Becerra, Alexis
From: JackieAngel Investor <
Sent: Tuesday, October 14, 2025 12:35 PM
To: eComment
Cc: Vazquez, Benjamin
Subject: Formal Complaint Regarding Councilmember Johnathan Hernandez - Retaliatory Conduct and Violation of City Charter._Redacted.pdf
Attachments: FW_ Formal Complaint Regarding Councilmember Johnathan Hernandez - Retaliatory Conduct and Violation of City Charter._Redacted.pdf, FW_ Formal Complaint Regarding Councilmember Johnathan Hernandez - Hostile Work Environment and Personal Attacks _ Redacted.pdf, HRComplaint for Hostile Work Environment against Councilman Hernandez - Redacted.pdf
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links. 3 complaints attached re: latest censure attempt against Santa Ana Councilman Johnathan Hernandez Santa Ana officials are launching an investigation into separate complaints by three cops alleging" After vehement back- and- forth among the six councilmembers present— Councilmember Jessie Lopez was absent— the matter was continued
Hernandez himself refused to address those sustained charges, and instead insisted the investigation was somehow about him being Chicano and " of Native American descent." He began by declaring Santa Ana was built on " stolen land" inhabited by Native Americans " until they were victims of genocide and were forcefully pushed into reservations." https: Hocindependent. com/ 2024/ 10/ santa- ana-johnathan- hernandez- under- fire- over- findings- he-violated- city- cha rter- ethics- code/
i
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Subject: FW: Formal Complaint Regarding Councimernber] ohnathan Hernandez- Retaliatory Conduct and Violation of City Charter.
Date: Thursday, July 17, 2025 11, 33: 39 AM
Attachments: MURDER FLYER. PNG
u
Sent: Monday, July 14,2
To: Atnezcua, Valerie; Lopez. Jessie; Vazquez, Benjamin: Phan, Thai; Bacerra, Phil; Penaloza, David:
Hernandez, Johnathan
Cc: Nunez, Alvaro; sonia. carvalho& bbklaw. com
Subject: Formal Complaint RegardingCotmcihneniber JolmathanHernandez- Retaliatory Conduct and Violation of City Charter.
Attention: This email originated frotn outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attaelunents or links. m
Mayor Amezcua and honorable members of the Santa Ana City Council, I am writing to formally request an immediate investigation into Councilmember Johnathan Hernandez' conduct, particularly his recent reposting of a defamatory" murder flyer" on multiple social media platforms that falsely portrayed me as a murder suspect. This flyer was previously created and circulated internally by employees of the Santa Ana Police Department in a clear act of harassment. At the time the murder flyer was originally discovered, I made a formal complaint and investigations were conducted by the Santa Ana Police Department Internal Affairs and an independent investigator retained by the city. No corrective action was ever taken by the City.
It should be noted that the shooting referenced in the murder flyer was investigated by the Office of the Attorney General of California, the Orange County District Attorney' s Office and Santa Ana Police Department Internal Affairs; all three agencies found no criminal liability on my part. My role consisted of simply relaying the observations of Officers watching the involved suspect via radio to additional personnel on scene. I did not murder, nor did I conspire to murder anyone.
References:
California Office of the Attorney General Incident Report for Brandon Lopez Shooting:
page 24
https: lloag. ca.gov/ system/ files/ ois/report/ 2023- 11—Lopez— AB 1506—Report. pdf Anaheim PD critical incident video: time stamp 10: 30- 11: 30 https:// youtu. be/ iLninmgleHik)
This latest act the public reporting of provably false information by a sitting councilmember is not only defamatory, retaliatory, and deeply damaging to my reputation and mental well- being, but also constitutes a direct- violation of the Santa Ana City Charter.
I would also like to note that
possibly facing_ for a I have taken no part
in any online quarrel between Councilman Hernandez and members of the Santa Ana Police Department.
Violations of the Santa Ana City Charter
1. Charter Section 408— Interference in Administrative Matters:
Section 408 of the Santa Ana City Charter states:
Except for the purpose of inquiry, the City Council and its members shall deal with the administrative branch... solely through the City Manager or his designated deputy, and neither the City Council nor any member thereof shall give orders to any subordinates of the City Manager, either publicly or privately."
Councilmember Hernandez' s conduct including reporting internal police department material and using his public office to weaponize departmental content for political or personal attacks clearly violates this section. Based on the ongoing litigation I have brought forth against the City of Santa Ana, I interpret Councilman Hernandez' actions to be an intimidation tactic by a sitting member of the city' s elected leadership.
