5.01 Deferred from February 23, 2022 Council Meeting: Resolution in Support of Denouncing and Debunking Fake News
8200 Westminster Boulevard
City of Westminster
Westminster, California
92683
Staff Report
File #:22-84,Item #:5.1 Meeting Date:
Westminster City Council
SUBJECT
DeferredfromFebruary23,2022CouncilMeeting:ResolutioninSupportofDenouncingand
Debunking Fake News.
From:Council Member Tai Do
Prepared by:Christine Cordon, Interim City Manager
_____________________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDED ACTION
StaffrecommendsthattheMayorandCityCouncilconsidertherequestandprovidedirection
regardingadoptionofaResolutionentitled, “ARESOLUTIONOFTHEMAYORANDCITYCOUNCIL
OFTHECITYOFWESTMINSTER,CALIFORNIA,DENOUNCINGFAKENEWSINTHECITYOF
WESTMINSTER AND DEBUNKING RECENT FAKE NEWS STORIES.”
BACKGROUND
AttheFebruary9,2022CityCouncilmeeting,CouncilMemberTaiDorequestedanitembeplaced
ontheagendaforaresolutiontodenouncefakenews;theitemwasdeferredfromtheFebruary23,
2022 meeting without discussion due to lack of time.
CouncilMemberDoisconcernedwiththeamountoffakenewsthathasbeencirculatingregarding
city-relatedmatters,particularlyinvolvingtheWestminsterCityCouncilandactionstakenbytheCity
Council.Heisconcernedthatthefakenews,particularlyintheVietnamesemedia,istargetingsome
of Westminster’smostvulnerablepopulationandisinstillingfearthroughmisinformationthatismuch
like propaganda.
CouncilMemberDorequeststhattheCityCouncilconsiderandadoptaresolutiontonotonly
denouncefakenews,butalsodebunkrecentfakenewsthathasbeencirculatinginWestminsteron
local Vietnamese media.
City of WestminsterPage 1 of 2Printed on 3/3/2022
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File #:22-84,Item #:5.1 Meeting Date:
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact related to the adoption of this resolution.
LEGAL REVIEW
TheCity Attorney’sOfficehasreviewedthestaffreportandresolutionandhaveapprovedthemasto
form.
CONCLUSION
Theproposedresolutiondenouncesfakenewsandaddressesrecentfakenews.Byadoptingthe
resolution, the City Council takes a stance on the negative impacts of fake news in the City.
ATTACHMENTS
1.Proposed Resolution
REVIEWED BY
Christian Bettenhausen, City Attorney
Erin Backs, Finance Director
Christine Cordon, Interim City Manager
City of WestminsterPage 2 of 2Printed on 3/3/2022
powered by Legistar™
CITY OF WESTMINSTER
RESOLUTION NO. XXXX
A RESOLUTION OF THEMAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF WESTMINSTER,CALIFORNIA,
DENOUNCING FAKE NEWS IN THE CITY OF
WESTMINSTERAND DEBUNKING RECENT FAKE NEWS AND DEBUNKING RECENT FAKE NEWS AND DEBUNKING RECENT FAKE NEWS
STORIES
WHEREAS, fake news:
An article, image or other form of content that is knowingly false or fabricated, that An article, image or other form of content that is knowingly false or fabricated, that
is then distributed via the internet, especially via social media, with the is then distributed via the internet, especially via social media, with the intention ofintention of:
Swaying opinion, sparking emotion or even causing outrage among individuals Swaying opinion, sparking emotion or even causing outrage among individuals
whobelieving the information to be truebelieving the information to be trueclick, comment and/or spread the click, comment and/or spread the
information and/or take some form of action that supports a particular cause or information and/or take some form of action that supports a particular cause or
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point of view; and
WHEREAS, fake news has become a problem nationally, and has more recently WHEREAS, fake news has become a problem nationally, and has more recently
taken root in the City of Westminster; and taken root in the City of Westminster; and
WHEREAS, fake news has been aroundnews has been aroundfor a long time, and has been misused in for a long time, and has been misused in
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many countries.It essentially essentially has the same the same
was used infamously and with murderous effectwas used infamously and with murderous effectssby Adolf Hitler,Joseph Stalin,and other
totalitarian regimes; and; and
WHEREAS, tWHEREAS, the internethe internethas magnified the negative impact of has magnified the negative impact of fake news. The
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global reach of the integlobal reach of the internet and the thick wall of anonymity rnet and the thick wall of anonymity which social media provides
makesit much easier to spread lies with damaging effect.it much easier to spread lies with damaging effect.Content distribution and sharing
of false information is fast, cheapof false information is fast, cheap,and often anonymous. There is a vast amount of
information beininformation being shared with g shared with very little accountabilityvery little accountabilityas to the actual truth of the matter;
andand
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WHEREAS, the internet is supposed to be the democratizing force in our election, WHEREAS, the internet is supposed to be the democratizing force in our election,
in our dialogue in our country and around the world. in our dialogue in our country and around the world. However,influential figures such as
actors, community members, and elected officials actors, community members, and elected officials are takingadvantage of the openness
of the internet and are creating opportunities to deceiveof the internet and are creating opportunities to deceivepeople; and
WHEREAS, WHEREAS, the epidemic of malicious fake news has been flooding Vietnamese
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language media and social media as well over the pastfew yearswithreal world
consequences. Actorsare being usedto spread fake news by attacking and demonizing
hardworking honest people, putting the lives of ordinary peopleat risk,who simply want
to go about their daysdoingtheir jobs and contributing to their community; and
Resolution Denouncing Fake News
March 9, 2022
