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It.

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Has overstayed her two minute bathroom break.

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It is now time for the regular meeting of the Richmond City Council.

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We'll begin with the Pledge of Allegiance.

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Jesus. To the.

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One nation with liberty and justice for all.

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Liberty and justice for all.

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Are we ready for roll call?

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Yes. Roll call, please. Council member Ghana. Here.

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Council member Brown. Here. Council member Jimenez.

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Presente. Council member Robinson. Here. Council member Wilson.

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Here. Vice Mayor Zepeda. Here. And Mayor Martinez.

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Presente. Okay,

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our next item is statement of conflict of interest. Are there any none

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hearing? None. Item J was

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left on the agenda by mistake.

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It should go to the January 20th agenda.

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So item J has

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been withdrawn from the agenda.

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Okay. We're under agenda review. Item P1 has

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been continued to February 3rd and

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that's by staff's request. We have

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two. Oh, okay. We want me to

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announce we have two emergency items. Yep. I was going to bring

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forward an emergency item. Is this the right time?

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I'm sorry. P1 was moved to when?

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February 3rd.

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Council member Wilson. Is 03A

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still on the agenda for the SS readout victory?

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I'd like to take that off. Consent. Okay, hold on one second.

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Okay, so is this the item where you were speaking with.

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Okay, so that's the item. I'm sorry, P1. Yeah.

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I remain with your MP1 tonight. I was hoping to have.

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Have 03A continued. Yeah,

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03A is continued to February 3rd. Okay.

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That's the item. You got that? Correction. So does that mean that P.

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P1 is. P1 is still on the agenda. Okay, thank you.

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Okay, then we have two. I would like to bring

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up a emergency agenda item and

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then this. I'll need some assistance from our city attorney.

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Bringing in an item and I think everyone has a

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copy of it which is a censorship item. As the emergency

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item, per Government Code Section 549542 A2

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of the Brown act, which states that the need for action arose after

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the agenda was published. And in fact the agenda was published one

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day before the post controversy came to light. And waiting until

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next meeting will continue to cause harm to our community. Many of our Richland residents

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feel unsafe by the mayor's actions. And also we have a lot of people here

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to speak on the. The item potentially.

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So I'm asking of a legal. Does it meet the requirements

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for an emergency item? I can give you the leg standard,

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but it's up to you all to make the determination. And there's a vote

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needed, 2/3 majority vote to add an

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item on which is an exception to the Brown Act. And I

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can re articulate the exception or the exception now if that would be helpful.

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The first prong of this immediate

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action exception is that the need for the action

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arose after the agenda was published. And my

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understanding is the agenda was published for the January 6th meeting on

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Wednesday.

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You can clarify that it was published on Friday,

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December 19th. Okay, Friday, December 19th.

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And there is a need for immediate action.

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Immediate action is required because

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of undue harm. And it would be required to act now

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instead of on the regular regularly scheduled

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next meeting, which would be January 20th. I can articulate

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the standard, but it's up to you all to make. To make a vote and

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to make that determination.

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Okay, thank you. So I also. An emergency

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it. We. We should do them one at a time.

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Okay. Okay. So emotion part of

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that request as well will be to hear this agenda item because there's a lot

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of people here, I'm assuming, to. To speak on it one side or the other,

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that this item be heard above any other agenda items tonight

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so that there would be. The motion is to accept this agenda

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item of censorship as the emergency item before

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any other items. Okay. I want a clarification.

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Are you saying before consent calendar? Yes.

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I'd like to make a friendly amendment that we,

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if this passes, that we do consent calendar first because it's

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items that are essential to the movement of the city forward.

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I can take that. Okay. Do we have a second? I Second.

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Yes. Are we doing this? Not yet.

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We need to vote.

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Do we discuss whether to put it. To put it on emergency?

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Yeah. Is that a discussion? Yes, because I'm ready to discuss that.

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So there's a standard for putting last minute items.

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So for those of you who aren't policy. City council

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policy nerds. We are governed by what's called the Brown

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act, which. Which are the rules for open and transparent meetings.

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And the idea is that the public should have a

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chance to know what's on an agenda before it reaches

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an agenda. And certainly those of us on the city council should have an

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opportunity to know what's on an agenda more than 72 hours

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before we're asked to make a decision on it.

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And there are certain cases in which

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so there's some emergency or some extreme harm that's

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going to come from us following those rules.

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I want to say that while I want to acknowledge that

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I know that there is a lot of anger and frustration

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on every side of this issue, I do think it's

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really important that we properly agendize council

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items. I have not read this censure

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proposal, this emergency. I know some of you it's circulated in the community.

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Some people are telling me what's in it. I have never seen it before.

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And so to ask me right now to make a decision on it, I think

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is bad public policy. I don't think that it rises.

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So I think it's important that I, as a council member and the

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public have a chance to see it on an agenda and review it before

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a decision is made. And upholding these sort of Brown act

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standards for transparency. It's important even when there's

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a group of people waiting to speak and even when we're feeling pressured. I would

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actually say it's more important to uphold these standards when

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people are here putting pressure on us to just toss them aside and throw something

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on the agenda because they want to talk about it. I could say more,

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but I'm going to stop there. I just want folks to realize that. That I

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don't think it rises to the standard of an emergency item. I don't think

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there's harm that will come from waiting two weeks to have

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it on a proper agenda item on a city council meeting.

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So I'm going to vote no on the emergency item.

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Yeah. Thank you, Council member Wilson, for.

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I think I feel like there is a lot of other harm

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that had happened. Louder. There's a lot

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of harm that had happened in our community for many, many reasons. And it doesn't

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get to this point of putting it on our agenda.

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And I feel like we cannot just

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rule by political reasons in a

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way that divide our community.

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I feel like if this agenda item

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can be a discussion and it can

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be putting into an agenda item for another

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time with the proper rules and procedures

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that we follow, and that could be

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the way that we can do it in the community

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that is here, can speak in open forum.

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It's not like we are censoring what you are going to

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say, whether one or another. But I feel like bringing

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something that it doesn't meet

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all the standards of an emergency item,

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then it put us in a situation where everything could be an

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emergency in many ways.

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So I feel like it's important that

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this issue is discussed.

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There is different opinions. I am not going to say

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or to be open about

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that because these are complicating issues that we are discussing

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here. But I just feel like in some

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ways this is the

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first time in the year we should be talking

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about how we do an example

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of how we can follow rules and procedures

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for the meetings and just putting

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something that we haven't read that we are not going to be

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informed, that the community is not going to be informed.

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As I said before in my comments,

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I think is an overreaching of a

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really complicated political issue because this

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city and this progressive council has been outspoken

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about the horrific things that are happening in

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Palestine. So I will be voting no on this emergency

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item and I will be voting no on these resolution.

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So thank you.

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So, any other council members?

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Council member Brown, thank you so much.

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I think that when we talk about an emergency item, it's just that it's an

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emergency. So we don't anticipate it. We didn't anticipate

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this. I think that if you have a pulse and

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you're in the city of Richmond, then you know what's transpired,

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you know what's going on. So to say that

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you didn't have an opportunity to read a resolution does

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not negate the fact that we have

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a responsibility as a council to answer to the community.

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Again, this resolution is not about assigning intent

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or punishment, but about acknowledging the harm

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that there's a consensus on the council that harm was done.

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This resolution is about restabilizing our community,

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whatever side you're on. It's about restabilizing the city of Richmond being

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one Richmond also, it's about, again,

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fulfilling our responsibility as a council. We don't get to escape

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and say we didn't have time to read or we don't

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want to take out time to read the resolution. It's not really dense.

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It's a quick read. So I think again, we have a responsibility

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to answer to the public. We can't say that justice

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can wait for people who are. Who have

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expressed harm, who have expressed feeling unprotected

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in our community. And as the sitting government,

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we don't take heed to that or we don't rise

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it to the level of seriousness. So while it may not

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impact you directly. It impacts someone. And when someone

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is impacted, we can't tell them how to feel, how to not feel offended,

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or you need to wait to have a resolve.

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So, again, I'll stop there. I will be voting yes

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on this resolution. I actually called.

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All right. Vice versa. Mayor Cepeda.

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I wasn't. I wasn't finished. I wasn't finished. I wasn't

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finished. I actually called for the mayor's resignation. However,

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I think the censorship is the least that the

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council can do. There's. There's no time to

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go into hiding and not answer and respond to the public. You can

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continue to. To put it

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off. Harm doesn't go away when you impact someone

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and when you impact the community. So I really think that, again,

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it's our due diligence to respond as a governing body with

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being entrusted by the residents of Richmond. Thank you, Vice Mayor

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Cepeda.

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It actually does meet the standard for an emergency item.

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We have heard other items that met even less of a threshold

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for that, and we've heard it because we felt that it was important for our

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community. And we up here have that authority to

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make making sure that we measure what is important and

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what is not. So not giving this the importance,

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then it shows. And this is for the people that I've read

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it, and I think there should be copies around for everyone. You can

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see that it's not placing. We're not censoring

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the mayor from speaking. This is actually trying to help heal the

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community. And now some of the actions he's already started doing, from what I understand,

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he already started talking with the rabbi.

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He's already started looking into how to start healing. So a lot

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of that is already in there. We just want to solidify it. And as a

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council, this is on us. So there's two different things

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happening with the resolution. One of them is what should the mayor do?

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And the other one, just as important, is what

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should the council do? And do we stand

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with, or do we try to move forward and try to heal the community as

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we're moving forward? We'll be back on the 20th if we have to, and it

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will be agendized if that's what it has to be. And everyone will come back,

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but we're continuing to not help heal for the next two weeks when

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we can start the healing as early as tomorrow or even as later today.

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That's the purpose of this resolution,

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is to try to start healing and healing now. So if

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you haven't had a chance to read it, take A look at it again.

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A lot of the stuff the mayor has already started doing, so it's nothing much

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newer. It's just putting it into words. But that

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is where it is. So thank you,

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Council Member Robinson. Good evening, everybody.

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So,

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First want to say that I have already expressed

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my feelings about the repost directly to Mayor Eduardo.

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I felt like they were wrong. They were absolutely anti Semitic

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and they were.

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Disappointing. I think that they did cause

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harm. They do feel like, make people feel unsafe.

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Those particular posts were.

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Were. Were wrong.

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We're just wrong. And I've already

247
01:26:50,460 --> 01:26:53,880
expressed that. What I'm

248
01:26:54,380 --> 01:26:58,240
reading here tonight in this resolution that I just got and

249
01:26:58,740 --> 01:27:02,640
I just read goes beyond acknowledging

250
01:27:03,140 --> 01:27:06,480
what I just said. It includes, if I'm reading

251
01:27:06,980 --> 01:27:09,880
it correctly, the Mayor taking.

252
01:27:10,600 --> 01:27:13,990
Not participating, not doing his job, not participating in

253
01:27:14,490 --> 01:27:18,470
regional committees, taking part of his salary

254
01:27:18,970 --> 01:27:22,710
and doing other things with it, having just a bunch of other things. It also

255
01:27:23,110 --> 01:27:26,630
has language in here that leans towards

256
01:27:27,030 --> 01:27:29,990
criticizing political speech in a couple of the sections,

257
01:27:30,710 --> 01:27:34,070
and political speech that I feel is very warranted and very

258
01:27:34,570 --> 01:27:38,630
right. And we should be speaking out. About 70,000 people

259
01:27:39,130 --> 01:27:43,200
murdered. So this,

260
01:27:43,700 --> 01:27:47,720
to me, needs more time. I think that we do need

261
01:27:48,220 --> 01:27:51,560
to say and send a clear message about what those reposts

262
01:27:52,060 --> 01:27:55,519
did. I think that I wouldn't. I don't think that I'm overstepping

263
01:27:56,019 --> 01:27:59,480
to say that. I think the Mayor understands this and.

264
01:28:07,830 --> 01:28:11,110
I think this needs more time and we need to do it right. So I'll

265
01:28:11,610 --> 01:28:12,470
be voting no on this tonight.

266
01:28:16,390 --> 01:28:20,430
Councilmember Banham. Thank you.

267
01:28:20,930 --> 01:28:24,790
I would like to thank everyone who has come here tonight to

268
01:28:25,290 --> 01:28:28,950
express their perspective and also thank everyone

269
01:28:29,450 --> 01:28:32,870
who has sent us email or came to visit us in person.

270
01:28:33,350 --> 01:28:37,220
I just want to be clear that I condemn hateful language

271
01:28:37,540 --> 01:28:41,700
and actions in all forms, including antisemitism

272
01:28:42,200 --> 01:28:45,340
and Islamophobia. I stand firmly

273
01:28:45,840 --> 01:28:49,700
against hate and intimidation directed at any

274
01:28:50,200 --> 01:28:54,020
community. What the mayor said on LinkedIn was hurtful

275
01:28:54,260 --> 01:28:58,100
and deeply troubling to many in our Jewish community.

276
01:28:59,220 --> 01:29:03,470
The fear, pain and distress experience expressed by any

277
01:29:03,970 --> 01:29:07,310
community targeted by hate must be taken seriously.

278
01:29:08,030 --> 01:29:13,310
As a council member, my responsibility is

279
01:29:13,810 --> 01:29:15,470
to focus on the safety,

280
01:29:16,670 --> 01:29:20,430
dignity and well being of all

281
01:29:20,750 --> 01:29:23,910
Richmond residents and to work towards

282
01:29:24,410 --> 01:29:28,030
solutions that help heal our community rather

283
01:29:28,530 --> 01:29:32,070
than deepen wounds. Because in unity,

284
01:29:32,390 --> 01:29:34,550
we rise. Thank you.

285
01:29:40,790 --> 01:29:44,510
I'm not going to speak to this unless it's time

286
01:29:45,010 --> 01:29:50,790
to speak to it, but I will say that I am concerned about process today.

287
01:29:55,600 --> 01:29:59,680
This afternoon, Vice Mayor Cepeda and

288
01:29:59,840 --> 01:30:03,840
Council Member Brown came to my office to discuss

289
01:30:04,340 --> 01:30:08,320
this item with me to see if we could make changes

290
01:30:08,820 --> 01:30:12,600
to it before it even gets out

291
01:30:13,100 --> 01:30:16,880
to the public. So I don't know if their intention

292
01:30:17,380 --> 01:30:20,560
was to talk to all council members, but I had

293
01:30:21,060 --> 01:30:23,960
told him that I had already talked to a council member about it, and he

294
01:30:24,460 --> 01:30:27,560
kept insisting. And I had to become a broken record,

295
01:30:27,880 --> 01:30:31,640
saying, I've talked to another council member, I've talked to another council

296
01:30:32,140 --> 01:30:36,600
member. So I don't think process is

297
01:30:37,100 --> 01:30:40,560
being taken seriously here. I'm sorry, are you talking

298
01:30:41,060 --> 01:30:43,000
about the Brown act violation? Yes, I am.

299
01:30:45,560 --> 01:30:49,640
And it's amazing to me

300
01:30:49,800 --> 01:30:53,310
that he would come to me at the last minute to talk

301
01:30:53,810 --> 01:30:57,470
about changes, and he would not talk to me at the

302
01:30:57,970 --> 01:31:01,510
very beginning to find out what I thought, what I

303
01:31:02,010 --> 01:31:05,270
did, what we could do together to move forward.

304
01:31:06,870 --> 01:31:10,470
None of the people who put this on had any conversations

305
01:31:10,970 --> 01:31:14,990
with me about that. Instead, they chose to

306
01:31:15,490 --> 01:31:18,390
do something which they say is not punitive, but it is punitive.

307
01:31:20,310 --> 01:31:25,110
And so because of the lack of respect and

308
01:31:25,610 --> 01:31:28,550
the lack of rule of law,

309
01:31:29,830 --> 01:31:33,110
I will have to vote no. So let's

310
01:31:36,950 --> 01:31:37,750
roll, Paul.

311
01:31:45,840 --> 01:31:49,240
Okay. And this is to add the emergency item. Council member

312
01:31:49,740 --> 01:31:52,640
Brown. Yes.

313
01:31:52,960 --> 01:31:56,960
Council member Bana. No. Council member Jimenez?

314
01:31:57,440 --> 01:32:01,520
No. Council member Wilson? No. Council member

315
01:32:02,020 --> 01:32:04,240
Robinson, No. Vice Mayor Zepeda,

316
01:32:04,720 --> 01:32:07,920
yes. And Mayor Martinez? No.

317
01:32:09,120 --> 01:32:11,120
Motion fails with council member.

318
01:32:19,340 --> 01:32:23,060
The motion. The motion fails with council members Brown

319
01:32:23,560 --> 01:32:25,820
and Vice Mayor Zepeda voting yes.

320
01:32:27,260 --> 01:32:31,380
Now, I. I realize that this is a vote for

321
01:32:31,880 --> 01:32:35,180
the rule of law, and. And that.

322
01:32:35,820 --> 01:32:39,820
And that it will come back properly agenda

323
01:32:39,980 --> 01:32:45,350
agendized. So question

324
01:32:45,850 --> 01:32:47,990
to legal. Because it failed.

325
01:32:49,590 --> 01:32:53,710
Can they speak to this during Open

326
01:32:54,210 --> 01:32:56,310
Forum? They can make comments.

327
01:32:57,750 --> 01:33:01,910
They can make comments about anything not on the agenda during Open Forum.

328
01:33:02,410 --> 01:33:05,630
And since this item is not on the agenda, that's the proper place

329
01:33:06,130 --> 01:33:07,760
to make comments. Okay, thank you.

330
01:33:09,680 --> 01:33:12,880
There was another emergency item. Yes. Thank you.

331
01:33:14,160 --> 01:33:17,200
So some of us are still saying Happy New Year to each other,

332
01:33:17,700 --> 01:33:20,480
but there are families that are going through grief and trauma.

333
01:33:21,120 --> 01:33:24,560
Although the city of Richmond had the lowest number

334
01:33:25,060 --> 01:33:29,520
of homicides in 2025, we had five cases

335
01:33:30,320 --> 01:33:34,150
of homicide and gun violence. And my emergency

336
01:33:34,650 --> 01:33:38,390
item is about acknowledging the pain and trauma of the families

337
01:33:38,890 --> 01:33:42,670
that are going through it and acknowledging the responsibility of the City Council

338
01:33:43,070 --> 01:33:47,030
just by a few moments of silence. I'm sorry, but do

339
01:33:47,530 --> 01:33:50,630
you have the agenda item? I have it, but I failed to make copies

340
01:33:51,130 --> 01:33:53,870
for everyone. I'm so sorry. Should I make copies and bring it back?

341
01:33:54,350 --> 01:33:57,470
It can't be properly agendized unless there's an agenda.

342
01:33:58,510 --> 01:34:01,350
I sent it to the C. City clerk.

343
01:34:03,990 --> 01:34:08,030
Can I propose all

344
01:34:08,530 --> 01:34:12,070
I'm asking for is a few moments of silence to recognize what's

345
01:34:12,570 --> 01:34:15,190
going on. So I propose.

346
01:34:17,350 --> 01:34:21,390
So can I. Can I just re articulate the standard here that

347
01:34:21,890 --> 01:34:25,110
we want to follow for an exception to the Brown act

348
01:34:25,610 --> 01:34:28,950
because this agenda item was not properly agendized. So we want to.

349
01:34:29,350 --> 01:34:33,510
Can I explain why it was delayed? Sure. But there's a two pronged step.

350
01:34:33,830 --> 01:34:37,430
So the information and the

351
01:34:37,930 --> 01:34:41,670
agenda item was not. Was received after the agenda was posted.

352
01:34:41,910 --> 01:34:44,950
That's the first one. And then there's an immediate need to act.

353
01:34:46,390 --> 01:34:49,670
I can explain or there's an emergency of some

354
01:34:50,070 --> 01:34:54,110
type. The reason I think we have a moral duty

355
01:34:54,610 --> 01:34:57,710
that that's what establishes the emergency. The reason why it was late.

356
01:34:58,210 --> 01:35:01,710
I've been waiting for the name of the victims to say their names loud.

357
01:35:02,190 --> 01:35:05,670
But first of all the police department took time and then

358
01:35:06,170 --> 01:35:09,990
the city attorney mentioned me that we don't have the consent of

359
01:35:10,490 --> 01:35:13,630
their families to say their names loud here in

360
01:35:14,130 --> 01:35:17,990
public at the city council. And I waited until the last minute. That's why

361
01:35:18,490 --> 01:35:21,900
it is late. And I'm sorry that the city could. Clerk hasn't published

362
01:35:22,400 --> 01:35:25,860
it. But basically all I'm asking for just a few moments of

363
01:35:26,360 --> 01:35:30,060
silence. I think it is very important to honor

364
01:35:30,140 --> 01:35:33,260
the sanctity of life at the city of Richmond.

365
01:35:33,760 --> 01:35:37,620
Despite all the success and gratitude to the office of Neighborhood

366
01:35:38,120 --> 01:35:42,180
Safety, Police Department, nonprofit community based organizations

367
01:35:42,680 --> 01:35:45,860
and volunteers to acknowledge our own role at the City

368
01:35:46,360 --> 01:35:52,550
Council to reduce it to zero. We generally

369
01:35:54,390 --> 01:35:57,750
do moments

370
01:35:58,250 --> 01:36:00,070
of silence for people at closing.

371
01:36:01,110 --> 01:36:04,430
So why can we not do it at the

372
01:36:04,930 --> 01:36:09,950
time that we usually do it? This is different. This is to

373
01:36:10,450 --> 01:36:14,640
remember the victims of gun violence. They did not just die or pass away.

374
01:36:15,140 --> 01:36:18,760
It's. It's different from what we do for people who pass

375
01:36:19,260 --> 01:36:22,360
away and we know and want to honor them. It's to honor

376
01:36:22,860 --> 01:36:25,240
the sanctity of life at the City Council.

377
01:36:26,040 --> 01:36:29,439
Let's take a vote and I'll be happy

378
01:36:29,939 --> 01:36:30,920
to answer any questions.

379
01:36:35,880 --> 01:36:39,360
Can we propose that instead of at the

380
01:36:39,860 --> 01:36:43,950
end of the. Because what council bana is proposing is

381
01:36:44,110 --> 01:36:47,470
a minute of silence. Can we start the meeting with

382
01:36:47,970 --> 01:36:52,350
that meaning of silence saying that it's for gun violence and

383
01:36:52,430 --> 01:36:56,749
instead of just like a big emergency if you. The chair can

384
01:36:56,910 --> 01:36:59,630
change that and we agree that could be.

385
01:37:00,110 --> 01:37:04,230
We can start. And it's not an emergency item. It's just to

386
01:37:04,730 --> 01:37:08,530
start this meeting with a moment of silence for those who

387
01:37:09,030 --> 01:37:12,730
we had lost in gun violence in the city. We have to do an agenda

388
01:37:13,230 --> 01:37:15,410
item because we would be adding to.

389
01:37:17,410 --> 01:37:21,250
So, so, so we can't Just change things. Unless it's agendized.

390
01:37:22,370 --> 01:37:26,410
So does

391
01:37:26,910 --> 01:37:29,890
this, does this meet the limits?

392
01:37:30,370 --> 01:37:34,370
Again, I'm going to turn it. It's your decision to make. But you

393
01:37:34,870 --> 01:37:38,450
know, it's unclear to me what's the action and I haven't reviewed

394
01:37:38,950 --> 01:37:42,130
the agenda item. What's the recommended action? Just so

395
01:37:42,630 --> 01:37:45,770
that even members of the council can understand what they're voting on.

396
01:37:46,890 --> 01:37:50,329
Just hold a few moments of silence to reflect

397
01:37:50,829 --> 01:37:54,010
on the loss of life, the pain felt by surviving

398
01:37:54,090 --> 01:37:57,570
families and the urgency of continuing this vital

399
01:37:58,070 --> 01:38:01,970
work. Okay, so the vote right now would be on whether this item

400
01:38:02,470 --> 01:38:06,050
constitutes an emergency to bypass the 72 hour

401
01:38:06,550 --> 01:38:10,370
notice requirements for agenda items. So I can re articulate the standard or

402
01:38:10,610 --> 01:38:12,130
you all can vote.

403
01:38:14,450 --> 01:38:18,370
She's made a motion. Point of order. So council member Moden

404
01:38:18,870 --> 01:38:22,450
made a motion to put this on as an emergency item. Has it been seconded?

405
01:38:27,580 --> 01:38:29,260
It dies from lack of second.

406
01:38:40,780 --> 01:38:42,460
Okay. We'll move on to the.

407
01:38:46,620 --> 01:38:49,860
Report from the city attorney for final decisions made during

408
01:38:50,360 --> 01:38:54,260
closed session. Good evening, mayor and council. During tonight's

409
01:38:54,760 --> 01:38:58,300
closed session, all three listed items were discussed but no final

410
01:38:58,800 --> 01:39:00,920
report action was taken. Thank you.

411
01:39:03,800 --> 01:39:07,440
Our next item is a report from the city manager. And this will include a

412
01:39:07,940 --> 01:39:11,800
new employee report. No report this evening. Given the

413
01:39:12,300 --> 01:39:13,480
number of public speakers. Thank you.

414
01:39:15,320 --> 01:39:18,120
We do have a new employee report or no,

415
01:39:18,620 --> 01:39:19,720
no report this evening. Ok.

416
01:39:27,730 --> 01:39:31,410
Okay. Our next item is open forum. An open forum

417
01:39:31,910 --> 01:39:35,730
is an opportunity to address accounts on items that remain on the consent calendar.

418
01:39:36,530 --> 01:39:43,090
And As a reminder, item 03A

419
01:39:43,250 --> 01:39:45,650
was continued to February 3rd.

420
01:39:46,850 --> 01:39:47,490
Okay.

421
01:39:51,180 --> 01:39:55,500
During open Forum dialogue between the council and speakers prohibited tonight.

422
01:39:56,000 --> 01:39:59,460
We have 72 speakers in

423
01:39:59,960 --> 01:40:02,878
person here. We have 50.

424
01:40:03,122 --> 01:40:05,900
52 speakers in the auditorium.

425
01:40:07,100 --> 01:40:10,780
And if there's anyone joining us online that would like to speak under open

426
01:40:11,280 --> 01:40:12,860
forum, please raise your hand at this time.

427
01:40:15,670 --> 01:40:19,190
Okay. We'll start with in person speakers and then move to the online

428
01:40:19,430 --> 01:40:23,070
speakers and then move to the auditorium. When you

429
01:40:23,570 --> 01:40:26,590
are called to address the council, state your name and your city of residence is

430
01:40:27,090 --> 01:40:30,150
optional. Please terminate your address to the council when your

431
01:40:30,650 --> 01:40:33,870
time expires. And mayor and

432
01:40:34,370 --> 01:40:38,230
council, do we want to reduce the time from two minutes to one minute or

433
01:40:38,730 --> 01:40:42,470
how many speakers are there? We have 72 in person

434
01:40:42,970 --> 01:40:46,760
here and then we have 52 in the auditorium. And the

435
01:40:47,160 --> 01:40:50,200
right now we have 39 with their hands raised online.

436
01:40:50,600 --> 01:40:53,960
Well, the agenda says that if there's 25 or more, we reduce it to one

437
01:40:54,460 --> 01:40:58,120
minute. Okay, so we'll reduce. Each speaker will have

438
01:40:58,620 --> 01:41:02,240
one minute to address the council. Mayor, Madam Clerk.

439
01:41:02,740 --> 01:41:05,480
Mayor, if I may, through the Chair. Given that it appears as though there are

440
01:41:06,040 --> 01:41:10,250
approximately 160ish

441
01:41:10,750 --> 01:41:14,570
public speakers, I would like to formally note that city staff

442
01:41:15,070 --> 01:41:18,690
that are here under the auspices of new business may be relieved to

443
01:41:19,190 --> 01:41:22,290
go home for the evening and their items will be considered at a subsequent meeting.

444
01:41:22,790 --> 01:41:25,490
If we have consent with that. Thank you very much. Yes.

445
01:41:29,570 --> 01:41:33,010
Okay, so each speaker will have up to two minutes to address the council.

446
01:41:34,380 --> 01:41:35,820
One minute. One minute. Sorry,

447
01:41:39,340 --> 01:41:40,940
almost got me. No.

448
01:41:42,620 --> 01:41:45,660
Okay. The City of Richmond, we welcome your comments and request that you

449
01:41:46,160 --> 01:41:50,700
present your remarks in a respectful and appropriate manner within the established

450
01:41:51,200 --> 01:41:54,620
1 minute time limit. So I'm going to call groups

451
01:41:55,120 --> 01:41:58,700
of 10 and please line up behind

452
01:41:59,200 --> 01:42:02,410
the speakers podium so that we can move quickly through the speakers.

453
01:42:02,970 --> 01:42:03,930
Zach Cohen,

454
01:42:06,810 --> 01:42:09,610
Myra Collins, Mindy Pines,

455
01:42:12,570 --> 01:42:13,690
Tim o', Brien,

456
01:42:16,890 --> 01:42:20,530
Sophia O. I'm sorry, o'. Brien. I'm trying

457
01:42:21,030 --> 01:42:24,770
to read the names. Julie Sax

458
01:42:25,270 --> 01:42:27,540
Teller, Joan Peters,

459
01:42:28,260 --> 01:42:29,300
Elaine S.

460
01:42:31,060 --> 01:42:34,260
Lorena Riza and

461
01:42:34,760 --> 01:42:36,500
Robert Bowen, please come forward.

462
01:42:38,020 --> 01:42:39,620
Reduce this to one minute.

463
01:42:51,790 --> 01:42:55,350
This is that. And also one person here

464
01:42:55,850 --> 01:42:58,590
said that I could have their minute. Would that be all right? No, we do

465
01:42:59,090 --> 01:43:02,270
not see minutes. Okay, thank you. Mr.

466
01:43:02,770 --> 01:43:06,150
Mayor and members of the City Council. My name is Rob. I'm a Bay

467
01:43:06,650 --> 01:43:09,870
Area resident. I'm here today to ask for the resignation of

468
01:43:10,370 --> 01:43:13,830
the mayor. I don't do so lightly. I do not

469
01:43:14,330 --> 01:43:17,670
have time here to debate the points of the Israel, Palestine conflict,

470
01:43:18,170 --> 01:43:22,060
though I would love to do so. Nor do I have the time to

471
01:43:22,560 --> 01:43:25,940
express all the ways that I consider the words and actions of the

472
01:43:26,440 --> 01:43:29,180
mayor anti Semitic, although I would love to do so.

473
01:43:29,900 --> 01:43:32,620
I know that there are many here who disagree with me,

474
01:43:32,940 --> 01:43:36,700
but I also know that there are many, many more who feel like I do.

475
01:43:37,900 --> 01:43:41,420
I would ask, if the mayor does not resign, that he and

476
01:43:41,920 --> 01:43:45,420
the members of the council, at a minimum, meet with us to discuss our

477
01:43:45,920 --> 01:43:49,500
concerns, listen to us, take us seriously,

478
01:43:49,740 --> 01:43:52,780
hear us with an open mind and an open heart.

479
01:43:53,500 --> 01:43:55,820
Thank you very much. Zach Cohen.

480
01:44:00,220 --> 01:44:04,554
Hi, my name is Tim O'. Brien. Over two years ago, on October 25,

481
01:44:04,726 --> 01:44:07,660
2023, Tim O', Brien,

482
01:44:07,980 --> 01:44:10,460
the JCRC, condemned Mayor I.

483
01:44:11,910 --> 01:44:14,950
Rodriguez for proposing a ceasefire resolution that promotes

484
01:44:15,450 --> 01:44:19,430
propaganda, weaponizes historical inaccuracy, and accuses Israel of

485
01:44:19,590 --> 01:44:22,310
ethnic cleansing and apartheid in Gaza.

486
01:44:22,950 --> 01:44:26,670
That is your true sin, Mayor. Standing up to the Israeli lobby

487
01:44:27,170 --> 01:44:30,430
for the human rights of all people, without exception. There's been a target on

488
01:44:30,930 --> 01:44:34,510
your back since that day to the City Council. I will say the mayor acted

489
01:44:35,010 --> 01:44:38,320
rashly and insensitively. He has apologized. We are not

490
01:44:38,820 --> 01:44:42,600
a one strike and you're out society Especially when you have championed so many

491
01:44:43,100 --> 01:44:46,760
community and human rights causes on behalf of black and brown and

492
01:44:47,260 --> 01:44:50,960
all people over the years. Due to the Israel lobby's

493
01:44:51,460 --> 01:44:55,520
intentional conflation of criticism of a rogue state with anti Semitism, that word

494
01:44:56,020 --> 01:44:59,720
has lost much of its meaning today. But as recent events in Venezuela

495
01:45:00,220 --> 01:45:03,680
have shown, there are other nefarious isms out there, all predicated on white

496
01:45:04,180 --> 01:45:06,440
supremacy, that demand our attention.

497
01:45:07,160 --> 01:45:10,280
Imperialism, colonialism, fascism,

498
01:45:10,680 --> 01:45:13,920
racism, Zionism. We need to look no further

499
01:45:14,420 --> 01:45:17,880
than what? Your time has expired. Okay, thank you.

500
01:45:18,380 --> 01:45:20,440
There's real work to do. Don't listen to the noise.

501
01:45:21,960 --> 01:45:24,280
The next speaker is Zach Cohen.

502
01:45:28,840 --> 01:45:32,320
No, they're just. Okay.

503
01:45:33,120 --> 01:45:37,280
Myra collins. Myra collins.

504
01:45:44,160 --> 01:45:46,480
Hello. Thank you for letting me speak today. Hello,

505
01:45:47,600 --> 01:45:49,760
council members and Mayor.

506
01:45:50,560 --> 01:45:53,680
My name is Mara Collins. I'm a Jew living here in Berkeley. In Berkeley.

507
01:45:53,760 --> 01:45:57,440
And I'm here today to express my support for Mayor Martinez.

508
01:45:59,030 --> 01:46:02,150
We know the mayor's record demonstrates that he's good for Richmond,

509
01:46:02,470 --> 01:46:05,790
is an asset to Richmond. We know that he has done what he said he

510
01:46:06,290 --> 01:46:09,990
would do and that Richmond is better for it. Now, on the matter of this

511
01:46:10,490 --> 01:46:12,790
attack on his statement,

512
01:46:13,750 --> 01:46:17,190
first, I need to say, first and foremost,

513
01:46:18,390 --> 01:46:21,910
the JCRC does not speak for all Jews. It certainly does not speak

514
01:46:22,410 --> 01:46:25,840
for me. And we as Jews cannot call everything we don't agree with

515
01:46:26,340 --> 01:46:30,160
anti Semitism. To silence and punish the mayor

516
01:46:30,660 --> 01:46:34,000
is to silence and punish those who oppose genocide and who stand on the right

517
01:46:34,500 --> 01:46:37,600
side of history. Harm has been done, it's true.

518
01:46:38,000 --> 01:46:41,040
But let's be clear. The genocide is what is harmful.

519
01:46:41,440 --> 01:46:44,840
Not the offended people who are choosing to use that

520
01:46:45,340 --> 01:46:48,480
what has happened as an opportunity to uphold murderous policies of Zionism.

521
01:46:48,730 --> 01:46:50,090
I know. My time's over. Thank you,

522
01:46:53,130 --> 01:46:56,890
Mindy Pines. And she'll

523
01:46:57,390 --> 01:47:00,410
be followed by Sophia O'. Brien. Mindy Pines.

524
01:47:01,290 --> 01:47:05,050
Good evening. I'm Mindy Pines, 20 year resident of Richmond.

525
01:47:06,010 --> 01:47:09,610
This isn't about Palestine or Gaza. It's about fitness

526
01:47:10,110 --> 01:47:13,610
for public office and your responsibility as a governing body.

527
01:47:14,340 --> 01:47:17,780
When our mayor echoes antisemitic conspiracy theories

528
01:47:18,020 --> 01:47:22,300
that Jews carried out their own mass murder at a Hanukkah celebration

529
01:47:22,800 --> 01:47:26,820
in Sydney, the harm is real. It lands on real people in

530
01:47:27,320 --> 01:47:30,900
our community. Censor is a basic tool of accountability

531
01:47:31,220 --> 01:47:34,340
available to you should the mayor not resign,

532
01:47:35,780 --> 01:47:39,460
not using it signals that there are no consequences for behavior

533
01:47:39,960 --> 01:47:44,100
that undermines public trust. This is not about free speech.

534
01:47:44,340 --> 01:47:48,180
It is about responsible leadership. Institutions fail

535
01:47:48,680 --> 01:47:52,340
not only because of those who act recklessly, but because of those who

536
01:47:52,840 --> 01:47:56,180
remain silent when standards are breached. Each of you

537
01:47:56,680 --> 01:48:00,620
is going on record your actions or lack thereof. Will be remembered

538
01:48:01,120 --> 01:48:03,860
by our community and by history. Will you be complicit?

