By Burt Field
[Santa Clara City Councilmember] Kevin Park thinks charity events mean free food and fun for him. But guess what? These nonprofits rely on ticket sales to help our community. They put on events to raise money for important causes, and Park’s behavior hurts their ability to serve our great City.
Thanks to Santa Clara News Online, we recently learned that Park attended the Santa Clara Library Foundation’s Librarypalooza dinner but didn’t pay the full amount, even after bringing guests.
This isn’t Park’s first time caught skipping the bill at charity events. Numerous volunteers from local nonprofits have complained about Park attending their events, enjoying the food, and leaving without paying a dime.
Park might think he’s getting a free meal, but here’s the reality: Every unpaid ticket means less money for vital Santa Clara programs. Park’s actions take away from the very people he’s supposed to represent.
That’s why I’m starting a GoFundMe. The community can help our nonprofits when Park won’t pay for his or others’ tickets. Every dollar raised will go straight to the charities Park attends but doesn’t pay for.
This isn’t about politics, it’s about fairness and giving back. Our so-called leaders should be setting a good example, and not taking advantage of the generosity of others.
It’s worth noting that over the years, Santa Clara elected leaders have joined me and my family and friends for many backyard barbecues. On these occasions, they have always been very gracious guests. They either bring a dish to share or contribute towards the cost. They don’t want to be seen as taking advantage of their status.
Please contribute if you want.
This is not about trying to raise a lot of money, but more about trying to raise awareness and the level of the people who are supposed to be leading our City.
Please donate even $1 to help the Santa Clara community and send a message: we support our local nonprofits, and we expect our elected officials to do the same.
Stampolis?
How is the Imperiall Valleyy??
Kids from Imperial Valley go Santa Clara?
I will at least accredit Mr Haugh. He lived in Santa Clara and went to Santa Clara schools. His parents paid sc taxes.
I will dive in where angels might fear to tread, in the interest of accuracy for this topic. Politics aside, following is the posted text form the LibraryPalooza webpage that was linked from the City of Santa Clara’s official government page. Please note the last sentence of the paragraph… It is possible that Mr. Field and Mr. Haugh had not been aware of the voluntary nature of contributions for this particular event. The Fall election should be contested intensely, but let’s focus on facts and the candidates’ goals for the next four years.
“The event raises money for The Santa Clara City Library Foundation and Friends, an organization dedicated to supporting the Santa Clara City Libraries and lifelong learning in Silicon Valley. To that end, we will ask for donations at the event, though it is not required to make one.”
Here is the URL still up on the City of Santa Clara’s website:
https://www.santaclaraca.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/96333/41
Chris,
I believe the passage that you are quoting was saying that donations would be asked for at the event but that nobody is required to make one. However it is talking about donations above and beyond the cost of the ticket which is stated without any language about being optional.
I do think that this is a very small matter that is relatively unimportant when evaluating whether or not Kevin Park has been a good councilperson.
WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON WITH OUR CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS!
As a homeowner and taxpayer in Santa Clara I am demanding that Mr. Parks be brought up on charges on using his position as a City Council Member for his own personal greed. I want this useless WORM removed from our City Council immediately! Many of us are tired of this type of B.S.
Donated to cover the loss to the Librarypalooza that he stiffed. He made promises at Arbor Day to buy gift cards for Erik’s Deli. Did he come through or eat the promise?
I will not cover anything for Kevin Park. Hold him accountable, but this isn’t the way to do it. Require him to pay up front before being allowed into events.
The Dude, you are absolutely correct. Why enable Park?
Why should others foot the bill for his lack of integrity?
Unfortunately that is why so many go into politics, for all the benefits and freebies. 🤬