HomeMy WebLinkAboutCORRESPONDENCE - 22B
Orozco, Norma
From:Allegra Ringo <allegraringo@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, August 16, 2020 10:40 AM
To:council@santa-ana.org; Villegas, Juan; eComment
Subject:Comments for 8/18 City Council meeting
Hello City Council members,
My name is Allegra Ringo, and I'm a resident of Mr. Villegas' ward in Santa Ana.
I'd like to comment on the following items for the upcoming meeting on 8/18:
Item 3: NO: Please do not approve the sale to Mike Harrah. The community has called for the old YMCA to be
turned into a community center. We do not need further gentrification by Mike Harrah.
Item 20A: YES: Please vote to bring mobile library services back to Santa Ana.
Item 22B: NO: We do not need armored vehicles. The fact that "civil unrest" is cited as one of the reasons this
vehicle is "needed" is a huge red flag. As the city calls for the police to be defunded, this would be a huge move
in the wrong direction. Please vote no.
Item 25A: NO: Again, we do not need any more gentrification by Mike Harrah.
Item 25E: NO: We do not need to increase revenue to cite parking violations during a time of national crisis,
nor do we need any more money to go toward the police department in any capacity. This, again, is the opposite
of what your constituents are calling for.
Item 75B: NO: We need affordable housing more than ever, and this proposed change to the HOO would make
it easier for developers to avoid building their required number of affordable units. As rental prices skyrocket
and people lose their housing during a pandemic, this is absolutely not what we need.
Thank you,
Allegra Ringo
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Orozco, Norma
From:Ruth Linnert <ruthielinnert@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, August 17, 2020 5:22 PM
To:Penaloza, David
Cc:eComment; Pulido, Miguel
Subject:Public Comment- Items 85B, 25A, 22B, and 25E
Dear Councilman Penaloza,
I am a life-long resident of Santa Ana and currently reside in ward 2. I am addressing you today in preparation
for tomorrow's city council meeting. I am asking for your attention on several agenda items. Your attention is
urgent and I ask that you please consider these concerns regarding the following:
Item 85B: In support of Item 85B, we are asking for an extension on signature gathering for rent control in
Santa Ana. As a proponent of rent control, I feel that we must see this petition through for a vote on the ballot.
Due to the pandemic, organizers have lost 133 of the 180 days we were legally entitled to gather signatures. I
urge you to grant an extension for signatures during this crucial time when many are receiving abusive rent
increases. We need protections now more than ever with real and permanent rent control in our city.
Item 25A (and closed item 3): I urge you to REJECT the purchase and sale agreement of 203- 204 W. Civic
Center Dr. It's a disgrace to see how a gentrifiers' money has been sent to City Council with intent to garner
support for business over the needs of our community. Keep community land in community hands! The citizens
of Santa Ana have continually suffered due to gentrification efforts that have only displaced individuals and
families. We would like to see the land be utilized for community development and efforts that directly benefit
the residents- instead of displacing and extracting resources from the community. This community does not
benefit from a boutique hotel or any other business model that does not directly fulfill the needs of the
community. Let's collectively create spaces and resources for the underserved (including our youth).
Item 22B: I urge you to REJECT the purchase order for a "Specialized Response Vehicle" that further instills
fear and perpetuates a divide between the community and the authoritarian tactics of the police force. This
infringes on the people's right to assemble and demand progress. Members of the community are simply asking
for our voices to be heard and our needs to be met, yet the city's funds are perpetually supporting fear tactics
and absurdly expensive vehicles and equipment for COPS. STOP supporting the violent and aggressive police
presence in our community. Utilize the city's funds to actually aid the people and benefit marginalized groups
instead of policing and dividing us.
Item 25E: I urge you to REJECT the requested increase in funds for parking enforcement services. Residents
are continually facing obstacles with parking, especially since the pandemic. Many of us are now home during
the day in households that do not provide adequate parking for the number of vehicles per household. Enforcing
parking and creating more challenges for us when we need to shop or park in areas outside of our residence
hinders movement and flow within our city. The constant policing and funneling of our hard earned wages
makes it nearly impossible to thrive in a city that BELONGS TO THE PEOPLE, not to the systems that profit
from our hardships.
Lastly, I have continually observed police officers (sheriffs, deputies, and highway patrol) responding to
incidents and pulling people over WITHOUT MASKS ON. I live at a busy intersection and in the past several
days I've seen a response to a traffic accident and a few drivers being pulled over by cops who are not wearing
protective coverings. THIS IS NOT OK during a pandemic in a city that has one of the highest number of
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COVID-19 cases in the county. This continues to make citizens feel unsafe in the presence of police officers
and I urge you to address this concern for our community.
