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Mayor Steinberg calls out "bigots and racists" after latest Sacramento city council meeting disruption

May 24, 2023 / 8:10 AM PDT / CBS Sacramento

City council meeting in Sacramento disrupted by public during homeless crisis update

SACRAMENTO – Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg is responding to the latest disruption at a city council meeting.

Tuesday evening's meeting erupted in chaos for the second week in a row after someone tried to speak. Councilmember Karina Talamantes tweeted that the meeting "came to a halt due to the hatred of a few anti-Semitic and racist individuals."

The week before, a speaker let off a tirade of anti-Semitic remarks – prompting Mayor Steinberg to try and cut him off.

Councilmember Lisa Kaplan tweeted that the same speaker showed up again at Tuesday's meeting.

I am Jewish & have been offended & disturbed each time the anti-Semitic has spoken publicly- specifically turning my back when he speaks. Tonight he brought more proud boys- I did not feel safe w them in the audience (period).
— Lisa Kaplan (@CM_LisaKaplan) May 24, 2023

"I am Jewish & have been offended & disturbed each time the anti-Semitic has spoken publicly- specifically turning my back when he speaks. Tonight he brought more proud boys- I did not feel safe w them in the audience (period)," Kaplan wrote.

After Tuesday's meeting, Mayor Steinberg released a full statement about the night's incident.

"While bigots and racists have a first amendment right to spew their hate, they have no right to incite violence," Steinberg wrote.

The mayor also noted that, if the disruptions continue, the council may have to temporarily have to hear the public by Zoom or telephone.

"No one, no matter their point of view, has the right to disrupt the public's business or make it impossible for others to participate," Steinberg wrote.

Mayor Steinberg's full statement is below:

Democracy is messy and imperfect. As city leaders we have the responsibility to make sure there are safe and viable ways for everyone to participate in public governance and have their voice heard at the city council. Dissenting and passionate voices have a vital role in pushing elected officials to respond faster and better to real human suffering. While bigots and racists have a first amendment right to spew their hate, they have no right to incite violence. No one, no matter their point of view, has the right to disrupt the public's business or make it impossible for others to participate. If this kind of disruption continues, we will do everything necessary to ensure safety within the chambers. The public will always get the chance to be heard, even if temporarily by Zoom or telephone. This is the imperfect balance we must strike to assure there is a viable and safe way for everyone to participate in our council.

Sacramento

Cecilio Padilla

Cecilio Padilla is a digital producer for CBS Sacramento and a Sacramento-area native who has been covering Northern California for more than a decade.

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