This is a transcript of public comments. Some comments are summarized.

Help Parks

Todd Harrison: “Council Member Zahra, your letter in the Fullerton Observer has disrupted my planned speech for this evening. You reminded me once again of the inequity in the Park Dwelling Fund, and I feel the need to amplify your voice so that you can have more time to discuss the other issues at hand. Yes, this is a significant inequity. The allocation of funds from the Park Dwelling Fund, collected from developments in our neighborhoods and council districts, is solely controlled by the will of this council.

“It has become evident that the majority of open space is, as they say, north of the tracks, while most residents live south of the tracks. For decades, this council has directed the funds collected for park development from each neighborhood to areas where the parks already exist. It is crucial that we allocate some of these funds to the limited parks located south of the tracks as well.

“I urge for a much fairer distribution of the Park Dwelling Funds so that those of us living in the most densely populated areas receive not just the bulk of park funding, but at least a fair share. A perfect example is the railroad trail, which should not have taken 20 years to establish. It is literally located on the tracks.

“As we move forward, please ensure that a fair share of park funds is assigned to the areas where they are needed most.

“In my remaining moments, I will summarize my original speech. We all know why the parking lot is so crowded tonight and what the state is voting on. This situation serves as a message to everyone, including the members of this council: If you do not listen to what the people need, they will find ways to make their voices heard, whether at the national level or through local grassroots efforts. It is essential for this City Council to listen to its constituents.

Yolanda Harrison: “I have my voice back! After an endoscopy, the intubation sprained my larynx, and I couldn’t speak for a couple of weeks. It was incredibly frustrating.

“What’s even more concerning is what’s happening in Fullerton, as discussed on Reddit. Native California trees have been cut down at Chapman for a bank, and we need to talk about our parks. Lemon Park fo instance desperately needs shade over the weightlifting area. It gets so hot in the summer that people avoid using it, risking severe burns—yes, even 4th degree burns that turn skin black. This isn’t safe or fair; the space should be usable by all the people of Fullerton. Is it possible to put up some shade? There are other options, too.

“Valencia, you surprised me last time we were here, and I hope for the people of Fullerton that you don’t go back on that vote. Mr. Mayor, you are an immigrant, yet it seems you lack sympathy for other immigrants. That really shook me. We’ve exchanged strong words before, but we’ve reached consensus at times as well. I understand where you stand on issues, and I know I can’t change your mind, but I urge you to think about compassion.

“A liberal is someone who feeds 100 children because one might be starving, whereas a conservative may let 100 children go hungry because one might be undeserving. There is a crisis happening right now. Thousands of families are struggling to get by. We need to ensure people know where to find food and assistance. I’m not just talking about immigrants; I’m also referring to those on SNAP benefits, the disabled, the elderly, single mothers, single fathers, and foster children. They all need help, and they need it now.”

Who Benefits from the Destruction of Les Amis Restaurant Patio?

Jinan Montecristo: “Since December 2024, you have decided that because I am speaking out and organizing around this issue, my punishment would be driven by vindictiveness and vengeance. For us, this fight has never been about rebellion or defiance; it is about fairness. Raising the cost from $0.90 to $1.71 represents a 90% increase—an unsustainable burden on small businesses. That is what this fight has been about, but you took it personally because you are so power-hungry that any challenge to your authority feels like an attack.

“The 90-day stay granted by the city manager to get the item on the agenda for public discussion was nothing more than a cover—an attempt to make it look like the city tried. How dare I challenge you, right? In response, you intimidated my colleagues, pressuring them to make their own deals to avoid facing the same fate. You had already decided not to put this item on the agenda and made that clear to them.

“In reality, you and your staff were simply counting down the minutes until the stay expired, and the moment it did, the yellow notices appeared on our windows. You made Les Amis the example—a warning to every other small business. Beware: this is what happens when you don’t bow down to authority.

