KHTS Radio Santa Clarita Radio – Santa Clarita News
Santa Clarita Mayor Cameron Smyth and Mayor Pro Tem Bill Miranda are set to formally denounce racism and send a letter in support of the “Eight Can’t Wait” police reform measures.
About 15 activists with the Black Lives Matter movement sat down with Smyth alongside Miranda, Dr. Cherise Moore, board member of the William S. Hart Union High School District, and City staff to further discuss how Santa Clarita is addressing racism and discrimination in the community.
The community members further called upon Smyth and the City Council to make a formal denouncement of racism in the City, with the mayor set to make a formal statement.
“I apologize that we haven’t formally said racism is not acceptable in this city and this community,” Smyth said. “That is in my heart.”
Both Smyth and Miranda are expected to make a statement formally denouncing racism in all its forms in the community, along with other changes in the City.
The mayor previously said racism is not acceptable in Santa Clarita during a public City Council meeting, but wanted to make it a formal position of the City.
“I know we can work together to create a more inclusive community,” Smyth said during the council meeting. “The City of Santa Clarita denounces racism in all forms, hard stop. All people are welcome.”
Some of the activists in the room said the formal statement did not go far enough and called for meaningful police reform.
Law Enforcement
Several of the organizers voiced concerns with the contract between the City of Santa Clarita and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD).
Santa Clarita does not have its own police agency and contracts out to the LASD, part of a yearly budget that was passed on Tuesday, according to Assitant City Manager Frank Oviedo.
Smyth discussed the Board of Supervisors’ delay in approving the “Eight Can’t Wait” reforms, with the activists calling upon the City Council to write a letter in support of the measures, which includes the ban of chokeholds.
Harry Reed, a longtime activist, said there was an “outpouring of support” of these reforms in the community, adding discrimination has long been an issue with law enforcement but the killing of George Floyd was the “tipping point.”
Both Smyth and Miranda agreed to write a letter to the board of supervisors in support of the police reforms, but argued a formal City Council statement would be too delayed to implement effectivity, with the next regular meeting on July 14.
The assistant city manager said any reforms of the LASD would be implemented across all 42 cities that contract out with the department, including Santa Clarita.
“We contract our law enforcement services, any reforms the county makes directly impacts the City,” said Oviedo.
See Related: Santa Clarita City Council Approves $219 Million Budget For 2020-21
One of the community members in attendance, Megan Schneider, found it difficult to obtain the contract between the City of Santa Clarita and the LASD, calling for more transparency with the process.
Schneider voiced concerns with the growing liability rates, which reached about $2.6 million on top of the approximate $24 million service unit cost in the 2019-20 budget, concerns echoed by City staff.
The activist spoke on the “virtual monopoly” the LASD has with contract cities, with two options — create your own law enforcement department or use their services.
Smyth said in response that contract cities can use their leverage if they all band together, especially in a time where all local governments are finding ways to streamline budgets amid COVID-19 tax revenue shortfalls.
The Commission
Dr. Moore further discussed the framework of the human rights task force, with that word “commission” chosen very carefully.
“We have a planning commission, we have a parks commission, I see this as another longtime body in the City,” Moore said.
Janine Prado, the director of the Recreation and Community Services Department, was the lead City staff member when the body was first created in 1994, and plans on taking that role once again.
“Santa Clarita, when this was first created, is different than what it is now,” Prado said. “We want this to be a community-wide effort.”
The activists supported the commission’s reimplementation but called for more “meaningful change,” adding action starts with the City Council.
See Related: Santa Clarita Mayor Cameron Smyth Meets With Black Lives Matter Protesters
“This has to be a bottom-up approach,” said Cassidy Bensko, a high school activist leader.
Previously, the commission included young people, business owners, faith-based organizations, those with disabilities and other members of the community.
Prado wanted input on who should be included in this 2020 version of the group, asking the activists “what is our mission, what is our purpose?”
Smyth and Moore are working with City staff in the coming weeks to formalize more details of the commission.
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Reverse racism isn’t tolerated. Racism isn’t tolerated. Blm the very name is racist to all ethnicities. Saying one race is superior to another. I don’t agree with that. Therefore, the people who feel morally superior will start name calling simply because people don’t share their views and beliefs. How about you let people believe what they want and RESPECT + TOLERATE others views.
