From: Tamah Figg (via Google Docs)
Sent: Wednesday, December 11, 2024 3:36 PM
To: City Clerk
Subject: Public Comment
Aachments: Council Meeng.pdf
Tamah Figg attached a document
Tamah Figg ([email protected]) has attached the
following document:
Attached please find my 499-word comments to be read at the December 16th council meeting.
Council Meeng
Google LLC, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA You have received this email because [email protected] shared a document with you from Google Docs.
Mayor Perez and councilmembers,
I wish to request that the City undertake a thorough investigation into Ms.
Hernandez’ appalling and possibly illegal actions regarding her interference in the hiring process of Police Chief Federico for personal gain and of gaining confidential information relating to an active police investigation in an attempt to sully the Chief’s reputation and possibly lose his job. Ms.
Hernandez lied about how she came to know of the confidential information and then refused to cooperate with the police after she was called out for the lie. These are not just allegations but backed up with actual records obtained legally through public record requests.When called out last meeting about these facts, she said the cost of such an investigation would be costly and therefore should not be done. I would argue that the cost of bringing a councilmember’s wrong-doing to the public’s attention is in fact worth the price.
Through the records obtained, Ms. Hernandez also used defamatory words against the acting City Manager at the time by calling him “worthless” to people outside of the City. Is this because he wouldn’t do her bidding and refused to be in collusion with her? Is this the type of person our citizens want to represent us? I think not. Imagine what she is saying about employees to other agencies or elected officials?
It has also been rumored that besides trying to get the Chief fired, she also has similar feelings towards our current City Manager, Mr. Vega. Both of these gentlemen have been the best hires in this City for years. The positive impacts they have made are evident with morale very high in both the City and police department. Only someone that has a vendetta or is devoid of intelligence and ethics would try to have them removed.
Ms. Hernandez has demonstrated that she is morally, ethically and possibly criminally corrupt and is not performing her duties in the best interests of the City. An elected official is tasked with doing what is best for the entire city and its citizens and business community. Using her position for personal reasons with ill will and malice towards City employees should not be tolerated. This is the very definition of a hostile and toxic work environment.
I ask that Ms. Hernandez resign before embarrassing the City further by her deplorable actions. In an effort to minimize the damage already done and any future damages to the City, I would ask the council to not only censure her and remove her from her committees, but also ask that the Council NOT elect her to Mayor Pro-Tem. I would also suggest that our newest councilmembers do not align themselves with her and act independently as they were elected to do. By allowing Ms. Hernandez to continue with business as usual and remain unchecked you are condoning her behavior.
I would also ask that the Grand Jury, DA’s office and the FPPC initiate a full investigation into Ms. Hernandez’s conduct.
From: Kelley, Beverly
Sent: Thursday, December 12, 2024 4:15 PM
To: Alvarez, Georgianna
Subject: Re: [External] RE: Public Comments for December 16, 2024 Meeng
Word Count 500 (counting my name and address)
Beverly Kelley 516 Island View
I never pass up the opportunity to teach local history—especially to city officials. In 1948, when Port Hueneme incorporated, voters elected the council. It was the council, however, who elected grocery owner Bert Dahl as mayor. The election of mayor hasn’t changed, except now mayors only serve one year. It’s called a “yearly rotation.” But “rotation” is an ill-chosen word. Rotation implies each member of the council will be mayor every five years. Yet every two years with some newly electeds coming in and some incumbents going out, there can be no systematic order of rotation. Add to the mix the giant egos of politicians, and well, need I say more?
So, when did this whole rotation business start? Dorral Wright served as mayor from 1974 to 1990. He was the last of the long-term mayors, and at a wearying 12 years, that was enough. Other councils around Ventura County had enjoyed success with yearly rotation, so Port Hueneme adopted the practice starting in 1991.
It never worked out perfectly. I do recall a council member who, in impatient anticipation had ordered a “mayor” license plate. He was forced to cover the word “mayor” with a piece of tape until he finally got the three votes he needed.
The bottom line is it still takes three votes. When colleagues do not feel that a council member is ready to take on mayor or mayor pro tem responsibilities, succession is not automatic. Sometimes a council member is asked to wait a year.
Also realize, no ONE person can keep a colleague from becoming mayor or mayor pro tem—no matter what you believe, Councilman Gama. Sour grapes will always be sour grapes. So instead of trying to get even, consider turning over a new leaf. As you pointed out with Emmet Till, hate and reprisal are always wrong.
Give your longtime colleague and former campaign manager your support and start 2025 off right. We will all be the better for it. **************************************************************** A piece of advice to public records searchers. Perusing your first results can be heady stuff. I worked as an opinion journalist, occasionally doing investigative pieces, for the Ventura County Star (18 years) and Los Angeles Times (3 years). I remember being called into the publisher’s office after turning in my first investigative assignment. I thought I was going to be congratulated on a job well done. Instead, I was told I had only done half the job. Like Tamah Figg, Dave Scrivner, and Jan Berk, I had seemingly scored dirt on the target, but I hadn’t bothered to check out the tipster. You see, more often than not, the tipster has an ulterior motive. He or she wants to use you to expose or to destroy an enemy. The
tipster can often be more of a villain than the target. And you are not going to know that unless you check them out first. I never forgot that lesson. Neither should you.
