CM @BobBlumenfield unethically penned and rammed a community impact statement through @WHWCNC by breaking the rules. This is unacceptable! (thread)

@NoSweepsLA @StreetWatchLA @LANCWatch @GroundGameLA @WVPple @DSA_LosAngeles #HousekeysNotHandcuffs http://servicesnotsweeps.com 
First, this is a call to action for TODAY! At 10AM, call into the @LACityCouncil's Homeless and Poverty Committee to give general public comment OPPOSING their homeless criminalization motion (CF 20-1376).

Check out http://servicesnotsweeps.com  for more info! #HousekeysNotHandcuffs
Now, a community impact statement (CIS) is drafted from stakeholder input (people who live/have a vested interest in the region) with the leadership & guidance of Neighborhood Council (NC) committees.

CM @BobBlumenfield did not do this. (1/17)
Instead, CM @BobBlumenfield used his influence over the @WHWCNC to get the CIS that HE WROTE onto the governing board agenda WITHOUT receiving stakeholder input, committee review, or even unifying support from the board members themselves! (2/17)
The CIS is used to reflect the values of the community, not an individual council member. NCs function to serve @LACityCouncil with unique input from their region's stakeholders.

What CM @BobBlumenfield is doing is essentially mailing a letter (CIS) to himself. But why?? (3/17)
Because the decision to vote to criminalize homelessness in @LACityCouncil was delayed to Nov. 24th after a very heated debate.

So CM @BobBlumenfield is trying to get as much support as he can ahead of Nov. 24th... even if it's from himself. (4/17) https://laist.com/latest/post/20201028/los-angeles-city-council-vote-homeless-encampment-anti-camping-law
After Contentious Meeting, LA City Council Delays Vote On Anti-Camping Law

The controversial motion would amend local laws, allowing the city to ban homeless encampments near some freeways and shelters.

https://laist.com/latest/post/20201028/los-angeles-city-council-vote-homeless-encampment-anti-camping-law
Regardless, the @WHWCNC President Joyce Fletcher and several other governing board members are sympathetic to CM @BobBlumenfield's efforts. Despite it not going through the proper channels, it remains on the agenda for a vote. (5/17)
Before public comment on the item, Fletcher provided an uninterrupted 17+ minute soapbox for CM @BobBlumenfield in which he espoused many falsehoods about available housing services and past efforts/solutions.

Thanks to @DotKohlhaas for recording! (6/17)
Fletcher limited public and board comment to one minute each and also announced that discussion would be limited to 30 minutes total, which was permitted by Vanessa Serrano from @EmpowerLA.

But people really pulled through so I just want to highlight a few callers! (7/17)
Public comment. (8/17)
Caller: "For @BobBlumenfield to say this is a 'lifestyle choice' is fucking disgusting."

@WHWCNC: "Please don't use profane language."

Public comment. (9/17)
Public comment. (10/17)
After public comment, the board discusses and share opposing views.

Then board member Heath Kline requested a SUBSTITUTE motion. This motion would send the CIS penned by the council member to the Homeless Committee for proper vetting. (11/17)
The vote was split.

9 YES - 9 NO - 2 ABSTAINS - 5 INELIGIBLE

But according to the @WHWCNC bylaws, in the event of a tie the abstentions register in the affirmative, thus PASSING!

This is where things get out of control. (12/17)
Immediately after recording the vote, Nancy McLean wants to change their vote AFTER IT'S BEEN RECORDED??? (13/17)
Thus begins the belabored rule-breaking process!

McLean, after consulting with other board members, makes a motion to Reconsider the passed substituted motion.

Except she can't do this. (14/17)
According to Robert's Rules 37:8 (A), only a member who voted on the prevailing side could motion a Reconsider.

Nancy McLean abstained from voting so she was not authorized.

Yet the board recognized her motion to Reconsider and they proceeded to vote. (15/17)
They broke the rules on behalf of CM @BobBlumenfield and the motion to Reconsider passes.

Then they call a vote for the original CIS and it passes.

Ethically and procedurally, this entire process is a clear example of corruption on the local level. (16/17)
(17/17) I will post more observations after some rest but if you want to watch the meeting for yourself, then here is a link to the recording:

You may also reference this doc for some timestamps: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hIfAeE-aDYxA_pAYCl4pKjhS_vAc-rkGBiToBOb3TeI/edit?usp=sharing

#HousekeysNotHandcuffs
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