HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-30-10SANTA ANA CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE
PUBLIC SAFETY
Minutes of Meeting
November 30, 2010
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was convened at 5:45 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 Dave Thomas, Assistant City Attorney Teresa Judd,
Commander Ruben Ibarra, and Loretta Tafoya, Recording Secretary.
Public sign-ins: Rene D. Guzman, Carl Benniger, Helen Martinez, Evangeline Gawronski, Cesar Galarza,
Rosa Ramirez.
SUMMARY OF DISCUSSIONS
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approved Minutes of the September 28, 2010 meeting.
2. UPDATE ON FIRE STATION
Fire Chief Dave Thomas provided background for Fire Station No. 3, which was built in 1962. In
2007, the Fire Department conducted a study, and it was determined Station No. 3 was most in
need of an update. They also found it would actually cost more to remodel the Station than to
relocate it. The Fire Department submitted a Homeland Security Grant but was turned
down. The Fire Department is interested in acquiring the Rescue Mission, 1901 W. Walnut
Street. Councilmember Claudia Alvarez asked Police Chief Paul Walters to explain the problems
the City has with the Mission. Chief Walters said there is a criminal element surrounding the
immediate area of the Mission who engage in drug sales and usage, robberies, assaults, and
vandalism. These problems would be removed if the Fire Department took over this
location. Councilmember David Benavides would like the Fire Department to keep the
Committee posted of the re-submission of the Grant.
3. GRAFFITI ENFORCEMENT
Sgt. Lorenzo Carrillo, Graffiti Task Force Supervisor, reviewed the stats. There have been 273
vandalism-related arrests; 3,998,076 square feet of graffiti removed; $31,500 awarded in
restitution; $26,676 restitution received; and 14 graffiti rewards processed. A new SAMC
ordinance has been implemented prohibiting possession of graffiti/vandalism tools on school
campus. Presently, there are two large scale cases at the DA's Office; one pending and one
filed, involving $30,000 and $25,400 in restitution respectively. Sgt. Carrillo stated that glass
etching is making a comeback in the downtown area. Councilmember Tinajero complimented
Sgt. Carrillo on his success. Councilmember Benavides asked about the relationship between
the police department and school police. Sgt. Carrillo stated that both agencies share intelligence
and manpower as part of the task force against graffiti.
4. JESSICA'S LAW STATUS
Assistant City Attorney Teresa Judd stated there has been litigation in LA challenging Jessica's
Laws residency restrictions; however, this has not been an issue with the City. Committee
member Alvarez wanted to know what the City could have in place to avoid problems when
convicted sex offender Brown gets released.
Committee member Benavides asked if the PD lets the community know when a high-risk sex
offender gets released. Chief Walters stated that the schools and the Police Department hand
out flyers and canvass the neighborhood. Committee member Alvarez stated that the Orange
Police Department has an ordinance that prevents sex offenders from passing out candy and
decorating their residence on Halloween. Committee member Alvarez would like to adopt the
same ordinance. Assistant City Attorney Teresa Judd is going to look into it.
5. PRIVATE PROPERTY IMPOUNDS
Chief Walters stated the Santa Ana Police Department has received complaints related to
vehicles impounded by tow companies on private property. In a few of these cases, the
complaint involved companies that are active members of the department's rotational tow list. In
years past, predatory towing was a severe problem in the City of Santa Ana but amendments to
CVC 22658 have effectively addressed a number of these concerns and significantly reduced the
number of complaints from the community. Committee member Alvarez asked about the rotation.
An email was sent to all rotational tow companies reminding them that the Santa Ana Police
Department discourages PPI's and punitive action may be taken if they are found to violate CVC
22658, up to and including suspension or removal from the rotational tow list The police
department will inspect rate sheets and PPI authorizations. Chief Walters stated the tow
companies must keep impeccable records because they represent the police department.
6. PUBLIC COMMENTS
The citizen's present spoke regarding the traffic at schools and the need for crossing guards and
more patrols. They also wanted to make sure cars cannot be towed without a complaint. A
citizen wanted to promote the new Fire Station.
7. COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS
Committee Sal Tinajero asked Chief Walters to have more patrol on Bear and Segerstrom.
8. ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING
A. Building Healthy Communities
B. Jessica's Law
C. Release of Prisoners
9. NEXT MEETING DATE - Tuesday, January 25, 2011, 5:30 pm, Santa Ana Police Facility, 60
Civic Center Plaza, 4th Floor conference room, Santa Ana, California.
A URNME T - 7:25 P.M.
1,444"
PAUL M. WAL ERS
Chief of Police