Dear City Council Members,
I want to address the hypocrisy in how equity is handled in our city. At today’s meeting, I witnessed people opposing the plan for affordable housing in downtown Menlo Park, using parking concerns as a pretext. It was disheartening to hear White residents use this argument to prevent people of color from having access to this community. It reminded me of those who justified voting for Trump based on the economy while ignoring his harmful policies.
The double standards in how East Menlo Park (predominantly people of color) and West Menlo Park (predominantly White residents) are treated are clear. When our community advocated for naming the Meta campus "The Onetta Harris Community Center" and showed support by clapping, we were reprimanded. Yet today, when White residents criticized the council and received applause, no one was told to stop.
This sends a troubling message: that the voices of people of color are less valued in these discussions. Equity means fair treatment for all, not selective enforcement of rules. I know that by criticizing the City Council, I will likely not be considered for positions such as Library or Environmental Commissioner, but I refuse to stay silent about these injustices.
I urge you to reflect on this and take steps to ensure all residents are treated with the same respect and consideration.
Sincerely,
Eduardo L. Hernandez