Thank you,
Ruth Linnert
714-328-0929
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Flores, Dora
From:Jaime Solorio <j.solorio84@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, August 18, 2020 9:35 AM
To:eComment
Subject:Item: 22B
Please pull this item, military grade vehicle. As a citizen and resident of Santa Ana I think it is a waste of funds
and it is not needed.
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Flores, Dora
From:isaisf@gmail.com
Sent:Tuesday, August 18, 2020 12:58 PM
To:eComment
Subject:Agenda item 22B
There are better uses for the +300K in homeland security funds aside from creating a more militarized pd. We have all
seen the other different sized swat vehicles they already have. Why is there a push for an additional one? This item
needs to be up for community discussion and feedback. Please pull this item so it can be discussed.
Francisco Isais
Santa Ana Resident
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Flores, Dora
From:Luis Godinez <luisgodinez001@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, August 18, 2020 1:07 PM
To:eComment
Subject:8/18/20 city council agenda
Dear members of the Council:
As a lifetime resident of Santa Ana, I wholeheartedly opposed Items 22B and and 25A.
Item 22B is a grotesque purchase for the city and the continued overmilitiarion of the police force continues to
further drive a wedge on what the residents want and demand from their police force.
Item 25A, the land should remain owned by the city and use of this land should benefit the whole city and not
solely of one individual/company that will use land to profit only and does have the best interest of all residents
of Santa Ana.
Thank you,
Luis Godinez
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Flores, Dora
From:Valeria Esqueda <valeria.esqueda97@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, August 18, 2020 1:15 PM
To:eComment
Subject:AGENDA ITEM 22B
Hello Council Members and Mayor,
I am emailing in opposition of item 22B. The $353,653 that is being used to purchase a military grade vehicle is critically
needed in other areas to build preventative and responsive approaches to threats. The $353,653 can be effectively
allocated to support emergency communication systems, preparing for or recovering from a disaster (like COVID or
earthquakes). The money can be used to enhance cyber security and fund projects that enable continuous operation of
critical business and government functions including those human health, safety, and economic security.
Contrary to Police Chief David Valentin, there is NOT a large need for such vehicles in Santa Ana and what is visibly
needed is accessible and affordable housing, expanded health care services, and child care services. Making a large
expense on a truck is a reckless use of funding during the COVID-19 crisis. This action demonstrates the city’s incapacity
to serve their community during a health and economic crisis.
Thank You
Valeria Esqueda
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Flores, Dora
From:Kelly Kraus-Lee <kellyakraus@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, August 18, 2020 1:15 PM
To:Pulido, Miguel; Sarmiento, Vicente; Penaloza, David; Solorio, Jose; Bacerra, Phil;
Villegas, Juan; Mendoza, Nelida; eComment
Subject:Public Comment AGAINST 22B
Dear Members of the Council,
I am a resident of Santa Ana (Ward 6 on the new map). I am against item 22B. SAPD does not need another
militarized vehicle. I reviewed the RFP for the FY19 DHS UASI grant money (link below). The RFP states that
the priority areas are:
1. emerging threats, including cybersecurity
2. lifelines (defined as an indispensable service that is critical to human health and safety).
Some of the suggested areas for funding under lifelines include food, water, sheltering; health and medical;
communications; and energy.
We are in a pandemic that is hitting our city harder than anywhere else in the county, during a record-setting
heat wave leading to rolling blackouts, all while students in our city are starting their first week of school at
home, online. Are these not emerging threats? Do these not require lifelines? How about we use the $353,653
from DHS to invest in energy, medical supplies, and communications needs, as suggested in the RFP? I'm sure
the program officer would be happy to re-visit the proposal and make some amendments to our line items.
https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1555008381091-
144e7470ec5e1958d6ad5e103c0825ad/FY_2019_HSGP_NOFO_FINAL_508.pdf
Kelly Kraus-Lee
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Flores, Dora
From:Hector Saldana <heckoverandout@icloud.com>
Sent:Tuesday, August 18, 2020 1:17 PM
To:eComment
Subject:Item 22B
Hello!
My name is, Hector, I am a resident of Santa Ana.
I wold like to send this email to strongly oppose the purchase of the vehicle in item 22B.
This money could be used in so many better way.
Projects that enable continuous operation of critical business and government functions.
Cybersecurity
Emergency Communications Systems
Planning
Training
Preparing for a disaster
Recovering from a disaster
equipment for people with disabilities
equipment to supply support for infant and children
equipment and supplies for personal hygiene such as hand washing stations, accessible showers, feminine care.
Drinking water for distribution and long term storage.
So please rethink this very unnecessary purchase and invest the funds in something a lot more useful.