2. Charter Section 1501 — Violations Are Misdemeanors
Charter Section 1501 provides that:
The violation of any provision of this Charter shall be deemed a misdemeanor and be punishable upon conviction in the same manner as provided in the Penal Code of the State of California..."
By engaging in conduct that violates Section 408, Councilmember Hernandez is committing a misdemeanor offense under city law. His repeated interference in departmental affairs and misuse of internal police documents not only undermines the trust between City Council and City staff but also places the city at legal and reputational risk.
Ongoing Pattern of Retaliation:
This reposting is part of a clear pattern of harassment and retaliation stemming from my civil lawsuit filed nearly three years ago, which outline discrimination, denial of advancement opportunities, and targeted mistreatment within the Santa Ana Police Department. By amplifying this false narrative on a public platform, Councilmember Hernandez has:
Contributed to a hostile work environment,
Endangered my safety and professional reputation, and
Violated both ethical and legal standards expected of elected officials.
Request for Action
I respectfully request the following:
1. That the City immediately initiate a formal investigation into Councilmember Hernandez' s conduct, consistent with Santa Ana City Charter Section 401.05.
2. That legal review be conducted regarding his violation of Charter Sections 408 and 1501.
3. That all reposted content be preserved and submitted as potential evidence in both administrative and civil proceedings.
4. That I be provided with written acknowledgment that this complaint has been received and will be acted upon.
This matter goes beyond political disagreement— it is a question of accountability, workplace safety, and lawful governance. I look forward to your prompt response and appropriate action in accordance with the Santa Ana City Charter and municipal code.
Respectfull
Officer
Santa Ana Police Department
r
Subject: FW: Formal Complaint Regarding Councilmember Johnathan Hernandez- Hostile Work Environment and Personal Attacks
Date: Thursday, July 17, 2025 11: 45: 57 AM
Sent: Tuesday, July 15, 2025 4: 29 PM
To: Amezcua, Valerie < VAmezcua@santa- ana. org>; Lopez, Jessie < JessieLopez@santa- ana. org>; Vazquez, Benjamin < bvazquez@santa- ana. org>; Phan, Thai < TPhan@santa- ana. org>; Bacerra, Phil pbacerra@santa- ana. org>; Penaloza, David < DPenaloza@santa- ana. org>; Hernandez, Johnathan JRyanHernandez@santa- ana. org>
Cc: Nunez, Alvaro< ANunez@santa- ana. org>; Carvalho, Sonia R. < SCarvalho@santa- ana. org> Subject: Formal Complaint Regarding Councilmember Johnathan Hernandez- Hostile Work Environment and Personal Attacks
To: Mayor Valerie Amezcua and Honorable Members of the Santa Ana City Council From:
Subject: Formal Complaint and Request for Investigation into Councilmember Johnathan Hernandez' s Conduct
Date: July 7, 2025
Dear Mayor Amezcua and Honorable Members of the Santa Ana City Council, I am submitting this formal complaint to request an immediate and thorough investigation into the conduct of Councilmember Johnathan Hernandez. His repeated and escalating actions over the past several months have created a hostile work environment, placed the safety of my= and me in jeopardy, and violated multiple protections afforded to me under the Santa Ana City Charter, the California Peace Officers' Bill of Rights, and the U. S. Constitution.
Background and Defamatory Conduct
On February 4, 2025, during a livestreamed and publicly recorded City Council meeting, Councilmember Hernandez referred to me as a " murderer' in connection with an officer- involved shooting that occurred on December 1, 2024. This incident remains under investigation, and I have not been afforded due process. His characterization was reckless, defamatory, and prejudicial.
Since then, Councilmember Hernandez has repeatedly made false and inflammatory statements about me, including reposting material from anti- police organizations such as CSO.00 on his Instagram account ( @hernandersantaana and @hernandez4santaan), which featured my name, badge number, and photograph alongside hostile, threatening messages. By amplifying this content, he has legitimized and encouraged harassment by individuals radicalized through his rhetoric.
As a direct result:
due to safety concerns.
fears commuting and believes she may be targeted or
followed.
1fear retaliation when entering the city or performing my official duties.
Misrepresentation of Public Interaction
On June 16, 2025, 1encountered Councilmember Hernandez while assigned to a City groundbreaking event at South Bristol Street and Tolliver. I made every effort to avoid unnecessary interaction.
Nevertheless, he deliberately approached me and initiated a conversation. The next day, during the June 17, 2025 City Council meeting, he falsely claimed I refused to provide my badge number of which I clearly stated and which was audibly confirmed by him. This interaction was recorded on my body- worn camera and directly refutes his public misrepresentation.
