“Ever since the chief was placed on leave there has been so much community shock and sadness,” and Connie Tushla said it is obvious that the investigation is “way too much about way too little.” Santa Paula’s countywide lead in annual population increase could also be attributed to strong public safety, but Tushla said MacKinnon has improved the city in other ways including his involvement with Singular Santa Paula.
The online and cable television programming that highlights different aspects of the city and its residents has proven to be a positive marketing tool that Tushla, the executive producer, said MacKinnon has a lead role in as senior director. “Without his participation we will have to cancel” Singular Santa Paula. MacKinnon, she added, is admired countywide and is “an exemplary chief of police.”
Tushla questioned why the city now has interim leaders of various departments, “good people,” but not holding the professional qualifications required. She asked how much the city is spending on supplemental consultants, and noted the upcoming move to perhaps replace the law firm representing the city.
The chief, she noted, “does the work of five people.... Wise men make mistakes, wise men correct mistakes. A vote to remove Steve MacKinnon would be a vote against excellence.”
Andrew Castaneda had praise for the council and said they should not give in to those “who want to bully you in your final determination on this matter.” He also noted the “mob mentality” of MacKinnon’s supporters and urged the council to use those “cojones that were entrusted to you.”
“I’m here as one of the mob,” said Dr. Richard Tushla, who said the action against MacKinnon was “painful, divisive, harmful, and so petty and avoidable from my perspective.... Take a deep breath and say let’s just do what’s right.”
Betsy Blanchard Chess said she is a fourth generation Santa Paulan, now living in Ventura, who has worked with MacKinnon on the annual Moonlight at the Ranch event benefiting public safety. “I came for the party” and then stayed “for the amazing organization,” the committee headed by MacKinnon that has created Ventura County’s signature event and raised more than $250,000 for public safety.
“I’ve never seen a leader as energetic, as creative, as hard working as Chief MacKinnon. He is the best, the essence of Santa Paula.” Chess told the council, “The real Santa Paula is better than this. Please stop what appears to be a tawdry little witch hunt, and reinstate the chief.”
More speakers followed: Pastor David McKeever said MacKinnon spearheaded the Police Clergy Council that helps brings peace to the city, and has created positive programs ranging from intervention in senior abuse and helping the incarcerated to school children. He noted there is “no mob uprising, but I am concerned the peace of Santa Paula has been disrupted,” and McKeever said his prayer for the city is “that resolution comes quickly, may God’s peace return to our city.”
“I am not a bully, but I am pissed,” said Bob Orlando, who disputed Gonzales remarks to the media that MacKinnon received a certificate of appreciation presented by the Chamber because of the chief’s “obvious support of their interests.... I interpret this” as meaning the council and Chamber have different interests when it comes to the betterment of Santa Paula. “Please resolve this matter quickly,” he added, “and to the betterment of this community.”
Robert Bayer said he is a former prosecutor and attorney who has experience in employment matters and who was a member of the Police Management Audit Committee, a study done before MacKinnon joined the force. MacKinnon carried out the report’s recommendations, and has “done an exemplary job... I support almost everything I’ve heard about the chief.”
A wise manager, said Bayer, “evaluates things in context,” and “every day the chief is on suspension there is one less officer on the street.... This community can’t have that,” or dissension in the Santa Paula Police Department. “It is costing this community emotionally and financially having this matter drag out,” and Bayer urged that the issue be resolved “to the good of the community, and bring the chief back.”
MacKinnon has gained respect as a chief and community booster, and Marleen Canniff said the council also works very hard. But, “Something is not working here,” and “from the get-go” the investigation has not allowed the chief to “retain his dignity; this almost has been like a public display to humiliate him.... I can only turn to the council and request that this not become more of an embarrassment,” as they will be held accountable.
Tisa Grant gave her time to Anita Pulido, who continued her questions to the council including whether or not the body had any suggestions of input to Fontes on the issue, and whether or not the city manager had met with MacKinnon to discuss general SPPD issues. She also questioned whether or not the council had requested such a report.
“I know that all the people that should have been interviewed” for the investigation were not, and Pulido said the situation “reminds me of that incident long ago, stripped of His garments by elected officials.”
Talia Wunder said against the advice of people outside the area she moved to Santa Paula, where she opened a successful business. MacKinnon’s efforts, she noted, have done much to improve the city’s reputation, and she questioned why the media had information about the details of the investigation that the council claimed otherwise.
Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center President Dianne Rowley said the ribbon cutting at the county’s first no-kill animal shelter is coming up, and that much of the credit for the organization’s creation is due strictly to MacKinnon’s “tireless efforts” over a period of more than two years. She noted, “When we have our ribbon-cutting May 26 we will consider it a real shame if Chief MacKinnon in his official capacity as chief of police is not there holding one end of that ribbon.”
Steve Smead said he is “looking for the truth,” and said his own dealings with the chief have been “nothing less than professional; and I agree with statements about what he has done.” But the truth “has to come out as soon as possible,” and it is up to MacKinnon to clear his name by releasing the details of the now released investigation. “He is the only person who can clear this up quickly,” whether good or bad, and Smead asked, “Please resolve this issue as promptly and fairly as possible.”
MacKinnon’s betterment of the Santa Paula Police Department helped overcome outside perceptions, and that, Leslie Nichols said, benefited Santa Paula Theater Center theatergoers. “So I was pretty horrified when I was driving home” and heard a radio news report on MacKinnon’s being placed on leave, “and no one was talking.... This extreme action besmirches a man who not only is doing his job well, but also helps create an environment” of strong public and community service. People are aware of the duties of the chief of police and, she added, “Many of us know this man and this action seems punitive... and as a citizen I feel compelled to protest.”
Nils Rueckert, chairman of the SPPD Police Memorial Committee, said Police Department respect for MacKinnon is obvious. “I saw him as someone on duty 24 hours a day, fulfilling a critical official role in our city,” as well as a strong advocate of community events where “you could not miss that sharp uniform and his always immaculate appearance, but he just tried to blend in, simply working - the key word is working - alongside others at these events.”
Rueckert said he views MacKinnon as “someone who is obviously very proud of and dedicated to his profession and the Santa Paula community. Our Police Memorial is a reflection of all the qualities you hope for in a police officer - professionalism, putting your life on the line, setting an example, dedication, caring - all qualities epitomized by Chief MacKinnon.”
Mark Hanson was interim police chief when MacKinnon was hired, and later became his assistant chief. “When Steve came I helped him get up and running, and have great respect for the man.” Hanson said the city has a record of “past practices” in dealing with spending that might be questionable.
Once an officer’s $300 city cell phone bill was questioned and resolved, “life goes on.... Steve MacKinnon always says ‘Let’s do the right thing.’ I ask you to do the right thing,” said Hanson, and “put him back to work for the people of Santa Paula... any time he is not on the job we are losing.”