539
01:48:05,300 --> 01:48:06,660
Sophia o'. Brien.

540
01:48:13,050 --> 01:48:14,730
My name is Safiya o'. Brien.

541
01:48:17,210 --> 01:48:20,490
Oh, it started. Okay. So I'm here to

542
01:48:20,730 --> 01:48:24,650
express my support for Mayor Martinez and

543
01:48:25,450 --> 01:48:29,130
how he represents not only the people of Richmond,

544
01:48:29,630 --> 01:48:32,930
but also the progressive movement that is here and live in

545
01:48:33,430 --> 01:48:36,650
the Bay Area. And Eduardo represents these values as

546
01:48:37,150 --> 01:48:40,560
a staunch anti war advocate, a pivotal leader for environmental

547
01:48:41,060 --> 01:48:44,000
justice, and a representative who stands with the undocumented community,

548
01:48:44,400 --> 01:48:48,240
which is direly, direly needed right now in this moment.

549
01:48:48,640 --> 01:48:51,840
And if we let such a small group

550
01:48:51,920 --> 01:48:55,560
of residents speak louder over the majority

551
01:48:56,060 --> 01:48:59,840
of the residents, it's very clear that these attacks are rooted in

552
01:48:59,920 --> 01:49:03,920
their political agenda and not for the

553
01:49:04,420 --> 01:49:07,660
betterment of Richmond. And the Richmond residents that so,

554
01:49:07,820 --> 01:49:11,780
so direly need his support and his advocacy in

555
01:49:12,280 --> 01:49:15,260
the city of Richmond, and they are not in the interest or the best interest

556
01:49:15,500 --> 01:49:17,420
of these people. Time has expired.

557
01:49:19,340 --> 01:49:21,020
Julie Sachs Taylor.

558
01:49:25,500 --> 01:49:27,580
Julie Sachs Taylor, followed by Joan.

559
01:49:28,080 --> 01:49:32,240
Peter.

560
01:49:33,110 --> 01:49:36,070
Thank you. I'm pleased to be here.

561
01:49:36,550 --> 01:49:39,990
I'm not pleased with the lack of listening,

562
01:49:40,790 --> 01:49:42,950
but I'm pleased to be here and to be facing the council.

563
01:49:43,670 --> 01:49:47,790
I'm Julie Sachs Toller. I'm the rabbi of Temple Beth Hillel, the primary

564
01:49:48,290 --> 01:49:50,070
organized Jewish community of Richmond.

565
01:49:51,590 --> 01:49:55,590
After the numerous posts which many

566
01:49:56,090 --> 01:49:59,910
council members, as well as the mayor have acknowledged, spread antisemitism.

567
01:50:00,550 --> 01:50:03,830
Mayor, you've reached out to me to meet and I will meet with you.

568
01:50:05,110 --> 01:50:09,270
In Judaism, repair is called teshuvah.

569
01:50:09,910 --> 01:50:13,270
It means return, and it means also answer.

570
01:50:14,150 --> 01:50:17,590
And it starts with acknowledgment and

571
01:50:18,090 --> 01:50:21,750
apology. And it completes with a full building

572
01:50:22,250 --> 01:50:26,030
of relationship and a repair of harm done. So I hope that

573
01:50:26,530 --> 01:50:29,360
our meeting will begin a real process and.

574
01:50:30,800 --> 01:50:34,200
Our country is in crisis. Our world is in

575
01:50:34,700 --> 01:50:38,400
crisis. Our neighbors are afraid to go out for fear of ice. Our country has

576
01:50:38,900 --> 01:50:42,440
just invaded Venezuela and other countries are next. We are

577
01:50:42,940 --> 01:50:47,680
in desperate need not to be divided

578
01:50:48,180 --> 01:50:48,800
by anti SEM.

579
01:50:54,890 --> 01:50:55,690
Joan peters.

580
01:51:02,970 --> 01:51:05,730
Okay, Joan Peters. Going once.

581
01:51:06,230 --> 01:51:09,450
Elaine S. Excuse me.

582
01:51:12,410 --> 01:51:15,450
Excuse me. Let's.

583
01:51:16,890 --> 01:51:20,180
Let's remain civil. Press the red

584
01:51:20,680 --> 01:51:24,980
button. Press the red button right

585
01:51:29,380 --> 01:51:33,220
There you go. My name is Joan Peters. I voted for Mayor

586
01:51:33,380 --> 01:51:36,580
Martinez and I think he should not resign.

587
01:51:37,060 --> 01:51:42,060
The news about mayors resigning were

588
01:51:42,560 --> 01:51:46,100
intended to stop criminal activity. He's not a criminal.

589
01:51:46,920 --> 01:51:50,440
He's not committed any crime of

590
01:51:50,940 --> 01:51:54,840
any kind. What's going on right now is bullying.

591
01:51:55,240 --> 01:51:58,280
It's not about Jewish people nor Palestine.

592
01:51:58,920 --> 01:52:02,719
A hot button issue has been chosen to stop Mayor Martinez

593
01:52:03,219 --> 01:52:07,080
from being mayor. This kind of bullying was used against President

594
01:52:07,240 --> 01:52:11,000
Clinton to hamper his ability to function as our president.

595
01:52:11,640 --> 01:52:15,560
The hot button issue used against Clinton was phone

596
01:52:15,640 --> 01:52:19,240
sex. The hot button issue being used against

597
01:52:19,740 --> 01:52:23,560
Mayor Martinez is the Israeli Palestinian conflict.

598
01:52:24,360 --> 01:52:28,120
It's simply a power grab masquerading

599
01:52:28,600 --> 01:52:32,360
as concern for the Jewish people. The bullying needs

600
01:52:32,860 --> 01:52:36,120
to stop. Your time has expired. The bullying needs to stop.

601
01:52:36,760 --> 01:52:38,600
Our next speaker is Elaine S.

602
01:52:40,680 --> 01:52:43,160
Should be followed by Lorraine Riza.

603
01:52:43,400 --> 01:52:45,960
I press this button. Okay.

604
01:52:46,680 --> 01:52:49,880
Dear honorable counsel and Mayor Martinez,

605
01:52:50,200 --> 01:52:53,680
I am a teacher and I come to you hoping

606
01:52:54,180 --> 01:52:58,360
for a teaching moment when I teach my children about

607
01:52:58,440 --> 01:53:02,040
lies that are spread throughout the classroom.

608
01:53:03,320 --> 01:53:07,280
Things like lies and gossip, which are very hurtful. I take

609
01:53:07,780 --> 01:53:11,280
them out to the playground and I give them a pillow, a feather pillow,

610
01:53:11,780 --> 01:53:15,600
and we shake it and we spread the feathers everywhere. And I tell

611
01:53:16,100 --> 01:53:18,720
them those lies that. Those gossip that you spread,

612
01:53:20,640 --> 01:53:23,760
those are not retractable. I urge the kids to go

613
01:53:24,260 --> 01:53:27,280
out and try and collect all the feathers, and they can't.

614
01:53:27,760 --> 01:53:31,760
And social media has made the situation so much

615
01:53:32,260 --> 01:53:35,450
worse. So, Mayor, you have caused great harm.

616
01:53:35,930 --> 01:53:39,290
It's gone far beyond the perimeters of Richmond.

617
01:53:39,790 --> 01:53:43,210
It has spread throughout the entire world. And you

618
01:53:43,710 --> 01:53:44,250
need to resign.

619
01:53:47,130 --> 01:53:51,210
And I implore the adults. Your time is expired.

620
01:53:51,930 --> 01:53:55,290
Your time is expired, ma'. Am. You are the adults in the

621
01:53:55,790 --> 01:53:57,950
room. Unfortunately, we have to.

622
01:54:04,580 --> 01:54:06,580
Your. Your time is up. And.

623
01:54:08,180 --> 01:54:09,060
Excuse me,

624
01:54:10,740 --> 01:54:11,780
audience. Everyone.

625
01:54:13,859 --> 01:54:17,540
We need to allow.

626
01:54:19,140 --> 01:54:23,140
We need decorum. Decorum means. Decorum means

627
01:54:23,540 --> 01:54:25,140
stopping when it's time to stop.

628
01:54:26,670 --> 01:54:30,110
So. So. So if you are at

629
01:54:30,610 --> 01:54:34,870
the podium and the clerk says time

630
01:54:35,370 --> 01:54:38,670
expired, you need to stop speaking. Thank you. Thank you.

631
01:54:41,230 --> 01:54:44,630
Our next next speaker is Lorraine Riza. And will

632
01:54:45,130 --> 01:54:48,910
the following individuals please line up behind speakers podium podium.

633
01:54:49,230 --> 01:54:52,920
Francisco Ortiz, Harry Weiner,

634
01:54:53,480 --> 01:54:57,160
Alleg Lindstrom. David Cooper,

635
01:54:57,480 --> 01:55:00,840
Stefan London, Mark Wasberg,

636
01:55:01,320 --> 01:55:04,680
Robert Lipton, Vanessa Thiel,

637
01:55:06,520 --> 01:55:09,600
Kate Laster and George

638
01:55:10,100 --> 01:55:12,120
Marks. Lorraine,

639
01:55:13,000 --> 01:55:14,120
press the red button.

640
01:55:17,090 --> 01:55:20,490
There you go. I'm a proud Richmond

641
01:55:20,990 --> 01:55:24,090
resident of nine years. I have been witness to how our city has improved since

642
01:55:24,590 --> 01:55:28,450
Mayor Martinez has taken office. I 100% support him and urge you

643
01:55:28,950 --> 01:55:32,490
to throw out the censure resolution. Groups and organizations

644
01:55:32,990 --> 01:55:36,450
that are not locally based in Richmond are jumping at any chance to weaponize anti

645
01:55:36,950 --> 01:55:40,250
Semitism against a progressive Latino brown mayor who's

646
01:55:40,750 --> 01:55:44,200
doing so much to help me and fellow rich residents, especially our immigrant

647
01:55:44,700 --> 01:55:48,080
communities. Because of the community work I do. I've personally witnessed

648
01:55:48,580 --> 01:55:52,600
him in his office support free legal clinics and host a

649
01:55:52,760 --> 01:55:56,360
community preparedness event to educate residents about their constitutional rights.

650
01:55:56,680 --> 01:56:00,600
He helped structure our strong city ordinance and carries it out by helping to confirm

651
01:56:01,100 --> 01:56:04,720
if ICE is active in our Community. He supports our own Richmond Rapid

652
01:56:05,220 --> 01:56:08,360
Response Team, and he voted for a $1 million grant that's made all this possible,

653
01:56:08,860 --> 01:56:12,190
which also funds the three local orgs to support these communities at risk.

654
01:56:12,690 --> 01:56:16,390
He shows he actually cares. It goes without saying that restorative justice

655
01:56:16,890 --> 01:56:20,590
is required. But please allow Mayor Martinez to continue doing his work and

656
01:56:21,090 --> 01:56:24,670
throw out the resolution. Francisco Ortiz.

657
01:56:27,470 --> 01:56:28,670
Francisco Ortiz.

658
01:56:33,470 --> 01:56:36,920
Good evening, council. My name is Francisco Ortiz and I'm president of United

659
01:56:37,420 --> 01:56:41,280
Teachers of Richmond. I want to begin by expressing our union sincere

660
01:56:41,780 --> 01:56:45,520
appreciation for this council. During the recent educator strike, this council and

661
01:56:46,020 --> 01:56:49,720
mayor showed up for Richmond students and families in real and tangible ways. You joined

662
01:56:50,220 --> 01:56:54,120
educators on the picket line, spoke at rallies, and helped secure families,

663
01:56:54,200 --> 01:56:57,800
ensure that families had access to resources and safe spaces during a difficult

664
01:56:58,300 --> 01:57:02,070
moment. That leadership mattered to our students, our members and our community. We are

665
01:57:02,570 --> 01:57:05,910
especially grateful for the mayor's efforts that helped move the strike towards a prompt resolution

666
01:57:06,410 --> 01:57:09,710
so students could return to the classrooms and be reunited with their teachers.

667
01:57:09,870 --> 01:57:14,070
That work made a real difference. Speaking now my personal professional capacity,

668
01:57:14,570 --> 01:57:18,110
I want to acknowledge my experience working with Eduardo Martinez. As a former Richmond

669
01:57:18,610 --> 01:57:22,510
educator and now as mayor, he has consistently centered student success and community empowerment.

670
01:57:22,670 --> 01:57:25,630
I've seen firsthand his commitment to strengthening public education,

671
01:57:26,190 --> 01:57:29,870
including his support for the community schools movement. Alongside community partners,

672
01:57:30,530 --> 01:57:33,490
our students learn not from perfection, but from accountability.

673
01:57:33,570 --> 01:57:36,930
Repair and curse do better. And that is a standard I hope we continue to

674
01:57:37,430 --> 01:57:40,290
model as a city. Thank you, Council. Harry Weiner.

675
01:57:47,490 --> 01:57:50,610
Good evening, Mayor. City Council on council, please.

676
01:57:51,090 --> 01:57:53,970
My name is Harry Weiner. I live in Far East Richmond.

677
01:57:57,200 --> 01:58:00,320
I'm Jewish. I was born in 1948. In that

678
01:58:00,820 --> 01:58:04,200
year, the United nations was established and the document entitled the

679
01:58:04,700 --> 01:58:08,800
Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide was

680
01:58:09,300 --> 01:58:13,280
ratified by the un A document I have personally read recently.

681
01:58:13,780 --> 01:58:16,560
The UN has declared the state of Israel guilty of genocide,

682
01:58:16,640 --> 01:58:20,200
a grave crime against humanity. Israel has declared

683
01:58:20,700 --> 01:58:24,080
that the judgment is anti Semitic and the result of worldwide

684
01:58:24,580 --> 01:58:27,960
hatred for the Jewish people. Israel does not speak for me.

685
01:58:28,280 --> 01:58:31,560
Today, American pro Israel genocide thugs are here

686
01:58:32,060 --> 01:58:35,720
participating in a nationwide public relations campaign to

687
01:58:36,220 --> 01:58:39,840
silence supporters of Palestinians rights to exist as a

688
01:58:40,340 --> 01:58:44,040
people or a place. Remember, Richmond has eloquently written

689
01:58:44,540 --> 01:58:48,160
in support of the dignity of Palestinians and these people are gathered

690
01:58:48,660 --> 01:58:50,150
here to punish us for it. Hello.

691
01:58:54,390 --> 01:58:57,430
Alega Lindstrom. Alaiga Lindstrom.

692
01:58:58,630 --> 01:58:59,910
Oh, sorry. So sorry.

693
01:59:03,830 --> 01:59:05,510
Hello. My name is Aliyah.

694
01:59:06,870 --> 01:59:10,390
Oh, sorry. My name is Alia and I'm a teacher and I live in Richmond.

695
01:59:10,870 --> 01:59:14,350
I'm here today because, well, we all know what was said and in times

696
01:59:14,850 --> 01:59:18,580
of uncertainty and anger, people's safety cannot be written off or handled lightly. But the

697
01:59:19,080 --> 01:59:22,700
question we are considering is what does accountability look like? I don't believe

698
01:59:23,200 --> 01:59:26,380
removal is the answer when someone has acknowledged harm and remains open to meeting directly

699
01:59:26,880 --> 01:59:30,300
with those who were hurt. Real accountability is about repair, not simply punishment.

700
01:59:30,380 --> 01:59:33,660
Mayor Martinez cares about people in Richmond, and it's reflected in

701
01:59:34,160 --> 01:59:37,580
how he's improved our city. Reducing crime, improving infrastructure, and increasing sustainability

702
01:59:37,660 --> 01:59:41,180
efforts. Richmond will be best served by holding leaders accountable while giving

703
01:59:41,680 --> 01:59:45,800
space for repair to happen. Through continued dialogue, we can and should demand both justice

704
01:59:46,300 --> 01:59:49,600
for Palestinians and safety for our Jewish neighbors. I urge the council to choose

705
01:59:50,100 --> 01:59:52,240
a path forward that keeps healing centered. Thank you.

706
01:59:53,680 --> 01:59:57,360
David Cooper. David Cooper

707
01:59:57,760 --> 01:59:59,360
followed by Steven London.

708
02:00:03,040 --> 02:00:07,200
I'm Rabbi David Cooper. I've been a longtime supporter

709
02:00:07,280 --> 02:00:11,600
and activist for Palestinian freedom, including doing protective presence

710
02:00:12,100 --> 02:00:16,200
work for west bank villagers facing violence from Jewish Israeli settlers.

711
02:00:16,440 --> 02:00:19,560
I do support your continued work as Richland's mayor.

712
02:00:20,040 --> 02:00:23,440
Over the decades, I have done this work. Over that, I've done

713
02:00:23,940 --> 02:00:26,920
this work. I know how antisemitism can affect the work we do.

714
02:00:27,240 --> 02:00:30,920
Antisemitism is the water we swim in, just like racism is.

715
02:00:31,160 --> 02:00:36,040
We cannot reduce racism or antisemitism to an individual characteristic.

716
02:00:36,440 --> 02:00:39,880
These are systemic ideological frameworks and we absorb

717
02:00:40,380 --> 02:00:44,360
them and live within them in different ways. Racism and antisemitism

718
02:00:44,860 --> 02:00:48,200
serve the purpose of dividing us and setting us against each other.

719
02:00:48,520 --> 02:00:51,640
If we are to support and defend the Palestinian people,

720
02:00:51,800 --> 02:00:55,400
we must constantly examine how we've absorbed anti Semitic

721
02:00:55,900 --> 02:00:59,320
biases. Because if we don't, we will make serious errors that can only

722
02:00:59,820 --> 02:01:02,920
help AIPAC and those who support the oppression of Palestinians.

723
02:01:03,910 --> 02:01:07,830
Mr. Mayor, with all respect, I feel you've made such. Your time has expired.

724
02:01:08,330 --> 02:01:10,870
And that you, Stephen London, next speaker.

725
02:01:17,990 --> 02:01:19,030
Stephen london.

726
02:01:24,390 --> 02:01:27,430
Okay. Hello.

727
02:01:27,930 --> 02:01:31,110
My name is Stephen London. I've been a resident in the Marina Bay neighborhood of

728
02:01:31,610 --> 02:01:34,790
Richmond for seven years. Last summer, I learned that in a

729
02:01:35,290 --> 02:01:38,910
speech, Mayor Martinez not only offered up a justification for hamas

730
02:01:39,070 --> 02:01:42,710
atrocities on October 7, but he also wore a hat that bore

731
02:01:43,210 --> 02:01:46,790
a slogan calling for the death of the Israeli Defense Forces. In a next door

732
02:01:47,290 --> 02:01:50,350
thread, I told the Mayor how appalled I was that he had called for the

733
02:01:50,850 --> 02:01:52,430
death of my Israeli family members.

734
02:01:54,360 --> 02:01:58,760
Let me tell you about them. Like the Mayor, they're socialists. They're kibbutzniks who demonstrate

735
02:01:59,260 --> 02:02:03,160
against Bibi Netanyahu's right wing government. But when called upon to do their

736
02:02:03,660 --> 02:02:06,840
mandatory military service to defend their country, they serve.

737
02:02:07,720 --> 02:02:11,200
I am curious of the over 70 other armed conflicts

738
02:02:11,700 --> 02:02:14,920
taking place in the world does our mayor call for the deaths of any other

739
02:02:15,420 --> 02:02:19,080
soldiers? Or is there something uniquely evil about the Jewish soldiers?

740
02:02:19,240 --> 02:02:23,460
And is the mayor even remotely aware of the historical context calling

741
02:02:23,960 --> 02:02:27,420
for their deaths? Has he ever heard of the medieval chance of hep, hep,

742
02:02:27,920 --> 02:02:31,020
death to the Jews? Time has expired.

743
02:02:31,520 --> 02:02:32,220
Mark Wasberg,

744
02:02:38,300 --> 02:02:41,420
Aguado did preach hate and murder and violence.

745
02:02:41,740 --> 02:02:44,780
He even bragged about he wanted to be with Hamas.

746
02:02:45,260 --> 02:02:48,950
And this is what he did. See that people? He was

747
02:02:49,450 --> 02:02:52,950
laughing when he was praising killing people in Israel.

748
02:02:53,350 --> 02:02:57,110
And this is your mayor that took a note to the Constitution,

749
02:02:59,190 --> 02:03:02,950
right? Is that what you. Is that what you are? You take a

750
02:03:03,450 --> 02:03:06,230
note to the Constitution? You plead hate and violence against the world,

751
02:03:06,710 --> 02:03:10,630
and you people are stupid enough to put him back into office? This is

752
02:03:11,130 --> 02:03:14,540
the most stupidest thing. Take a look at it, people. He's smiling to

753
02:03:15,040 --> 02:03:19,060
kill the people of Israel. The people in Richmond is going to make sure that

754
02:03:19,560 --> 02:03:22,460
he's not going to be mayor. That's not a threat. It's going to be a

755
02:03:22,960 --> 02:03:26,740
promise. Because people are going to remember what he have done. Because the election is

756
02:03:27,240 --> 02:03:30,900
only two months away. So you better start gearing up

757
02:03:30,980 --> 02:03:34,900
to get this terrorist, this son of a out of office.

758
02:03:35,300 --> 02:03:38,740
Take a good look at it, people. Take a good look at it.

759
02:03:38,820 --> 02:03:40,180
Take a good look at it.

760
02:03:44,000 --> 02:03:45,600
Robert Lipton,

761
02:03:59,280 --> 02:04:03,280
Police. Can you like.

762
02:04:03,360 --> 02:04:05,760
I'd like to be able. Thank you. If.

763
02:04:07,270 --> 02:04:10,390
If Mr. Walsberg continues to incite the crowd,

764
02:04:11,030 --> 02:04:12,470
can you please eject him?

765
02:04:16,630 --> 02:04:20,030
My name is George Marks. I live at 518 36th

766
02:04:20,530 --> 02:04:24,070
street in Richmond. I'm Jewish. Israel's first Nobel laureate,

767
02:04:24,570 --> 02:04:26,710
Shire Sy Agnon, was my great uncle.

768
02:04:28,390 --> 02:04:31,850
I care about Jewish people. I care about Palestinian people.

769
02:04:33,200 --> 02:04:35,760
I don't like hearing all this hatred.

770
02:04:36,480 --> 02:04:40,440
And I want to say I've experienced

771
02:04:40,940 --> 02:04:44,120
Mayor Martinez as a loving, supporting, caring person. He may have made a

772
02:04:44,620 --> 02:04:47,560
mistake, he may have done things, but he's not a hateful person.

773
02:04:48,060 --> 02:04:51,360
I hear a lot of hate here. We need to talk with each other

774
02:04:52,000 --> 02:04:55,640
and listen to each other. And I'm open to listening to any

775
02:04:56,140 --> 02:04:58,790
of you. I wrote a letter to the entire city council in the. The mayor.

776
02:04:58,870 --> 02:05:02,470
I don't think I expected the hatred of anyone here. And I'm

777
02:05:02,970 --> 02:05:05,830
happy to talk forward. I think censorship is ridiculous.

778
02:05:06,790 --> 02:05:09,910
Caring about the genocide, and it is genocide,

779
02:05:10,630 --> 02:05:14,309
is ultimately important. And we need to talk and

780
02:05:14,809 --> 02:05:18,310
listen to each other and care. And I adlib this entire speech. Thank you.

781
02:05:20,710 --> 02:05:21,910
Robert Lipton.

782
02:05:28,880 --> 02:05:32,120
Robert Lipton. Vanessa.

783
02:05:32,620 --> 02:05:33,120
Vanessa Thiel.

784
02:05:36,480 --> 02:05:40,560
Hi, my name is Vanessa Till. I am a Jewish resident of Richmond.

785
02:05:41,280 --> 02:05:44,160
I have a friend in Gaza I talk to every single day.

786
02:05:44,880 --> 02:05:48,040
He's very sick right now and he can't access basic medicine,

787
02:05:48,540 --> 02:05:52,370
warmth or food. People are still dying every day in Gaza and

788
02:05:52,870 --> 02:05:57,210
in the West Bank. The Israeli government has renamed our sister city Samaria

789
02:05:57,530 --> 02:06:01,290
and plans to destroy a major historical site in Sebastia

790
02:06:01,790 --> 02:06:05,890
to build an amusement park there. I'm here to remind you that Zionist

791
02:06:06,390 --> 02:06:10,450
grievances are hurt feelings about language. Palestinian grievances are

792
02:06:10,950 --> 02:06:14,290
about living through war crimes, torture, deprivation, land seizure

793
02:06:14,790 --> 02:06:18,810
and genocide. It is absurd to take direction on confronting

794
02:06:19,310 --> 02:06:22,970
real antisemitism and racism from people who only consider

795
02:06:23,690 --> 02:06:26,890
anti Jewish racism as worthy

796
02:06:27,390 --> 02:06:30,890
of concern. JCRC does not speak for me. I am

797
02:06:31,390 --> 02:06:34,730
a Richmond Jew. And,

798
02:06:37,050 --> 02:06:39,450
yeah, those are my remarks. Thank you for listening.

799
02:06:41,370 --> 02:06:42,890
Kate Vaster.

800
02:06:45,930 --> 02:06:48,890
Hello. Hi, my name is Kate Laster.

801
02:06:49,850 --> 02:06:53,450
I walked here from work. I work at Niad Art center in

802
02:06:53,950 --> 02:06:57,530
Richmond. I am so happy to speak to Mayor

803
02:06:58,090 --> 02:07:01,530
Martinez in gratitude not only for what you stand

804
02:07:02,030 --> 02:07:05,210
up for in Palestine, but what you stand up for in Richmond.

805
02:07:06,490 --> 02:07:08,890
There's a lot of talk about harm here,

806
02:07:09,460 --> 02:07:12,820
but there's not a lot of talk about material solidarity,

807
02:07:12,980 --> 02:07:16,180
which you have given consistently to the people of Richmond,

808
02:07:16,680 --> 02:07:17,540
to the people of Palestine.

809
02:07:19,540 --> 02:07:23,220
It's really important to think about the power

810
02:07:23,300 --> 02:07:26,580
of standing up to Chevron, which is a material

811
02:07:26,660 --> 02:07:30,060
form of not only to the people of Richmond, but to the

812
02:07:30,560 --> 02:07:33,980
people of Palestine. I speak to you as a Jewish

813
02:07:34,480 --> 02:07:38,510
person, as a public service provider in Richmond, as someone

814
02:07:39,010 --> 02:07:42,230
who deeply cares about the moment we're in and not

815
02:07:42,730 --> 02:07:46,270
the farce of conflating harm as reality.

816
02:07:47,150 --> 02:07:47,710
Thank you.

817
02:07:52,910 --> 02:07:56,510
Our next speaker is zoegalas.

818
02:07:56,910 --> 02:08:00,500
And will the following individuals please line up behind the speakers podium.

819
02:08:01,050 --> 02:08:04,010
Turno Abbott, Melvin Willis,

820
02:08:04,570 --> 02:08:09,370
Mary R. Teresa A. Asha Windsor

821
02:08:09,870 --> 02:08:14,090
or Nizar. Judy Greenspan and

822
02:08:14,590 --> 02:08:20,490
Ryan Kazeen. Diana Ware and

823
02:08:20,990 --> 02:08:23,770
Matt Reiner. Zoe?

824
02:08:24,650 --> 02:08:27,690
Hi. My name is Zoe Rivka Penagopoulos.

825
02:08:28,020 --> 02:08:32,220
I'm a Jewish resident of the Hilltop neighborhood here in Richmond. And I'm

826
02:08:32,720 --> 02:08:36,300
here because my grandparents both survived the Holocaust. And what

827
02:08:36,800 --> 02:08:40,820
that taught me is that when someone comes and takes your property,

828
02:08:41,700 --> 02:08:45,500
tries to establish residence in your home and your community and kills

829
02:08:46,000 --> 02:08:49,500
your family, that that is wrong and that people should stand

830
02:08:50,000 --> 02:08:53,260
up for you as their neighbors. I am here to stand

831
02:08:53,760 --> 02:08:56,890
up for the Palestinian members of my community here,

832
02:08:57,210 --> 02:09:00,650
Arab members and Muslim members, and to let them know that

833
02:09:01,150 --> 02:09:04,290
they are welcome. And Mayor Martinez, I applaud you for your

834
02:09:04,790 --> 02:09:08,290
efforts to do this as well. And I fear that your resignation would lead

835
02:09:08,790 --> 02:09:12,810
to a stop to that progress and could lead to some residents no longer feeling

836
02:09:13,310 --> 02:09:17,090
welcome in Our neighborhood, which I do not wish to happen. So thank you

837
02:09:17,590 --> 02:09:21,460
for your work for Palestine and for the members of our community impacted

838
02:09:21,960 --> 02:09:22,540
by genocide. There.

839
02:09:34,620 --> 02:09:35,740
Tarnow abbott.

840
02:09:40,380 --> 02:09:43,900
Tarnell Abbott. I'm a resident, a longtime resident of Richmond.

841
02:09:45,900 --> 02:09:49,560
Mayor Martinez is a courageous person with a big

842
02:09:50,060 --> 02:09:53,560
heart. Richmond residents know

843
02:09:53,800 --> 02:09:57,720
that he leads with compassion and empathy this

844
02:09:58,220 --> 02:10:02,200
diverse community for those in need, with no power,

845
02:10:02,280 --> 02:10:05,720
no voice. He has tried to rectify

846
02:10:06,220 --> 02:10:09,240
inequalities and injustices.

847
02:10:10,040 --> 02:10:14,000
That is what unites this community. For those

848
02:10:14,500 --> 02:10:18,680
of you who are. Who have been hurt and are upset at his words,

849
02:10:19,160 --> 02:10:22,760
I urge you to remember that there is still a genocide

850
02:10:23,080 --> 02:10:27,200
going on in Gaza. 20,000 children are

851
02:10:27,700 --> 02:10:30,720
dead, probably many more that

852
02:10:31,220 --> 02:10:35,160
will never be counted because they're buried under the rubble. Even The Israelis

853
02:10:35,480 --> 02:10:38,680
admit 80%, at least, are civilians.

854
02:10:40,040 --> 02:10:44,020
Being anti genocide is not the same as being

855
02:10:44,180 --> 02:10:45,380
anti Jewish.

856
02:10:47,380 --> 02:10:48,820
Melvin Willis.

857
02:10:51,300 --> 02:10:52,260
Melvin Willis.

858
02:10:55,860 --> 02:10:59,140
Good evening, Mayor. Members of the City Council. Melvin Willis here in

859
02:10:59,640 --> 02:11:01,380
my capacity with Bridman Progressive Alliance.

860
02:11:07,060 --> 02:11:10,380
Acknowledging one's mistakes and taking ownership for

861
02:11:10,880 --> 02:11:14,360
it takes a lot of courage. I've been in these City Council chambers as a

862
02:11:14,860 --> 02:11:17,760
serving council member and as a constituent, and there's been many,

863
02:11:18,080 --> 02:11:22,000
many, many offensive things that have been said in this chamber

864
02:11:22,500 --> 02:11:26,160
that never resulted in leading to somebody being censured, even as much as public information

865
02:11:26,320 --> 02:11:29,640
being shared. We need moral leadership that's willing

866
02:11:30,140 --> 02:11:33,360
to step up and admit when they're wrong and try to remedy those mistakes.

867
02:11:33,840 --> 02:11:37,240
And I feel the same frustration a mayor does every time I

868
02:11:37,740 --> 02:11:42,130
turn on the news and hereabouts. 72,000 people killed and over 170,000

869
02:11:42,210 --> 02:11:45,290
injured. Same way I'm frustrated when I hear that our

870
02:11:45,790 --> 02:11:49,490
own government sees fit to kidnap somebody else's president and run their government for their

871
02:11:49,990 --> 02:11:53,890
oil. We should never be scared of speaking out against injustice.

872
02:11:54,390 --> 02:12:00,610
So thank you for always speaking out against injustice and taking responsibility. Mayor Mary

873
02:12:01,110 --> 02:12:05,420
R. Mary R.

874
02:12:06,460 --> 02:12:08,060
Followed by Teresa A.

875
02:12:10,780 --> 02:12:15,060
I'm a District 6 Richmond resident and

876
02:12:15,560 --> 02:12:19,539
I support you, Mayor. We will not be forced into a manufacturer debate over

877
02:12:20,039 --> 02:12:24,020
a meme. This is a transparent tactic. It's a chance for the jcrc,

878
02:12:24,520 --> 02:12:28,300
a racist Zionist organization, to get involved and censor a

879
02:12:28,800 --> 02:12:32,660
pro Palestinian mayor. What this shameful organization or

880
02:12:33,160 --> 02:12:36,580
any Zionist at all has to say is meaningless. This is

881
02:12:37,080 --> 02:12:41,020
distracting us from the real issue. The US and Israel are committing a genocide in

882
02:12:41,520 --> 02:12:45,500
Palestine. Right here in Richmond, Residents paid over $6 million last

883
02:12:46,000 --> 02:12:49,980
year in federal taxes that went to weapons for Israel. Imagine what

884
02:12:50,480 --> 02:12:53,380
we could do for housing, schools, community services with that money.

885
02:12:53,860 --> 02:12:57,910
Meanwhile, the US just approved another $8.6 billion in weapons.

886
02:12:58,310 --> 02:13:02,230
Thank you for your continued work for justice in Palestine and Richmond.

887
02:13:02,390 --> 02:13:06,150
You understand what it means to think globally and act locally.

888
02:13:06,230 --> 02:13:09,910
The same ICE that terrorizes our people here trains alongside

889
02:13:10,410 --> 02:13:15,070
the idf. The same Chevron that palooza fuels

890
02:13:15,570 --> 02:13:17,510
Israel's genocide. I see your courage,

891
02:13:22,940 --> 02:13:26,420
Teresa A. Press the

892
02:13:26,920 --> 02:13:27,500
button, Theresa.

893
02:13:30,620 --> 02:13:34,420
I'm Theresa A. I have lived on the border of El Cerrito and Richmond

894
02:13:34,920 --> 02:13:38,380
for the past 10 years. And I just want to say thank you, Mayor Martinez,

895
02:13:38,460 --> 02:13:41,580
for all the work that you've done for Richmond. I think I just knew a

896
02:13:42,080 --> 02:13:44,140
little bit of it. And the more that I hear about everything that you've done,

897
02:13:44,640 --> 02:13:47,180
that you really care about the people here, really.

898
02:13:47,500 --> 02:13:50,870
And that's crazy. You really

899
02:13:51,370 --> 02:13:54,390
care about people. And I know that there are others maybe in this room who

900
02:13:54,890 --> 02:13:58,030
don't, but I do want to just say that the water that we swim in

901
02:13:59,630 --> 02:14:03,670
is white supremacy. It is imperialism. Like, one of you did mention

902
02:14:04,170 --> 02:14:07,790
that before. And we do have to address that. Like,

903
02:14:08,290 --> 02:14:11,470
complaining about feelings over a repost is white supremacism.

904
02:14:12,030 --> 02:14:15,660
That's white supremacy. Because these people in this

905
02:14:16,160 --> 02:14:19,420
room have the safety to be able to randomly make comments like that.

906
02:14:19,660 --> 02:14:23,060
They are okay. They are well fed. They are

907
02:14:23,560 --> 02:14:27,060
safe. Their children can go to school. People in Gaza cannot. They are the people

908
02:14:27,560 --> 02:14:31,820
who are harmed here. What happened in 1948,

909
02:14:31,900 --> 02:14:33,020
remember, the Nakba.

910
02:14:37,100 --> 02:14:39,660
Time is expired. All right?

911
02:14:41,030 --> 02:14:45,150
We need to maintain decorum. That means people

912
02:14:45,650 --> 02:14:49,030
in the audience should not be interrupting people on the

913
02:14:49,530 --> 02:14:56,829
dais. So please remain silent. Otherwise you

914
02:14:57,329 --> 02:15:00,630
will have to be ejected. I don't want to

915
02:15:01,130 --> 02:15:04,230
do that. Next speaker is Asha Nazar.

916
02:15:08,080 --> 02:15:09,840
Hello, my name is Aisha.

