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CC 2020-06-09_07 Public Comment Received at MtgFrom:Jordyn bauer To:public comment Subject:Agendize letter of opposition to Exxon oil trucking Date:Tuesday, June 09, 2020 6:22:19 PM Hello, My name is Jordyn Bauer and I am a SLO county resident. I am writing to ask that the Arroyo Grande city council agendize a letter of opposition to the Exxon oil trucking project ASAP. As I’m sure you know, Exxonmobil is about to seek a permit to run oil tankers 24/7 from Goleta to Santa Maria, hang a right on HWY 166 and go all the way through the Santa Maria Watershed. This will also restart Exxon’s dormant offshore oil rigs. Exxon mobil only needs a permit from Santa Barbra county and does not need any permits from any local government in SLO county, although we will bear a large share of the impacts. Exxon mobil is responsible for some of the world’s biggest environmental disasters and constistanty ranks among the world’s top polluters. They have lied to the public for years and hid their knowledge that they were contributing greatly to climate change. We must do everything in our power to shift away from a fossil fuel economy and by writing a letter you are contributing to a more fair, just world for future generations. Please stand on the right side of history, Jordyn Bauer From:Savlabot . To:public comment Subject:Council Meeting 6/09 Item 7 Date:Tuesday, June 09, 2020 6:16:44 PM I live in Arroyo Grande and I was present at the protest last Friday. I did not see the gun men on top of the Pit or the Barber Shop but I am concerned about their presence and the presence of the counter protest group that was present during the non-violent protest that took place on Friday, June 5th in Arroyo Grande/ Grover Beach. Let's start with the Gunmen on top of the buildings on Grand Ave. I recently watched Mayor Caron Ray Russom's video on the incident and I understand and agree that the gunmen had permission and the police checked out the fire arm but it seems wrong to allow someone to commit such a racist act. Any argument that they needed to protect their businesses against the protestors is ridiculous, we do not live in a community where it would be likely for rioting and looting to happen. Though they have the right to do so, our police department and government officials should take a clear stance that this type of aggressive behavior is not tolerated. Is there a way to make a rule during a protest that individuals that want to exercise their 2nd Amendment rights can still do so but must be INSIDE their place of business and not outside or visible to the public. The presence of those gunmen could have created unnecessary conflict, and though they may have been within their rights it is irresponsible to have allowed the man to remain on top of the building with a firearm during the protest. Now I want to talk about the counter protesters that were parked in the Burger King parking lot. Their sole purpose was to disrupt the non-violent protest and given the reason for the protest it is easy to assume that they are a white supremacy group. I live near the intersection where the protest took place. Arroyo Grande seems to have a little group of activists that like to protest every so often on that corner. Most recently they were out protesting the stay at home order, and I don't recall seeing such a large counter protest, in fact I don't think there was a single gathering of white individuals in trucks with the American flag. The city council should take a stand and say that they WILL NOT TOLERATE racist groups. Do what is right, be on the right side of history. Declare racial discrimination a public health emergency in our city and encourge other cities across the state to do the same. Don't wait for someone else to do this, be the city to take a stand. I would have to say that after protesting in SLO and seeing their police department in action AG is doing MUCH better at supporting protesters. The AG, Grover and Pismo police had such a positive vibe about them and I never felt like I wasn't safe during the protest. I was definitely alarmed but I felt like the AG, Grover and Pismo police were very proactive during the protest and that the Police Chiefs were there and spoke during the protest was a definite plus. But the city as a whole and the police departments as a whole NEED TO DO MORE. This is a great first step, but don't let it stop there. I hope you really listen to the public and take a stand against racism in your community. Thank you for taking the time to read this comment, Savla From:Briana Peterson To:public comment Subject:efficacy of masks in mitigating viral spread Date:Tuesday, June 09, 2020 6:03:07 PM Hello! I am a citizen of Arroyo Grande, and I wanted to submit a few studies for a proposed evidence-based policy to be implemented in Arroyo Grande, one which is admittedly contentious: mandatory masks as an enforceable policy with an associated fine, for businesses as well as individuals in public spaces (exempt for children under 4). Although the wearing of masks has become a contentious and