A City of Fremont press release on March 14, 2025 states, “In recent weeks there has been deliberate intent to manipulate public opinion through social media and traditional media outreach, which poses significant harm and seeks to undermine the trust of this Organization” (the city government)—(content.govdelivery.com/accounts/CAFREMONT/bulletins/3d7033d\.)
This aggressive statement is an example of a paranoid overreaction, loaded with accusations. They are exaggerating the impact of criticism, portraying it as a serious threat to the city’s integrity. Framing critics as having a deliberate intent to manipulate, they depict them as malicious actors trying to harm the city.
Suggesting a “deliberate intent” hints at a conspiracy theory—that a coordinated effort exists to discredit the city’s actions. The city’s self-aggrandizing press release goes so far as to warn against traditional news media and social media and instead “encourag[es] community members to seek verified facts and information through official City channels.” They don’t explain what kind of manipulation is occurring or which criticisms are factually incorrect.
This vagueness allows them to deflect criticism without addressing concerns about their failed communication strategy regarding the homeless encampment ban. The core of the problem is that they’re attempting to frame public criticism based on legitimate concerns about the expansion of police powers, displacement, lack of supportive services and inhumane treatment of the unhoused as a deliberate attempt to destroy trust.
The city wants us to believe that these are unwarranted attacks which weaponize the media against the municipality. They are trying to shift the focus rather than addressing these valid criticisms. A more reasonable response to public criticism would involve acknowledging concerns, explaining the rationale behind the crackdown, being open to feedback and adjusting strategies as appropriate. The public statement does none of this. The new ordinance still defines homelessness as a status-based crime when in fact homelessness is not a criminal act.
In short, the city statement reads as a panicked attempt to control the narrative and silence dissent by portraying critics as enemies.
William Yargui
Fremont
