[External] cancellation of America First

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From: sharon isoar To: Hemenwav, Steve; Cervantes, Clarissa; info(@riv-cc.com; 2Mavor; Conder, Chuck; Fierro, Ronaldo; Perry, Jim; Plascencia, Gabv, Edwards, Erin; CitvClerkMbx Subject: [External] cancellation of America First Date: Sunday, July 18, 20217:58:22 AM It is again apparent that freedom is only for those who agree with one side. I was disturbed that our city officials saw it necessary to comment on American First rally. Ronaldo Fierro stated "This is not a city -sponsored event and I do not endorse the rhetoric of these two individuals and have clearly voiced my opposition to the holding of this event at this facility" This comment along with others is extremely damaging to his reputation. Then to have our Mayor state "I commend Raincross Hospitality Corp for this decision" is putting the stamp of approval on excluding those with a view that she does not agree with. Then the icing on the cake is when Mayor pro tem is saying "Riverside is a diverse and inclusive community, so it is heartening to hear that this event will not move forward". This is the same council member who is guilty of ethic violations and she does not speak for me and many of my fellow Riversiders. By her own words she has proven herself to be racist and now has the nerve to call another group racist. I do not know what the meeting was to be about ,but I find it offensive to condone cancelling an event at the last minute due to political pressure to do so. We have allowed BLM and "de - fund police to come in and "peaceable protest" at great cost to us in LEO salaries and prayer virgils with BLM with councilmembers attending and participation yet these speakers were not allowed in our city. This is truly not representative of what I want my city to be about. I want diversity and freedom for all to speak their minds without fear of reprisal or cancellation. I am intelligent enough to decide what is true and fair and what is garbage. I don't need elected officials to make those decisions for me. Being as Riverside owns the convention center and Raincross manages it, I want to know who has the authority to make decisions as to who is allowed to rent out the venue. I find it suspicious that the venue was rented to this group and I assume the agenda was known and contract signed and then one day before the event it was cancelled. Could it have been cancelled due to pressure from the city which has the ability not to renew the contract or could it be by councilmembers encouraging a hate campaign against the venue to intimidate them? It's time the council recognizes that this city is very diverse and that we the people demand that ALL be treated equally. You cannot continue to use the mantra inclusive and diverse when ALL the people are not allowed the ability for free speech. I anxiously wait for a response.