Item 29 public comment rules

Quoted the Brown Act, arguing the law requires comment before or during consideration of each item, not a whole agenda at once.

The former councilwoman said SB 707 was meant to expand participation and proposed a substitute allowing early speaker cards while keeping item comments.

Urged a no vote, saying separating comments from agenda items makes public voices 'a mosh pit' disconnected from decisions.

Said democracy is threatened when people must speak before hearing the item they're asked to speak on.

Said she lost a day's wages to attend and that early comment robs her of informed participation; thanked Kerr for changing her mind.

A working mother of three spoke in support, saying early comment makes participation accessible for parents.

Proposed keeping both: 90 minutes early plus item-by-item comment, and fixing agendas and overtime instead.

Quoted Chaffee v. San Francisco Library Commission on the Brown Act and urged a no vote.

Chair of Cambodia Town spoke in support, citing access for seniors, people with disabilities and working families.

Presented a petition with 732 signatures opposing the public comment changes.

A disability advocate who saw both sides but asked whether more speakers should mean less time per person.

Long Beach Reform Coalition director cited 100% opposition in written comments and warned the ordinance gives the mayor discretion to cut speaking time.

Carpenters union representative spoke in support, saying late-night meetings lock out working families.

Former opponent who researched other cities and now supports the change, saying it makes comment more predictable.