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HomeMy WebLinkAboutResponsive - Briggs Pt. 12From:amy@50p1.com To:"Parshan Khosravi"; Harmon, Heidi Cc:"Andy Wong"; "Bragstad, Hannah"; Natalie Smith" Subject:RE: Support for overturn of Prop 209 form the Mayor of San Luis Obispo Date:Friday, July 10, 2020 11:55:11 AM Attachments:image001.png Hey Parshan, This is awesome, Natalie and I had a onboarding conversation with our new favorite Mayor! We are going to plug them in once we get everything up and running, looking at an awareness event and gotv activity. Plus Mayor Harmon may plug in as a campaign influencer working with comms. But getting the subtends Jalen and Xavier plugged into the student network would be great. Thanks again Mayor Harmon we really enjoyed the conversation!-Amy Amy Wiwuga (she/her/hers) Cell: 310-621-8933 Office: 818-938-9253 From: Parshan Khosravi <govrelations@ucsa.org> Sent: Friday, July 10, 2020 11:27 AM To: Harmon, Heidi <hharmon@slocity.org> Cc: Boyd, Tiffaney <Tiffaney.Boyd@asm.ca.gov>; Andy Wong <awong@edtrustwest.org>; Amy Wiwuga <amy@50p1.com>; Bragstad, Hannah <hbragstad@calstate.edu>; Subject: Re: Support for overturn of Prop 209 form the Mayor of San Luis Obispo Hey Heidi, Jalen, and Hamler. It's wonderful to connect with you! I'm currently getting a student organizing plan going for the campaign. I'd love to stay in touch with you all and talk about next steps in the coming weeks. Sincerely, Parshan Khosravi ParshanKhosraviGovernmentRelations Director University of California Student Association 1020 12th Street, Suite 232 Sacramento, CA 95814 916.442.8280 www.ucsa.org On Sun, Jul 5, 2020 at 8:06 PM Harmon, Heidi <hharmon@slocity.org> wrote: Wonderful. The students, (Jalen Hamler and Xaiver Moore) copied here, and I are very much interested in being part of bringing this to life. As you may know, I am the Mayor of San Luis Obispo, home to Cal Poly. Cal Poly has the lowest diversity in the state and the students and I are committed to changing that. They are both Cal Poly athletes and in leadership in our local BLM movement and have proven themselves to be capable of being part of creating a community of belonging. We might be able to bring a unique perspective and a story that would lift up this issue and speak to the value in overturning Prop 209. Please let us know how we can be of service. In Solidarity, Mayor Harmon From: Boyd, Tiffaney <Tiffaney.Boyd@asm.ca.gov> Sent: Wednesday, July 1, 2020 3:37 PM To: Harmon, Heidi <hharmon@slocity.org> Cc: Andy Wong <awong@edtrustwest.org>; Amy Wiwuga <amy@50p1.com>; Bragstad, Hannah hbragstad@calstate.edu>; Parshan Khosravi <govrelations@ucsa.org> Subject: RE: Support for overturn of Prop 209 form the Mayor of San Luis Obispo Hi Heidi, Thank you for reaching out and I think we spoke briefly when the bill was still in the Assembly, thank you for your help then. I have copied Andy and Amy who are leaders in organizing the coalition and can help get the students plugged in from now until November. I’m glad I could help connect you all. Best, Tiffaney Boyd | Legislative Aide Assemblymember Shirley Weber, Ph.D. 79th Assembly District State Capitol, Room 3123 916) 319-2079 Twitter | Facebook From: Harmon, Heidi <hharmon@slocity.org> Sent: Saturday, June 27, 2020 5:19 PM To: Moore, Alan <Alan.Moore@sen.ca.gov>; Boyd, Tiffaney Tiffaney.Boyd@asm.ca.gov> Subject: Re: Support for overturn of Prop 209 form the Mayor of San Luis Obispo Wonderful and thank you for the introduction. I am the Mayor of San Luis Obispo, the home of Cal Poly. As you may know Cal Poly has the lowest diversity in the state and I would love to support your efforts to increase diversity in our state. I have good relationships with the BLM youth leaders who are primarily associated with Cal Poly and they are interested in helping as well. Please let me know how I can be of service. To a Better World, Mayor Harmon From: Moore, Alan <Alan.Moore@sen.ca.gov> Sent: Wednesday, June 24, 2020 12:00 PM To: Harmon, Heidi <hharmon@slocity.org>; Boyd, Tiffaney Tiffaney.Boyd@asm.ca.gov> Subject: RE: Support for overturn of Prop 209 form the Mayor of San Luis Obispo Hi Tiffaney, I would like to e-introduce you to Mayor Heidi Harmon, the mayor of San Luis Obispo, who is looking to stay engage and assist us on full passage of ACA 5. I was hoping you could give her some guidance on further assistance on next steps regarding ACA 5’s passage. Mayor Harmon, Tiffaney is the primary staff for ACA 5 within Dr. Weber’s office and has been integral in the part of getting ACA 5 throughout the process. Thanks, Alan Moore Legislative Aide Office of Senator Holly J. Mitchell, SD 30 California State Capitol, Room 5050 T: 916 651 4030 From: Harmon, Heidi <hharmon@slocity.org> Sent: Tuesday, June 9, 2020 10:51 AM To: Moore, Alan <Alan.Moore@sen.ca.gov> Subject: Support for overturn of Prop 209 form the Mayor of San Luis Obispo Good Morning Mr. Moore. Please let me know how I can be of service on this issue. San Luis Obispo is the home of Cal Poly and my understanding is that Cal Poly has the lowest diversity in the state. I would be happy to do all that I can to support the Black Caucus' effort to overturn Prop 209. Please let me know how I can be of service. Thank you, Mayor Heidi Harmon From:Andrea Chmelik To:Jerry Mihaic Cc:Michelle Call; Walsh, Suzie; Abby Lassen; Alexander, Dustin; Amoroso, Brian; Amy Beveridge; Anne Robin; Bledsoe, John; Bob Spector; Bob Wolf; Bobby Naimark; Camille O"Bryant; Vereschagin, Cara; Courtney Haile; CR Lara; Daniel Meisel; Dawn Addis; Cantrell, Deanna; Douglas Heurmann; Ellen Sturtz; Felix Esparza; Frank Warren; Grigsby, Daryl; Jacqueline Frederick; Jamie Woolf; Jane Lehr; Jason Sisle- Provencio; Jeff Stein; Jill Bolster-White; Klevins, John; Julie Lynem; Kari Mansanger; Kathleen McMahon; Katie Grainger; Kurt Pflegl; Kurt Pflegl; Leola MacMillian; Michelle Garner; Mickel, Fred; Nancy Welts; Sanchez, Nicole; Pedersen, Joy; Rick Uhls; Riley Nilsen; Rudy Xavier; Rushdi Cader; Sam Byrd; Sisemore III, Paul; Sisemore, Paul; Smith, Jeff; Steve and Cheryl Vines; Susan Dressler; Usman Lgbal; Wallace, Christine; Walsh, Joshua; jean@stoketheworld.org Subject:Re: SLO PD Recommending Charges against Tianna Arata Date:Thursday, August 6, 2020 4:30:57 PM Thank you Michelle, Susan and Jerry for your voice and your perspective. Women's March SLO joins in solidarity, and would like to add our statement, which you can read below. We will be sending a separate letter to the District Attorney as well, and we hope you will join us. Women's March SLO (WMSLO) has been a PACT member since 2017. The mission of the PACT as stated is to affect positive social change through dialogue, education and understanding. PACT Mission Statement PACT will develop and preserve community partnership, increase awareness and acceptance of diversity in the San Luis Obispo Police Department and community through inclusion, education and collaboration. The PACT is committed to cultivating a culturally inclusive environment where diversity is valued and respected. As a member of PACT, WMSLO is deeply concerned about the charges brought by SLOPD against Tianna Arata and Elias Bautista. Women’s March San Luis Obispo supports the Black Lives Matter movement, and advocates for accountability and justice in cases of police brutality, and ending racial profiling and targeting of communities of color. It is our moral imperative to dismantle the gender and racial inequities within the criminal justice system. WMSLO recognizes that it takes courage for local BIPOC youth organizers to step up when those around them dismiss their experience and their existence as irrelevant. It takes even more courage to continue fighting for justice when the community they live in questions the peaceful means by which they fight. Tianna Arata and Elias Bautista spoke up against racial injustice in a county whose Sheriff does not believe systemic racism exists and does not understand the purpose or the need for Black Lives Matter movement, per his own words. The trust and the social contract has been broken, and not by the protesters. WMSLO appeals to you to pursue social change as described in the PACT mission statement – by dialogue, education and understanding – instead of felony charges that can destroy more lives yet. WMSLO respectfully requests that the department reconsider recommending these charges. Women's March San Luis Obispo On Thu, Aug 6, 2020 at 4:01 PM Jerry Mihaic <jmihaic@ilrc-trico.org> wrote: Based on what I am reading about this case, including the open letter to District Attorney Dan Dow in the New Times today, I also agree with Michelle Call that the types of charges against these young activists should be reconsidered. Respectfully, Jerry Jerry Mihaic Independent Living Resource Center, Inc. (ILRC) Information and Referral--Bilingual/Options Counselor 1411 Marsh St. Suite 109 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Tel: (805) 462-1162 Email: jmihaic@ilrc-trico.org Website: www.ilrc-trico.org Join our monthly newsletter! Like us on Facebook On Thu, Aug 6, 2020 at 11:16 AM Michelle Call <ed@galacc.org> wrote: Greetings to PACT: https://www.sanluisobispo.com/news/local/article244767242.html As a member of PACT and a community member, I am deeply concerned that these punitive charges are being pursued. I continue to appreciate the relationships developed with law enforcement, even while I (personally - not the organization) believe the system itself needs to be dismantled and replaced. These young activists, and in particular Tianna Arata, are speaking out against systemic racism and injustice. They are not doing it perfectly, and I believe they would benefit from some education. I did not personally agree with them going on the highway, but I also recognize that as a white cisgender woman I don't have their lived experience of racism and discrimination, which definitely *do* exist in SLO County, regardless of what Sheriff Parkinson may say. I appreciate the decision not to allow CHP to arrest protesters on the highway and wait until later. I appreciate the decision not to use teargas as we requested, and understand the strain all law enforcement officers are under at this time. However, holding a 20 year old Black woman responsible for the actions of a mostly white) crowd sends a message that is at best insensitive. It makes it that much harder to speak out in defence of police actions. It seems disproportionate. Sending more young Black folks into the carceral system is not what we are about - but with these charges that is exactly what might happen. I respectfully request the department reconsider recommending charges. Thank you, Michelle Michelle Call Executive Director She/Her/Hers The Gala Pride and Diversity Center New Pride Flag LGBTQ+ Organization in San Luis Obispo, California Address: 1060 Palm St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Phone: (805) 541-4252 Fax 805-545-7968 This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you are not the named addressee you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this email. Please notify the sender immediately if you have received this email by mistake and delete this email from your system. If you are not the intended recipient you are notified that disclosing, copying, distributing or taking any action in reliance on the contents of this information is strictly prohibited. Andrea Chmelik Women's March SLO 970-470-9294 www.womensmarchslo.com From:Angelica Gonzalez To: Subject:SART Advisory Board Meeting Agenda and Minutes Date:Tuesday, October 13, 2020 1:30:53 PM Attachments:SART ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES 06_18_2020.docx SART Advisory Board Agenda 10_15_2020 (1).docx 08_20_2020 SART Meeting Minutes .docx Happy October everyone, I hope you're all having a great beginning to the week! The SART Advisory Board meeting is this Thursday AT 8:30 via Zoom. Below you will find the link to the meeting along with the meeting minutes from our last meeting, the agenda for Thursday's meeting, and the minutes from June's meeting with the requested revisions. I appreciate everyone's patience as I got around to sending the agenda and minutes! As a reminder October is Domestic Violence Awareness month (DVAM)! Don't forget to wear purple! Looking forward to seeing you all! Topic: SART Advisory Board Meeting Time: Oct 15, 2020 08:30 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/9399948431?pwd=bnc0dHQ1bEkrWmlPdGord2RqZGU4dz09 Meeting ID: 939 994 8431 Passcode: 176981 One tap mobile 16699006833,,9399948431#,,,,,,0#,,176981# US (San Jose) Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/amKJy8Urj Best, Angie Gonzalez | SART Manager Pronouns | she, her, hers | why do pronouns matter? RISE Sexual Assault/Abuse and Intimate Partner ViolenceProgramsRISEslo.org 24-hr. Hotline: 855-886-RISE(7473) T: 805-226-5400 F: 805-226-5401 Locations: 51 Zaca Lane, #100 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 1030 VineStreetPasoRobles, CA 93446 This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you are not the named addressee you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this email. Please notify the sender immediately if you have received this email by mistake and deletethisemailfromyoursystem. If you are not the intended recipient you are notified that disclosing, copying, distributing or taking any action in reliance on the contents of this information is strictly prohibited. From:Angelica Gonzalez To: Subject:SART Advisory Board Meeting minutes/agenda Date:Tuesday, August 18, 2020 3:28:44 PM Attachments:SART ADVISORY BOARD MEETING MINUTES 06_18_2020.docx SART Advisory Board AGENDA.docx Hello all, I hope everyone is having a wonderful Tuesday. This is a gentle reminder that the SART Advisory Board meeting is scheduled for this Thursday the 20th at 8:30 am. Please find attached the minutes for the last meeting and the agenda for Thursday's meeting. The meeting will be held via Zoom. You can find the link below. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. See you all on Thursday! Topic: SART Advisory Board Time: Aug 20, 2020 08:30 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/93003185806?pwd=eW9mN2kxajZ5TVpNRHZDUStlNk04Zz09 Meeting ID: 930 0318 5806 Passcode: 198572 Dial by your location 1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/abrMOYX4hA Thank you, Angie Gonzalez | Bilingual SART Manager Pronouns She/Her/Hers RISE Sexual Assault/Abuse and Intimate Partner Violence Programs RISEslo.org 24-hr. Hotline: 855-886-RISE(7473) T: 805-226-5400 F: 805-226-5401 Locations: 51 Zaca Lane, #100 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 1030 Vine Street Paso Robles, CA 93446 This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you are not the named addressee you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this email. Please notify thesenderimmediatelyifyouhavereceivedthisemailbymistakeanddeletethisemailfromyoursystem. If you are not the intended recipient you are notified that disclosing, copying, distributing or taking any action in reliance on the contents of this information is strictly prohibited. From:Bernadette Bernardi To:Magee, Dale Cc:Michael Boyer; DE&I Task Force Subject:Re: grant application Date:Friday, October 16, 2020 11:23:26 AM Hello Dale, Thank you! Another lesson learned- read to the end of the application first! Thanks again! My Best, Bernadette On Oct 16, 2020, at 11:09 AM, Magee, Dale <dmagee@slocity.org> wrote: Hello Bernadette, I’m glad the form is working for you, but if you need further help, please don’t hesitate to let us know. We can connect you to IT if needed. Good luck with your application, Dale Dale Magee DE&I Task Force, Coordinator Organization of the Future, Project Facilitator From:Bernadette Bernardi bernadette@literacyforlifeslo.org> Sent:Friday,October 16,2020 10:55 AM To:DE&I Task Force DEI@slocity.org> Cc:Michael Boyer michael@michaelboyer.net> Subject:Fwd:grant application I did read to the end of the application and now know how to save.Thank you! Begin forwarded message: From: Bernadette Bernardi <bernadette@literacyforlifeslo.org> Subject: Fwd: grant application Date: October 16, 2020 at 10:47:26 AM PDT To: Michael Boyer <michael@michaelboyer.net> Hi Michael, Please see forwarded message below.I’m taking the liberty of contacting you since I know you’re on the committee.Would you be able to help me?I’ve scheduled this weekend to work on the grant.I’m striving to improve my computer skills everyday.I haven’t discovered a way to save the application document as shown through the link.Thank you!BTW-I would love one of those great signs about Black Lives Matter,etc.I don’t have a car-though I can walk.Are you at the DigitalWest building by Ace?Easy walk for me-though not in the middle of a hot day!What is the cost?Thanks again! My Best, Bernadette Begin forwarded message: From: Bernadette Bernardi bernadette@literacyforlifeslo.org> Subject: grant application Date: October 16, 2020 at 9:31:11 AM PDT To: DEI@slocity.org Cc: Dear Sir or Madam, Would you please send me a fillable document of the grant application for the DEI funds?Or instructions,please,as to how to save work on the application document that is linked here:https://www.slocity.org/home/showdocument? id=28075.Thank you! My Best, Bernadette Bernadette Bernardi Executive Director Literacy for Life bernadette@literacyforlifeslo.org visit:www.literacyforlifeslo.org Like us on FaceBook! Bernadette Bernardi Executive Director Literacy for Life bernadette@literacyforlifeslo.org visit:www.literacyforlifeslo.org Like us on FaceBook! Bernadette Bernardi Executive Director Literacy for Life bernadette@literacyforlifeslo.org visit:www.literacyforlifeslo.org Like us on FaceBook! Bernadette Bernardi Executive Director Literacy for Life bernadette@literacyforlifeslo.org visit: www.literacyforlifeslo.org Like us on FaceBook! From:Bernadette Bernardi To:DE&I Task Force Cc:Michael Boyer Subject:Fwd: grant application Date:Friday, October 16, 2020 10:55:28 AM I did read to the end of the application and now know how to save. Thank you! Begin forwarded message: From: Bernadette Bernardi <bernadette@literacyforlifeslo.org> Subject: Fwd: grant application Date: October 16, 2020 at 10:47:26 AM PDT To: Michael Boyer <michael@michaelboyer.net> Hi Michael, Please see forwarded message below. I’m taking the liberty of contacting you since I know you’re on the committee. Would you be able to help me? I’ve scheduled this weekend to work on the grant. I’m striving to improve my computer skills everyday. I haven’t discovered a way to save the application document as shown through the link. Thank you! BTW- I would love one of those great signs about Black Lives Matter, etc. I don’t have a car- though I can walk. Are you at the DigitalWest building by Ace? Easy walk for me- though not in the middle of a hot day! What is the cost? Thanks again! My Best, Bernadette Begin forwarded message: From: Bernadette Bernardi <bernadette@literacyforlifeslo.org> Subject: grant application Date: October 16, 2020 at 9:31:11 AM PDT To: DEI@slocity.org Cc: Dear Sir or Madam, Would you please send me a fillable document of the grant application for the DEI funds? Or instructions, please, as to how to save work on the application document that is linked here: https://www.slocity.org/home/showdocument?id=28075. Thank you! My Best, Bernadette Bernadette Bernardi Executive Director Literacy for Life bernadette@literacyforlifeslo.org visit: www.literacyforlifeslo.org Like us on FaceBook! Bernadette Bernardi Executive Director Literacy for Life bernadette@literacyforlifeslo.org visit: www.literacyforlifeslo.org Like us on FaceBook! Bernadette Bernardi Executive Director Literacy for Life bernadette@literacyforlifeslo.org visit: www.literacyforlifeslo.org Like us on FaceBook! From:Betz, Ryan To:Cano, Molly Subject:FW: Mayor Harmon"s statement in collaboration with local young black leadership on anti-racism in San Luis Obispo - PLEASE PRINT IN IT"S ENTIRETY Date:Thursday, June 4, 2020 5:20:00 PM Attachments:image001.png Ryan Betz Assistant to the City Manager City Administration 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218 E rbetz@slocity.org T 805.781.7589 slocity.org From: Harmon, Heidi <hharmon@slocity.org> Sent: Thursday, June 4, 2020 3:08 PM To: Harmon, Heidi <hharmon@slocity.org> Subject: Mayor Harmon's statement in collaboration with local young black leadership on anti- racism in San Luis Obispo - PLEASE PRINT IN IT'S ENTIRETY This is a day of mourning in this country. The family and loved ones of George Floyd lay their beloved son, brother, father, and friend to rest. I have asked that all of the flags in the city be flown at half staff to honor his life. A life that was ended too soon at the hands of a racist police officer. I have been listening to all of your voices and I hear you. This statement was written in collaboration with local young black leadership and in particular with Xavier Moore, Jalen Hamler, both Cal Poly students and with Tianna Arata; recent Cuesta graduate and future University of Sacramento student. Together, we are implementing the demands of justice. I had the honor of walking with these leaders in a peaceful protest on Wednesday and their leadership is something to be commended and celebrated. I want to start by acknowledging and affirming how tragic, unacceptable, and heartbreaking the recent killings of black folks at the hands of the police are. I understand that the murders of recent weeks are but a few of the centuries-long history of racism and violence against People of Color in this country. What is happening today is a direct result of our country’s racist beginning, a wound we have never committed to healing- and we must make that commitment to healing now through action, through policy, through dialogue and collaboration. Over recent days, thousands of people within our community have boldly and peacefully stood in solidarity to protest racial injustice that has plagued our nation and our world. I stand with you. I hear you and I want to take this opportunity to positively impact social change- a change that looks like prioritizing black voices, equity in leadership, a world where parents don't live in fear when their black children leave the house, and a San Luis Obispo that does not leave anyone out. We have heard over and over again from people of color that they do not feel welcome here and it is time to step up and be willing to do the difficult and necessary work of changing that. It is up to us to do the work to educate ourselves in order to create a community that is welcoming, equitable, and kind. A budget is an expression of values and I want the city’s budget to express the value of standing with people of color. I am glad to say that at this week’s City Council meeting we set aside 160,000 to go toward policy and efforts to better serve communities of color and create more equity in San Luis Obispo. This effort will center people of color who will lead and advise us as to meaningful steps we can take as a city on anti-racism work. We will be immediately putting this funding towards meaningful and concrete steps we can take as a city on anti-racism work. With meaningful efforts, we can create a city in which tear gas, foam bullets, and pepper balls will never be used when people are peacefully demonstrating. I am open, interested, and ready to listen to your suggestions as to the best way to implement and use this funding. The incident on Monday in which tear gas was deployed by local law enforcement is greatly disturbing and I have heard from many of you that you are deeply upset as well. To be clear, I was not involved in any way in the decision to deploy tear gas to disperse the protesters. Our role on City Council is one of policy and not of operations. In my role as Mayor, I do not have a position of command or control over multi-jurisdictional law enforcement. I am, however, responsible for taking on the call, and demanding that we do better. We can do better and I am committed to learning from this incident in order to gain clarity on what policies we need to pursue to ensure that we don’t have an incident like that ever again in our city. I am calling for the police department to conduct a Critical Incident Review that includes the statements of protesters on what happened so that all of us can understand exactly what led up to this situation so we can learn, make changes, and do better. I have signed on to President Obama’s pledge to de-escalate police violence. In addition, I have asked the following questions to Chief Cantrell to seek clarity and to assess what the critical next steps need to be. Are the police officers in the San Luis Obispo Police Department being trained to de-escalate altercations by using peaceful conflict resolution strategies? Are the police officers in the San Luis Obispo Police Department forbidden from using carotid restraints (chokeholds, strangleholds, etc.) and hog-tying methods? Furthermore, are they forbidden from transporting civilians in uncomfortable positions, such as face down in a vehicle? Are the police officers in the San Luis Obispo Police Department required to intervene if they witness another officer using excessive force? Will officers be reprimanded if they fail to intervene? Are the police officers in the San Luis Obispo Police Department forbidden from shooting at moving vehicles? Is there a clear and enforced use-of-force continuum that details what weapons and force are acceptable in a wide variety of civilian-police interactions? Are the officers in the San Luis Obispo Police Department required to exhaust every other possible option before using excessive force? Are the officers in the San Luis Obispo Police Department required to give a verbal warning to civilians before drawing their weapon or using excessive force? Are the officers in the San Luis Obispo Police Department required to report each time they threaten to or use force on civilians? Are the officers in the San Luis Obispo Police Department thoroughly vetted to ensure that they do not have a history with abuse, racism, xenophobia, homophobia/transphobia, or discrimination? Are the officers in the San Luis Obispo Police Department trained to perform and seek necessary medical action after using excessive force? Is there an early intervention system enforced to correct officers who use excessive force? Additionally, how many complaints does an officer have to receive before they are reprimanded? Before they are terminated? What is the operational guideline for body cameras, including the need to ensure that they are powered and operational at all times? What are the educational requirements of our officers? At our next City Council meeting, I will be presenting a proclamation to these young leaders in honor of Juneteenth; the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. I call on the people of San Luis Obispo to join me in celebrating Juneteeth by sharing some of the tremendous wealth in this community by providing scholarship funding to Cal Poly so that more first-generation students have a chance at a good education and a chance at being part of the fabric of this community. To give young people of color a chance to be commended for their intelligence at Cal Poly, instead of the majority of admissions of black students having to be within athletics. And I call on the media to commit to unbiased reporting and to take responsibility for the crucial role that media often plays in stoking the flames of fear and distrust. Racism is a social system with multiple dimensions. Racism causes persistent racial discrimination in housing, education, employment, and criminal justice; racism is a significant social determinant of health as we have seen throughout the COVID pandemic and violence against people of color. It is crucial that we name this in order to fully and meaningfully address this crisis. This is why at our next city council meeting I will be asking that the City of San Luis Obispo asserts that racism is a public health emergency affecting our entire society. And I am calling on Governor Newsom to do the same. As an activist myself, I appreciate the impact that activism can have on policy, and the work it takes to be in the streets. Your activism has made a difference. I implore you as we move into tomorrow and the weeks and years to come, to continue to listen, ask questions, and do the important work that is before us. Do not look away. We are a caring and compassionate community. And we are a caring and compassionate community of privilege and we are called to use that privilege to create a more fair and just world for all. We need to come together to all stand in support of peaceful and radical action against systemic racism. I stand in grief and support and believe that we must come together to end the discrimination and violence of black and marginalized communities everywhere. A world exists in which we no longer have to protest injustice because injustice no longer exists. A world where riot gear goes rusty and policing becomes obsolete. A world where black men run and black women sleep in their homes in safety. A world where George Floyd and Breanna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbrey are still alive, walking hand in hand with Xavier Moore, Jalen Hamler, and Tianna Arata. Let us create that world together. Standing with you for Black Lives, Mayor Harmon 4 From:Cantrell, Deanna To:Rick Uhls; Walsh, Suzie; Amoroso, Brian; Smith, Jeff; walsh@slocity.org Subject:RE: Support for SLOPD Date:Saturday, August 8, 2020 9:51:00 PM Attachments:image001.png Thank you so much Rick and we get it…it is a delicate balance. I am planning a meeting for this Thursday to discuss protests and the arrests which I will stand behind. D Deanna Cantrell Police Chief Police Department 1042 Walnut Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-2729 E DCantrel@slocity.org T 805.781.7020 slocity.org 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. From:Rick Uhls rick.uhls@gmail.com> Sent:Thursday,August 6,2020 2:47 PM To:Cantrell,Deanna DCantrel@slocity.org>;Walsh,Suzie swalsh@slocity.org>;Amoroso,Brian bamoroso@slocity.org>;Smith,Jeff jsmith@slocity.org>;walsh@slocity.org Subject:Support for SLOPD Dear Friends, I am reading the reactions of some of the PACT members regarding the filing of charges against Tianna Arata and Elias Bautista.I am not surprised by their reactions.However,I do want you to know that I am in full support of SLOPD proceeding with filing these charges.My hope is the district attorney will pursue these charges to the fullest extent possible.The idea that these two individuals should be given a free pass for their criminal actions is not one I can support in any way. My question for you is,how can I best be of support?If responding to the entire PACT would be helpful,I will do so.My guess is that any professed support will be met with some pretty significant backlash.If that would only make matters worse,then I will remain silent for now.My desire is to see SLOPD supported for the excellent job being done in these extraordinarily difficult times. I am sure I have inadvertently not included some members of the department who are involved with PACT.This was not intentional by any means. In the effort of full disclosure,I am admittedly quite biased in my support of law enforcement.I worked with law enforcement for 16 years as a chaplain and for 9 of those years as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff in Riverside County.I also helped to write and implement the chaplain program for Riverside and Ventura County Sheriff's Departments. It has always been hard to be a law enforcement officer.I believe it is extremely difficult to be one in these turbulent times.Please know that there are those of us who support you and the good work that you do and hold you in prayer on a daily basis. Peace,Blessings and Hope, Rick Uhls Rev. Rick Uhls, pastor San Luis Obispo United Methodist Church 1515 Fredericks Street San Luis Obispo,CA 93405 805.543.7580 office 562.508.3501 mobile www.sloumc.com To: Stanwyck, Shelly <sstanwyc@slocity.org> Cc: Avakian, Greg <gavakian@slocity.org> Subject: Re: Terrace hill and csl -blm We’re already on it. Get Outlook for iOS From: Stanwyck, Shelly <sstanwyc@slocity.org> Sent: Monday, June 22, 2020 12:52:36 PM To: Carscaden, Doug <dcarscad@slocity.org> Cc: Avakian, Greg <gavakian@slocity.org> Subject: FW: Terrace hill and csl -blm FYI in Greg’s absence. Obviously the M is the schools. The rocks bummer. From: Johnson, Derek <djohnson@slocity.org> Sent: Monday, June 22, 2020 8:33 AM To: Avakian, Greg <gavakian@slocity.org> Cc: Stanwyck, Shelly <sstanwyc@slocity.org>; Harmon, Heidi <hharmon@slocity.org> Subject: FW: Terrace hill and csl -blm Hi Greg, Can you please dispatch our rangers and have them address the graffiti before it gets out of hand. Thanks Derek From: Heidi Harmon < Sent: Monday, June 22, 2020 8:31 AM To: Harmon, Heidi <hharmon@slocity.org>; Johnson, Derek <djohnson@slocity.org> Subject: Fw: Terrace hill and csl -blm FYI: Morning Heidi, I was running Cerro San Luis and Terrace Hill this morning. I don’t know when it was done-perhaps you know this already: The Cerro San Luis “M” is now painted black for BLM. (A Little Rock above has “bl”). That was cool to see in my opinion, though I’m sure others will have their own opinions. On Terrace Hill, rocks were spray painted with “blm”as well as “acab”-as you can see in my attachments. I had to look up what acab is as I’m out of the loop- and am concerned this would be pretty divisive. I was thinking of notifying Slo city rangers, but thought I should notify u first, as i feel you have great judgement and intuition on what to do. Hope that is ok. Joyce From:Chang, Julie To:Christopher Adamczyk Subject:Problems in LA already Date:Tuesday, February 9, 2021 8:14:00 AM Attachments:image001.png image002.png image003.png image004.png HI! Rut Roh! Several of D.A. George Gascón's reforms blocked by L.A. County judge (msn.com) BLM-LA are mad as hornets Julie Chang Crime Analyst Police Department 1042 Walnut, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-2729 E jchang@slocity.org T 805-594-8091 slocity.org Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications For updates on COVID-19 and how to access City services during COVID, visit slocity.org/covid19 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. From:Chang, Julie To:Pualani Chang Subject:BLM Voter guide Date:Tuesday, October 13, 2020 8:26:00 AM Attachments:BLMVoterGuide.PNG image001.png Julie Chang Crime Analyst Police Department 1042 Walnut, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-2729 E jchang@slocity.org T 805-594-8091 slocity.org 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. From:Chelsea Sperakos To: Subject:RTA Fall Newsletter 2020 Date:Wednesday, September 16, 2020 1:44:37 PM Attachments:RTA Fall 2020 Newsletter small.pdf Good afternoon, Attached is the RTA Board newsletter for the fall of 2020. You will find updates about the agency and team members inside. Please