Public Meeting Access Denied: Chula Vista Privacy Commission On February 3, 2025, the City of Chula Vista held a public meeting for the Privacy Protection and Technology Advisory Commission at City Hall, specifically in Building C, Conference Rooms B111/112 located at 276 Fourth Ave, Chula Vista, California 91910. Scheduled from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM, this meeting was intended to be open to the public, encouraging community participation in discussions about privacy and technology policies. However, an unexpected turn of events occurred when attendees discovered that the doors were locked during the meeting, effectively barring latecomers or those arriving after the session had begun from participating. This action raises significant concerns about transparency and public access to governmental processes. The purpose of the Privacy Protection and Technology Advisory Commission is to advise the city on how technology, especially surveillance technology, should be used and acquired, ensuring the protection of residents' privacy and data rights. The locking of the doors during an ostensibly public session contradicts the spirit of open government and public engagement that such commissions are meant to embody. This incident has sparked discussions about the city's commitment to public involvement and the practical implementation of open-door policies. It's crucial for local government bodies to ensure that public meetings are genuinely accessible to all interested parties, not just those who arrive promptly at the start. The City of Chula Vista needs to address this issue to restore trust in the process. Actions could include: An official statement explaining the occurrence. An apology for any inconvenience caused. Measures to ensure this does not happen in future meetings, like clear signage, additional staff for door management, or even livestreaming options for those unable to attend in person. Residents and interested parties are encouraged to express their concerns and suggestions through official channels or at upcoming meetings to ensure that the city's approach to privacy and technology truly reflects the community's needs and values. #ChulaVista #PrivacyCommission #PublicAccess #GovernmentTransparency @ChulaVistaPD @thinkchulavista