917
02:15:13,760 --> 02:15:17,200
Hello, my name is Aisha Nazar. I'm a resident of Alameda County,

918
02:15:17,280 --> 02:15:20,800
a member of the Palestinian Youth Movement, and I'm here to stand

919
02:15:21,300 --> 02:15:24,960
with Mayor Martinez. As a Palestinian resident whose family was

920
02:15:25,460 --> 02:15:29,160
killed during this genocide, I have rarely seen leadership that reflects the values

921
02:15:29,660 --> 02:15:33,170
that I share with my community. Let's be clear. This censorship

922
02:15:33,670 --> 02:15:37,250
resolution is not about good governance. It's not about Richmond. It's a

923
02:15:37,750 --> 02:15:41,370
blatant act of political retaliation. It is an attempt to punish

924
02:15:41,870 --> 02:15:45,130
Mayor Martinez and this city for having the consciousness to say that

925
02:15:45,630 --> 02:15:49,170
genocide is wrong. And let me say one more thing, and I

926
02:15:49,670 --> 02:15:53,370
want to say it very clearly. To conflate the Jewish people with the idf,

927
02:15:53,530 --> 02:15:57,370
a military that has enacted a genocide of my people over the last

928
02:15:57,870 --> 02:16:01,470
78 years, like the JCRC has done. That is

929
02:16:01,970 --> 02:16:05,270
anti Semitism. The JCRC and its

930
02:16:05,770 --> 02:16:09,430
conservative allies have targeted Mayor Martinez since Richmond became the first city

931
02:16:09,930 --> 02:16:13,510
in the country to pass a ceasefire resolution. Their goal is not to correct him,

932
02:16:14,010 --> 02:16:17,190
it is to make an example out of him. They seek to turn Richmond.

933
02:16:18,630 --> 02:16:19,270
Thank you,

934
02:16:28,000 --> 02:16:31,840
Judy Greenspan, followed by Ryan

935
02:16:32,340 --> 02:16:35,680
Kazane. Is this

936
02:16:35,840 --> 02:16:39,680
Judy Greenspan? I understand. I think some of these people have

937
02:16:40,180 --> 02:16:44,080
to be. They're so disrespectful to all the speakers. They should. And Mark

938
02:16:44,880 --> 02:16:49,160
Waltzberg. Mr. Walsberg needs to be out

939
02:16:49,660 --> 02:16:50,240
of here. You.

940
02:17:03,760 --> 02:17:04,320
God.

941
02:17:14,960 --> 02:17:18,400
Never came. You're not going to be married. You don't vote for ass out.

942
02:17:18,800 --> 02:17:19,920
You remember that.

943
02:17:44,569 --> 02:17:47,929
Hey, Judy. I got away too late. I have a

944
02:17:48,429 --> 02:17:50,329
loud voice, but I want to wait till they're done yelling.

945
02:17:51,609 --> 02:17:55,169
There's a few more that need to go. Okay, Our next speaker is

946
02:17:55,669 --> 02:17:56,569
Judy Greenspan.

947
02:18:00,969 --> 02:18:05,529
Hi, everyone. My name is Judy Greenspan. I am a former Richmond

948
02:18:06,029 --> 02:18:09,100
teacher and that's when I met Eduardo Martinez.

949
02:18:09,600 --> 02:18:13,460
He came to my class, spoke to the students. He helped me sponsor

950
02:18:13,860 --> 02:18:17,460
field trips at a school where we had absolutely no money

951
02:18:17,620 --> 02:18:21,580
for field trips and really represented civic government for

952
02:18:22,080 --> 02:18:25,340
my students and was very, very popular. It was before he was

953
02:18:25,840 --> 02:18:29,300
mayor, when he was a city council person and Gail McLaughlin was the mayor at

954
02:18:29,800 --> 02:18:32,420
the time. And they all came to my class and it was a wonderful event.

955
02:18:33,470 --> 02:18:36,350
Since then, I've moved on to Oakland and I just want to say, the Oakland

956
02:18:36,850 --> 02:18:40,590
Education Association. I'm on the executive board and we are in full support of

957
02:18:41,090 --> 02:18:45,310
Mayor Martinez and we say we

958
02:18:45,810 --> 02:18:49,150
are so impressed with everything that he has done over the

959
02:18:49,650 --> 02:18:52,950
years to support teachers and to support the community. And I just want to say

960
02:18:53,450 --> 02:18:57,270
one thing. Right now, teachers are being punished for talking about Palestine in

961
02:18:57,770 --> 02:19:01,430
their classroom. The JCRC is one of the groups that

962
02:19:01,930 --> 02:19:05,060
is doing that persecution of teachers. There is

963
02:19:05,560 --> 02:19:08,980
a First Amendment problem, and JCRC is part

964
02:19:09,480 --> 02:19:13,660
of the problem. Ryan Kazine.

965
02:19:16,460 --> 02:19:20,060
Hi there, everybody. I'm Ryan.

966
02:19:20,460 --> 02:19:24,060
I live and work here in Richmond as a public speaking coach.

967
02:19:24,460 --> 02:19:27,940
And I just want to speak really quickly and say that honestly,

968
02:19:28,440 --> 02:19:32,160
I'm. I'm really heartbroken by the way people have been behaving

969
02:19:32,660 --> 02:19:35,160
in this room on all sides of this issue.

970
02:19:36,280 --> 02:19:39,760
I stand with a free Palestine. I believe

971
02:19:40,260 --> 02:19:42,840
in that with all my heart. I'm Lebanese, you know.

972
02:19:43,640 --> 02:19:47,120
But we cannot rise

973
02:19:47,620 --> 02:19:50,160
to the level of hatred that we're seeing in this room. And the way that

974
02:19:50,660 --> 02:19:54,040
I've seen some of my siblings engage with people across

975
02:19:54,540 --> 02:19:58,180
the aisle is not the way that I think things should be done. I believe

976
02:19:58,680 --> 02:20:02,340
in restorative justice. I believe that we have to try to attempt to understand

977
02:20:02,420 --> 02:20:06,020
each other. People are here because they

978
02:20:06,520 --> 02:20:09,500
genuinely believe and they know That, I mean,

979
02:20:10,000 --> 02:20:14,140
what happened in Sydney was an atrocity, but also what is happening in Gaza

980
02:20:14,640 --> 02:20:17,660
is an atrocity as well. And we can acknowledge and hold both

981
02:20:18,160 --> 02:20:20,420
those things to be true. Thank you.

982
02:20:21,230 --> 02:20:22,110
Diana Ware,

983
02:20:28,670 --> 02:20:32,110
Mayor and City Council. I speak tonight

984
02:20:32,610 --> 02:20:36,310
in support of Mayor Eduardo Martinez. My name is Diana Ware

985
02:20:36,810 --> 02:20:40,110
and I'm a Richmond resident and have known the Mayor for over a decade.

986
02:20:40,590 --> 02:20:44,190
For years, the mayor has opposed war, valiantly supported

987
02:20:44,690 --> 02:20:48,240
protection for refugees and immigrants, and championed the cause for

988
02:20:48,740 --> 02:20:52,640
the Palestinian people. This last issue has sparked the

989
02:20:53,140 --> 02:20:57,000
current kerfuffle, but this opposition against Mayo

990
02:20:57,500 --> 02:21:00,360
Martinez is both misguided and misdirected.

991
02:21:00,680 --> 02:21:04,040
He is not, nor has he been, anti Semitic.

992
02:21:05,000 --> 02:21:08,200
His recent social media posts were indeed harmful and

993
02:21:08,280 --> 02:21:11,640
wrong. He apologized, offered to listen,

994
02:21:12,140 --> 02:21:14,750
learn and forge lines of peace in our community.

995
02:21:15,950 --> 02:21:20,190
We would be well to emulate the mayor and become sources of solidarity

996
02:21:20,270 --> 02:21:22,910
for those who want a lasting ceasefire,

997
02:21:23,150 --> 02:21:25,870
justice and freedom for the Palestinian people.

998
02:21:26,350 --> 02:21:29,950
That's who Mayor Martinez is. A stalwart

999
02:21:30,030 --> 02:21:32,910
and courageous war of peace.

1000
02:21:35,230 --> 02:21:39,160
Our next speaker is Matt Reiner with the following individual individuals,

1001
02:21:39,660 --> 02:21:42,120
please come forward. Line up behind the Speaker's podium.

1002
02:21:42,520 --> 02:21:44,680
Susan. Beatrice. Ruth.

1003
02:21:45,180 --> 02:21:47,880
Kimono. M.

1004
02:21:48,520 --> 02:21:51,320
Dan Machanik. Michael.

1005
02:21:51,820 --> 02:21:54,760
Khan. Khan. Julie Solomon.

1006
02:21:55,640 --> 02:21:59,560
Lynn. Horseshire. Sarah Hershner.

1007
02:22:00,600 --> 02:22:03,400
Rocky Chow. Matt.

1008
02:22:04,610 --> 02:22:08,010
Council Mayor. Thank you. I want to start by appreciating you

1009
02:22:08,510 --> 02:22:11,970
all and recognizing the humanity and the effort that goes into dealing with these hard

1010
02:22:12,470 --> 02:22:15,890
issues. You all have done amazing job grappling

1011
02:22:16,390 --> 02:22:19,810
with this and I trust the Mayor to continue to do so. As a Jewish

1012
02:22:20,310 --> 02:22:23,730
parent and resident of Richmond, I want to just make it really clear

1013
02:22:24,230 --> 02:22:27,410
that I don't appreciate people coming from outside the city to tell us

1014
02:22:27,910 --> 02:22:28,050
what to do.

1015
02:22:31,740 --> 02:22:34,940
And I want to thank the staff of the City of Richmond and the public

1016
02:22:35,440 --> 02:22:39,300
servants who are here tonight keeping us safe. It is a luxury and an

1017
02:22:39,800 --> 02:22:43,220
honor and a pleasure to be able to be safe in this world. And I

1018
02:22:43,720 --> 02:22:47,780
appreciate it deeply when my heart is so open feeling for people on

1019
02:22:48,280 --> 02:22:52,220
all sides of these issues who are suffering, but especially those who are currently experiencing

1020
02:22:52,720 --> 02:22:55,860
a genocide. Thank you, Mayor Martinez, for continued leadership on

1021
02:22:56,360 --> 02:22:58,970
this and for how you've handled it. And to the City Council, let's keep the

1022
02:22:59,470 --> 02:23:03,090
eyes on the prize and get that money from Chevron allocated correctly.

1023
02:23:04,210 --> 02:23:04,850
Thank you.

1024
02:23:06,930 --> 02:23:07,650
Susan.

1025
02:23:09,570 --> 02:23:12,130
Susan. Susan.

1026
02:23:13,490 --> 02:23:15,730
Hi, my name is Susan. I live in the Bay Area.

1027
02:23:17,170 --> 02:23:21,010
I believe that Mayor Martinez. I believe that Mayor Martinez

1028
02:23:21,510 --> 02:23:25,410
must resign from his anti Semitic rhetoric and the Richmond

1029
02:23:25,910 --> 02:23:29,170
City Council must take action to assure the safety and well being of all

1030
02:23:29,330 --> 02:23:33,170
of Richmond's Jewish community. In December of 2024,

1031
02:23:33,670 --> 02:23:37,410
a major Jewish organization made a report called From Fear to

1032
02:23:39,170 --> 02:23:42,330
Women Facing Anti Semitism. The key findings that the

1033
02:23:42,830 --> 02:23:46,850
survey respondents felt because of anti Semitism's rise were

1034
02:23:46,930 --> 02:23:50,090
isolated, afraid, threatened and concealed. I can't go

1035
02:23:50,590 --> 02:23:53,960
into the details because time is limited, but here's my point.

1036
02:23:54,120 --> 02:23:57,640
We shouldn't have to feel this way. Words can make it worse or words

1037
02:23:58,140 --> 02:24:01,600
can make it better. We believe that community matters and kindness and

1038
02:24:02,100 --> 02:24:06,160
non biased speech matters, especially from elected officials. Sadly, the mayor

1039
02:24:06,660 --> 02:24:09,920
has not exhibited this. Let's hear a true sincere recognition by the mayor

1040
02:24:10,420 --> 02:24:14,400
of what his words have done. Mayors are supposed to be trusted sources of

1041
02:24:14,900 --> 02:24:18,120
information for their communities. Thank you very much, Viejas.

1042
02:24:25,750 --> 02:24:29,110
Eduardo, you and I were once friends many years ago

1043
02:24:29,510 --> 02:24:33,590
as fellow rebels and members of the Progressive Teachers of Richmond,

1044
02:24:33,750 --> 02:24:37,110
trying to improve our union. I worked hard for years

1045
02:24:37,190 --> 02:24:40,630
trying to improve the lives of our students. You know this,

1046
02:24:40,790 --> 02:24:44,430
but you didn't know me well. I lived in Jerusalem for many

1047
02:24:44,930 --> 02:24:48,650
years and together with my partner or had little school for young children,

1048
02:24:49,050 --> 02:24:52,370
both Jewish and Arab together. I'm a proud Jew and

1049
02:24:52,870 --> 02:24:56,890
a proud Israeli. I long for peace and have worked many years for peace.

1050
02:24:57,050 --> 02:25:00,570
I'm also an infidel, as are you. You have been

1051
02:25:01,070 --> 02:25:04,530
parroting racist ideology far more dangerous than that

1052
02:25:05,030 --> 02:25:09,290
of the grand wizards of the Ku Klux Klan and of all the abhorrent

1053
02:25:09,690 --> 02:25:12,010
supremacist groups put together.

1054
02:25:12,770 --> 02:25:16,410
Do you even have a clue about this? And why not? And you

1055
02:25:16,910 --> 02:25:20,130
supposedly taught children to be curious, to seek knowledge,

1056
02:25:20,210 --> 02:25:24,210
to think critically. If the people whose jihadist ideology

1057
02:25:24,610 --> 02:25:29,730
you have parroted had their way, you and I as would

1058
02:25:30,230 --> 02:25:33,170
be taken out of the expired to be shot.

1059
02:25:34,210 --> 02:25:36,130
Start reading real books.

1060
02:25:40,700 --> 02:25:44,420
I have asked for decorum. I have asked

1061
02:25:44,920 --> 02:25:47,820
for decorum. And decorum begins at the podium.

1062
02:25:48,300 --> 02:25:52,820
When your time is expired, you need to stop so

1063
02:25:53,320 --> 02:25:54,860
that others don't react.

1064
02:25:58,780 --> 02:26:00,460
Because your time is expired.

1065
02:26:03,100 --> 02:26:06,350
This is. This is the organism.

1066
02:26:06,750 --> 02:26:10,550
We have responsibilities. Your responsibility is to stop when

1067
02:26:11,050 --> 02:26:15,150
your time expires. Because if you don't. Because if you don't, you create

1068
02:26:15,310 --> 02:26:18,550
a reaction from the audience. So if you

1069
02:26:19,050 --> 02:26:21,470
don't want that reaction, stop when it's time to stop.

1070
02:26:25,870 --> 02:26:26,830
Your time is up.

1071
02:26:33,210 --> 02:26:34,250
Your time is up.

1072
02:26:37,530 --> 02:26:39,290
Mayor. Mayor.

1073
02:26:41,050 --> 02:26:44,610
All right, please, I. I'm asking all of

1074
02:26:45,110 --> 02:26:45,930
us to be respectful.

1075
02:26:49,610 --> 02:26:53,090
I'm sorry I said. You asked that several

1076
02:26:53,590 --> 02:26:56,010
times and the same folks are still interrupting,

1077
02:27:06,330 --> 02:27:10,050
So. So next

1078
02:27:10,550 --> 02:27:15,650
time for decorum, don't just speak out, ask for you.

1079
02:27:16,150 --> 02:27:19,490
Ask me a question. Yeah, but. Okay, so if you didn't ask me

1080
02:27:19,990 --> 02:27:23,850
a question, I wouldn't have responded. Yeah, But I responded to something that you said

1081
02:27:24,160 --> 02:27:26,720
before. I ask the question. So you said. Excuse.

1082
02:27:28,000 --> 02:27:31,360
So. So go ahead. Next. Next speaker,

1083
02:27:31,860 --> 02:27:34,800
please. Ruth K.

1084
02:27:42,240 --> 02:27:45,840
Ruth K. We heard you. Your time

1085
02:27:46,340 --> 02:27:49,280
is up. Next speaker. Next speaker.

1086
02:27:54,010 --> 02:27:56,330
Ruth. Ruth. God.

1087
02:28:01,210 --> 02:28:03,930
You need to press the red button. Thank you.

1088
02:28:04,090 --> 02:28:07,370
Better. Good evening, Mayor and council members.

1089
02:28:07,610 --> 02:28:11,650
And a special thank you to Cesar Zepeda and Jamila

1090
02:28:12,150 --> 02:28:15,860
Brown for bringing the center forward. I'm here, Eduardo,

1091
02:28:16,360 --> 02:28:17,580
to ask for your resignation.

1092
02:28:19,740 --> 02:28:23,300
It's not easy to do that. I would love to be

1093
02:28:23,800 --> 02:28:27,500
supporting you. When friends and colleagues began reaching out to me with stories

1094
02:28:28,000 --> 02:28:31,700
of being bullied and harassed in our community, in schools and in

1095
02:28:32,200 --> 02:28:35,020
the general community, I began reaching out to public officials,

1096
02:28:35,980 --> 02:28:40,220
leaders in the school district as well. Every leader

1097
02:28:40,300 --> 02:28:44,430
I spoke with, from the California State Department of Education to

1098
02:28:44,930 --> 02:28:48,750
elected officials, to the school district, district office,

1099
02:28:49,250 --> 02:28:53,150
administration, spoke to me. And there was one exception

1100
02:28:53,650 --> 02:28:57,230
to this group. I sent you a message and asked to

1101
02:28:57,730 --> 02:29:01,470
speak to you about the adoption, potential adoption of the IHRA

1102
02:29:01,870 --> 02:29:05,150
definition of antisemitism, because I felt

1103
02:29:05,650 --> 02:29:09,630
that was a good way to start you.

1104
02:29:10,160 --> 02:29:13,840
Time is excellent. Told me you would talk to me about

1105
02:29:13,920 --> 02:29:16,160
a part. Your time is up.

1106
02:29:22,480 --> 02:29:23,040
Hold on.

1107
02:29:26,880 --> 02:29:30,480
My name is Lenny Hochschild. Good evening, Mayor. Good evening,

1108
02:29:30,980 --> 02:29:34,720
Councilman. Good evening, residents. I'm a Jewish resident.

1109
02:29:34,800 --> 02:29:39,170
I'm from Marin, and I'm a small business owner focusing on clean

1110
02:29:39,670 --> 02:29:43,530
energy. Until recently, I spent time here frequenting restaurants and

1111
02:29:44,030 --> 02:29:47,330
bars with my family and my friends. I'm here to ask

1112
02:29:47,830 --> 02:29:51,090
that you resign because I believe that the role of an

1113
02:29:51,590 --> 02:29:55,210
elected leader is to bring people together to make

1114
02:29:55,710 --> 02:29:59,690
all of our lives better. This man is clearly doing the opposite.

1115
02:29:59,850 --> 02:30:02,490
Look at the last few hours. Is that bringing us together?

1116
02:30:02,810 --> 02:30:06,220
Obviously not. He spends his time spreading

1117
02:30:06,720 --> 02:30:09,860
misinformation, and whether he realizes it or not,

1118
02:30:11,140 --> 02:30:14,940
as an elected official, he meaningfully contributes to the permission

1119
02:30:15,440 --> 02:30:18,340
structure that has led to anti Semitic acts of violence.

1120
02:30:19,300 --> 02:30:22,380
His actions, whether intentional or not, contributes to the

1121
02:30:22,880 --> 02:30:26,420
likely endgame of getting innocent Bay Area Jews hurt or killed.

1122
02:30:26,580 --> 02:30:28,420
Please resign. And shame on you.

1123
02:30:33,790 --> 02:30:34,350
Last name is.

1124
02:30:38,350 --> 02:30:42,510
Mayor Martinez. By using your social media platform

1125
02:30:42,830 --> 02:30:46,390
to spread baseless conspiracy theories regarding

1126
02:30:46,890 --> 02:30:50,750
the horrific Bondi massacre, you have failed your constituency.

1127
02:30:51,230 --> 02:30:55,230
While the Jewish community was mourning innocent lives lost to

1128
02:30:55,730 --> 02:30:59,230
senseless violence, you chose to amplify narratives

1129
02:30:59,740 --> 02:31:03,020
that dehumanize victims and fuel the fires of

1130
02:31:03,520 --> 02:31:07,740
antisemitism. Words are not harmless. For a community already

1131
02:31:07,820 --> 02:31:11,420
facing a historic rise in hate crime, your rhetoric

1132
02:31:11,920 --> 02:31:15,980
acts as a dog whistle that puts real lives at risk. Here in Richmond,

1133
02:31:16,140 --> 02:31:20,140
you have shattered the bond of trust necessary to leave this

1134
02:31:20,640 --> 02:31:23,980
Diverse City. We can no longer look to you for moral clarity.

1135
02:31:24,220 --> 02:31:27,810
The only honorable path forward is for you to step down.

1136
02:31:28,130 --> 02:31:31,890
For our community's sake and for the dignity of your office. We ask

1137
02:31:32,390 --> 02:31:33,490
for your immediate resignation.

1138
02:31:39,890 --> 02:31:41,090
Julie solomon.

1139
02:31:46,610 --> 02:31:47,250
She left.

1140
02:31:52,540 --> 02:31:53,660
Dan machinick.

1141
02:31:58,940 --> 02:32:02,620
My name is Dan. I am a homeowner in Marina Bay

1142
02:32:03,120 --> 02:32:06,420
for 15 years, a taxpayer and a voter. I'm sure you guys remember me from

1143
02:32:06,920 --> 02:32:10,460
October 23rd. You guys know me also as a comedian. I work all over

1144
02:32:10,960 --> 02:32:14,420
the world. I'll tell you that. When I travel around America, Richmond is

1145
02:32:14,920 --> 02:32:18,090
known for two things. A movie called Coach Carter, which I think we all love.

1146
02:32:18,410 --> 02:32:21,450
And it's known as a hotbed of anti Semitism and Jew hatred.

1147
02:32:21,930 --> 02:32:25,530
It's known around. Listen, I'm the one going around the country doing

1148
02:32:26,030 --> 02:32:29,490
podcasts, talking on tv, going on the radio, meeting with people, and they go,

1149
02:32:29,990 --> 02:32:32,170
where are you from? You go, richmond. Oh, that's where you have the mayor that

1150
02:32:32,670 --> 02:32:36,210
hates the Jews. So that's your legacy, whether you want

1151
02:32:36,710 --> 02:32:39,570
it or not. And, sue, you're with them, too. I'm from Marina Bay. Sue,

1152
02:32:40,070 --> 02:32:42,810
look at me. I'm from Marina Bay. You don't represent me, okay?

1153
02:32:44,670 --> 02:32:48,190
You make my skin crawl. I'm so embarrassed to have you as my rep,

1154
02:32:48,430 --> 02:32:52,030
but all I'm asking is, please resign. You've divided

1155
02:32:52,530 --> 02:32:55,790
the community. Take a look. This is your legacy. Look at this divided room.

1156
02:32:56,290 --> 02:32:59,750
This is what you have accomplished with your Jew hatred. I'm not trying

1157
02:33:00,250 --> 02:33:03,470
to be funny. Michael Hahn.

1158
02:33:07,710 --> 02:33:09,160
Michael Han.

1159
02:33:12,040 --> 02:33:13,800
Michael, Are you Michael Hahn?

1160
02:33:15,400 --> 02:33:18,280
Michael Hahn? Is that. Is it Sarah Kirschner? No.

1161
02:33:19,720 --> 02:33:21,960
Yes. Or should. Okay.

1162
02:33:23,960 --> 02:33:27,600
I'm a mother of a fifth grader, and I'm part of the team that built

1163
02:33:28,100 --> 02:33:32,000
Rise Youth center in Richmond. I'm a Jewish community organizer,

1164
02:33:32,500 --> 02:33:35,090
and I'm a service provider. Thank you, Mayor,

1165
02:33:35,490 --> 02:33:38,650
for your unwavering condemnation of Israel's

1166
02:33:39,150 --> 02:33:42,570
genocide against Palestinians. Now, more than ever,

1167
02:33:43,070 --> 02:33:46,290
we want public servants who are not complicit with genocide.

1168
02:33:46,770 --> 02:33:50,289
JCRC's entire job is to deflect

1169
02:33:50,789 --> 02:33:54,570
the genocide and Israel's deadly racism through false claims

1170
02:33:55,070 --> 02:33:58,810
of antisemitism and retaliate against those who speak against

1171
02:33:59,310 --> 02:34:02,930
it. Their attacks on political speech erode protections for those

1172
02:34:03,170 --> 02:34:07,010
that protected speech were intended to protect, such as

1173
02:34:07,510 --> 02:34:11,010
Palestinian communities here and all over the Bay Area.

1174
02:34:11,090 --> 02:34:14,410
Facing the loss of hundreds of family members over the

1175
02:34:14,910 --> 02:34:18,170
past 27 months. Being uncomfortable with the truth is not the same thing

1176
02:34:18,670 --> 02:34:22,370
as being unsafe. You should feel uncomfortable when you celebrate genocide.

1177
02:34:22,450 --> 02:34:25,930
The resolution being proposed is an outrageous weaponization of

1178
02:34:26,430 --> 02:34:30,050
anti Semitism, and it portrays my own Family's history of genocide.

1179
02:34:30,130 --> 02:34:30,770
Thank you,

1180
02:34:34,540 --> 02:34:38,060
Michael Hahn. Michael Hahn.

1181
02:34:42,940 --> 02:34:43,900
Rocky chow.

1182
02:34:50,460 --> 02:34:54,060
Good evening, council members. My name is Rocky Chow

1183
02:34:54,560 --> 02:34:58,270
and I am a Richmond resident living in District 2 of Richmond. I'm giving

1184
02:34:58,770 --> 02:35:02,150
public comments to show my support for Mayor Eduardo. The times I've

1185
02:35:02,650 --> 02:35:06,030
interacted with Mayor Eduardo, he's shown that he's nothing but a principled, kind and humble

1186
02:35:06,530 --> 02:35:10,110
individual who cares about his fellow humans in and outside of Richmond. It's unfortunate

1187
02:35:10,610 --> 02:35:13,230
to expect that a good number of politicians to take big money at their behest

1188
02:35:13,730 --> 02:35:17,390
from God awful entities that destroy lives, whether it is the Military Industrial

1189
02:35:17,890 --> 02:35:21,430
Corporation or fossil fuel industries or apac. But not Mayor Eduardo.

1190
02:35:21,750 --> 02:35:25,470
Mayor Eduardo ran his campaign, now serving as a progressive working

1191
02:35:25,970 --> 02:35:29,430
class elected official. And now he's leading the city to moving away from fossil

1192
02:35:29,930 --> 02:35:33,510
fuels and into a greener city, creating good

1193
02:35:34,010 --> 02:35:37,430
local jobs here in Richmond. This is a mayor that leads and delivers for his

1194
02:35:37,930 --> 02:35:41,430
constituents locally and speaking up, all the while speaking up against the genocide of

1195
02:35:41,930 --> 02:35:45,830
Palestinian people funded by the US Tax dollars abroad, and even taking accountability

1196
02:35:46,330 --> 02:35:49,590
when he makes mistakes. This is something. This is the humble leadership that.

1197
02:35:50,090 --> 02:35:53,170
Something to be admired and quite frankly be modeled by elected officials,

1198
02:35:53,250 --> 02:35:55,170
especially at the highest time, has expired.

1199
02:35:56,770 --> 02:35:59,650
Our next speaker is Jake Garmo.

1200
02:36:00,130 --> 02:36:03,810
And will the following individuals please line up behind the speaker's podium.

1201
02:36:04,530 --> 02:36:08,450
Yosi Fidel, Stephanie Gwyn, Ken Yale.

1202
02:36:09,650 --> 02:36:11,650
Marisa Segura,

1203
02:36:13,810 --> 02:36:15,970
Paul. Lordy.

1204
02:36:16,690 --> 02:36:20,190
Samuel. Sarah Teller, Marisol Cantu,

1205
02:36:21,710 --> 02:36:23,710
Zinab Inter.

1206
02:36:25,150 --> 02:36:27,790
Connor Swingo, please come forward.

1207
02:36:28,510 --> 02:36:28,990
Jake.

1208
02:36:36,510 --> 02:36:39,830
Okay, is Jake Garmo in the

1209
02:36:40,330 --> 02:36:44,030
chambers? Next speaker is Yassi Findale.

1210
02:36:54,010 --> 02:36:57,530
Hello. My name is Yossi Fandel and I am a Jewish Israeli American

1211
02:36:57,850 --> 02:37:01,410
living in Berkeley. President George Washington famously

1212
02:37:01,910 --> 02:37:05,130
made a promise to America's Jews that the United States would give to bigotry

1213
02:37:05,630 --> 02:37:09,650
no sanction and to persecution no assistance. Well, Mayor Martinez has

1214
02:37:10,150 --> 02:37:14,550
broken that promise. And for years now, his unrelenting anti Zionist bigotry

1215
02:37:15,050 --> 02:37:18,390
and anti Semitic prejudice have stained his office and the city he

1216
02:37:18,890 --> 02:37:22,070
serves. His animus toward Jews and his hatred towards

1217
02:37:22,570 --> 02:37:26,030
Israelis and support for Hamas have become so infamous that there are

1218
02:37:26,530 --> 02:37:29,670
viral social media posts denouncing him, even from Palestinians in

1219
02:37:30,170 --> 02:37:33,870
Gaza. Richmond, your mayor is known worldwide as a

1220
02:37:34,370 --> 02:37:37,720
Jew hater. And Jews have learned over the centuries that when

1221
02:37:38,220 --> 02:37:41,720
bigotry becomes normalized, persecution follows. With Eduardo

1222
02:37:42,220 --> 02:37:45,560
Martinez as mayor, Richmond is not safe for Jews. It has

1223
02:37:46,060 --> 02:37:49,720
been demonstrated that if the Jews of Richmond are attacked, the mayor can be relied

1224
02:37:50,220 --> 02:37:53,519
on to excuse the attackers and blame the Jews instead for the attacks against them.

1225
02:37:53,760 --> 02:37:57,600
Mayor Martinez is an unrepentant Bigot. And he must leave office immediately.

1226
02:37:58,720 --> 02:38:02,660
Stephanie Gwynne.

1227
02:38:05,450 --> 02:38:06,570
Stephanie Gwynn.

1228
02:38:10,330 --> 02:38:13,690
Okay. Ken Yale.

1229
02:38:27,210 --> 02:38:30,230
Excuse me, you need to turn the mic on.

1230
02:38:32,870 --> 02:38:35,750
There's a red button. Yeah,

1231
02:38:36,250 --> 02:38:39,990
yeah. Your time will start when you're. Yes,

1232
02:38:40,950 --> 02:38:44,230
I'm a retired manager of Contra Costa County Social

1233
02:38:44,469 --> 02:38:47,910
Services. I've lived and been based in Richmond

1234
02:38:48,150 --> 02:38:51,430
and I'm Jewish. And I'm calling for council

1235
02:38:51,670 --> 02:38:55,890
action against you, Mayor Martinez, for your documented

1236
02:38:56,390 --> 02:39:00,130
history. And these are not lies, as people say. It's all documented

1237
02:39:00,290 --> 02:39:03,570
of anti Semitic statements on social

1238
02:39:04,070 --> 02:39:08,090
media all over the world, including the blaming the

1239
02:39:08,590 --> 02:39:13,010
victims of the recent mass murder on Bodie beach of Jews

1240
02:39:13,510 --> 02:39:17,170
on the victims. The safety of the Jewish community is

1241
02:39:17,670 --> 02:39:21,240
at stake. We cannot continue to tolerate public

1242
02:39:21,740 --> 02:39:24,800
officials who engage in anti Semitic rhetoric.

1243
02:39:25,280 --> 02:39:29,040
Lots of people say you are nice man, and you may be nice for lots

1244
02:39:29,540 --> 02:39:33,680
of people, but you're not nice for Jews. You must reside.

1245
02:39:34,180 --> 02:39:37,600
It's the only alternative. And I will add that people

1246
02:39:38,100 --> 02:39:41,840
throwing around words like genocide and imperialism who

1247
02:39:42,340 --> 02:39:46,160
do not know the definitions of time is expired and that should be discussed.

1248
02:39:46,730 --> 02:39:48,010
You don't know the definition.

1249
02:39:50,010 --> 02:39:52,810
Ken Yale. Let's be civil.

1250
02:39:56,170 --> 02:39:59,650
My name is Ken Yale. I'm a 20 year resident of Richmond. I'm Jewish

1251
02:40:00,150 --> 02:40:04,130
and I support the mayor. You've heard some people today asserting that opposition to

1252
02:40:04,630 --> 02:40:07,370
Israel or to Zionism is anti Jewish or anti Semitic.

1253
02:40:07,530 --> 02:40:10,850
Please do not be fooled or intimidated by the conflation of

1254
02:40:11,350 --> 02:40:15,580
these terms. Judaism is a religion, Israel is a state, and Zionism

1255
02:40:16,080 --> 02:40:19,220
is a political ideology. And criticizing the apartheid

1256
02:40:19,720 --> 02:40:23,820
state of Israel or the Jewish supremacist ideology of Zionism is

1257
02:40:24,320 --> 02:40:28,100
in no way a slur against Judaism as a religion or the people who practice

1258
02:40:28,600 --> 02:40:32,500
it. And any Jewish person or organization who tries to conflate

1259
02:40:33,000 --> 02:40:36,700
these terms as a weapon to silence the mayor or to silence you on

1260
02:40:37,200 --> 02:40:40,650
the council, or who justifies Israel's barbaric genocide,

1261
02:40:41,150 --> 02:40:44,570
or who falsely claims to represent all Jewish people, does not

1262
02:40:45,070 --> 02:40:48,770
represent me, does not represent thousands of Richmond and Bay Area Jews,

1263
02:40:49,270 --> 02:40:52,770
and does not represent the millions of Jewish people around the world who proudly

1264
02:40:53,270 --> 02:40:56,810
support Palestinian human rights and a free Palestine. Please continue

1265
02:40:57,310 --> 02:41:00,490
supporting Mayor Martinez and Palestinian human rights so that

1266
02:41:00,990 --> 02:41:04,840
Richmond is not complicit in this horrific is Israeli genocide.

1267
02:41:05,480 --> 02:41:07,560
Marinza Segura.

1268
02:41:20,440 --> 02:41:21,720
Turn the mic on, please.

1269
02:41:24,440 --> 02:41:27,680
Do I start? Yes. Good evening, everyone.

1270
02:41:28,180 --> 02:41:30,650
My name is Marina. I live in Marina Bay, Richmond City.

1271
02:41:30,960 --> 02:41:35,000
Wilson is my council member. And I'm definitely not used to standing in

1272
02:41:35,500 --> 02:41:38,680
front of a microphone. I'm just someone who has lived here for years and

1273
02:41:39,180 --> 02:41:42,880
cares about where we're headed. I wanted to come up here tonight

1274
02:41:43,380 --> 02:41:47,720
to say that I support our mayor. Lately, it feels like all we hear is

1275
02:41:48,220 --> 02:41:51,800
this small, very loud group of people trying to push

1276
02:41:52,300 --> 02:41:55,920
our mayor out. But they don't represent the residents of Richmond. Most of us are

1277
02:41:56,420 --> 02:41:59,870
actually happy with the work being done in our neighborhoods and the direction the city

1278
02:42:00,370 --> 02:42:03,590
is headed. In a city like ours, we aren't always going to agree

1279
02:42:04,090 --> 02:42:07,310
on everything. That's just life. But a handful of people shouldn't

1280
02:42:07,810 --> 02:42:10,590
get to decide for the rest of us. We elected the mayor to do a

1281
02:42:11,090 --> 02:42:14,589
job and he's doing it. And I just wanted to add one thing, one last

1282
02:42:15,089 --> 02:42:17,670
thing. Jamelia Brown, you are an opportunist.

1283
02:42:20,790 --> 02:42:21,990
Paul. Lordy.

1284
02:42:25,200 --> 02:42:28,880
Paul Lorody. He'll be followed by Samuel

1285
02:42:29,840 --> 02:42:30,960
Sax Teller.

1286
02:42:33,120 --> 02:42:36,920
Ready? It's on. It's on. Ready? My name

1287
02:42:37,420 --> 02:42:41,360
is Paul Laroudi and I've been a proud resident of Richmond since 1980.

1288
02:42:41,760 --> 02:42:44,600
And I'm especially proud to have the kindest,

1289
02:42:45,100 --> 02:42:47,840
gentlest and most compassionate mayor in America.

1290
02:42:48,640 --> 02:42:51,800
Eduardo Martinez cares about the well being of all,

1291
02:42:51,950 --> 02:42:56,190
all who live in Richmond, but especially our poor and destitute.

