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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 1 - Condemning Insurrection and Violence at the U.S. Capitol City Managers Office https://www.santa-ana.org/cm Item # 1 City of Santa Ana 20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701 Staff Report January 12, 2021 TOPIC: Condemning Insurrection and Violence at the U.S. Capitol AGENDA TITLE: RESOLUTION CONDEMNING THE INSURRECTION AND VIOLENCE THAT OCCURRED AT THE U.S. CAPITOL ON JANUARY 6, 2021 AND CALLING FOR A PEACEFUL TRANSITION OF POWER RECOMMENDED ACTION Adopt a resolution condemning the insurrection and violence that occurred at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021 and calling for a peaceful transition of power. DISCUSSION On January 6, 2021, the Vice President of the United States, the U.S. House of Representatives, and the U.S. Senate met at the United States Capitol for a joint session of Congress to count the votes of the Electoral College. In the months preceding the joint session, U.S. President Donald Trump asserted that the presidential election results were the product of widespread fraud and should not be accepted by the public or certified by State or Federal officials. Shortly before the joint session commenced, President Trump addressed a crowd in Washington, D.C. There, he reiterated claims that "we won this election." Members of the crowd breached and vandalized the Capitol, injured and killed law enforcement personnel, menaced Members of Congress, the Vice President, and Congressional personnel, and engaged in other violent, deadly, destructive, and seditious acts. President Trump's conduct on January 6, 2021 followed his prior efforts to subvert and obstruct the certification of the results of the 2020 Presidential election. As requested by members of the City Council, attached is a resolution of the Santa Ana City Council condemning the insurrection that occurred at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. on January 6, 2021 and calling for a peaceful transition of power (Exhibit 1). FISCAL IMPACT There is no fiscal impact associated with this action. Resolution Condemning the Insurrection and Violence at the U.S. Capital January 12, 2021 Page 2 1 2 7 3 3 EXHIBIT(S) 1. Resolution Approved By: Kristine Ridge, City Manager EXHIBIT 1 Resolution No. 2021-XXX Page 1 of 3 RESOLUTION NO. 2021-XXX A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA STRONGLY CONDEMNING THE ACTS OF ARMED VIOLENCE, DOMESTIC TERRORISM, AND INSURRECTION AT THE UNITED STATES CAPITOL ON JANUARY 6, 2021 WHEREAS, on January 6, 2021, a joint session of Congress convened at the United States Capitol to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election declaring Joseph R. Biden, Jr. as the winner; and WHEREAS, that same morning, the sitting President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, addressed his supporters at a nearby rally, calling the outcome of the election “this egregious assault on our democracy” and urging them to march on the Capitol in protest of what he falsely claimed was a stolen election; and WHEREAS, hundreds of armed individuals shortly stormed the Capitol complex, forcibly entering the building, breaking windows and doors, draping a Trump flag over the Capitol balcony, halting for several hours the process of the vote certification, and forcing dozens of members of Congress, journalists and other officials to take cover, flee the building, and don gas masks; and WHEREAS, Americans and their families watched in horror while these shocking events unfolded at the Capitol and many question why law enforcement agencies did not better anticipate and prepare to defend our lawmakers and our institutions; and WHEREAS, shots were fired in the melee, and at least five individuals, including a U.S. Capitol Police Officer, died in the violence; and WHEREAS, these acts were domestic terrorism, where violent extremists with intent to harm life, limb, and property mounted a frightening insurrection and coup against the U.S. Government at one of the world’s most iconic emblems of democracy, all as incited by President Trump; and WHEREAS, these violent actors damaged federal property and destroyed multiple federal offices at the Capitol, leaving a threatening note at the House Speaker’s office and causing staff members in the building to cower with fear and barricade themselves; and WHEREAS, the United States flag was desecrated and replaced with Trump and confederate flags, and explosive devices were later found surrounding the Capitol and safely detonated; and WHEREAS, several hours after the attempted coup by the domestic terrorists, the Capitol building was cleared and secured, with lawmakers returning to complete their duty to certify the results of the election; and EXHIBIT 1 Resolution No. 2021-XXX Page 2 of 3 WHEREAS, in a video statement later removed from social media, President Trump declared that the election had been “stolen” and told his supporters to “go home,” ending with the words “I love you”; and WHEREAS, in a statement on Twitter later removed, the President wrote: “These are the things and events that happen when a sacred landslide election victory is so unceremoniously & viciously stripped away from great patriots who have been badly & unfairly treated for so long” and “Go home with love & in peace. Remember this day forever!”; and WHEREAS, the violence, destruction, and loss of life at the United States Capitol Building was clearly one of the worst and saddest days in the history of American Democracy; and WHEREAS, there has been widespread and bipartisan condemnation of the violence at the Capitol, resulting in loud calls for the President’s removal from office. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Santa Ana as follows: Section 1. The City of Santa Ana vehemently condemns the violence and desecration occurring at the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021, and hereby: A. Condemns the individuals that incited the domestic terrorist attack and stands with all our duly elected lawmakers who continue to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic. B. Declares that the actions of the individuals who violently breached and vandalized the United States Capitol Building are deplorable and that those individuals responsible for such violent acts should be held criminally responsible for their actions. C. Recognizes that violent opportunists used the cover of legitimate protests to sow chaos and destruction and threaten lives at one of the most sacred buildings where elected officials carry out the business of the citizens of the United States of America. D. Urges that Americans continue to exercise their First Amendment rights to legitimately and peacefully protest and do so without injuries to people or property. E. Acknowledges that the reprehensible actions at the United States Capitol were an unacceptable threat to democracy and that such threats and damage to our democratic institutions at any level can never be tolerated. F. Calls for a peaceful transition of power, which is among the hallmarks of American Democracy. EXHIBIT 1 Resolution No. 2021-XXX Page 3 of 3 Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by the City Council, and the Clerk of the Council shall attest to and certify the vote adopting this Resolution. ADOPTED this _____ day of ____________, 2021. ________________________________ Vicente Sarmiento Mayor APPROVED AS TO FORM: Sonia R. Carvalho, City Attorney By: John M. Funk Sr. Assistant City Attorney AYES: Councilmembers NOES: Councilmembers ABSTAIN: Councilmembers NOT PRESENT: Councilmembers _ CERTIFICATION OF ATTESTATION AND ORIGINALITY I, DAISY GOMEZ, Clerk of the Council, do hereby attest to and certify the attached Resolution No. 2021-XXX to be the original resolution adopted by the City Council of the City of Santa Ana on _______________. Date: ______________________ ________________________________ Clerk of the Council City of Santa Ana BUSINESS CALENDAR 1. RESOLUTION CONDEMNING THE INSURRECTION AND VIOLENCE THAT OCCURRED AT THE U.S. CAPITOL ON JANUARY 6, 2021 AND CALLING FOR A PEACEFUL TRANSITION OF POWER Recommended Action: Adopt a resolution condemning the insurrection and violence that occurred at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021 and calling for a peaceful transition of power. Name Comment - 01/12/2021 02:36 PM: (For) Bobi Keenan Dear Council Members, I have thoroughly read and completely agree with every word of the Resolution Condemning the Insurrection and Violence that occurred at our U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021 and Calling for a Peaceful Transition of Power that comes before you on January 12. I urge you to approve it unanimously. Sincerely, bobi keenan 919 Louise Street Santa Ana, CA 92703 BUSINESS CALENDAR 1. RESOLUTION CONDEMNING THE INSURRECTION AND VIOLENCE THAT OCCURRED AT THE U.S. CAPITOL ON JANUARY 6, 2021 AND CALLING FOR A PEACEFUL TRANSITION OF POWER Recommended Action: Adopt a resolution condemning the insurrection and violence that occurred at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021 and calling for a peaceful transition of power. Name Comment - 01/12/2021 02:37 PM: (For) Ben Mendoza Good evening Mayor Sarmiento and City Council members, I just wanted to make a comment and applaud the action of our city council to create a resolution condemning that Capitol attack that occurred last week. At a time when our communities and our nation are divided over politics, it is important to go on record and condemn any attack on democracy, as was the case last week. I also hope our city council will try to work with the incoming Biden administration to get some help for small businesses in this nation, my business included. With the end of the previous administration, it is my hope that the incoming administration listens to not just huge corporations in this great nation, but also small mom and pop businesses that are struggling to remain open. Again, thank you Mayor and City Council members for all of your hard work. It is appreciated. Ben Mendoza Kelly's Body Shop Inc. 2041 S. Main Street Santa Ana, CA 92707 www.kellvsbodvshoD.com Phone: 714-540-5066 BUSINESS CALENDAR 1. RESOLUTION CONDEMNING THE INSURRECTION AND VIOLENCE THAT OCCURRED AT THE U.S. CAPITOL ON JANUARY 6, 2021 AND CALLING FOR A PEACEFUL TRANSITION OF POWER Recommended Action: Adopt a resolution condemning the insurrection and violence that occurred at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021 and calling for a peaceful transition of power. Name Comment - 01/12/2021 04:46 PM: (Against) John Ramirez Hello, I believe this resolution is a waste of time and object to it. The council can make statements via thier social media accounts condemning the actions of Jan 6th. No special meeting was needed. Where was a special meeting and condemning of the May 30th looting done in our city last year? Selective outrage. John Ramirez 40 year Santa Ana resident Ward 4 BUSINESS CALENDAR 1. RESOLUTION CONDEMNING THE INSURRECTION AND VIOLENCE THAT OCCURRED AT THE U.S. CAPITOL ON JANUARY 6, 2021 AND CALLING FOR A PEACEFUL TRANSITION OF POWER Recommended Action: Adopt a resolution condemning the insurrection and violence that occurred at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021 and calling for a peaceful transition of power. Name Comment - 01/12/2021 04:51 PM: (For) Thomas Umberg Support see attached letter STATE CAPITOL, ROOM 5097 SACRAMENTO, CA 95814 1916,651-4034 DISTRICT OFFICE I OOO E. SANTA ANA BLVD.. STE. 220E SANTA ANA. CA 92701 714)558-3785 WWW. SENATE.CA.GO V lU MHERG SENATOR. UMBERG@SENATE,CA.GOV January 12, 2021 Mayor and Councilmembers City of Santa Ana 20 Civic