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WHEREAS, unofficial or novelty media outlets,including but not limited to bloggers
and vloggers,are strengthening the influence of fake news by reporting itas real news,
similar to yellow journalism and sensationalistic or biased stories; and
WHEREAS, leaders in government, the private sector, religious leaders, and private sector, religious leaders, and
community leaders must push back and voice their objections to this proliferation of this proliferation of fake
news whenever it occurs, in order to protect our democracy and the o protect our democracy and the lives of lives of innocent
people who are falsely accused.As a community, when we call out these bad actors and we call out these bad actors and
bad politiciansand proclaim the truth, fake newsis stoppedis stopped; and; and
WHEREAS, Vietnam has a history of building and safeguarding the country from Vietnam has a history of building and safeguarding the country from Vietnam has a history of building and
safeguarding the country from
foreign invaders for thousands of years. Throughout foreign invaders for thousands of years. Throughout foreign invaders for thousands of years. Throughout 101010centuries living under
Chinese centuries living under Chinese centuries living under Chinese
domination, under leaders like Trung Trac, Trung Nhi, Ngo Quyen, General Ly Thuong leaders like Trung Trac, Trung Nhi, Ngo Quyen, General Ly Thuong leaders like Trung Trac, Trung Nhi,
Ngo Quyen, General Ly Thuong
Kiet, General Tran Quoc Tuan--just to name a fewjust to name a fewjust to name a few------the Vietnamese peoplethe Vietnamese peoplethe Vietnamese peoplewere ablewere able
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to riseup in arms and in a unified effort against the foreign oppressors against the foreign oppressors against the foreign oppressors ((). The
Vietnamese people have historically shown their abilithistorically shown their abilithistorically shown their abilityyyto come together to fight foreign to come together to fight foreign
to come together to fight foreign
invaders; and
WHEREAS, at over 40 percent of the population, Westminster has the highest WHEREAS, at over 40 percent of the population, Westminster has the highest WHEREAS, at over 40 percent of the
population, Westminster has the highest
percentage of Americans of Vietnamese Vietnamese Vietnamese decent. More than decent. More than decent. More than any other city outside of any other city outside of any other city
outside of
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Vietnam, andis known worldwide as the political and cultural capital of Vietnamese is known worldwide as the political and cultural capital of Vietnamese is known worldwide as the political
and cultural capital of Vietnamese
refugees. A high percentage of this population do not speak English and rely heavily on refugees. A high percentage of this population do not speak English and rely heavily on refugees.
A high percentage of this population do not speak English and rely heavily on
the Vietnamese media,,,and their Vietnamese American elected officialsand their Vietnamese American elected officialsand their Vietnamese American elected officials,for their news
and information about mation about mation about important issues in the community, as well as elected officials and important issues in the community, as well as elected officials and
important issues in the community, as well as elected officials and
candidates.
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WHEREAS, sWHEREAS, sWHEREAS, some Vietnamese American politiciansome Vietnamese American politiciansome Vietnamese American politiciansand activists in Orange
County have have repeatedly and repeatedly and repeatedly and unethically sought to use their unethically sought to use their unethically sought to use their access to Vietnamese Media,
and their d their d their knowledge of the Vietnamese culture and historyknowledge of the Vietnamese culture and historyknowledge of the Vietnamese culture and history,for their own
political gain.
They They They identifying identifying identifying specific emotional issues and specific emotional issues and specific emotional issues and fears within the Vietnamese culture, and
use use use these these these to to manipulate the communitymanipulate the communitymanipulate the community. Theymake false accusations against theirrivals
threatenthreatenthreateningingthetheirirpatriotismpatriotismpatriotism, and, and, andtell people tell people tell people to vote for themor for certain other candidates
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so thaso thaso that they t they t they will be able to will be able to will be able to protectprotectthe Vietnamese Americans
o(foreigner)(foreigner)(foreigner)discrimination.discrimination.This divides the community, and leads to
Vietnamese AmericanVietnamese AmericanVietnamese Americansssnaively naively naively votingfor only Vietnamese Americanscandidates; and
WHEREAS, these politicians and their supporters have WHEREAS, these politicians and their supporters have WHEREAS, these politicians and their supporters have wrongly and unfairly
labeled non-Vietnamese candidatesVietnamese candidatesVietnamese candidates/elected officialsas racist, in Vietnamese, in order to
destroy their credibility and public trustcredibility and public trustcredibility and public trust. They do this knowing that their targets do not
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speak Vietnamese, and have very little recourse to protect themselves.
WHEREAS, these politicians make these statements in a reckless manner,
oblivious of the potential harmful impacts they may have on the target(s) of their
comments. Despite having been warned that comments about racism, and which are
targeted at inflaming the public to believe that their culture is being attacked, could lead to
Resolution Denouncing Fake News
March 9, 2022
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physical violence against the other person or their family, they proceed to make them
anyway.
