RESOLUTION NO. 2024-XXX
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 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 c ommits 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 eff ect 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.
APPROVED AS TO FORM: Valerie Amezcua
Mayor
SONIA R. CARVALHO
City Attorney
By:
Laura A. Rossini
Chief Assistant City Attorney
AYES:
NOES:
Councilmembers
Councilmembers
ABSTAIN: Councilmembers
NOT PRESENT: Councilmembers
CERTIFICATE OF ATTESTATION AND ORIGINALITY
I, City Clerk, Jennifer L. Hall do hereby attest to and certify that the attached Resolution No. 2024-XXX to be the original resolution adopted by the City Council of the City of Santa Ana on December 17, 2024.
Date:
Jennifer L. Hall
City Clerk
City of Santa Ana