politicized issue, the science behind their efficacy is well established. I have included just four of the studies I have read that were scientifically sound and showed a statistically significant drop in the rate of viral shedding when a mask is worn. To protect the health and safety of our community members, I believe that we should be enforcing mask-wearing as part of a smart and science-based public health policy to ensure a safer re-opening. It is also notable that the county cases have continued to rise - this weekend showed a jump that seemed to be indicative of a rising positivity rate, not just an increase in testing capacity. We all deserve to be safe in our community - many immunocompromised people and high-risk individuals live in this beautiful city we call home. We should be doing everything we can to protect the public health and safety of everyone who calls this lovely place home. Thank you for your time, Briana Peterson https://link.edgepilot.com/s/61ee4508/_oL-1WeFmEWNOEWUvoKWZg? u=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2818714/ https://link.edgepilot.com/s/6d714616/gIVZNm8Li0uHVuG0A8TgPQ? u=https://www.aao.org/editors-choice/evidence-supports-use-of-surgical-masks-to-mitigat https://link.edgepilot.com/s/9034821d/7IO6VDP8NESrRRwOstzTmg? u=https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-020-0843-2 https://link.edgepilot.com/s/dd2a1cdd/Ze09eA0nu06IPEhTDUNX7g? u=https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/epidemiology-and-infection/article/face-masks-to- prevent-transmission-of-influenza-virus-a-systematic- review/64D368496EBDE0AFCC6639CCC9D8BC05/core-reader? fbclid=IwAR2vEwdcNhO22eXmWlVhuuueib74A9VnXsmyL1OhhPOJzZRKd_uaDJnH2hA Links contained in this email have been replaced. If you click on a link in the email above, the link will be analyzed for known threats. If a known threat is found, you will not be able to proceed to the destination. If suspicious content is detected, you will see a warning. From:Atalie Manning To:public comment Subject:Exxon Mobile Date:Tuesday, June 09, 2020 6:15:40 PM Dear council, I would like to express my concerns regarding the opening of ExxonMobil offshore drilling platforms. Exxon is one of the world's top polluters and has been held responsible for many of the world's biggest environmental disasters due to their blatant regard of many public safety laws. We should be addressing how to return our environment to a more natural state to ensure the safety of our citizens as well as the wildlife we value so much in this area. I do not want offshore drilling seen as normal in my community, and would like to advise you to consider how it will affect our children and our ecosystem before voting. Thank you for your time. -Atalie Manning From:Jon Marino To:public comment Subject:Fw: Item 7: Training Date:Tuesday, June 09, 2020 7:34:59 PM Please make the correction and use this one: Is there police training that ensures that personal politics and the duties of a law enforcement officer are separated? That's the issue. And can public trust be built up enough to have confidence in it? The Good Ol' Boys Network exists, and you guys know it, and it needs to stop, regardless of politics. I want these people to ask themselves what the vets of WW2 would say about this. Those were my grandparents and great grandparents, and they'd be appalled by instilling fear in fellow citizens. That's what they fought against. Again, you know it. Jon Marino English Teacher Pioneer Valley High School "Violent antipathies are always suspect, and betray a secret affinity." -William Hazlitt, 1824 "My country is the world, and my religion is to do good." -Thomas Paine, The Rights of Man, 1791 From: Jon Marino Sent: Tuesday, June 9, 2020 7:31 PM To: publiccomment@arroyogrande.org <publiccomment@arroyogrande.org> Subject: Item 7: Training Is there police training that ensures that personal politics and the duties of a law enforcement officer are separated? That's the issue. And can public trust be built up enough to have confidence in it? The Good Ol' Boys Network exists, and you guys know it, and it needs to stop, regardless of politics. I want these people to ask themselves what the vets of WW2 would say about this. Those were my grandparents and great grandparents, and they'd be appalled by instilling fear in fellow citizens. That's what they fought for. Again, you know it. Jon Marino English Teacher "Violent antipathies are always suspect, and betray a secret affinity." -William Hazlitt, 1824 "My country is the world, and my religion is to do good." -Thomas Paine, The Rights of Man, 1791 From:Paul Fordyce To:public comment Cc:Paul Fordyce Subject:Fwd: Armed men on Grand Ave. rooftops Date:Tuesday, June 09, 2020 4:57:37 PM Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message: From: Paul Fordyce < Date: June 9, 2020 at 4:55:19 PM PDT To: Paul Fordyce < Subject: Armed men on Grand Ave. rooftops Dear Arroyo Grande City Council Members, I feel compelled to comment on the recent incidents regarding armed men on the rooftops of Grand Ave businesses. I implore the City Council and city leaders to