City Council

>> All right. You hear me. >> Yes, we can hear you going to >> great. We need to my Well, them. >> I'd like to ask the interpreter currently in the Spanish Channel to commence translation of the meeting. For those just joining the meeting live. Translation is the meeting live. Translation in Spanish is available and that members of the public, our staff wishing to listen in. Spanish can join the Spanish channel by clicking on the interpretation icon and the Zoom toolbar. It looks like a club when she joined the Spanish Channel. We recommend you shut off the main audio. Only here, the Spanish translation interpreter. Will you please restate this in Spanish? >> we are. But I give to the scene happen in zone and that, knew it. Eat, give me a initial 9 could have well that we need to tonight. I seem to so that he can move few. So in a lot people shouldn't assume that to you. It's still not been on them again for the community. I mean, it's up. My actually make that the >> Welcome everyone to our FEBRUARY 27th 2024. Santa Rosa City Council meeting. It is now one. 32 and we will be starting our meeting saying a quorum. MADAM. Deputy City Clerk, me, you please call the roll. >> Thank you, Mayor Councilmember Rogers, Councilmember Okrepkie councilmember MacDonald. Councilmember Fleming. Councilmember Alvarez. Vice Mayor stop here. Mayor Rogers, PRESIDENT, let the record

reflect all council members are PRESIDENT With the exception of Councilmember MacDonald and out for us. Thank you. We will now proceed to have him 3.1 conference with legal council about existing litigation item. 3.2 conference with legal counsel about existing litigation and >> item 3.3 conference with labor negotiators. MADAM Deputy City clerk. Can you please facilitate public comment on these items? We're now taking public comment in closed session items. 3.1, 3.2 3.3, if you're in the council chamber like to comment but have not provided a speaker card or your name. Please make your way to the podium. You have 2 minutes and a countdown timer will alert at the end of the period as you approach the podium. Please state your name for the record. If you choose to do so. Please go ahead. When you're ready. >> I'm James Town can I'm not going to repeat the points in the letter I sent the council yesterday, I'm going to repeat what the man told the City council many years ago when the council was first considering that endings of a new rail He said knew a family that lived a short walk from across the when the son and daughter went to the they rode their bikes and through the Jennings cross-legged on their way to their classes and their student hopes that the j c the mom in the family was a bookkeeper and started taking classes at the jc to learn

about Computerize She went on at the jc to go from to being full time faculty at the school. She also. Rode her bike or walk the cross to her job at the jc for years been told the council that keeping that endings crossed open was important that it was the only link between the 2 our neighborhood, which is otherwise but play thus far. Real one and the council got And directed staff to move forward and getting the approval from the California Public Utilities Commission. That man was me. That family is my But the crossing has been closed to all of families in our neighborhood for years. Now. This council, most direct to do whatever is necessary. So as we get the cpu see, approved crossing built-in reopened. Thank you so much. >> Thank Seeing no additional speakers on this item. Thank with that. We will recess into closed session. >> Okay. Welcome everyone to our 2/27/2024. Santa Rosa City Council meeting. It is now 402, in. Will be reconvening. Our meeting seeing a corner. MADAM Deputy City clerk, MAY you please call the roll. Thank you, Mayor Councilmember Rogers Councilmember Okrepkie Councilmember MacDonald. >> Councilmember Fleming Air Councilmember Alvarez, PRESIDENT, vice mayor staff here, Mayor Rogers, PRESIDENT, let the record reflect all council members are present with the exception of Councilmember MacDonald. Thank you. Before we start our meeting, I just wanted to let

everyone know that 16.1 which was are scheduled public hearing. >> For the minute by minute, tree removal will be continued to a date uncertain. So if you're here for that item we will not having that. >> Today that public hearing today and with that, we will move on to item 6, which is our report on closed session. MADAM City Attorney. Thank you. MADAM Mayor Council members. We had 3 items on your agenda for closed session. >> There is no reportable action taken in closed session on item 3.1 or 3.2 item, did not It was on the agenda. There was no closed session on that item. >> Thank you. MADAM City, MADAM City, deputy clerk, can you please facilitate public comment? But she that's going to stop me like all. So Dina, no disrespect. If I say. Thank Police conduct public comment on this item. We're now taking public comment on item 6. If you're in the council chamber and would like to comment but have not provided a speaker card on your name. >> Please make your way to the podium. You will have 2 minutes and a countdown timer will alert at the end of that period. Seeing no speakers approach the podium for public comment. Thank you. We have no a proclamation for today. So we'll continue to item 8, which is our staff briefings. >> MADAM City manager. Thank you, mayor and good evening. Members of council. So item

8.1 is the fema flood risks mapping project for the Santa Rosa Creek watershed. So staff could come to the podium and introduce themselves. Thank you. It was just one 0nd. We get this presentation >> Thank you >> Good afternoon. Mayor Rogers and and members of the council. I'm Claire the storm water and creeks director, not director manager >> Long Peterson director of communications government relations. >> And Gabe Osburn, director of planning and economic development >> we are here today to discuss as fema's flood Risk mapping project for these enters a creek watershed. The Federal Emergency Management Agency or fema is responsible for our country's flood risk. And for helping communities develop strategies for improving resiliency. And fema has identified Santa Rosa Creek watershed for a map update so I'm here with gave him on today. Today will provide you an overview of the project, including what it is as well as the project benefits and impacts will also go over. Fema's project timeline and how Santa is a water planning and economic development and the communications and intergovernmental Relations Office are working together to ensure really comprehensive public outreach. So let's start by explaining the foundation of this What is flood risk simply put fema's

maps. Are areas that a high likelihood of flooding. More specifically fema uses modeling data identify flood hazard areas that have a one percent annual chance of flooding. Also known as 100 year flood flood Mapping creates series of statistical lines that identify on a parcel by parcel basis flood risk within a watershed. So these areas are designated as special flood hazard areas in this case, fema is developing maps for the Santa Rosa Creek watershed. You can see the boundaries of this watershed on the map on the screen. The boundaries are in purple. And the analysis includes Santa Rosa Creek and all its key tributaries, which encompasses most of the city of Santa Rosa as well as some unincorporated portions of Sonoma County. Why is this important? Because in order for the city and for property owners to make decisions on how to best mitigate we need to know what that risk is mapping areas at high risk for flooding can help property owners make decisions about things like land use purchasing appropriate insurance to mitigate losses and a flood event and helping us at the city identify capital improvement projects to better protect our community. So why now? Why are we doing it now? Because flood risks change over time and new and better

data become available when you flood risks and data are identified. Fema starts the process of updating the flood maps. There's no set timeline for rising flood maps and revisions typically occur when more accurate engineering information becomes available. You know, through a fema funded recent e or when a community makes new information available to fema. So when we look at the impacts of this project, >> really what ultimately, fema will create maps and those maps will identify number of parcels that fall within a map. Special flood hazard area that's also referred to as a high flood risk area and those properties that are identified in the boundary there. There are really 2 main impacts. The first has to do with development standards and requirements. So at the local level, we do not restrict development in a special flood hazard area. There's just specific requirements associated with that. So typically development has to raise what's referred to as a finished floor area. One foot above the flood hazard area. In addition to that, they often also have to analyze the impacts to placing a structure and displacing water in that flood area. So they're special studies that go along with development proposals. These become fairly robust. If it's vacant land in the development is large. In addition to the development requirements for individuals currently occupying property or owning property, there's potentially additional insurance requirements. Insurance is optional. And a special flood hazard area. In most If the property owner has a

government-backed loan, it becomes required. And in certain situations, lenders MAY also have specific requirements that trigger a flood insurance. Temporary and ongoing impacts through this It's really a long journey will go through to get these maps amended. That will be initial impacts upfront really with communication. Developing fake use assisting the community with understanding roles and responsibilities with the federal government and local requirements. As the flood maps are adopted, responsibility really shifts the planning and economic development team to manage the flood area from a development standpoint, need additional workload associated with that process. So in addition to impacts are also with the singular largest investment that most people making their lives associated with purchasing a home or property. And this helps those individuals assess the risks associated with that and make sound decisions on where to live, where to build how to protect their investment on the government side or the local jurisdiction side. Once we can identify the impacts and identify the source of impacts, it helps inform capital projects so we can develop long-term solutions for mitigating those impacts identified in the study. And at this point, I will have the presentation back to clear to discuss that. I'm >> So the fema flood risk mapping is a multi step multi-year process. That includes fema, coordinating with local officials, technical staff and the public. Given I'll walk you through each of the steps. And if you MISS Process that you see here and it's important to note throughout the process, the city also will need to communicate with a large number of stakeholders as well, including fema, local

