HomeMy WebLinkAbout2/23/2021 Item 1, Smith
From:carolyn smith <
To:E-mail Council Website
Cc:Laura Borchard; Dan Balicki; macsar99@yahoo.com; Brett Cross; T Keith Gurnee; cc mc
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Mayor Harmon and Council Members,
I watched last Tuesday evening's Council Meeting and in particular the After Action Review of the
June 1st protest. Not only was I shocked and disappointed at the disrespectful behavior of a few of
the speakers, I noted that there were little to no comments from other residents who live in the city,
who also experienced anxiety and frustration from the protests. I believe it's important to get a
complete picture of all those affected by this incident.
During the protest at issue, as well as the other protests that occurred in SLO during the months of
unrest after the George Floyd incident, I heard from numerous friends and neighbors that they were
fearful that the protestors were going to fulfill what was being posted on social media by going into
privileged neighborhoods in SLO to let them know how they feel. This was frightening to some who
had seen the videos of this occurring in other cities and the dangers it presented to residents. So,
when the crowd forced their way onto the freeway, blocking traffic, it appeared to some that the
protestors were willing to do whatever necessary to make their point, even if it put others in peril.
During this time, I spoke to neighbors and residents who were worried about the anti police stance
permeating society and how it could affect their safety. So when the crowd forced their way onto the
freeway, putting themselves and others in danger, many were relieved that the police officers had the
tools they needed to disburse the crowd that they felt was endangering themselves and others, in
order to keep everyone safe. This is not to say that all residents felt this way, but there were many
who did. While there certainly are lessons to be learned from the police department's actions in this
incident, the result shouldn't be to limit their options to protect everyone.
The anti-police rhetoric is strong in some people right now due to recent circumstances, but I hope
you won't make irrational decisions based on raw emotions. Safety is one of the most important
reasons families want to live and/or visit a city. I view the police log nearly daily and can see the
issues our officers face each day throughout the city-some of them violent. If we force them to face
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these issues with limited resources and second guessing, from those who are untrained to deal with
those issues, we could destroy the safety of all.
Thank you and I hope you consider this view as it relates to residents' safety concerns in our
neighborhoods and streets, since many are afraid to speak out.
Carolyn Smith
SLO City Resident
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