WHEREAS, this kind of activity is vileand unethical, and unfairly takes advantage
of those people who become the targets of fake news. They are often unaware of what is
being said against them because they do not speak Vietnamese, and if they do understand if they do understand if they do understand
Vietnamese,they do not have access to Vietnamese mediato defend themselvesto defend themselvesto defend themselves; and
WHEREAS, non-Vietnamese members of the communityhear fake news from the hear fake news from the hear fake news from the
Vietnamese media through third party sources or inaccurate subtitles, causing greater Vietnamese media through third party sources or inaccurate subtitles, causing greater Vietnamese
media through third party sources or inaccurate subtitles, causing greater
chaos and confusion among the entire community; and
WHEREAS, these fake news statements are despicable in that they seek to take hese fake news statements are despicable in that they seek to take hese fake news statements are despicable
in that they seek to take
advantage of certain members of our community who should be protected and honored, advantage of certain members of our community who should be protected and honored, advantage of certain
members of our community who should be protected and honored,
not abused for private political gain.These false statements seek to take advantage of These false statements seek to take advantage of These false statements seek to take advantage
of
those who do notfully understand English, and therefore are less able to understand fully understand English, and therefore are less able to understand fully understand English, and
therefore are less able to understand the
truth of what was actually said or done. Worse yet, these Worse yet, these Worse yet, these haphazardhaphazardhaphazardstatements seek to statements seek to
T
falsely enrage the legitimate emotions those members of our community who suffered real falsely enrage the legitimate emotions those members of our community who suffered real falsely
enrage the legitimate emotions those members of our community who suffered real
experiences of discrimination and hardship experiences of discrimination and hardship during the 1963 Buddhist Crisis; aduring the 1963 Buddhist Crisis; aduring the 1963 Buddhist Crisis;
and
WHEREAS, Westminster Vietnamese American elected officialsWestminster Vietnamese American elected officialsWestminster Vietnamese American elected officialsand their
supportershave frequently used the Vietnamese language used the Vietnamese language used the Vietnamese language media media media to spread to spread to spread fake news for
the sole purpose of attackingtheir their political political political opponentsopponentsopponentsand specifically members of the and specifically members of the and specifically members
of the
F
Westminster City Council. For example, they. For example, they. For example, theyfrequently frequently frequently accusemembers of the
Westminster City CouncilWestminster City CouncilWestminster City Councilof being of being of being Vietnamese Vietnamese Vietnamese communist sympathizerscommunist sympathizerscommunist
sympathizers, suppressing
Buddhism, harassing Buddhist monkBuddhism, harassing Buddhist monkBuddhism, harassing Buddhist monkss, and removing the most revered statue of General , and removing the most revered
statue of General , and removing the most revered statue of General
Tran Hung Daowhen there is no evidence to support such a claimwhen there is no evidence to support such a claimwhen there is no evidence to support such a claim; and
WHEREAS, these officials need to be warned that falsely WHEREAS, these officials need to be warned that falsely WHEREAS, these officials need to be warned that falsely accusing someone
of
A
being a communistcommunistcommunistor or or aaacommunist communist communist sympathizersympathizersympathizerin Westminster has led to significant legal
court judgements against thjudgements against thjudgements against those ose ose who make such who make such who make such false statements. This is based on the
fact that calling falsely calling someone a communist in fact that calling falsely calling someone a communist in fact that calling falsely calling someone a communist in Westminster
carries with it very
unique meaning. It unique meaning. It unique meaning. It raises strong emotional reraises strong emotional reraises strong emotional reactions from many of the members of the
community who community who community who were forced twere forced twere forced to flee their country and suffered harshly under o flee their country and suffered harshly under o flee
their country and suffered harshly under the
Vietnamese communistVietnamese communistVietnamese communistregime.regime.regime.
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WHEREAS,WHEREAS,WHEREAS,it is unethical for politicians to it is unethical for politicians to it is unethical for politicians to take advantage of those residents of
our cccityityity, especially the elderly voters , especially the elderly voters , especially the elderly voters who are most vulnerable and susceptible to
manipulation, and who should be most revered for their own selfish political gamesmanipulation, and who should be most revered for their own selfish political gamesmanipulation, and
who should be most revered for their own selfish political games; and
WHEREAS, in recent months there WHEREAS, in recent months there WHEREAS, in recent months there have been a number of statements made by
Westminster politicWestminster politicWestminster politicians and their supportersin an effort to manipulate the Vietnamese-
D
speaking population through the intentional spread of fake news. These false statements
Resolution Denouncing Fake News
March 9, 2022
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completely ignore the true facts. They involve the deliberate propagation of blatant lies for
the sole purpose of trying to tear down the reputation of political opponents; and
WHEREAS, it is important for the City Council to take a strong stand against the
concept offake newsthat has recently been spread, and to
clearly state the true facts against what has been alleged.
NOW THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WESTMINSTER THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WESTMINSTER THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WESTMINSTER
DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1.Thespread of fake newscreates substantialsubstantialsubstantialturmoil in the turmoil in the turmoil in the
Vietnamese community in Westminster.By adopting this resolutionBy adopting this resolutionBy adopting this resolution,,the City Council the City Council the City Council
affirmatively states that thefalse statements referenced in the recitals false statements referenced in the recitals false statements referenced in the recitals constitute fake constitute
fake constitute fake
news. It is entirely false information, which is being spread to serve private political It is entirely false information, which is being spread to serve private political It is entirely
false information, which is being spread to serve private political
purposes, and which significantly damages and misleads our purposes, and which significantly damages and misleads our purposes, and which significantly damages and misleads our community.
community. community.
