Thank you for being strong and abiding by our changing city environment including the fight against the COVID-19 and the actions and emotions that have arisen around the country regarding the death of George Floyd.
Now more than ever, we need to show understanding and unity without violence. Our City’s mission is to nourish and support community values, and implicit in that is the responsibility to stand up for marginalized communities. The events of the last few days following the death of Mr. George Floyd in Minneapolis, and the civic unrest that has resulted here in San Diego County and across the country are truly heartbreaking. The video of the incident is tragic to watch, and the tactics utilized by the Minneapolis Police Department were shameful.
Those tactics are far outside of what we would ever consider reasonable and know that the City of National City and its Police Department are committed to protect and serve the community, without exception.
There is a difference between peaceful protesting and unlawful behavior. Alongside many in the community we are equally disturbed by the corruption of lawful protests here in San Diego County by those individuals who seek to discredit those who are peacefully trying to draw attention to the issue of racial injustice. Their callous actions and brazen looting have created a dangerous situation, culminating in the loss of property by hard working business owners in downtown San Diego and the City of La Mesa. We extend our heartfelt sympathies for those people and business owners here in San Diego County who have been impacted by this violence. We are also incredibly inspired by the actions of those who have already stepped forward to volunteer and help clean up the destruction that has occurred, including some from our own National City community.
We must do better as a country to combat the systematic racism that is prevalent. To that end, it is important to create and review policies that value and preserve life. Today, we request that our community police review board will work with the police department to review the current policy regarding Carotid restraint. We must take action in the coming days and months to ensure that citizens such as George Floyd can breathe and thrive in our society, and we must take action peacefully so that the message is not corrupted by those who would seek to distract from a most vital message: black lives matter and all residents of our city and our country should be treated with dignity and respect.
Mayor Alejandra Sotelo-Solis resides in and represents National City.
