ANAHEIM – A councilwoman is asking for the public’s help to pay for the funeral of a man shot by Anaheim police officers.

Anaheim Councilwoman Lorri Galloway sent an email to about 100 friends and supporters asking them to consider giving money to Manuel Diaz’s family to bury him.

“Dear Friends, the most unspeakable sorrow in life is for a parent to bury a child,” the email says. “Genevieve Huizar is the mother of Manual Diaz who was shot on Anna Drive two weeks ago. She is struggling to raise enough money for her son’s burial. … Would you kindly consider helping? …God bless you, Lorri Galloway.”

Galloway said she did hear some criticism that she was taking sides on the officer-involve shooting, but “I was overwhelmed by a positive response from people saying it was a good thing to do.”

Critics have charged that a city official shouldn’t appear as if she’s taking a position against police officers in an incident that has led to a lawsuit against the city. Diaz, who police said was a known gang member, was shot and killed by police on July 21. Police union leaders say Diaz was running from police and reached for an object in his waist band. Some in the neighborhood said they witnessed the incident and he was unarmed and his shooting death was unjustified; numerous protests have followed.

Diaz’s mother filed a $50 million lawsuit against Anaheim.

“This has nothing to do with taking sides, it only has to do with a mother’s love and sorrow and her inability right now to pay to bury her son,” Galloway said.

Theresa Smith, whose son Caesar Cruz was shot and killed in 2009, said she respects Galloway for making the request.

“I just wish that kind of compassion and (financial) help was there for all of us,” Smith said.

Galloway sent the message via email and Facebook on Friday, with a link to a website for donations.

Dana Douglas, the attorney for Diaz’s mother, said she was unaware of the request but added: “We are grateful for her efforts – for any efforts to help the family and the community heal.”

Douglas wouldn’t say how much was collected through the fund but said a funeral for Diaz – for invited friends and family only – will be held Thursday afternoon in Diamond Bar.

National Night Out canceled in Anaheim What: Displays by police, fire and community volunteers. Last year’s event in Anaheim included 37 booths staffed by police and fire officials and community volunteers. More than 15,000 communities nationwide participate. Where: Had been scheduled from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Stoddard Park. Why canceled: Concerns over security, because of recent unrest in the city, among sponsors caused some to pull out.

Contact the writer: 714-704-3769 or ecarpenter@ocregister.com