- Hector
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Flores, Dora
From:Kayleigh Levitt <kayleighlevitt@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, August 18, 2020 1:35 PM
To:eComment
Subject:Against agenda Item 22B: Defund the SAPD
Dear City Council,
The idea of safety is not promoted by arming up the Santa Ana Police Department to continue to harm
protestors. Safety comes from investing in the community. The cost of this agenda item ($353,653) is almost the
same amount the city gave for rental relief when the shelter-in-place prevented most of our rent-burdened
communities from going to work ($500,000). Your budget reflects your values, and consistently the police are
overvalued.
Not passing this agenda item is one step in the direction of promoting safety for the people, promoting
reinvestment in the community. Here are some things that the funds can be invested to instead which actually
promote public safety:
-Housing security
-Preparing and recovering from disaster
-Long-term environmental investment
Most crime has been proven to come from people not having their basic needs met. This is the kind of crime
cycle councilmembers have the power to disrupt and move towards justice.
Kayleigh Levitt
Ward 5
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Orozco, Norma
From:Melissa Palmerin <palmerinmelissa@yahoo.com>
Sent:Tuesday, August 18, 2020 2:10 PM
To:eComment
Subject:items: 20B, 20D , 22B, 25B, 25E, 60B, 75B, 85A
My name is Melissa Palmerin . I live in ward 6 and I oppose items 20B, 20D, 25B, 25E, 60B, 75B, and
85A.
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Orozco, Norma
From:Alison Prior <acprior@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, August 18, 2020 2:22 PM
To:eComment
Subject:Public comment item 22B
Please DO NOT approve this purchase order.
This unnecessary military vehicle is the wrong use of these DHS funds. This military grade vehicle can
withstand mines. Are there mines in Santa Ana?
This military grade vehicle can withstand a rocket-propelled grenade launcher strike. Are there rocket-propelled
grenade launchers in Santa Ana? This military grade vehicle has an air filter that can withstand a nuclear attack.
Are there nuclear weapons in Santa Ana? Yet the police chief says that there is a “large need for such vehicles.”
There is absolutely no need for this military vehicle. And Chief Valentin’s justification that it is needed to
respond to “civil unrest” ie: protests in response to police brutality is wrong. This is the absolute opposite
response that is needed to these protests.
The community is telling you that we want more community care and resources. This DHS grant money can be
used in ways that care for the community, which will prevent threats by using the “Whole Community”
approach.
$350,000 is A LOT of money that, under the terms of the DHS grant, can and should be used for projects that
are essential to human health, safety and/or economic security, preparing for a disaster, recovering from a
disaster, making sure that people have equipment and supplies for personal hygiene and drinking water. These
projects can and will protect people right now from COVID and will help the community moving forward in
recovery efforts.
If your family members were houseless, ill and unable to access resources, you would not buy them a car (let
alone a military vehicle). You would put that money towards their immediate needs. You must to the same for
the city.
Do not approve this item.
Alison Prior
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Orozco, Norma
From:Meghan Shaw <meghanaliza@yahoo.com>
Sent:Tuesday, August 18, 2020 2:31 PM
To:eComment
Subject:Public Comment for Item 22B
Hello,
I am sending an email to voice my opinion against funding for military grade vehicles for Santa Ana police. I do
not support this action in my city. I do not believe police need more weapons against the people for any reason.
Protest is a constitutional right. I DO NOT SUPPORT THIS.
I am a citizen residing in Santa Ana.
I'm not able to call for the meeting at 5pm today but I expect this email to stand as my vote against this action in
our city.
Meghan
Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android
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Orozco, Norma
From:Chelsea Drake <cdrake1221@yahoo.com>
Sent:Tuesday, August 18, 2020 3:02 PM
To:eComment
Subject:Public comment item 22B August 18, 2020
Hi, my name is Chelsea Boyle and I am urging a no vote on the addition of the Terradyne Gurkhan MVP vehicle. The
Santa Ana police needs to stop terrorizing protestors with military grade weapons and scare tactics such as this
ridiculous military grade vehicle.
Thank you,
Chelsea
Sent from my iPhone
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Orozco, Norma
From:Nichole Reidt <nmreidt@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, August 18, 2020 3:02 PM
To:eComment
Subject:Ítem 22B
I am writing to address Item 22B.
I recently learned that the city council plans to purchase a military grade vehicle for $353,653 and I am
outraged!
In the midst of a pandemic when our citizens are literally fighting for their lives...I am appalled that this is even
being considered! How dare you??? The civil unrest in our community can easily be addressed by listening to
our people, hearing their VALID concerns and addressing them one step at a time. We do not need an armored
vehicle in our community. We are not at war!
