Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Community Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
San Diego City Council opens meeting mourning mosque shooting, issues proclamations recognizing educators and first responders
Summary
The San Diego City Council opened its May 19 meeting with a moment of silence after a deadly shooting at an Islamic center, expressed solidarity with the Muslim community and approved multiple proclamations honoring educators, public works and emergency medical services.
San Diego City Council President Lacava opened the May 19 meeting by condemning the previous day’s shooting and calling for unity, leading the chamber in a moment of silence. “I reaffirm our council's commitment to root out hate in any and every form,” he said as he asked colleagues to join him in support of the Islamic Center and the broader Muslim community.
Several council members followed with statements of condolence and calls for civic unity. Councilmember Foster praised the actions of a security guard identified by speakers as Amin Abdullah and said the guard’s intervention ‘‘prevented additional loss of life’’ during the attack. ‘‘He was a District 4 resident…he is a hero,’’ Foster said.
The council then moved through a series of proclamations recognizing local figures and observances. In District 8, Amy Cuellar Martinez was honored with a proclamation recognizing her contributions as an educator; students and family members joined the presentation. Other proclamations included National Public Works Week, Emergency Medical Services Week and a day honoring the City of San Diego Filipino American Employees Association.
Councilmember Moreno moved to adopt the proclamations, and Councilmember Foster seconded the motion. The set of proclamations was approved unanimously during the morning session, recorded as passing 6–0 with several councilmembers absent.
The proclamations segment included several public commenters who ceded time to family members and community representatives to speak briefly in support of the honorees. City staff and presenters emphasized the role of public works and emergency responders in everyday public safety and highlighted community partnerships such as restaurant and nonprofit support for local food programs.
The meeting then proceeded to routine business; most proclamation items were approved as part of the consent motion. Council leaders said they would return some items to staff for future handling and noted that additional amendments or follow-up could be expected as part of routine city processes.
The council’s opening remarks and proclamations underscored the immediate focus of the meeting on community safety, mourning and formal recognition of local public servants and community leaders. The council recessed for a midday break and reconvened in the afternoon to continue the agenda.
