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HomeMy WebLinkAboutecomments_exportCity Council Meeting Meeting Time: 06-09-20 17:00 eComments Report Meetings Meeting Time Agenda Items Comments Support Oppose Neutral City Council Meeting 06-09-20 17:00 31 409 63 320 4 Sentiments for All Meetings The following graphs display sentiments for comments that have location data. Only locations of users who have commented will be shown. Overall Sentiment City Council Meeting 06-09-20 17:00 Agenda Name Comments Support Oppose Neutral 1. 20-0237 APPROVAL OF MINUTES of November 5, and 12, 2019.4 1 2 0 2. 20-0211 RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF POLICE INTERCEPTOR VEHICLES FROM WONDRIES FLEET GROUP 170 47 115 0 4. 20-0135 A. RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA LEVYING SPECIAL TAXES TO BE COLLECTED TO PAY THE COSTS OF FACILITIES AND SERVICES FOR COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICTS 97-1, 97-2, 97-3, 98-1, 98-2, 98-3, 99-1, 99-2, 2000-1, 2001-1, 2001-2, 07-I, 08-I, 08-M, 09-M, 11-M, 12-I, 12-M, 13-I, 13-M, 14-M, 14-M2, 16-I, 17-I, 18-M AND 19-M WITHIN THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA AND DESIGNATING THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE/TREASURER TO FILE A LIST OF TAXES TO BE LEVIED ON EACH PARCEL WITH THE COUNTY AUDITOR EACH YEAR B. RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA LEVYING SPECIAL TAXES TO BE COLLECTED TO PAY THE COSTS OF FACILITIES AND SERVICES FOR COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICTS 06-I AND 07-M, WITHIN THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA AND DESIGNATING THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE/TREASURER TO FILE A LIST OF TAXES TO BE LEVIED ON EACH PARCEL WITH THE COUNTY AUDITOR EACH YEAR 2 0 2 0 5. 20-0231 PUBLIC COMMENTS RECEIVED for June 9, 2020 13 2 6 2 6. 20-0134 CONSIDERATION OF LEVYING THE ASSESSMENTS AND COLLECTIBLES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020/21 FOR OPEN SPACE MAINTENANCE DISTRICTS A. RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA LEVYING THE ASSESSMENTS AND COLLECTIBLES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020/21 FOR OPEN SPACE MAINTENANCE DISTRICTS 2 THROUGH 9, 11, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20 (ZONES 1 THROUGH 9), 23, 24, 26, 31, 33, EASTLAKE MAINTENANCE DISTRICT NO 1 (ZONES A, B, AND D), AND BAY BOULEVARD MAINTENANCE DISTRICT B. RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA LEVYING THE ASSESSMENTS AND COLLECTIBLES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020/21 FOR OPEN SPACE DISTRICTS 10, EASTLAKE MAINTENANCE DISTRICT NO 1 (ZONE E), AND TOWN CENTER MAINTENANCE DISTRICT C. RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA LEVYING THE ASSESSMENTS AND COLLECTIBLES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020/21 FOR OPEN SPACE DISTRICT NO. 1 D. RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA LEVYING THE ASSESSMENTS AND COLLECTIBLES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020/21 FOR EASTLAKE MAINTENANCE DISTRICT NO. 1 (ZONE C) 1 0 1 0 Agenda Name Comments Support Oppose Neutral 7. 20-0218 CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTING THE OPERATING AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BUDGETS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020/21 A. RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA ADOPTING THE OPERATING AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BUDGETS FOR THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020/21 AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2021 EXCLUDING OPEN SPACE DISTRICTS: 1, 10, EASTLAKE MAINTENANCE DISTRICT 1 ZONE C, EASTLAKE MAINTENANCE DISTRICT 1 ZONE E, TOWN CENTER MAINTENANCE DISTRICT, COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT 07M EASTLAKE WOODS & VISTA, AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS GGV0241 AND TRF0414 B. RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA ADOPTING THE OPERATING BUDGET FOR OPEN SPACE DISTRICT 10, EASTLAKE MAINTENANCE DISTRICT 1 ZONE E, TOWN CENTER MAINTENANCE DISTRICT AND THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BUDGET FOR CIP PROJECT TRF0414 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020/21 AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2021 C. RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA ADOPTING THE OPERATING BUDGET FOR OPEN SPACE DISTRICT 1 AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT 07M EASTLAKE WOODS & VISTA FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020/21 AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2021 D. RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA ADOPTING THE OPERATING BUDGET FOR EASTLAKE MAINTENANCE DISTRICT 1 ZONE C, COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT 07M EASTLAKE WOODS & VISTA, AND THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BUDGET FOR CIP PROJECT GGV0241 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020/21 AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2021 E. RESOLUTION OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA ADOPTING THE OPERATING BUDGET FOR THE HOUSING AUTHORITY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020/21 AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2021 F. RESOLUTION OF THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA ADOPTING THE OPERATING BUDGETS FOR THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020/21 AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2021 G. RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA APPROVING THE REVISED FISCAL YEAR 2020/21 COMPENSATION SCHEDULE EFFECTIVE JULY 3, 2020, AS REQUIRED BY CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 2, SECTION 570.5 H. RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA AMENDING THE COMPENSATION SCHEDULE AND CLASSIFICATION PLAN TO REFLECT THE ADDITION OF VARIOUS POSITION TITLES AND CHANGES IN SALARY AS REFLECTED IN THE FISCAL YEAR 2020/21 OPERATING BUDGET 216 13 193 2 Agenda Name Comments Support Oppose Neutral Deleted Agenda Item 1 0 0 0 10. 20-0239 CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTING THE CITY MANAGER AND APPROVING THE CITY MANAGER EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA APPOINTING MARIA KACHADOORIAN AS CITY MANAGER EFFECTIVE JUNE 20, 2020 AND APPROVING THE CITY MANAGER EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT 2 0 1 0 Sentiments for All Agenda Items The following graphs display sentiments for comments that have location data. Only locations of users who have commented will be shown. Overall Sentiment Agenda Item: eComments for 1. 20-0237 APPROVAL OF MINUTES of November 5, and 12, 2019. Overall Sentiment Cesar Mercado Location: Submitted At: 1:49am 06-10-20 I urge the city council to reject the proposed FY21 budget. I am urging the council to defund the police and reallocate this funding to community schools, healthcare, food, mental health assistance, parks, environmental services, rental assistance, and small business relief, especially while communities are recovering from COVID- 19 and a national police brutality issue. Robert Johnson Location: Submitted At: 5:58pm 06-09-20 DONT DEFUND THE POLICE WE WANT THEM TO BE FUNDED! DONT PANDER TO LOOTERS WHEN U WONT OPEN OUR BUSINESSES ! ***Please note, all date/times are showing as 7 hours later than actually received due to a technical issue. We are working to resolve the matter with our vendor. Shayne Oseguera Location: Submitted At: 5:26pm 06-09-20 I demand the city council to reject the proposed FY21 budget. I am urging the council to defund the police and reallocate this funding to community schools, healthcare, food, mental health assistance, parks, environmental services, rental assistance, and small business relief, especially while communities are recovering from COVID- 19 and a national police brutality issue. Becky Cortez Location: Submitted At: 4:17pm 06-09-20 The citizens of Chula Vista voted and passed the Prop P to pay for funding for the necessary equipment that our CVPD needs. This is for safety for our entire Chula Vista Community that is rated the safest city in all of San Diego County. Agenda Item: eComments for 2. 20-0211 RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF POLICE INTERCEPTOR VEHICLES FROM WONDRIES FLEET GROUP Overall Sentiment Katelyn Griffith Location: Submitted At: 2:04am 06-10-20 These funds are better allocated to the community, especially in this time of a global pandemic it’s best to pour our time and funds into OUR community!!!! It should be nonsense to think giving more money to the police (who already have a lot of funds) is a better option than these funds being allocated for so many opportunities for the residences to have more access to health and nutrition classes, community lead sport programs, increased after school and tutoring for kids K-12... and the list goes on. Do the right thing. Oppose this purchase. Paloma Moreno Location: Submitted At: 1:26am 06-10-20 Please please appropriately allocate this funding to actually helping the community which you are representing. We already live in such a militarized city with overwhelming presence and brutalizations from Border Patrol and SDPD. Make your residents actually feel safe by using this money towards helping our community through COMMUNITY LED PROGRAMS. Increase mental health and social worker programs. Expand the arts and college prep programs in our underfunded schools. Please listen to your residents and make the correct decision. More funding towards police is the last think we need if you are trying to make us feel safer and improve our communities. Blanca Herrera Location: Submitted At: 1:22am 06-10-20 Chula Vista is my home. Please invest in our community, especially now during this pandemic that has disproportionately impacted BIPOC. There are so many components to ensuring long-term public safety: housing, food, healthcare, public transit, and education, among others. If we are truly concerned about public safety, let's address the issue at its root: invest in our community resources, not in policing. Lena Antoine Location: Submitted At: 1:16am 06-10-20 The money that would be used for vehicles should be used for social services, including affordable housing, education, and other life-saving resources for the people in this community. This is especially pertinent as we are in a pandemic and hundreds of us are suffering from a lack of said resources. William Armas Location: Submitted At: 1:15am 06-10-20 CVPD needs the equipment to perform their duties against human trafficking, drug cartel, drug dealers, and domestic violence. The elected officials are responsible to ensure the safety of the community by giving our first responders the tools and equipment needed to keep residents safe. Christopher Dahringer Location: Submitted At: 1:05am 06-10-20 Absolutely not. If it really is that necessary of a purchase then I would prefer to see some cuts to the budget that get reallocated to healthcare, education, public transportation and other services that are more necessary to serve the community that this budget represents. Annette Rempt Location: Submitted At: 1:02am 06-10-20 I am a resident of Chula Vista and counselor at Southwestern College and I DO NOT support this budget item. Funds for police cars should be reallocated to support our community in the following areas: mental health services, low income housing (specifically more low income housing options in East Chula Vista), rental protection, the current budget crisis facing the Sweetwater Union High School district, as well as supporting healthcare for low income populations impacted by COVID-19. Now is not the time to update the police fleet, if cars need repair please consider working with Southwestern College's automotive technology program. BLACK LIVES MATTER. DEFUND THE POLICE! Jessica Parra-Fitch Location: Submitted At: 12:57am 06-10-20 Chula Vista urgently needs funding elsewhere and the community deserves better than to be further patrolled by the police. I urge you to take the movement to defund the police seriously. DO NOT sleep on this INTERNATIONAL conversation that is currently taking place. Police officers are trained to do use force and they have PROVEN, time and again, that they will not hesitate to use it. Continuing to arm the police force further endangers the community, it doesn't protect us. We know it. You know it (and are in denial, have your hands tied, or simply don't care). We know you know it so at this point THERE ARE NO EXCUSES. We are paying attention to your actions so please, pay attention to the evidence and act accordingly. Anecdotally, I have NEVER called the police when I have been assaulted or when my house has been broken into because I KNOW the police cannot be trusted. I am not the only one that has made this choice in a time of need because we don't feel safe calling officers with arms that can potentially kill somebody, someone near me, or me. I would LOVE to able to have other resources if I ever find myself in a situation like that again I KNOW is not militarized. USE FUNDS TO BUILD NEW SYSTEMS WE DESPERATELY NEED. Amparo Valdivia Location: Submitted At: 12:33am 06-10-20 Absolutely not. This is not the time for purchasing vehicles. Maybe it would be less expensive to repair what the city has already bought and focus on repairing your image at the same time. Maybe the the department should spend some time on Professional Developement for the Officers. It is time to learn how to "protect and serve". What will it take for the Police to learn from its mistakes? Gina John Location: Submitted At: 12:14am 06-10-20 These resources need to be allocated towards affordable housing, education, and COVID -19 resources since we are still in a pandemic. Please defund the police. Caitlin Daniels Location: Submitted At: 11:59pm 06-09-20 I strongly oppose ! We are already one the safest communities. We DO NOT NEED 900,000 more to go towards buying police new cars. That money should be funded back into low income housing, education, free public transit, funded into our communities and not more police equipment. CVPD already has a large budget, not to mention we are in a pandemic. Where is this money even coming from and why is not being invested into what Chula Vista actually needs for its residents. Chula Vista Strong is about improving our communities resources and caring about each other. Not just the police and forget about all other minorities and everyone else. Why don't you care about your small business or minority communities as much as you care for the police? Please listen to your concerned residents and understand that this money should be used to build us up, not divide us. Delana Delgado Location: Submitted At: 11:59pm 06-09-20 My name is Delana Delgado and I oppose this proposed budget. It has recently become a more acknowledged topic of conversation that the police as a whole are generally corrupt. Their excessive use of force, intimidation, and violence on community members, innocent or not, is brute and deplorable. This is not just a recent occurrence. The culture of policing and cops in our city revolves around power and bullying. The police in Chula Vista absolutely DO NOT NEED more funding than our families, than our local businesses, new and historic, than our youth - who are hoping to be provided the funding and resources to pursue their dreams in arts and STEM. The police are NOT more important than access to healthcare, housing, or food. As issues of police brutality and state violence against Black communities and communities of color are highlighted, we need to talk about what real safety looks like. Defunding police does not mean living in chaos. It means taking accountability & accepting the reality that the system needs to be rebuilt, from the ground up. It means recognizing that police are social workers with guns, who have absolutely NO historical, cultural, or psychological training - thus making them unfit to safely protect all citizens. Police have NO business being the largest funded department in CV. As council members, it is your duty to not only hear us, but do what is best for us and we are demanding a change. Please put us first. Fund the people, not the police. Silvia Saldivar Location: Submitted At: 11:49pm 06-09-20 I strongly oppose the resolution that would approve the purchase of 22 Police Interceptor Vehicles worth close to 1 million dollars as this money would be much better spent invested into the communities. west chula vista is constantly ignored, and under funded. we need more funding to go to our community not those forces that constantly terrorize it. keep chula vista safe by increasing your rental assistance program to serve more families and be able to keep everyone safe and sheltered throughout the pandemic. More money is needed, and people should not have to be displaced due to the virus and representatives choosing to fund police cars over rental assistance. Do right by your constituents and those you serve. fund housing and education NOT police. Paula Sternberg Location: Submitted At: 11:40pm 06-09-20 I STRONGLY OPPOSE the purchase of police interceptor vehicles - we do NOT need more policing. Our safety has nothing to do with police, it has to do with community, justice, education, and resources for ALL. The police are a violent and racist institution and must be defunded. Daniela Co Location: Submitted At: 11:34pm 06-09-20 It’s already included in the expenditure plan Mary Cosio Location: Submitted At: 11:29pm 06-09-20 I believe the the city of Chula Vista, a city that is growing so fast, needs an increase of support every year. Luis Sanchez Location: Submitted At: 11:29pm 06-09-20 Please use these funds to further our community organizations instead. Policing is not the answer to our communities problems! Margret Yaptangco Location: Submitted At: 11:24pm 06-09-20 I support the purchase of police interceptor vehicles for Chula Vista. Andrew Buitron Location: Submitted At: 11:09pm 06-09-20 I strongly oppose the resolution that would approve the purchase of 22 Police Interceptor Vehicles worth close to 1 million dollars as this money would be much better spent invested into the communities of WEST Chula Vista, specifically the Castle Park community. I work with students and families in the Castle Park community who are already facing budget cuts at SUHSD that is seeing them lose their teachers and valuable community resource centers. If you choose to approve this purchase, at least be sure to explain to your constituents tha you value shiny new police cars (that will undoubtedly be used to patrol poor neighborhoods) over their lives. Steve Yaptangco Location: Submitted At: 11:09pm 06-09-20 I support the funding of the police interceptor vehicles needed by the Chula Vista Police Department. This be money well spent on keeping our wonderful community safe. Aloha RT Location: Submitted At: 11:08pm 06-09-20 The safety of our community should be our number one priority! I support funding for new vehicles. Keep Chula Vista Safe!! Guillermo Arroyo Location: Submitted At: 11:05pm 06-09-20 I strongly oppose this budget decision because Policing in the manner that we have been does not provide public safety,it instead creates turmoil and fear for marginalized segments of our community. Public safety must include an investment in housing, health care, food, good jobs, education, free public transit and resources for small businesses and undocumented people.THE TIMES ARE CHANGING,WILL YOU JOIN THE REVOLUTION AND VOTE WITH THE FUTURE? Devon Saunders Location: Submitted At: 11:03pm 06-09-20 I strongly oppose this, and respectfully request that the near 1 million dollars for these trucks be reallocated to enrichment of the community, preferably towards the countys schools. Please reconsider using some of the already exorbitant amount of police funding towards our communities future, the children in our schools. Anthony Powers Location: Submitted At: 11:02pm 06-09-20 I strongly oppose the purchasing of police interceptor vehicles. That money should be used to invest in our communities. Community led care and control should be the forefront of what the city is striving for. Daniela Anchondo Location: Submitted At: 11:01pm 06-09-20 I strongly oppose increasing the CVPD budget, especially considering that it would account to more than a fourth of the fiscal year's budget. Considering the COVD-19 pandemic's effects on communities, this budget allocation is irresponsible and racist. There are far more important community programs this money could better serve constituents. I reject the budget and STRONGLY oppose using $939,057 towards Utility Hybrid Police Interceptor Vehicles. jasmine plasencia Location: Submitted At: 10:59pm 06-09-20 Purchasing police interceptor vehicles is absolutely ridiculous. Chula Vista is already a safe community and the police do not need any more money going to them when there are services like education, local Healthcare, public librararies, parks, housing, and many more that actually need the funding. Please do the right thing and choose to spend that money on funding the services that need it. Edgar Ontiveros Location: Submitted At: 10:56pm 06-09-20 I oppose this agenda item. No money should be spend on policing. Public safety means investing in our education, mental health services, social services, libraries and parks, NOT POLICE. Lori Lopez Location: Submitted At: 10:53pm 06-09-20 I strongly oppose the purchasing of police interceptor vehicles. That money should be used to invest in our communities. Our schools, for one, are in need of this care and attention. Continuing to purchase armor and gear for the police illustrates that Chula Vista only cares about protecting the police. Meanwhile, we are left defenseless. Where is our protection? Amber Plasencia Location: Submitted At: 10:43pm 06-09-20 Police officers do not need more funding. They need to be defunded. Fundings should be going to education and smaller minority communities. Lucas Goodman Location: Submitted At: 10:39pm 06-09-20 I oppose this item. As issues of police brutality and state violence against Black communities and communities of color are highlighted, we need to talk about what real safety looks like. Reject the City of La Mesa’s racist and inmoral budget. Decrease the police budget and invest in our communities by funding services that strengthen our communities. Karina Jurkovich Location: Submitted At: 10:39pm 06-09-20 I live near the large parking lot next to the fire station on F Street. On Thursday night (June 4) from about 6:30 pm PST to 11:20 pm PST, tow trucks were in and out of the parking lot only picking up two cop cars and delivering at lest 15-30 cop cars. For the past 5 days, absolutely nothing has been done with them. There are the cars you need. Do not waste our money on more cop cars to not be used. How about that money is given to members of the community who actually need it? Our community is suffering due to the pandemic and people are feeling more unsafe than ever because of the police. Stop prioritizing violence and start prioritinzing the people. Laurie Pina Location: Submitted At: 10:37pm 06-09-20 The CVPD does not need more money and they definitely do not need a fleet of new SUVs. Reject this proposal. Safety does not begin with policing, it begins when we end policing and invest in affordable housing, healthcare, mental healthcare, food, education, and free and functional public transit. We should allocate funds that directly benefit our communities and not use them toward maintaining the status quo. Giovanni Rivero Location: Submitted At: 10:35pm 06-09-20 Stop spending money on police. Spend the money on improving our environment and education system. Jose Esquer-Romero Location: Submitted At: 10:34pm 06-09-20 My name is Jose Esquer-Romero and I strongly oppose this measure to purchase additional vehicles for the CVPD. In light of recent events, I believe the city should be Areli my spending cuts to police forces that have consumed ever larger shares of city budgets. For example, Minneapolis is looking to cut $200 million from its $1.3 billion overall annual budget. These funds could be shifted to education, housing, and mental health programs that can help bring about societal change. In addition, the city is still dealing with a pandemic that has ravaged communities of color at higher rates than average. Just two days ago, the San Diego Union Tribune reported that zip codes 92154 and 91911 topped the list of highest growth of COVID-19 cases in the county. I find it to seem unnecessary to invest in additional vehicles for police forces when there are citizens that require economic and health assistance and essential workers that require PPE and other resources to help our community push past this pandemic. jerry shay Location: Submitted At: 10:34pm 06-09-20 fund the POLICE!!!! my family and I support 100%!!! Enough with freebies! Faith Romero Location: Submitted At: 10:32pm 06-09-20 I oppose our city’s funds going toward Police Vehicles. We need a reassessment of what the people need. We need health, safety, education, and occupation. Does the city Chula Vista care about its people as much as it claims to? Tina Hernández Location: Submitted At: 10:25pm 06-09-20 My name is Tina Hernandez and I live in Chula Vista . I oppose the use of these funds for the purchase of police interceptor vehicles. I ask that these funds be used for the public’s safety in another manner. Public safety must include an investment in housing, health care, food, good jobs, education, free public transit and resources for small businesses and undocumented people. Increased policing makes our communities vulnerable to violence. Invest in communities, not police. During a pandemic, our communities need access to health care, housing, and food, not racist policing. Shina Idemoto Location: Submitted At: 10:07pm 06-09-20 I have lived here my entire life. I have witnessed schools lose funding every year, our infrastructure falter, and just about every other issue on the plate from other comments. You think this is the right thing to do? During this time? You are ridiculously out of the loop and uneducated. Aaron Pretty Location: Submitted At: 10:06pm 06-09-20 My name is Aaron Pretty and I was born and raised in Chula Vista. I believe that we have to defund our police department and reallocate the funds to other things that ensure public safety. Chula Vista has a large immigrant community that is considered a big part of the laborious back bone of the city of San Diego. With that being said, it would be ridiculous to spend money on tools of violence and punishment and not on programs that promote education and provide affordable housing. Natalia Alvarez Location: Submitted At: 9:46pm 06-09-20 I strongly oppose the purchase of interceptor vehicles for the CVPD. These funds need to go to more important programs that will create better societal change within the community. More policing is not necessary, Chula Vista is an already well protected community and we must invest this money towards making sure our community is well taken care of and has the necessary resources it needs and urges for. (ex. after school programs, housing, education, counseling, etc.) I urge the City Council to oppose this proposal because funding the police with even more money is highly counterproductive in achieving stability within our community and I do not see how 22 more police cars will evidently increase the police's ability to do their jobs. Timothy Imme Location: Submitted At: 9:45pm 06-09-20 Almost, 1,000,000 dollars that can be spent on other needs throughout the city. We need your help in policing the police. Don't help turn our city into a overly militarized police playground. As a former military veteran and current SDSU student I fully OPPOSE this item. Patricia Esquer-Romero Location: Submitted At: 9:31pm 06-09-20 I am a student of UCSD and a resident of Chula Vista. Militarization of police does not keep the community safer or healthier. These resources need to be allocated towards affordable housing, education, and COVID -19 resources since we are still in a pandemic. Funding these issues will directly combat societal issues that will lead to a better cared for community where we can all rise together. Especially in this climate, there is, rightfully so, a distrust in the police and further funding them and militarizing them won’t alleviate the situation. Please use the money instead to combat the pandemic or any other range of societal issues. I know budgets alter tight because of the pandemic so why do the police need all the gear when there are hospitals and frontline workers still fighting a virus that will not go away anytime soon. Please show the Chula Vista community that you are with us and listen to us, unlike the San Diego City Council that completely disregarded hours of testimony. We are your constituents Sand we are pleading that you please listen to us. Victoria Osnaya Location: Submitted At: 9:23pm 06-09-20 It is completely unreasonable for our county to devote more money towards purchases for the police department, which minimally benefits the public, if at all. Money like this could grealy improve our local education system or our local health care (especially right now) or the homeless issue or a number of different causes in our community. The proposal of purchasing POLICE INTERCEPTOR VEHICLES is ridiculous. There are so many other aspects of our community that deserves this funding over this. Allen Rodriguez Location: Submitted At: 9:20pm 06-09-20 I am a Chula Vista resident (D2, Galvez) and doctor who cares for thousands more Chula Vista residents, in opposition to the proposed purchases. These trucks were planned for purchase before the viral pandemic that has killed and left jobless so many of our community, and before recent national events spurred on-going discussions on the best ways to keep all members of our community safe regarding policing and public funding. The community, including the City Council, needs more time to talk these important issues over with one another. There are strong opinions on both sides of these 22 new trucks from Los Angeles, and the heavy politicization of policing tactics makes it harder for some in our community to approach the situation rationally or with open minds or hearts; This is a nuanced situation that deserves careful consideration before Chula Vista is next thrown into the news. As the Sheriff has reported, we've seen bad actors from outside our community trying to cause discord through misinformation online and we have seen City Council meetings where people from even out of state have testified without ties to our community, to try to shame our City or cause mistrust. This is the time for coming together and listening to one another and reviewing the evidence before acting. I believe a NO vote on this item at this moment would be most prudent, until more research is done and ideally, a comprehensive, revised proposal and budget for public safety is developed. Sinai Violet Location: Submitted At: 8:56pm 06-09-20 So many important programs that educate and help our community should be receiving funding over this. Instead teachers and those who pave the way for our younger generation are being fired and do not receive the support they should. Hundreds of members of the community have voiced their concerns that increasing police funds would NOT make our communities safer and would actively contribute to a racist proposal; they have been ignored. It is extremely immoral to give even more funds that were meant for covid relief to the police department, who are already receiving the majority of funds meant to improve our community. Ashley Cruz Location: Submitted At: 8:56pm 06-09-20 City Council, Don't be on the wrong side of history. Defunding the police is the RIGHT THING TO DO. SUHSD just fired all their librarians, it's clear where funding is prioritized in the city. Education > Policing. Chula Vista’s proposed budget for Police makes up 28% of the overall General Fund for 2021. This is not only extreme; it is also VERY alarming that Chula Vista’s elected officials DO NOT hold the well-being of their constituents, their community, at the highest level of importance as they should, due to the proposed over funding of the Chula Vista Police Department. The Police budget for 2021, has almost doubled from 2020’s $4,403183 to $8,210,211. There is $470,00 budgeted towards Police supplies, uniforms, computers, and other equipment, and $939,057 that is on the agenda to be put towards purchasing 22 Ford Police Interceptor vehicles under PO#2201746. All while our public libraries are outdated and understaffed, our parks are unable to be maintained properly due to lack of necessary resources and minimal staffing. Chula Vistan’s are living on the streets, and resources for marginalized communities lack proper funding, computers, supplies, and resources, which make up only a portion of the disparities amongst our communities of color. It is apparent that time and time again, our unique voices have been ignored, and what we need is NOT to increase police funding for a city of 272,202 that needs to be investing in it’s communities and it’s future. Laura Humphreys Location: Submitted At: 8:42pm 06-09-20 I support the purchase of vehicles to help ensure that the police dept has the necessary equipment to keep our community safe. Let's continue to be one of the safest communities in the County. Valerie Dorrian Location: Submitted At: 8:41pm 06-09-20 We need to be prioritizing money for education, mental health care, and social services right now. Carl Ling Location: Submitted At: 8:41pm 06-09-20 As one of your constituents why did you (an ELECTED representative) vote for something we did not want and was not in our best interests. We want the police defunded, due to their big track record of abuse. And my feelings of personal safety for my little brother and myself, we don’t feel safe with a police force that abuses their power. Audrey Elaine Location: Submitted At: 8:37pm 06-09-20 I fully support the Chula Vista Police Department and the purchase of this equipment. I've lived in Chula Vista my entire life and have always felt safe here due to the good work the Chula Vista Police Department has always done. Let's keep our city safe and ensure our police department has the resources to continue to serve our community. Please approve agenda item 2. 