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RESOLUTION NO. 2024-XXX <br />A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA <br />RECOGNIZING THE SIGNIFICANT CONCERNS OF THE COMMUNITY <br />AND THE FAMILY OF EDGAR VARGAS ARZATE AND REAFFIRMING <br />THE CITY'S COMMITMENT TO JUSTICE, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND <br />COMMUNITY RELATIONSHIPS <br />WHEREAS, the City of Santa Ana values all human life and is committed to respecting <br />and protecting the dignity of every individual; and <br />WHEREAS, on June 19, 2014, Edgar Vargas Arzate a resident of Santa Ana, was <br />arrested by Santa Ana Police Department ("SAPD") police officers, and during the <br />course of the arrest, there was a use of force which subsequently resulted in an <br />investigation by a federal Grand Jury; and <br />WHEREAS, in 2019, Officer Brian Booker was indicted by a federal Grand Jury and <br />charged with deprivation of rights under color of law and falsification of records. He <br />ultimately pled guilty to one count and was placed on probation; and <br />WHEREAS, as a result of the police officer's use of force, Edgar Vargas Arzate filed a <br />lawsuit against the City of Santa Ana and several of its police officers including then <br />officer Brian Booker. The City settled the lawsuit for $175,000 in 2016; and <br />WHEREAS, the City of Santa Ana deeply regrets the incident and recognizes the impact <br />it has had on the community; and <br />WHEREAS, the City's Police Department and Executive Management Team are <br />committed to upholding the highest ethical standards and exemplifying professionalism <br />in all interactions with the community; and <br />WHEREAS, such incidents present an opportunity for reflection and growth, ensuring <br />that similar events are not repeated; and <br />WHEREAS, the City of Santa Ana now seeks to foster stronger community relationships <br />and provide a holistic approach to ensuring the safety, health and general welfare of all <br />residents; and <br />WHEREAS, a positive shift in leadership has led to organizational reforms that <br />emphasize increased accountability and transparency within the institution; and <br />WHEREAS, the City of Santa Ana acknowledges that incidents such as this erode the <br />community's trust in law enforcement and the City generally; and <br />