HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-01-2009SANTA ANA CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE
PUBLIC SAFETY
Minutes of Meeting
September 1, 2009
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was convened at 5:46 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 Doug McGeachy, Mgr. Will Hayes,
Danell Mercado and Loretta Tafoya, Recording Secretary.
Public sign-ins: Glen Stroud, Phil Becerra, Joey Mendes, Tish Gon, Vic & Judy Edge,
Evangeline Gawronski, Helen Martinez, Stephen Manning, Thomas Gordon.
SUMMARY OF DISCUSSIONS
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approved Minutes of the June 23, 2009 meeting.
2. UPDATE ON MCARTHUR FUNDAMENTAL SCHOOL PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC
Cmdr. Doug McGeachy stated the Police Department's Traffic Section sent
officers to check the vending trucks to help with the pedestrian traffic. They also
provided additional law enforcement presence near schools city-wide during the
first week of school, as Officers became available. School Police Officers
responded in the same manner. Santa Ana Unified School District distributed a
reminder, "Be a Good Neighbor" flyer to students and parents. SAUSD also
included a detailed vehicular/pedestrian safety contract to all students and
parents. The Traffic Section plans to re-evaluate the issue for any necessary
adjustments.
3. CA ENDOWMENT UPDATE
Chief Walters explained that the Santa Ana Building a Healthy Community
Steering Committee (SABHC) has been formed and is working on a plan.
Deputy Chief Harrelson will be attending the SABHC meeting to discuss the work
plan and upcoming events. He will keep the Public Safety Committee members
updated on the outcome. Committee Member Claudia Alvarez wants to ensure
updates are placed on the Agenda.
4. AFTER ACTION -DEPLOYMENT OF ILLEGAL FIREWORKS
Chief Walters stated this past year July 3~d and July 4th fell on weekend nights,
Friday and Saturday. The Police Department concentrated efforts on those two
nights. As predicted, Friday, July 3~d was not a problem with calls for service.
Saturday, July 4th was busy and the enforcement detail was certainly needed.
Over the two-day period, the Police Department received 201 calls for service
related to fireworks; 11 arrests; Orange County Bomb Squad was called out
three times and there were 11 fires. Overall, the Police Department saw a
decrease in the activity throughout the City. This fact is supported by the number
of seized fireworks and fires. The decreased activity allowed the officers more
time for self-initiated activity, which resulted in an increase in the number of
arrests and the finding of bottle bombs. The overtime costs for the officers were
paid for with the permit fees purchased for firework booths.
5. SELECTION OF POLICE LEGAL ADVISOR
City Attorney Joe Fletcher stated Theresa Judd will be the main Legal Advisor for
the Police Department and will be attending the Public Safety Meetings.
6. CURFEW OF YOUTH
Chief Walters gave an overview of the Santa Ana Police Department's night time
curfew and the prosecutions by the Orange County District Attorney's Office.
Curfew hours include the period from 10:00 p.m. any evening of the week, until
6:00 a. m. the following day. The DA's office prosecuted 27 cases between the
Police Department, Park Rangers and School Police. Council Member David
Benevides asked what procedure the Police Officers follow to stop a juvenile for
a curfew violation. Cmdr. McGeachy explained they stop them for various
reasons; traffic stops, loitering etc. Councilmember David Benavides wanted to
know if the Police Department has ever made any curfew sweeps. Chief Walters
explained that the Police Department does not have the resources or space to
detain arrestees. Juveniles cannot be placed in our jail due to state laws.
Councilmember David Benavides suggested that the Police Department work
with other agencies. Chief Walters suggested the possibility of working with the
Probation Department. Councilmember Claudia Alvarez wants the Police
Department to look into giving citations to the youth for curfew violations and
have them work with Caltrans.
7. UPDATE/DISCUSSION ON NEW GRAFFITI ORDINANCE
The new Graffiti Ordinance became in effect September 17, 2009, therefore
updates are not yet available. Public works will keep track of the restitution cost
data and will provide updates for this Committee.
8. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Citizens present asked if the Police Department is going to have extra patrol on
Labor Day weekend. Commander McGeachy stated that there is no increase of
activity during that time. Committee Member Claudia Alvarez suggested to the
citizens to address their concerns to City Manager's Office. Townsquare
Association thanked the Police Department for their hard work.
9. COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS
Committee Member David Benavides solicited ideas regarding the graffiti
ordinance. Committee Member Sal Tinajero stressed that the stipulations in
detaining youth for curfew violations should be kept discreet. Also, stated that
the path near Segerstrom needs more patrol checks. Committee Member David
Benavides had concerns regarding garages being converted in living quarters.
He requested it be on agenda for the next meeting.
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10. ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING
A. Swine Flu vaccine Plan
B. Insect Control
C. Gang Injunction Update
D. CA Endowment Update
E. Curfew for Youth
F. Graffiti Ordinance Update
G. Illegal Garage Conversions
11. NEXT MEETING DATE - Tuesday, October 27, 2009, 5:30 pm, Santa Ana
Police Facility, 60 Civic Center Plaza, 4th Floor conference room, Santa Ana,
California.
ADJOURNMENT - 6:55 P.M.
~~~
PAUL M. WALTERS
Chief of Police