take this threat to our community seriously. Do not make light of what was clearly a threat. I want you to do everything in your power to condemn those involved, to hold them responsible, and to send the clearest message that this is not in any way acceptable. Future incidents need to be deterred and the reaction of our citizens, and it's leaders, will be critical to this effect. The responsibility is ours. My family did not attend this protest, but we did participate in the May 31st protest at Mitchell Park in San Luis Obispo. We felt that it was important to take our children and show solidarity with a movement to address systemic injustice. It is shameful that armed men would hide behind assault weapons from rooftops to intimidate my family and our community. At best, this was an extreme error in judgement that threatened the safety of everyone involved. At worst, it was a blatant intimidation tactic originating from cowardice, fear, and hatred. The images, acts, and words were clearly meant to intimidate. I would also like to encourage the AGPD to work with integrity and neutrality, while living up to the scrutiny that is necessary when given great responsibility and power. Thank you for the good work that you do and for maintaining accountability now, and always. Sincerely, Paul Fordyce Resident of AG From:Jessica Matson To:public comment Subject:Fwd: Support for local businesses who bear arms Date:Tuesday, June 09, 2020 5:21:54 PM Attachments:emaillogo_190eb98f-3dbf-4ac8-a0d6-5f778ed0ba4d1111111111111111111111111111111111111.png This one wasn’t included in supplemental. Sent from Jessica's iPhone Jessica Matson, CPMC Executive Assistant/Deputy City Clerk Legislative and Information Services, City of Arroyo Grande Tel: 805-473-5414 | www.arroyogrande.org 300 E. Branch St | Arroyo Grande | CA | 93420 The information contained in this email pertains to City business and is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not an intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient and you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply email or phone and delete the message. Please note that email correspondence with the City of Arroyo Grande, along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt by law. City Hall Business Hours: M-Th 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Closed Fridays Begin forwarded message: From: Caren Ray Russom <crayrussom@arroyogrande.org> Date: June 9, 2020 at 5:05:42 PM PDT To: Jessica Matson <jmatson@arroyogrande.org> Subject: FW: Support for local businesses who bear arms Yours in service, Caren Caren Ray Russom Mayor, City of Arroyo Grande crayrussom@arroyogrande.org Tel: 805-473-5400 | www.arroyogrande.org 300 E. Branch St | Arroyo Grande | CA | 93420 From: Bob Childs [ Sent: Tuesday, June 9, 2020 4:28 PM To: Caren Ray Russom; Kristen Barneich; Jimmy Paulding; Lan George Subject: Support for local businesses who bear arms I am a citizen, homeowner, taxpayer and resident of Arroyo Grande. I am writing to support local businesses who bear arms. Recent nationwide incidents of rioting, looting, vandalism and other such criminal activity in the wake of the murder of George Floyd and subsequent protests are legitimate causes for concern for local businesses and residents. Given the circumstances, it is understandable that business owners and residents would want to demonstrate that they are prepared to defend themselves and their businesses. To be clear, I am outraged about the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, and I support the black lives matter movement. At the same time, I support our local businesses in their right to protect their safety, assets and livelihood against theft and property damage, and I ask you as our mayor and city council to do the same. Our relatively small police department cannot be expected to provide mass protection in the event of riots and looting such as those documented recently in national news. Therefore, it is reasonable and appropriate for citizens and businesses to protect themselves. Thank you for your attention and consideration. Robert Childs Arroyo Grande Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android Links contained in this email have been replaced. If you click on a link in the email above, the link will be analyzed for known threats. If a known threat is found, you will not be able to proceed to the destination. If suspicious content is detected, you will see a warning. From:Diane Gularte To:Arroyo Grande City Council Member Jimmy Paulding; public comment Subject:guns on roof Date:Tuesday, June 09, 2020 5:51:23 PM I am appalled that armed gunmen/women on rooftops in Arroyo Grande/Grover City (Beach) are considered “legal.” Even if technically legal, it does not make it right or just, sane or safe. Using loopholes and legal technicalities to allow such threatening behavior in an attempt to defend Second Amendment “rights” is an ongoing problem in our culture. It is time for those of us whose families have been here over 100 years to speak up, and to do what we can to return this area to the safe and sane