City ends option to provide public comments virtually prior to next Council meeting
The City of Walnut Creek appreciates the participation from residents in City Council and Commission meetings and invites the community to provide public comments in person rather than remotely. Remote public comments for City Council and City Commission meetings will be discontinued, effective on October 16, prior to the October 17 City Council meeting.
Since 2021, City Council and Commission meetings have been held as hybrid, with both in person and remote comments on Zoom. Episodes of hate speech made during public comments have made the remote option no longer appropriate. City Manager Dan Buckshi said, “We are conducting business meetings with City and resident issues and interests at the core. Some of the comments we are hearing are deeply disturbing and sickening. Those making the hateful comments are not residents of Walnut Creek and in many instances are not residents of California. These types of hate filled comments do not reflect the values of Walnut Creek.”
There are still multiple ways individuals can watch meetings: on the City’s website (www.walnut-creek.org,), on YouTube and on cable television. To participate, the City encourages people to attend in person. Public comments are also accepted via hard copy mail and email. Written comments are shared with all members of the City Council or appropriate City Commission. To submit a public comment in writing, residents can email [email protected]. To submit a public comment through U.S. mail, please address to the City Clerk, 1666 N. Main Street, 3rd Floor, Walnut Creek, CA. 94596.
We believe this action supports our community’s values and serves Walnut Creek well.
Previous Stories
- Sept. 29 – El Cerrito to Suspend Zoom Public Comments After Antisemitic Comments
- Sept. 27 – Brentwood City Council Meeting Targeted by Hate Speech
- On Sept 27, the Antioch City Council voted to continue doing away with teleconference meetings.
- On Sept. 20, the City of Sacramento issued a statement that council meetings are now done in person and have phased out virtual meetings and will hold in-person meetings for all its boards, commissions and committees.
- Over the past year, the City of Walnut Creek, San Jose, Richmond were the target of several people calling in spewing “hate”.
- Aug 31 – Temple Isaiah Hosts JCRC Here I Am Initiative to Unite Against Antisemitism
- June 22 – Walnut Creek Hate Speech Continues, Budget Passed With More Cops
- June 11 – Wilk Responds to Hate Speech at Walnut Creek Council Meeting
- June 8 – Walnut Creek City Council Meeting Targeted by Antisemitic Callers
- Oct 14 – Walnut Creek Councilman Calls out Antisemitic Flyers and Hate Speech
- May 16 – Danville Mayor Condemns Hate Speech Signs Displayed Over the Weekend