officials, a regional partners and especially our impacted community members to help our community navigate fema's project, a comprehensive outreach plan was developed by 0. Santa Rosa Water and which one will go over as well. So step discovery fema currently wrapping up this first phase of the project of Discovery. This is the phase in which fema gathers local flood data and institutional knowledge from local agencies. They do this in close coordination with the community really to prioritize future mapping and risk assessment and mitigation planning assistance. So the city of Santa Rosa, Sonoma Water and Sonoma County have been working closely with fema to provide them with data from our Santa Rosa Creek Flood study that was recently completed and fema will use the data from our local study as well as their own data in their analysis. We are just entering fema second phase of the project analysis and mapping during this phase, fema will use the information gathered during discovery along with their own data to develop preliminary flood maps for senators are creek watershed. I'm like I said they won't just use our city's flood study. They will do their own analysis to determine the exact extent of what they determined to be. The floodplain. The analysis and mapping has made it to take about a year to complete. I want some apps are generated there released in a few different phases. The first is the preliminary fled map early so that first review stays

with the local jurisdictions. So the city staff will have the opportunity to comment on the final map. >> We anticipate Sonoma water is whether the cup the county of Sonoma are doing the same. That information is then compiled into the review. The map at that point. Once that review commences goes public and we're anticipating at this point that the preliminary map released to the public will be summer of 2025. And that likely will when the vast majority of the community inquiries come in. So we'll compare a community engagement strategy for that time that will involve hosting community meetings with fema and city staff to answer questions. An important piece to this stage of the review is a 90 day appeal, period. The fema opens up in many situations with a study of this it is fairly high level. So it MAY MISS Out on very unique localized situations that exists property to property. Property owner will have the ability to provide their own technical analysis that identifies those and potentially changes the findings. It is important to note that that is not something that is very easy for property owners to generate it likely will require very technical assistance, civil engineering firms to do ideology rollicking. Alice s will need to make sure we give the community a program and information up front and time to be able to operate within that 90 day window. Once the maps are finalized, Fino sends out a letter, a final determination that will include the effective date of the new flood maps. At that point. Most of the

information, including new flood maps move over to the fema website and directing most of community increase associated with that. Go fema's website. We also have the opportunity really at that point to partner with our federal both fema and the National Flood Insurance Program to do workshops to talk people through this because that that's pointed actually does affect those properties and moving forward. We will be enforcing the requirements from a development standpoint that point, it's also important to note that fema does have a letter of Map Amendment process. Once the maps are are developed based on the information that's known at the time of development and that information can for example, of capital projects, change drainage patterns or something else changed this mathematical calculation in that study, fema does offer an opportunity to submit a letter of Map Amendment very similar process to the appeal period to change that mapping a more localized area. So that opportunity does present itself long term. And then we're anticipating that our maps will go into effect spring of 2026 through spring of 2027 somewhere in that time And at this point, I will hand the presentation over to lawn and he will discuss communications and outreach. Great. Thanks, Kate. Appreciate So given that the impacts to the community. >> And while it is fema's project, we understand that we need to get out in the community in both educate and inform them of exactly what impacts are for this project. So our strategic approaches to collaborate with our partners,

which is fema, the county and some water we define our audience is the residents as well future developers. And while there's and effort currently to do citywide outreach. Once that list becomes more targeted, we will do specific focus outreach to anybody. That's within the list ones. Freeman develops out. We've already created a Web page Searcy. Org slash fema flood mapping. We've also have a brochure of that's been in both English and Spanish. You guys have this delivered anybody in the audience that wants one, they are available up at the diocese right up here. You can pick that up before you leave this evening. This is also on our website. In addition think used in multiple audiences internal communications, why we developed talking points for both staff as well as council, which will share to the city manager. We also created opportunities for the community to stay informed by creating a distribution. This female through the city's website, which again, you can find at the website. Just mentioned you can sign up for key updates. So as things progress in this project come into multi-year project, you We will inform the community in that way. And then as mentioned, we will also be out in the community in person and online holding education sessions in partnership with fema as this project involves. And so just wanted to make sure you guys aware of that one. Some of the stuff isn't defined as the debates because it's not defined yet. But we

do have a robust communications plan to address as we move forward with this project. Next slide. Leave this up for the remainder of this presentation. So this has the misinformation both in their website, email and or phone number. And then as the information as I mentioned for the city is doing in part in our engagement efforts in partnership. With that, that concludes the staff briefing were available to answer questions. >> Thank you very much for that information. Looking to council to see if there any questions. Council member Cookie. >> Thank you, MADAM I appreciate the the attention to >> insurance issues when it comes to flood insurance can be very cost prohibitive. The Times has there been any thought to somebody from the National Flood Insurance Program as part of this outreach just in case there is a change. It. And just so everyone's now that is a fema back program that is not a private insurance carriers with the government program. So I do think there be any conflict in with the city working with them but have you any consideration of that? Yes, absolutely. As I think we get into the final. >> Mapping. So we really understand the boundary. It's not moving anymore. One of our engagement tactics involves workshops that includes the National Flood Insurance Program. And it is that opportunity to partner with our federal partners and make sure people are fully informed on what it means to be with inside that boundary. Great. Thank you. >> Are there any additional questions seeing none. MADAM

Deputy City clerk MAY please facilitate public comment on this item. We are now taking public comment on item. 8.1. If you are in the council chamber and would like to comment. >> But have not provided a speaker card your name. Please make your way to the podium. Seeing no public speakers on this item. Thank you. Moving on to item 9, which is our city manager City attorney's report, MADAM City manager, can you please kick us off? >> Yeah, thank you. I just want to remind the public that the police department is hosting a community meeting MARCH the 6 located at the utility feels office, which 35 Stony Point Road from 6 to 8 in this meeting were looking for feedback to incorporate into the police departments 3 year strategic plan. Thank you. City attorney. I'm sorry. I have no report at this time. Thank you. MADAM Deputy City clerk. Can you please facilitate public comment on this item? >> We are now taking public comment on item. 9.1. If you are in the council chamber would like to comment but have not provided your name or a speaker card. Please make your way to the podium. You will have 2 minutes and a countdown timer will alert at the end of that period. I'm seeing no one at the podium for public comment on this item. Moving on item 10, which is our statement of abstention by council members. Councilmember Cookie. >> Yes, I'll be abstaining from item. 13.1 is coordinated projects installations as a client of mine. >> Seeing no additional extensions. 13.1 council member Okrepkie we will be moving on to our mayor and

council members reports. Council real property. Thank you, MADAM Mayor >> this past weekend, I attended engineering Contractors insulation Always a great opportunity spend time with to develop our roads, bridges as well as the pads of which are buildings and houses are built upon >> and >> FEBRUARY 20th with the school safety ad-hoc committee where we met no action was taken in that at that meeting and I met with the Safe Campus Alliance on FEBRUARY 22nd to listen to their concerns and their input on the around. Santa wrote the city of Santa Rosa and schools. >> Councilmember Fleming. Too? On Wednesday a week ago, almost 2 weeks ago, Wednesday. >> We than the Metropolitan Transportation Commission gave direction to staff around the Bay Area, housing finance bond and the direction was to proceed with the bond, the comeback for labor standards. And then the following day we met with the North Bay League of Cities where I there on behalf of the city of Santa Rosa and Metropolitan Transportation Commission. And if anybody has any questions or wants discusses pleased to reach out. Councilmember Rogers. Thank you so much. Mayor. >> Last you actually today and in today's paper, you MAY see editorial talk a little bit about smarts. >> Ridership. It was a big thing for us to hear that over

2023. Smart actually exceeded its previous high for ridership for an entire year. The previous high was 2018, obviously pre-pandemic. That was a great opportunity for us to talk about things that we've been changing or things that are coming on. The smart line we'll say we also have a presentation that included information about how rain impacts our ridership that actually see ridership drop pretty substantially when it's raining outside. So this last month was the first month in a year that we did not exceed exceed the previous year's high for a ridership for that individual month. We do expect that to rebound, but all in all good things happening at Smart. Just want to say thank you. Everybody has been working on that. >> Vice chair step. Thank you, MADAM Mayor. On the 22nd of this I was sat in on the Russian River. Otter said Watershed Association meeting. >> We approved the work plan for for 2020 for we also heard a report on Santa Rosa streets to creeks program, which is protecting our water, is from particulates as well as other hazards. Our city staffers are nixing Dano and John McNeill did a nice job. I see that Sean has escaped the room. So compliment Jennifer Work on excellent presentation from from her team. It's clear that that's n Roses is really setting the standard for the county and within the space of keeping our creeks clean from, especially from particulates. And we heard an additional report on waste, water and sediment tracking for good and Santa Rosa. Also in the 20 seconds and I attended the

