HomeMy WebLinkAboutPRR24062 Mobley Document File
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
Statement and Talking Points Regarding Zoombombing at Meeting
The City’s Official Statement
At the Feb. 6, 2024, City Council meeting, several individuals used the anonymity of Zoom to make
racist and discriminatory statements during the virtual public comment period of the meeting. The City
Council immediately called for a recess, moved the remainder of the public comment period to the end
of the meeting where possible and reminded participants, virtual and in-person, of our civility guidelines
for public comment. When public comment resumed, we advised that no one in the room was obligated
to listen to the comments and offered an opportunity for all of those present to leave the room.
The City Council and staff continued conducting the community’s business. Unfortunately, the
individuals on Zoom also continued to violate our civility guidelines throughout the meeting and were
cut off each time.
The City of San Luis Obispo denounces racism and discrimination in all forms as contrary to our vision
of a community that is welcoming, inclusive and safe for all. We value public input as an essential part
of democracy and encourage all community members to share their voices at public meetings in a
respectful, constructive way. We will continue to support a diverse community, embrace equity, and
practice inclusion and we are also considering ways to prevent this type of disruption in the future.
Council Member Talking Points
Unfortunately, we saw at our City Council meeting this week what other cities across the country
have seen over the past year: Individuals used the anonymity of Zoom to make racist,
discriminatory statements in a public forum.
These powerless individuals tried to derail our public meeting and we did not give them the
satisfaction. We continued conducting the community’s business and tackled important issues.
We will not repeat the hateful and uncivilized words that were said, but we want to make it clear:
The City of San Luis Obispo values public input and encourages all community members to
share their voices at public meetings in a respectful, constructive way.
The City strongly believes, envisions, and is working toward a San Luis Obispo that is
welcoming, inclusive, and safe. We denounce all forms of racism and discrimination.
Facing challenges like this together helps to create a stronger community bond. We have a
clear vision for supporting a diverse community, embracing equity, and practicing inclusion.
We will not be including the comments in the video of the meeting posted to the City’s YouTube
channel to ensure that we are complying with YouTube’s community guidelines and to avoid
spreading hate and malice.
The City has invested in creative and meaningful solutions to build community and inclusivity
and will continue to promote a community that is safe, friendly, and welcoming, building on the
foundation for making positive changes.
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
Statement and Talking Points Regarding Zoombombing at Meeting
Code of Civility
Listen First
We will make an honest effort to understand views and reasoning of others by listening to
understand, not listening to find fault, allowing thoughtful discussion to lead to the best possible
outcomes.
Respect Different Opinions
We will invite and consider different perspectives, allowing space for ideas to be expressed, opposed
and clarified in a constructive manner.
Be Courteous
We will treat all colleagues, staff and members of the public in a professional and courteous manner
whether in person, online, or in written communication, especially when we disagree.
Disagree Constructively
We strive to advance solutions to community issues; when faced with disagreement, we do more
than simply share our concerns with differing positions, we work to propose a course of action of
mutual benefit.
Debate the Policy Not the Person
We will focus on the issues, and not personalize debate or use other tactics that divert attention from
the issue.
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
Statement and Talking Points Regarding Zoombombing at Meeting
The City’s Official Statement
At the Feb. 6, 2024, City Council meeting, several individuals used the anonymity of Zoom to make
racist and discriminatory statements during the virtual public comment period of the meeting. The City
Council immediately called for a recess, moved the remainder of the public comment period to the end
of the meeting where possible and reminded participants, virtual and in-person, of our civility guidelines
for public comment. When public comment resumed, we advised that no one in the room was obligated
to listen to the comments and offered an opportunity for all of those present to leave the room.
The City Council and staff continued conducting the community’s business. Unfortunately, the
individuals on Zoom also continued to violate our civility guidelines throughout the meeting and were
cut off each time.
The City of San Luis Obispo denounces racism and discrimination in all forms as contrary to our vision
of a community that is welcoming, inclusive and safe for all. We value public input as an essential part
of democracy and encourage all community members to share their voices at public meetings in a
respectful, constructive way. We will continue to support a diverse community, embrace equity, and
practice inclusion and we are also considering ways to prevent this type of disruption in the future.
Council Member Talking Points
Unfortunately, we saw at our City Council meeting this week what other cities across the country
have seen over the past year: Individuals used the anonymity of Zoom to make racist,
discriminatory statements in a public forum.
These powerless individuals tried to derail our public meeting and we did not give them the
satisfaction. We continued conducting the community’s business and tackled important issues.
We will not repeat the hateful and uncivilized words that were said, but we want to make it clear:
The City of San Luis Obispo values public input and encourages all community members to
share their voices at public meetings in a respectful, constructive way.
The City strongly believes, envisions, and is working toward a San Luis Obispo that is
welcoming, inclusive, and safe. We denounce all forms of racism and discrimination.
Facing challenges like this together helps to create a stronger community bond. We have a
clear vision for supporting a diverse community, embracing equity, and practicing inclusion.
We will not be including the comments in the video of the meeting posted to the City’s YouTube
channel to ensure that we are complying with YouTube’s community guidelines and to avoid
spreading hate and malice.
The City has invested in creative and meaningful solutions to build community and inclusivity
and will continue to promote a community that is safe, friendly, and welcoming, building on the
foundation for making positive changes.