Walnut Creek City Manager Addresses 'Less Than Civil Behavior'

WALNUT CREEK, CA — After the City of Walnut Creek experienced "less than civil behavior" during a recent City Council meeting, City Manager Dan Buckshi addressed the conduct that is expected from members of the public who attend city meetings.

While most City Council and other public meetings have been civil, with issues discussed and a chance for all sides to participate, there have been instances of hate speech during public comment, Buckshi said.

"While more prevalent when we were using Zoom there have been several times when hate speech was brought into the Council chamber," Buckshi said. "The City Council and community members strongly rebuked these types of comments and have also recognized First Amendment rights of those speaking."

However, disruption hasn't just been limited to hate speech, he said.

"During a recent appeal of a land use decision, many residents in the Chamber were disruptive and dismissive of the process of local government meetings," Buckshi said.

The city's meetings are governed by the state-mandated Brown Act, which is intended to help ensure all voices can be heard, he said.

"Our expectation is that everyone attending our meetings will do so respectfully, even on issues in which they might disagree with one another or with City decisions. We encourage and welcome your presence at City meetings. We just ask that you show respect to everyone in the room."

The next city council meeting is at 6 p.m. Tuesday night, June 18. Options for participating in the meeting and future meetings are at the end of Tuesday's agenda.