Professional Retaliation and Harm
Councilmember Hernandez' s continued attacks have led to public defamation and professional retaliation. Despite being_ as the most qualified candidate for a I was-
W whichIbelieveislinkedtothepoliticalliabilitycausedbyhiscampaignof vilification. My ability to advance professionally has been severely impacted.
Personal and Emotional Impact
I was born in_ and- to Santa Ana as a- This is the city where I was_ educated, and chose to serve as a police officer out of gratitude and commitment to my community.
Today, that sense of belonging has been shattered.
My= and I now avoid public places in Santa Ana due to credible safety concerns. I am regularly subjected to harassment, online abuse, and constant fear that I may be followed or targeted. My Wand— who have no connection to my professional duties live in fear because of this toxic environment.
The— toll has been immense. I suffer from_— and I no
longer feel safe attending community events or even shopping in the city I swore to protect.
Violations of the Santa Ana City Charter
1. Section 408— Interference in Administrative Matters Councilmembers are prohibited from interfering with city staff outside of communication through the City Manager. Councilmember Hernandez has violated this by targeting individual officers, posting departmental content, and making demands related to internal investigations.
2. Section 1501— Violations Constitute Misdemeanors Any violation of the Charter is a misdemeanor. Councilmember Hernandez' s actions— particularly the public release of internal departmental materials and personal information— warrant legal review and potential prosecution under this section.
Formal Requests for Action
I respectfully request the following:
1. That the City immediately initiate a formal investigation into Councilmember Hernandez' s conduct, consistent with Charter Section 401. 05.
2. That a legal review be conducted regarding violations of Charter Sections 408 and 1501.
3. That all social media content and public statements made or reposted by Councilmember Hernandez be preserved and submitted as evidence.
4. That I receive written confirmation that this complaint has been received, logged, and will be formally investigated.
5. That protective measures be implemented to ensure my family' s safety, including restrictions on Councilmember Hernandez contacting or referencing me in public forums.
6. That the City Council consider censure, disciplinary action, or other remedies under municipal code and applicable state law.
This matter is not political. It is a matter of safety, ethics, and lawful governance. Councilmember Hernandez has abused his platform to endanger my_ derail my career, and degrade the professional integrity of the Santa Ana Police Department.
I urge the Council to take swift and meaningful action. I am available to provide further documentation, including video evidence and witness statements, as needed.
Thank you for your attention to this serious matter.
Respectfully,
Officer
From:
To:
Subject: FW: HEWfor Hostile Work Environment against Counci man Homan z-- Date: Thursday, July 17, 2025 12: 00. 05 PM
Attachments: SCREEN SHOTS OF SLANDER J. HERNANDEZ IG. odf From:-
Sent: Tuesday, July 15, 202510. 47 AM
To: Amezcua, Valerie< VAmezcua@santa- ana. org>; Nunez, Alvaro< ANunez@santa- ana. arg>; Phan, Thai< TPhan@santa- ana. org>; Hernandez, Johnathan rJRyanHernandez@santa- ana. org>; Vazquez.
Benjamin< bvazquez@santa- ana. org>; Bacerra, Phil tpbacerra@santa- ana. org>; Lopez, Jessie Jessie Lopez @santa- ana. Org>; Penaloza, David< DPenaloza@santa- ana. org>; Schnaider, Lori rlschnaider@santa- ana. org>; Carvalho, Sonia R.< SCarvalho@santa- ana. org> Cc: Rodriguez, Robert< RRodriguez@santa- ana.org>
Subject: HR Complaint for Hostile Work Environment against Councilman Hernandez-- Mayor Amezcua Ci Manager Nunez and HR director Schnaider, I Police Officer formally lodge this complaint against City Council Member o at an Hernandez.
Over the past three weeks, Councilman Hernandez has publicly expressedpersonal opinions about me on social media and during city council meetings, stemming from recent critical incidents in which I was involved in. Specifically, he created a hostile work environment by engaging in public slander and making libelous statementsagainst me via his Instagram account ( ghernandez4santaana), though it has since been removed. Among other allegations, Councilman Hernandez accused me of" street terrorism," declared that I was " murdering members of the public," and labeled me " corrupt."
His actions have unjustly tarnished my character by spreading slander related to two critical incidents before the completion of my due process, asprotected by the Police Officer Bill of Rights Act and the United StatesConstitution. These remarks will have lasting adverse effects on my career, potentially hindering my advancement within the City of SantaAna.
ke
e induced by Councilman
rnan e s con PuctMextenPtoconcerns for mv safe . The
that
is
systematic campaign has transformed my workplace into a nig tmare, entering city properties, anticipating confrontation
RrOmPern"anezand his associates. The constant worry and fear has generatedhypervigilance so acute it compromises my productivity. This orchestrated character assassination has isolated me from colleagues and destroyed community trust developed over years of service.