Beverly M Kelley, Ph.D.
Professor Emerita, Communication Department
California Lutheran University
President Friends of the Port Hueneme Library
Hueneme Museum Board and Volunteer
Author Page
Cell
Joseph Heller: “Every writer I know has trouble writing.” From: Amy Bruder
Sent: Monday, December 16, 2024 6:30 AM
To: City Clerk
Subject: City Council Public Comment
I am writing to express my strong support for Councilmember Laura Hernandez who has come under unwarranted scrutiny for the number of emails she has written to city employees. In my view, her communications reflect her commitment to serving our community with diligence.
As an elected official, Councilmember Hernandez has a responsibility to stay informed and advocate for her constituents. Regular communication with city staff is a testament to her proactive approach and her determination to engage deeply with city operations, ensuring that the needs of residents are prioritized. Rather than being condemned, her efforts to communicate and stay engaged should be recognized as an example of the hard work and accountability we expect from our leaders.
I urge others to focus on the substance of her work rather than unfairly targeting her for fulfilling her responsibilities as a public servant. Councilmember Hernandez has my full support as she continues to advocate for our community.
Sincerely,
Amy Burder
Port Hueneme Resident
From: lynne Haile
Sent: Monday, December 16, 2024 12:01 PM
To: City Clerk
Subject: city council public comment for meeng Dec 16, 2024 I am requesng the City Council and the City government employees work together effecvely to solve local issues: the city budget, develop a short term rental policy that will raise money for the city and develop environmental landscape policies that are workable. Please work on soluons. I appreciate Council Person Hernandez working toward these issues.
Sincerely,
Lynne Haile
727 Reef Circle
93041
From: Joan Tharp
Sent: Monday, December 16, 2024 1:55 PM
To: City Clerk
Subject: City Council Public Comment-General
Dear Mayor, Mayor Pro tem, council members, staff, and public, Regardless of if or how you celebrate the winter holidays, I extend hearelt wishes for a joyful and peaceful holiday season.
As we approach the winter solsce, the shortest day and longest night of the year, we are reminded of the powerful return of light. This season invites us to reflect on both the quiet moments and the bright possibilies that lie ahead.
There exists no light without darkness, and no maer how dark things may seem, there is always the promise of coming light.
May the coming days bring warmth, renewal, and a sense of connecon as we look forward to brighter days ahead.
Here’s to the light—both the one that will soon begin to grow each day, and the one we carry within ourselves and share with others.
Warmest regards,
Joan Tharp
Sent from my iPad
From: Bill Ceja
Sent: Monday, December 16, 2024 2:41 PM
To: City Clerk
Subject: City Council Public Comment/ Laura Hernandez for Mayor Aachments: Port Hueneme City Council Hernandez Support Leer.pdf Hello City Staff,
Please add this leer of support for Laura Hernanadez for public comment for tonight;s meeng.
Thank you,
Guillermo R. Ceja Jr.
President
Field Representave
Laborers Local 585
(805)643-5487-O
(805)643-9426-F
(805)218-8413-C
From: Jeffrey Scarberry
Sent: Monday, December 16, 2024 2:52 PM
To: City Clerk
Subject: City Council Public Comment
As a long time resident and Council observer, I want to share a couple of thoughts regarding tonight’s meeting. First, I think anyone that has been paying attention will probably agree that Mayor Pro Tem McQueen-Legohn has done a great job representing Port Hueneme residents and deserves to serve as Mayor for the next year if she so desires. As for the Mayor Pro Tem position, I would hope to see your selection be based on who has consistently demonstrated that their number one motivation is to do what’s best for our city and it’s residents at all times.
Anyone who has been pursuing their own personal or political agenda above that of the people should not be selected. Anyone that has acted in willful disregard of the Council Policy and Procedures Manual, as has been the case a few times this year in open recorded sessions, should not be selected. Every person on the dais should strive to exemplify our Friendly City by the Sea motto by being respectful and kind to their colleagues, city management, city staff, and members of the public.
Thanks to all city employees, especially those behind the scenes, and to our City Clerk who continues to do a great job.
One other thing… If so inclined, perhaps the Council could consider discussing an agenda item related to Term Limits sometime in 2025.
Thank you.
From: Dave Rodriguez
Sent: Monday, December 16, 2024 3:15 PM
To: City Clerk
Cc: Alyssa Mireles; Perez, Misty; Gama, Steven A.; McQueen-Legohn, Martha; Marnez, Bobby
Subject: City Council Public Comments
Aachments: LTR_Port_Hueneme_City_Clerk_2024-12-16_151146.pdf Please See Aached Leer. Thank You.
Dave Rodriguez, Past Naonal Vice President
Chair - California LULAC Foundaon
Member, California LULAC State Board