Last week, a gang sweep in Santa Ana netted 85 arrests. By a strange coincidence, it was leaked to the media that one of the arrestees is the brother of Councilwoman Michele Martinez, who, coincidentally, is challenging the re-election of Mayor-for-Life Miguel Pulido.

I don't have any proof this was leaked to damage Martinez's campaign, but it sure looks fishy. Regardless, it's pretty low to attempt to taint someone with the deeds of a family member. A person can't help who their relatives who, and they aren't responsible for their behavior as adults. This isn't a tactic confined to any particular faction in Santa Ana politics. A similar tarring was attempted by a critic of 2006 council candidate Jennifer Villesenor.

The news about her brother prompted Councilwoman Martinez to issue this press release yesterday:

Michele Martinez Responds to Santa Ana Gang Arrests
 
Santa Ana- I want to make it clear that I will not tolerate gang violence regardless of who is involved.  The city has been complacent and lethargic in responding to gang activity.  I am driven to break this counterproductive culture.  I have advocated significant investment in community policing to help curtail gang violence.  By developing relationships with neighbors and identifying hot-spot areas, officers can cultivate strategies that address crime at its source.  Commitment to this plan has proven to be one of the most effective ways to deter crime.
 
Furthermore, I will continue to support after school programs and community outreach that help divert young people away from gangs and unlawful activities.  I have contributed much time and personal funds to several scholarships and non-profit organizations.  Combating gangs through the enrichment of the youth will always be an impetus to my involvement in Santa Ana Politics.         
 
In addition, I have addressed the need to promote wellness and sustainability in the community.  I understand that health problems can devastate families and lead to insecurity in neighborhoods.  By creating an environment where people are encouraged to and can lead healthy lives, we can eliminate a core source of instability.  Through my deep involvement in the community, I have been at the forefront of producing positive change.  I hope you join me as we continue to tackle the issues that affect the people of Santa Ana. This is the reason I am running for mayor.
 
The recent accusations associating me with the actions of my brother have been outright false and misleading by my opposition. Any crimes that he has committed were done solely on his own discretion.  As an active member in the community and Councilwoman, I have dedicated myself to promoting a safe and healthy environment.  The following are facts of some of my accomplishments:

•    Authored the Early Prevention and Intervention Commission, an advisory board to address issues related to gangs and at-risk youth (http://www.ci.santa-ana.ca.us/cm/mmartinez.asp).
•    Received Orange County United Way's 2008 Hispanic Influentials award for efforts in addressing the inequalities in the Latino community and empowering others (http://campusapps.fullerton.edu/news/inside/2008, 2-11-08).
•    Recognized as an "Emerging Latina of the Year" in 2007 by the National Latina Business Women Association (http://campusapps.fullerton.edu/news/inside/2008 /martinez_michele.html, 2-11-08)
•    Helped develop the million-pound challenge to address the obesity problem in Santa Ana (http://www.ocregister.com/articles/city-santa-million-2015547-pounds-challenge, 4-12-08).
•    Gained local accolades for significant work on the Project Pride Program, a nationally recognized after-school gang prevention program (http://www.ci.santa-ana.ca.us/cm/mmartinez.asp).
•      Helped provide college outreach, cultural awareness, and encouraged community service for high school students as a Board Member for FLAMA and the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Ana (http://www.ci.santa-ana.ca.us/cm/mmartinez.asp).
•      Awarded Orange County's Youth of the Year for serving as a positive role model and for personal achievements in the community (http://www.ci.santa-ana.ca.us/cm/mmartinez.asp).