(SAN RAMON, CA.) - SB707 (the Open Meeting Law), passed by the state, now forces two-way participation in Zoom meetings.
I highlighted a few things previously on my Substack, including how remote participation was abruptly disabled from city meetings without the approval of the council. In fact, the elected council on Oct 10, 2023 acted like it was never there.
Photo Credit : DanvilleSanramon.com
On April 8, 2025, the City of San Ramon brought this topic to the agenda, but only as part of a budget study session. This discussion happened especially late at night, around 11:00 pm.
The part where the entire council discussed this topic is included here.
Video Credit: YouTube / City of San Ramon
During the meeting, all council members expressed a strong fear of antisemitic comments. Mayor Armstrong went a few steps further and claimed there were also many anti-Chinese comments. But the fact is, there was never a single disruption in the City of San Ramon — and Mayor Armstrong, Council Member Verose, and Council Member Rubio were council members when remote participation was disabled without the council's approval.
I consider this another dark day for democracy, when elected representatives would rather not hear your voice.
Video Credt: YouTube / Open Governance News
This is where I called for a protest, and many people showed up at the May 13, 2025 city council meeting — only to be ignored further.
One high schooler, Maanyata, spoke at the May 13, 2025 city council meeting and followed up with every council member until each of them stopped responding.
Video Credit: YouTube / City of San Ramon
During the April 8, 2025 meeting, numerous residents submitted written public comments as well, but these were conveniently left unaddressed. Since then, many other residents and youths have also come forward to request remote participation.
Thanks to the recently passed SB707, all municipal meetings will now be required to enable two-way remote participation.
Photo Credit: Google Gemini
I encourage all residents to start participating, now that they can do so from the comfort of their home or office.
Here are few public comments on the April 8, 2025 meeting when the remote participation was discussed.
To add to or correct any information in this report, please contact me at chirag@lead4earth.org.
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