6You don't often get email from boomer@chispaoc.org. Learn why this is important
Date:9/9/2025 11:57:41 AM
From:"Bulmaro Vicente" boomer@chispaoc.org
To:"Public Comment" publiccomment@anaheim.net
Subject:[EXTERNAL] 9.09.25 Public Comment - Chispa Letter of Opposition Item 6
Attachment:9.09.25 Chispa Opposition Letter Item 6_ Authorization to Purcase 40mm Le ss Le thal We apons .pdf;
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Hi,
Please find Chispa's Letter of Opposition for Item 6.
I n Solidar it y ,
Boomer
Policy and Political Dir ector | Chispa
e: boomer @chispaoc.org
1 5 05 E 1 7th Str eet Suit e 1 1 7 Sant a Ana, CA 92705
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September 9, 2025
Mayor Ashleigh Aitken and Members of the City Council
City of Anaheim
200 S. Anaheim Blvd.
Anaheim, CA 92805
RE: Opposition to Item 6 – Authorization to Purchase 40mm “Less Lethal” Weapons
Dear Mayor Aitken and Members of the Anaheim City Council,
On behalf of Chispa, we write in strong opposition to Item 6, which would authorize the Anaheim Police
Department to spend $821,323.23 to purchase 40mm projectile launchers and related parts under Master
Agreement #106-498427.
Equipping every patrol vehicle with these launchers represents an unnecessary and harmful expansion of
militarization in our community. The framing of these weapons as “less lethal” does not change the fact
that their presence escalates the potential for force, erodes public trust, and signals an aggressive culture
toward residents rather than a commitment to de-escalation and safety. Officers are already armed with
firearms and other tools; the addition of projectile launchers in every vehicle only increases the likelihood
of their use and heightens the risks to community members.
Our communities are already living with heightened fear due to ongoing ICE raids and the knowledge that
ICE holds the largest militarized police budget in U.S. history. Adding more tactical weaponry to our
local police department only builds that fear and raises the possibility of these weapons being deployed
against vulnerable residents, particularly immigrant families who already face disproportionate levels of
surveillance and harm.
Anaheim residents have consistently called for investments in housing, youth programs, and mental
health—not more militarization. At a time when community needs are urgent and resources scarce, it is
unacceptable to divert nearly a million dollars toward militarized equipment. True public safety comes
from addressing root causes of harm, not from arming officers with projectile launchers.
For these reasons, Chispa urges you to vote NO on Item 6 and reject this purchase. Our city should
prioritize investments that keep families safe, supported, and thriving—not expand police militarization.
Sincerely,
Bulmaro Vicente
Policy and Political Director
Chispa