area it once was. Diane Gularte Arroyo Grande From:Ken Hill To:public comment Subject:Item 6.b. Use of Force Date:Tuesday, June 09, 2020 6:42:47 PM I got dropped from the phone queue Arroyo Grande City Council - Public Comments June 9, 2020 Agenda 6.b. Acting City Manager Report – Upcoming Presentation Regarding Current Police Training And Policies Hello, my name is Kenneth Hill. I am a resident of Arroyo Grande. I would like to make some comments about our Police Use of Force Policy. First, I would like to thank the Arroyo Grande Police officers that protected our citizens at the June 5th protest on Grande Avenue. Specifically, they communicated effectively with the protestors and did not escalate matters by showing up in riot gear or taking on a militarized manner. I have reviewed the Use of Force Policy as appears in the Arroyo Grande PD CA Policy Manual. The website, 8cantwait.org, offers 8 specific policies that save lives. I would recommend these policies be considered in any upcoming policy reviews. However, there is a notable exception in light of Governor Newsom’s direction to end the technique of carotid restraint. In section 300.3.4, I quote, “The proper application of the carotid control hold may be effective in restraining a violent or combative individual.” Conversely, Governor Newsom states, “a carotid hold, that literally is designed to stop people's blood from flowing into their brain, has no place any longer in 21st-century practices and policing.” I ask that carotid holds be banned from use in our police department and the Arroyo Grande Police Policies be updated to reflect this. Law Enforcement in our community must reflect a goal that we all hopefully share, creating a safe community that we all want to live in. That includes how we treat people in police custody. We must take care in how we treat each other in all situations. I ask you to implement policies that call us to that care. Ken Hill Links contained in this email have been replaced. If you click on a link in the email above, the link will be analyzed for known threats. If a known threat is found, you will not be able to proceed to the destination. If suspicious content is detected, you will see a warning. From:Kealoha L. Ghiglia To:public comment Subject:item 6b - didn"t get through Date:Tuesday, June 09, 2020 6:28:15 PM I’m on the line, but did not get the opportunity to comment on 6B. Here are my comments. I will try to call back: Good evening. My name is Kealoha Ghiglia. I speak on behalf of my family, including my husband, Brian, and two sons, Mason and Ellis. First, thank you for your statement. It means so much to us that you are willing to take a closer look and consider change. And, thank you for the opportunity to review and discuss our AGPD training and policies. Next, I would like to address local law enforcement. I want to assure you that you have and will continue to have the support of the community. I can imagine that you feel like the targets of recent protests, and that must feel like a slap in the face when you show up every day to put your life on the line for our community. Just like many of us can’t imagine what it is like to be the subject of hundreds of years of systemic racism and implicit bias, we also can’t understand what it is like for law enforcement, to be risking their lives and making split second decisions in the heat of the moment. Right now, as a community, we just need to start talking about the issue and gathering more information. Also, I want to focus for a moment on the popular phrase “defund the police.” If you can get past the negative catch-phrase of “defund the police,” it’s not about disbanding the police. The heart of the change is about injecting more money into community health issues that law enforcement officers all too often become the default agency to manage. Drug addiction, mental health issues, homelessness, trauma counseling, and the need for more after-school programs are community health issues that would be better served by community health organizations. The more funding we give to these programs, the less these responsibilities fall on the shoulders of local law enforcement AND give better outcomes to the individuals needing these services. As someone who works for the County Health Agency, I can tell you that many of the programs that facilitate community health issues are understaffed. This is the “defund” argument. It’s more about funding community health and taking these issues off your plate. Racism is throughout all of our systems, and reconsidering the approach to policing is only one part of the greater change facing our society. The greater change is all of our responsibility. Thank you. Kealoha Ghiglia, REHS Environmental Health Specialist III Small Water Systems Environmental Health Services Please note, I am currently working remotely. Email is the best method of communication. I will check voicemail periodically and will call back from a “Blocked” number. |Direct line: 805.781.5551|Receptionist: 805.781.5544| |Website| This e-mail, and any files transmitted with it, are intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential, protected, and/or privileged material. Any review, re-transmission, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient, is prohibited. If you received this in error, please contact the sender and delete the material from any computer. Links contained in this email have been replaced. If you click on a link in the email above, the link will be analyzed for known threats. If a known threat is found, you will not be able to proceed to the destination. If suspicious content is detected, you will see a warning. From:kristanjason To:public comment Subject:Item 7 on the City Council Meeting Date:Tuesday, June 09, 2020 6:11:57 PM We are not in support of the men “defending” their businesses on Grand Ave Friday. We will be listening in for further public comment and weighing in further after we see how the city responds to this unnecessary act From:Mary C To:public comment Subject:Item 7 the Pit gunmen Date:Tuesday, June 09, 2020 7:50:44 PM I'd like to ask why these men are so afraid? What were they hearing? And why don't they have confidence that the 5 Cities Police Agencies could deal with any trouble makers who might show up? We don't need vigalantes in the 5 Cities. Maybe the FBI could help in finding what they were seeing online that was driving them to be so fearful and so distrustful of our Law Enforcement agencies. Thanks you From:Graham Carter To:public comment Subject:Item 7 Date:Tuesday, June 09, 2020 7:41:21 PM Hello, Very simply if you are serious about making AG more welcoming to people of color, and you are unable or unwilling to launch and investigation not only into the owner of The Pit, and the connections between the Jerk Pirates, and the police then you are NOT serious. Statements made before the protest online, and after should be taken into account. One other quick note: If there is not enough probable cause to probe those connections, then I would vote as a member of this community to pull the Pit's business license. Make a statement that says "His behavior does not reflect us." Best, G From:Ryan Bartley To:public comment Subject:Item 7 Date:Tuesday, June 09, 2020 8:39:05 PM I have PTSD. I was hoping to be able to attend our local protest, as the 5 Cities is generally a very peaceful place. I was unable to, as I found a group that had fallen for dangerous propaganda and was planning armed patrols to "give the police a day off". When I saw the armed men on the roof, I was sure I would not be able to go, and I have been struggling since. I was denied my first amendment rights by xenophobia and ignorance. This was, per John Hackleman, a "show of force". It was intended to intimidate. It served its purpose, and I stayed home afraid and worried for my community. From:Kealoha L. Ghiglia To:public comment Subject:item 7 Date:Tuesday, June 09, 2020 6:32:03 PM Hello – FYI, I am calling the line and it is just putting me through to the meeting audio. Not giving me an option to comment. Here are my comments for Item 7. Good evening. My name is Kealoha Ghiglia. I speak on behalf of my family, including my husband, Brian, and two sons, Mason and Ellis. In regard to the issue of guns appearing on the rooftops of two local businesses during a peaceful protest: I am happy to hear that the issue was investigated promptly and that Chief Pryor requested DA Dow to review the details of their investigation. It is important that we understand these were legal acts and nepotism was not at play. However, I would like to hear City Council and Chief Pryor denounce these acts, as unnecessary and unwarranted. Further, that brandishing firearms on the streets of our city is a provocative threat that could trigger violence, endangering the lives of our family and friends, as well as local law enforcement that would be tasked with resolving it. The residents of this community, the families and people protesting, are the same people now as they were before protests began. They are the people you see at the Miner’s, Soto, in the Village, whose kids go to school with your kids, the people who have birthday parties at the pit, and the people who take their kids to Grand Barbers for their first haircut. We are the people who those businesses turned their guns on. If any of you listening know these businesses personally, please help them see that we do not need guns in our streets any more now than we ever did. Think whatever you want about the protests, racism, or police brutality, but DO NOT turn your guns on your neighbors, your friends, and your community. I don’t expect them to understand that the assumption that people protesting racism need to be held at gunpoint in order to be peaceful is exactly what the protest was about. Built in assumptions. That would be asking too much. But please, just ask them to keep their guns at home and keep this a peaceful community. Kealoha Ghiglia, REHS Environmental Health Specialist III Small Water Systems Environmental Health Services Please note, I am currently working remotely. Email is the best method of communication. I will check voicemail periodically and will call back