News Summary
Santa Ana Councilmember Johnathan Hernandez is under investigation following complaints from police officers, with the City Council voting in favor of the inquiry. While the council opted against censure, Mayor Amezcua cautioned about potential litigation stemming from the complaints. Hernandez, who has faced previous allegations, has expressed concerns over police accountability and civil rights, particularly regarding a police shooting involving his cousin. The investigation results are expected to be reported in early January.
Santa Ana Councilmember Johnathan Hernandez is the subject of an investigation initiated by complaints from three Santa Ana police officers. The City Council voted 4-2 in favor of the inquiry during a meeting on Tuesday, but the council decided against starting a censure process against Hernandez. Mayor Valerie Amezcua highlighted the council’s duty to maintain accountability among its members, warning that the complaints might lead to costly litigation for the city.
During the City Council meeting, Hernandez recused himself from the discussion but addressed the audience, where he claimed that the Santa Ana Police Department has cost the city millions in lawsuits. He reiterated his dedication to civil rights and criticized the alleged harassment of city employees. Hernandez made his statements while wearing a t-shirt that read, “Arrest the cops who killed Brandon Lopez,” a reference to a police shooting involving his cousin in 2021. Two years following the incident, the California Department of Justice cleared the officers involved.
Hernandez alleged that two officers who filed complaints against him are currently embroiled in police shootings under investigation by the state DOJ. One officer claimed that Hernandez’s cousin was armed during the shooting, a point that was later discredited as the officers mistook a water bottle for a firearm. Hernandez warned that censoring him might lead to a legal fight over free speech rights.
John Kachirisky, the president of the Santa Ana Police Officers Association, lent support to the investigation, pointing out that the complaints were made without the backing of the police union. He stressed that each officer has the right to file complaints independently, while underscoring the need for Hernandez to foster a respectful workplace as their ‘boss’.
Councilmember Phil Becerra expressed that it is critical to allow council members freedom of discourse, invoking the importance of the First Amendment. In contrast, Councilmember Jessie Lopez questioned the necessity for a new investigation, given that a prior HR investigation had already examined similar complaints. Councilmember Thai Viet Phan advocated for a comprehensive investigation under the council’s ethics code, citing the repeated nature of the complaints against Hernandez. Mayor Amezcua issued a caution that Hernandez’s remarks could provoke litigation against the city.
The council has scheduled the investigation’s findings to be reported back to them in early January. This development adds to Hernandez’s history with city employees; a previous investigation upheld three out of four complaints against him, leading to a one-year restriction from serving as mayor pro tem.
This situation in Santa Ana mirrors ongoing national discussions regarding police accountability and the conduct of public officials. The city now faces the challenge of navigating the potential legal implications stemming from Hernandez’s outspoken criticism of the police union and the complaints raised by officers under his supervision.
As the investigation progresses, many in Santa Ana are looking to see how it will unfold in light of prior incidents and its implications for civil rights within the community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Trial Underway for Son Accused of Killing Parents and Housekeeper
Santa Ana Considers Mandatory Dashcams for Police Vehicles
Investigation Underway Following Attempted Kidnapping in Westminster
Newport Beach Man Pleads Not Guilty in Triple Homicide
Tesla Crashes Into Newport Beach Home, Kids Escape Harm
Fatal Collision on San Diego Freeway Claims Driver’s Life
Mother Sentenced for Child Abuse in Fountain Valley
Tragic E-Bike Crash Claims Life of 16-Year-Old in Newport Beach
Santa Ana’s $3 Million Police Union Overpayment Raises Concerns
Tragic Accident Claims Life of Young Boy in Newport Beach
Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Hernandez Investigation
- Wikipedia: Santa Ana, California
- Orange County Register: Censure or Censorship?
- Google Search: Santa Ana Councilmember Johnathan Hernandez
- ABC7: Mayor Amezcua Responds
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Santa Ana
- Los Angeles Times: Santa Ana’s Councilman Admonishment
- Google News: Santa Ana Council
- Orange County Register: Councilman Training
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.
