On November 8, 2021, at the request of Fallbrook residents, I attended the Fallbrook Union High School Board Meeting at the Bob Burton Hall. There was concern for the threat of violence and risk to personal safety for attendees based on previous meetings.

I stayed for the entire meeting including public comments some of which were strongly expressed, but coherent. I did note one brief conflict in the first row with staff, officers, and board members insuring a quick, safe resolution.

I believe it is the responsibility of Elected Officials to help defuse frayed nerves, When members say "I feel you are not hearing me" it means something that can not be just dismissed or run away from. It is part of our obligation to understand why. That citizens can express feelings within bounds is essential to a healthy Democracy. What is also important is how we ourselves respond afterward; to be curious and inclusive, not presumptive or tribal. Of course, violence or threat of violence is absolutely not permitted; nor should it be inflamed in press reporting, and is often better dealt with outside the immediate setting.

The Board managed the meeting well, demonstrating respectful tolerance and allowed all attendees their say and to witness maturity instead of school yard taunting, As a knowledgeable Physician and Scientist, I am a strong advocate for in-person learning. We must not act out of an illusion of zero risk. I supported the need to provide this encouragement in my Public Comment to the Board, scroll to timestamp 3:31:00 in the meeting video the hear my comments.