HomeMy Public PortalAbout08. Consideration of Official City Positions and Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis Impacting Gaza and IsraelClaremont City Council
Agenda Report
File #:5030 Item No:8.
TO:CITY COUNCIL
FROM:ADAM PIRRIE, CITY MANAGER
DATE:FEBRUARY 27, 2024
Reviewed by:
City Manager:AP
SUBJECT:
CONSIDERATION OF (1)A RESOLUTION AFFIRMING THE CITY COUNCIL’S LONG-STANDING
PRACTICE OF NOT ADOPTING RESOLUTIONS OR ISSUING PROCLAMATIONS THAT TAKE
AN OFFICIAL CITY POSITION ON SOCIAL OR POLITICAL ISSUES THAT ARE NOT LOCAL TO
CLAREMONT,AND (2)A RESOLUTION CALLING FOR AN IMMEDIATE PEACEFUL
RESOLUTION TO THE ONGOING CONFLICT AND HUMANITARIAN CRISIS IMPACTING GAZA
AND ISRAEL.
SUMMARY
During the City Council meeting on February 13,2024,several people requested that the City
Council adopt a resolution calling for a ceasefire and immediate peaceful resolution to the on-going
conflict and humanitarian crisis impacting Gaza and Israel.In response to these requests,
Councilmember Jennifer Stark asked that an item be placed on the agenda for the February 27,2024
City Council meeting so that the City Council could consider either (1)formalizing its long-standing
practice of not issuing resolutions or proclamations that adopt an official City position on social or
political issues that are not local to Claremont (Attachment A)or (2)departing from this practice and
adopting a resolution calling for an immediate peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict and
humanitarian crisis impacting Gaza and Israel (Attachment B).
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council adopt A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF CLAREMONT,CALIFORNIA,AFFIRMING THE CITY COUNCIL’S LONG-STANDING PRACTICE
OF NOT ADOPTING RESOLUTIONS OR ISSUING PROCLAMATIONS THAT TAKE AN OFFICIAL
CITY POSITION ON SOCIAL OR POLITICAL ISSUES THAT ARE NOT LOCAL TO CLAREMONT.
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ALTERNATIVES TO RECOMMENDATION
In addition to the recommendation, there are the following alternatives:
A.The City Council may depart from its longstanding practice of not adopting official City
positions on social or political causes that are not local to Claremont,and consider adopting A
RESOLUTION CALLING FOR AN IMMEDIATE PEACEFUL RESOLUTION TO THE
ONGOING CONFLICT AND HUMANITARIAN CRISIS IMPACTING GAZA AND ISRAEL as
currently drafted (Attachment B) (the “Ceasefire Resolution”).
B.The City Council may also make revisions to the draft Ceasefire Resolution and consider
adopting the amended resolution.
C.The City Council may choose to take no action.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The staff cost to prepare this report is estimated at $1,600 and is included in the operating budget of
the Administrative Services Department.
ANALYSIS
During the City Council meeting on February 13,2024,several people requested that the City
Council adopt a resolution calling for a ceasefire and immediate peaceful resolution to the on-going
conflict and humanitarian crisis impacting Gaza and Israel.In response to these requests,
Councilmember Jennifer Stark asked that an item be placed on the agenda for the February 27,2024
City Council meeting so that the City Council could consider either (1)formalizing its long-standing
practice of not issuing resolutions or proclamations that adopt an official City position on social or
political issues that are not local to Claremont (Attachment A)or (2)departing from this practice and
adopting a resolution calling for an immediate peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict and
humanitarian crisis impacting Gaza and Israel (Attachment B).
Resolution Formalizing Longstanding Practice (Attachment A)
Staff recommends that the City Council continue its longstanding practice of not issuing resolutions
or proclamations that take an official City position on social or political issues that are not local to
Claremont.While this practice exists as an Administrative Policy (at the staff level)and has been a
long standing practice of the City Council,a formal policy has never been adopted by the City
Council.If the City Council would like to make this longstanding practice an official City Council
policy,it may adopt the draft Resolution included with this report as Attachment A.As an alternative,
the City Council may continue its longstanding practice by taking “no action”on this item (i.e.,
Alternative C).It is important to note that individual City Council members are free to take positions
on social and political causes (e.g.,“the Mayor of Claremont supports X.”).The practice and
proposed policy only pertain to the City Council,by majority vote,adopting official City positions on
social and political causes (e.g., “The City of Claremont supports X”).
The City of Claremont is made up of diverse individuals whose collective cultures,religions,
backgrounds,orientations,abilities,and viewpoints join to form a highly pluralistic community which
prides itself on being a place which welcomes persons and families of all walks of life.Because
members of the community often have different perspectives on social and political issues,it can be
divisive and alienating to adopt “official City positions”on causes and issues that community
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members do not wholly agree on.
Further,the City receives several requests for proclamations and/or resolutions each year on issues
over which the City Council has no jurisdiction.Here are examples of requests that the City has
received since 2020:
·Anti-Mask/Vaccination Mandates
·Defund the Police (8 Can’t Wait and We Demand Justice Now)
·Black Lives Matter
·Recall Deputy Attorney General George Gascon
·Rare Disease Awareness Month
·Breast Cancer Awareness
·Fentanyl Awareness Day
·Red Ribbon Week
·Mental Health Awareness
·Suicide Prevention
·Gun Violence
The City cannot realistically accommodate every request.First,preparing well-researched,well-
drafted proclamations and resolutions requires a significant commitment of staff time and resources.
As discussed in the next section,this work also included outreach to stakeholders.The City currently
does not have the staff resources to regularly create proclamations and resolutions for matters that
are not local to Claremont,and over which the City Council has no authority or jurisdiction.Second,
public comment and City Council deliberation on these proclamations and resolutions can be lengthy,
particularly when an issue or cause is controversial.To ensure City Council meetings are
manageable and productive,adding these items to an agenda will inherently result in City business
being postponed to subsequent meetings.For example,in anticipation of substantial public comment
and deliberation on the Ceasefire Resolution,staff removed two City business items from the agenda
for the February 27, 2024 meeting.
Because time and resources are finite,if the City Council were to depart from its longstanding
practice,it would put staff in the very difficult position of deciding which requests should be
considered by the City Council and which would not.
While not adopting resolutions or issuing proclamations related to specific social or political causes,
the City has strived to provide information and support when issues or causes impact its community.
For example, the City has previously taken the following actions:
·Issued a Police Department (PD)statement in advance of the George Floyd verdict and
created a transparency page with information on Claremont Police Department policies
related to the use of force.
·Public Information Office staff has created social media posts and website banners for
“recognition” months and has created informational handouts and posts to raise awareness.
·In response to anti-Semitic flyers distributed in the City,directly impacting Claremont’s Jewish
community, the City Council adopted a resolution condemning hate speech.
City staff prides themselves on being accessible and responsive to local demands,which are
generally reflected in the City Council Priorities and Objectives.Taking on the task of preparing
resolutions and/or proclamations that relate to issues outside the purview of the City Council impacts
the ability of City staff to address Priorities and Objectives that have a direct impact on the citizens of
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the ability of City staff to address Priorities and Objectives that have a direct impact on the citizens of
Claremont.
Draft Ceasefire Resolution (Attachment B)
During the City Council meeting on February 13,2024,several people requested that the City
Council adopt a resolution calling for a ceasefire and immediate peaceful resolution to the on-going
conflict and humanitarian crisis impacting Gaza and Israel.Since that meeting,the City has heard
from several people,some who deeply support and others who deeply oppose such a resolution.
Written public comment that was received prior to the posting of the February 27,2024 City Council
agenda can be found in Attachment C to this report.
Given the relatively short time between the February 13 and 27 Council meetings,staff did brief
outreach to both the Jewish Federation of the Greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys and the
Islamic Center of Claremont to obtain feedback on a potential resolution calling for a ceasefire in
Gaza.
Representatives from the Jewish Federation of the Greater San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys
expressed that they are not supportive of a “ceasefire”resolution.Specifically,the Jewish community
would be deeply offended by a resolution that contained the words “apartheid”and/or “genocide”;that
does not acknowledge that a ceasefire was in place until October 6,2023,and that Hamas’actions
created the current situation; and that does not call for the immediate return of hostages.
The President of the Islamic Center of Claremont provided the following statement:“We at the
Islamic Center of Claremont are in full support of any action taken by the City Council to stop the
bloodshed in Gaza.As a community,we must use our voice to pressure our state and federal
representatives to vote for a ceasefire now at the UN Security Council.Although we are a small town
and it may seem like our voices will not make a difference,we believe it will.We urge you to take
immediate action because this massacre cannot continue.”
The obvious division among the community as it relates to this issue made drafting a resolution very
challenging.While the proposed resolution attempts to be deferential to citizens on both sides of the
issue,it is clear that it may not meet the expectations of either group.Should the City Council elect to
consider the adoption of a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza,they have the option of
approving revisions to the proposed resolution before voting on approval.
LEGAL REVIEW
The draft resolutions have been reviewed and approved as to form by the City Attorney.
RELATIONSHIP TO CITY PLANNING DOCUMENTS
Staff has evaluated the agenda item in relationship to the City’s strategic and visioning documents
and finds that it does not apply to City Planning Documents.
CEQA REVIEW
This item is not subject to environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA).
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PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS
The agenda and staff report for this item have been posted on the City website and distributed to
interested parties. If you desire a copy, please contact the City Clerk’s Office.
Submitted by:Prepared by:
Adam Pirrie Katie Wand
City Manager Assistant to the City Manager
Attachments:
A - Resolution (Policy)
B - Resolution (Ceasefire)
C - Public Comment Received Prior to Publication of Agenda
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RESOLUTION NO. 2024-
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLAREMONT,
CALIFORNIA, AFFIRMING THE CITY COUNCIL’S LONG-STANDING PRACTICE OF
NOT ADOPTING RESOLUTIONS OR ISSUING PROCLAMATIONS THAT TAKE AN
OFFICIAL CITY POSITION ON SOCIAL OR POLITICAL ISSUES THAT ARE NOT
LOCAL TO CLAREMONT
WHEREAS, the City of Claremont is made up of diverse individuals whose collective
cultures, religions, backgrounds, orientations, abilities and viewpoints join to form a highly
pluralistic community which prides itself on being a place which welcomes persons and
families of all walks of life; and
WHEREAS, the City Council continues to recognize the importance of promoting an
atmosphere of acceptance and respect in the community; and
WHEREAS, the City gets several requests for proclamations and/or resolutions each
year, which could create inequities when deciding which requests would be considered by
the City Council and which would not; and
WHEREAS, it can be divisive to adopt “official City positions” on issues that
community members do not wholly agree on; and
WHEREAS, the City does not have the resources to regularly create proclamations
and resolutions for matters that are not local to Claremont; and
WHEREAS, the City of Claremont has a long-standing practice of not issuing
resolutions or proclamations that adopt an official City position on social or political causes
that are not local to Claremont.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLAREMONT
DOES HEREBY RESOLVE:
SECTION 1. The City Council finds that the above recitals are true and correct
and are incorporated herein.
SECTION 2. The City Council hereby affirms its long-standing practice of not
issuing resolutions or proclamations that adopt an official City position on social or political
causes that are not local to Claremont.
SECTION 3. By way of this Resolution, the City Council hereby memorializes its
long-standing practice as a formal policy of the City Council.
SECTION 4. The City Council recognizes that this Resolution may be amended or
repealed by majority vote of the City Council. The City Council further recognizes that this
policy does not prohibit or discourage individual members of the City Council from taking
positions on social or political causes that are not local to Claremont if they so choose.
Resolution No. 2024-
Page 2
SECTION 5. The Mayor shall sign this Resolution and the City Clerk shall attest
to the adoption thereof.
PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED this 27th day of February, 2024.
