Santa Clara Heated Council Confrontation: In Santa Clara, a lingering controversy continues to cast a shadow over the City Council. More than a year after a heated verbal altercation between three council members, the public may finally get a closer look at the investigation into the incident.
Councilmember Anthony Becker submitted a request for the council to discuss releasing the full investigation report during a recent meeting. This report could shed light on the alleged confrontation that took place on August 30, 2022, between Becker, Mayor Lisa Gillmor, and Councilmember Kathy Watanabe.
Becker’s call for transparency received support from six council members, but he abstained from the vote. Mayor Gillmor couldn’t help but comment on the irony of Becker abstaining after initiating the request.
This incident has added fuel to an already fiery relationship between Becker and Gillmor, who have clashed on various issues, including the management of Levi’s Stadium by the San Francisco 49ers. Becker, who received significant support from the 49ers during his election campaigns, was publicly accused by Gillmor and Watanabe of making hostile and threatening comments during the August 2022 meeting, including cursing and gesturing obscenely.
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An investigation conducted by the Van Dermyden Makus law firm, hired by the city, cleared Becker of most allegations. The summary of the findings in December 2022 revealed that there was little evidence to support the allegations of hostile behavior or threatening language. The investigator noted that Becker had used unprofessional language but argued that it was in response to profanity directed at him.
Despite the summary’s exoneration, Becker’s request sought to open discussion on releasing the full report. Vice Mayor Kevin Park expressed concern that the accusations had been used to tarnish Becker’s reputation during the 2022 election campaigns, emphasizing the importance of transparency.
Becker declined to comment, but in December 2022, he expressed relief that the truth had come to light. However, he has since faced legal challenges, with the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s office charging him with leaking a confidential civil grand jury report to the San Francisco 49ers and lying about it. Becker has pleaded not guilty, and a trial is pending.
Before the recent meeting, Mayor Gillmor expressed bewilderment at Becker’s request to discuss releasing the full report, given the earlier exoneration. The council only spent about five minutes discussing the matter, with some council members emphasizing that there should have been no discussion at all.
Councilmember Karen Hardy, who was present during the closed session meeting in 2022 when the alleged altercation occurred, reviewed the full investigative report. She believes the report provides a clear account of what transpired.
This incident underscores the complexities of local politics and the challenges of maintaining decorum and transparency in a community, even as it continues to grow and evolve.