DPCCC membership approved the following resolution at the November 18, 2021 regular meeting.

WHEREAS, during the COVID-19 pandemic, working under Emergency Executive Orders signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, many city councils, school boards, special district boards, and commissions have successfully permitted members of the public to participate in meetings via a call-in option or an internet-based service option; 

WHEREAS, on September 16, 2021, Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law Assembly Bill 361, which permits public agencies to continue to hold virtual or hybrid meetings after finding that they can meet technical requirements for public attendance and real-time comment, have a plan for how to handle technical disruptions, and determining that social distancing is either required or recommended to protect the health and safety of the public; and 

WHEREAS, allowing members of the public to participate in public agency meetings via a call-in option or an internet-based service option not only protects against the spread of COVID-19, but also allows members of the public to fully participate in the decisions made by their government agencies despite fearing retaliation from those making threats or despite facing accessibility, childcare, work schedule, and/or transportation challenges to attending in-person agency meetings;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County encourages all city councils, school boards, special district boards, and other commissions to continue to allow the public to participate in their meetings via a call-in option or an internet-based service option; 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the DPCCC encourages the Governor and State Legislature to ensure the public can continue to participate remotely even after the conclusion of the current pandemic state of emergency.

Submitted by:

Craig Cheslog, Associate Member, District 5