_____________________________
Mayor, City of Claremont
ATTEST:
____________________________
City Clerk, City of Claremont
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
____________________________
City Attorney, City of Claremont
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLAREMONT,
CALIFORNIA, CALLING FOR AN IMMEDIATE PEACEFUL RESOLUTION TO THE
ONGOING CONFLICT AND HUMANITARIAN CRISIS IMPACTING GAZA AND
ISRAEL
WHEREAS, the City of Claremont is made up of diverse individuals whose collective
cultures, religions, backgrounds, orientations, abilities and viewpoints join to form a highly
pluralistic community which prides itself on being a place which welcomes persons and
families of all walks of life; and
WHEREAS, during the City Council meeting on February 13, 2024, several people
requested that the City Council adopt a resolution calling for a ceasefire and immediate
peaceful resolution to the on-going conflict and humanitarian crisis impacting Gaza and
Israel; and
WHEREAS, the ongoing conflict in the Middle East that escalated on October 7, 2023
has resulted in the tragic loss of many thousands of innocent civilian Israeli and Palestinian
lives, and increasing reports of anti-Semitic, Islamophobic, anti-Jewish, and anti-Arab
incidents; and
WHEREAS, our community members have suffered from an alarming rise in anti-
Semitism and Islamophobia; and
WHEREAS, the City of Claremont stands firmly on the foundations of peace, unity,
respect, understanding, and the universal value and preciousness of all lives.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLAREMONT
DOES HEREBY RESOLVE:
SECTION 1. The City Council finds that the above recitals are true and correct
and are incorporated herein.
SECTION 2. The City Council hereby unequivocally and without prejudice,
condemns terrorist acts; every form of avoidable, unnecessary, unlawful violence that
results in the death, injury, displacement, or mortal endangerment of innocent civilians;
intolerance, racism, and xenophobia, including anti-Semitic, Islamophobic, anti-Arab, and
anti-Jewish sentiments, rhetoric, and attacks in our region, nation, and across the world.
SECTION 3. The City Council hereby supports Congressional Resolution H.R.
786, and joins other cities in calling on Congress and the Biden administration to demand:
an immediate ceasefire; an immediate release of all hostages; urgent safe passage and
delivery of substantial and sufficient humanitarian aid to Gaza; and a lasting political
resolution that protects the lives, health, and security of all innocent civilians.
Resolution No. 2024-
Page 2
SECTION 4. The City Council requests that a copy of this Resolution be
transmitted to the City’s delegation of federal representatives and disseminated to any
requesting interested parties.
SECTION 5. The Mayor shall sign this Resolution and the City Clerk shall attest
to the adoption thereof.
PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED this 27th day of February, 2024.
_____________________________
Mayor, City of Claremont
ATTEST:
____________________________
City Clerk, City of Claremont
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
____________________________
City Attorney, City of Claremont
1
Tanya Moreno
Subject:FW: ABRASHKIN-Ruti-Re: support
On Feb 19, 2024 at 5:17 PM -0800, Ruti Abrashkin , wrote:
Dear Council members,
I am writing in support of Claremont mandate to not
get involved in foreign or external affairs that we have
no hope influencing.
Thanks for your consideration
Ruti Abrashkin
DISTRIC 3
1
Melanie Martinez
To:Jennifer Stark; fazia AITEL
Subject:RE: Email contact from City of Claremont
On Feb 15, 2024, at 5:04 PM, City of Claremont <contact@ci.claremont.ca.us> wrote:
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you
recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Message submitted from the <City of Claremont> website.
Site Visitor Name: fazia AITEL
Site Visitor Email:
Hello,
My daughter is at CHS and I am a faculty at CMC. I have been living in Claremont for the past
20 years now. I urge you to support the call for the ceasefire. We will have this genocide on our
collective conscience for the rest of time...
Thank you for any support you can provide,
Fazia.
1
Melanie Martinez
Subject:FW: Proposed Resolutions for 27th Meeting
From: Christine Akin
Sent: Wednesday, February 21, 2024 3:45:49 PM
To: Jed Leano <jleano@ci.claremont.ca.us>
Subject: Proposed Resolutions for 27th Meeting
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the
sender and know the content is safe.
Dear Councilman Leano,
My family and I have been residents of Claremont since 2014.
We are one of many proud Jewish families that have felt safe here in Claremont, up until the past few months.
I recently heard that a group of student activists are pushing the council to weigh in on foreign affairs and
demand a ceasefire. I want to express to you the importance of the council to maintain its policy of not
weighing in on foreign affairs. We strongly believe that the council should stay out of world affairs, which it
obviously has no power over. Claremont taking a position in foreign affairs or a stance against Israel would
only further alienate the Jewish community here, it has much more potential for harm on our local streets than
effecting any real positive change in the middle east. The time and energy of our city officials should remain
focused on the good and betterment of our City.
Furthermore, this particular group of students bringing this to the council have antisemitic undertones and do
not seek to find unity or peace HERE. They seem not to care about the health, safety or inclusion of all
members of our local community.
There have already been Incidents in Claremont schools where there have been swastika‘s drawn on desks of
Jewish students, as well as other anti-Semitic verbiage that the Jewish students have been subjected to. We have
to drive by a sign every day on our way to school that label Israel as Genocidal but they do so with the Star of
David - a Jewish Symbol.
Thank you for considering our thoughts and perspective. We hope to see the city council members vote to
maintain the integrity of Claremont's mission statement: "We are a vibrant, livable, and inclusive community
dedicated to quality services, safety, financial strength, sustainability, preservation, and progress with equal
representation for our community.”
We will be present at the meeting, and subsequent meetings to express our opinion as longtime residents of the
city of Claremont.
Keep the city of Claremont focused on keeping us an inclusive, safe and prosperous community for all it's
residents.
2
The referral of your friends and family is the highest compliment I can receive and what
my business is built on. If you or someone you know needs assistance buying or selling a
home, please think of me.
Warmest Wishes,
Christine Akin
The Real Estate Resource Group
DRE 01787287
Real Estate with YOU in mind!
1
Melanie Martinez
From:Jennifer Stark
Sent:Friday, February 16, 2024 1:09 PM
To:Melanie Martinez
Subject:Fwd: Ceasefire Resolution
Please forward as public comment
Thank you!
Sent from my iPhone- please excuse the typos!
Begin forwarded message:
From: City of Claremont <contact@ci.claremont.ca.us>
Date: February 16, 2024 at 12:39:44 PM PST
To: Jennifer Stark <jstark@ci.claremont.ca.us>
Subject: Ceasefire Resolution
Reply-To: Heidi Arch
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you
recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Message submitted from the <City of Claremont> website.
Site Visitor Name: Heidi Arch
Site Visitor Email:
To begin with, thank you for putting the Ceasefire Resolution on the agenda for 2/27. The
horrendous number of innocent lives that have been lost must not go unnoticed.
You have publicly championed this issue in support of Palestinians and I commend your actions.
Local government can and should make bold statements to support basic human rights.
Citizen Heidi Arch
1
Tanya Moreno
Subject:FW: ASCHER-Barbara- Re: City Council Agenda
On Feb 22, 2024 at 11:43 AM -0800, Barbara Ascher , wrote:
Dear Claremont City Council Members,
Thank you for working hard for our wonderful city.
I am writing to support a continuation of the no-political-proclamations policy. It would be best
to remove the ceasefire resolution from the agenda next week, and instead vote to codify the
long-standing tradition of avoiding any statements about broad and divisive political issues
outside the council's remit.
Clearly, peace and harmonious relations are an ideal for all sides, with respect for opposing
opinions. But for the Claremont City Council to take a stand on an issue that has confounded
policy-makers for centuries would be very short-sighted. It would also open us to less than
civil behaviors and misplaced rage.
Thank you for taking a reasoned approach to continue a long-standing no-political-proclamations
approach.
Barbara Ascher
1
Tanya Moreno
Subject:FW: ASH-Rose- Ceasefire Resolution
A new entry to a form/survey has been submitted.
Form Name: Citizen Feedback
Date & Time: 02/20/2024 7:57 AM
Response #: 2719
Submitter ID: 13800
IP address: 2600:1012:b182:9b86:a5cc:d2f5:5aa0:6174
Time to complete: 31 min. , 38 sec.
Survey Details
Page 1
Please select a topic from the list below:
(○) Mayor/City Council
Type Your Question or Comment:
Dear Mayor and City Council Members, I am writing to request your reconsideration of placing on the City agenda the
proposed resolution calling for an Israeli‐Hamas ceasefire. If removal is not possible, I would urge you to reject the
resolution for the following reasons. Adoption of said resolution, or any modified version of it, would not serve its stated
purpose of furthering the objectives of peace. Instead, it would only serve to exacerbate a growing human relations crisis
that’s been developing in our community since Oct. 7. Perhaps the Council is not aware of the growing tensions occurring at
the Colleges, and throughout the community at large, between Jews, Muslims, Arabs, and Christians. Presumably well
meaning people, clothed in the banner of peacemaking, are. actively engaged in creating a climate of suspicion and distrust
among residents. Misleading and false accusations against community members based upon national identity have caused
untold hurt and trauma for many. As a Jew, experiencing first hand some of the vicious. antisemitic vindictive, it frightens
me to anticipate the even greater polarizing harm that adoption of such a resolution would cause in pitting neighbor against
neighbor. Please use your authority to help restore harmony to our beloved community by working for meaningful peace by
reducing tensions.
Name:
Rose Ash
Address:
City:
Claremont
State:
California
2
Email:
Phone:
I would like a response from the City:
(○) Yes
Photo
Please upload a jpeg
photo if available
Thank you,
City of Claremont
This is an automated message generated by Granicus. Please do not reply directly to this email.
Tanya Moreno
Subject:
FW: -Fwd: No statement please
From: City of Claremont < ntact.),c us>
Date: Feb 16, 2024 at 2:18 PM -0800
reeue@ui...,. ;l:. e nt.c:.. us>
To: Ed Reece < . ... . . .. . ....w, ..... . ..... ....... . .. . .. .. ..................................................
Subject: No statement please
C/W 1f11OIN: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you
recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Message submitted from the <City of Claremont> website.
Site Visitor Name:
Site Visitor Email:
Hello,
I'm a longtime Claremont citizen (of 15 years), and I love peace. I want peace for every
Palestinian and every Israeli. However, a ceasefire right now will arguably only prolong
everyone's suffering, and won't happen until all of the hostages are released. We all know this.
More importantly, it is not the city's job to make political statements about geopolitics, and in
this case it would be especially problematic. If you pass a resolution calling for a ceasefire in
Gaza, the question will arise: why didn't you do that when Saudi Arabia was killing 250,000
Yemenis? What about Ukraine? Do you only make resolutions when it involves criticizing Jews?
There is no reason for you to take a side on this complex situation; all this will do is alienate
most of your constituents. I know that Dan Segal (of Pitzer) and others have "led" (I would say
indoctrinated) dozens of their students to take a hardline position, understanding only one side of
this issue. I know that they, unlike many of us who work and have families, have the time on a
Tuesday to come to a meeting and make noise. They will try to intimidate you and to silence all
others who disagree with them. Please don't take the fact that they intimidate people from
speaking as evidence that this is what the people of Claremont want. We don't want you making
statements on every or any controversial topic that a couple of professors choose to make their
pet projects. Please don't do this.
i
Dear Mrs Wand
Good Morning,
As you may have heard,everyday cities and organizations are making the endorsement of a ceasefire in
Gaza.
There is overwhelming local and international support for a permanent ceasefire.The devastation of the Israeli
military’s genocidal campaign has made Gaza unlivable.Yet,surprisingly Israel allowed the temporary
ceasefire to end.The Israeli military has already resumed airstrikes,killing hundreds of children daily!
The truth is that the Israeli government is feeling the immense international pressure for a permanent
ceasefire.The window of time for the Israeli military to continue its genocidal campaign in Gaza is closing.So
their campaign of death and destruction has resumed with new urgency.