Additionally, it is my understanding that this money is from a grant and can be used in other ways; emergency
communication systems, planning, training, exercise, preparing/recovering from a disaster (like COVID),
equipment for people with disabilities, support for infants/children, ETC ETC ETC.
I assure you, that if you choose to waste money on this frivolous expense...we WILL vote you out.
Defund the police. Reallocate that money and properly fund our community.
-Nichole Reidt
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Orozco, Norma
From:Penelope Lopez <penelope@chispaoc.org>
Sent:Tuesday, August 18, 2020 3:13 PM
To:eComment
Subject:OPPOSITION to Agenda Item 22B
Dear Mayor Pulido and City Council Members,
On behalf of Chispa, I am writing to oppose agenda item 22B, the purchase order of $353,653 to Terradyne Inc.
for a “Specialized Response Vehicle” for the police department.
The purpose of the purchase of this military-grade vehicle is to respond to “civil unrest” such as the number of
community and youth-led protests the wake of the murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor,
Sean Reed, Tony Mcdade, and the countless other Black Lives murdered at the hands of police officers and
white supremacists across the country. Santa Ana rose in solidarity with Black Lives Matter to call an end to
police violence and harassment which is a reality for many people in our city.
We urge you all to vote against the purchase, which is not only unnecessary, but will exacerbate tensions
between the community and the city for their continued investments in policing and suppression at the expense
of residents.
Penélope Lopez
Organizing Director
Chispa
--
--
In Solidarity
Penélope Lopez
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Organizing Director | Chispa
e: penelope@chispa0c.org c: 714-266-5170
th
1505 E 17 Street, Suite 117 Santa Ana, CA 92705
Chispa is building a political home for Latinx Youth in Orange County! Please consider making a
small donation to help us build our casita. Chispa is a project of Tides Advocacy, a 501(c)4 non-profit
organization.
Confidentiality Notice: This communication with its contents may contain confidential and/or legally privileged information. It is solely for the use of the
intended recipient(s). Unauthorized interception, review, use or disclosure is prohibited and may violate applicable laws including the Electronic
Communications Privacy Act. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender and destroy all copies of the communication.
E-mail: penelope@chispaoc.org
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Orozco, Norma
From:Kiana Rojas <kianadrojas2000@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, August 18, 2020 3:16 PM
To:eComment
Subject:Item 22B
Good afternoon,
I am a citizen of our community and am ashamed that this is the response to protests. Item 22B is an
unnecessary cost that the funds could be much better used in ways that help people during this time of crisis. I
am disappointed this is what our city is doing with our money.
Regards,
Your fellow citizen
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Orozco, Norma
From:Maria Zacarias <takewarning410@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, August 18, 2020 3:23 PM
To:eComment
Subject:No 22B
Good afternoon,
I am a resident of Eastside. I urge council members to vote NO on 22B. There are better ways to improve our
community than by militarizing SAPD.
Maria Zacarias
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Orozco, Norma
From:Jackie Cordova <jcordova4@msn.com>
Sent:Tuesday, August 18, 2020 3:32 PM
To:eComment; Pulido, Miguel; Sarmiento, Vicente; Penaloza, David; Bacerra, Phil;
Villegas, Juan; Mendoza, Nelida; Ridge, Kristine; Valentin, David
Subject:I do not approve purchase of military grade vehicle
Attachments:Screenshot_20200818-135606.png; Screenshot_20200818-135553.png
Re: Agenda Item 22B
Attention Handlers:
I do not consent to my money being used for more war machines. I do not approve the purchase of a "specialized response vehicle" in
the amount of $353,653 to further your killing techniques. We have absolutely no excuse nor need for this kind of hatred in our city.
We are not criminals. I suggest our money is better used in healing your mental conditions where you continue to entertain these
motions. It is time to shift into healing and cleaning up this mess you've made. Corruption will not be tolerated.
End police brutality!
Jackie Cordova
Santa Ana
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Orozco, Norma
From:Alicia Delgadillo <aliciadelgadilloliz@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, August 18, 2020 3:29 PM
To:eComment
Subject:22B 4PM
I am disgusted and opposed to the new vehicles the SAPD is trying to receive. Especially with the epidemic of police brutality on
our doorsteps. SAPD is one of the most violent police departments in the nation and you want to arm them with MILITARY grade
weapons.
If you go through with this the people will be upset and will let their displeasure know in the polls. Especially with the increase
funding in the SAPD after we ask to defund the police and allocate those resources that serve the community. In Santa Ana
people are face to face with eviction, hunger, and covid. So instead of using those funds to fund the police fund more social
programs that help. Since the program that helps with rent pay is only available if they have any funding left.
Ignore our pleas and Ill make sure to let my peers know what exactly our council members stand for if you go through with this
because young people are our future.