Sonoma County Egg an open space meeting. We had a land stewardship update with that had a special focus on grazing which gave me an opportunity to report out on on Santa Rosa is a particular interest in expanding grazing in our community with a guy with a special focus on the Southeast Greenway I I enjoy giving that report. And there's also an election of new officers and then in the 4 teens and there was a there was a community meeting, focused on illicit massage businesses in the community. This was a group that was convened by an active community man. Remember a shout out to Curtis Bennett. He brought together about 50 community members, business several members of several, my colleagues here in the dance as well as a great representation center was a police to talk about potential problems that we're having with illicit massage businesses in the community. It's currently it's Korean issue for some of our neighborhoods and the next step, the action item that came out of that meeting was actually that this was going to be agenda aisd at the Public Safety I'm looking to my Councilmember Okrepkie. I believe that APRIL 23rd. APRIL 23rd at 09:00am open to the public. Any Richards not meeting should I should, by all means attend the Public Safety Subcommittee. Thank you. >> Throughout for us. >> It's one for the community that tomorrow, the 20th at 6.30, there will be an in-person meeting and South Park at the answer billing with myself and the South Park community. I hope that the

neighborhood will come on in and sure the concerns as well as ride is thank >> Thank you. And I will end it on the day was that the 16th? >> Mayor and council members association of Sonoma Legislative met in while there. We were able to get an update from the Sonoma Clean Power ceo. So that was a very nice and informative been able to 10 a host of community events for Black History Month and for reasons and also visit the Santa Rosa, French American charter School last week, which was a lot of fun. So if you're students came home and told you I was there, it is the truth. And I've been getting a lot tax is an e-mail. So it was a my pleasure to be there. And it was a lot of fun. And with that, we will go to our MADAM Deputy city clerk for public comment on this item. Thank you, mayor. We're not taking public comment on item. 11.1. If you are in the council chamber would like to comment but have not provided a speaker card or your name. >> Please make your way to the podium. Seeing no public comment on this item. Thank you. >> Move on to our next item, which is item 12 approval of minutes. We have one set of minutes for FEBRUARY 6th, 2024, which is a special meeting councilor there. Any corrections to the minutes.

Deputy city clerk. Can you please facilitate public comment on this item? We're now taking public comment on item 12.1. If you are in the council chamber like to comment but have not provided a speaker card your name. Please make your way to the podium. No public comment on This is public comment on item. 12.1, which is our. Meeting minutes for FEBRUARY 6. Perfect. Seeing no comment. We keep going on to item 13, which are consent items. MADAM Deputy City clerk, can you please read the consent items? Item? 13.1 is a resolution approval of Second Amendment to blanket purchase order number 6, 6, 103, with coordinated project installations incorporated for office, furniture, installation, relocation, and delivering services item. 13.2 is a resolution, delegation of authority to execute project work orders issued under existing master agreements for Professional Services item. 13.3 is a resolution of bid in issuance of blanket purchase order to Hansel Ford Santa Rosa, California. For replacement. Ford Police Interceptor utility vehicles. Item 13.4 ordinance adoptions. Second reading ordinance of the Council of the City of Santa Rosa correcting a clerical error in ordinance or 2023. 0, 1, 6, by remembering the hazardous vegetation and feels management chapter within the Santa Rosa City code as chapter 9 dash. 32 item, 13.5 ordinance adoptions. Second reading organs of the city of Santa Rosa. Amending title 9 of the

Santa Rosa City code by repealing Chapter 9 dash. 24 pertaining to administrative enforcement of covid-19 public health orders in its entirety. Adding a new chapter 9 dash 24 pertaining to the inspection maintenance and registration abrio properties which exist as an maintain vacant. Lots which contain vacant or abandoned buildings and amending section 18 dash 20.3, 0, 2.4 of the Santa Rosa City code. Item. 13.6 ordinance adoptions. Second reading ordinance of the Council of the City of Santa Rosa adopting a zoning code text amendment to title 20 of the Santa Rosa City Code. Section 20 dash for 2.0 6, 0, community care and health care facilities to exempt senior care facilities from the community care facility over concentration limitation and spacing requirement and section 20 dash, 70.0, 0, 2, 0, glossary to modify the definition of community care facility to allow palliative care and end of life medical treatments for senior care facilities found number p r j 2, 3 Dash, 0, 1, 6, Thank you bringing it back to council to see if there any questions for the consent items and seen >> Deputy City clerk, MAY you please conduct public comment? We're not taking public

comment on consent items. 13.1 through 13.6. If you are in the council chamber would like to comment but have not provided a speaker card or your name. Please make your way to the podium. You will have to nuts and a countdown timer will alert at the end of that period. As you approach the podium, please state your name for the record. If you choose to do so. First step will be calling. Tess Caldwell. >> Lows enters the city council and community members. I would like to speak on 13.3 in regards to the 3.5 million being allocated for new police vehicles, these police vehicles that are going to be replaced are deemed as being eligible for replacement. Not necessarily in need of replacement. I think that our police department has a disproportionate amount of our city's funds and that 3.5 million could go too much better community practices and policies that would mitigate the need for such policing. So instead of replacing already fine and working police vehicles that frankly better than the vehicles of many of the community members who these police police. I think that these funds should be put towards something else. So I would really like you to not approve the allocation of the 3 and a half million dollars to give them 60 more replace 60 police vehicles with 2025. Ford Interceptors. Additionally, I think that weaving the competitive bidding is not good practice as it puts the community members of the city of Santa Rosa at a disadvantage because we're not able to I'm fine. Different prices. I think that this is kind of circumventing

some of the aspects of a policy and regulation that are really important in communities, especially for such a high price tag. Additionally, I live in a neighborhood that is pretty heavily policed. I live spending in your neighborhood. I see cops every single day and their vehicles are pretty darn nice. They work pretty darn well, me and I don't think that we should be replacing them just because they're able to be replaced. I think that we should be replacing them when they need to be replaced. Thank >> Do we have any additional comment on 13.1 through 13.6. Thank you. Please. Go ahead. When you're ready. >> Hi, Thank you. My name is Alan Wolves. I basically just like to second everything that test said, I'm opposed to the spending of 3.5 million dollars on new police vehicles in the first place. And if I'm getting them is a requirement. I am also opposed to not being a no-bid contract to a single company. I we should shop around and figure out a way to spend the least amount of money on that as possible. We already spend a lot of money on a srpd and we spend a lot of money on their We got them a tricked out low rider Isaar recently. They just very expensive. Looking tricked out. Ford f one, 50 patrol vehicle. I do not know why the police department needs a tricked out f one, 50 it's a ridiculous way to spend our money. So I'm opposed to that. And I'm also opposed to doing that as a no bid contract. Thank you. >> Thank you. Do we have any additional commenters on this item? It looks like we have no public speaking on this item. Thank you. Vice Mayor Can you

please make a motion? >> Like to move that we approve items. 13.6 and we further reading the text. >> We have a motion made by Vice Mayor stop in a second by council member. City We did have a on 13.1 well, there are several different ways. You can go about it. It's my understanding that the practice. That the city has undertaken before is that in that situation you would have a vote on the balance of the consent calendar first and then you would take item. 13.1 in this case. Separately councilmember who has a conflict with 13.1 with Dan his vote would be recorded as every queues on that second motion. You're correct. He just forgot. Let's try to thanks, Mayor. Problem is you've got this straight. So I'd like to make a motion that we approve items. 13.0, 3, 13.6. And we for the reason reading the text. >> Still second. >> We have a motion vice-mayor staff in a second made by Councilmember Rogers for 13.2 through 13.6. But happy the city clerk mean please call Councilmember Rogers. Councilmember Okrepkie. Councilmember MacDonald is absent and councilmember Fleming. Councilmember Alvarez. All right. Vice Mayor Stapp, I. Mayor Rogers, I the motion passes, was passes with 6 pies with a council member MacDonald. Absent. All right, place Merced up. >> Like to make a motion. We approve item 13.1. And we for

the reading the text. >> We have a motion made by Vice mayor staffed in a second made by Councilmember Rogers for 13.1. MADAM Deputy city clerk. Please call the vote. Councilmember Rogers, I. Councilmember Okrepkie has recused. Councilmember MacDonald is absent. Councilmember Fleming. Councilmember Alvarez. I. Vice Mayor stop. Mayor Rogers, I the motion motion passes with 5 eyes with Councilmember MacDonald absent and council member Okrepkie recusing. Thank you. >> Moving it is too early for item 14. We will not take public comment on non agenda matters until 5 o clock. We have no report items. We have no public hearings being as those 16 0. One has been continued to a date uncertain. Item. 17 is are written communications we have. And in that leaves us with the end of our agenda item 18. But I cannot take that until 5 o'clock. So we will take a short break until 5 o'clock. And we will be right back. Thank you so much. >> All right. Saying that it is 501. And I'm seeing a We will now begin our meeting. MADAM Deputy City clerk me please call the roll. >> Thank you, Mayor. One moment.

