From: Ina Brasher
To: _CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Agenda item 15.2
Date: Friday, June 2, 2023 2:53:53 PM
I would hope you are considering bumping up the budget to help our police department. The fact that we have less officers in the streets then previously is ridiculous considering how much the city has grown. The fact that our city managers salary is an absurd amount and we can’t find the money for our safety is crazy! The priorities of our city need to be rearranged.
From: nick gaetano
To: _CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Agenda item #15.2
Date: Friday, June 2, 2023 5:08:01 PM
Dear city council please increase your staffing of the srpd we are in desperate need of budget allocated to respond to accidents around are city
Santa Rosa resident Nick Gaetano
From: Ashley Pang
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Public safety concerns
Date: Friday, June 2, 2023 9:53:57 PM
Dear City Council Members,
I am writing today to express my sincere concern regarding the current level of public safety in our beloved city and to advocate for the allocation of additional police officers.
Over the past few years, our city has experienced a notable increase in population, economic growth, and overall activity. While these advancements bring many benefits, they also pose unique challenges, particularly when it comes to maintaining law and order. The safety and well-being of our residents should be a top priority, and to ensure that, we must adapt our law enforcement resources accordingly.
Here are a few key reasons why I believe the city needs more police officers:
1. Crime Prevention: With a larger population and increased economic activity, the potential for criminal activities also rises. By expanding our police force, we can effectively deter crimes, respond promptly to incidents, and create a safer environment for everyone.
2. Community Engagement: Police officers serve as a vital bridge between the community and law enforcement agencies. By increasing the number of officers, we can enhance community policing efforts, build stronger relationships with residents, and foster mutual trust. This engagement is essential for crime prevention, as it encourages residents to report suspicious activities and cooperate with law enforcement.
3. Emergency Preparedness: In times of natural disasters, civil unrest, or other emergencies, having an adequate number of police officers is crucial. They play a pivotal role in maintaining public order, managing traffic, and providing assistance to those in need. By bolstering our police force, we can ensure a more effective response during such critical situations.
4. Resource Allocation: The current workload on our existing police force is becoming increasingly burdensome. By augmenting their numbers, we can alleviate the strain on individual officers, allowing them to focus on proactive policing, investigations, and providing quality service to the community.
I understand that budgetary considerations play a significant role in decision-making, and I appreciate the challenges involved in allocating resources. However, I firmly believe that investing in additional police officers is a wise and necessary step to address the evolving needs of our city. By doing so, we can preserve our quality of life, maintain a safe environment for our families, and support the growth and prosperity of our community.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I trust that you will carefully evaluate this request and take the necessary actions to ensure the well-being of our city. If you require any further information or would like to discuss this matter in more detail, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Yours sincerely,
Ashley Pang
Santa Rosa, ca
From: Brett Mail
To: _CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] June 20th budget hearing
Date: Friday, June 2, 2023 10:38:47 PM
Dear City Council,
I am writing to express my concerns regarding the current staffing levels in our police department and to advocate for the urgent need to allocate additional resources for hiring more officers. As an engaged member of this community, I firmly believe that bolstering our police force is paramount to maintaining public safety and promoting a sense of security for all residents.
First and foremost, the growing population of our city necessitates an increase in the number of police officers. With a larger population, there is a greater demand for law enforcement services to effectively respond to emergencies, prevent crime, and ensure the well-being of our citizens. By adding more officers to our police department, we can enhance response times and improve our overall capacity to address the evolving needs of our community.
Additionally, the complexity and diversity of modern-day policing require a well-staffed force that can handle a wide range of situations. Police officers are faced with multifaceted challenges, including combating drug-related crimes, addressing domestic violence incidents, managing traffic congestion, and responding to mental health crises.
By increasing the number of officers, we can ensure that our police department has the necessary manpower to effectively handle these diverse responsibilities, leading to better outcomes for both the community and the officers themselves.
