By Howard Myers
I am sharing this because what happened recently at the Santa Clara Farmer’s Market went far beyond normal political disagreement.
This was not civil discourse. It was harassment and a public disturbance at a family-oriented farmers’ market.
On Saturday, November 23, 2025, at approximately 11:00 am, I was standing with David Kertes at the Recall Suds Jain petition table at the Santa Clara Farmers’ Market.
Former Santa Clara City Councilmember Anthony Becker approached our table with his partner, Abel Cardona. At no point were they invited to engage in conversation.
Almost immediately, Becker raised his voice and became confrontational, loudly criticizing the recall effort in an agitated and angry manner. His behavior drew the attention of nearby marketgoers.
During the encounter, Becker also made disparaging remarks about Mayor Lisa Gillmor, despite her having no role in the recall effort and not being present. Much of what he said mirrored talking points commonly used by Councilmember Suds Jain and his online supporters.
As Becker continued, Cardona directed verbal abuse at me personally, repeatedly insulting those staffing the table.
I offered Becker a recall button, which he refused. While I was still holding it, Cardona asked for the button. When I hesitated, uncertain of his intent, Cardona made an obscene and sexually explicit remark suggesting that I use the button and part of my body to perform an unnatural act involving Mr. Kertes.
His comments were obviously intended as degrading, threatening, and an attempt to humiliate and intimidate.
The confrontation caused a visible disturbance. Several members of the public stopped to watch. I was concerned the situation could escalate further. At no point did I or anyone at the table approach, touch, or physically engage Becker or Cardona.
One unidentified market attendee recorded part of the incident on a cellphone. I believe the recording captures the yelling and Cardona’s conduct at the table.
Political disagreement is expected in a democratic republic. What occurred here was something else entirely. This behavior crossed the line into harassment and disrupted a public, family-oriented event.
Conduct like this should be documented, not ignored. Civility in public spaces and accountability for public figures matter – even if they are a former elected official and convicted felon.
Earl B, you summed it up well, in relative few, well chosen words. Thanks for the contribution to the discussion. It isn’t just one person, but a city wide degradation initiated by the strong armed election to approve the stadium.
Howard, really sorry you or anyone had to be put in that position. Kind of scary given you had no idea to what level this may have escalated too.
David Kertes is looking for more “Boots on the ground” as we are moving closer to that recall date. Love to see Suds gone, and then Parks for sure.
Just The Facts Ma’am
I do not know what happened to Santa Clara. It used to be the best run city in CA. Now it is a woke joke like the rest. Priorities are just a mess. Staff is unhappy. Leadership is feckless and overtly self protective. The citizens are left hanging. Meanwhile infrastructure is crumbling and the city is COMPLETELY unprepared for the eventual and easy to predict earthquake/fires that WILL hit the area. People like Becker get elected and quickly prove to the world how incompetent they are. What a shame. It was such a great city. Now? Overpriced, overcrowded, under lead, over regulated and dysfunctional to the point it is unrecognizable anymore. Just shameful. The stadium was the beginning of the end. That is FOR SURE.
Becker and Cardona are a pair of narcissists with very passive/aggressive personalities. Birds of a feather. Guess that’s what brought them together.
Anthony Becker is a piece of dog poop. He has never had a job and should be in prison.
Thaanks Howard