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Residents urge action on rising water bills, immigrant support and safety during council public comment
Summary
During public comment residents said advertised water-rate increases understate true monthly impacts, urged creation of an immigrant compassion fund after recent ICE incidents, and raised concerns about animal services, senior discounts and personal safety.
Several residents used the public-comment period Oct. 21 to press the council on water-bill impacts, immigrant support and local public-safety concerns.
Lisa Beasom said the advertised $8.63 water increase understates total monthly cost when all billing components are added. Using the meeting’s billing formula for 14 units, she said her household’s bill rose by $22.74 per month and described costs she incurred to convert her yard and to water newly provided city trees. She suggested the city consider credits or education to offset conversion costs and noted the city provides 10 units for tier 1 consumption, more than neighboring cities.
Martha Aragon thanked council for the new animal resource center and asked the council to consider extending senior discounts to younger seniors such as 62-year-olds. Aragon also said she is concerned about public safety and urged increased patrols.
Tina Silva urged the council to establish an immigrant compassion fund to support families affected by ICE raids, citing Pomona’s $120,000 contribution to a similar fund and saying other cities have created funds. Silva said the city had recorded 104 ICE incidents "in Ontario alone" as of the prior days and asked the council to act.
During public comment, Brandy Rodriguez described ongoing harassment and a recent restraining order and asked for additional assistance from the council and police; Steve So to read a poem describing immigrant hardship and urged compassion.
No formal council action on those public-comment requests was recorded during the meeting; the council proceeded to the consent calendar and subsequent agenda items.