Furthermore, I have reason to believe his associates have followed me home to photograph my personal vehicles, contributing to a hostile work environment that affects my productivity, reputation, and personal life. Additionally, I endure constant humiliation knowing these fabrications circulate publicly. Hernandez's retaliation threats manifest physically through associates. I fear retaliation or harassmentby Councilman Hernandez or his associatesat city hall which is why I have drafted this narrative via email.
Such behavior constitutes a violation of the SantaAna City Charter's ethical code ( Section 401. 05) and rises to the level of a misdemeanor offense ( Section 1501). I request that the appropriate committees and agencies investigate this complaint.
6: 581 r 5GH OU'
0 hernandez4sant i- t FOROW- 4 x
This is not public 43futy.
This is street terrorism.
Santa Ana PD needs to be investigated by
aaarQbbonta and the Department of Justice.
Santa Ana residents are not safe in a
community where police believe that they have
absolute immunity to kill 2 people in the
span of 30 days .
S PD needs to be held accountable
Sans
Kil1F
Peal
AM
Alley
A Cr
A Rc
Santa Ana police officer
R".'
Gonzalez Jr. one moat after
killing Noe Rodriguez.
is alleged to have
participated in the beating of
a child during an arrest.
@bencamach0 and inadvertent. freepress
Comments
hernandez4santaana 6h
@joshxgolden officer Joshua
Wiggs, former SAPID and former
OC Sheriff, your colors are
showing . Thin blue line? Your
colleagues who are out murdering
members of the public, in some
cases killing two people within a
thirty day span, they are the ones
who look bad . Costing tax payers
millions in lawsuits due to their
corruption. Santa Ana does not
want corrupt police, killer cops, and
a corrupt POA. You know the cops
who run this page and the POA,
you were a member. cops don' t run
the City of Santa Ana
Becerra, Alexis
From: JackieAngel Investor <
Sent: Thursday, October 16, 2025 6:26 PM
To: eComment
Cc: Vazquez, Benjamin; Lopez, Jessie
Subject: Mistrust in SantaAna City Hall brews within City Council over questions about canceled state contract
Attention: This emailoriginatedfrom outsideof City of SantaAna. Usecautionwhenopeningattachmentsor links.
Yes, it is very concerning. loo
The discovery has Lopez questioning not only the decision to return the contract money and the city' s explanation — which Lopez finds unsatisfactory — but also shakes her trust in city management.
Think about that. I am a current councilwoman telling you I cannot trust the leadership of the city," Lopez said. " That is so, so concerning, not just to me as an elected [ official]. It should be concerning to our constituents."
What happened to the funds?
In 2023, Santa Ana was awarded a $ 6. 7 million contract from the California Department of Social Services CDSS)"
https:// Iaist. com/ news/ politics/ mistrust- in- santa- ana- city- hall- brews- within- city- council- over- questions- about- canceled- state- contract
SAPIDCops Filed Complaints Against Councilmember, Here Is What They Complained About Newly released complaints show attacks on speech and allege harassment. https:// inadvertent. substack. com/ p/ sapd- cops- complained Request 25- 2418
Dear City Clerk, Santa Ana residents want to know this Public Records Request System.
Why many public records are missing within the portal. Plus, why the general public cannot access the files and information once the request has been fulfilled. I was told I have to submit another public request to access information someone else already requested. That is absolutely ridiculous. I have had to call several times and sometimes the city clerk office " manually" makes the information available and it is viewable after that, but only after I call the gatekeeper to the magic public information.
Councilmember Lopez specifically asked for PRA 25- 1969, which I do not see listed, along with many other chronological records.
Thank You"
Response: Request closed
Your request does not fall within the scope of the Public Records Act and will be closed without further response.
October 1, 2025, 5:01pm by Norma Orozco, Sr. Deputy City Clerk ( Staff)" https:// citVofsantaanaca. nextreguest. com/ requests/ 25- 2418 1 Becerra, Alexis
From: JackieAngel Investor <
Sent: Monday, October 20, 2025 6:58 AM
To: eComment
Cc: Vazquez, Benjamin
Subject: City of Santa Ana Unaware of Epstein Videos/ Files = City Government Shutdown Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
PEDOFILES NOT WELCOME HERE
SAPD stand down clowns while armed masked terrorists roam our city, attack us and kidnap us and disappear us on the daily. The feds were fired here 9 30 2025. City of Santa Ana is fired here for working with ICE.