direct any questions to Geoff Straw. Enjoy! Chelsea Sperakos Administrative Assistant San Luis Obispo Regional Transit Authority 179 Cross Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 805.781.4833 Fax 805.781.1291 slorta.org From:Chloe Fleischer To:Harmon, Heidi; Christianson, Carlyn; Pease, Andy; Cantrell, Deanna; Stewart, Erica A; Subject:Re: 8 can’t wait Date:Friday, June 5, 2020 1:11:23 AM Cheers, Chloe On Jun 4, 2020, at 23:24, Chloe Fleischer <clover.fleischer@gmail.com> wrote: To whom it may concern, Hello, my name is Chloe Fleischer and I am a citizen of San Luis Obispo. IamstandinginsupportwiththeBlackLivesMattermovementandlookingtowardsafuturewithmajorpolicereform. We are increasingly aware that the use ofexcesspoliceforceisandhasbeenrampantaroundthecountry. We have mournedthedeathsofourBlackbrothersandsistersatthehandsofthesystemforfartoolong. I am calling on you to make a difference. Campaign Zero has laid out actionstepsthatwecanbegintakingtoendunnecessarypoliceviolence. In SLO, wehavefailedtofulfill6ofthe8proposedreforms. Data proves that together these eight policies can decrease police violenceby72%.” Ban chokeholds & strangleholdsRequirede-escalationRequirewarningbeforeshootingExhaustallothermeansbeforeshootingDutytointerveneBanshootingatmovingvehiclesRequireuseofforcecontinuumRequirecomprehensivereporting Read all about these policies, sign up to take action, and more, at: https://8cantwait.org Thank you, Chloe Fleischer From:Chloe Fleischer To:Harmon, Heidi; agomez@slocith.org; Christianson, Carlyn; Pease, Andy; Cantrell, Deanna; Stewart, Erica A; Subject:8 can’t wait Date:Thursday, June 4, 2020 11:24:30 PM To whom it may concern, Hello, my name is Chloe Fleischer and I am a citizen of San Luis Obispo. I am standinginsupportwiththeBlackLivesMattermovementandlookingtowardsafuturewithmajorpolicereform. We are increasingly aware that the use of excess police force is and has been rampant around the country. We have mourned the deaths of our Black brothers and sisters at thehandsofthesystemforfartoolong. I am calling on you to make a difference. Campaign Zerohaslaidoutactionstepsthatwecanbegintakingtoendunnecessarypoliceviolence. In SLO, wehavefailedtofulfill6ofthe8proposedreforms. Data proves that together these eight policies can decrease police violence by 72%.” Ban chokeholds & strangleholdsRequirede-escalationRequirewarningbeforeshootingExhaustallothermeansbeforeshootingDutytointerveneBanshootingatmovingvehiclesRequireuseofforcecontinuumRequirecomprehensivereporting Read all about these policies, sign up to take action, and more, at: https://8cantwait.org Thank you, Chloe Fleischer From:Crisp, Matthew To:Schwartz, Luke Subject:RE: 9/3 Demonstrations Date:Monday, August 31, 2020 5:00:00 PM Attachments:image006.png Palm closure TCP.pdf I think this is good. We may want to think about combining the 2 closures but let’s see what everyone’s thoughts are… From: Schwartz, Luke <LSchwart@slocity.org> Sent: Monday, August 31, 2020 4:28 PM To: Crisp, Matthew <mcrisp@slocity.org> Subject: RE: 9/3 Demonstrations Yeah, that makes sense Luke Schwartz Transportation Manager Public Works Transportation Planning/Engineering 919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218 E LSchwartz@slocity.org T 805.781.7190 slocity.org From: Crisp, Matthew <mcrisp@slocity.org> Sent: Monday, August 31, 2020 4:27 PM To: Schwartz, Luke <LSchwart@slocity.org> Subject: RE: 9/3 Demonstrations Ahh I will adjust. This is going to close the blocks of Osos that approach Palm. Similar to the Palm/Monterey intersection – there won’t be anywhere to go. Matt From: Schwartz, Luke <LSchwart@slocity.org> Sent: Monday, August 31, 2020 4:21 PM To: Crisp, Matthew <mcrisp@slocity.org> Subject: RE: 9/3 Demonstrations Let’s assume that they still have to place signs to restrict turns onto Palm from Osos. I’m not sure when they would use this closure – it might end up being an extension to the Walnut Street closure, not necessarily an extension of the Monterey Street closure. Also, the Palm Street closure needs to go all the way west to Morro (Santa Rosa to Morro) Thanks! Luke Schwartz Transportation Manager Public Works Transportation Planning/Engineering 919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218 E LSchwartz@slocity.org T 805.781.7190 slocity.org From: Crisp, Matthew <mcrisp@slocity.org> Sent: Monday, August 31, 2020 4:17 PM To: Schwartz, Luke <LSchwart@slocity.org> Subject: RE: 9/3 Demonstrations This is under the assumption that the courthouse closure is also happening and we are not closing the intersection at Osos/Palm. From: Schwartz, Luke <LSchwart@slocity.org> Sent: Monday, August 31, 2020 10:04 AM To: Crisp, Matthew <mcrisp@slocity.org> Subject: FW: 9/3 Demonstrations Matt, Per Horn’s email below, we need to prepare a TCP for a potential closure of Palm Street from Santa Rosa to Morro. Do you have time today to make a plan exactly like you did for Walnut Street (just simple notes on a PDF map)? If not, no worries. I’ll see if another staff member can assist. Luke Schwartz Transportation Manager Public Works Transportation Planning/Engineering 919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218 E LSchwartz@slocity.org T 805.781.7190 slocity.org From: Horn, Matt <mhorn@slocity.org> Sent: Monday, August 31, 2020 8:52 AM To: Anguiano, Gamaliel <ganguian@slocity.org>; Basden, Adam <abasden@slocity.org>; Combs, Ron rcombs@slocity.org>; Cruce, Greg <gcruce@slocity.org>; Felt, Chris <cfelt@slocity.org>; Guzman, Manuel <mguzman@slocity.org>; Hernandez, Alejandro <ahernand@slocity.org>; Hussey, Gaven ghussey@slocity.org>; Kline, Jeff <jkline@slocity.org>; Nelson, Brian <BNelson@slocity.org>; Ryan, Cori <cryan@slocity.org>; Schwartz, Luke <LSchwart@slocity.org> Subject: 9/3 Demonstrations So we are preparing for another large demonstration on Thursday 9/3 this week. 9/3 is the scheduled arraignment date for Tianna Arata and the demonstration size will largely be dependent on what District Attorney Dan Dow decides to charge Tianna Arata with. The District Attorney could decide to charge Ms. Arata with all the charges, some of the charges, or could also delay to another date. With all that variability, this is our current plan. 1. Prepare to implement attached Courthouse closure TC prior to 3:30 PM on Thursday 2. Upon greater information, scale the closure up as directed by the PD To prepare to scale up the PD may want to close Palm Street from Santa Rosa to Morro as well as Walnut from Santa Rosa to Osos. Here are the requests: 1. Luke will you please prepare a TC plan for streets to implement for the Palm Street closure (Santa Rosa to Morro)? 2. Gaven please be ready to close 919 Parking Structure for public parking if we choose to implement Palm Street closure. 3. Gamaliel please coordinate with RTA concerning these possible closures and prepare to use Amtrak as the transit hub on Thursday. 4. Greg please take the lead to prepare for all TC implementations and obtain volunteers to work the event – please assume two trucks and 4 staff. No word on vandalism support needs. I don’t think we need it, but it would be good to get volunteers if we need that support. Let me know what I’m forgetting or if you have any questions and thank you, Matt Horn Director of Public Works Public Works Engineering 919 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218 E mhorn@slocity.org T 805.781.7191 C 805.432.5474 slocity.org From:Dale Magee | Catalyst Consulting To:"Beya Montero" Cc:Johnson, Derek; Harmon, Heidi; Stewart, Erica A Subject:RE: DEI Task Force Date:Monday, July 20, 2020 12:29:02 AM Attachments:image001.png Task Force Overview Update Timeline - Link to Recruitment Announcement.pdf Resolution - Final - no sigs.pdf Task Force - PUBLIC NOTICE - Final - For Release - English.pdf Public Notice - For Release - Spanish.pdf Task Force Timeline1 - July 10.docx Hello Beya, I second Erica’s “thank you!” Your involvement with the task force will be extremely beneficial, and is greatly appreciated. I know there are further details to discuss, but here a few items that should give you a good overview of the initiative and timing. Attached are: overview of the task force Council’s full resolution public notices anticipated schedule (not for distribution, please) Link to the membership application (just FYI – not something you need to complete): https://forms.slocity.org/Forms/V0FDg More to come! Thank you, Dale Dale Deanne Magee Catalyst Consulting Project Coordinator, SLO City DE&I Task Force c: +1 805.440.8588 e: Dale@CatalystConsulting.biz From:Beya Montero mcmonter@calpoly.edu> Sent:Wednesday,July 15,2020 4:54 PM To:Stewart,Erica A estewart@slocity.org> Cc:Johnson,Derek djohnson@slocity.org>;Magee,Dale dale@catalystconsulting.biz>; Heidi Harmon'heidiismighty@gmail.com>;Harmon,Heidi hharmon@slocity.org>; Subject:Re:DEI Task Force Hi Erica, I am really excited about this initiative and look forward to working with you and the team to center DEI at the community and city level.I will be on the lookout for more information soon from Derek and Dale. Thank you, Beya Makekau, M.A. (she, her, hers) Why do pronouns matter? Interim Director Student Diversity and Belonging | Student Affairs 805-756-7242 From:Stewart,Erica A estewart@slocity.org> Sent:Wednesday,July 15,2020 12:56 PM To:Beya Montero mcmonter@calpoly.edu> Cc:Johnson,Derek djohnson@slocity.org>;Magee,Dale dale@catalystconsulting.biz>; Heidi Harmon'Harmon,Heidi hharmon@slocity.org>; Subject:DEI Task Force Hi Beya, It was great talking with you today.I’m excited to work with you. I am copying Derek Johnson,City Manager and Dale Magee,Catalyst Consulting,on this email.They will compile the task force information that we’ve been working on and send it to you soon. Thank you for being willing to work with us on this initiative! All the best! Erica Erica A. Stewart Council Member Office of the City Council 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3249 E estewart@slocity.org slocity.org From:Douglas Heumann To:Wallace, Christine Cc: Subject:Re: PACT -- Hiring of Next City of SLO Police Chief Date:Wednesday, September 23, 2020 11:20:37 AM Attachments:image001.png Ltr_SLO City Manager_PACT Input re New Police Chief_09.23.20.pdf Thank you Christine--much appreciated--attached find a letter to Mr. Johnson. On Wed, Sep 23, 2020 at 10:40 AM Wallace, Christine <cwallace@slocity.org> wrote: Hi Doug and PACT, Quick clarification of the hiring process of a chief. The council and mayor do participate however, the decision maker is the City Manager. He makes the request to City Human Resources to conduct a recruitment and schedule interviews and community panels. Should you all agree to send a letter to Mayor Harmon, I recommend you include Derek Johnson in the correspondence. I hope you all are well and have a wonderful day, Christine Wallace Neighborhood Outreach Manager Police Department 1042 Walnut Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-2729 E cwallace@slocity.org T 805.781.7186 slocity.org 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. From: Douglas Heumann <tlegal5@gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, September 23, 2020 10:20 AM To: Cc: Harmon, Heidi <hharmon@slocity.org>; raymond allen <raymondinsf@yahoo.com> Subject: PACT -- Hiring of Next City of SLO Police Chief Dear PACT Members: I contact you with regard to the hiring of our next police chief. To that end, I have attached two documents for your review and consideration. SLO County Bar Bulletin article, BLACK LIVES MATTER: How to Restore Public Trust In The Police, written by Scott Taylor, Esq. I was given permission by the Bulletin's editor, Raymond Allen, Esq, to send this article to members of the PACT. It is NOT to be used for political ads or agendas. While you may not agree with Mr. Taylor, I believe he provides some excellent ideas on how we might wish to assist the City in creating the police force we wish to have. Letter to Mayor Heidi Harmon requesting that the City allow the PACT to be involved in the hiring of the next police chief. If you agree with this request, please contact Ms. Harmon. Sincerely, Doug J. Heumann, Esq he, him, his) Board of Directors, 2020 President The Gala Pride and Diversity Center 1060 Palm Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 http://galacc.org CELL (805) 458-0970 From:Elizabeth Sine To:DE&I Task Force Subject:SLO City High Impact DEI Grant Date:Thursday, October 22, 2020 8:46:25 AM Attachments:RACE_Matters_Org_Chart.pdf RACE Matters-SLO City DEI high impact grant, 10-22-20.pdf RACE Matters_Ecologistics Fiscal Sponsorship Agreement.pdf RACE_Matters_Leadership.pdf Please find grant application materials for R.A.C.E. Matters attached. Best, Elizabeth Sine From:Erica A. Stewart To:Stewart, Erica A Subject:Fwd: YOUR grant applications for review - Subcommittee #1 Date:Saturday, October 24, 2020 9:02:23 AM Attachments:Big Brothers Big Sisters Application.pdf Diversity Coalition SLO County Application.pdf One Cool Earth - Follow Up Questions from D Magee.pdf One Cool Earth Application.pdf Peace Academy Application.pdf Restorative Partners Application.pdf SLO Climate Coalition App.pdf SLO Noor Application.pdf SLO Repertory Theater Application.pdf Transitions Mental Health Assoc Application.pdf Grant Apps - Review Worksheet - final oct 19.pdf Forwarded message --------- From: Magee, Dale <dmagee@slocity.org> Date: Fri, Oct 23, 2020 at 10:33 PM Subject: YOUR grant applications for review - Subcommittee #1 To: Erica A. Stewart < CC: Jenell Rae Navarro <Dusty Colyer-Worth Hello Erica, Attached are your grant applications (9), and the review worksheet (sent earlier). You do NOT have to look at these at all before our morning review orientation (I assume you figured that Jenell, Dusty - Just for your files. Thank you, Dale Dale Magee Strategic Projects Project Manager, DE&I Task Force Facilitator, Org of the Future City Administration 990 Palm, San Luis Obispo, 93401-3249 E dmagee@slocity.org M 805.440.8588 slocity.org Your message is ready to be sent with the following file or link attachments: Big Brothers Big Sisters Application Diversity Coalition SLO County Application One Cool Earth - Follow Up Questions from D Magee One Cool Earth Application Peace Academy Application Restorative Partners Application SLO Climate Coalition App SLO Noor Application SLO Repertory Theater Application Transitions Mental Health Assoc Application Note: To protect against computer viruses, e-mail programs may prevent sending or receiving certain types of file attachments. Check your e-mail security settings to determine how attachments are handled. Erica A. Stewart m Pronouns: She/Her/Hers (What Are Personal Pronouns and Why Do They Matter?) Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."- Martin Luther King, Jr. From:Fie, Noel To:Cano, Molly; jacqui@slochamber.org; ashlee@verdinmarketing.com Subject:FW: City of SLO Support Local Program Business Participation Questionnaire Date:Thursday, August 6, 2020 7:55:22 AM Attachments:City of SLO Support Local Program Business Partici.pdf From:slolaserfiche@slocity.org slolaserfiche@slocity.org> Sent:Wednesday,August 5,2020 8:11 PM To:Burns,Chantal cburns@slocity.org>;Fie,Noel nfie@slocity.org> Subject:Local Recovery Application A new Participation Opportunities Questionnaire Form has been submitted. From:Fred Etheridge To:Harmon, Heidi Subject:Re: Interview Request for Podcast- Energy Trends Date:Friday, November 13, 2020 8:55:33 AM Hi Heidi, Do any of the following blocks work for you? I am planning on an hour max for the interview. Fri. Dec. 4: Noon - 2:00 pm Wed. Dec. 9: 1:00 - 2:00 pm Thurs. Dec. 10: 1:00 - 2:30pm Fri. Dec. 11: 1:00 - 2:00 pm; and 3:00 - 4:00 pm Mon. Dec. 14: Noon - 2:00 pm Thanks. Fred Sent from my iPad On Nov 12, 2020, at 8:15 AM, Harmon, Heidi <hharmon@slocity.org> wrote: Sounds great I’m happy to yes please send me some times and dates that work for you and will work on some thing. Get Outlook for iOS From: Fred Etheridge <fred-eth@pacbell.net> Sent: Wednesday, November 11, 2020 2:02:33 PM To: Harmon, Heidi <hharmon@slocity.org> Subject: Fw: Interview Request for Podcast- Energy Trends Hi Heidi, First, Congratulations on being re-elected, and by such a large margin! It must be gratifying to know that all the hard work you and your team put in was recognized. If you're still interested in doing a podcast interview, how does the first half of December look for you? If that looks OK, I can forward you some dates that work for my engineer and me. Thanks so much. Fred Forwarded Message ----- From: Fred Etheridge <fred-eth@pacbell.net> To: Harmon, Heidi <hharmon@slocity.org> Sent: Wednesday, October 28, 2020, 08:27:17 AM PDT Subject: Re: Interview Request for Podcast- Energy Trends Hi Heidi, Thanks. Talk with you then. Fred On Wednesday, October 28, 2020, 08:11:42 AM PDT, Harmon, Heidi hharmon@slocity.org> wrote: So sorry Fred to be late to this. Let's circle back after the election. Heidi Harmon Mayor City of San Luis Obispo Office of the City Council 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3249 E hharmon@slocity.org T 805.781.7838 slocity.org From: Fred Etheridge <fred-eth@pacbell.net> Sent: Tuesday, October 13, 2020 7:43 PM To: Harmon, Heidi <hharmon@slocity.org> Subject: Re: Interview Request for Podcast- Energy Trends Hi Heidi, Here are some dates / time slots that are open for me and Mario (my engineer) for the podcast interview. Total time needed for the interview is ~ 45 minutes. If none of these work or you'd rather have the interview after the election, please let me know and we can come up with a date in November. Tues. Oct. 20, 4:00 pm Thurs. Oct. 22, 4:00 pm Fr. Oct. 23, 9:00 am Mon. Oct. 26, 4:00 pm Tues. Oct. 27, 9:00 am and 4:00 pm Wed. Oct. 28, 9:00 pm Thanks so much. Fred On Thursday, October 8, 2020, 11:51:26 AM PDT, Harmon, Heidi <hharmon@slocity.org> wrote: Sounds great. Thank you for thinking of me. Please call to chat: From: Fred Etheridge <fred-eth@pacbell.net> Sent: Thursday, October 8, 2020 7:51 AM To: Harmon, Heidi <hharmon@slocity.org>; Lisa McCann <makeitsacred@charter.net> Subject: Re: Interview Request for Podcast- Energy Trends Thanks Lisa, and Hello Heidi, Heidi, I think the City’s story on attacking climate change would make for a great interview. From the City’s setting a target of being carbon neutral by 2035 – ten years ahead of the State – to adopting a comprehensive Climate Action Plan, to its recent adoption of Clean Energy Choice for new buildings, the City has demonstrated vision and leadership. Throw in Southern California Gas Company’s recent attempted disruption of the City’s adoption of the Clean Energy Choice package for buildings, and you have a dynamic, important story. My Energy Trends interviews typically last about 45 minutes of interview time. The interview is recorded, not live broadcast. Following the interview, I edit it, and it is posted several days later. I’d love to talk with you about doing an interview. When it's convenient, please let me know if you’re interested. Thanks so much. Fred Etheridge 510) 295-8211 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/energy- trends/id1514008364#episodeGuid=6dfa814d-e861-4e84-a661-fba03e3fd8a1 On Monday, September 28, 2020, 08:47:31 AM PDT, Lisa McCann makeitsacred@charter.net> wrote: Hello Heidi. I hope this note finds you well, maybe happy and peaceful too...although these days, not always easy. Here’s a “good news” story with a request to interview you. Energy Trends is a wonderful podcast on progressive energy trends and climate action. The creator, producer, interviewer is Fred Etheridge and one of my best friends from college (we met building passive solar houses and majoring in EnvIronmental Studies at UCSB in 1979). Fred is interested in interviewing you for a podcast episode, because of your and the Cty’s climate actions. I attached the link to Energy Trends so you can read about it and take a listen to see what you think. I have copied Fred on this message so you have each other’s contact info, if and when you are willing and have the time. (I copied Andy as well just for her interest). We recognize you are extra busy during this run up to the elections on top of your demanding job; we wanted to make this invitation and connection now because we know you are a great candidate for the podcast due to your climate action knowledge, leadership and public speaking skills. Feel free to reach out just to Fred, or keep me in the loop, whatever works to get this party started! Thanks for your consideration and continued great work. Congrats on your BLM endorsement. Listen to Energy Trends on Apple Podcasts. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/energy- trends/id1514008364 Blessings and peace, Lisa Horowitz McCann Makeitsacred@charter.net Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.” John Lewis From:Harmon, Heidi To:thedaily@nytimes.com Subject:A story idea from a California Mayor - from Stalking to Quarantine to BLM to the epicenter of Covid Date:Wednesday, December 23, 2020 12:44:37 PM To Team The Daily, Thank you so much for creating something beautiful, interesting, and edifying. I am reaching out as I have been reflecting on my year and felt that I may have a story that would be worth telling as it encompasses so much of what 2020 has been about. I'll keep it brief and let me know if you are interested in more information. 2020 started for me with an attack by a stalker who busted into City Hall to try and get to me. My City Manager had to wrestle him to the ground. This was the culmination of endless attacks online which has been typical for female electeds in the past few years. Then of course the extensive trials and tribulations of being a mayor during quarantine- so much to say here; The rage, the fear, the anti-maskers, the juxtaposition of being in leadership but having little control over outcomes. I am the Mayor of San Luis Obispo, CA. One of the whitest and most expensive places in one of the most expensive states. San Luis Obispo (SLO) was deemed The Happiest Place in North America in Dan Buettner's book, Blue Zones, and popularized by Oparah. So, it came as a shock to much of the 'nice' white community to learn of the struggles of the few People of Color that live here. This culminated in a significant protest movement here, one in which I was in full support. One protest ended in the arrest of Tianna Arata which gained national attention and continues to do so. I received an intense amount of rage for my support of this movement and when it came time to run for reelection was up against someone who ran out of her rejection of the BLM movement. I am grateful to say that I won by a mandate. And now the entire state is careening towards an historic public health and economic tragedy while the federal level gives no support to local government in their latest bill. Mayors seem to be receiving most of the blame and little to none of the support needed to see this through. Additionally, as a small-town Mayor, I have no personal staff of my own and am living on 1,100 a month. Like so many people at this moment, I too am struggling to survive. I'm not in a big mansion somewhere but in a small room at a friend's home trying to make the world and better place and hoping to not get doxed while doing it. As I write this the streets fill with white men in gigantic trucks with even larger American flags blasting my name out of their amplification systems demanding that I open everything up, as people follow me in the hopes of catching me without a mask, while ICU doctors call me begging for help. Teetering on the precipice of a new year and old American wounds about to burst open, it is hard to imagine what the next year will bring. Let me know if this is of interest to you and thank you again for your beautiful work. Stay Well, Mayor Heidi Harmon Cell: Heidi Harmon pronouns she/her/hers Mayor City of San Luis Obispo Office of the City Council 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3249 E hharmon@slocity.org slocity.org Stay connected with the City by signing up for e-notifications For updates on COVID-19 and how to access City services during COVID, visit slocity.org/covid19 From:Harmon, Heidi To:Johnson, Derek Subject:Fw: touching base Date:Monday, October 12, 2020 11:13:43 AM From: tloallergyfree@earthlink.net <tloallergyfree@earthlink.net> Sent: Monday, October 12, 2020 11:11 AM To: Harmon, Heidi <hharmon@slocity.org> Subject: Re: touching base Everyone I've mentioned this to finds it to be outrageous, unconstitutional, totally unacceptable, and sadly, given past recent performances, not much of a surprise. Original Message----- From: "Harmon, Heidi" Sent: Oct 11, 2020 7:23 PM To: "tloallergyfree@earthlink.net" Subject: Re: touching base I try and hold judgment until I have a full understanding of things but I am really upset about this at this point. From: tloallergyfree@earthlink.net <tloallergyfree@earthlink.net> Sent: Sunday, October 11, 2020 1:52 PM To: Harmon, Heidi <hharmon@slocity.org> Subject: Re: touching base No need to apologize at all, Heidi. I can only imagine how busy you must be! Much appreciated that you got right back to me & that you asked to talk to my daughter. Naomi was totally pleased and impressed after talking with you. Great to see the Trib endorse you today....as they damn well should have! Tom Original Message----- From: "Harmon, Heidi" Sent: Oct 10, 2020 7:57 PM To: Heidi Harmon , "tloallergyfree@earthlink.net" Subject: Re: touching base Sorry Tom I was voice texting this because I have so many emails it’s a little choppy I apologize. Get Outlook for iOS From: Heidi Harmon < Sent: Saturday, October 10, 2020 7:11:55 PM To: tloallergyfree@earthlink.net <tloallergyfree@earthlink.net>; Harmon, Heidi hharmon@slocity.org> Subject: Re: touching base Somebody else wrote the story and maybe your son-in-law? Or somebody else I sent it already to city staff and to the police department to get a better understanding of what happened here. On the face of it it seems ridiculous so of course this is unacceptable. Can you have her call me? Also just so you know it’s essentially mandatory that I have conversations about city business at my city email so if you can email me there in the future that would be ideal. Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone On Saturday, October 10, 2020, 5:31 PM, tloallergyfree@earthlink.net wrote: Hi, Heidi, I wanted to tell you about something that happened to my 40 year old daughter last night in SLO. She was driving past Meadow Park and saw that there was a BLM protest going on there. She would have liked to stop and join them, but she's a teacher in Santa Maria and can't afford to get arrested. So, she honked her horn, once, and waved to the protesters as she drove by. She was then almost immediately red lighted and stopped by the police. The cop gave her a lecture, and bragged that they'd already given three people tickets for the same thing. She pretended she understood and agreed, and didn't get ticketed. I ask you: isn't honking your horn and waving or giving a thumbs up to protesters our RIGHT? Please, please (and all of us here are voting for you...got your sign in our yard, again)...but please, keep these police in check. Who do they think they are? Tom Ogren SLO From:Harmon, Heidi To:Patrica Solorio Subject:Re: Email San Luis Obispo Mayor Heidi Harmon Date:Friday, August 14, 2020 1:22:53 PM Hello Partica- I would be happy to talk with you on the phone at your convenience. From: Patrica Solorio < Sent: Thursday, August 13, 2020 2:16 PM To: Harmon, Heidi <hharmon@slocity.org> Subject: Email San Luis Obispo Mayor Heidi Harmon Hello. My name is Patricia Solorio. I am contacting you regarding the arrest of my son, a Central Coast resident and organizer Elias Bautista. I have met you in a couple of occasions during the 2018 campaign to elect my good feine Gloria Soto for City Council. I know you are in a tough position but want to encourage you to do all you can to see that Tianna and my son are not utilized as a deterrent to hold protests in your city. Since the age of 16, Elias has been working to make our community and society more just & safe for all people, but especially for those who are most vulnerable and harmed by injustice. Elias and others witnessed the violent, chaotic, and unprovoked arrest of Tianna Arata and acted on their knowledge that police escalation often leads to abuse and/or fatal repercussions for Black folks who are being detained. While Elias tried to ensure Tianna’s safety, a police officer violently threw Elias to the ground. The charges against Elias are a direct result of police aggression during the politically motivated arrest of Tianna Arata. Pursuing charges against Elias is another form of state violence and escalation that does not reflect the priorities or values of the residents of San Luis Obispo County. Elias wants nothing more than to continue their work to ensure equity, justice, and safety for our community. Show Elias and our County that you want the same thing for Elias and the residents of San Luis Obispo by urging your constituents to drop Elias’s charges as well as Tianna Arata’s charges. Sincerely, Patricia Solorio Sent from my iPhone From:Harmon, Heidi To:Mariam Alikhan Subject:Re: Recent Black Lives Matter Protests and Arrests Date:Sunday, August 2, 2020 5:04:00 PM Sorry to take so long to respond. From: Mariam Alikhan <gobluemariam@yahoo.com> Sent: Friday, July 24, 2020 7:05 AM To: Harmon, Heidi <hharmon@slocity.org> Subject: Re: Recent Black Lives Matter Protests and Arrests Absolutely, What's a good time? I'll call ya. Mariam On Friday, July 24, 2020, 03:26:02 AM PDT, Harmon, Heidi <hharmon@slocity.org> wrote: Thank you so much for this Mariam. Can we get on a call today to talk more about this? I would appreciate your thoughts. From: Mariam Alikhan <gobluemariam@yahoo.com> Sent: Thursday, July 23, 2020 12:31 PM To: E-mail Council Website <emailcouncil@slocity.org> Subject: Recent Black Lives Matter Protests and Arrests Hello SLO Colleagues and Friends, First, let me just say how sorry I am about the strife that has happened in your city this week. Many people care about the community well being, but as council representatives we certainly feel these things in a different way and at a different level, so I can't imagine how upset you probably are at all that has occurred. That being said, please believe I am not trying to "pile on" or force you to do anything you are not comfortable doing. However, I do want to share my perspective as an outside observer that also has the benefit of understanding your role better than most. Also, as you probably heard, after armed men were perched on top of my son's karate studio during the Five Cities BLM March I did decide that it was time for me to speak out personally. I took ALOT of heat, but ultimately, it was the right decision at the time. With all that in mind, I am very disturbed by the fact that the leader of the recent march was arrested along with at least one other member of the march while people who willingly drove into crowds and hit people are walking away as victims. I am extremely disappointed in the way the media has painted this very vivid picture of a 4 year old in danger when so many facts are still in question. No matter the delay, isn't it illegal for someone to drive on the shoulder of the road? Short of a medical emergency, why would any parent drive off the road and/or into a crowd with his or her child in the car? This person HIT SOMEONE. Why doesn't that count for anything? That parent's decision making to drive that way with a child in the car should be in question and perhaps a call to CPS is in order? I know there are a million different accounts of the events on social media so I don't want to get too far down the rabbit hole of "what ifs." However, at the very least, ALL involved in these incidents should be brought in for questioning. We can debate the propriety of protestors blocking the highway forever. It's probably not the tact I would take. It's extremely dangerous and thoughtless. I did recently see an explanation that BLM leaders are trying to push people's buttons regarding the frustration they feel after even a few minutes delay and gage their reaction. After that, people are then encouraged to think about how people of color must feel in this country after hitting unwarranted delay, after delay, after delay. That did change my mind a bit, and at least opened it (not that this should be allowed or encouraged) to understand why it's happening. I also keep thinking that these young people grew up seeing school massacre after massacre. They watched grieving parents and fellow students attempt to protest and lobby politicians "the right way." Yet, here we sit, with our children still doing active shooter drills in school, still in danger. So, who knows? Maybe that is why these young people are choosing a different way. I have no idea if it will be effective, but it's certainly making waves. Also, as leaders, we need to be aware that glossing over people driving into crowds only encourages it to get worse and escalate. I don't know how much you have seen of the local "protection" Facebook groups that sprung up in response to the BLM movement, but many of the posts are disturbing, condone violence and are racist. I think we can all safely predict there will be more BLM rallies, and at this point, there is nothing stopping a member of one of those groups from driving right into a crowd. I find our own District Attorney's "Public Safety Alert" to his base on Tuesday night to be inviting this type of violence. In fact, responses to his very own facebook post mentioned driving an 18 wheeler into the crowd. Was that individual sought out or reprimanded at all? I know we are all in a precarious position. We don't control our city law enforcement and we certainly don't wield any control over our sheriff or district attorney. However, after contemplation, it may be time for you to speak out, at least personally, on the issue. When I saw my son's karate teachers decide to hold rifles and post threatening, racist videos about the BLM movement, I didn't know if it was legal or illegal. I honestly figured nothing would be done about it, BUT in my mind it was WRONG. For that reason, as a mom and outspoken member of the community, I called it out. I really didn't expect it would get much attention and I certainly didnt think it would change anything. In fact, after I spoke, it turned out that many agreed. What was quickly ruled "reprehensible but legal" by the AG City Attorney is now the subject of an independent investigation in Monterrey County after many members of the public came forward to offer additional facts. Did I take A TON of crap. Absolutely. Would I do it again? Absolutely. I was recently approached by a young lady that said my facebook post went nationwide to some POC that grew up here. She said it gave them hope that there were finally some leaders in place that would speak up for them! That alone, is priceless. Let's be those people that speak up cuz we certainly aren't doing this for the