20-0211. Chloe Acosta Location: Submitted At: 8:24pm 06-09-20 Black, Indigenous, People of Color are already more impacted by this health and economic crisis, and increasing funding to police makes them even more vulnerable to violence. Our communities have experienced devastating loss at the hands of racist police. We remember what has happened to Earl McNeil, Raul Rivera, Jonathon Coronel, Aleah Jenkins, Alfred Olango, Sergio Weick, and James Lacy. Take some time to learn about community safety; you’ll find that police is not the way. Your community is begging you defund and disband Chula Vista police. Bob Ellis Location: Submitted At: 8:22pm 06-09-20 Please give the police department whatever they need to keep our city safe. shannon shay Location: Submitted At: 8:15pm 06-09-20 I support CVPD 110% Do not base what our city needs on what happened thousands of miles away to a meth head vs. a bad cop! Chula Vista is growing with more low income housing and now passing to build a homeless camp, we need more POLICE!!! Maybe if the mayor didn't take the funds from Prop A and put into the general fund that stated were going to hiring more police and fire! Want to DEFUND something? Defund that crook! All these buildings that will be housing thousands of more people, take that money and allow the POLICE to have their supplies to serve the community! Anyone wanting to DEFUND the police, take 911 off your speed dial. I'm sure that person breaking into your house, will politely leave if you ask them, I'm sure if you tell that rapist, " no means NO!" they will stop. Or maybe that spouse of yours beating your head against a wall, really does love you, so you don't need to call the police to break it up. Enough bowing down to the CRIMINALS of this world!!!! Treat people with RESPECT and you'll recieve RESPECT ! How about not breaking the law. They won't stop you! Ken Verdone Location: Submitted At: 8:15pm 06-09-20 I fully support the Chula Vista Police Department and the purchase of this equipment. J. Miller Location: Submitted At: 8:12pm 06-09-20 I strongly support our Police Department. As one mentioned, our crime rates have decreased - Good Job! Let's keep it up. Why would somebody not want to keep our neighborhoods safe??? Why defund people that protect the community and keep our property values up? Without the protection from our police department, our streets will not be safe for the residents of CV to enjoy. Yes, the police budget has grown, but so has Chula Vista. With as large as the City is now, the PD needs all the resources they can get. PLEASE APPROVE the vehicles for the CVPD. They need to keep up with the criminals that they have encounters with. Gabriel Cervantes Location: Submitted At: 8:08pm 06-09-20 I strongly support any funding for the Chula Vista Police Department. Chula Vista is one of the safest cities in the country. Defunding the department will make it difficult for the department to maintain the safety of its citizens. If you truly car about the citizens you should provide any funding necessary for the department which is responsible for their safety. I ask that the council vote to support funding for the CVPD as the city of San Diego has done for the SDPD. Chantal Valdivia Location: Submitted At: 7:56pm 06-09-20 City Council, Don't be on the wrong side of history. Defunding the police is the RIGHT THING TO DO. SUHSD just fired all their librarians, it's clear where funding is prioritized in the city. Education > Policing. Chula Vista’s proposed budget for Police makes up 28% of the overall General Fund for 2021. This is not only extreme; it is also VERY alarming that Chula Vista’s elected officials DO NOT hold the well-being of their constituents, their community, at the highest level of importance as they should, due to the proposed over funding of the Chula Vista Police Department. The Police budget for 2021, has almost doubled from 2020’s $4,403183 to $8,210,211. There is $470,00 budgeted towards Police supplies, uniforms, computers, and other equipment, and $939,057 that is on the agenda to be put towards purchasing 22 Ford Police Interceptor vehicles under PO#2201746. All while our public libraries are outdated and understaffed, our parks are unable to be maintained properly due to lack of necessary resources and minimal staffing. Chula Vistan’s are living on the streets, and resources for marginalized communities lack proper funding, computers, supplies, and resources, which make up only a portion of the disparities amongst our communities of color. It is apparent that time and time again, our unique voices have been ignored, and what we need is NOT to increase police funding for a city of 272,202 that needs to be investing in it’s communities and it’s future. Rubi Baricuatro Location: Submitted At: 7:55pm 06-09-20 I oppose the purchase of interceptor vehicles for the CVPD. Please allocate these funds to important community programs for social and environmental justice as well as hiring experienced and trained staff to help deescalate interactions with citizens. Police who are not trained, should not handle these situations as they can lead to the death of our citizens, like Oral Nunis. This is unacceptable. Divest from the police department and invest in our community. Wayne Brown Location: Submitted At: 7:51pm 06-09-20 I support the purchase of these vehicles for the Police Department. These vehicle will help the police in doing the excellent job of protecting all the residents of Chula Vista. This Police Department is second to none and deserves the support of all of us. Ben Ryu Location: Submitted At: 7:49pm 06-09-20 The US DOJ recently awarded Chula $750,000 to hire new police officers. According to statistics available on SANDAG's website, crime in Chula Vista decreased by 13% from 2015 to 2019 and Chula Vista's crime rates are lower than San Diego county as a whole. Why is more policing necessary? The Police budget for 2021, has almost doubled from 2020’s $4,403183 to $8,210,211. There is $470,00 budgeted towards Police supplies, uniforms, computers, and other equipment, and $939,057 that is on the agenda to be put towards purchasing 22 Ford Police Interceptor vehicles under PO#2201746. All while our public libraries are outdated and understaffed, our parks are unable to be maintained properly, defunding of the budgets of our SCHOOLS. Many of our people are living on the streets, and resources for marginalized communities lack proper funding, computers, supplies, green policies, and resources. If it is stability that you seek, investing in the police is very counterproductive. Stability is making sure the members of your community are taken care of. If members of a society are not taken care during a global pandemic, they will have to resort to criminal activities just to get by. It is an embarrassment to continue directing unnecessary funds towards the police department that criminalizes people that are suffering. Jonathan Liang Location: Submitted At: 7:43pm 06-09-20 My name is Jonathan Liang and I have recently graduated from the sweetwater union high school district which is 20 million dollars in debt. 20 million! We have fired many teachers, cut many programs, and the plans for next year are to fire all librarians, cut all learning centers, and lay off several counselors. Many kids don’t have a consistent source of transportation to school and are forced to walk many miles every morning. It is appalling that the requirement to become a police is only a high school diploma or two years of college. By further funding the police you will be sending a message to the next generation that their education is worthless. Many teachers including AP and HONORS have to pay for materials out of pocket because we don’t have the funding. My gov class had to use a textbook in which George Bush was still president. Many veteran teachers have been “heavily influenced” to retire and rookie teachers have been hired further decreasing the quality of education for future generations. adding on, the amount of busses available for sporting events are also stretched thin making it hard for many athletes to attend and participate. If you increase funding for the police while ignoring the education system, why should the kids care about their education if their own city doesn’t? Divest from the police and reallocate money back to the community and provide more services and improve the education system Diane Brown Location: Submitted At: 7:41pm 06-09-20 I absolutely support the acquisition of the police vehicles and any other equipment needed to keep officers and the public safe. CVPD is doing a great job with reduced crime (one of the lowest in the state), community policing and maintaining relationships throughout these trying times. Vote yes so they can continue to serve and support this great community. Mike Taylor Location: Submitted At: 7:40pm 06-09-20 Respectfully request the CV City Council provide funding for the police vehicles. When the good citizens of Chula Vista need a police Officer - they need the "ponies" to get there. Please don't not take a harsh position of under funding the CVPD. Monitor them - track them - & support them. Very respectfully - Mike Taylor Juliza Esparza Location: Submitted At: 7:32pm 06-09-20 I strongly oppose the increase in funding to the CVPD. The department itself is already well funded and further funding doesn’t increase safety it causes disparities in other aspects of our communities. Our schools are so poorly funded yet the police department is up for more funding it makes absolute no sense for that. Sweetwater union high school district no longer has librarians on their campus and continue to lay off teachers and cut programs like their learning center program that ultimately was a great help to many students. I believe as a community we must prioritize healthcare and education and investing into our own community. Chula Vista is one of the most impacted counties from COVID19, we must prioritize in healthcare for the well being of our communities. As a resident who has attended and graduated from sweetwater union high school district and as someone who works in healthcare I have seen first hand the impacts of these cuts and poor funding in these areas. Chula Vista has the opportunity to lead in the change not only in San Diego but to the rest of the country as well. Defund the police lead the change and invest in your community. Destiny Padilla Location: Submitted At: 7:31pm 06-09-20 Strongly oppose! Stop police violence and defund the police. Matt Mesker Location: Submitted At: 7:29pm 06-09-20 My family and I have lived in Chula Vista for 7 years. We feel safe in the city and this is due to the good work of the Chula Vista Police Department. I support CVPD and appreciate their ability to collaborate with the community and to lead with integrity. I ask you to vote in favor of items 2 and 7. Safety is a priority for me and my family! Miguel Ayala Location: Submitted At: 7:24pm 06-09-20 Please defund the police and relocate these funds towards the community (education, after school programs, housing, healthcare, parks, anything BUT the police). The safest communities have fewer cops but MORE resources. We need to invest in our youth and not the police. Please, I am pleading with you, our community members will die. The prison system does nothing for our people. We need RESOURCES, we need REHABS, we need THERAPISTS, we need COUNSELORS, we need FULL-TIME NURSING, we need the best supplies for OUR SCHOOLS. Dahlia Suiter Location: Submitted At: 7:21pm 06-09-20 I urge the City Council to oppose this proposal, defund the police, and invest in the community. Criminalizing more people does nothing to address the systems of poverty, homelessness, mental health and more that are prevalent in our city. Please demonstrate that you hear our voices and protests by opposing this proposal. Vania Ulloa Location: Submitted At: 7:20pm 06-09-20 I strongly oppose this proposal. Increasing the budget by almost a million dollars to fund the purchase of police vehicles is not necessary. I believe those funds should be put back into building up the community in the form of education, healthcare/healthcare access, and social services. Virginia Jensen Location: Submitted At: 7:18pm 06-09-20 I strongly support the funding of the Police Vehicles, which are already covered through Measure P funds. To jump in and start defunding our Police Department because of something that happened in Minnesota is reckless and irresponsible! Chula Vista has one of the finest Police Departments in our Country. Our crime has gone down and you should be thanking them for doing such a good job. For being out there daily (Coronavirus or not) working to make this a safe city for all. To stop illegal drug shops from popping up, being there to protect those families where domestic abuse occurs, helping our children in programs through schools etc. Measure P was passed by our Community as we wanted to make sure our homes and business's would have the needed Police protection at all times. Think about who you're going to call when someone breaks into your home with a weapon, your daughter is abused by a thug, or your child's school is on lock down because there is a shooter on campus! When you're coward in the corner waiting and praying for the Police to get there to take care of you, remember you choose to defund the! Don't be foolish with no evidence for your "knee jerk response" to defund the very people that protect you and your family. Mike Tardy Location: Submitted At: 7:10pm 06-09-20 I absolutely support the acquisition of the police vehicles and any other equipment needed to keep officers and the public safe. CVPD is doing a great job with reduced crime (one of the lowest in the state), community policing and maintaining relationships throughout these trying times. Vote yes so they can continue to serve and support this great community. Xhenya Ramirez Location: Submitted At: 7:07pm 06-09-20 All that money that is going to be used to fund the police department can be used to take care of our city. Use it for our schools our businesses our parks help is grow! Priscilla Molina Location: Submitted At: 6:58pm 06-09-20 Invest the proposed money to the surrounding communities. This money is useful to parks and recreation, animal care facilities, health care facilities, libraries, homelessness! The police department has more than enough funds to properly do their job. Put that money somewhere it matters. Let our community thrive. Monserat Dominguez Location: Submitted At: 6:55pm 06-09-20 I oppose this proposal. You are ignoring the demand of the people and your guys own agenda. The police should never be allowed to funded so much money especially if the people who work for it aren’t even the educated well on the law they are so called enforcing. You need to redirect your funding towards what the community believes they need to have funded the most. Jason Quinones Location: Submitted At: 6:52pm 06-09-20 It’s ignorant to judge a police department, let alone an entire profession based on the actions of one single police officer in Minnesota. CVPD has accomplished growth and expansion and security of such under the leadership of Chiefs Bejarano and Kennedy. Approval ratings of citizens are high and the city is ranked one of safest in the state and country. This couldn’t have been accomplished without hiring more officers and equipping them with the right tools to better serve our community. These vehicles are hybrid so they also work in favor of our Climate Action Plan, taking advantage of renewable energy. I fully support this because it is needed to maintain the safety and security of our growing city. Stacey Doyle Location: Submitted At: 6:52pm 06-09-20 If the City of Chula Vista is truly for a green agenda and would like police officers to have the safety and power necessary to do their jobs properly, I should think purchasing police interceptor vehicles is the right choice. Angelica Garcia Location: Submitted At: 6:51pm 06-09-20 I oppose this proposal. Spending almost one million dollars for police vehicles is unacceptable when there are so many necessary resources that are constantly defunded time after time. Chula Vista will continue to tumble if proposals like these are passed. Additionally, the city constantly neglects these prevalent things: the homeless population, the depleting mental health of residents, the lack of community events, the lack of affordable grocery stores, and the list goes on. The city has shown it has the money and power to fix these issues with proposals that exponentially fund the police. To prosper, we need money to be invested into the community and never in the police department. Jesus Gomez Location: Submitted At: 6:49pm 06-09-20 I am in support of agenda item #2. 20-2011. Our population is not slowing down in growth. Our officers need the necessary resources to keep our community safe and thriving. This agenda item will help our officer respond to calls more effectively and timely. This is about saving lives, community safety, and proactivity in policing. In these unprecedented times, our officers need the protection and tools to keep our businesses and us safe. I want to know that the officers are outfitted with the necessary resources in order to adequately patrol and engage with our city. Emanuel Martinez Location: Submitted At: 6:49pm 06-09-20 The community should absolutely not have more policing. Money should be diverted away from the police department and spent on small businesses, educational centers, and healthcare services. David Moren Location: Submitted At: 6:45pm 06-09-20 I strongly support Agenda Item 2. 20-0211. The Chula Vista Police Department has demonstrated effective community policing by working with community members, key stakeholders, and community nonprofits. During the COVID-19 pandemic, police officers have coordinated with families to assist with food distributions, celebrated youth's birthdays, and distributed hygiene kits for the homeless. Approving the purchase of police interceptor vehicles will improve the department's effectiveness to respond to 911 calls. Natalia Garcia Location: Submitted At: 6:40pm 06-09-20 The safety of our community should be our number one priority. I support funding for new vehicles. Keep Chula Vista Safe!! Sabrina Ojeda Location: Submitted At: 6:32pm 06-09-20 I oppose because I believe we need to defund the police and we need more funding in other areas such as parks and recreation, animal care facilities, libraries, health care facilities, small business relief, and other aspects regarding our community. What we do NOT need is the police department being funded even more and getting new vehicles and we need to address the police brutality that has been happening and is STILL happening across our nation and act NOW. Carlos Ipuz-Rengifo Location: Submitted At: 6:27pm 06-09-20 As a resident of Chula Vista, I find it appalling that we are unable to house so many of our homeless population, yet have the budget to unnecessarily increase funding for police vehicles. It is no secret that we have so many people struggling in the streets of downtown Chula for even the most basic necessities. I urge you to have the moral courage to reject further police funding and instead, redirect those funds directly into OUR community in the form of housing, mental health outreach, education, public health, and social services We are doing ourselves an alarming disservice if we continue to turn a blind eye to our own community members who are in most need of help. Lali Sanchez Location: Submitted At: 6:24pm 06-09-20 This is absolutely disgusting and not what your constituents want or need. REALLOCATE THIS MONEY FOR THE COMMUNITY! We need services that will help our city thrive and this is not it. By supporting services such as education, mental health services, affordable housing, etc overtime it will create less of a need for law enforcement. We need to start somewhere and the time is now. Marla Kingkade Location: Submitted At: 6:22pm 06-09-20 I have been a resident of the City of Chula Vista for twenty years. I have appreciated the good work of the City and of the Chula Vista Police Department. As a resident, I voted to approve the increase sales tax in order to increase staffing, equipment and training for our first responders, including CVPD. Please vote in support of item number two. Alejandra Silva Location: Submitted At: 6:22pm 06-09-20 Chula Vista’s proposed budget for Police makes up 28% of the overall General Fund for 2021. This is not only extreme; it is also VERY alarming that Chula Vista’s elected officials DO NOT hold the well-being of their constituents, their community, at the highest level of importance as they should, due to the proposed over funding of the Chula Vista Police Department. The Police budget for 2021, has almost doubled from 2020’s $4,403183 to $8,210,211. There is $470,00 budgeted towards Police supplies, uniforms, computers, and other equipment, and $939,057 that is on the agenda to be put towards purchasing 22 Ford Police Interceptor vehicles under PO#2201746. All while our public libraries are outdated and understaffed, our parks are unable to be maintained properly due to lack of necessary resources and minimal staffing. Chula Vistan’s are living on the streets, and resources for marginalized communities lack proper funding, computers, supplies, and resources, which make up only a portion of the disparities amongst our communities of color. It is apparent that time and time again, our unique voices have been ignored, and what we need is NOT to increase police funding for a city of 272,202 that needs to be investing in it’s communities and it’s future. I ask that you decrease and reallocate the bloated budget for Police, and that you VOTE NO on the purchasing of an additional 22 Ford Police interceptors. Jonathan Arriola Location: Submitted At: 6:21pm 06-09-20 I opposed spending money on Police Interceptor Vehicles. There are many families and businesses that were left with no money from COVID-19 and haven’t even recuperated from economic loss. This money could also be used for helping schools and teachers once students go back to school, and it could be used to help our Social Workers as well and give them more funding. We could also use this money to battle the Homeless situation we have in Chula Vista that’s been long ignored. Molly Salazar Location: Submitted At: 6:16pm 06-09-20 I demand that the city council reject and consider the effects from COVID-19 that have hurt the people in this community. I am urging the council to defund the police and reallocate this funding to community schools, healthcare, food, mental health assistance, environmental services, rental assistance, and small business relief. In addition, we must be pro-active and address the national police brutality issue across this nation and act in advance. Olivia DelleTorri Location: Submitted At: 6:12pm 06-09-20 We need more support going to social workers, health care, education and other community building infrastructure. The police should not be replacement for community care. I oppose this budget for new vehicles. We deserve this funding to go back into schools. Why do police need new vehicles when teachers are going out of their pockets for school supplies??? Julieanne Poblete Location: Submitted At: 6:10pm 06-09-20 I OPPOSE on spending money towards new police vehicles. The community does not want another dime to go towards the police. That money can go towards communities that will benefit us as a whole, such as education, parks, public transportation, and health care. We are still in a pandemic so that money can also go towards small businesses that can help them. Sebastian Serrano Location: Submitted At: 6:09pm 06-09-20 I oppose the item on the agenda. As a resident of Chula Vista, I believe that we have more pressing issues other than providing interceptor vehicles. We should be addressing how to help the less fortunate in our community or even small businesses effect by The COVID 19 pandemic. We can be smarter with the funding. Brett Davis Location: Submitted At: 6:04pm 06-09-20 I support agenda item 2. 20-0211 for the purchase of Police Interceptor Vehicles. It is mandatory with the continued growth of Chula Vista that our citizens safety is prioritized during these current times. Our Police has a challenging job to undertake on a daily basis. They are required to serve and protect and in doing so will need equipment and transportation that will allow them to respond to an emergency call quickly, safely and efficiently. Our Chula Vista Police Department needs our support now more than ever. Passing this agenda will allow our officers to continue to serve and protect our communities more effectively. Breanna Bisharat Location: Submitted At: 6:03pm 06-09-20 I support the funding of new vehicles for the safety of our community. Robert Johnson Location: Submitted At: 5:57pm 06-09-20 WE SUPPORT OUR POLICE DONT DEFUND THEM.. WE THE PEOPLE WANT OUR COPS! DONT PANDER TO LOOTERS WHEN U WONT EVENT OPEN OUR BUSINESSES ! KEEP THE POLICE! Oscar Santiago Location: Submitted At: 5:55pm 06-09-20 I am writing to strongly oppose the item on the agenda. As a resident of Chula Vista, I believe that we have more pressing issues other than providing interceptor vehicles. We should be addressing how to help the less fortunate in our community or even small businesses effect by The COVID 19 pandemic. We can be smarter with the funding. Sean Posada Location: Submitted At: 5:51pm 06-09-20 As a family physician working in China Vista, I know of many other resources that this money can go to rather than an increased police vehicle fleet. Programs that emphasize access to health care, education, mental health treatment, and social work have much more data supporting their benefit to the public safety than increased police presence. As we have seen in these recent weeks, police forces throughout America, Chula Vista included, have an incredible amount of power and receive a disproportionately large percentage of their city's budget. I'm asking for you to OPPOSE this request and instead redirect the funds to programs that have been proven to improve community safety and cohesion. Tanya Bisharat Location: Submitted At: 5:46pm 06-09-20 I feel that our safety should come first. So I support the funding of the new vehicles. Miriam Vega Location: Submitted At: 5:39pm 06-09-20 I strongly oppose increasing funding to the police department. The police department already has a big budget and there are other departments that need that budget urgently. The community would benefit more if that money was spent on mental health services, housing, social services, small business relief, parks and schools. Tino Martinez Location: Submitted At: 5:36pm 06-09-20 Madam mayor, city attorney, Councilmembers and staff do we really need more flashy, super-equipted, the latest & greatest police vehicles? No we don't. Your constituents are speaking loud during these times in which we are finally putting a spotlight on the systematic inequities in place by our government, YOU! We see our mayor doing commercials with the police & fire unions. There's NO INDEPENDENT POLICE REVIEW BOARD. There's a system in place to silence our complaints against bad cops. But there's a real organized movement to shine a light on this. Do the right thing! TRIM OUR POLICE & FIRE BUDGETS & YOUR SALARIES FOR THE SAKE OF CHULA VISTA _ ....Vote NO or "table it" to do Community Workshops. I'm available to give you real ideas that will build our communities. I've tried with Bejarano many times but he laughed in my face when I suggested putting a few officers walking instead of rolling their armored vehicles. Thankfully Chief Kennedy is different and I believe would welcome these types of policing practices. Janelle Mendoza Location: Submitted At: 5:30pm 06-09-20 There are far bigger issues to community infrastructure that should be addressed. Education, relief for small businesses, social welfare, etc. The biggest threat to our community is Covid-19 and the economic stagnation that follows it. This cannot be combated through the means of new vehicles for the police. It cannot be combated through the police force at all. Councilmen, I urge you to NO. Daniel Hagerty Location: Submitted At: 5:30pm 06-09-20 As a registered voter in Chula Vista and educator, I am concerned that the proposed budget nearly doubles police funding from last year. I kindly ask that the city council postpone action on the budget to think of ways to redirect police funding to other social services that have been shown by data to address the root causes of many problems faced by our residents. On its own city website, Chula Vista boasts of being "one of the safest cities in America." What is the need for increased police funding if we are already doing so well? What's more, downsizing and reforming the police is associated with less violent crime and incidents of excessive force by police, as evidenced by the transformation of Camden, New Jersey's police department. If the council cannot postpone or reject the proposed budget, I kindly ask that they answer these 3 questions for the sake of transparency: 1. Why is the police department's budget nearly doubling? What justifies this? Please be specific and point to data in your justification. 