But while they’re fighting to destroy as many lives as possible,the movement for ceasefire and Palestinian
liberation is fighting on the side of life.The pressure is working,but just as it’s clear that the Israeli government
is hell-bent on genocide,it’s also clear that we must push for an immediate end to the violence with more
urgency than ever.Moreso,measures must be taken to prevent such atrocities from repeating.
I would like to introduce a resolution to be proposed at a city council meeting.The resolution reiterates the
city's diversity and ensures safety for all.Secondly,the resolution calls on the city to a moral and ethical stance
by calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.Lastly,the resolution seeks to divest any and all funds from the State of
Israel,as well as corporations financially benefiting from the current genocide.
I have attached the text for a resolution below.Could we work together to move this resolution forward?In the
event you’d like the statement in a different format,please let me know and we can arrange.
Thank you for the consideration..
Respectfully,
Basem
RESOLUTION NO._____________
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLAREMONT ENDORSING FOR
THE IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE IN GAZA;ORDERING THAT ELECTED OFFICIALS CEASE
ALL UNITED STATES TAXPAYER MILITARY AID TO ISRAEL;ACKNOWLEDGE AND
ENSURE THE SAFETY OF PALESTINIAN CONSTITUENCY,AS WELL AS THOSE IN
SUPPORT,AND PROTECT THEIR RIGHT TO VOICE THEIR OPINIONS AND CONCERNS;
ORDER THE DIVESTMENT FROM ISRAEL,AND/OR COMPANIES THAT BENEFIT FROM
THE AGGRESSIONS IN GAZA.
WHEREAS,the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has not only resulted in immense human suffering
but also has had a significant impact on all of our local communities across the region
WHEREAS,the City of Claremont recognizes the importance of fostering an environment of peace
and stability starting from the local level.
WHEREAS,the City of Claremont firmly believes that the ongoing hostilities in Israel and Palestine not
only disrupt the lives of those directly affected but also resonate deeply within communities of all backgrounds.
WHEREAS,the City of Claremont advocates for the safety,dignity,freedom,and equality for all
people,regardless of religion,race,or nationality.
WHEREAS,the City of Claremont recognizes that the current crisis takes place within a long history
and affirms that,for a pathway to lasting peace and justice to be developed,the root causes of the crisis need
to be addressed.
WHEREAS,Gaza is in a dire humanitarian crisis that is getting worse with each passing day,with over
30,000 Palestinians killed,including over 12,000 children,6,100 women,524 healthcare professionals and 105
journalists as of January 4th,2024.
WHEREAS,over 179,000 residential units have been damaged,and over 67,000 completely destroyed
and over 1,935,000 Gazans displaced.
WHEREAS,over 65,000 tons of explosives have been dropped on civilians,hospitals,places of
worship and education facilities.
WHEREAS,as of January 7th,over 330 Palestinians in the West Bank killed and over 900 displaced.
WHEREAS,as of January 7th,over 5,600 Palesitinians in the West Bank have been arrested.
WHEREAS,Palestine has been under military occupation for over 50 years,and Gaza has been
subject to a military siege for over 16 years.
WHEREAS,as of December 5th,Over 50,000 pregnant women are unable to obtain basic health
services
WHEREAS,residents of Claremont,as well ALL United States taxpayers,annually contribute over
$3,800,000,000 of United States tax payers dollars to Israel,which has the 13th highest GDP per capita,to
facilitate the above referenced crimes against Palestinians civilians.
WHEREAS,United States tax funds could be used locally to provide over 450,000 households with
public housing for one year,provide over 1,300,000 children with free or low cost healthcare,hire over 41,400
elementary school teachers or cancel over 100,000 student loan debt.
WHEREAS,as a result of the dehumanizing rhetoric voiced by elected officials,Palestinian Americans,
as well as those in support of,have been subject to a multitude of hate crimes;verbally and physically
assaulted,shot,and even murdered.
WHEREAS,the silence from city,state and national elected officials regarding the increase in hate
crimes normalizes and enables Islamophobia,Anti-Palestinian,and further hate crimes.
WHEREAS,international organizations like Amnesty International,the United Nations,the World Health
Organization,the US Agency for International Development (USAID),the International Rescue Committee,and
many others have made a call for a ceasefire in order to prevent the further loss of life of civilians and to be in
accordance with international humanitarian law.
WHEREAS,over seventy percent of American voters support a ceasefire and want to see the U.S.
leverage its diplomatic relationships to prevent further violence and civilian deaths.
NOW,THEREFORE,THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CLAREMONT ,CALIFORNIA,
DOES RESOLVE,DECLARE,DETERMINE AND ORDER AS FOLLOWS;
Section 1:Recitals.The Recitals set forth above are true and correct and are incorporated into this
Resolution by this reference.
Section 2:Ceasefire.The City of Claremont supports the U.S.Congress Resolution H.R.786 and
joins other cities in calling on our Congress Members to demand:an immediate ceasefire;release of all
hostages,the unrestricted entry of humanitarian assistance into Gaza;the restoration of food,water,
electricity,and medical supplies to Gaza;and the respect for international law;and calls for a resolution that
protects the security of all innocent civilian.
Section 3:Safety.The City of Claremont affirms and ensures the safety of our Palestinian
constituency,as well as those in support of,and protects their right to voice their opinions and concerns.
Section 4:Divestment.The City of Claremont will divest from Israel,and companies that benefit
from such atrocities listed above,in order to pressure Israel to meet its obligations under International law.
PASSED,APPROVED and ADOPTED this _____day of _____,20__
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Tanya Moreno
Subject:FW: Benjamin-Deena--Proposed ceasefire resolution
‐‐‐‐‐Original Message‐‐‐‐‐
From: Deena Benjamin
Sent: Wednesday, February 21, 2024 12:43 PM
To: Tanya Moreno <tmoreno@ci.claremont.ca.us>
Subject: Benjamin‐Deena‐‐Proposed ceasefire resolution
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you
recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Dear Ms Moreno,
I am a resident of District 3 and have lived in Claremont since 1997. I am writing with concern because I recently learned
that some student activist groups are pushing the Claremont City Council to put forth anti‐Israel ceasefire resolutions. I
want to make clear the importance of the Council to maintain its policy of not weighing in on foreign affairs. I strongly
believe that the council should stay out of world affairs, which it has no power over, especially the complex situation in
the Middle East. The council should focus on the matters of the city and its immediate issues.
Since the October 7 terrorist attacks in Israel, Jews in our community and our country are facing backlash and scrutiny as
well as hate and antisemitism. Antisemitism has increased by more than 800% since October 7. Allowing resolutions
such as these will only further increase hate and antisemitism for the Jewish population in Claremont, as well as the
children that attend school here.
I urge you and the Council to stick to and codify the practice of only engaging in local issues. This proposed resolution
has no place in our local government.
Regards,
Deena Benjamin
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Tanya Moreno
Subject:CHUQUIMIA-Karla - Re: Please do not weigh in
On Feb 20, 2024 at 6:02 PM -0800, City of Claremont <contact@ci.claremont.ca.us>, wrote:
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you
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Message submitted from the <City of Claremont> website.
Site Visitor Name: Karla Chuquimia
Site Visitor Email:
Dear Ed Reece,
I am writing because I’m concerned about an attempt by anti-Israel activists to get our city
council to make a statement about the war in Gaza. The City Council has had a tradition to NOT
weigh in on foreign affairs for obvious reasons. I urge the Council to keep to its excellent custom
to avoid making divisive statements.
Thank you in advance for your attention in this matter.
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Melanie Martinez
Subject:FW: Claremont Keep It Local
On Feb 22, 2024, at 10:33 AM, Sharon Cohen wrote:
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Dear Jennifer, I hope you are well. As a resident of District 3. I have lived in Claremont since 1975.
You might recall that we met and did some work together some years ago with the “Swing Left
Inland Valley”, a group that I founded.
Recently I heard that some student activists are pushing the Claremont City Council to pass a
resolution about the Israel Hamas conflict. I just want to express to you the importance that the
council maintain its practice of not weighing in on foreign affairs. I strongly believe that the council
should stay out of world affairs, which obviously it has no power over. Let’s keep it local.
Anti‐Semitism has increased by more than 800% since October. That trend is unfortunately also
occurring in Claremont. We urge you to protect the Jewish population of Claremont by not voting
on any resolution that is about foreign affairs. For your reference here is an article from The Anti‐
Defamation League regarding the group, SJP, who is bringing up these resolutions.
https://www.adl.org/resources/backgrounder/students‐justice‐palestine‐sjp
Warm regards,
Sharon Cohen
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Melanie Martinez
From:Jennifer Stark
Sent:Thursday, February 15, 2024 12:02 PM
To:Melanie Martinez
Subject:Fwd: CEASEFIRE RESOLUTION NOW
Please forward as public comment.
Thank you
Sent from my iPhone- please excuse the typos!
Begin forwarded message:
From: City of Claremont <contact@ci.claremont.ca.us>
Date: February 14, 2024 at 7:59:16 PM PST
To: Jennifer Stark <jstark@ci.claremont.ca.us>
Subject: CEASEFIRE RESOLUTION NOW
Reply-To: Sophia Davis
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you
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Message submitted from the <City of Claremont> website.
Site Visitor Name: Sophia Davis
Site Visitor Email:
Hi,
My name is Sophie and I'm a student at the Claremont Colleges concerned with Claremont's
response to the ongoing genocide occuring in Gaza, Palestine. As I am writing this, the Israeli
government is closing in on Rafah, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinian refugees are
sheltering in a so-called "safe zone." 67 were martyred during the Super Bowl on Sunday in a
brutal attack. 30,000+ Palestinians in Gaza have died since October 7, and US institutions have
blood on their hands. Will you be on the right side of history?
I urge you to vote for a CEASEFIRE resolution on February 27th. I will be in attendance and
expecting a ceasefire resolution to pass.
All the best,
Sophie
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Melanie Martinez
From:Jennifer Stark
Sent:Monday, February 19, 2024 8:18 AM
To:Melanie Martinez
Subject:Fwd: Cease fire resolution.
Please forward as public comment
Thank you!
Sent from my iPhone- please excuse the typos!
Begin forwarded message:
From: Jennifer Stark <jstark@ci.claremont.ca.us>
Date: February 19, 2024 at 8:15:38 AM PST
To: Mika Efros
Subject: Re: Cease fire resolution.
On Feb 18, 2024, at 9:42 PM, City of Claremont <contact@ci.claremont.ca.us>
wrote:
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open
attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Message submitted from the <City of Claremont> website.
Site Visitor Name: Mika Efros
Site Visitor Email:
Dear Jennifer,
Hello! We met briefly a couple of times through our mutual friends Steve and
Amanda Sabicers. I am a resident of District 3 since 2013. Both of my kids have
gone through Claremont school system. It came to my attention that Claremont
2
city council might consider cease fire resolution. I would like to take this
opportunity to tell you how important it is to our family that the Council maintain
its current policy of not weighing in on foreign affairs. These types of resolutions
achieve no impact on federal policy and bring strife to local community. People
who support both sides of the issue are free to express their opinions but for the
city council to take a side will alienate many (including my family and close
friends living in Claremont). I urge you to work with other members on the
council on local matters within council control that serve betterment of the
community. Thank you very much for your attention to this. Happy to discuss this
further . We are counting on your support.
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Tanya Moreno
Subject:FW: EISENSTADT-Oona
From: City of Claremont <contact@ci.claremont.ca.us>
Date: Feb 16, 2024 at 3:00 PM -0800
To: Ed Reece <ereece@ci.claremont.ca.us>
Subject: Email contact from City of Claremont
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you
recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Message submitted from the <City of Claremont> website.
Site Visitor Name: Oona Eisenstadt
Site Visitor Email:
Please don't allow the students to pressure you into taking a position on Gaza. I doubt a position
(either way) would go down well with your constituents. It's unnecessary and inappropriate for
the City of Claremont to have a foreign policy.
