HomeMy WebLinkAboutAthena Tan_ 9_16_2020 - Open Session - Agenda Item No. 6From:Athena Tan
To:Public Comments
Subject:09/16/2020 - Open Session - Agenda Item No. 6
Date:Tuesday, September 15, 2020 4:39:12 PM
Mayor Valdivia and City Council Members,
I work in the law and justice sector in the City of San Bernardino. I am commenting in strong
support of the street vendors of San Bernardino.
With the steps you are considering in this agenda item, including adopting Code Amendment
to Section 5.30.120, you are targeting an economically vulnerable group with criminalization
knowing that they do not have the resources to become legally compliant. Street vendors are
active participants in our local economy. They play an important role in community life. They
assist in public safety by acting as eyes and ears on the street. They deserve only support from
city legislators.
Later during today's meeting you are considering a resolution to affirm racism as a public
health crisis. Criminalizing Black and brown communities with ordinances that specifically
target them, and blocking their opportunities to thrive and create intergenerational wealth, are
some of this country's age-old traditions of systemic racism. Please think very carefully about
the consequences of your actions today. In the middle of an economic crisis with no end in
sight, you're targeting families, not just individuals, with no safety net. Please vote NO on
Agenda Item No. 6.