HomeMy WebLinkAboutCorrespondence- Non-Agenda Middleton, Samuel
From: Victor D Mendez <vicdmendez@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, February 16, 2023 6:36 PM
To: Amezcua, Valerie; Lopez, Jessie; Phan, Thai; Hernandez, Johnathan; Bacerra, Phil;
Penaloza, David; Vazquez, Benjamin; eComment
Subject: Email from Chief Valentin
Attachments: Emails regarding Complaint re Officer Delgadillo.pdf
The Chief sent me an email in which admonishes me for communicating with the Council
about my complaint.
In the same email, he copies several internal manages, yet he invokes the
confidentiality of the process.
I am attaching the emails for your information and of course, this is the point of
departure for us on this matter.
VICTOR D MENDEZ
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14011 m ai Victor Mendez<vicdmendez@gmail.com>
.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Re: Internal Affairs Investigation of Officer Delgadillo
1 message
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Victor D Mendez<vicdmendez@gmail.com> Thu, Feb 16, 2023 at 4:52 PM
To: "Valentin, David" <DValentin@santa-ana.org>
Cc: "Ridge, Kristine" <kridge@santa-ana.org>, "Mendoza, Steven" <SMendoza@santa-ana.org>, "Plotnik, Elizabeth"
<EPlotnik@santa-ana.org>, "Rodriguez, Robert" <RRodriguez@santa-ana.org>, "Gonzalez, Jose" <JGONZALEZ2@santa-
ana.org>, "Carvalho, Sonia R." <SCarvalho@santa-ana.org>, "Bogosian, Tamara" <TBogosian@santa-ana.org>
I had asked for the process from Mr. Figueroa and only received a response that it was in the
Department's hands.
I see nothing that compromises the investigation since the allegations are from posts in the pubic domain.
Furthemore, no protocols were presented to me.
I have only written two emails on this matter and I certainly do not see that as continuing or on going.
One to request the next steps in the investigation and the other to inform the Council that you are
investigating the incident, the scope of the allegations, and that you have responded in a timely manner.
The other aspects of the email are covered under my first amendment rights and cannot be abridged no
matter what.
Nevertheless, the investigation is completely in your hands and I will simply have to trust your process
going forward and will of course will follow your rules to ensure that you achieve the most objective of
investigations and address my concerns.
You are welcome to call me at 714 478 4010 if there is anything else I should know or you wish
to discuss.
VICTOR D MENDEZ
f
On Thu, Feb 16, 2023 at 4:37 PM Valentin, David <u::N/Menfin@santa ana.org>wrote:
FEBRUARY 16, 2023; 4:36PM
Mr. Mendez-
We have a robust Internal Affairs process in place, in accordance to the law and Department policy. In spite of your
continued communication that compromises this confidential administrative process, we will strictly comply with the law
and policy.Your complaint was referred to the Internal Affairs Group for assessment and investigation.
Commander Jose Gonzalez is your direct point of contact.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
CC: FILE (ALL City Council NOT BCC'd)
DAVID VALENTIN
CHIEF OF POLICE
Santa Ana Police Department
* COMMUNITY FIRST*
On Feb 16, 2023, at 4:16 PM, Victor D Mendez<Acdmendez@gmaliuLcorn>wrote:
I filed a complaint against the subject officer and Internal Affairs has contacted me to
initiate the investigation.
I thank the Department for their timely response.
The Officer posted derogatory remarks about me during a post he wrote on the Orange
Juice against the Recall.
The remarks were alleged that I never held a job and I am a "failed politician". While I have
acknowledged my defeat in 2020, I have moved on and engaged in other ways.
I wish others would as well.
I am now looking for more engagement with the County and becoming a substitute school
teacher in SAUSD this coming fall.
I realize that the rhetoric can sometimes get heated and during this recall process there
may be further instances of unthoughtful comments; however, Office Delgadillo is a law
enforcement officer and there are rightful standards of behavior that he is expected to
follow.
There are also many factual problems with the Officer's post plus whether or not the post
violated other standards of a Santa Ana Police Officer.
Additionally, Officer Delgadillo's apparent excessive overtime pay over the years and the
allegations of sleeping on the job are well known. These concerns are not part of the
investigation nor will I request that the scope be broadened to include them or anything
else.