salaries! Thank you all for taking the time to read and I support you all no matter what you decide. Just some food for thought from someone who has been in a similar place. Mariam Shah From:Harmon, Heidi To:Ellie W. Subject:Re: DA, please drop charges against Tianna Arata & Elias Bautista Date:Friday, July 24, 2020 5:27:15 AM Thank you Ellie. I would love to talk with you about your take on this. Feel free to give me a call- From: Ellie W. <elliewashington3@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, July 23, 2020 4:41 PM To: ddow@co.slo.ca.us <ddow@co.slo.ca.us> Cc: E-mail Council Website <emailcouncil@slocity.org>; boardofsups@co.slo.ca.us boardofsups@co.slo.ca.us> Subject: DA, please drop charges against Tianna Arata & Elias Bautista District Attorney Dow, Please consider dropping the charges against Tianna Arata and Elias Bautista. To the general public, it looks as though this is an attempt to make an example out of them in order to scare other protesters, and that is not an effective or fair way to utilize the power that you hold as District Attorney. There is a lot of gray area in the evidence the general public has seen so far in this case. I have read stories from bystanders and seen video footage that show both sides of the story and the possibility that these students were provoked and/or being hit by a vehicle. I myself have been hit by a vehicle as a pedestrian in a crosswalk, and if you're lucky enough to survive, it is a life-altering experience that leaves injuries for years. You do what you can in those split seconds to try to survive against a 1-ton vehicle coming at you. I completely empathize with those students fearing for their lives in those moments and reacting in ways they wouldn't normally. I understand these protesters put themselves at risk by walking in the streets and taking over Hwy 101, but what does that tell you about what they are fighting for? They are willing to risk their lives to demand change, to be in our faces, and remind us of the systemic issues people of color face every day. Human beings deserve dignity, equality and protection from the law enforcement officials that our tax dollars go toward. But for too long, people of color have not received the same dignity, equality and protection white people are given. I know I am very privileged to be born white, but I see systemic racism and how the system fails and holds back people of color. Things have to change. I am so proud of these youths for standing up for what's right and trying to fix the wrongs created by the generations that came before them. Please consider dropping the charges against these two young activists. Sincerely, Ellie Washington San Luis Obispo homeowner, business professional & community volunteer From:Harmon, Heidi To:ryukelson@aol.com Subject:Re: Protests and Demonstrations Date:Friday, July 24, 2020 4:06:43 AM Ron- Can we get on the phone to talk more about this? From: ryukelson@aol.com <ryukelson@aol.com> Sent: Wednesday, July 22, 2020 4:45 PM To: Harmon, Heidi <hharmon@slocity.org>; Christianson, Carlyn <cchristi@slocity.org>; Pease, Andy apease@slocity.org>; Gomez, Aaron <agomez@slocity.org>; Stewart, Erica A estewart@slocity.org>; Johnson, Derek <djohnson@slocity.org>; Cantrell, Deanna DCantrel@slocity.org> Subject: Protests and Demonstrations Dear City Council and City Leadership: When is enough, enough? My family, friends and neighbors have silently asked that very question for many weeks as we've seen the streets of San Luis Obispo taken over, with City complicity, as we have silently suffered as the collateral damage of such actions. Speaking only for myself, but also the sentiment that has already been expressed to me a dozen times today, I hope yesterday's protest and demonstration was the tipping point at which point we can take back our City for the majority. There continues to be no bigger supporter of Black Lives Matter, our local Race Matters, and I consider myself a white ally to the injustice and systemic racism that is epidemic in our country. The past few months have certainly enlightened this old white guy who has been a minority himself and who graduated from, what at the time was, the most racially integrated high school in the Los Angeles Unified School System. I thought I was sensitive to overt racism but it took recent police killings for me to be horrified at not recognizing sooner what has been swirling around me as I've lived my life of white privilege. These recent events have led me to introspectively update my own views, participate in these causes and see them through a more broad lens. But, I am at my own tipping point of activism when these protests and demonstrations affect my personal quality of life. I support the cause and the constitutional right for people to express their views and demonstrate, but I can no longer support the anarchy that has befallen our city. At the same time, I hold our leadership responsible for its complicity in allowing the situation to reach a stage where people like me feel imperiled. Living a block from Mitchell Park my neighborhood is continually overrun with impromptu large gatherings and in some cases blocked streets making my family to feel unsafe in our own home. As an example, yesterday, with no warning, we were in our backyard when we started hearing amplified voices. The language and vitriol were unseemly forcing us to hunker down rather than going for our planned neighborhood walk. Where is the fairness for citizens like me who get stuck in my car on Santa Rosa Street because protesters are allowed to overrun our streets? And, what would happen if I was on the 101 when a group decided to shut it down and I'm stuck for more than an hour? Where's the fairness when I consistently obey the law and others are allowed to not do so with impunity? What about my constitutional right to the quiet enjoyment of my home, my neighborhood and even Downtown? Why am I forced accept non- permitted demonstrations that are being allowed to permeate our neighborhoods? What about the rights of our struggling Downtown business owners who have had their streets blocked and boarded up? I urge you to speak to your constituents...we are at a point of protest and demonstration fatigue! I too don't want to live in a community where tear gas becomes necessary. But I insist on living in a city where when the police ask, then tell you, to do something that you do it. Nor do I want to live in a City where we feel compelled to remove a statue at the Mission because a lawless group might deface it. I do want to live in a City where there are consequences if a group takes it upon themselves to do so illegally. Bravo to Chief Cantrell and her brave officers yesterday for re-introducing accountability and consequences to these actions. These two elements have been severely lacking in our City for the past few months. Cordially, Ron Yukelson From:Harmon, Heidi To:Mariam Alikhan Subject:Re: Recent Black Lives Matter Protests and Arrests Date:Friday, July 24, 2020 3:25:57 AM Thank you so much for this Mariam. Can we get on a call today to talk more about this? I would appreciate your thoughts. From: Mariam Alikhan <gobluemariam@yahoo.com> Sent: Thursday, July 23, 2020 12:31 PM To: E-mail Council Website <emailcouncil@slocity.org> Subject: Recent Black Lives Matter Protests and Arrests Hello SLO Colleagues and Friends, First, let me just say how sorry I am about the strife that has happened in your city this week. Many people care about the community well being, but as council representatives we certainly feel these things in a different way and at a different level, so I can't imagine how upset you probably are at all that has occurred. That being said, please believe I am not trying to "pile on" or force you to do anything you are not comfortable doing. However, I do want to share my perspective as an outside observer that also has the benefit of understanding your role better than most. Also, as you probably heard, after armed men were perched on top of my son's karate studio during the Five Cities BLM March I did decide that it was time for me to speak out personally. I took ALOT of heat, but ultimately, it was the right decision at the time. With all that in mind, I am very disturbed by the fact that the leader of the recent march was arrested along with at least one other member of the march while people who willingly drove into crowds and hit people are walking away as victims. I am extremely disappointed in the way the media has painted this very vivid picture of a 4 year old in danger when so many facts are still in question. No matter the delay, isn't it illegal for someone to drive on the shoulder of the road? Short of a medical emergency, why would any parent drive off the road and/or into a crowd with his or her child in the car? This person HIT SOMEONE. Why doesn't that count for anything? That parent's decision making to drive that way with a child in the car should be in question and perhaps a call to CPS is in order? I know there are a million different accounts of the events on social media so I don't want to get too far down the rabbit hole of "what ifs." However, at the very least, ALL involved in these incidents should be brought in for questioning. We can debate the propriety of protestors blocking the highway forever. It's probably not the tact I would take. It's extremely dangerous and thoughtless. I did recently see an explanation that BLM leaders are trying to push people's buttons regarding the frustration they feel after even a few minutes delay and gage their reaction. After that, people are then encouraged to think about how people of color must feel in this country after hitting unwarranted delay, after delay, after delay. That did change my mind a bit, and at least opened it (not that this should be allowed or encouraged) to understand why it's happening. I also keep thinking that these young people grew up seeing school massacre after massacre. They watched grieving parents and fellow students attempt to protest and lobby politicians "the right way." Yet, here we sit, with our children still doing active shooter drills in school, still in danger. So, who knows? Maybe that is why these young people are choosing a different way. I have no idea if it will be effective, but it's certainly making waves. Also, as leaders, we need to be aware that glossing over people driving into crowds only encourages it to get worse and escalate. I don't know how much you have seen of the local "protection" Facebook groups that sprung up in response to the BLM movement, but many of the posts are disturbing, condone violence and are racist. I think we can all safely predict there will be more BLM rallies, and at this point, there is nothing stopping a member of one of those groups from driving right into a crowd. I find our own District Attorney's "Public Safety Alert" to his base on Tuesday night to be inviting this type of violence. In fact, responses to his very own facebook post mentioned driving an 18 wheeler into the crowd. Was that individual sought out or reprimanded at all? I know we are all in a precarious position. We don't control our city law enforcement and we certainly don't wield any control over our sheriff or district attorney. However, after contemplation, it may be time for you to speak out, at least personally, on the issue. When I saw my son's karate teachers decide to hold rifles and post threatening, racist videos about the BLM movement, I didn't know if it was legal or illegal. I honestly figured nothing would be done about it, BUT in my mind it was WRONG. For that reason, as a mom and outspoken member of the community, I called it out. I really didn't expect it would get much attention and I certainly didnt think it would change anything. In fact, after I spoke, it turned out that many agreed. What was quickly ruled "reprehensible but legal" by the AG City Attorney is now the subject of an independent investigation in Monterrey County after many members of the public came forward to offer additional facts. Did I take A TON of crap. Absolutely. Would I do it again? Absolutely. I was recently approached by a young lady that said my facebook post went nationwide to some POC that grew up here. She said it gave them hope that there were finally some leaders in place that would speak up for them! That alone, is priceless. Let's be those people that speak up cuz we certainly aren't doing this for the salaries! Thank you all for taking the time to read and I support you all no matter what you decide. Just some food for thought from someone who has been in a similar place. Mariam Shah From:Harmon, Heidi To:Magee, Dale Subject:Fw: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force Date:Friday, July 10, 2020 10:31:15 AM Please add this person and a student: Amman Asfaw- Cal Poly student and engineer and President of the National Society of Black Engineers and member of BSU From: Amber Steele <amber.j.steele@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, July 7, 2020 10:00 PM To: Harmon, Heidi <hharmon@slocity.org>; Stewart, Erica A <estewart@slocity.org> Subject: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force Hello Madam Mayor and Council Member Stewart, Thank you both for a great council meeting this evening. My name is Amber Steele, and I am a resident of Cayucos but have worked within the city of San Luis Obispo for just under 4 years for a Property Management and Real Estate Company. For full transparency, I am a white ally for the Black Lives Matter movement that is currently taking place within this state and this country. I applaud and thank you both for taking an assertive stance by acknowledging that we do have a race issue here in the city of San Luis Obispo and San Luis Obispo county, even if it is not blatantly apparent to all. I would love the opportunity to apply to be apart of this task force, to help San Luis Obispo grow into a more inclusive city for both residents and tourists alike. The city of San Luis is such a gem within the state, and should be a welcoming city to all people. Thank you both for your time. I genuinely look forward to the opportunity of applying to be apart of the change that is needed. Kindly, Amber Steele 805-712-8455 Amber.j.steele@gmail.com From:Harmon, Heidi To:Caitlin Knoll Subject:Re: Advice for getting other cities in SLO County on your level! Date:Saturday, June 27, 2020 6:36:01 PM Hello Caitlin and thank you for this supportive letter. I would be happy to talk with you about how you might grow more support for your ideas. How about you give me a call- I am looking forward to talking with you. To a More Beautiful World, Heidi From: Caitlin Knoll <cak9842@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, June 25, 2020 10:59 AM To: Harmon, Heidi <hharmon@slocity.org>; E-mail Council Website <emailcouncil@slocity.org> Subject: Advice for getting other cities in SLO County on your level! Hi there Heidi and Council! I'm Caitlin, a resident of Atascadero, but I grew up in Paso Robles. I've been watching not just how vocal and active you're being about the racial inequalities in your city, but how receptive you've been to the Black leadership in our community and how much influence you've let them have in the changes and it is ABSOLUTELY INSPIRING. I wish you were my mayor. I'm contacting you to ask for advice on how to best contact my mayor and city council (in Atascadero and Paso) and urge them to follow your great example. SLO has been putting the pressure on and though there is much to be done, you are rising to the occasion. I feel that the other Mayors don't feel that pressure or any sense of urgency to respond/change anything to meet the BLM movement, and I want to change that. Any advice? If you've gotten this far, thank you! Caitlin Knoll Caitlin Knoll From:Harmon, Heidi To:Wilson, Nick; Courtney Haile Cc: Subject:Re: Public Health Emergency Date:Wednesday, June 17, 2020 9:41:00 AM Adding in Courtney Haile from Race Matters as I think there is someone at Race Matters working on this too. Get Outlook for iOS From: Wilson, Nick <nwilson@thetribunenews.com> Sent: Wednesday, June 17, 2020 9:29 AM To: Harmon, Heidi Cc: Subject: Re: Public Health Emergency Okay, thanks much, Heidi. I do plan to write on the resolution. I did hear Dr. Macmillan's comments in public comment as well and plan to include those quotes. Any others here with to add on this? I can certainly include. Thanks, Heidi. Nick On Wed, Jun 17, 2020 at 8:00 AM Harmon, Heidi <hharmon@slocity.org> wrote: Good Morning Nick. I know there was a lot going on at last night's meeting and I didn't want you to miss that we voted for: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA, AFFIRMING THAT RACISM IS A PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS AND URGING PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIALS DECLARE RACISM A PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY. The young leadership and Dr. Dublin Macmillain are included here as this was what local black leadership said was a priority for them and Dr. Macmillain and others are working on encouraging other cities, counties, and the state to do the same. I thought that this might make for an interesting story as this is likely a new idea for our community and some education might be helpful. https://www.slocity.org/Home/ShowDocument?id=26770 Please note that I'm currently working from home. You may contact me at Nick Wilson Tribune Staff Reporter nwilson@thetribunenews.com 805) 781-7922 (phone) 805) 781-7905 (fax) www.sanluisobispo.com From:Harmon, Heidi To: Subject:Public Health Emergency Date:Wednesday, June 17, 2020 8:00:50 AM Good Morning Nick. I know there was a lot going on at last night's meeting and I didn't want you to miss that we voted for: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA, AFFIRMING THAT RACISM IS A PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS AND URGING PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIALS DECLARE RACISM A PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY. The young leadership and Dr. Dublin Macmillain are included here as this was what local black leadership said was a priority for them and Dr. Macmillain and others are working on encouraging other cities, counties, and the state to do the same. I thought that this might make for an interesting story as this is likely a new idea for our community and some education might be helpful. https://www.slocity.org/Home/ShowDocument?id=26770 From:Harmon, Heidi To: Subject:Fw: Consent Agenda Item B: Reject Date:Tuesday, June 16, 2020 8:35:29 PM From: Tricia Hamachai <triciahamachai@icloud.com> Sent: Tuesday, June 16, 2020 4:52 PM To: E-mail Council Website <emailcouncil@slocity.org> Cc: Harmon, Heidi <hharmon@slocity.org>; Gomez, Aaron <agomez@slocity.org>; Christianson, Carlyn <cchristi@slocity.org>; Pease, Andy <apease@slocity.org>; Stewart, Erica A estewart@slocity.org> Subject: Consent Agenda Item B: Reject Regarding: Consent Agenda Item B, "Resolution Recommending Public Health Officials Declare Racism a Public Health Emergency" Hello, I respectfully and adamantly request the Resolution recommending Public Health Officials Declare Racism a Public Health Emergency be rejected on the following grounds: 1) The draft resolution and it’s #1 primary purpose, “A formal city affirmation of the well- documented premise that systemic racism has manifested itself as a public health crisis” is subjective. 2) R.A.C.E Matters SLO is listed as 1 of 2 entities the City has had Public Engagement with. On Saturday, 06/13/20, some friends and I met with R.A.C.E Matters SLO affiliates Tianna Arata, Michelle Arata, Xavier Moore and Jalen Hamler. Tianna Arata told me that, “Asians uphold white supremacy.” She also told SLO local, Mark Grosz, that “they didn’t want to hear anything from a white man. Stop talking.” Cal Poly football players, Xavier Moore and Jalen Hamler aggressively verbally attacked Abrianna Torres, a young black woman, telling her that some black people aren’t black” and that “black is not the color of your skin, it’s a culture.” These hate-filled, overtly racist comments have no place in San Luis Obispo and will not be tolerated. RACE Matters SLO founder, Courtney Hailey was present but did not speak or intervene. She sat by idly while these young black men marginalized a strong, young black woman. It is obvious that RACE Matters SLO believes that only some black lives matter. I demand that RACE Matters SLO be removed from all discussions regarding policing and policy in SLO. Tricia Hamachai 562)676-7567 From:Harmon, Heidi To:daryl grigsby Subject:Fw: templete resolution for pubic health crisis- What do you think? Date:Tuesday, June 9, 2020 7:41:41 PM From: Harmon, Heidi <hharmon@slocity.org> Sent: Thursday, June 4, 2020 11:23 AM To: Harmon, Heidi <hharmon@slocity.org>; Harmon, Heidi <hharmon@slocity.org> Cc: Subject: templete resolution for pubic health crisis- What do you think? https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.wpha.org/resource/resmgr/2018_folder/WPHA_Racial_Equity_Resolutio.pdf From:Harmon, Heidi To:Heidi Harmon Subject:Fw: R.A.C.E. Matters Demands and Petition Date:Tuesday, June 9, 2020 5:06:08 PM Attachments:2020-06-04 R.A.C.E. Matters Statement (1).pdf From: RACE Matters SLO <race.matters.slo@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, June 9, 2020 2:02 PM Subject: R.A.C.E. Matters Demands and Petition To decision makers at the city and county levels in the County of San Luis Obispo: R.A.C.E. Matters SLO County is presenting the following demands. R.A.C.E. Matters, and the people supporting these demands, request a response to these demands by June 19th, along with a date by which you commit to submitting a report back to R.A.C.E. MATTERS. In your response, please include the date by which you will have reviewed these demands in full with your governing body and staff. STATEMENT FROM R.A.C.E. MATTERS SLO We reiterate that our focus--fully and fundamentally--is on supporting Black lives in the face of all forms of hostility, aggression, and terror. While we are proud and honored to have a leadership role in the struggle for racial justice in our community, we do not pretend to be the sole force at work in the current protests. This is a coalition movement, with many elements and groups involved, sometimes with different strategies for moving forward. We urge local officials and police departments to listen to all organizers, especially Black youth, with regard to the change they and we want to see locally. Here is our list of demands: Recognize that racial discrimination is bigger than law enforcement, and therefore should be declared a Public Health Emergency by every city within SLO County and at the SLO County level. Focus all future interactions with protestors on protestor safety with regard to traffic control, and do not impede on the direction of peaceful marches or demonstration. Recognize that police presence can be triggering to communities of color, and the use of riot gear such as gas masks, shields, helmets, etc, is a form of aggression and escalation in itself, which should not be allowed during peaceful protests, and used only as a last resort when officer safety is truly at risk. Ensure officers have their body cameras on at all times; and have back-up battery power to guarantee this. Ban the use of knee-holds and chokeholds as an acceptable practice for police officers. Immediately drop all criminal charges against non-violent protestors arrested during Black Lives Matter protests and expunge these charges from any records. Establish Civilian Review Boards in all municipalities to build public confidence and hold local police departments accountable via the following provisions: Review boards must have Black representation, be multigenerational and represent the diversity of genders, races, ethnicities, faiths, and sexual orientations in our communities. Review boards must have oversight of complaints against police. Review boards should be able to request reports from police to grant transparency and commitment to social justice. Review boards must have input on law enforcement hiring. Review boards must conduct social media background checks for current and future law enforcement. Review boards must review footage from protests. Law Enforcement Officers must have rigorous training grounded in evidence-based practices and de- escalation techniques. This training must be provided by organizations and agencies that are committed to prosocial behaviors, upon recommendation of the Civilian Review Board. SLO County, and every municipality there-in, must divert funds from law enforcement and incarceration toward community services, mental health and community non-profits. Continue follow-up and communication with the community regarding long-term reform with regard to decriminalization, surveillance, facial recognition software, Use of Force policies, de-escalation, and other concerns. Additionally, we request that SLO County officials and each city in SLO County reviews A VISION FOR BLACK LIVES: Policy Demands for Black Power, Freedom & Justice, and we demand a report back on how much work has been done so far to accommodate each of these demands. We request creative commitment to review these demands within all applicable public agencies in your jurisdiction Understanding that not all the demands will fall within each jurisdiction, we expect you to use the power of your position to hold other agencies and officials accountable. R.A.C.E. MATTERS, and the people supporting these demands, request a response to these demands by June 19th, along with a date by which you commit to submitting a report back to R.A.C.E. MATTERS on the demands above. R.A.C.E. Matters SLO County racemattersslo.org race.matters.slo@gmail.com Facebook: @R.A.C.E.MattersSLO Instagram: @racemattersslo From:Harmon, Heidi To:Stephanie Ann Zappelli Subject:Re: Mayor Harmon"s statement in collaboration with local young black leadership on anti-racism in San Luis Obispo - PLEASE PRINT IN IT"S ENTIRETY Date:Friday, June 5, 2020 11:27:33 AM These are all great questions yes please change it to yesterday I don’t believe the flags are at half staff today they usually only do that for one day. And please don’t post my phone number thank you for asking. Get Outlook for iOS From: Stephanie Ann Zappelli <szappell@calpoly.edu> Sent: Friday, June 5, 2020 9:26:26 AM To: Harmon, Heidi <hharmon@slocity.org> Subject: Re: Mayor Harmon's statement in collaboration with local young black leadership on anti- racism in San Luis Obispo - PLEASE PRINT IN IT'S ENTIRETY Hi Mayor Harmon, One last question, what would you like your statement to be titled? Thank you! Stephanie From: Stephanie Ann Zappelli <szappell@calpoly.edu> Sent: Friday, June 5, 2020 9:07 AM To: Harmon, Heidi <hharmon@slocity.org> Subject: Re: Mayor Harmon's statement in collaboration with local young black leadership on anti- racism in San Luis Obispo - PLEASE PRINT IN IT'S ENTIRETY Hi Mayor Harmon, Thank you for your sending us your statement, we will publish it today. I have three clarifying questions. The start of the statement says, "this is a day of mourning." Should I change it to "yesterday was a day of mourning," since we are a day late to publishing it? Are the flags still flying half staff today? Did you want us to publish your phone number with the letter to the editor? Thank you! Best, Stephanie From: Harmon, Heidi <hharmon@slocity.org> Sent: Thursday, June 4, 2020 3:07 PM To: Harmon, Heidi <hharmon@slocity.org> Subject: Mayor Harmon's statement in collaboration with local young black leadership on anti- racism in San Luis Obispo - PLEASE PRINT IN IT'S ENTIRETY This is a day of mourning in this country. The family and loved ones of George Floyd lay their beloved son, brother, father, and friend to rest. I have asked that all of the flags in the city be flown at half staff to honor his life. A life that was ended too soon at the hands of a racist police officer. I have been listening to all of your voices and I hear you. This statement was written in collaboration with local young black leadership and in particular with Xavier Moore, Jalen Hamler, both Cal Poly students and with Tianna Arata; recent Cuesta graduate and future University of Sacramento student. Together, we are implementing the demands of justice. I had the honor of walking with these leaders in a peaceful protest on Wednesday and their leadership is something to be commended and celebrated. I want to start by acknowledging and affirming how tragic, unacceptable, and heartbreaking the recent killings of black folks at the hands of the police are. I understand that the murders of recent weeks are but a few of the centuries-long history of racism and violence against People of Color in this country. What is happening today is a direct result of our country’s racist beginning, a wound we have never committed to healing- and we must make that commitment to healing now through action, through policy, through dialogue and collaboration. Over recent days, thousands of people within our community have boldly and peacefully stood in solidarity to protest racial injustice that has plagued our nation and our world. I stand with you. I hear you and I want to take this opportunity to positively impact social change- a change that looks like prioritizing black voices, equity in leadership, a world where parents don't live in fear when their black children leave the house, and a San Luis Obispo that does not leave anyone out. We have heard over and over again from people of color that they do not feel welcome here and it is time to step up and be willing to do the difficult and necessary work of changing that. It is up to us to do the work to educate ourselves in order to create a community that is welcoming, equitable, and kind. A budget is an expression of values and I want the city’s budget to express the value of standing with people of color. I am glad to say that at this week’s City Council meeting we set aside 160,000 to go toward policy and efforts to better serve communities of color and create more equity in San Luis Obispo. This effort will center people of color who will lead and advise us as to meaningful steps we can take as a city on anti-racism work. We will be immediately putting this funding towards meaningful and concrete steps we can take as a city on anti-racism work. With meaningful efforts, we can create a city in which tear gas, foam bullets, and pepper balls will never be used when people are peacefully demonstrating. I am open, interested, and ready to listen to your suggestions as to the best way to implement and use this funding. The incident on Monday in which tear gas was deployed by local law enforcement is greatly disturbing and I have heard from many of you that you are deeply upset as well. To be clear, I was not involved in any way in the decision to deploy tear gas to disperse the protesters. Our role on City Council is one of policy and not of operations. In my role as Mayor, I do not have a position of command or control over multi-jurisdictional law enforcement. I am, however, responsible for taking on the call, and demanding that we do better. We can do better and I am committed to learning from this incident in order to gain clarity on what policies we need to pursue to ensure that we don’t have an incident like that ever again in our city. I am calling for the police department to conduct a Critical Incident Review that includes the statements of protesters on what happened so that all of us can understand exactly what led up to this situation so we can learn, make changes, and do better. I have signed on to President Obama’s pledge to de-escalate police violence. In addition, I have asked the following questions to Chief Cantrell to seek clarity and to assess what the critical next steps need to be. Are the police officers in the San Luis Obispo Police Department being trained to de-escalate altercations by using peaceful conflict resolution strategies? Are the police officers in the San Luis Obispo Police Department forbidden from using carotid restraints (chokeholds, strangleholds, etc.) and hog-tying methods? Furthermore, are they forbidden from transporting civilians in uncomfortable positions, such as face down in a vehicle? Are the police officers in the San Luis Obispo Police Department required to intervene if they witness another officer using excessive force? Will officers be reprimanded if they fail to intervene? Are the police officers in the San Luis Obispo Police Department forbidden from shooting at moving vehicles? Is there a clear and enforced use-of-force continuum that details what weapons and force are acceptable in a wide variety of civilian-police interactions? Are the officers in the San Luis Obispo Police Department required to exhaust every other possible option before using excessive force? Are the officers in the San Luis Obispo Police Department required to give a verbal warning to civilians before drawing their weapon or using excessive force? Are the officers in the San Luis Obispo Police Department required to report each time they threaten to or use force on civilians? Are the officers in the San Luis Obispo Police Department thoroughly vetted to ensure that they do not have a history with abuse, racism, xenophobia, homophobia/transphobia, or discrimination? Are the officers in the San Luis Obispo Police Department trained to perform and seek necessary medical action after using excessive force? Is there an early intervention system enforced to correct officers who use excessive force? Additionally, how many complaints does an officer have to receive before they are reprimanded? Before they are terminated? What is the operational guideline for body cameras, including the need to ensure that they are powered and operational at all times? What are the educational requirements of our officers? At our next City Council meeting, I will be presenting a proclamation to these young leaders in honor of Juneteenth; the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. I call on the people of San Luis Obispo to join me in celebrating Juneteeth by sharing some of the tremendous wealth in this community by providing scholarship funding to Cal Poly so that more first-generation students have a chance at a good education and a chance at being part of the fabric of this community. To give young people of color a chance to be commended for their intelligence at Cal Poly, instead of the majority of admissions of black students having to be within athletics. And I call on the media to commit to unbiased reporting and to take responsibility for the crucial role that media often plays in stoking the flames of fear and distrust. Racism is a social system with multiple dimensions. Racism causes persistent racial discrimination in housing, education, employment, and criminal justice; racism is a significant social determinant of health as we have seen throughout the COVID pandemic and violence against people of color. It is crucial that we name this in order to fully and