“Well, let me tell you this: we don’t care that you tore down the patio. What we do care about are the lies you told to justify the destruction. You claimed that Les Amis hasn’t made a single payment to the city in 10 years, attempting to tarnish our reputation—a reputation built on integrity, professionalism, and heart. We are model business owners who have contributed to our city. We have sponsored events, supported local artists, fed students, and opened our doors to the community. Time and again, we have shown up when the city called, and even when it didn’t. That is who we are, and no amount of false narrative can change that.

“Do you know what kind of people lie and cheat to justify their harmful actions? Criminals and scammers. I’ll leave it at that.”

Oliver Montecristo: I challenge you today, Mayor Jung, to go on record and repeat the lies you’ve been spreading. I challenge you to stand before your constituents and say it loudly and clearly: that Les Amis hasn’t generated revenue for the city in a decade. I challenge you to deny that in 2022, the city refunded Les Amis nearly $4,700 for overpayments related to encroachments. I challenge you to deny the $6,000 we’ve paid this year alone. Liars and cheaters—that’s what we have here.

You are supposed to be a fiduciary. Your sole responsibility is to act in the best interests of your constituents, to create a safe environment for your community, and to facilitate prosperity in every way possible, including for the small businesses that are the backbone of the city. Instead, your decisions and actions have directly caused five people to lose their jobs and have their hours severely cut. Your actions have destroyed tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of personal property that a family worked tirelessly to build. Your decisions have cost musicians their monthly gigs and crushed what had become a cornerstone of culture and connection in downtown.

You did all of this because you are not acting as a fiduciary. You’re a broker cutting personal deals to feed your ego. When every business with a patio on city property has fallen behind at some point, even at the old rates, that should tell you something.”

Christina Larson: “I’m here speaking for my friend Jinan, owner of Les Amis, and for every small business owner and Fullerton who is watching what is happening and who is feeling afraid that they may be next. Recently, this city paid its own workers using taxpayer dollars to tear down the outdoor patio at Les Amis.

“The patio that beautified the corridor invited people to dine outdoors and created community gathering spaces. This wasn’t a conversation or negotiation or a path to resolution. The city literally destroyed her improvements, took her host stand, and even removed her menus. This is not governance, this is hostility.

“Les Amis hosts live music, cultural events, and community connections. It is one of the rare places that makes Fullerton feel like Fullerton. And Jinan is a business owner who gives back, who mentors her employees, who models integrity every single day. And even during COVID, she donated to schools, for example. And Les Amis is not the only business targeted. Other patios have been torn down, too. This is now a pattern.

“Cities are allowed to charge for the use of public space, but those fees should be reasonable, aligned with other cities, and proportionate to the economic value created. And when those fees are so excessive that they become impossible to meet, that’s not regulation, that’s a mechanism of destruction.

“So my question to you tonight is very simple. Who’s benefiting from this? Because it’s not the residents, it’s not the local economy, and it’s certainly not the businesses carrying the tax burden that funds this city. So if no one benefits and yet businesses are being harmed, jobs are being harmed, and the community is being deprived of lovely spaces, then this council is breaching its fiduciary duty to its constituents.

“When businesses thrive, the city thrives. When small business owners succeed, Fullerton succeeds. And instead of tearing it down, what makes this community stronger, you should partner with Les Amis and you should collaborate. You should encourage. You should support all of the businesses that are doing the hard work of making Fullerton vibrant, magnetic and alive.

“We are asking you to bring the rules into alignment with fairness, proportionality and the public good, because rules that destroy the public good are not defensible. We are asking you to change course immediately and to choose leadership that grows Fullerton instead of tearing it down.”

Richard Fry: “I know some of you personally. I know most of you not at all. I don’t come up here often. In fact, this is the very first time in my 44 years of being a resident of Fullerton that I’ve come up to talk to you. It’s about Les Amis. It’s about what I see as having happened.