1292
02:42:56,430 --> 02:43:00,590
He defends them against homelessness and exploitation and

1293
02:43:01,090 --> 02:43:05,070
against big corporations and developers who see the needy as obstacles

1294
02:43:05,230 --> 02:43:09,590
to their greed and ambition. And yes, Eduardo's compassion

1295
02:43:10,090 --> 02:43:13,510
knows no bounds. It extends to the suffering of victims in

1296
02:43:14,010 --> 02:43:16,910
the U.S. venezuela, Syria, Lebanon, Iran,

1297
02:43:17,230 --> 02:43:21,190
Israel, Gaza and all of Palestine. We must

1298
02:43:21,690 --> 02:43:25,150
therefore defend our city and our mayor from attacks by outside

1299
02:43:25,230 --> 02:43:28,430
agitators like the jcrc, who only want

1300
02:43:28,930 --> 02:43:32,590
to destroy and intimidate Mayor Eduardo Martinez and

1301
02:43:33,090 --> 02:43:34,590
the honorable people of Richmond.

1302
02:43:37,310 --> 02:43:38,990
Samuel Sextaler.

1303
02:43:41,710 --> 02:43:45,150
Hi, I'm Sam, a longtime climate justice activist

1304
02:43:45,490 --> 02:43:48,610
and a member of Temple Beth Hillel in Richmond. I have

1305
02:43:49,110 --> 02:43:52,770
admired the work this council has done on many fronts, including standing

1306
02:43:53,270 --> 02:43:56,890
up to Chevron for the health of all of our communities. And Mayor Martinez,

1307
02:43:57,390 --> 02:44:00,690
I would like to see you live up to your promise of good governance by

1308
02:44:01,190 --> 02:44:04,290
repairing a relationship with the Richmond Jewish community. Thank you very much,

1309
02:44:05,010 --> 02:44:06,530
Mayor Sal Cantu.

1310
02:44:12,380 --> 02:44:16,460
Hi. Thank you. My name is Marisol Cantu.

1311
02:44:16,960 --> 02:44:20,420
I'm a third generation Richmond resident. I'm also the co chair of the Richmond Progressive

1312
02:44:20,920 --> 02:44:24,220
alliance and I am here Tonight to voice

1313
02:44:24,720 --> 02:44:28,300
RPA's support for Mayor Martinez and to thank

1314
02:44:28,800 --> 02:44:31,980
him for his leadership in the moments of crisis,

1315
02:44:32,480 --> 02:44:35,180
in the moments of war, and for our entire community.

1316
02:44:35,740 --> 02:44:41,210
From shepherding the chevron settlement of 550

1317
02:44:41,710 --> 02:44:45,090
million, to championing the first ceasefire resolution,

1318
02:44:45,730 --> 02:44:49,370
to standing for human rights from Richmond

1319
02:44:49,870 --> 02:44:52,690
all the way to Palestine, you are our mayor.

1320
02:44:53,250 --> 02:44:57,170
Your leadership is never Perfect as we are never perfect.

1321
02:44:57,730 --> 02:45:01,690
But it's progress and it's progress that we need. And as a third generation

1322
02:45:02,190 --> 02:45:05,630
Richmond resident, I speak and I am never more proud to be here to

1323
02:45:06,130 --> 02:45:10,070
support you, to be a D6 resident, and to continue the progress for Richmond

1324
02:45:13,630 --> 02:45:18,190
Our next speaker is Zaniyah Interim Intar

1325
02:45:19,550 --> 02:45:22,750
Zenaya. Sorry. Hello.

1326
02:45:25,470 --> 02:45:28,670
Hello. My name is Zainab. I'm from Alameda County.

1327
02:45:29,170 --> 02:45:32,180
I want to support everything. Oops, sorry.

1328
02:45:32,340 --> 02:45:35,420
I'm here to defend the mayor and stand with him in every capacity and stand

1329
02:45:35,920 --> 02:45:39,180
with him in every capacity as mayor of Richmond. One in five Palestinians

1330
02:45:39,680 --> 02:45:42,180
have been killed and one in five of Palestinians have been children that have been

1331
02:45:42,680 --> 02:45:45,860
killed. People are in Gaza right now with flooded tents, starving and

1332
02:45:46,360 --> 02:45:48,180
freezing. This is what we should be worried about.

1333
02:45:49,540 --> 02:45:52,900
There's people that who voted to agendize this item and give it legitimacy are going

1334
02:45:53,400 --> 02:45:55,580
to be the first and are going to be ready to concede to AIPAC and

1335
02:45:56,080 --> 02:45:59,220
trust Trump when the time comes. Shame on you. Shame on you for siding with

1336
02:45:59,720 --> 02:46:02,700
baby killers. Zionism will fall. Free Palestine. Thank you.

1337
02:46:04,220 --> 02:46:07,700
Our next speaker is Connor Swingo. And will the following individuals

1338
02:46:08,200 --> 02:46:11,580
please come forward. Line up behind the speaker's podium. Seth Morrison.

1339
02:46:12,220 --> 02:46:15,420
Cordell Hendler. Kathleen Weimer.

1340
02:46:15,980 --> 02:46:18,940
Ziva Trey. David Schoenholtz.

1341
02:46:19,660 --> 02:46:23,660
Daniel. Nathan Hess. Aaron Middleshone.

1342
02:46:24,220 --> 02:46:27,580
Yolanda Walker. Cassandra Savoy.

1343
02:46:29,340 --> 02:46:33,100
Connor. Hello. My name is Connor

1344
02:46:33,600 --> 02:46:36,140
Swingle. I'm a member of the Alameda County Peace and Freedom Party.

1345
02:46:36,540 --> 02:46:39,340
I'm here today to speak in support of Mayor Martinez.

1346
02:46:39,820 --> 02:46:43,740
Richmond becoming the first city to pass a ceasefire resolution was

1347
02:46:44,240 --> 02:46:47,460
vital in paving the way for more cities to pass ceasefire resolution solutions.

1348
02:46:47,780 --> 02:46:51,300
The genocide in Palestine is only possible with the

1349
02:46:51,800 --> 02:46:54,580
support of the United States. So when Richmond was the first siege to take a

1350
02:46:55,080 --> 02:46:59,060
stand, it mattered. So let's be clear. The attacks on Mayor Martinez are

1351
02:46:59,560 --> 02:47:02,740
about attacking the progressive anti war values that make Richmond

1352
02:47:02,819 --> 02:47:06,220
and Mayor Martinez leaders. It's about attacking the very

1353
02:47:06,720 --> 02:47:10,620
idea that a city like Richmond should condemn the genocide in Gaza. It's about

1354
02:47:11,120 --> 02:47:14,530
attacking the movement for free Palestine. Public opinion is

1355
02:47:15,030 --> 02:47:18,610
not going back to support Israel. But desperate acts like this

1356
02:47:18,690 --> 02:47:21,490
will be tried and attempted to turn back the clock.

1357
02:47:21,810 --> 02:47:25,650
But I implore the city council to stand behind

1358
02:47:25,810 --> 02:47:29,610
the anti war and anti genocide positions that this city supports

1359
02:47:30,110 --> 02:47:33,490
and this world needs. Thank you. Seth Morrison.

1360
02:47:37,090 --> 02:47:37,970
Seth Morrison.

1361
02:47:41,260 --> 02:47:45,100
I heard you called Jake Garmo. I called Seth Morrison.

1362
02:47:45,180 --> 02:47:48,060
Next in the list. In the list. Okay,

1363
02:47:49,980 --> 02:47:53,980
Seth. I'm representing

1364
02:47:54,219 --> 02:47:58,100
Jewish Voice for Peace Bay area. We work

1365
02:47:58,600 --> 02:48:02,140
for a free Palestine and oppose anti Semitism,

1366
02:48:02,940 --> 02:48:06,730
Jewish safety lies in solidarity with all

1367
02:48:06,810 --> 02:48:10,170
at risk communities. Mayor Martinez

1368
02:48:10,670 --> 02:48:14,370
and Richmond have an impressive record of supporting

1369
02:48:14,870 --> 02:48:18,170
Palestinians. The mayor's reports

1370
02:48:18,810 --> 02:48:22,850
were hurtful and minimizing the

1371
02:48:23,350 --> 02:48:26,730
loss of life and promoting tropes of an

1372
02:48:27,230 --> 02:48:30,770
Israeli conspiracy. We appreciate the mayor's

1373
02:48:31,270 --> 02:48:34,750
apology and openness to address these concerns.

1374
02:48:35,630 --> 02:48:39,270
The attack by the JCRC is mainly due to

1375
02:48:39,770 --> 02:48:43,430
his support for Palestine. We reject the call for

1376
02:48:43,930 --> 02:48:48,430
him to resign or be censored. The antidote to anti Semitism

1377
02:48:48,750 --> 02:48:51,870
is education, not cancellation.

1378
02:48:52,670 --> 02:48:55,630
The JCRC time has expired.

1379
02:48:56,270 --> 02:48:57,310
Cordell Hindler.

1380
02:49:02,970 --> 02:49:07,010
I usually have a two minute speech, but at

1381
02:49:07,510 --> 02:49:11,370
this time, so I'll keep it short. So. Good evening, Mayor Martinez.

1382
02:49:11,450 --> 02:49:14,610
Counselor. For the record, I am Cordell Henlon. I'm a rich

1383
02:49:15,110 --> 02:49:18,770
resident, so I do have some items that I'm bringing forward. So women

1384
02:49:19,270 --> 02:49:22,610
in the workplace, they are overworked because they are trying

1385
02:49:23,110 --> 02:49:27,740
to put together together like, you know, an agenda report. So it's hard because they

1386
02:49:28,240 --> 02:49:31,620
have, like two weeks and that's not enough time to get their item heard.

1387
02:49:32,120 --> 02:49:36,140
So they have to wait till the next available agenda for

1388
02:49:36,640 --> 02:49:39,620
their item to be heard. So that's one. And then number two, I do appreciate

1389
02:49:40,120 --> 02:49:44,100
Mayor Martinez for inviting Jesse Ardegain to speak to us last month. I thought

1390
02:49:44,600 --> 02:49:48,020
his presentation was very helpful because I really learned a lot about,

1391
02:49:48,520 --> 02:49:52,030
like, you know, legislative bills and all that stuff. But as

1392
02:49:52,530 --> 02:49:55,830
I said before, Mayor Martinez, you have done a wonderful job. And I don't

1393
02:49:56,330 --> 02:49:59,750
know if people remember there was a cartoon that said, there's no need to fear.

1394
02:49:59,830 --> 02:50:03,430
Instead of underdog is here, it's gonna be Mayor Martinez is here. Dun,

1395
02:50:03,930 --> 02:50:07,510
dun, dun, dun, dun, dun, dun, dun. So he ain't going nowhere.

1396
02:50:07,670 --> 02:50:08,470
That's sad.

1397
02:50:10,870 --> 02:50:12,150
Kathleen Weimer.

1398
02:50:15,670 --> 02:50:16,920
Captain Weimer.

1399
02:50:25,720 --> 02:50:29,480
Hello. Do I

1400
02:50:29,980 --> 02:50:33,160
do something? Oh, okay. Happy New Year.

1401
02:50:33,640 --> 02:50:37,160
Nice to see all of you. I have known

1402
02:50:37,240 --> 02:50:40,680
eduardo Martinez for 15 years,

1403
02:50:41,560 --> 02:50:46,080
and I know that he is a person of character and

1404
02:50:46,580 --> 02:50:50,360
that he holds values that most

1405
02:50:50,860 --> 02:50:54,560
of us share, certainly most of us progressives.

1406
02:50:55,040 --> 02:50:58,800
And I'm proud to have him as the Mayor

1407
02:50:59,300 --> 02:51:03,840
of Richmond. I think he made a mistake with the post that he put

1408
02:51:04,340 --> 02:51:07,960
up and that he's acknowledged it was a mistake and will

1409
02:51:08,460 --> 02:51:11,990
meet with the people who have been offended by that and

1410
02:51:12,230 --> 02:51:14,550
do what he can to make reparation.

1411
02:51:15,830 --> 02:51:19,430
And that's good enough for me. Thank you very much.

1412
02:51:20,230 --> 02:51:21,350
Ziva. Trey.

1413
02:51:25,670 --> 02:51:27,830
Okay. David schoenholtz,

1414
02:51:33,430 --> 02:51:34,790
Press the red button, please.

1415
02:51:37,280 --> 02:51:40,240
My name is David and I am a Jewish resident of the East Bay.

1416
02:51:40,640 --> 02:51:44,400
Most mayors are not bigots. Most mayors are not liars. Most mayors are

1417
02:51:44,900 --> 02:51:48,400
not Hypocrites. Mayor Martinez is all of these things. Can you imagine

1418
02:51:48,900 --> 02:51:52,600
if after the Pulse nightclub shooting, a local elected official shared a post calling

1419
02:51:53,100 --> 02:51:56,400
it a false flag perpetrated by the queer community? That person would

1420
02:51:56,900 --> 02:52:00,120
be called out immediately, as they should be. It is such a no brainer to

1421
02:52:00,620 --> 02:52:03,770
not share hateful conspiracy theories. But when it comes to the Jewish community,

1422
02:52:04,010 --> 02:52:07,730
the mayor just cannot help himself. Mayor Martinez is not sorry

1423
02:52:08,230 --> 02:52:11,730
for what he did. He's sorry he got caught doing it. The insincere apology

1424
02:52:12,230 --> 02:52:15,450
he offered showed no recognition of having caused any harm or

1425
02:52:15,950 --> 02:52:19,930
hurt. When friends of mine, Jewish or otherwise, think about moving to

1426
02:52:20,430 --> 02:52:23,730
the East Bay, I will continue to warn them to steer clear of Richmond until

1427
02:52:24,230 --> 02:52:28,010
Mayor Martinez is out of office. Richmond calls itself the city of pride and purpose.

1428
02:52:28,390 --> 02:52:31,270
Instead of pride, the mayor has brought shame on his city. I hope the council

1429
02:52:31,770 --> 02:52:34,950
members have enough pride themselves to censure the mayor and join for the call

1430
02:52:35,450 --> 02:52:39,110
for him to resign. Thank you, Daniel. Nathan Hess.

1431
02:52:44,150 --> 02:52:47,350
Hello, everyone. A lot

1432
02:52:47,850 --> 02:52:51,230
of people have stolen my lines tonight, so instead of reading something

1433
02:52:51,730 --> 02:52:55,230
fiery and passionate that you all know me to be, I'll speak from the

1434
02:52:55,730 --> 02:52:58,470
heart. My wife's the smartest person in the world and she always says I speak

1435
02:52:58,970 --> 02:53:02,510
better when I speak from the heart. So someone came

1436
02:53:03,010 --> 02:53:06,630
up and spoke earlier and said that we shouldn't feel comfortable celebrating genocide.

1437
02:53:07,130 --> 02:53:10,269
Right? We shouldn't. But I also don't want to feel

1438
02:53:10,769 --> 02:53:14,630
uncomfortable putting menorah in my window. Because when the language that you use,

1439
02:53:15,130 --> 02:53:19,230
Mayor Martinez, makes me feel uncomfortable to do that, I'm afraid

1440
02:53:19,730 --> 02:53:22,470
that someone's going to drive by my, my house in Richmond on a major thoroughfare

1441
02:53:22,970 --> 02:53:26,510
and throw a brick through my window. And I, I, I don't want that for

1442
02:53:27,010 --> 02:53:30,350
my wife. I don't want that for my family. I'm coming here

1443
02:53:30,850 --> 02:53:34,110
as a resident, not as any other person. I just

1444
02:53:34,610 --> 02:53:37,390
don't like the way that you have conducted yourself on social media. I mean,

1445
02:53:37,890 --> 02:53:41,030
LinkedIn. Come on, dude. Like, at least use Twitter or X or whatever.

1446
02:53:41,910 --> 02:53:45,350
Mayor Martinez, I'll just simply say this and then I know my time is up.

1447
02:53:45,850 --> 02:53:48,150
Time is expensive. Fire. I'll just say one last thing. There are a lot of

1448
02:53:48,650 --> 02:53:50,110
Jews who are doctors. Time is up.

1449
02:53:59,550 --> 02:54:00,830
Aaron nicholson.

1450
02:54:06,590 --> 02:54:10,350
My name is Aaron Mendelson. I'm a resident of Richmond and of District 5.

1451
02:54:10,430 --> 02:54:14,150
And I'm here to speak about Mayor Martinez's social media posts.

1452
02:54:14,230 --> 02:54:17,830
The mayor reposted to LinkedIn a post that seemed to offer a justification

1453
02:54:18,330 --> 02:54:22,030
for the Bondi beach shootings. It said that the public displays of the Jewish

1454
02:54:22,530 --> 02:54:25,830
religion were, quote, performative assertions of dominance and, quote,

1455
02:54:26,330 --> 02:54:29,670
spatial conquest through symbolism, which, again quoting, were deeply

1456
02:54:30,170 --> 02:54:33,870
provocative. He found this insightful. This is

1457
02:54:34,370 --> 02:54:37,630
an attack on the very idea of pluralism, tolerance and the promise

1458
02:54:38,130 --> 02:54:41,450
of America that no matter where you come from, whatever your race or religion,

1459
02:54:41,950 --> 02:54:45,570
you are part of our great community. That we can not only tolerate one's differences,

1460
02:54:45,970 --> 02:54:49,530
but learn from and celebrate them. And that we can be better for

1461
02:54:50,030 --> 02:54:53,490
it. That in America, no person should have to hide their religion to remain safe.

1462
02:54:53,810 --> 02:54:56,970
I don't believe someone who rejects these ideals is fit for public service.

1463
02:54:57,470 --> 02:54:58,290
And I call on you to resign.

1464
02:55:00,690 --> 02:55:04,130
Yolanda Walker, followed by Cassandra Savoy.

1465
02:55:13,970 --> 02:55:16,770
And I just press the button here. Okay.

1466
02:55:17,170 --> 02:55:20,810
My name is Yolanda Walker and I stay in the city of Richmond with

1467
02:55:21,310 --> 02:55:24,970
my mom. I would like to see more police presence in

1468
02:55:25,470 --> 02:55:28,570
District 1. Mayor, you do not live

1469
02:55:29,070 --> 02:55:32,570
in District 1. We do. Respectfully. Are you helping District 1?

1470
02:55:32,810 --> 02:55:36,050
Are you wanting to help District 1? My mother has been

1471
02:55:36,550 --> 02:55:40,210
a victim of car vandalism. I have experienced neighborhood

1472
02:55:40,710 --> 02:55:44,330
billing intimidation regarding public street parking.

1473
02:55:44,830 --> 02:55:48,090
Suspicious people in our neighborhoods, in our homes.

1474
02:55:48,410 --> 02:55:51,570
The lack of police presence creates a community to

1475
02:55:52,070 --> 02:55:55,650
live in constant fear of being a. Being a victim

1476
02:55:56,150 --> 02:56:00,040
of a crime. Crime. I truly hope that we have not forgotten about

1477
02:56:00,540 --> 02:56:04,240
the well being of our communities. I don't like that my mother

1478
02:56:04,740 --> 02:56:08,320
has to live in her home as a prisoner. I live in trauma

1479
02:56:08,820 --> 02:56:12,960
with my mother. My mother's welfare is important to me. I beg

1480
02:56:13,460 --> 02:56:17,000
you, I beg you for extra police patrol

1481
02:56:17,080 --> 02:56:18,840
for that area, please.

1482
02:56:20,440 --> 02:56:22,040
Cassandra Saboy.

1483
02:56:24,400 --> 02:56:27,720
That is my daughter. Good afternoon, City council members and the

1484
02:56:28,220 --> 02:56:31,760
mayor of Richmond as well. That was my daughter. I think she said

1485
02:56:31,840 --> 02:56:35,040
most of the concerns we were here to address.

1486
02:56:36,480 --> 02:56:39,640
But yes, there has been some

1487
02:56:40,140 --> 02:56:43,480
very suspicious activity in my district. I want

1488
02:56:43,980 --> 02:56:48,000
to thank Councilmember Jamila Brown for responding

1489
02:56:48,480 --> 02:56:51,670
to all of the emails my daughter and I sent

1490
02:56:52,170 --> 02:56:56,350
to her. We got some of the trash removed from the public

1491
02:56:56,910 --> 02:57:00,630
sidewalks and street. I mean, what is going on? I get

1492
02:57:01,130 --> 02:57:04,430
tired of looking at all that nastiness around me.

1493
02:57:04,510 --> 02:57:08,030
My house is very clean in my surrounding. The people

1494
02:57:08,530 --> 02:57:11,950
that are living in that neighborhood are really just giving

1495
02:57:12,450 --> 02:57:16,370
you guys disrespect in a way, you know, But I care for my.

1496
02:57:16,520 --> 02:57:20,040
My neighborhood and I want to see it clean. Pick up this

1497
02:57:20,280 --> 02:57:24,040
nastiness off our streets when I come off the freeway.

1498
02:57:24,540 --> 02:57:28,440
Barrett is really clean. But when you get to District one, time is

1499
02:57:28,940 --> 02:57:32,759
expired. Please help us. We need police patrol.

1500
02:57:32,920 --> 02:57:36,560
Time is expired. Our next speaker

1501
02:57:37,060 --> 02:57:40,160
is Jake Garmo. Will the following speakers please line

1502
02:57:40,660 --> 02:57:45,330
up behind the Speakers podium Jake Joseph Puglio Natalie Reyes Max

1503
02:57:45,830 --> 02:57:50,050
Flint Barbara Schick LPW

1504
02:57:50,770 --> 02:57:55,530
Suzanne DeWitt, Tayo Garner Candice

1505
02:57:56,030 --> 02:57:59,250
Scott or Shot Karen Franklin

1506
02:57:59,810 --> 02:58:03,770
Annie Pinnell BK Williams and

1507
02:58:04,270 --> 02:58:09,180
our last in person speaker will be Jamie Purcell. Jake hi,

1508
02:58:09,680 --> 02:58:13,100
my name is Jake Garmo. I am a resident of Albany and I am

1509
02:58:13,600 --> 02:58:16,700
coming in support of the mayor because an attack on you, Mr.

1510
02:58:17,200 --> 02:58:20,380
Mayor, is an attack on working people across California.

1511
02:58:20,860 --> 02:58:24,900
I had the privilege of seeing the working class power that

1512
02:58:25,400 --> 02:58:29,020
has been built in Richmond when I participated in supporting the United

1513
02:58:29,520 --> 02:58:32,540
Teachers of Richmond strike that went on last month.

1514
02:58:33,670 --> 02:58:37,510
This city faces a lot of the same problems that cities across

1515
02:58:38,010 --> 02:58:41,830
the state have been facing. We have seen a ramp up in attacks on

1516
02:58:42,330 --> 02:58:45,750
our immigrant community from ice. We are seeing an affordability

1517
02:58:45,990 --> 02:58:49,230
crisis and of course we are seeing a lack

1518
02:58:49,730 --> 02:58:53,150
of moral clarity on the issue of Palestine. And on

1519
02:58:53,650 --> 02:58:57,750
all of these issues, the people of Richmond and your mayorship

1520
02:58:57,910 --> 02:59:01,930
have stood in in fir firm support of all of those issues.

1521
02:59:03,130 --> 02:59:06,370
The work the working class in this country doesn't

1522
02:59:06,870 --> 02:59:10,170
just need you, it needs the people of Richmond, the people that support you.

1523
02:59:10,670 --> 02:59:12,730
And I urge everyone to continue supporting you.

1524
02:59:14,010 --> 02:59:14,970
Joseph Pugl.

1525
02:59:25,700 --> 02:59:27,220
Which button it's ready any.

1526
02:59:36,020 --> 02:59:40,739
Hi, I'm Joe Pulio. Richmond Residence Everyone

1527
02:59:40,820 --> 02:59:44,340
in this room, everyone had said

1528
02:59:44,580 --> 02:59:47,300
or done something in their past that they regret.

1529
02:59:48,420 --> 02:59:51,830
Not everyone in this room has had character to

1530
02:59:52,330 --> 02:59:56,470
apologize as Eduardo has. However, this controversy

1531
02:59:56,970 --> 03:00:00,790
isn't really about Eduardo's unfortunate Facebook

1532
03:00:00,950 --> 03:00:03,990
reposting. It's about the upcoming municipal election

1533
03:00:04,630 --> 03:00:08,550
where reactionaries hope to overturn the progress

1534
03:00:08,950 --> 03:00:12,950
made in Richmond by any means, including defamation

1535
03:00:13,450 --> 03:00:17,190
of the mayor. They would have you ignore the $550

1536
03:00:17,690 --> 03:00:21,620
million or obtained from Chevron. They would have you ignore

1537
03:00:21,700 --> 03:00:25,220
the $98 million saved by dumping

1538
03:00:25,720 --> 03:00:27,060
the credit default swaps.

1539
03:00:29,540 --> 03:00:33,020
They would like to end police reform and they would like to get rid of

1540
03:00:33,520 --> 03:00:37,180
rent control. Don't be an accessory to

1541
03:00:37,680 --> 03:00:41,700
the reactionaries trying to defame the mayor.

1542
03:00:43,380 --> 03:00:47,490
Natalie Reyes Natalie

1543
03:00:47,990 --> 03:00:51,450
Reyes hello,

1544
03:00:51,950 --> 03:00:55,210
my name is Natalie Reyes. I grew up in Richmond. I am a Richmond resident

1545
03:00:55,710 --> 03:00:57,450
and I'm also a Richmond business owner.

1546
03:00:59,690 --> 03:01:03,370
As a Richmond resident, which I'm sure some people attending this

1547
03:01:03,870 --> 03:01:06,890
meeting are not, in which case, respectfully or disrespectfully, go home.

1548
03:01:08,410 --> 03:01:12,200
Richmond needs progressive leaders like Mayor Eduardo who

1549
03:01:12,700 --> 03:01:16,280
know what it's like to live in Richmond and

1550
03:01:16,780 --> 03:01:20,240
in the mayor's case, teach someone who knows what the city and

1551
03:01:20,740 --> 03:01:24,200
its constituents need. We need more people who care about Richmond the

1552
03:01:24,700 --> 03:01:28,200
way that you do. Those calling for resignation, aside from

1553
03:01:28,700 --> 03:01:32,200
not living in Richmond, have never done anything positive for our community.

1554
03:01:33,160 --> 03:01:37,100
And those council members calling for said resignation or extreme punishment

1555
03:01:38,690 --> 03:01:42,210
over reposts should focus on their districts. From 23rd

1556
03:01:42,710 --> 03:01:46,170
street down, it is becoming. It's short

1557
03:01:46,670 --> 03:01:50,370
of becoming a trash heap. And the needs of their constituents

1558
03:01:50,870 --> 03:01:54,330
who are struggling to pay rent and pay groceries. That should be

1559
03:01:54,830 --> 03:01:57,490
your focus. Max Flint.

1560
03:02:01,010 --> 03:02:02,290
Max Flint.

1561
03:02:06,460 --> 03:02:09,580
It's on. Okay. My name is Max.

1562
03:02:09,740 --> 03:02:12,620
I would like to voice my support for the mayor.

1563
03:02:13,500 --> 03:02:17,260
The JCRC is a Zionist organization that has used

1564
03:02:17,760 --> 03:02:21,900
bigotry throughout the night, has called members of the community Islamists,

1565
03:02:22,400 --> 03:02:26,380
terrorists, jihadists, has used a multitude

1566
03:02:26,620 --> 03:02:29,580
of offensive, racist and bigoted terms.

1567
03:02:30,500 --> 03:02:34,740
And it's a hypocrisy for them to claim that the mayor

1568
03:02:34,900 --> 03:02:40,100
is somehow a bigoted person when he has stood up for so many people.

1569
03:02:40,820 --> 03:02:44,220
And I would like to voice my support for the mayor. And I would also

1570
03:02:44,720 --> 03:02:48,460
like to say that it's important that you listen to an entire community of

1571
03:02:48,960 --> 03:02:53,020
Jewish residents and not just the ones who support the genocide in Gaza and proudly

1572
03:02:53,520 --> 03:02:57,250
wear dog tags and talk about the IDF and their families. The same people

1573
03:02:57,750 --> 03:03:01,010
who are killing children in Gaza. Thank you, Barbara Schick.

1574
03:03:07,410 --> 03:03:10,730
I am Dr. Barbara Schick, an East Bay resident who

1575
03:03:11,230 --> 03:03:14,490
patronizes stores in Richmond. When untruths,

1576
03:03:14,990 --> 03:03:18,050
especially those with negative agendas, are told enough times,

1577
03:03:18,530 --> 03:03:22,130
people start to think they are true. For over 2000

1578
03:03:22,370 --> 03:03:24,210
years, and antisemitism,

1579
03:03:25,330 --> 03:03:28,850
for different reasons, has been used to scapegoat and

1580
03:03:29,350 --> 03:03:33,410
dehumanize Jews. In the past, this has resulted in discrimination,

1581
03:03:33,730 --> 03:03:36,930
death and genocide against Jews.

1582
03:03:38,930 --> 03:03:43,090
In a democracy, antisemitism coming from public officials

1583
03:03:43,250 --> 03:03:46,490
is unacceptable. There should be some mechanism

1584
03:03:46,990 --> 03:03:51,220
to prevent and at least condemn unexpected, acceptable behavior by public officials.

1585
03:03:51,620 --> 03:03:53,940
Thank you, lpw.

1586
03:04:00,340 --> 03:04:03,380
I've heard many people say that the mayor has apologized.

1587
03:04:03,780 --> 03:04:07,460
It's a completely inadequate apology when you blame being

1588
03:04:07,540 --> 03:04:10,500
sick instead of taking real accountability.

1589
03:04:11,060 --> 03:04:14,660
When you claim that you didn't read correctly what you reposted,

1590
03:04:15,040 --> 03:04:19,040
but you've had years of similar posts. When you paint yourself as

1591
03:04:19,540 --> 03:04:23,240
a victim without acknowledging harm, when you do not disavow

1592
03:04:23,740 --> 03:04:26,320
the content or remove your posts.

1593
03:04:28,080 --> 03:04:32,800
You don't distinguish anti Zionism from anti Semitism,

1594
03:04:33,300 --> 03:04:36,880
but you're perfectly fine with trafficking in classic antisemitic

1595
03:04:36,960 --> 03:04:41,040
conspiracy theories. Finally, the next speaker

1596
03:04:41,490 --> 03:04:44,530
went through the real Holocaust. There are people in this

1597
03:04:45,030 --> 03:04:48,810
room who've been extremely disrespectful, maybe on both sides. I ask

1598
03:04:49,310 --> 03:04:53,170
for genuine decency in this room while she says her piece.

1599
03:04:54,450 --> 03:04:55,570
Susan DeWitt,

1600
03:05:04,210 --> 03:05:07,490
Mayor Martinez and Richmond City Council.

1601
03:05:08,350 --> 03:05:12,830
My name is Suzanne DeWitt. I was born in 1934

1602
03:05:13,390 --> 03:05:18,270
in Nazi Germany. In Munich during my

1603
03:05:18,770 --> 03:05:22,430
early years, we heard the same kind of remarks that

1604
03:05:22,930 --> 03:05:27,230
the mayor made with respect to the Bondi

1605
03:05:27,390 --> 03:05:31,310
massacre. These remarks are dangerous.

1606
03:05:31,630 --> 03:05:36,040
They stimulate hatred. As you can see. This evening,

1607
03:05:36,280 --> 03:05:39,160
I've heard shocking, shocking statements.

1608
03:05:39,480 --> 03:05:43,640
They are falsehoods. They are libels.

1609
03:05:44,140 --> 03:05:48,640
They are smears. And I really, really upset

1610
03:05:49,140 --> 03:05:52,040
and very angry that the mayor has made such statements.

1611
03:05:52,200 --> 03:05:55,160
Thank you very much. Taylor Garner.

1612
03:06:00,930 --> 03:06:03,650
Tal Garner, followed by Candace Shot.

1613
03:06:04,610 --> 03:06:08,170
Hello. My name is Tal, and I'm a proud American Israeli

1614
03:06:08,670 --> 03:06:13,370
from the East Bay with family living in Richmond. I'm here because it is absolutely

1615
03:06:13,870 --> 03:06:17,090
unbelievable that an elected official can be so blatantly

1616
03:06:17,590 --> 03:06:21,530
anti Semitic, such as Mayor Martinez right here. Let's not pretend

1617
03:06:22,030 --> 03:06:25,870
that this is anything else other than straight up anti Semitism. We know

1618
03:06:26,370 --> 03:06:29,910
history repeats itself. And as the granddaughter of a Holocaust survivor,

1619
03:06:30,410 --> 03:06:33,110
this feels all too familiar and really quite terrifying.

1620
03:06:34,070 --> 03:06:37,790
It is 2026, these types of posts,

1621
03:06:38,290 --> 03:06:41,710
and this behavior would never be accepted if it were

1622
03:06:42,210 --> 03:06:45,710
against any other minority. Let me ask you. Because it's

1623
03:06:46,210 --> 03:06:49,750
against Jewish people, it's somehow okay? Simply put,

1624
03:06:50,070 --> 03:06:53,840
nobody should be allowed to represent or lead a city with

1625
03:06:54,340 --> 03:06:58,080
such hatred running through their veins. Mayor Martinez,

1626
03:06:58,580 --> 03:07:02,600
you have crossed the line one too many times. Please resign.

1627
03:07:02,760 --> 03:07:04,440
Thank you, Candace.

1628
03:07:11,000 --> 03:07:14,160
Candice Shot. I said I

1629
03:07:14,660 --> 03:07:17,210
didn't want to speak. Okay. Karen Franklin.

1630
03:07:19,680 --> 03:07:23,160
Hello, everyone. My name's. Am I on. Yeah.

1631
03:07:23,660 --> 03:07:26,640
Karen Franklin. I'm a longtime Richmond resident in the Panhandle Annex.

1632
03:07:27,840 --> 03:07:31,160
My grandfather was a very prescient man. He was one of

1633
03:07:31,660 --> 03:07:35,120
the few Jews holding local public office in Brooklyn way back in the day.

1634
03:07:35,280 --> 03:07:39,160
And he was part of a mass movement of American Jews back then who

1635
03:07:39,660 --> 03:07:42,950
were vocally opposed to Zionism because they recognized it as a supremacy

1636
03:07:43,180 --> 03:07:46,500
ideology that would ultimately harm not just Palestinians,

1637
03:07:47,000 --> 03:07:50,620
but Jews as well, because. And it would increase global

1638
03:07:51,120 --> 03:07:54,660
anti Semitism. And look, here we are. So he's prescient,

1639
03:07:55,160 --> 03:07:58,860
right? The mayor's social media posts were insensitive and false.

1640
03:07:59,180 --> 03:08:02,620
But I want to just be clear. The JCRC group, as others have said,

1641
03:08:02,700 --> 03:08:05,820
that sent that letter, set off this whole hullabaloo,

1642
03:08:05,900 --> 03:08:09,660
is not a voice of local Jews here in Richmond. In fact, it's not

1643
03:08:10,160 --> 03:08:14,100
even a membership organization at all. It's just a Zionist front group with a

1644
03:08:14,600 --> 03:08:18,660
mission to silence all opposition to Israelis Israel's

1645
03:08:19,160 --> 03:08:22,740
continuing genocide. And I'm appalled at the opportunism

1646
03:08:23,240 --> 03:08:24,060
of you two over here.

1647
03:08:27,820 --> 03:08:30,380
Be aware of who lives. And your time has expired.

1648
03:08:31,340 --> 03:08:33,740
Sorry. Annie Pinel.

1649
03:08:42,160 --> 03:08:45,280
Hello. My name is Annie Pinnell. I'm a proud resident of Richmond, and over the

1650
03:08:45,780 --> 03:08:49,120
last five years I've watched Mr. Martinez advance systems of care in our city through

1651
03:08:49,620 --> 03:08:53,080
dedicated work on the City Council. When I look around and I see decisions being

1652
03:08:53,580 --> 03:08:56,200
made by governments around the state and the country, it's hard not to feel scared

1653
03:08:56,700 --> 03:09:00,240
and hopeless. But I am comfort and comforted in knowing that I'm a Richmond

1654
03:09:00,740 --> 03:09:04,810
resident because of meetings that happen in this very room, because my representatives

1655
03:09:05,310 --> 03:09:08,450
bravely make decisions and stand up for the most vulnerable residents of the city.

1656
03:09:09,970 --> 03:09:13,250
Richmond had the lowest ever recorded homicide last year.