1
Melanie Martinez
Subject:FW: Anti-Israel activists
On Feb 20, 2024, at 6:11 PM, Tracie Evrigenis wrote:
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Dear City Council,
As a local high school teacher and mother, I urge you not to get involved in world politics. My
husband is in Government at Claremont McKenna and refuses to make a public statement. The
City Council needs to restrain itself from weighing in on foreign affairs. We have plenty to
worry about in our town.
Let's keep our city safe by putting in adequate lighting in our neighborhoods. I often walk my
dogs in the evening, and I do not feel comfortable. I jump when I see strangers cutting through
our street, teens cutting through alleys, and hanging out in the dark crevices of our
parks. Children should feel safe outside, and the elderly should walk their dogs without
tripping. Stumbling and being wrong-footed is a common occurrence on my block: 674 W 10th
Street.
Respectfully,
Trae
--
Trāe Evrigenis
Excellence isn’t an act, it’s a habit... —Quincy Jones
1
Tanya Moreno
Subject:FW: FUKSHANSKY-Lenny- A concern about anti-Israel resolution on 2/27 meeting
From: Fukshansky, Lenny
Date: Feb 15, 2024 at 2:25 PM -0800
To: Corey Calaycay <ccalaycay@ci.claremont.ca.us>, Jed Leano <jleano@ci.claremont.ca.us>, Sal Medina
<smedina@ci.claremont.ca.us>, Ed Reece <ereece@ci.claremont.ca.us>, Jennifer Stark
<jstark@ci.claremont.ca.us>
Subject: A concern about anti-Israel resolution on 2/27 meeting
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you
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Dear Claremont Councilmembers,
My name is Lenny Fukshansky, I am a long-time Claremont resident (17 years) and a Professor
of Mathematics at Claremont McKenna College. I have met all of you on one occasion or
another; I am a loyal customer of Sal's wine shop, and have also met many of you at the Chabad
Hanukkah celebrations in front of the City Hall on multiple occasions. I live in District 2
represented by Councilmember Ed Reece.
I am writing to you today with a serious concern about a resolution that, as I have been told, will
be considered at the next City of Claremont meeting on February 27; I am talking about the anti-
Israel "Stop Genocide Resolution", sponsored by the Claremont Colleges Students for Justice in
Palestine (SJP) chapter. As someone who has been deeply involved in Jewish life on the
Claremont Colleges campuses for many years, allow me to offer you a perspective on this group
and their resolution.
SJP is a radical activist group at the Claremont Colleges that has been staging a variety of
borderline violent demonstrations to support their agenda. They have been a disruptive presence
at the Colleges for many years, a result of active encouragement by their Pitzer faculty advisor
Professor Dan Segal (now retired). SJP's actions have been especially concerning and
troublesome since the Hamas terrorist attack in Israel on October 7, 2023. While their activity
has not so far led to any physical altercations (to the best of my knowledge), they and their allies
have been known to:
physically block entrances to public buildings on campus, violating the Colleges'
demonstration policies (as I understand, this actually led to some physical contact with
some students when they blocked the entrance to a dining hall),
destroy college-approved flyers and posters with information about hostages held by
Hamas and physically block the people trying to hang them,
use intimidation techniques, both in person and online (including social media) to target
pro-Israeli students and staff,
boycott Jewish faculty, urging other students not to register for classes taught by
professors with "Zionist sounding names", a clearly antisemitic message: there no such
thing as a "Zionist sounding name",
2
harass students who showed any interest in Israel.
Their behavior created a hostile environment on campus, and some of their actions are being
investigated by the Colleges' administration as potential conduct violations. This organization
consists of loud activists, who do not speak on behalf of a majority of young people on our
campuses, and their methods are those of bullying and intimidation, not peaceful discussion.
The resolution they are proposing is misleading, factually false, and – most importantly –
entirely misplaced. The notion of genocide is defined as "the deliberate killing of a large number
of people from a particular nation or ethnic group with the aim of destroying that nation or
group". If one closely watches Israel's actions and follows the commentary of American military
commandment, it becomes immediately evident that Israel has no such aim and that killings of
peaceful civilians are certainly note deliberate – on the contrary, IDF is going out of its way to
minimize the number of civilian casualties in this very difficult military operation in highly
urbanized areas. Of course, any war and related to it civilian casualties are always a tragedy, but
the responsibility here is on Hamas, the terrorist organization that committed the heinous attack
of October 7 and then proceeded to use their own civilians as human shields. Israel's ongoing
military operation simply fulfills the government's obligation to its citizens to ensure that the
horror of October 7 (analogous to the US tragedy of 9/11, however many times amplified in
proportion to the population size) does not happen again.
All of this being said, I understand that there are multiple perspectives on the current situation in
the Middle East. The purpose of the above paragraphs was to give you mine, which I know is
shared by many other Claremont residents, including many of my colleagues at the Claremont
Colleges.
This brings me to my three main points:
The City of Claremont should not be taking any position on the foreign affairs, as they
have nothing to do with the city governance. Foreign affairs constitute federal, not local
issues.
Adopting resolutions that are strongly opposed by many constituents (which is certainly
the case with this resolution) would be a highly divisive act for the Claremont
community.
The councilmembers' main responsibility should be to the permanent residents of the city
of Claremont, who elected them. Students usually keep residence status at their original
home address, not at their college – this has always been the case for benefits and tax
purposes.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter, and I hope you will take my comments
into consideration. While I am happy to discuss further, if you like, via email or in person, this
message is not to be used in any public record and should be treated as a private communication.
I will try my best to attend the meeting on February 27.
Best,
Lenny Fukshansky
Professor of Mathematics
Claremont McKenna College.
1
Tanya Moreno
Subject:FW: GILBERT-Gary-City Council Motion
From: Gary Gilbert
Sent: Wednesday, February 21, 2024 11:15 AM
To: Tanya Moreno <tmoreno@ci.claremont.ca.us>; Adam Pirrie <apirrie@ci.claremont.ca.us>
Subject: GILBERT‐Gary‐City Council Motion
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the
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Dear City Manage Pirrie and Council Coordinator Moreno,
My name is Gary Gilbert. I am a longstanding Claremont resident, having lived in the city (on in District
3) for 26 years. I also serve at the President of Temple Beth Israel, a synagogue with many members who are Claremont
residents, and also on the faculty at Claremont McKenna College, having started my position during the tenure of Jack
Stark. I mention these affiliations to demonstrate my deep roots in this community; my comments are my own.
After its meeting on February 13, 2024, the council indicated that it may include an agenda item for its next meeting on
February 27 regarding a cease fire in the Israel-Hamas war. I write to you in opposition to such a resolution. I am
opposed to the resolution both in principle and in content.
Principle
The Claremont City Council has had a practice of not making official pronouncements on matters of foreign affairs. This is
a sound practice and should continue to guide the city council. Although the council members are both knowledgeable
and well-meaning public servants, they do not have access to the sources, intelligence, and advice available to national
leaders. They cannot, with all due respect, make a truly informed judgment on complex matters of international
affairs. Rather, they would have to rely on public media reports and the advocacy of committed citizens. This is no way
to make political decisions.
If the city council moves forward to consider a cease fire resolution, then the council should be prepared to weigh in on
any other matter of domestic or international concern. One would expect the council to consider resolutions on the war in
Ukraine, the plight of the Uyghers or the Rohingya people, the ongoing war between Armenia and Azerbaijan, along with
a never ending list of conflicts and atrocities, most of which come with some form of US involvement and tax payer
support.
Those who favor a cease fire have a venue, the US Congress and administration, in which they can bring their demands
and seek a change to national policy. If they want the US to change its policy and to stop using tax dollars to support for
Israel, they can make these arguments themselves to their own representatives; they do not need the City of Claremont to
be their mouthpiece.
Content
Proponents of the cease fire point to the devastating loss of life in Gaza, the destruction of property, and the displacement
of its residents. The events that have taken place in Gaza over the last few months have certainly been tragic, and the
victims deserve our compassion and support. Claims that these events are acts of genocide and ethnic cleansing are, at
the most generous, premature and largely inaccurate. The International Court of Justice, a body that most certainly
cannot be considered pro-Israel, has yet to issue a ruling on these claims, but most notably did not call for Israel to
implement a cease fire. Think about that for a moment. The advocates of the cease fire are asking you to adopt a policy
that not even the ICJ, with far more expertise in international affairs, thought appropriate. Moreover, the calls for a cease
fire ignore the Israeli victims, the 1,200 persons massacred by Hamas terrorists, Hamas’s commission of horrific acts of
sexual violence, and the taking of over 200 persons as hostages, which is a violation of international law and a war
crime. A resolution calling for Israel to implement a cease fire is completely one-sided. It makes no demands on Hamas
2
and allows the terrorist organization to continue to threaten Israel. The failure to mention these atrocities and crimes
indicates that the real motivation behind a cease fire resolution is not humanitarian but political.
As is the case in many difficult discussions, one needs to ask who benefits from this proposal? Certainly not the
Palestinians living in the Gaza. The Palestinians desperately need and deserve immediate humanitarian aid and
ultimately an end to the fighting. That point goes uncontested. In reality, however, neither the Israeli government nor the
Biden administration will give any notice to a resolution passed by the Claremont City Council. The resolution will not
change Israel’s actions nor stop a single US tax dollar from going to Israel. In other words, the resolution will achieve
none of the goals the supporters wish. So who benefits? I think the answer is the proponents themselves. This measure
is intended not to bring about real change in the war, but to shame anyone in our community, including the council
members themselves, who might oppose the resolution. It is their way of forcing officials and community members to
make their opposition to a cease fire public, and, when they do, to hang a sign around their necks and vilify them for their
position.
Claremont is a small, tight- knit community, bound together in a rich and wonderful network of schools, colleges,
businesses, religious institutions, and community activities and organizations. Because people hold very strong opinions
on these issues, a cease fire resolution poses the danger of doing severe damage to the social fabric that makes
Claremont an exceptional place in which to live. We can and should feel sympathy for the suffering of Palestinians in
Gaza. A cease fire resolution, however, will only create fear, distrust, and enmity among Claremont residents, without
saving a single Palestinian life. There are many ways to speak out against the suffering taking place in Gaza; the
adoption of a cease fire resolution by the City of Claremont is not one of them.
Respectfully,
Gary Gilbert
Gary Gilbert
Associate Professor of Religious Studies
Director, Jewish Studies Sequence
Claremont McKenna College
Claremont, CA 91711
telephone:
e-mail:
fax:
1
Tanya Moreno
Subject:HAIAVY-Jacob-Re: Upcoming meeting
On Feb 21, 2024 at 10:26 AM -0800, Jacob Haiavy , wrote:
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you
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Dear Councilman Ed Reece,
I am writing to you in regards to an upcoming meeting and a possible
resolution that will be voted on. I have been a resident of Claremont for 20
years. Recently I heard that some student activists are pushing the council
to release anti-Israel resolutions. I just wanted to express to you the
importance of the council to maintain its policy of not weighing in on
foreign affairs. We strongly believe that the council should stay out of
world affairs, which obviously it has no power over, especially the complex
situation in the Middle East.
Furthermore, most of the students that attend the colleges in Claremont are
transient to this community and are not permanent residents of the city and
should not take the time of the council and dictate initiatives on behalf of
claremont residents. The council should be concentrated on the matters of
the city and immediate issues instead of wasting time on complex problems
that are remote to our residents especially when such a student group such
as Students for Justice in Palestine has been banned from several
universities due to its anti-Semitic rhetoric and threats against Jewish
students alike.
Since the October 7 terrorist attacks in Israel, most Jews are facing backlash
and scrutiny as well as hate and antisemitism. Anti semitism has increased
by more than 800% since October 7. By allowing such outrageous
resolutions it will only further increase and embolden hate and anti-
Semitism for the Jewish population in the city of Claremont, including the
kids that attend public schools in Claremont.
