Mayor's Response To Black Lives Matter Question Sparks Outrage

MILL VALLEY, CA — The mayor of Mill Valley's response to a racially sensitive question has sparked outrage on social media.

Mill Valley residents and others online accused Mayor Sashi McEntee of mishandling the question during the public comment portion of Monday's City Council meeting.

A community member submitted a comment about a "white silence is violence" sign that was taken down in downtown Mill Valley.

"Mill Valley is, in many ways, a place of privilege, yet the crisis facing our country is, and should, affect us all," wrote the citizen, who noted that the sign was torn down within 12 hours.

"Our question is simple: What is Mill Valley doing to show that Black Lives Matter?" he asked.

McEntee briefly responded to the question.

"It is a council policy that we do not take action on issues that are not of immediate local importance," she said. "But we appreciate hearing everybody's comments."

A video of the mayor's remarks was uploaded to YouTube on Tuesday. As of Wednesday morning, the video already had more than 20,000 views and over 100 comments. The video was also widely shared on Twitter, causing "Mill Valley" to trend Tuesday night.

"I stand with Black Lives Matter," Linda Price wrote. "Not of immediate local importance? Ridiculous. It is of importance for every American no matter where you live. It is about human dignity."

"Absolutely shocking," Roz Bicen wrote. "What planet are they on? Privilege obviously means you don't have to care for things that don't impact on your own life. Utterly tragic."

"How shameful of you to say that when you are brown," Trixie Perez wrote. "Black lives matter and it is of importance even in Mill Valley."

"Something tells me Mill Valley is getting a new mayor soon," Macey Payne wrote.

By Tuesday evening, McEntee responded to the criticism on social media.

"A number of citizens have expressed concern about the comment I made at the end of public open time last night. After reviewing the video, I understand your concerns," McEntee said in a statement. "Let me make it clear that the tragic death of George Floyd is of immediate local importance along with being a national issue."

After learning about Floyd's death, McEntee said she "immediately" reached out to Mill Valley's law enforcement partners to discuss the city's current restraint training and other policies.

"As a person of color, I am acutely aware of the power and importance of words because I have been on the receiving end of bigotry myself," McEntee said.

"My comments during the meeting referred to a long-standing City Council policy regarding national issues and a policy that prevents council members from discussing items that are not previously agendized in accordance with the law. It is clear that I did not express myself well or share with the community what is in my heart."

Many people online were not satisfied with McEntee's statement, including current and former Mill Valley residents.

"I grew up in Mill Valley. I am Black. I matter," Keith Lawton responded on Twitter. "Mill Valley never showed me that I mattered."

"This wasn't an appropriate or acceptable response to the question," Jim Prosser wrote. "Every municipality, including us here in Mill Valley, needs to reckon with the sanctity of black life and address how to affirm it."

"This isn't good enough Mayor," Brian Law wrote. "I'm a black homeowner in Mill Valley and trust me when I say this is a local issue. Do better and set the right example of how to lead. Lord knows we could use some leaders to be proud of in this moment."

Over the last week, people have taken to the streets in cities across the country in support of the Black Lives Matter movement and against police brutality after the death of George Floyd, a black man who died Memorial Day in Minneapolis after being taken into police custody.

On Wednesday afternoon, Alan Piombo, Mill Valley's acting city manager and chief of police, issued a message to the community condemning the actions "that took the life" of Floyd and how the issues surrounding his death, including discrimination and racism, were of "immediate local importance" in the city.

"Let me be clear — discrimination and systemic racism are of immediate local importance, here in Mill Valley," Piombo said.

"I want to assert that the city of Mill Valley is committed to deliver service in an unbiased and equitable manner," he added. "I want to acknowledge and thank community members for your commitment to equality and justice. We have heard your voices and appreciate them. We look forward to working with you to bring about a more just and equitable world."

Read McEntee's full statement below:

A number of citizens have expressed concern about the comment I made at the end of public open time last night. After reviewing the video, I understand your concerns. Let me make it clear that the tragic death of George Floyd is of immediate local importance along with being a national issue.

I was horrified when I heard of the circumstances surrounding Mr. Floyd’s death. Immediately, I reached to our law enforcement partners to discuss Mill Valley’s current restraint training and other associated policies. Thankfully, the specific restraint actions tragically taken by the officer are not allowed in California, and our peace officers have received extensive training to avoid these inhumane methods.

I also confirmed that the Mill Valley Police Department does not tolerate use of excessive force or any conduct that does not uphold the highest level of integrity and respect for the community they serve.

As a person of color, I am acutely aware of the power and importance of words because I have been on the receiving end of bigotry myself. My comments during the meeting referred to a long-standing City Council policy regarding national issues and a policy that prevents councilmembers from discussing items that are not previously agendized in accordance with the law. It is clear that I did not express myself well or share with the community what is in my heart.

Read Piombo's full message below:

Mill Valley Community,

First and foremost, I want to express my sadness and absolute condemnation concerning the actions that took the life of George Floyd. My condolences go out to the Floyd family and to all those currently grieving.

His death is yet another example of a senseless and avoidable outcome at the hands of law enforcement and reflects poorly on each of us who has taken an oath to uphold and defend rights of those we have committed to serve and protect.

This tragic event in Minneapolis, and the ensuing protests around our country once again shine a light on the challenges that persist in our communities, and the important responsibilities we all have to identify and call out deeply rooted, systemic inequalities in our society.

To that effect, let me be clear — discrimination and systemic racism are of immediate local importance, here in Mill Valley.

As your Acting City Manager and Chief of Police, I want to assert that the City of Mill Valley is committed to deliver service in an unbiased and equitable manner. I commit to continuing to work with our staff, agency partners and community members to ensure that the City of Mill Valley acts as a leader in our community to uphold the highest levels of accountability, honesty, integrity, professionalism, transparency, and trust.

Finally, I want to acknowledge and thank community members for your commitment to equality and justice. We have heard your voices and appreciate them. We look forward to working with you to bring about a more just and equitable world.