HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 25 - Councilmember Requested Item Regarding the PAAL CenterCITY ATTORNEY
Sonia R. Carvalho
CITY MANAGER
Alvaro Nuñez
CITY CLERK
Jennifer L. Hall
20 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA - P.O. BOX 1988, M31 - SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA 92702
TELEPHONE (714) 647-6900 - FAX (714) 647-6954 - www.santa-ana.org
Councilmember-Requested Item Report
DATE
August 19, 2025
TOPIC
Naming the Santa Ana Police Athletic & Activity League (PAAL) Center on McFadden
Avenue in honor of Jose Vargas
COUNCILMEMBER-REQUESTED ITEM TITLE
Discuss and Consider Providing Direction to the City Manager to Prepare a Resolution
for Consideration Naming the PAAL Center Located on McFadden Avenue as the Jose
Vargas PAAL Center in Recognition of his Legacy of Service to Santa Ana’s Youth,
Immigrant Community, and Public Safety.
DISCUSSION
Chronology & Background
Jose Vargas (1936–2013) was a trailblazing law enforcement officer and community
leader whose career spanned over three decades in Orange County. Born in San Martin
Hidalgo, Mexico, Vargas emigrated to the United States at age 15, working as a
garbage collector while learning English and eventually becoming a U.S. citizen in 1969.
He began his law enforcement career with the Stanton Police Department and, in 1975,
joined the Santa Ana Police Department, becoming the department’s first Hispanic
Affairs Officer. In this role, Vargas was the cornerstone of Santa Ana’s early community
policing program, forging deep trust between the department and the city’s growing
Latino population. He was recognized nationally by the International Association of
Chiefs of Police as one of the country’s outstanding officers.
Vargas’ impact extended beyond his police work. Following his retirement in 1997, he
hosted the Spanish-language cable show Que Pasa Con Jose Vargas, which provided
vital information to immigrant families on civil rights, public safety, domestic violence
prevention, and job opportunities. He also served as a consultant to the Anaheim Police
Department to strengthen relationships with immigrant communi ties.
Throughout his life, Vargas championed respect, understanding, and opportunity for all
residents, often taking in individuals in need and mentoring countless youth. His
dedication to bridging cultures and promoting public trust made him one of the most
respected figures in Santa Ana’s history.
CITY ATTORNEY
Sonia R. Carvalho
CITY MANAGER
Alvaro Nuñez
CITY CLERK
Jennifer L. Hall
20 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA - P.O. BOX 1988, M31 - SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA 92702
TELEPHONE (714) 647-6900 - FAX (714) 647-6954 - www.santa-ana.org
Issues & Rationale
The Santa Ana Police Athletic & Activity League (PAAL) Center on McFadden Avenue
serves as a safe space where young people build positive relationships with law
enforcement while engaging in recreational, educational, and leadership activities.
Naming the PAAL Center after Jose Vargas will:
•Honor his pioneering role in community policing and service to Santa Ana’s
residents.
•Recognize his dedication to building trust between police and immigrant
communities.
•Inspire youth to follow his example of perseverance, public service, and
compassion.
Proposed Action
Direct staff to prepare a resolution naming the PAAL Center on McFadden Avenue as
the Jose Vargas PAAL Center and to plan an appropriate community dedication
ceremony.
SUBMITTED BY
Mayor Pro Tem Vazquez
EXHIBIT(S)
https://www.ocregister.com/2013/04/30/jose-vargas-who-gave-voice-to-latinos-as-
police-officer-dies-at-77/
https://behindthebadge.com/vargas-fathers-musings-police-work-meant-american/