1657
03:09:13,410 --> 03:09:16,730
That's the result of hard, intentional work from many civil servants and

1658
03:09:17,230 --> 03:09:20,210
community members across the city to address root causes to prevent crime.

1659
03:09:20,610 --> 03:09:24,010
And Mayor Martinez's stewardship of the community and public safety programs

1660
03:09:24,510 --> 03:09:27,890
that will serve all Richmond residents was an integral part of pushing this work forward.

1661
03:09:28,290 --> 03:09:31,610
I hope that he has given the opportunity to make amends and learn from this

1662
03:09:32,110 --> 03:09:35,230
mistake, because this city needs him, and it needs him to operate fully.

1663
03:09:35,630 --> 03:09:38,870
I respectfully request that the council not invoke further harm

1664
03:09:39,370 --> 03:09:43,230
on Richmond by restricting the functions of the mayor, because this center amendment would harm

1665
03:09:43,730 --> 03:09:46,270
the city. Again, thank representation.

1666
03:09:46,750 --> 03:09:47,950
BK Williams,

1667
03:09:57,310 --> 03:10:01,140
Press the button. Thank you.

1668
03:10:01,640 --> 03:10:04,620
This room is much more peaceful than the room I spent the last two hours

1669
03:10:05,120 --> 03:10:08,380
in. My name is bk and I am a member of the

1670
03:10:08,880 --> 03:10:12,340
Richmond Progressive alliance, the rpa. You will

1671
03:10:12,420 --> 03:10:16,020
make mistakes, all of you. And I think the question

1672
03:10:16,520 --> 03:10:20,500
is, what do you do to repair those mistakes once you've made

1673
03:10:21,000 --> 03:10:24,220
them? And I hope that you all remember this when it's your time to.

1674
03:10:24,720 --> 03:10:27,230
When you've made a mistake or done something that you need to apologize for.

1675
03:10:28,180 --> 03:10:31,180
However, Mayor Eduardo, I want to say to you that,

1676
03:10:31,680 --> 03:10:34,020
as you know, your actions have caused some harm,

1677
03:10:34,580 --> 03:10:38,180
and I think that the ask here.

1678
03:10:38,340 --> 03:10:40,940
Well, I can't talk about that because it's not on the agenda. But I do

1679
03:10:41,440 --> 03:10:44,940
want to say that I appreciate the fact that you have apologized, but the apology

1680
03:10:45,440 --> 03:10:48,740
is not. To me, the community that you've harmed is the

1681
03:10:49,240 --> 03:10:52,500
one who needs to hear your apology and accept it. And I've heard from

1682
03:10:53,000 --> 03:10:56,200
some folks that. That they do accept your apology. And so for that,

1683
03:10:56,700 --> 03:11:00,200
I am grateful. And you should be. Also. It is the task of

1684
03:11:00,700 --> 03:11:04,120
the unharmed, of the harmed to accept your apology. And so I want.

1685
03:11:04,620 --> 03:11:07,080
Your time has expired. Thank you, Jamin Purcell.

1686
03:11:12,920 --> 03:11:16,640
Jamie Purcell, Richmond RESIDENT I'm a progressive, and because of that, I believe in

1687
03:11:17,140 --> 03:11:20,230
accountability and that it matters. To be clear, this on the. On this is not

1688
03:11:20,730 --> 03:11:24,430
about Palestine. This is about leadership, responsibility, and the real harm that occurs under

1689
03:11:24,930 --> 03:11:28,270
the title of the mayor. And if you choose to weigh in on complex issues.

1690
03:11:28,350 --> 03:11:32,070
You come with care, but you come correct. The post conflated

1691
03:11:32,570 --> 03:11:36,470
Jewish people with the actions of the State of Israel. That's wrong. Jewish identity

1692
03:11:36,970 --> 03:11:40,630
is not interchangeable with Israeli government actions. And the kind of conflation fuels

1693
03:11:41,130 --> 03:11:45,710
anti Semitism and undermines legitimate advocacy for Palestinian human

1694
03:11:46,210 --> 03:11:50,110
rights. When residents raise issue with acknowledged

1695
03:11:50,610 --> 03:11:54,310
antisemitism and are dismissed as Zionists by community activists,

1696
03:11:54,810 --> 03:11:58,390
that's not accountability. It creates the imagined enemy to avoid responsibility

1697
03:11:58,890 --> 03:12:03,110
and divides our own community by othering people. And when the rhetoric drifts towards conspiracy

1698
03:12:03,610 --> 03:12:07,950
adjacent tropes about shadow influence and AIPAC money, it's not radical, it's dangerous.

1699
03:12:08,590 --> 03:12:12,070
Progressives should know this pattern. It's the same logic that

1700
03:12:12,570 --> 03:12:15,230
conservatives have used to weaponize identity against LGBT people,

1701
03:12:15,840 --> 03:12:19,120
minorities and and Major, I'm.

1702
03:12:19,620 --> 03:12:21,440
I got Time is expired. Expired.

1703
03:12:22,560 --> 03:12:24,160
Time is expired.

1704
03:12:26,720 --> 03:12:30,360
That was our last in person speaker. Now we'll move to the

1705
03:12:30,860 --> 03:12:32,720
overflow. There are 30 speakers.

1706
03:12:34,800 --> 03:12:38,520
Okay, we. We will be calling speakers in groups

1707
03:12:39,020 --> 03:12:41,760
of 10. If you could directly line up behind the mic.

1708
03:12:42,380 --> 03:12:45,740
As a reminder, you will have one minute to speak. Please keep your comments

1709
03:12:45,820 --> 03:12:49,020
during your time and please keep your comments respectful.

1710
03:12:49,520 --> 03:12:53,020
There are children in the room. The first group of speakers are Michael

1711
03:12:53,520 --> 03:12:56,620
Devine, Nagin Masaid, David Mandel,

1712
03:12:56,780 --> 03:12:59,580
Faiza Ayad, Dana Rios,

1713
03:13:00,080 --> 03:13:04,060
Carolina Avalar, Michael Leedy, Sarah Cohen,

1714
03:13:04,620 --> 03:13:07,700
Ellen Brodsky and Eve Hirschaupt.

1715
03:13:09,050 --> 03:13:12,690
Michael Devine, you will have one minute

1716
03:13:13,190 --> 03:13:15,850
to speak. Hi, my name is Michael Devine.

1717
03:13:16,010 --> 03:13:19,050
I'm Jewish. I'm actually a resident of Alameda.

1718
03:13:20,490 --> 03:13:23,330
I am impacted by the hate, so I feel I have a right to be

1719
03:13:23,830 --> 03:13:27,250
here and speak. Imagine waking up the morning after

1720
03:13:27,750 --> 03:13:31,210
Richmond's juneteenth celebration on June 21st in Richmond's Nickel park

1721
03:13:31,370 --> 03:13:35,730
to the news. The two Ku Klux Klansmen shot and killed 15 African Americans

1722
03:13:36,230 --> 03:13:40,460
celebrating Juneteenth. Imagine the minister of St. Luke Missionary Baptist

1723
03:13:40,960 --> 03:13:44,180
Church was shot in the head and the minister of Antioch Baptist Church was shot

1724
03:13:44,680 --> 03:13:48,500
in the heart. And imagine then an 87 year old lynching survivor was killed

1725
03:13:49,060 --> 03:13:52,700
and a 10 year old child was killed too. Now imagine

1726
03:13:53,200 --> 03:13:56,660
the Richmond mayor saying the Juneteenth celebration wasn't a neutral space.

1727
03:13:57,700 --> 03:14:01,380
That celebrating Juneteenth in a public park is an assertion of power

1728
03:14:01,880 --> 03:14:04,970
and dominance. Imagine the mayor going on to say

1729
03:14:05,470 --> 03:14:09,850
the two Klansmen were actually two Black Lives Matter activists in Klan's robes.

1730
03:14:10,410 --> 03:14:13,530
This is exactly what the mayor said. Sharing is saying

1731
03:14:14,030 --> 03:14:17,370
it. That's how social media works. He must resign. Thank you.

1732
03:14:17,610 --> 03:14:20,410
The next speaker is Nagin Mesaid.

1733
03:14:21,370 --> 03:14:24,730
Thank you to the speaker that just left. That's a lot of imagining,

1734
03:14:24,810 --> 03:14:28,450
and that is hard to do. And come up with the conclusion that

1735
03:14:28,950 --> 03:14:32,570
you came up with. I am here to

1736
03:14:33,070 --> 03:14:36,930
support Eduardo Martinez. I'm coming from the city of Berkeley. I am

1737
03:14:37,430 --> 03:14:39,810
the previous Berkeley Tenant Union chair.

1738
03:14:40,610 --> 03:14:44,050
Mayor Martinez has helped tenants all over

1739
03:14:45,730 --> 03:14:50,330
the state because Richmond was one of the cities that

1740
03:14:50,830 --> 03:14:54,450
after 30 years, passed the first rent control

1741
03:14:54,610 --> 03:14:57,940
ordinance. And Mayor Martinez was hard at work

1742
03:14:58,440 --> 03:15:02,500
at that. These are the jobs of a person who cares about his

1743
03:15:03,000 --> 03:15:06,740
community. A working class supporting mayor who is always there

1744
03:15:07,240 --> 03:15:10,700
for his people in the classrooms, at the strike

1745
03:15:11,200 --> 03:15:14,700
lines, with the tenants, with the people of Richmond. This is what we

1746
03:15:15,200 --> 03:15:19,220
need to be concerned about. Not a retweet. That could mean anything.

1747
03:15:19,720 --> 03:15:23,510
It could mean. Just consider this. All of this has

1748
03:15:24,010 --> 03:15:27,750
been conflated. Your time has expired. Thank you. The next speaker is David

1749
03:15:28,250 --> 03:15:30,350
Mandel. David Mandel.

1750
03:15:31,950 --> 03:15:35,430
Okay, I don't see David. So. The next speaker is Faiza.

1751
03:15:35,930 --> 03:15:36,030
Ayat.

1752
03:15:38,670 --> 03:15:41,070
Salaam alaikum, everyone. My name.

1753
03:15:41,710 --> 03:15:45,350
Walaikum salam. Rahmatullah Barakatuh. My name is Faiza. I'm here

1754
03:15:45,850 --> 03:15:49,290
to support the mayor and I wanted to say something.

1755
03:15:52,010 --> 03:15:54,330
What's going on in Richmond,

1756
03:15:55,290 --> 03:16:00,490
it's something we need to recognize.

1757
03:16:01,370 --> 03:16:02,970
Racism is.

1758
03:16:05,050 --> 03:16:08,530
It's all over the world and it's enrichment,

1759
03:16:09,030 --> 03:16:13,360
too. And also I wanted to say we've been victim.

1760
03:16:20,160 --> 03:16:23,360
Eyes and now

1761
03:16:23,840 --> 03:16:27,280
everything out on the open. I support you,

1762
03:16:28,800 --> 03:16:32,520
Mr. Martinez, for standing up for

1763
03:16:33,020 --> 03:16:36,520
the right of humanity on

1764
03:16:37,020 --> 03:16:40,760
this earth. We lost it, and now it's

1765
03:16:41,260 --> 03:16:44,120
time to gain it back. Your time has expired. Thank you.

1766
03:16:44,600 --> 03:16:48,200
The next speaker is Dana Rios. Dana Rios.

1767
03:16:48,520 --> 03:16:52,840
Okay, looks like Dan is not here. So the next speaker is Carolina Avalar.

1768
03:16:57,960 --> 03:17:02,200
Good evening. My name is Carolina. I have been a Richmond resident since

1769
03:17:02,700 --> 03:17:05,760
2022, and I remember Mayor Martinez going door to door that

1770
03:17:06,260 --> 03:17:10,130
summer, reaching out to Richmond residents as part of his campaign. I am proud to

1771
03:17:10,630 --> 03:17:13,210
have voted for Mayor Martinez then, and I am proud to have him as a

1772
03:17:13,710 --> 03:17:17,250
mayor now. His leadership and the leadership of the City Council is one

1773
03:17:17,750 --> 03:17:20,610
of the many reasons why I am proud to be a Richmond resident. And as

1774
03:17:21,110 --> 03:17:25,210
a Richmond resident who exercised their Democratic right to vote, I very much resent

1775
03:17:25,710 --> 03:17:29,330
an outside group's attempt to influence how this city is run. If the

1776
03:17:29,830 --> 03:17:33,080
JCRC is defined in part by community relations, and they have

1777
03:17:33,580 --> 03:17:36,040
done a pretty poor job of it since in my three and a half years

1778
03:17:36,540 --> 03:17:38,800
of living in Richmond, I have yet to see them do the work of community

1779
03:17:38,880 --> 03:17:42,520
relationship building here. In fact, the only impression they

1780
03:17:43,020 --> 03:17:46,160
have left is that of an outside group that comes in when it benefits them

1781
03:17:46,240 --> 03:17:49,640
to advocate against the wishes of the people of Richmond. The people

1782
03:17:50,140 --> 03:17:53,920
of Richmond elected Mayor Martinez and we support his continued leadership and advocacy.

1783
03:17:55,840 --> 03:17:58,720
Thank you. The next speaker is Michael Leedy.

1784
03:17:59,550 --> 03:18:02,510
Michael Leedy. Hey.

1785
03:18:03,010 --> 03:18:05,790
Looks like Michael's not here, so. The next speaker is Sarah Cohen.

1786
03:18:07,710 --> 03:18:11,150
Sarah Cohen. Looks like Sarah's

1787
03:18:11,650 --> 03:18:14,750
not here either. The next speaker is Ellen Brodsky.

1788
03:18:19,150 --> 03:18:23,030
Hi. My name is Ellen Brodsky and I'm Jewish. And I'm here to

1789
03:18:23,530 --> 03:18:27,080
support the mayor. Just as the State of Israel

1790
03:18:27,580 --> 03:18:30,080
falsely claims to act to the name of all Jews,

1791
03:18:30,480 --> 03:18:33,920
the Jewish Community Relations Council falsely claims to speak

1792
03:18:34,420 --> 03:18:38,400
for all Jews. You can see from the Jews who have spoken here tonight

1793
03:18:38,560 --> 03:18:42,000
that this is not true at all. It is shameful

1794
03:18:42,500 --> 03:18:46,800
that the JCRC continues to orchestrate an attack on Mayor Martinez

1795
03:18:46,960 --> 03:18:50,200
for posts that he has apologized for. It hurts

1796
03:18:50,700 --> 03:18:54,560
the Jewish community when a major pro Israel advocacy organization

1797
03:18:54,800 --> 03:18:59,440
like the JCRC uses the COVID of criticizing antisemitism

1798
03:18:59,760 --> 03:19:03,000
to attack elected officials who have the

1799
03:19:03,500 --> 03:19:06,560
courage to oppose Israel's genocide and apartheid.

1800
03:19:07,040 --> 03:19:11,200
Judaism is not Zionism and criticism of Israel and

1801
03:19:11,700 --> 03:19:15,160
Zionism is not anti Semitism. All power to the

1802
03:19:15,660 --> 03:19:19,080
people of Richmond and to the City Council for your support for

1803
03:19:19,580 --> 03:19:23,840
the Palestinian people. Thank you. Thank you. The next speaker

1804
03:19:24,340 --> 03:19:27,840
is Eve Hershop. And the following group of 10 speakers after that are

1805
03:19:28,340 --> 03:19:32,160
Michael Tao, Linda Ovara, Frank Runninghorse,

1806
03:19:32,660 --> 03:19:36,320
Jack Cruel, Taylor De Rosado,

1807
03:19:36,560 --> 03:19:40,800
Carlos Juarez, Rashi, Eric Bergman,

1808
03:19:40,880 --> 03:19:44,240
Sheila Judenfriend, and Sonia Decker. If you

1809
03:19:44,740 --> 03:19:48,400
could line up behind the mic. Eve Hershop, you're the next

1810
03:19:48,900 --> 03:19:52,640
speaker. Looks like Eve's not

1811
03:19:53,140 --> 03:19:54,880
here. The next speaker is Michael Tao.

1812
03:20:04,240 --> 03:20:06,480
Good evening. Thank you.

1813
03:20:21,280 --> 03:20:24,640
Can what I said to my fellow Jews here. Thank you.

1814
03:20:24,880 --> 03:20:28,160
What I said to my fellow Jews here is that this is a real Holocaust.

1815
03:20:28,400 --> 03:20:31,640
This is another Holocaust. That is how history is going to remember

1816
03:20:32,140 --> 03:20:35,680
it. Just the same way we all know what Germans

1817
03:20:36,180 --> 03:20:40,250
did to us. Now the whole world knows. And we're

1818
03:20:40,750 --> 03:20:44,530
going to have to reckon with what we did to Palestine, which will be freed.

1819
03:20:45,030 --> 03:20:49,050
Bezrat Hashem. Palestine will be freed in our lifetime.

1820
03:20:49,370 --> 03:20:53,690
In our lifetime. We are going to walk Richmond

1821
03:20:54,010 --> 03:20:57,450
for rpa for Mayor Eduardo. Thank you, Mayor Eduardo, for being a social

1822
03:20:57,930 --> 03:21:01,730
justice visionary. We're going to walk Richmond until we have holes in

1823
03:21:02,230 --> 03:21:06,080
our shoes to make sure that you get reelected and that you continue leading Richmond

1824
03:21:06,580 --> 03:21:10,160
in this direction. Thank you. Time has expired. Thank you. The next speaker is Linda

1825
03:21:10,660 --> 03:21:12,560
Olvera. Linda Olvera.

1826
03:21:15,440 --> 03:21:18,960
Looks like Linda's not here. The next speaker is Frank Runninghorse.

1827
03:21:20,560 --> 03:21:23,760
Not here. Thank you. The next speaker is Jack Crisil.

1828
03:21:27,200 --> 03:21:31,160
Not here. The next speaker is Taylor De Rosado.

1829
03:21:33,870 --> 03:21:36,190
All right, well, how. How do I get this started?

1830
03:21:37,390 --> 03:21:40,550
I'm on. All right. Well, hell. Well, hello, everybody.

1831
03:21:41,050 --> 03:21:43,870
I've been a Richmond resident my whole life. I'm been.

1832
03:21:44,370 --> 03:21:47,590
I'm homeless right now. I've been homeless for seven years. What I need help

1833
03:21:48,090 --> 03:21:51,430
with today is that there's a problem. This is an

1834
03:21:51,930 --> 03:21:55,390
umbrella. You know, we. You know, we get

1835
03:21:55,890 --> 03:21:59,100
shelter from it. It's a symbol. It's a sign. It shows us,

1836
03:21:59,600 --> 03:22:03,500
it protects us. Well, well, today's problem is the

1837
03:22:04,000 --> 03:22:07,500
things don't really stand for what they stand for. I'm third

1838
03:22:07,580 --> 03:22:12,300
generation American, quarter German,

1839
03:22:12,380 --> 03:22:16,020
and the rest is Filipino. So I

1840
03:22:16,520 --> 03:22:19,780
stand up for all sides wherever they may come from. This is

1841
03:22:20,280 --> 03:22:23,900
the land of the home and the free. Homeless people are like our

1842
03:22:24,400 --> 03:22:27,580
pinky toes and they're stressed out. This is how

1843
03:22:28,080 --> 03:22:31,220
we help. We stand all on all 10 and make sure we get that

1844
03:22:31,720 --> 03:22:34,340
help. I've been selling this newspaper for advocacy.

1845
03:22:35,380 --> 03:22:38,500
I. I hope this is a difference between panhandling,

1846
03:22:38,580 --> 03:22:41,700
because this is. Your time has expired. Thank you.

1847
03:22:42,820 --> 03:22:45,380
The next speaker is Carlos Juarez.

1848
03:22:51,380 --> 03:22:54,650
Good evening, council members. My name is Carlos Juarez and

1849
03:22:55,150 --> 03:22:59,210
I'm a Richmond resident. And I want to be clear. Anti anti Semitic

1850
03:22:59,850 --> 03:23:03,690
is unacceptable, is unacceptable, and Jewish residents

1851
03:23:04,190 --> 03:23:07,410
deserve to feel safe and protected in our city. Harm must be named and

1852
03:23:07,910 --> 03:23:11,370
addressed. I also believe accountability should be proportional and constructive.

1853
03:23:11,530 --> 03:23:15,090
Mayor Martinez has acknowledged the harm caused by his actions and has

1854
03:23:15,590 --> 03:23:19,420
taken steps towards repair. His leadership has also retained resulted

1855
03:23:19,920 --> 03:23:23,900
in tangible progress, community oversight of police crisis response

1856
03:23:24,400 --> 03:23:27,380
alternatives, and thoughtful handling of immigrant safety issues.

1857
03:23:28,580 --> 03:23:31,460
A formal censure is a serious action.

1858
03:23:31,960 --> 03:23:35,980
I asked the council to reflect on whether this step strengthens trust and healing or

1859
03:23:36,480 --> 03:23:40,020
whether it risks overshadowing important work and growth already underway.

1860
03:23:40,340 --> 03:23:43,700
Thank you. Thank you.

1861
03:23:44,200 --> 03:23:45,380
The next speaker is Rashi.

1862
03:23:47,360 --> 03:23:51,160
Rashi. It looks like Rashi's not here. The next speaker

1863
03:23:51,660 --> 03:23:52,400
is Eric Bergman.

1864
03:24:04,800 --> 03:24:06,480
Mike is on. You can go ahead and start.

1865
03:24:11,690 --> 03:24:15,450
Mr. Martinez. Most of the other speakers here have come across

1866
03:24:15,530 --> 03:24:18,730
to me like defense attorneys and prosecuting

1867
03:24:19,230 --> 03:24:23,770
attorneys. People who've criticized you, have supported retributive

1868
03:24:24,490 --> 03:24:28,450
justice, focusing on punishing you. The people who've

1869
03:24:28,950 --> 03:24:32,810
defended you have denied that you recently posted negative Lies

1870
03:24:33,310 --> 03:24:36,890
about Jews. In contrast, I support restorative

1871
03:24:37,390 --> 03:24:41,240
justice. For instance, for you to arrange a meeting where you

1872
03:24:41,740 --> 03:24:45,280
and the other attendees would focus on exploring

1873
03:24:45,780 --> 03:24:49,080
how to reduce people's anger and fear in ways which

1874
03:24:49,580 --> 03:24:53,480
would feel doable for both you and others. I hope

1875
03:24:53,980 --> 03:24:57,400
that what I've Said has come across to you and

1876
03:24:57,720 --> 03:25:01,160
some others here as encouraging honesty,

1877
03:25:01,400 --> 03:25:03,800
kindness and reconciliation.

1878
03:25:06,560 --> 03:25:10,160
Thank you. The next group of speakers will be

1879
03:25:10,660 --> 03:25:14,080
Sheila Udenfran, Sonia Decker, Courtney Cummings,

1880
03:25:14,160 --> 03:25:18,200
Nikki Ralston, Martha Kim

1881
03:25:18,700 --> 03:25:22,960
F. Ina Silva, Walt Miller, Steve Cassell,

1882
03:25:23,920 --> 03:25:27,600
Ramsey Robinson, Carol Sanders and Cindy

1883
03:25:28,100 --> 03:25:31,920
Shambin. Sheila Udenfriend. You can go ahead and start.

1884
03:25:34,570 --> 03:25:37,890
It should be on. Is it on? Yeah.

1885
03:25:38,390 --> 03:25:42,450
Okay, thank you. My granddaughter, first of all, I'm sorry. I wanted to

1886
03:25:42,950 --> 03:25:46,370
mention that I am a resident of Richmond, as is my

1887
03:25:46,870 --> 03:25:50,530
granddaughter. She is a high school senior who is afraid

1888
03:25:51,030 --> 03:25:54,890
to wear a Jewish star necklace to school because she fears

1889
03:25:55,390 --> 03:25:58,770
crude anti Semitic remarks from other students.

1890
03:25:59,650 --> 03:26:02,130
Our children learn from adults.

1891
03:26:02,930 --> 03:26:06,450
If our leaders can't set a good example of

1892
03:26:06,950 --> 03:26:10,650
respecting all ethnicities, how can we expect the kids to

1893
03:26:11,150 --> 03:26:14,610
be any better? Passing along hateful conspiracy

1894
03:26:14,770 --> 03:26:18,330
based posts on social media is

1895
03:26:18,830 --> 03:26:22,530
not something that helps to create and foster a healthy community

1896
03:26:23,090 --> 03:26:25,840
with mutual respect for for all groups.

1897
03:26:26,080 --> 03:26:29,120
This is especially important for the leaders of our

1898
03:26:29,280 --> 03:26:33,520
community such as the mayor. My hope is that my granddaughter

1899
03:26:34,020 --> 03:26:37,800
can begin to wear her Jewish star in school without fear

1900
03:26:38,300 --> 03:26:41,680
of verbal abuse and that adults in our community will

1901
03:26:42,180 --> 03:26:46,040
avoid giving empire to prejudice. The next

1902
03:26:46,540 --> 03:26:48,000
speaker is Sonia Decker.

1903
03:26:51,370 --> 03:26:54,730
Hello. I am a Jewish Richmond resident

1904
03:26:55,770 --> 03:26:59,450
and I am here to speak in support of Mayor Eduardo Martinez.

1905
03:26:59,610 --> 03:27:03,450
I have seen all the work that you've done to support the Richmond community.

1906
03:27:03,530 --> 03:27:07,290
I've heard many people speak about that tonight, including ways you've

1907
03:27:07,790 --> 03:27:11,490
shown up for rent control, environmental justice. I want to

1908
03:27:11,990 --> 03:27:16,130
add police reform and creating real safety that is rooted

1909
03:27:16,630 --> 03:27:20,880
in care and decriminalization in Richmond. And my Judaism has taught me

1910
03:27:20,960 --> 03:27:24,920
to stand up for liberation and justice and that all of our well being is

1911
03:27:25,420 --> 03:27:29,360
connected. And I fear that this censure is

1912
03:27:29,860 --> 03:27:33,440
weaponizing fear around antisemitism to undermine really

1913
03:27:33,940 --> 03:27:37,280
important progressive changes and politics that is

1914
03:27:37,780 --> 03:27:41,640
really important in this city. And I'm hearing that there's a need

1915
03:27:42,140 --> 03:27:45,930
for repair. I'm hearing that you're engaging in that repair. And. And let's not

1916
03:27:46,430 --> 03:27:50,450
go beyond into punishment that undermines all

1917
03:27:50,950 --> 03:27:54,090
of our safety and well being here in Richmond. Thank you. Thank you.

1918
03:27:54,330 --> 03:27:56,650
The next speaker is Courtney Cummings.

1919
03:28:11,440 --> 03:28:15,000
Okay, it's on. Good evening everyone. My name

1920
03:28:15,500 --> 03:28:19,480
is Courtney Cummings, known as Courtney Bear Quiver

1921
03:28:19,980 --> 03:28:23,800
now. And on behalf of American Indian movement that is

1922
03:28:24,300 --> 03:28:28,040
nationwide, statewide and citywide, we are here in support of

1923
03:28:28,540 --> 03:28:30,640
Mr. Eduardo Martinez as mayor.

1924
03:28:32,400 --> 03:28:36,080
I am Native American. I am Northern Cheyenne, Arica,

1925
03:28:36,610 --> 03:28:40,090
Muscogee Creek enrolled member of three affiliated tribes of North

1926
03:28:40,590 --> 03:28:44,090
Dakota. When I was afraid and my children were

1927
03:28:44,590 --> 03:28:48,690
afraid to be Native Americans here in our city. I walked alongside

1928
03:28:49,190 --> 03:28:52,970
Mr. Eduardo, and he has, on behalf of him, before he

1929
03:28:53,470 --> 03:28:57,330
was City Council has always supported us and many minorities who

1930
03:28:57,830 --> 03:29:01,090
have not had the highlight on them.

1931
03:29:02,140 --> 03:29:05,620
So, Mary, Eduardo, be strong. Know that

1932
03:29:06,120 --> 03:29:09,620
you have people supporting you. It's all political. People are looking to get

1933
03:29:10,120 --> 03:29:13,420
you out for their own reasons, not because you are

1934
03:29:13,920 --> 03:29:17,940
not that person. You. I forgive you. You ask for forgiveness,

1935
03:29:18,440 --> 03:29:20,220
so we should all forgive you.

1936
03:29:25,900 --> 03:29:27,890
The next speaker is Nikki Ralston.

1937
03:29:31,960 --> 03:29:35,920
Hi. Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Good evening. Ladies and gentlemen of

1938
03:29:36,420 --> 03:29:40,080
the Richmond City Council. The only legitimate purpose of government is to protect

1939
03:29:40,580 --> 03:29:44,120
and promote the welfare of its citizens. The good people of Richmond

1940
03:29:44,620 --> 03:29:48,200
are no exception. I repeat, the good people of Richmond are

1941
03:29:48,700 --> 03:29:52,080
no exception. They deserve leaders who obsess over

1942
03:29:52,580 --> 03:29:56,180
how to serve them and who best and who promote their best interests

1943
03:29:56,330 --> 03:29:59,650
with all their vigor. Not a leader who obsesses over

1944
03:30:00,150 --> 03:30:03,290
Jew hatred and promotes racist conspiracy theories and

1945
03:30:03,790 --> 03:30:07,410
violence against minorities. Therefore, I call on Mayor

1946
03:30:07,910 --> 03:30:11,410
Martinez to resign so that a worthy leader can take the helm and lead

1947
03:30:11,910 --> 03:30:14,410
this city towards the brighter future that it deserves.

1948
03:30:14,890 --> 03:30:19,370
Racism, conspiracy theories and violence have no place in public leadership.

1949
03:30:19,450 --> 03:30:22,870
The people of Richmond deserve better. Thank you.

1950
03:30:23,990 --> 03:30:26,870
Thank you. The next speaker is Martha Gruel.

1951
03:30:31,750 --> 03:30:35,430
Hello. My name is Martha Gruel. I'm a resident

1952
03:30:35,930 --> 03:30:38,830
of Richmond. And in this complicated world,

1953
03:30:39,330 --> 03:30:42,790
a couple of things are fairly clear. One is that the State

1954
03:30:43,290 --> 03:30:47,270
of Israel is committing genocide against the people of Gaza. And second,

1955
03:30:47,770 --> 03:30:50,690
that Eduardo Martinez is not an anti Semite.

1956
03:30:51,560 --> 03:30:55,880
Now, it is reasonable, it is justified to feel anger at

1957
03:30:56,380 --> 03:31:00,760
the carelessness that led to the reposting of those anti Semitic messages.

1958
03:31:03,000 --> 03:31:07,120
However, the mayor has apologized explicitly and

1959
03:31:07,620 --> 03:31:12,600
clearly and is working at making amends. That will not happen instantaneously

1960
03:31:13,960 --> 03:31:17,080
and it will not happen by a council vote.

1961
03:31:19,340 --> 03:31:22,620
Someone who acknowledges and apologizes for their unintentional

1962
03:31:23,120 --> 03:31:26,700
harm to Jews is not a Jew hater. And it seems to bear

1963
03:31:27,200 --> 03:31:30,580
repeating that criticizing the actions of the Israeli government is not

1964
03:31:31,080 --> 03:31:35,420
anti Semitism. Mayor Martinez has made grave errors.

1965
03:31:35,920 --> 03:31:38,300
Thank you. The next speaker is Kim F.

1966
03:31:40,220 --> 03:31:41,100
Kim F.

1967
03:31:48,550 --> 03:31:51,910
Mayor and council members, I live in the Bay Area and stand in front of

1968
03:31:52,410 --> 03:31:56,550
you this evening. Given the extremely concerning circumstances, I come

1969
03:31:57,050 --> 03:31:58,870
to demand, Mayor Martinez, that you resign.

1970
03:31:59,590 --> 03:32:02,870
Myself, along with countless community members, including over 80

1971
03:32:03,370 --> 03:32:06,950
of your locally elected peers across the Bay Area are alarmed

1972
03:32:07,450 --> 03:32:11,620
by your repeated anti Semitic activity, including the conspiracy theories

1973
03:32:12,120 --> 03:32:15,500
you have spread. Mayor Martinez, you are entitled to your personal

1974
03:32:16,000 --> 03:32:19,620
opinions. However, as a civic leader, your number one responsibility

1975
03:32:20,120 --> 03:32:23,620
is to protect your constituents. Mayor, you have failed.

1976
03:32:23,860 --> 03:32:27,940
Your vitriol has made your own community feel Less safe and has

1977
03:32:28,440 --> 03:32:31,820
put Jews and the general public across the Bay Area at risk of

1978
03:32:32,320 --> 03:32:35,540
physical harm. You are clearly aware of recent anti Semitic

1979
03:32:35,700 --> 03:32:39,830
violence, including Bondi beach, as you despicably posted that Jews

1980
03:32:40,330 --> 03:32:44,110
staged their own murder, including that of 10 year old Matilda,

1981
03:32:44,270 --> 03:32:47,590
featured here. Your actions are utterly irresponsible.

1982
03:32:48,090 --> 03:32:51,110
As a civic leader, I urge you to resign and let Bay Area rebuild.

1983
03:32:51,610 --> 03:32:55,390
Your time has expired. Thank you. The next speaker is Ina Silva.

1984
03:32:56,190 --> 03:32:59,710
Silva. Silva.

1985
03:33:00,110 --> 03:33:03,710
Okay. Ina's not here. The next speaker is Walt Miller.

1986
03:33:05,020 --> 03:33:08,060
Not here. Thank you. The next speaker is Steve Cassell.

1987
03:33:14,860 --> 03:33:15,660
Excuse me.

1988
03:33:18,060 --> 03:33:21,740
My name is Steve Castle. I am a resident of South San

1989
03:33:22,240 --> 03:33:25,540
Francisco and I am a candidate for City Council in

1990
03:33:26,040 --> 03:33:29,460
South San Francisco precisely because of people

1991
03:33:29,960 --> 03:33:33,550
like the mayor. I don't accuse him of anti Semitism. I don't

1992
03:33:34,050 --> 03:33:37,670
use that word. I do believe he is a vile Jew hater and a terrorist.

1993
03:33:37,990 --> 03:33:42,390
And the reason I say that is the things he says cause Jews

1994
03:33:42,890 --> 03:33:46,390
to be killed. It's very simple. I am a Zionist.

1995
03:33:46,470 --> 03:33:50,030
I am a proud donor to aipac. I am a proud

1996
03:33:50,530 --> 03:33:53,750
former member of the JCRC board. And the things that

1997
03:33:54,250 --> 03:33:57,910
people have said here tonight about JCRC are despicable.

1998
03:33:58,180 --> 03:34:01,980
They are not an Israeli organization. It's not

1999
03:34:02,480 --> 03:34:06,660
a pro Israel organization. They are pro Jewish organization who works

2000
03:34:07,160 --> 03:34:11,060
on one thing and one thing only, to make sure that people that hate Jews

2001
03:34:11,460 --> 03:34:15,820
are called to account. Let me tell you something. Right now, the city of Richmond

2002
03:34:16,320 --> 03:34:19,700
has some major problems, and we're seeing it here tonight. Thank you very

2003
03:34:20,200 --> 03:34:24,180
much. Thank you. The next speaker is Ramsey Robinson.

2004
03:34:24,980 --> 03:34:28,780
Ramsey Robinson, it's very

2005
03:34:29,280 --> 03:34:33,300
important that when we talk about harm being done, we never forget the tens of

2006
03:34:33,800 --> 03:34:37,060
thousands of Palestinians innocent that won't open their eyes

2007
03:34:37,560 --> 03:34:41,180
tomorrow morning. My name is Ramsey Robinson. I'm a member of the Peace

2008
03:34:41,680 --> 03:34:45,500
and Freedom Party. I'm also a clinical social worker in the Bayview neighborhood

2009
03:34:46,000 --> 03:34:49,140
of San Francisco, which has very strong parallels with Richmond.

2010
03:34:49,700 --> 03:34:53,360
Bayview suffers from environmental racism, lack of jobs

2011
03:34:53,860 --> 03:34:57,680
and homelessness. And these are issues that I understand, Mayor Martinez, that you are

2012
03:34:58,180 --> 03:35:01,800
fighting proactively against. We also understand that you are anti

2013
03:35:02,300 --> 03:35:05,600
war and pro Palestinian and that you're being attacked because of

2014
03:35:06,100 --> 03:35:09,560
this. So we ask that these attacks stop so you can continue

2015
03:35:09,640 --> 03:35:12,720
to do the good work that you're doing. And we stand with

2016
03:35:13,220 --> 03:35:16,760
you, and we stand with Palestine like we always will do. Thank you. Thank you.

