City Staffer Hired After Controversial Podcast Comments Surface

Sacramento City Councilwoman Katie Valenzuela is in the eye of a political storm after FOX News reports Valenzuela recently hired Skyler Henry who is best known for his left-leaning and progressive podcast called Voices: River City. They tackle issues like city government, police brutality and local spending measures. In one of the more recent episodes, Henry is on the record saying elected officials who abuse their position should be afraid to have citizens know where they live because they can protest outside their homes. In the episode from March 30th, 2021 titled "House Calls" Henry explains that demonstrations outside of elected city officials houses are acceptable if you fail the people you represent. When talking about a recent incident involving San Kirsten Cinema (D-Arizona) he goes on to say, "You must be terrorized for the rest of your life. You should never be able to leave your house, if you use your position to rule like this. The same applies to the mayor and city manager of this city.” Valenzuela, however, is defending him saying the remarks were made before he was hired and that it is his first amendment right to say what he wants. A spokesperson for the mayor and city manager says each council member is responsible for the hiring of their own staff.