SECTION 2.The City Council commits to denouncing fake news.The City Council commits to denouncing fake news.The City Council commits to denouncing fake news.By adopting this By adopting
this
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resolution the City Council firmly states that it does not condoresolution the City Council firmly states that it does not condoresolution the City Council firmly states that it does
not condone the spreading of fake ne the spreading of fake
news. It is false, dishonest and selfish behavior which will only result iIt is false, dishonest and selfish behavior which will only result iIt is false, dishonest and selfish behavior
which will only result in damage to our n damage to our
community asa whole. For this reason the a whole. For this reason the a whole. For this reason the City Council finds it necessary and prudent to City Council finds it necessary and
prudent to City Council finds it necessary and prudent to
declare its strong disapproval of any fake news. declare its strong disapproval of any fake news. declare its strong disapproval of any fake news.
SECTION 3.The following items are examples of fake news which is being spread The following items are examples of fake news which is being spread
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in the City of Westminster in recent months and is harming our communityWestminster in recent months and is harming our community, and which the
City Council condemns.
follows:
Primary Local Source of Fake NewsPrimary Local Source of Fake NewsPrimary Local Source of Fake News::
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Video: https://youtu.be/LGErPYdnN2shttps://youtu.be/LGErPYdnN2s
Title:
(Candidate(Candidate
Background:Background:Pho Bolsa TV coverage of NamQuanPho Bolsa TV coverage of NamQuanNguyen-off. In
r Tri Ta, Councilman ChiCharlie
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Nguyen, former assemblyman Van Tran, Garden Grove School Trustee Lan Nguyen, Nguyen, former assemblyman Van Tran, Garden Grove School Trustee Lan Nguyen,
Cuong Bui, Tran Dao, and Nhat LinhCuong Bui, Tran Dao, and Nhat Linh,most of whom appeared on NamQuanYouTube
videovideo,,spreading dangerous and damaging fake news to attack spreading dangerous and damaging fake news to attack the Westminster City
Council. Council.
NamQuan was a former Westminster traffic commissioner, appointed by Mayor Ta. NamQuan was a former Westminster traffic commissioner, appointed by Mayor Ta.
NamQuan ran an unsuccessful 2020 campaign against NamQuan ran an unsuccessful 2020 campaign against now-Vice Mayor Carlos Manzo
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for a seat on the Westminster City Council.
NamQuanoperates a Vietnamese-language YouTube channel, Trust Media Network,
with 206,000 subscribers that has a following in Little Saigon. He and most of those who
attended his campaign kick-off hostatalk show on which they broadcast support of Mayor
Resolution Denouncing Fake News
March 9, 2022
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Ta and Councilman Nguyen and endorse the recall of Vice Mayor Manzo and
Councilwoman Kimberly Ho.
1.Fake News:
Video:https://youtu.be/T8zfICqU20w
Title:
Dated:2/13/2022
Background:At 1:03:00 in the video,Ky Ngo and NamQuan Ky Ngo and NamQuan make a statement that make a statement that
Councilwoman Ho conspired with Vice Mayor Manzo and Councilman Tai Do to Councilwoman Ho conspired with Vice Mayor Manzo and Councilman Tai Do to
persecute Venerable VienLy the Abbott of Dieu Ngu Temple for giving Mayor Ta Ly the Abbott of Dieu Ngu Temple for giving Mayor Ta a
kickbackfor the land sale to Dieu Ngu Temple. They stateThey statedthat Councilwoman Ho Councilwoman Ho
wantsto prosecute and imprison Mayor Ta and Venerable Vien Ly for corruptionto prosecute and imprison Mayor Ta and Venerable Vien Ly for corruption,and and that that
the city would confiscate the Dieu Ngu temple. This Dieu Ngu temple. This false false allegation caused an allegation caused an immediate immediate
uproar among the faithful Buddhists of Dieu Ngu Temple because the Buddhist population uproar among the faithful Buddhists of Dieu Ngu Temple because the Buddhist population
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believed that Councilwoman Ho is suppressing and harassing Buddhists and Buddhism.believed that Councilwoman Ho is suppressing and harassing Buddhists and Buddhism.
Actual Facts:No one has ever expressed any intent to investigate the temples ever expressed any intent to investigate the templeorthe
Abbot, or try and have the city take over the property. This is completely false. This fact Abbot, or try and have the city take over the property. This is completely false. This fact
was confirmed by Interim City Manager City Manager Christine CordonChristine Cordonduring the city council meeting during the city council meeting
onFebruary 9, 2022when she statedthe city has no planthe city has no planssto investigate the land sale to to investigate the land sale to
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Dieu Ngu Temple.
2.Fake News:
Video: https://youtu.be/T8zfICqU20whttps://youtu.be/T8zfICqU20w
Title:
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Background:Background:AAt 1:07:17t 1:07:17of the videoof the video,Nam Quan states that Manzois giving the
Vietnamese Buddhists in Westminster too much trouble and did not vote to allow Dieu Vietnamese Buddhists in Westminster too much trouble and did not vote to allow Dieu
Ngu temple to build a wall.Ngu temple to build a wall.