Councilmember Rogers, your council member Okrepkie. Councilmember MacDonald is absent. Councilmember Fleming. Councilmember Alvarez, PRESIDENT Vice Mayor stop here. Mayor Rogers, PRESIDENT, let the record reflect all council members are present with the exception of Councilmember MacDonald. >> Now we will begin last item of this evening and that will be item 18 public comments on non agenda matters. And I will hand it over to MADAM Deputy City Clerk. We are now taking public comment on item 18 non agenda matters. This is a time when any person MAY address the council on matters not listed on this agenda, but which are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the council. Also as a reminder, we are only taking in-person public comment as noted on the agenda. If you're in the council chamber and would like to comment. But if not provided a speaker card, your name, please make your way to the podium. He will have 2 minutes and a countdown timer will alert at the end of that period. As you approach the podium, please state your name for the record. If you choose to do so. Also as we call you, please line up at at the 2 podiums. So if you're next, you're ready to first up, we're going to have Allen followed by Jay and then Jesse. Hi, yes. Thank you. My name is Alan Wolves. And I again come due to plead that you take up and pass a cease-fire resolution. >> a couple of you have given some quotes to the press Democrat about the process that I'd like to address councilmember steps of the feedback he received in conversations he's had with people on different ends of

the discussion, including from the sizable Jewish congregations in district, has, quote, really cemented my stance that this is an issue that are present. There is not broad consensus There is not absolute consensus on this now. I don't believe they will ever be because scientists believe that even exist acknowledging existence of Palestine is antisemitic. The Institute for social policy and understanding did a poll that just recently came out, which you can read that isp you dot org, slash cease-fire, which found that 63% of the general public support a cease-fire and only 16% oppose it among Jews, 50% support a cease-fire and only 34% oppose. I would definitely call about the broad consensus myself. Santa Rosa Councilmember Jeff Okrepkie said the supporting resolution could alienate a segment of the community or emboldened others who disagree with the resolution to act out. He sees the back and forth between speakers at FEBRUARY 13th Council meeting as a microcosm of what he worries could happen if the council supports the resolution Councilmember Okrepkie, what evidence do you have of this actually happening anywhere, the back and forth between speakers that you've seen so far as what will continue if you do not pass the resolution, what back and forth have you seen from Rdu neighbors in Cotati you can pass. There's over a month and a half ago. Where is the Anti-Semitism there? Which we've been assured will happen anywhere that passes cease-fire resolution. Stepp said Monday. He isn't sure if there's a way to move forward at this point. There is

absolutely a way to move forward. Put the cease-fire resolution on the agenda, vote on it, pass Thank you. >> Thank u next step is Jason followed by Jesse and then Miles. >> He's checked if that's okay, please. As the project yes, hold on one moment. >> Yes, well, we're working on getting the lectern going. Have to Jesse go ahead and go and we'll work on calling you next. Please go ahead. When you're ready >> Council members, my name is Jesse Christiansen. I'm here to urge you today to act on behalf of the defenseless civilians of Gaza. Facing the most horrific, coordinated attack on a civilian population in our lifetime. By one of the most advanced militaries in the world. I volunteered in the West Bank in 2005 as part of International Solidarity movement. We were there to assist Palestinians as they harvest their olives in their fields because they get attacked regularly by Israeli settlers. We tried to act as a buffer and intervene when possible and act as witnesses when necessary. I stayed in Palestinian homes as well as Israeli homes. And while I was there, I traveled on the segregated road systems that are designed for Israeli settlers and a witness. The daily harassment that Palestinians have to go through when they pass through Israeli checkpoints. The people in Gaza are starving using animal feed to bake bread and eating weeds to put something in stomachs. Most hospitals have been destroyed or run out of supplies and the generators have run out of fuel. Doctors are performing surgeries without anesthetic by flashlight. Disease and infection are going untreated

claiming lives. There's no clean water trucks are deliberately being blocked from bringing in food, medicine fuel. Critical patients are dying for lack of electricity. There's no power limited communication because Israel has targeted the civilian infrastructure. Untold numbers remain missing and are buried under the rubble. This is deliberate and it is genocidal. Reporters, doctors and medics are being targeted and killed. Schools in hospitals are being destroyed. Bakeries are being bombed. Ambulances bombed mass incarceration and torture are being used dehumanizing language. People calling them a human animals. I urge you to call for an immediate and permanent cease-fire. I urge you be on the right side >> Thank you. Let's. Jason. One moment. Thank you. Please. Go ahead. When you're ready. Please go ahead. When you're ready. Thank you. Jaime name is Jason. >> Last Thursday, 4 months into the current round of ethnic cleansing and genocide. Joe Biden finally found the spine to say the overwhelming majority of Palestinians are not Hamas. And Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people. So that's for those of you who are still confused about what is going on the Middle East. This is partly about a system of power and what you are allowed and not allowed to say. The truth is not change. Only our awareness of it. This is why we're here because of failed leadership

at the top at the very basic level. We want to know that we live in a safe and seen community. But what we're finding is exactly what Aaron Bushnell said as he was walking towards the Israeli embassy in Washington. This is what our ruling classes decided will be normal. He did. What he did emblematic of how we No one is listening to the majority of the American people. So what are we doing? Those of us who those of you who've lost your humanity in this critical moment or turn your back on the collective well-being maintaining and perpetuating the ruling class interests. This is exactly what our civil rights leaders were addressing. The other reason we're here is because of the people in our community who prefer things the way they are at best. They are traumatized indoctrinated in choosing fear over love humanity and justice. And not only are they willing to show up and repeat lies and misinformation. They offer nothing. No concessions. Hamas, OCTOBER 7th as Israel done nothing wrong, reviewing their lack of authenticity. In the end, they are making a choice and by letting them in pd you are making a choice. If we must condemn Hamas. In order to pass a cease-fire resolution that we must also condemned the conditions from which they are rose condemn the Hamas charter, condemn the Likud charter. That's justice. A single standard state violence was bad and not Germany but find in Gaza and the West Bank. If you continue to choose to support this annihilation the Palestinian population of Gaza ever per

tent. >> Thank u next step will miles followed by Gary. And then Perry. Could you miles to go ahead. Good evening. >> My name Is Mile Service Wilbur I work as a stewardship field specials for lent I also serve on the board of directors of the Sonoma County Beekeepers Association in Sonoma County. Acts of kindness. And I'm here for the second time. I don't normally come to these and frankly, I don't want to be here right now. I'm tired and I'm content to let you do your work and let the people who come here often hold you accountable. But I came here for the first time on the 9th of JANUARY. And I. Grieving we let you know that 10,000 Palestinian children were dead and asked you to just do the basic thing and say that, hey, that's not right. That should stop call for a cease-fire. And you haven't done that. And it's 54 days later. And 2,660 more children have died, which a lot of children. And that comes out by out to 49 children per day. But could have said shouldn't have died, but are now that. And I tell you this, because just today I worked with 61 children from Hidden Valley along Park West teaching them about post-fire rehabilitation. And it's really hard to look at and try to provide the best education that I can. And when. My leadership telling them that they don't really care because

there is no difference between the children in Palestine and the children here. And your silence speaks to me of complicity and I don't like it. And frankly, you know, I don't get a lot of strength and courage from you. Getting cowardice and I'm getting silence and I don't think that there's a lot of integrity and that and I don't want that in my city council. >> Thank u next step will be Garrow. Gary followed by Perry and then Jordan. >> I'm Gary Huntsman. Thank you for being here. Everyone. I've been troubled by the separation of the Palestinian people for longer than I care to remember. And opportunity lies in each of our hands. Let's not act from a place of fear as do the oppressors and the aggressors. Let us not cower, but let us stand up. Courageously. As with Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King. Rosa Parks. Maya and countless others. And this is what they would have us to do. As they would imagine. Seeing the court says the babies. And children having been laid on to your own living room floor, feel your own humanity rushing in the yourself. Take action. Call for a cease-fire now. Don't squander this opportunity. And later, regret your inaction. >> Thank you. Next is Perry followed by Jordan and then to wreak if you'd please line up

at the podiums. That will move. To wreak than Okay. All skip. Is Perry Perkins. Jordan. Perry. To wreak John Miller. Okay, please go ahead and announce your name. If you choose to do so. >> Tar come Live here in Roads district 5. All right. Talk about. You say this is not local issue. And you say we can't do about it in no way. >> It it was made to local. It was brought to a home. I'm someday after know I us. On the sidewalk. Park gasoline on head. Let himself on That's it. Our children. Our children. Are seeing what's going We're putting a lot of character and That's what's happening. And we tell them. We can do anything about it. We tell them. Be quiet to be polite. Mind your own business. Going with your business. You say we can't do anything about Every one of do something. We can stand up. And it's an Every one of us. If we stand dot and you stand out that new stand-up and we all stand up Somebody will listen to MADAME Mayor, if I >> excuse me, ma'am, we need to make sure that we are respecting everyone's right to

