HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-079 - Edgar Vargas ArzateRESOLUTION NO. 2024-079
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SANTA ANA RECOGNIZING THE SIGNIFICANT
CONCERNS OF THE COMMUNITY AND THE FAMILY OF
EDGAR VARGAS ARZATE AND REAFFIRMING THE
CITY'S COMMITMENT TO JUSTICE, ACCOUNTABILITY,
AND COMMUNITY RELATIONSHIPS
WHEREAS, the City of Santa Ana values all human life and is committed to
respecting and protecting the dignity of every individual; and
WHEREAS, on June 19, 2014, Edgar Vargas Arzate a resident of Santa Ana, was
arrested by Santa Ana Police Department ("SAPD") police officers, and during the course
of the arrest, there was a use of force which subsequently resulted in an investigation by
a federal Grand Jury; and
WHEREAS, in 2019, Officer Brian Booker was indicted by a federal Grand Jury
and charged with deprivation of rights under color of law and falsification of records. He
ultimately pled guilty to one count and was placed on probation; and
WHEREAS, as a result of the police officer's use of force, Edgar Vargas Arzate
filed a lawsuit against the City of Santa Ana and several of its police officers including
then officer Brian Booker. The City settled the lawsuit for $175,000 in 2016; and
WHEREAS, the City of Santa Ana deeply regrets the incident and recognizes the
impact it has had on the community; and
WHEREAS, the City's Police Department and Executive Management Team are
committed to upholding the highest ethical standards and exemplifying professionalism
in all interactions with the community; and
WHEREAS, such incidents present an opportunity for reflection and growth,
ensuring that similar events are not repeated; and
WHEREAS, the City of Santa Ana now seeks to foster stronger community
relationships and provide a holistic approach to ensuring the safety, health and general
welfare of all residents; and
WHEREAS, a positive shift in leadership has led to organizational reforms that
emphasize increased accountability and transparency within the institution; and
WHEREAS, the City of Santa Ana acknowledges that incidents such as this erode
the community's trust in law enforcement and the City generally; and
Resolution No. 2024-079
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WHEREAS, the City Council is dedicated to rebuilding trust, fostering
transparency, and maintaining accountability to ensure a stronger, safer community for
all.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA AS
FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The City Council of the City of Santa Ana hereby finds determines, and
declares as follows:
A. The City of Santa Ana hereby recognizes the significant community concerns
and the outrage of the family of Edgar Vargas Arzate regarding the circumstances
of his arrest on June 19, 2014 and acknowledges the admitted wrongdoing of
former Officer Brian Booker.
B. The City of Santa Ana commits to working to rebuild the trust lost with the
community as a result of this incident.
C. The City of Santa Ana commits to continuing efforts to improve accountability
and transparency, as evidenced by the establishment of the Police Oversight
Commission and other reforms aimed at fostering trust within our community.
D. The City of Santa Ana reaffirms the City's commitment to justice, dignity and
respect for all persons.
Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the
City Council, and the City Clerk shall attest to and certify the vote adopting this Resolution.
ADOPTED this 17th day of December, 2024.
Resolution No. 2024-079
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APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Sonia R. Carvalho, City Attorney
By: rw,qp, A LL _
Laura A. Rossini
Chief Assistant City Attorney
AYES: Councilmembers Amezcua Bacerra Hernandez Lopez,
Penaloza,_Phan, Vazquez (7)
NOES: Councilmembers None (0)
ABSTAIN: Councilmembers None (0
ABSENT: Councilmembers None (0
CERTIFICATE OF ATTESTATION AND ORIGINALITY
I, JENNIFER L. HALL, City Clerk, do hereby attest to and certify that the attached
Resolution No. 2024-079 to be the original resolution adopted by the City Council of
the City of Santa Ana on December 17, 2024.
Date:
y ee
City of Santa Ana
Resolution No. 2024-079
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