2017
03:35:17,480 --> 03:35:20,840
The next speaker is Carol Sanders and the following group,

2018
03:35:21,340 --> 03:35:24,960
if you could line up behind the mic, will be Cindy Shambon,

2019
03:35:25,280 --> 03:35:29,040
Rebecca Sparks, Abdul Fattah Dubuan,

2020
03:35:29,440 --> 03:35:32,560
Kathleen Irwin, Kalina Preforce.

2021
03:35:32,880 --> 03:35:36,400
Henry Levy, Bill Barish.

2022
03:35:36,560 --> 03:35:39,920
Seth Morrison, Juliet Lee,

2023
03:35:40,000 --> 03:35:42,480
Elena A. And Sophie Rife.

2024
03:35:43,280 --> 03:35:47,240
Carol Sanders. You can go ahead and step to the mic if

2025
03:35:47,740 --> 03:35:51,110
you're here. No. Okay. The next speaker is Cindy

2026
03:35:51,610 --> 03:35:51,830
Schambun.

2027
03:35:55,670 --> 03:35:58,230
Okay. The next speaker is Rebecca Sparks.

2028
03:36:03,590 --> 03:36:07,550
My name is Rebecca Sparks and I'm a Richmond resident. I'm here

2029
03:36:08,050 --> 03:36:11,670
today to join over 80 current and former elected officials from

2030
03:36:12,170 --> 03:36:16,310
across the region and calling for the resignation of Mayor Eduardo Martinez.

2031
03:36:16,870 --> 03:36:20,830
In addition, we are calling on you, the City Council, to formally censure

2032
03:36:21,330 --> 03:36:25,550
Mayor Martinez for his anti Semitic posts and to publicly affirm

2033
03:36:26,050 --> 03:36:29,350
that anti Semitism in all its forms has no place in Richmond.

2034
03:36:29,590 --> 03:36:33,190
The behavior of the mayor stokes the flames of antisemitism in

2035
03:36:33,690 --> 03:36:37,790
this community, and it cannot be tolerated. His actions of reposting anti Semitic

2036
03:36:38,290 --> 03:36:42,110
conspiracy theories on social media has a profound effect on the safety of Jews

2037
03:36:42,340 --> 03:36:46,060
everywhere, including his constituents. If he wants to go down an

2038
03:36:46,560 --> 03:36:49,820
Internet rabbit hole and repost lies in his own time, he is entitled to do

2039
03:36:50,320 --> 03:36:53,940
so as a private citizen of the United States. But as an elected representative

2040
03:36:54,440 --> 03:36:58,259
of this community, it is entirely inappropriate and dangerous to the Jewish

2041
03:36:58,759 --> 03:37:02,020
community writ large. I call on the mayor to resign immediately and for City

2042
03:37:02,520 --> 03:37:06,220
Council to formally censure him for his gross negligence only. This Will Reform

2043
03:37:06,720 --> 03:37:10,470
has expired. Thank you. The next speaker is Abdul Fattah

2044
03:37:10,970 --> 03:37:14,270
Dewan. Abdul Fattah Dewan.

2045
03:37:15,230 --> 03:37:18,510
Okay, they're not here. The next speaker is Kathleen Irwin.

2046
03:37:22,990 --> 03:37:26,590
Good evening. My name is Kathleen Irwin. I'm a longtime Richmond

2047
03:37:27,090 --> 03:37:30,790
resident and voter from the Panhandle Annex. And I

2048
03:37:31,290 --> 03:37:35,810
want to state very firmly that I do feel the posting, the reposting that

2049
03:37:36,310 --> 03:37:40,170
you did, Mayor Martinez, was an anti Semitic act,

2050
03:37:40,250 --> 03:37:43,850
and it was very harmful. And I have heard your apology,

2051
03:37:44,410 --> 03:37:47,770
and I want to acknowledge that, because we have to

2052
03:37:48,270 --> 03:37:51,730
start with that. If we can think about repair. If we

2053
03:37:52,230 --> 03:37:55,530
think about repair, it means bringing the community back together. And for that,

2054
03:37:56,030 --> 03:37:59,150
I want to shine a light on today about who is really speaking,

2055
03:37:59,220 --> 03:38:03,380
splitting this community, and point to Cesar Zepeda,

2056
03:38:03,880 --> 03:38:07,540
who brought forward this and. And another council member who brought

2057
03:38:08,040 --> 03:38:11,380
forward this censorship without the proper process and

2058
03:38:11,880 --> 03:38:15,220
who include and misrepresented it in his opening remarks.

2059
03:38:15,620 --> 03:38:18,660
And it took another council member,

2060
03:38:19,300 --> 03:38:22,260
Doria Robinson, to point that out in her comments.

2061
03:38:22,660 --> 03:38:25,700
And I want to just say I have one second left, but your time has

2062
03:38:26,200 --> 03:38:29,590
expired. Thank you. The next. The late, great Jim McMillan.

2063
03:38:30,090 --> 03:38:33,670
Your time expired. Your time has expired. Thank you.

2064
03:38:33,830 --> 03:38:36,390
The next speaker is Kalina Preforce.

2065
03:38:38,950 --> 03:38:42,870
Mayor Martinez, my brother, you know me as council Member Klima

2066
03:38:43,370 --> 03:38:46,670
Priforce of Emeryville. A Democratic socialist, a Democratic

2067
03:38:47,170 --> 03:38:50,550
party delegate in Alameda county, and the first Haitian American elected official

2068
03:38:50,630 --> 03:38:54,590
in California. I know what it is to be censored and sanctioned for fighting

2069
03:38:55,090 --> 03:38:58,840
for working people, just as they tried tonight. So congratulations,

2070
03:38:59,340 --> 03:39:02,880
Mayor. If they're coming for you, you must be doing something right.

2071
03:39:04,720 --> 03:39:08,120
Let us be clear. This isn't about which side you fall on when a euro

2072
03:39:08,620 --> 03:39:12,520
apartheid state genocides brown people. It's about disciplining elected

2073
03:39:13,020 --> 03:39:17,000
officials during an election year and sending a warning to every future Zora Mamdani

2074
03:39:17,500 --> 03:39:21,760
in the Bay Area to fall in line. But who controls our cities?

2075
03:39:22,600 --> 03:39:26,200
Our cities belong to working people, immigrants, tenants, labor and families

2076
03:39:26,700 --> 03:39:30,360
demanding dignity. Not donors, not lobbyists, not fear of the other.

2077
03:39:31,080 --> 03:39:35,000
We run as Democratic socialists. We govern as Democratic socialists.

2078
03:39:35,500 --> 03:39:39,360
I stand with Mayor Martinez. And let's vote these corporate centrists

2079
03:39:39,860 --> 03:39:43,080
out of office. Thank you.

2080
03:39:43,580 --> 03:39:46,760
The next speaker is Henry Levy. Henry Levy.

2081
03:39:49,490 --> 03:39:52,930
Levi. My name is Henry Levy.

2082
03:39:53,090 --> 03:39:56,330
I am the elected treasurer, Tax collector,

2083
03:39:56,830 --> 03:39:59,650
Alameda County. I am Jewish.

2084
03:40:00,450 --> 03:40:03,410
I am here to support my friend, Eduardo Martinez.

2085
03:40:03,970 --> 03:40:07,970
Mayor, I met you six years ago when you were a fairly new council member

2086
03:40:08,130 --> 03:40:11,730
and interested in the efforts to create an East Bay public bank.

2087
03:40:11,890 --> 03:40:15,520
I make community financial investment. I wouldn't

2088
03:40:16,020 --> 03:40:18,760
have known about your opinions about Israel and Palestine,

2089
03:40:19,160 --> 03:40:23,000
but I heard about it from the JCRC and the Jewish News.

2090
03:40:24,360 --> 03:40:28,320
The JCRC informed me quickly about your reposts. You and

2091
03:40:28,820 --> 03:40:32,360
I have talked about these for the last few weeks. You have heard my opinions,

2092
03:40:32,600 --> 03:40:36,120
of which I have plenty. I don't feel any

2093
03:40:36,620 --> 03:40:40,230
remarks I can make tonight will change those substantially. Affiliated with

2094
03:40:40,730 --> 03:40:43,870
the jcrc. They made swift judgment of you,

2095
03:40:44,190 --> 03:40:47,390
wanting to elect you to Bay Area, Anti Semite

2096
03:40:47,890 --> 03:40:50,670
of the Year, and even making threats against you.

2097
03:40:51,070 --> 03:40:54,270
I believe the voters of Richmond should be the ones to judge you. Your time

2098
03:40:54,770 --> 03:40:55,550
has expired. Thank you.

2099
03:40:58,670 --> 03:41:02,670
The next speaker is Bill Barish. Bill Barish,

2100
03:41:08,520 --> 03:41:12,800
Good evening. I was born into a Jewish

2101
03:41:13,300 --> 03:41:16,640
family. I've been in Israel. I have seen with my

2102
03:41:17,140 --> 03:41:20,440
own eyes how Palestinians are treated.

2103
03:41:21,640 --> 03:41:25,160
I have known the mayor for, I don't know,

2104
03:41:25,660 --> 03:41:29,160
10 years now. I've worked on his last three campaigns.

2105
03:41:29,880 --> 03:41:33,810
And if I thought that he was anti Semitic in

2106
03:41:34,310 --> 03:41:36,930
any way, I would not have come close to that.

2107
03:41:38,130 --> 03:41:41,850
As a matter of fact, I would have been the first one to get in

2108
03:41:42,350 --> 03:41:46,170
his face. I am sure, in fact, that the mayor is not nearly as

2109
03:41:46,670 --> 03:41:50,210
virulently anti Israel and anti Zionist

2110
03:41:50,710 --> 03:41:54,450
as I am. But in this moment,

2111
03:41:54,850 --> 03:41:58,200
I will say he made a mistake. He copped

2112
03:41:58,700 --> 03:42:02,400
to it, he apologized for it, and I consider

2113
03:42:02,640 --> 03:42:06,400
him a friend and I will be happy

2114
03:42:06,480 --> 03:42:10,320
to be working on his next re election campaign.

2115
03:42:10,960 --> 03:42:15,200
Thank you. Thank you. The next speaker is Seth Morrison.

2116
03:42:16,000 --> 03:42:18,720
I'm sorry, Mr. Mayor, I hardly can hear it.

2117
03:42:18,960 --> 03:42:22,820
Can you have the volume raised a little? Put.

2118
03:42:22,890 --> 03:42:26,410
That's right, yeah. We just need

2119
03:42:26,910 --> 03:42:30,530
to. Can we instruct the speakers to speak closer

2120
03:42:31,030 --> 03:42:34,330
to the mic? And Mayor, if I may, through you as the chair, we have

2121
03:42:34,490 --> 03:42:38,210
increased the volume and it is more challenging given

2122
03:42:38,710 --> 03:42:42,210
the multiple settings, but staff is doing their best. That volume has

2123
03:42:42,710 --> 03:42:45,690
been adjusted. I realize that. That's why I said the speakers need to step closer

2124
03:42:46,190 --> 03:42:49,540
to the M. Okay.

2125
03:42:50,040 --> 03:42:53,140
The next speaker is Seth Morrison. If Seth Morrison is here.

2126
03:42:55,300 --> 03:42:58,900
Not. Okay, thank you. The next speaker is Juliet

2127
03:42:59,400 --> 03:42:59,460
Lee.

2128
03:43:02,420 --> 03:43:05,300
Hi. I'm Jewish.

2129
03:43:05,620 --> 03:43:09,300
I live in Richmond, District 6. It's an awesome

2130
03:43:09,800 --> 03:43:12,980
city. It's an awesome district, full of really beautiful, sweet people.

2131
03:43:13,060 --> 03:43:16,750
I love my neighbors. I got to meet my representative

2132
03:43:17,250 --> 03:43:20,630
last night. She's awesome. We have a lot

2133
03:43:21,130 --> 03:43:22,910
of things going on in the city,

2134
03:43:24,590 --> 03:43:27,710
but this is not what we should be focusing our attention on.

2135
03:43:28,830 --> 03:43:32,030
We have my friend here behind me. He doesn't have

2136
03:43:32,530 --> 03:43:35,990
a place to live. Right. We have neighbors

2137
03:43:36,490 --> 03:43:40,550
talking about trash. We have people. Our schools are

2138
03:43:41,050 --> 03:43:44,340
struggling. Our teachers need to get supported more. And we're

2139
03:43:44,840 --> 03:43:48,140
pouring millions of our tax dollars, billions of our tax

2140
03:43:48,640 --> 03:43:51,700
dollars into the war machine that is just bombing children,

2141
03:43:52,740 --> 03:43:55,700
families, destroying an entire civilization.

2142
03:43:55,780 --> 03:43:58,820
And that's what we need to be focusing on. There are children,

2143
03:43:59,380 --> 03:44:01,940
prisoners of war, hostages, Children,

2144
03:44:02,100 --> 03:44:06,180
thousands of them. This is what we need to be focusing on.

2145
03:44:07,300 --> 03:44:11,170
And your time has expired. Thank you. The next speaker

2146
03:44:11,670 --> 03:44:14,890
is Elena A. And if you can step closer to the mic.

2147
03:44:15,130 --> 03:44:18,170
Yeah. Hi. Good evening, everyone.

2148
03:44:19,370 --> 03:44:23,210
My name is Ilana Auerbach and I am Jewish.

2149
03:44:23,710 --> 03:44:26,170
I was raised a fourth generation Zionist.

2150
03:44:26,730 --> 03:44:30,330
And I know from the inside Zionism is

2151
03:44:30,830 --> 03:44:34,930
not Judaism. Zionism is an ideology. Zionism is

2152
03:44:35,430 --> 03:44:38,170
a supremacist ideology. It cannot exist without racism.

2153
03:44:38,730 --> 03:44:42,490
And so I am here in support of the mayor.

2154
03:44:42,890 --> 03:44:46,810
And I am here to say that there is a revolution happening

2155
03:44:47,310 --> 03:44:50,930
here in Richmond because the people of Richmond and the leaders of

2156
03:44:51,430 --> 03:44:55,450
Richmond have the moral courage and the moral fortitude to

2157
03:44:55,950 --> 03:44:59,530
call it what it is. I am proud to be

2158
03:44:59,930 --> 03:45:04,090
living in the East Bay, and the leaders of Richmond represent me

2159
03:45:04,590 --> 03:45:08,460
much more aligned with my values than the leaders of Berkeley,

2160
03:45:08,960 --> 03:45:12,860
where I live. And so I support you, Mayor. Keep up the strength.

2161
03:45:13,360 --> 03:45:16,980
Keep telling the truth, keep calling out the genocide and keep

2162
03:45:17,780 --> 03:45:20,740
liberation for all beings. That is what we're here for.

2163
03:45:21,860 --> 03:45:25,060
The next speaker is Sophie Rife.

2164
03:45:25,700 --> 03:45:29,140
And the last group of speakers after that are Gail Ierweiss,

2165
03:45:29,460 --> 03:45:32,670
Jocelyn D. Eva Chrysanthem,

2166
03:45:34,110 --> 03:45:37,470
Ian Alaid, Steve Greaves,

2167
03:45:37,630 --> 03:45:40,910
Marie Anyam, Sarah Lamnan,

2168
03:45:41,070 --> 03:45:44,670
Shahar Shukran Maiza, Mirar,

2169
03:45:45,230 --> 03:45:49,470
Monadil Herzala and Ayman Khalil.

2170
03:45:50,270 --> 03:45:53,950
Sophie Rice, you can go ahead and step to the mic if you are

2171
03:45:54,450 --> 03:45:57,920
present. Just. Sophie's not

2172
03:45:58,420 --> 03:46:02,160
here. The next speaker is Gail Iarweiss. If you're

2173
03:46:02,660 --> 03:46:04,040
here, Gail.

2174
03:46:06,120 --> 03:46:09,400
Hey, Gail is not here. The next speaker is Jocelyn D.

2175
03:46:13,480 --> 03:46:16,800
Hi, I'm Jocelyn. I'm a Jewish American of conscience. And hey, good,

2176
03:46:17,300 --> 03:46:20,760
I'm glad this guy's still here because I just really want to say I'm

2177
03:46:21,260 --> 03:46:25,330
going to jump to the end here wearing a scarf, a keffiyeh analog

2178
03:46:25,830 --> 03:46:29,250
scarf emblazoned with the colors

2179
03:46:29,750 --> 03:46:32,690
of the flag and the symbols of the flag that is committing genocide.

2180
03:46:33,730 --> 03:46:36,690
I don't see how you can come here and complain about a hat that says

2181
03:46:37,190 --> 03:46:41,010
death to the idf. The chutzpah, the gall, the nerve.

2182
03:46:41,170 --> 03:46:44,330
I'm embarrassed. So the JCRC and people who

2183
03:46:44,830 --> 03:46:48,490
would come in here being so offensive doing that definitely do

2184
03:46:48,990 --> 03:46:52,180
not speak for me. Anyway,

2185
03:46:52,980 --> 03:46:56,420
I believe the mayor did make a misstep, made a misjudgment.

2186
03:46:56,500 --> 03:47:00,580
I believe he's sincere in his wish

2187
03:47:01,080 --> 03:47:06,100
to make amends and repair. And I do appreciate Treasurer

2188
03:47:06,260 --> 03:47:10,140
Levy and the rabbi who came in here in the spirit of Tikkun

2189
03:47:10,640 --> 03:47:15,580
Olam with the invitation for healing and restorative

2190
03:47:16,080 --> 03:47:18,930
justice. And I do believe that inspired. Thank you.

2191
03:47:19,410 --> 03:47:22,610
The next speaker is Ian Adai,

2192
03:47:23,170 --> 03:47:25,330
or, I'm sorry, Eva. Chris Chrisian.

2193
03:47:31,410 --> 03:47:34,930
Thank you. Eva Khrusanti. I just really want to briefly

2194
03:47:35,410 --> 03:47:39,170
point out that the reason we're all here today is because

2195
03:47:39,250 --> 03:47:43,450
the JCRC made a big fuss about the mayor reposting

2196
03:47:43,950 --> 03:47:47,210
some material. This is a huge waste of

2197
03:47:47,710 --> 03:47:50,810
time. But I want to point out that for the last two

2198
03:47:51,310 --> 03:47:55,090
years and two months, I've been investigating, researching and

2199
03:47:55,590 --> 03:47:59,770
reporting on the various bizarre activities

2200
03:48:00,270 --> 03:48:04,090
of the jcrc, specifically its full frontal assault

2201
03:48:04,590 --> 03:48:08,220
on the First Amendment here in the Bay Area. And you

2202
03:48:08,720 --> 03:48:11,940
know, there are a lot of activist groups that now have, because of my reporting,

2203
03:48:12,440 --> 03:48:16,100
they have the ability to file all sorts of legal complaints.

2204
03:48:17,380 --> 03:48:20,620
They, you know, they haven't done. So I urge them to do

2205
03:48:21,120 --> 03:48:24,300
so because we're going to have to keep coming back here and sitting

2206
03:48:24,800 --> 03:48:28,380
in packed rooms to give testimonials to a mayor if

2207
03:48:28,880 --> 03:48:32,380
we don't address the jcrc, we need to take it

2208
03:48:32,880 --> 03:48:36,710
on. Thank you. Thank you. The next speaker is Ian

2209
03:48:36,790 --> 03:48:40,230
Adair. Ian Adair, you're present.

2210
03:48:41,270 --> 03:48:44,950
No, Ian is not here. The Next speaker is Steve Greaves.

2211
03:48:51,350 --> 03:48:54,870
My name is Steve Greaves. I had the honor of working

2212
03:48:55,430 --> 03:48:58,950
almost in the next classroom from Eduardo Martinez

2213
03:48:59,380 --> 03:49:03,500
when he was a teacher in this school district here. I had

2214
03:49:04,000 --> 03:49:07,460
the honor of being a citizen of the city for 15,

2215
03:49:07,620 --> 03:49:11,380
well, a teacher for 15 years and living here for

2216
03:49:11,880 --> 03:49:15,419
seven years. And I'm thrilled that he's

2217
03:49:15,919 --> 03:49:19,780
the mayor and I support him wholeheartedly. And I'm

2218
03:49:20,100 --> 03:49:23,900
pleased that he's also supporter of equality

2219
03:49:24,400 --> 03:49:28,030
and human rights across the board, which JCRC

2220
03:49:28,530 --> 03:49:32,230
is not. JCRC is a front organization for

2221
03:49:32,730 --> 03:49:36,430
the state of Israel, as are many so called Jewish agencies

2222
03:49:36,830 --> 03:49:40,270
around the country. And Israel would

2223
03:49:40,770 --> 03:49:44,550
not even exist were it not for the hundreds of billions of

2224
03:49:45,050 --> 03:49:50,150
dollars of American taxpayer dollars that have been weapon

2225
03:49:50,650 --> 03:49:53,690
welfare warfare for them. And I'm fed up with it.

2226
03:49:54,170 --> 03:49:57,850
Thank you. Thank you. The next speaker is Marie Anya.

2227
03:50:16,090 --> 03:50:19,440
I'm Marie, the mama of Lydia, a 4 year old special needs

2228
03:50:19,940 --> 03:50:24,360
student at TK stage at Stiege Elementary. Thank you for quickly responding

2229
03:50:24,860 --> 03:50:28,040
to my email. I truly appreciate the police department speaking with me

2230
03:50:28,540 --> 03:50:31,840
and hope a safety plan is made with the district. The same graffiti

2231
03:50:32,340 --> 03:50:35,640
was cited on our block today. As a mother, it's stressful and scary

2232
03:50:36,140 --> 03:50:39,080
having students attend a school with facilities that are not updated.

2233
03:50:39,320 --> 03:50:42,840
Stage continues to lack a canopy for the big play yard for the students

2234
03:50:43,340 --> 03:50:46,280
to rest under. We don't have a TK playground structure,

2235
03:50:47,460 --> 03:50:50,900
unpainted TK yard, inappropriate height, sinks,

2236
03:50:51,380 --> 03:50:55,540
lacks a security officer and security cameras due to the rising

2237
03:50:56,040 --> 03:50:59,620
activity in the neighborhood. Our black and brown students deserve

2238
03:51:00,120 --> 03:51:04,100
the same resources and safety measures as other schools. We are families

2239
03:51:04,600 --> 03:51:08,500
with feelings, dreams and futures. It's the students and Lydia who are

2240
03:51:09,000 --> 03:51:12,990
the victims in this. Please continue helping us. Thank you. Thank you.

2241
03:51:13,070 --> 03:51:15,870
The next speaker is Sarah Lamnan.

2242
03:51:24,830 --> 03:51:28,470
Good evening. Thank you for your time. My name is Sarah Lamnan.

2243
03:51:28,970 --> 03:51:32,470
I'm an elected Jewish local official. And I'm not here to

2244
03:51:32,970 --> 03:51:35,870
defend the Mayor's posts or to call for his resignation.

2245
03:51:36,270 --> 03:51:39,750
I'm here because there is another way. I appreciate

2246
03:51:40,250 --> 03:51:44,190
the Mayor's willingness to engage with the local Jewish community to listen to

2247
03:51:44,690 --> 03:51:48,190
why blanket condemnation of Israel and the spread of conspiracy theories

2248
03:51:48,690 --> 03:51:52,590
are dangerous and divisive. And I hope those long awaited conversations lead

2249
03:51:53,090 --> 03:51:56,750
to deeper understanding and collaboration. I'm here to work with you as well.

2250
03:51:57,230 --> 03:52:01,190
I came tonight to ask all of us to work together to

2251
03:52:01,690 --> 03:52:05,360
begin the healing that Vice Mayor Zepeda spoke about. We need to

2252
03:52:05,860 --> 03:52:09,240
stop fighting in council chambers. We need to start learning from

2253
03:52:09,740 --> 03:52:13,640
each other. We must acknowledge that extremes on both sides are harmful

2254
03:52:14,140 --> 03:52:17,960
and inaccurate. Whether it's claiming that all Jews or Israelis support

2255
03:52:18,460 --> 03:52:22,680
human rights abuses or insist that even saying Palestine is unacceptable.

2256
03:52:23,000 --> 03:52:26,480
There is another way that affirms the humanity

2257
03:52:26,980 --> 03:52:30,040
of all people, and I urge us to do so. Thank you. Thank you.

2258
03:52:30,540 --> 03:52:32,750
The next speaker is Shahar Shakran.

2259
03:52:38,350 --> 03:52:41,550
Hello. I didn't prepare a speech, so I'll try to keep it for, like,

2260
03:52:42,050 --> 03:52:45,550
under a minute. I'm a resident of Richmond,

2261
03:52:46,050 --> 03:52:50,150
I think District 33. I've been in

2262
03:52:50,650 --> 03:52:54,430
the city for a while, and I've been

2263
03:52:54,930 --> 03:52:58,030
meaning to speak about what's going on as far as politics in the city.

2264
03:52:58,980 --> 03:53:02,540
I'm not here with JCRC or any other organization. I'm here as

2265
03:53:03,040 --> 03:53:06,660
a former Israeli who's been living in the city, who's been

2266
03:53:07,160 --> 03:53:11,220
thinking twice before putting a NORA on his window ledge,

2267
03:53:11,720 --> 03:53:14,820
who's been unable to speak to my, you know,

2268
03:53:15,320 --> 03:53:18,900
shopkeepers who are Muslims because

2269
03:53:18,980 --> 03:53:23,220
of this sentiments of hate that's been raging around the city ever

2270
03:53:23,720 --> 03:53:28,120
since the condemnation of the Israel. And I've been re. I want to reinforce what's

2271
03:53:28,620 --> 03:53:31,800
been said here. It's time for healing. It's time to focus

2272
03:53:31,960 --> 03:53:35,360
criticism on this, on the government of Israel and not on

2273
03:53:35,860 --> 03:53:39,080
the Jewish people or the state of Israel, who's been through enough.

2274
03:53:39,720 --> 03:53:43,680
And we, as your

2275
03:53:44,180 --> 03:53:47,880
time has expired. Thank you. The next speaker is Maa Morar.

2276
03:53:48,840 --> 03:53:52,510
Miza Marara, if you're here. No. The next

2277
03:53:53,010 --> 03:53:54,630
speaker is Monadale Herzala.

2278
03:53:57,030 --> 03:54:00,590
Herzala. Oh, thank you. And the last

2279
03:54:01,090 --> 03:54:05,190
speaker is Iman Khalil. Iman Khalil.

2280
03:54:05,990 --> 03:54:09,270
Okay. Well, there are no more public speakers in the auditorium,

2281
03:54:10,950 --> 03:54:15,190
so now we'll move to the online speakers. We have 45

2282
03:54:15,690 --> 03:54:19,640
speakers. The first group of speakers online are

2283
03:54:20,140 --> 03:54:23,680
Eileen Lee, Dorit Hillary, Judy Weatherly, Michael Gilson,

2284
03:54:23,760 --> 03:54:27,600
Marilyn Langlois, Paul and Levine, Oren R.

2285
03:54:28,160 --> 03:54:30,640
Amber Hartfield and Michael Harris.

2286
03:54:31,520 --> 03:54:35,120
Eileen. Excuse me. Please unmute yourself. You'll have one minute, and you may begin.

2287
03:54:36,880 --> 03:54:41,000
Hi. My name is Eileen Lee. I've lived in the bay area for

2288
03:54:41,500 --> 03:54:45,190
30 years. Thank you for this opportunity

2289
03:54:45,690 --> 03:54:49,270
to gather and think together about how to respond to the

2290
03:54:49,770 --> 03:54:53,350
mayor's endorsement of hatred and violence against Jews.

2291
03:54:53,910 --> 03:54:57,670
As we've heard tonight, the mayor is a beloved role model

2292
03:54:57,989 --> 03:55:01,750
for many here. Sadly, his example

2293
03:55:02,250 --> 03:55:05,670
teaches the next generation to hate Jews.

2294
03:55:06,310 --> 03:55:09,950
Thank you, council members. Cesare's at the PETA, and Jamelia

2295
03:55:10,450 --> 03:55:14,190
Brown, for your courageous leadership in condemning Mayor

2296
03:55:14,690 --> 03:55:17,950
Martinez's actions. Richmond deserves a better

2297
03:55:18,450 --> 03:55:22,510
mayor, one who is committed to the safety of all its citizens,

2298
03:55:22,910 --> 03:55:26,750
not one who spreads lies, empowers extremists,

2299
03:55:26,830 --> 03:55:30,350
and inflames hatred. Each of you

2300
03:55:30,430 --> 03:55:34,720
council members has the power to take action. Please act

2301
03:55:34,880 --> 03:55:39,240
to stop the mayor from grooming the next generation to

2302
03:55:39,740 --> 03:55:42,880
hate. Thank you.

2303
03:55:43,380 --> 03:55:46,280
The next speaker is Dorit. Please state your first and last name for the record.

2304
03:55:46,780 --> 03:55:49,880
And you may begin. Hi, my name

2305
03:55:50,380 --> 03:55:54,080
is Dorit and I'm been in Bay area resident for over 40 years.

2306
03:55:54,960 --> 03:55:58,400
I think the mayor made a big mistake and what he's done

2307
03:55:58,560 --> 03:56:00,890
is used the.

2308
03:56:02,570 --> 03:56:05,810
What is. What's happened is he's working against pluralistic

2309
03:56:06,310 --> 03:56:10,090
democracy. I think we have to keep that in mind very clearly. A pluralistic democracy

2310
03:56:10,590 --> 03:56:14,810
and a leader of one. Mayor Martinez should

2311
03:56:15,310 --> 03:56:18,090
be very aware that when you target a minority,

2312
03:56:18,570 --> 03:56:21,850
you are not representing all of the people in a community.

2313
03:56:22,730 --> 03:56:25,930
And when people hear conflate fighting antisemitism

2314
03:56:26,320 --> 03:56:29,920
with being against liberal politics for LGBTQ

2315
03:56:30,420 --> 03:56:34,080
and black people and women rights. We are not

2316
03:56:34,580 --> 03:56:37,640
people who are against all of those things. We fight for those things

2317
03:56:38,140 --> 03:56:41,840
as well. But we are Jewish people who want protection from our government.

2318
03:56:42,400 --> 03:56:44,960
And now you're not even listening to what I'm saying,

2319
03:56:46,000 --> 03:56:49,680
so I don't really believe you when you say you

2320
03:56:50,180 --> 03:56:53,490
apologize because you've. Your time has expired. The next

2321
03:56:53,990 --> 03:56:56,330
speaker is Hillary. Hillary, please unmute yourself and you may begin.

2322
03:57:00,570 --> 03:57:02,250
Hillary, please unmute yourself.

2323
03:57:06,010 --> 03:57:09,050
Hello, can you hear me? Yes. Please state your last name for the record.

2324
03:57:09,930 --> 03:57:13,930
Yeah. My name is Hillary Kilimnick. I am a Berkeley

2325
03:57:14,430 --> 03:57:18,210
resident, member of the Jewish community, parents to three Jewish

2326
03:57:18,710 --> 03:57:22,370
kids, and I'm here tonight to urge Mayor Martinez to resign over

2327
03:57:22,870 --> 03:57:25,930
his anti Semitic rhetoric and conspiracy theories that he's

2328
03:57:26,430 --> 03:57:29,810
promoted on social media. He reposted claims that the

2329
03:57:30,310 --> 03:57:33,610
ISIS inspired massacre of Jews celebrating Hanukkah on Bondi

2330
03:57:34,110 --> 03:57:37,450
beach was an Israeli false flag. This is not an isolated incident.

2331
03:57:37,950 --> 03:57:41,170
It's part of a disturbing pattern of anti Semitic statements.

2332
03:57:41,730 --> 03:57:44,610
This is not about politics. I'm not a lobbyist.

2333
03:57:45,130 --> 03:57:49,290
I'm a person. I'm a community member. It's about basic human decency.

2334
03:57:49,850 --> 03:57:54,170
Discriminatory statements toward any minority community endanger all minority

2335
03:57:54,670 --> 03:57:58,290
communities. I want to thank the city Council for taking this matter

2336
03:57:58,790 --> 03:58:02,330
seriously. Richmond deserves better. The Bay Area deserves

2337
03:58:02,830 --> 03:58:06,290
better. Please do the right thing. A mayor

2338
03:58:06,790 --> 03:58:10,290
that spreads dangerous falsehoods needs to take responsibility for

2339
03:58:10,790 --> 03:58:13,330
his actions and resign. Thank you. Thank you.

2340
03:58:14,370 --> 03:58:18,090
The next speaker is Judy Weatherly. Please unmute yourself and you may

2341
03:58:21,810 --> 03:58:25,410
Hi. My name is Judy Weatherly. I'm 75 years old.

2342
03:58:25,490 --> 03:58:28,850
I've been a social racial justice activist

2343
03:58:29,350 --> 03:58:33,130
for much of my adult life. And after this meeting tonight,

2344
03:58:33,630 --> 03:58:37,010
I have never felt the kind of fear living in Richmond that I feel

2345
03:58:37,510 --> 03:58:40,650
right now. The amount of hatred in this room has been caused

2346
03:58:41,150 --> 03:58:44,650
by you, Mayor. By you. This is just ridiculous that

2347
03:58:45,150 --> 03:58:49,050
we should have to be putting up with this kind of hatred that has

2348
03:58:49,550 --> 03:58:52,930
been going on for hours now. I, I, I can't even believe it.

2349
03:58:53,430 --> 03:58:56,810
And I can't believe that I am afraid. I have lived in so many different

2350
03:58:57,310 --> 03:59:00,770
places. I grew up in poverty. This is just

2351
03:59:01,270 --> 03:59:03,810
ridiculous that you do sit there.

2352
03:59:06,400 --> 03:59:08,720
It's just, it's, it's pretty amazing.

2353
03:59:09,760 --> 03:59:13,440
You know, I'm actually pretty disgusted with most of the council right

2354
03:59:13,940 --> 03:59:17,280
now. And I assure you that your anti Semitism that

2355
03:59:17,780 --> 03:59:21,160
has come out tonight and that has been flagrant

2356
03:59:21,660 --> 03:59:24,760
in this audience is just disgusting. Thank you.

2357
03:59:25,260 --> 03:59:28,520
Your the next speaker is Michael Gilkson. Please unmute yourself and you may

2358
03:59:29,020 --> 03:59:32,370
begin. Thank you. My name is Michael Glickson.

2359
03:59:32,870 --> 03:59:36,570
I am a resident of Richmond. I want to express my strong support for Mayor

2360
03:59:37,070 --> 03:59:40,730
Eduardo Martinez. I will admit that as a Jew, I was disappointed at what

2361
03:59:41,230 --> 03:59:44,530
Eduardo posted. Antisemitism is pernicious and has

2362
03:59:45,030 --> 03:59:48,450
been for millennia. But because I know Eduardo, I do not expect that was

2363
03:59:48,950 --> 03:59:52,330
his intention and I want to hear more from him also as I'm

2364
03:59:52,830 --> 03:59:55,820
a Jew who supports the rights of Palestinians to law, life and liberty.

2365
03:59:56,320 --> 03:59:59,780
Unfortunately, showing public support for Palestinians has

2366
04:00:00,280 --> 04:00:03,500
become dangerous in this country and Eduardo has become a target of

2367
04:00:04,000 --> 04:00:07,860
national pressure campaigns. Finally, Eduardo is a very successful

2368
04:00:08,360 --> 04:00:11,940
mayor and he is up for re election this year. His opponents are using this

2369
04:00:12,440 --> 04:00:16,020
issue to cast shade on Eduardo's numerous accomplishments,

2370
04:00:16,420 --> 04:00:19,940
including vastly improving the city's financial condition

2371
04:00:20,020 --> 04:00:23,060
as a testament to by the state of California and

2372
04:00:23,560 --> 04:00:26,580
the lowest homicide rate in Richmond's history. Thank you.

2373
04:00:26,740 --> 04:00:30,180
Thank you. Next speaker is Marilyn Langlois. Please unmute

2374
04:00:30,680 --> 04:00:35,140
yourself and you may begin. My name is Marilyn Langloise

2375
04:00:35,640 --> 04:00:39,340
and I'm a 24 year Richmond resident. I fully support Mayor

2376
04:00:39,840 --> 04:00:43,380
Eduardo Martinez. He had the fortitude to publicly admit

2377
04:00:43,880 --> 04:00:47,590
he made a mistake and has apologized. Mayor Martinez

2378
04:00:48,090 --> 04:00:52,270
denounces violence in all its forms and supports people of all

2379
04:00:52,770 --> 04:00:57,230
religions. He recognizes the distinction between Judaism

2380
04:00:57,730 --> 04:01:01,270
and the Zionist ideology that has placed Palestinians under

2381
04:01:01,770 --> 04:01:04,830
brutal occupation for the last 77 years.

2382
04:01:05,550 --> 04:01:08,590
Mayor Martinez empathizes with the underdog.

