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SLO Mayor Heidi Harmon calls for $100,000 in racial equality funding

June 3, 2020

Mayor Heidi Harmon

Amid a pandemic and ongoing protests, San Luis Obispo Mayor Heidi Harmon has called for the city of SLO to set aside $100,000 to fund the promotion of social and racial equality. [KCOY]

Harmon said she would request that city council members approve the funding and that the money should be used toward meaningful efforts to create a city in which tear gas will never be used again.

“In my position of leadership, and in my privilege as a white ally, I will be advocating for funding to go directly towards policy and efforts to better serve our communities of color and create more equity here in San Luis Obispo,” Harmon said.

San Luis Obispo Police Chief Deanna Cantrell also addressed this week’s protests, though she defended her officers’ use of tear gas.

Cantrell said it is incredibly dangerous for protesters to march onto a highway with vehicles traveling 70 or 80 mph. Cantrell said it creates danger for the protesters, as well as for drivers and law enforcement.

On the standoff that ensued, Cantrell said a police captain spoke with the leader of the protest. After authorities declared the protest an unlawful assembly, some protesters tried to push through the police line.

Police responded by firing pepper spray balls into the ground. Then, some protesters turned violent and bottles, rocks and fireworks were thrown at officers. So, officers fired tear gas, Cantrell said.

SLO City Manager Derek Johnson said he was considering whether or not to impose a curfew, as authorities have done in many jurisdictions across the country.


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Heidi Harmon needs to be removed from office, as to people “protesting on the freeway” how about issuing tickets to them ?


4

Why should government funds go directly to “communities of color”? It is repugnant to equality under the law.


6

So she didn’t get 100k – she got 160k. Has no idea where the money is coming from or how to spend it. But we know – consultant, study, more money please, I predict there is a new position, Diversity officer, office, staff, fat salary.

BTW what’s changed at Poly since their “study”?


21

Come on you know where the money is coming from, higher taxes and fees along with the threat of reducing critical services or programs if those new taxes and fees are challenged.


16

I think this is mostly about her ego. She is heavily invested in projecting an image of being “progressive” “caring” “fair”, etc. It’s mostly about her and not a about what she says it is.


53

Sure Heidi we will take the 100k from you, you worthless moron. They just announced another 8 million shortfall because of Covid and bad governmental spending and the Mayor wants to waste a 100k.


62

Mr tatro looks like your parents forgot to teach you respect and proper english.i recomand esl class


-4

Since when does SLO city have a “Community of Color”??


57

I’m a firm believer in equality, But what does a 100k accomplish?? Expensive lunch “Meeting” to talk about how everyone should be treated?


60

Do we have some money left over for the enormous amount of homeless here in this city and county?


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