Unlike many Orange County cities and school districts that now offer easy ways for the public to give visible comments over the phone or on Zoom, the Republican-controlled OC Board of Supervisors refuses. Even with a $7 billion budget, Republicans controlling the Board won’t allow comments by phone or online.
Members of the public who seek confidence that their comments are truly seen and heard by the Board of Supervisors, must show up in person. But there’s a catch: masks and social distancing are not required at Board meetings. For those at high risk of COVID, this could be a death sentence.
Because of the Board’s own actions, Board meetings are frequently flooded by an extreme right-wing base who make headlines for conspiracy theories and comparing vaccine records to the holocaust. Even worse, people report being threatened and terrorized by extremists at Board meetings — which ultimately silences many more voices.
Orange County Democrats are doing what the Board won’t: Opening public comments online.
It’s easy to join. Simply RSVP for a Zoom link, and in the meeting — just like at many Board meetings — you’ll have up to 2 minutes to share your thoughts on Board issues like health care, community resources and more. Comments will be forwarded to the Board and shared publicly online.
Sign Up: Community Public Comment to the OC Board of Supervisors
Tuesday, June 1, 9:30 AM