Center Drive Santa Ana, CA 92701 VLalif ornin i§tate -Itte SENATOR THOMAS J. UMBERG THIRTY-FOURTH SENATE DISTRICT a STANDING COMMITTEES JUDICIARYCHAIR HOUSING TRANSPORTATION MILITARY & VETERAN AFFAIRS SELECT COMMITTEES GROWING IMPACT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN CALIFORNIA JOINT SELECT COMMITTEE ON THE 2020 US CENSUS CO-CHAIR AEROSPACE AND DEFENSE ASIAN PACIFIC ISLANDER AFFAIRS MANUFACTURFD HOME COMMUNITIES RULES Re: Agenda Item 1 of the January 12, 2021 special meeting of the Santa Ana City Council Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers, I write in support of Item 1, a resolution condemning recent attacks on our democracy. On Wednesday, January 6, 2021, the world witnessed the appalling attack at the U.S. Capitol, which delayed official certification of the results of the 2020 presidential election - a long standing democratic tradition cemented in our nation's commitment to a peaceful transition of power. What we all saw was an attempted erosion of that commitment. The destruction at the Capitol was the result of domestic terrorism and reflected our nation's vulnerable and divided civil society. Our democracy is our nation's best asset aboard and by far our most important weapon in promoting freedom across the world. As a retired Colonel in the United States Army, I fought in defense and promotion of those values. I am saddened to have witnessed not only this ideal being desecrated, but also by the needless loss of life of five Americans, two of which served in the United States military. I encourage the members of the Santa Ana City Council to denounce violence and strongly support this resolution. Sincerely, Thomas J. Umberg State Senator, California District 34 Colonel, United States Army (ret.) Orozco, Norma From: Tim Johnson <tjohnson@jlkrllp.com> Sent: Tuesday, January 12, 2021 6:00 PM To: eComment Cc: Sarmiento, Vicente; Penaloza, David; Mendoza, Nelida; Hernandez, Johnathan; Bacerra, Phil; Lopez, Jessie; Phan, Thai Subject: Special Agenda Items 1 & 2 Item 1. Thank you for considering putting forth a resolution with regards to the violence at our nation's capitol on January 61h. I urge this council to support the proclamation on behalf of the residents of the city. Our county is built around free peaceful speech and orderly transitions of power- these are pillars of our democracy and ones that our city should support. Item 2. Thank you for considering our essential workers in the grocery and pharmacy industries during the pandemic. Everyone is so very thankful for those who show up to work each day to provide needed services in our city including our grocery and pharmacy workers. However, I urge this council to pause on this item. There are so many unanswered items which need to be discussed and answered prior to directing staff on this item- especially as special meeting item which so many have not had an opportunity to provide input on or even digest what this would mean. Primarily, in order for me to support this I would suggest that at a minimum the following items would need to be adequately addressed: Why only grocery and pharmacy workers? Are other workers not as important and deserving of increased pay? Are these two very specific industries the only ones that are putting their health on the line to provide for their families and provide service to the community? What about other workers who are equally putting their health at risk to provide valuable services to our community such as: o Health care workers o Long Term Care / Assisted Living workers o Drug Store Workers outside of a pharmacy environment (i.e. CVS/Walgreens type non -pharmacy workers) o Workers at our city testing sites and likely soon to be vaccination sites o Restaurant workers- drive through operators, cashiers, cooks o Auto Repair shops o Construction Workers o City Service Workers What constitutes "large" in this context? Based on square footage, number of employees, revenue ... the details matter. What will the impact be to the business owners who are already struggling with increased costs? Will those costs be passed along to the consumer in increased prices? Our residents are already paying the highest sales taxes in the county so incremental costs should always be a concern to be addressed. Is this a defacto increased minimum wage? Would it be an XX% increase to their pay? For example, 125% of regular pay? What is the right percentage to compensate them? When would this hazard pay end? Have you sought feedback from the community on this? Have you sought feedback from the business community that would be impacted on this? We can all agree that it would be great for business owners to provide hazard pay to our grocery and pharmacy workers... no doubt about it. BUT, should our city be mandating this? If so, PLEASE fully provide feedback to the city manager so she and her staff can adequately provide a resolution to be discussed and approved by the council at a future meeting. Rosenbero;er GnfN P.Nz #[w nu Proudly part of the PKFglobaf family In©EM Tim Johnson, CPA Partner 0 (949)860-9892 8 (714)743-1065 0 tjohnson@jlkrllp.com 2601 Main Street, Suite 580, Irvine, CA 92614 0 See our latest business news and insights by clicking here This message (including any attachments) contains confidential information intended for a specific individual and purpose, and is protected by law. If you are not the intended recipient, you should delete this message. Any disclosure, copying, or distribution of this message, or the taking of any action based on it, is strictly prohibited. JLK Rosenberger is a California Limited Liability Partnership and a member firm of PKF International Limited, a family of legally independent member firms and does not accept any responsibility or liability for the actions or inactions on the part of any other individual member or correspondent firm or firms.