Furthermore, having a greater police presence can act as a deterrent to crime. Research has consistently shown that visible law enforcement can discourage potential criminals and foster a safer environment. By placing more officers on our streets, neighborhoods, and public spaces, we create a strong and visible deterrent to criminal activities, helping to reduce both minor offenses and serious crimes. This proactive approach to policing enhances community confidence, promotes a sense of security, and allows citizens to feel more comfortable in their daily lives.
Moreover, investing in additional police officers is an investment in community policing and building stronger relationships between law enforcement and the public. With a greater number of officers, it becomes feasible to assign dedicated resources to community engagement initiatives, such as neighborhood watch programs, school outreach, and community events. These interactions foster trust, cooperation, and mutual understanding between officers and the people they serve. Strengthening these relationships is crucial in fostering a positive and collaborative environment where community members actively participate in crime prevention efforts.
Lastly, it is essential to acknowledge that the work of our police force is demanding and often places significant strain on officers. By increasing the number of officers, we can alleviate some of this burden, reducing the potential for burnout and improving the overall well-being of our law enforcement personnel. A well-staffed police department allows for appropriate shift rotations, ample time for training and professional development, and necessary periods of rest, resulting in a more resilient and effective police force.
In conclusion, the need for additional police officers in our city is evident. The growing population, evolving challenges of policing, the importance of crime prevention, and the promotion of community engagement all highlight the urgency of investing in our police department. By providing the necessary resources to increase staffing levels, we can better safeguard our community, enhance public safety, and build stronger bonds between law enforcement and the residents they serve.
Thank you for considering this matter seriously and for your continued commitment to the well-being of our city.
Sent from my iPhone
From: audrey abreu
To: _CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] More officers needed asap
Date: Saturday, June 3, 2023 11:02:43 AM
Hello sirs/madam,
I know from personal experience living downtown SR that crime is out of control just the amount of red light runners is disgusting let alone the speeding/racing cars downtown, the cars racing in the parking lots, drug dealing in the parking lots, drugs used in the parking lots (B St and Seventh) I have called the police almost twenty times since moving here last November— I am trying to get out of my lease I do not feel safe here.
It’s shameful that the city does not have the proper resources to handle and address the amount of crime in the county seat!
I do not feel comfortable on the walking trails walking or biking I do not feel safe in my apartment downtown. I do not feel safe parking my car in the parking lot; too many men standing around doing nothing or men with their pants pulled down pulling grass and acting completely insane unhoused people or transients lying around doing drugs and when I do call the police they are so busy something as seemingly minor as all of that never gets addressed so it just gets worse! Who wants to live here like that?
I walk in my neighborhood and every time I cross College and Humboldt I see a car run the red light so imagine how many times that is done in one day!
The police cannot keep up with all of that.
Please please please the citizens of Santa Rosa are begging you for help with the amount of crime here this town seems lawless like the criminals are running the town.
There are gang taggings all over my area downtown who wants to visit here and see that who wants to have their business operate here?
The amount of cars with illegal modified engines and mufflers is another thing this city needs to address asap I have traveled all over the country multiple times and all over California and have never ever been in a city as loud as this one with cars missing mufflers, cars missing the whole back end with no license what is going on here? Please, everyone wake up and realize if you do not get more officers on bike, walking, on motorcycle and cars whatever you have to do this city will be unlivable.
Just look at Oakland oh and by the way this cities nickname is North Oakland. Do you like that? I am here working as a nurse with an excellent income to put back into local business unless something is done about crime here including gangs (you need a 24 7 gang task force) I will move from here and tell everyone I know to avoid this city.
People have been asleep too long here the gang tagging and signs all around downtown need to be painted over and some self respect about what your city looks like.
Audrey Abreu
Sent from my iPhone
From: Hien Pham
To: _CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] #15.2
Date: Wednesday, June 7, 2023 11:10:49 AM
To whom it may concern,
Our children are our future. We need to leave our children a place/city in which they can grow and thrive (physically, mentally, and socially). But that can’t be done unless it is safe. Please fund the SRPD with the necessary resources to keep this community safe and secure. Please, put SROs permanently back in schools. Please put more officers out in the community. They can’t do their job without the resources. And when they can’t do their job, the safety of the city is affected. Please support them and supply them with the resources they need to do their job. Let's work together (put our differences aside) to make Santa Rosa a safe place to live, work, and play.
