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Palestinian‑owned Ken’s Coffee Roasters cites anti‑Palestinian vandalism; owner urges town trainings
Summary
Na Dean, co‑owner of Ken's Coffee Bar in Los Gatos, told the council vandals tore down a Palestinian flag and left a message equating Palestinians with terrorism; she asked the town to facilitate training to help community members and officials recognize and prevent anti‑Palestinian racism.
At the council’s verbal communications period, Na Dean (identifying themself as co‑owner of Ken’s Coffee Bar on Lee Avenue) told the council that vandals tore down most of the shop’s Palestinian flag on October 29 and left a hateful message claiming "We support terrorism" on what remained. Dean said the act followed earlier incidents and ongoing anti‑Palestinian comments on the business’s public pages.
"This is not the first time our flag has been vandalized," Dean said. "Equating the Palestinian identity or anyone that stands for Palestinian human rights with terrorism is a specific and dangerous form of anti‑Palestinian hate." They requested the town facilitate training for council members and the broader community to help people identify anti‑Palestinian racism and to reduce future incidents.
Other public speakers, including a caller who identified themself as a Campbell resident and part of an interfaith coalition, expressed support for Ken’s Coffee Bar and underscored the need for community education. The callers cited national rhetoric and specific statements by foreign officials as context for how anti‑Palestinian language can be amplified online and in public life.
Council members thanked the speakers for raising concerns and noted staff would take requests for training under advisement. No formal action was taken at the meeting; the remarks were entered into the record for follow up by council and staff.