There has already been Incidents in Claremont schools where there has
been swastika‘s drawn on desk of Jewish students, as well as other anti-
Semitic verbiage that the Jewish students have been subject to.
We urge you to protect the Jewish population of the city of Claremont by
not voting on any misguided resolutions against Israel which maybe
2
portrayed as a humanitarian effort but will only result in more hatred and
antisemitism towards Jews of this city.
We wanted to thank you for supporting us during this difficult time as this
serious issue has a great impact on every Jewish resident of the beautiful
city of Claremont. We will be present at the meeting, and subsequent
meetings to express our opinion as longtime residents of the city of
Claremont.
For your information, here is an article from the Anti Defamation League
regarding the group SJP who is bringing up these resolutions:
https://www.adl.org/resources/backgrounder/students-justice-palestine-sjp
Thank you for considering and maintaining the city council’s mission
statement that will protect its residents against discrimination, and to keep
them safe from harassment, and ensure safety of community of which we
are proud to be a part of. I urge you to vote NO on both anti Israel
resolutions and maintain the policy of not commenting on world affairs that
do not impact our local community.
Sincerely
Jacob Haiavy, M.D.
--
Jacob Haiavy, M.D., F.A.C.S.
President American Board of Cosmetic Surgery 2016-2017
President California Academy of Cosmetic Surgery 2015
www.inlandcosmetic.com
PRIVACY NOTICE. This communication constitutes an electronic communication of the
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sure to any other person. If the recipient of this communication is not the person to whom his
communication is addressed, please notify the sender immediately and destroy this
communication without reading it. Any review, disclosure, dissemination, distribution,
publication, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited.
1
Shelley Desautels
From:
Sent:Thursday, February 22, 2024 3:00 PM
To:Shelley Desautels
Subject:Public Comment: agenda item re scope and content of City Council Resolutions, esp. re ceasefire in
the middle east
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the
sender and know the content is safe.
To the Council and City Manager:
Public Comment: agenda item re scope and content of City Council Resolutions, esp. re ceasefire in
the middle east
I support the Staff recommendation that Council adopt a resolution affirming the limitation of Council
positions to matters that fall directly under the purview of municipal government/City.
And I support that there be no second resolution— of any language— in response to the middle east
events.
It is essential to establish that there are two significant reasons to disallow any resolution regarding
the middle east-- not just to disallow it as a jurisdictional issue.
Most significantly, beyond just jurisdictional:
Any resolution in response to the middle east situation, no matter how many platitudes and attempts
at language of balanced concern for all, will be divisive, and directly harmful to many in the
community-- especially in the context of worldwide (and in Claremont community and on campus)
protests and similar ceasefire and divestment efforts— including many efforts around the world
declaring support for Hamas, whose stated agenda is eliminating-- not just Israel, but Jews.
Given the issue’s immediate genesis as a ceasefire proposal, any resolution at this time is, in effect, a
resolution regarding the middle east whether the resolution language is as direct as "ceasefire, or as
vague and general as wishing for peace and safety for everyone everywhere.
The position of the Council should not rest entirely on a precedent to limit its resolutions to local
issues.
Even if absent historical precedent, the current Council should establish its policy now to limit its
actions to those within its municipal purview.
And it should be established that no resolution in response to the middle east can possibly be worded
that will satisfy the heartfelt concerns of all constituencies, and cause none to feel less safe and
welcome in our community.
Local or not.
2
Some have suggested that the Council can instead direct its Committee on Human Relations or other
City agency could be directed to address the divisions and hurt within the community.
But that also constitutes City action in direct response to the request to address the situation in the
middle east.
There is always need and a place for conscious, caring, skillful communication and community-
building, including regarding our diverse political and moral commitments on issues beyond the
City. But that should be accomplished by community groups, not any agency of the City.
With my own open heart on behalf of the well-being of all-
Jennifer Jaffe
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Melanie Martinez
From:Jennifer Stark
Sent:Monday, February 19, 2024 8:20 AM
To:Nazli Janjua
Cc:Melanie Martinez
Subject:Re: Email contact from City of Claremont
Sent from my iPhone- please excuse the typos!
On Feb 18, 2024, at 7:03 PM, City of Claremont <contact@ci.claremont.ca.us> wrote:
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you
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Message submitted from the <City of Claremont> website.
Site Visitor Name: Nazli Janjua
Site Visitor Email:
Dear City Council Representative Stark
I want to thank you for showing compassion on the past two city council meetings in Claremont
considering a resolution supporting a ceasefire in Gaza.
Myself and your other constituents were heartened to know that our Council considers such
grave global issues, which have affected us here, important to consider in our City.
1
Tanya Moreno
Subject:FW: JANJUA-Nazli-Re: ceasefire resolution
On Feb 18, 2024 at 7:08 PM -0800, City of Claremont <contact@ci.claremont.ca.us>, wrote:
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you
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Message submitted from the <City of Claremont> website.
Site Visitor Name: Nazli Janjua
Site Visitor Email:
Dear Councilmember
As a citizen of Claremont, I write to inform you of how deeply the ongoing conflict in Gaza
affects me and many others here. In an increasingly interconnected global community, events
abroad will invariably effect us here. From a humanitarian viewpoint, Claremont must join the
ranks of cities such as Chicago and Seattle and pass a ceasefire resolution.
1
Tanya Moreno
Subject:FW: KARAISCOS-Katie - Re: Israel/Palestine Conflict
On Feb 21, 2024 at 12:56 PM -0800, Katie Karaiscos , wrote:
Dear Mayor Medina, Mayor Pro Tem Calaycay, and Councilmembers,
I am writing regarding an item rumored to have been placed on the agenda for next
week’s council meeting regarding the Israel/Palestinian conflict stemming from
comments made by a small group to enact an Israel genocide ceasefire now resolution.
I am shocked beyond words that the city would even consider becoming involved in
taking a stance against members of its community.
As a longtime resident, employee of the Claremont business community, and parent of
a CUSD child, I am appalled that the city would entertain a discussion of any measure
on this topic. There is no place in the city government for official stances/statements
about foreign affairs. Did it take public positions on China, Russia, Saudi Arabia,
Hamas? Why against Israel then?
The very thought that the city thinks it has the luxury of evening eyeing a direction on
matters of foreign affairs is frightening. It is reckless and irresponsible. Taking a position
virtually gives license to those being supported by the city to silence and harass
individuals based on their ancestry/heritage/ethnicity/religious affiliation. I do hope this
sounds familiar. Please do not be so naïve to think that this will not happen. It is
happening already. In cities and college campuses all around the world. In your city, on
your college campuses.
I request that you remove this topic from discussion in the next and all future agendas.
Let the citizens of the city hold their own opinions, discourse as they see fit, and protest
peacefully when moved. Doing anything but that is discriminatory. Lest Claremont is
looking to revamp its motto to: The Antisemitic City of Trees and Ph.D.s.
Thank you for your continued dedication and time.
Best,
Katie Karaiscos
1
Melanie Martinez
Subject:FW: Israel
On Feb 16, 2024, at 3:49 PM, City of Claremont <contact@ci.claremont.ca.us> wrote:
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Site Visitor Name: Marc Katz
Site Visitor Email:
It would be a tremendous mistake for the council to weigh in on a geopolitical issue like this one.
Now isn’t the time for slogans and shouting. We need enlightened, informed dialogue about a
complex historical situation. As council members representing a liberal arts college community,
you can help achieve that by forgoing a partisan resolution.
Marc Katz
Scripps College
Melanie Martinez
To:Jed Leano
Subject:RE: City Council: No statement about international armed conflicts
CƩƚƒʹLisaKoch
{ĻƓƷʹThursday,February22,20241:33:09PM
ƚʹJedLeano<jleano@ci.claremont.ca.us>
{ǒĬƆĻĭƷʹCityCouncil:Nostatementaboutinternationalarmedconflicts
CAUTION:Thisemailoriginatedfromoutsideoftheorganization.Donotclicklinksoropenattachmentsunlessyourecognizethe
senderandknowthecontentissafe.
Dear Councilmember Leano,
I live in District 4 and I'd like to ask you *not* to support the effort to get the City Council to
make a statement about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While I have both personal and professional opinions
about this conflict (I teach international relations at CMC), I believe it is inappropriate for the City Council to
make statements about foreign wars. Making a statement about this conflict would set a precedent. The City
Council could then be expected to weigh in on future conflicts in different regions, or to weigh in on other
international issues as well. This would be an inappropriate use of the Council's governing authority. I strongly
support everyone's right to speak freely on this subject, but expressing personal beliefs and opinions is different
from a city government issuing a formal statement that represents that city and its residents. I hope the City
Council will allow residents to voice their opinions within the confines of the agenda and procedure, but will
refrain from using its authority to issue a formal statement on this or other armed conflicts.
Thank you for the good work you do for our community.
Sincerely,
Lisa Koch
1
1
Tanya Moreno
Subject:LERNER-Emily - Re: City Council - Proposed Resolutions on Israel
On Feb 21, 2024 at 2:00 PM -0800, wrote:
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Dear Mr. Mayor and City Council Members:
I am a resident of District 3 and have lived in Claremont since 2019. I am also a small business
owner, having a law firm in the Claremont Village since 2020. My children attend Chaparral
Elementary School and participate in various Claremont activities, like little league and soccer. I
am very proud to be a member of the Claremont community. I am also part of the Jewish
community in Claremont who believe strongly in the preservation of the Jewish people and in
the preservation of the State of Israel. This is a matter that is very close to my heart, and not a
topic that I thought would ever enter into local politics.
I have learned that some student activists are pushing the Council to approve anti-Israel
resolutions, and that these measures will be presented at the next Council meeting. I am writing
to urge the Council to maintain its policy of not weighing in on foreign affairs. Since the
October 7th terrorist attacks in Israel, Jews are facing increased hate and antisemitism on a
national and local level. Allowing such resolutions will both alienate Jewish Claremont residents
as well as embolden hate and anti-Semitism against the Jewish population in the city of
Claremont, including against our children that attend public schools in Claremont.
I urge you to vote against any resolution that is anti-Israel or supports a ceasefire in the Middle
East. It is inappropriate and harmful for the local government to weigh in on issues of foreign
policy.
Thank you for considering and maintaining the City Council’s mission statement to protect
residents against discrimination, and to keep them safe from harassment, and ensure safety of
community of which I am proud to be a part of.
Sincerely,
2
Emily Lerner
EMILY LERNER
Attorney at Law
The Law Office of Emily Lerner, APC
Claremont, CA 91711
Notice: This communication contains confidential information belonging to the sender which
may be legally privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. The
information is intended only for the use of the individual or entity named above. If you are not
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taking of any action in reliance on the contents of this communication is strictly prohibited. If
you have received this message in error, immediately notify the sender by return e-mail and
delete the entire message.
1
Shelley Desautels
From:sdesautels@ci.claremont.ca.us
Subject:FW: Foreign policy on council agenda?
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Site Visitor Name:
Site Visitor Email:
We understand that the Israel‐Hamas war has been added to the city council meeting agenda. If this is
the case, we'd like to express our strong opinion that the council should take no positions on foreign
policy, whether on this topic or any other. We also believe that if the council takes a stand on this issue,
it will alienate many Claremont residents, including us.
Sincerely,
1
Melanie Martinez
From:noreplyl@ci.claremont.ca.us
Sent:Thursday, February 15, 2024 8:29 AM
To:contact
Subject:City of Claremont: Citizen Feedback Form from Website
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the
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A new entry to a form/survey has been submitted.
Form Name: Citizen Feedback
Date & Time: 02/15/2024 8:28 AM
Response #: 2711
Submitter ID: 13785
IP address: 2600:1012:b01d:90f6:55ae:6f0e:8f77:e5f4
Time to complete: 1 min. , 52 sec.