“I love this city. I’ve raised my kids here. They went to the public schools here. You are our Board of Trustees. You’re not just a City Council. We entrust you to look after the welfare of our city. Les Amis has been, and I hope will continue to be a pillar and an example of a model of how small businesses should be in our city. They raise the bar for what it is that our city offers. I’ve been very proud to bring friends outside of Fullerton to Les Amis. It’s a beautiful setting, and the people who own it really do mean to help this city.

“I remember when, during COVID, they were providing food for people who were working at Saint Jude and could not go home; others have given examples of how Les Amis provided food elsewhere. They’re minded, they’re wonderful and I would hope that this board of trustees that I’m looking at really works collaboratively with this organization, Les Amis and with others that have this kind of promise.

Marcy Fry: “I’m just feeling really sad tonight. I’m really sad, and I want to appreciate those of you who make eye contact with me when I’m speaking. I really notice when you don’t and when you don’t to other people, and it means a lot. It means a lot when I get that from people. I’m here for Les Amis. For me, but I’m also noticing there’s another really big important issue too.

“Les Amis isn’t just a patio. It really represents a community, a gathering space for people in Fullerton and out of Fullerton.

“Today I was meeting with a group of retired Fullerton teachers, and we got together, and we’ve gotten together, ladies and I, and they love the patio. So today we were gathering, but there wasn’t a patio there. A lot of these people were from Fullerton, but a lot were outside Fullerton, and they said the patio’s not there.

“I said no. What happened? Well, it got taken down. They said the same thing that happened to Walk on Wilshire when they closed that. And I just felt sad. I felt sad that we don’t have a community that works together for the good of Fullerton.

“It seems like there’s favoritism and there’s special people. If you’re a donor, if you’re this, if you’re that, if you’re a friend, if you can give something back, then you can cut a deal. That’s just not right. I don’t want to belong in a community like that. I want to belong to a group and live in a place where people treat people with respect.

“In my years of teaching, I’ve learned that doing the right thing for people is its own reward. One of my best principals would always say, “Put the kids first. Do what’s right for kids.” As you make decisions tonight about Les Amis and immigration, focus on what is truly right. Avoid being swayed by power or the desire to be seen as cool. Instead, prioritize the needs of those you represent—us all.”

Glenn Sutter: “I’ve lived in Fullerton for half a dozen years in that I’ve been going to I moved back to the La Habra, but I’ve been going to Les Amis for at least four to five years. I’ve been going there because it’s a well-situated area, and it has a beautiful outside setting and a swell setup. The people that work there and own the club are very good to the the people that come there. I just think the tearing down of the outside venue is really very disrespectful, and I think each and every one of you should take note that you are selected by the people for the people. So think about that.”

George Jeffrey: “I’ll make this short and sweet. I lived in La Habra for almost 7 years, but I’m proud to say that I spend about 3/4 of my entertainment dollar in Fullerton. I’m a jazz fan, going back to when they used to have steamers on Commonwealth. That was almost oh I guess 30 years ago. And I come here because of the good food at Les Amis and the entertainment in the whole area and especially the Les Amis. They have great food and great people who operate it. They have restaurants and great music and it’s a crime to see what the couple of the councilmen here have done on their own. And it just doesn’t smell right. So anyway, that’s it. We should have a place like Les Amis.”

Melanie Mathis: “I came before you last year to express concern over your intent to halt Live music at Les Amis. I shared that I live in Anaheim Hills and regularly drive through two cities to come to Fullerton and listen to live jazz. As you know, the city of Fullerton has since demolished the patio at Les Amis.

“Les Amis struggled with a charge of $1200 a month for outdoor patio use with live jazz. Then it was increased to $3500 a month. The profit margins for restaurants are low. I can’t imagine that very many family-owned small businesses can sustain that.

