Press Asks Why I Wasn't at Rally Against Hate Crimes

How do I begin? Last week I learned of a management proposal to seriously restructure the fire department. I asked my staff to get a community room at El Dorado park and we sent out an invitation to my constituents on AUGUST 1 announcing a meeting on Thursday, August 4 at 6:30 pm to discuss the proposal. The local press ran articles about the meeting.

On Tuesday, August 2 during city council, members of the public came before the council about the recent hate crimes against gay men in Long Beach. I strongly condemned the crimes and even suggested how the victims could get compensation from the Victims of Crime fund. At the end of council I again announced my community meeting on public safety to be held on Thrs.

Not one word was mentioned during council or afterwards that there would be a public rally on this issue.

On Wednesday, August 3 at 2:45 pm my office received a email from another council office telling me of a rally at Hot Java to show outrage about the attacks and slurs. My staff reminded the other council office that I already had a meeting planned at the same time and that with such late notice I could not cancel the meeting.

I held my community meeting on the mayor's proposed serious cuts to the fire department on Thursday, August 4th at 6:30 pm.

However, I sent my staff to the rally to make sure people knew of my support.

Now I get calls from the press asking why I wasn't there? Come on. Stop looking to make trouble in the lesbian and gay community.