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Actual Actual Facts:Vice Mayor Carlos Manzo Vice Mayor Carlos Manzo is a strong supporter of the Vietnamese
communityommunity.Heinitiatedinitiatedthe Westminster the Westminster resolution to denounce anti-Asian hate.There
is no evidence that Vice Mayor Manzo is no evidence that Vice Mayor Manzo has ever harassedor ridiculedthe Vietnamese
Buddhists in Westminster. Buddhists in Westminster. The Dieu NguTemple wall project was mentioned in the video
with no additional detail. with no additional detail.
3.Fake News:Fake News:
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Video:https://youtu.be/zmDUxLAVJX4
Title:Huy Duc TV VNN TV -Ch
Date:1/30/2022
Resolution Denouncing Fake News
March 9, 2022
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Background:In the video,actor Nhat Linh says that Councilwoman Ho is very deep in
unethical behaviorand that she has been attacking Buddhismin general.Nhat statedthat
Councilwoman HoattackedtheDieu Ngu temple and Dieu Nguabbot,
Venerable Vien Ly,who is an honorable monk in Little Saigon and the Vietnamese
community across the globe.
Actual Facts:There is no evidence to supportNhatstatements.It appears this fake It appears this fake
news isbeing spread in an effort to try and reignite the Buddhist Crisis Buddhist Crisis ofof1963 among
the Buddhist people of Westminster, appealing to their emotions that they are being people of Westminster, appealing to their emotions that they are being
wrongly persecuted in order to motivate them to recall Councilwoman Ho and Vice Mayor to recall Councilwoman Ho and Vice Mayor
Manzo. But there is no evidence they have anything against Dieu Ngu temple or its y have anything against Dieu Ngu temple or its
leaders, and there is no intent by the city to reacquire the property. quire the property.
4.Fake News:
Video:https://youtu.be/yQN6jU0aUSg
Title:Báo:Kimberly,CarlosManzo,TàiTàichùachùahãm
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ViênLý(Alert:Kimberly,CarlosManzo,Manzo,TaiTaiDoDowantwanttore-acquiretheland
ofDieuNgutempleandtodestroyVenerableVienVienLL
Date:1/27/2022
Background:NamQuanandKyNgoNgomademadeaarecallrecallcampaigncampaignvideovideostatingthat,on
January12,2022,CouncilMembersHo,Ho,Do,andandManzoManzocalledcalledalllawenforcement
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agenciesintheareatoinvestigateandprosecuteprosecuteMayorMayorTaTaandandtheVenerableVienLy
ofDieuNguTemple,locatedlocatedatat1445214452ChestnutChestnutininWestminster,forillegallandsalewhich
DieuNguTemplelegallylegallyacquiredacquiredin2014.2014.NamNamQuanexpressedasenseofurgencyto
reportthisinaccurateinaccurateinformationinformationtohisviewers.viewers.HestatedthatCouncilMemberHo
accusedMayorTaTaofofacceptingaccepting$2$2millionkickbackkickbackforthesaleofthecitylandwhichwas
worth$5million.million.
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KyNgostatedthatCouncilCouncilMemberHoisisaMormonandshewantedtodestroythe
BuddhistBuddhisttemplestemplestopleasepleasethetheCaucasianpopulation.TheyplayedaclipoftheCouncil
meetingmeetingininwhichwhichwewecanhearhearCouncilMemberHostatingshehadnoproblemwiththe
buyerbuyerofoftheparcelparcelofoflandlandlocatedlocatedat14452Chestnut.Shestatedshehadaproblemwith
thethesalesaleprocessandandquestionedquestionedhowthecityselectedthebuyerandthereasonwhyan
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appraisalappraisalwasnotdone.done.CitystaffexplainedthattheRedevelopmentlawsbackthendid
notnotrequirerequireanappraisal.appraisal.
NamQuanQuanshowedshowedthatthatvideosegmentandindicatedCouncilwomanHomentionedthe
priceofthethepropertypropertyandaddressofthetemple.Hewronglyandintentionallyinterpreted
thatcommentcommentandandstatedthatCouncilwomanKimberlyHoaskedthecitystaffwhythecity
soldthelandtotoVenerableVienLy.NamQuansaidthatwecouldseetheillintentionof
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CouncilMemberHo.
ActualFacts:TheWestminsterCityCouncildidnotissuethestatementattemptingto
retrievethelandofDieuNgutempleandtodestroyVenerableVienLy.CouncilMember
Hoandothercouncilmemberswereonlyinquiringaboutthelandsaleprocess.The
name,VenerableVienLyofDieuNguTemple,wasnevermentionedinthe
Resolution Denouncing Fake News
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councilmeetingofJanuary12,2022.NamQuancouldbeheardinterpreting
Councilwomanstatementincorrectlytocreatethisfakenews.
It appears that this fake news isbeing spread in an attempt to incitethe Vietnamese
Buddhistpopulationin order to motivate the people of Westminster to recall
Councilwoman Hoand Vice Mayor Manzo.
5.Fake News:
Video:https://youtu.be/_TpYMGDVi6g
Title:
Date:12/28/2021
Background:Inthisvideo,theformerCaliforniaStateStateAssemblymanAssemblymanVanTranspokespokein
Vietnamese,callingtheresidentsofWestminsterWestminstertotosignthetherecallrecallpetitionstorecall
CouncilMembersHoandCarlosManzo.AssemblymanAssemblymanTranTranspreadspreadandreinforcedthe
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fakenewsthatthethreeCouncilMembersHo,Manzo,Manzo,andandDoDokickedMayorTaoutof
hisofficeinCityHall.