meaningfully address this crisis. This is why at our next city council meeting I will be asking that the City of San Luis Obispo asserts that racism is a public health emergency affecting our entire society. And I am calling on Governor Newsom to do the same. As an activist myself, I appreciate the impact that activism can have on policy, and the work it takes to be in the streets. Your activism has made a difference. I implore you as we move into tomorrow and the weeks and years to come, to continue to listen, ask questions, and do the important work that is before us. Do not look away. We are a caring and compassionate community. And we are a caring and compassionate community of privilege and we are called to use that privilege to create a more fair and just world for all. We need to come together to all stand in support of peaceful and radical action against systemic racism. I stand in grief and support and believe that we must come together to end the discrimination and violence of black and marginalized communities everywhere. A world exists in which we no longer have to protest injustice because injustice no longer exists. A world where riot gear goes rusty and policing becomes obsolete. A world where black men run and black women sleep in their homes in safety. A world where George Floyd and Breanna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbrey are still alive, walking hand in hand with Xavier Moore, Jalen Hamler, and Tianna Arata. Let us create that world together. Standing with you for Black Lives, Mayor Harmon 4 From:Harmon, Heidi To:Harmon, Heidi Subject:Mayor Harmon"s statement in collaboration with local young black leadership on anti-racism in San Luis Obispo - PLEASE PRINT IN IT"S ENTIRETY Date:Thursday, June 4, 2020 3:07:44 PM This is a day of mourning in this country. The family and loved ones of George Floyd lay their beloved son, brother, father, and friend to rest. I have asked that all of the flags in the city be flown at half staff to honor his life. A life that was ended too soon at the hands of a racist police officer. I have been listening to all of your voices and I hear you. This statement was written in collaboration with local young black leadership and in particular with Xavier Moore, Jalen Hamler, both Cal Poly students and with Tianna Arata; recent Cuesta graduate and future University of Sacramento student. Together, we are implementing the demands of justice. I had the honor of walking with these leaders in a peaceful protest on Wednesday and their leadership is something to be commended and celebrated. I want to start by acknowledging and affirming how tragic, unacceptable, and heartbreaking the recent killings of black folks at the hands of the police are. I understand that the murders of recent weeks are but a few of the centuries-long history of racism and violence against People of Color in this country. What is happening today is a direct result of our country’s racist beginning, a wound we have never committed to healing- and we must make that commitment to healing now through action, through policy, through dialogue and collaboration. Over recent days, thousands of people within our community have boldly and peacefully stood in solidarity to protest racial injustice that has plagued our nation and our world. I stand with you. I hear you and I want to take this opportunity to positively impact social change- a change that looks like prioritizing black voices, equity in leadership, a world where parents don't live in fear when their black children leave the house, and a San Luis Obispo that does not leave anyone out. We have heard over and over again from people of color that they do not feel welcome here and it is time to step up and be willing to do the difficult and necessary work of changing that. It is up to us to do the work to educate ourselves in order to create a community that is welcoming, equitable, and kind. A budget is an expression of values and I want the city’s budget to express the value of standing with people of color. I am glad to say that at this week’s City Council meeting we set aside 160,000 to go toward policy and efforts to better serve communities of color and create more equity in San Luis Obispo. This effort will center people of color who will lead and advise us as to meaningful steps we can take as a city on anti-racism work. We will be immediately putting this funding towards meaningful and concrete steps we can take as a city on anti-racism work. With meaningful efforts, we can create a city in which tear gas, foam bullets, and pepper balls will never be used when people are peacefully demonstrating. I am open, interested, and ready to listen to your suggestions as to the best way to implement and use this funding. The incident on Monday in which tear gas was deployed by local law enforcement is greatly disturbing and I have heard from many of you that you are deeply upset as well. To be clear, I was not involved in any way in the decision to deploy tear gas to disperse the protesters. Our role on City Council is one of policy and not of operations. In my role as Mayor, I do not have a position of command or control over multi-jurisdictional law enforcement. I am, however, responsible for taking on the call, and demanding that we do better. We can do better and I am committed to learning from this incident in order to gain clarity on what policies we need to pursue to ensure that we don’t have an incident like that ever again in our city. I am calling for the police department to conduct a Critical Incident Review that includes the statements of protesters on what happened so that all of us can understand exactly what led up to this situation so we can learn, make changes, and do better. I have signed on to President Obama’s pledge to de-escalate police violence. In addition, I have asked the following questions to Chief Cantrell to seek clarity and to assess what the critical next steps need to be. Are the police officers in the San Luis Obispo Police Department being trained to de-escalate altercations by using peaceful conflict resolution strategies? Are the police officers in the San Luis Obispo Police Department forbidden from using carotid restraints (chokeholds, strangleholds, etc.) and hog-tying methods? Furthermore, are they forbidden from transporting civilians in uncomfortable positions, such as face down in a vehicle? Are the police officers in the San Luis Obispo Police Department required to intervene if they witness another officer using excessive force? Will officers be reprimanded if they fail to intervene? Are the police officers in the San Luis Obispo Police Department forbidden from shooting at moving vehicles? Is there a clear and enforced use-of-force continuum that details what weapons and force are acceptable in a wide variety of civilian-police interactions? Are the officers in the San Luis Obispo Police Department required to exhaust every other possible option before using excessive force? Are the officers in the San Luis Obispo Police Department required to give a verbal warning to civilians before drawing their weapon or using excessive force? Are the officers in the San Luis Obispo Police Department required to report each time they threaten to or use force on civilians? Are the officers in the San Luis Obispo Police Department thoroughly vetted to ensure that they do not have a history with abuse, racism, xenophobia, homophobia/transphobia, or discrimination? Are the officers in the San Luis Obispo Police Department trained to perform and seek necessary medical action after using excessive force? Is there an early intervention system enforced to correct officers who use excessive force? Additionally, how many complaints does an officer have to receive before they are reprimanded? Before they are terminated? What is the operational guideline for body cameras, including the need to ensure that they are powered and operational at all times? What are the educational requirements of our officers? At our next City Council meeting, I will be presenting a proclamation to these young leaders in honor of Juneteenth; the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. I call on the people of San Luis Obispo to join me in celebrating Juneteeth by sharing some of the tremendous wealth in this community by providing scholarship funding to Cal Poly so that more first-generation students have a chance at a good education and a chance at being part of the fabric of this community. To give young people of color a chance to be commended for their intelligence at Cal Poly, instead of the majority of admissions of black students having to be within athletics. And I call on the media to commit to unbiased reporting and to take responsibility for the crucial role that media often plays in stoking the flames of fear and distrust. Racism is a social system with multiple dimensions. Racism causes persistent racial discrimination in housing, education, employment, and criminal justice; racism is a significant social determinant of health as we have seen throughout the COVID pandemic and violence against people of color. It is crucial that we name this in order to fully and meaningfully address this crisis. This is why at our next city council meeting I will be asking that the City of San Luis Obispo asserts that racism is a public health emergency affecting our entire society. And I am calling on Governor Newsom to do the same. As an activist myself, I appreciate the impact that activism can have on policy, and the work it takes to be in the streets. Your activism has made a difference. I implore you as we move into tomorrow and the weeks and years to come, to continue to listen, ask questions, and do the important work that is before us. Do not look away. We are a caring and compassionate community. And we are a caring and compassionate community of privilege and we are called to use that privilege to create a more fair and just world for all. We need to come together to all stand in support of peaceful and radical action against systemic racism. I stand in grief and support and believe that we must come together to end the discrimination and violence of black and marginalized communities everywhere. A world exists in which we no longer have to protest injustice because injustice no longer exists. A world where riot gear goes rusty and policing becomes obsolete. A world where black men run and black women sleep in their homes in safety. A world where George Floyd and Breanna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbrey are still alive, walking hand in hand with Xavier Moore, Jalen Hamler, and Tianna Arata. Let us create that world together. Standing with you for Black Lives, Mayor Harmon 4 From:Harmon, Heidi To:Xavier Moore Subject:Re: templete resolution for pubic health crisis- What do you think? Date:Thursday, June 4, 2020 1:04:04 PM Good idea. From: Xavier Moore <xmoore@calpoly.edu> Sent: Thursday, June 4, 2020 12:46 PM To: Harmon, Heidi <hharmon@slocity.org> Subject: Re: templete resolution for pubic health crisis- What do you think? That is an interesting template and I like the approach, maybe we should meet again and discuss that platform after you have made the statement, after all we have time to organize the platform before June 16th Get Outlook for iOS From: Harmon, Heidi <hharmon@slocity.org> Sent: Thursday, June 4, 2020 11:23:35 AM To: Harmon, Heidi <hharmon@slocity.org>; Harmon, Heidi <hharmon@slocity.org> Cc: Subject: templete resolution for pubic health crisis- What do you think? https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.wpha.org/resource/resmgr/2018_folder/WPHA_Racial_Equity_Resolutio.pdf From:Heidi Harmon To:tloallergyfree@earthlink.net; Harmon, Heidi Subject:Re: touching base Date:Saturday, October 10, 2020 7:12:11 PM Somebody else wrote the story and maybe your son-in-law? Or somebody else I sent it already to city staff and to the police department to get a better understanding of what happened here. On the face of it it seems ridiculous so of course this is unacceptable. Can you have her call me? Also just so you know it’s essentially mandatory that I have conversations about city business at my city email so if you can email me there in the future that would be ideal. Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone On Saturday, October 10, 2020, 5:31 PM, tloallergyfree@earthlink.net wrote: Hi, Heidi, I wanted to tell you about something that happened to my 40 year old daughter last night in SLO. She was driving past Meadow Park and saw that there was a BLM protest going on there. She would have liked to stop and join them, but she's a teacher in Santa Maria and can't afford to get arrested. So, she honked her horn, once, and waved to the protesters as she drove by. She was then almost immediately red lighted and stopped by the police. The cop gave her a lecture, and bragged that they'd already given three people tickets for the same thing. She pretended she understood and agreed, and didn't get ticketed. I ask you: isn't honking your horn and waving or giving a thumbs up to protesters our RIGHT? Please, please (and all of us here are voting for you...got your sign in our yard, again)...but please, keep these police in check. Who do they think they are? Tom Ogren SLO From:Heidi Harmon To:Harmon, Heidi Subject:Fw: REGISTER NOW | Good Morning SLO Date:Thursday, September 17, 2020 3:54:32 PM To Educate, Empower, and Inspire others to Co-Create a more Fair, Just, and Regenerative World. Get Mighty! LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube Forwarded Message ----- From: San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce <slochamber@slochamber.org> To: " Sent: Thursday, September 17, 2020, 02:00:30 PM PDT Subject: REGISTER NOW | Good Morning SLO GOOD MORNING SLO 7:30 a.m. Thursday, September 24 Virtual doors will open at 7:30 a.m. with music and 15 minutes of social time. Once the program concludes, we'll open it up for additional networking in breakout groups. Thursday, September 24 7:30 to 9 a.m. 25 Zoom invite will be sent upon registration REGISTER NOW This month's featured sponsor: SEPTEMBER TOPICS INCLUDE: ARTS IN CRISIS Throughout history, some of the most impactful art has been created during tectonic societal shifts and times of crisis. Leann Standish, Executive Director of the Foundation for the Performing Arts Center will delve into a bit of that history and share how our world's current events are influencing trends and experiences. TAX CREDITS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES Just last week, California announced a new program designed to entice businesses to hire more workers over the next three months. Mical Bovee, Principal at Glenn Burdette, will share what you need to know to take advantage of this program and navigate the ever-changing tax landscape. WHAT'S THE POINT OF VACCINES? Flu season is on its way and SLO County continues to struggle to effectively contain the Coronavirus. Pediatric specialist, Dr. Grace Lim will share how vaccines will help us survive this challenging time as we prepare to embark on the most impactful immunization effort of our lifetime. STARTING ON THE RIGHT TRACK If you’ve ever thought about how we could improve traffic and find transportation alternatives on the Central Coast, rest assured you are not alone. SLOCOG is launching a new regional rail study and Anna Devers will share what residents need to know and how they can get involved. SOMETHING'S FISHY ON THE CENTRAL COAST Rebounding populations of king salmon and rumors of spot prawn sales have many feeling excited about the future of the fishing industry on the Central Coast. A third generation local carrying on his family's legacy in Morro Bay, Giovanni DeGarimore will opine on how we can set up our region for a thriving seafood culture. VENN DIAGRAM OF BUSINESS & BLACK LIVES Today's headlines might lead you to believe that support for business and Black Lives Matter have zero overlap, but there's far more to it. Founding Director of the Diversity Coalition, Michael Boyer will share why his support of both the business community and #BlackLivesMatter demonstrations are not mutually exclusive as we work towards an anti-racist community. GOOD MORNING SLO Good Morning SLO is our platform for sharing ideas, news and inspiration. Each month we strive to provide insight into business, community and legislative issues and share the stories of those making a difference. We want to enable the community to reconnect, engage and learn. Thank you to our Annual Sponsors: San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce | 895 Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Unsubscribe Update Profile | About our service provider Sent by slochamber@slochamber.org powered by Try email marketing for free today! From:Heidi Harmon To:White, Kelly Subject:Fw: BLM messaging Date:Wednesday, September 9, 2020 4:03:29 AM To Educate, Empower, and Inspire others to Co-Create a more Fair, Just, and Regenerative World. Get Mighty! LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube Forwarded Message ----- From: Heidi Harmon < To: Courtney Haile <courtneyhaile2@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, June 28, 2020, 11:46:35 AM PDT Subject: BLM messaging This is helpful in case you have not seen it: Policing, Protest, Racial Injustice RCN Messaging Guide.pdf To Educate, Empower, and Inspire others to Co-Create a more Fair, Just, and Regenerative World. Get Mighty! LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube Policing, Protest, Racial Injustice RCN Messaging Guide.pdf From:Heidi Harmon To:White, Kelly Subject:Fw: #StopDisinformation Date:Wednesday, September 9, 2020 4:02:56 AM To Educate, Empower, and Inspire others to Co-Create a more Fair, Just, and Regenerative World. Get Mighty! LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube Forwarded Message ----- From: Heidi Harmon < To: Courtney Haile <courtneyhaile2@gmail.com>; Kim Lisagor Bisheff <kimbisheff@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, July 10, 2020, 02:03:06 PM PDT Subject: Fw: #StopDisinformation Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone Begin forwarded message: On Friday, July 10, 2020, 1:38 PM, Black Lives Matter Global Network info@blacklivesmatter.com> wrote: Heidi -- We are in the age of information. But with all of this information comes the threat of disinformation -- and no one knows this better than we do. Disinformation is the false information deliberately and often covertly spread (as by the planting of rumors) in order to influence public opinion or obscure the truth. Over the past couple years, and particularly over the past couple of months, our movement has been the target of countless disinformation campaigns online. From Russian accounts co-opting the Black Lives Matter name to Trump misleading Americans about the role of protestors in the recent uprisings, we know all too well the damage that this disinformation causes. Our movement, our voices, and our lives are at risk of being manipulated and drowned out by right-wing conspiracy theories, foreign agents, and dangerous actors. The threats made online translate into attacks in the real world -- and we won’t stand for them. It’s time to act -- and now Black Lives Matter Global Network Managing Director Kailee Scales is letting us know how we can all take a stand. Check out her new opinion piece, and watch Kailee testify before Congress about the dangers of disinformation and how we can combat it together. READ MORE SHARE ON TWITTER SHARE ON FACEBOOK There is still much further to go, and the fight is far from over. Join us in taking the next step by checking out the video of Kailee testifying, reading her new op-ed, and sharing them on social media to raise awareness about disinformation and our movement. In love and solidarity, Black Lives Matter Global Network DONATE Black Lives Matter Global Network To unsubscribe, please click here. Sent via ActionNetwork.org. To update your email address, change your name or address, or to stop receiving emails from Black Lives Matter Global Network, please click here. From:Heidi Harmon To:White, Kelly Subject:Fw: Trib story Date:Wednesday, September 9, 2020 4:02:11 AM To Educate, Empower, and Inspire others to Co-Create a more Fair, Just, and Regenerative World. Get Mighty! LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube Forwarded Message ----- From: Heidi Harmon < To: Kim Lisagor Bisheff <kimbisheff@gmail.com>; Courtney Haile <courtneyhaile2@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, July 21, 2020, 05:55:30 AM PDT Subject: Trib story This entire situation is so problematic. If you listen to his entire speech there is so much bad information. Perhaps intentionally? This headline is also a major issue as we had no violence here and the focus on so-called violence negates the bigger issues of this movement. SLO County sheriff condemns violent BLM protests, downplays masks in Tea Party talk SLO County sheriff condemns violent BLM protests, downplays masks in Tea... If protests turn violent in SLO County, he said, “The sheriff’s coming to town with the posse.” To Educate, Empower, and Inspire others to Co-Create a more Fair, Just, and Regenerative World. Get Mighty! LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube From:Heidi Harmon To:White, Kelly Subject:Fw: Diversity Coalition SLO County: Fostering Understanding in Our Community Date:Wednesday, September 9, 2020 4:00:06 AM To Educate, Empower, and Inspire others to Co-Create a more Fair, Just, and Regenerative World. Get Mighty! LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube Forwarded Message ----- From: Heidi Harmon < To: Michael Boyer, CFE <michaeldboyer@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, July 26, 2020, 08:36:03 AM PDT Subject: Re: Diversity Coalition SLO County: Fostering Understanding in Our Community Good morning Michael I just wanted to clarify that yes I’m happy to be part of this. Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone On Wednesday, July 22, 2020, 3:20 PM, Michael Boyer, CFE michaeldboyer@gmail.com> wrote: Good afternoon, Heidi We have launched our "Fostering Understanding in Our Community" series and would love for you to be a panelist in Part 4: Black Lives Matter Movement: How to be an Ally: Looking forward, what do we all share? This event will be September 9th at 6pm, are you available? Below, I have provided brief information about each part of this series: Part 1: Fostering Understanding in Our Community - Black Lives Matter Movement: How to be an Ally? July 29, 2020 6pm) Confirmed Moderator: Fanshen Cox Confirmed Panelists: Courtney Haile, RACE Matters SLO; Gina Whitaker, SLO County UndocuSupport; Erica Baltodano, SLO Legal Assistance Foundation; Michael Boyer, Diversity Coalition SLO County. Part 2: Fostering Understanding in Our Community - Black Lives Matter Movement: How to be an Ally - A local public safety perspective. August 12, 2020 6pm) Confirmed Moderator: Fanshen Cox, Actor, Educator, Writer, Producer Potential Panelists: Deanna Cantrell, SLO Chief of Police; Dr. Rushdi Cader, Emergency Room Physician Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center, Medical Director for the SLO Regional SWAT Team, and Reserve Officer SLO PD; Sister Theresa Harpin, Restorative Partners; Lan George, Arroyo Grande City Council. Part 3: Fostering Understanding in Our Community - Black Lives Matter Movement: How to be an Ally - Our local faith-based community’s perspective. August 26, 2020 6pm) Potential Moderator: Dr. Stephen Lloyd-Moffett, Religious Studies scholar and Professor of Religious Studies at Cal Poly SLO Potential Panelists: Rev. Rob Keim, Rector St. Barnabas Episcopal Church; Pastor David Hutsko New Life Church; Part 4: Fostering Understanding in Our Community - Black Lives Matter Movement: How to be an Ally: Looking forward, what do we all share? September 9, 2020 6pm) Confirmed Moderator: Fanshen Cox Potential Panelists: Joslynn Ranae Flowers, Manager Café Andreini; Kyle Berlin, Princeton Valedictorian; Heidi Harmon; Mayor, City of San Luis Obispo; Noha Kolkailah, SLO Peace Academy Thank you for your consideration! m- Michael Boyer t 805.471.7954 Join diversityslo.org/join-us only $25/year! Join Stephen Vines Tomorrow on Dave Congalton Hometown Radio 920 AM / 96.5 FM 5pm Wednesday July 29, 2020 Call in: 805-543-8830 or 805-549-5832 Discussing BLM, recent protests, and the NAACP Letter sent to the Tribune: To the Editor and Readers of the Tribune: We, the membership and leadership of NAACP, San Luis Obispo County Branch, have watched the events of the last few days in our community unfold on screens, newspapers and televisions across the county, and we feel we cannot sit idly by without contributing a perspective that seeks justice. The events that included the arrest of Tianna Arata Tuesday, as well as the subsequent releases of information and very public reactions of the community, have left us with deep concerns. There are many movements for racial justice unfolding in our community, each with its own tactics and strategies, and each with its own specific goals in mind. As we all work toward a common vision of future equality, we do our best to From:Heidi Harmon To:White, Kelly Subject:Fw: SLO NAACP Classes FRIDAY 7/31, and Congalton show tonight Date:Wednesday, September 9, 2020 3:59:44 AM To Educate, Empower, and Inspire others to Co-Create a more Fair, Just, and Regenerative World. Get Mighty! LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube Forwarded Message ----- From: Heidi Harmon < To: Sent: Wednesday, July 29, 2020, 04:02:17 PM PDT Subject: Fw: SLO NAACP Classes FRIDAY 7/31, and Congalton show tonight FYI To Educate, Empower, and Inspire others to Co-Create a more Fair, Just, and Regenerative World. Get Mighty! LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube Forwarded Message ----- From: Angela <mcnultys5@sbcglobal.net> To: " Sent: Wednesday, July 29, 2020, 12:41:44 PM PDT Subject: SLO NAACP Classes FRIDAY 7/31, and Congalton show tonight Begin forwarded message: From: NAACP SLO Branch <naacpslocty@gmail.com> Subject: Stephen on Congalton Tomorrow Date: July 28, 2020 at 7:38:46 PM PDT To: Angela <mcnultys5@sbcglobal.net> Reply-To: <naacpslocty@gmail.com> respect the freedom and actions of fellow organizations. Ms. Arata spoke at our September rally, but is not a member. We have not been affiliated with the organizers nor participants of these actions we are discussing. We do question some of the actions, both on the part of the police and the demonstrators, and recognize that there remains much unknown and unclear at this time. From viewing the videos posted on July 22, additional videos and accounts shared by individuals who were present, and listening to perspectives from different leaders within the community, we’ve come to recognize some commonalities, and in those commonalities we recognize hope and opportunity to learn together. It’s difficult and uncomfortable to recognize commonality is those we may not agree with, but it is part of the process. There is a lot of wrong going on, so when something happens right, it’s worth recognizing. It does appear that many of the officers behaved calmly and professionally. A few appeared to be overly excited and tending toward excessive in their responses to the taunting and obscenities from the demonstrators. Perhaps the same could be said of the demonstrators, especially after provocation that includes threats or acts of physical harm. A demonstration can be a very charged event, which stirs strong emotions—adrenaline and fear among them—that may lead any person engaged, impacted or otherwise involved to react, potentially without being our best selves. But change requires that we move beyond our comfort zone and closer to our best selves, even when that means recognizing good in those we don’t agree with, and things that we ourselves are not doing well. We have witnessed Ms. Arata’s effective leadership, and were surprised by the actions that occurred Tuesday, and so we are left with questions: It could be inferred from the timing and actions of the police that the move to arrest Ms. Arata, late in the day with many less demonstrators around, was calculated and executed according to a preconceived plan. The SLO PD has confirmed as much with statements it has released, providing this tactic as justified. Is this an attempt to control the demonstrators by intimidating the leadership? Are the serious charges against her justified? Did she resist? Also, at a demonstration in the past, the police blocked demonstrators from entry to the freeway; why was it not done this time? Why was a vehicle on 101 which drove into crowds after being stopped previously not pursued by law enforcement for endangering protestors and inciting protective retaliation to the vehicular assault? And why are myriad calls for future violence against protestors not being addressed in any way by community leaders? We do not know whether this demonstration was partially or wholly in response to the recent speech by Sheriff Ian Parkinson at a Tea Party meeting, but, if it was, we can understand demonstrators’ concern. To say that there is no racism in our county is, at best, naïve. In light of the worldwide response to the killing of George Floyd, and rising awareness of the realities of racism in our society, he appears to be insensitive and out-of-touch, to say the least. We are supporters of law and order, but law and order without justice and equal application for all is not the America we wish to bring forth. Regardless of what is to be learned in the days to come, what the actions of Tuesday incited in the community is not acceptable, and it reinforces the need for these very demonstrations. The calls for future reactive violence against protestors, including movement leaders, are deeply troubling. That feeling is intensified by dismissal of concerns from those charged with protecting all who live, work, visit and pass through our community. In an effort toward achieving equal justice and freedom we ask our leadership—council members, mayors, supervisors, law enforcement leadership, et al.