Survey Details
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(○) Topic Not Listed
Type Your Question or Comment:
To the City Council of Claremont:
My name is Chelsea Liu and I am a Claremont resident, graduate of Claremont Graduate University, and former archivist at
Claremont Heritage. I am writing to voice my strong support, along with many other members of the Claremont community,
for the ceasefire resolution regarding Palestine.
As many scholars have attested, as well as the recent International Court of Justice ruling, there is ample evidence for
genocide perpetrated against the Palestinian people in Gaza. It is incumbent upon all people to stand against the wholesale
massacre of civilians, including women and children; the deliberate suspension of humanitarian aid; and the destruction of
cultural heritage sites including libraries, archives, museums, and universities. The City of Claremont has a moral obligation
to follow in the footsteps of other cities across the U.S. that have successfully passed ceasefire resolutions, and join in the
call for lasting peace and an end to genocide.
As a city that values diversity and inclusion, we must also act to protect and uplift the voices of members of the Muslim and
Arab community in Claremont, who have faced increasing rates of Islamophobic racism and harassment.
The ceasefire resolution proposed by members of the Claremont community marks a historic moment of public outcry
against genocide from across all walks of life, identities, and politics. It would be in the interest of the City to stand with
humanity on the right side of history, as the decision on this resolution and those who stood with or against humanity will
be remembered for posterity.
2
Sincerely,
Chelsea Liu
Name:
Chelsea Liu
Address:
City:
Claremont
State:
California
Email:
Phone:
Not answered
I would like a response from the City:
(○) Yes
Photo
Please upload a jpeg
photo if available
Thank you,
City of Claremont
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1
Tanya Moreno
Subject:MARTENS-Kathryn- A City Council’s International Chops
On Feb 22, 2024 at 8:34 AM -0800, Kathryn Kirui Martens , wrote:
When a storm of public opinion blows into a city council’s chambers, prudence can easily be the
first thing pushed off the table and out the door.
It happens.
Prudence embraces the idea that
city councils elected to conduct city business aren’t there to attempt to venture farther—into
international affairs, for example.
And when prudence leaves the building, it may be hard to bring it back.
Once a city council has put its collective toes into certain international matters, for example, it’s
possible that the council’s feet, ankles, etc., may be summoned next, as is happening right now in
Pomona, where I live.
(The initials of that current summons are the letters BDS).
Though emotions can very understandably run very high and demands can be forceful, taking
stands on complex and controversial international matters is not necessary, effective or wise for a
city council to do, I believe.
And it’s not helpful to the stability of the broad and complex community a council is elected to
serve.
Leadership shines when it reflects prudence combined with strength of resolve.
Thanks very much,
Kathryn Martens
1
Melanie Martinez
Subject:FW: Email contact from City of Claremont
From: City of Claremont <contact@ci.claremont.ca.us>
Sent: Tuesday, February 20, 2024 10:05:27 AM
To: Jed Leano <jleano@ci.claremont.ca.us>
Subject: Email contact from City of Claremont
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Message submitted from the <City of Claremont> website.
Site Visitor Name: Wesley Mason
Site Visitor Email:
Hi Jed I wrote a few days ago asking about introducing a City Council resolution calling for an immediate cease
fire in Gaza similar to the one passed recently in Pomona. Would you be willing to introduce such a resolution?
thank you Wesley Mason - in your district.
1
Melanie Martinez
From:noreplyl@ci.claremont.ca.us
Sent:Wednesday, February 14, 2024 7:40 PM
To:contact
Subject:City of Claremont: Citizen Feedback Form from Website
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the
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A new entry to a form/survey has been submitted.
Form Name: Citizen Feedback
Date & Time: 02/14/2024 7:40 PM
Response #: 2710
Submitter ID: 13782
IP address: 47.149.17.37
Time to complete: 2 min. , 16 sec.
Survey Details
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(○) Mayor/City Council
Type Your Question or Comment:
Dear Councilmembers,
Thank you for putting a ceasefire resolution on the agenda for the next meeting.
I understand the Council’s hesitation about resolutions and condemnations of this or that. I used to feel the same way.
However, I’ve changed my thinking and urge you and the council to consider the events taking place and how they are
linked to local issues. What is different is the scale and urgency of the situation in Palestine, and the critical fact that our
government is funding genocide. I do use the word genocide: the ICJ ruled that Israel plausibly committed genocide and
must immediately act to prevent it.
Instead, Israel has ramped up its slaughter, using U.S. money to do it. World opinion is not with us. Our partisan stance
leaves us increasingly isolated on the world stage.
Again ‐ how does this affect Claremont? Because our tax dollars are supporting it. Genocide is being committed, and the ICJ
has ruled that it must be prevented. It is incumbent upon all governments to comply with international law. And ALL of us at
each level from federal to our local city council, are called to obey international law. Claremont cannot control the federal
government, but we can use what we have: a ceasefire resolution lets higher levels of government know where constituents
stand. We can divest from firms aiding the war and from Israeli bonds. We are members of the international community and
must respect international law. These types of actions helped bring down apartheid in South Africa. They are not
inconsequential.
2
Name:
Lyla May
Address:
City:
Pomona
State:
California
Email:
Phone:
I would like a response from the City:
(○) Yes
Photo
Please upload a jpeg
photo if available
Thank you,
City of Claremont
This is an automated message generated by Granicus. Please do not reply directly to this email.
1
Melanie Martinez
To:Jed Leano; Shelley Desautels
Subject:RE: Urging you not to use Claremont as a voice for Hamas’ Agenda…
From: Eric McDermott
Sent: Wednesday, February 21, 2024 7:48:54 PM
To: Jed Leano <jleano@ci.claremont.ca.us>
Subject: Urging you not to use Claremont as a voice for Hamas’ Agenda…
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the
sender and know the content is safe.
Hello Jed,
As a Claremont resident I have recently learned that City Council may be considering using their voice to take a
side in the Hamas vs. Israeli conflict.
What is happening on both sides in the Middle East is unimaginable by every stretch of the imagination. As you
are likely aware, Hamas perpetrated the most severe single-day attack on Jews since the Holocaust. The most
brutal and heinous of attacks, and they publicly broadcast it to the world and celebrated it. They have since used
the Palestinians as shields and martyrs to hide behind while Israel tries to retrieve her ~100+ outstanding
hostages. The loss of lives is an atrocity on both sides.
However, if you use your city council office as voice against the right for Israel, a democratic nation acting in a
responsive mission to keep her people safe and return her ~100 remaining hostages, then you are by default
signaling support for the other side. The other side is not the Palestinians. It is Hamas - a terrorist organization
that is actually genocidal in its charter.
Many of us support the right for Palestinians to have a peaceful, two-state existence with Israel, and are
horrified at what Hamas has done to Israel and the Palestinians in their current terrorism attack.
Hamas did this. I urge you not to give into this wave of misinformed hate that is escalating antisemitism here at
home - do not empower Hamas with your voice.
Sincerely,
Eric McDermott
Claremont Resident and Business Owner
1
Tanya Moreno
Subject:FW: McDERMOTT-Eric - Re: Urging you not to use Claremont as a voice for Hamas’
Agenda…
On Feb 21, 2024 at 7:51 PM -0800, Eric McDermott , wrote:
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you
recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Hello Ed,
As a Claremont resident I have recently learned that City Council may be considering using their
voice to take a side in the Hamas vs. Israeli conflict.
What is happening on both sides in the Middle East is unimaginable by every stretch of the
imagination. As you are likely aware, Hamas perpetrated the most severe single-day attack on
Jews since the Holocaust. The most brutal and heinous of attacks, and they publicly broadcast it
to the world and celebrated it. They have since used the Palestinians as shields and martyrs to
hide behind while Israel tries to retrieve her ~100+ outstanding hostages. The loss of lives is an
atrocity on both sides.
However, if you use your city council office as voice against the right for Israel, a democratic
nation acting in a responsive mission to keep her people safe and return her ~100 remaining
hostages, then you are by default signaling support for the other side. The other side is not the
Palestinians. It is Hamas - a terrorist organization that is actually genocidal in its charter.
Many of us support the right for Palestinians to have a peaceful, two-state existence with Israel,
and are horrified at what Hamas has done to Israel and the Palestinians in their current terrorism
attack.
Hamas did this. I urge you not to give into this wave of misinformed hate that is escalating
antisemitism here at home - do not empower Hamas with your voice.
Sincerely,
Eric McDermott
Claremont Resident and Business Owner
1
Tanya Moreno
Subject:FW: MURAVCHIK-Stephanie-Re: No city council foreign policy statements, please!
On Feb 20, 2024 at 4:06 PM -0800, Stephanie Muravchik , wrote:
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Dear Councilman Reece,
Hello! We've communicated before--when you were helping organize tokens of gratitude for our
CPD, which I took part in--and when you attended the Hanukkah menorah lighting at City Hall,
which I believe was just this past December. I have lived in Claremont since 2008. I have raised
my kids here. And I and my family have been active volunteers in many of our wonderful civic
groups (Scouts, Chaparral PFA, CHS Track and Field, and so on). Claremont is great!
Now I've learned that activists are trying to get the City Council to weigh in on the conflict in the
middle east. As I'm sure you know, this is completely beyond the scope of the City Council and
can only cause needless division and pain among citizens here.
I hope you will vote to codify the tradition of Claremont City Council keeping to the issues that
are within their authority and an electoral mandate to address. I will be at the next meeting, and
the ones after that, to show my support for Claremont Staying Local!
Thank you for your consideration!
Best,
Stephanie Muravchik
1
Melanie Martinez
From:noreplyl@ci.claremont.ca.us
Sent:Thursday, February 15, 2024 4:25 AM
To:contact
Subject:City of Claremont: Citizen Feedback Form from Website
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the
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Form Name: Citizen Feedback
Date & Time: 02/15/2024 4:25 AM
Response #: 2712
Submitter ID: 13784
IP address: 47.153.90.55
Time to complete: 10 min. , 50 sec.
Survey Details
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(○) Topic Not Listed
Type Your Question or Comment:
I want to thank the City for its consideration of placing a ceasefire resolution on the agenda.
There appears to be a certain momentum for Claremont NOT to get involved in this nat'l/international issue, however this
appears to be a practice, but not a policy.
Council member Calacay, in particular, suggested on the Feb. 13th meeting that he would find it preferable if people voiced
their concerns directly to our Congress members & Senators. I can assure you that many, many in this community have done
so in countless ways, but we are also very much aware that our voices would be amplified if the City listened to its
constituents and weighed in on the issue. Our neighboring city, Pomona, passed a ceasefire resolution because they wanted
to uphold their reputation as a caring community.
I would also like to respond to the oft‐repeated (and tired) trope that since there are so many genocides happening all over
the world, it is simply 'not fair' or 'not suitable' to single out this one. This argument does not sit well with me for a number
of reasons. The sheer magnitude of what has happened in a few short months in a region less than one‐third of the size of
the City of Los Angeles demands our attention.
I have been to Israel, and anyone who has, knows that Israel is very much connected to the U.S. ‐ economically, spiritually,
and physically (the latter, due to the fact that many Americans work, have immigrated and/or nationalized there). Israel, of
course, occupies its own place in the Middle East, but visiting it, it is very evident that Israel is also a very American place.
2
Since WWII, our government has sent Israel more than $318 billion dollars. This is just public money. All over Israel, various
foundations have contributed private money as well. The new Simon Wiesenthal Museum of Tolerance in Jerusalem comes
to mind, but this institution is only the tip of the iceberg of all the foundations and organizations.
Which brings me to my central point ‐ Israel is a place where the U.S. can take a stand against genocide and make a
difference due to our enormous influence ‐ a difference that could set a standard for opposing genocide in other places all
over the world. The opposite is also true ‐ If we won't take a stand against this genocide that we are funding with our U.S.
dollars, then we have little credibility to take a stand against any genocide anywhere else in the world.
