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Richmond Council Rejects Emergency Censure of Mayor Over Antisemitic Posts in 5–2 Vote

The move keeps a remediation-focused proposal alive for a regular hearing later this month.

Overview

  • Council members declined to add the censure as an emergency item, with several saying there was not enough time to review the measure.
  • Mayor Eduardo Martinez voted no and argued the late addition violated Brown Act norms and amounted to a punitive action.
  • More than 150 people signed up to speak at City Hall, filling an overflow room as residents split between calls for resignation and support for the mayor.
  • The proposed censure seeks repair rather than removal by requiring meetings with Jewish leaders, antisemitism and cultural-sensitivity training, and a charitable donation.
  • The vice mayor said the council will likely consider the item on January 20, as regional Jewish groups press for removal and others advocate education and dialogue.