—to take immediate action: denouncing calls for violence against protestors and organizers and instituting programs and equally applied policies that support safety for those legally exercising first amendment rights. This is an opportunity to come together and denounce hate speech and acts of violence to create a more welcoming community as well as enact systemic changes that support racial and social justice. There are reporting and tracking mechanisms in place for some threats of aggression (i.e. against cyclists), but not all—not for threats against or violations of individuals’ civil rights. Those are only available at the state and federal levels, and enforcement is difficult, at best, to achieve, with justice an even more distant aspiration. We propose enacting a fully-transparent local civil rights violation complaint tracking system where those who experience threats or acts of aggression can file a report, those reports can be aggregated and investigated, public oversight is possible, and the data gathered can be used to better understand the racism and discrimination present in our community so that the community can develop tools and programs to eradicate it. If this capability is already present at the local level, there needs to be increased transparency of the data, and policies put forth to encourage reporting and ensure accuracy of recording, with regularly published reports available to the public. The mission of the NAACP is to secure the political, educational, social and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons. Friday July 31, 2020, 7pm-8pm Unlearning Racism/Oppression Classes Racism is a construct made in the mind of the oppressor and projected into the minds of the oppressed; to be experienced in Fear, Anger, Grief, Boredom and Guilt... Creating self hate and sickness and bad habits. This weekly series of classes will be on Mondays via Zoom. Free Introductory Lecture (45 minutes) will be held Friday July 31st at 7 p.m. and will provide details about continuing class format, costs and materials. SPACE IS LIMITED RSVP REQUIRED TO RECEIVE ZOOM LINK INFO TO PARTICIPATE * Copyright © 2020 NAACP San Luis Obispo County Branch #1093 ©, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you are a member of NAACP San Luis Obispo County Branch. Our mailing address is: NAACP San Luis Obispo County Branch #1093 © 110 S. Mary Ste 2215 Nipomo, CA 93444 Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list. Reserve Your Space From:Heidi Harmon To:White, Kelly Subject:Fw: Keep fighting for Breonna Taylor | Anti-Racism Daily Date:Wednesday, September 9, 2020 3:59:11 AM To Educate, Empower, and Inspire others to Co-Create a more Fair, Just, and Regenerative World. Get Mighty! LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube Forwarded Message ----- From: Heidi Harmon < To: Courtney Haile <courtneyhaile2@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, July 31, 2020, 06:59:08 AM PDT Subject: Fw: Keep fighting for Breonna Taylor | Anti-Racism Daily Good Morning Courtney. Thank you for signing my paperwork yesterday. This daily email is so good and I have learned so much and I thought you might like to suggest to white people to do their own work. Maybe a link to this on the RACE Matters site? To Educate, Empower, and Inspire others to Co-Create a more Fair, Just, and Regenerative World. Get Mighty! LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube Forwarded Message ----- From: Anti-Racism Daily <contact@nicoleacardoza.com> To: Heidi < Sent: Friday, July 31, 2020, 04:33:13 AM PDT Subject: Keep fighting for Breonna Taylor | Anti-Racism Daily Donate | Subscribe | Share | Archives July 31, 2020 Keep fighting for Breonna Taylor. It's Friday and today's a great day to keep fighting for Breonna Taylor. Were you expecting a different punchline? Then maybe today's newsletter on the memeification of Breonna Taylor and what we must do as we fight for justice. Although it's disheartening to write once again about Breonna Taylor, I also know that all of her killers are still walking free. And because of that, I must use my voice to keep advocating for her – and for all of us that have the privilege to still be here, and benefit from the changes that are coming. How do you choose to use yours? We'd love your support to keep our reporting growing! Consider giving one-time on our website, (or Venmo @nicoleacardoza), or pledge $5/month on our Patreon. Many thanks to all that have supported so far! Nicole Sign the Color of Change petition to demand that all police officers involved in the death of Breonna Taylor are fired. Donate to the Louisville Community Bail Fund, and aid the protesters still rallying in Breonna's hometown. Call Kentucky's local official and the public integrity unit of the Louisville Metro Police Department to demand the officers involved in Breonna's death are fired and charged with her killing. Go to StandWithBre.com and tap the button on your mobile phone and they will call for you! Forward To A Friend Share Tweet O Magazine is ending regular print magazine issues in December 2020 to adopt a digital-first approach (Hollywood Reporter). But for the first time in 20 years, Oprah herself isn’t on the cover. Instead, this month’s cover is dedicated to Breonna Taylor, who was murdered 140 days ago by Louisville Metro Police Department officers Jonathan Mattingly, Brett Hankison, and Myles Cosgrove after they entered her home with a no-knock warrant while she was sleeping and opened fire (The Cut). Although one of the three officers have been fired, the other two are only on administrative reassignment, and none of the officers face criminal charges (NYTimes). The magazine commissioned 24-year-old digital artist Alexis Franklin to create the cover, and she used a well-known selfie Breonna Taylor took shortly before her death (Washington Post). You may have seen this photo on the cover because it’s been all over social media – in fact, Breonna Taylor’s name and image have been widely shared through memes, gifs, text-based posts, and more since the protests. Earlier this week, the controversial 'Women Supporting Women' Selfie Challenge dominated timelines when women encouraged others to share a selfie in black-and-white Elle Magazine). Many people decide to use the moment instead to share photos of Breonna Taylor (The Lily). Echoes of calls for justice are heard in protests on the street, in window signs, and amplified by celebrities. Beyonce penned an open letter to the Kentucky State Attorney General (Beyonce). The WNBA dedicated its entire 2020 season to honoring Taylor and the Say Her Name movement (KPBS). Breonna was murdered in March 2020, but her story became a key narrative in the Black Lives Matter protests in May, with specific attention towards how little press her story had received. Although Blavity and The Root, two major publications that focus on Black stories, published articles about her story in late March, mainstream news sources didn’t pick up her story until late May (used Google Search results for this one). Although the intense coverage of COVID-19 during this time likely played a factor (Courier Journal), many believe it’s our country’s longstanding tenuous relationship with Black women that minimize police brutality like this (PBS). And until we see more accountability for her death, we can expect that her story will continue to resonate with allies and activists as the anti-racism movement progresses. But are all these memes and tributes and cover takeovers helping, or hurting? Some believe that these statements don’t do her life and legacy justice. And the statement “arrest the cops who killed Breonna Taylor,” a popular catchphrase, is misleading, according to film and culture pop critic Cate Young (Jezebel). How exactly is the community supposed to achieve that while they’re scrolling through Instagram? The more pertinent actions – like the ones in today’s Take Action section – are shared significantly less. And what is the creator intending to do when posting a meme like this on social media: raise awareness about the injustice of over-policing Black women, or gain some easy likes? And the memeification of violence against Black women is perpetuating the same systems of discrediting and minimizing that pain which we touched on briefly in yesterday’s Anti-Racism Daily). When she’s diluted down to a glib, cutesy meme it’s a dishonor to her. She was very much a real person, with real thoughts and dreams and dislikes. She leaves behind a world of hurting family, friends, and acquaintances. Christine Boyer, writer, for Jezebel Others believe that these subliminal messaging shift perceptions and encourage action in a time where many people’s newsfeeds have gone back to normal. Allissa Richardson, a journalism professor at USC Annenberg and author, believes that it’s a powerful way Black people can trick the algorithm to hold conversations that advance critical issues that may otherwise go ignored Washington Post). And when conversations persist, media pays attention, drawing the conversation back into the press cycle. (It has compelled me, too, to write about Breonna Taylor again for the Anti-Racism Daily. Very meta). The power of media in this movement brings to mind the strength of Emmett Till’s mother for holding an open casket, putting her son’s mutilated body on display for the whole world to see. The photos, which were published in Jet Magazine and circulated broadly from there, forced America to confront the brutality of the racism that may have been easy to overlook (view the photo and corresponding story in Time Magazine). Unlike the memes of Breonna, these images were chosen by the family and approved to share, not user-generated memes with their own branding and hashtags. But for the time, these images achieved something similar to what we’re seeing today: it’s impossible to look away. But we shouldn’t need a meme to draw our attention back to injustices against Black women. It’s our responsibility to share these stories with respect and care, and continue the fight for justice even when we’re not reminded to while scrolling through Instagram. Like the story of Breonna Taylor, the perpetrators of the murder of Emmett Till walk free. In fact, the Emmett Till Legacy Foundation, which was created by family members of Till and other community members, is asking the community to sign a petition to hold Carolyn Bryant Donham, the woman that falsely accused Emmett Till of a crime he did not commit, accountable. Learn more about Emmett Till and his story in our Anti-Racism Daily on lynching, and sign the petition here. It has been 140 days since Breonna Taylor was killed by Louisville Metro Police Department officers Jonathan Mattingly, Brett Hankison, and Myles Cosgrove Oprah joined a long list of celebrities, activists and individuals using their platforms to call for justice The memeification of Breonna Taylor is helping to keep Breonna’s name in the media – and perpetuate the same systems that harm Black women We must leverage our platforms to center the needs of other with care and grace June 5, 2020 | Breonna Taylor. Say her name. And remember it. Thank you for all your financial contributions! If you haven't already, consider making a monthly donation to this work. These funds will help me operationalize this work for greatest impact. Give on our website Subscribe on Patreon Give one-time on PayPal Venmo @nicoleacardoza Copyright © 2020 Anti-Racism Daily, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you're committed to adopting anti-racist practices. Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list. From:Heidi Harmon To:White, Kelly Subject:Fw: Tianna Arata Date:Wednesday, September 9, 2020 3:58:59 AM To Educate, Empower, and Inspire others to Co-Create a more Fair, Just, and Regenerative World. Get Mighty! LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube Forwarded Message ----- From: david higgins <davidchiggins@att.net> To: Heidi Harmon < Sent: Wednesday, August 19, 2020, 10:19:17 AM PDT Subject: Re: Tianna Arata Thanks for carrying this burden for us! I know you are strong enough to continue doing it with the grace you have shown so far. Don't worry! keep smiling! David Higgins On Wednesday, August 19, 2020, 09:59:21 AM PDT, Heidi Harmon < wrote: Thank you so much David- this means so much. To Educate, Empower, and Inspire others to Co-Create a more Fair, Just, and Regenerative World. Get Mighty! LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube On Wednesday, August 19, 2020, 09:38:36 AM PDT, david higgins <davidchiggins@att.net> wrote: You are in a difficult position. I don't know at all what your public stance should be either. We are sending our best hopes and prayers for you to find the wisest course. You have our support and sympathy, we believe in you, because we can tell your heart is in the right place. ! David Higgins On Wednesday, August 19, 2020, 7:43:32 AM PDT, Heidi Harmon < wrote: I agree David and I am doing what I can behind the scenes. I am not at all clear that if I take a huge public stance on this that that will help Tianna. To Educate, Empower, and Inspire others to Co-Create a more Fair, Just, and Regenerative World. Get Mighty! LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube On Wednesday, August 19, 2020, 06:13:17 AM PDT, david higgins <davidchiggins@att.net> wrote: Hi Mayor Heidi, I think you should influence the DA to drop the charges against Tianna. I agree with the Aug. 16 editorial in the Tribune. Dan Dow is a dinosaur with blinders on. I support your re-election, I feel you can continue to help SLO open it eyes, and see the bigger picture. all the best, David Higgins From:Heidi Harmon To:White, Kelly Subject:Fw: You Must Defend Tianna Arata Date:Wednesday, September 9, 2020 3:54:32 AM To Educate, Empower, and Inspire others to Co-Create a more Fair, Just, and Regenerative World. Get Mighty! LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube Forwarded Message ----- From: Heidi Harmon < To: Emily Anderson <emilytate.a@gmail.com>; Heidi Harmon <hharmon@slocity.org> Sent: Sunday, July 26, 2020, 08:36:32 AM PDT Subject: Re: You Must Defend Tianna Arata Thank you for your email and for standing up for racial justice. I want to clarify that I’m not in a position to drop the charges and I would encourage you to reach out to our police chief and also the district attorney. I am working on this issue night and day listening to a lot of different voices. I was there at the rally myself although I had a City Council meeting so I did not attend the march. I am very interested and open to hearing your perspective on things not just about this recent protest but about what it’s like to be here in our city as a person of color. Please know that your voice matters deeply to me. In Solidarity, Heidi Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone On Wednesday, July 22, 2020, 2:02 PM, Emily Anderson <emilytate.a@gmail.com> wrote: Mayor Harmon, My name is Emily Anderson and I am a family member of a Cal Poly SLO student. I heard the eyewitness accounts of Tianna's arrest and I saw the video that shows her being ambushed after the protest was over, as soon as she was vulnerable & unprotected. I also know that there was a vehicle accident that same day, but the SLO Police were not interested in helping the victims, they were apparently busy getting ready to unlawfully arrest an unarmed, nonviolent, young Black woman organizer, Tianna Arata. I've heard you speak out against racial injustice. I even heard that you were there protesting with the kids. I need you to step up and finish the job, set the good example for your city, and demand that the SLO Police Department drop all charges against Tianna. You cannot advocate for racial equality and then let this young woman be charged with PC 404 (participation in a riot - what riot?), PC 407 (unlawful assembly - protests are unlawful?), PC 182a (conspiracy - conspiracy with whom?) PC 236 (unlawful imprisonment it was Tianna who was unlawfully arrested and imprisoned), and PC 148 (resisting arrest - we can see in the video that she was not resisting arrest. We can hear her screaming, "I am not resisting." Any struggle that might have taken place is warranted, when a young woman is attacked by 15 or so grown armed men, without being read her rights.) You cannot do both. Pick a side, immediately. I am demanding that you: Use your power as Mayor to drop all charges against Tianna Arata and anyone else who was booked and charged last night for protesting racial injustice. Speak out publicly against her arrest & imprisonment, tell the people plainly how unlawful and unconstitutional it was for her to be ambushed like that. Use your power as Mayor to hold those officers accountable. They did not do their job. The plate number of the police car was 1462863. Signed, Emily Anderson Emily Anderson emilytate.a@gmail.com 415-306-1292 From:Heidi Harmon To:White, Kelly Subject:Fw: Charges against Tianna Arata Date:Wednesday, September 9, 2020 3:54:10 AM To Educate, Empower, and Inspire others to Co-Create a more Fair, Just, and Regenerative World. Get Mighty! LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube Forwarded Message ----- From: Heidi Harmon < To: Randall Evan Gee <rgee01@calpoly.edu> Sent: Monday, July 27, 2020, 07:09:47 AM PDT Subject: Re: Charges against Tianna Arata That is my intention, Randall. Thank you for your note. To Educate, Empower, and Inspire others to Co-Create a more Fair, Just, and Regenerative World. Get Mighty! LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube On Sunday, July 26, 2020, 10:34:21 PM PDT, Randall Evan Gee <rgee01@calpoly.edu> wrote: Dear Heidi, I appreciate your open-minded approach and acceptance to feedback, I truly think that this is the mindset that should be utilized during these conversations considering that voices of BIPOC (Black, indigenous, and people of color) have been excluded for so long. I don't think it is my place to contribute to this conversation as I am not a member of the Black community, but all I can say is that I hope that you continue to listen and uplift Black voices within the slo community. From: Heidi Harmon < Sent: Sunday, July 26, 2020 8:37 AM To: Randall Evan Gee <rgee01@calpoly.edu> Subject: Re: Charges against Tianna Arata Thank you for your email and for standing up for racial justice. I want to clarify that I’m not in a position to drop the charges and I would encourage you to reach out to our police chief and also the district attorney. I am working on this issue night and day listening to a lot of different voices. I was there at the rally myself although I had a City Council meeting so I did not attend the march. I am very interested and open to hearing your perspective on things not just about this recent protest but about what it’s like to be here in our city as a person of color. Please know that your voice matters deeply to me. In Solidarity, Heidi Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone On Wednesday, July 22, 2020, 12:55 PM, Randall Evan Gee <rgee01@calpoly.edu> wrote: Dear Heidi Harmon, It has come to my attention that a grassroots organizer by the name of Tianna Arata has been arrested with charges pressed against her in her connection to local protests advocating for the the Black Lives Matter. As a community with a large student population, San Luis Obispo should be proud that young people are getting involved in activism and grassroots politics. Students should not be punished for practicing their inalienable right to protest. Maybe one should ask the reasons as to why students felt the need to protest in the SLO community to begin with; these are issues that should be focused on and addressed. When police arrest and charge a young woman for organizing and protesting the injustices in our country, she is met with backlash for disrupting the status quo instead of open ears to hear what she has to say. These charges against her paired with the lack of response to the demands for defunding or even reforming the police department is overwhelmingly disappointing. The past two months has shed light on the injustices of police brutality that the Black community faces in this country, it is too late to be uninformed and uneducated-- there are no more excuses. A student, Randall Gee From:Heidi Harmon To:White, Kelly Subject:Fw: Justice for Tianna Arata Date:Wednesday, September 9, 2020 3:53:00 AM To Educate, Empower, and Inspire others to Co-Create a more Fair, Just, and Regenerative World. Get Mighty! LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube Forwarded Message ----- From: Heidi Harmon < To: White, Kelly <kwhite@slocity.org> Sent: Wednesday, August 5, 2020, 12:09:33 PM PDT Subject: Fw: Justice for Tianna Arata To Educate, Empower, and Inspire others to Co-Create a more Fair, Just, and Regenerative World. Get Mighty! LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube Forwarded Message ----- From: Heidi Harmon < To: White Kelly <kwhite@slocity.org> Sent: Sunday, August 2, 2020, 05:34:06 PM PDT Subject: Fw: Justice for Tianna Arata To Educate, Empower, and Inspire others to Co-Create a more Fair, Just, and Regenerative World. Get Mighty! LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube Forwarded Message ----- From: Heidi Harmon < To: Katie Romero <ktmromero@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, July 26, 2020, 08:31:38 AM PDT Subject: Re: Justice for Tianna Arata Thank you for your email and for standing up for racial justice. I want to clarify that I’m not in a position to drop the charges and I would encourage you to reach out to our police chief and also the district attorney. I am working on this issue night and day listening to a lot of different voices. I was there at the rally myself although I had a City Council meeting so I did not attend the march. I am very interested and open to hearing your perspective on things not just about this recent protest but about what it’s like to be here in our city as a person of color. Please know that your voice matters deeply to me. In Solidarity, Heidi Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone On Thursday, July 23, 2020, 8:21 PM, Katie Romero <ktmromero@gmail.com> wrote: Dear Heidi, I am writing on behalf of Tianna Arata to demand justice and call that all charges against her be dropped. I am a Cal Poly Alum and a current law student at UC Hastings. SLOPD’s treatment and harassment of Tianna Arata is argegous, criminal, and unwarranted. Tianna, a strong, intelligent, kind, and drive black woman, has dedicated her time, energy, money, and patience fighting for her community and speaking out against injustice. As Mayor, you must do the same. I urge you to do everything in your official and personal power to get all of the charges against Tianna dropped. This young woman is the future and SLOPD cannot, should not, and will not silence her. Do not allow these grown men and woman of SLOPD tarnish this young black woman’s name with 2 felony charges — the system is not forgiving, and we must do everything we can to show up for Tianna. She has given her all showing up for us. RACISM LIVES IN SLO!! THE “HAPPIEST CITY ON EARTH” DOES NOT EXIST IN A BUBBLE! POLICE BRUTALITY DOES NOT HAVE A ZIP CODE! We demand justice for Tianna Arata! If possible, please keep me and other members of your community on steps you are taking as Mayor to actively drop the charges against Tianna. Sincerely, Katherine Romero View this email in your browser From:Heidi Harmon To:White, Kelly Subject:Fw: 20 / 20 Date:Wednesday, September 9, 2020 3:52:33 AM To Educate, Empower, and Inspire others to Co-Create a more Fair, Just, and Regenerative World. Get Mighty! LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube Forwarded Message ----- From: Heidi Harmon < To: Steph Stackhouse, Heidi Harmon for Mayor <heidi@heidiharmon.org>; Janice Reid janicelee22@sbcglobal.net> Sent: Friday, August 14, 2020, 11:47:01 AM PDT Subject: Re: 20 / 20 None of this is true Janice. There are A LOT of rumors out there right now so thank you for asking me directly. I am not in charge of the tactics of PD. I did not in any way order them to use tear gas and have been in support of Tianna and the movement and have attended many protests etc. To Educate, Empower, and Inspire others to Co-Create a more Fair, Just, and Regenerative World. Get Mighty! LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube On Friday, August 14, 2020, 11:43:45 AM PDT, Janice Reid <janicelee22@sbcglobal.net> wrote: I have a question. Is it true that HH ordered tear gas on protesters in SLO around the freeway incident? I've also heard that HH supports the arrest and felony charges of Tianna Arata? On Friday, August 14, 2020, 09:41:32 AM PDT, Steph Stackhouse, Heidi Harmon for Mayor wrote: Central Coast family— Thank you for standing with Mayor Heidi. This weekend, we have a big task. To keep our momentum going, we need to collect 20 donations AND 20 endorsements from members of the Team Heidi Family before Monday. Can you be one of our Top 40? We've accomplished so much over the last four years by working together. I know we won't falter on our first goal now—we've got this SLO! If you are able to be one of our Top 40, please donate or endorse Mayor Heidi now. As Mayor Heidi always says, "Together we can do Hard things!" Steph Stackhouse Steph Stackhouse Campaign Manager, Heidi Harmon for Mayor P.S. Mayor Heidi also wanted me to remind anyone who would be interested, the Cuesta College Monarch Dream Center and UFW Foundation is hosting a Spanish-language DACA Workshop TODAY at 4PM for anyone who would like to attend. See details below. Facebook Twitter Instagram Snapchat Make sure to stay connected with me on social media—I update my Facebook and instagram regularly with new content! Be on the look out for questions and opportunities for collaboration, every voice matters! For more information about Heidi Harmon please contact: heidi@heidiharmon.org DONATE] to Heidi Harmon for Mayor Paid for by Heidi Harmon for Mayor 2020 F.P.P.C. # 1388334 You are receiving this email because you opted in either at our website or an event. Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list From:Heidi Harmon To:White, Kelly Subject:Fw: CONFIDENTIAL Following Up on Our Recent Text Exchanges Date:Wednesday, September 9, 2020 3:50:35 AM To Educate, Empower, and Inspire others to Co-Create a more Fair, Just, and Regenerative World. Get Mighty! LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube Forwarded Message ----- From: Heidi Harmon < To: Henry A J Ramos <mauerkunst.principal@gmail.com> Sent: Saturday, August 29, 2020, 05:50:27 PM PDT Subject: Re: CONFIDENTIAL Following Up on Our Recent Text Exchanges Thank you for this Henery. We are considering a Citizen's Oversite Board for the police department so we will see how and if that moves forward. I love the local procurement idea and that is something I have been wokring on as a part of an overall local regenerative economic policy platform. I am a big fan of Mariam Shah for the BOS as she is also a woman of color and has been on several county-level boards already. She would be great as well. Thank you for taking the time to share your ideas and please keep them coming! To Educate, Empower, and Inspire others to Co-Create a more Fair, Just, and Regenerative World. Get Mighty! LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube On Saturday, August 29, 2020, 10:04:04 AM PDT, Henry A J Ramos <mauerkunst.principal@gmail.com> wrote: Hi Heidi, I tried to reach you on your cell line a couple of times this morning, per our most recent texts, but go no answer; so, I am following up here with some thoughts and suggestions that I hope will be helpful to you in these challenging times. I am mostly inclined to focus here on the police-community tensions that have arisen in recent weeks over the BLM protest actions resulting in Tianna Arata's pending felony charges by the SLO County DA. But I also have another idea that might be worth considering--one that I think would respond to the local economy's continuing vulnerability owing to the COVID crisis, especially as that impacts small and mid- sized business based in SLO. On the first topic, I would urge you (though you are probably already there) to make it your highest priority to ensure that a strong woman of color is appointed to fill the SLO County Supervisor vacancy resulting from Adam Hill's recent unfortunate passing. Because the County leadership, including the DA and Sheriff are taking a hard line on this, there needs to be some County level leadership on the Board of Supervisors to mitigate and oversight their overreach. I would personally urge you to use all of your powers to get the Governor to appoint either Erica Stewart or Erica Baltodano to fill that seat. It is imperative that one or the other of them fill that role during this delicate and vitally important time. In addition, I would ask you to consider empanelling a Citizens Commission on Fair & Just Policing that can help to unite SLO residents around a new and better vision for police-community relations, and also help to set the parameters of what a new police chief should bring to the table in order to both keep our communities safe and unite people on all sides of the equation (at least anyone who is reasonable). This needs to be more than a Human Relations Commission undertaking or a Diversity Advisory Panel; it should focus squarely on new technologies in restorative justice practice and the best of community policing best practice. And it should involve leaders in education, business, nonprofit service, the arts, civic affairs, mental health, and law enforcement. One of the main focal points should be reinvestment in prevention and conflict resolution programs, as well as local applications of the best in global restorative justice practice. (See this article for example: https://www.penalreform.org/blog/developing-restorative-justice-in-law-policy-and-practice/) Finally, on the matter of supporting local businesses through the worst of the COVID crisis, I would work to get the City Council to immediately consider and pass a robust preferential local procurement program, whereby all city purchases of products and services, as well as capital and banking investments for the foreseeable future would be directed to local businesses, as well as banks and credit unions, wherever and however possible. I think this would resonate with local business and finance leaders as a creative and direct attempt to give them a leg up at a time of great challenge for their continued profitability and success. I am around later this afternoon and also next week if you would like to discuss any of these suggestions in real time. Stay strong, Heidi. You've got this! Henry A. J. Ramos c: (646) 295-6813 mauerkunst.principal@gmail.com henry@studiosonthepark.org From:Heidi Harmon To:White, Kelly Subject:Fw: Tianna Arata Date:Wednesday, September 9, 2020 3:44:42 AM To Educate, Empower, and Inspire others to Co-Create a more Fair, Just, and Regenerative World. Get Mighty! LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube Forwarded Message ----- From: Heidi Harmon < To: Michael Mulvihill <michael.d.mulvihill@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, August 14, 2020, 04:11:15 PM PDT Subject: Re: Tianna Arata This is beautifully written, Michael. Thank you for sending it in. To Educate, Empower, and Inspire others to Co-Create a more Fair, Just, and Regenerative World. Get Mighty! LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube On Thursday, August 13, 2020, 02:15:41 PM PDT, Michael Mulvihill <michael.d.mulvihill@gmail.com> wrote: Heidi! I sent this email today. I don't expect it's perfect by any stretch and I welcome your thoughts. I wanted to express concerns in a way that might get greater attention than the blanket "NO CHARGES" message. Michael The great attractive force of art is this emotional infectiousness and spiritual union which compels us to be the best versions of ourselves. Leo Tolstoy Michael D. Mulvihill San Luis Obispo, CA Forwarded message --------- From: Michael Mulvihill <michael.d.mulvihill@gmail.com> Date: Thu, Aug 13, 2020 at 2:09 PM Subject: Tianna Arata To: <ddow@co.slo.ca.us>, <djohnson@slocity.org>, <iparkinson@co.slo.ca.is> Gentlemen: A lot is at stake here. The perceptions surrounding this case are disturbing and concerning. Is the SLO Police Department, the City of SLO and the County of SLO being level headed, even handed, non-reactionary, methodical, fair and equitable? Is this case being handled with equanimity? To be clear, I unabashedly support peaceful non-violent protest and vehemently oppose protest related violence and criminality. My best wish is for SLO to be a model city where police, peaceful protestors, allied persons and city officials work together to give voice and assembly to it's community and citizens and insure public safety. There is a widely held perception that sludgehammer tactics were used to arrest Ms. Arata and ruthless charges have been lodged which will crush Ms Arata's life. These perceptions are difficult to refute, and this is partly, what the Black Lives Matters Movement is about. I understand that trust was broken and violations have occurred. I understand that there needs to be a consequence. Equitable justice needs to be imparted to all citizens, regardless of race or creed. But gentlemen, there must be a better way forward than the current course. I urge each of you to be thoughtful, deliberate, collaborative, high minded and judicious in your considerations. Surely you understand that youthful protesters are zealous, spirited, emotional and expressing historical and current pain that can be difficult to manage and understand. At times protestors spin out and go out of bounds. I understand this can be difficult to arbitrate. But as a community we need to put forward our best, most intelligent selves as we calculate an appropriate response. It is not too late. A lot is at stake here: a person's life and a community's local and national reputation. Sincerely, Michael Mulvihill The great attractive force of art is this emotional infectiousness and spiritual union which compels us to be the best versions of ourselves. Leo Tolstoy Michael D. Mulvihill San Luis Obispo, CA From:Heidi Harmon To:White, Kelly Subject:Fw: R.A.C.E. Matters Demands and Petition Date:Wednesday, September 9, 2020 3:35:20 AM Attachments:2020-06-04 R.A.C.E. Matters Statement (1).pdf To Educate, Empower, and Inspire others to Co-Create a more Fair, Just, and Regenerative World. Get Mighty! LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube Forwarded Message ----- From: Heidi Harmon < To: Donna Helete <donnahelete@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, June 9, 2020, 05:08:30 PM PDT Subject: Fw: R.A.C.E. Matters Demands and Petition We reiterate that our focus--fully and fundamentally--is on supporting Black lives in the face of all forms of hostility, aggression, and terror. While we are proud and honored to have a leadership role in the struggle for racial justice in our community, we do not pretend to be the sole force at work in the current protests. This is a coalition movement, with many elements and groups involved, sometimes with different strategies for moving forward. We urge local officials and police departments to listen to all organizers, especially Black youth, with regard to the change they and we want to see locally. Here is our list of demands: Recognize that racial discrimination is bigger than law enforcement, and therefore should be declared a Public Health Emergency by every city within SLO County and at the SLO County level. Focus all future interactions with protestors on protestor safety with regard to traffic control, and do not impede on the direction of peaceful marches or demonstration. Recognize that police presence can be triggering to communities of color, and the use of riot gear such as gas masks, shields, helmets, etc, is a form of aggression and escalation in itself, which should not be allowed during peaceful protests, and used only as a last resort when officer safety is truly at risk. Ensure officers have their body cameras on at all times; and have back-up battery power to guarantee this. Ban the use of knee-holds and chokeholds as an acceptable practice for police officers. Immediately drop all criminal charges against non-violent protestors arrested during Black Lives Matter protests and expunge these charges from any records. Establish Civilian Review Boards in all municipalities to build public confidence and hold local police departments accountable via the following provisions: Review boards must have Black representation, be multigenerational and represent the diversity of genders, races, ethnicities, faiths, and sexual orientations in our communities. Review boards must have oversight of complaints against police. Review boards should be able to request reports from police to grant transparency and commitment to social justice. Review boards must have input on law enforcement hiring. Review boards must conduct social media background checks for current and future law enforcement. Review boards must review footage from protests. Law Enforcement Officers must have rigorous training grounded in evidence-based practices and de- escalation techniques. This training must be provided by organizations and agencies that are committed to prosocial behaviors, upon recommendation of the Civilian Review Board. SLO County, and every municipality there-in, must divert funds from law enforcement and incarceration toward community services, mental health and community non-profits. Continue follow-up and communication with the community regarding long-term reform with regard to decriminalization, surveillance, facial recognition software, Use of Force policies, de-escalation, and other concerns. Additionally, we request that SLO County officials and each city in SLO County reviews A VISION FOR BLACK LIVES: Policy Demands for Black Power, Freedom & Justice, and we demand a report back on how much work has been done so far to accommodate each of these demands. We request creative commitment to review these demands within all applicable public agencies in your jurisdiction Understanding that not all the demands will fall within each jurisdiction, we expect you to use the power of your position to hold other agencies and officials accountable. R.A.C.E. MATTERS, and the people supporting these demands, request a response to these demands by June 19th, along with a date by which you commit to submitting a report back to R.A.C.E. MATTERS on the demands above. From:Heidi Harmon To:Harmon, Heidi Subject:Fw: Protest Date:Saturday, August 15, 2020 10:03:27 AM To Educate, Empower, and Inspire others to Co-Create a more Fair, Just, and Regenerative World. Get Mighty! LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube Forwarded Message ----- From: Debbie Korkowski <markorinc@aol.com> To: "heidi@heidiharmon.org" <heidi@heidiharmon.org> Sent: Saturday, August 15, 2020, 10:01:00 AM PDT Subject: Protest Dear Heidi, As a very long time resident of This County, I want to voice my opinion on these continued protests. There comes a time when enough is enough. Whether it is a protest for rights, change, BLM, etc. I feel this County gets the message. And has since the first three protests. Don’t you think it is time to stop the continued protest and let the changes happen? The changes happening are being drowned out by all these protects. This one tonight, August 15th, is for the charges to be dropped for the leader of the protest. This is unjustified. Anyone of us would be charged if we did what she did. She needs to be accountable just like anyone else. I support the right of opinion and hope for change, but I do not condone that type of behavior, and I stand with so many others that at this time enough is enough. Get our County back to the good safe County we were. My niece works on Higuera and her anxiety of all