“For those of you familiar with Laguna Beach, it is a major destination not only for locals but also for those out of state. And international visitors. Forest Ave. is a very busy street in Laguna Beach. I called the city. As of July of this year, the City of Laguna Beach charges $183 a month for Paul Small. Excuse me? Small patio dry dining extensions and $375 for larger dining and patio extensions. The city of Laguna Beach and the restaurants on Forest Ave. both benefit from reasonable rates. Restaurants bring in more revenue. The city receives more in taxes. I call it a win-win.

“The City of Fullerton has some serious financial matters to address and resolve. I urge you to reconnect with your community in positive ways, in a fair and equitable manner for all citizens and businesses.”

Jane Stevens: “I’m going to read into this record from remarks by Ron Kobayashi, who could not be here. These are the words.

“As a lifetime Fullertonian, I’d like to add my voice and my displeasure with the recent destruction of the Les Amis patio and live music policy. First, the fee the city charges mom and pop restaurants for the use of public spaces is ridiculous. Brea charges a one-time fee that is in the hundreds of dollars, while Fullerton is, as Melanie said, Les Amis was increased from $1200 to $3500 a month, and I’m repeating that for emphasis.

“Instead of incentivizing restaurants to increase the beauty of their outdoor areas and bring culture and live music, the city chooses to destroy beautiful patio spaces that have taken time, effort and money. You’ve incentivized them to ignore their outdoor spaces, not lay claim to more beauty. That leaves our city with broad portions of ugly concrete slabs doing absolutely nothing for city revenue.

“Most urgently, I’d like to ask the City Council if there are restaurants and venues in Fullerton that pay little or no fee for their patios or public spaces. One that comes to mind is the Santa Fe Express Cafe.

“Do they pay a patio fee comparable to what was charged Les Amis? Both patios are very similar in size and I believe both are on public spaces. If they do not pay the same fees, then how do you possibly justify treating one business so differently from another business in the city of Fullerton? I’d love to have that question answered tonight. How about it? Can you answer that question?”

A Fullerton Resident: “On October 27th at 6:30 AM, an act of violence occurred at 128 W Wilshire when the patios at Les Amis restaurant were destroyed. It was not criminals or vandals, but city employees who were ordered to do so. Beautiful patios beloved by those who built them or have ever used them were destroyed because the restaurant owners cannot afford to pay the recently raised rental fees owed to the city for a piece of cement that is of no use or value to anyone else.

“Backtracking in time makes a situation even uglier. Earlier in the year, the owners of Les Amis met with the city to try to work things out. Including possibly purchasing their patio property would create a more sustainable situation.

“Later, the city notified them that that was not feasible, but they could pursue buying an easement at market value.

“Later, they were told that that too was not possible. In July, they were issued a 40-hour, 48-hour notice to take down their patios. After meeting with the previous and current city managers, the owners made a large payment and were given a 90-day stay with the understanding that a discussion of the city’s outdoor dining policies would soon be put on the agenda for a council meeting within that time. That never happened, even though two council members had agendized it to be done.

“By considering what other cities do and other options that would be fair to the city and restaurants, without financially jeopardizing their livelihoods. Why was this never put on the agenda? Three council meetings were cancelled, one in July, August and September. Then on October 25th, the 90-day stay ended and they received a 48-hour notice to remove their patios. With a closed city Friday and weekend following before the patio destruction on early Monday, the owners had no time to approach the city to try to stop it and be given a stay before this is ugly destruction.

“Even uglier is at. Policies are not applied equally and fairly. Some patios are charged nothing because supposedly they can be used by anyone, such as at the train station. One patio gets charged nothing and others get charged unaffordable fees. Another restaurant encroaching on sidewalks on a very busy street for years doesn’t have a demolition crew sent out to destroy it.

“It is proposed that a church paid $42,000 to purchase approximately an acre of city land, while restaurants are charged almost that much yearly for renting a tiny space for their patio, ongoing year after year.

“How is that reasonable and fair?