speak. If you would like to put your name in and have an please do so I need to make sure that everyone is respecting others rights to speak. If we can't do that, my suggestion to the mayor will be that we take a brief recess and try it again. We need to all that follow the rules. We want hear what you have to say, but we need you all to follow the rules. MADAM Deputy clerk did the last person get to finish their public comment? Yes. So next step we have. >> p r I. Perkins and then followed by Jordan. And then Jen. Yes, please go ahead. Ready. My name is Bree Perkins. >> Good evening, everyone. My name is Brianna. Sonoma County resident. And I want to thank you all for the opportunity to speak this evening. Tonight. I'll be reading a tribute to refine air. He was killed on DECEMBER 9th of 2023 along with some of his family members. The tribute is from we are not numbers. They mourn the death of a beloved teacher, friend, colleague and family member. Was a 44 year-old renowned poet and professor of comparative literature and a creative writing at the Islamic University of Gaza. His poem Imus. If I missed, I let it be a tail posted on NOVEMBER. First, foreshadowed his death and evoked hope that widespread death and destruction in Gaza would not be in vain. Here's the falling home. If I'm a sky, you must live to tell my story to sell my things to buy a piece of cloth and some strings. Make it white with a long tail so that a child somewhere in Gaza while looking to have it looking haven't in the eye awaits his dad left in a blaze

and did no one for well, not even his flash, not even to himself, sees the kite. Mike Wright, you made flying up above and thinks for a moment. And angel is there bringing back love. If I must die, let it bring hope. Let it be a tail. I'd like just urge you all to please consider supporting a cease-fire resolution by both putting out on the agenda and immediately passing it. Thank you. >> Next up, is Jordan followed by Gen and then Stan. Moving on to Roberta. Summer. Please go ahead. When you're ready. >> Good evening as it's working. Okay. Thank you for your public service. Can we researched the time? I want to thank you for your public service. My name Jen Miller. I'm Jewish. I am a resident of Santa Rosa. We have heard from some city leaders that is really important to have local synagogues on board with our cease-fire resolution. We welcome and support that I believe that the voices from synagogues are important. However, I want to share something from my heart with you about the Jewish community. Synagogues are not the sole representatives of the Jewish community, especially on the matter of the cease-fire resolution before the city Council. Jewish identity is brought, it is a culture. And in Aruba, religion like any community is not a monolith. Many of us are connected to synagogues. Many of us only practice rituals at home. Many of us come from a very rich, secular tradition. And we're all tuition. We're all Jewish enough. Please listen to us. Jewish voices for a cease-fire in Santa Rosa and our county have spoken. We are crying. We are begging you. We have come from very different viewpoints, but we

find unity around a call for a cease-fire resolution. We have a letter from 160 for Jewish people calling for a cease-fire resolution incentive from Santa Rosa and surrounding cities. Our local Rabbi Irwin color. Has shared his own support for resolution. 47 people gathered in Petaluma for a cease-fire. Visual from the Jewish community Saturday. And on a national level, we have rabbis for ceasefire, Jewish voice for peace. If not now, many organizations, many faith leaders, including 1000 black pastors. >> Thank you, please. Support a cease-fire. >> Thank Next step will be Stan Robert, a and then summer. Go ahead east and would >> I think they should not be a resolution, but it is going to be a resolution. It should include the fact says you should be released. Call attention to the atrocities be conducted and should I should a surrender immediately. That's only way there could resolution to has any effect of this for peace in the future. People talked about a 9 mentioning Martin Luther King and Gandhi, actually, if only the Palestinians and the Hamas people used that principle, that windy this problem. But instead of nonviolence immediately after how a Gaza released from occupation by Israel in 2005 was the first thing the

Palestinian Authority and Hamas did actually became as they elected in 2007, they started sending rockets into Israel. Thousands and thousands of rockets. What country would allow that no country would put Israel except the rockets and a few times they had institutions in and there's a peace treaty apiece and then my violated city more rockets. And I still want to say is about the children. Israel is not trying to kill children. Israel is trying to kill Hamas fighters must fighters fight and sand shooting at Israeli soldiers. Then they respond back. And if they're in the building and the building collapses, that's only because fighters with their firing on Israel. And I'm sorry, this happened So the children died, but the blame has to go with Hamas completely. Thank you. >> Next up the summer followed by tests and then Elizabeth. Yes, I had called for a bear to say you can line up at the next one Actually go ahead. Right now. I don't see anyone lining up. Go ahead burden when you're Thank >> I just want to come in on the Jewish community that almost 90% of Jews in the Bay area support Israel. The 10% that don't. Are here. And there they argued the mainstream. And so that I think they're kind of ignorant of the history of this endeavor. I would like the council to be aware of buzzwords. The are applied to Israel. And there the Ard Israelis awful their races, genocidal apartheid. And what Cole knows slaughtering indigenous people. I would just like to that like Jesus.

I'm an indigenous person of Israel. I MAY be but half of Israelis are people of color. Jesus was not in Palestine. It was not a name forward when he lived. So if you are going to do going to talk about Israel, please think of some alternatives to the buzz words. I prefer that you not pass a resolution. I think you have a lot of problems in community and I would like you to use your energies toward solving >> Thank u next step is summer followed by tests. >> Hi, my name is summer after Khalid and the Palestinian American and I live here in Santa Rosa and District 5. I'm here to make a comment in favor of a cease-fire resolution. This genocide inflicted on Gaza by U.S. Funded Israeli military is unprecedented because we can see it happening in real time. And not only can we see video evidence daily of unimaginable horrors. We also can correspond with people in Gaza. What would you do if you are corresponding with someone in a not see concentration camp who is facing starvation and rationing Brady made of animal feed to feed their children. You would do anything in your power to make it stop. Hear words from a writer and Gaza who asked me to pass along his words. If we see like this for another week, I think we'll start seeing people die from starvation and mass. There's nothing left here. Healthy people are getting sick and sick. People are dying to die from the bombs is better than to die from this hunger, at least with air strikes. You

die right away. So I work in in food justice in Twenty-twenty. I helped start a free meal program and passion about about cooking and feeding people. And right now Israel's unintentionally starving Gaza. Especially the North. The U.S. Has the power to enforce a cease-fire. Here so that Santa Rosa can be clear. We want peace and diplomatic solutions. It does matter what we do here at the city level. We must take a stance to call for the simplest, most peaceful thing to save lives, which is a cease-fire. Now. I also like would like to quote one of really nice handmade. Flyers quotes and sitting in front of you all now we must learn to live together as brothers or we will perish together as fools we hope you don't all set up. There's fools any longer. >> Thank Next is tests followed Lizabeth and then? To Reese. He's head when you're ready. Think of those enters the City Council. My name is tess. I live Councilmember Fleming's district. >> I want to start say by reading a short letter named Learning nursing under the fire in Gaza by Ferguson Arafat. She's age. 22, my name is Sarah fact. 22 in SEPTEMBER, I set out to achieve my dream of becoming a nurse beginning my studies at the Islamic University of Gaza only a month later, life took a devastating turn. And I was forced to learn under fire at the beginning of the war were, shall I call it genocide. I was training as a nurse at Al Shifa. The biggest hospital in Gaza. So it was natural to

keep going helping people, especially kids, both medically and psychologically. I stayed at the hospital nonstop for over 40 days, surrounded by Israeli tanks. Those days are a I focus only on my work, although I was also lonely, hungry and traumatized. One time I encountered a little girl, the sole survivor of her family. She was so in shock that she couldn't tell us her name and no one was there to care for her. She was bleeding from her head and needed x-ray, but a queue of others awaited their turn. When I was finally able to enter the exam room with her doctor asked, what is this girl's name? My response unknown. 44, he was puzzled until he realized they were 43 others just like name was from shock and alone. When I was forced to leave all she been relocated to the I brought along some medical supplies and medications that I believe would be useful with each passing day more individuals arrive and set up tents using the minimal restroom facilities and resulting in the spread of more germs and viruses. I began spreading the word about my presence and offered myself as a resource. It mentally and physically draining. But this is my calling. >> Introduced have a cease-fire >> thank u next step is Elizabeth followed by 2 recent letter s. >> Disneyland and I lived in this country most of my life I was born in Louisiana are. >> Israel is the military puppet of the United States War machine. We give 800 billion dollars a year to

the war machine on about 350 billion a year goes to making weapons. I heard Berkeley radio that we have given 100 billion to the Ukrainians. >> This empire is corrupt. Is the largest military empire in the history of the We have 900 military bases and 70 different countries. In murdering the Palestinian people. American weapons are being used. We have also given them 3.8 billion dollars a year for quite a while. They are our military pomp. It. And as people we need to talk that roof. What else can I say? Killing and starving people as blatantly immoral? Maybe I'll just end it there. Thank you. >> Except this followed by Susan. And then my apologies I'm seeing this wrong. Ken Cooley in Please go ahead. When you're ready. >> My name is tour will routes and I'm a Palestinian American living in Santa Rosa for over 40 years. I'm a refugee from the 1948 war in Palestine when the modern state of Israel was created. Most of our families had to flee Palestine because of violence and massacres committed against us. And over half of the population and over half the Palestinian population. Lockhart story. But eventually we ended up in Sonoma County. Most of my extended family operated small businesses here for decades, employing many local people through the years. And now we see the genocide happening in Gaza and we can stand by and just watch You borrow or representatives, we look to you for moral leadership on