Sincerely, an active voter
Alicia Lizbeth Delgadillo
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Orozco, Norma
From:Sarrah Wolfe <sarrahwolfe@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, August 18, 2020 3:27 PM
To:eComment
Subject:Public Comment for Item 22B
Hello,
My name is Sarrah Wolfe and I am a resident of Santa Ana, CA. I'm writing to voice my opinion about Item
22B on the City Council Agenda for the meeting on Tuesday, August 18th, 2020.
As an active member of the community of Santa Ana, I DO NOT support the one-time purchase to Terradyne,
Inc for one specialized response vehicle for the purpose of "\[enhancing\] accessibility and armored
vehicle coverage in the region...in the event of civil unrest," as stated by Police Chief David Valentin.
The nationwide protests have already demonstrated that a response of militarization does not quell civil unrest,
and instead only adds fuel to the fire. What quells civil unrest is listening to the people and taking action on the
part of government officials.
Santa Ana is home to many marginalized members of society that the nationwide protests have undoubtedly
called attention to. These members are not demanding anything outrageous. They are demanding equality and
justice. They are demanding access to basic resources so that they may live and become thriving members of
the Santa Ana community. They are demanding that their voices be heard for once. They are demanding that
their troubles are not met with police brutality, but with care and concern.
How would the purchase of a military-grade vehicle demonstrate that our council members are listening? Where
else might our resources go so that they may have a direct positive impact on the community, instead of a
negative, antagonistic, and terrorizing effect?
I urge our officials to consider carefully their actions on Item 22B. Will the purchase of a military vehicle serve
any other purpose than to create more tension between the public and law enforcement, thereby risking the
peace of our community?
Sincerely,
Sarrah Wolfe
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Orozco, Norma
From:Alicia Delgadillo <aliciadelgadilloliz@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, August 18, 2020 3:27 PM
To:eComment
Subject:Military Grade Vehicle (VOTER)
I am disgusted and opposed to the new vehicles the SAPD is trying to receive. Especially with the epidemic of
police brutality on our doorsteps. SAPD is one of the most violent police departments in the nation and you
want to arm them with MILITARY grade weapons.
If you go through with this the people will be upset and will let their displeasure know in the polls. Especially
with the increase funding in the SAPD after we ask to defund the police and allocate those resources that serve
the community. In Santa Ana people are face to face with eviction, hunger, and covid. So instead of using those
funds to fund the police fund more social programs that help. Since the program that helps with rent pay is only
available if they have any funding left.
Ignore our pleas and Ill make sure to let my peers know what exactly our council members stand for if you go
through with this because young people are our future.
Sincerely, an active voter
Alicia Lizbeth Delgadillo
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Orozco, Norma
From:Maria Ceja <ceja.maria95@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, August 18, 2020 3:56 PM
To:eComment
Subject:item 22B
Mayor and City Council member,
I am opposed to item 22b. The money spent on an unnecessary vehicle that only militarizes our heavily funded
police department could be reinvested into caring for our community, especially as we continue to face these
dire times.This money could be used for preparing for the next COVID-19 wave, adding more funds to the
rental relief program, or investing the recovery of what COVID-19 has exacerbated.
Thank you,
Maria Ceja
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Orozco, Norma
From:Chris DiFebo <cmdifebo@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, August 18, 2020 3:57 PM
To:eComment
Subject:ITEM: 22B
Please pull the purchase of a military grade vehicle for the Santa Ana Police for further discussion. The
hundreds of thousands of dollars to purchase this one vehicle could go so much farther in addressing the causes
of "Civil Unrest" as the police chief puts it rather than trying to snuff it out. The purpose of this purchase is to
make it easier to ignore cries of help from those who need it, the police in Orange County should not be
spending money to hide from people they claim to serve.
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Orozco, Norma
From:Orbane <orbanegallegos@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, August 18, 2020 3:58 PM
To:eComment; Penaloza, David; Councilmember Vincent Sarmiento; Solorio, Jose;
Bacerra, Phil; Mendoza, Nelida; Villegas, Juan; Pulido, Miguel
Subject:August 18th, 2020 ITEM 22B
To the City Council,
I want to address item 22B on today's agenda for the purchase of $353,653 Gurkha Multi Purpose Vehicle. The
money comes from the UASI Grant from the Department of Homeland Security. It is meant to build and sustain
the capabilities necessary to:
-prevent acts of terrorism using the WHOLE COMMUNITY APPROACH
-protect against acts of terrorism using the WHOLE COMMUNITY APPROACH
-mitigate acts of terrorism using the WHOLE COMMUNITY APPROACH
-respond to acts of terrorism using the WHOLE COMMUNITY APPROACH
-RECOVER form acts of terrorism using the WHOLE COMMUNITY APPROACH
Many capabilities which support terrorism preparedness simultaneously support preparedness for other hazards.
