Dawn Ortiz-Legg: Here’s the backstory on my votes on anti-hate resolution | Opinion
On June 6, the county Board of Supervisors passed a resolution condemning racism, bigotry, bias and hate speech in our community. You may have read about my approving one form of the resolution and returning later in the morning, requesting a re-vote to amend the previously approved resolution. It is particularly notable as it is the first time to the board’s knowledge that a board member has made a motion to reconsider a vote on an item. I will further explain my thought process to clarify what led me to this decision.
During the public comment portion of the May 16 Board of Supervisors meeting, two families expressed deep concerns regarding recent displays of a white pride banner on a North County overpass. Each speaker provided personal stories of the emotional impact of this banner. The most compelling was the testimony from a sixth-grader who bravely detailed to the board and attending community members what it felt like to be targeted by such messaging. The other family, who operates an event planning business, recounted an incident in which a client who had previously been very enthusiastic about her Central Coast wedding abruptly canceled their plans. The bride cited her perceptions of racism in the community based on recent events. She no longer felt comfortable inviting her family and diverse guests to a community where they may be unwelcome.
After such profound community statements, the board unanimously agreed to take action. Supervisor John Peshong, who represents the district where the banner had been displayed, had already been working with the agencies in charge of the overpass, including Caltrans, CHP and state legislators.
The board decided to draft a resolution publicly condemning such racially motivated acts. Unfortunately, this was not the first nor will it be the last act of hatred within our community. The board felt it was essential to publicly condemn all acts of hate, including those based on “race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other prohibited characteristics.”
Unfair to single out one community
During our board deliberations, I agreed with other board members who believed singling out one North County community in response to a single hate act committed by individuals who live outside of San Luis Obispo County would unfairly place a negative label upon that community and its members.
As I considered the ramifications of this decision and how it would be perceived, I focused on the impact these types of acts have on the youth in our community. I wanted to acknowledge the incident as a heinous act of hatred and affirm that these acts are unacceptable and unwelcome in our Central Coast community. I didn’t want the issue to divide our county by singling out one community. I also did not want to give any further recognition to the individuals or groups like them that commit such acts.
As such, when Supervisor Debbie Arnold suggested edits that removed a reference to the particular community, I voted to accept those changes. It wasn’t until after the vote that I became aware that the amendments had also removed the recognition of the individuals that came to the board with their concerns. It was critical to me that the board recognize individuals who came forth and bravely spoke to us at the May 16 meeting. The lapse in doing so was an error on my part. I felt so strongly about this omission that when the board reconvened, I asked that the item be brought back for another vote to amend that omission.
While others may disagree, the board accomplished what we hoped to achieve by adopting the final resolution as amended. The resolution serves as a public display that acts of hate are unacceptable anywhere in our community.
Individuals who actively resist and challenge such hate through community advocacy, education or even speaking before the Board of Supervisors embody qualities everyone should strive to emulate.
Dawn Ortiz-Legg represents District 3 on the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors.