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Public splits over censure of Councilmember Trujillo during lengthy public-comment period
Summary
City Clerk received eight written comments in support of censuring Councilmember Trujillo; the meeting featured 11 public speakers, with students and residents offering sharply contrasting views on accountability and free speech.
Downey’s City Council heard extended public comment on a proposed censure of Council Member Mario Trujillo, with speakers sharply divided between supporters and opponents.
City Clerk Duarte reported receipt of eight written public comments in support of a censure for Council Member Trujillo before the open public-comment period began. Eleven speakers signed up to address the council. Students, veterans and longtime residents offered differing views: Delia Espinosa, a 17-year-old Downey High senior, urged the council not to censure Trujillo and defended him as a community leader who speaks for Hispanic youth; Lee Squire, a Vietnam-era veteran and civil-rights advocate, said he strongly supported the censure. Other public commenters urged resignation, called for accountability and described death threats and a breach of public trust; conversely, multiple speakers defended Trujillo’s free-speech rights and asked the council to focus on public-safety issues instead of national political disputes.
Delia Espinosa said, “Never has Mister Trujillo gone on record declared the abhorrent statements…” and urged council members to prioritize community issues. Andrew addressed the council directly: “This isn't about ideology or party. It's about basic human decency,” and urged Trujillo to resign. Lee Squire said he “strongly support[ed] the censure of council member Trujillo” and framed his remarks in terms of accountability and civil-rights obligations. Catherine Perez, another Downey High student, said she supported Trujillo and emphasized free speech and civic education while condemning threats against him.
Council action during this meeting on the censure itself was limited to receiving and filing written public comments: a motion to receive and file the written public comments was moved and approved by the council. The transcript contains no record of a formal censure vote during this meeting; public commenters on both sides urged different next steps, from formal censure and resignation to restraint and community healing.
What happened next: the council approved the consent calendar and continued its agenda; any formal council consideration or vote on a censure resolution was not recorded as taking place at this meeting.