Grantees must demonstrate the dual-use quality for any activities implemented that are not explicitly focused on
terrorism preparedness. There are two national FOCUSES:
-emerging threats including cybersecurity
-projects that enable operation of critical business and government functions including those essential to
human health, safety, and/or economic security
Please refer to page 360 of the adopted city budget titled OES UASI to see the line item breakdown of this fund.
Please see that under Machinery & Equipment is a $0. This is a sharp contrast to the $172K that was recently spent
on five new Tahoes from this same account number #12514407- 66400. The rest was paid with funds from an
equitable sharing account in which police officers can seize assets and cash and can appropriate them without waiting
for an indictment or conviction. Return of property and cash is only available if the suspect can prove he obtained it
legally.
Chief Valentin wishes to use the UASI funds again to fund the purchase of this vehicle with the following reasoning:
This project is for the procurement of one compact armored vehicle, which will enable the Santa Ana Police
Department SWAT team to respond to Complex Coordinated Attacks, Active Shooter Events, Hazardous Materials
Tactical Operations ( HMTOC) and Weapons of Mass Destruction WMD) tactical situations within the Urban Area. It will
enhance accessibility and armored vehicle coverage in the region, AS WELL AS FULFILL A LARGE NEED FOR SUCH
VEHICLES IN THE EVENT OF CIVIL UNREST, mutual aid assistance and/ or multi -jurisdictional catastrophic
incidents. The vehicle also has fire mitigation capabilities enabling personnel to address burning property from a
protected environment. The fire mitigation capability is new to the Operational Area and is a capability currently not
possessed by the Santa Ana Police Department.
Some of the features of this truck include but are not limited to:
-stops artillery shell fragments
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-can withstand mines
-can withstand rocket-propelled grenade launchers
-interior filter to withstand chemical, biological, or nuclear agents in the air
Some of the places which have purchased these heavily militarized vehicles include:
-Nigera
-Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
-Special ops team in Mexico against active cartels
-Saudi Arabia border team
-Replaced troop vehicles in the occupation of Afghanistan and Iraq
Santa Ana is not a warzone. It is not even close. The National Governors Association has worked with FEMA to see if
the funds can be used towards COVID 19 efforts. The simple answer is yes. Because a biological attack mimics Covid
19, there are many many places it can work. This Fall and Winter Flu season will be compounded with Covid 19.
Meaning we have the potential of seeing a real catastrophe. There are places in the world that have reduced the
number of deaths by the thousands because the city had a plan. Fukushima, Japan prepared for earthquakes,
tsunami, and the nuclear power plant explosions. Mexico City 2017 earthquake which I was present sprung into the
plan of action that they had built around the 1985 one that killed tens of thousands. Thousands upon thousands were
saved in these scenarios. Santa Ana is not exempt from these catastrophes. Per the guidelines we can use the funds
in the following ways as well:
-Projects that enable continuous operation of critical business and government functions including those
essential to human health, safety, or economic security
-items on the FEMA authorized equipment list, like equipment for disabled people, equipment to supply
support for infants and children, individual sleeping systems, personal hygiene equipment, hand washing
stations, potable water for long-term storage and distribution, decontamination for both humans and
animals, and much MUCH more.
-Cybersecurity
-EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS like portable Wifi, cell phones, etc
-PLANNING
-TRAINING (which on the adopted budget is only $5,000) this also can include programs for officers to
train in an active shooter scenario
-DISASTER EXERCISES
-PREPARING FOR DISASTER RESPONSES (like Covid 19 Fall/Winter Flu sesason)
-RECOVERING FROM A DISASTER (Under FEMA we are under legally a current disaster)
-And much more
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It is obvious this UASI fund is being used a personal piggy bank for Chief Valentin when the fund is supposed to
protect the whole community. If we do not prepare for this Fall and Winter with the COVID crisis upon us or in the
event of a major earthquake, or a disaster from the San Onofre Nuclear Power Plant, or even to address the pandemic
today, we are in for a major wake up call at the expense of thousands of lives. The question is never IF a disaster will
happen, it is WHEN. And who is the most prepared, will suffer the least.
Please vote NO on item 22B. Now is not the time. Especially when one of the Chief's justifications was in response to
civil unrest. A vehicle that is actively being used in war zones does not belong in a city of civilians. Even Lou Correa
launched an inquiry into the DHS recently sending one of their militarized vehicles in June saying, "Earlier today,
DHS's Homeland Security Investigations unit conducted an operation in our community. My office and I are
investigating this incident."