from a “Blocked” number. |Direct line: 805.781.5551|Receptionist: 805.781.5544| |Website| This e-mail, and any files transmitted with it, are intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential, protected, and/or privileged material. Any review, re-transmission, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient, is prohibited. If you received this in error, please contact the sender and delete the material from any computer. Links contained in this email have been replaced. If you click on a link in the email above, the link will be analyzed for known threats. If a known threat is found, you will not be able to proceed to the destination. If suspicious content is detected, you will see a warning. From:Jon Marino To:public comment Subject:Item 7: Training Date:Tuesday, June 09, 2020 7:32:12 PM Is there police training that ensures that personal politics and the duties of a law enforcement officer are separated? That's the issue. And can public trust be built up enough to have confidence in it? The Good Ol' Boys Network exists, and you guys know it, and it needs to stop, regardless of politics. I want these people to ask themselves what the vets of WW2 would say about this. Those were my grandparents and great grandparents, and they'd be appalled by instilling fear in fellow citizens. That's what they fought for. Again, you know it. Jon Marino English Teacher "Violent antipathies are always suspect, and betray a secret affinity." -William Hazlitt, 1824 "My country is the world, and my religion is to do good." -Thomas Paine, The Rights of Man, 1791 From:Jamie Maraviglia To:public comment Subject:June 9th Meeting - Item 6B. It wouldn"t let me comment Date:Tuesday, June 09, 2020 6:28:34 PM Arroyo Grande City Council Members I called in to comment on item 6B and it wouldn't take my call. Here is what I had planned to say: Good Evening Council Members and thank you for this report. My name is Jamie Maraviglia and I live on Sage Street in Arroyo Grande. These past two weeks have shown us both the ugly and beautiful sides of humanity around the world and in our own town. While I don’t care to use my team speaking about what occurred on Friday night, I would hope that this unacceptable behavior by a few paranoid people doesn’t overshadow the meaning behind the peaceful protest. Police brutality and systemic racism are rampant in our country and our people, including myself, are asking for changes in the structure of law enforcement to reduce police misconduct. First, I would like to urge this Council to take the time to learn more about systemic racism, particularly in the justice system. The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander, White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo and How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi really helped me understand the issue from a perspective that I had never before considered and I hope they would be as eyeopening to you. I also urge you to enact the 8 Can’t Wait Use of force policies that can be found on 8cantwait.org as a first step in changing the system. While things like diversity trainings are nice, they have been proven not to make any difference. The 8 Can’t Wait policies are simple, common-sense solutions that would make our community safer and have been proven to prevent police violence by up to 72% and are a great first step in bettering our system. I would also like to see Arroyo Grande enact community oversight of our police departments, by establishing an effective civilian oversight structure. Something such as a Civilian review board will build public confidence and act as a tool to holding our police accountable to the public. This Board should have oversight of complaints, be able to request reports to grant transparency and must have input on hiring, among other things. This also means that for all stops, officers would need to be required to give civilians their name, badge number, reason for a stop and a card with instructions on how the citizen may file a complaint. This gives our community members a way to ensure that officers are held accountable for their actions and helps reduce misconduct and brutality. Thank you for your time and I look forward to seeing this community make some positive choices that will make our community safer and more equitable. Jamie Maraviglia Links contained in this email have been replaced. If you click on a link in the email above, the link will be analyzed for known threats. If a known threat is found, you will not be able to proceed to the destination. If suspicious content is detected, you will see a warning. From:Jon Marino To:public comment Subject:Order? Date:Tuesday, June 09, 2020 8:32:32 PM So calls come before emails? We'll be here for years... Jon Marino English Teacher Pioneer Valley High School "Violent antipathies are always suspect, and betray a secret affinity." -William Hazlitt, 1824 "My country is the world, and my religion is to do good." -Thomas Paine, The Rights of Man, 1791 From:Betsy To:public comment Subject:Peaceful protest Date:Tuesday, June 09, 2020 5:13:13 PM City Council