It does concern me that if the Officer does in fact sleep on the job, as in doing so, he poses
a danger to himself and to the community that he is hired to protect.
I realize the Council cannot engage directly in this matter nor should they. I do feel you
should be informed about the problems in the Department and the need for corrective
leadership action at the highest level of SAPD.
VICTOR D MENDEZ
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Middleton, Samuel
From: Victor D Mendez <vicdmendez@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, February 16, 2023 4:16 PM
To: Amezcua, Valerie
Cc: Lopez, Jessie; Phan, Thai; Bacerra, Phil; Penaloza, David; Hernandez, Johnathan;
Vazquez, Benjamin; eComment; Ridge, Kristine; Valentin, David
Subject: Internal Affairs Investigation of Officer Delgadillo
Attachments: PSU2023-0017 - Receipt of Complaint Letter - Victor Mendez.pdf
I filed a complaint against the subject officer and Internal Affairs has contacted me to
initiate the investigation.
I thank the Department for their timely response.
The Officer posted derogatory remarks about me during a post he wrote on the Orange
Juice against the Recall.
The remarks were alleged that I never held a job and I am a "failed politician". While I
have acknowledged my defeat in 2020, I have moved on and engaged in other ways.
I wish others would as well.
I am now looking for more engagement with the County and becoming a
substitute school teacher in SAUSD this coming fall.
I realize that the rhetoric can sometimes get heated and during this recall process there
may be further instances of unthoughtful comments; however, Office Delgadillo is a law
enforcement officer and there are rightful standards of behavior that he is expected to
follow.
There are also many factual problems with the Officer's post plus whether or not the
post violated other standards of a Santa Ana Police Officer.
Additionally, Officer Delgadillo's apparent excessive overtime pay over the years and the
allegations of sleeping on the job are well known. These concerns are not part of the
investigation nor will I request that the scope be broadened to include them or anything
else.
It does concern me that if the Officer does in fact sleep on the job, as in doing so, he
poses a danger to himself and to the community that he is hired to protect.
I realize the Council cannot engage directly in this matter nor should they. I do feel you
should be informed about the problems in the Department and the need for corrective
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leadership action at the highest level of SAPID.
VICTOR D MENDEZ
r.
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MAYOR CITY MANAGER
Valerie Amezcua Kristine Ridge
MAYOR PRO TEM CITY'ATTORNEY
Jessie Lopez Sonia R.Carvalho
COUNCILMEMBERS CLERK OF THE COUNCIL
Phil Bacerra
Johnathan Ryan Hernandez
David Penaloza
Thai Viet Phan
Benjamin Vazquez
POLICE DEPARTMENT
60 Civic Center Plaza a P.O.Box 1981
Santa Ana,California 92702
ua,santa-ana o4pd
Police Department:
February 15, 2023
Victor D. Mendez
vjctLmendort grriajj.:oori
Subject: Citizen's Complaint — PSU23i2:3-0017
r. Mendez,
We received your complaint regarding the actions of our police employee(s). Sergeant
Frank Gutierrez has been assigned to investigate your complaint. Please contact him at
your earliest convenience to discuss your complaint. He can be reached at (714) 245-3013.
In the near future, he will attempt to contact you in order to further his investigation.
Sincerely,
David Valentin
Chief of Police
Jose Gonzalez, Commander
Internal Affairs
SANTA ANA CITY COUN'C1L
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Mayor Mayor Pro Teirn,Ward 3 Ward 9 'hard 2 Ward+i 'Ward B: Ward 6
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Middleton, Samuel
From: Jessica Janosz <jessicajanosz@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, February 16, 2023 1:12 PM
To: eComment
Cc: Jessica Janosz
Subject: 5g Towers all in the same area
I would like to address the matter of the 5 g towers being put up recently all in the same area. I don't understand
why all 3 towers are so close together. Not only are these towers extremely hazardous to people and children
why put three in a lower income neighborhood where people are unaware of the health risks that are associated
with these unnecessary towers and are the least likely to complain and petition to take them down. Not only do I
feel like time and time again the lower income are taken advantage of when it comes to health matters but I am
very disappointed that the city would let three put up without taking all the families and developing children in
consideration. I would like a explanation and also to remove these towers and at least put them in an area that is
industrial rather then next to a neighborhood with lots of children.
