Residents Press Council on Safety, Project Safe Ride and Parking Waivers

During the public comment period, three residents raised community safety and access issues.

Christelle Erickson Collins told the council that many neighbors—particularly immigrants—live in fear that interactions with local systems could expose them to federal immigration enforcement and urged the city to limit unnecessary cooperation, protect residents’ personal information, and clearly communicate that city services are safe for everyone.

"A welcoming city is a safer city, a healthier city, and a more united city," Erickson Collins said, asking the council to consider policies that protect vulnerable residents and preserve their access to reporting crimes, school and health services.

Saili Raja, a Vista Ridge High School student and founder of Project Safe Ride, asked for council support to normalize the habit of checking the back seat to prevent children from being accidentally left in hot cars. Raja described a mobile app that sends a reminder after parking and asked the city to incorporate "look before you lock" messaging into safety campaigns and school outreach.

John Woodley, who described himself as an advocate for disability access, asked staff to explore code modifications or waivers for long‑term street parking for a motor home he uses while assisting his hospitalized mother; he said the current daily permit fee is unaffordable on disability income and asked staff to follow up to find options.

Council thanked the speakers and directed staff to work with those who raised issues to identify options or follow‑up items.