Santa Paula mayor says police won’t actively assist in immigration enforcement; highlights pavement plans

Carlos Juarez, who said he was selected by council members to serve as mayor this year, opened with community greetings and several policy and operational priorities for the city.

On policing and immigration enforcement, Juarez said the police department "will not actively assist in in immigration enforcement actions," while adding that the department is bound to assist a federal or other agency if requested. He described that position as an assurance from the police chief and department.

Juarez also highlighted recent local ballot measures he said residents approved. "Just recently, as you know, the residents also voted for measure r. This will improve and increase the ability for the city to fast track our pavement management plan over the next 5 years," he said, adding that streets and sidewalks are included in planned infrastructure work.

The mayor said the city recently conducted an employee survey aimed at improving recruitment and retention and said staffing — especially in public safety — will be emphasized as the city grows. He noted planned updates on project progress and cautioned the public the city will notify residents of any delays and the reasons for them.

Juarez closed by linking public safety, economic development and infrastructure as priorities for the year and said the council is ready to begin work on those items.