this We want the killing to stop. Of course, we want the hostages returned alive, but we also want you to understand that there are that there has been a slow genocide going on against >> Palestinian people for 100 years. I'm not exaggerating if the truth is upsetting to you and others in our community, all the more reason to study the facts and inform yourself as you can So you can be a better judges. There are plenty of Israeli historians like Elon popping who wrote the ethnic cleansing of Palestine, who sources are the historical archives in when finally they were allowed to to be opened. Please do your duty as human beings representing us. You were given some power to be used for good, not for the good of others, our families and Gaza and the West Bank are being killed by U.S.. Weapons paid for by our tax dollars. And of course, it's affecting us. If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of pressers. >> Thank u next step is Susan followed by in Julie and then Zoe. >> go. >> In 16, 19, my great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great grandparents John and Sara Woodson came to Jamestown from England. >> lived on stolen land and bought formally free human beings off of that ship that same year. Yes, the ship mentioned in the 16 19 project 16. 44, the pilot and the indigenous people resistant kill John Sarah and another man killed several power to

him. The gun is in a museum in Richmond, Virginia. Do I blame the poet? And I do not. It was their right to resist. I'm sure that John Saracens were traumatized by this. They have the right to kill more about no, no many take such a pass and that they have the right to kill people who had nothing to do with this. Most definitely not. Are you telling indigenous enslaved people that they had no right to resist? Happy on the plantation and happy on the rez. Now we are watching people who had nothing to do with the genocide against Jews in Germany are being massacred. And once again, the people of this country, including you down there on the dias are sitting on your hands. Well, it happens. The United States did not fight in World War 2 to save Jews far from There was no, quote, broad consensus on, quote, back then either Vice Mayor Stapp and we know the results of that. So now many people in local governments are repeating that unforgiveable in action. You're worried about tension while people are dying. Councilmember Alvarez MAY be the only exception. Thank you, Eddie. One excuse given over and over is the drama of the Jewish people. That trauma is real, but it can never be an excuse for letting other people be killed. The compensation for that trauma is not the right to commit suicide genocide against someone else. We know that sometimes a person who was molested, the child will go on to molest other children. But we never lose

that for small station. >> To used for the second. >> Thank u next step will be in here. We followed by Zoe and then Andrew. >> How did this time? I repeat and on. We should add Palestine. Could teens? My name is in handling? >> I'm going my will on what the mother of the 2 community member in some Kubota. And I'm Krista immigrant generation immigrant from South Korea. I used to tell my family's friends, relatives in South Korea how proud I am. I leaving Rosa. Program deceive. We had the But I very >> Because of an all-season Paiute reservation. So the other day and U.S. A and for 70 some and vote Kay bus or Christian, what would I do? What would I do if I was in keep a divisive pen. Join pretty them pie to each could tip employs me. I'm sure Parities. What would do if I was in slavery? I want to join Could not. In 1918 said he won. What would I do if I was in Europe today in that what are the what I want join resistance? >> Hi team against the not Nazis everywhere at this time. Not choose either pie right? Is Ryan up a side? The government? This is part of this time this time open-heart Lucas, every ways to social

media, we can not. Say we don't know about. And at this point people we can to stand with the Palestine. I don't the when Evers we want to stand up again this and that is Ryan or government. I repeat again and one motion pretty this time pretty this time. Pretty Palestine. >> Thank u next step we followed by Andrew and then Larry. >> Hello, my name is so I live in Santa Rosa, California. I've lived in Sonoma County for over 20 years. I'm Jewish. I both culturally Jewish and spiritual Jewish. I practice Judaism within my home. And I have been attending their shalom for their services internally grateful to Rabbi Irwin color for speaking up on behalf of Palestine and behalf of a cease-fire. And I'm here to support a cease-fire. I'm going to read a story from we are not numbers. And be prepared to. Be prepared to cry. This is a sad FEBRUARY 13th 2020 for more than 10,000 Palestinian children have been killed in just over 100 days of really Israeli bombardment. That's nearly 100 every day. L a was one of them. He was born on NOVEMBER second, 2020, his mother says Akram was a source of innocence. Joy and humor in our household. On OCTOBER. 26 three-year-old Akram accompanied by his 2 brothers, Rahim Age 8 and he brought h 5

went to the supermarket to buy some snacks. Children love snacks, but it is really airstrike was swift and brutal killing Akram and severely injuring both of his brothers. Are crimes mother shared before Akram went out to the super super market. He climbed on the dresser and jumped on the bed saying I'm fine. I'm free. >> Then he went out to buy some snacks and he didn't come back. Akram with a child of remarkable kindness who possessed and natural sow cbu social ability among his favorite activities was riding his bicycle next to next >> next step will be Andrew followed by Larry and Mary >> Santa Rosa City Council. I'm congressional candidate Andrew Yang don't and I've come here to yet again and for you to join your voice with the Sonoma County Commission of Human Rights, Sonoma County, Democratic Party, the California Cotati Davis Madera Richmond, Alameda, Oakland, San Francisco. Hey, Long Beach high and adopting a proclamation that called for an immediate Israeli-Palestinian cease-fire. The release of all hostages in a permanent and just diplomatic solution to this conflict once and for all, as we stand here, grappling with the significance of this moment, I would remind you that nearly all of the 2 million people who live in Gaza have now been displaced nearly 70% of the Palestinian population of enforcing to have to store city of Rafah to escape the bombings that ravaged their people since OCTOBER 7th. It is true the 1200 Israelis lost their lives in an unspeakable

act of terrorism. But in the aftermath of that tragedy, how else describe the fate of an entire people with 30 times their number among the dead Rafah with the city? No larger than Santa Rosa, 4 and a half months ago and now has 1.4 million Palestinian refugees, which is more people than the entire populations of Sonoma. Napa, Solano, yellow and Lake counties combined. The United Nations reports that 500,000 people so many of which are children are at risk of succumbing to Fannin due to the ongoing bombings and blockade of humanitarian aid by the Israeli military. How else would you describe this? But as the state sponsor collective punishment of an entire people, we're witnessing a genocide in real time and I would no longer see complicit in it. 10's if not hundreds of thousands of children will die at. This is not in put in place immediately. And humanitarian aid is rushed to those who so desperately need it. The world is watching what we choose from here and use our elected officials have a responsibility to do something about it. If you're the leader that I believe you all to be, I ask that you have the courage to take a cease-fire resolution for a vote and decide on record with side of the history will fall upon. If there's any justice in this world, you will not let this happen by taking a stand. Never again means never again for anyone. Stand with us in the name of peace, love and justice. Enough is enough. >> Next step will be Larry, followed by Marie be and then Giovanni. Please go ahead. >> If names Larry handle, I'm a resident of West County, also a member of Jewish voice for peace. I want associate myself with remarks that and you just made. He said perfectly. And in my opinion. The amount you We know that the majority of Americans are

for a cease-fire. We know that at least 60% for a cease-fire by polls, more than 50% of Jews and 70% of Democrats think about that. I would imagine, too, that in this counting those numbers would be based on voting patterns of Sonoma West County. Those numbers are probably higher. 30,000 people have died over there. The infrastructure has been pummeled obliterated. You all watch it on the news. It looks like earthquake. We see these horrible earthquake photos, you know, from other parts of the world. And it looks like all of Gaza has been totally destroyed by an earthquake. But you know what? It's not an earthquake. It's human caused. And you know what else? It's not just like. >> a war between society somewhere else in the world. It's ours. We did this. We support Israel. We supported the creation. The state of Israel and all of that sign is atrocities since 1970, and the Balfour declaration, certainly since 1948, when the country was was formed on and when the Palestinians >> expelled or killed. We are complacent. >> Not just complicit. We have the main people backing it. We look to you as elected officials and we're not just going to city councils, the Jewish voice for peace and other one is Asians have demonstrated in Congress City Hall's governor's mansions everywhere in the world. We know it's not just you have power, but that didn't help. Bring some justice to the world and turn this country Thank >> Next up, is Murray be followed by Giovanni and then Vera? >> Hello, my name is Marie. Be

