HomeMy WebLinkAboutCorrespondence - Item 25 Becerra, Alexis
From: Claudio Gallegos <claudio.gallegos@santaanapoa.com>
Sent: Tuesday, August 19, 2025 9:12 AM
To: eComment; Amezcua, Valerie; Phan, Thai; Vazquez, Benjamin; Lopez, Jorge (SAPD);
Bacerra, Phil; Hernandez, Johnathan; Penaloza, David
Cc: John Kachirisky; Matt Wharton; Claudia Perez SAPOA
Subject: EComment in Support of Item 25
Attachments: August 18 Letter to Council .pdf
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Good Morning Mayor and City Council,
Please see our letter in support of Item 25 on the agenda tonight.Thank you.
Claudio W. Gallegos
Political Director
Santa Ana Police Officers Association
1
SANTA ANA POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION
1607 NORTH SYCAMORE SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA 92701-3513
[714] 836-1211 FAX[714] 836-6108
August 18, 2025
Dear Mayor Amezcua and Honorable City Council Members,
On behalf of the Santa Ana Police Officers Association, I am writing to express our strong
support for Agenda Item 25—the proposal to rename the Santa Ana PAAL Center on
McFadden Avenue in honor of former Santa Ana Police Officer Jose Vargas.
Officer Vargas' story is a remarkable testament to the American Dream. Arriving in this
country as a teenager, he began his journey working in the farm fields of Orange County.
Determined to build a better future, he went back to school to learn English, earn a college
degree, and ultimately became a police officer at the age of 34 in the City of Stanton—one of
the first Latino officers in Orange County. In 1975, he joined the Santa Ana Police Department,
where he proudly served for 22 years before retiring in 1997.
During his tenure with SAPD, Officer Vargas was a pioneer in community policing and a mentor
to many within the department. As one of the first Latino officers in Santa Ana, he helped pave
the way for greater diversity in law enforcement. Today, the majority of SAPD officers are
Latino, and our current Chief is an immigrant himself—further reflecting the legacy Officer
Vargas helped to build.
Officer Vargas' impact extends beyond his own career. His commitment to service inspired two
of his sons and two grandchildren to follow in his footsteps into law enforcement. Renaming
the PAAL Center in his honor would not only recognize his contributions but also serve as a
source of inspiration for the youth who participate in PAAL programs. His story is one of
resilience, service, and leadership—values we hope will continue to shape future generations.
This recognition is long overdue, and we look forward to seeing his name proudly displayed on
the PAAL Center.
Sincerely,
a .. .
JOHN KACHIRISKY
PRESIDENT
SANTA ANA POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION
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