Salinas LULAC calls Council member’s actions “disturbing and racist”

SALINAS, Calif. (KION) UPDATED 4/13/20 5:45 p.m. The local League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), is denouncing actions by Councilmember Tony Villegas in a Facebook live video that showed what appeared to be a group of latino farm workers that he says weren’t abiding by social distancing guidelines.

LULAC President Chris Barrera said the video was demeaning for the Latino residents videotaped and the main criticism is about a remark Villegas made at the end of the video, saying, “I guess it’s taco time.” But Villegas is speaking out saying the video was bringing awareness to a lack of social distancing among ag workers.

The video has since been taken down but a viewer shared a recording with KION. It shows what appears to be dozens of Latino residents standing in the parking lot of the Budget Inn Motel on John Street–many of them close together.

LULAC is calling the councilmember’s actions “disturbing and racist.”

SOT:

“In my opinion, a true leader would have got off their car right then and there, went up to them and try to educate them.” “But instead he chose to take a video, make fun of them,” Barrera said.

In a letter to the salinas mayor and city council, LULAC called for a public censure.

Now, Villegas is speaking out.

“The video was basically to bring awareness to the social distancing and these workers did not engage in that,” Villegas said.

He said it wasn’t meant to be racist.

“If I offended anybody, I apologize,” Villegas said. ”In no way shape or form did I meant to demean the hard workers that are out there.”

He told KION thinks LULAC’s move may stem from policy differences.

“People, you know, want to take two things out of context as far as things that I’ve done, to basically slam me politically,” Villegas said.

“From me to you, Tony, this isn’t politically, not at all. It’s about doing the right thing,” Barrera said.

Mayor Joe Gunter is reviewing the situation and speaking with council and the city attorney to see if any action needs to be taken moving forward.

LULAC said they plan to go to the motel Monday evening to pass out food and give out information on social distancing to the ag workers who are staying there as part of the H-2A program. 

Now, Villegas faces an opponent. Anthony Rocha announced his candidacy for Salinas City Council District 6 Monday in a Facebook post, the district that Villegas currently represents.

PREVIOUS STORY:

Members of the Salinas LULAC chapter have submitted a letter to Mayor Joe Gunter and the Salinas City Council.

It's as follows:

"I am writing on behalf of Salinas League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Council #2055 regarding disturbing and racist behavior committed by Salinas City District 6 Councilmember Tony Villegas. On April 10, 2020, Mr. Villegas was videotaped demeaning a group of Latino Salinas residents wherein he made racially charged remarks on Facebook Live: “I guess it’s taco time.” Such offensive behavior will not be tolerated by our community. It should be noted that it is not an isolated incident, but further evidence of a disturbing trend for Mr. Villegas. In September 2019, Villegas posted several offensive Facebook comments against Salinas Union High School District trustee, and District 6 constituent, Anthony Rocha, referring to him as “Cockrocha” and taking it further by creating a Facebook event entitled, “Pity Party for Cockrocha!” Villegas was never made to answer for that offense; with his recent actions, it’s clear that the Salinas City Council MUST take disciplinary actions against Councilmember Villegas. This type of behavior from our elected official is an outrageous example of bad leadership! A true leader would have pulled over and tried to educate these members of the public instead of making a mockery of them on a social media live feed with racist comments. Our farmworkers are deemed essential and should be well respected as they are feeding you and your families. You must be a solution and not add to the already strained relationship of the City Council and the community! During this Coronavirus pandemic it is a time for our community, and its leaders, to come together and help those in need. To be clear, Villegas’s behavior is inappropriate, notwithstanding the health crisis we face. However, during this time, it is elevated as Villegas is part of a city council in which the majority of its population is Latino and in crisis. It has been noted that we are the “Salad Bowl of the World” wherein our majority Latino farmworkers are deemed “essential” during the Coronavirus pandemic. Consequently, the residents of this community must be treated with respect, especially by our city leaders. During this crisis, our residents face many challenges and need more assistance than usual from their public servants. If they are made to feel fear, or mistrust, from their city council, how are they to get the help they need during these trying times? Such action endangers the entire population: If our community does not feel safe to reach out to our city leaders, it will lead to further trouble in an already chaotic time. We demand that Councilmember Villegas be formally disciplined including, but not limited to, a public censure for his racist actions! The mission of LULAC is to advance the economic condition, educational attainment, political influence, health, housing and civil rights of the Latino population. Accordingly, Salinas LULAC Council #2055 is committed to helping ensure that our Latino residents are treated with respect, free from racist harassment, ESPECIALLY from elected officials. This is a clear case where silence by the Salinas City Council would be viewed as acceptance. We look forward to your response regarding this abhorrent behavior by Councilmember Villegas and how you plan to mend relations with the community that you collectively serve. "

KION's Elisha Machado will have a report after speaking with both Councilmember Villegas and LULAC about the allegations on KION News Channel 5/46 at 5:00 and 6:00 p.m.