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Heated public comment at Arcata meeting centers on proposed sister city ties with Gaza City
Summary
Dozens of speakers used the council's public comment periods to argue for and against a proposed sister‑city relationship with Gaza City, generating sharply divided testimony and calls for or against council action and a CalPERS divestment letter.
Arcata — A contentious public debate over a proposed sister‑city relationship between Arcata and Gaza City dominated oral communications on Nov. 19, drawing sharply polarized testimony and repeated calls for council members to take (or refrain from) symbolic action.
Supporters framed a sister city as a vehicle for humanitarian aid and people‑to‑people cultural exchanges. "Humanitarian aid is not a crime," speaker Sean told the council, urging Arcatans to pursue a sister‑city relationship to provide material support and cultural ties to Gazan…
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