these uncertainties with protest is causing health issues. Thank you in advance for reading my concerns. Debbie Korkowski Sent from my iPhone From:Heidi Harmon To:Harmon, Heidi Subject:Fw: FREE TIANA ARATA Date:Monday, August 10, 2020 5:30:53 AM Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone Begin forwarded message: On Monday, August 10, 2020, 1:30 AM, mik hh <michaelthejpeg@gmail.com> wrote: To whom it may concern, My name is Michael Heil from Montgomery County, PA. I am recently disgusted by the actions of SLO's police department in the arrest of Tiana Arata who had organized a peaceful protest. She is now facing felony charges and prison time. I have family in your city, and knowing this happened to someone who was mobilizing for human rights disturbs me to the core. I demand justice for Tiana Arata, and that as mayor your take accountability and action in helping her against her abduction and imprisonment. As mayor, you hold the city's PD/Sheriffs ACCOUNTABLE. Free Tiana Arata Black Lives Matter, Michael Heil 75 Chadwick Cir Eagleville PA 19403 From:Heidi Harmon To:Emily Anderson; Harmon, Heidi Subject:Re: You Must Defend Tianna Arata Date:Sunday, July 26, 2020 8:36:44 AM Thank you for your email and for standing up for racial justice. I want to clarify that I’m not in a position to drop the charges and I would encourage you to reach out to our police chief and also the district attorney. I am working on this issue night and day listening to a lot of different voices. I was there at the rally myself although I had a City Council meeting so I did not attend the march. I am very interested and open to hearing your perspective on things not just about this recent protest but about what it’s like to be here in our city as a person of color. Please know that your voice matters deeply to me. In Solidarity, Heidi Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone On Wednesday, July 22, 2020, 2:02 PM, Emily Anderson <emilytate.a@gmail.com> wrote: Mayor Harmon, My name is Emily Anderson and I am a family member of a Cal Poly SLO student. I heard the eyewitness accounts of Tianna's arrest and I saw the video that shows her being ambushed after the protest was over, as soon as she was vulnerable & unprotected. I also know that there was a vehicle accident that same day, but the SLO Police were not interested in helping the victims, they were apparently busy getting ready to unlawfully arrest an unarmed, nonviolent, young Black woman organizer, Tianna Arata. I've heard you speak out against racial injustice. I even heard that you were there protesting with the kids. I need you to step up and finish the job, set the good example for your city, and demand that the SLO Police Department drop all charges against Tianna. You cannot advocate for racial equality and then let this young woman be charged with PC 404 (participation in a riot - what riot?), PC 407 (unlawful assembly - protests are unlawful?), PC 182a (conspiracy - conspiracy with whom?) PC 236 unlawful imprisonment - it was Tianna who was unlawfully arrested and imprisoned), and PC 148 (resisting arrest - we can see in the video that she was not resisting arrest. We can hear her screaming, "I am not resisting." Any struggle that might have taken place is warranted, when a young woman is attacked by 15 or so grown armed men, without being read her rights.) You cannot do both. Pick a side, immediately. I am demanding that you: Use your power as Mayor to drop all charges against Tianna Arata and anyone else who was booked and charged last night for protesting racial injustice. Speak out publicly against her arrest & imprisonment, tell the people plainly how unlawful and unconstitutional it was for her to be ambushed like that. Use your power as Mayor to hold those officers accountable. They did not do their job. The plate number of the police car was 1462863. Signed, Emily Anderson Emily Anderson emilytate.a@gmail.com 415-306-1292 From:Heidi Harmon To:India Howeth; Harmon, Heidi Subject:Re: Release Tianna Arata Date:Sunday, July 26, 2020 8:30:55 AM Thank you for your email and for standing up for racial justice. I want to clarify that I’m not in a position to drop the charges and I would encourage you to reach out to our police chief and also the district attorney. I am working on this issue night and day listening to a lot of different voices. I was there at the rally myself although I had a City Council meeting so I did not attend the march. I am very interested and open to hearing your perspective on things not just about this recent protest but in particular about what it’s like to be here in our city as a person of color. Please know that your voice matters deeply to me. In Solidarity, Heidi Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone On Friday, July 24, 2020, 8:50 AM, India Howeth <indiahoweth@icloud.com> wrote: Mayor Harmon, Get the charges dropped for Tianna Arata. Your job is to serve and protect your constituents. Tianna Arata needs your help. She is a protest organizer. This means that you share a common goal: making San Luis Obispo better. Rise to the challenge. Get the charges dropped. A concerned constituent. From:Heidi Harmon To:Harmon, Heidi Subject:Fw: Black Lives Matter March Date:Tuesday, June 2, 2020 7:25:24 PM To Educate, Empower, and Inspire others to Co-Create a more Fair, Just, and Regenerative World. Get Mighty! LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube Forwarded Message ----- From: Sophie Stebbins <sannestebbins@gmail.com> To: " Sent: Tuesday, June 2, 2020, 02:55:36 PM PDT Subject: Black Lives Matter March Hello Mayor Harmon, My name is Sophie Stebbins, I’m 18 and I’ll be graduating from Cuesta college in the Spring with my AA in Studio Arts. I am a proud graduate of FPCS, member of the Cuesta arts community and library, of Los Osos, and of SLO county. I want to express my gratitude for your support for the Black Lives Matter movement and for our ability to protest in solidarity with Minneapolis and so many other cities around the nation against the incessant police brutality that plagues our systems at the federal levels and down to the local. However, with the utmost respect, I see so much hypocrisy here. I want to say I’m surprised that you would show up at a peaceful rally to support us and still allow cops in riot gear to be patrolling. I want to be surprised that the very next day, you allowed them to teargas a group of young people, my peers, for kneeling peacefully in the street for the same cause. Unfortunately, I am not surprised. Frankly, it’s no wonder that this would happen in the city with the least diverse CSU, with a reputation for gentrification and notoriety for it’s locals’ inability to even live and work in the city at a reasonable rate. It’s no wonder that after letting homeless people sleep on the streets month after month and not investing in effective community health or shelter plans, you wouldn’t show up for them now. It’s no wonder that after never showing up for the black community or standing against police brutality in a significant way, you wouldn’t show up for them now. What I am is disappointed. I am a white person and I am not claiming to speak for anyone else when I say this. But I have firsthand accounts including my own that show me exactly what happened during this protest, and it’s all too obvious. As far as I know, we had cops from SLO, Pismo, Paso, maybe more. Cops in riot gear. At a peaceful protest full of predominately young, vulnerable people. A pro- black lives matter, anti- police brutality protest. The police did not prevent protestors from occupying the highway, but played this off as being dangerous and out of their control. Hours later offered a 5 minute warning for a completely unnecessary dispersion of the peaceful crowd. This kind of dispersion, in my eyes, is a violation of rights, especially when it is committed with teargas. The "standoff" between protestors and police happened blocks from where any possible property destruction was occurring (which was not the fault of protestors, has nothing to do with BLM, and a shattered window means nothing compared to countless brutalized lives.) The only people who were inciting fear or violence on this day were the police. The only people who had weapons were the police. Furthermore, it’s a blatant and frankly performative show of who’s side you, SLOPD, and whoever else was in charge of what occurred with the police, are on. That side is not the side that the peaceful protestors were and continue to be on. That side is the side of every other police squad in riot gear firing teargas and rubber bullets into crowds and killing and arresting innocent people across the country. That side is the side of the federal government and it’s military, who are revealing to us their increasingly more malicious intent. That side is the side of fascists, racists, suppressors, it is anti free speech, it is anti black, it is anti peace. It is blatantly violent and unnecessary. This action speaks volumes at this time, especially. Do yourself a favor and apologize for this. Never let it happen again. If you’re scared of people looting, protect businesses and the people who own them. Give us the means to live and organize well. Allow us to protest without being suppressed and impeded. Don’t shoot your own people. Don’t threaten teenagers with teargas. Defund the police and invest in public and community health and safety programs. Invest in shelters, local businesses, rent decreases, housing opportunities, mutual aid, education. Invest in anything but the military and the destructive ideologies of the federal government. Do better for everyone. Sophie Stebbins From:Heidi Harmon To:Harmon, Heidi Subject:Fw: BLM Peaceful Protest 6/1 Date:Tuesday, June 2, 2020 7:23:51 PM To Educate, Empower, and Inspire others to Co-Create a more Fair, Just, and Regenerative World. Get Mighty! LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube Forwarded Message ----- From: Cameryn Olds <cameryneolds1@berkeley.edu> To: " Sent: Tuesday, June 2, 2020, 12:45:53 PM PDT Subject: BLM Peaceful Protest 6/1 Dear Mayor Harmon, Today I am writing to you to help understand for myself what/why the events of yesterday were handled the way they were. Firstly, I’d like to bring attention to the performance, (and no I will not use quotations because that is exactly what that was yesterday) made by the SLOPD around 4 pm on a 3 count they kneeled as if it were rehearsed prior to the gathering. This was on the intersection of Walnut and Santa Rosa, in between the police station and 4-creeks. Initially the crowd started cheering as we thought that the police were going to join us, or at least appreciated the sentiment that they supported our cause, but within 10 seconds we could tell that this was a performance. How? Because NOT A SINGLE OFFICER would look into the eyes of our people, they wouldn't respond in conversation, they wouldn’t put down their batons. So we came to this horrific realization that even the “happiest city in America” is racist, corrupt, and has done the complete opposite for our cause. They normalize this systemic oppression and racism felt throughout this country, by treating those who are hurt by this and want to see change the police dehumanized us by looking past us, not speaking a word, not offering help to those in need, not SERVING OR PROTECTING the citizens of San Luis Obispo, but directly OPPRESSING THEM. Secondly I’d like to speak about another thing I witnessed yesterday- a girl not even 18 collapsed, seized, and just about foamed at the mouth on the front line of the protest on the same intersection of Santa Rosa and Walnut and the police did NOTHING. I was to the girl’s left and she started going down, I screamed for help, for space, for water, as I grabbed her neck and shoulders to hold her so she wouldn’t bang her head into the cement. The police just stood there, no one moved to help, nor call on their walkie talkies for medical assistance, no one made space or broke the wall they made to allow paramedics to get through. At this moment I lost all my faith in the San Luis Police department. They weren’t going to help this convulsing child on the floor, right in front of their eyes, they could have witnessed a girl die if no one helped. After getting our lines to step back so this girl can breathe you can hear the ambulance coming up Santa Rosa, I’m getting ready to start talking to the EMT’s and giving them what I know about the situation/her condition- but they don’t come. They were forced to pull off to the side because the police wouldn’t break their wall still, they were willing to let this girl suffer in pain and withhold medical assistance to her because they didn’t want to give up any ground. So what do I do? I cry for more help and 4 of our own PHYSICALLY CARRY HER to the ambulance across the street. I’m getting upset now, can you tell? Lastly but certainly not least- the final standoff, which NEVER NEEDED TO HAPPEN. Mrs. Mayor this is why I am writing to you right now, for this last event here which YOU could have prevented. Earlier in the day we had marched Santa Rosa all the way to Cal Poly basically, no one was trying to stop us from going down this street, nor the 101 North or South. So as we continue on our 4th hour of peacefully protesting we try and return down this street as we had earlier and find a wall blockade of cops at the intersection of Walnut and Santa Rosa. My heart sinks because I see that over half of those officers already had their gas masks on, so I know that they already have gas, and are contemplating using it. Once again our people are met with silence and ignorance by the police, they won’t respond to us, they won’t let us pass, they won’t look us in the eye. My heart starts to sink when I see that only 3 or 4 of the 100’s of officers have their body cameras on, so what? Are they going to shoot us and not record it in hopes that they get away with this violence, are they too embarrassed to capture what they were about to do, do they feel guilty that they have to basically GoPro themselves attacking a crowd of peaceful protestors? This is where you come in Mayor Harmon, I know you are a good person, you love our town, our beaches, our bike trails, and I’ve even been in a hot yoga class with you once. You are a decent human being that wants to help this town grow and spread its positivity throughout CA- so why when our town needed you the most did you stick to your twitter and facebook instead of coming out? You could have told the police to not use force, to solely arrest protestors instead of throwing cans of tear gas into a crowd with children, minors, and elderly. YOU MAYOR HARMON hold this power to make a change in how police respond to people who feel hurt by them, you Mayor Harmon hold the power to allow us to march, to JOIN US and deny this systemic racism, to challenge our societal standards and make new ones. However you didn’t, you tweeted about the 101 and stayed silent when your citizens were getting shot at and gassed- I am not writing to guilt trip you into anything, I am simply writing so you can hear my perspective on the matter. I am not African American, but this is my hometown, I’ve lived here all 19 years of my life, and I have never once had a bad thing to say about home, until yesterday. I was once so proud to be from the happiest city in America, but after the events of yesterday and your lack of help, I have found myself quite lost and distraught in what I can do now. Everyone was dressed in their summer clothes, no one was ready to riot or loot, or even had the intentions of doing so, that was the police. So please Mayor Harmon please say something or do something to protect your citizens, protect this beautiful town I once called home, stand up for what is right, stand up for the future. I never wanted to be a human shield, I’m 5’2 and 100 lbs, I am 19 years old, I grew up on S Tassajara Dr, I went to SLOHS, I want to be a doctor, I never wanted to have to be a human shield. I never thought I’d be hands up on my knees on Santa Rosa street having hundreds of guns pointed at me and not a word said to me. Sincerely, Cameryn Olds From:Jerry Mihaic To:Michelle Call Cc:Walsh, Suzie; Abby Lassen; Alexander, Dustin; Amoroso, Brian; Amy Beveridge; Andrea Chmelik; Anne Robin; Bledsoe, John; Bob Spector; Bob Wolf; Bobby Naimark; Camille O"Bryant; Vereschagin, Cara; Courtney Haile; CR Lara; Daniel Meisel; Dawn Addis; Cantrell, Deanna; Douglas Heurmann; Ellen Sturtz; Felix Esparza; Frank Warren; Grigsby, Daryl; Jacqueline Frederick; Jamie Woolf; Jane Lehr; Jason Sisle- Provencio; Jeff Stein; Jill Bolster-White; Klevins, John; Julie Lynem; Kari Mansanger; Kathleen McMahon; Katie Grainger; Kurt Pflegl; Kurt Pflegl; Leola MacMillian; Michelle Garner; Mickel, Fred; Nancy Welts; Sanchez, Nicole; Pedersen, Joy; Rick Uhls; Riley Nilsen; Rudy Xavier; Rushdi Cader; Sam Byrd; Sisemore III, Paul; Sisemore, Paul; Smith, Jeff; Steve and Cheryl Vines; Susan Dressler; Usman Lgbal; Wallace, Christine; Walsh, Joshua; jean@stoketheworld.org Subject:Re: SLO PD Recommending Charges against Tianna Arata Date:Thursday, August 6, 2020 4:01:32 PM Based on what I am reading about this case, including the open letter to District Attorney Dan Dow in the New Times today, I also agree with Michelle Call that the types of charges against these young activists should be reconsidered. Respectfully, Jerry Jerry Mihaic Independent Living Resource Center, Inc. (ILRC) Information and Referral--Bilingual/Options Counselor 1411 Marsh St. Suite 109 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Tel: (805) 462-1162 Email: jmihaic@ilrc-trico.org Website: www.ilrc-trico.org Join our monthly newsletter! Like us on Facebook On Thu, Aug 6, 2020 at 11:16 AM Michelle Call <ed@galacc.org> wrote: Greetings to PACT: https://www.sanluisobispo.com/news/local/article244767242.html As a member of PACT and a community member, I am deeply concerned that these punitive charges are being pursued. I continue to appreciate the relationships developed with law enforcement, even while I (personally - not the organization) believe the system itself needs to be dismantled and replaced. These young activists, and in particular Tianna Arata, are speaking out against systemic racism and injustice. They are not doing it perfectly, and I believe they would benefit from some education. I did not personally agree with them going on the highway, but I also recognize that as a white cisgender woman I don't have their lived experience of racism and discrimination, which definitely *do* exist in SLO County, regardless of what Sheriff Parkinson may say. I appreciate the decision not to allow CHP to arrest protesters on the highway and wait until later. I appreciate the decision not to use teargas as we requested, and understand the strain all law enforcement officers are under at this time. However, holding a 20 year old Black woman responsible for the actions of a mostly white) crowd sends a message that is at best insensitive. It makes it that much harder to speak out in defence of police actions. It seems disproportionate. Sending more young Black folks into the carceral system is not what we are about but with these charges that is exactly what might happen. I respectfully request the department reconsider recommending charges. Thank you, Michelle Michelle Call Executive Director She/Her/Hers The Gala Pride and Diversity Center New Pride Flag LGBTQ+ Organization in San Luis Obispo, California Address: 1060 Palm St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Phone: (805) 541-4252 Fax 805-545-7968 This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you are not the named addressee you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this email. Please notify the sender immediately if you have received this email by mistake and delete this email from your system. If you are not the intended recipient you are notified that disclosing, copying, distributing or taking any action in reliance on the contents of this information is strictly prohibited. From:Johnson, Derek Subject:Information on Planned Rally Tomorrow Date:Monday, August 24, 2020 4:59:14 PM Attachments:image001.png Hello, Tomorrow morning at 10:00 a.m. Tianna Arata will hold a press conference at the County Courthouse on Monterey Street. It is anticipated the press conference and related activities may draw a large crowd and media attention. The City has reached out to the organizers of the press conference and subsequent rally that is expected to include speakers and music, to understand as many details as possible so that we can effectively plan for the protection of free expression rights and keep protesters, residents, business owners, visitors, and motorists safe. Chief Cantrell and I will be speaking to the media virtually in the afternoon to provide timely responses to anticipated inquiries regarding the July 21st arrest of Ms. Arata, the City’s support of peaceful protests, and to ensure ongoing transparency to enhance dialogue on the topic of racism and justice in our community. Below is the City’s press release regarding tomorrow and we’ll also share additional information on this topic over the coming weeks. Given these activities that are time sensitive and require immediate attention, I will be rescheduling the All Employee Meeting tomorrow to September 8th , also avoiding next week’s Council meeting and the Labor Day holiday. In the meantime should you have questions that you would like addressed, please use the You Asked We Answered forum. All employees are encouraged to ask questions of their Department Head or supervisor if you have any questions about tomorrow or you can reach out to me directly. Derek Johnson City Manager City Administration 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3218 E djohnson@slocity.org T 805.781.7114 slocity.org BCC: All City Employees From:Kylee Bailey To:Dickel, Jason Subject:Action Required: Approval of Project Time Entries for Kylee Bailey from 2020-05-28 to 2020-06-10 Date:Sunday, May 31, 2020 12:49:21 AM Access this task in the Workspace Application or take direct action using the links in this email: Actions:Approve |Reject |Request More Info Time Card Person Number Kylee Bailey Period 0-/20/5-28 - 0-/20/6-10 Person Information Assignment Number Manager Jason Dickel Job Department Police Officer Patrol Time Card Details Time Card Status Submitted Overtime Day Start Time Overtime Period Resubmission Status Resubmission Reason Expedite Payroll No Comments Time Totals Reported Time Calculated Time Total Hours 100 166 Scheduled Hours 336 336 Schedule Deviation 216 248 Absence Hours 20 20 Reported Time by Entry Date 0-/20/5-28 .1 Hours 0-/20/5-29 5.5 Hours Per L3 for protest 1130-1700 s 0-/20/5-30 6 Hours Per L3 BLM protest 0930-1530 Time Type Earn Compensatory (x 1.5) Time Type Earn Compensatory (x 1.5) Project SLO Police Adminsitration Task 12 - 1000099 Time Type Earn Compensatory (x 1.5) 0-/20/5-31 7 Hours Protest OT 0900-1600 Time Type Overtime - Callback (x 1.5) Project SLO Police Adminsitration Task 15 - 1000099 Time Type Overtime - Callback (x 1.5) s 0-/20/5-29 8.25 Hours Per L3 for protest 1130-1700 Project SLO Police Adminsitration Time Type Earn Compensatory (x 1.5) Time Type Earn Compensatory (x 1.5) Time Type Earn Compensatory (x 1.5) Task 12 - 1000099 s 0-/20/5-30 9 Hours Per L3 BLM protest 0930-1530 Task 12 - 1000099 Project SLO Police Adminsitration Time Type Earn Compensatory (x 1.5) Time Type Earn Compensatory (x 1.5) Time Type Earn Compensatory (x 1.5) 0-/20/5-31 7 Hours 2020-05-31T00:00:00.000+00:00 - 2020-05- 31T07:00:00.000+00:00 Protest OT 0900-1600 Time Type Overtime - Callback (x 1.5) Time Type Overtime - Callback (x 1.5) Project SLO Police Adminsitration Task 15 - 1000099 9 Approvers 05/31/2020 12:47 AM Assigned to Jason Dickel 05/31/2020 12:47 AM Submitted by Kylee Bailey From:Kylee Bailey To:Dickel, Jason Subject:Action Required: Approval of Payroll Time Entries for Kylee Bailey from 2020-05-28 to 2020-06-10 Date:Sunday, May 31, 2020 12:48:26 AM Access this task in the Workspace Application or take direct action using the links in this email: Actions:Approve |Reject |Request More Info Time Card Person Number Kylee Bailey Period 0-/20/5-28 - 0-/20/6-10 Person Information Assignment Number Manager Jason Dickel Job Department Police Officer Patrol Time Card Details Time Card Status Submitted Overtime Day Start Time Overtime Period Resubmission Status Resubmission Reason Expedite Payroll No Comments Time Totals Reported Time Calculated Time Total Hours 100 166 Scheduled Hours 336 336 Schedule Deviation 216 248 Absence Hours 20 20 Reported Time by Entry Date 0-/20/5-28 .1 Hours 0-/20/5-29 5.5 Hours Per L3 for protest 1130-1700 Time Type Earn Compensatory (x 1.5) Time Type Earn Compensatory (x 1.5) Project SLO Police Adminsitration Task 12 - 1000099 Time Type Earn Compensatory (x 1.5) s 0-/20/5-30 6 Hours Per L3 BLM protest 0930-1530 Time Type Earn Compensatory (x 1.5) Time Type Earn Compensatory (x 1.5) Project SLO Police Adminsitration Task 12 - 1000099 Time Type Earn Compensatory (x 1.5) 0-/20/5-31 7 Hours Protest OT 0900-1600 Time Type Overtime - Callback (x 1.5) Project SLO Police Adminsitration Task 15 - 1000099 Time Type Overtime - Callback (x 1.5) s 0-/20/5-29 8.25 Hours Per L3 for protest 1130-1700 Project SLO Police Adminsitration Time Type Earn Compensatory (x 1.5) Time Type Earn Compensatory (x 1.5) Time Type Earn Compensatory (x 1.5) Task 12 - 1000099 s 0-/20/5-30 9 Hours Per L3 BLM protest 0930-1530 Task 12 - 1000099 Project SLO Police Adminsitration Time Type Earn Compensatory (x 1.5) Time Type Earn Compensatory (x 1.5) Time Type Earn Compensatory (x 1.5) 0-/20/5-31 7 Hours 2020-05-31T00:00:00.000+00:00 - 2020-05- 31T07:00:00.000+00:00 Protest OT 0900-1600 Time Type Overtime - Callback (x 1.5) Time Type Overtime - Callback (x 1.5) Project SLO Police Adminsitration Task 15 - 1000099 9 Approvers 05/31/2020 12:47 AM Assigned to Jason Dickel 05/31/2020 12:47 AM Submitted by Kylee Bailey From:Magee, Dale To:Amman Asfaw; Katherine E Soule Date:Wednesday, October 28, 2020 2:11:00 PM Attachments:RACE Matters Application.pdf image001.png Dale Magee Strategic Projects Project Manager, DE&I Task Force Facilitator, Org of the Future City Administration 990 Palm, San Luis Obispo, 93401-3249 E dmagee@slocity.org M 805.440.8588 slocity.org From:Mariam Alikhan To:Harmon, Heidi Subject:Re: Recent Black Lives Matter Protests and Arrests Date:Friday, July 24, 2020 7:05:16 AM Absolutely, What's a good time? I'll call ya. Mariam On Friday, July 24, 2020, 03:26:02 AM PDT, Harmon, Heidi <hharmon@slocity.org> wrote: Thank you so much for this Mariam. Can we get on a call today to talk more about this? I would appreciate your thoughts. From: Mariam Alikhan <gobluemariam@yahoo.com> Sent: Thursday, July 23, 2020 12:31 PM To: E-mail Council Website <emailcouncil@slocity.org> Subject: Recent Black Lives Matter Protests and Arrests Hello SLO Colleagues and Friends, First, let me just say how sorry I am about the strife that has happened in your city this week. Many people care about the community well being, but as council representatives we certainly feel these things in a different way and at a different level, so I can't imagine how upset you probably are at all that has occurred. That being said, please believe I am not trying to "pile on" or force you to do anything you are not comfortable doing. However, I do want to share my perspective as an outside observer that also has the benefit of understanding your role better than most. Also, as you probably heard, after armed men were perched on top of my son's karate studio during the Five Cities BLM March I did decide that it was time for me to speak out personally. I took ALOT of heat, but ultimately, it was the right decision at the time. With all that in mind, I am very disturbed by the fact that the leader of the recent march was arrested along with at least one other member of the march while people who willingly drove into crowds and hit people are walking away as victims. I am extremely disappointed in the way the media has painted this very vivid picture of a 4 year old in danger when so many facts are still in question. No matter the delay, isn't it illegal for someone to drive on the shoulder of the road? Short of a medical emergency, why would any parent drive off the road and/or into a crowd with his or her child in the car? This person HIT SOMEONE. Why doesn't that count for anything? That parent's decision making to drive that way with a child in the car should be in question and perhaps a call to CPS is in order? I know there are a million different accounts of the events on social media so I don't want to get too far down the rabbit hole of "what ifs." However, at the very least, ALL involved in these incidents should be brought in for questioning. We can debate the propriety of protestors blocking the highway forever. It's probably not the tact I would take. It's extremely dangerous and thoughtless. I did recently see an explanation that BLM leaders are trying to push people's buttons regarding the frustration they feel after even a few minutes delay and gage their reaction. After that, people are then encouraged to think about how people of color must feel in this country after hitting unwarranted delay, after delay, after delay. That did change my mind a bit, and at least opened it (not that this should be allowed or encouraged) to understand why it's happening. I also keep thinking that these young people grew up seeing school massacre after massacre. They watched grieving parents and fellow students attempt to protest and lobby politicians "the right way." Yet, here we sit, with our children still doing active shooter drills in school, still in danger. So, who knows? Maybe that is why these young people are choosing a different way. I have no idea if it will be effective, but it's certainly making waves. Also, as leaders, we need to be aware that glossing over people driving into crowds only encourages it to get worse and escalate. I don't know how much you have seen of the local "protection" Facebook groups that sprung up in response to the BLM movement, but many of the posts are disturbing, condone violence and are racist. I think we can all safely predict there will be more BLM rallies, and at this point, there is nothing stopping a member of one of those groups from driving right into a crowd. I find our own District Attorney's "Public Safety Alert" to his base on Tuesday night to be inviting this type of violence. In fact, responses to his very own facebook post mentioned driving an 18 wheeler into the crowd. Was that individual sought out or reprimanded at all? I know we are all in a precarious position. We don't control our city law enforcement and we certainly don't wield any control over our sheriff or district attorney. However, after contemplation, it may be time for you to speak out, at least personally, on the issue. When I saw my son's karate teachers decide to hold rifles and post threatening, racist videos about the BLM movement, I didn't know if it was legal or illegal. I honestly figured nothing would be done about it, BUT in my mind it was WRONG. For that reason, as a mom and outspoken member of the community, I called it out. I really didn't expect it would get much attention and I certainly didnt think it would change anything. In fact, after I spoke, it turned out that many agreed. What was quickly ruled "reprehensible but legal" by the AG City Attorney is now the subject of an independent investigation in Monterrey County after many members of the public came forward to offer additional facts. Did I take A TON of crap. Absolutely. Would I do it again? Absolutely. I was recently approached by a young lady that said my facebook post went nationwide to some POC that grew up here. She said it gave them hope that there were finally some leaders in place that would speak up for them! That alone, is priceless. Let's be those people that speak up cuz we certainly aren't doing this for the salaries! Thank you all for taking the time to read and I support you all no matter what you decide. Just some food for thought from someone who has been in a similar place. Mariam Shah From:Marti Lindholm To:Cheryl Vines; Steve Vines; Harmon, Heidi Subject:Fwd: An Open Letter on Systemic Racism to Our Nation"s Lawmakers Date:Sunday, June 14, 2020 9:57:50 AM So many good ideas for justice is our nation! Powerful! The Open Letter is profound! M Begin forwarded message: From: "Rev. Dr. William Barber and Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis" <info@poorpeoplescampaign.org> Subject: An Open Letter on Systemic Racism to Our Nation's Lawmakers Date: June 12, 2020 at 10:04:18 AM PDT To: mlindholm528@gmail.com Reply-To: info@poorpeoplescampaign.org Dear Marti, An unprecedented wave of protests for racial justice has swept the United States and the globe since the modern-day lynching of George Floyd on Memorial Day. This is radically shifting public opinion about the need to address systemic racism and Black Lives Matter in American public life. But the new nation being born in our streets must reckon with four centuries of systemic inequality. Sign on to the Open Letter to Our Nation’s Lawmakers on Systemic Racism. The public murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police furnished the spark and years of police violence caught on cell phone videos stacked up like dry tinder to fuel the fire that rages in our spirits. This is about more than policing. The question before us is whether America can be what it has promised to be. The Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival is therefore sending this letter to our nation’s lawmakers to end systemic racism and implement a reconstruction agenda for our country. Click here to view full letter with demands and sign on. We have been facing the pandemic of systemic racism for too long. We have the right to protect ourselves and our communities from a system that is killing us. We will not stop until we can all breathe. Rev. Dr. William Barber, II Co-Chair, The Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival and President, Repairers of the Breach Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis Co-Chair, The Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival and Director, Kairos Center for Religions, Rights and Social Justice P.S.: Do not forget to join us on June 20, 2020 for the Mass Poor People’s Assembly and Moral March on Washington Digital Justice Gathering, the largest digital gathering of poor and impacted people in this nation's history. Poor and impacted people from throughout the country will testify about their experiences of systemic racism, poverty, immigration and more, introduced by actors and activists including Former Vice President Al Gore, Danny Glover, Erika Alexander, Jane Fonda, David Oyelowo, Wanda Sykes and Debra Messing. Together, we will change the narrative. Join us at june2020.org Sent via ActionNetwork.org. To update your email address, change your name or address, or