Mendoza. I'm I'm ready. >> here in Santa Rosa and lived here my entire life. >> I live in district 2. That's Alvarez. I don't have anything really prepared. I'm here in support of a cease-fire I'm the ending of massacring them for Deneuve killing. I wouldn't assume any human would be. >> There is no need to continue to kill millions of children no matter what or not millions. But, you know, at thousands for some ideology. I don't believe that. That's I think people who are against the resolution, need to look inwards and see why they would advocate for the massacring innocent civilians to continue. This podium is stained red, probably with some of fingerprints, the blood that's supposed to represent the almost 30,000 people who have died at the hands Israeli occupation forces and at the hands of my tax dollars, everyone here is paying for them to die and we have to go to bed knowing that I have to wake up and go to work knowing not I don't want to work knowing that my tax money is going to kill innocent people. >> That doesn't make me want to work. And I do good work. I hope people in this community. And I still can't find it in myself to go. Of course, I go. I won't live if I don't go and get my money. But I know that it's going to go kill innocent children. And I see it on my phone. And when I see innocent children with their premiums

blow now shocked because the last everyone they don't have anyone there. And I know that I paid for that. So please be my representative. Please represent the people who are here saying support a cease-fire resolution. That is your job. >> Next step is Giovanni followed by Vera and then Jordan. Please go ahead. >> Hi, my name is Contreras. Those born and raised here in Center's California district 3. I'm here to show support for the cease-fire resolution. We have been pressuring all of our representatives and all levels. So and they just really haven't been listening to us. So we are really coming to you, Just more bang for your support. Thank you. >> Except as a hero followed by Jordan and then Mark, please go ahead when you're ready. >> I I didn't have anything prepared. But honestly, I could not not come today. I have been involved with anything in a very long time. It just it's blowing my mind. This is what's happening. I mean, a lot of people here are feeling what I'm feeling. You know, 2 wrongs don't make a right. That's biblical world Christians, right? Or lot of us are. >> 2 wrongs never make a right. So what is this a good accomplishment whole thing. It's just going to make another bigger terrorist group. Israel is completely wrong is using the wrong approach. Jesus said love your enemy. Are we doing that as Christians? I mean, if they had been doing that all along to think there would us today, they would not.

>> And you know Palestinians don't want Hamas. They are being terrorized by Hamas. Most of the population there does not want Hamas. And in fact, and the plo, whoever's in charge of all the aid they're selling into these people 10 times what it's worth. I have people there that I'm talking to and they're telling me this. So how did they survive? Now? They've gone from the north to the south and now they're telling them, oh, we're going to have to bomb the south where the h# # # are they supposed to go? Then? >> do they go? >> The building's all the buildings, more buildings have been bombed. >> They're then at the end of World War, 2 in Germany already. That's that's real destruction. In what, 3 months. >> Join us. Help the cease-fire. Please. And so you can go to bed feeling good about it. Tonight. >> Thank u next step is Jordan followed by Mark and then Julia. >> My name is Jordan and I'm a Ju Jewish constituent. And I'm wondering. What point will you guys change your mind and say something? What needs to happen to Gaza before you will say something. Is there a death tool? 100,000 a million? Does Israel need to drop an atomic bomb? Do they have to slaughter everyone in Rafah? Do they have to push them into the desert? A star? Do you have to have videos of women being raped? How many more babies have to die? Do you need there to be mass executions? Because many of these things are already happening. How many more teachers in educators need to be laid off in Santa Rosa for

you to care? >> How many more you the mental health services need to go bankrupt in close before you're angry enough about the billions of dollars going to Israel. When we say, okay, this is completely out of hand and I know one my constituents want this to And even if this does nothing, I'm desperate for it to stop and it can't hurt to make it known with the power. I hold. Do the synagogues have to say it's wrong then? Will you put out a resolution? And if they don't say it's wrong, then is it not wrong? And if they're the broad representative moral authority on this matter. If they don't say this is wrong, do they deserve that power? Can I get a raise? The hands of people in the audience who are Jewish and for a cease-fire resolution. Can I get raise a hand if you're not Jewish and poor cease-fire resolution to keep your hands up to baby. We're telling you this is wrong and we refuse to be complicit. Why won't you join us? What is stopping you from screaming at the top of your for this to stop. >> I don't understand how you can sit on the council. The largest city north of San Francisco in California, which is the 5th largest economy in the world and throw up your hands saying this will not matter what certainly will in effect. Does nothing at all? >> Thank u next step is Mark followed by Julia and then van. She. >> I'm not Mark Rutte Dow. I've been the Santa Rosa resident 33 years. I ask I'm speaking against the cease-fire resolution. Nobody

wants see the civilians killed, but a call for an immediate cease-fire will not save lives in the long run. There was a cease-fire in place on OCTOBER 6th before Hamas terrorists launced their barbarous invasion of Israel. Their goal was to kill as many Israeli civilians as possible Hamas's leaders and stated that OCTOBER 7th will be repeated over and over again until Israel is destroyed. They absolutely refuse a political solution knowing that it is clear that unless Hamas's military capabilities are completely destroyed, the cycle of Hamas atrocities followed by Israeli retaliations will continue to repeat itself. Hamas is totally responsible for the civilian deaths. They have built a system of underground tunnels and fortifications under schools, hospitals, mosques, un offices and residential structures. They use their citizens as human shields. They never built shelters for their people because civilian Palestinian deaths are one of their weapons. Many calling for an immediate cease-fire. See it purely as a humanitarian act, but others are using it as a Trojan horse to Dylan to the mines, Israel and ultimately destroy her, not recognizing the right of Jewish people to self rule in their homeland. They vilified her with various libel, Ys and distortion as a

juror citizen of Santa Rosa. I will feel unsafe if a cease-fire resolution is passed. OCTOBER 7th is not the first time Hamas is wanted murder Jews and it won't be the last 2 allowed to continue having my hometown passer legend Lucian that prevents Jews, all that >> Thank u next step is Julia followed by Devontae and then Ari. >> Yes, my name is Julia wrapped in a Miami resident unincorporated area and then in valley. But I work for the county. I'm a member of seiu 10 to one and I'm a delegate to the North Bay Labor Council. I'd like to read to you tonight. The statement that the North Bay Labor our last meeting. >> We the members of the North Bay Labor Council mourn the loss of life in Israel and Palestine, recognizing that war hurts workers both at home and abroad and then the labor tradition of international solidarity. We express our solidarity with all workers and our shared desire for an enduring peace in the region. We urge the a f l c I o to issue a public statement to the Biden administration and Congress calling for and immediate and permanent cease-fire by all parties and immediate safe return of all hostages held by Hamas and Israel. The rapid entry of substantial humanitarian assistance into Gaza and the restoration of food, clean water, fuel and electricity, and and into the supply of offensive weapons by the U.S. Israel with relevant funding redirected away from weapons and towards essential jobs and services that promote peace

and social justice. Furthermore, we commit to defend the rights of workers and all people to freedom of speech and to promote dialogue and prevent workplace discrimination and retaliation. We also urge our congressional representatives, Jared Huffman, Mike Thompson, Alex Padilla and Laphonza Butler to support an immediate permanent cease-fire and for local North Bay jurisdictions to adopt a cease-fire resolutions and in my last few seconds. >> I just say. Palestinians have wrist partly response to other things I've heard tonight Palestinians have witnessed countless OCTOBER 7th over the past couple of decades. >> Next up, we have Devonta. She followed by Ari and Seth. I'll be reading part of a speech by not attire. Bush. >> a Palestinian in a recent un conference. Apparently no crime, no matter how great from ethnic cleansing to apartheid settler, colonialism genocide is enough for Israel's allies to say stop. When Israel made allegations against u n Rwa the un humanitarian Agency provided lifesaving aid to the starting population of Gaza. And before investigations into these allegations were even concluded. Those states decided to suspend their aid to the whole organization. On the other hand in decades decades of findings by un expert commissions of inquiry fact-finding missions, international Palestinian and Israeli humanitarian rights organization. That Israel is responsible for war crimes,

crimes against humanity, apartheid and now an unfolding genocide. Those states have not engaged in a single reevaluation of military aid and preferential trade agreement. They give to Israel. The double standard are astounding in the midst of these well documented crimes by Israel continue to send weapons, cannot be the result of a lack of knowledge. No, it is a deliberate choice when with full knowledge, a deliberate and conscious choice to send arms. So that will be used against Palestinians and contribute to the suffering of the Palestinian people, even as Israel's massacres continue in full view of the world. According to Amnesty International states providing Israel are violating their responsibility to protect genocide and contributing to work crimes and crimes against humanity. So we need to ask ourselves why why our state the otherwise clean to champion international law to champion the trade arms trade treaty willing to put themselves in the situation of criminal liability in to Asian >> Thank u next up. We have to van she then Seth and then Michael. >> I'm going continue a statement you just heard in the demonstrations around the world, make it very clear while a small number of powerful states stand with Israel as it pummels Gaza, the overwhelming majority of states and world public opinion stand firmly with Palestine, with the law and with peace. So we ask again to those states who insist on sending arms for what purpose and to what end is the answer. Apathy. >> Indifference. A head in the

