This press release just came in from the David Benavides for Mayor Campaign:
Santa Ana Police Officers Back David Benavides for Mayor
Cops on the Beat Call Benavides “the Responsible Choice” in Santa Ana Mayoral Race
Santa Ana, CA– Saying he is the responsible choice to lead the City, the Santa Ana Police Officers Association (SAPOA) announced its backing of David Benavides for Mayor. The SAPOA represents more than 520 sworn and non-sworn Santa Ana Police Officers, retired police officers and reserve officers of the Santa Ana Police Department.
“Even though Forbes magazine named Santa Ana one of America’s safest cities, we face several challenges to keep our streets safe. That’s why we are supporting David’s campaign for mayor,” said SAPOA President John Franks. “We know we can count on his continued support for public safety and ensuring our officers have the tools they need to prevent crime and protect our neighborhoods. David is the responsible choice for voters in Santa Ana.”
Recently, Forbes magazine named Santa Ana one of America’s safest cities, based on falling violent crime and pedestrian-fatality rates. However, law enforcement officials noted several challenges to public safety, including an on-going statewide budget crisis and recently enacted changes to the state correctional system.
“I am deeply grateful and extremely honored to have the support of the police officers who risk their lives for us every day and who played a key role in dramatically reducing our city’s crime rate,” said Benavides. “Everyone throughout Santa Ana deserves a safe community. As Mayor, one of my top priorities will be to continue to work closely with law enforcement to make our streets even safer.”
David is currently a member of the Santa Ana City Council, serving on its transportation, public safety and neighborhood improvement committees. Throughout his professional career he has served the community, founding two neighborhood associations and working as the director of KidWorks in Santa Ana. At KidWorks, he helped lead a multi-million dollar capital campaign for a new 10,000 square foot community center to better serve the at-risk youth and families in some of the most under-served neighborhoods of Orange County.
David recently earned the support of a majority of the Santa Ana City Council, including Councilmembers Michele Martinez, Vince Sarmiento and Sal Tinajero. He also has the backing of Santa Ana Unified School District Trustees John Palacio and Roman Reyna and Rancho Santiago Community College District Trustee Mark McLoughlin.
To learn more about David, visit www.DavidBenavides.com.
and this came in just before 5PM:
Santa Ana Police Officers Association Support Alderete with Powerful Endorsement
Santa Ana, California –Eric M. Alderete’s campaign for Santa Ana City Council (Ward 3) received another powerful endorsement. Alderete announced today that the Santa Ana Police Officers Association (SAPOA) endorsed his candidacy for Ward 3. The SAPOA joins other recent endorsements by the Orange County Labor Federation and the Democratic Party of Orange County.
“Eric Alderete is committed to keeping our kids and neighborhoods safe,” said SAPOA President John Franks. “We know he understands that a safe city is critical to the continued growth of Santa Ana and we are proud to endorse his campaign for the Ward 3 seat on the Santa Ana City Council.”
“It is a great honor to have the support of the men and women of the Santa Ana Police Officers Association,” said Alderete. “The SAPOA’s endorsement carries great significance with Santa Ana residents. I look forward to working closely with them over the course of our campaign.”
The Santa Ana Police Officers Association is comprised of sworn and non-sworn Santa Ana Police Officers, retired police officers and reserve officers of the Santa Ana Police Department. They are dedicated to making Santa Ana a safer place to live and work.
A strong advocate for economic development, public safety and education, Alderete is the Chairman of the Santa Ana Planning Commission and serves on the Board of Directors of the Santa Ana College Foundation. There, he has helped sustain the college’s Veterans Resource Center which provides academic counseling and guidance to military veteran students. Alderete holds a Bachelor of Arts and law degrees from the University of California, Berkeley and a Master in City Planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He works as Vice President of a major Southern California company.
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The SA PD needs to be disbanded and be replaced by the Sheriff. The SAPD and its assocation exert too much influence
Jeff, you better do a reality check because the Orange County Sheriff’s Association is the most powerful law enforcement group in Orange County. Santa Ana is a highly professional organization committed to the concept of Community Policing. By not liking them, one might conclude that you have had an enncounter of the up close and personal type and are biased? Want to share that with inquiring minds?
Wow no mention of this endorsement on NSA but there is a story for Eric’s endorsement Pedroza is setting up Pulido’s new website. Don’t worry Sean. We will ask him for links to Black Girls Magazine.