Who is the bully?
Vice Mayor Hellman is a bully
In any healthy democracy, residents should be able to express their views, sign petitions, and participate in local government without fear. But in our town, Vice Mayor Hellman has created a culture of bullying and intimidation that targets anyone who dares to disagree with her.
During the 2024 recall attempt, Vice Mayor Hellman crossed a serious ethical and legal line. She personally texted residents who signed the Intent to Recall petition—sending them images of their own signatures and confronting them about their choice. This isn’t civic engagement. It’s voter intimidation, and it’s illegal.
If you were contacted in this way, you can report her to the Secretary of State here:
https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/election-voter-complaint-form
Unfortunately, things have only gotten worse. As the 2025 recall effort has gained momentum, so has the Vice Mayor’s campaign of harassment. The bullying has escalated, and residents have reported the following:
Unfounded accusations: Vice Mayor Hellman has repeatedly sent baseless emails accusing recall volunteers of illegal conduct—without offering a shred of evidence. She escalates these attacks by copying attorneys and other elected officials in an obvious attempt to intimidate and silence her critics.
Physical aggression: She physically confronted and assaulted a volunteer at a peaceful signature-gathering event. A police report was filed and is being investigated. A cease and desist against the Vice Mayor has been filed.
Obscene gestures: She flipped off town residents in public.
Retaliation against businesses: Her supporters have urged boycotts of local businesses that support the recall.
Online harassment: Anonymous accounts have flooded small business pages with fake, disparaging reviews.
It’s important to remember: our town thrives when residents feel safe to participate, and when local businesses are supported—not targeted. We already face too many empty storefronts. No public official should be encouraging division, fear, or economic harm
Vice Mayor Hellman has weaponized her position to silence dissent, intimidate residents, and retaliate against anyone who challenges her authority. This is not leadership—it is a blatant and repeated abuse of power. Her pattern of harassment became so severe that the recall team was forced to issue a formal cease and desist letter, demanding that she stop her efforts to interfere with the legal and democratic recall process. These are not isolated incidents—they are part of a sustained campaign to bully the community into silence. If we allow this behavior to go unchecked, we send the dangerous message that fear and intimidation are acceptable in public office. They are not. It's time to stand up, speak out, and hold Vice Mayor Hellman accountable. Our town deserves better.
If you believe bullying has no place in our town government, then stand up. Sign the recall. It’s time for accountability
