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6. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Robert Escobedo spoke of the incident of November 17, 2002 involving his brother and the Police Department where he believes excessive force was used and led to his death. He stated that he has e- mailed the City Manager and Police Chief, spoken to the Assistant to the City Manager and to date has not received a response. He further read an article from a local newspaper on the subject and questioned numerous policies of the Police Department pertaining to officer conduct. He read excerpts from a published response from City Manager Everett. City Manager Everett stated that he had sent an e-mail response to Mr. Escobedo later in the day. He stated that although it does not compare to the Escobedo family's grief, the incident has stunned the Police Department and the City. As with the Escobedo's, the City wants the facts, is frustrated with the pace of the investigation and the Police Department has done everything possible up until this point on the internal investigation. The hope is that the findings will be released later in the week. Council Member Ruskin stated his concern that there may be people in the community perceiving that Council is not concerned. He stated that at least on three occasions, he and Council have expressed condolences to Mr. Escobedo. He stated he had already responded to all questions in the recent e-mail. He further stated that he has spoken with members of the community that includes members of the minority community and many expressed their support for the Police Department. He stated that nothing can be done until the Coroner's report is released. Carol Cross stated she is the Co -Chair of the Social Action Committee of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, the group spearheading the request that Council hold a hearing on opposing a war in Iraq. She stated that although she understands the sentiment of some that it is not a local issue, the truth is that if the Federal Government attacks Iraq, it will have a large impact at the local level. She stated that every dollar that comes out of our local pocket cannot be spent to enhance the quality of life in our community. She submitted approximately 600 signatures of those who oppose a war in Iraq and asked that the Council set a hearing to consider formally opposing the war. Julia Bernd speaking in support of an anti -war resolution asked those present in the audience who support the resolution to raise their hands. She stated there are various philosophical reasons to oppose the war as well as practical issues. She further pointed out that starting an unnecessary pre - emptive war against another country is more likely to promote terrorism, fear and anger to arise, alienating many allies and take away energies toward identifying actual perpetuators of terrorist acts. At the local level, it actually takes financial support away from protecting against local terrorist acts as was promised to be part of Federal and State budgets. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 10, 2003 MINUTES PAGE 2 MINUTES Book No. 59 Page No. 383