Thank you!
Hien
From: Lisa Banayat
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Police staffing levels
Date: Saturday, June 10, 2023 2:03:37 PM
Dear City Council Members,
I moved to Santa Rosa in 1990 to take a job as a Santa Rosa Police Officer. I had already worked in another agency, but came here because of the reputation of the department and to live in this beautiful county. I live in the city and raised my children here.
In my twenty-five years with SRPD, staffing levels went up and down. Every time staffing levels dipped, services were cut, response times were longer, morale was poor, and the quality of service suffered. Your department staff wants to do a good job for the community, but they get frustrated with the increased demands with less staff. Overtime also leads to burnout and affects the mental health of the employees.
As a resident of Santa Rosa, I have many concerns about decreased staffing, both civilian and sworn. There's been significant annexation and an increase in calls for service.
The fires
showed us how a massive incident can require significant personnel. I know there are fewer dispatchers to answer 911 and fewer officers to respond to calls. As a homeowner and taxpayer, I am asking that an increase in public safety staffing be made a budgeting priority.
Thank you for your time and attention.
Lisa Banayat
SRPD retired
Santa Rosa CA 95405
From: Marcie Hernandez
To: _CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Budget hearing - Santa Rosa Police Dept Date: Wednesday, June 14, 2023 12:57:25 PM
To whom it may concern,
I have been a citizen of Sonoma county for 37 years and of Santa Rosa for approximately 20 of those years. My husband and I work locally and have 3 children that attend school in the Santa Rosa City Schools district. For the last several years in particular, we have worried about the safety of our family, as violence and crime continues to be on the rise at an exponential rate on the streets and in our local schools. We feel alarmed to hear that our local Santa Rosa Police Department is not fully staffed as the needs in the community continue to rise. This is at the expense of our local citizens and businesses. Please make providing and appropriate budget for properly staffing the SRPD a priority when reviewing the budget on 6/20/23. My children and I are counting on you.
A concerned citizen of Santa Rosa,
Marcela Hernandez
Get Outlook for iOS
From: Ken Ferrign
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Agenda Item 15.2 -Public Safety Funding Date: Thursday, June 15, 2023 6:33:27 AM
To whom it may concern,
I am a taxpayer, home owner and longtime resident of Santa Rosa.
The first responsibility of any government (local, state and federal) is to provide for the public safety. Please don’t let Santa Rosa become another San Francisco. Please vote to increase the budget for the Santa Rosa (Item 15.2).
Sincerely,
Ken Ferrigno
Santa Rosa, Ca
Sent from AT&T Yahoo Mail for iPhone
From: Pauline Block
To: City Council Public Comments
Subject: [EXTERNAL] City Council Meeting 6/20/2023
Date: Thursday, June 15, 2023 1:50:42 PM
Good Afternoon,
I would like to provide public comment re: City of Santa Rosa FY 2023-24 Operations & Maintenance Budget being addressed at the City Council Meeting on 6/20/2023 as per below:
To: Each Councilmember, Santa Rosa City Council June 15, 2023
Dear City Council Members,
Thank you for your diligent work on the FY 2023-24 budget. I appreciate the Council's hard work on making housing and safe communities a continued priority for the city.
I see that the 2 additional Downtown Enforcement Team (DET) officer positions have been removed from the budget. This letter is to strongly urge the Council to amend the budget, adding these positions back. The timing on this is critical, as we look to bring more business, housing and vibrancy to the city center. I understand the budget is predicting a deficit, however adding these officers has a positive impact on the general fund and create a strong economic impact. These positions will create a more visibly safe downtown, increase foot traffic, business activity and additional TOT/overnight stays and sales tax dollars.