Request 25- 2534
all courtesy call logs or incident reports related to ICE/ HSI enforcement actions communications between fired federal workers DHS/ ICE and SAPID timeline 10/ 1/ 25 - 10/ 12/ 25
specifically, where masked, armed terrorists were allowed to come into Santa Ana and kidnap 5 people from Home Depot# 606
Release the Epstein Videos. the feds are fired here. We told you ICE PEDOFILESNOT WELCOME HERE.
The government shuts down when Congress is unable to pass appropriations bills that fund the operations of federal agencies and programs. These 12 appropriations bills are designed to fund the government until the conclusion of each fiscal year, which ended on September 30.
Hello,
The City has identified records that are responsive to this portion of your request, however they are being withheld pursuant to the investigative exemption under Government Code §7923. 600( a).
The City acknowledges that records similar to those requested here have been released in the past without asserting the investigative exemption. Based on a recent direction from the USAttorney, the City will be asserting the investigative exemption on these records.
The City has no responsive records relating to the Home Depot at 3500 W Macarthur Blvd.
The City has no responsive records relating to the Epstein videos nor Congressional appropriations bills; we recommend you contact the Federal Government for that information.
October 15, 2025, 12: 52pm by Jessica Antes , Records Manager ( Staff)" https:// citvofsantaanaca. nextreguest. com/ requests/ 25- 2534 The Supreme Court is about to run out of money, and federal courts across the country are expected to run out by early next week because of the government shutdown.
The nation' s top court " expects to run out of funding on October 18," https:// thehiI1- com. cdn. ampproject. org/ v/ s/ thehiI1. com/ homenews/ 5561016- federal- courts- shutdown- im pa ct/ a m p/
i
Becerra, Alexis
From: Kimberly Miller <
Sent: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 11:16 AM
To: eComment
Cc: City Clerk; tamara. bogosian@santa- ana.org; frank. gutierrez@santa- ana.org; [email protected]; [email protected]; Lopez, Jessie; CityAttorney; CityManager; Hernandez, Johnathan; Marion Crane Reynolds; Don Crane Subject: Public Comment for October 21, 2025 — Sunland Motel Enforcement, Fentanyl Crisis, and Public Safety
Attention: This email originated from outside of City of Santa Ana. Use caution when opening attachments or links.
Dear Mayor Amezcua, and Members of the Santa Ana City Council, I am submitting the public comment below for inclusion in the October 21, 2025 City Council meeting record. I have also copied the City Clerk, City Attorney' s Office, and Santa Ana Police Department for awareness and follow- up.
Thank you for your continued leadership and compassion on this issue.
Kim
Public Comment:
On July 3, 2025, my nephew Garrett Crane suffered a fatal fentanyl overdose at the Sunland Motel. He was 39 years old a stay- at- home father who adored his two- year- old daughter, Hazel. After he overdosed, individuals at the motel administered Narcan, stole his wallet, left him in an alley, and called 911 anonymously.
He was transported to the hospital as a John Doe, where medical staff heroically kept him on life support long enough to honor his wishes as an organ donor. Because of their compassion and expertise, Garrett has helped save or heal more than 50 people through organ and tissue donation. His life ended tragically, but his legacy lives on.
The Sunland Motel has been under a Drug Den Nuisance Abatement order since 2020, yet it continues to operate openly. This property has documented incidents of drug trafficking, violence, and prostitution, and it has repeatedly failed to meet its obligations under that order— including maintaining surveillance video, verifying guest records, and cooperating with law enforcement. It appears that evidence, including required video footage, has been withheld or destroyed.
My concern extends beyond one case. How does a robbery and death occur at a property under court- ordered abatement, and there is still no full investigation or accountability? SAPD officers are doing extraordinary work, but they are under- resourced and over- extended, forced to respond to repeated crises without the funding or personnel to properly investigate complex crimes like this one.
I urge the Council to:
Fully enforce and close out the Sunland Motel abatement case with transparency and urgency. Ensure a local lawyer does not use legal loopholes to get the owners " off' again.
Audit compliance with all court- ordered requirements, including video retention and cooperation with police. 1 Increase funding for SAPD' s Nuisance Abatement and Investigations Units so they can pursue these cases effectively.
Engage County and State partners to support redevelopment and legal escalation for repeat offenders.
Even saving one life would make this effort worthwhile. What if the next life lost was one of your loved ones? My family is living proof of both the devastation and the hope that comes from this kind of tragedy. Please help ensure Garrett' s death leads to accountability and lasting change.
Respectfully,
Kimberly Miller
Family of Garrett Crane
Community Advocate I Partner in SAPIDDrug Den Nuisance Abatement Initiative 2