On September 19, 2023, the Monterey City Council conducted a public meeting to address City business and the needs of its residents and visitors, when a group of hate-filled people called in through Zoom. The individuals spewed offensive, profane, and hurtful language during multiple public comment periods, delaying the regular business of the meeting. The disgusting comments were racist, antisemitic, and unacceptable. These individuals appeared to be from outside of the Monterey area and do not represent the inclusivity and respectfulness of our Monterey community.  

The City of Monterey firmly stands against racism, antisemitism, bigotry, and discrimination of any kind. We hope you will join us in unequivocally condemning these malicious statements. We know Monterey is, and will continue to be compassionate, caring, positive and inclusive. Together our community can amplify kindness, foster understanding and empathy, and embrace and celebrate our differences. The City will continue to conduct the people’s business and serve all who live, visit and work here.  

The City also acknowledges that the First Amendment protects the freedom of speech, including offensive and even hateful speech.  However, if speech rises to the level of a criminal threat or inciting violence, the Monterey Police Department and state and federal law enforcement partners will investigate and seek prosecution against those violating the law.   

If you see or experience a hate crime or hate incident in the City of Monterey, please report the incident to the Monterey Police Department by calling 9-1-1 in case of emergency, or (831) 646-3914 in a non-emergency situation. 

If you’ve been impacted by this recent incident and need to talk to someone, please call 2-1-1 for resources available in this community or visit https://211montereycounty.org for more information. You may also call the CA vs Hate Resource Line and Network for resources at 833-8-NO-HATE (833-866-4283). Their website is https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/ca-vs-hate-page.  

“Addressing hate speech does not mean limiting or prohibiting freedom of speech. It means keeping hate speech from escalating into something more dangerous, particularly incitement to discrimination, hostility and violence, which is prohibited under international law.”  
— United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, May 2019