to stop receiving emails from A Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival, please click here. From:Megan Donovan To:Treanor, Bryan Subject:Action Required: Approval of Project Time Entries for Megan Donovan from 2020-08-06 to 2020-08-19 Date:Thursday, August 20, 2020 7:24:16 AM Access this task in the Workspace Application or take direct action using the links in this email: Actions:Approve |Reject |Request More Info Time Card Person Number Megan Donovan Period 0-/20/8-06 - 0-/20/8-19 Person Information Assignment Number Manager Bryan Treanor Job Department Police Officer Patrol Time Card Details Time Card Status Submitted Overtime Day Start Time Overtime Period Resubmission Status Resubmission Reason Expedite Payroll No Comments Time Totals Reported Time Calculated Time Total Hours 87 162 Scheduled Hours 336 336 Schedule Deviation 242 293 Absence Hours 7 7 Reported Time by Entry Date 0-/20/8-06 12 Hours s s 0-/20/8-16 2.5 Hours MITCHELL PARK BLM VIGIL Time Type Overtime - Shift Continuation Project SLO Police Adminsitration Task 12 - 1000099 Time Type Overtime - Shift Continuation s 0-/20/8-07 .75 Hours protest Time Type Overtime - Shift Continuation Time Type Overtime - Shift Continuation Task 12 - 1000099 Project SLO Police Adminsitration 0-/20/8-08 1.75 Hours protest Time Type Overtime - Shift Continuation Time Type Overtime - Shift Continuation Task 12 - 1000099 Project SLO Police Adminsitration s 9 0-/20/8-15 1.25 Hours protest Task 12 - 1000099 Project SLO Police Adminsitration Time Type Overtime - Shift Continuation Time Type Overtime - Shift Continuation 0-/20/8-16 2.5 Hours MITCHELL PARK BLM VIGIL Task 12 - 1000099 Project SLO Police Adminsitration Time Type Overtime - Shift Continuation Time Type Overtime - Shift Continuation Approvers 08/20/2020 7:22 AM Assigned to Bryan Treanor 08/20/2020 7:22 AM Submitted by Megan Donovan From:Megan Donovan To:Treanor, Bryan Subject:Action Required: Approval of Payroll Time Entries for Megan Donovan from 2020-08-06 to 2020-08-19 Date:Thursday, August 20, 2020 7:23:24 AM Access this task in the Workspace Application or take direct action using the links in this email: Actions:Approve |Reject |Request More Info Time Card Person Number Megan Donovan Period 0-/20/8-06 - 0-/20/8-19 Person Information Assignment Number Manager Bryan Treanor Job Department Police Officer Patrol Time Card Details Time Card Status Submitted Overtime Day Start Time Overtime Period Resubmission Status Resubmission Reason Expedite Payroll No Comments Time Totals Reported Time Calculated Time Total Hours 87 162 Scheduled Hours 336 336 Schedule Deviation 242 293 Absence Hours 7 7 Reported Time by Entry Date 0-/20/8-06 12 Hours s s 0-/20/8-16 2.5 Hours MITCHELL PARK BLM VIGIL Time Type Overtime - Shift Continuation Project SLO Police Adminsitration Task 12 - 1000099 Time Type Overtime - Shift Continuation 0-/20/8-06 .5 Hours protest Task 12 - 1000099 Time Type Overtime - Shift Continuation Project SLO Police Adminsitration Time Type Overtime - Shift Continuation s 0-/20/8-07 .75 Hours protest Time Type Overtime - Shift Continuation Time Type Overtime - Shift Continuation Task 12 - 1000099 Project SLO Police Adminsitration 0-/20/8-08 1.75 Hours protest Time Type Overtime - Shift Continuation Time Type Overtime - Shift Continuation Task 12 - 1000099 Project SLO Police Adminsitration s 9 0-/20/8-15 1.25 Hours protest Task 12 - 1000099 Project SLO Police Adminsitration Time Type Overtime - Shift Continuation Time Type Overtime - Shift Continuation 0-/20/8-16 2.5 Hours MITCHELL PARK BLM VIGIL Task 12 - 1000099 Project SLO Police Adminsitration Time Type Overtime - Shift Continuation Time Type Overtime - Shift Continuation Approvers 08/20/2020 7:22 AM Assigned to Bryan Treanor 08/20/2020 7:22 AM Submitted by Megan Donovan From:Megan K. Stuart To: Subject:Fw: Call to Action: Students for Quality Education Campaign Date:Wednesday, June 10, 2020 3:46:59 PM Attachments:thumbnail_Student Demands - Redone.png From the Inclusivity Listserv: Dear Friends, In the last few years, interns at Students for Quality Education have been leading efforts in the fight for social justice in our community. SQE is a statewide organization funded by CFA across all 23 CSU campuses. They assert our interrelated interests in public education because our teaching conditions are student learning conditions. In addition to grassroots organizing for Black Lives Matter, our students are fighting to improve the quality of campus services for our most vulnerable students. On behalf of our brave and dedicated student activists, I am attaching their demands for "Now" (the upcoming fiscal year) and "Future" (the next academic year). To show your support, please distribute this information as widely as possible and make sure to follow them on IG. They are building pressure from the bottom up, so it will require all of us to make demands on our deans, provosts, and president. Please follow this call to action on behalf of the SQE Interns: Sign & share the petition! We are trying to demonstrate mass student and community support for these measures via a petition. The petition can be found at www.change.org/CPStudentDemands Sign the Petition Cal Poly Admin: Grant the #CSUWayForward Student Demands! Invest in All your students! www.change.org Protect the two additional full-time Safer advocates they promised our groups last year. We are tired of our administration ignoring Black students, Indigenous students, and students of color who have been asking them for more resources on this campus for so long. Our newsletters - we are trying to expand our reach as broadly as possible via chained emails! Declare your support for our demands / shaming admin for their inaction with a statement of solidarity. Follow, share, and join our mobilizations targeting admin as well (emails, week of action, etc.) From Sophia & Alejandro: This fight truly has been years-long. Admin gives us crumbs, but our groups are no longer interested in crumbs. We want to really truly turn the tide here and again we know we can't do it without reaching and mobilizing a critical mass and putting as much public pressure on them to act as we can. Thank you all for bearing with us through this email. Our student groups would be tremendously grateful to you all for any help you can give in accomplishing this. We look forward to hearing from you all." In solidarity always, Shanae & Tad Shanae Aurora Martinez, PhD Assistant Professor of English California Polytechnic State University, SLO pronouns: she/they From:crp-cirpac-request@calpoly.edu on behalf of Michael R. Boswell To: Subject:Black Lives Matter Date:Wednesday, June 3, 2020 10:25:19 AM Attachments:image001.png CRP Students, Faculty, Staff, CiRPAC & CAED Leadership: I am appalled and angered by the murder of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery, among too many others. I support those taking to the streets to protest the racism and violence deeply embedded in our society and institutions. I condemn the police violence against Black people and the militarized response to those who protest. I hope you are getting the support and care you need. Let me know if you need anything and of course Cal Poly has a number of resources to support you: https://coronavirus.calpoly.edu/student- care-resources. Also, consider joining or supporting our CAED Diversity & Inclusivity Committee: https://bit.ly/caed_di_app20 The AICP Code of Ethics states: “We shall seek social justice by working to expand choice and opportunity for all persons, recognizing a special responsibility to plan for the needs of the disadvantaged and to promote racial and economic integration. We shall urge the alteration of policies, institutions, and decisions that oppose such needs.” In the coming academic year we will focus on this part of our code and ask ourselves two questions (at least): How as planners can our work be anti-racist and support communities of color, especially Black communities that continue to face violence and oppression from the police and other institutions of power? And, how can we dismantle racist institutions and build institutions of planning—including our own CRP Department— to be more diverse, inclusive, and just? Since we are together in a place of higher learning I want to recommend just a few things to read there are many others). First is an excellent post on how our profession can better confront power and privilege: https://blogs.bmj.com/bmj/2020/04/16/confronting-power-and-privilege-for-inclusive-equitable- and-healthy-communities/ Next is a heart-wrenching post from our fellow California planner, Tamika Butler. She asks 5 important questions that we should all be asking ourselves: https://blog.usejournal.com/stop-killing-us-a-real-life-nightmare-dd47c576ec1b Next is a statement from APA: https://planning.org/policy/statements/2020/may31/ Finally, James Brasuell at Planetizen has collected and introduced a number of additional articles and resources: https://www.planetizen.com/blogs/109465-violence-against-black-americans-moment-reckoning- planning-profession I will have more to say about this moment we are in and how we as a visionary and aspirational profession can do better. Right now I’m listening to the voices of those suffering the most and offering my help where I can. For those who have taken planning theory with me, recall the words of community leader Che Madyun from the Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative: “How do you develop confidence in a community and individuals to speak, to stand up for, to strive, to fight and to have hope. I think those are the key challenges. It's not so much what building are you gonna build or what social program are you gonna change, but it's the people part of it, the part that has people investing themselves to make a difference, to make a change and to see that hope. That's the challenge.” Please stay safe and take care of each other. Mike Michael R. Boswell, Ph.D., AICP Department Head & Professor (he/him) City & Regional Planning Department California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo, CA 93407-0283 Phone: 1.805.756.2496 (voice) 756.1340 (FAX) http://works.bepress.com/mboswell/ http://www.linkedin.com/in/mrboswell Twitter: @mboswell From:Michelle Call To:Walsh, Suzie Cc: Subject:SLO PD Recommending Charges against Tianna Arata Date:Thursday, August 6, 2020 11:16:42 AM Greetings to PACT: https://www.sanluisobispo.com/news/local/article244767242.html As a member of PACT and a community member, I am deeply concerned that these punitive charges are being pursued. I continue to appreciate the relationships developed with law enforcement, even while I (personally - not the organization) believe the system itself needs to be dismantled and replaced. These young activists, and in particular Tianna Arata, are speaking out against systemic racism and injustice. They are not doing it perfectly, and I believe they would benefit from some education. I did not personally agree with them going on the highway, but I also recognize that as a white cisgender woman I don't have their lived experience of racism and discrimination, which definitely *do* exist in SLO County, regardless of what Sheriff Parkinson may say. I appreciate the decision not to allow CHP to arrest protesters on the highway and wait until later. I appreciate the decision not to use teargas as we requested, and understand the strain all law enforcement officers are under at this time. However, holding a 20 year old Black woman responsible for the actions of a mostly white) crowd sends a message that is at best insensitive. It makes it that much harder to speak out in defence of police actions. It seems disproportionate. Sending more young Black folks into the carceral system is not what we are about - but with these charges that is exactly what might happen. I respectfully request the department reconsider recommending charges. Thank you, Michelle Michelle Call Executive Director She/Her/Hers The Gala Pride and Diversity Center New Pride Flag LGBTQ+ Organization in San Luis Obispo, California Address: 1060 Palm St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Phone: (805) 541-4252 Fax 805-545-7968 This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you are not the named addressee you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this email. Please notify the sender immediately if you have received this email by mistake and delete this email from your system. If you are not the intended recipient you are notified that disclosing, copying, distributing or taking any action in reliance on the contents of this information is strictly prohibited. From:Purrington, Teresa To:Harmon, Heidi; Tianna Arata; Subject:RE: Access to meeting Date:Tuesday, June 16, 2020 4:44:40 PM Hi, Click this link:https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4374581141425931023 A page like this will pop up. Fill in the information and click register. Then you will receive an email with a link to the webinar. A little before 6:00 PM click on the link in the email. This will allow you test you mic and audio prior to the meeting starting. Once the Mayor reads the proclamation I will unmute your mics and you will be given time to make a comment if you would like. From:Harmon,Heidi hharmon@slocity.org> Sent:Tuesday,June 16,2020 4:34 PM To:Purrington,Teresa TPurring@slocity.org>;Tianna Arata Subject:Access to meeting Teresa-Can you please walk this team through exactly how to get on the meeting?They are not clear on it and this is their time at one of our meetings. Thank you!! From:Ron Yukelson To:Harmon, Heidi Subject:Re: Protests and Demonstrations Date:Saturday, July 25, 2020 9:32:08 AM Hi Heidi, I sent you a text yesterday morning asking if there was a good time to talk yesterday. I’m sure you got caught up in important activities. I’ll look forward to catching up with you next week. I did want to let you know that a decision has been made to no hold a Hope Chest grand reopening next Saturday. The store will reopen quietly and organically the following Monday Aug. 3j. I can’t thank you enough for your willingness to be at our now cancelled event. Fortunately, it’s one less thing for you to do on a weekend . Have some fun this weekend! Ron Sent from my iPad On Jul 24, 2020, at 4:06 AM, Harmon, Heidi <hharmon@slocity.org> wrote: Ron- Can we get on the phone to talk more about this? From: ryukelson@aol.com <ryukelson@aol.com> Sent: Wednesday, July 22, 2020 4:45 PM To: Harmon, Heidi <hharmon@slocity.org>; Christianson, Carlyn <cchristi@slocity.org>; Pease, Andy <apease@slocity.org>; Gomez, Aaron <agomez@slocity.org>; Stewart, Erica A <estewart@slocity.org>; Johnson, Derek <djohnson@slocity.org>; Cantrell, Deanna <DCantrel@slocity.org> Subject: Protests and Demonstrations Dear City Council and City Leadership: When is enough, enough? My family, friends and neighbors have silently asked that very question for many weeks as we've seen the streets of San Luis Obispo taken over, with City complicity, as we have silently suffered as the collateral damage of such actions. Speaking only for myself, but also the sentiment that has already been expressed to me a dozen times today, I hope yesterday's protest and demonstration was the tipping point at which point we can take back our City for the majority. There continues to be no bigger supporter of Black Lives Matter, our local Race Matters, and I consider myself a white ally to the injustice and systemic racism that is epidemic in our country. The past few months have certainly enlightened this old white guy who has been a minority himself and who graduated from, what at the time was, the most racially integrated high school in the Los Angeles Unified School System. I thought I was sensitive to overt racism but it took recent police killings for me to be horrified at not recognizing sooner what has been swirling around me as I've lived my life of white privilege. These recent events have led me to introspectively update my own views, participate in these causes and see them through a more broad lens. But, I am at my own tipping point of activism when these protests and demonstrations affect my personal quality of life. I support the cause and the constitutional right for people to express their views and demonstrate, but I can no longer support the anarchy that has befallen our city. At the same time, I hold our leadership responsible for its complicity in allowing the situation to reach a stage where people like me feel imperiled. Living a block from Mitchell Park my neighborhood is continually overrun with impromptu large gatherings and in some cases blocked streets making my family to feel unsafe in our own home. As an example, yesterday, with no warning, we were in our backyard when we started hearing amplified voices. The language and vitriol were unseemly forcing us to hunker down rather than going for our planned neighborhood walk. Where is the fairness for citizens like me who get stuck in my car on Santa Rosa Street because protesters are allowed to overrun our streets? And, what would happen if I was on the 101 when a group decided to shut it down and I'm stuck for more than an hour? Where's the fairness when I consistently obey the law and others are allowed to not do so with impunity? What about my constitutional right to the quiet enjoyment of my home, my neighborhood and even Downtown? Why am I forced accept non-permitted demonstrations that are being allowed to permeate our neighborhoods? What about the rights of our struggling Downtown business owners who have had their streets blocked and boarded up? I urge you to speak to your constituents...we are at a point of protest and demonstration fatigue! I too don't want to live in a community where tear gas becomes necessary. But I insist on living in a city where when the police ask, then tell you, to do something that you do it. Nor do I want to live in a City where we feel compelled to remove a statue at the Mission because a lawless group might deface it. I do want to live in a City where there are consequences if a group takes it upon themselves to do so illegally. Bravo to Chief Cantrell and her brave officers yesterday for re-introducing accountability and consequences to these actions. These two elements have been severely lacking in our City for the past few months. Cordially, Ron Yukelson From:Rosemary Wrenn To:Que Dang Cc: Stewart, Erica A; Subject:Cuesta 21 Day Racial Equity & Social Justice Community Challenge Date:Monday, June 29, 2020 2:06:34 PM We are looking forward to meeting up tomorrow (6/30) at 9am to collaborate on the relaunch of Cuesta’s 21 Day Racial Equity and Social Justice Challenge! Here is the link to join: https://cccconfer.zoom.us/j/94051620656 If you are not able to attend,no worries this is our first gathering.If you have another person from your organization you would like to send,please do so! This is an initial meeting to gauge interest and to put together some preliminary plans to update and roll out the Challenge - hopefully community-wide. While participants gain a great deal of knowledge, it is the cohort-nature of everyone participating together that can contribute to building a more inclusive community. Our main objectives for the meeting include: Introductions Brief overview of the Challenge (Link to Current Version) Previous roll-out process Potential start date of 9/28/20 Topics we’d like to add BLM Police Brutality COVID 19 impact on BIPOC Voting (in general and especially during COVID) Technology Divide/Education Next Steps How do you see your organization participating? Marketing? Speaker/Event coordination? Incentives for participation? If you would like to contribute to the updates, please email us Set next meeting We realize that it is summer and that some of you are not available,but we wanted to include you in the communication.Please let us know if you have any questions. Rosemary Wrenn,M.Ed. Faculty Lead,Education Department Faculty,College Success Studies Equity and Student Success Committee Cuesta College 805)316-1538 she/her/hers What we learn with pleasure, we never forget." - Alfred Mercier From:Samuel N. Byrd To:Andrea Chmelik; Jerry Mihaic Cc: Subject:Re: SLO PD Recommending Charges against Tianna Arata Date:Thursday, August 6, 2020 7:46:02 PM Attachments:Outlook-cid_image0.png Hello everyone, Joining my PACT colleagues here, I also would like to echo my support for reconsidering recommending these charges against Tianna Arata and express my solidarity with our BIPOC activists. I am very disappointed in the direction of how these events are unfolding and as a partner, respectfully request reconsideration. Sam Samuel Neil Byrd, MTS MED NCC pronouns: any pronouns Lead Coordinator for LGBTQ Campus Life Student Diversity & Belonging Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA office 805-756-2459 www.culture.calpoly.edu Schedule a Virtual Appointment Let's Connect on Linkedin! From: Andrea Chmelik <andrea.chmelikova@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, August 6, 2020 4:30 PM To: Cc: Walsh, Suzie <swalsh@slocity.org>; n Subject: Re: SLO PD Recommending Charges against Tianna Arata Thank you Michelle, Susan and Jerry for your voice and your perspective. Women's March SLO joins in solidarity, and would like to add our statement, which you can read below. We will be sending a separate letter to the District Attorney as well, and we hope you will join us. Women's March SLO (WMSLO) has been a PACT member since 2017. The mission of the PACT as stated is to affect positive social change through dialogue, education and understanding. PACT Mission Statement PACT will develop and preserve community partnership, increase awareness and acceptance of diversity in the San Luis Obispo Police Department and community through inclusion, education and collaboration. The PACT is committed to cultivating a culturally inclusive environment where diversity is valued and respected. As a member of PACT, WMSLO is deeply concerned about the charges brought by SLOPD against Tianna Arata and Elias Bautista. Women’s March San Luis Obispo supports the Black Lives Matter movement, and advocates for accountability and justice in cases of police brutality, and ending racial profiling and targeting of communities of color. It is our moral imperative to dismantle the gender and racial inequities within the criminal justice system. WMSLO recognizes that it takes courage for local BIPOC youth organizers to step up when those around them dismiss their experience and their existence as irrelevant. It takes even more courage to continue fighting for justice when the community they live in questions the peaceful means by which they fight. Tianna Arata and Elias Bautista spoke up against racial injustice in a county whose Sheriff does not believe systemic racism exists and does not understand the purpose or the need for Black Lives Matter movement, per his own words. The trust and the social contract has been broken, and not by the protesters. WMSLO appeals to you to pursue social change as described in the PACT mission statement – by dialogue, education and understanding – instead of felony charges that can destroy more lives yet. WMSLO respectfully requests that the department reconsider recommending these charges. Women's March San Luis Obispo On Thu, Aug 6, 2020 at 4:01 PM Jerry Mihaic <jmihaic@ilrc-trico.org> wrote: Based on what I am reading about this case, including the open letter to District Attorney Dan Dow in the New Times today, I also agree with Michelle Call that the types of charges against these young activists should be reconsidered. Respectfully, Jerry Jerry Mihaic Independent Living Resource Center, Inc. (ILRC) Information and Referral--Bilingual/Options Counselor 1411 Marsh St. Suite 109 San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Tel: (805) 462-1162 Email: jmihaic@ilrc-trico.org Website: www.ilrc-trico.org Join our monthly newsletter! Like us on Facebook On Thu, Aug 6, 2020 at 11:16 AM Michelle Call <ed@galacc.org> wrote: Greetings to PACT: https://www.sanluisobispo.com/news/local/article244767242.html As a member of PACT and a community member, I am deeply concerned that these punitive charges are being pursued. I continue to appreciate the relationships developed with law enforcement, even while I (personally - not the organization) believe the system itself needs to be dismantled and replaced. These young activists, and in particular Tianna Arata, are speaking out against systemic racism and injustice. They are not doing it perfectly, and I believe they would benefit from some education. I did not personally agree with them going on the highway, but I also recognize that as a white cisgender woman I don't have their lived experience of racism and discrimination, which definitely *do* exist in SLO County, regardless of what Sheriff Parkinson may say. I appreciate the decision not to allow CHP to arrest protesters on the highway and wait until later. I appreciate the decision not to use teargas as we requested, and understand the strain all law enforcement officers are under at this time. However, holding a 20 year old Black woman responsible for the actions of a mostly white) crowd sends a message that is at best insensitive. It makes it that much harder to speak out in defence of police actions. It seems disproportionate. Sending more young Black folks into the carceral system is not what we are about - but with these charges that is exactly what might happen. I respectfully request the department reconsider recommending charges. Thank you, Michelle Michelle Call Executive Director She/Her/Hers The Gala Pride and Diversity Center New Pride Flag LGBTQ+ Organization in San Luis Obispo, California Address: 1060 Palm St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Phone: (805) 541-4252 Fax 805-545-7968 This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you are not the named addressee you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this email. Please notify the sender immediately if you have received this email by mistake and delete this email from your system. If you are not the intended recipient you are notified that disclosing, copying, distributing or taking any action in reliance on the contents of this information is strictly prohibited. Andrea Chmelik Women's March SLO 970-470-9294 www.womensmarchslo.com From:Shuck, Isaac To:Felt, Chris Subject:FW: Agenda Correspondence for 06/02/2020 Council Meeting Date:Tuesday, June 2, 2020 1:30:35 PM Attachments:image001.png From: Wilbanks, Megan Sent: Tuesday, June 2, 2020 1:30:30 PM (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada) To: CityClerk Subject: Agenda Correspondence for 06/02/2020 Council Meeting All, As I’m sure you already know, we have been receiving a lot of correspondence targeting the Budget Supplement Item in relation to the Black Lives Matter protests. This is continuing at an overwhelming pace. Therefore we will not be updating you with the names of people for this item. Please review the correspondence at the following link to keep updated. https://opengov.slocity.org/WebLink/Browse.aspx?id=117548&dbid=0&repo=CityClerk We will provide updates as usual for any correspondence received on the other Agenda items. Bcc: Agenda Correspondence Group Megan Wilbanks Deputy City Clerk City Administration 990 Palm, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3249 E mwilbank@slocity.org T 805.781.7103 slocity.org From:Stephanie Ann Zappelli To:Harmon, Heidi Subject:Re: Mayor Harmon"s statement in collaboration with local young black leadership on anti-racism in San Luis Obispo - PLEASE PRINT IN IT"S ENTIRETY Date:Friday, June 5, 2020 4:45:12 PM Thank you! We made the edits, and published the statement about an hour ago Here it is! https://mustangnews.net/as-a-mayor-activist-and-human-i-stand-with-you/ From: Harmon, Heidi <hharmon@slocity.org> Sent: Friday, June 5, 2020 11:27 AM To: Stephanie Ann Zappelli <szappell@calpoly.edu> Subject: Re: Mayor Harmon's statement in collaboration with local young black leadership on anti- racism in San Luis Obispo - PLEASE PRINT IN IT'S ENTIRETY These are all great questions yes please change it to yesterday I don’t believe the flags are at half staff today they usually only do that for one day. And please don’t post my phone number thank you for asking. Get Outlook for iOS From: Stephanie Ann Zappelli <szappell@calpoly.edu> Sent: Friday, June 5, 2020 9:26:26 AM To: Harmon, Heidi <hharmon@slocity.org> Subject: Re: Mayor Harmon's statement in collaboration with local young black leadership on anti- racism in San Luis Obispo - PLEASE PRINT IN IT'S ENTIRETY Hi Mayor Harmon, One last question, what would you like your statement to be titled? Thank you! Stephanie From: Stephanie Ann Zappelli <szappell@calpoly.edu> Sent: Friday, June 5, 2020 9:07 AM To: Harmon, Heidi <hharmon@slocity.org> Subject: Re: Mayor Harmon's statement in collaboration with local young black leadership on anti- racism in San Luis Obispo - PLEASE PRINT IN IT'S ENTIRETY Hi Mayor Harmon, Thank you for your sending us your statement, we will publish it today. I have three clarifying questions. The start of the statement says, "this is a day of mourning." Should I change it to "yesterday was a day of mourning," since we are a day late to publishing it? Are the flags still flying half staff today? Did you want us to publish your phone number with the letter to the editor? Thank you! Best, Stephanie From: Harmon, Heidi <hharmon@slocity.org> Sent: Thursday, June 4, 2020 3:07 PM To: Harmon, Heidi <hharmon@slocity.org> Subject: Mayor Harmon's statement in collaboration with local young black leadership on anti- racism in San Luis Obispo - PLEASE PRINT IN IT'S ENTIRETY This is a day of mourning in this country. The family and loved ones of George Floyd lay their beloved son, brother, father, and friend to rest. I have asked that all of the flags in the city be flown at half staff to honor his life. A life that was ended too soon at the hands of a racist police officer. I have been listening to all of your voices and I hear you. This statement was written in collaboration with local young black leadership and in particular with Xavier Moore, Jalen Hamler, both Cal Poly students and with Tianna Arata; recent Cuesta graduate and future University of Sacramento student. Together, we are implementing the demands of justice. I had the honor of walking with these leaders in a peaceful protest on Wednesday and their leadership is something to be commended and celebrated. I want to start by acknowledging and affirming how tragic, unacceptable, and heartbreaking the recent killings of black folks at the hands of the police are. I understand that the murders of recent weeks are but a few of the centuries-long history of racism and violence against People of Color in this country. What is happening today is a direct result of our country’s racist beginning, a wound we have never committed to healing- and we must make that commitment to healing now through action, through policy, through dialogue and collaboration. Over recent days, thousands of people within our community have boldly and peacefully stood in solidarity to protest racial injustice that has plagued our nation and our world. I stand with you. I hear you and I want to take this opportunity to positively impact social change- a change that looks like prioritizing black voices, equity in leadership, a world where parents don't live in fear when their black children leave the house, and a San Luis Obispo that does not leave anyone out. We have heard over and over again from people of color that they do not feel welcome here and it is time to step up and be willing to do the difficult and necessary work of changing that. It is up to us to do the work to educate ourselves in order to create a community that is welcoming, equitable, and kind. A budget is an expression of values and I want the city’s budget to express the value of standing with people of color. I am glad to say that at this week’s City Council meeting we set aside 160,000 to go toward policy and efforts to better serve communities of color and create more equity in San Luis Obispo. This effort will center people of color who will lead and advise us as to meaningful steps we can take as a city on anti-racism work. We will be immediately putting this funding towards meaningful and concrete steps we can take as a city on anti-racism work. With meaningful efforts, we can create a city in which tear gas, foam bullets, and pepper balls will never be used when people are peacefully demonstrating. I am open, interested, and ready to listen to your suggestions as to the best way to implement and use this funding. The incident on Monday in which tear gas was deployed by local law enforcement is greatly disturbing and I have heard from many of you that you are deeply upset as well. To be clear, I was not involved in any way in the decision to deploy tear gas to disperse the protesters. Our role on City Council is one of policy and not of operations. In my role as Mayor, I do not have a position of command or control over multi-jurisdictional law enforcement. I am, however, responsible for taking on the call, and demanding that we do better. We can do better and I am committed to learning from this incident in order to gain clarity on what policies we need to pursue to ensure that we don’t have an incident like that ever again in our city. I am calling for the police department to conduct a Critical Incident Review that includes the statements of protesters on what happened so that all of us can understand exactly what led up to this situation so we can learn, make changes, and do better. I have signed on to President Obama’s pledge to de-escalate police violence. In addition, I have asked the following questions to Chief Cantrell to seek clarity and to assess what the critical next steps need to be. Are the police officers in the San Luis Obispo Police Department being trained to de-escalate altercations by using peaceful conflict resolution strategies? Are the police officers in the San Luis Obispo Police Department forbidden from using carotid restraints (chokeholds, strangleholds, etc.) and hog-tying methods? Furthermore, are they forbidden from transporting civilians in uncomfortable positions, such as face down in a vehicle? Are the police officers in the San Luis Obispo Police Department required to intervene if they witness another officer using excessive force? Will officers be reprimanded if they fail to intervene? Are the police officers in the San Luis Obispo Police Department forbidden from shooting at moving vehicles? Is there a clear and enforced use-of-force continuum that details what weapons and force are acceptable in a wide variety of civilian-police interactions? Are the officers in the San Luis Obispo Police Department required to exhaust every other possible option before using excessive force? Are the officers in the San Luis Obispo Police Department required to give a verbal warning to civilians before drawing their weapon or using excessive force? Are