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CITY ATTORNEY <br />Sonia R. Carvalho <br />CITY MANAGER <br />Alvaro Nuñez <br />CITY CLERK <br />Jennifer L. Hall <br />20 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA - P.O. BOX 1988, M31 - SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA 92702 <br />TELEPHONE (714) 647-6900 - FAX (714) 647-6954 - www.santa-ana.org <br />Councilmember-Requested Item Report <br />DATE <br />August 19, 2025 <br />TOPIC <br />Naming the Santa Ana Police Athletic & Activity League (PAAL) Center on McFadden <br />Avenue in honor of Jose Vargas <br />COUNCILMEMBER-REQUESTED ITEM TITLE <br />Discuss and Consider Providing Direction to the City Manager to Prepare a Resolution <br />for Consideration Naming the PAAL Center Located on McFadden Avenue as the Jose <br />Vargas PAAL Center in Recognition of his Legacy of Service to Santa Ana’s Youth, <br />Immigrant Community, and Public Safety. <br />DISCUSSION <br />Chronology & Background <br /> Jose Vargas (1936–2013) was a trailblazing law enforcement officer and community <br />leader whose career spanned over three decades in Orange County. Born in San Martin <br />Hidalgo, Mexico, Vargas emigrated to the United States at age 15, working as a <br />garbage collector while learning English and eventually becoming a U.S. citizen in 1969. <br />He began his law enforcement career with the Stanton Police Department and, in 1975, <br />joined the Santa Ana Police Department, becoming the department’s first Hispanic <br />Affairs Officer. In this role, Vargas was the cornerstone of Santa Ana’s early community <br />policing program, forging deep trust between the department and the city’s growing <br />Latino population. He was recognized nationally by the International Association of <br />Chiefs of Police as one of the country’s outstanding officers. <br />Vargas’ impact extended beyond his police work. Following his retirement in 1997, he <br />hosted the Spanish-language cable show Que Pasa Con Jose Vargas, which provided <br />vital information to immigrant families on civil rights, public safety, domestic violence <br />prevention, and job opportunities. He also served as a consultant to the Anaheim Police <br />Department to strengthen relationships with immigrant communi ties. <br />Throughout his life, Vargas championed respect, understanding, and opportunity for all <br />residents, often taking in individuals in need and mentoring countless youth. His <br />dedication to bridging cultures and promoting public trust made him one of the most <br />respected figures in Santa Ana’s history.