I do not use the word genocide capriciously. I am sending along an excerpt from my book that I am currently working on,
that explains both the history and meaning of the term and how it functions in the context of the United Nations:
https://www.thepomonan.com/theopera/genocide‐explained‐a‐history‐of‐the‐
term#:~:text=Lemkin%20defined%20genocide%20as%20the,all%20members%20of%20a%20nation.
I just spoke with City of Pomona's Mayor Sandoval today. He was very interested in what action Claremont was taking in
regards to the ceasefire in Israel/Palestine. He told me that he came to the conclusion to support a ceasefire resolution by
listening to the broad coalition of people who showed up to speak.
Elie Wiesel, Holocaust survivor and renowned author wrote, "We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor,
never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented."
Name:
Pamela Casey Nagler
Address:
City:
Claremont
State:
California
Email:
Phone:
I would like a response from the City:
(○) Yes
Photo
Please upload a jpeg
photo if available
Thank you,
City of Claremont
3
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1
Tanya Moreno
Subject:FW: RAMIREZ-Bridgette (#2) - Fwd: Support ceasefire resolution
From: City of Claremont <contact@ci.claremont.ca.us>
Date: Feb 18, 2024 at 4:49 PM -0800
To: Ed Reece <ereece@ci.claremont.ca.us>
Subject: Support ceasefire resolution
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you
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Site Visitor Name: Bridgette Ramirez
Site Visitor Email:
It’s easy to feel far away from the conflict in Gaza, but we’re all human beings who desire a
home, safety, and community. I’d want someone to take a stand for us if we were the ones going
through the horrors of war.
We may be just one city, but if we join the growing local movements we can become a stronger
collective voice to demand a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. No matter where you stand on the
nuanced, complex relationship between Israelis and Palestinians, I’d like to think that we all care
about human life. For me, that’s what the ceasefire resolution is about. We want peace, life, and
humanity - not more of this brutal war.
1
Tanya Moreno
Subject:FW: RAMIREZ-Bridgette Re: Ceasefire resolution
On Feb 10, 2024 at 9:02 PM -0800, City of Claremont <contact@ci.claremont.ca.us>, wrote:
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you
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Message submitted from the <City of Claremont> website.
Site Visitor Name: Bridgette Ramirez
Site Visitor Email:
I work at The Claremont Colleges, and I am reaching out to request that you add a ceasefire
resolution as an agenda item to the February 27 council meeting. It grieves me to think of how
many people are dying as a result of the war in Gaza. It grieves me to see Islamophobia,
antisemitism, and other forms of hate cause harm to Palestinians and Jewish people here and
abroad. I don't think war is the solution. I also think the International Court of Justice
investigating Israel for genocide charges should not be taken lightly. I hope that this city and this
community can take a stand for diplomacy, justice, and peace by calling for an immediate and
permanent ceasefire.
1
Tanya Moreno
Subject:FW: RASKIN-Debbie and Jordan -- Re: Claremont Council - Uphold Policy Not to Weigh
in on Foreign Affairs
On Feb 20, 2024 at 10:28 PM -0800, Debbie Raskin , wrote:
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Dear Ed Reece,
It has come to my family's attention that some student activists are pushing the council
to release anti-Israel resolutions. As residents of Claremont since 2004, and
homeowners here since 2021, we felt the need to voice our concerns about the city
council's decision to reverse its long standing policy of not weighing in on foreign affairs.
We have been made aware of this effort to get the city of Claremont to undo its long
standing policy of not weighing in on foreign affairs started at the behest of a student
group which has been banned from several universities due to its anti-Semitic rhetoric
and threats against Jewish students alike. So much so, the Anti Defamation League
wrote an article outlining their activities, which can be found here:
https://www.adl.org/resources/backgrounder/students-justice-palestine-sjp
It should be noted, most of the students that attend the colleges in Claremont are not
permanent residents of the city and as such, have no standing to petition the council or
weigh in on initiatives on behalf of Claremont residents. The council's responsibilities
should always be related to the matters of our city, and our city alone.
It should also be noted, since the October 7 terrorist attacks in Israel, anti-semitism has
increased by more than 800%. By weighing in on this resolution, the council will do little
more than embolden hate and anti-Semitism for the Jewish population in the city of
Claremont, including the children that attend public schools here. We personally know
parents of jewish students who told us swastika has been drawn on the desks of their
child. That's but one of many examples, and it is happening here in Claremont, right
now.
Council members, you should know our cousin was murdered in Israel by Hamas on
October 7th. You should also know other Claremont residents have family members
that were kidnapped and are still being held hostage by Hamas. Do not promote the
further ostracization of Claremont's Jewish residents for something Israel is doing in
response.
These are but a few of the reasons that we urge our city council to maintain its long
standing policy of not weighing in on foreign affairs, and acting in accordance with its
mission statement that it will protect its residents against discrimination, keep them safe
from harassment, and ensure safety of the community of which we are proud to be a
2
part of.
Thank you for taking the time to read our concerns and we look forward to engaging
further on this very serious matter at the meeting.
Sincerely,
Debbie and Jordan Raskin
d
d reaction
1
Tanya Moreno
Subject:FW: RAVIV-Sigalit-Re: Claremont Council Meeting
On Feb 19, 2024 at 6:59 PM -0800, Sigal Gol-Raviv , wrote:
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Dear council member Reece,
I am a resident of district 1 and have lived in Claremont since 2004. I just wanted to tell you
how important it is to me that the Council maintain its current policy of not weighing in on
foreign affairs. I know there are some student activists who are pushing the council to change
that policy. I strongly support the council staying out of world affairs, which it obviously has no
power over! I think that weighing in on foreign affairs will make our community more divisive
and less inclusive.
Thank you so much for your time!
Sigalit Raviv
1
Tanya Moreno
Subject:ROHAM-Maryam - Re: Meeting on February 27
On Feb 21, 2024 at 6:41 AM -0800, Maryam Haiavy , wrote:
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you
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Dear Council Member Reece
I am a resident of Claremont and have lived in Claremont since 2003. Recently I heard that some
student activists are pushing the council to release anti-Israel resolutions. I just wanted to
express to you the importance of the council to maintain its policy of not weighing in on foreign
affairs. We strongly believe that the council should stay out of world affairs, which obviously it
has no power over, especially the complex situation in the Middle East.
Furthermore, most of the students that attend the colleges in Claremont are not permanent
residents of the city and should not take the time of the council and dictate initiatives on behalf
of claremont residents. The council should be concentrated on the matters of the city and
immediate issues instead of wasting time on complex problems that are remote to our residents
especially when such a student group has been banned from several universities due to its anti-
Semitic rhetoric and threats against Jewish students alike.
Since the October 7 terrorist attacks in Israel, most Jews are facing backlash and scrutiny as well
as hate and antisemitism. Anti semitism has increased by more than 800% since October 7. By
allowing such outrageous resolutions it will only further increase and embolden hate and anti-
Semitism for the Jewish population in the city of Claremont, including the kids that attend public
schools in Claremont.
There has already been Incidents in Claremont schools where there has been swastika‘s drawn on
desk of Jewish students, as well as other anti-Semitic verbiage that the Jewish students have been
subject to.
We urge you to protect the Jewish population of the city of Claremont by not voting on any
resolution against Israel, rather than ostracize them for something that Israel is doing in defense
of their country and liberty.
We wanted to thank you for supporting us during this difficult time as this serious issue has a
great impact on every Jewish resident of the beautiful city of Claremont. We will be present at
the meeting, and subsequent meetings to express our opinion as longtime residents of the city of
Claremont.
For your information, here is an article from the Anti Defamation League regarding the group
SJP who is bringing up these resolutions:
https://www.adl.org/resources/backgrounder/students-justice-palestine-sjp
2
Thank you for considering and maintaining the city council’s mission statement that will protect
its residents against discrimination, and to keep them safe from harassment, and ensure safety
of community of which we are proud to be a part of. Again we urge you to vote no on any anti-
Israel or cease-fire resolution.
Sincerely
Maryam Roham
1
Tanya Moreno
Subject:FW: ROSE-Wendy - Re: Foreign Affairs Policy
On Feb 21, 2024 at 11:10 AM -0800, City of Claremont <contact@ci.claremont.ca.us>, wrote:
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you
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Message submitted from the <City of Claremont> website.
Site Visitor Name: Wendy Rose
Site Visitor Email:
Dear Ed,
This is a request for the City of Claremont to maintain its policy of NOT being involved in
foreign affairs. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Wendy
1
Tanya Moreno
Subject:SLATER-Rabbi Stephen-Re: Please give Hatred of Israel no place on our City's Agenda
On Feb 13, 2024 at 8:39 PM -0800, Stephen Slater >, wrote:
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you
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Dear Councilmember Ed Reece,
I was disgusted by the speeches made tonight by the student activists who came from the
Claremont Colleges. I write to you as a deeply concerned resident of Claremont and citizen of
the United States. Why are mere kids defaming my beloved Israel in public? I came to speak
tonight, but I felt intimidated by the 40+ activists crowding in the entryway. I could not find a
seat. I listened, but did not feel comfortable speaking as I had planned. So I am writing to you to
express my views.
The first reason why this does not belong on any future agenda of the City of Claremont is
procedural: it is that as a city, we do not handle matters of international politics. As an American
citizen I am deeply concerned that these students would be so unpatriotic as to ask Claremont to
undercut American foreign policy. Since practical policy cannot be their true aim, they say that
they wish that you would sign a city resolution, perhaps in order to signal your virtuous support
of what exactly ... Hamas?! The local branch of the same student organization immediately
expressed it's total support, and it's "stand of solidary" with Palestine immediately after the
massacre of Israelis on October 7th, and long before there were any Palestinian casualties. The
timing of their statement makes it clear that what motivates them is not lives lost, but hatred for
Israel. The only lives lost on October 8th were Israeli and international lives. Yet they stood in
solidarity then with the murderers. What they would achieve through such a resolution, is
creating a clear signal that "Jews and Israelis are not welcome here." They have created such an
environment on the college campuses, where they bully my fellow Jews into silence, and indeed
have taken to verbally abusing my family in public (really, my actual family member who works
there!). The narrative that they tell flips the essential facts, namely, Who is taking innocent
lives. It flips the aggressor with the victim, and it flips right with wrong.
As for the argument made against US taxpayer dollars going to support better arms for Israel,
this policy actually defends innocent lives of both Israelis and Palestinians being wasted through
senselessly launching less well guided missile systems. The US is providing Israel with primarily
with better guided missiles systems. That prevents the taking of innocent Palestinian lives by
allowing more precise targeting of Palestinian terrorists. Moreover the full weight of the United
States' support and diplomatic efforts actually serve to limit and to moderate Israeli war goals
and methods, as the top US diplomats repeatedly express concern for civilian lives.
It concerns me that these students would extend their campaign of bullying and defamation into
my city. I feel at home here in Claremont. So do the very many Jews and Israelis who live here
and who I know personally. Please do not allow them to attempt to change this. Please do not
allow them to draw our peaceful, blessed, happy city into the political football surrounding this
Israeli - Hamas war. Please do not let it occur here.
The use of "Genocide" by the speakers tonight is totally incorrect. The Geneva convention on
war defines the term genocide as the attempt to exterminate a people, "a crime committed with
the intent to destroy a national, ethnic, racial or religious group, in whole or in part." This is not
2
the goal of the war in Gaza. The goal is to stop Hamas, a terrorist organization, from being
capable of conducting massacres upon Israelis. Perhaps these activists feel that Hamas should
murder Israelis with impunity. Despite the emotional rhetoric we heard tonight, that's an ugly,
Antisemitic view.
Israel did not chose this war. It is a war of self defense. No country would be considered
competent that failed to defend it's population from massacre by armed men. No country should
be forced to allow terrorists to camp along it's border, as they lie in wait for a vulnerable moment
to attack and murder it's civilians.
