election
to remove a Councilmember they did not like. This kind of corruption should not
stand.
Reject the budget in its current form. Over time we have asked the police to do
more and more, and we have allocated resources away from services that
prevent crime in favor of policing and incarceration. Let's put our money where
our values are. Defund the police and increase spending for social services,
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education, libraries, homelessness services, mental health, affordable housing,
public health, public transit, immigrant services, and programs for low income
residents. Reimagine how we respond to emergency calls. Send Social Workers
and case managers to calls regarding mental health and homelessness (and stop
criminalizing homelessness). Send Social Workers and workers better trained in
de-escalation to domestic calls. Send detectives, victim support advocates, and
case workers when crimes are reported after the fact. Demilitarize the police.
These are just some obvious possibilities - rethink every type of call and every
line item being spent on police now, and determine if it can be better handled in
a different way. This should lead to a massive divestment of police in favor of
actual public safety and community investment.
Approve item 85A. Create an oversight committee including citizen involvement.
The committee should have investigative powers and real teeth to hold police
accountable. The committee should be well positioned to suggest alternative
spending options. Fund the committee. Engage the community.
Address the corrupt relationship between the Council and the police union. The
police union should not be able to use the distraction of a pandemic to force a
special election and oust a Councilmember. If you were to support rethinking
police spending, would your position on the Council be at risk too? That is
corruption. Seize this moment to get the Council out from under the thumb of
the police union.
Thank you,
Janine Stallings
2116 S Sycamore St, Santa Ana
2
Orozco, Norma
From:Ana Charco <charcoana94@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, June 18, 2020 3:58 PM
To:eComment
Subject:Public Comment for June 18, 2020
Hi Santa Ana City Council,
My name is Ana Charco and I reside in Ward 2. I will be commenting on item 85A.
I support item 85A as institutionally, the "bad cops" are not held accountable. Policemen pay union
officials to defend and absolve them of their crimes when accused, and their crimes are investigated
by the internal affairs department of the police force in question. Essentially, when the police commit
a crime, they are investigated by themselves. Citizens concerned with justice, fairness and truth have
the right to feel disturb, distressed and ultimately question the police department's duty to serve and
protect its citizens. Therefore, Santa Ana needs to establish an effective Civilian Review Board with
the authority to exercise proper oversight and accountability of the Police Department and its officers.
In order to have meaningful oversight, it needs to have subpoena power; investigatory authority;
disciplinary authority; and the ability to hire and fire officers, including the Chief of Police. Even then,
the creation of such an oversight body is the bare minimum the city can do and needs to be part of
other efforts to approach public safety by divesting from enforcement and investing in positive
community programs that address residents’ needs.
Best,
Ana Charco
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Orozco, Norma
From:Kassandra Vargas <kassievargas7@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, June 18, 2020 3:59 PM
To:eComment
Subject:Regarding Items 75A & 85A
Good afternoon,
My name is Kassie Vargas and I demand that less funding should be allotted to the Santa Ana Police Department. There
have been too many instances where in which police brutally was committed or unwarranted encounters were made.
My partner has been pulled over just because of the way he looks and has to wear a hat in order to seem less suspicious
to the police officers in Santa Ana, a city he grew up in and loves. Officers and the department as a whole should be held
accountable for their actions, especially those that are taken due to their own biases, racism, unprofessionalism and
insensitivity. Funds should instead be given to services that will better support the community not just to punish them.
Services such as after school programs, housing security, Funds for food and clothing, mental health counseling etc.
would be a better way to use the money for the people of of Santa Ana.
Sincerely,
Kassandra Vargas
Sent from my iPhone
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Orozco, Norma
From:Gina-Marie Acosta <ginamacosta@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, June 18, 2020 6:25 PM
To:eComment
Subject:Civilian Review Board to Oversee Police
1. Santa Ana needs to establish an effective Civilian Review Board with the authority to exercise
proper oversight and accountability of the Police Department and its officers. In order to have
meaningful oversight, it needs to have subpoena power; investigatory authority; disciplinary
authority; and the ability to hire and fire officers, including the Chief of Police. Even then, the
creation of such an oversight body is the bare minimum the city can do and needs to be part of
other efforts to approach public safety by divesting from enforcement and investing in positive
community programs that address residents’ needs.
2. Santa Ana Police Department (SAPD) is one of the deadliest police departments in the country,
and has the highest number of fatal shootings by police officers in Orange County, with 27 fatal
shootings in the period between 2006 and 2016.
3. What’s more, From 2016 to 2018, Santa Ana had 13 deadly use of force incidents, 70% higher
than all other California Police Departments. In most of these cases, officers did not attempt to
address the situation without lethal force.
4. Use of force incidents have cost the city millions in settlements. These settlements are another
example of the city’s subsidizing of a failed tough on crime approach to public safety at odds with real
community safety which would require robust investment in social services, including mental health,
youth programs, housing, and education.
5. The establishment for a police oversight commission has been long overdue. The first demand for
police oversight was presented by the Orange County Congress of Racial Equity (CORE) 1965. It's
been 55 years since then and the police department has continued to operate without basic oversight
and accountability, all while receiving the largest share of our tax dollars. It is time you listen to the
decades long demand for effective police oversight, and the current demand to redefine what safety
looks like by investing in robust social services, not more policing and suppression.
