- CCAEJ
CCAEJ CONDEMNS UNPROFESSIONAL CONDUCT BY BLOOMINGTON MAC BOARD MEMBER GARY GROSSICH
For Immediate Release
12/6/2021
Contact: Faraz Rizvi
951-850-5598
MAC Board member Gary Grossich created a hostile environment for community members
Jurupa Valley, CA – On Wednesday, December 2nd, at the Bloomington Municipal Advisory Council Meeting (MAC), board member Gary Grossich undermined community testimony with slanderous and hostile commentary toward community members and CCAEJ representatives.
MAC Board member Gary Grossich approached Gabriela Mendez, a community organizer for CCAEJ requesting a sit down on behalf of the developer. Once she declined his invitation, an incensed representative Grossich accosted and berated Gabriela, using petty name calling and vague threats. “Gary’s actions are completely inappropriate. He has a pattern of confronting women and using his position to intimidate and talk down upon people in the community. While he is a member of the MAC Board, it is especially crucial that he treats everyone with respect and serves as an example to how people should be treated. I refuse to allow him to speak to any other women this way and am in full support of his removal from his position on the Bloomington MAC”, said Gaby Mendez.
Further, Grossich previously verbally harassed Carolina Verduzco, a community member who is a thirty year resident of Bloomington and business owner. According to Verduzco, “As a woman of color, I am disheartened and disappointed in the leadership of the Bloomington MAC, leaders who were appointed by Supervisor Baca to represent his office and the community of Bloomington. That behavior is unprofessional and insensitive. Also to go after an organization like CCAEJ who has continuously advocated for this and many other communities, is unfortunate because they are there for our community when our leaders are not. We have to do better and I call for Supervisor Baca to hold these individuals accountable.”
This unprofessional conduct utilized their position of power to intimidate and discredit community members from engaging with the institution. Further, comments that community members who do not reside in Bloomington should not comment, sends a message that surrounding community members, such as teachers, activists, and others should refrain from being vocal in these spaces, and standing in solidarity with communities who are faced with environmental injustices like Bloomington.
In conclusion, CCAEJ is calling for Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr., to request for MAC member Gary Grossich to step down as advisors to the council. We are further asking for community members to write letters to the supervisor demanding that action be taken to protect the interest of the community.