HomeMy WebLinkAbout6/1/2021 Item 6a, Carrasco
Wilbanks, Megan
From:SBSLO Alliance <
To:E-mail Council Website; Harmon, Heidi; Stewart, Erica A; Marx, Jan; Christianson,
Carlyn; Pease, Andy
Subject:SLO Budget: Defund Policing, Invest in Communities
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Greetings, SLO City Council members
We at SBSLO Alliance, a group made up of local residents, support AACCS'
demands for the City Council to not pass this budget as-is! We need to
decrease the SLO Police Department budget by at least $5 Million, NOT
increase it. Move another $5 Million away from other sources in the
budget to invest in additional rent and other expense relief for the
bottom 10% income residents of SLO city. Invest in 100% very-low-
income housing.
SLO-PD’s budget is ~25%% of the city’s operating expenses! They’re the single biggest
expense for the city; there is NO excuse for that when that money should be going to
making sure people’s basic needs are met, and other things that are actually effective at
ensuring public safety! The COVID-19 pandemic has been an extreme crisis, and since last
Summer we've seen an increase in racism and systemic injustices all throughout the Central Coast
that disproportionately affects Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous, and people of color.
SLO City Council, y'all need to listen to the public you serve. We, the People, won't stop until our
demands are met. No justice, no peace!
Sincerely,
Jose Carrasco
Community member of Santa Barbara-San Luis Obispo Alliance (SBSLO Alliance)
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