Board adopts resolution condemning hate crimes after lengthy public debate

The Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors on Wednesday adopted a resolution condemning hate crimes and violence in the county after more than two hours of public comment and an extended exchange among supervisors.

Board Chair Ryan Campbell introduced the first draft of the resolution, saying he “wrote the bulk of it” to respond to community concern over a January assault that residents said raised questions about safety for marginalized groups. The item drew sustained public turnout: speakers described fear and urged an official statement from the county. Supporters said the resolution would signal that county leaders will not tolerate violence targeted at people because of race, religion, gender identity or sexual orientation.

The resolution’s passage followed several substitute motions and edits. Supervisors Jaren Kirk, Ryan Griefer and Mike Holland voted to approve the final version; Supervisors Campbell and Brandon abstained. The board ultimately approved the text proposed by Supervisor Kirk after an amendment process. The vote came after the board considered alternate language that would instead reaffirm the equal-protection guarantees of the 14th Amendment.

Public commenters who supported the measure described personal and community concerns. Ashley Martinez, who identified herself as queer, told the board: “If you make this resolution right now, time well spent.” Tom King, an American Red Cross volunteer, and Sonora Mayor Anne Sagerstrom also urged a formal county stance to reinforce resident safety and confidence.

Speakers opposed to the specific wording said they feared singling out particular groups could be divisive or premature while a county investigation and prosecutorial process was still pending. One longtime resident argued the county should oppose violence in general rather than highlight specific identities. Several speakers asked the board to wait for the sheriff’s criminal investigation to conclude before adopting a declaration tied to that incident.

Supervisor Campbell said the resolution’s core intent was narrow and practical: to endorse law-enforcement efforts against crimes motivated by bias. “We support law enforcement in vigorously pursuing these crimes,” he said during the board discussion. Supervisor Kirk, who offered the version that passed, said he wanted a statement that would apply countywide and be consistent with constitutional protections.

Outcome: the board adopted the substitute resolution (the version introduced by Supervisor Kirk) by recorded vote: Holland — yes; Griefer — yes; Kirk — yes; Campbell — abstain; Brandon — abstain.

The board did not direct additional specific operational changes or funding tied to the resolution. Instead members discussed the need for improved local reporting and outreach and for law enforcement to continue its active investigation into the January incident.

Looking ahead, board members said they expect to keep working with law enforcement, the district attorney and community groups to improve reporting, data collection and community trust.