We’re not tolerating racism or racist, neither is the city. Bye Asha.
Reverse racism is a MYTH. Whites hold more power and privilege over people of color and the myth of reverse racism ASSUMES an equal playing field exists. As such, NO level playing field exists. The very idea of white ‘victimhood” is a joke when one considers the systemic and institutionalized racism faced by people of color throughput the course of history. It is also very telling how those in power (whites) resist when people of color ask for and then demand the same rights and privileges whites have always enjoyed and felt entitled to.
By the way, people of color don’t want to be “tolerated” we demand to be seen, we demand to be heard, we demand to be accepted. There is a world of difference between the two.
Wrong!! Black people can be just as racist as a “white boy”(racist term). When you refer to systemic or institutionalized racism, What does this mean? Or is this just something you throw out there. show me cause I don’t see it. Blacks are very quick to play the race card but most of the time it is all based on assumption(Think George Floyd or R Brooks).
If you want to be seen,heard and accepted then educate. People listen when educated and wise people, of all colors, talk. But just throwing out terms and big words without anything to back it is just talk.
Look up the definition of racism. Whites have always been in a position of power, privilege and authority. While not all racists are white; most whites are racists. Whites may suffer from stereotypes, but they DO NOT suffer from racism. Also, it is not the responsibility of the oppressed to comfort their oppressor. Monster heal thyself.
BLM is not saying they matter more than anyone. I think you should talk to some people in the movement. It really helps to get to know them and see they aren’t fighting for superiority, just equality.
Skeptics arent worried about the man in the streets supporters.. it’s the shot callers.. it’s the Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi’s of the movement (self proclaimed marxists) it’s the jussie smollett and the bubba wallaces.. it’s the profiteers, hustlers, and bad faith politicians who never let a good crisis go to waste. If you want your movement to succeed look at who is running you around,and make sure they are representing you. Did you know BLM has 55 demands? otherwise be prepared for massive resistance from the opposition.
Who is the opposition?
Christians. Christians are as they believe ALL LIVES MATTER. Thats the ethos of our society. when you start saying some lives matter more than others. America is DONE. We will be nothing more than opposing Tribes fighting in Balkanized Lands.
Finally a decent rebuttal!! Thank you! Simple & eloquent!
BLM is a Marxist organization. This is NOT about racism! Don’t you dare defund the brave LAW ENFORCEMENT!!!
Capitalism is killing us. Healthcare is a for profit enterprise. Nurses are being laid off during this pandemic because the elective surgeries that pay the bills are being put on hold. Capitalism is de-funding our public schools, especially those in poor (read minority) neighborhoods.
This is a social revolution there’s no mistake. Get on board! It’s time to create a better society, not a stronger police force.
Thugs and criminals are killing us. Drug lords are killing our loved ones by fueling the drug addicts. Our household supports first responders and law and order. I have yet to find a successful communist country. I’m not on board your crazy train ?
FASCISM – a political philosophy, movement, or regime (such as that of the Fascisti) that exalts nation and often race above the individual and that stands for a centralized autocratic government headed by a dictatorial leader(s), severe economic and social regimentation, and forcible suppression of opposition—–USA or BLM? Read BLM demands at BlackLivesMatter.com and you decide.
Asha,
I say this in the most heartfelt way. I understand what you are saying. This is a misconception for many.
Perhaps if you sat down and listened to what the Black Lives Matter movement is or spoke to a few members of the movement you might better understand . The statement is “Black Lives Matter’, not “Only Black Lives Matter”. There is no mention at all of people wanting to be superior and if you think this, you have not been given all the information. How do you respect someone who simply doesn’t like you for the color of your skin? How do you tolerate someone saying “We don’t do business with black people in Santa Clarita” The movement is not about hating white people, it is helping white people to understand that we are all equal. We CAN all live together and respect and tolerate opinions but is is unacceptable to respect and tolerate hate.