Tonight, was there any mention of the 1,200 Jewish Israelis, Americans, and non-Jewish
internationals who were murdered on October 7th? These activists are not thoughtful, fair
minded folks led by the legacy of social justice at Pitzer and Scripps Colleges. They are filled
with hate. Please grant hatred no place in our city's agenda.
Yours,
Rabbi Stephen Slater
1
Melanie Martinez
From:Jennifer Stark
Sent:Wednesday, February 21, 2024 3:18 PM
To:Yael Steinfeld
Cc:Melanie Martinez
Subject:Re: Counsil approach to foreign Afairs
Sent from my iPhone- please excuse the typos!
On Feb 21, 2024, at 9:56 AM, City of Claremont <contact@ci.claremont.ca.us> wrote:
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you
recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Message submitted from the <City of Claremont> website.
Site Visitor Name: Yael Steinfeld
Site Visitor Email:
Dear Counsel member Jennifer Stark,
I live in Claremont since 1998 and enjoy the city spirit ever since.
Unfortunately, while my nephews had to be drafted after the cruel invasion of Hamas to Israel,
my sister had to leave her home to stay somewhat safe, and my relatives were kidnapped by
Hamas to the miles of tunnels in Gaza, I am seeing a strange world that supports terrorism and
makes me (a daughter of Holocaust survivors), feel unsafe.
Hopefully, as an official in our city, engaging in foreign policy is not becoming a new policy
here. Hopefully all citizens will feel safe living in Claremont.
With blessings of peace,
Yael
1
Melanie Martinez
Subject:FW: Proposed Resolution Against Israel
From: Yoni Tabac
Sent: Wednesday, February 21, 2024 8:07:33 PM
To: Corey Calaycay <CCalaycay@ci.claremont.ca.us>
Subject: Proposed Resolution Against Israel
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the
sender and know the content is safe.
My family and I have been residents of Claremont sicne 2014.
We are one of many proud Jewish families that have felt safe here in Claremont, up until
the past few months.
I recently heard that a group of student activists are pushing the council to release an
anti-Israel resolution. I want to express to you the importance of the council to
maintain its policy of not weighing in on foreign affairs. We strongly believe that the
council should stay out of world affairs, which it obviously has no power over.
Claremont taking a position in foreign affairs or a stance against Israel would only
further alienate the Jewish community here, it has much more potential for harm on our
local streets than effecting any real positive change in the middle east. Not to mention
most of the students attending the colleges are not permanent residents of the city,
making it questionable as to why they are able to bring forth any resolution on behalf of
the residents of Claremont.
Furthermore, this particular group of students bringing this to the council have
antisemitic undertones and do not seek to find unity or peace HERE. They seem not to
care about the health, safety or inclusion of all members of our local community.
The situation in the Middle East is extremely complex and can not be diminished to the
Oppressed vs. the oppressor. Which this group of students seem intent on doing. Making
Israel the oppressor, the bad guy and by extension the "Jews".
Since the days following October 7 terrorist attacks in Israel, Jews are facing hate and
antisemitism. Antisemitism has increased by more than 800% since October 7. Allowing
a resolution like this to pass will only further increase and embolden hate and
antisemitism for the Jewish population in the city of Claremont, including the kids that
attend public schools in Claremont.
There have already been Incidents in Claremont schools where there have been
swastika‘s drawn on desks of Jewish students, as well as other anti-Semitic verbiage
that the Jewish students have been subjected to. We have to drive by a sign every day
on our way to school that label Israel as Genocidal but they do so with the Star of David
- a Jewish Symbol.
2
We urge you to protect the not only Jewish population of Claremont, but to protect the
unity of our city and the safety for all. We ask you to do this by simply not voting on any
resolution against Israel or any foreign policy for that matter.
Thank you for considering our thoughts and perspective. We hope to see the city council
members vote to maintain the integrity of Claremont's mission statement: "We are a
vibrant, livable, and inclusive community dedicated to quality services, safety, financial
strength, sustainability, preservation, and progress with equal representation for our
community.”
We want to thank you for supporting us during this difficult time. We will be present at
the meeting, and subsequent meetings to express our opinion as longtime residents of
the city of Claremont.
Please vote against this resolution. Keep Claremont an inclusive and safe community for
all.
Sincerely,
Yoni
1
Tanya Moreno
Subject:FW: TANENBAUM-David-Re: City of Claremont and Middle East Situation
On Feb 17, 2024 at 5:50 PM -0800, City of Claremont <contact@ci.claremont.ca.us>, wrote:
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you
recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Message submitted from the <City of Claremont> website.
Site Visitor Name: David Tanenbaum
Site Visitor Email:
Dear Ed,
I do not write to you often, although we have spoken many times. I have lived in Claremont on
and off since 1975 when I was 9 years old. I am a regular at Claremont community events of all
types, and I have volunteered and been an active member of the city, the CUSD, and the
Colleges. I am also a member of the local Jewish Community.
As a faculty member at Pomona College I have observed the rapid rise of activities and protests
related to the conflict between Israel and Palestinian communities. This is a very sad situation for
everyone, but it is also a highly complex situation, with many valid and different perspectives.
There is no clear moral victor on either side of this conflict which goes back much farther than
the current war or the attacks on October 7, 2023! It goes much farther back than the Nabka in
1947, or the Holocaust, or Roman conquest of Israel, or the biblical events in this region from
ancient times.
It is my hope that the Claremont City Council will not decide to make a resolution on this
conflict which is far beyond the bounds of City politics or policy. I respect the passion of those
who will implore you to take action, but that passion does not make their position right or
representative of our city and its policies. Taking a position in such a case for either side would
be hurtful to many members of our community, and will not result in any resolution of the
conflicts in the Middle East.
Thank you for reading this email and for all you do for our city.
Sincerely,
David Tanenbaum
Claremont, CA
Osler-Loucks Professor in Science
Chair of the Department of Physics & Astronomy
Pomona College
1
Shelley Desautels
From:SDESAUTELS@CI.CLAREMONT.CA.US
Subject:FW: Ceasefire Resolution
From: Mahmoud Tarifi
Date: February 22, 2024 at 2:54:59 PM PST
To: Katie Wand <kwand@ci.claremont.ca.us>
Subject: Ceasefire Resolution
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open
attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Dear Katie Wand,
We at the Islamic Center of Claremont are in full support of any action taken by the city
council to stop the bloodshed in Gaza. As a community, we must use our voice to
pressure our state and federal representatives to vote for a ceasefire now at the UN
Security Council. Although we are a small town and it may seem like our voices will not
make a difference, we believe it will. We urge you to take immediate action because this
massacre cannot continue. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Mahmoud Tarifi
President of Islamic Center of Claremont
1
Tanya Moreno
Subject:FW: WEINBERG-Rivka-Fwd: Proposed Gaza cease-fire resolution
From: City of Claremont <contact@ci.claremont.ca.us>
Date: Feb 16, 2024 at 4:11 PM -0800
To: Ed Reece <ereece@ci.claremont.ca.us>
Subject: Proposed Gaza cease-fire resolution
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you
recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Message submitted from the <City of Claremont> website.
Site Visitor Name: Rivka Weinberg
Site Visitor Email:
Dear Mr. Reece,
Regarding the council's potential statement about a cease fire between Hamas and Israel, I urge
you not to go beyond the purview of the city, especially in a way that can be interpreted as
antisemitic. It is not your job to make statements about geopolitics. The fact that some relatively
ignorant students are “encouraged” by their professors to come and intimidate everyone at a
council meeting is no indication that a resolution or statement about Gaza is what the citizens of
Claremont expect or want. It will only raise questions about why statements are even considered
when there is a conflict in the world's only Jewish state, and not statements about, say, Saudi
Arabia killing hundreds of thousands of Yemenis, Russian aggression in Ukraine, and other
purely aggressive actions.
Please remain adults in the room. Please do not contribute to the rising instances of violent Jew
hatred in California.
Thank you!
Rivka Weinberg
Professor of Philosophy
Mary W. and J. Stanley Johnson Chair in the Humanities
Scripps College, Claremont CA
1
Shelley Desautels
From:sdesautels@ci.claremont.ca.us
Subject:FW: [Ed Reece | Claremont] Contact - new submission
Angel Yuan just submitted your form: Contact
on Ed Reece | Claremont
Message Details:
Name: Angel Yuan
Email:
Phone:
Address: Claremont, CA 91711
Subject: Meeting Request: Claremont Community for Palestine
Message: Hello Councilmember Reece, My name is Angel Yuan, and I
am an organizer with the "Claremont Community for Palestine"
campaign, a coalition effort by different organizing groups with the goal
of moving Claremont towards passing a ceasefire resolution. I would
like to request a meeting with you to discuss our groups' perspective on
why the city council should pass the agendized ceasefire resolution (on
February 27th) and establish a permanent future legacy for Claremont
that better aligns with its core values. I hope we can meet to discuss
these important issues before the meeting on February 27th. Here are
my general availabilities up until then: - Friday before 5pm - Monday 3-
5pm - Tuesday 2-5pm Please let me know if you are available during
any of these times. I am happy to meet in person or on Zoom, whatever
is more convenient for you. If none of these times work for you, I can try
to accommodate your schedule or see if another member of the team is
available to meet instead. Best, Angel Yuan Claremont Community for
Palestine
If you think this submission is spam, report it as spam.
To edit your email settings, go to your Inbox on desktop.
1
Melanie Martinez
Subject:FW: Next Council Meeting
From: City of Claremont <contact@ci.claremont.ca.us>
Sent: Wednesday, February 21, 2024 5:58:43 PM
To: Jed Leano <jleano@ci.claremont.ca.us>
Subject: Next Council Meeting
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the
sender and know the content is safe.
Message submitted from the <City of Claremont> website.
Site Visitor Name: Laura Zuckerman
Site Visitor Email:
Hi Jed,
I am a voting resident of Claremont.
I’m writing to tell you I fully support the continuation of the no-political proclamations policy of city
governance. Claremont has more than enough work to do to support and improve the lives of its citizens. Thank
you.
1
Melanie Martinez
From:Jennifer Stark
Sent:Thursday, February 22, 2024 6:33 AM
To:Laura Zuckerman
Cc:Melanie Martinez
Subject:Re: Tuesday Night’s Council Meeting
On Feb 21, 2024, at 7:56 PM, City of Claremont <contact@ci.claremont.ca.us> wrote:
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you
recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Message submitted from the <City of Claremont> website.
Site Visitor Name: Laura Zuckerman
Site Visitor Email:
Hi Jennifer,
I met you a long time ago at Karen Rosenthal’s home when you were first running to be on the
Council.
As a voting Claremonter, I want you to know how strongly I support the Motion that would
codify the long-standing Council tradition of avoiding any statements about broad and divisive
political issues outside of its purview.
I along with many others on Tuesday night will be there to support the Council to approve this
motion.
Best regards,
Laura
1
Tanya Moreno
Subject:FW: ZUCKERMAN-Laura-Tuesday Night’s Upcoming City Council Meeting
‐‐‐‐‐Original Message‐‐‐‐‐
From: Laura Zuckerman
Sent: Wednesday, February 21, 2024 8:16 PM
To: Adam Pirrie <apirrie@ci.claremont.ca.us>; Tanya Moreno <tmoreno@ci.claremont.ca.us>
Subject: ZUCKERMAN‐Laura‐Tuesday Night’s Upcoming City Council Meeting
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you
recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Dear Mr. Pirrie and Ms. Moreno,
I am a voting resident of Claremont and am writing you to express support for a Motion that states that the Council will
continue its tradition of not declaring proclamations that involve divisive and/or international issues.
I will be there on Tuesday along with many others who support the council to vote for this motion.
Respectfully,
Laura Zuckerman
Claremont