Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutPaula Sardinas 8.4.21CAUTION: This email originated from outside the City of Renton. Do not click links, reply or open attachments unless you know the content is safe. From:Paula Sardinas To:Danielle Marshall Subject:Puppyland WA Renton - Pro Support Date:Wednesday, August 4, 2021 5:07:04 PM Paula Sardinas, DPL President, FMS Global Strategies Mobile: (206) 823-9344 Email: paulasardinas@fmsglobalstrategies.com Advocacy | Public Speaker | FinEd | DE&I "Embrace what makes you unique, even if it makes others uncomfortable. I didn't have to become perfect because I've learned throughout my journey that perfection is the enemy of greatness." Janelle Monae - Entertainer From: Paula Sardinas <paulasardinas@fmsglobalstrategies.com> Sent: Wednesday, August 4, 2021 5:05 PM To: dmarshall@renton.wa.gov <dmarshall@renton.wa.gov> Cc: Kela Hall <kela@kdhall.com>; Albert Sardinas <albertsardinas@fmsglobalstrategies.com>; Paula Sardinas <paulasardinas@fmsglobalstrategies.com> Subject: Fw: SHB/1424 August 4, 2021 To the Honorable Members of the City Planning Commission, I am Paula Sardinas, NBPLA representing Pupplyland and Puppyworld—in Washington State. I have been a PDC registered lobbyist since 2016 (in Washington State). I have been registeredin several other states for decades. I’m a member of the National Black Lobbyist Associationand a former Board Member of the Designated Professional Lobbyist Association in Florida.I’m an active member of PETA, and I’ve never represented the Humane Society. Because ofour work with other groups who advocate for animals, we have access to research on severalanimal welfare topics. We requested the attachment documents from the Human Society, andthey provided them. I have never represented an animal welfare organization as a paid or pro bono lobbyist. Mywork has been as an animal rights volunteer alongside my family. We are pet owners andbelieve in the ethical treatment of animals. In 2020, we decided to represent Puppyland and Puppyworld after having a less than favorableexperience with the pet rescue industry. Our daughter survived trauma and needed an emotionalsupport animal. The shelter made it quite difficult for us to adopt. What we learned at the time,many families of color had experienced the same issues. The discrimination in the rescueindustry is well-known. We approached the Representative seeking the ban at the time; sheadvised the bill would not move forward. Subsequently, two lobbyists with questionable behavior volunteered to advocate for thislegislation and chose Rep. Walen as the sponsor. Their tactics should be considered "bullying"as we have all been subject to relentless harassment by these "advocates." Perhaps they shouldfocus on the ethical treatment of people. See, while creating an impassioned argument based on provable falsehoods; they virtuallyignored all of the data and facts provided by reputable pet store owners, vets, animal rightsorganizations that do not support bans, and communities of color. We are not a monolithicgroup and opinions vary. What is clear is this:-The Kerrs love and care about the community-Puppyland is a humane pet store; that has sought relationships with animal rescue agencies-Much of the rhetoric is falsehoods and mischaracterizations based on personal bias-That state passed legislation that allows the pet stores to remain operational, understanding thisa compromise. We have attempted to have this conversation with Rep. Walen-- she has clearly chosen toprotect her own business while trying to close others. https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/how-auto-dealers-lobbyist-wrote-an-exemption-into-washingtons-new-capital-gains-tax-law/ We support the humane and ethical treatment of animals, people, and the planet. Theproponents must be truthful that their industry lacks the diversity, equity, and inclusion to limithow WA families to get their pets. The Black community has had a disproportionate impact during COVID-19. Parents are homewith the children, and their saving grace, in many cases, has been their beloved pets. We wantthose parents to continue to make the choices best for their families. We also believe familiesshould choose the forever furry friend who works best for their specific needs. Limiting accessand choice is fairly common in policies lacking equity. We'd be happy to have some veterans, families of color, and other contact you to express theirsatisfaction with Puppyland and retail pet stores. We understand distinctly, not every person iswilling to apply the lens of equity to public policy, but hope this is not the case with the City ofRenton. We thank Renton for being supportive of the community, equity, and small businesses. We lookforward to working with you. Here are some additional facts: Why We Need to Talk About Racism and Prejudice and Dog Rescue What’s Next: Reducing Racism in the Animal Welfare Why Dog Adoption is Hindered by Racism In closing, we are also pet owners. This rule would have prevented us from getting Roman, our emotional support animal. Warm regards, Paula F. Sardinas, NBPLA President & CEO FMS Global Strategies, LLC Phone: (206) 823-9344 Email: paulasardinas@fmsglobalstrategies.com WBBBA: https://www.fmsglobalstrategies.com/wbbba Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulasardinas/ Website: https://www.fmsglobalstrategies.com/ No photo description available. , we embrace a broader definition of diversity, including age, national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, education, marital status, language, and physical appearance. Our definition also includes a diversity of thought: ideas, perspectives, and values. We also recognize that individuals affiliate with multiple identities.  Equity: The fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all people, while at the same time striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of some groups. Improving equity involves increasing justice and fairness within institutions or systems' procedures and processes and their distribution of resources. Tackling equity issues requires an understanding of the root causes of outcome disparities within our society. Inclusion:  The act of creating environments in which any individual or group can be and feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued to participate fully. An inclusive and welcoming climate embraces differences and offers respect in words and actions for all people. It's important to note that while an inclusive group is, by definition, diverse, a diverse group isn't always inclusive. Increasingly, recognition of unconscious or 'implicit bias' helps organizations deliberate about addressing inclusivity issues. Racial Justice: A proactive reinforcement of policies, practices, attitudes, and actions that produce equitable, lower access opportunities, treatment, impact, and outcomes for all. CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the Legislature. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.