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Protesters say private security harassed demonstrators outside arena; speakers press council for accountability
Summary
Multiple public speakers told the Bakersfield City Council they were harassed by private security at a Megyn Kelly event held at Dignity Health Arena and urged the city to protect First Amendment activity on city-owned property. Others raised concerns about policing, alleged past misconduct, nepotism in downtown projects and sewer financing.
Several residents used the council’s public-comment period Dec. 17 to demand accountability after what they described as aggressive treatment by private security at a Megyn Kelly speaking event at Dignity Health Arena and Centennial Plaza.
Heather Silvis, who identified herself as a local educator and protector of children, told the council she and others were peaceful protesters and that ‘‘security guards employed by AEG on city-owned property harassed us, threatened us, and tried to push us out,’’ she said. Silvis said protesters were ejected without refund after being told to be quiet and that one protester alleged past sexual abuse by former council member Terry Maxwell; Silvis…
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