ActualFacts:OnOctober27,2022,2022,thetheWestminsterWestminsterCityCityCouncilCouncilapprovedapolicy
whichregulatestheconductsbetweenbetweenelectedelectedofficialsofficialsandcitycitystaffstaffinordertoprotect
thecityemployees.Therewasaclauseclauseininthatthatpolicypolicy::MayorMayorand
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officesshallbekeptseparatefromthecitycity
ShortlyafterthatmeetingmeetingbbothothMayorMayorTaandandViceViceMayorNguyenrepeatedlystatedon
VietnamesemediathatthatKimberlyKimberlyHo,Ho,TaiDo,Do,andandCarlosManzohadvotedtoforbidMayor
TafromusinghishismayormayorofficeofficeininWestminsterWestminsterCityCityHall.MayorTaclaimedthatheno
longerhasanofficeofficeandandofficiallyofficially.
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Thiswasanefforttotospreadspreadfalseinformationinformationforthesolepurposeoftryingtoincitethe
voterstotosignsignthetherecallrecallpetitions.petitions.FormerStateAssemblymanTranisthebiggestand
outspokenoutspokensupportersupporterofMayorMayorTaTaandCouncilMemberNguyen.
6.6.Fake News:
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Video:Video:https://youtu.be/dXQAikUzynUhttps://youtu.be/dXQAikUzynU
Title:Title:saosaobãibãiviênCarlosManzo?(Whyshouldthepeople
recallrecallCarlosCarlosManzo?)Manzo?)
Date:Date:1/20/20221/20/2022
Background:ThisThisisarecallcampaignvideoinwhichKimTrangandBuiCuong
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statedthatViceMayorManzoisaracistwhoshouldnotbeavicemayorbecauseVice
MayorManzocannotspeakVietnameseandhedoesnotsupporttheVietnamese
Americancommunity.TheyalsostatethatViceMayorManzovotedagainsttheproject
tobuildthemonumentofGeneralTranHungDaoonaprivateproperty.
Resolution Denouncing Fake News
March 9, 2022
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Inthevideo,KimTrangandBuiCuongalsocriticizedCouncilwomanHoforvoting
forViceMayorManzotobecomevicemayor.Theystatedthatitwasabadmovebecause
ViceMayorManzoisnotVietnamese,andthevicemayorpositionshouldbelongtoa
VietnameseAmericancouncilmember.
ActualFacts:Thereisnoevidencetosupportthesestatements.ThetruthisthatVice
MayorManzostronglysupportstheVietnameseAmericancommunity.AccordingAccordingtoVice
MayorManzo,healsovotedtoapprovetheGeneralTranHungDaoprojectprojectwhenhewas
ontheplanningcommission.ViceMayorManzohasnevermadeanyanystatementsstatementsagainst
thestatute,oreverrequesteditsremoval.Furthermore,ViceMayorMayorManzoManzoalsowentout
ofhiswaytoauthoraCityCouncilResolutioncondemningantianti--AsianAsianhatehatecrimes.Soit
isclearheisasupporteroftheVietnamesecommunity,andandtheretherearenofactsfactstosupport
thefakestatementsbeingasserted.
Then-CommissionerManzorecognizedthesignificancesignificanceoftheGeneralGeneralTranHungHungDaoDao
statueandproposedsolutionstofurthershowcaseshowcasethethestatuestatue..HeHenotedthatthethefirst
statuethatwasadministrativelyapprovedhasbeenbeenvisitedvisitedbybythousandsthousandsofvisitors.He
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recommendedthatotheramenitiesbeaddedtothethestatuestatuesitesitetoenhancethevisitor
experience.Amajorityoftheplanningcommissionvotedvotedtotoswapoutthestatuewithout
consideringCarlosideastoimproveimprovetheexperienceexperienceforforvisitors.
7.Fake News:
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Video:https://youtu.be/dXQAikUzynUhttps://youtu.be/dXQAikUzynU
Title:saobãiviênCarlosCarlosManzo?(Whyshouldthepeople
recallCarlosManzo?)Manzo?)
Date:1/20/20221/20/2022
Background:ActorActorBuiBuiManhManhCuongCuongsaidsaidthatthatCouncilmanCouncilmanTaiDowantedtochange
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thenameofWestminsterWestminsterCityCitytotoHoHoChiChiMinhMinhCity.City.
ActualActualFacts:Facts:ThereThereisisnonorecordrecordindicatingthatCouncilmanTaiDoeversoughtto
renamerenamethetheCityCityofofWestminster.Westminster.
8.8.Fake News:
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Video:Video:https://youtu.be/WZwMXVyQc6Qhttps://youtu.be/WZwMXVyQc6Q
Title:Title:
Date:Date:1/15/20221/15/2022
Background:Background:KyKyNgoandNamQuaninterviewedseveralactorswhoclaimedtobe
communitymembers.members.TheysaidthatCouncilwomanHoandherhusbandSeid,whoisa
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ChineseAmerican,conspiredwiththeCommunistsofChinaandVietnamtoremovethe
ParacelIslandBattlemonumentinWestminsterFreedomPark.
ActualFacts:TheWestminsterCityCouncilhasnotreceivedanyrequestfromVietnam
andChinagovernmenttoremovetheParacelIslandBattlemonumentinWestminster
FreedomPark.Thefakenewswascreatedtoincitetheanti-communistChinasentiment
Resolution Denouncing Fake News
March 9, 2022
XXXX-8
intheVietnameseAmericaninordertorecallCouncilwomanKimberlyHoandViceMayor
CarlosManzo.
