La Quinta Councilmember Steve Sanchez rejects mask mandate in meeting at City Hall

California’s mask mandate for indoor public settings became an issue at the La Quinta City Council meeting on Tuesday when Councilmember Steve Sanchez was the only one not wearing a face covering.

Before going into closed session, Mayor Linda Evans asked Sanchez if he would be putting on a mask when coming back for the open session at 4 p.m. when members of the public were also in the council chamber.

“No,” Sanchez said.

California's Health and Human Services Agency secretary, Dr. Mark Ghaly, issued the 30-day mandate, which is in effect from Dec. 15 to Jan. 15.

Evans asked Sanchez why he was “defying the executive order which technically is a law that we are bound by oath to take in a government building for the next 30 days.”

Sanchez: 'Masks prove not to work'

Sanchez said, “masks prove not to work” and asserted that he is a “healthy male and covering my face is preventing me from breathing properly does more harm for me than good.”

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He also said he doesn’t believe Gov. Gavin Newsom has the authority to issue the mandate.

“It’s an arbitrary date that the governor came up with – Dec. 15 to Jan. 15,” said Sanchez.

“Not every law or edict that’s passed is legitimate and we, as a council, and as elected people, should question the governor’s intent,” Sanchez said.

Evans noted the mandate came from the state’s public health department.

“Whether we agree or disagree with the basis behind it, I think the effort is to minimize any potential spread. I don’t think we’re in harm’s way of that, but if compliance by wearing a mask during the busiest travel season … helps prevent us from having to shut down our businesses … I feel like (this) is somewhat of a non-issue to comply since we ... do take an oath,” Evans said.

“It’s not a (battle) I want to fight versus worrying about making sure people have food on the table and jobs and businesses,” Evans said.

Colleagues tell Sanchez to attend virtually

Other council members agreed with Evans and suggested that Sanchez attend the meeting remotely rather than in person at City Hall.

Assembly Bill 361 allows elected officials to attend and participate in meetings remotely during the pandemic.

“I don’t think that we would allow any members of the public to enter the building without their masks, as it’s dictated,” Councilmember John Pena said.

Sanchez then said he didn’t feel he should be discriminated against “for health reasons,” though when asked by Evans if he had a physician’s authorization to not wear a mask, he said he did not.

Requiring masks, Sanchez said, was following the mandate not to ruffle the governor’s feathers.

“Quite frankly I think more cities need to stand up to the governor,” Sanchez said. “Me choosing not to wear it is for my own health benefits.”

Evans said she didn’t want the council to have to return to virtual meetings when all others are complying with the mandate.

“I want our public to be here. I want them to feel good in the council chambers, and I don’t feel like it’s unsafe for you to wear a mask at all, Steve. I don’t,” Evans said. “I don’t feel it’s going to be unsafe for anyone in this room because you’re not wearing a mask. It’s the principle of the order and the greater good of what we’re here to do and set the example.”

Councilmember Kathleen Fitzpatrick said it was disrespectful of all who work at City Hall who are expected to adhere to the mandates.

“If you want to make a statement, make a statement by not being here at all,” Fitzpatrick said. “I would respectfully suggest that Zoom is a really good way to participate” in the meeting.

Following closed session, Sanchez returned mask-less to the chamber to participate in the open session.

Desert Sun reporter Sherry Barkas covers the cities of La Quinta, Indian Wells, Rancho Mirage and Palm Desert. She can be reached at sherry.barkas@thedesertsun.com. Follow her on Twitter @TDSsherryBarkas

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: La Quinta councilmember Steve Sanchez rejects mask mandate in City Hall