2383
04:01:08,910 --> 04:01:12,470
Growing up in Texas as a poor Mexican American kid with

2384
04:01:12,970 --> 04:01:16,650
a skill stutter, he was likely bullied at school and thus

2385
04:01:17,150 --> 04:01:20,890
recognizes the urge to retaliate that stems from such humiliation.

2386
04:01:21,370 --> 04:01:25,050
But rather than act on that urge, he has devoted his

2387
04:01:25,550 --> 04:01:29,370
life to fairness, non violence and uplifting the oppressed.

2388
04:01:29,690 --> 04:01:33,210
I hope he remains at the helm of our city for a second term.

2389
04:01:33,290 --> 04:01:36,610
Thank You. Thank you. The next speaker is Paula Levine.

2390
04:01:37,110 --> 04:01:38,410
Please unmute yourself and you may begin.

2391
04:01:41,240 --> 04:01:44,520
Hello. Oh, is it. Is my time starting?

2392
04:01:44,760 --> 04:01:48,040
Yes, you may begin. Okay. My name is Paul Levine.

2393
04:01:48,280 --> 04:01:52,560
I am a 35 year or more plus resident of Richmond.

2394
04:01:53,060 --> 04:01:56,960
I'm in Cesar Zepedas district and I am

2395
04:01:57,460 --> 04:02:03,000
here to ask Mayor Eduardo

2396
04:02:03,240 --> 04:02:05,400
Martinez to resign.

2397
04:02:06,440 --> 04:02:10,240
I am, as you can see, I'm very shaken up by what I've

2398
04:02:10,740 --> 04:02:14,320
heard tonight and I'm upset by the

2399
04:02:14,820 --> 04:02:18,720
fact that this was even an issue because it shouldn't

2400
04:02:19,220 --> 04:02:22,320
have been. Anyhow, I hope you take

2401
04:02:22,820 --> 04:02:26,680
advantage of the offers to meet with

2402
04:02:27,180 --> 04:02:30,440
Rabbi Julia Sacks. Tyler,

2403
04:02:30,760 --> 04:02:34,190
I think that I haven't heard your apology, so I'd

2404
04:02:34,690 --> 04:02:37,990
like to hear that. And you could apologize to me personally. I would appreciate that.

2405
04:02:38,470 --> 04:02:42,470
So thank you very much. Thank you. The next speaker is

2406
04:02:42,970 --> 04:02:45,030
Oren R. Please unmute yourself and you may begin.

2407
04:02:46,630 --> 04:02:50,470
Hi. Good evening. My name is Oren. Thank you to Councilmembers

2408
04:02:50,970 --> 04:02:54,230
Brown and Vice Mayor Sapita for showing integrity and leadership tonight.

2409
04:02:54,470 --> 04:02:57,870
For consideration on the emergency agenda item, Mayor.

2410
04:02:58,370 --> 04:03:01,860
Gloating over mass murder, the ISIS shooting attack of Australians,

2411
04:03:02,360 --> 04:03:05,780
Jews, police and crackpot conspiracy theories

2412
04:03:06,280 --> 04:03:10,140
about Bangi massacre is reprehensible and insane. And you're

2413
04:03:10,640 --> 04:03:14,100
unfit to serve as mayor and you should resign because of that. Here are some

2414
04:03:14,600 --> 04:03:17,300
of the mayors and vice mayors of the various cities that have called for your

2415
04:03:17,800 --> 04:03:21,180
resignations, plus dozens of others. San Pablo, El Cerrito,

2416
04:03:21,260 --> 04:03:24,380
Canoli, Hercules, Albany, Berkeley, Orinda,

2417
04:03:24,880 --> 04:03:27,850
Martinez, San Rafael, Corta, Madera, San Anselmo,

2418
04:03:28,350 --> 04:03:31,690
Tiburon, Pleasant Hill, Concord, Walnut Creek, Pittsburgh, Oakley,

2419
04:03:32,190 --> 04:03:35,650
Brentwood, Livermore, Belmont, Los Alto, Santa Rosa and Cloverdale.

2420
04:03:35,730 --> 04:03:39,410
I'd also like to say that the Bandai beach hero, Ahmed Ahmed

2421
04:03:39,730 --> 04:03:42,770
prayed today at the Rebbe's grave in New York.

2422
04:03:43,650 --> 04:03:47,010
Mayor, you are no Ahmed Al Ahmed.

2423
04:03:47,730 --> 04:03:50,970
Resign. The next speaker is

2424
04:03:51,470 --> 04:03:55,320
Amber Hatfield. Please unmute yourself and you may begin. Good evening.

2425
04:03:55,820 --> 04:03:58,760
My name is Amber Hatfield and I'm a Richmond resident in District 3.

2426
04:03:59,400 --> 04:04:03,400
I'd like to speak in opposition to the resolution centering

2427
04:04:03,720 --> 04:04:07,520
Mayor Martinez on the basis of personal social media posts

2428
04:04:08,020 --> 04:04:12,120
that he has already rescinded and for which he has already apologized.

2429
04:04:12,840 --> 04:04:16,440
This should be a teaching moment for all of us about how to listen to

2430
04:04:16,940 --> 04:04:20,040
one another, not a politically motivated smear campaign.

2431
04:04:20,950 --> 04:04:24,590
Mayor Martinez has been a role model for leading the city

2432
04:04:25,090 --> 04:04:27,910
of Richmond with compassion for the most vulnerable people.

2433
04:04:28,470 --> 04:04:32,390
Removing him from committees on which he is doing real work on

2434
04:04:32,890 --> 04:04:35,830
important issues would harm all Richmond residents.

2435
04:04:36,550 --> 04:04:39,910
Punishing him by docking his pay is not going to repair

2436
04:04:40,410 --> 04:04:43,710
harm done. It will only benefit Those who are running against him in

2437
04:04:44,210 --> 04:04:47,850
the coming primaries. I urge Councilmember Brown and Vice

2438
04:04:48,350 --> 04:04:52,530
Mayor Cepeda to reconsider bringing this divisive and detrimental resolution.

2439
04:04:53,090 --> 04:04:56,610
Follow the mayor's lead and get back to work on real problems.

2440
04:04:56,930 --> 04:05:00,610
Thank you. Thank you. The next speaker is Michael

2441
04:05:01,110 --> 04:05:04,450
Harris, followed by Kate Bolton Schmuckler, Kevin Wilk,

2442
04:05:04,950 --> 04:05:08,690
Sarah Theise, Juan Canham, Deborah John,

2443
04:05:08,850 --> 04:05:12,650
and OG Strogets. Michael, please unmute yourself and

2444
04:05:13,150 --> 04:05:16,760
you may begin. Good evening, council members.

2445
04:05:17,260 --> 04:05:20,800
I'm a 40 year resident of the Bay Area. There isn't time tonight to

2446
04:05:21,300 --> 04:05:24,240
rebut all the lies that have been spoken here. So let's focus on what this

2447
04:05:24,740 --> 04:05:28,080
is about. The mayor, who was the perpetrator and not the victim here,

2448
04:05:28,580 --> 04:05:32,200
accused Jews of staging the Bandai beach massacre to gain sympathy.

2449
04:05:32,360 --> 04:05:36,080
That's just the latest in a series of posts of sordid Jew

2450
04:05:36,580 --> 04:05:40,290
hate that he has shared. This isn't criticism of Israel. Israel, as much as some

2451
04:05:40,790 --> 04:05:44,690
want to classify all hate speech against Jews downward into that we

2452
04:05:45,190 --> 04:05:48,490
all know had the mayor made similar hateful statements about black people

2453
04:05:48,990 --> 04:05:52,410
after the massacre at the church in Charleston in 2015 or the massacre

2454
04:05:52,910 --> 04:05:56,410
of LGBTQ people in Orlando in 2016, he would

2455
04:05:56,910 --> 04:06:00,210
have been censured and forced to resign in short order. But against one

2456
04:06:00,710 --> 04:06:04,170
and only one group, his progressive credentials are considered acceptable

2457
04:06:04,670 --> 04:06:07,800
enough to. To allow him to incite hate in the name of the greater good.

2458
04:06:08,200 --> 04:06:12,320
The council needs to censure him and Mayor Martinez. You need to resign so

2459
04:06:12,820 --> 04:06:15,840
the council can get back to the actual needs of the city of Richmond instead

2460
04:06:16,340 --> 04:06:19,640
of spending more meetings dealing with this fallout. Thank you. Thank you.

2461
04:06:20,679 --> 04:06:23,240
The next speaker is Kate Bolton. Schmuckler.

2462
04:06:24,040 --> 04:06:28,200
Looks like she dropped her hand. The next speaker is Mayor Wilk. Please unmute

2463
04:06:28,700 --> 04:06:31,610
yourself and you may begin. Hi,

2464
04:06:32,110 --> 04:06:35,410
my name is Kevin Wilk. I'm the mayor of Walnut Creek and the only Jewish

2465
04:06:35,910 --> 04:06:39,370
mayor in Contra Costa County. One major responsibility in a mayor's role

2466
04:06:39,870 --> 04:06:43,410
in leading the city is to keep people safe and not spread more unwarranted division.

2467
04:06:43,730 --> 04:06:47,050
As an elected official, I stand up against all hate. Not just anti

2468
04:06:47,550 --> 04:06:50,970
Semitism, but against racism and hate speech of all kinds. This is

2469
04:06:51,470 --> 04:06:55,290
what should be expected of our elected officials. Amplifying anti Semitism or

2470
04:06:55,790 --> 04:06:59,110
any hate speech doesn't just hurt that targeted group, it hurts all

2471
04:06:59,610 --> 04:07:02,670
of us. This is why there has been tremendous condemnation of

2472
04:07:03,170 --> 04:07:06,150
Mayor Martinez's anti Semitic postings all across the East Bay.

2473
04:07:06,650 --> 04:07:10,510
And beyond. A mayor's words, whether they be on camera, print, or social media,

2474
04:07:10,830 --> 04:07:14,390
carry weight. Anti Semitism is An attack on

2475
04:07:14,890 --> 04:07:18,630
a race and ethnicity, a religion, no different than an attack on

2476
04:07:19,130 --> 04:07:23,470
one's skin color or heritage. Criticizing the Israeli government is not anti Semitism.

2477
04:07:24,170 --> 04:07:27,530
Speaking out and condemning a business, a group, or an event because

2478
04:07:28,030 --> 04:07:30,090
they are Jewish is anti Semitism.

2479
04:07:31,610 --> 04:07:35,170
Thank you. The next speaker is Sarah Theise. Please unmute

2480
04:07:35,670 --> 04:07:36,250
yourself and you may begin.

2481
04:07:39,609 --> 04:07:43,050
Sarah? All right,

2482
04:07:43,550 --> 04:07:46,210
we're going to move on to the next speaker, Juan Canham. Please unmute yourself and

2483
04:07:46,710 --> 04:07:50,530
you may begin. Hi, I'm Juan. I'm an

2484
04:07:51,030 --> 04:07:54,860
Oakland resident. None of this Bay Area nonsense. I'm clear about where I'm

2485
04:07:55,360 --> 04:07:57,900
from, which I don't think can be said for the vast majority of speakers that

2486
04:07:58,400 --> 04:08:02,220
want to overrule the votes of Richmond residents. I do follow Richmond

2487
04:08:02,720 --> 04:08:05,220
closely because it's a shining beacon we can all learn from,

2488
04:08:05,540 --> 04:08:08,900
especially when it comes to reducing crime by investing in

2489
04:08:09,400 --> 04:08:13,420
people, taking millions from corporations and using them to improve working people's

2490
04:08:13,920 --> 04:08:17,860
lives. But I'm mostly calling in support of listening to the people of Richmond.

2491
04:08:18,180 --> 04:08:22,340
Given how easy it is for outsiders, including myself, to weigh in,

2492
04:08:23,040 --> 04:08:26,720
I do hope the mayor has productive conversations to repair the harm caused

2493
04:08:27,040 --> 04:08:31,040
with the Richmond rabbi that spoke earlier. That's what matters here.

2494
04:08:32,320 --> 04:08:36,640
Not jcrc's take, JCRC takes,

2495
04:08:36,720 --> 04:08:40,640
nor my own. And I look forward to hearing

2496
04:08:41,280 --> 04:08:44,480
about the productive conversations with the

2497
04:08:44,980 --> 04:08:48,760
community that's been harmed, not this kind of political spectacle

2498
04:08:49,260 --> 04:08:52,970
that has been caused. Thank you. Thank you. Now we'll go back to

2499
04:08:53,290 --> 04:08:56,770
Sarah Thes. Sarah, please unmute yourself and you may

2500
04:09:00,890 --> 04:09:01,530
Sarah.

2501
04:09:03,770 --> 04:09:07,210
Okay, we will move on and go back to Sarah.

2502
04:09:07,290 --> 04:09:10,970
Deborah, please unmute yourself. State your last name for the record and you may begin.

2503
04:09:14,250 --> 04:09:17,320
Deborah, please unmute yourself. You may begin.

2504
04:09:19,960 --> 04:09:22,680
Okay, we will move on to John.

2505
04:09:22,840 --> 04:09:26,040
John, please unmute yourself. State your last name for the record. You may begin.

2506
04:09:26,600 --> 04:09:29,640
This has nothing to do with anti Semitism.

2507
04:09:30,040 --> 04:09:33,520
It has everything to do with the system of whiteness and white white culture

2508
04:09:34,020 --> 04:09:38,000
and white supremacy. We live on stolen land stolen by Europeans who

2509
04:09:38,500 --> 04:09:39,560
classify themselves as white people.

2510
04:09:44,530 --> 04:09:48,770
Thank you. Those same white people stolen land

2511
04:09:49,090 --> 04:09:52,530
in what is called Israel. They have

2512
04:09:53,030 --> 04:09:55,170
now practiced genocide upon those people.

2513
04:09:57,090 --> 04:10:00,570
They do what they always do. Deny, deny, deny. They've even

2514
04:10:01,070 --> 04:10:02,930
co opted the term Semite.

2515
04:10:04,370 --> 04:10:08,050
Most or many inhabitants of the world are classified

2516
04:10:09,060 --> 04:10:13,220
as Semitic. But these white people have

2517
04:10:13,720 --> 04:10:17,340
stolen the term Deny,

2518
04:10:17,840 --> 04:10:22,460
deny, deny. The same people who

2519
04:10:22,960 --> 04:10:26,660
have claimed suicide. Excuse me. The same people who have claimed

2520
04:10:26,900 --> 04:10:30,580
genocide are now practicing genocide

2521
04:10:31,080 --> 04:10:36,140
upon another group of people with whom land

2522
04:10:36,220 --> 04:10:37,420
they've stolen.

2523
04:10:44,780 --> 04:10:48,020
Thank you. The next speaker is og stratz,

2524
04:10:48,520 --> 04:10:51,260
followed by zoom user, carla schick, carrie. Hillis,

2525
04:10:51,760 --> 04:10:55,780
nancy, maddie, sarah c. River and

2526
04:10:56,280 --> 04:10:59,660
barry, toronto. Og strogatz,

2527
04:11:00,160 --> 04:11:01,740
please unmute yourself and you may begin.

2528
04:11:05,810 --> 04:11:09,570
Can you hear me? Yes. Thank you. I'm OG

2529
04:11:09,650 --> 04:11:13,250
Strogatz. I'm a Jew and a

2530
04:11:13,750 --> 04:11:17,730
Walnut Creek resident. My heart aches every

2531
04:11:18,230 --> 04:11:22,210
day for the suffering of Palestinians and Israelis over

2532
04:11:22,370 --> 04:11:26,130
so many years. Our elected and appointed leaders

2533
04:11:26,630 --> 04:11:30,550
at every level of government, regardless, regardless of where they govern, are responsible

2534
04:11:31,050 --> 04:11:33,670
for modeling great citizenship for all of us.

2535
04:11:34,230 --> 04:11:37,710
Regrettably, by spreading false information about the massacre

2536
04:11:38,210 --> 04:11:41,590
of Jews in Australia and about the sources of anti Semitism,

2537
04:11:41,830 --> 04:11:44,790
Mayor Martinez has fallen short of the honest,

2538
04:11:45,190 --> 04:11:48,550
wise, responsible conduct we need from our leaders.

2539
04:11:49,190 --> 04:11:53,230
I ask that the City Council censure Mayor Martinez and that

2540
04:11:53,730 --> 04:11:53,750
he resigned.

2541
04:12:03,340 --> 04:12:06,780
The next speaker is Carla. Carla, please unmute yourself and you may begin.

2542
04:12:07,280 --> 04:12:11,500
Okay. As a Jewish American, I am deeply grieved by the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

2543
04:12:11,660 --> 04:12:15,380
As a Bay Area resident, I feel represented by resolutions and actions

2544
04:12:15,880 --> 04:12:18,540
taken by Bay Area municipalities to stop the genocide.

2545
04:12:18,940 --> 04:12:22,460
As a teacher, I have witnessed that the path to healing comes through education

2546
04:12:23,000 --> 04:12:26,160
and conversation and not by punitive actions or the

2547
04:12:26,660 --> 04:12:29,960
silencing of political speech. This is also a Jewish value.

2548
04:12:30,520 --> 04:12:34,040
Retribution and hatred against leaders like Mayor Martinez who support

2549
04:12:34,540 --> 04:12:38,919
Palestinians and their struggles for justice have no place in our political discussions

2550
04:12:39,419 --> 04:12:43,320
or policies. I support Mayor Martinez's leadership

2551
04:12:43,820 --> 04:12:47,920
in affirming Palestinian life. For decades, Palestinians have

2552
04:12:48,420 --> 04:12:51,830
been demonized by the mainstream to to justify whatever brutal acts are done

2553
04:12:52,330 --> 04:12:55,910
against them. I am proud of our Bay Area City's leadership, and in particular

2554
04:12:56,150 --> 04:12:59,950
Richmond City Council, in affirming that we have the power to stop

2555
04:13:00,450 --> 04:13:03,990
and challenge policies enabling the genocide against Palestinians.

2556
04:13:04,230 --> 04:13:07,750
Despite the so called ceasefire, our work must continue.

2557
04:13:07,990 --> 04:13:11,150
And as labor says, an injury to one is an injury

2558
04:13:11,650 --> 04:13:14,830
to all. Thank you. Your time has expired. The next speaker

2559
04:13:15,330 --> 04:13:17,880
is Deborah. Deborah, please unmute yourself and you may begin.

2560
04:13:18,600 --> 04:13:21,160
Yes, can you hear me now? Yes, I can.

2561
04:13:21,800 --> 04:13:25,520
Okay. Thank you so much. So, yes, My name is Deborah

2562
04:13:26,020 --> 04:13:29,240
Small. I'm a Richmond resident, former chair

2563
04:13:29,320 --> 04:13:32,680
of the Richmond Community Public Safety Task Force,

2564
04:13:33,080 --> 04:13:36,440
and I just want to speak in support of Mayor Martinez.

2565
04:13:36,840 --> 04:13:40,680
I have never been more proud of him than I am tonight.

2566
04:13:41,410 --> 04:13:44,650
Not because I agreed with the posting. I think

2567
04:13:45,150 --> 04:13:48,850
most of us admit that that was a mistake. But for the level of

2568
04:13:49,350 --> 04:13:53,730
grace that he has shown tonight, for the level of leadership

2569
04:13:53,970 --> 04:13:57,810
that he has demonstrated and what it means to be a public official

2570
04:13:58,290 --> 04:14:02,130
that actually listens to the public, that does things that

2571
04:14:02,630 --> 04:14:05,690
support democracy, and he never ran as

2572
04:14:06,190 --> 04:14:08,970
a perfect person. He hasn't governed as a perfect person,

2573
04:14:09,210 --> 04:14:13,250
but what he has shown us is what it means to be a

2574
04:14:13,750 --> 04:14:17,130
regular person serving the public. With that I thank

2575
04:14:17,630 --> 04:14:20,890
you and I hope that my grandson can grow up to be

2576
04:14:21,390 --> 04:14:25,210
the kind of person and leader that you are. Thank you.

2577
04:14:25,370 --> 04:14:29,170
The next speaker is has the device named Zoom user.

2578
04:14:29,670 --> 04:14:32,010
Please state your first and last name for the record and you may begin.

2579
04:14:33,780 --> 04:14:37,980
Hi, my name is Diane Duran and my husband's next to me. I'm actually Jewish.

2580
04:14:38,480 --> 04:14:41,900
A lot of people that Martinez headlines as not

2581
04:14:42,400 --> 04:14:46,220
Jewish and they're anti Semites. Obviously he's the

2582
04:14:46,720 --> 04:14:50,340
leader of the anti Semite people in this room. I'm from Ukraine and I know

2583
04:14:50,840 --> 04:14:54,900
what anti Semitism look like. And Edward Martinez is extremely anti Semitic and

2584
04:14:55,400 --> 04:14:58,580
should not be mayor. My husband will speak for the remainder of the time.

2585
04:15:00,190 --> 04:15:03,270
Hi, I'm Juan Duran and actually we

2586
04:15:03,770 --> 04:15:07,590
are the people facing tough times right now and we the people, we really want

2587
04:15:08,090 --> 04:15:11,550
peace and positiveness in on society. Our major daughter

2588
04:15:12,050 --> 04:15:15,550
Martinez needs to change his personal comments or

2589
04:15:16,050 --> 04:15:16,590
resign perhaps.

2590
04:15:19,390 --> 04:15:22,350
We the people cannot support negative influence.

2591
04:15:22,830 --> 04:15:26,370
This is America. Major D Did you came to America

2592
04:15:26,870 --> 04:15:30,330
to express hate on Jews? That is my question to Eduardo our major.

2593
04:15:31,770 --> 04:15:35,130
I'm a Latino myself and I came here for peace to

2594
04:15:35,290 --> 04:15:38,690
support the community. Your time has expired. Thank you.

2595
04:15:39,190 --> 04:15:42,490
The next speaker is Carrie Hillis. Please unmute yourself and you may begin.

2596
04:15:43,690 --> 04:15:47,090
Thank you. My name is Kerry Hillis and I am the mayor of the town

2597
04:15:47,590 --> 04:15:50,730
of Moraga, California. As a fellow elect official,

2598
04:15:50,810 --> 04:15:54,050
I do not take lightly making critical remarks

2599
04:15:54,550 --> 04:15:58,170
at other council council's meeting. Especially when they are regarding

2600
04:15:58,670 --> 04:16:01,770
the presiding officer. Put plainly Mayor Martinez,

2601
04:16:02,010 --> 04:16:05,450
your actions and your failure to proactively commit to

2602
04:16:05,950 --> 04:16:09,690
full restorative justice created all of the division you see

2603
04:16:10,190 --> 04:16:13,290
before you here tonight. As mayor you should have

2604
04:16:13,790 --> 04:16:17,850
known the damage you would do to your community when you shared clearly anti

2605
04:16:18,350 --> 04:16:21,840
Semitic and horrific social media posts claiming

2606
04:16:22,340 --> 04:16:25,720
that the massacre of Jews celebrating Hanukkah in Sydney was a false

2607
04:16:26,220 --> 04:16:29,800
flag operation. Mayor Hernandez, your clearly Trump like

2608
04:16:30,300 --> 04:16:33,960
spreading of hateful disinformation is deplorable.

2609
04:16:34,520 --> 04:16:38,200
You are doing real harm and you can see it here in your council

2610
04:16:38,700 --> 04:16:41,880
chambers tonight. While I am not Jewish, my family

2611
04:16:42,040 --> 04:16:45,890
is and they live in Richmond. I am here speaking on their behalf

2612
04:16:45,970 --> 04:16:50,050
as they are afraid of you. Thank you. The next speaker is Nancy.

2613
04:16:50,550 --> 04:16:53,490
Nancy, please unmute yourself. State your last name for the record. You may begin.

2614
04:16:54,610 --> 04:16:58,050
My name is Nancy Burke. I've been a resident of Richmond for

2615
04:16:58,550 --> 04:17:02,050
over 30 years and I'm Jewish and I am shaking tonight.

2616
04:17:02,130 --> 04:17:06,690
The hatred in the room where all of you are is

2617
04:17:07,010 --> 04:17:10,290
just I just have felt it all night tonight.

2618
04:17:11,500 --> 04:17:15,340
And the hatred that I felt. Eduardo, when you posted

2619
04:17:15,840 --> 04:17:19,620
those posts on Hanukkah when we were all grieving, what had

2620
04:17:20,120 --> 04:17:23,260
happened in Australia was just awful.

2621
04:17:23,580 --> 04:17:27,180
And I feel so unsafe as a Jew in my own community.

2622
04:17:28,780 --> 04:17:31,980
And I really need you to hear that.

2623
04:17:32,300 --> 04:17:35,900
I need you to hear how unsafe Jews

2624
04:17:36,400 --> 04:17:40,730
are feeling here in Richmond. That's the whole point. It's not about jcrc.

2625
04:17:41,230 --> 04:17:45,330
It's not about you running for anything. This is not political. This is about

2626
04:17:45,830 --> 04:17:48,690
feeling unsafe in Richmond as a Jew.

2627
04:17:49,330 --> 04:17:52,130
So I really need you to do something about that.

2628
04:17:52,610 --> 04:17:55,170
I need to see something change.

2629
04:17:55,970 --> 04:17:59,010
Thank you. Thank you. The next speaker is

2630
04:17:59,510 --> 04:18:03,050
Maddie Marty. Please unmute yourself, state your last name for the record and you may

2631
04:18:03,550 --> 04:18:06,820
begin. Hello, my name is Maddie Pinyetti. I am

2632
04:18:07,320 --> 04:18:10,820
a Berkeley resident and a volunteer with the Peace and Freedom Party. And I'm

2633
04:18:11,320 --> 04:18:15,140
calling because I support Mayor Martinez. I care about the city of Richmond and

2634
04:18:15,640 --> 04:18:18,220
I appreciate the work the Mayor has done over the past two years to improve

2635
04:18:18,720 --> 04:18:22,740
the city. And Richmond was the first US city to pass a ceasefire resolution

2636
04:18:23,240 --> 04:18:26,940
under Mayor Martinez. We really can't lose sight of what is happening in Gaza and

2637
04:18:27,440 --> 04:18:30,790
the thousands and thousands of Palestinian lives out have been lost in this genocide.

2638
04:18:31,030 --> 04:18:34,830
The Mayor's outspoken positions on Gaza and Palestinian human rights have

2639
04:18:35,330 --> 04:18:38,270
made him a target. And this moment is being used to try to silence a

2640
04:18:38,770 --> 04:18:42,550
political voice that challenges the status quo. We've seen similar attacks play out all

2641
04:18:43,050 --> 04:18:45,870
across this country and we can't allow this to happen here in East Bay as

2642
04:18:46,370 --> 04:18:49,990
well. With the increasing attacks on our immigrant communities here in Richmond and

2643
04:18:50,490 --> 04:18:54,110
the US war machine escalating attacks abroad, now is the time we need leadership.

2644
04:18:54,610 --> 04:18:58,000
Like Mayor Martinez's, political attacks do not strengthen Richmond.

2645
04:18:58,500 --> 04:19:01,360
I would like to call on the City Council to act with consistency and fairness.

2646
04:19:01,520 --> 04:19:04,360
The future of Richmond depends on it and we want to move forward with healing

2647
04:19:04,860 --> 04:19:08,600
and accountability, not repression. Thank you. And the next speaker

2648
04:19:09,100 --> 04:19:12,160
is Cheryl De Vila. Cheryl, please unmute yourself and you may begin.

2649
04:19:16,080 --> 04:19:19,440
Thank you for taking my hand because somebody put it down and it

2650
04:19:19,940 --> 04:19:23,410
wasn't me and I kept and raising it and then it kept getting

2651
04:19:23,910 --> 04:19:28,090
lowered. So, yes, Eduardo Martinez.

2652
04:19:28,250 --> 04:19:32,010
Honorable Mayor Eduardo Martinez has been the best mayor

2653
04:19:32,090 --> 04:19:35,770
for Richmond for quite some time. I've been a 44 year

2654
04:19:36,270 --> 04:19:40,050
resident of Berkeley and I'm a former council member in the

2655
04:19:40,550 --> 04:19:43,730
City of Berkeley and mayor, before he was mayor, he was

2656
04:19:44,230 --> 04:19:47,840
a council member and working with me side by side on climate and all

2657
04:19:48,340 --> 04:19:52,120
these different issues. He's been so great for Richmond and JCRC

2658
04:19:52,360 --> 04:19:55,800
is a Zionist organization. Zionism equals

2659
04:19:56,300 --> 04:19:59,480
hate, equals racism. And don't believe

2660
04:19:59,980 --> 04:20:02,680
the hype from all these people that are telling you lies,

2661
04:20:02,840 --> 04:20:06,560
because JCRC is paid to do what they're doing,

2662
04:20:07,060 --> 04:20:09,240
to take down progressive,

2663
04:20:10,040 --> 04:20:13,720
anti Zionist elected officials

2664
04:20:14,040 --> 04:20:17,510
and anybody that speaks against. It's not real.

2665
04:20:17,990 --> 04:20:22,070
Thank you. Your time has expired. The next speaker is Sarah C. Followed by

2666
04:20:22,570 --> 04:20:25,670
River, Barry Taranto, Robbie Cat Davis,

2667
04:20:25,750 --> 04:20:29,590
Mark Salomons, Ally Soccer, and Diana

2668
04:20:29,750 --> 04:20:32,590
Honig. Sarah, please mute yourself.

2669
04:20:33,090 --> 04:20:34,950
State your last name for the record and you may begin.

2670
04:20:36,950 --> 04:20:40,350
Hi. My name is Sarah Cantor. I am a Jewish resident

2671
04:20:40,850 --> 04:20:44,560
of Richmond. I want to talk about the difference between

2672
04:20:44,800 --> 04:20:47,560
antisemitism and anti Zionism.

2673
04:20:48,060 --> 04:20:51,120
They're not the same thing as many speakers tonight have said.

2674
04:20:51,680 --> 04:20:55,680
I was also horrified by Mayor

2675
04:20:56,180 --> 04:20:59,400
Martinez's posts, and they are an example of anti

2676
04:20:59,900 --> 04:21:04,440
Semitism. The things that he posted were not about

2677
04:21:04,940 --> 04:21:08,240
criticizing the genocidal actions of Israel,

2678
04:21:08,880 --> 04:21:11,680
and that is an example of anti Semitism.

2679
04:21:12,590 --> 04:21:16,310
The rest of his actions, supporting the

2680
04:21:16,810 --> 04:21:20,630
people of Palestine and actually calling into account the genocidal

2681
04:21:21,130 --> 04:21:24,390
actions of Israel are not anti Semitism, that is anti Zionism.

2682
04:21:24,890 --> 04:21:27,870
The things that people have said tonight criticizing Zionism,

2683
04:21:28,370 --> 04:21:32,190
criticizing Israel, criticizing the idf, that is anti Zionism.

2684
04:21:32,830 --> 04:21:36,430
And I think that it's really important that we keep those things straight.

2685
04:21:36,930 --> 04:21:40,520
There has been no anti Semitism or Jew hatred in this room tonight. Thank you.

2686
04:21:40,920 --> 04:21:44,360
Thank you. Our next speaker is River.

2687
04:21:44,860 --> 04:21:47,320
River, please unmute yourself. State your last name for the record, please.

2688
04:21:52,200 --> 04:21:55,360
River. Hi, my name is River Allen and I

2689
04:21:55,860 --> 04:21:59,720
am a Richmond resident. The post that Mayor Martinez reposted

2690
04:22:00,220 --> 04:22:04,320
was a mistake, and I hope he continues to take steps of accountability for

2691
04:22:04,820 --> 04:22:08,050
its impact. However, I hope this upsetting act

2692
04:22:08,550 --> 04:22:12,850
by the mayor doesn't distract from the importance of defending Palestinian liberation

2693
04:22:13,350 --> 04:22:17,290
and speaking strongly against the ongoing US And Israeli genocide

2694
04:22:17,790 --> 04:22:21,809
of the Palestinian people. We must eradicate antisemitism and

2695
04:22:21,810 --> 04:22:25,170
free Palestine. Living and working in Richmond.

2696
04:22:25,670 --> 04:22:29,050
I'm perpetually grateful for the progressive leaders on my council who are

2697
04:22:29,550 --> 04:22:33,500
attentive to what Richmond residents need, like rent

2698
04:22:34,000 --> 04:22:37,620
control, accountability from Chevron, and solidarity

2699
04:22:38,120 --> 04:22:41,980
with Palestine. Because my own well being and liberation is tightly intertwined

2700
04:22:42,480 --> 04:22:46,020
with the liberation of Palestine. Thank you, Richmond City Council members,

2701
04:22:46,520 --> 04:22:49,660
for the work you do. And I stand in support of Mayor Martinez today.

2702
04:22:49,740 --> 04:22:53,180
Thank you. Thank you. The next speaker is Barry Taranto.

2703
04:22:53,680 --> 04:22:57,350
Please unmute yourself and you may begin. Yes.

2704
04:22:57,670 --> 04:23:01,070
Good evening. I appreciate the patience of all of the City

2705
04:23:01,570 --> 04:23:05,190
Council members for taking the time to listen to everyone's

2706
04:23:05,830 --> 04:23:09,830
words. I'm very much concerned that

2707
04:23:09,910 --> 04:23:14,150
an elected leader of a major

2708
04:23:14,650 --> 04:23:17,830
East Bay City decided that it was okay

2709
04:23:19,590 --> 04:23:22,630
to accuse Jews on wanting to kill themselves.

2710
04:23:23,290 --> 04:23:27,090
I don't understand it. We're celebrating Hanukkah just like Christians

2711
04:23:27,590 --> 04:23:31,770
celebrate Christmas and

2712
04:23:32,270 --> 04:23:36,450
then African Americans celebrate Kwanzaa. I don't understand why that's

2713
04:23:36,950 --> 04:23:41,010
okay. For an elected leader to think that

2714
04:23:41,510 --> 04:23:44,890
that is okay. I hope that. That the mayor can take

2715
04:23:45,390 --> 04:23:48,690
the time to figure out how to do resort of justice and

2716
04:23:49,190 --> 04:23:52,620
to understand the. That his words kill. That it's not so

2717
04:23:53,120 --> 04:23:56,900
much him. But now I'm afraid to come to Richmond. I live in San Rafael,

2718
04:23:57,400 --> 04:24:01,020
but I'm not sure I'm going to want to stop in Richmond anymore because

2719
04:24:01,520 --> 04:24:05,220
I. Your time has expired. Thank you. The next speaker is Katt Davies.

2720
04:24:05,720 --> 04:24:09,460
Please unmute yourself and you may begin. Can you hear me? Yes.

2721
04:24:09,620 --> 04:24:13,060
Thank you. My name is Rabbi Kat Zavis of Bait Tun and

2722
04:24:13,560 --> 04:24:17,130
I have members in Richmond. I oppose the call for the mayor's residence, resignation and

2723
04:24:17,630 --> 04:24:21,290
censorship. Sometimes even those of us with the best intentions miss the

2724
04:24:21,790 --> 04:24:25,290
mark. Mayor Martinez's posts were hurtful and perpetrated

2725
04:24:25,790 --> 04:24:29,050
anti Semitic tropes. Mayor Martinez and I have spoke a few times

2726
04:24:29,550 --> 04:24:32,770
since then. I have found him to be genuinely concerned and apologetic.

2727
04:24:32,850 --> 04:24:36,330
He has expressed interest in learning and making amends, or as we call it in

2728
04:24:36,830 --> 04:24:40,650
Judaism, doing teshuva. We will only attain the liberated, caring,

2729
04:24:41,150 --> 04:24:44,780
beloved community we all seek by working together and repairing harm when

2730
04:24:45,280 --> 04:24:48,700
needed. The mayor is engaging in that work. As the mayor embarks on this

2731
04:24:49,200 --> 04:24:52,620
journey, it is our job to open our hearts to accept the repair. I'm available

2732
04:24:53,120 --> 04:24:56,620
to answer questions, provide guidance and support you on this journey. Thank you.

2733
04:24:57,020 --> 04:25:00,220
Thank you. The next speaker is Mark

2734
04:25:00,720 --> 04:25:02,460
Solomons. Please unmute yourself and you may begin.

2735
04:25:09,350 --> 04:25:10,230
Mark solomons.

2736
04:25:15,190 --> 04:25:18,510
Okay, we'll come back to Mark. The next

2737
04:25:19,010 --> 04:25:21,270
speaker is Ali Sakar. Please unmute yourself and you may begin.

2738
04:25:22,950 --> 04:25:25,990
Hi, I'm Ali Saker, a Bay Area resident.