“I’m asking you tonight. To rectify the situation immediately, schedule a discussion of outdoor dining policies. Immediately restore Les Amis patios using city employees, giving them a 90-day stay until all of this takes place, as was promised earlier. Give all restaurants time to work things out with the city in ways that do not jeopardize their livelihoods. The city needs our small businesses.” [microphone was cut off]

Another Speaker: “I really wasn’t planning on speaking, but I’m sitting here tonight and I just can’t help but wonder, in light of everything that’s happening in our economy, with our citizens and all that’s happening, is this really where our council wants to spend their time? Tearing down patios in an already really stressful economy and situation? Having people laid off like this. Is this really what we’re doing here? Is this really what you’ve been voted in to do? To focusing on creating more chaos and mayhem?

“There was a place that created harmony and joy and I don’t know if you know this, but this lady over here [pointing to Jinan, owner of Les Amis] takes really good care of her restaurant. When people try to come and have her cut corners, she refuses. She pays top dollar for her food for her customers. She treats all these people who are here representing her today as family because they’re all part of her family and part of her community.

“And I’m really disappointed that we are sitting here today talking about something that was going so well. Because you want to charge, you want to double the patio fee, I mean, is that really going to generate enough revenue to fix all the problems that our city is facing today? Do we see the homeless problem, the crime that’s happening? It’s just very disappointing to see that this is where you feel it is important for you to spend your time and effort into breaking something that was not broken.

“You’re part of us and we’re a part of you. We’re a community. This is Fullerton right here. And you’re supposed to be a part of that. We’re not supposed to be on the other side. We’re supposed to be together, we’re supposed to be working together. It’s not us versus you. And it’s really disappointing that we’re standing here, especially the mayor, where you can’t even make eye contact with half the people who are standing up here.

“That’s a lack of trust and very disrespectful, Sir. We’re standing up here pouring our hearts and souls out to you. Begging for you to work with us because we appreciate the work that you do and the sacrifices that you make to make this city run and we want to be a part of that. But to sit up here and not even make eye contact is just unbelievable and very unfair. And they do not deserve to be treated this way.

“And I would like to echo that they are not the only patio that has been torn down. There are other patios who are torn down due to unfair policies. That’s not what you’re voted in for. You’re voted in to make our community more beautiful than it is. This community is very desirable. People love Fullerton. I am a public servant myself, and as the educator who spoke earlier, I served my kids first. I choose my kids first.” [microphone was cut off]

Judith Kaluzny: “I’m a long-time resident of Fullerton. I’m here to ask a question. I would like to know if the teardown of the outdoor dining relates to the encroachment at the corner of Harbor Blvd. and Commonwealth that was formerly known as the Florentine Corner.

“It was purchased by Mario Marovic, owner of at least 24 bars and restaurants in the County of Orange. Back in 2003, Paul Dudley, our city Development director, made a secret pact with Tony Florentine for them to build a building on 6 feet of city property a month before they signed a deal. The outdoor dining for Florentine’s said nothing about the addition to the building; it didn’t have any other information on it.

“A month before that, they had asked the city to approve a patio at that corner. Since 2003, the contracts for that coroner said that it could be ordered taken down at any time, with the owner to restore the sidewalk.

“Recently, the city finally, after over 20 years, gave an order to tear down that encroachment. Well, Mario Marovic has been suing the city, and then the city is countersuing him for unlawful detainer.

“And my question is, is this part of the lawsuit problem that you want to justify taking down that encroachment that was illicit from the get-go by ordering every patio to be taken down? That’s my question. Is this part related to those lawsuits?”

Linda Gardner: “I am a long-time resident of Fullerton. I’ve always believed that people who run for City Council have a desire to make decisions that improve the city for its residents. I have attended almost every council meeting this year and last and have stayed abreast of what happens between meetings.

“I’m shocked to see that the majority of this council has made decisions that do quite the opposite. They have made several decisions that have made this a less vibrant, safe and desirable city. One of those decisions happened just recently, and that’s what I want to address tonight, like so many of my fellow Fullertonians.