9.Fake News:
Video:https://youtu.be/WZwMXVyQc6Q
Title:
Date:1/15/2022
Background:InthisvideoKyNgoandNamQuanmakeanumbernumberofofcompletelycompletelyfalse
statements,whicharenotsupportedbyanyfacts.Thesestatementsstatementsareareclearlyclearlydesigned
todisparagethethreecouncilmembersmentioned.
KyNgoandNamQuanfirstaccuseCouncilMembersDoDoandandHo,andViceMayorMayorManzoManzo
oftryingtoremovethemonumentofGeneralTranTranHungHungDao,,allegedlybecausebecausethe
monumenthasbeenabigdistractionformotoristsmotoristsandandbecausebecausetthereherehavebeenmany
accidentsonthisstretchoftheroadway.Theystatestateddthatthateveneventhoughthoughthemonumentis
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locatedonprivateproperty,CouncilMemberHoHoandandViceViceMayorManzowantedto
removethemonumentforpublicsafetyreasons.
ActualFacts:ThereisnoevidencewhatsoeverwhatsoeverthatCouncilCouncilMemberMemberHoorViceMayor
ManzohaveeverwantedtoremoveremovethetheGeneralGeneralTranTranHungHungDaomonument.
Furthermore,neitherofthemhaseversaidsaiditthethemonumentmonumentisapublicsafetyproblem.
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Thisisanoutrightlie,intentionallytargetedtargetedatatthethecouncilmemberscouncilmemberstoharmtheir
reputationinthecommunitycommunityandandtohavethemthemrecalled.recalled.Thetruthissupportedbythefact
thatInterimCityManagerManagerChristineChristineCordonCordonissuedissuedaformalcitystatementthatclearly
saysthecitycannotnotremoveremovethethemonumentmonumentbecausebecauseitislocatedonprivateproperty,and
thatthecityhasnonodesiredesiretoremoveremoveit.
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Background:KyKyNgoNgoandandNamNamQuanQuanalso accused Councilalso accused CouncilMembers HoandDo, and
Vice MayorManzo of of defacdefacingingng (Mayor), which was etched on the
granite on the side of the monument.granite on the side of the monument.
ActualActualFacts:ThisThiswaswasanoutrightoutrightlieandunethicalaccusationofacrimecommittedby
membersmembersofthecitycitycouncil.council.ThereThereissimplynoevidencetosupportthatthisever
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happened.happened.
10.10.Fake News:Fake News:
Video:Video:https://youtu.be/WZwMXVyQc6Qhttps://youtu.be/WZwMXVyQc6Q
Title:
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Background: KyNgoandNamQuansaidthatin2014,then-CommissionerCarlos
ManzovotedagainsttheGeneralTranHungDaomonumentprojectbecauseCarlos
Manzoisaracist.Asaresult,ViceMayorManzowantstoremovethemonumentbecause
hesupporttheVietnameseCommunity.
Resolution Denouncing Fake News
March 9, 2022
XXXX-9
ActualFacts:AccordingtoViceMayorManzo,hevotedtoapprovetheGeneralTran
HungDaomonumentprojectin2014.Thisappearstobeanefforttoincitethevotersto
recallViceMayorManzobyfalselyandunethicallylabelinghimasaracist.
11.Fake News:
Video:https://youtu.be/9nyPo6JvHjM
Title:hànhBolsa9TheTetParadewillbebecanceledcanceled
Date:1/11/2022
Background:KyNgosaidthatheandNamQuanwouldspeakspeakupupagainstagainstthetheTetParade
andtheCityCouncilwillcanceltheTetParadeduetoCOVIDCOVID--1919.Thecitycitymustmustcancel
theTetParadeorthecitywouldbeheldliable.Hewentwentononandandsaidthatthethecitycitywillbe
facedwithlawsuitsbecausethecityisviolatingtheCOVIDCOVID-19shutdownmandatemandatebybythe
StateandCounty.
ActualFacts:Atthetimethisvideowasmade,made,tthereherewasnonoshutdownshutdownmandatefrom
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theStateortheCountyandtherewasnobanonlargelargegatherings.gatherings.Peoplehavetheright
tovoicetheirobjectionoftheTetParade.However,thethetitletitleofthevideoappearedto
convincepeople,whodonotunderstandunderstandEnglish,English,thatthetheTetTetParadewouldandshould
becancelled.Legallythatwasnotrequired.required.
12.Fake News:
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Video:https://youtu.be/5oV0Csc90hYhttps://youtu.be/5oV0Csc90hY
Title:
Date:1/12/20221/12/2022
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Background:ThisThiswaswasarecallrecallcampaigncampaignvideovideointendedtorecallCouncilMemberHo
andViceMayorManzo.Manzo.BuiBuiManhCuongandandattorneyLanNguyen,whoisaGarden
GroveSchoolSchoolDistrictDistricttrustee,trustee,saidthattherewasevidencethatKimberlyHoandheranti-
recallrecallcampaigncampaignteamteamwerewereinvolvedinvolvedinforgingrecallpetitions.AttorneyLanNguyensaid
thatthathehehadcollectedcollectedsomesomeofofthetheforgedpetitioncardsfromCouncilMemberanti-
recallrecallteamandhadhadpresentedpresentedthemthemtotheOrangeCountyDistrictAttorneyofficefor
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prosecution.prosecution.LanNguyenNguyenwentontoexplain,withoutanysupportingevidence,thatthe
DistrictDistrictAttorneyAttorneywouldwouldattemptattempttoliftfingerprintsfromthosepetitionsinordertoidentify
thesuspects.suspects.Thegoalgoalwaswastoidentifytheleaderofthisgroupforprosecution.