2. What, specifically, will the increased police budget be spent on? In light of the recent data-backed movements and sentiments about reducing funding to police departments to fund other programs that would help address the root of systemic issues in our societies, such as mental health services, unemployment programs, and education, do you plan to reduce funding to police in FY 2021-22 to fund these programs? If not, why not? Shayne Oseguera Location: Submitted At: 5:22pm 06-09-20 I demand the city council to reject the proposed budget. I am urging the council to defund the police and reallocate this funding to community schools, healthcare, food, mental health assistance, parks, environmental services, rental assistance, and small business relief, especially while communities are recovering from COVID- 19 and a national police brutality issue. Alexa Bentley Location: Submitted At: 5:19pm 06-09-20 I strongly oppose this agenda item. The increase in police budget to purchase intercepted vehicles is not a necessity, there are schools who do not have enough funding to even remain their libraries afloat, Eastlake high schools library is closing/closed. A library at school is essential and stands as a place students can work, host club meetings, utilize computers, printers and more; It is a space where learning is encouraged and serves as a safe space for many students to be able to work in a peaceful and respected environment. In midst of a pandemic public health is also a bigger issue, this budget is unwarranted and our funds can do more help redirected somewhere else. As a member of the Chula Vista community I am in strong disagreement of this and urge you to REJECT this proposal of nearly A MILLION DOLLARS Ken Culver Location: Submitted At: 4:59pm 06-09-20 Regardless of personal feelings, the greatest responsibility of a city government is public safety. CVPD deserves your support. I recommend approval. Toni Bell Location: Submitted At: 4:50pm 06-09-20 I oppose the bill to give any more money to the Chula Vista police department. They do not need it. Most of these officers walk home with 100,000 which is public information you can find online. They do not need that much money, especially during a global pandemic when others are struggling financially. Put your money where your mouth is, city council and if you care about George Floyd so much then use the money to fund something else. You have it plastered all over your twitter, city hall that you HEAR George Floyd, but do you really? The police officers here are arrogant, they walk with no manners and talk like they are better than you. I call for defunding the Chula Vista police department. Marquel Carnell Location: Submitted At: 4:44pm 06-09-20 Why spend nearly a million dollars on new police vehicles when that money can go to more important but undervalued resources such as housing and education? Cayce Smith Location: Submitted At: 4:36pm 06-09-20 I oppose spending almost 1 million dollars on new police vehicles. We need to instead invest this money in social services support for our communities, particularly at a time when people are struggling to make ends meet during a global pandemic. There is no data to show that more policing makes communities safer. In fact data shows that police target and brutalize black and brown communities; police violence is in fact a public health crisis and we should not be contributing more money to an institution that for decades has engaged in this violence despite multiple attempts at reform. Please begin to develop and invest in safer and more effective strategies and programs to address crises and critical social problems. Please honor the wishes of the people in your community instead of the influence of police unions and the personal gain it might bring. Judy Wilson Location: Submitted At: 4:36pm 06-09-20 I support the purchase of new vehicles. I have the utmost respect and admiration for the police. I support whatever they need to keep us safe. Adam Bisharat Location: Submitted At: 4:35pm 06-09-20 I support the purchase of new vehicles. The safety of our community is the most important thing, with the addition of new police interceptors the CVPD will be given an improved ability to enforce laws such as drunk driving, drug trafficking, etc. which will in return support the overall safety of the community. Isabella Kim Location: Submitted At: 4:33pm 06-09-20 I vehemently oppose the proposed budget for the 2020-2021 fiscal year. The police should be defunded, and money instead allocated towards building community infrastructure to serve people of color. The police do exactly the opposite. I would like to see funding go to mental and physical healthcare resources, food security incentives, education and after-school programs, rent and housing assistance, and immigration services. I would also like to see the formation of community teams to handle mental heath crises, sexual assault, situations involving substance use, and the like, as the police are not trained or equipped to handle these and often end up escalating or ignoring the problem. Funding needs to go towards training community members instead. Arienne Malekmadani Location: Submitted At: 4:27pm 06-09-20 I urge you to REJECT the proposal to spend $939,057 on Ford Interceptor vehicles. The police needs to be defunded; at the bare minimum, we cannot spend more community funds on militarizing police. Money should instead be allocated to public libraries, parks, mental health services, social services and education. Police violence is a public health crisis. As a doctor, I have seen first-hand the devastating effects that racism and police brutality have on Black and Brown lives. We cannot keep going on like this. Please do the right thing and take the first step by rejecting this proposal. Alissa Bisharat Location: Submitted At: 4:26pm 06-09-20 I support the purchase of new vehicles. It would be beneficial to the safety of our community. Manuel Hernandez Jr Location: Submitted At: 4:15pm 06-09-20 As a resident of Chula Vista, I write today to advise I am in complete opposition of the CVPD being funded at this particular time for policing vehicles. Thank you for your time. Ashley Montiel Location: Submitted At: 4:04pm 06-09-20 I oppose the purchase of new police vehicles. Chula Vista does not need more patrolling, we need to allocate money to funding vital services that strengthen our communities. Juanita Salas Location: Submitted At: 3:54pm 06-09-20 Of course I support the purchase. Do we think the officers will walk to their calls? Who do you think are going to respond when your house or car gets broken into? When you get into a car accident? When your neighbor is playing loud music? When some taggers tag on your fence. Come on. Just because there is a "bad cop" don't lump that into CVPD. Rod Bisharat Location: Submitted At: 3:47pm 06-09-20 I support the purchase of the new vehicles. You can not put a price tag on safety. With the additional vehicles, we can maintain a safer community, safer businesses, reduce drunk driving, and most importantly keep drug traffickers away from all our schools. New vehicles is an investment that will pay us back several times in the future. Tiffany Bisharat Location: Submitted At: 3:14pm 06-09-20 I support the funding to purchase new police vehicles. Dennise Garibay Location: Submitted At: 2:55pm 06-09-20 I oppose the purchase of new police vehicles. Chula Vista does not need more patrolling, we need to allocate money to funding vital services that strengthen our communities, such as housing, health care, food stability, free and improved public transportation, and education. Jackeline Salazar Location: Submitted At: 2:41pm 06-09-20 I vote “yes” to purchase police equipment. It’s critical for public safety. John Moot Location: Submitted At: 2:37pm 06-09-20 I support the approval of the purchase of new police vehicles. Proposition P was passed by majority of the voters in Chula Vista and this item fulfills the purpose and intent of Proposition P. Public safety requires that the department have the equipment they need to respond to 911 calls to protect the public. John Moot Silvia Herrera Location: Submitted At: 9:42am 06-09-20 I oppose this ordinance of purchasing more police vehicles. It is unethical to spend so much money on police force when other areas of our community are being ignored financially. Reinvest this money to community funding for schools, and affordable housing. Amado Huizar Location: Submitted At: 8:43am 06-09-20 I fully support this resolution for more vehicles, which means more officers to care for our growing city. It is imperative to continue to support our Police Department. While our nation and county have recently experienced very unfortunate incidents, Chula Vista remains a safe and peaceful place thanks to the CVPD. Esmeralda Guerrero Location: Submitted At: 8:02am 06-09-20 I oppose this ordinance. Defund the police and allocated the funds to the community. Anel Alvarado Location: Submitted At: 7:39am 06-09-20 I oppose of this ordinance and believe that the money could be properly placed in the other ways like public health services or education. Michelle Rodriguez Location: Submitted At: 6:02am 06-09-20 New vehicles may be needed at some point but not before the larger issues at hand. Mental health, homelessness and policing reform are just a few topics that need attention. The world is crying out for change. We can choose to listen and be a positive example of this movement or we can can keep repeating the same mistakes. I want to be a part of just and forward movement. I believe it is time for reform. I do not believe in dismantling our beloved C.V.P.D. but I do feel the purchase of these vehicles, at this time, is a slap in the face to many in our community that want to be heard. Kasi Bodiford Location: Submitted At: 6:01am 06-09-20 We do not need to spend nearly a million dollars on new vehicles for the police when we are In the midst of a pandemic whose stay at home orders, while necessary, also damaged the economy and many individuals safety nets. This money should be reinvested into the community in ways that treats the causes of crime or people most affected by the pandemic. Diego Diez De Bonilla Location: Submitted At: 3:34am 06-09-20 More of Chula Vista’s budget going to the police department is the last thing i want to see. Sarah Maple Location: Submitted At: 3:31am 06-09-20 I demand the City of Chula Vista defund the police and reinvest in our low-income, BIPOC communities in areas of education, housing, healthcare, arts and culture, and youth programs. The police are the reason our communities feel unsafe. Excessive force, misconduct, violence, racism, brutality, abuse of power, reaffirmation of white supremacist histories and ideologies, and immunity in the face of it all, the police have no place in the future of this city. It would be a gross oversight to vote in favor of this agenda. The unrest that has spread across the nation is evidence that we need change now more than ever. As members of the City Council you have the power to stand with us. You have the power to defund a department that has proven itself inadequate and violent in every possible way. You have the power to protect our residents. So defund the police, and reinvest in our communities. That is the only way we can move towards a safer and more equitable future. Elizabeth Caliri Location: Submitted At: 3:00am 06-09-20 I strongly oppose this ordinance. We have much larger issues at hand here in Chula Vista. We need to reallocate funding to our community and not to unnecessarily purchased fleet vehicles from a third party. Who is wondries fleet and who profits from this? Not the community that you serve. Alex Estrada Location: Submitted At: 2:51am 06-09-20 I urge council members to vote NO in purchasing a million dollars for police vehicles. We are in the midst of widespread upheaval over the systemic violence of policing. We will no longer accept empty gestures and suggestions of “reform.” We are demanding that our voices be heard now, and that real change be made to the way this city allocates its resources. Support for communities in need is necessary now, more than ever. We demand that the City Council defund the Chula Vista PD. We join the calls of those across the country to #DefundThePolice. We demand a budget that adequately and effectively meets the needs of at-risk residents during this trying and uncertain time, when livelihoods are on the line. We demand a budget that supports community wellbeing, rather than empowers the police forces that tear them apart. As the City Council, the budget proposal is in your hands. It is your duty to represent your constituents. I am urging you to completely revise the budget for the 2020-2021 fiscal year. You need to adopt a People’s Budget. Public opinion is with me. Justin Reyes Location: Submitted At: 2:47am 06-09-20 I urge council members to vote NO in purchasing a million dollars for police vehicles. We are in the midst of widespread upheaval over the systemic violence of policing. We will no longer accept empty gestures and suggestions of “reform.” We are demanding that our voices be heard now, and that real change be made to the way this city allocates its resources. Support for communities in need is necessary now, more than ever. We demand that the City Council defund the Chula Vista PD. We join the calls of those across the country to #DefundThePolice. We demand a budget that adequately and effectively meets the needs of at-risk residents during this trying and uncertain time, when livelihoods are on the line. We demand a budget that supports community wellbeing, rather than empowers the police forces that tear them apart. As the City Council, the budget proposal is in your hands. It is your duty to represent your constituents. I am urging you to completely revise the budget for the 2020-2021 fiscal year. You need to adopt a People’s Budget. Public opinion is with me. David Aguilar Location: Submitted At: 2:25am 06-09-20 I urge council members to vote NO in purchasing a million dollars for police vehicles. We must start to prioritize and focus our budgets on investing in educational institutions that will eliminate the need for more militarized policing. It is time to be brave and speak truth to power, it is time to invest in our public education, healthcare, affordable housing, and a livable wage in Chula Vista. Lets get our priority straight and start to hold those in power, such as the police force, accountable. All public policies and policing in our community needs to have complete transparency and real accountability so that when it comes time to fire a police officer you are not scared by their police unions. They have more rights than its citizens they are supposed to protect and serve No one is above the law and the police union needs to be held accountable for their complicity in keeping abusive police officers that commit abusive acts, in front of cameras, against its citizens without any jail time. Start to implement rigorous requirements for police officers like a 4-year degree and extensive training like in other first world countries all over the world. We can change for the better if only we work together! Ricardo Ramirez Location: Submitted At: 2:05am 06-09-20 I urge council members in voting NO. We must prioritize investing in future institutions that will eliminate the need for more militarized ones. Invest in future minds and you solve the long term problem, vehicles have expiration dates, knowledge as community does not. Francisco Escobedo Location: Submitted At: 2:03am 06-09-20 I fully support the purchase of police intercepted vehicles. This is a foundational tool our officers require to protect our city and schools. For decades our district has supported the SRO program, which offers the opportunity for our students to interact with our officers in a positive light. These officers have been instrumental in training our student patrol officers and interacting with our troubled youth. Without secure and up to date vehicles, our school safety may be jeopardized. Thank you. Jessica Torres Location: Submitted At: 1:54am 06-09-20 The city of Chula Vista needs to do more for the community. Invest this money into schools, libraries, and public health services. Investment in these would be far more beneficial. Gerardo Hernandez Location: Submitted At: 1:53am 06-09-20 I oppose the resolution. This money should be invested in programs that help schools or rental assistance. Nico Arce Location: Submitted At: 1:48am 06-09-20 This money should be going towards kids and the community to better their futures! This cannot be done with more police cars. The city of Chula Vista does not need more. Carlos Gonzalez Location: Submitted At: 1:47am 06-09-20 Defund and abolish the police. What do they need new vehicles for anyway? It’ll still take them the same amount of time to respond to a call and do absolutely nothing. Take that money and do something that will actually provide for the community instead. Alina Goldner Location: Submitted At: 1:37am 06-09-20 I oppose if this resolution. Our community deserves these funds being used towards community improvement and wellness. Isaiah Manalili Location: Submitted At: 1:30am 06-09-20 I oppose this resolution because I believe the community is more deserving of the near $1 million. Please consider investing money into schools, food programs, health and family care, after school care, and the citizens that need these resources. Daniel Mercado Location: Submitted At: 1:09am 06-09-20 Council members, I urge you to vote NO. The $1 million from Measure P must be reallocated to education, mental health, public facilities, and/or other failing city infrastructure. Moreover, I urge the council to utilize other methods to fund effective social services. This is an opportunity to take the first step toward practicing true police accountability and defunding police. Now is the time to implement am independent citizens council that can add a checks and balances to the police brutality that is going on in our country and in our community. David Landman Location: Submitted At: 12:55am 06-09-20 My wife and I are fairly new to the City of Chula Vista. It is no surprise we pay some of the highest property taxes in the county. Although like our neighbors we would like to enjoy all the amenities mentioned by those in opposition to this expense, we would like you to vote "YES". Safety should be priority #1. We must have a well trained and equipped police force. We must be willing to protect our communities, homes and families. Please vote "YES" to purchase the needed police equipment. Ruthann Reese Location: Submitted At: 12:51am 06-09-20 I support passing Agenda Item 2. 20-0211 resolution approving the purchase of Police Interceptor Vehicles. We want our police force to be safe and ready to respond as we need them. Josett Romero Location: Submitted At: 12:51am 06-09-20 I support this resolution and believe that maintaining the police vehicle fleet, which includes replacement of aging vehicles, is critical to public safety. I also understand that police administrations plan for a multitude of emergency situations and with that, need a certain number of operable vehicles ready for any situation our city might face. Thank you. Ediuardo Collins Location: Submitted At: 12:29am 06-09-20 I urge all of our Council Members to vote NO on this! The last thing that we need to do right now is to add another million dollars to an already bloated police budget. Furthermore, I am fervently in favor of starting the move to defund the police by putting that money into our schools, and libraries. Build a future for this city, rather than putting power into the hands of an under-trained force without any checks and balances on the power of their authority. Keith Boyd Location: Submitted At: 12:04am 06-09-20 I support this resolution and believe that maintaining the police vehicle fleet, which includes replacement of aging vehicles, is critical to public safety. I also understand that police administrations plan for a multitude of emergency situations and with that, need a certain number of operable vehicles ready for any situation our city might face. Thank you. Tanni Graichen Location: Submitted At: 11:51pm 06-08-20 I support passing Agenda Item 2. 20-0211 resolution approving the purchase of Police Interceptor Vehicles. JC Rico Location: Submitted At: 11:49pm 06-08-20 I oppose this measure to spend close to $1 million on police vehicles. The Department of Justice recently awarded The City $750,000 to hire new police officers. According to statistics available on SANDAG's website, crime in Chula Vista decreased by 13% from 2015 to 2019 and Chula Vista's crime rates are lower than San Diego county as a whole. Why is more policing necessary? I suggest putting this money to community programs such as the parks & Rec department. Thank you. Marcos Gobbi Location: Submitted At: 11:38pm 06-08-20 I vote yes in support of funding the Chula Vista Police Department with new Police Vehicles. As a Chula Vista resident, I would like peace of mind in knowing that if my family or I need emergency help, the Police will have the adequate equipment necessary to respond in a timely manner. The Police are here to help our communities and the least we could do is help them to acquire necessary equipment. Sabrina I. Location: Submitted At: 11:36pm 06-08-20 I ask that Council members vote yes to approve the purchase of police interceptor vehicles. Public safety must be the top priority for local government leaders, which includes the vehicles of the officers. Having outdated and high mile vehicles present a danger not only to the officers, but to civilians as well. I recognize the current climate in which our nation is under as well as the pressure government officials are facing, however, it’s your constituents and our community as a whole that may suffer as a result of defunding. Alejandra Avina Location: Submitted At: 11:31pm 06-08-20 Council members, I urge you to oppose Measure P. CVPD do not need close to 1 million in funds. Instead, funds should be relocated and utilized in our communities. Multiple schools are lacking in staff, after school programs, electives, fieldtrips, and school supplies due to limited funding. Other areas in our community that would highly benefit from an increase in funds include libraries, parks, affordable housing, community clinics, local small businesses, community resources. I also urge you to begin defunding the police and instead invest in your communities. Thank you. Roberto Bonilla Location: Submitted At: 11:30pm 06-08-20 As a proud Chula Vista resident, I fully support funding for our police department. Please Vote “YES” for new police cars! Our men and women risk their lives daily to protect our community. They deserve to have the best equipment available. Lets not be the city that has police cars breaking down on their way to emergency calls. Remember, WE have the power to prevent this from happening. Police Officers have the responsibility to protect us, and WE have the responsibility to provide them with the equipment necessary to be efficient. Great things happen when we work together! Dan Stanford Location: Submitted At: 11:19pm 06-08-20 I support the resolution to provide the Chula Vista Police with these much needed vehicles. In these troubling times, it is critical to speak truth and avoid harmful generalities. In truth, the horrific and criminal police misconduct that occurred in Minneapolis has nothing to do with the fine men and women who make up our CV Police force. In fact, crime in CV has decreased by 13% from 2015 to 2019, and that has been the direct result of the funding and support by the Council and the community. Now is not the time to withdraw or reduce that support. We are very fortunate to have a Police Chief and police force that are active in the community and treat all of our residents with respect and caring. Jesus Montana Location: Submitted At: 10:54pm 06-08-20 As I leave for work each day and leave my family at home, who must either work from home or conduct their online studies, I have an expectation that if they need help CVPD will be able to arrive within minutes. The purchase of these vehicles will ensure they will be able to do so without their vehicles having a higher likelihood of breaking down while en route to protect my family. CVPD has historically been one of the lowest staffed agencies per capita in the county. WIth the funding saved in staffing the least we can do is provide the equipment they need to keep us safe. Cynthia Fernandez Location: Submitted At: 10:24pm 06-08-20 I ask that you decrease and reallocate the bloated budget for Police, and that you VOTE NO on the purchasing of an additional 22 Ford Police interceptors. The Police budget for 2021, has almost doubled from 2020’s $4,403183 to $8,210,211. There is $470,00 budgeted towards Police supplies, uniforms, computers, and other equipment, and $939,057 that is on the agenda to be put towards purchasing 22 Ford Police Interceptor vehicles under PO#2201746. All while our public libraries are outdated and understaffed, our parks are unable to be maintained properly due to lack of necessary resources and minimal staffing. Chula Vistan’s are living on the streets, and resources for marginalized communities lack proper funding, computers, supplies, and resources, which make up only a portion of the disparities amongst our communities of color. Mike Marquez Location: Submitted At: 9:59pm 06-08-20 As a citizen of the City of Chula Vista, I support (Vote Yes) the purchase of police vehicles. We must continue to support our officers, and police department, by ensuring they have the proper equipment, including vehicles, to do their job. They must have reliable and dependable transportation, when we need them. Think about it. You are in your today and a family member experiences a medical emergency. You call 911 and closest first responder happens to be a police officer. Lets make sure they arrive expeditiously and render first, and save a life! We must support this effort. VOTE YES! Aldo Muñoz Location: Submitted At: 9:51pm 06-08-20 Council members, vote NO. The $1 million from Measure P must be reallocated to park infrastructure, public facilities, and/or other failing city infrastructure. Moreover, I urge the council to utilize other methods to fund effective social services. This is an opportunity to take the first step toward practicing police accountability and defunding police. Nurgess Khurshid Location: Submitted At: 9:30pm 06-08-20 I urge all of our Council Members to vote no on this. We do not need to add another million dollars to the police budget. We need to defund the police and put that money into our schools, parks, and libraries. Ginnie Mejia Location: Submitted At: 8:47pm 06-08-20 I urge all of our Council Members to vote NO on this. We do not need to add another million dollars to an already bloated police budget. Furthermore, I am fervently in favor of starting the move to defund the police by putting that money into our parks, schools, and libraries. Build a future for this city, rather than putting power into the hands of an under-trained force. Cesar Mercado Location: Submitted At: 8:18pm 06-08-20 Councilmembers, vote NO on this purchase of an additional 22 Ford Police interceptors under PO#2201746. The proposed CVPD budget for FY 2021 already is bloated and accounts for 28% of the total General Fund. These funds can be redistributed to schools, libraries, affordable housing, counselors, after-school programs, and trauma services. I urge you to not only Defund the police force but to put a check and balance on how much power the police unions have on policing themselves. CVPD cannot be effective and held accountable if it is not being checked by a powerful and independent oversight committee that will watch the actions of the police so that a true checks and balance system is in place so that citizens of Chula Vista are really protected and served. Gloria Villarruel Location: Submitted At: 8:00pm 06-08-20 Council members, I urge you to vote NO on spending $939,057 on 22 police vehicles. This money needs to go back to our communities by funding parks, community centers, libraries, after school programs NOT police. My taxes need to be used otherwise and NOT for militarizing our community. Roberto Orozco Location: Submitted At: 7:33pm 06-08-20 Hello council members, i am opposed in increasing funding to police that involves almost 1 mill which should be directed to the community of chula vista, such as schools, after school programs, libraries. Also increasing in local small businesses and hospitals to keep up with the modern age. Thank you for your time. Kelly Zavala Location: Submitted At: 7:15pm 06-08-20 I am urging council members to vote NO on this resolution. $939,057 are better utilized toward funding schools, affordable housing solutions, libraries, and mental health services among other community needs. I am urging you to divest in police and invest in our community. Thank you. Kiara Pornan Location: Submitted At: 7:12pm 06-08-20 Defund and demilitarize the police department! Juan Carlos Lozano Location: Submitted At: 7:08pm 06-08-20 As a local physician, I oppose the realization of the mentioned resolution regarding the purchase of police interceptor vehicles. Rather than increasing vehicle repertoire, funding should focus on the cities lifeline and community networks that would reduce the need for excessive equipment in the first place. Allison Estaris Location: Submitted At: 6:11pm 06-08-20 I echo the previous comments urging council members to vote no. I want to see the $939,057 spent elsewhere. Measure P funding will be better utilized for libraries and rec centers, parks, fields and courts and energy and water conservation. Ashley Marquez Location: Submitted At: 5:43pm 06-08-20 Councilmembers, vote NO on this purchase of an additional 22 K8A Ford Police interceptors under PO#2201746. The proposed CVPD budget for FY 2021 accounts for 28% of the total General Fund. These funds can be redistributed to the community via transportation, infrastructure, parks, hospitals, schools, libraries, affordable housing, counselors, after-school programs, and trauma services. Defund police and invest in communities. Kathy Tang Location: Submitted At: 11:20am 06-08-20 I urge councilmembers to vote NO on purchasing more police vehicles. Video documentation has circulated of police driving into crowds of peaceful protestors in this exact type of SUV that is being voted on today. This is one example of police violence and excessive force that remains systematically unpunished in this country - largely due to the accumulation of decisions made by city councils like you. Measure P funds should not be spent on further arming and expanding police presence in our community. Measure P should be prioritizing our true infrastructure needs now such as supporting senior homes which house our most vulnerable, and our first responders medical staff. Prioritize building and supporting community. Do not vote to approve $939,057 to police vehicles. Nayeli Diez de Bonilla Location: Submitted At: 8:01am 06-08-20 ello, I oppose this resolution on the basis that there is sufficient police presence within my community and I would not like to see nearly one million dollars ($939,057) of tax payer money contributing to police spending. I frankly fail to see how 22 more police vehicles will significantly increase the police's ability to perform their jobs. Given the circumstances, I think it would be wise to refrain from spending money on police at this time. While it is within their allocated budget, I see this as an opportunity to begin to cut back on policing. Perhaps this money is better spent elsewhere, if it must stay within the police department then I would rather it goes to bias-training and other educational forms of training. Ultimately, the safety of the public is the priority and I believe that spending nearly one million on police vehicles will not achieve that. Approving spending on police vehicles will likely lead to increased cruising through our community which, given the current political climate, will increase rifts between the community and the officers. The police have not adequately justified spending on vehicles or addressed how this purchase is in the interest of the citizens of Chula Vista. Every tax-dollar should contribute to the well-being of our citizens and I do not believe that approving this resolution will ultimately benefit the citizens of Chula Vista. Thank you Jose Toledo Location: Submitted At: 11:38am 06-07-20 The US DOJ recently awarded Chula $750,000 to hire new police officers. According to statistics available on SANDAG's website, crime in Chula Vista decreased by 13% from 2015 to 2019 and Chula Vista's crime rates are lower than San Diego county as a whole. Why is more policing necessary? In the announcement of the award, an official from the DOJ cites Chula Vista's proximity to the Southwest Border as rationalization for more police. How is that a valid reason for more policing for a community that's relatively safe in comparison to adjacent cities? What type of vetting process will be implemented for the new hires? Measure A was passed by the voters in 2019. I thought that was supposed to be the mechanism to adequately fund the police force? Agenda Item: eComments for 4. 20-0135 A. RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA LEVYING SPECIAL TAXES TO BE COLLECTED TO PAY THE COSTS OF FACILITIES AND SERVICES FOR COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICTS 97-1, 97-2, 97-3, 98-1, 98-2, 98-3, 99-1, 99-2, 2000-1, 2001-1, 2001-2, 07-I, 08-I, 08-M, 09-M, 11-M, 12-I, 12-M, 13-I, 13-M, 14-M, 14-M2, 16-I, 17-I, 18-M AND 19-M WITHIN THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA AND DESIGNATING THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE/TREASURER TO FILE A LIST OF TAXES TO BE LEVIED ON EACH PARCEL WITH THE COUNTY AUDITOR EACH YEAR B. RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA LEVYING SPECIAL TAXES TO BE COLLECTED TO PAY THE COSTS OF FACILITIES AND SERVICES FOR COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICTS 06-I AND 07-M, WITHIN THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA AND DESIGNATING THE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE/TREASURER TO FILE A LIST OF TAXES TO BE LEVIED ON EACH PARCEL WITH THE COUNTY AUDITOR EACH YEAR Overall Sentiment Jacqueline Escamilla Location: Submitted At: 12:19am 06-10-20 My name is Jacqueline Escamilla. I support the increase in funding for a three year training program for police to decrease the deaths of our black communities and POC. I support the psychological screening for our police to decrease to deaths of black communities and POC. I support the decrease of funding for police in your schools, near our children. I support to stop all funding for any legal fees defending police force in the court of law for any charges of murder/assault/harassment/etc. against any civilian. Focus on increasing a budget reform for organizations/programs/fundraising/charities/mental health/ for our black communities and minorities. I don’t support the police brutality that’s been happening across the country or in my city. I was born and raised here, I am part of the community of Chula Vista and I want the best for our black communities and minorities. They deserve more! Enough is enough! I am a first generation Mexican American who was wrongfully teargassed as a peaceful protestor. We can no longer be blind to what’s happening, we have to help our most vulnerable communities first if we want to make America great again! Tino Martinez Location: Submitted At: 5:49pm 06-09-20 What is wrong with you! Eric Crockett is a crook. You all go ahead and wave these fees for the developers for 10 years and NOW you come to us and ask to TAX US MORE for this money?! Shame on all of you, City attorney you are a shame for not protecting us! Agenda Item: eComments for 5. 