Hi Justin,
Today, I attended the City Council meeting and was deeply concerned to learn that Deputy City Manager Nicole Nagaya has misled us regarding the existence of a safety plan for the Belle Haven Community Campus. During the meeting, a speaker noted that Supervisor Rondell Howard reportedly runs when the alarm goes off at the Belle Haven Community Campus, which further alarmed me and prompted me to follow up in person at the campus.
At the front desk, I was told that the safety cards were just printed today. When I reviewed them, they contained only maps of the building—no actual safety instructions or emergency procedures. I then went to the library on the second floor, where the librarian told me they were unaware of any safety plan and did not know what to do in the event of an emergency.
In her previous emails in response to the petition, Ms. Nagaya also stated that chairs would be available upon request; this, too, was not true. Her repeated claims about the City having a safety plan appear to be misleading—unless the plan is simply to “run for your life,” which seems to be the only option currently available.
The City Council frequently highlights its commitment to the "Environmental Justice Element." However, the lack of transparency and disregard for the safety concerns of Belle Haven residents—especially seniors—seriously undermines that commitment. As Bob Marley once said, these promises seem like “a fleeting illusion to be pursued but never attained.”
We are asking City Council and City Staff Leadership to act with honesty and urgency to put a real safety plan in place and ensure the well-being of all Belle Haven community members.
Thank you,
Eduardo