Jessica Janosz
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Middleton, Samuel
From: Victor D Mendez <vicdmendez@gmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, February 11, 2023 12:17 PM
To: eComment
Subject: Failed Leadership of Santa Ana Police Department
VICTOR D MENDEZ
r.
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Victor D Mendez <vicdmendezggmail.com>
Date: Thu, Feb 9, 2023 at 2:29 PM
Subject: Re: FW: OC Juice Blog - Updated Comments
To: Gerry Serrano <gerry.serranogsantaanapoa.com>
Cc: Figueroa, Ramon<rfi ueroao,santa-ana.org>, Motsick, Jason<j mots ick ,santa-ana.org>
cgoldwasserggoldwasser-law.com<cgoldwasserggoldwasser-law.com>, Corey Glave
<poaattorneygaol.com>, Ridge, Kristine <kridgegsanta-ana.org>, Mendoza, Steven<SMendozagsanta-
ana org>, Valentin, David<DValentingsanta-ana.org>, Gonzalez, Jose <JGONZALEZ2gsanta-ana.org>,
Gerry Serrano <gerry.serranogsantaanapoa.com>, Carvalho, Sonia R. <SCarvalhogsanta-ana.org>
It is this lack of accountability that drives divisiveness in our community. I now
completely understand the points Chispa and other community groups were making
during the Police Oversight discussions.
They were coming from a more severe perspective than myself, but the issue is the
same.
A complete lack of trust in the process. I might add my situation is a broader reflection
of the failed leadership on the part of Ms Ridge and Chief Valentin in overseeing the
Police Department.
VICTOR D MENDEZ
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On Thu, Feb 9, 2023 at 2:11 PM Gerry Serrano <gerry.serranogsantaanapoa.com>wrote:
Mr. Figueroa —
It has been proven time and time again that the PD internal affairs is incapable of an impartial,
objective and unbiased investigation. Especially, concerning Officer Delgadillo who has repeatedly
violated policy and zero action has been taken by Valentin.
Additionally, I have made several request via the Public Records Act for communication pertaining to
Delgadillo and Valentin. These request have been pending over one year now and the city has yet to
release this records in violation of State PRA laws.
GS
eery Senr° no I President
Santa Ana Police Officers Association
From: Figueroa, Ramon <rfigueroa@santa-ana.org>
Sent:Thursday, February 9, 2023 1:58 PM
To: 'Victor D Mendez' <vicdmendez@gmail.com>; Gerry Serrano<gerry.serrano@santaanapoa.com>
Cc: Motsick,Jason <imotsick@santa-ana.org>; cgoldwasser@goldwasser-law.com; Corey Glave
<poaattorney@aol.com>; Ridge, Kristine<kridge@santa-ana.org>; Mendoza, Steven <SMendoza@santa-ana.org>;
Valentin, David <DValentin@santa-ana.org>; Gonzalez,Jose<JGONZALEZ2@santa-ana.org>
Subject: RE: FW: OC Juice Blog- Updated Comments
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Good afternoon Mr. Mendez,
I am in receipt of your email. This matter is being referred to the Police Department for
determination.
Ramon Figueroa ( Employee Relations Manager
City of Santa Ana Human Resources Department
20 Civic Center Plaza I Santa Ana, CA 92701
Office: 714-647-5358
Email: rfiigueroa Santa-anasorc www.santa-ana.org
City Hall hours are 7:30 am to 5:30 pm, Monday through Thursday and 8:00 am to 5:00 pm every other Friday. Il.9.1k_I� Ir for a
list of observed holidays and Friday closure dates.
The mySantaAna mobile app puts the power of the Santa Ana city government in the palm of your hand! The free app
allows residents to quickly and easily report issues to the City, access City services, and find news and events.
Download the App:
pl �� III 11��4'IPuI� Ily i'll
Click...here to report an issue directly from the City website.
