Thread by @shayshinecastle

Howdy, #Boulder. If you're looking for a different trainwreck to watch on Twitter, might I recommend tonight's city council meeting?

JK. I'm sure it's going to be great.

Tonight we've got our first COVID briefing in awhile, then a an update on enforcement.

New police chief Maris Herold yesterday said she is going to keep that to a minimum.

"I’m really trying to emphasize restraint right now given what country is going through … Unless the behavior is egregious ... I do not want (us) in conflict with the community right now, at least for the next couple of weeks."

She also released a statement condemning the death of George Floyd. Two, actually: You can read those here: And tonight's presentation looks like it deals with reform. dailycamera.com/2020/06/01/new…

Then we've got a mid-term update to the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan, which, sure, sounds boring AF. But this is where the action is, folks. Let me tell you.

16 speakers signed up for that public hearing.

We'll finish the evening off with an update on Xcel negotiations. Don't want to miss that.

Not related to the above items, but a personal first for me: Not only am I not wearing pants while reporting on this meeting (gave those up weeks ago) tonight I am also sans shirt.

Just a ratty ol' sports bra and a pair of boxer briefs for this "professional" journalist.

That's because it's currently 1000 degrees in my house. Yay summer!

I think we're going to get a late start bc only 2 council members are here. Punctual Adam Swetlik was, but had to do the dreaded Zoom update. If it goes anything like the one in this morning's meeting, he'll be ready at 6:30.

I think Joseph is attending class RN. Her audio was on and I heard what sounded like a lecture.

Oh, yeah, I totally forgot that the dockless bike share/e-scooter item got pushed tonight bc the comp plan thing will take so long. 2.5 hrs(!)

Weaver "recognizing the pain, sadness and anger that is being experienced in our community, state and entire country" bc of the "heinous and unjustified killing of George Floyd" and the "long-standing" racism and injustices enshrined in "institutions" including local gov't.

Also reading out some other names: Breonna Taylor,
Eric Garner, Michael Brown "and many, many other people of color too numerous to name."

(He gave more names but it went too fast for me to type)

He attended two Boulder protests; lauding the behavior of demonstrators, who used social distancing and wore masks. "They were organized and respectful while still speaking their truth."

Thanking cops now, too, who provided traffic control to "respect the rights" of the protesters.

Opening it up to other council members to speak.

Yates: "This was a horrible, horrible tragedy. It's absolutely unacceptable... unfortunately that list is quite a bit longer."

We could be here all night reading the names of ppl who experienced "inappropriate violence at the hands of the very ppl we expect to protect us and enforce our laws," Yates says.

Talking about police oversight work. "It's one of our highest priorities."

"We want to make sure what happened in Minneapolis and other cities ... never, ever happens here."

Young quoting Michelle Obama.

I'm glad ppl are protesting, Young says, but "this process is also practice. You don't go at the end of the protest and feel better that you protested. You have to actually do something."

Friend: Police overnight is just "one of many things" we need to change for criminal justice reform. ... "It's not enough for us, ppl who have the power to act, to stand in solidarity or express sorrow. ... We have to enact changes."

Asking for a broader discussion next week, when an update on police oversight is coming to council.

Suggests de-militarization of the police force and ... I missed the other one! Sorry, Friend!

Hard to keep up.

Swetlik, quoting an unnamed friend: "Being an ally has to come at a cost; it's absolutely not free. That means being in uncomfortable situations, uncomfortable conversations. Maybe losing your job, maybe losing your friends."

Echoes Friend's call for "steps beyond what we currently have planned .... to make sure we're acting as equitably as process."

He apparently also attended one of the weekend events.

As did Brockett. (I was only at Friday's, and it was Friend, Young, Joseph, Weaver)

Brockett thanking protestors. "Very appreciative of everyone out there who is doing the work in a peaceful way while still expressing their anger."

A third call for "other ways that we can keep combatting systemic racism in our society and where it's found in our community."

That's all. Wallach, Nagle, Joseph not speaking to this. (Though Wallach was having mic issues earlier.)

Brautigam: "We've got work to to. We're going to be ready to do that."

@threadreaderapp please unroll. Thank you!