“One of the gems of our downtown dining establishment for many years has been Les Amis restaurant. A major draw there has been the lovely and picturesque patio, which is where I have always chosen to dine. You know the history, I won’t repeat it, $3500 for that small patio. It should be noted that the cafe at the train station, which is around the same size, pays zero. I’m sure it’s just a coincidence that it is controlled by one of the majority’s favorite donors.

“The agenda item to discuss the patios is tentatively set for December 2nd, of course, over a month after the teardown of the Les Amis patio. What used to be a lovely spot is now a slab of concrete. As I was delivering our wonderful Observer newspaper downtown today, I walked by it. I’d seen the pictures. They were horrible. But I walked by it and it is so, so sad to see that patio just gone.

“You already destroyed another lovely outdoor dining area in Fullerton, the Walk on Wilshire and now you’ve done it again. Councilman Jung doesn’t care what the majority of the residents of Fullerton want. Only what one donor wants and they are slowly destroying our beautiful downtown. You are derelict in your duties to support the prosperity of this city that so many of us love. Do you love it? It sure doesn’t seem like it.”

Egleth Nuncci: “I live in District 4. I want to address a concerning issue regarding our community’s response to the pandemic. The city had a program intended to support small businesses, but many, including restaurants, are still struggling. These local establishments, like Les Amis, stepped up by creating special menus to help those in need, showing real loyalty to our community.

“Yet, it’s disheartening to see how small businesses are being treated. We talk about the struggles of our city and the need for financial support, but the actions taken do not reflect that commitment.

“Small businesses are vital to our community’s growth, attracting visitors and supporting local artists. It’s unfair to treat them poorly when they contribute so much. This is an opportunity for you to show that you believe in second chances.

“Please reconsider your policies and support businesses like Les Amis, allowing them to thrive and bring back lost jobs for families in need. People are suffering, and inaction is not an option. Do the right thing and seize this opportunity to make a positive change.”

Marlena Carrillo: “I am a Fullerton resident, former trustee of the Fullerton Public Library, and a US veteran. I want to discuss an issue that has been the subject of gross misinformation lately, namely the city’s removal of illegal impertinences on public property constructed by the owners of Les Amis. The Les Amis restaurant for 15 years, the owners of Les Amis refused to pay stipulated rent and repeatedly encroached on public property without permits or approval from the city. The record is perfectly clear Les Amis blatantly disregarded their obligations to the taxpayers of Fullerton. The city of Fullerton has bent over backwards to give Les Amis a chance to pay their rent, going so far as to renegotiate terms, and has repeatedly offered new agreements to have this illegal occupation of public property. Finally, after a decade and a half, the city gave 90 days to remove the patio.” [Marlena’s connection was lost and she has logged off.]

Helen: “I’m speaking tonight of regarding lace meet the actions of the majority on this council regarding the Les Amis patio. This leads me and probably most others in Fullerton to think you have no desire to see a viable business friendly city. The Montecristo’s converted a plain walkway into an appealing destination, providing an enjoyable entertainment venue and offering good companionship. I can only think of one reason the majority will not work with this family that is so popular in our community. Prove me wrong. Prove to all of us that you care about your constituents over the whims and desires of special donors or a single donor.”

Edna Velasco: “I’m the president of the Musicians Union in Orange County of Long Beach. I wanted to speak on behalf of the residents of Fullerton and the musicians who reside and work there. I know that there are probably circumstances surrounding this whole thing about Les Amis that we don’t know, but at the same time, you have to admit the optics are not very good.

“You have a room full of people that are really hopping mad that you did this to a very fine establishment. That really feels retaliatory. And for that I feel sorry for the people of the community. And we should, really think about why we do what we do. Why do we serve the public? We serve the public for their best interest and their good. And if you’re not doing that? It’s something to think about.”