From:Victor D Mendez<vicdmendez@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, February 9, 2023 1:42 PM
To: Gerry Serrano (POA) <gerry.serrano@santaanapoa.com>
Cc: Figueroa, Ramon <rfigueroa@santa-ana.org>; Motsick,Jason <imotsick@santa-ana.org>;Amezcua,Valerie
<VAmezcua@santa-ana.org>; Phan,Thai <TPhan@santa-ana.org>; Lopez,Jessie<JessieLopez@santa-ana.org>;
Hernandez,Johnathan <JRyanHernandez@santa-ana.org>; phi Ibacerra@gmail.com; Penaloza, David
<DPenaloza@santa-ana.org>;Vazquez, Benjamin <bvazquez@santa-ana.org>; cgoldwasser@goldwasser-law.com;
Corey Glave<poaattornev@aol.com>
Subject: Re: FW: OC Juice Blog- Updated Comments
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Mr Figueroa"
I wish to file a complaint against Officer Delgadillo for his inflammatory remarks he
posted in the subject blog toward my work history, which is extensive, and my civic
engagement over the years, which is admired by many in Santa Ana.
I am a disabled citizen, age 64, living on social security and pensions which I rightfully
earned over working for 38 years.
I find it appalling that there is zero respect from a Santa Ana Police Officer toward the
disabled and senior citizen community and I question the culture where such
intolerance can be manifested.
Please advise as to the process for completing my complaint and having it
independently investigated by the proper individuals within the City.
VICTOR D MENDEZ
v
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On Wed, Feb 8, 2023 at 8:02 PM Gerry Serrano <gerry.serranogsantaanaPoa.com>wrote:
Mr. Figueroa,
On February 6, 2023, Santa Ana Police Officer Manuel Delgadillo contacted a local anti-police blog
identifying himself as a Santa Ana Police Officer. Although I understand he has a first amendment
right, he is still bound by the policy and procedures of the Santa Ana Police Department and city of
Santa Ana as to his conduct off-duty. Officer Delgadillo not only provides misinformation but he
intentionally LIES in his comments to this blog and public via this on-line communication. Officer
Delgadillo says the POA has filed "numerous frivolous lawsuits against the City of Santa Ana have
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all been dismissed." That is a lie. None of the POA lawsuits have been dismissed and in fact, they
have all been accepted, deemed valid by the court.
Other comments that are lies:
• "One, the earlier lawsuits failed and Serrano thought he would be able to use those as
negotiation chips." None of the POA lawsuits have failed.
• "Three, the SAPOA used regressive and dilatory bargaining tactics. (Bargaining in Bad
Faith)"There is no bargaining in bad faith charge against the POA. In fact, the city has
the only complaint for bad faith bargaining against them.
But it gets worse, when Officer Delgadillo gets into a very unprofessional dialogue with a Santa
Ana resident, Mr. Victor Mendez. Please read the blog by clicking below:
• Santa Ana '23 Recall: Officer Manny Delgadillo weighs in against Serrano! I Orange Juice Blog
Officer Delgadillo's comments violate SAPD Standards of Conduct Policy 320, specifically:
Standards of Conduct Policy 320
CONDUCT 320.5.9
(f) Discourteous, disrespectful or discriminatory treatment of any member of the public or
any member of this department or the City.
(h) Criminal, dishonest, or disgraceful conduct, whether on or off duty, that adversely
affects the member's relationship with the department.
(m) Any other on or off duty conduct which any member knows or reasonably
should know is unbecoming a member of this department, is contrary to good order,
efficiency or morale, or tends to reflect unfavorably upon this department or its
members.
His conduct is disrespectful, discourteous and many believe is unbecoming. In the comments there
is also conversation of Officer Delgadillo sleeping on duty, which he never comments on. Attached
are some photographs of Officer Delgadillo sleeping on duty.
These are serious allegations and must be investigated. I request this be investigated by the DA's
office and not the SAPD at the direction of chief Valentin. As you know, I filed a complaint
requesting an investigation against Officer Delgadillo for assaulting another officer and me at the
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POA office. There were witnesses and video evidence. Chief Valentin refused to have the DA's
office investigate it. His Internal Affairs Unit subsequently unfounded the incident.
It is evident that Valentin will cover up any criminal behavior or misconduct as is evident by past
reported crimes and misconduct that was unfounded by his internal affairs section.
This is a formal complaint and request for investigation against Officer Delgadillo for his violations of
standards of conduct against citizen Victor Mendez and me. This is also a request for investigation
and dereliction of duty of Officer Delgadillo sleeping on duty.
Respectfully,
GS
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