Sujule, so do ALL BLACK LIVES MATTER? Especially those blacks that are unborn? The most innocent of innocents. 19 million black babies have been aborted by their own black mothers since Roe v Wade passed in 1973. That’s genocide. When will Planned Parenthood be defunded?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ox39V-VLFQw
Look at man who asks if all black lives matter…a must see but have feeling will be blocked because it doesn’t fit the progressives narrative
JC, they don’t see the connection of BLM and aborted babies. Historically, PP has been purposefully in the black communities because black lives do not matter. Google Margaret Sanger who started PP.
Off topic!
Off topic, Flossy? Right….well, if PP has its way, at the rate they are killing black babies there won’t be any more black lives TO MATTER! It’s simple then, by your response that ALL blacks matter not to the leftist agenda.
Really off topic? Aren’t all BLM supposed to be defended? What about the aborted? What about the black babies Flossy?
You’ve just exposed your bias. You don’t defend all black lives so you? Pro-choice doesn’t defend all BLM only the Marxist’s that claim to be for them but are using them.
I whole heartedly support the discussion to condemning racism. As a parent of mixed children my family strongly supports equality for all people, and we are proud to live in the greatest country on Earth. When it comes to BLM, they appear to promote inequality because their agenda only benefits themselves, therefore they are promoting inequality. Also, BLM is meeting with city leaders across the nation and demanding “give us more, or else we will label you as racist!” How is this equality? We have all seen immigrants of color from other nations come to the U.S. and thrive with the STUDYING AND WORKING HARD for the American Dream. BLM is a culture of laziness, aggression, and marxist behavior. They have vandalized and toppled countless monuments and statues across the U.S. including Abraham Lincoln’s. Is this really the party of peace, and equality? What political group demands you kneel to them, or else? BLM is marxist group that has made a place in history with destruction including beating business owners to a pulp so that they can loot and steal merchandise that is not theirs. No one alive today is a slave, and no one today owns a slave. Here is why BLM is destroying the U.S.
https://youtu.be/cxxHV5vu1Mo
If the US doesn’t give them what they want, they will burn it down…
Ok that’s domestic terrorism. The organization is and eventually will be labeled a terrorist organization. If they have this ideology. If you don’t meet our demands, we will use violence and fear to get you to comply.
As with every movement. Follow the money.
Who’s paying for it
Who’s getting paid for it
Who’s benefiting financially from it.
So Basically the Mayor is meeting with the democratic party controlled branch BLM and the democratic party will be making demands from our local gov. and if our local gov does not agree and/or meet these demands then??? Sounds like blackmail to me.
I wish they wouldnt call them activists call them what they are democrats.
Overly-simplistic thinking. Sometimes people just have to DEMAND change.
Local government works for US.
When it’s the people, that’s ok, but when you have an organization that’s funded and run by a political party that’s not ok. because they (blm/Democrats) take over our local government and then our local gov works for them
I’d have to agree with Rufus, there is no racism its all a lie these kids are Brainwashed by their own cell phone into believing there is. Sure there might be a handful of racist people of all races out there but I have only heard racist black people speak no white ones so I call bull sh. America is so Brainwashed by our media the far right think the Dems are pushing this virus and masks don’t work and the far left thinks America is racist especially the Republican ones and cops are out hunting black people lol get w grip its time to shut down your media and take a deep breath. I still can’t believe the far left made a fake documentary called thirteenth saying they made the law to enslave blacks and Nancy Regan started the just say no campaign to capture blacks lol crazy. Again please seek second opinions they are out there and never listen to the old activists trying to relive the sixties because this ain’t the sixties. Do your research hear the other opinions out there Shelby Steele,Walter Williams, Larry elder, Thomas sowell, Jason Riley, look on YouTube or other sites. If the video has sad music in it its probably a conspiracy theory.
There is no racism? Get real. Turn off Fox News and listen so you can understand what people of color experience daily. The people you cite do not speak for all and news flash, people of color are not a monolithic group; no people are. Please do some real research yourself; referencing YouTube? Seriously, attributing YouTube as a source of knowledge is tantamount to ascribing Corona virus to the flu. Ignorant doesn’t even come close to what you expressed.
Lol poor Alice people like you are always playing the race card. I don’t watch fox,cnn or any other opinion news. The things I am referring to in YouTube are public speaking conferences black individuals talking facts at a conference not some show or conspiracy theory just educated blacks speaking truth maybe you should turn off your phone and listen to the harsh truth sometimes. Racism is all in your head no one cares what color you are. Hispanics can come here and within a few years they own business,yet the black community cant ?sorry but it makes no sense no more excuses.
