HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-23-2009SANTA ANA CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE
PUBLIC SAFETY
Minutes of Meeting
June 23, 2009
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was convened at 5:40 p.m. at Santa Ana Police Department, 60 Civic
Center Plaza, 4th Floor, Santa Ana, California.
ATTENDANCE
Council members present: Claudia Alvarez, David Benavides, and Sal Tinajero.
Staff present: Police Chief Paul Walters, Fire Chief Marc Martin, City Attorney Joe
Fletcher, Fire Marshall Lori Smith, Commander Ken Gominsky, Commander Ruben
Ibarra, Mgr. Will Hayes and Loretta Tafoya, Recording Secretary.
Public sign-ins: Roy and Julie Melcher, Irma Macias, Rene D. Guzman, Rosa Aldaz,
Barbara Lamere, Ivan Ahlaref, Don and Shirley Harrelson, Justo Leon, Thomas Gordon,
Julie Stroud, and Connie. Hamilton.
SUMMARY OF DISCUSSIONS
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approved Minutes of the April 28, 2009 meeting.
2. BAILBOND SOLICITATION
The City Attorney, Joe Fletcher explained that the Bail industry is highly
regulated and the Insurance Code and Code of Regulations contain a wide range
of standards and requirements of bail licenses. Enforcement of these regulations
fall under the Investigation Division for the Department of Insurance. The City
needs to document the adverse impacts on the public caused by the activity we
seek to ban. Additionally, it will be necessary to establish that existing regulation
and existing enforcement tools are inadequate to address that need. As such a
record is being developed; it will have to take into consideration the need to
withstand a litigation challenge. We could rely upon evidence generated by
activities involving the Santa Ana jails, or on-the-ground conditions found in other
counties. Council member Claudia Alvarez recommended the Chief decide the
regulation since the job will fall on the police department. Council members
Claudia Alvarez and Sal Tinajero agreed that it shouldn't be pursued. City
Attorney Joe Fletcher agreed to let the State handle it. Any complaints will be
referred to the California Insurance Commissioner.
3. CA ENDOWMENT UPDATE
Commander Ibarra explained that the endowment is still in planning stages. The
Police Department will handle the endowment similar to COP. They will see
where help is needed and will take proactive prevention. The Police Department
will keep Committee informed.
4. UPDATE ON FIREWORKS RECORDED HOTLINE
Fire Chief Marc Martin reiterated that the Fire Department will not use a hotline.
Without immediate response it would just cause frustration for the caller. The
Fire Department will continue to work with the Police Department. Arson
investigators will be riding with the officers July 4th. Council member Claudia
Alvarez asked if we can ban fireworks in certain areas. City Attorney Joe
Fletcher is going to look into a regulation. Council member David Benavides
wants to make sure the community is aware to call 911 to give information.
5. STRATEGY ON VIOLENCE DUE TO ECONOMY
Commander Ibarra stated it is difficult to make a direct link between the economy
and crime; however, there are some correlations between employment,
education, poverty, truancy, and youth employment. Loss of jobs result in
unstable financial status, therefore, can lead to depression, leading to drug use.
The consequence then results in criminal activity to support the drug habit.
Gang members are utilizing foreclosure properties as "crash pads" and a place to
engage in illegal activity.
6. PRESENTATION ON CRIMINAL ACTIVITY ON-LINE AND REPORTING
The Santa Ana Police Department is now offering eReporting that is available on-
line 24 hours a day via the Police Department's web page. It allows members of
the community to make crime reports directly to the Department from their own
computers. Commander Gominsky introduced the Committee to
Crimemapping.com. This portal is dedicated to help Law Enforcement Agencies
provide the public with valuable information about crime activity in individual
neighborhoods. Data transparency and a well informed public have always been
essential elements in Santa Ana's fight against crime.
7. SELECTION OF POLICE LEGAL ADVISOR
City Attorney Joe Fletcher explained to the Committee the main benefit to having
three legal advisors to represent the Police Department is to cross train the
attorneys. Council member Claudia Alvarez feels like the police department
should have one Legal Advisor so they can be specialized to the Police
Department.
8. GRAFFITI UPDATE
Will Hayes gave an update on the graffiti problem in the City and the process for
removal. He related that the Graffiti Task Force is interfacing with the Santa Ana
Police Department and Santa Ana School Police. Will Hayes stated that the
hotline has been successful and Santa Ana is the leader in the State regarding
graffiti issues. City Attorney will give a full analysis on the graffiti ordinance at the
next Public Safety meeting.
9. PUBLIC COMMENTS
The City should be aware of the chemicals in the fireworks. New Mexico vs.
China made. The City is doing a great job with the graffiti problem but feels the
Police Department needs to enforce curfew. They thanked Council member Sal
Tinajero for putting the graffiti task force on the agenda.
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10. COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS
Committee member David Benavides wants the Police Department to promote e-
reporting. Committee member Sal Tinajero wants to continue to move in a quick
manner with the graffiti ordinance.
11. ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING
A. Update on McArthur Fundamental School pedestrian traffic. Need action
plan.
B. CA Endowment Update
C. Selection of Legal Advisor
D. Presentation on E-Reporting
12. NEXT MEETING DATE - Tuesday, August 25, 2009, 5:30 pm, Santa Ana Police
Facility, 60 Civic Center Plaza, 4th Floor conference room, Santa Ana, California.
ADJOURNMENT - 8:10 P.M.
PAUL M. WALTERS
Chief of Police