2739
04:25:26,550 --> 04:25:30,130
Israel has killed at least 20,000 Palestinian children since October

2740
04:25:30,250 --> 04:25:33,700
2023. The International association of Genocide Scott Scholars has

2741
04:25:34,200 --> 04:25:37,780
concluded that Israel is committing genocide. Some on the other side in this discussion

2742
04:25:38,280 --> 04:25:40,860
have mentioned that we should not repeat history. And we're right.

2743
04:25:41,180 --> 04:25:44,460
Which is why we should not cave to groups like jcrc.

2744
04:25:44,860 --> 04:25:48,140
Groups who look to intimidate, leaders who stand up for their community,

2745
04:25:48,460 --> 04:25:51,940
and groups that are trying to erase from history the Israeli genocide

2746
04:25:52,440 --> 04:25:55,660
of Palestinians. Our country and our world need more

2747
04:25:56,160 --> 04:26:00,640
leaders who stand against Chevron, stand for tenants and stand for a free Palestine.

2748
04:26:00,960 --> 04:26:04,800
Voters remember leaders who stand for the right thing and who uplift.

2749
04:26:05,280 --> 04:26:08,960
And I'd like to sincerely thank Mayor Eduardo Martinez, for being one who does.

2750
04:26:09,040 --> 04:26:10,480
Thank you. Thank you.

2751
04:26:12,320 --> 04:26:14,800
Next speaker is. Let's try Mark Solomons again.

2752
04:26:15,840 --> 04:26:17,760
Mark, please unmute yourself. You may begin.

2753
04:26:21,840 --> 04:26:25,400
Okay, looks like we maybe have some difficulty here. Let's go ahead and move on

2754
04:26:25,900 --> 04:26:28,610
to the next speaker, Diane Hoenig. Please unmute yourself and you may begin.

2755
04:26:30,530 --> 04:26:34,370
Hi. Diana Honig. I'm a Jewish resident in

2756
04:26:34,870 --> 04:26:38,530
Contra Costa county, and yes, anti Semitism

2757
04:26:39,030 --> 04:26:42,530
travels across our county, so it's not even relevant which particular city

2758
04:26:42,690 --> 04:26:46,370
I'm from. I'm almost

2759
04:26:46,530 --> 04:26:49,610
unable to speak because I'm so incredibly sad.

2760
04:26:50,110 --> 04:26:53,490
And it's been an incredibly painful process to sit through the amount of hate that

2761
04:26:53,990 --> 04:26:57,660
I've seen tonight. Once again, the Richmond City Council Chamber has

2762
04:26:58,160 --> 04:27:01,140
become a forum for folks to spew anti Jewish hate,

2763
04:27:01,700 --> 04:27:04,820
and it's because of the actions of the Richmond mayor.

2764
04:27:05,220 --> 04:27:09,260
I'm saddened that the response of those who

2765
04:27:09,760 --> 04:27:13,060
continue to just dismiss out of hand Jewish pain

2766
04:27:13,560 --> 04:27:17,140
and fears by saying that those of us who are trying to speak

2767
04:27:17,640 --> 04:27:21,220
up against particular anti Semitic posts

2768
04:27:21,810 --> 04:27:25,330
are doing so for political reasons or for political speech.

2769
04:27:26,050 --> 04:27:29,170
This is not political, and it's absolutely not about Gaza.

2770
04:27:31,090 --> 04:27:35,010
Do we want leaders who. Your time

2771
04:27:35,510 --> 04:27:39,130
has expired. Thank you. Next speaker has a Device ending

2772
04:27:39,630 --> 04:27:42,970
with 5324. Please state your last, first and last name

2773
04:27:43,470 --> 04:27:44,370
for the record. You may begin.

2774
04:27:49,100 --> 04:27:52,380
Speaker with the phone number ending in 5324.

2775
04:27:53,500 --> 04:27:55,340
Please unmute yourself. You may begin.

2776
04:27:58,780 --> 04:28:02,180
Okay, we're going to move on to the next speaker, which is Shayna Kills,

2777
04:28:02,680 --> 04:28:06,180
followed by Paolo Laverde, followed by Heather Michelle

2778
04:28:06,680 --> 04:28:09,020
Levine and Idamar Landu.

2779
04:28:09,980 --> 04:28:12,220
Shayna, please unmute yourself and you may begin.

2780
04:28:13,510 --> 04:28:16,910
Hi, my name is Shana Keels. I'm a Jewish resident of Richmond, and I deeply

2781
04:28:17,410 --> 04:28:19,990
appreciate our mayor's commitment to all of the people of this city.

2782
04:28:20,310 --> 04:28:23,950
Having been targeted myself by anti Semitic violence and having lost family members in

2783
04:28:24,450 --> 04:28:28,190
the German Holocaust, I feel most safe with leadership that denounces genocide and

2784
04:28:28,690 --> 04:28:31,950
fights against imperial violence. Criticism of the IDF is not the

2785
04:28:32,450 --> 04:28:35,550
same as criticism of the Jewish people. Indeed, the assumption that critique

2786
04:28:36,050 --> 04:28:37,850
of Israel is the same as critique of Jewish people is what's most interesting,

2787
04:28:38,000 --> 04:28:41,240
dangerous. I see the mayor's outreach to Jewish residents of Richmond and his

2788
04:28:41,740 --> 04:28:45,000
desire for repair. And I also, more importantly, see his steadfast support for

2789
04:28:45,500 --> 04:28:49,280
our communities who are targeted by ice, whose families have been impacted by colonialist violence,

2790
04:28:49,360 --> 04:28:52,520
and who have been impacted by environmental racism. I am proud

2791
04:28:53,020 --> 04:28:55,360
to live in a city led by someone with a deep commitment to life and

2792
04:28:55,860 --> 04:28:59,240
community and proud of the work of our Mayor, the Jewish community is diverse and

2793
04:28:59,740 --> 04:29:03,280
GCRC does not speak for me. Thank you. Thank you.

2794
04:29:03,890 --> 04:29:07,530
The next speaker is Paola Laverde. Please unmute yourself

2795
04:29:08,030 --> 04:29:11,330
and you may begin. Good evening,

2796
04:29:11,830 --> 04:29:15,450
City Council and Mayor Martinez. My name is Paola and I'm calling from

2797
04:29:15,950 --> 04:29:19,810
Berkeley because three of my City Council members thought they were speaking for me

2798
04:29:20,310 --> 04:29:23,690
when they signed over that. They signed that petition demanding that the mayor

2799
04:29:24,190 --> 04:29:27,570
resign over a repost. Over a repost on social media.

2800
04:29:27,810 --> 04:29:31,500
And the only reason we know about this issue is because the JCRC

2801
04:29:32,000 --> 04:29:35,460
has blown it up. I full throatly support Mayor Martinez and I'm glad

2802
04:29:35,960 --> 04:29:39,660
he applied apologized for his blunder. This effort against Mayor Martinez

2803
04:29:40,160 --> 04:29:44,020
is a racist smear campaign sponsored by a Zionist organization

2804
04:29:44,340 --> 04:29:48,380
and endorsed by politicians who have gone to Israel on JCRC's

2805
04:29:48,880 --> 04:29:52,380
dime. They want to get rid of a successful community leader who has not

2806
04:29:52,880 --> 04:29:56,300
only made a positive difference in the lives of Rich Richmond's residence, but stood

2807
04:29:56,800 --> 04:30:00,460
up against the status quo. I hope the citizens of Richmond keep this

2808
04:30:00,960 --> 04:30:05,140
in mind. And the real dangers to Jews everywhere is the Zionist

2809
04:30:05,640 --> 04:30:09,300
Israeli government and its genocide against the Palestinian people.

2810
04:30:09,540 --> 04:30:12,900
All power to the people and all power to the people in Richmond.

2811
04:30:13,540 --> 04:30:16,940
Thank you. The next speaker is Holly Theer. Please unmute yourself and you

2812
04:30:17,440 --> 04:30:20,820
may begin. Hi, this is Holly Theer.

2813
04:30:21,220 --> 04:30:25,620
Just finished being mayor of Tiburon. And you know, being mayor is a position of

2814
04:30:25,940 --> 04:30:29,060
great respect and great responsibility.

2815
04:30:30,260 --> 04:30:34,740
The comments that were made on social media were anti Semitic.

2816
04:30:35,240 --> 04:30:38,940
These comments accused Israel of the terror

2817
04:30:39,440 --> 04:30:43,620
attacks at Bondi beach and other things. And I

2818
04:30:44,120 --> 04:30:48,030
want to say that Eduardo Martinez

2819
04:30:48,190 --> 04:30:52,350
should at minimum be censored. But I believe he should resign because words

2820
04:30:52,510 --> 04:30:55,790
matter and he has made his residents,

2821
04:30:56,350 --> 04:31:00,350
the residents, feel unsafe and unwelcome and

2822
04:31:00,850 --> 04:31:04,190
living in fear. It's not okay to make residents live in fear when you're mayor.

2823
04:31:04,270 --> 04:31:06,030
Thank you. Thank you.

2824
04:31:09,550 --> 04:31:13,710
The next speaker is Idamar Land. Sorry, Michelle Levin. Please unmute

2825
04:31:14,210 --> 04:31:14,750
yourself and you may begin.

2826
04:31:18,690 --> 04:31:19,250
Michelle.

2827
04:31:24,610 --> 04:31:27,250
Okay, we'll go to the next speaker.

2828
04:31:28,290 --> 04:31:31,770
That is going to be Adamar Landu. Please unmute yourself and you may

2829
04:31:32,270 --> 04:31:36,050
begin. Hello, my name is Itamar Landau.

2830
04:31:36,550 --> 04:31:39,730
I'm speaking on behalf of the Jewish Coalition of Berkeley, an organization of about

2831
04:31:39,810 --> 04:31:42,780
500 Berkeley and Bay Area residents,

2832
04:31:43,280 --> 04:31:46,780
including about 20 Richmond residents. I really appreciate the small

2833
04:31:47,280 --> 04:31:50,740
fraction of the mayor supporters who sincerely acknowledged how bad his recent

2834
04:31:51,240 --> 04:31:55,140
posts were and called for true repair. But the

2835
04:31:55,640 --> 04:31:59,020
mayor's current apology is nowhere near commensurate with even just the one,

2836
04:31:59,520 --> 04:32:03,060
most outrageous Bondi beach post. And the real problem is that post was

2837
04:32:03,560 --> 04:32:06,540
not A mistake or a blunder. It's part of a pattern of social media behavior

2838
04:32:06,770 --> 04:32:09,890
that goes well beyond legitimate concern for the suffering of Palestinians,

2839
04:32:10,130 --> 04:32:14,330
well beyond even an obsessive focus on some real Israeli

2840
04:32:14,830 --> 04:32:18,450
crimes. The series of posts going back years cross clearly

2841
04:32:18,950 --> 04:32:22,330
into the realm of conspiratorial anti Semitism, where the left stops being

2842
04:32:22,830 --> 04:32:26,450
progressive and shakes hands with the radical right. With anti Semites like Candace Owens

2843
04:32:26,950 --> 04:32:30,370
and Nick Fuentes. Those posts include a 25 claim that

2844
04:32:30,870 --> 04:32:33,880
the Iranian bombing of an Israeli hospital is a false flag. A 24 post that

2845
04:32:34,380 --> 04:32:37,120
107 itself was engineered and manufactured by Israel to kill their own.

2846
04:32:37,520 --> 04:32:39,280
Your time has expired. Thank you.

2847
04:32:41,280 --> 04:32:44,880
The next speaker is Carol Singer. Carol, please unmute yourself and you

2848
04:32:45,380 --> 04:32:48,080
may begin. Can you hear me?

2849
04:32:48,160 --> 04:32:51,520
Yes. Okay, great. Thank you.

2850
04:32:52,480 --> 04:32:56,040
I am a Jewish resident of Richmond. For over

2851
04:32:56,540 --> 04:33:00,250
47 years, I have always thought so safe in my community. But as

2852
04:33:00,750 --> 04:33:04,890
a Jew, that sense has been shattered. Right now I'm

2853
04:33:05,390 --> 04:33:07,730
here to request that the council sanction the mayor.

2854
04:33:08,530 --> 04:33:12,090
Consider myself on the far left and

2855
04:33:12,590 --> 04:33:15,730
I do not support Israel's actions, but I cannot. But I can

2856
04:33:16,230 --> 04:33:20,050
hold the complexities of the conflict. Mayor Martinez cannot.

2857
04:33:20,370 --> 04:33:24,730
It is unacceptable that an elected official spread

2858
04:33:25,230 --> 04:33:27,510
conspiracy theories, foster hate,

2859
04:33:27,750 --> 04:33:31,310
conflate Zionism with Judaism, and blaming

2860
04:33:31,810 --> 04:33:34,950
the Jews in Australia for Gaza. And in my opinion,

2861
04:33:35,510 --> 04:33:39,030
as an elected official, to wear a keffiyeh or a hat

2862
04:33:39,530 --> 04:33:43,350
that promotes death is showing

2863
04:33:43,850 --> 04:33:46,990
very poor leadership. And he no longer has

2864
04:33:47,490 --> 04:33:51,430
my trust or my faith that he can lead with dignity and humanity.

2865
04:33:52,159 --> 04:33:55,559
And frankly, thank you. Your time has expired. The next speaker

2866
04:33:56,059 --> 04:33:59,479
is Rochelle. Rochelle. Please unmute yourself. State your last name for the record and you

2867
04:33:59,979 --> 04:34:04,159
may begin. Hi. Last name is Betone.

2868
04:34:05,279 --> 04:34:08,959
I'm not involved with jcrc.

2869
04:34:10,159 --> 04:34:14,239
I am just calling here to voice

2870
04:34:14,319 --> 04:34:18,639
that I feel a lot of empathy

2871
04:34:19,139 --> 04:34:23,039
for every council member sitting on this board at this moment

2872
04:34:23,519 --> 04:34:27,039
because Mayor Martinez has put

2873
04:34:27,539 --> 04:34:31,359
your dignity and your career in jeopardy. Obviously,

2874
04:34:31,859 --> 04:34:35,199
this is a pretty embarrassing behavior for an elected official,

2875
04:34:35,279 --> 04:34:38,759
let alone a mayor. I've just taken a two hour training

2876
04:34:39,259 --> 04:34:42,439
course in my work in which, if I did that at my work,

2877
04:34:42,939 --> 04:34:46,700
I would not be keeping my job. And I don't know many elected

2878
04:34:47,200 --> 04:34:50,420
jobs in which this is an oopsie. You know, I appreciate

2879
04:34:50,920 --> 04:34:54,900
that there's been an apology, but we have to hold ourselves responsible for our

2880
04:34:55,400 --> 04:34:58,700
actions. And it is time for him to be responsible for this

2881
04:34:58,860 --> 04:35:02,140
really embarrassing outward display of anti Semitism.

2882
04:35:03,900 --> 04:35:07,340
Thank you. The next speaker is Rafael

2883
04:35:07,660 --> 04:35:09,980
Minas. Please unmute yourself and you may begin.

2884
04:35:12,400 --> 04:35:14,160
Good evening. Can you hear me? Yes.

2885
04:35:15,680 --> 04:35:18,880
My name is Rafael Menace. And I'm a resident of Pinal.

2886
04:35:18,960 --> 04:35:22,800
I'm not a Jewish person, but I'm speaking tonight

2887
04:35:23,300 --> 04:35:27,520
because we've been conflating categories. We've been saying,

2888
04:35:28,240 --> 04:35:30,640
effectively speaking, if we're progressive,

2889
04:35:31,680 --> 04:35:34,160
we can't call out anti Semitism,

2890
04:35:35,609 --> 04:35:39,849
or that if we're calling out anti Semitism, that we can't

2891
04:35:40,809 --> 04:35:43,969
also be anti Zionist. I feel

2892
04:35:44,469 --> 04:35:49,369
as though Mayor Martinez's social media posts undermined

2893
04:35:49,869 --> 04:35:53,209
the work that he did to draw attention to the genocide that Israel

2894
04:35:53,709 --> 04:35:57,209
is carrying out in Gaza. They made his community feel

2895
04:35:57,289 --> 04:36:00,489
less safe and they undermine

2896
04:36:00,649 --> 04:36:04,389
the progressive values that he and

2897
04:36:04,889 --> 04:36:09,469
I both hold. I urge him to continue

2898
04:36:09,709 --> 04:36:13,549
to seek forgiveness and to apologize more thoroughly

2899
04:36:15,069 --> 04:36:18,708
and to consider why people are afraid. Thank.

2900
04:36:19,208 --> 04:36:23,029
Thank you. The next speaker is Sanai Crigel

2901
04:36:23,529 --> 04:36:25,309
Armstrong. Please unmute yourself and you may begin.

2902
04:36:31,480 --> 04:36:34,880
Can you hear me? Yes. Okay. Sinai is my son name.

2903
04:36:35,380 --> 04:36:38,920
So I'm going to say my name is Tamal Kriegel and I'm actually a member

2904
04:36:39,420 --> 04:36:42,200
from Humboldt County. I'm a proud Zionist.

2905
04:36:42,680 --> 04:36:46,800
I'm also proud of being on the peace camp between Israelis

2906
04:36:47,300 --> 04:36:50,760
and Palestinian. Anyone that commit blood libel

2907
04:36:51,260 --> 04:36:53,880
against Jews must resign. For the record,

2908
04:36:54,429 --> 04:36:57,949
Zionism is simply the right of the Jews to self

2909
04:36:58,449 --> 04:37:02,429
determine in their ancestral homeland. This is especially

2910
04:37:02,669 --> 04:37:06,749
true for elected officials. They have an extra responsibility

2911
04:37:06,909 --> 04:37:10,709
to lead the community with dignity and respect. I urge

2912
04:37:11,209 --> 04:37:15,069
you to recognize the hateful action of the mayor and

2913
04:37:15,949 --> 04:37:18,909
please resign. This is disgusting.

2914
04:37:21,640 --> 04:37:25,040
Thank you. The next speaker. We'll go back to Mark

2915
04:37:25,540 --> 04:37:29,080
Solomons one last time. Mark, please unmute yourself. You may begin.

2916
04:37:32,120 --> 04:37:35,480
Okay. Okay. I think I'm unmuting. Yes,

2917
04:37:35,980 --> 04:37:39,120
thank you. Thank you very much. I'm sorry I missed before,

2918
04:37:39,620 --> 04:37:43,320
but I'm ready. Mark Solomons. I'm from Noah Marin. Name.

2919
04:37:43,820 --> 04:37:47,530
Oppose and abolish hate. I agree with Councilmember Carlos

2920
04:37:48,030 --> 04:37:51,850
Cepeda to censor the mayor. The mayor blamed Jews

2921
04:37:52,350 --> 04:37:55,730
for a terrorist attack in Sydney. Unacceptable from

2922
04:37:56,230 --> 04:38:00,210
any public official. And his apology? Deeply regretting my actions

2923
04:38:00,690 --> 04:38:04,370
committing to do better. He said, I want to sincerely apologize

2924
04:38:04,870 --> 04:38:08,370
to those who are hurt. That was never my intention. But intent

2925
04:38:08,870 --> 04:38:12,659
does not erase impact. Council members of Beta said he

2926
04:38:13,159 --> 04:38:16,859
only apologized for reposting content rather than acknowledging the

2927
04:38:17,359 --> 04:38:20,059
harm. The apology does not erase harm.

2928
04:38:20,539 --> 04:38:24,299
His response focused on post is too quickly.

2929
04:38:24,539 --> 04:38:28,219
It fails to take acknowledge or take responsibility

2930
04:38:28,539 --> 04:38:32,379
for spreading unfounded antisemitic conspiracy.

2931
04:38:33,419 --> 04:38:36,699
We hear he should be forgiven. Is this post from LinkedIn

2932
04:38:37,199 --> 04:38:40,459
also a mistake? Your time

2933
04:38:40,959 --> 04:38:45,179
has expired. Thank you. The next speaker is Arlette and Kira

2934
04:38:45,679 --> 04:38:48,339
Lee. Please unmute yourself. Arlette, you may begin.

2935
04:38:50,579 --> 04:38:53,978
Hi My name is Arlette. My statement will actually be in

2936
04:38:54,478 --> 04:38:58,339
Spanish. The SCIU

2937
04:38:58,499 --> 04:39:02,139
1021. Bengo en Apoyo del alcale

2938
04:39:02,639 --> 04:39:05,299
Martinez y sulideraz Go. Gracias por lideras.

2939
04:39:35,580 --> 04:39:39,100
Progresista y sutrajo en crichment.

2940
04:39:52,140 --> 04:39:54,060
Gracias. Thank you.

2941
04:39:56,540 --> 04:39:59,500
The next speaker is Kira. Kira, please unmute yourself and you may begin.

2942
04:40:04,470 --> 04:40:07,390
Kira, good evening. Can you hear me?

2943
04:40:07,890 --> 04:40:11,950
Yes. Beautiful Kyra le proud servant

2944
04:40:12,450 --> 04:40:16,070
of the city of Richmond. I actually wasn't going to speak tonight, but I do

2945
04:40:16,710 --> 04:40:20,350
want to greet all of City Council. You all

2946
04:40:20,850 --> 04:40:23,150
have had a really long night and I do want to say I'm sorry for

2947
04:40:23,650 --> 04:40:27,510
that. I can see your faces. The only thing that I understand

2948
04:40:27,670 --> 04:40:33,420
to be on the agenda tonight is whether diminishing

2949
04:40:33,660 --> 04:40:37,420
murder in another country of

2950
04:40:37,500 --> 04:40:40,820
people is something that an elected official on their

2951
04:40:41,320 --> 04:40:45,140
job should be joking about. And I would say no. I think

2952
04:40:45,640 --> 04:40:49,300
that it is representative of all of the comments that we have

2953
04:40:49,800 --> 04:40:53,580
heard tonight that Councilman

2954
04:40:54,080 --> 04:40:57,440
and Vice Mayor Cesar Zepeda and Councilwoman Jamila Brown did the

2955
04:40:57,590 --> 04:41:01,070
right thing to give us the option to weigh in, because this is the

2956
04:41:01,570 --> 04:41:04,310
largest number of comments I've heard in the last 12 months.

2957
04:41:05,990 --> 04:41:07,350
I do want to point out,

2958
04:41:09,190 --> 04:41:13,349
Mayor Martinez, that the only person that you corrected

2959
04:41:13,849 --> 04:41:16,950
publicly tonight without actually Councilwoman Brown, a black woman.

2960
04:41:18,470 --> 04:41:22,030
And that's the reason that I decided to give a comment. Because while

2961
04:41:22,530 --> 04:41:24,960
someone is repenting for one mistake,

2962
04:41:25,440 --> 04:41:29,200
it's interesting how we're speaking to someone else. Your time

2963
04:41:29,700 --> 04:41:32,880
has expired. Thank you. The next speaker is Chang.

2964
04:41:33,920 --> 04:41:37,400
Please unmute yourself, state your first and last name for the record and

2965
04:41:37,900 --> 04:41:41,200
you may begin. You hear me? Yes.

2966
04:41:41,600 --> 04:41:45,840
Thank you. I'm Alan Mayer, a resident of Contra Costa county

2967
04:41:46,160 --> 04:41:49,240
living in the town of Kensington. I call on

2968
04:41:49,740 --> 04:41:53,010
Mayor Martinez to take responsibility for his actions. Actions by

2969
04:41:53,510 --> 04:41:57,170
resigning, the hateful and harmful nature of your

2970
04:41:57,670 --> 04:41:59,970
posts would have been obvious to any rational,

2971
04:42:00,210 --> 04:42:03,690
unbiased person. Yet that did not deter you from

2972
04:42:04,190 --> 04:42:08,010
posting them. Your apology lacks a forthright acknowledgment of

2973
04:42:08,510 --> 04:42:11,890
the harm your posts have done and how wrong they were.

2974
04:42:12,930 --> 04:42:16,930
This underscores your lack of concern for the well being of the Jewish citizens

2975
04:42:17,430 --> 04:42:19,900
of Richmond and our greater community in the Bay Area.

2976
04:42:20,780 --> 04:42:24,260
You have betrayed your role as mayor of all the people and must

2977
04:42:24,760 --> 04:42:24,860
resign.

2978
04:42:28,940 --> 04:42:33,300
Thank you. The next speaker is Jan Corant.

2979
04:42:33,800 --> 04:42:35,100
Please unmute yourself and you may begin.

2980
04:42:37,660 --> 04:42:41,660
Good evening, Council. I am

2981
04:42:41,900 --> 04:42:46,280
a Jewish resident of Richmond

2982
04:42:47,000 --> 04:42:50,120
and I have waited these

2983
04:42:50,200 --> 04:42:54,000
long hours just as you to

2984
04:42:54,500 --> 04:42:57,480
say that although I was dismayed,

2985
04:42:58,520 --> 04:43:01,880
but by what I read of this post

2986
04:43:02,120 --> 04:43:06,080
that Mayor Martinez put in

2987
04:43:06,580 --> 04:43:10,280
his social media, I having to assume it was hasty

2988
04:43:11,060 --> 04:43:15,380
or careless. I am satisfied

2989
04:43:15,880 --> 04:43:19,540
with his public apology and like others,

2990
04:43:19,780 --> 04:43:23,340
hope that he continues his efforts to make

2991
04:43:23,840 --> 04:43:27,260
amends, or what the rabbi called teshuvah to the

2992
04:43:27,760 --> 04:43:31,460
Jewish community to promote understanding and healing.

2993
04:43:33,460 --> 04:43:36,950
I've known Eduardo. I have worked to see

2994
04:43:37,450 --> 04:43:40,910
him elected in the 12 years I've lived here. So it was.

2995
04:43:41,410 --> 04:43:44,310
It was difficult. Your time has expired. Thank you.

2996
04:43:45,910 --> 04:43:49,750
The next speaker has a device ending with the phone number 2014.

2997
04:43:50,470 --> 04:43:53,030
Please state your first and last name for the record. You may begin.

2998
04:44:00,550 --> 04:44:04,240
Hi. My name is Noor Delano. I'm Oakland resident.

2999
04:44:05,120 --> 04:44:08,520
I just want to express that I've

3000
04:44:09,020 --> 04:44:12,240
heard a lot of hatred in this call and this meeting.

3001
04:44:12,320 --> 04:44:16,400
And I think it's really important for there

3002
04:44:16,900 --> 04:44:20,680
to be accountability for hosting conspiracy

3003
04:44:21,180 --> 04:44:23,680
theories that are not just about,

3004
04:44:25,440 --> 04:44:30,690
I'm devastated by the genocide in Gaza. But when

3005
04:44:31,190 --> 04:44:34,970
elected officials are posting conspiracy theories or reposting conspiracy

3006
04:44:35,470 --> 04:44:39,010
theories on LinkedIn, there needs to be more than an apology and there

3007
04:44:39,510 --> 04:44:42,330
needs to be accountability for his actions.

3008
04:44:46,890 --> 04:44:49,450
Thank you. Thank you.

3009
04:44:51,130 --> 04:44:55,360
The next speaker has a device ending with the phone number 5324 4.

3010
04:44:56,160 --> 04:44:58,880
Please unmute yourself and you may begin.

3011
04:45:02,400 --> 04:45:06,160
Please state your first and last name for the record, please. This is.

3012
04:45:06,560 --> 04:45:10,120
This is Sal Letterman. I speak tonight against hate

3013
04:45:10,620 --> 04:45:13,280
in our community, specifically anti Zionism.

3014
04:45:13,760 --> 04:45:17,640
Unfortunately, this hate has spread to Richmond's highest ranks, including its

3015
04:45:18,140 --> 04:45:22,120
mayor. I welcome debate over controversial issues, including Israel

3016
04:45:22,620 --> 04:45:26,140
and Palestine. But confusion about Israel's existence should not be

3017
04:45:26,640 --> 04:45:30,180
seeping its way into our community. Mayor Martinez is doing

3018
04:45:30,680 --> 04:45:34,380
just this with his long documented history of anti Semitic and anti

3019
04:45:34,880 --> 04:45:38,460
Zionist statements. Just as Arab and Muslim are not bad words,

3020
04:45:38,620 --> 04:45:42,220
Zionist is not a bad word either. The citizens

3021
04:45:42,720 --> 04:45:46,100
of Richmond should not be getting the message that it is, especially from their

3022
04:45:46,600 --> 04:45:50,320
own mayor. We are all getting this message each day that he remains

3023
04:45:50,820 --> 04:45:54,520
in office. Many have lost sight of basic historical facts

3024
04:45:55,020 --> 04:45:59,160
and do not understand the situation many valuable Israeli and Zionist community members

3025
04:45:59,660 --> 04:46:03,200
are in. Many of us have lost friends and family to anti Semitism,

3026
04:46:03,700 --> 04:46:07,200
including terrorist attacks. We are being bombarded

3027
04:46:07,700 --> 04:46:10,640
with messages from media, hateful graffiti.

3028
04:46:11,120 --> 04:46:15,200
Your time has expired. Thank you. And that appears to be our last speaker.

3029
04:46:23,810 --> 04:46:27,810
No. Because this is just public comment. Yes. Okay, I think it's time

3030
04:46:28,310 --> 04:46:29,170
for the consent calendar.

3031
04:46:31,650 --> 04:46:34,610
Okay. Our next item is approval of the consent calendar.

3032
04:46:35,250 --> 04:46:39,010
And as a reminder, item 03A, that's a contract with

3033
04:46:39,250 --> 04:46:42,700
Liftech Consultants and Inc. For planning and design services

3034
04:46:42,780 --> 04:46:46,380
for the relocation of the SS Red Oak. Victory has

3035
04:46:46,880 --> 04:46:48,860
been continued to February 3rd.

3036
04:46:51,580 --> 04:46:55,540
So we need a motion. Okay. A Motion. I'll make

3037
04:46:56,040 --> 04:46:58,860
the motion to approve the consent calendar. I second.

3038
04:47:00,860 --> 04:47:04,300
Motion by me, the Mayor. And seconded by Council

3039
04:47:04,800 --> 04:47:08,230
member Jimenez. Jimenez. Council member Brown?

3040
04:47:08,470 --> 04:47:12,070
Yes. Council member Bona. Council member Jimenez?

3041
04:47:12,310 --> 04:47:15,750
Yes. Council member Wilson? Yes. Council member Robinson?

3042
04:47:16,250 --> 04:47:19,790
Yes. Council member Vice Mayor Cepeda. Yes. And Mayor

3043
04:47:20,290 --> 04:47:22,390
Martinez? Yes. The motion passes.

3044
04:47:23,590 --> 04:47:27,110
Okay. Okay. Since we've sent staff home,

3045
04:47:28,150 --> 04:47:31,510
we will go to reports of officers, referrals to staff.

3046
04:47:32,010 --> 04:47:36,160
Sorry, there is one item. Item P3.

3047
04:47:37,200 --> 04:47:40,800
You don't need staff for that. P3. I believe our

3048
04:47:41,300 --> 04:47:44,400
fire chief is here to answer questions about this

3049
04:47:44,900 --> 04:47:48,960
item. I sponsored

3050
04:47:49,460 --> 04:47:52,640
this item and I believe. Let me introduce the item, if I may, Mayor,

3051
04:47:53,140 --> 04:47:56,560
through you as the chair. This item requires additional

3052
04:47:57,060 --> 04:48:00,410
staff. Besides fire, the way that the municipal code works, it would also involve

3053
04:48:00,910 --> 04:48:05,090
planning, community development staff. And as we noted earlier this evening, those personnel

3054
04:48:05,590 --> 04:48:09,010
were released for the evening. And so we are not prepared to discuss this

3055
04:48:09,510 --> 04:48:13,370
item at this time. I'm sorry, but this is to direct

3056
04:48:13,449 --> 04:48:15,930
the staff to come up with an ordinance.

3057
04:48:16,570 --> 04:48:20,650
I'm not. I'm stating that the staff personnel

3058
04:48:20,970 --> 04:48:24,580
that would be assisting. Wait, the item. Are no longer in

3059
04:48:25,080 --> 04:48:28,460
the audience because they've been released. It is not only within the purview of Chief

3060
04:48:28,960 --> 04:48:32,820
Osario, it would also involve planning, community development staff

3061
04:48:32,980 --> 04:48:36,340
who are no longer with us this evening. Okay.

3062
04:48:37,300 --> 04:48:40,260
All right, so back to item Q.

3063
04:48:40,340 --> 04:48:43,540
Reports of officers, referrals to staff and general reports,

3064
04:48:44,100 --> 04:48:46,260
including AB 1234 reports.

3065
04:48:46,900 --> 04:48:47,780
Do we have any?

3066
04:48:53,950 --> 04:48:58,270
Go ahead. Thank you. So, as the liaison

3067
04:48:58,430 --> 04:49:02,910
with the West Contra Costa County School

3068
04:49:05,950 --> 04:49:07,630
I'm trying to.

3069
04:49:09,550 --> 04:49:13,110
I'm going to have a meeting with the new superintendent and I'm going to

3070
04:49:13,610 --> 04:49:16,760
invite her for presentation about the status of our schools. Also,

3071
04:49:17,400 --> 04:49:21,480
I'm glad to report that the city staff

3072
04:49:21,880 --> 04:49:26,000
and the school are working on school safety and I hope that we

3073
04:49:26,500 --> 04:49:28,200
will have a report about it soon.

3074
04:49:33,160 --> 04:49:34,040
Anyone else?

3075
04:49:37,800 --> 04:49:41,970
Well, if. If there are not, then it's

3076
04:49:42,470 --> 04:49:43,650
time for adjournment and I will allow.

3077
04:49:47,410 --> 04:49:51,330
Council member Bana. Thank you, I appreciate it.

3078
04:49:51,490 --> 04:49:55,570
So, as I mentioned, last few

3079
04:49:56,290 --> 04:49:58,290
weeks of the year were especially.

3080
04:50:04,210 --> 04:50:07,420
Three. Shaking and rattling and sad

3081
04:50:07,500 --> 04:50:10,940
because we had some homicides. Although the number of homicides,

3082
04:50:11,980 --> 04:50:15,020
all due to gun violence, has been substantially

3083
04:50:15,520 --> 04:50:19,380
reduced. I mean, the City of Richmond should be proud of

3084
04:50:19,880 --> 04:50:23,500
having reduced it from like 50, 60 per year to 5 last year

3085
04:50:24,000 --> 04:50:27,460
in 2025. And I would like to sincerely thank Office

3086
04:50:27,960 --> 04:50:31,790
of Neighborhood Safety, our police department, many community based

3087
04:50:32,290 --> 04:50:35,430
organizations and volunteers working on that. Still,

3088
04:50:35,750 --> 04:50:38,790
five is too many. We need to reduce it even more.

3089
04:50:39,910 --> 04:50:43,350
I would have liked us to say their names loud,

3090
04:50:43,510 --> 04:50:47,270
all the city council members to emphasize

3091
04:50:47,590 --> 04:50:52,310
and affirm our commitment to reduce

3092
04:50:52,810 --> 04:50:56,670
it, minimize it even further. And also our commitment to

3093
04:50:57,170 --> 04:51:00,510
respect the sanctity of life. That's very important.

3094
04:51:00,670 --> 04:51:05,190
That's basic human right. And it's

3095
04:51:05,690 --> 04:51:09,350
important to renew that commitment and honor the grief

3096
04:51:09,850 --> 04:51:13,590
and trauma that many families are going through. Just to acknowledge it

3097
04:51:14,090 --> 04:51:17,470
and try to work towards that, put it on top of our policy

3098
04:51:17,630 --> 04:51:21,310
or whatever it takes the city to work even harder on

3099
04:51:21,810 --> 04:51:25,460
reducing in gun violence. We don't have the permission

3100
04:51:25,540 --> 04:51:29,300
from the families to say their names loudly.

3101
04:51:29,380 --> 04:51:33,540
So I'm just asking everyone please to acknowledge

3102
04:51:34,340 --> 04:51:36,740
the loss of life due to gun violence,

3103
04:51:37,940 --> 04:51:40,340
five homicides in 2025,

3104
04:51:40,900 --> 04:51:45,300
to acknowledge the pain, trauma that we all should work to

3105
04:51:45,780 --> 04:51:49,150
reduce as much as possible. Let's have a few

3106
04:51:49,650 --> 04:51:50,430
moments of silence.

3107
04:52:15,400 --> 04:52:19,360
Thank you very much. And I would like to ask the city

3108
04:52:19,860 --> 04:52:23,800
attorney to have permission from the families in the future to

3109
04:52:24,300 --> 04:52:26,120
say their names loud, too. Thank you very much.

3110
04:52:27,480 --> 04:52:29,320
Okay, with that, we are adjourned.