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RESOLUTION NO. 2024-079 <br />A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF <br />SANTA ANA RECOGNIZING THE SIGNIFICANT <br />CONCERNS OF THE COMMUNITY AND THE FAMILY OF <br />EDGAR VARGAS ARZATE AND REAFFIRMING THE <br />CITY'S COMMITMENT TO JUSTICE, ACCOUNTABILITY, <br />AND COMMUNITY RELATIONSHIPS <br />WHEREAS, the City of Santa Ana values all human life and is committed to <br />respecting 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 course <br />of the arrest, there was a use of force which subsequently resulted in an investigation by <br />a federal Grand Jury; and <br />WHEREAS, in 2019, Officer Brian Booker was indicted by a federal Grand Jury <br />and 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 <br />filed a lawsuit against the City of Santa Ana and several of its police officers including <br />then 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 <br />impact 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, <br />ensuring that similar events are not repeated; and <br />WHEREAS, the City of Santa Ana now seeks to foster stronger community <br />relationships and provide a holistic approach to ensuring the safety, health and general <br />welfare of all 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 <br />the community's trust in law enforcement and the City generally; and <br />Resolution No. 2024-079 <br />Page 1 of 3 <br />