Why I Am Still Hopeful
At the San Dimas City Council meeting on June 23, 2020, members of the community showed up in large numbers to support a resolution by Councilmember Ebiner condemning the death of George Floyd, racism, and injustice. Despite this overwhelming support, Councilmember Ebiner’s resolution failed, and a resolution that the public had no opportunity to comment on was adopted. What’s more: Councilmember Vienna, visibly disappointed in the entire process, publicly disparaged Councilmember Ebiner, me, our family, and other engaged members of the community. In this episode, I reflect on what happened at this most recent City Council meeting, how it affected me, and why I am still hopeful that change for the better is possible.
Nos quisieron enterrar, pero no sabían que éramos semillas.
Links + resources for this episode
Video of June 23, 2020 City Council Meeting (Resolution discussion begins around 01:07:00, Councilmember Vienna’s comments begin around 01:42:30)
Isabel in San Dimas Episode: “No Big Hotel”
Isabel in San Dimas Episode: “How to Speak at a City Council Meeting”
Nicole Vienna
I really appreciated this episode as well as your thoughts and reflections on the matter.
Isabel in San Dimas
Thank you for listening, Nicole. Best, Isabel
Shara Lyons
Yikes! I watched the council meeting live and I definitely felt uncomfortable with the way Councilmember Vienna went off, but so many other things happened and it went on so long I guess I didn’t remember how bad it was. Hearing it again, makes me sort of cringe. The personal attacks, the interrupting, and the temper tantrum that Councilmember Vienna had was pretty inappropriate for a council meeting. I think the Mayor probably should have stepped in and put a stop to it, I think it makes them all look bad, thankfully not very many people watch. Keep your head up Isabel, your passion is infectious!
Isabel in San Dimas
Hi Shara, I’m sorry you had to re-listen to the meeting. This episode was kind of my attempt to reflect and make sense of it all. Thank you for your ongoing support and encouragement. Best, Isabel
Renee Ketchum
I applaud your efforts for San Dimas. Does it matter how many resolutions are proposed for support of diversity when San Dimas is the only city, out of 88 in Los Angeles, that does not have a single diverse member on its city council?
Isabel in San Dimas
Wow, thanks for sharing, Renee. I had no idea! Although I can’t say I am that surprised… Isabel
Rosita Sanchez
I listened to the council mtg live and was completely embarrased by councilman Vienna’s attack on your family and others who are just voicing their opinion. I was disheartened by the passing of councilman Weber’s resolution as opposed to Councilman Ebiners which was well thought out and to the point and clearly accepted by most of the neighbors that bothered to call in. The fact that the majority did not rule in this very important time shows we have much work to do! Thank you for the support, information and resources!
Isabel in San Dimas
Thanks for sharing your thoughts about the events that transpired, Rosita. Please continue to stay involved! Best, Isabel
Matthew Lyons
Thank you for the “gentle nudge.” You are a wonderful community advocate. Hopeful.
Isabel in San Dimas
Thanks for your encouragement, Matt! I, too, am still hopeful 🙂 Best, Isabel
Dina in San Dimas
Hmm, am I missing something? I listened but couldn’t get fired up about this. It sounded like Vienna was expressing his view on what happened to him personally as he pulled up to the protest as well as how he felt during “the incident”. On another note, this is a pretty neat podcast! Going to have to listen to the other ones.
Isabel in San Dimas
Hi Dina, thank you for listening and for your comment! I’m grateful that you are here! That’s okay that you couldn’t “get fired up about this.” I’m not looking for any particular response from you or other listeners–just trying to inform folks about what’s going on in San Dimas and, in this particular episode, about the events that happened. I completely agree that Mr. Vienna is entitled to talk about his experience and feelings. What was upsetting to me, however, was how Mr. Vienna publicly criticized me and my family for wanting to get involved in our community. In my opinion, that is not okay, coming from an elected official, regardless of where you stand on the issues. Members of the public should not feel ashamed for participating in their local government and wanting their community to be the best that it can be. Feel free to email me or leave another comment if you’d like to dialogue further on this! Best, Isabel