"The idea of militarizing police, this is something that we've been seeing throughout North America,
throughout the world, for the past decade or two. It's rather distressing to those who study police and
public relations. The police are intended to serve and protect but instead, they can start to appear as if
they are the enemy. People tend to feel more afraid when they see an armoured vehicle in the streets of
their city, so these things can actually reduce the sense of safety."
Frank Cormier - criminology professor at the University of Manitoba
If you want to fix public perception of police in Santa Ana, don't but them a tank in response to protestors. It
definitely sends the wrong message. It sends one of domination.
Steve Gallegos
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Flores, Dora
From:alejandra yesenia <yale77@yahoo.com>
Sent:Tuesday, August 18, 2020 5:18 PM
To:eComment
Subject:Item 22B and 25A Concerns
Hello,
My name is Yesenia Juarez and I would like to express my concerns with item 22B and 24A.
I disagree with the action of allowing the old YMCA building to be sold to Caribou Industries, item 25A! I, and many
others, would much rather see that building become a community center for Santa Ana. Not only would it be incredibly
helpful for children and adults (depending on available programs), but it would create jobs where members of the
community can give back.
In regards to item 22B, I do not think over $350,000 should be used to purchase a “specialized response vehicle”. SAPD
already gets enough money and perhaps that money can be used for the purchase of the YMCA building or be allocated
to the community in other ways.
Thank you
Yesenia Juarez
1
Flores, Dora
From:Celeste Sanchez <sanchez.celeste25@yahoo.com>
Sent:Tuesday, August 18, 2020 4:21 PM
To:eComment
Subject:22B
Dear council people,
You have decided to approve funds towards the police department after several pleads from the people you serve to not
do such a thing. I am extremely disappointed in my council people who approved such budget but now that you have
you must hold the chief of police accountable for using that money in useful and resourceful ways!!! Such as mental
health, crisis, sexual assault and or domestic violence training! Not for equipment that will only serve to oppress the
people they are suppose to serve! Have a heart, empathy, and common sense and hold departments accountable for
spending money in ways that serve the community not continually oppress us!
Set this right,
A concerned citizen
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Flores, Dora
From:Adri R.H. <rezaadriana1@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, August 18, 2020 4:19 PM
To:eComment
Subject:Comment on Item 22B 4PM
$353,653 ? (Please read this number out loud in question form during the meeting; followed by my comment):
Who are you trying to protect? And why don't you unite with the people that make up the community instead of
attacking them. You know what that money you want to spend on your little toy could be used for? Here are
some ideas:
-Projects that enable continuous operation of critical business and government functions including those
essential to human health, safety, and/or economic security (like right now with covid)
-cyber security
-emergency communication systems
-planning
-training
-exercises
-preparing for a disaster (like Fall/Winter Covid)
-recovering from a disaster (like covid)
-equipment for people with disabilities
-equipment to supply support for infants and children
-individual sleeping systems
-equipment and supplies for personal hyiegyne such as hand washing stations, accessible showers, and feminine
care..
-drinking water for distribution and long-term storage
-decontamination materials for both humans and animals
-and so much more.
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Flores, Dora
From:Houston, Nicole
Sent:Tuesday, August 18, 2020 4:01 PM
To:eComment
Subject:FW: I do not approve purchase of military grade vehicle
Attachments:Screenshot_20200818-135606.png; Screenshot_20200818-135553.png
From: Jackie Cordova \[mailto:jcordova4@msn.com\]
Sent: Tuesday, August 18, 2020 3:32 PM
To: eComment <ecomment@santa-ana.org>; Pulido, Miguel <MPulido@santa-ana.org>; Sarmiento, Vicente
<VSarmiento@santa-ana.org>; Penaloza, David <DPenaloza@santa-ana.org>; Bacerra, Phil <pbacerra@santa-ana.org>;
Villegas, Juan <JVillegas@santa-ana.org>; Mendoza, Nelida <nmendoza@santa-ana.org>; Ridge, Kristine <kridge@santa-
ana.org>; Valentin, David <DValentin@santa-ana.org>
Subject: I do not approve purchase of military grade vehicle
Re: Agenda Item 22B
Attention Handlers:
I do not consent to my money being used for more war machines. I do not approve the purchase of a "specialized response vehicle" in
the amount of $353,653 to further your killing techniques. We have absolutely no excuse nor need for this kind of hatred in our city.
We are not criminals. I suggest our money is better used in healing your mental conditions where you continue to entertain these
motions. It is time to shift into healing and cleaning up this mess you've made. Corruption will not be tolerated.
End police brutality!