1
Orozco, Norma
From:Melissa Palmerin <palmerinmelissa@yahoo.com>
Sent:Thursday, June 18, 2020 8:19 PM
To:eComment
Subject:item 85A
My name is Melissa Palmerin. I live in ward 6.
For a moment, I want to address a comment from Councilmember Solorio from Tuesday that relates to
my argument, you stated that we finally enforced having all the officers wear body cameras as if that is
a win for us. Why did this just occur when we have a history, documented and undocumented, of
police brutality and people dying at the hands of the police. As you stated we are still paying off legal
fees from previous lawsuits against officers (EMPHASIZE THE WE, THE TAXPAYERS). In regards to
SAPD temporarily banning the chokehold- this is not enough. Reforming a corrupt system are not
wins. These are empty promises, promises that we have heard yearly. That the police department will
keep the community safe, that we need the police or crime rates will increase or as Solorio claimed
even when the crimes rate “ are decreasing”, There is still a calling for more police. This is whiteness
in action!! The police keep white people safe! They keep corporations thriving as our people die at
their mercy. This institution we call the police department can not be reformed and it’s a shame, that
even after hearing all those people asking to defund the police, and the stories of harassment and
negligence. We still had some council members trying to prove the ways in which the police
department has supposedly worked or improved. We have never felt safe with the police and trying to
reform the police department or form an oversight committee (WHICH WE KNOW IS NOT WORKING
BECAUSE THEY DO NOT HAVE THE POWER TO DO ANYTHING: WE HAVE SEEN THIS IN THE
SEATTLE, MINNEAPOLIS) and It will not compensate for a system meant to criminalize our youth and
our people. Crime is a byproduct of the environment in which a person is in, in the way a person is
labeled and treated. We are not animals, thugs, or ghetto. We are people tired of seeing Black people
die every day and our people being criminalized in a system meant to exploit them. You guys are
being complicit and therefore perpetuating a system that was created to serve and protect the
institution of enslavement and promote white capitalist interests. It is pathetic to propose to research
an oversight committee when places like the Minneapolis city council stated it will dismantle the police
department, Seattle has the autonomous zone, new york and Los Angeles defunding the police. And if
you have done some research on oversight committees they do not have power. Our ultimate goal, as
should be yours, is to dismantle the police department and we will continue to fight for this. And lastly,
the police system is not individualistic. We are talking about a system that is affecting marginalized
people globally. Every police department is an issue. By reforming the police, we are giving them more
money. We will not do what costa mesa did, which is investing $1 million dollars in body cameras. We
will not just unarm the police officers, as if that is going to solve the issue of systemic racism and
police brutality. We already know that those do not work!! Reform does not work! If our solution is
not abolishing the police system and creating a new system that does not involve police officers, but
rather a system with health care workers, mental health workers, drug addiction workers, therapists,
social workers, or mentors, programs meant to get people back into school or help people find
employment. If we can’t do that, then what is the point of stating we are for Black Lives. You can’t be
the poison in the antidote.
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Orozco, Norma
From:Julie Herrick <jaherrick@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, June 18, 2020 9:20 PM
To:Pulido, Miguel; Mendoza, Nelida; Villegas, Juan; Bacerra, Phil; Solorio, Jose;
Sarmiento, Vicente; Penaloza, David; eComment
Subject:Item 85A - Creating an Effective Civilian Oversight of the Police Department
Dear Santa Ana City Council,
I'm writing for two reasons, both to submit in writing my comments regarding Item 85A, and also to comment
on the way the meeting was run.
This evening, during the initial public comment time of Item 85A I pressed *9 to speak and heard the
confirmation, but the clerk announced all the callers were all done while I was still in the queue, and I later
learned that several other callers shared that experience. After that, the council allowed comments to resume,
and I was able to speak for 1 min.
When Mayor Pulido decided to arbitrarily cut the 30+ callers down to 20, and cut each comment to 1 minute, he
made it abundantly clear that public comment was an inconvenience to him. Waiting on the phone five hours
on Tuesday and several more hours today was also an inconvenience to me, but I did it, and I finally got my 1
minute.
I still do not understand why we were asked for our address. I'm happy to confirm that I'm a Santa Ana
resident, or even state my neighborhood, street or ward, but I do not feel safe sharing my full address live on a
publicly live-streamed and archived call, and I don't believe that revealing that information should be a
precondition of making a public comment. I wouldn't even mind sharing my address on a paper card at an in-
person meeting because I expect that card will stay somewhat private, but stating it on a Livestream is a whole
different ballgame. I think that's a totally unreasonable demand on the part of Mayor Pulido.
And now to reiterate my public comment:
My name Julie Herrick and I've been a Santa Ana resident for 12 years
Police are granted enormous power in our community, and that power must be matched with equal
accountability.
I'm calling in support of an effective Civilian Review Board with the authority to exercise proper oversight and
accountability of the Police Department and its officers. In order to have meaningful oversight, it needs to have
subpoena power; investigatory authority; disciplinary authority; and the ability to hire and fire officers,
including the Chief of Police.
Even then, the creation of such an oversight body is the bare minimum the city can do and needs to be part of
other efforts to approach public safety by divesting from enforcement and investing in positive community
programs that address residents’ needs.
Best regards,
Julie Herrick
Santa Ana, CA
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