City Manager’s Office
www.santa-ana.org/city-managers-office
Item # 31
City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Staff Report
December 17, 2024
TOPIC: Resolution Recognizing the Significant Concerns of the Community and the Family of Edgar Vargas Arzate
AGENDA TITLE
Resolution Recognizing the Significant Concerns of the Community and the Family of Edgar Vargas Arzate
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Adopt a resolution recognizing the significant concerns of the community and the family of Edgar Vargas Arzate.
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-XXX entitled 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
GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES: No
DISCUSSION
At the November 19, 2024 Santa Ana City Council meeting, Councilmember Vazquez introduced the following councilmember-requested item: Discuss and Consider Directing the City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk to Draft a Resolution Issuing a Formal Apology to the Family of Edgar Vargas, an Undocumented Young Man, who was a Victim of Police Misconduct in 2014 Which Resulted in his Wrongful Transfer to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). There was consensus among the City Council to bring a resolution back to the City Council for consideration.
As directed by the City Council, staff prepared a resolution (Exhibit 1) recognizing the significant concerns of the community and the family of Edgar Vargas Arzate, acknowledging the admitted wrongdoing of former Officer Brian Booker, and reaffirming the City’s commitment to justice, accountability, and community relations.
The resolution seeks to declare the following:
Resolution Recognizing the Significant Concerns of the Community December 17, 2024
2 3
7 1
2 •Recognize the significant concerns of the community and the family of Edgar Vargas Arzate stemming from the incident on June 19, 2014. •Acknowledge the admitted wrong doing of former Officer Brian Booker. •Commit to working to rebuild the trust lost with the community as a result of this incident.
•Commit to fostering accountability and transparency through actions such as the establishment of the Police Oversight Commission.
•Reaffirm the City’s commitment to justice, dignity, and respect for all persons.
If adopted, the resolution would represent a significant step in mending relationships with the affected family and the broader community, while reaffirming the City’s dedication to justice and reform.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
There is no environmental impact associated with this action.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action.
EXHIBIT(S)
1. Resolution
Submitted By: Alvaro Nuñez, City Manager
Approved By: Alvaro Nuñez, City Manager