the officers in the San Luis Obispo Police Department required to report each time they threaten to or use force on civilians? Are the officers in the San Luis Obispo Police Department thoroughly vetted to ensure that they do not have a history with abuse, racism, xenophobia, homophobia/transphobia, or discrimination? Are the officers in the San Luis Obispo Police Department trained to perform and seek necessary medical action after using excessive force? Is there an early intervention system enforced to correct officers who use excessive force? Additionally, how many complaints does an officer have to receive before they are reprimanded? Before they are terminated? What is the operational guideline for body cameras, including the need to ensure that they are powered and operational at all times? What are the educational requirements of our officers? At our next City Council meeting, I will be presenting a proclamation to these young leaders in honor of Juneteenth; the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. I call on the people of San Luis Obispo to join me in celebrating Juneteeth by sharing some of the tremendous wealth in this community by providing scholarship funding to Cal Poly so that more first-generation students have a chance at a good education and a chance at being part of the fabric of this community. To give young people of color a chance to be commended for their intelligence at Cal Poly, instead of the majority of admissions of black students having to be within athletics. And I call on the media to commit to unbiased reporting and to take responsibility for the crucial role that media often plays in stoking the flames of fear and distrust. Racism is a social system with multiple dimensions. Racism causes persistent racial discrimination in housing, education, employment, and criminal justice; racism is a significant social determinant of health as we have seen throughout the COVID pandemic and violence against people of color. It is crucial that we name this in order to fully and meaningfully address this crisis. This is why at our next city council meeting I will be asking that the City of San Luis Obispo asserts that racism is a public health emergency affecting our entire society. And I am calling on Governor Newsom to do the same. As an activist myself, I appreciate the impact that activism can have on policy, and the work it takes to be in the streets. Your activism has made a difference. I implore you as we move into tomorrow and the weeks and years to come, to continue to listen, ask questions, and do the important work that is before us. Do not look away. We are a caring and compassionate community. And we are a caring and compassionate community of privilege and we are called to use that privilege to create a more fair and just world for all. We need to come together to all stand in support of peaceful and radical action against systemic racism. I stand in grief and support and believe that we must come together to end the discrimination and violence of black and marginalized communities everywhere. A world exists in which we no longer have to protest injustice because injustice no longer exists. A world where riot gear goes rusty and policing becomes obsolete. A world where black men run and black women sleep in their homes in safety. A world where George Floyd and Breanna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbrey are still alive, walking hand in hand with Xavier Moore, Jalen Hamler, and Tianna Arata. Let us create that world together. Standing with you for Black Lives, Mayor Harmon 4 From:Stewart, Erica A To:lauren.brown Subject:Re: Could we Zoom or talk? Date:Saturday, October 3, 2020 9:35:01 AM Thank you! Erica A. Stewart She/Her/Hers City Councilmember 990 Palm St San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 www.slocity.org On Oct 3, 2020, at 9:34 AM, lauren.brown <lauren.brown@sbcglobal.net> wrote: No problem. I've opened the Zoom meeting so enter when you can. Lauren Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone Original message -------- From: "Stewart, Erica A" <estewart@slocity.org> Date: 10/3/20 9:28 AM (GMT-08:00) To: lauren.brown@sbcglobal.net Subject: Re: Could we Zoom or talk? Hi Loren, Sorry for the last-minute request. Can we meet at 9:45? I had an unexpected call this morning. Thank you, Erica Erica A. Stewart She/Her/Hers City Councilmember 990 Palm St San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 www.slocity.org On Sep 30, 2020, at 2:03 PM, lauren.brown@sbcglobal.net wrote: Hi Erica, Here’s the link to the Zoom meeting for Saturday morning. I set it up for 30 minutes because I want to be respectful of your time. If we go over that, no problem. Looking forward to a discussion with you. Lauren Lauren Brown is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: Erica and Lauren Chat Time: Oct 3, 2020 09:30 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82961139191? pwd=RFhVMFk0MlNib1kyNldJMXM3SWxiZz09 Meeting ID: 829 6113 9191 Passcode: 077998 One tap mobile 16699006833,,82961139191#,,,,,,0#,,077998# US (San Jose) 13462487799,,82961139191#,,,,,,0#,,077998# US (Houston) Dial by your location 1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) 1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) 1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) 1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) 1 929 205 6099 US (New York) 1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown) Meeting ID: 829 6113 9191 Passcode: 077998 Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdAbphqTKP From: Stewart, Erica A <estewart@slocity.org> Sent: Wednesday, September 30, 2020 12:34 PM To: lauren.brown@sbcglobal.net Subject: Re: Could we Zoom or talk? Hi Lauren, Wow! You are busy! Let’s meet at 9:30am on Saturday so we have enough time to catch up and go over the many issues you mentioned. I watched part of the presidential debate and then moved on to a black lives discussion hosted by Cuesta. What I saw of the debate was embarrassing. I will probably catch up on the debate over the next couple of days. Thank you for all that you are doing for the leadership of our country and local leadership. Looking forward to talking with you on Saturday. Warmest wishes, Erica Erica A. Stewart She/Her/Hers City Councilmember 990 Palm St San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 www.slocity.org On Sep 30, 2020, at 12:57 AM, lauren.brown@sbcglobal.net wrote: Hi Erica, I really appreciate you getting back to me and thanks for giving me a variety of times. Considering I’m retired, my schedule is surprisingly busy what with helping with home- schooling a grandson, attending a DC Engagement Panel meeting this week and participating in multiple phone banks to AZ, TX and KY on behalf of Biden and the Senatorial candidates in those states. Okay, and also finding time for golf and gardening and chores around the house! So, could we set a time say at 10:00 AM on Saturday morning this week? Also, I sent the following to Jan Marx and to Heidi Harmon, both of whom I am supporting with yard signs and donations to their campaigns. Below is a bit more extensive list of concerns than the one I mentioned to you in my first email. So, maybe we could touch on the larger list, too. As far as issues I’m concerned about: 1. The national protests have focused attention on how police officers accused of misconduct are largely avoiding consequences because of ‘qualified immunity’, the efforts of powerful police unions to protect their own’, periodic ‘scrubbing’ of any misconduct records (allowing them to get hired in another jurisdiction) and the fact that many white supremacists are getting hired into police departments . All these practices are creating a crisis of trust between police departments and the public, in particular with the Black population This is a big problem in many cities across the country. I’d like to know if these practices are a problem in SLO and if they are, what is going to be done about it. 2. In 2011 I helped lead the campaign to pass Measure A B, aiming to give the City of SLO more power to address issues relating to pensions. That’s 9 years ago. Did it do any good? What is the condition of SLO’s gap on what is owed to pension funds? Have city employees been required to pay more toward their pension benefit programs? What’s happening? 3. I see a lot of building going on and am wondering about the long-term demands for water and whether or not we are going to end up with a big emergency when the next major drought hits. 4. I’m continuing to serve on the Diablo Canyon Decommissioning Engagement Panel and of course that constitutes a major area of my interest and concern. That is more a County issue than a City of SLO issue but I just want you to know that I am continuing to help establish a constructive dialogue between PG&E and the community on matters relating to the end of operation there. 5. I helped pass the first Measure G and I am supportive again. But I would like to see evidence that the City is striving to control its expenditures. I just have to say, I did manage to stay through the whole debate tonight, mainly because I had set up a Zoom meeting with friends who are also supporters of Biden. It was just such a disgusting display that our current president put on. So embarrassing for him to be leading our country. I am making modest donations to Biden’s campaign, to Mark Kelly in AZ, to Amy McGrath in KY and to Jaime Harrison in SC and participating in phone bank calls to AZ, KY and TX as well as sending postcards to a number of states as part of the Reclaim Our Vote program. I am highly motivated to get better leadership into Washington and to assure healthy leadership in our City locally. If 10:00 AM Saturday works for you (or anytime from 9:00 – 11:00) then I can send a Zoom invitation to you at this email address since I have a Zoom account. Many thanks, Lauren 805-550-5686 From: Stewart, Erica A <estewart@slocity.org> Sent: Tuesday, September 29, 2020 6:23 PM To: lauren.brown@sbcglobal.net Subject: Re: Could we Zoom or talk? Hi Lauren. Thank you for your patience with my delayed response to your email. I would be happy to Zoom with you. Are you available tomorrow at 6-7, lunchtime this Friday, Saturday before 4, Sunday after 12 or after 5 on 10/7? Thank you for the article too. Looking forward to talking with you soon. Best, Erica 805/540-1154 Erica A. Stewart She/Her/Hers City Councilmember 990 Palm St San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 www.slocity.org On Sep 8, 2020, at 3:48 PM, lauren.brown@sbcglobal.net" lauren.brown@sbcglobal.net> wrote: Dear Erica, You might remember me from being a supporter of yours in the last election. I’m also a member of the Diablo Canyon Decommissioning Engagement Panel. More recently I’ve joined the Diversity Council of SLO because of my friendship with Dr. Cornel Morton and have been attending their series of panel discussions exploring issues around the racism embedded in our society. There is one particular issue that I believe is one of the roots of police misconduct across our nation and that is the concept of qualified immunity as applied to police. There is an article recently in the New York Times that provides quite a bit of background about this issue: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/23/us/politics/qualified- immunity.html . There have been continuing protests in SLO regarding the Black Lives Matter issue – I’ve even attended one before I started getting too concerned about Covid-19. So, I am wondering if this issue is relevant to our City police force and to the State Police and County Sheriff? Are our officers being protected by ‘scrubbing’ any records of misconduct after a limited number of years? Have there been instanced where there could have been the likelihood of bringing charges against instances of misconduct but were not brought because of qualified immunity. Perhaps because of the need to protect employee records that you can’t discuss this with me but if you can, I would appreciate it. I have an account with Zoom and could set up a meeting if that would work. Give me two or three times when you would be available and we’ll see if our schedules could mesh. I also see that you have thrown you hat in the ring for appointment as the replacement Supervisor. I watched the forum and am impressed with the qualities of the women expressing interest. I’d be very happy if either Kara Woodruff or you are selected. I was also impressed with MariamShah from the AG City Council. Thanks, Lauren Lauren R. Brown 805-550-5686 Lauren.brown@sbcglobal.net From:tloallergyfree@earthlink.net To:Harmon, Heidi Subject:Re: touching base Date:Monday, October 12, 2020 11:11:22 AM Everyone I've mentioned this to finds it to be outrageous, unconstitutional, totally unacceptable, and sadly, given past recent performances, not much of a surprise. Original Message----- From: "Harmon, Heidi" Sent: Oct 11, 2020 7:23 PM To: "tloallergyfree@earthlink.net" Subject: Re: touching base I try and hold judgment until I have a full understanding of things but I am really upset about this at this point. From: tloallergyfree@earthlink.net <tloallergyfree@earthlink.net> Sent: Sunday, October 11, 2020 1:52 PM To: Harmon, Heidi <hharmon@slocity.org> Subject: Re: touching base No need to apologize at all, Heidi. I can only imagine how busy you must be! Much appreciated that you got right back to me & that you asked to talk to my daughter. Naomi was totally pleased and impressed after talking with you. Great to see the Trib endorse you today....as they damn well should have! Tom Original Message----- From: "Harmon, Heidi" Sent: Oct 10, 2020 7:57 PM To: Heidi Harmon , "tloallergyfree@earthlink.net" Subject: Re: touching base Sorry Tom I was voice texting this because I have so many emails it’s a little choppy I apologize. Get Outlook for iOS From: Heidi Harmon < Sent: Saturday, October 10, 2020 7:11:55 PM To: tloallergyfree@earthlink.net <tloallergyfree@earthlink.net>; Harmon, Heidi hharmon@slocity.org> Subject: Re: touching base Somebody else wrote the story and maybe your son-in-law? Or somebody else I sent it already to city staff and to the police department to get a better understanding of what happened here. On the face of it it seems ridiculous so of course this is unacceptable. Can you have her call me? Also just so you know it’s essentially mandatory that I have conversations about city business at my city email so if you can email me there in the future that would be ideal. Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone On Saturday, October 10, 2020, 5:31 PM, tloallergyfree@earthlink.net wrote: Hi, Heidi, I wanted to tell you about something that happened to my 40 year old daughter last night in SLO. She was driving past Meadow Park and saw that there was a BLM protest going on there. She would have liked to stop and join them, but she's a teacher in Santa Maria and can't afford to get arrested. So, she honked her horn, once, and waved to the protesters as she drove by. She was then almost immediately red lighted and stopped by the police. The cop gave her a lecture, and bragged that they'd already given three people tickets for the same thing. She pretended she understood and agreed, and didn't get ticketed. I ask you: isn't honking your horn and waving or giving a thumbs up to protesters our RIGHT? Please, please (and all of us here are voting for you...got your sign in our yard, again)...but please, keep these police in check. Who do they think they are? Tom Ogren SLO From:tloallergyfree@earthlink.net To:Harmon, Heidi Subject:Re: touching base Date:Sunday, October 11, 2020 1:52:17 PM No need to apologize at all, Heidi. I can only imagine how busy you must be! Much appreciated that you got right back to me & that you asked to talk to my daughter. Naomi was totally pleased and impressed after talking with you. Great to see the Trib endorse you today....as they damn well should have! Tom Original Message----- From: "Harmon, Heidi" Sent: Oct 10, 2020 7:57 PM To: Heidi Harmon , "tloallergyfree@earthlink.net" Subject: Re: touching base Sorry Tom I was voice texting this because I have so many emails it’s a little choppy I apologize. Get Outlook for iOS From: Heidi Harmon < Sent: Saturday, October 10, 2020 7:11:55 PM To: tloallergyfree@earthlink.net <tloallergyfree@earthlink.net>; Harmon, Heidi hharmon@slocity.org> Subject: Re: touching base Somebody else wrote the story and maybe your son-in-law? Or somebody else I sent it already to city staff and to the police department to get a better understanding of what happened here. On the face of it it seems ridiculous so of course this is unacceptable. Can you have her call me? Also just so you know it’s essentially mandatory that I have conversations about city business at my city email so if you can email me there in the future that would be ideal. Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone On Saturday, October 10, 2020, 5:31 PM, tloallergyfree@earthlink.net wrote: Hi, Heidi, I wanted to tell you about something that happened to my 40 year old daughter last night in SLO. She was driving past Meadow Park and saw that there was a BLM protest going on there. She would have liked to stop and join them, but she's a teacher in Santa Maria and can't afford to get arrested. So, she honked her horn, once, and waved to the protesters as she drove by. She was then almost immediately red lighted and stopped by the police. The cop gave her a lecture, and bragged that they'd already given three people tickets for the same thing. She pretended she understood and agreed, and didn't get ticketed. I ask you: isn't honking your horn and waving or giving a thumbs up to protesters our RIGHT? Please, please (and all of us here are voting for you...got your sign in our yard, again)...but please, keep these police in check. Who do they think they are? Tom Ogren SLO From:Tonikian, Victoria To:Wilson, Nick Subject:RE: meet tomorrow... Date:Monday, July 27, 2020 3:08:09 PM Attachments:image001.png HI Nick, This will be held at City Hall. Please give me a call when you’re here and I can let you in. 805) 781-7105 Best, Victoria Tonikian From: Wilson, Nick <nwilson@thetribunenews.com> Sent: Monday, July 27, 2020 2:58 PM To: Tonikian, Victoria <vtonikia@slocity.org> Subject: Re: meet tomorrow... Sure Victoria. That's fine. We are happy to come with mask on and proper distancing. Should we meet at City Hall or SLOPD? Thanks, Nick On Mon, Jul 27, 2020 at 2:53 PM Tonikian, Victoria <vtonikia@slocity.org> wrote: Nick, After speaking to Derek and the team, they’d prefer to have the meeting in person. Would you and Mackenzie be able to come to City Hall to have the meeting in person, with proper physical distancing? Best, Victoria From: Tonikian, Victoria Sent: Monday, July 27, 2020 2:48 PM To: Wilson, Nick <nwilson@thetribunenews.com> Subject: RE: meet tomorrow... Thank you, Nick. I’ve just sent you and Mackenzie a meeting invite. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do to assist. Best, Victoria From: Wilson, Nick <nwilson@thetribunenews.com> Sent: Monday, July 27, 2020 2:26 PM To: Tonikian, Victoria <vtonikia@slocity.org> Subject: Re: meet tomorrow... Okay, great. Thanks Victoria. That time sounds good. If you can add me and my colleague Mackenzie Shuman that would be great for the Zoom link. I'm at nwilson@thetribunenews.com and she's at mshuman@thetribunenews.com. Thanks much, Nick On Mon, Jul 27, 2020 at 2:16 PM Tonikian, Victoria <vtonikia@slocity.org> wrote: Hi Nick, 3:30 tomorrow will work. Shall I send over a Zoom link? Best, Victoria Tonikian Interim Executive Assistant to the City Manager / Fiscal Officer City Administration City Clerk's Office 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3249 E vtonikia@slocity.org T 805.781.7105 slocity.org From: Johnson, Derek <djohnson@slocity.org> Sent: Monday, July 27, 2020 11:21 AM To: Wilson, Nick <nwilson@thetribunenews.com>; Cantrell, Deanna <DCantrel@slocity.org>; Dietrick, Christine <cdietric@slocity.org> Cc: Tonikian, Victoria <vtonikia@slocity.org> Subject: RE: meet tomorrow... Thanks Nick and Victoria in my office will be in touch to coordinate schedules. From: Wilson, Nick <nwilson@thetribunenews.com> Sent: Monday, July 27, 2020 10:55 AM To: Cantrell, Deanna <DCantrel@slocity.org>; Dietrick, Christine <cdietric@slocity.org>; Johnson, Derek <djohnson@slocity.org> Subject: meet tomorrow... Hi Chief Cantrell, I know that a lot has been going on and I'm sure you've been extremely busy. I just spoke with Christine about the possibility of a sitdown and talking to you in general about last week's protests. Our goal is to hear from everyone on this and we've received a lot of public interest on all sides of opinions in the police response and protester actions to the events last Tuesday and the general protest movement. Do you have some time to sit down tomorrow with some general questions that the public has been asking us and commenting on? If Derek and Christine are available (CC'd here), too, that would be great. Christine said 3:30 p.m. may work, but just let us know and any time sensitivities you may have. If Zoom is better, that's fine too and I can set that up. I mainly want to open it up to you to talk a little about the police/city perspective and be fair to you and the city. I may bring our new reporter, Mackenzie Shuman, who was on scene that night as well (I wasn't). Our questions are generally the following: 1) What were some of the actions you felt led to your concern about the events of Tuesday? 2) What concerns you about the potential dangers of cars and protesters? There seems to be a difference of opinion about cars running into protesters and protesters rushing in front of cars, presenting a potentially scary situation either way. 3) What is your perspective on protesters going onto the freeway? If that happens again, could anyone who chooses to protest on the freeway potentially be arrested? 4) What are your thoughts on why Tianna Arata was arrested as the primary instigator under the riot charge versus any others who were there that day/night? It seems many potentially were breaking laws? Why so many charges against Arata specifically? 5) What general prior conversations did you have with protesters and Tianna specifically about basic ground rules? 6) During a time of high tension between police and some members of the community, what are the best ways of moving forward on some of the issues? I know this may take effort on the part of protesters as well as police. Thanks! Best, Nick Please note that I'm currently working from home. You may contact me at 805-235-8008. Nick Wilson Tribune Staff Reporter nwilson@thetribunenews.com 805) 781-7922 (phone) 805) 781-7905 (fax) www.sanluisobispo.com Please note that I'm currently working from home. You may contact me at 805-235-8008. Nick Wilson Tribune Staff Reporter nwilson@thetribunenews.com 805) 781-7922 (phone) 805) 781-7905 (fax) www.sanluisobispo.com Please note that I'm currently working from home. You may contact me at 805-235-8008. Nick Wilson Tribune Staff Reporter nwilson@thetribunenews.com 805) 781-7922 (phone) 805) 781-7905 (fax) www.sanluisobispo.com From:Wilson, Nick To:Harmon, Heidi Cc: Subject:Re: Public Health Emergency Date:Wednesday, June 17, 2020 9:45:48 AM Okay, great. Working on it now, so if there any additional comments all, please do let me know. I appreciate everyone's help with the stories we've done thus far on the protests and race equity. Feel free to reach out at any point. Best, Nick SLO Tribune) -- 805-235-8008 nwilson@thetribunenews.com On Wed, Jun 17, 2020 at 9:41 AM Harmon, Heidi <hharmon@slocity.org> wrote: Adding in Courtney Haile from Race Matters as I think there is someone at Race Matters working on this too. Get Outlook for iOS From: Wilson, Nick <nwilson@thetribunenews.com> Sent: Wednesday, June 17, 2020 9:29 AM To: Harmon, Heidi Cc: Tianna Arata; Leola Dublin Macmillan Subject: Re: Public Health Emergency Okay, thanks much, Heidi. I do plan to write on the resolution. I did hear Dr. Macmillan's comments in public comment as well and plan to include those quotes. Any others here with to add on this? I can certainly include. Thanks, Heidi. Nick On Wed, Jun 17, 2020 at 8:00 AM Harmon, Heidi <hharmon@slocity.org> wrote: Good Morning Nick. I know there was a lot going on at last night's meeting and I didn't want you to miss that we voted for: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA, AFFIRMING THAT RACISM IS A PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS AND URGING PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIALS DECLARE RACISM A PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY. The young leadership and Dr. Dublin Macmillain are included here as this was what local black leadership said was a priority for them and Dr. Macmillain and others are working on encouraging other cities, counties, and the state to do the same. I thought that this might make for an interesting story as this is likely a new idea for our community and some education might be helpful. https://www.slocity.org/Home/ShowDocument?id=26770 Please note that I'm currently working from home. You may contact me at 805-235-8008. Nick Wilson Tribune Staff Reporter nwilson@thetribunenews.com 805) 781-7922 (phone) 805) 781-7905 (fax) www.sanluisobispo.com Please note that I'm currently working from home. You may contact me at 805-235-8008. Nick Wilson Tribune Staff Reporter nwilson@thetribunenews.com 805) 781-7922 (phone) 805) 781-7905 (fax) www.sanluisobispo.com From:Wilson, Nick To:Harmon, Heidi Subject:Re: Mayor Harmon"s statement in collaboration with local young black leadership on anti-racism in San Luis Obispo - PLEASE PRINT IN IT"S ENTIRETY Date:Thursday, June 4, 2020 3:10:18 PM Ok, thanks Heidi. I gave Joe the heads up in case you haven't connected already On Thu, Jun 4, 2020 at 3:08 PM Harmon, Heidi <hharmon@slocity.org> wrote: This is a day of mourning in this country. The family and loved ones of George Floyd lay their beloved son, brother, father, and friend to rest. I have asked that all of the flags in the city be flown at half staff to honor his life. A life that was ended too soon at the hands of a racist police officer. I have been listening to all of your voices and I hear you. This statement was written in collaboration with local young black leadership and in particular with Xavier Moore, Jalen Hamler, both Cal Poly students and with Tianna Arata; recent Cuesta graduate and future University of Sacramento student. Together, we are implementing the demands of justice. I had the honor of walking with these leaders in a peaceful protest on Wednesday and their leadership is something to be commended and celebrated. I want to start by acknowledging and affirming how tragic, unacceptable, and heartbreaking the recent killings of black folks at the hands of the police are. I understand that the murders of recent weeks are but a few of the centuries-long history of racism and violence against People of Color in this country. What is happening today is a direct result of our country’s racist beginning, a wound we have never committed to healing- and we must make that commitment to healing now through action, through policy, through dialogue and collaboration. Over recent days, thousands of people within our community have boldly and peacefully stood in solidarity to protest racial injustice that has plagued our nation and our world. I stand with you. I hear you and I want to take this opportunity to positively impact social change- a change that looks like prioritizing black voices, equity in leadership, a world where parents don't live in fear when their black children leave the house, and a San Luis Obispo that does not leave anyone out. We have heard over and over again from people of color that they do not feel welcome here and it is time to step up and be willing to do the difficult and necessary work of changing that. It is up to us to do the work to educate ourselves in order to create a community that is welcoming, equitable, and kind. A budget is an expression of values and I want the city’s budget to express the value of standing with people of color. I am glad to say that at this week’s City Council meeting we set aside $160,000 to go toward policy and efforts to better serve communities of color and create more equity in San Luis Obispo. This effort will center people of color who will lead and advise us as to meaningful steps we can take as a city on anti-racism work. We will be immediately putting this funding towards meaningful and concrete steps we can take as a city on anti-racism work. With meaningful efforts, we can create a city in which tear gas, foam bullets, and pepper balls will never be used when people are peacefully demonstrating. I am open, interested, and ready to listen to your suggestions as to the best way to implement and use this funding. The incident on Monday in which tear gas was deployed by local law enforcement is greatly disturbing and I have heard from many of you that you are deeply upset as well. To be clear, I was not involved in any way in the decision to deploy tear gas to disperse the protesters. Our role on City Council is one of policy and not of operations. In my role as Mayor, I do not have a position of command or control over multi-jurisdictional law enforcement. I am, however, responsible for taking on the call, and demanding that we do better. We can do better and I am committed to learning from this incident in order to gain clarity on what policies we need to pursue to ensure that we don’t have an incident like that ever again in our city. I am calling for the police department to conduct a Critical Incident Review that includes the statements of protesters on what happened so that all of us can understand exactly what led up to this situation so we can learn, make changes, and do better. I have signed on to President Obama’s pledge to de-escalate police violence. In addition, I have asked the following questions to Chief Cantrell to seek clarity and to assess what the critical next steps need to be. Are the police officers in the San Luis Obispo Police Department being trained to de-escalate altercations by using peaceful conflict resolution strategies? Are the police officers in the San Luis Obispo Police Department forbidden from using carotid restraints (chokeholds, strangleholds, etc.) and hog-tying methods? Furthermore, are they forbidden from transporting civilians in uncomfortable positions, such as face down in a vehicle? Are the police officers in the San Luis Obispo Police Department required to intervene if they witness another officer using excessive force? Will officers be reprimanded if they fail to intervene? Are the police officers in the San Luis Obispo Police Department forbidden from shooting at moving vehicles? Is there a clear and enforced use-of-force continuum that details what weapons and force are acceptable in a wide variety of civilian-police interactions? Are the officers in the San Luis Obispo Police Department required to exhaust every other possible option before using excessive force? Are the officers in the San Luis Obispo Police Department required to give a verbal warning to civilians before drawing their weapon or using excessive force? Are the officers in the San Luis Obispo Police Department required to report each time they threaten to or use force on civilians? Are the officers in the San Luis Obispo Police Department thoroughly vetted to ensure that they do not have a history with abuse, racism, xenophobia, homophobia/transphobia, or discrimination? Are the officers in the San Luis Obispo Police Department trained to perform and seek necessary medical action after using excessive force? Is there an early intervention system enforced to correct officers who use excessive force? Additionally, how many complaints does an officer have to receive before they are reprimanded? Before they are terminated? What is the operational guideline for body cameras, including the need to ensure that they are powered and operational at all times? What are the educational requirements of our officers? At our next City Council meeting, I will be presenting a proclamation to these young leaders in honor of Juneteenth; the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. I call on the people of San Luis Obispo to join me in celebrating Juneteeth by sharing some of the tremendous wealth in this community by providing scholarship funding to Cal Poly so that more first- generation students have a chance at a good education and a chance at being part of the fabric of this community. To give young people of color a chance to be commended for their intelligence at Cal Poly, instead of the majority of admissions of black students having to be within athletics. And I call on the media to commit to unbiased reporting and to take responsibility for the crucial role that media often plays in stoking the flames of fear and distrust. Racism is a social system with multiple dimensions. Racism causes persistent racial discrimination in housing, education, employment, and criminal justice; racism is a significant social determinant of health as we have seen throughout the COVID pandemic and violence against people of color. It is crucial that we name this in order to fully and meaningfully address this crisis. This is why at our next city council meeting I will be asking that the City of San Luis Obispo asserts that racism is a public health emergency affecting our entire society. And I am calling on Governor Newsom to do the same. As an activist myself, I appreciate the impact that activism can have on policy, and the work it takes to be in the streets. Your activism has made a difference. I implore you as we move into tomorrow and the weeks and years to come, to continue to listen, ask questions, and do the important work that is before us. Do not look away. We are a caring and compassionate community. And we are a caring and compassionate community of privilege and we are called to use that privilege to create a more fair and just world for all. We need to come together to all stand in support of peaceful and radical action against systemic racism. I stand in grief and support and believe that we must come together to end the discrimination and violence of black and marginalized communities everywhere. A world exists in which we no longer have to protest injustice because injustice no longer exists. A world where riot gear goes rusty and policing becomes obsolete. A world where black men run and black women sleep in their homes in safety. A world where George Floyd and Breanna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbrey are still alive, walking hand in hand with Xavier Moore, Jalen Hamler, and Tianna Arata. Let us create that world together. Standing with you for Black Lives, Mayor Harmon Please note that I'm currently working from home. You may contact me at 805-235-8008. Nick Wilson Tribune Staff Reporter nwilson@thetribunenews.com 805) 781-7922 (phone) 805) 781-7905 (fax) www.sanluisobispo.com