Please refund the police department, make them earn their funding back.
Put in place new guidelines for these officers to be retrained.
Add license professional counselors to help these office when responding to call.
This has got to STOP, my father who is a retired duty sheriff saw this coming many year’s ago.
Bill Miranda is a leftist.
Wolf in sheep’s clothing
When it comes to the subject of police reform once again America is number ONE and not in a good way. Look around at the rest of the world for contrasting training and policies.
For example: Police Training Required in Nordic Countries:
Norway- Three years = four people killed since 2002.
Finland- Two years = seven people killed since 2000.
Iceland- Two years = one person killed since ever.
United States police training:
34 weeks average= Approximately 24,000 people killed since 2001.
These numbers are from what left wing source?
Apples and oranges. Think of this population of 333 million in America In comparison to each…hardly apples to apples.
These numbers are statistics compiled for anyone to see. Check for yourself if you want to know. Then do a little math comparing deaths per capita in those countries. You will find we have a much much higher ratio; just as we do in CV-19 cases.
Ambiguity in Covid numbers too. 39.5 million Californian’s and how many deaths? How come they never report numbers of recovered?
Fear paralyzes the masses who read a headline…because again numbers don’t lie.
There’s a reason the media doesn’t just report the facts. They used to be our guard dogs and now they’re Hollywood & Leftists watch dog’s. Fear is their weapon to keep themselves in power.
Look no further than the most down trodden areas..all leftists who say they’re for the little guy..really? They use them..like slum lords..
News to you…they’re waking up to who promises big and under delivers?
While you seem just fine politicizing death (like Trump), I want accountability and action for all people including you.
You can get as juiced up on FOX and AON as you want but I prefer valid info from reliable sources.
Oh Denny you just exposed your leftist bias…now we can all see what your motive is..demean and belittle to quiet people who don’t agree with you…we are all “woke” to your micro aggressions
Yeah… you are correct; I have a bias. My bias is in finding factual information from which opinion follows, not the other way around. I find very little truth coming from the right and multitudes of misinformation abounding. Too bad if truth hurts your feelings and your alternate facts. Your woke poke is a joke.
Present all the facts not just the ones that work for you. Gun laws? Violent crimes? Prison sentences? I think all of these along with a few others would affect your “factual information “
This is the wild west Denny Chicago had 75 people shot over father’s day weekend and one 5 year old and you don’t want cops ? Maybe we need more or the black community needs to step up end this violence and stereotype caused by their own people. The white people love all races I’m not sure where the love is with you
I’m a white woman who knows I’ve grown up with racism. It is all around us. I grew up in Burbank.. Blacks were not allowed to live there in 1969. As a retired educator I saw it in the schools by administrators as well as teachers. I had a principal ask me if I thought parents would be upset to get a black teacher. I could hear a teacher, through the wall, yell unspeakables at her black students. Both I reported to the Union along with others. As a parent I saw it when my son had friends of color. SCV mom, open your eyes and ears and educate yourself. Talk to people of color before you state your opinion. You may not see the KKK intensity of racism but I know it is always there, just under the surface. Open up to learn. I am doing just that.
1969….50 years ago. A lot has changed for the better, and we should keep striving ….justice for ALL LIVES. I lived with a Korean roommate and saw the racist comments that other people, including other minorities had for HER. We all can do better. And, we need to keep progressing. It is our responsibility to work together, no matter what race you are.
Add those all together and they’ve had less criminals killed that we’ve had Police killed. How about all the facts, like gun laws, number of violent crimes, prison terms and many other factors that policing. I am certainly not against more training. But these numbers mean nothing without all the facts
Never give in to terrorists.
I don’t kneel to terrorists either ??
What a complete mess! If you read all of the comments, people are really hurting and angry. I think the reasonable way to approach this, is to recognize that 1)Our police are appreciated but need to be held accountable.2) None of us believe in violent demonstrations. 3)Racism exists but some haven’t experienced it or witnessed it as much as others. 4) We have the right to free speech and that’s part of how positive change can happen.
Just some thoughts.
Excellent summation. Thinking much the same.