The City Council Strategic Goals in 1) reducing homelessness and its impacts, including minimizing impacts on neighborhoods and businesses, 2) ensuring a healthy and safe community for all and, 3) promoting economic and community vibrancy including establishing Santa Rosa as a desired destination for business, all align with the addition of these two officer positions. I urge you to amend the budget, adding the two additional DET positions to the FY 2023-24 budget.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Pauline Block
Cornerstone | Director of Marketing + Development
Vice-Chair, Downtown Action Organization
Board, Railroad Square Association
Vice-Chair, Advocacy Council, Santa Rosa Metro Chamber
From: Alon Adani
To: City Council Public Comments
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Public Comment for City Council Meeting 6/20 Date: Thursday, June 15, 2023 1:56:13 PM
Attachments: DET Officer 2023.pdf
Please see the attached letter in regards to the agenda item on 6/20/2023 re: City of Santa Rosa FY 2023-24 Operations & Maintenance Budget.
Thank you.
Thank you for your diligent work on the FY 2023-24 budget. I appreciate the Council's hard work on making housing and safe communities a continued priority for the city.
I see that the 2 additional Downtown Enforcement Team (DET) officer positions have been removed from the budget. This letter is to strongly urge the Council to amend the budget, adding these positions back. The timing on this is critical, as we look to bring more business, housing and vibrancy to the city center. I understand the budget is predicting a deficit, however adding these officers has a positive impact on the general fund and create a strong economic impact. These positions will create a more visibly safe downtown, increase foot traffic, business activity and additional TOT/overnight stays and sales tax dollars.
The City Council Strategic Goals in 1) reducing homelessness and its impacts, including minimizing impacts on neighborhoods and businesses, 2) ensuring a healthy and safe community for all and, 3) promoting economic and community vibrancy including establishing Santa Rosa as a desired destination for business, all align with the addition of these two officer positions.
I urge you to amend the budget, adding the two additional DET positions to the FY 2023-24 budget. Thank you for your time and consideration.
June 15, 2023To: Each Councilmember, Santa Rosa City Council Delivered via email:
[email protected]
RE: City of Santa Rosa FY 2023-24 Operations & Maintenance Budget Dear City Council Members,
Alon Adani
Alon Adani
Principal. Cornerstone
707-526-4799
1435 N. McDowell Blvd, Suite 110
Petaluma, CA 94954
Thank you,
From: Scott Kincaid
To: CityCouncilListPublic
Cc: Smith, Maraskeshia
Subject: [EXTERNAL] SRPD Staffing Budget
Date: Friday, June 16, 2023 4:05:13 PM
Good Afternoon Council Members,
I hope this email finds you and your families doing very well. I would also like to thank you for serving our community and thank them for supporting you in that service.
I would like to encourage your full support for the budget being proposed by the Santa Rosa Police Department. I realize that there are countless demands on the city’s budget and many important services to provide, but I feel the SRPD should receive the highest priority. The reasons are many and I would be happy to discuss them with each of you as you see fit. The most important reason in my opinion is to allow for more positive community engagement by the police officers and staff.
They do not currently have the time with the current level of staffing. Imagine a community where there are more positive stories published in the local newspaper about the bridges being built between the citizens of Santa Rosa and SRPD Officers and Staff than there are published about Drugs, Crime, Homeless, Guns, Gangs, Violence, etc…
That should be the audacious goal and we
cannot achieve it as a community without proper spending allocations. Thank you in advance for your consideration.
Respectfully,
Scott Kincaid
Scott Kincaid
Owner | Project Manager
Facility Development Company
5329 Skylane Blvd.
Santa Rosa, CA. 95403
www.fdc-comp.com
[email protected]
707 523 1722 Ex. 3
707 523-1745 Direct
707 526 4980 Fax
707 495 7058 Cell
CL# 762651
“Commercial, Industrial, Residential & Design Build Construction Services”
This and any attached documents are for the use of the intended recipient(s) only and may contain information that is privileged, confidential, or work product that may be exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient, any use, dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication and any attachments is strictly prohibited, and you are hereby requested to delete this message and any attached documents, to destroy any printed copies, and to telephone or otherwise contact the sender immediately about the error.