Recall Mayor Fred Jung and Council Member Jamie Valencia

Zoom Caller: “Downtown Fullerton is a vital arts community and cultural center for Orange County. After the closure of Steamers, Les Amis provided a new venue for live music, creating a beloved outdoor space that has attracted both locals and visitors. My family, for instance, travels from Long Beach to enjoy dinner and live music there at least once a month. The outdoor setting is crucial for us, especially since my wife is immunocompromised. It’s important that the Fullerton City government supports local businesses like Les Amis that enhance our community’s atmosphere with great food and live music.

“However, I am compelled to express serious concerns about my safety. During a conversation with Mayor Jung, he threatened me legally and indicated he would inform council members to seek a restraining order against me if I contacted them again. This has left me in fear, which is why I’m voicing my concerns via Zoom instead of in person.

“I also found it alarming that council members were unaware of the communications I had with the Mayor, as noted by Councilmember Charles. With the recent developments regarding Les Amis and the broader political climate, I believe Mayor Jung and Councilmember Valencia should resign. If they refuse, I urge the community to consider a recall effort. Political retaliation is unacceptable and contributes to the broader issues we face, including the poor condition of our city’s roads, which puts lives at risk.”

Sidewalks for Orangethorpe Elementary School Students

Z: “I want to express my love, support, and respect for the five of you and the service you provide to our city. I know it’s not easy, but on the East Coast, the people lost an east wing, and now I guess on the West Coast, the people have lost a restaurant.

“I am encouraged by citizens who have reached out in support of building sidewalks and curbs for elementary school students traveling to Orangethorpe Elementary. I urge you, JV (Jamie Valencia), as the 4th District Council member, to publicly express your support or concerns regarding this initiative. Council member Dr. Ahmad Zahra has voiced his support for sidewalks for our 5 to 12-year-old students, shining a new light on this important issue. JV, please publicly speak your support or speak your displeasure for sidewalks and curbs for our students at Orangethorpe Elementary.”

Remove People Who Interrupt During City Council

George Bushala: “First off, I want to apologize for my filth. I was pouring concrete today and I’m very exhausted. I didn’t have time to change.

“I stand here before you tonight to address an issue that has become increasingly disruptive to our public meetings. The behavior of two individuals, the Kennedy sisters. As you may recall, the past year or two I’ve been a frequent speaker at City Council meetings, and unfortunately, my experiences have been marred by the Kennedy sisters disruptive heckling, laughter, shouting, and accusations of lying.

“This behavior is not only disrespectful and a form of censorship, but it also hinders the productive exchange of ideas and concerns. I urged the mayor and the City Council to take a firm stance on this issue. These individuals should be warned that any interruption will result in their immediate removal from the meeting. One interruption should be the threshold for removal. Not 5, not 9, not 14. The police chief should be instructed to enforce this rule strictly.

“These individuals have disrupted too many meetings and it is time to put an end to their behavior. And this disruptive behavior is not limited to me. At the last meeting, another speaker was interrupted numerous times, making it impossible for them to deliver their message effectively. This is unacceptable and undermines the integrity of our public forums.”

Honey Tastes Better than What Flies Eat

Jose Trinidad Castaneda: I really want to speak to you all as a council, but also to members in the audience and those watching at home, that we all attract more good policy making with honey. You don’t have to tell a fly how good honey is, and in opposition to what flies usually eat. So as a reminder, in your responses to us as a public and for the public in their responses to you all. I hope that everyone can reword and rework what they’re about to say to be on the positive side. We’re in a time of great divide, and the only thing I can see that will help move us all forward is unity and recognizing that, as people get jobs that you have taken on, it is so incredibly challenging. That you cannot empathize with those who sit in the audience or those who sit on the dias without really taking the time to reflect on how much time is sacrificed. To do the work that you do. I see you all in the community. I know you’re doing the good work, and I want to applaud you for that. And a reminder that honey tastes better than what flies eat.