members, I’m hoping you’ll denounce in a big way the actions of the owner of The Pit & the barber shop who felt it necessary to show some misguided macho power play. They are being fed all the wrong information by like minded radical groups. They’re scared, angry, sick, whatever drives them, but they are dangerous & not wanted here. Sent from AOL Mobile Mail Get the new AOL app: mail.mobile.aol.com Links contained in this email have been replaced. If you click on a link in the email above, the link will be analyzed for known threats. If a known threat is found, you will not be able to proceed to the destination. If suspicious content is detected, you will see a warning. From:Kat Schroeder To:public comment Subject:Peaceful Protests Date:Tuesday, June 09, 2020 5:53:00 PM Hello, My name is Kat Schroeder and I am a resident of San Luis Obispo county. I’m writing to demand the following in regard to the ongoing peaceful protests: Peaceful protestors must not be harassed or intimidated. Armed men stationed on roofs are threatening and must not be tolerated. These men must be thoroughly and fairly investigated in this incident. These demands are necessary to ensure that the rights of the peaceful protesters are upheld. Sincerely, Kat Schroeder From:Sierra Beach To:public comment Subject:Protest comment — Sierra Beach Date:Tuesday, June 09, 2020 8:56:36 PM Dear Arroyo Grande City Council, I not only support the Pit and Grand Barbers. It is well within their rights to not only bear arms but to protect their businesses. Looting has affected thousands upon thousands of businesses across the country and living in a town where individuals land on such extreme ends of the political spectrum, it is not far off to think that this could potentially happen in our own town. Not only that, multiple piles of bricks were removed by police from streets in our county on the day of different protests, therefore proving that there was violent intent at these protest in our county. I do not think that everyone attending this protest had that intent BUT somebody did and because of that I am thankful these individuals took a stand. I am a strong supporter of the first amendment and also the second amendment. These individuals are well within their rights and I am thankful they are apart of our community. Thank you for all you do, Sierra Beach From:Mariam Alikhan To:public comment Subject:Public comment by Joslynn Ranae Flowers Date:Tuesday, June 09, 2020 6:24:49 PM Attachments:image0.png image1.png image2.png ATT00002.txt From:Kat Alessi To:public comment Subject:Public comment regarding The Pit. Date:Tuesday, June 09, 2020 5:32:59 PM Part of what I keep hearing in defense of the people brandishing firearms is that it was on private property. From my understanding, just because it is on private property doesn't mean that it's 100% acceptable or legal when it is able to be viewed by those who are not on that private property. For instance, if I were to be at home, topless with my breasts hanging out, if the curtains were open and someone saw, I could be arrested for public indecency or lewd and lascivious behavior. So can somebody please explain to me, why brandishing firearms on private property isn't considered threatening when I can see it from the street? What I want to know is, if those same men were standing on the rooftops with their penises hanging out, would they be arrested? If so, your private property defense is ridiculous. Kat Alessi From:Jessica Baza To:public comment Subject:Questions and comments Date:Tuesday, June 09, 2020 6:31:19 PM What will be done about officers who are currently racist. I have called and complained and a correctional officer and nothing was done. Sent from my iPhone From:nancy@venturacrew.com To:public comment Subject:Requiring masks for everyone Date:Tuesday, June 09, 2020 5:50:50 PM We are in the middle of a global pandemic. Over 113,000 lives have been lost in the United States alone. The WHO and CDC both recommend wearing masks to stop the spread of COVID-19. It's time for Arroyo Grande to step up and require that masks should be worn in all enclosed spaces and where social distancing isn't possible. You are putting essential workers at risk. It's become a partisan issue, which is a shame. This disease isn't going anywhere soon. Masks for all! Make a difference! Nancy Rowe From:allison stitzer To:public comment Subject:The Pit Date:Tuesday, June 09, 2020 5:40:13 PM To whom it may concern, I was born and raised in Arroyo Grande and have a resident of this area for my 42 yrs of life. I have 5 children who I raise to have integrity and to be accountable for their actions. I raise them with love as the foundation of being. I was a part of the peaceful March down Grand Ave on Friday where I saw a lot of like minded people fighting for justice, equality and love. What I witnessed from anti-protestors, including the armed parties at The Pit, was that of hatred and violence. What they brought to that demonstration was bully tactics and intimidation. What they did was solidify our reasoning for being out there in the first place. Hatred