From: Mark Trombetta
To: City Council Public Comments
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Agenda Item 15.2: 23-0471 Budget Adoption, SRPD/Downtown Enforcement Team Date: Saturday, June 17, 2023 10:31:42 AM
Topic: 23-0471, FY 23-24 Budget Adoption, Police Services/Downtown Enforcement Team, Agenda Item 15.2 As a property owner in the Railroad Square area, I urge you to fund the proposed 2 positions in the Downtown Enforcement Team (bike patrol) so that there is 7 day coverage of the downtown area. Full week coverage will improve quality of life issues in this growing neighborhood, address disorderly conduct problems, narcotics and misdemeanor issues, and serve as an initial point of contact for non- crisis calls resulting in individuals being linked to mental health and substance use services. Bike patrol teams are cited by the DOJ to be a cost effective part of a community policing strategy, are highly mobile in tight commercial areas, and effective in reducing crime concerns.
I also support the inRESPONSE crisis team and am pleased to see our city engage in best-practice, progressive services. Providing more services to the downtown area will improve quality of life, lead to increased consumer spending and tax revenue, and help reduce the community impact of service resistant individuals.
Improved commerce in the downtown area helps fund the tax that supports program revenue. By providing services to our business community the city helps fund our progressive community policing programs.
Thank you for your service!
Mark Trombetta
From: Michael Angell
To: City Council Public Comments
Subject: [EXTERNAL] 23-0471 Budget Adoption, SRPD/Downtown Enforcement Team, Agenda item 15.2 Date: Sunday, June 18, 2023 8:30:37 AM
Attachments: City Council email draft SRPD budget.docx
To whom it may concern,
Please see attached. This is a very important initiative, as this sort of defunding the police could result in lasting harm to Railroad Square and the city of Santa Rosa.
Thank you,
Michael D. Angell
Owner , Santa Rosa
Topic: 23-0471, FY 23-24 Budget Adoption, Police Services/Downtown Enforcement Team, Agenda Item 15.2
As a property owner in the Railroad Square area, I urge you to fund the proposed 2 posi�ons in the Downtown Enforcement Team (bike patrol) so that there is 7 day coverage of the downtown area. Full week coverage will improve quality of life issues in this growing neighborhood, address disorderly conduct problems, narco�cs and misdemeanor issues, and serve as an ini�al point of contact for non- crisis calls resul�ng in individuals being linked to mental health and substance use services. Bike patrol teams are cited by the DOJ to be a cost effec�ve part of a community policing strategy, are highly mobile in �ght commercial areas, and effec�ve in reducing crime concerns.
I also support the inRESPONSE crisis team and am pleased to see our city engage in best-prac�ce, progressive services. Providing more services to the downtown area will improve quality of life, lead to increased consumer spending and tax revenue, and help reduce the community impact of service resistant individuals.
Improved commerce in the downtown area helps fund the tax that supports program revenue. By providing services to our business community the city helps fund our progressive community policing programs.
Thank you for your service!
Michael D. Angell
Property Owner,
From: Janet Connors
To: _CityCouncilListPublic
Subject: [EXTERNAL] SRPD Staffing Budget
Date: Monday, June 19, 2023 10:05:36 AM
Attachments: SCA SRPD Support Letter 6-19-23.pdf
Dear City Council Members,
Please see attached letter in support of SRPD funding. This is so important especially in light of the tragic death of the young boy last week.
Thank You,
Janet Connors
Sent from my iPhone
June 19, 2023
Santa Rosa City Council
Dear Council Members,
Our police department has not grown as our community has. Over 15 years ago the department had more sworn offices and support staff than they have today. Today there seems to be an increase in shootings, homicides, vandalism, sideshows, drug related issues, weapons arrests, issues as a result of persons living unhoused, and many more vehicle accidents. We need an effective police department for our community which requires adequate personnel.
As our population has grown over the past 15 years including the annexation of Roseland, we expect an increase in calls to the police department city wide. When someone calls for help, the time it takes to respond is critical for the safety of all involved.
Recently we have seen an increase in violence in our schools and many are asking for a return of School Resource Officers. This may require additional officers.
