The Palmdale City Council meeting on December 18, 2024, sparked significant public concern as residents voiced their frustrations over proposed changes to meeting times that could limit public participation. During the session, a public comment code of conduct was read, emphasizing the importance of orderly conduct and respectful dialogue. However, the atmosphere shifted dramatically when Eugene Hernandez took the floor, criticizing the council's decision to move meeting times to 1:30 PM, which he argued would effectively eliminate opportunities for many residents to engage with their elected officials.

Hernandez's comments highlighted a growing sentiment among community members who feel sidelined by the council's scheduling changes. "Just when I thought that there was no end to the depravity and the corruption of the city council," he stated, underscoring the belief that the new times would disenfranchise working residents who cannot attend during the day.

The council's decision to alter meeting times has raised alarms about transparency and accessibility, with many residents fearing that their voices will be drowned out by logistical barriers. The council's commitment to public participation was reiterated, but the proposed changes have left many questioning how genuine that commitment truly is.

As the meeting progressed, the council faced mounting pressure to reconsider the timing of their sessions to ensure that all community members have a fair chance to participate in local governance. The outcome of this discussion remains to be seen, but it is clear that the issue of public access to city council meetings is a pressing concern for the residents of Palmdale.