Open Leter to Steve Pleich of Citizens for a Better Santa Cruz

Steve,

Let me say first that I suspect you are a good, if not cautious attorney. And it's obvious you have a good heart and your efforts in volunteering your time are admirable.

But you decided to start a group on Facebook that was intended to bring together diverse voices in our community to bring about a better Santa Cruz.

In the months that I've read posts, I've noticed that certain members were allowed to stalk and harass others. Specifically, an online TBSC troll who goes by RealityCheck continually stalked and harassed a member. I never noticed a public comment by you on this matter. Then, TBSC member Ken RatDog Collins has been allowed into the group and continually go off on rants personal and otherwise, and nary a peep from you.

But last week Pamela Comstock and Santa Cruz City council were called out on the latest series of proposed ordinances. Unlike the personal attacks waged by RealityCheck and Ratdog Collins, there were no personal attacks on Comstock, other than the observation that she seems to be focused on removing those who don't fit into her vision of an upscale downtown devoid of those she views as undesirables.

Well suddenly Steven you managed to find your voice. After Pamela graced your group with her presence, threw a mini-fit and then left, you issued an ultimatum...no more being mean to Pamela and TBSC, you only wanted "positive" posts. Of course you being you, you didn't say this clearly, you hemmed and hawed and hinted about what you really meant but after being questioned by members it became clear, you want your "Better Santa Cruz" group to not discuss issues that might embarrass those in power. And to punctuate your point, you threw out Robert Norse because he dared post a link of Ken ratdog Collins assaulting a homeless dude on the Clean Team cleanup. Maybe in your mind asking for the justice system to be applied evenly to people qualifies are "not being positive."

I can't tell if you are so desperate to get elected to City Council that you will kiss Analicia Cube's ring if given the chance or if you are so naive as to think that pretending that hate groups will go away on their own accord, but neither prospect bodes well for someone wanting to vote you into office and expect you to be a strong voice in the dark of the night.

Your group Steve is now filled with TBSC members and you clearly are prohibiting those who aren't from being able to fully voice their concerns. That's not a level playing field Steve and so what you've now intentionally or naively created is another TBSC troll zone.

Good work Steve!