Public safety should be a top priority for the City of Santa Rosa. The Police Department needs to be adequately funded for the people, businesses, schools, and community of Santa Rosa.
Thank you for your willingness to make our city better, stronger, and safer.
Warmly,
Janet Connors
President
Sonoma County Alliance
From: Florine Ellingson
To: City Council Public Comments
Subject: [EXTERNAL] 23-0471 Budget Adoption, SRPD/Downtown Enforcement Team, Agenda Item 15.2 Date: Monday, June 19, 2023 10:20:57 AM
To Whom It May Concern,
Being a senior citizen in this community for 85 years, I cannot express how important it is to add more police enforcement to the community. My name is Florine J.T.
Ellingson. I am a board member of The Railroad Square Association.
I have been very concerned about the amount of low cost/affordable housing being constructed here in our community. Does the city have enough police enforcement to protect the newly occupied residences including all the remaining citizens of the city? It occurs to me that the police staff is already understaffed. Does the fire department have the staff to fight horrendous fires as we have experienced in the past? What about the energy supply? What about the water situation? Where is the water going to come from if we should have the shortage that we have experienced in recent years?
I, personally, would like to know how we got to this point of overbuilding. Is it a Federal ordinance, a State ordinance that demands this action? Unfortunately, I feel so strongly that our role as a sanctuary city has been abused. It is very sad to me that the "City Designed for Living" is no longer our image.
Hopefully, the City will pass approval for police services - Budget FY23-24 Obviously, there will be more issues that the city council MUST address ASAP.
Cordially,
Florine J. T. Ellingson
From: AJ Trombetta
To: City Council Public Comments
Subject: [EXTERNAL] 23-0471 Budget Adoption, SRPD/Downtown Enforcement Team, Agenda Item 15.2 Date: Monday, June 19, 2023 1:14:01 PM
Santa Rosa City Council Members,
I am a Sonoma County resident who frequents the Railroad Square area restaurants and activities. I urge you to fund the proposed 2 positions in the Downtown Enforcement Team (bike patrol) so that there is 7 day coverage of the downtown area. This is an important service to address narcotics, misdemeanor crimes, and disturbances in the downtown area. Bike units have proven to be very cost effective and an important part of community policing.
I frequently take SMART from the Rohnert Park area to Downtown as Santa Rosa has more food and social options. I am a single woman in my 50s with some mobility issues, I really appreciate having the SMART downtown station and walkable entertainment options.
I've worked for Sonoma County in Behavioral Health and the Sheriff's Office. I've also worked for L.A. City and the LAPD in policy and operations. I have read the police services section of the proposed FY 23-24 budget and skimmed the housing section. I believe in professional, progressive law enforcement services and multi-disciplinary collaboration. I understand that police services comprise a large portion of any city budget and there can be some public outcry to redirect these funds.
I think it is extremely important to address all levels of crime, quality of life, and public substance use/dealing (not just media profile issues). Sonoma County is adding a significant amount of high-density housing, some of it to homeless and transitional housing. We MUST add services to support this density increase. With high-density urban housing comes additional need for all services, including enforcement. Many are experiencing homelessness because of hard financial times, but others are service resistant and some unfortunately have challenging/unsafe behaviors that, a decade years ago, would have been contained in a custody setting. Now contact with police is sometimes the first step toward a person getting linked to other services in behavioral health or substance treatment.
Many substance related crimes (like possession of fentanyl and other problem narcotics) are now misdemeanors, and the general public is experiencing the effects of a greater number of service resistant individuals living in downtown Santa Rosa and parts of my town of Rohnert Park. It's great to offer treatment, but we still NEED enforcement of problem behaviors that impact and cause safety and health related issues to the rest of the public, other residents, and commercial businesses.
We need community policing not just in principle, but to support the very tax base that funds so many of our programs. I fully support the crisis inRESPONSE team too, because we need collaboration and expertise to continue to make Sonoma County a wonderful place to live.
Thank you for your consideration!
A.J. Trombetta
Sonoma County resident
frequent downtown patron