ActualFacts:Facts:ThereThereisnoevidencethattheDistrictAttorneyofficeisactively
investigatinginvestigatingththisisallegation.allegation.TrusteeLanNguyenappearedtousehiscredibilityasan
electedofficialtospreadfakenews,withoutanysupportingevidence,falselyaccusing
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CouncilwomanKimberlyHoandhercampaignteamcommittingcrimes,inaneffortto
ensurethatsheisrecalledbythepublic.Thiskindofstatement,andothers,weremade
withrecklessdisregardforthesafetyofthecouncilmemberandherfamily.
Resolution Denouncing Fake News
March 9, 2022
XXXX-10
13.Fake News:
Video:https://youtu.be/SfgVbKds2v4
Title:NhatLinh:KimberlyHo,CarlosManzo,Tàichùahãm
ViênLý.9KimberlyHo,CarlosManzo,TaiDowanttore-acquirethe
landofDieuNgutempleanddestroyVenerableVienLy)
Date:1/24/2022
Background:ActorNhatLinhsaidthatCouncilwomanHo,inaCityCityCouncilCouncilmeeting,
accusedMayorTaofsellingthelandatbelowmarketpricetoDieuDieuNguNguTempleTempleabbot,
VenerableVienLy,andMayorTareceivedkickbackforthelandlandsale.sale.CouncilwomanCouncilwomanHo
calledforaninvestigationandprosecutionofVenerableVienVienLyLyofofgivingkickbackkickbackforthe
landsale.SheisagainstBuddhists,thereforeattackedBuddhism.Buddhism.
ActualFacts:TheWestminsterCityCouncilneverneverissuedissuedanyrequestsrequestsorstatementstatements
attemptingtore-acquirethelandofDieuNgutempletempleortodestroydestroyVenerableVienVienLy.
CouncilwomanHoandotherCityCouncilmembersmemberswerewereonlyonlyinquiringinquiringabouttheland
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salesprocess,suchastherequirementforanappraisalappraisalandandcompetitivecompetitivebiddingprocess.
Thename,VenerableVienLyofDieuNguTemple,Temple,wasnevermentionedinthat
entireconversation.Soitwasnotonlyonlyfalse,false,butrecklessrecklessininregardsregardstohowsuchafalse
statementcoulddamagethecouncilmembercouncilmemberandandherfamily.family.
SECTION 4.The Cityhe CityCouncil determines that adoption of this Resolution is Council determines that adoption of this Resolution is Council determines that adoption of this Resolution
is
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necessary to affirm that such conduct will not be tolerated, and to prevent such conduct necessary to affirm that such conduct will not be tolerated, and to prevent such conduct necessary
to affirm that such conduct will not be tolerated, and to prevent such conduct
from being repeated.
SECTION 5. . . The Mayor shall sign as to the passage, approval, and adoption of The Mayor shall sign as to the passage, approval, and adoption of The Mayor shall sign as to the passage,
approval, and adoption of
this Resolution.
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SECTION SECTION 666. . . The Interim City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of The Interim City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of The Interim City Clerk
shall certify to the passage and adoption of
this resolution and shall affix their signature and City Seal and that same shall be entered this resolution and shall affix their signature and City Seal and that same shall be entered
this resolution and shall affix their signature and City Seal and that same shall be entered
into the Book of Resolutions.into the Book of Resolutions.into the Book of Resolutions.
th
PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED this PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED this PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED this 9day of March2022.
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CITY OF WESTMINSTER
____________________________
TRI TA
MAYOR
ATTEST:
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_______________________________
LUCIE COLOMBO,CMC, CPMC
INTERIM CITY CLERK
Resolution Denouncing Fake News
March 9, 2022
XXXX-11
CITY OF WESTMINSTER
CERTIFICATION
OF
RESOLUTION
STATE OF CALIFORNIA)
COUNTY OF ORANGE)ss.
CITY OF WESTMINSTER)
I,LUCIE COLOMBO, CMC, CPMC,Interim City Clerk of the City of Westminster, do Interim City Clerk of the City of Westminster, do Interim City Clerk of the City of Westminster, do
hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution No. XXXXResolution No. XXXXResolution No. XXXXwas duly passed and adopted by was duly passed and adopted by was duly passed and adopted by
th
the City Council of the Cityof Westminster at a of Westminster at a regular meeting held on the regular meeting held on the regular meeting held on the 9day of
T
March2022, with the following vote:
AYES:COUNCIL MEMBERS: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
F
NOES:COUNCIL MEMBERS: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ABSENT:COUNCIL MEMBERS:COUNCIL MEMBERS:COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ABSTAIN:COUNCIL MEMBERS:COUNCIL MEMBERS:COUNCIL MEMBERS:
A
________________________________
Lucie Colombo, CMC, CPMC
Interim City Clerk
R
D
Resolution Denouncing Fake News
March 9, 2022
XXXX-12