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Heated public comment accuses interim mayor Sonya Carter of meeting with Zionist group; mayor and staff respond
Summary
A public speaker accused 'interim city of El Centro mayor, Sonya Carter' of meeting with a Zionist organization and alleged atrocities in Gaza; the mayor and staff responded during the meeting and council reminded attendees about decorum and Brown Act limits.
During public comment, Gabriel Rivas of Imperial Valley for Palestine accused city officials and specifically named "interim city of El Centro mayor, Sonya Carter," saying it was "completely unacceptable" for city officials to meet with a Zionist organization and urging that teaching about the Holocaust also include discussion of alleged actions against Palestinians. Rivas alleged widespread killings and called for protests if the city "indoctrinates" children.
The mayor (speaker 1) said she had attended the event referenced as a veteran volunteer at a table and defended her presence. City staff and the presiding officer reminded speakers of public-comment rules and cautioned against interruptions. One audience member cited a Brown Act exception allowing brief corrections to alleged errors.
Council did not take formal action in response to the accusation during the meeting. The exchange was recorded as public comment and included admonitions about decorum and time limits.
