HomeMy WebLinkAboutWe Demand Action Now
Christian, Kevin
From:Maya Avendano <maya.raziel6@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, June 2, 2020 1:18 PM
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:We Demand Action Now
City Council,
My name is Maya Avendano and I am a second year student at Cal Poly and resident of your city. I am
demanding that change be done and actions taken now for the lives and safety of the people of our country, and
your people.
In the age of the internet, it is impossible to ignore or not know about the deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud
Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, Tamir Rice, Sandra Bland, Mike Brown, Eric Garner, and so many
others who have been let down by our country’s systemically racist criminal justice system.
We demand that in today’s review of the 2020-21 budget, you reallocate some of the funds currently directed
toward the police department to other programs and alternative forms of policing, such as community policing,
community development, or even a specific diversity, equity, and inclusion line item. Crime isn't random, it is
statistically the result of someone who is unable to meet their basic needs. Reallocating funds from the police to
the community will aid in creating a safer, better city that we live in. As many SLO locals talk about, there is a
massive homeless crisis occurring here. Directing funds that were supposed to go to the police to this could
drastically benefit our community.
This is a small request to begin to address the massive inequities and systems of oppression that have been
perpetuated by governmental inaction. Though this will not fix the problem, it will move our city in a positive
direction and demonstrate a tangible commitment to addressing systematic racism. Please act in the best interest
of and to support your residents and people.
Thank you for all you do for the City of San Luis Obispo and for your consideration.
Regards,
Maya Avendaño
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Environmental Management & Protection Major
Land Restoration and Rehabilitation Ecology Minor/Biology Minor
maya.raziel6@gmail.com
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