sand. Continuation of business as usual. >> Is profits the desire to sell your weapons and make defense profits no matter what the cost legal, moral and reputational is it political considerations are. Is that ideology emanating from a love? A cyst logic whereby different values are placed on different lives. People of the global south are of a certain color or nationality are seen as more disposable, less deserving of life, less worthy of empathy, outrage and the respect of law respect for the law. There is no diplomatic way of calling out racism and it is time call a spade a spade. To those states who have been and are still sending weapons despite the unfolding genocide taking place in Gaza. Despite your knowledge of the facts the law, this is your moment of truth. Ask yourself, will you continue your arms treaty with Israel or will you finally recognize the damage that your complicity is doing? Not only did countless innocent Palestinian civilians, but also to yourselves the to the credibility of the law to international peace and security and finally change course and act responsibly. >> Next we have Seth followed by Michael. >> don't know if you can hear me. My name is Seth. I'm a citizen of Santa Rosa. I'm a veteran. I'm standing here in support of the Israeli people as well as the Palestinian people not in support of it is the fascist right-wing Israeli government that. As we speak right now is committing war

crimes and genocide. We're crimes that you are supporting with your silence. While those deployed. There is one thing we all knew 2 when we had to win the hearts and minds of citizens that meant respecting them and treating them as people. The vast majority of people in Afghanistan. We're not anti American. Only the bad people work. Every bomb dropped every dead child. Every family member lost brings us further from peace. Violence begets violence, child and every family member radicalize those people and is likely to cause more harm to the people of Israel. If you stand with the people of Israel, if you stand with your own humanity. If you stand with your constituents visible before you right now, we're not a vocal minority. And I implore you, please, please vote to pass a cease-fire. It will save lives. Israeli lives. Palestinian lives. Human lives, Next. We have Michael. >> Hi, everyone. I'm from District 2 and I support a cease-fire resolution. I'm going to continue the knot at our Bush speech that the pretty the previous 2 started. We're here to say that is not too late to save Palestinian to say Palestine, nor is it too late to save yourselves from continued complicity to conclude it is not only a moral duty but also a legal duty incumbent upon all states to impose a two-way arms embargo on transfers of military items to and from Israel. We're not asking you to be pro-Palestinian simply to be pro international law. The laws that you yourselves have elaborated embraced are

committed to to be pro Pro we do not want special treatment. We simply want to stop giving Israel special treatment as though it were a state above the law. If instead you choose to continue sending weapons to Israel as it annihilates the Palestinian population of Gaza, then you do not get to ever pretend again. Do you support international law care about human life or have moral convictions that applied universally. I say I think you. That's the end of the speech. But what I want to say is that someone needs to. But a cease-fire on the agenda. It's going to be one of you and resident of district 2. i'm asking my councilmember Mark, stop to be that person. If I was from any other district, I would ask my council member to be that person. Someone passed to bring this out. Someone has to put it on the agenda. We have to get this done. Need to stop waiting. Thank >> Thank you, Nic Step we have Joanna and if there's anyone wishing to make a comment, please make your way to the podium. >> I'm James, a longtime Santa Rosa resident. I already spoke to at the last 2 meetings urging you to adopt a resolution in favor of a cease-fire. And I had come today thinking I would not speak again that I had already said everything I had to say. But as I said, listen, I realized I do have something else to say. You are our elected representatives. You can see you can hear you can

count the majority sentiment here. So I have one question. Do you represent or do you not? Thank you. >> Thank you. Please go ahead. When you're ready. >> Thank you. My name is Thomas. A humanitarian crisis just beginning. This will be nothing short of That galvanized the world. As we know. I hope you remember my prayer to you as the air of poor design here because when representatives reviews popular sovereignty, the weasel is to talent hearing war. Nothing short of that. This is a war. This is a verbal war here right now. We don't want to be a hot, warm. Don't want to correct the record here. Palestine, the word we the way they pronounce it time. You know that things were there. So there have been errors meet here. Not only Gaza, by the Hebrew law is a city of refuge. According to most law, no one can go there to pursue someone. Ford f. >> Even in the face of of. Murders or rage or any atrocity of back pain that the city of Refuge know what? No. Hebrew personal Juno. Anyone under blocking go there and do Overwhelmingly of the British parliament overwhelmingly supported causes cease-fire. But the deputy speaker colluded to prevent the Scottish National Party. Opposition motion to approve

proposed a ceasefire and the entire was was supplying. Crew shenanigans. There was a unanimous vote for the Labor Party, which is a national I'm not not a true opposition party and they failed to vote and that the all clear. >> Thank you. Please. Go ahead. Winter ready. And when to raise this up a little bit. >> Hello, my name is Rachel Marcus. I live in Santa Rosa Victoria Fundings District. And my time hasn't even started yet. Oh, wait for I like many others I have nothing left to say that it's all been but the one thing I want to say is what shape to weaken toward ourselves into to not see what's going on. What do you have to do to not look at what's happening and to not use every single bit of power that you have to stand up against genocide. Many of us, including maybe especially those of us who are res us, grew up with the phrase never again. And that means never again for anybody. I grew up thinking, what would I do in the Holocaust? I was obsessed with that. I you know, what are we doing right now? I want to mention Aaron Bushnell took the extreme action of lighting himself on fire in front of the U.S. Embassy because the despair of watching the suffering. Of the Palestinian people in Gaza, that was that unbearable. But he had to take that type of powerful action and we can all do something.

There's no one right way to stand up, but don't let people tell you that this is a complicated issue. It is not. Really appreciated the person who spoke earlier, who talked about how trauma begets trauma. And as a Jewish person. I am standing here to say we can heal from our trauma and we do not need to perpetuate this against Palestinians and Jewish people are not the only people who've suffered and endured a genocide. Unfortunately, we happened to be the position where? Many Jews are white and European and the geopolitical forces that be give us a state. And allowed us to perpetuate this genocide against other people and not in Miami. I'm not in our name and please do something. Thank Please go home when you're ready. >> Is high and universe years. And I live in the unincorporated part of the county that I shop in Santa Rosa and I walk precincts during elections asked to donate your campaigns and am an active member of the community in Santa Rosa for activities And I'm here to encourage you to act now to bring cease-fire resolution. It really is time it's past time, but it's certainly time to do. It is time to act in all the times where it's mattered in history when somebody done something for just it wasn't because they

waited for 5 over, it wasn't because everybody agreed. It's because it was clear that most people saw what was and person represented that enacted and you are already following Cotati following the Democratic Party locally following local labor. You should be acting now. And I would hope Mayor Rogers would bring this. And I would hope others would support Major Rogers bringing this. It's not as others of you need to move its time to act. You MAY see what the cause of the council member in Cleveland this single member who was Jewish, who spoke and took a position with the rest of the council. You MAY need to do that if you can't get your colleagues on board. You one other. I don't I'm not trying to be by late in the Brown Act that you need to talk to someone else on the counseling. You need to move this forward. Or you need to stand up on your own and say where you're and it's only going to get harder as time goes by. You only get a little worse as time goes by. You're already following. You need to act. Now we're looking act guy when you're ready. >> Hi, my name is Christine move in. And I also didn't come here prepared to speak, but it's hard not to speak. And I just want to thank all of the people who are here tonight in support of the cease-fire. And I've spoken to many of you personally. I know some of you personally and I want to say that. I want Santa Rosa to lead this effort. Not follow it. And I believe Santa

Rosa is a city that can lead I am going to read to you part of now. Kinda revised and proposed resolution. It says now, therefore be it resolved that the city of Santa Rosa joins the United Nations Amnesty International World Health Organization, world leaders, religious leaders and citizens of the world everywhere in calling for an immediate end and permanent cease-fire to all armed hostilities and prompt release of all hostages. The unrestricted entry of humanitarian assistance into Gaza and the restoration of food, water, electricity and medical supplies to Gaza and respect for international law. We want he's we want all people to live in peace. We want Israelis to live in peace. We want Palestinians to live in peace. We are not one-sided. And we are not Anti-Semitic. And that's all I have to say. Thank you. Seeing No one else approach the podium for public comment on this item. Please go ahead. When you're ready. >> Is this town? >> Move up. The move up. The mike a little closer to thank >> high House and didn't prepare anything to speak. I just rushed after work. We've been keeping count and the the tally is 30 2, 3, in favor of a cease-fire resolution. Thank If you don't >> Please go when you're ready, ok, my name's until an ad in Santa Rosa. I'm not sure I just walked in. So I don't

know has been said so far. I do want you to pass a resolution. But cease-fire. And The way I see it in the city. It's a majority of people want that. And there's a minority of people don't agree with ceasefire. They have kinds of solutions and they think Israel has a right defend itself. Well, an occupied people have a right to defend themselves. Israel the occupier. So I understand that. So when you think there's 2 sides, there's one side that oppresses the people and then the other side more freedom fighters. Which is what my people were called 1956. In Hungary set up against occupying force, which was a Soviet So the people who are called internationally, it's freedom fighters. And yet to understand that's what Palestinians are. They've been occupied for 75 years over years. And they are fighting for their freedom. So consider that when thinking about. You know, what's happening is. And justifying. Mass murder of Palestinians. And displacement. Thank you. >> seeing no additional speakers at the podium for this item. Thank you. And with that, we will be adjourning the meeting in honor of former Sonoma County Supervisor Janet. >> Nicholas, who recently passed away. Thank you.