20-0231 PUBLIC COMMENTS RECEIVED for June 9, 2020 Overall Sentiment Cesar Mercado Location: Submitted At: 1:53am 06-10-20 think it not right for 28% of our city's budget is used to fund the police. Especially in this time of starting to come out of the pandemic where so many people have lost their jobs so they no longer have health care and are finding it harder to provide for themselves an their families, why wouldn't you give money to programs that will help these people in need? You know what cops don't do? Put food on the table, take care of your child when they get sick, give small business loans, and I can absolutely assure you they won't help with your mental health. At a time when it is clear that police are more interested in their own power than helping their community, don't give them more power by giving them more money. Even if you love the police and think they're great and wonderful and have never done anything wrong, the people need the money more. It's as simple as that. Moving forward, people are still going to be recovering and are going to need help. Don't show people you care more about keeping them in line than helping them. Andrew Buitron Location: Submitted At: 12:46am 06-10-20 Please, when speaking about how the community members voted, please be sure to keep in mind the numerous members of our community who are NOT ABLE to vote due to being undocumented, incarcerated/have felonies, people who find the process too complicated due to language or other barriers. Reina Poveda Location: Submitted At: 12:16am 06-10-20 My name is Reina, and I am a resident of Chula Vista. I demand the city council members to defund the CVPD and invest that money into our communities. Our people and community needs more support, not more policing. I urge you to to reallocate the proposed funds toward education, healthcare accessibility, mental health resources, rental assistance programs, and art programs instead. Statistically investing in education and the betterment of communities reduces the crime rate, please invest our money into a longterm solution that will help our community thrive. Allen Rodriguez Location: Submitted At: 11:39pm 06-09-20 Mayor Casillas Salas and Sheriff Kennedy, Thank you for reasonable and thoughtful leadership, and thank you for ending use of the carotid restraint in Chula Vista. Please consider signing the Mayor's Pledge. Mayors from Atlanta to Chatanooga to Reno to San Francisco and dozens more have already signed. Together, we can work to redefine public safety so that it recognizes the humanity and dignity of every person. https://www.obama.org/mayor-pledge/#pledge Karina Jurkovich Location: Submitted At: 11:09pm 06-09-20 I think it not right for 28% of our city's budget is used to fund the police. Especially in this time of starting to come out of the pandemic where so many people have lost their jobs so they no longer have health care and are finding it harder to provide for themselves an their families, why wouldn't you give money to programs that will help these people in need? You know what cops don't do? Put food on the table, take care of your child when they get sick, give small business loans, and I can absolutely assure you they won't help with your mental health. At a time when it is clear that police are more interested in their own power than helping their community, don't give them more power by giving them more money. Even if you love the police and think they're great and wonderful and have never done anything wrong, the people need the money more. It's as simple as that. Moving forward, people are still going to be recovering and are going to need help. Don't show people you care more about keeping them in line than helping them. Vania Ulloa Location: Submitted At: 7:38pm 06-09-20 Hello, I am a resident of Chula Vista and I strongly oppose the cities proposal to increase the police budget by almost 1 million, making the CVPD budget almost 28% of the cities overall budget. Now is most definitely NOT the time to increase policing on the people and the community. Now IS the time to provide support to those who need it, especially during this Covid-19 Pandemic. It is time to invest in our communities in the form of allocating the proposed funds toward education, arts programs, healthcare accessibility, mental health resources, rental assistance programs, and social work. Instead of increasing police funding, imposing more racism and violence onto marginalized communities, we need to invest in the uplifting of Black and Native communities. Attack crime at the root cause and improve the well-being of everyone. krystal Cervantes Location: Submitted At: 6:40pm 06-09-20 Do NOT defund our police. As a tax paying resident, I am writing to URGE you to give NO consideration to defunding our police here In Chula Vista. We need you to ensure our police are fully funded and protected so we are protected. Our border county needs our police and stands hard against them being defunded. Thank you Tino Martinez Location: Submitted At: 6:01pm 06-09-20 We must have an INDEPENDENT POLICE REVIEW BOARD! the system that has been in place protects bad cops. Some may become Councilmembers or worst our Mayor if not exposed. I have had my experience myself with police brutality, police harassment & racial profiling but have been dismissed by our captain Everytime I've brought up these concerns. I like other residents am discouraged to bring up complaints until there's a difference process. Because I can't afford an attorney (and you know it), I will use social media when needed. Things MUST CHANGE NOW. We deserve better __ Robert Johnson Location: Submitted At: 6:00pm 06-09-20 DO NOT DEFUND THE POLICE WE WANT OUR POLICE WELL FUNDED ! WE WANT POLICE. you wouldnt open our businesses for OPEN CALI PROTESTS ! WHY PANDER TO LOOTERS! Shayne Oseguera Location: Submitted At: 5:25pm 06-09-20 I demand the city council to reject the proposed FY21 budget. I am urging the council to defund the police and reallocate this funding to community schools, healthcare, food, mental health assistance, parks, environmental services, rental assistance, and small business relief, especially while communities are recovering from COVID- 19 and a national police brutality issue. Cristina Castro Location: Submitted At: 4:35pm 06-09-20 I'm Cristina Castro, a Latina grad student at SDSU and I live in Chula Vista. The City of Chula Vista is using 28% of its budget to fund police. This is a racist and inmoral budget. Public safety must include an investment in housing, health care, food, good jobs, education, free public transit and resources for small businesses and undocumented people. Increased policing makes our communities vulnerable to violence. Invest in communities, not police. During a pandemic, our communities need access to health care, housing, and food, not racist policing. Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) are already more impacted by this health and economic crisis, and increasing funding to police makes them even more vulnerable to violence. As issues of police brutality and state violence against Black communities and communities of color are highlighted, we need to talk about what real safety looks like. Our communities have experienced devastating loss at the hands of racist police. We remember what has happened to Earl McNeil, Raul Rivera, Jonathan Coronel, Aleah Jenkins, Alfredo Olango, Sergio Weick and James Lacey. Community safety is equitable access to housing and healthcare, NOT tear gas and rubber bullets. I DEMAND A DECREASE IN THE POLICE BUDGET AND INVESTMENT IN OUR COMMUNITIES BY FUNDING SERVICES THAT STRENGTHEN OUR COMMUNITIES! Amado Huizar Location: Submitted At: 9:08am 06-09-20 I want to thank our City Council/Mayor Salas, and our Police Department/Chief Kennedy for engaging our community in peaceful and productive ways in the recent weeks. You showed us that Chula Vista is capable of maintaining peace during a nation/county wide crisis. We are not perfect, but together we are strong. Thank you. Elizabeth Caliri Location: Submitted At: 3:18am 06-09-20 I would like to comment on the mayors budget which allocates 28% of our city’s expenditure to the CVPD. It doesn’t take numbers to see we have a drug epidemic in our community. Everyday we are losing friends and family to drug addiction. Drug addiction is a symptom of mental health problems. We have a skeleton of infrastructure to address this issue. Calls for help are answered with police, CPS, 5150 72 hour holds, all punitive systems that do not encourage citizens to ask for help and do not rehabilitate. We need a system of prevention rather than punishment. There isn’t one publicly funded medical detox in the county to combat the opioid epidemic. The outpatient rehab on 3rd ave and the harm reduction clinic across the street are JOKES. Why do we keep giving our money to companies with an interest in keeping addicts and offenders coming through their doors? We need to invest in community. Affordable housing, mental health access, crisis counselors that are licensed in social work, not uniformed officers that take a short class and throw on a yellow vest. We need open, welcoming, community spaces for people to meet and receive help for professionals as well as peers. Self help meetings rely on churches to keep their doors open after hours in order to continue. Why is that? Why doesn’t the city of Chula Vista welcome and open their doors to the people needing help? We see reform happening and now is the time to act city council. Divest in policing and invest in our community. Agenda Item: eComments for 6. 20-0134 CONSIDERATION OF LEVYING THE ASSESSMENTS AND COLLECTIBLES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020/21 FOR OPEN SPACE MAINTENANCE DISTRICTS A. RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA LEVYING THE ASSESSMENTS AND COLLECTIBLES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020/21 FOR OPEN SPACE MAINTENANCE DISTRICTS 2 THROUGH 9, 11, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20 (ZONES 1 THROUGH 9), 23, 24, 26, 31, 33, EASTLAKE MAINTENANCE DISTRICT NO 1 (ZONES A, B, AND D), AND BAY BOULEVARD MAINTENANCE DISTRICT B. RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA LEVYING THE ASSESSMENTS AND COLLECTIBLES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020/21 FOR OPEN SPACE DISTRICTS 10, EASTLAKE MAINTENANCE DISTRICT NO 1 (ZONE E), AND TOWN CENTER MAINTENANCE DISTRICT C. RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA LEVYING THE ASSESSMENTS AND COLLECTIBLES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020/21 FOR OPEN SPACE DISTRICT NO. 1 D. RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA LEVYING THE ASSESSMENTS AND COLLECTIBLES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020/21 FOR EASTLAKE MAINTENANCE DISTRICT NO. 1 (ZONE C) Overall Sentiment Breana Reyes Location: Submitted At: 12:57am 06-10-20 3 million is an exaggerated amount of money for maintenance. Agenda Item: eComments for 7. 20-0218 CONSIDERATION OF ADOPTING THE OPERATING AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BUDGETS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020/21 A. RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA ADOPTING THE OPERATING AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BUDGETS FOR THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020/21 AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2021 EXCLUDING OPEN SPACE DISTRICTS: 1, 10, EASTLAKE MAINTENANCE DISTRICT 1 ZONE C, EASTLAKE MAINTENANCE DISTRICT 1 ZONE E, TOWN CENTER MAINTENANCE DISTRICT, COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT 07M EASTLAKE WOODS & VISTA, AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS GGV0241 AND TRF0414 B. RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA ADOPTING THE OPERATING BUDGET FOR OPEN SPACE DISTRICT 10, EASTLAKE MAINTENANCE DISTRICT 1 ZONE E, TOWN CENTER MAINTENANCE DISTRICT AND THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BUDGET FOR CIP PROJECT TRF0414 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020/21 AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2021 C. RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA ADOPTING THE OPERATING BUDGET FOR OPEN SPACE DISTRICT 1 AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT 07M EASTLAKE WOODS & VISTA FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020/21 AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2021 D. RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA ADOPTING THE OPERATING BUDGET FOR EASTLAKE MAINTENANCE DISTRICT 1 ZONE C, COMMUNITY FACILITIES DISTRICT 07M EASTLAKE WOODS & VISTA, AND THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT BUDGET FOR CIP PROJECT GGV0241 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020/21 AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2021 E. RESOLUTION OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA ADOPTING THE OPERATING BUDGET FOR THE HOUSING AUTHORITY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020/21 AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2021 F. RESOLUTION OF THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA ADOPTING THE OPERATING BUDGETS FOR THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020/21 AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2021 G. RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA APPROVING THE REVISED FISCAL YEAR 2020/21 COMPENSATION SCHEDULE EFFECTIVE JULY 3, 2020, AS REQUIRED BY CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 2, SECTION 570.5 H. RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA AMENDING THE COMPENSATION SCHEDULE AND CLASSIFICATION PLAN TO REFLECT THE ADDITION OF VARIOUS POSITION TITLES AND CHANGES IN SALARY AS REFLECTED IN THE FISCAL YEAR 2020/21 OPERATING BUDGET I. RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA APPROVING THE REVISED FISCAL YEAR 2019/20 COMPENSATION SCHEDULE EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2019 AND ITS INCLUSION IN THE REVISED COMPENSATION SCHEDULES EFFECTIVE JULY 5, 2019, AUGUST 16, 2019, SEPTEMBER 13, 2019, DECEMBER 10, 2019, FEBRUARY 4, 2020, AND MAY 12, 2020, AS REQUIRED BY CALIFORNIA CODE OF REGULATIONS, TITLE 2, SECTION 570.5 Overall Sentiment Manuel Basabe Location: Submitted At: 1:41am 06-10-20 As a resident of Chula Vista for over 30 years I strongly urge the City Council to reject budget proposal. Chula Vista needs that money for housing assistance, better school funding with better paid teachers, healthcare for low income families and a homeless program. Thats just for starters there is so much more that Chula Vista needs and with our crime rate going doing it doesnt make sense to increase the police budget. Please listen to your constituents and we will listen to you during your re-election. Vanessa Aguilera Location: Submitted At: 1:32am 06-10-20 STOP IGNORING US. REJECT Mayor Faulconer’s racist proposal to fund the police! Police do not need more funding, because our communities do not need more police. Police do not protect ethnic minorities, they protect wealthy White folks and property. Homeless, low-income and working class COMMUNITIES need funding! We need funding for rental assistance programs, access to quality education, access to universal healthcare (includes physiological/psychological/emotional healthcare), parks and recreation, arts programs, affordable housing, etc. DEFUND THE POLICE. FUND OUR MOST VULNERABLE COMMUNITIES. Lena Antoine Location: Submitted At: 1:08am 06-10-20 Defund the police. It is pertinent that social services, including education, affordable housing, and food banks, receive more funding than a failing and unpopular department. Especially due to the fact that we are in a pandemic and people in this community need substantial support. Paulina Martinez Location: Submitted At: 1:07am 06-10-20 I am a resident of the City of Chula Vista and do not believe that increasing the budget for the Chula Vista Police Department is the right thing to do. The improvement budget should seek to improve the situation in our city, especially given Covid-19. When every sector is suffering economically, how can we, in good conscious approve an increase to the CVPD? These scarce resources that we have should be used to mitigate the effects Covid-19 has had in our city, and at the very least, provide the extra funding to our schools. Funding that they will need to reopen and provide the academic and emotional support that they need. Reopening schools is integral in the reopening of our city, and how can that be done, when we are putting more money elsewhere? Gabrielle Pizarro Location: Submitted At: 12:54am 06-10-20 My name is Gabrielle Pizarro and I am a resident of Chula Vista. Using 28% of the budget for policing is far too much. The community thrives better when we invest in affordable housing and rent control, education, mental health services, health care for all, better public transit, and resources for small businesses and undocumented people. Focusing on giving the police more funding allows them to further divest citizens by hurting them instead of helping them. The more mental health calls and “dangerous” calls made by racist people, the more our neighbors get hurt because of a force that lacks the proper training or social skills for those circumstances. Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) are already more impacted by this health and economic crisis, and increasing funding to police makes them even more vulnerable to violence. We must set an example to our fellow districts of what supporting the community means. I urge you to listen to your constituents. Christopher Dahringer Location: Submitted At: 12:52am 06-10-20 Defund the police and reinvest in community support. Cristian Mejia Location: Submitted At: 12:48am 06-10-20 Looking at the deep budget cuts that our educational system faces in the near future, the City Council must act with imminent urgency to keep several critical programs alive, to sacrifice the brightest future for our children for raising the police budget is a travesty and an act of violence. Defund the police and invest for our community, not by semantic words or 'race equity' groups, but by listening to the community's demands. Abigail Zuniga Location: Submitted At: 12:36am 06-10-20 I live in Chula Vista, and I oppose the increase in budget for CVPD. The City of Chula Vista is using 28% of its budget to fund police. This is a considerably large percentage to give to an institution that can not hold itself accountable for the wrongs it has done to the community despite being the “protectors”. Public safety must include an investment in housing, health care, food, good jobs, education, free public transit and resources for small businesses and undocumented people.Increased policing makes our communities vulnerable to violence. Invest in communities, not police. During a pandemic, our communities need access to health care, housing, and food, not racist policing. Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) are already more impacted by this health and economic crisis, and increasing funding to police makes them even more vulnerable to violence. As issues of police brutality and state violence against Black communities and communities of color are highlighted, we need to talk about what real safety looks like. We remember what has happened to Earl McNeil, Raul Rivera, Jonathon Coronel, Aleah Jenkins, Alfred Olango, Sergio Weick, and James Lacey at the hands of racist police. Community safety is equitable access to housing and health care, not tear gas and rubber bullets. I would also like to remind you that the Sweetwater High School District is in a budget crisis that HARMS the schools under its system. DEFUND THE POLICE, INVEST IN YOUR COMMUNITY. Suzette Jimenez Location: Submitted At: 12:30am 06-10-20 My name is Suzette Jimenez and I live in Chula Vista, CA. The City of Chula Vista is using a ridiculous amount of money to fund police. This is a racist and inmoral budget.Public safety must include an investment in housing, health care, food, good jobs, education, free public transit and resources for small businesses and undocumented people. Increased policing makes our communities vulnerable to violence. Invest in communities, not police. During a pandemic, our communities need access to health care, housing, and food, not racist policing. Luisa Dones Location: Submitted At: 12:22am 06-10-20 My name is Luisa Dones and I am a Chula Vista resident from District 3. I am urging the Council to reject the current budget in order to decrease police funding and reallocate funds towards improvement to social services. The City of Chula Vista is using 28% of its budget to fund police. I would like to see a decrease in that budget in order to fund better investments that would allow our community to truly thrive. I believe increasing funding in education, health care, behavioral health services, housing assistance, good jobs, quality food sources, and resources for undocumented people and small businesses is what public safety looks like. There are huge disparities across the districts in the availability if the these resources. I'd like to see the playing field evened out to ensure all constituents have access to quality care and resources regardless of where they reside in the city. Again, I urge the Council to decrease the police budget and invest more in services that will provide safety, security, and allow our community to thrive. Amanda Olivas Location: Submitted At: 12:21am 06-10-20 I oppose the proposed budget, specifically the police budget. I believe the police budget be reduced and that money redirected into the community for such services such as mental health services, hospitals, and schools. Thank you Maite Ruiz Location: Submitted At: 12:20am 06-10-20 Defund the police and reallocate funds to community resources. You should not have the honor of calling yourselves public servants when you do not listen to your constituents. DEFUND THE POLICE NOW! FUND HOUSING , SCHOOLS & HEALTHCARE! Listen to the people. Jacqueline Escamilla Location: Submitted At: 12:19am 06-10-20 My name is Jacqueline Escamilla. I support the increase in funding for a three year training program for police to decrease the deaths of our black communities and POC. I support the psychological screening for our police to decrease to deaths of black communities and POC. I support the decrease of funding for police in your schools, near our children. I support to stop all funding for any legal fees defending police force in the court of law for any charges of murder/assault/harassment/etc. against any civilian. Focus on increasing a budget reform for organizations/programs/fundraising/charities/mental health/ for our black communities and minorities. I don’t support the police brutality that’s been happening across the country or in my city. I was born and raised here, I am part of the community of Chula Vista and I want the best for our black communities and minorities. They deserve more! Enough is enough! I am a first generation Mexican American who was wrongfully teargassed as a peaceful protestor. We can no longer be blind to what’s happening, we have to help our most vulnerable communities first if we want to make America great again! Andrew Lee Location: Submitted At: 12:16am 06-10-20 Hi, my name is Andrew Lee and I was born in Chula Vista and have lived here for 8 years. I understand that safety is important for everyone but I fervently believe that the funds should be redistributed to the community because by distributing these funds we can help decrease crime rates and provide people with resources they need to survive. One thing I would like to make clear is when people say defund the police it simply means to redistribute the funds of the police department and put it into the community. It does not mean to completely get rid of funding for the police. Thank you for everyones hard work, I just hope you guys listen to our comments and understand our frustration. Dd Tt Location: Submitted At: 12:12am 06-10-20 I oppose the proposed budget. Defund the police and invest into the community. Mia Grace Montillano Location: Submitted At: 12:11am 06-10-20 I am calling upon the Chula Vista City Council to reject the proposed budget increases for the CVPD, and instead redirect those funds towards community enrichment services. My sister and I are both middle and high school students, respectively, within SUHSD and we have experienced the devastating effects of budget cuts within our district, as we lose staff, learning centers for disadvantaged students, and after school activities programs. Moreover, schools with problematic students are severely undersupplied with COMPETENT counseling and psychological services that would mitigate offensive behaviors in the first place. If no funds are redirected towards our suffering education system, you are sabotaging the success and security of future generations of your city. Beyond my district, this budget is an egregious and irresponsible use of funds, which could be reinvested in community outreach services to relieve school budget deficits, homelessness, inaccessibility of physical and mental healthcare, and environmental justice that disproportionately plague our communities of color. Investing in even MORE racist and abusive policing will not resolve social ills like these - it merely criminalizes them, antagonizes unnecessary violence, and silences demands for the basic human right to live in security in already- vulnerable communities. We will not tolerate anything other than the rejection of additional funding, if not the defunding and dissolution of the CVPD. Amadeus Medina Location: Submitted At: 12:10am 06-10-20 I live in chula vista and i request that you defund the police department and use that money to instead invest back into the community. 28% of the budget is far too high an amount. Please consider the cries of your citizens and help our communities flourish. Gina John Location: Submitted At: 12:09am 06-10-20 I am asking that you please defund the police and redistribute that money to social services such as mental health groups, social workers, and schools. Sarah Kam Location: Submitted At: 12:02am 06-10-20 I am writing in opposition to the new budget proposal. The City of Chula Vista is using 28% of its budget to fund police. This is a racist and inmoral budget. Public safety must include an investment in housing, health care, food, good jobs, education, free public transit and resources for small businesses and undocumented people. Increased policing makes our communities vulnerable to violence. Invest in communities, not police. During a pandemic, our communities need access to health care, housing, and food, not racist policing. Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) are already more impacted by this health and economic crisis, and increasing funding to police makes them even more vulnerable to violence. As issues of police brutality and state violence against Black communities and communities of color are highlighted, we need to talk about what real safety looks like. Our communities have experienced devastating loss at the hands of racist police. We remember what has happened to Earl McNeil, Raul Rivera, Jonathon Coronel, Aleah Jenkins, Alfred Olango, Sergio Weick, and James Lacey. Community safety is equitable access to housing and health care, not tear gas and rubber bullets. Reject the City of La Mesa’s racist and inmoral budget. Decrease (defund) the police budget entirely and invest in our communities by funding services that strengthen our communities. Angie Garcia Location: Submitted At: 12:00am 06-10-20 The City of Chula Vista is using 28% of its budget to fund police. This is a racist and inmoral budget. Public safety must include an investment in housing, health care, food, good jobs, education, free public transit and resources for small businesses and undocumented people. Increased policing makes our communities vulnerable to violence. Invest in communities, not police. During a pandemic, our communities need access to health care, housing, and food, not racist policing. Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) are already more impacted by this health and economic crisis, and increasing funding to police makes them even more vulnerable to violence. As issues of police brutality and state violence against Black communities and communities of color are highlighted, we need to talk about what real safety looks like. Our communities have experienced devastating loss at the hands of racist police. We remember what has happened to Earl McNeil, Raul Rivera, Jonathon Coronel, Aleah Jenkins, Alfred Olango, Sergio Weick, and James Lacey. Community safety is equitable access to housing and health care, not tear gas and rubber bullets. I ASK that you reject the City of La Mesa’s racist and inmoral budge and decrease the police budget and invest in our communities by funding services that strengthen our communities. Delana Delgado Location: Submitted At: 11:55pm 06-09-20 My name is Delana Delgado and I oppose this proposed budget. It has recently become a more acknowledged topic of conversation that the police as a whole are generally corrupt. Their excessive use of force, intimidation, and violence on community members, innocent or not, is brute and deplorable. This is not just a recent occurrence. The culture of policing and cops in our city revolves around power and bullying. The police in Chula Vista absolutely DO NOT NEED more funding than our families, than our local businesses, new and historic, than our youth - who are hoping to be provided the funding and resources to pursue their dreams in arts and STEM. The police are NOT more important than access to healthcare, housing, or food. As issues of police brutality and state violence against Black communities and communities of color are highlighted, we need to talk about what real safety looks like. Defunding police does not mean living in chaos. It means taking accountability & accepting the reality that the system needs to be rebuilt, from the ground up. It means recognizing that police are social workers with guns, who have absolutely NO historical, cultural, or psychological training - thus making them unfit to safely protect all citizens. Police have NO business being the largest funded department in CV. As council members, it is your duty to not only hear us, but do what is best for us and we are demanding a change. Please put us first. Fund the people, not the police. Nikolas Schuelke Location: Submitted At: 11:55pm 06-09-20 My name is Niko Schuelke and I am a former resident of Chula Vista, CA. I am asking City Counsel members to: 1. Reject the City of La Mesa’s racist and inmoral budget. 2. Decrease the police budget and invest in our communities by funding services that strengthen our communities. The City of Chula Vista is using 28% of its budget to fund police. This is a racist and inmoral budget. Public safety must include an investment in housing, health care, food, good jobs, education, free public transit and resources for small businesses and undocumented people. Increased policing makes our communities vulnerable to violence. Invest in communities, not police. During a pandemic, our communities need access to health care, housing, and food, not racist policing. Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) are already more impacted by this health and economic crisis, and increasing funding to police makes them even more vulnerable to violence. As issues of police brutality and state violence against Black communities and communities of color are highlighted, we need to talk about what real safety looks like. Our communities have experienced devastating loss at the hands of racist police. We remember what has happened to Earl McNeil, Raul Rivera, Jonathon Coronel, Aleah Jenkins, Alfred Olango, Sergio Weick, and James Lacey. Community safety is equitable access to housing and health care, not tear gas and rubber bullets. Zayra Cardenas Location: Submitted At: 11:51pm 06-09-20 Defund the police. It’s an Institution built on racism. Jails are modern slavery. There needs to be reform immediately. The 28% budget that goes towards the police needs to be redirected to the community. Thank you. Erin McElligott Location: Submitted At: 11:51pm 06-09-20 I request the Chula Vista Police Department be defunded and that tax revenue be allocated to education, healthcare and social service programs. I also request that a complete breakdown of the CVPDs annual budget, including data on the allocation of funds to training officers, be made available to the public. We demand police reform. Bibiana Martinez Location: Submitted At: 11:47pm 06-09-20 Hello, my name is Bibiana Martinez and I am currently a resident of Chula Vista. I oppose the budget for the new fiscal year. I find that increasing the budget of the police will not aide the current matters at hand of police brutality. The funds that are allotted to the police by our government should be redistributed to community-led solutions. We should be focusing on expanding the funds for education, public health, and affordable housing options to create a better and safe community. The police are not the solution to our problems, and they preventing the growth of other budgets that are our answers. Damian Jimenez Location: Submitted At: 11:47pm 06-09-20 My name is Damian Jimenez and I oppose the passing of the budget at this time and ask that the City Council allocate those funds to better meet the needs of the community. Examples of better ways to allocate said funds include: housing, health care, education, public transit and developing community-led services to deal with community issues. I believe it is in the interest of our city to reform it’s concept of law enforcement given the atrocities it’s citizens have faced at the hands those sworn to protect and serve. G. D. Location: Submitted At: 11:46pm 06-09-20 City counsel, I strongly oppose and ask you to reallocate the proposed budget for the 2020-2021 fiscal year. The city of Chula Vista faces an increase of housing, job, and food insecurity. What the community requires is an investment in assuring affordable housing, rental assistance, healthcare, education, food, mental healthcare, social services, free public transit, resources for small businesses and immigrant communities, and housing programs for our homeless population. Is this the most effective way of helping our community? I am NOT for the proposed budget and expenditures for 2020-21. Raquel Rivera Location: Submitted At: 11:41pm 06-09-20 I am not only a resident of Chula Vista, but a graduate of a Chula Vista public high school. The City of Chula Vista is using 28% of its budget to fund police while schools go underfunded and while families are houseless and hungry. I oppose this budget because a true investment in public safety must include an investment in housing, health care, food, good jobs, education, free public transit and resources for small businesses and undocumented people. Increased policing makes our communities vulnerable to violence. We must invest in communities, not police. During a pandemic, our communities need access to health care, housing, and food, not racist policing. Black, Indigenous, People of Color are already more impacted by this health and economic crisis, and increasing funding to police makes them even more vulnerable to violence. As issues of police brutality and state violence against Black communities and communities of color are highlighted, we need to talk about what real safety looks like. Our communities have experienced devastating loss at the hands of racist police. We remember what has happened to Earl McNeil, Raul Rivera, Jonathon Coronel, Aleah Jenkins, Alfred Olango, Sergio Weick, and James Lacey. Community safety is equitable access to housing and health care, not tear gas and rubber bullets. Black Lives Matter, which is why we must reject this budge, defund the police, and invest in our communities by funding services that strengthen our communities. Bianca Alcala Location: Submitted At: 11:41pm 06-09-20 As a resident of the city of Chula Vista, I am asking my representatives in City Council to take into deep consideration what their community needs. We do not need more funds to be allocated to the police when crime rates have bean steadily decreasing for years while our school districts and public services are facing heavy losses. We are in extraordinary times and we need extraordinary changes to be made. The proposed budget plan grants the CVPD almost half of the funds for the fiscal year, leaving social and public works will little to no funds to help our community. With decreased crime rates, it makes no sense to allocate almost one million to purchasing I am calling for the council to defund the police. There are dozens of places to redistribute the money in order to help the people of Chula Vista and we must be on the right side of history. Justice comes in many forms, not just in police enforcement and we must do our part to support equality and Black Lives Matter movement. G. A. Location: Submitted At: 11:40pm 06-09-20 I am in no way supportive of this police budget increasing. Growing up in Chula Vista's district 4 has allowed me to witness first hand how much help our community needs. Our neighbors are being displaced and our rent just keeps increasing. We have multiple luxury apartment complexes, which forces our neighbors to be removed, due to not being able to afford the next month increase in rent. We need more budget for housing projects that cater to those who are not in the military or making thousands of dollars per year. Our teachers should not be spending their hard earned money on their own supplies in order for our children to be able to have a successful school year. It is ridiculous, disheartening and concerning that our community voices are not being taken into consideration. It is becoming extremely frustrating to see how many billions of dollars are being thrown away to purchase guns, police cars and equipment for the police, when in reality those who needed most are being ignored and pushed away. Our parks are not in the best condition. Our roads need fixing. Our homeless neighbors need a place to go to, instead of giving them tickets and fines, and sometimes leading to arrest for sleeping in public areas. We need to do better and put money back into our community. Fund our schools/teachers, communities, homeless population, public transportation and parks. NO MORE BILLION DOLLAR FUNDING FOR THE POLICE! Yessenia Bejarano Location: Submitted At: 11:38pm 06-09-20 I strongly oppose this budget. As a resident of Chula Vista I wish for these funds to be reallocated and invested into our community specifically our schools and public health. I believe that by investing our money into programs that can enrich the lives of our youth and improve public health are means of keeping our community safe. We must invest in our future in order to prevent crime. Investing this money into the police is only a temporary fix and will not solve the issues we face from crime. Let’s invest our resources back into areas or our city stricken by poverty and end negligent oversight of our policing in this city. Maggie Urroz Location: Submitted At: 11:37pm 06-09-20 As a Chula Vista resident, I strongly recommend our representatives in the city council to DEFUND the police department. Reinvest in our community by funding public services that strengthen our communities. Especially the most vulnerable. Public safety MUST include an investment in housing, health care, food, education and good jobs. NOT POLICE. Schools need more resources to keep children in schools and out of the streets. Minority population is already more impacted by this economic and health crisis, and increasing police budget makes them more vulnerable to violence. Savanna Kanester Location: Submitted At: 11:37pm 06-09-20 Please listen and learn from San Diego's faults and lead in taking action that is responsive to the people and for the betterment of our communities. I urge you to vote in opposition to the proposal to increase the police budget. Show the community you care by investing in the people and providing funding for more equitable schools, housing, and healthcare. Please consider defunding the police and commit to prioritizing real restorative solutions in our community. Andrew Buitron Location: Submitted At: 11:32pm 06-09-20 My name is Andrew Buitron and I an educator that has worked with and in partnership with CVESD, SUHSD, CVPN and SBCS. I spent much of my youth living and growing in Chula Vista and my family currently lives in District 1. I strongly oppose this racist budget. Spending 28% of the budget on the CVPD is a slap in the face to all of your community members that are suffering disproportionately from COVID-19 and the community members that are out of a job and do not qualify for government assistance programs. On top of this, you have the SUHSD deficit which is leading to school cuts that will, of course, disproportionately affect low-income families and neighborhoods. It also goes without saying that the 1 million dollars being proposed to buy 22 Police Interceptor Vehicles should not be approved and would be better spent by reinvesting into our communities in need, particularly Districts 2 and 4. DO THE RIGHT THING. In other words, DO NOT DO WHAT SAN DIEGO CITY COUNCIL DID YESTERDAY. No Justice, No Peace. Leira Digma Location: Submitted At: 11:15pm 06-09-20 My name is Leira Mae Digma and I am a resident of Chula Vista. I oppose the budget for the new fiscal year. I am calling on Mayor Salas to listen to and reflect the voices of her constituents - and defund the police. Defunding police is an initial, yet necessary step towards abolition. Funds should be redistributed to community-led solutions, and resources for Black, Indigenous, and undocumented communities. Allocate more funds to education, public health services, affordable housing options, and all community-led solutions working to keep Chula Vista safe and well - not CVPD. Increasing the police budget would put more lives at risk, create more harm, and be a gross display of ignorance and disrespect towards constituents clearly calling for police to be defunded. Matthew Langton Location: Submitted At: 10:55pm 06-09-20 Hello, my name is Matthew Langton and I am a resident of District 4. I strongly oppose increasing the police budget – growing up in Chula Vista, I attended a Title 1 school that was constantly losing funds, specially within the arts department. I am currently studying to become a music educator in hopes of combating defunding policies such as this. I am outraged at the San Diego City Council’s decision to completely ignore its citizens demands for change. We cannot build a successful society without creating an environment that benefits students of all income levels and sociological backgrounds. We need to recognize that the police are a draining force in our community and preventing further growth within it by taking up valuable resources that could be put towards education. Maricruz De La Torre Location: Submitted At: 10:53pm 06-09-20 Defund the police! The amount of funds for police and lack of for education and social services is unjust. Invest in community. Alana Schick Location: Submitted At: 10:50pm 06-09-20 I do not think defunding is the answer to our problems. If we want to better our communities we need to support the police in fighting crime. Over time, police's duties have become more widespread as they are expected to respond and handle mental health situations, drug overdoses, and the growing homeless community. Instead of defunding, it would be more beneficial to shrink the scope of the police’s responsibilities and shift those issues to social service entities. Law enforcement cannot be expected to be mental health experts and social workers. The money that's being used to fund these specific programs for the police would no longer be needed and could be allocated to the social services entities. Many officers would agree that the expectations are often non feasible and would be relieved to have some of that load lifted. I truly believe that this would allow police officers and law enforcement as a whole to focus on bettering their training on how they handle suspects and arrests, background checks for employees, hire more supervisors to respond to each call, and increase policy and accountability standards. This would include a compulsory order to report use of force incident details that would hold officers accountable and lead to serious and immediate disciplinary action when the force was unwarranted. This would lead to smarter, safer, and better equipped officers who will continue to put their lives on the line to protect and serve their citizens. -Alana S. RP Bautista Location: Submitted At: 10:49pm 06-09-20 As a Chula Vista resident, I oppose the passing of the budget at this time and ask that the City Council go back and revise it to meet the needs of the CV community. The past few weeks have brought to light the systemic injustices many residents face and the community needs to be involved to ensure the city is doing what it can to ensure equality for all. If Chula Vista officials want to continue the reputation of being an example to the rest of the county, community voices need to be heard in how this city runs and polices itself. There is still time to incorporate input for the community for this fiscal year as well as begin building the bridges for more transparency and accountability in future budgets. Timothy Galang Location: Submitted At: 10:47pm 06-09-20 I am opposing this budget. I am demanding you decrease the police budget and allocate that money towards education, public transportation, and housing. Investments like these are more beneficial to our community. Brenda Castillo Location: Submitted At: 10:45pm 06-09-20 My name is Brenda Castillo and I live in Chula Vista. The City of Chula Vista is using 28% of its budget to fund police. This is a racist and immoral budget. Public safety must include an investment in housing, health care, food, good jobs, education, free public transit and resources for small businesses and undocumented people. Increased policing makes our communities vulnerable to violence. Invest in communities, not police. Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) are already more impacted by this health and economic crisis, and increasing funding to police makes them even more vulnerable to violence. As issues of police brutality and state violence against Black communities and communities of color are highlighted, we need to talk about what real safety looks like. Lucas Goodman Location: Submitted At: 10:41pm 06-09-20 I OPPOSE this this budget. Public safety must include an investment in housing, health care, food, good jobs, education, free public transit and resources for small businesses and undocumented people. Increased policing makes our communities vulnerable to violence. Invest in communities, not police. During a pandemic, our communities need access to health care, housing, and food, not racist policing. Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) are already more impacted by this health and economic crisis, and increasing funding to police makes them even more vulnerable to violence. As issues of police brutality and state violence against Black communities and communities of color are highlighted, we need to talk about what real safety looks like. I request the following: Reject the City of La Mesa’s racist and inmoral budget. Decrease the police budget and invest in our communities by funding services that strengthen our communities. Cris Sotomayor Location: Submitted At: 10:38pm 06-09-20 My name is Cris Sotomayor and I work with vulnerable youth and families in Chula Vista. I have seen first hand how the policing of this community adversely affects your constituents. Defunding the police is the first step in correcting the damage that has been done to the people that YOU are responsible for. Defund this racist budget, NOW! Brianna Garcia Location: Submitted At: 10:32pm 06-09-20 My name is Brianna Garcia and I live in Chula Vista. I oppose increasing the police budget, the money should be invested into our communities such as housing, health care, food, good jobs, education, public transit as well as resources for small businesses and undocumented people. The money should be invested into our communities, not police. Paula Sternberg Location: Submitted At: 10:29pm 06-09-20 My name is Paula and I am a resident of Chula Vista. I OPPOSE the racist and immoral budget of using 28% of our budget to fund POLICE. Especially as a border city, our budget MUST go to public safety (which is not the police) by investing in housing, health care, food, good jobs, education, free public transit and resources for small businesses AND ESPECIALLY undocumented people. Increased policing makes our communities vulnerable to violence. Invest in communities, not police. Don't make the same mistake the San Diego city council made this week. Do better. I reject the City of Chula Vista’s racist and immoral budget. I demand the decrease of the police budget and invest in our communities by funding services that strengthen our communities. Tina Hernández Location: Submitted At: 10:28pm 06-09-20 My name is Tina Hernández and I live in Chula Vista . The City of Chula Vista is using 28% of its budget to fund police. This is a racist and inmoral budget. Public safety must include an investment in housing, health care, food, good jobs, education, free public transit and resources for small businesses and undocumented people. Increased policing makes our communities vulnerable to violence. Invest in communities, not police. During a pandemic, our communities need access to health care, housing, and food, not racist policing. Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) are already more impacted by this health and economic crisis, and increasing funding to police makes them even more vulnerable to violence. As issues of police brutality and state violence against Black communities and communities of color are highlighted, we need to talk about what real safety looks like. Community safety is equitable access to housing and health care, not tear gas and rubber bullets. I ask that you reject the City of Chula Vista’s racist and immoral budget. I ask that you decrease the police budget and invest in our communities by funding services that strengthen our communities. Storm Breed Location: Submitted At: 10:27pm 06-09-20 My name is Storm and I oppose this budget. The city needs to defund the police and invest in our community. The police uphold a racist system and hurts citizens. I hope you will listen to your constituents and make changes. Krystin Llanes Location: Submitted At: 10:24pm 06-09-20 I am writing in opposition to the proposed police budget for the new fiscal year, which currently takes up nearly a third of the entire General Fund. As it stands, nearly one million dollars are being allocated to the purchase of 22 Ford Inceptor vehicles under PO #2201746, while schools remain under-resourced, public libraries understaffed, our homeless community remains unhoused, and more residents are facing food insecurity and joblessness as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic is disproportionately affecting Black and Brown communities, whose neighborhoods are constantly subjected to being overpoliced and over-criminalized. Yesterday, Mayor Faulconer shamelessly rejected the pleas of his constituents who expressed the same demand-- decreasing the police budget-- after listening to their calls for nearly 11 HOURS. I am asking Mayor Salas to do better and not turn a blind eye to the obviously overwhelming demand to redistribute police funds into community programs and supportive services. I am fully opposed to militarizing the police under any circumstances, but especially when the city does so little to meet the economic and social needs of its Black and Brown communities. We need to reimagine public safety to meet the needs of our most vulnerable populations and divest police funds to education, food programs, mental healthcare, affordable housing, and COVID-19 relief. Please listen to your constituents and defund the bloated police budget. Daniela Gutierrez Location: Submitted At: 10:22pm 06-09-20 My name is Daniela Gutierrez, I am a San Diego Resident, The City of Chula Vista is using 28% of its budget to fund police. This is a racist and inmoral budget. During a pandemic, our communities need access to health care, housing, and food, not racist policing. Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) are already more impacted by this health and economic crisis, and increasing funding to police makes them even more vulnerable to violence. Chula Vista has some of the highest numbers of COVID19 cases in the county, we should invest into care for those who are and will be affected by this pandemic instead of racist policing, Our communities have experienced devastating loss at the hands of racist police. We remember what has happened to Earl McNeil, Raul Rivera, Jonathon Coronel, Aleah Jenkins, Alfred Olango, Sergio Weick, and James Lacey. I ask you to Reject the City of Chula Vista's racist and inmoral budget, and to decrease the police budget and invest in our communities by funding services that strengthen our communities. Sasha Helm Location: Submitted At: 10:22pm 06-09-20 My name is Sasha Helm and I am a San Diego Resident who frequents the City of Chula Vista and supports residents and local businesses. The City of Chula Vista is using 28% of its budget to fund police. This is a racist and immoral budget. Public safety must include an investment in housing, health care, food, good jobs, education, free public transit and resources for small businesses and undocumented people. Increased policing makes our communities vulnerable to violence. Invest in communities, not police. During a pandemic, our communities need access to health care, housing, and food, not racist policing. Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) are already more impacted by this health and economic crisis, and increasing funding to police makes them even more vulnerable to violence. As issues of police brutality and state violence against Black communities and communities of color are highlighted, we need to talk about what real safety looks like. Our communities have experienced devastating loss at the hands of racist police. We remember what has happened to Earl McNeil, Raul Rivera, Jonathon Coronel, Aleah Jenkins, Alfred Olango, Sergio Weick, and James Lacey. Community safety is equitable access to housing and health care, not tear gas and rubber bullets Ann Pullido Location: Submitted At: 10:18pm 06-09-20 My name is Ann and I live in Chula Vista . The City of Chula Vista is using 28% of its budget to fund police. This is a racist and inmoral budget. Public safety must include an investment in housing, health care, food, good jobs, education, free public transit and resources for small businesses and undocumented people. Increased policing makes our communities vulnerable to violence. Invest in communities, not police. During a pandemic, our communities need access to health care, housing, and food, not racist policing. Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) are already more impacted by this health and economic crisis, and increasing funding to police makes them even more vulnerable to violence. As issues of police brutality and state violence against Black communities and communities of color are highlighted, we need to talk about what real safety looks like. Our communities have experienced devastating loss at the hands of racist police. We remember what has happened to Earl McNeil, Raul Rivera, Jonathon Coronel, Aleah Jenkins, Alfred Olango, Sergio Weick, and James Lacey. Community safety is equitable access to housing and health care, not tear gas and rubber bullets. ASK: Reject the City of Chula Vista’s racist and inmoral budget. ASK: Decrease the police budget and invest in our communities by funding services that strengthen our communities. Nicole Langton Location: Submitted At: 10:17pm 06-09-20 My name is Nicole Langton and I am a resident of District 4 (Hi Mike Diaz, I see you and your Chula Vista Police Association endorsement). I strongly oppose increasing the police budget - we need to invest into our communities by funding services that strengthen them. The safest communities are the ones that have RESOURCES. As a lifelong resident of Chula Vista, I want my taxpayer dollars to go right back into my community and not into funding the police (ESPECIALLY not into the purchase of ANY police interceptor vehicles). We need to invest in EDUCATION, MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES, HEALTH CARE, PUBLIC HOUSING, MAKING SURE NO FAMILY GOES HUNGRY. How can we use 28% of our budget towards policing when there are nurses and doctors and other hospital workers who are STILL without the proper PPE they need during a pandemic? The police are not the answer to a safer Chula Vista, they are a burden to it. Chula Vista has the opportunity RIGHT NOW to better serve our communities – we cannot let the shameful vote of the San Diego City Council be repeated in our city. Laurie Pina Location: Submitted At: 10:16pm 06-09-20 As a Chula Vista resident and as someone who has worked as an aide in several special education classrooms in the Sweetwater Union High School District, I have witnessed firsthand the lack of resources and personnel equipped with the necessary knowledge and training background to help underserved students with developmental disabilities attain the quality of education and equitable access to resources they deserve. Putting funds toward inflating an already bloated police budget when several cuts have already been made to our public schools and libraries is an insult to its constituents and our future generations. In addition, as Chula Vista is a border community, with more than 30% of its population born outside the U.S., Black, Indigenous, and People of Color are already more impacted by our current global pandemic and economic crisis. Increasing funding to police makes them even more vulnerable to violence and puts them at risk for homelessness and endangers their health. Instead, consider reallocating funds to rental relief and emergency housing programs to ensure public safety. Safety does not begin with policing, it begins when we end policing and invest in affordable housing, healthcare, mental healthcare, food, education, free and functional public transit, and resources for small business. We should work toward directly benefiting our communities, not maintaining the status quo. Reject this racist budget proposal. Lizbeth Rodriguez Location: Submitted At: 10:15pm 06-09-20 I oppose this budget because the police doesn’t help or put order to the city just fear. Joshua Garner Location: Submitted At: 10:09pm 06-09-20 I am calling on the Chula Vista city council to reject the racist and immoral budget plan for the 2021 fiscal year. Too great a portion of the budget is allocated to the police department, which creates danger and increases risk to minority groups. Increasing this budget further creates a hostile and discriminatory environment and puts priority on punishing its citizens instead of assisting and providing for them. I strongly recommend that the city council reject the increased budget for the police department and shift funding to invest in housing, education, health care, and job opportunities. A government exists to serve its people, not the other way around. Councilmembers, prove that you stand by this statement. Defund the police department and invest in programs that benefit your communities. Jaylen Jones Location: Submitted At: 10:08pm 06-09-20 My name is Jaylen Jones and I am a resident of Chula Vista. I am asking that the City Of Chula Vista’s current budget be rejected, specifically that we defund the police and reinvest those funds into resources that actually improve our communities - especially those that are most vulnerable. Healthcare (both mental and physical), education, covid-19 relief, small businesses, food insecurity, housing, and so many other more important issues and facets of our community need more funding than the police. Public safety is much more reliant on those issues than policing. Police presence can never adequately address those much more important issues that plague our communities. We need to invest in our communities and resources that actually help them instead of in a police force that criminalizes and abuses those that our most vulnerable. Chula Vista deserves to have strong communities, and investing in them and the things they need is how we keep them safe and thriving. We must protect our most vulnerable communities, always. Decreasing police funding is the perfect start. Andrea Martinez Location: Submitted At: 10:08pm 06-09-20 My name is Andrea Martinez and I live in Chula Vista . The City of Chula Vista is using 28% of its budget to fund police. This is a racist and inmoral budget. Public safety must include an investment in housing, health care, food, good jobs, education, free public transit and resources for small businesses and undocumented people. Increased policing makes our communities vulnerable to violence. Invest in communities, not police. During a pandemic, our communities need access to health care, housing, and food, not racist policing. Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) are already more impacted by this health and economic crisis, and increasing funding to police makes them even more vulnerable to violence. As issues of police brutality and state violence against Black communities and communities of color are highlighted, we need to talk about what real safety looks like. Our communities have experienced devastating loss at the hands of racist police. We remember what has happened to Earl McNeil, Raul Rivera, Jonathon Coronel, Aleah Jenkins, Alfred Olango, Sergio Weick, and James Lacey. Community safety is equitable access to housing and health care, not tear gas and rubber bullets. ASK: Reject the City of Chula Vista’s racist and immoral budget. ASK: Decrease the police budget and invest in our communities by funding services that strengthen our communities. Melissa Salgado Location: Submitted At: 10:07pm 06-09-20 My name is Melissa, I am a resident of Chula Vista and I request the city of Chula Vista to defund the police and re-distribute those funds into much needed resources for our community. Sophie Blake Location: Submitted At: 10:05pm 06-09-20 My name is Sophie Blake and I am a San Diego resident. The City of Chula Vista is using 28% of its budget to fund police. This is a racist and immoral budget. Public safety must include an investment in housing, health care, food, good jobs, education, free public transit and resources for small businesses and undocumented people. Increased policing makes our communities vulnerable to violence. Invest in communities, not police. During a pandemic, our communities need access to health care, housing, and food, not racist policing. Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) are already more impacted by this health and economic crisis, and increasing funding to police makes them even more vulnerable to violence. As issues of police brutality and state violence against Black communities and communities of color are highlighted, we need to talk about what real safety looks like. Our communities have experienced devastating loss at the hands of racist police. We remember what has happened to Earl McNeil, Raul Rivera, Jonathon Coronel, Aleah Jenkins, Alfred Olango, Sergio Weick, and James Lacey. Community safety is equitable access to housing and health care, not tear gas and rubber bullets. ASK: Reject the City of Chula Vista’s racist and immoral budget. ASK: Decrease the police budget and invest in our communities by funding services that strengthen our communities. avia ramm Location: Submitted At: 9:58pm 06-09-20 My name is Avia Rose and I live in Chula Vista. The City of Chula Vista is using 28% of its budget to fund police. This is a racist and immoral budget. Public safety must include an investment in housing, health care, food, good jobs, education, free public transit, and resources for small businesses and undocumented people. Redirect the funds given to police and put it back into the community. Taylor Schultz Location: Submitted At: 9:54pm 06-09-20 My name is Taylor Schultz and I am a San Diego resident. Currently, the City of La Mesa is using 28% of it's budget to fund the police department. This current allocation of funds is not only immoral, but inherently racist as well. As numerous studies have shown, an increase in policing does not decrease crime and actually makes our BIPOC communities more vulnerable to violence. It is a proven FACT that the safest and most prosperous communities have the most resources. Therefore, I am demanding that the Chula Mesa City Council defund the police department, and reallocate those funds to investing in public safety which includes investment in the following: housing, health care, food, employment education, free public transit, undocumented people and small businesses. Our BIPOC communities have experienced devastating loss at the hands of racist police. We remember what has happened to Earl McNeil, Raul Rivera, Jonathon Coronel, Aleah Jenkins, Alfred Olango, Sergio Weick and James Lacy. We cannot and will not allow racist police officers to continue harming our BIPOC communities.The first step towards positive change begins with defunding the police. Erik Beaman Location: Submitted At: 9:51pm 06-09-20 I do not agree with this budget. The roots of racism run too deep in the police department and continuing to enable the process by funding them with the peoples money will only bring more suffering into the world. If what the the people are asking for is not aligned with what you, the council and mayor, are deciding to do then the only thing you can expect is resistance until change is brought. You have an opportunity a beautiful opportunity to join in with community and move together as one unit with the people you chose to represent. It is only as difficult as you make it to change this budget, the people and I have spoke and we ask that you open your heart to the creation of a better future where we all thrive together. It is possible and will happen. Christina DeCaro Location: Submitted At: 9:46pm 06-09-20 My name is Christina DeCaro and I work in the fine city of Chula Vista. I am an essential worker that works in after school programs for your city’s youth. Increasing the budget for the city’s police will only neglect programs in the city that are struggling. Remember the youth are the future. You need to be providing better funding for schools, social services, and health care in this city. Cops do not need more money! My students thrive off of programs that offer them resources to help them get a better education and aids them in developing into a functional adult in your city. Do not silence them, their future successes, or voices. THEY are the future. Do what is right. Lizeth Salgado Location: Submitted At: 9:40pm 06-09-20 My name is Lizeth Salgado and I live in Chula Vista. I want the city of Chula Vista to decrease the police budget. The community is affected by the pandemic and now more than ever we need aid. Instead of investing in the police, Chula Vista should invest in community. We need more funding in education, healthcare, free transit, housing, and resources for small businesses. Using 28% of the city budget on police is excessive and unfair to the people in need. Maria Anulao Location: Submitted At: 9:24pm 06-09-20 I ask that you decrease the police budget and re-invest in our communities by funding services that strengthen our communities wether it be in health care/services, education, housing etc. There have been far too many without the proper funds and access to live a better life, it is important that we take care of our people and to put them first. Tajh Ray Location: Submitted At: 9:22pm 06-09-20 I've been a Chula Vista citizen my whole life. As a member of the Sweetwater School district I attended Feaster Edison, Chula Vista Middle, Chula Vista High, and finally Southwestern College. Growing up we had programs like Club TC (teens connect), as well as more city operated activities at the local Chula Vista Library, as well as event on 3rd avenue and J st marina. When I think about those times I am met with nostalgia, as programs and funding have strayed away from protecting our youth and instilling positive habits to pass time. With that said, I request that you reject the City of Chula Vista's current budget and redirect those funds towards departments that better serve the community and youth, such as education, mental healthcare, houseless programs, and COVID-19 relief. Our homeless population is growing out of control, and our patience is wearing thin. Make our city great again. I remember times at the Vogue, Rollerskate land, even the arcade and Baskin Robbins and shopping center that was where the current CVPD is located now. Bring the light back to this city. Increased policing will not make the situation better, attention to the problem and the community will bring the Chula Vistan pride back. Vianney Hernandez Location: Submitted At: 9:20pm 06-09-20 My name is Vianney Hernández and I want to DEFUND the police department. I want the funds dispersed amongst the communities of color. I want the budget to focus more of its attention towards the public schools, public healthcare, mental health issues and facilities, homelessness, cleaning and sanitation of parks and recreational areas. Anything but the police department. hannah zaino Location: Submitted At: 9:16pm 06-09-20 I oppose the current budget allocating more funding for police departments. We should redirect these funds into the local community- specifically affordable housing, mental health resources, education improvement for youth, and more community-led organizations that protect our community without the use of military gear that the police are already in possession of. We also need to take broad environmental action if we want to be able to keep our community afloat amidst both a pandemic and an economic recession, we need to take strong environmental measures and this money being redirected to more police is an irresponsible choice. Please make sure these much needed resources go into our community. Thank you. Sidney Anthony Location: Submitted At: 9:10pm 06-09-20 I request that you reject the City of Chula Vista's current budget and redirect those funds towards departments that better serve the community, such as education, mental healthcare, houseless programs, and COVID-19 relief. The budget as it stands is racist and immoral. Increased policing makes our communities vulnerable to violence. Invest in communities, not police. During a pandemic, our communities need access to health care, housing, and food, not racist policing. Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) are already more impacted by this health and economic crisis, and increasing funding to police makes them even more vulnerable to violence. As issues of police brutality and state violence against Black communities and communities of color are highlighted, we need to talk about what real safety looks like. Our communities have experienced devastating loss at the hands of racist police. We remember what has happened to Earl McNeil, Raul Rivera, Jonathon Coronel, Aleah Jenkins, Alfred Olango, Sergio Weick, and James Lacey. Community safety is equitable access to housing and health care, not tear gas and rubber bullets. Calen Winters Location: Submitted At: 9:07pm 06-09-20 I strongly oppose the budget the City of Chula Vista has presented. Specifically, how much the CVPD is set to receive within this budget. You need to use that money towards the resources that are of immense importance for the PEOPLE. Education, housing, food security, healthcare, mental health services, etc. The CVPD has received more than enough of money, especially when it comes to their patrol vehicles. I've seen newer vehicles emerge more & more over the years. They don't need anymore. Focus on the community. People over police. Lani Hernandez Location: Submitted At: 9:00pm 06-09-20 My name is Lani Hernandez and I have lived in EastLake Chula Vista for 15 years. I find that it is a safe neighborhood and does not need an increase in policing despite some of the exaggerated comments in the Facebook group. That’s one of the things I’ve loved about living here is not feeling a heavy police presence that quite frankly makes me a bit uncomfortable. The City of Chula Vista is using 28% of its budget to fund police. Public safety must include an investment in housing, health care, food, good jobs, education, free public transit and resources for small businesses. Invest in communities, not police. I would love to see money invested in art and cultural events that help build community and allow us to get to know one another. It would also help small businesses. Invest in community gardens that would contribute to a healthier community while also building community. During a pandemic, our communities need access to health care, housing, and food, not increased policing. Although I recognize the need for police presence in emergencies, I also see the way in which their presence invokes feelings of fear and intimidation. Overall I would like to see money allocated to programs that can help improve and lift up our City of Chula Vista. Nic Mai Location: Submitted At: 8:57pm 06-09-20 The amount of funding we put towards our police is excessive. The way the police department is designed, no amount of increased funding or resources will turn the police department into an institution that truly protects the safety of our communities. They are ill-equipped, ill-prepared, and opposed to true reform. Police reform and re- education has been attempted in many police departments around the country, yet the number police brutality cases (and unreported cases) have continued to rise. We must put our funding to better use, because giving it to the police isn't making our communities safer. We pay our taxes to support the common good, and that means putting it towards what would truly make our communities safer, more productive, and better: education, food security, environmental services, social welfare, healthcare, mental health services, affordable housing, arts, sports, small businesses, culture, etc. We need to build a stronger social safety net, not invest in a stronger police force. I am privileged enough to feel safe in San Diego but that feeling of security is NOT due to the presence in police. I trust my community, and I trust the people of San Diego to stand together and to care for one another, so I choose to fund them. I simply do not trust nor expect the police to do the same, so why would we give money to people we don't trust? Marian Basauri Location: Submitted At: 8:56pm 06-09-20 As a Chula Vista resident, i am calling to DEFUND the cvpd and invest and redistribute this money to the communities of color in need of chula vista. They are disproportionately being affected by the COVID 19 crisis and constantly targeted by police. Invest and fund education, food programs, in jobs for the community, etc. These communities are in need and giving more money to the police will continue putting them in risk of their constant target for being in “bad” neighborhoods when they’re being forced to move there because of gentrification. The system was created to give them the disadvantage. It’s your turn to fix it. I oppose this. The “democratic” government’s job is to serve the people! LISTEN to the people of color who have been constantly asking for the same opportunities! If you give more money to the police for “training,” please explain to me how much “training” you need in order to learn that killing a black life is bad... Andrea Garcia Location: Submitted At: 8:53pm 06-09-20 Please consider distributing this budget to our deserving communities instead of the police! I have lived in Chula Vista my entire life and took pride in this city, but seeing an increase in budget for the CVPD would be extremely disappointing and simply IMMORAL. Tasha Dewey Location: Submitted At: 8:52pm 06-09-20 My name is Tasha and I live in Chula Vista. I demand that you reject the racist and immoral budget that gives our taxpayer money to a militarized gang (CVPD) that is assisting in maintaining a nationwide culture of fear and violence - NEVER safety - especially for our black, brown, and indigenous communities. Instead I demand that you divert all of that funding to support community resources, including access to housing, healthcare, food, public transit, education, and true safety for ALL of your constituents. I challenge you to question what safety means to you; does it mean your fellow citizens and medics and journalists getting tear gassed and shot in the streets during peaceful demonstrations? Or is it equitable access to housing, healthcare, food, public transit, education, and wellness programs? The police in this country were started as a patrol to capture escaped slaves, they were literally created to uphold a racist ideology and system by abusing black folks, and that is the only thing they have been successful at over their entire history. Increasing their budget, or even continuing to fund CVPD at the current rate, is giving them your endorsement and encouragement to keep committing heinous acts of violence against your people - and WE SEE YOU. We demand that you invest in our communities, not the violently racist police force. We remember Earl McNeil, Raul Rivera, Jonathon Coronel, Aleah Jenkins, Alfred Olango, Sergio Weick, and James Lacey. BLACK LIVES MATTER! Joshua Rosas Location: Submitted At: 8:50pm 06-09-20 I am requesting to Defund Police Budgets and reallocate them to communities of color, especially within the large concentration of minority groups that call Southbay San Diego, Chula Vista, and Paradise Hills home. These funds should go towards nurturing the youth and vulnerable individuals who have long been denied access to the same community infrastructure and funding that whiter and more affluent communities have received. Linnae Chau Schroeder Location: Submitted At: 8:46pm 06-09-20 I was born and raised in Chula Vista and continue to live here now. I strongly oppose any budget that continues to allocate millions of dollars to the police; I even more strongly oppose any budget that increases police budget. The police are an inherently anti-Black institution that criminalizes, brutalizes, and kills Black people, as well as other people of color. The police do not keep us safe. Public safety means investing in community-based initiatives of care-- investing in housing, healthcare, food security, education, immigration services, mental health services, etc.-- where members of our community can actually receive support that betters their lives. WE keep us safe. The police, rather, continue to harass and brutalize Black community members and non-Black community members of color, including and especially the youth of this community. I ask you to defund the police and redistribute the funds to services that need funding-- and it's CLEAR that we need money redistributed, as you, as city officials, KNOW WELL the vast inequities between East and West Chula Vista. Any budget that continues to trust in the police will continue to do harm on our community. Katelin Tanjuaquio Location: Submitted At: 8:41pm 06-09-20 I oppose this increase in funds to the CVPD. The majority of our budget (47%) should not be spent on police when social services, like our education system are suffering. The SUHSD is $20 million in debt, causing inequalities for our children. We need to invest in the future and get to the root of our problems. Then, crime will be addressed at it the start, rather than taking care of things after they have happened. Further, in a community of mostly people of color, we often feel less safe around police, not more. Use the funding for increased social services instead so that we can invest in our community and uplift it. Audrey Elaine Location: Submitted At: 8:35pm 06-09-20 I support the Chula Vista Police Department. Our city is safe because of the men and women, of all races, who keep it safe. Please approve agenda item 7. 20-0218 J. Miller Location: Submitted At: 8:29pm 06-09-20 I support the Chula Vista Police Department. Please give the PD the resources we need to keep our city safe. People want to defund the PD based on a few bad seeds...That is ignorant. Our city is safe because of the men and women, of all races, who keep it safe. With the City growing as much as it is, the CVPD needs resources and personnel to keep up with the growing population. Daniela Molina Location: Submitted At: 8:28pm 06-09-20 I am asking you to DEFUND the police and REDISTRIBUTE that money into our communities, particularly the low-income minority areas of Chula Vista. By doing so, we can dismantle the systemic racism of the police departments plaguing our country, and solve the root problems leading to the crime that is targeted by policing: the disproportionate funding of our communities. Redistribute the money specifically to communities of black citizens and other people of color in Chula Vista. We elected you to listen to and represent the people, don’t let us down. shannon shay Location: Submitted At: 8:21pm 06-09-20 I support CVPD !!!!!!! enough with the MEDIA! when i have had an emergency they were there too help Mandy Graf Location: Submitted At: 8:17pm 06-09-20 Police brutality, abuse of power, and systematic racism are the main concerns to this community. Black folks in particular are harmed by many common elements of oppression including institutional power, economic power, control, and violence. By giving the police more funding, it gives them more opportunities to oppress and be violent towards black people. We must invest in the people of the community, not police officers. If we increase their funding, the violence and oppression will worsen. We must decrease police funding and increase budgets for housing, healthcare, food, public transit, resources for small businesses and undocumented people, and education to empower our community- especially people of color. We cannot forget the victims who have died in the hands of our police. Earl McNeal, Raul Rivera, Jonathan Cornel, Aleah Jenkins, Alfred Olango, and James Lacey. When you fund the police, you fund murderers. Wayne Brown Location: Submitted At: 8:05pm 06-09-20 I strongly support the continued funding of the Chula Vista Police Department. I find it irresponsible and reckless to want to defund the Department. Kiana Wiley Location: Submitted At: 8:04pm 06-09-20 I am asking the City of Chula Vista to reject this racist and inmoral budget. Public safety must include an investment in housing, health care, food, good jobs, education, free public transit and resources for small businesses and undocumented people. Increased policing makes our communities vulnerable to violence. Invest in communities, not police. Our communities have experienced devastating loss at the hands of racist police. We remember what has happened to Earl McNeil, Raul Rivera, Jonathon Coronel, Aleah Jenkins, Alfred Olango, Sergio Weick, and James Lacey. Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) are already more impacted by this health and economic crisis, and increasing funding to police makes them even more vulnerable to violence. Community safety is equitable access to housing and health care, not tear gas and rubber bullets. Decrease the police budget and invest in our communities by funding services that strengthen our communities. Lucero Barragan Diaz Location: Submitted At: 8:01pm 06-09-20 I have been a resident of Chula Vista for 29 years. I am opposed to an increase in police funds as it already consumes such a large part of the city’s budget. City officials work for the people and as such they have a duty to safeguard Chula Vista residents including the most vulnerable. Feeding into the criminalization of poverty is not helping anybody, and seeing how the country is headed to a recession our priorities should be elsewhere. I urge the city to invest into our community with focus on schools, food programs, and the ever increasing homeless population. During the last recession I saw neighbors disappear overnight as cars popped up everywhere with residents in them even ones with children they weren’t criminals they were in need. We don’t need any more cop cars fishing out residents for minor things. I’ve never received a traffic violation but I see cop cars all the time hiding out fishing it’s a waste of our city’s money. Diane Brown Location: Submitted At: 7:44pm 06-09-20 to make our community better I am all for this bill to be passed. Zahira Chayeb Location: Submitted At: 7:44pm 06-09-20 I am asking for the City Counsil to defund the CV Police and invest in healthcare, education, and environmental services. I am asking the City Counsil reject the proposal to increase the police budget. This budget does not show consideration for the public’s safety. Public safety must include an investment in housing, healthcare, food, jobs, education, public transit, and resources for small public businesses and undocumented families. Increasing policing makes our community vulnerable to violence. Invest in communities, not police. During a pandemic, our communities need access to health care, housing, and food. Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) are already more impacted by this health and economic crisis, and increasing funding to the police makes them even more vulnerable to violence. As issues of police brutality and state violence against Black communities and communities of color are highlighted, we need to talk about what real safety looks like. I ask again, please do not fund the CV Police more money, as they are not the ones in need. Orlando Crespo Location: Submitted At: 7:40pm 06-09-20 Chula Vista needs to de-fund (decrease budget) of the Chula Vista Police Department. Police funding is excessive & they are likely to bring violence and death where there is no need for either. Please take funds from them and give them to services that are non-violent and approriate to the concern such as homelessness, mental health issues & low level crime. The police are excessively militarized and need to de-weaponize partially as well. Jen Ha Location: Submitted At: 7:35pm 06-09-20 The City of Chula Vista is known for its diverse community and historical sites that preserve their communities' history. Most councilmembers state that they are activists and advocates for issues ranging from economic development, transportation, housing, and social and environmental justice and public safety. So I think this redirecting the funding towards city projects, non-profit organizations and its communities is one action that can support your stance on the community. Increased policing makes our communities vulnerable to violence. Invest in community projects like the Bayfront, improving our roads and sidewalks, the Mayor's smart cities initiative. Not to mention, funding the police will not help achieve these city goals because the policing system was designed to keep certain people in their place, not to protect and serve. Because who are they protecting and serving? Have your lived in a disadvantaged neighborhood? Have you experienced being pulled over based on the color of your skin? Have you experienced a difference in care from health-care providers because of your skin color? As issues of police brutality and state violence against Black communities and communities of color are highlighted, we need to talk about what real safety looks like. We remember what has happened to Earl McNeil, Raul Rivera, Jonathon Coronel, Aleah Jenkins, Alfred Olango, Sergio Weick, and James Lacey. Destiny Padilla Location: Submitted At: 7:32pm 06-09-20 My name is Destiny and I live in Chula Vista. The City of Chula Vista is using 28% of its budget to fund police, this is a racist and immoral budget. Do not follow in the footsteps of San Diego City Council who failed to listen to community members urging for the defunding of the police. Public safety must include an investment in housing, health care, food, good jobs, education, free public transit and resources for small businesses and undocumented people. Increased policing makes our communities vulnerable to violence. Matt Mesker Location: Submitted At: 7:32pm 06-09-20 My family and I have lived in Chula Vista for 7 years. We feel safe in the city and this is due to the good work of the Chula Vista Police Department. I support CVPD and appreciate their ability to collaborate with the community and to lead with integrity. I ask you to vote in favor of items 2 and 7. Safety is a priority for me and my family! Jazlyn Flores Location: Submitted At: 7:28pm 06-09-20 My name is Jazlyn and I have lived in Chula Vista my whole life. It is angering that the city is using 28% of its budget to fund the police, proving time and time again where your priorities lay. Policing is bottomline immoral and racist in its very nature (this literally dates back to slavery), it was designed to control and protect the state (majorly heterosexual white rich people) and it has actively worked against Black people, Indigenous people, people of color, queer people, trans people and disabled folks. Instead of investing in a broken policing system, that frankly no reform can fix, and that has only made BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and disabled communities susceptible to violence, the investment should be directed towards assuring affordable housing, healthcare, education, food access, job opportunities, free public transit, and necessary resources for small businesses and immigrant communities that are being hit hard by COVID-19. During a pandemic the last thing we need is for police to have more funding to incite their out of control authority and violence, real safety does not mean more guns, rubber bullets, tear gas, tasers, and physical violence at the hands of the police. It means providing equitable access to resources that ensure community well being. It is instrumental that you defund the police and FUND OUR COMMUNITY FOR SAFETY AND SUCCESS. Jesus Gomez Location: Submitted At: 7:25pm 06-09-20 I am support of this item. The department along with the support of the city has implemented the already resources that have been concerning to most of the community in the comments. Our duty as community is to support those that protect and serve us. We need officers, especially in these times. I'm grateful for what they have done for us and will continue to support. Natali Rahimzadeh Location: Submitted At: 7:15pm 06-09-20 I vehemently oppose this proposal. We as a community are calling for our elected officials who are sworn to protect and uphold this city's rights, interests and wellbeing to immediately DEFUND and DIVEST the proposed increase to the Chula Vista Police Department's budget and properly reallocate those crucial resources to essential community services like education, parks and homeless support initiatives that are more desperately needed than some new toys for a violently undertrained and over-weaponized police force. If the only way you know how to protect and serve your community is through increased armed police forces, take a Big step back and reevaluate your methods and your priorities. Invest in social workers, mental health professionals and YOUR OWN COMMUNITY NETWORKS to provide a safer space for the people you are sworn to protect. Stand for something or you will die for nothing. As a lifelong resident and member of our vibrant and beautiful Chula Vista community, I urge you to do the right thing by your constituents and act immediately to provide a better world for generations of proud Chula Vistans to come. BLACK LIVES MATTER. Alexa Alcantara Location: Submitted At: 7:14pm 06-09-20 I STRONGLY suggest to defund the police. There is no reason to give more money to what the police already get which, according to your most recent proposed budget summary, is still higher than any department. I've been living in CV for 15 years now and there is a clear disconnect from what one side of the freeway looks like to the other. You need to use that money to invest in better road construction, transportation, education, affordable housing and making things more accessible for the elderly. You should know that the majority of the population in CV is BIPOC, and we need you to have our backs on this. Defund the police. Do not make the same mistake the City of San Diego did last night because I know you know what they did. Gabriela Hernández Location: Submitted At: 7:09pm 06-09-20 My name is Gaby Itzel and I live in Chula Vista. In 2016 I began attending UC Irvine where I had to deal with constant police presence, whether it was the university’s own, local law enforcement or retired IDF soldiers who the university invited when Muslim students organized for global oppression awareness, I never knew a safe space at my home away from home. The constant tension moved me to teach others about historical police oppression and brutality. Frankly none of what we’ve seen in past years is shocking if you know the racist roots of police forces. Educating, agitating, and organizing those around me was not the issue: it was that it took away my focus from my studies. I spent more energy protesting and lobbying at meetings than I did studying some weeks. This is a privilege, because some folks lose their freedom, even their lives: power to all protestors who were unjustly jailed, disappeared, and killed. We focus so much on the need for police that we pay no attention to the issues we feel policing helps. What are their roots? Who do they affect? Are the cross-generational? Is there a cultural or linguistic barrier? It’s been time we focus on the actual issues to understand them first in order to solve them. Listen to people that are begging for help in less obvious ways. Start investing in community outreach, social workers, in PEOPLE within your communities. We beg of you, decrease the police budget, invest in communities. Dahlia Suiter Location: Submitted At: 7:06pm 06-09-20 I urge the City Council to oppose this budget, defund the police, and invest in the community. We are at a crucial point in which we can and must reimagine what public safety looks like, as the current system is one that is rooted in brutality against Black people and other POC. Criminalizing more people does nothing to address the systems of poverty, homelessness, mental health and more that are prevalent in our city. I urge you to listen to the many comments and ideas provided by the community and use them to better construct a public safety system that does not use fear and violence to address systemic problems. Michelle Castro Location: Submitted At: 7:05pm 06-09-20 I strongly oppose the proposed budget. Please put the money to better use and invest it towards the community! defund the police Stacey Doyle Location: Submitted At: 7:04pm 06-09-20 I am for fulling funding the police department. Throwing money towards more social programs enables the problems to continue to fester. We cannot keep creating and funding social programs that take away the personal responsibility of people. When you decrease funding for the police department, it creates life threatening risks and unintended consequences. Without law and order, there is chaos. Don't jump on the social bandwagon to look good politically. David Moren Location: Submitted At: 6:58pm 06-09-20 I strongly support the funding of the police department! Keep CVPD Funded! Madison Fletcher Location: Submitted At: 6:57pm 06-09-20 My name is Madison Fletcher, I am a resident of Chula Vista. The City of Chula Vista is using 28% of its budget to fund police. This is a racist and immoral budget. Public safety must include an investment in housing, health care, food, good jobs, education, free public transit, and resources for small businesses and undocumented people. Increased policing makes our communities vulnerable to violence. Invest in communities, NOT police. During a pandemic, our communities need access to health care, housing, and food, not racist policing. Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) are already more impacted by this health and economic crisis, and increasing funding to police makes them even more vulnerable to violence. As issues of police brutality and state violence against Black communities and communities of color are highlighted, we need to talk about what real safety looks like. Our communities have experienced devastating loss at the hands of racist police. We remember what has happened to Earl McNeil, Raul Rivera, Jonathon Coronel, Aleah Jenkins, Alfred Olango, Sergio Weick, and James Lacey. Community safety is equitable access to housing and health care, not tear gas and rubber bullets. Reject the City of La Mesa’s racist and immoral budget. Decrease the police budget and invest in our communities by funding services that strengthen our communities. Jasmin Castillo Location: Submitted At: 6:56pm 06-09-20 Hi, my names Jasmin, a resident of the Chula Vista area. I strongly disagree with funding the police an additional 27 million to what they are already given. I strongly believe this money should go toward rental assistance, healthcare for all, and our local schools. Hayley Aguilar Location: Submitted At: 6:54pm 06-09-20 I am opposed to the budget proposal for the coming year as it does not consider the context of COVID-19 and recent cases of police brutality. I demand we reduce funding for the police department and instead invest in resources that benefit Chula Vista citizens such as healthcare, more accessible transportation and community centers. Anissa Vera Location: Submitted At: 6:54pm 06-09-20 I oppose the proposed budget for 2020-2021. I urge to city council to defund the Chula Vista Police Department and reallocate the funds to community programs that adequately meet the needs and support the wellbeing of Chula Vista residents. The proposed budget for the fiscal year must be completely revised to decrease police funding and to fund education, housing, and mental health initiatives. Natalia Garcia Location: Submitted At: 6:49pm 06-09-20 Support the police! Defunding law enforcement will not support the City of Chula Vista. Less funding means less resources for citizens and less training for officers. Keep CVPD funded. Río Vargas Location: Submitted At: 6:46pm 06-09-20 I strongly oppose this budget and handing more funding to the CV police. Residents of Chula Vista need more funding towards social services, especially since we have been hit very hard by COVID-19 compared to the rest of the county. Put more funding towards health care and education, NOT to police vehicles. Constituents across the county have made it very clear that police funding is widely opposed; let’s start reallocating this funding towards other services that DIRECTLY benefit the residents here in CV—not police vehicles. Cierra Self Location: Submitted At: 6:38pm 06-09-20 Please defund police budget. Aura C. Location: Submitted At: 6:37pm 06-09-20 I oppose the current proposed budget for fiscal year 2020-2021. Funds for the police department shall be reallocated to community based support programs such as education, social work, affordable housing, and drug abuse counseling. Thomas Pompo Location: Submitted At: 6:37pm 06-09-20 It is an egregious misuse of power that 11(!) Of our councile members voted to increase the police budget. Your constituents have made it known what we want. You must reverse this decision and defund the police department as that is what your city wants. Diego Jimenez Location: Submitted At: 6:32pm 06-09-20 I strongly oppose the proposed budget for FY21. This proposal was written before the PANDEMIC. This budget does not reflect the current needs of the City. Many are struggling to remain housed or find work. We need renters assistance now, not more police. I'm demanding that this budget be rejected, and funding from CVPD be directed towards renters assistance. Tahiti Dominguez Location: Submitted At: 6:30pm 06-09-20 Please defund the police and relocate these funds towards the community (education, after school programs, housing, healthcare, parks, anything BUT the police). The safest communities have fewer cops but MORE resources. We need to invest in our children and not the police. Please, I am pleading with you, our community members will die. The prison system does nothing for our people. We need RESOURCES, we need REHABS, we need THERAPISTS, we need COUNSELORS, we need the best supplies for OUR SCHOOLS. Mariel Barbadillo Location: Submitted At: 6:28pm 06-09-20 My name is Mariel Barbadillo and I live in Chula Vista. I am asking the City of Chula Vista to decrease the police budget and invest in our communities by funding services that strengthen our community. Public safety requires investment in affordable housing, healthcare, jobs, education, public transit, and resources for small businesses and undocumented people. During this pandemic, our communities need access to health care, housing, and food — not racist policing. Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) are already more impacted by this health and economic crisis, and increasing funding to police makes them even more vulnerable to violence. Liz Zurita Location: Submitted At: 6:22pm 06-09-20 I am urging the council to decrease the police budget and invest in our communities by funding services that strengthen our communities. Public safety must include an investment in housing, health care, food, good jobs, education, free public transit and resources for small businesses and undocumented people. Kyle Hatashita Location: Submitted At: 6:22pm 06-09-20 I am calling upon the city counsel to immediately defund the police department and reform the budget to provide a community peace force held to higher accountability and oversight than our current system. This counsel can not stand idle as chemical weapons and tactical gear are being used against civilians and innocent black lives are being snuffed out day after day. Our peace officers must protect and serve all members of the community, until there are institutional reforms that prohibit racist murderers from joining the police, they neither protect nor serve anyone but their own agendas. Christopher DeGeneres Location: Submitted At: 6:17pm 06-09-20 Please reallocate these funds to other parts of the community that will promote growth. Healthcare, education, housing, or other social services. Carla Gabriela Location: Submitted At: 6:17pm 06-09-20 defund the police! re allocate the money back to the communities! the police district does not need new cars. $1 million can be so helpful to communities that are suffering and have been due to COVID-19. Homelessness is a growing problem. Hungry kids is a growing problem. Under funded schools are a growing problem. Defund the police or the community will vote you out. jerry shay Location: Submitted At: 6:14pm 06-09-20 support CVPD!!! Jonathan Margoliash Location: Submitted At: 6:14pm 06-09-20 Dear city council, I applaud your mayor and police taking a knee with protestors this last week. We must do more to support and heal our communities. We are in the biggest recession in a century. Spend money on healthcare benefits for people who are now jobless. Spend money on housing for people who can no longer pay their rents. Spend money on unemployment relief for people who can no longer feed their families. There are so many priorities so spend Chula Vista's hard earned taxpayer dollars on right now. There are much better places to spend that money than on the police budget. Daniel Hagerty Location: Submitted At: 6:10pm 06-09-20 As a registered voter and educator in Chula Vista, I urge the council to oppose or postpone this budget to reallocate funding from the Police Department to other social services that will better address root problems in our community. I do not believe that any data justifies nearly doubling the police budget from last year. On its own website, Chula Vista says it is one of the "safest cities in America." If this is the case, why do the police need more funding? In fact, studies have shown that downsizing and reforming the police department and allocating funding to other social services have resulted in a massive drop in crime rates and excessive police force. For an example of this, look at the police reforms from 2013. If postponing or revising the budget is not possible, please at least answer these questions for the sake of accountability and transparency to the citizens of your community: 1. Why is the police department's budget nearly doubling? What justifies this? Please be specific and point to data in your justification. 2. What, specifically, will the increased police budget be spent on? 3. In light of the recent data-backed movements and sentiments about reducing funding to police departments to fund other programs that would help address the root of systemic issues in our societies, such as mental health services, unemployment programs, and education, do you plan to reduce funding to police in FY 2021-22 to fund these programs? If not, why not? Natalie Gonzalez Location: Submitted At: 6:09pm 06-09-20 I strongly oppose the proposed budget. Defund the police and provide community based funding that will go towards organizations, education, housing, mental health, etc. Andrea Delgado Location: Submitted At: 6:09pm 06-09-20 Please defund from the police department. I do not understand how the police department can have so much money already and education and community resources do not. The community really needs help with other resources such as education, mental health professionals, healthcare, housing, food, jobs and so many others. Instead of giving all the money to police, let’s please help the community. This will give the community more hope to live and the opportunity to thrive. Please listen to your community. Gabriel Cruise Location: Submitted At: 6:08pm 06-09-20 We must begin to dismantle systemic racism and violence against POC and this begins with an oppressive force, the police. Although sometimes there to protect and serve, the majority of the times that is not the case. I have never in my life experinced such an abuse of power and disrespect for humanity that I have while dealing with the police. Even as a child I would see the police abuse their power, arrest, give tickets, scare, unlawfully harass people of color and murder them as I grew up. In my 27 years of living I have never witnessed the overalll ablity or capacity of the police force to help foster good change within society. All I see is when budgets increase is a new ford sedan pulling me over or pulling up to harassing people of color on the streets. The police here are the real thugs and mobsters we should worry about not the people on the streets. It takes nothing to be a cop, absolutely nothing, the training? A farse. They learn to be shoot a gun, work a tazer and how to get away with murder. I challenge you to really think about the impact the police has on society what overall they have they accomplished? How do they respond in times of distress or conflict? Are they compassionate? Are they wise? Are they courageous? Absolutely not. The police do the same thing year after year so why increase the budget for something that serves to not make a change? Why not put that funding into the broken parts of the city? Why not help the ghetto not be the ghetto? Jessica Barcelona Location: Submitted At: 6:06pm 06-09-20 First, I am appalled at the actions taken last night by the San Diego City Council Members. I am hoping that the Chula Vista City Council does not follow the steps of San Diego, but instead advocates in the interest of it's constituents. So many Chula Vistan's are vulnerable and facing housing, job, AND/OR food insecurity. Chula Vista must redefine safety and provide resources to our communities that are continuously underserved! I would love to see funds be reallocated to services that will support community-based growth such as mental health services, free public transit, good jobs, education, housing assistance, and public health care initiatives. I ask that you DECREASE and REALLOCATE the bloated budget for Police, and that you VOTE NO on the purchasing of an additional 22 Ford Police interceptors. Marriah Green Location: Submitted At: 5:58pm 06-09-20 I am urging the council to de-fund the police and reallocate this funding to community schools, healthcare, food, mental health assistance, parks, environmental services, rental assistance, and small business relief, especially while communities are recovering from COVID-19 and a national police brutality issue. Even if all Chula Vista Police Department are not racist, it would be better to improve the community to reallocate the funds. Austin Wolfe Location: Submitted At: 5:45pm 06-09-20 Please cut funding from the police department to help fund social programs & invest in the community. Homeless people, those living in poverty, & those heavily affected by COVID-19 in our city need support from people with compassion and empathy. That means we need funding to hire social workers, public health workers, & mental health professionals - i.e. people who went to school specifically to learn to how to help people. We do not need to allocate the police department the amount that they are currently receiving. Instead of having officers who are untrained & uneducated in anything besides law enforcement, let's invest in hiring people who have studied in & been educated about social issues. You need nothing more than a high school diploma to become a police officer. How can we expect cops who don't have the proper education and understanding to deal with anything but law enforcement. I'm calling on the council to: 1) divest funds from the police, 2) invest those funds into the community (social programs, rent assistance, homeless assitance, etc.) & 3) ensure - by any means - that racism is never tolerated in the police department. Thank you & BLACK LIVES MATTER. Maya Guadalupe Tamayo Location: Submitted At: 5:39pm 06-09-20 I strongly oppose the proposed budget for FY21! Defund the police and reallocate those vital resources where the community needs them! Listen to your constituents! We are listening and watching you during this crucial moment in history. Show up for the community! We need housing for the unsheltered, rental assistance during a PANDEMIC, educational reform, and so much more services that we should be investing in. INVEST IN COMMUNITY. A strong community makes police obsolete. Thank you. Chelsea Baloo Location: Submitted At: 5:38pm 06-09-20 My name is Chelsea and I live in Chula Vista . The City of Chula Vista is using 28% of its budget to fund police. This is a racist and inmoral budget. Public safety must include an investment in housing, health care, food, good jobs, education, free public transit and resources for small businesses and undocumented people. Increased policing makes our communities vulnerable to violence. Invest in communities, not police. During a pandemic, our communities need access to health care, housing, and food, not racist policing. Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) are already more impacted by this health and economic crisis, and increasing funding to police makes them even more vulnerable to violence. As issues of police brutality and state violence against Black communities and communities of color are highlighted, we need to talk about what real safety looks like. Our communities have experienced devastating loss at the hands of racist police. We remember what has happened to Earl McNeil, Raul Rivera, Jonathon Coronel, Aleah Jenkins, Alfred Olango, Sergio Weick, and James Lacey. Community safety is equitable access to housing and health care, not tear gas and rubber bullets. I ask you to reject the City of La Mesa’s racist and inmoral budget. I also ask for you to decrease the police budget and invest in our communities by funding services that strengthen our communities. Valerie Belloso Location: Submitted At: 5:35pm 06-09-20 I demand that you, public servants of Chula Vista, who are paid by your constituent’s tax dollars, reject the $939,057.00 for 22 ford hybrid police vehicles and instead redirect those funds to the community. Public safety MUST include an investment in housing, health care, food, good jobs, education, free public transit and resources for small businesses and undocumented people. Do your job!!! Micah Rodriguez Location: Submitted At: 5:25pm 06-09-20 Listen to YOUR community. Read the room. Defund the chula vista police and make better investments in the enrichment of our community as a whole. Education is so crucial in our world today but can definitely use some improvement in our community. With the pandemic still on the rise, healthcare improvements can help us lower the curve and ensure the health of community members and alleviate the spread of the virus. Take appropriate action and listen to YOUR people. We instilled trust in community members and voted for those that will contribute to the betterment of our community. We must do better and be better. Please consider our voices, we want to be heard. Sarah Machan Location: Submitted At: 5:22pm 06-09-20 I OPPOSE. I am writing to demand that the police budget be redirected to housing, education, mental and health care, public transportation, and other services that truly protect and serve the people and our communities! Shayne Oseguera Location: Submitted At: 5:21pm 06-09-20 I demand the city council to reject the proposed FY21 budget. I am urging the council to defund the police and reallocate this funding to community schools, healthcare, food, mental health assistance, parks, environmental services, rental assistance, and small business relief, especially while communities are recovering from COVID- 19 and a national police brutality issue. Alexa Vazquez Location: Submitted At: 5:17pm 06-09-20 Defund the police and use the money towards helping the community. Sarai Velazquez Location: Submitted At: 5:14pm 06-09-20 Defund the police! We need to redirect funding into schools and the community. Darlene Woodward Location: Submitted At: 5:13pm 06-09-20 My name is Darlene and I live in Chula Vista. I am asking the City of Chula Vista to decrease the police budget and invest in our communities by funding services that strengthen our community. During a pandemic, our community needs access to health care, housing, and food, not racist policing. Black, Ingenious, People of Color (BIPOC) are already more impacted by this health and economic crisis, and increasing funding to police makes them even more vulnerable to violence. As issues of police brutality and state violence against the Black communities and communities of color are highlighted, we need to talk about what real safety looks like. Its not just that the police are ineffective: in many communities, they are actively harmful. The history of policing is a history of violence against the marginalized. Valeria Diaz Location: Submitted At: 5:12pm 06-09-20 I oppose the proposed budget for the 2020-2021 fiscal year. Money needs to be redirected from the police department and go towards education, libraries and social services. Lette Berhe Location: Submitted At: 5:10pm 06-09-20 Defund the police. Invest in community programs and education. Sharon Miele Location: Submitted At: 5:09pm 06-09-20 I oppose the budget. Do not increase police funding. Spread the money around so that every problem in this city does not have to be handled by the police. We have got ourselves into an environment where the only agency acceptable to fund is the police department. Show courage and fund alternatives that can better our lives. Elena Esparza Location: Submitted At: 5:06pm 06-09-20 Defund the police, invest money on community programs, and mental health awareness. Kenneth Santos Location: Submitted At: 5:06pm 06-09-20 As a resident of Chula Vista, I urge City Council to please reject the proposed FY21 budget and defund the police. Instead, we should be investing those funds directly in our communities through schools, healthcare, food, mental health assistance, parks, environmental services, rental assistance, and small business relief, especially while communities are recovering from COVID-19 and a nation police brutality issue. Priscilla Berromilla Location: Submitted At: 4:59pm 06-09-20 I oppose the proposed budget for the 2020-2021 fiscal year. The City of Chula Vista is planning to allocate 28% of its General Funds expenditure to funding the police department. This is NOT what our community needs. If our city council members truly care about investing in our community's public safety and well-being, then they need to really listen to their constituents who are voicing out about the urgency of defunding the police and investing in the following: education equity, housing assistance, addressing food insecurity, accessible mental health resources, more support for our homeless and transient communities, and more services for our undocumented and immigrant populations. During a pandemic, these areas are where our communities are in need the most. The City of Chula Vista prides itself in being one of the most culturally diverse cities in California, yet Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) are already impacted by this health and economic crisis, and increasing funding to police makes them even more vulnerable to violence. As issues of police brutality and state violence against Black communities and communities of color are highlighted, we need to talk about what public safety really looks like. There are non-police solutions to addressing the safety issues of our BIPOC communities. Restorative and supportive community measures address these issues. Please reconsider this proposed budget, and invest in what our communities need. Gillian Lunod Location: Submitted At: 4:58pm 06-09-20 I oppose the decision to place more money towards the funding of our police force, especially if it is coming out of the CoVid-19 relief fund. One of our priorities right now should be ensuring that Chula Vista will be able to return to its normal state with no restrictions on what is open. The potential thousands of dollars that could be used to help many affected patients heal and support our healthcare workers is planning to be used to fund a group of people that have been extremely controversial in the media recently. The current situation reads that rebuilding our community after the pandemic is more important and beneficial than strengthening our law enforcement. I am not involved in political and governmental matters, but I would think there are other approaches that can be used to improve our police force. Alexandra Milla Location: Submitted At: 4:57pm 06-09-20 I demand that the city council reject the City of La Mesa’s racist and immoral budget. I demand that the city council decrease the police budget and invest in our communities by funding services that strengthen our communities, such as education, social welfare programs, rental assistance, mental health services, small business assistance, etc. Natelina Blake Location: Submitted At: 4:56pm 06-09-20 I am writing to demand that police funds be redirected to housing, education, mental health services, and other institutions that truly protect and serve the people. Anna Uribe Location: Submitted At: 4:47pm 06-09-20 Please redirect funds from policing to education, library, and housing. Thank you. Samuel Martinez Location: Submitted At: 4:44pm 06-09-20 I absolutely oppose this proposed budget. When police officers ASSAULT peaceful protestors, we need to face the fact that the police are not here to protect and serve. We need to defund the police and use those funds for things that will directly benefit the people of this city. Rental assistance, mental health programs, and healthcare resources are what is NEEDED. Isabella Kim Location: Submitted At: 4:36pm 06-09-20 I vehemently oppose the proposed budget for the 2020-2021 fiscal year. The police should be defunded, and money instead allocated towards building community infrastructure to serve people of color. The police do exactly the opposite. I would like to see funding go to mental and physical healthcare resources, food security incentives, education and after-school programs, rent and housing assistance, and immigration services. I would also like to see the formation of community teams to handle mental heath crises, sexual assault, situations involving substance use, and the like, as the police are not trained or equipped to handle these and often end up escalating or ignoring the problem. Funding needs to go towards training community members instead. Isabella Kim Location: Submitted At: 4:36pm 06-09-20 I vehemently oppose the proposed budget for the 2020-2021 fiscal year. The police should be defunded, and money instead allocated towards building community infrastructure to serve people of color. The police do exactly the opposite. I would like to see funding go to mental and physical healthcare resources, food security incentives, education and after-school programs, rent and housing assistance, and immigration services. I would also like to see the formation of community teams to handle mental heath crises, sexual assault, situations involving substance use, and the like, as the police are not trained or equipped to handle these and often end up escalating or ignoring the problem. Funding needs to go towards training community members instead. Angelica Ilagan Location: Submitted At: 4:27pm 06-09-20 I'm calling on City Council to reject the proposed 2020-21 budget. It is unnecessary to allot 28% of the budget to the police department amidst a pandemic. Divert funds to schools, health care, public transit, food, and parks -- invest in care, rather than over-policing, to service your community members, who are more susceptible to both COVID-19 and police violence. Ashley Marquez Location: Submitted At: 4:19pm 06-09-20 Reject the FY2021 budget and defund the police. The police have shown in our community, our state, and our nation that they are abusers of the law and the Constitution. Please keep our community safe by investing in schools, healthcare, transportation, libraries, and parks... anything else but the police department. Violence decreases when basic human needs are met. Defund the police and invest in our community. Isabella Molina Location: Submitted At: 4:19pm 06-09-20 I oppose the proposed budget. We should defund the police and reallocate the money to the community. The money should be used for areas such as education, affordable housing, and homelessness. Samantha Munoz-Riis Location: Submitted At: 4:14pm 06-09-20 I strongly oppose the proposed budget for the 2020-2021 fiscal year in which 28% of the budget is used to fund the police department. It is absolutely unnecessary to further invest in the police instead of the community during a pandemic. Especially, because Chula Vista is one of the cities that is gravely impacted by COVID-19 with approximately 1,280 cases as of 6/8/2020. Our communities need funds directed toward health care, education, housing, relief for small businesses, undocumented people, public transportation, and food, not a racist police system. Ashley Montiel Location: Submitted At: 4:09pm 06-09-20 I oppose and reject the FY2021 budget instead I ask that you decrease the police budget and invest in our communities by funding services that strengthen our communities. Support, improve, and allocate the money to community services such as affordable housing, mental health resources and education. Katrina Wheeler Location: Submitted At: 4:08pm 06-09-20 Defund the violent, racist, militarized police. The police have shown they care more about their power over others then protecting and serving the community. Please allocate that money toward the community, including but not limited to mental health, education, and housing. We are appalled that San Diego city council approved increasing the police budget after so many calls/comments in opposition- we will be voting those council members out, do not make the same mistake. Juanita Salas Location: Submitted At: 4:05pm 06-09-20 Of course I support the Chula Vista Police Department. Who do you think are going to respond when your house or car gets broken into? When you get into a car accident? When your neighbor is playing loud music? When some taggers tag on your fence. Come on. Just because there is a "bad cop" don't lump that into CVPD. Why is our crime going down? The police are doing their job! You think this is the wild wild west? Common sense people. They are not the bad guys. Mander Ritchie Location: Submitted At: 4:00pm 06-09-20 I strongly oppose the proposed budget for the 2020-2021 fiscal year in which 28% of the budget is used to fund the police department. It is absolutely unnecessary to further invest in the police instead of the community during a pandemic. Especially, because Chula Vista is one of the cities that is gravely impacted by COVID-19 with approximately 1,280 cases as of 6/8/2020. Our communities need funds directed toward health care, education, housing, relief for small businesses, undocumented people, public transportation, and food, not a racist police system. Thania Cardenas Location: Submitted At: 3:18pm 06-09-20 I strongly oppose the proposed budget for the 2020-2021 fiscal year. The community does not need anymore funding to go to the police. Please reconsider this budget and instead invest in direct community aid. Support, improve and allocate the money towards education, affordable housing, mental health resources, immigration services and public transport. Madilyn Majillo Location: Submitted At: 3:18pm 06-09-20 With thousands of callers voicing their disdain for the proposed budget during the June 8th city council meeting, I am shocked and disappointed at the city council member's decision to approve the proposal with an 8-1 vote. We do not want an "Office of Race and Equity". This is a band aid solution. I am calling for the rejection of Mayor Falcouner's proposal for an increase in the police budget. I would like these funds to be re-allocated to COVID-19 relief, transportation, public education, and possibly into a program that recruits and trains more social workers to handle situations that are typically handled by the police. Reika Nomura Location: Submitted At: 3:03pm 06-09-20 The police should be defunded and the money should be used towards essential workers. Especially those that are working in the health field. By funding more money towards police means that there would be more police brutality. Violence is never the answer. Catherine Mara Location: Submitted At: 3:00pm 06-09-20 Defund the police and invest in the Chula Vista community and education! Angelica Delagdo Location: Submitted At: 2:45pm 06-09-20 Defund the police and invest that money back into other community resources Dennise Garibay Location: Submitted At: 2:44pm 06-09-20 I oppose adopting this proposed budget for the 2020-2021 fiscal year. I ask instead that we decrease the police budget and invest in our city by funding vital services that strengthen our communities, such as housing, health care, food stability, free and improved public transportation and education. As issues of police brutality and state violence against Black communities and communities of color are highlighted, we need to talk about what real safety looks like, and what we can do to protect all members of our communities. Brent Eaton Location: Submitted At: 2:36pm 06-09-20 Defund the police and put the money towards helping the homeless and the mentally ill in our community. Erica LAc Location: Submitted At: 2:31pm 06-09-20 Defund the police. Invest in community programs and education. Chloe Acosta Location: Submitted At: 9:50am 06-09-20 Our community refuses to have any more funding go to the police. Black, Indigenous, People of Color are already more impacted by this health and economic crisis, and increasing funding to police makes them even more vulnerable to violence. Our communities have experienced devastating loss at the hands of racist police. We remember what has happened to Earl McNeil, Raul Rivera, Jonathon Coronel, Aleah Jenkins, Alfred Olango, Sergio Weick, and James Lacy. I urge you, to do more work and really learn about how to better provide community safety because the police is not the way. So-called “reform” and further funding only leads to more violent policing. Defund and disband Chula Vista police. Silvia Herrera Location: Submitted At: 9:37am 06-09-20 I oppose and reject the FY2021 budget increase towards police. I want Chula Vista police defunded. Instead support, improve, and allocate the money to community services such as schools, affordable housing, mental health recourses, and public transport. The police already use majority of the budget, and it would be unethical to increase their budget while allowing other community services be ignored. Defund the Chula Vista police, and invest in direct community aid. Amado Huizar Location: Submitted At: 8:53am 06-09-20 I support adopting this proposed budget for fiscal year 2020-2021. Thank you. Aedan Lagillardaie Location: Submitted At: 8:51am 06-09-20 I ask that you decrease the police budget and invest in our communities by funding services that strengthen our communities. The City of Chula Vista is using 28% of its budget to fund police. This is a racist and immoral budget. Public safety must include an investment in housing, health care, food, good jobs, education, free public transit and resources for small businesses and undocumented people. Increased policing makes our communities vulnerable to violence. Invest in communities, not police. During a pandemic, our communities need access to health care, housing, and food, not racist policing. Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) are already more impacted by this health and economic crisis, and increasing funding to police makes them even more vulnerable to violence. As issues of police brutality and state violence against Black communities and communities of color are highlighted, we need to talk about what real safety looks like. Our communities have experienced devastating loss at the hands of racist police. We remember what has happened to Earl McNeil, Raul Rivera, Jonathon Coronel, Aleah Jenkins, Alfred Olango, Sergio Weick, and James Lacey. Community safety is equitable access to housing and health care, not tear gas and rubber bullets. Alberto Ruiz Location: Submitted At: 8:24am 06-09-20 I oppose this budget and ask that instead of investing on the police, that we instead invest in increasing the quality of life here in this city. It’s been proven in other cities across the country that improving the quality of life lowers the crime rate and improves public safety more efficiently than police. The system already unfairly targets black, indigenous, people of color and giving the cops an unnecessarily high amount of funding will only add to the violence that we already face by them, and frankly they do not deserve this money. In order to improve public safety we need to instead invest in Education, health care, public transit, parks/rec, and resources for small business and housing for our homeless population. Giving the police more money for tear gas, expensive armored cars and rubber bullets to attack us with is not the answer. Please reconsider this budget and look out for the will of the community, not the police. Sinai Violet Location: Submitted At: 8:09am 06-09-20 I oppose allocating funds to police department; we should be investing in education, mental health, and many other programs and services that work to strengthen our communities. This system does NOT protect or stand for BIPOC and low income members of the community, there must be change. Alina Ramirez Location: Submitted At: 8:00am 06-09-20 I strongly oppose the proposed increase in the police budget and instead would rather see that money invested in other areas of the community. Investements in: health care, housing, education, mental health services, homelessness, and immigration services are long overdue and much more beneficial for the community than an increase in cops and their gear. Public safety shouldn't rely on police officers, instead invest in social workers and other trained professionals who know how to deescalate situations and not abuse their power and brutalize the residents. Esmeralda Guerrero Location: Submitted At: 7:54am 06-09-20 My name is Esmeralda Guerrero and I live in Chula Vista. The City of Chula Vista is using 28% of its budget to fund police. This is a racist and inmoral budget. Public safety must include an investment in housing, health care, food, good jobs, education, free public transit and resources for small businesses and undocumented people. Invest in communities, not police. I reject the City of Chula Vista’s racist and inmoral budget. Decrease the police budget and invest in our communities by funding services that strengthen our communities. Isabella Fabiani Location: Submitted At: 7:46am 06-09-20 The US incarcerates more people than any other country, and a disgustingly disproportionate amount of the people who are killed and incarcerated by the police are Black. The recent 8-1 decision to approve to increase the San Diego police budget is racist and has proved to be ineffective in keeping communities safe. I demand that the City of Chula Vista supports its diverse community by DIVESTING in the police and directly INVESTING in things that strengthen the communities; such as inequitable housing, healthcare, COVID-19 resources, education, access to food and resources for undocumented people. Safety can only be increased when the San Diego Police Department is defunded and our communities are actually invested in. Lesly Gallegos-Stearns Location: Submitted At: 7:10am 06-09-20 It is unfair that the police department has more funds allocated than other sectors, when we as a community have observed how incompetent they are. Our communities need more funding in sectors such as transportation, parks/recreation, and libraries. Lack of education is what brings problems into our society, and as a community we have to think about what is better for us. I ask that you defund the police. The police budget is a racist budget. They don’t need that much money, and I truly feel they don’t deserve it. We don’t need more cops. We need better investment in our communities and on what truly matters to inspire and help the people that live here. STEPHANIE B. Location: Submitted At: 6:45am 06-09-20 I ask that you decrease the police budget and invest in our communities by funding services that strengthen our communities. The City of Chula Vista is using 28% of its budget to fund police. This is a racist and immoral budget. Public safety must include an investment in housing, health care, food, good jobs, education, free public transit and resources for small businesses and undocumented people. Increased policing makes our communities vulnerable to violence. Invest in communities, not police. During a pandemic, our communities need access to health care, housing, and food, not racist policing. Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) are already more impacted by this health and economic crisis, and increasing funding to police makes them even more vulnerable to violence. As issues of police brutality and state violence against Black communities and communities of color are highlighted, we need to talk about what real safety looks like. Our communities have experienced devastating loss at the hands of racist police. We remember what has happened to Earl McNeil, Raul Rivera, Jonathon Coronel, Aleah Jenkins, Alfred Olango, Sergio Weick, and James Lacey. Community safety is equitable access to housing and health care, not tear gas and rubber bullets. Lauren Reed Location: Submitted At: 6:23am 06-09-20 I reject the proposed FY2021 budget. Two things are equally clear: police are abusing their power and racism is still highly institutionalized in our country. it would be a better idea to redistribute funds to the community so we can grow and develop as a whole. It is apparent our society is focused on unnecessary defense rather than taking care of its people who really need it. Who are the police protecting when they arrest an innocent black man at a trolley station ? absolutely nobody. They're just wasting their time and further perpetuating racist ideologies. Phil Mamuad Location: Submitted At: 6:17am 06-09-20 I am a social worker by trade and have worked in Southeast San Diego and City Heights. I now live in Chula Vista but my link to Chula Vista has been for over 25 years via family. As a social worker I have watched budgets cut, in non-profits, education and job development while police budgets increase over the years. We are putting money in militarizing our police instead of finding solutions to homelessness, mental health and addiction. We are putting money in incarcerating our community members instead of finding ways to rehabilitate them. Our youth are angry and uncertain and they have every right to be because we are not doing enough. We need to rethink strategies in addressing housing, jobs, youth programming, arts and culture, restorative justice practices and leadership programs. The country is in the middle of a leadership crisis, a pandemic, and a militarized police. There is change around the corner and we are at a tipping point where we can make the difference and be the change that our youth and communities need. Why is 28% of the Chula Vista budget being allocated for police, while 0.01% is being allocated for economic development, 0.05% for Park and Rec, and 0.01% is allocated for local libraries? In these times, we need funding that promotes hope and change and not fear and anger. I am NOT for the proposed budget and expenditures for 2020-21. We can do better, and we must for our youth, families and all of our futures. Savannah Jodzio Location: Submitted At: 6:13am 06-09-20 Invest in the diverse community of Chula Vista. This community needs financial and social support that our budget has the resources to invest in only if half of it isn’t funneled into the CVPD. Police is known to be a corrupt institution rooted in racism. It is time to defund the police and pour the money back into the community who needs it. Be on the right side of history, listen to what the country is calling for. Listen to the citizens of Chula Vista. We need a people’s budget. Jaycee Toro Location: Submitted At: 5:58am 06-09-20 My name is Jaycee Toro and I live in Chula Vista. INVEST IN OUR COMMUNITY NOT POLICE The City of Chula Vista is using 28% of its budget to fund police! This is a racially irresponsible and immoral budget. Public safety must include an investment in housing, health care, food, good jobs, education, free public transit and resources for small businesses and undocumented people. We need to invest in better transit systems so that we can access jobs that are not available in our community. Increased policing makes our communities vulnerable to violence. During a pandemic, our communities need access to health care, housing, and food, not racist policing. Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) are already more impacted by this health and economic crisis, and increasing funding to police makes them even more vulnerable to violence. As issues of police brutality and state violence against Black communities and communities of color are highlighted, we need to talk about what real safety looks like. Our communities have experienced devastating loss at the hands of racist police. We remember what has happened to Earl McNeil, Raul Rivera, Jonathon Coronel, Aleah Jenkins, Alfred Olango, Sergio Weick, and James Lacey. Community safety is equitable access to housing and health care, not tear gas and rubber bullets. ASK: Reject the City of Chula Vista’s immoral budget. ASK: Decrease the police budget and invest in our communities by funding services that strengthen our communities. Luis Alvarez Location: Submitted At: 5:57am 06-09-20 Please lower the budget allocated to police and reinvest in our community. Annabelle P. Location: Submitted At: 5:57am 06-09-20 I oppose the FY2021 budget. The City of Chula Vista is using 28% of its budget to fund police. This is a racist and imoral budget. Public safety must include an investment in housing, health care, food, good jobs, education, free public transit and resources for small businesses and undocumented people. Increased policing makes our communities vulnerable to violence. Invest in communities, not police. During a pandemic, our communities need access to health care, housing, and food, not racist policing. Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) are already more impacted by this health and economic crisis, and increasing funding to police makes them even more vulnerable to violence. As issues of police brutality and state violence against Black communities and communities of color are highlighted, we need to talk about what real safety looks like. Our communities have experienced devastating loss at the hands of racist police. We remember what has happened to Earl McNeil, Raul Rivera, Jonathon Coronel, Aleah Jenkins, Alfred Olango, Sergio Weick, and James Lacey. Community safety is equitable access to housing and health care, not tear gas and rubber bullets. I ask that you reject the City of La Mesa’s racist and immoral budget. And I ask that you decrease the police budget and invest in our communities by funding services that strengthen our communities, rather than continue to perpetuate and create violence. Kasi Bodiford Location: Submitted At: 5:56am 06-09-20 I want to see more of our taxpayer dollars invested in communities in ways that treats the causes of crime rather than investing in more armed officers and more people in a prison system that doesn’t reform. I want to see more social workers, mental health workers, churches, healthcare, rent assist programs, healthy food sources and more creative solutions to public education than the public school currently system offers. It’s time for those of us who have more prioritize the needs of the marginalized. Marla Ramirez Location: Submitted At: 5:54am 06-09-20 The City of Chula Vista is using 28% of its budget to fund police. This is a racist and inmoral budget. Public safety must include an investment in housing, health care, food, good jobs, education, free public transit and resources for small businesses and undocumented people. Increased policing makes our communities vulnerable to violence. Invest in communities, not police. During a pandemic, our communities need access to health care, housing, and food, not racist policing. Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) are already more impacted by this health and economic crisis, and increasing funding to police makes them even more vulnerable to violence. As issues of police brutality and state violence against Black communities and communities of color are highlighted, we need to talk about what real safety looks like. Please invest into our community programs dedicated to: homelessness, mental health, education, and rent assistance. Maria Hosfield Location: Submitted At: 5:43am 06-09-20 I am opposed to the FY2021 budget and urge the Chula Vista City Council to consider defunding the police and reallocating funds to support the community. Time has showed that the police cause substantial harm and the fact that people have to protest during a pandemic to make this point is ridiculous. Funds should be used in ways that would better assist those most vulnerable in our community, such as healthcare and education. Jess Di Location: Submitted At: 5:37am 06-09-20 The budget needs to include revisions that better reflect the community's needs in light of hardships caused by the pandemic, economic downturn, and protests. More funds need to go to programs directly providing resources such as healthcare, housing. and food to the community, rather than to the police force or other areas. These community programs are the most efficient and transparent use of taxpayer money in these difficult and rapidly- changing times. Mitch Cadiz Location: Submitted At: 5:33am 06-09-20 I oppose the proposed budget for the 2021 fiscal year. Silvia Alvarado Location: Submitted At: 5:33am 06-09-20 I reject the proposed FY2021 budget. I call for the defunding of the Chula Vista Police Department and for those resources to be reallocated to education, food security, affordable housing, assistance for renters, mental health resources and assistance to the unemployed and the homeless. More money needs to go into our education system and healthcare workers! This budget is embarrassing. Michelle Posada Location: Submitted At: 5:23am 06-09-20 I oppose the FY21 Budget. The police do not make me or my family feel safe. Those funds can be better allocated towards mental health programs, school workers, essential workers, homelessness, and housing. Renelle Gadon Location: Submitted At: 5:00am 06-09-20 I oppose the proposed FY21 budget. The City of Chula Vista is using 28% of its budget to fund police. This is a racist and inmoral budget. Public safety must include an investment in housing, health care, food, good jobs, education, free public transit and resources for small businesses and undocumented people. Increased policing makes our communities vulnerable to violence. Invest in communities, not police. South CV and North CV hold the second and fourth highest confirmed cases of coronavirus as well as the second and fourth highest coronavirus average daily growth rate, respectively. During a pandemic, our communities need access to health care, housing, and food, not racist policing. Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) are already more impacted by this health and economic crisis, and increasing funding to police makes them even more vulnerable to violence. As issues of police brutality and state violence against Black communities and communities of color are highlighted, we need to talk about what real safety looks like. Our communities have experienced devastating loss at the hands of racist police. We remember what has happened to Earl McNeil, Raul Rivera, Jonathon Coronel, Aleah Jenkins, Alfred Olango, Sergio Weick, and James Lacey. Community safety is equitable access to housing and health care, not tear gas and rubber bullets. Rebeca Estrada Location: Submitted At: 4:57am 06-09-20 I reject the proposed FY2021 budget. I call for the defunding of the Chula Vista Police Department and for those resources to be reallocated to education, food security, affordable housing, assistance for renters, mental health resources and assistance to the unemployed and homeless folks. To better our communities, we need to be proactive not reactive. It is enraging that only 3% of the budget is going to public works projects while 47% of the budget is going toward the police. As well, we are in the middle of an economic crisis yet only 1% of the budget is going toward economic development. The currently proposed budget for FY2021 is embarrassing. Kaia Yager Location: Submitted At: 4:52am 06-09-20 Police do not make me feel safe. Instead of police, please consider funding essential community programs such as social workers, schools (including increasing funding for special needs students, undocumented students, art programs, mental health resources on campuses, and practical classes like home economics and shop classes), and housing for the housing insecure. Arlyn Angulo Location: Submitted At: 4:51am 06-09-20 I oppose the proposed budget for FY21. Vanessa Fierro Location: Submitted At: 4:49am 06-09-20 I strongly oppose on the FY21 budget. Police does not need more funding. Use this budget on schools, healthcare, housing support. Use these funds on making Chula Vista safe, police is just pushing us minorities down! Alexis Chanon Location: Submitted At: 4:47am 06-09-20 My name is Alexis and I live in Chula Vista . The City of Chula Vista is using 28% of its budget to fund police. This is a racist and inmoral budget. Public safety must include an investment in housing, health care, food, good jobs, education, free public transit and resources for small businesses and undocumented people. Increased policing makes our communities vulnerable to violence. Invest in communities, not police. During a pandemic, our communities need access to health care, housing, and food, not racist policing. Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) are already more impacted by this health and economic crisis, and increasing funding to police makes them even more vulnerable to violence. As issues of police brutality and state violence against Black communities and communities of color are highlighted, we need to talk about what real safety looks like. Our communities have experienced devastating loss at the hands of racist police. We remember what has happened to Earl McNeil, Raul Rivera, Jonathon Coronel, Aleah Jenkins, Alfred Olango, Sergio Weick, and James Lacey. Community safety is equitable access to housing and health care, not tear gas and rubber bullets. Reject the City of La Mesa’s racist and inmoral budget. Decrease the police budget and invest in our communities by funding services that strengthen our communities. Fund things that actually matter such as our education! Fund for affordable housing. I oppose the proposed budget! Dahlia Lopez Location: Submitted At: 4:38am 06-09-20 Cut the funds or defund all together. Margarita Limon Location: Submitted At: 4:29am 06-09-20 I’m a resident of Chula Vista and I strongly oppose the proposed budget. Police do not need anymore funding, that money should be allocated to community programs that will help Chula Vista residents. We need more funding for housing support, food security services and health services. COVID19 is still a serious situation and we need to make sure those who are more at risk have the resources they need to keep safe. This pandemic has shown us that the city is lacking in providing basic services to its residents. We do not need more police patrolling our streets, we need real benefits that will help residents stay safe. Lily Wang Location: Submitted At: 4:27am 06-09-20 Hello, I have lived and contributed to this community for a total of 10 years. For being such a diverse community, one thing I have always noticed is our own inequality in this town, depending on which side of the 805 you live. I strongly oppose the proposed budget to increase police funding that would also add more officers, which we do not need. What our community needs is to increase programs that have actually shown to improve people’s lives. More should be invested into mental health programs and housing for those in need. We do not need more police in our community, what we need is a better response for people in the community such as having a mental health clinician show up when someone is dealing with a mental health crisis, not an officer that does not understand what to do and has to handcuff said person and put them in a squad car to take them to a hospital for care. That is just one example of where our dollars could be better spent. Being a diverse city where if we claim to be safer than others, why would we need to increase the police force? Our money needs to be utilized to help our community where it counts - resources for education, homelessness, rent/housing/food assistance due to the pandemic and especially to areas of the city that need it the most. There’s a lot more areas our money needs to go to where it would actually benefit people. We need our money to benefit Black, Indigenous, and other people of color in our city. Angelica Garcia Location: Submitted At: 4:21am 06-09-20 I oppose the proposal and demand a decrease in the police budget. The proposed money in the police budget must be allocated to public safety instead. This include an investment in housing, health care, food, good jobs, education, free public transit and resources for small businesses and undocumented people. If you are not yet aware, many teachers have to buy their own pencils and paper because the city continuously neglects the education budget. This is unacceptable. Invest in the community, not in a system that threatens and kills the community. Aiden Bliss Location: Submitted At: 4:16am 06-09-20 I strongly oppose the proposed budget for 2020/2021. The notion that the CVPD needs more funding is absolutely ridiculous. Already, 28% of the city’s budget is direct toward law enforcement, nearly a third. Not education, not housing support, not food security, not community resources. You know better than that, it doesn’t make logical sense. It is incredibly important at this moment to invest in projects that will benefit our community for years to come. We should be funding schools to better educate our children. We should be funding housing support so everyone has a chance to enjoy our beautiful city, no matter their circumstances. Defund the police. Invest in our community. Thank you. Melissa Lizarraga Location: Submitted At: 4:13am 06-09-20 I reject the proposed FY2021 budget. I call for the defunding of the Chula Vista Police Department and for those resources to be reallocated to education, food security, affordable housing, assistance for renters, mental health resources and assistance to the unemployed and homeless folks. To better our communities, we need to be proactive not reactive. It is enraging that only 3% of the budget is going to public works projects while 47% of the budget is going toward the police. As well, we are in the middle of an economic crisis yet only 1% of the budget is going toward economic development. The currently proposed budget for FY2021 is embarrassing. Nolan Cervantes Location: Submitted At: 4:02am 06-09-20 I oppose the proposed budget to increase the police budget. The police have done more harm compared to their tries at justice. The budget is racist toward black, indigenous and people of color. The police target them over anybody else and that is wrong. The police department should be defunded for their lack of quality. This project money should go to rent relief because of COVID-19, parks, libraries, homelessness. Invest in the community to make it better, not a police department that threatens, hurts and beats the community it is supposed to serve. Brooke Farnum Location: Submitted At: 4:02am 06-09-20 My name is Brooke Farnum and I am a resident of Encinitas. While I do not live in Chula Vista, the policies that all of our surrounding areas adopt affect us all and therefore I am demanding you reject the City of La Mesa’s racist and immoral budget and decrease the police budget and invest in our communities by funding services that strengthen our communities. During a pandemic, our communities need access to health care, housing, and food, not racist policing. Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) are already more impacted by this health and economic crisis, and increasing funding to police makes them even more vulnerable to violence. As issues of police brutality and state violence against Black communities and communities of color are highlighted, we need to talk about what real safety looks like. Public safety must include an investment in housing, health care, food, good jobs, education, free public transit and resources for small businesses and undocumented people. Increased policing makes our communities vulnerable to violence. Our communities have experienced devastating loss at the hands of racist police. We remember what has happened to Earl McNeil, Raul Rivera, Jonathon Coronel, Aleah Jenkins, Alfred Olango, Sergio Weick, and James Lacey. We demand you oppose the proposed budget and invest in communities, not cops. Thank you for your time. Alexis Gutierrez King Location: Submitted At: 3:55am 06-09-20 I strongly oppose the proposed budget for 2020/2021. We need to be giving more funding to our schools, housing department, and community centers. A safer neighborhood begins with resources. I would feel safer in a community without armed officers meant to intimidate and target minorities. Oriana Betancourt Location: Submitted At: 3:54am 06-09-20 I strongly oppose the budget for FY21. The police department does almost nothing for this community and there is no need to allocate this money to them when there are other departments that are severely underfunded. Our community needs more funding into its schools, health services, housing support, and food security. The police have not deescalated violence, but have only instigated it by abusing their power. These are not just a few “bad apples”, but a system that condones the behaviors of individuals who use excessive force and violence. There are no “good apple” cops when those are the ones turning a blind eye to the actions of their colleagues. In my own experience with the CV Police Department, they came into my home with guns drawn without a warrant which led to them handcuffing me in front of all my neighbors even after we explained that we lived in the house. The whole situation was traumatizing and humiliating, my home was invaded by them and they did not even apologize. This was all based off a call made by Steve Padilla himself, who racially profiled my black male friend and said he was “breaking and entering” into my home even though I let him in from inside the house. He was clearly racially profiling my friend which led to the excessive force used the police and forcing themselves into my home despite doing NOTHING wrong. The police are violence enablers and in order to change this they must be DEFUNDED and dismantled not “reformed”. INVEST IN OUR COMMUNITY! Lucia Mosca Location: Submitted At: 3:41am 06-09-20 I oppose the proposed budget. The police budget should not be increased and the funds allocated to it from discreationary revenue should be reallocated. Instead, these funds should be used to invest in affordable housing, rent relief (especially during the COVID-19 pandemic), libraries, free public transportation, environmental sustainability, education, and parks. Invest in the community, not police employment, training, weapons, or “reform”. Ciarlene Coleman Location: Submitted At: 3:39am 06-09-20 My name is Ciarlene Coleman and I live in Chula VistaThe City of Chula Vista is using 28% of its budget to fund police. Increased policing makes our communities vulnerable to violence. Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) are already more impacted by this health and economic crisis, and increasing funding to police makes them even more vulnerable to violence. During a pandemic, our communities need access to health care, housing, and food, not racist policing. Our communities have experienced devastating loss at the hands of racist police. We remember what has happened to Earl McNeil, Raul Rivera, Jonathon Coronel, Aleah Jenkins, Alfred Olango, Sergio Weick, and James Lacey. Community safety is equitable access to housing and health care, not tear gas and rubber bullets. I ask that City Council reject the proposed budget for FY2021, defund the Chula Vista Police Department, and reallocate funds toward rental assistance and relief for those negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. I thank the Council for their time and please remember, Black lives matter. Dylan Sparks Location: Submitted At: 3:36am 06-09-20 I strongly oppose the budget for FY 2020/21.The City of Chula Vista already uses 28% of its budget to fund police--we do not need to increase their funding. Increasing police funding in the middle of a global pandemic and national recession is racist and immoral. Public safety must include an investment in housing, health care, food, good jobs, education, free public transit and resources for small businesses and undocumented people. Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) are already more impacted by this health and economic crisis, and increasing funding to police makes them even more vulnerable to violence. As issues of police brutality and state violence against Black communities and communities of color are highlighted, we need to talk about what real safety looks like. Community safety is equitable access to housing and health care, not tear gas and rubber bullets. We must invest in communities, not police. I ask City Council to reject the proposal to increase the police budget. I also ask City Council to decrease the police budget and reallocate those funds by investing in services that strengthen our communities. Cesar Mercado Location: Submitted At: 3:36am 06-09-20 strongly reject the proposed budget for FY21. It is appalling how, even after all the violence we've seen police instigate in the past weeks, we are still seeing an increase in monetary support going to the police department. Police already take up almost half the budget, and it is unacceptable how we are prioritizing people (who don't even do their jobs) over public services that are extremely underfunded. If you think reform will work, then you are wrong. Racist cops don't care about de-escalation or reformation. They don't care about nonviolent tactics and trainings. Its time to not fear the police and their unions who police themselves.....what a joke! They will continue to do harm unless we take power away from them. Are you all blind to how human lives are being lost at the hands of police? Are you all blind to how many lower class citizens are seen in Chula Vista? We need a people's budget. We need better, anti-racist systems run by the community. If you value justice and equity and basic human rights, then you will reject the budget and redistribute the money to public services. Because everyone deserves to feel safe and supported by their communities. Black Lives Matter! Nathan Kinsella Location: Submitted At: 3:35am 06-09-20 I oppose any budget that doesn’t decrease police funding and reinvest in housing, mental health, infrastructure, and programs to provide for the lowest income workers. Criminalizing the things that you don’t want to see doesn’t make them go away, so get to the roots of the problem. Policing was founded on upholding white supremacy and that’s still it’s role. Minneapolis has many of the major police reforms that you think might help but it didn’t fix the problem there. Learn from what Minneapolis is doing before you have to learn it the same way they did. Reduce the police budget by millions. Elena Gutierrez Location: Submitted At: 3:35am 06-09-20 Decrease the police budget and invest in the communities by funding services that strengthen the communities Stelle Andrade Location: Submitted At: 3:34am 06-09-20 Public safety must include an investment in housing, health care, food, good jobs, education, free public transit and resources for small businesses and undocumented people. During a pandemic, our communities need access to health care, housing, and food, not racist policing. julia smiley Location: Submitted At: 3:30am 06-09-20 I oppose the proposed budget FY21. This money should not be put into a racist police system that actively works to oppress people of color. We the people demand that this money be reallocated to programs that support the black community and the education system. I encourage you all to reevaluate our community's priorities and stop fueling the divide between authorities and the American people. Abby Miller Location: Submitted At: 3:17am 06-09-20 I reject the proposed budget for 2021. Defund police and fund the community. Mikayla Obispo Location: Submitted At: 3:03am 06-09-20 I strongly reject the proposed budget for FY21. It is appalling how, even after all the violence we've seen police instigate the past two weeks, we are still seeing an increase in monetary support going to the police department. Police already take up almost half the budget, and it is unacceptable how we are prioritizing people (who don't even do their jobs) over public services that are extremely underfunded. If you think reform will work, then you are wrong. Racist cops don't care about de-escalation. They don't care about nonviolent tactics and trainings. They will continue to do harm unless we take power away from them. Are you all blind to how human lives are being lost at the hands of police? Are you all blind to how many lower class citizens are seen in Chula Vista? I took the trolley every day for my commute, and every day, I saw these people who deserved better support from their government. We need a people's budget. We need better, anti-racist systems run by the community. If you value justice and equity and basic human rights, then you will reject the budget and redistribute the money to public services. Because everyone deserves to feel safe and supported by their communities. Black Lives Matter. Ginnie Mejia Location: Submitted At: 8:59pm 06-08-20 I am strongly opposed to the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2020/2021. Our city should not be increasing the police budget, which already accounts for more than a quarter of our spending. That is ridiculous. In this time, when many of our citizens are unemployed, facing uncertain finances and healthcare, there are more important things to put our money towards. We need to increase budgets for our schools, libraries, and public parks. We need rent relief for people suffering through unemployment. We need easy and free access to Covid19 testing. That money can be cut from the police budget and reallocated to services that build our community up. The money left in the police budget should be reorganized to put more emphasis on training, rather than providing them with bigger, shinier, more deadly equipment. Allison Estaris Location: Submitted At: 7:01pm 06-08-20 I reject the FY21 proposed general fund police budget. I am in favor of reallocating those funds towards the housing authority for rent relief in addition to fair and affordable housing. Public safety is ensured when there is equitable access to housing. Furthermore, I would like to see more funding allocated towards schools, libraries, and parks and recreation, environment and sustainability, cultural arts and animal care. Agenda Item: eComments for Deleted Agenda Item Overall Sentiment Jose Toledo Location: Submitted At: 11:12am 06-07-20 What was the selection criteria for appointing the new city manager? Who made the decision? Why is there not more transparency for an important hire such as this one? Agenda Item: eComments for 10. 20-0239 CONSIDERATION OF APPOINTING THE CITY MANAGER AND APPROVING THE CITY MANAGER EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHULA VISTA APPOINTING MARIA KACHADOORIAN AS CITY MANAGER EFFECTIVE JUNE 20, 2020 AND APPROVING THE CITY MANAGER EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT Overall Sentiment Tino Martinez Location: Submitted At: 5:44pm 06-09-20 SHAME ON ALL OF YOU! There was not a single person (besides your friends) that "supported" this item on your special meeting. SO WHY ARE WE HERE TRYING TO GET OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS TO LISTEN TO US? You all are tyrants. Shame on you Kerry Bigelow Location: 91910, Northwest, Chula Vista Submitted At: 1:48am 06-09-20 COMMENT SUBMITTED BY Jose Toledo: What was the selection criteria for appointing the new city manager? Who made the decision? Why is there not more transparency for an important hire such as this one?