By Robert Haugh
At last Tuesday’s meeting, the Santa Clara City Council voted to release the full report about an abuse allegation against indicted Councilmember Anthony Becker.
Becker made a long presentation at the meeting. He said he believes the full report will show that he did not act in an abusive way at an August 2022 meeting.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle story, “That’s when Becker yelled “F— you!” at (Councilmember Kathy) Watanabe and made an obscene gesture, according to both (Mayor Lisa) Gillmor and Watanabe.”
During his presentation, Becker said that he is not abusive.
Santa Clara News Online has documented numerous cases of Becker’s abusive behavior at Council meetings going back years.
Becker has directed his anger at other Councilmembers, a planning commissioner, and members of the public.
And former City Manager Deanna Santana recently filed a claim that includes allegations against Becker for being abusive to City staff.
Councilmember Suds Jain said that he supported the release of the report because the allegations against Becker will hurt his ability to find employment in the future.
Jain did not address the fact that Becker has been indicted for leaking a Grand Jury report and lying about it. If Becker is found guilty at his trial next March, he could serve up to four years in jail.
(Note to Jain: according to people with common sense, the indictment or possible conviction could make Becker’s future employment more difficult than the abuse allegations).
The Council voted 6-1 to release the report. Councilmember Karen Hardy voted against the motion.
Gillmor and Watanabe voted for the release of the report because they believe the details will demonstrate Becker’s behavior was worse than depicted in the report summary.
Gillmor also said the Council has set a precedent for the release of other investigative reports.
So we have a 6 to 1 vote for release and Becker and Gillmor and Watanabe all agree that the report should be released. I do not understand the point of using this issue to bring up the perjury case again.
Did Karen Hardy give a reason why she voted against release? I did not watch this meeting. I assume she voted against release because she thinks that this and other petty squabbling between council members should just be ended and not be continual distractions to council business that should benefit the people of Santa Clara.
This whole incident was silly. Becker directing profanity toward Watanabe and a middle finger was rude and too hostile. Reportedly it followed Watanabe being rude and hostile toward Becker. I do not believe that either Gillmor or Watanabe felt physically intimidated or threatened by Becker and if the police were called about this situation that was a frivolous use of their time.
This is all silly personal squabbling that should be laid to rest for the good of us all.
Buchser, the point of using the report to bring up the perjury matter is just another click-bait excuse to bring up anything against Council Member Becker. Notice how Haugh writes, “they believe the details will demonstrate Becker’s behavior was worse than depicted in the report summary”? Despite Council Member Becker being exonerated of those particular accusations, Gillmor, Watanabe, Nikolai, and their 49er-5 Choir will keep singing the accusation tune without a verse highlighting lack of substantiation. Guaranteed the Santa Clara POA will use the report on another website.
We have a wotld at war. City Councils becoming overwhelmed by Middle East issues. Lawsuits being filed on elections. Libraries now expected to carry emergency drugs, two major parties with potential nominees that no one wants; and Anthony Becker wants the world he did not shout loudly. The statue of St Clare has a tear. RESIGN NOW BECKER
Becker forgets the day he was sworn in and how he verbally attacked the mayor. It set precedence for what was to come and more.