Jackie Cordova
Santa Ana
1
Flores, Dora
From:MONICA ANNE MOUET <mmouet@ucla.edu>
Sent:Tuesday, August 18, 2020 5:25 PM
To:eComment
Subject:Comment for Tonight's Meeting
Hello, my name is Monica Mouet and I have lived in Santiago Park my whole life. I would like to express the deep disappointment I have in the city
for even entertaining the possibility that this specialized response vehicle, in Item 22B, is a “large need…in the event of civil unrest.” Your
communities have no “need” for an armored vehicle, reminiscent of the recent terrorization of protestors in Portland, Oregon. Not only do your
communities need funds for vital resources amidst this pandemic, your communities need new leadership. A coalition of actions that guide the
community toward new directions. I’m not at all surprised by this council’s interest. We will vote you out.
As for Item 25A, I think it’s safe to say that this perfectly illustrates just how lazy this City can be when it comes to upholding responsibility towards
the community. You are putting a price on the communal wellbeing of your constituents, and that is $500,000, which will go towards building a
“boutique hotel.” Such a waste. Such a slap in the face to the populations who keep your city running.
As I said before, we will vote you out. And you won’t be celebrated by your city. I hope your extra cash flow was worth it.
1
Flores, Dora
From:Manuel Escamilla <manueljescamilla@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, August 18, 2020 9:04 PM
To:eComment
Subject:Comments for 8-18-2020 Council Meeting
Dear Mayor and Council,
My apologies for the connection issues during the call in phase of the meeting. I attempted to call back in but
the call in line has been locked. Please work with staff to ID the technical issue so that our residents are able to
address the Council.
Though this email will reach you after the decisions have been made, I still wanted to share my thoughts and
observations on the following items.
20A - I'm supportive of this, thank you for bringing back the book mobile. We need to do everything we can
increase literacy access in our community.
22B - I do not believe that this item will provide any additional value to our city. I recommend that the Council
and Mayor ask the Police Chief if we have enough hazmat suits, decontamination units, mobile testing facilities,
and other emergency response materials. As the pandemic has shown us, we have had to scramble for basic
supplies to fight an ongoing biological threat. We should spend our federal grant funds on other supplies that
add to our ability to save lives in case of the unspeakable.
25A - I understand that the expense of restoring a historic structure like the YMCA will be substantial and that
it will be beneficial to get the property restored and back on the property tax rolls before a disaster like the one
that occured on Santa Ana blvd a few months ago.
However my concern is regarding whether or not the purchaser will be able to honor the timeline being
described here. As it stands there are 4 other major projects that they are involved with but have shown little
progress. I would recommend that the City proactively seek out alternative bids if Caribou Industries is unable
to uphold its obligations under the terms of the sales agreement.
25D - Maybe this is the most innovative cost-effective program available but I’m seeing red flags. Why did the
staff report just copy and paste the promotional material from the America on Track website? There was a
sentence where the staff report just changes the point of view from first person to third person. The drug
program descriptions on the organization's website referred to were from a controversial 'weed and seed'
program. This program was studied and found to be ineffective and counterproductive according to a 2005
study in Criminal justice Review. America on track's website also included out of date statistics from a
government agency that hasn't been around since 2012.
Our contracting decisions should be guided by the idea that the City can use these types of smaller contract
opportunities to grow local institutions. Are we really saying that in the nonprofit center of Orange County we
were not able to find any local organizations with an ongoing presence that would be able to tell kids that drugs
are bad?
55C - Thank you and the Public Works team for their efforts on expanding these safe routes to school. We need
to continue the City's efforts to emphasize safety in all aspects of our transportation network.
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75B - I'm in opposition to the revision of the Housing Opportunity Ordinance as it is written. My understanding
of the proposals indicate that these revisions will remove the applicability of an affordable housing requirement
for all development projects within existing specific plans, specific developments, and overlay zones.
If this is the wish of the council, then you should be able to publicly defend the idea that the Main Place
Specific Plan should not include nor financially contribute to the affordable housing fund. That will be the
direct result of your decision.
85B - I'm supportive of the idea of granting an extension for the collection of signatures. The
unusual circumstances around the coronavirus pandemic significantly delayed the collection of signatures. If
only because this extension would further encourage the participation of residents in the democratic process. I
realize that this is not a proposal that the members of the Council are supportive of, but I hope that your faith in
the democratic process outweighs your reservation of the specifics of the proposal that is gathering
signatures.
Stay golden,
Manny
--
Manuel J. Escamilla
https://www.escamillaforsantaana.org/
Master of Urban and Regional Planning | Design and Development, 2018
UCLA | Luskin School of Public Affairs | Department of Urban Planning
Master of Library and Information Science | Archival Studies, 2014
UCLA | Graduate School of Education | Department of Information Science
Mobile 714.585.5523 Facebook MannyForSA Instagram Full_Metal_Archivist
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