u/Sai_bhakt

On Tuesday, I spoke during public comment about the importance of accurate representation by elected officials, the right of community members to engage in peaceful protest, and the need to foster dialogue rooted in facts rather than mischaracterizations.

Public trust depends on transparency, accountability, and respect for differing viewpoints. Regardless of where we stand on an issue, community members should be able to participate in civic life and express their views without fear of harassment or intimidation.

Democracy is strongest when dissent is met with honesty, respect, and open dialogue.

#EastPaloAlto #PublicComment #CivicEngagement #CommunityVoice #LocalGovernment

I started this blog because I believe change takes time. It does not come from a single moment, but from what we choose to build after it. Protests, public meetings, and moments like No Kings Day matter, but lasting change requires consistency and continued pressure long after the attention fades. Movement over moments is the philosophy that guides this work. It means building trust, developing leadership, and creating collective power that lasts beyond any single action or headline. If we are serious about change, we cannot only show up for the moment. We have to stay for the movement.

The mayor is bringing back a proposal on the agenda that would give the mayor sole control over what gets placed on the council agenda and remove the vice mayor's ability to add items.

This exact proposal was already voted down at the April 21st meeting (Lincoln and Dinan voted yes, Abrica and Romero voted no, and Barragan abstained).

Despite that, it is being placed back on the agenda for reconsideration on May 5th.

Read the article attached to read more about the proposed amendment and the staff report.

East Palo Alto is considering adopting the IHRA definition of antisemitism, which blurs the line between antisemitism and legitimate criticism of Israel. In practice, it has been used in policy and institutional settings in ways that conflate political opposition to Israeli government actions with antisemitism, raising serious free speech concerns for pro-Palestine advocacy.

Antizionism is not antisemitism.

If you are concerned, email the East Palo Alto City Council and urge them not to adopt the IHRA definition. Ask them to protect political speech, defend the right to criticize state policy, and avoid adopting a framework that narrows democratic debate.