begets violence. Period. Thank you for your time, Allison Stitzer From:Central Coast College Consultants To:public comment Subject:The Pit Date:Tuesday, June 09, 2020 7:42:02 PM Why in the midst of all the recent turmoil was Ian Parkinson, our sheriff visiting with the owner of the Pit as John Hackleman boasted in one of his inciteful and hateful videos? John boasts about his close relationship with Ian. Sheriff Parkinson already has a checkered history in this county and he needs to think about who he aligns himself with. Please insist on police and sheriff office reform in our county before someone else dies at their hands. John Hackleman's "apology" when taken in the context of his other recent online posts from the darkness of his car does not fell at all sincere, simply self-serving in an attempt to save his business. His honest beliefs have been made clear in multiple posts and videos. Were all guns checked by law enforcement prior to the march? Thank you, Erin Ogren From:Jos and Shelden Flowers To:public comment Subject:The pit Date:Tuesday, June 09, 2020 8:52:21 PM Thank You, Joslynn Flowers Begin forwarded message: From: Jos and Shelden Flowers < Date: June 9, 2020 at 2:37:55 PM PDT To: publiccomment@arroyogrande.org Subject: Council meeting Good evening Mayor and council I wanted to express my concern regarding the display of Mr. Hackleman and Grand Barbers. To say I was disappointed would be a huge understatement. I am told he was “within his right” to have a man on his roof brandishing an assault weapon and I am in my right to express my concerns on how this not only affects our community, but as a biracial woman in an interracial marriage with children, how it affects me and my family. My boys used to attend the Pit and I was impressed by his motto of not initiating violence first. That was clearly not the case as he and his friends intimidated our community on their way to PEACEFULLY protest. He’s made it VERY clear to the community where he stands on this issue. Needless to say my children will not be returning to the Pit. My concern is as citizen of this community who is a second generation raising my children here, is if there is not some sort of repercussions for this tacky display of trying to envoke fear and panic in our community, and his manner of behavior after the fact, will others feel this is acceptable? Will my children be in the car as we drive down grand and see men on rooftops in the name of “protecting their business”? Do I have to explain to my children why people have guns standing on roofs as people drive by? Teaching them that if they don’t agree with something or someone to get a gun and try to create fear in others? Are we telling our future generation that this is acceptable? To me that’s a BULLY and is the exact opposite of what I want to teach my children. We are better than this! This town has always supported one another with respect and love, why should this be any different. A message needs to be sent to the community that this is unacceptable behavior and will NOT be tolerated. I ask you please think of the POC in this community like myself who feel fearful of what could happen if this is perceived as acceptable behavior. Thank you for taking the time to read my letter. Thank You, Joslynn Flowers From:Landon Echols To:public comment Subject:Unacceptable behavior Date:Tuesday, June 09, 2020 8:43:41 PM I came to this community when I was five years old and was raised through the Lucia Mar school system until graduation from high school. I am writing to express my deep concerns about the intimidation displayed by counterprotesters at the June 5th protest. Even as soon as my friend and I began walking to the protest, there were already clear signs of intimidation. As we were not yet joined with the larger group, we felt as if there was a target on our back. I can't even imagine having that feeling every single day as a Black person in this country, as well as in this community. Arroyo Grande and the more general five cities area has a deep-rooted problem regarding diversity and inclusion of other races, creeds, nationalities, and sexual orientations. As others have stated here already, there is racism in this community, whether you choose to turn a blind eye to it or not. The counter-protestors purpose at this protest was not to keep this community safe but to threaten community members that seek to see change and justice in this community, as well as this country as a whole. The intimidators at this protest clearly expressed on Friday that they no interest in making this community a better place for Black and Brown Americans - they are actively making it worse. I support calls for an investigation into this matter. Best, Landon Echols From:Robert Woodham To:publiccomment@arroyogrande.org. Subject:We should be proud of our community members for standing up and protecting our community and businesses. It is our right to Bear arms and protect what is ours there was nothing illegal that happened but in other parts of the country there are looting ... Date:Tuesday, June 09, 2020 7:06:30 PM Sent from my iPhone