CITY OF
RIVERSIDE
City of Arts & Innovation City Council Memorandum
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TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL DATE: SEPTEMBER 20, 2022 FROM: COUNCILMEMBER CERVANTES WARD: ALL WARDS
SUBJECT: CITY OF RIVERSIDE OFFICIAL STATEMENT REGARDING JULY 30, 2022 INCIDENT.
ISSUE:
Consideration of the Riverside City Council to discuss issuing an official statement in the form of a press release, outlining the facts surrounding the July 30, 2022 event at the Historic Courthouse.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council approve issuing a press release outlining the facts surrounding the event that occurred on July 30, 2022, and clarify that no City Councilwoman was involved in the incident where several abortion rights protesters defaced public property in the City jurisdiction.
BACKGROUND:
On Saturday July 30, 2022, a group of abortions rights protesters defaced the historic Courthouse causing damage to the building. Riverside County Sheriff, Chad Bianco posted a public message via social media platforms implying that a Riverside City Councilwoman was involved and/or supported the incident located in Downtown, City of Riverside. Sheriff Bianco's statements were ill-informed and placed all three Councilwomen in potential danger as they received numerous threatening communications due to the wrongful misinformation. According to spokesperson Ryan Railsback of Riverside Police Department, video evidence from the Riverside Police Department Officer's body cam corroborates the information that no City Councilwoman was involved in the incident.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact to the City General Fund as a result of the proposed action.
Prepared
Clarissa servan Les
Councilmember, Ward 2