News Summary
Santa Ana Councilmember Johnathan Hernandez faces an investigation following allegations from police officers regarding defamation, harassment, and retaliation. The city council voted to investigate amid concerns of transparency and First Amendment rights. Support and opposition among council members hint at a divided stance on the issue, with residents voicing their differing opinions. Hernandez’s past conduct raises questions about his role and behavior as an elected official, as the community awaits further developments.
Santa Ana Councilmember Johnathan Hernandez is under investigation following complaints filed by three police officers from the Santa Ana Police Department. The complaints, which allege defamation, harassment, and retaliation against specific officers, arose from Hernandez’s critical remarks, including labeling some officers as “killer cops.” The city council took action by voting 4-2 to direct city staff to investigate the allegations against him.
Mayor Valerie Amezcua and councilmembers Phil Bacerra, Thai Viet Phan, and David Penaloza supported the investigation, while councilmembers Benjamin Vasquez and Jessie Lopez opposed it. The details of the complaints were discussed in a closed session, leading to public calls for transparency regarding the proceedings. Following the filing of the complaints, one of the officers initiated a civil lawsuit against Hernandez, claiming a violation of the city charter.
During the city council meeting, Hernandez recused himself from the discussion but still made comments while wearing a shirt that referenced his cousin, Brandon Lopez, who died under circumstances that led Hernandez to criticize police conduct. Hernandez argues that the investigation is an attempt to silence his viewpoint and infringes upon his First Amendment rights.
The council’s attorney, Sonia Carvalho, outlined that a formal censure is a serious reprimand that could limit Hernandez’s abilities to serve in certain capacities, although it does not remove him from office. Councilmember Sue suggested Hernandez should refrain from participating in police-related discussions due to his history with the department.
Amezcua voiced concerns that Hernandez’s allegations could expose the city to costly litigation, pointing towards a history of similar issues as a potential pattern of behavior. In the past, Hernandez faced restrictions for being “overly involved” in city event planning, including a year-long restriction from serving as mayor pro tem and being required to undertake training on collaboration with staff.
The council is expected to receive a report detailing the investigation’s findings in January. The situation has drawn attention from residents, some of whom voiced their support for Hernandez, expressing that the investigation could be seen as an instance of censorship or retaliation against his criticisms of the police. The president of the Santa Ana Police Officers Association expressed support for the investigation and due process, underscoring a commitment to ensuring that all parties involved contribute to a fair resolution.
This investigation follows a trend of previous complaints from various city employees regarding Hernandez’s conduct, raising further questions about his behavior as an elected official and its implications for his role in the council. The community is now closely watching the developments, mindful of issues of governance, accountability, and the intricate relationship between elected officials and law enforcement in the city.
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Additional Resources
- OC Register: Censure or Censorship?
- Wikipedia: Santa Ana, California
- Los Angeles Times: Hernandez Probe
- Google Search: Santa Ana Councilmember Johnathan Hernandez
- OC Register: Dashcams for Police Vehicles
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Police
- OC Register: Councilman to Take Training
- Google News: Santa Ana Council News
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
