HOT MIC: California Democrats Discuss Silencing Critics Even Though ‘City Attorney Said We Can’t’

“We should go over this disruptions thing, because if we want to ban somebody in the future, like to take them out, we have to point out specifically…” Vice Mayor Karina Talamantes is heard saying.

“I know, but the city attorney said we can’t do that,” Mayor Kevin McCarty replied.

“We did it last time,” Talamantes responded.

“We can’t,” McCarty said, shaking his head. “I spent my first six months going over this. I wanted to give people, like, probation, like, you can’t come…”

Talamantes then appeared to realize the microphone was still live and quickly reached over to switch it off before continuing the conversation, according to the livestream carried and examined by several news outlets.

The hot-mic exchange garnered criticism from activists, who argued Talamantes appeared interested in silencing vocal opponents.

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They will all try to take your freedom first. It's the easiest way to not have to "deal" with us. Sadly we wouldn't even know about this if the citizen that was rudely talking hadn't done so. I wonder what her point was.
What do the constituents not want in that town?

— Emmy Lou (@lou_emmylou29) July 25, 2026

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They don’t want to ban hate speech. They just want to ban the speech they hate

— AsSeenInMN (@Letricboogaloo) July 25, 2026

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The revolution is begging to happen. Cops, judges, all politicians, anyone in government deserves the worst.

— Pic Kuhls (@wysenheimer) July 25, 2026

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Councilmember Phil Pluckebaum said he agreed with the substance of the exchange between McCarty and Talamantes but acknowledged it was not intended to be public.

“Karina said what she wanted to say to Kevin. I don’t think she’s walking away from her statement; it’s just something that wasn’t intended for everyone,” Pluckebaum said.

The First Amendment Coalition said public meetings have become more heated, but the Brown Act still protects the public’s right to attend meetings and speak during public comment.

“As long as it does not rise to the level of a true threat to cause harm, but simply being angry and simply using profanity, while it may not be polite, that’s politics,” David Loy with the First Amendment Coalition said.

Pluckebaum said he understands the community’s concerns about safety but encouraged residents to engage with the council in a productive manner.

“We’re doing what we can within the law, within the authority we’ve been given to provide the best protections that we can for the public and it’s not enough. I agree, but, you know, coming and yelling at us isn’t gonna make it any better,” Pluckebaum said.

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