1993 CC MIN FEB 16 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Phil Lopez recounted his many years of friendship with Mr. Herron, starting in Colton High School, in 1965. Upon reading the newspaper, he called igen Herron about the statement. Mr. Herron indicated he had not intended a racial slur and had apologized for any offense it may have caused. Finding disruptive what the community is saying, Mr. Lopez urged that this not be turned into a witch -bunt. Here is a person in position, who is a Caucasian, He has accepted responsibility and apologized for the unfortunate remark. We should let him do his job. Mr. Lopez stated he was sad to see a statement by Mayor Gonzales who commented on the statement and declared the city to be a predominately hispanic community. Mr. Lopez remarked that Colton is a Community with many cultures represented. He emphasized that Mr. Herron is a Caring, honest and kind roan, willing to help anyone. He is there when you ask him to be there. He will listen. We need more people like him. Mr. Lopez called the community to stick 100% behind Mr, lien Herron. Mayor Gonzales clarified that the press release misquoted him. The statement made was that "it was a large minority population in this community." Mr. Jesse Valdivia expounded on slanderous comments and declared that people make mistakes. He accused the city manager of not working in the best interest of the City. We have last good department heads and certain matters that are going to help the City are never passed or are covered up. Mr. Valdivia asked that Mr. Lewis be fired. Mrs. Tricia Rurninski spoke on behalf of Mr. Herron and as chairperson, declared that Mr. Herron was the best director she has worked with. He is not a racist or bigoted. He is easy to work with. He is a mediator. He finds a common ground for people of diverse backgrounds to work together. Ms. Gwen Brown referred to a statement attributed to Mayor Gonzales in a newspaper article dated February 11, 1993 wherein it was stated that the City of Colton would not condone racism nor any form of ethnic remark. She recalled an inflammatory statement by a certain commissioner made before the City Council on August C, 1992. She was angered that the Mayor had said nothing to the blatant racist remark. She was further upset by the Mayor's refusal to meet with the President of the California Chapter NAACP, Mrs ,Jose QeSosa. Mayor Gonzales remarked that he was not alone at the dais. There were 5 members present and all were silent to the remark blurted at a public hearing. He reminded Ms. Brown that the person in question had not been a city employee. Further, he stated that he refused to meet, and will not meet, with individuals threatening to come to the City and demonstrate, Mayor Gonzales .strongly denied his. Brown's charge of caving in to the demands of the hispanic organizations. She declared that NAACP President De Sosa had not placed any demands on the Mayor and she knew this because she had been listening on the telephone, � ; k.j .5..