"The City of Eureka or Mayor Bergel has not received a letter or any other correspondence from PETA, but have prepared the attached response letter."

(Eureka Mayor Kim Bergel)

"Please find attached Mayor’s Bergel response to the letter sent by PETA to local media.  The City of Eureka or Mayor Bergel has not received a letter or any other correspondence from PETA, but have prepared the attached response letter," this statement  was just sent out by Assistant City Manager and City Clerk Pam Powell.

I did not receive the press release from PETA nor am I adding it. It was sent from Virginia, not anyone local. PETA should have done research before making this request. The response from the City of Eureka covers what PETA was asking. 

"The memorial is also not a City of Eureka asset and the City does not have authority to remove or change the statue. However, even if the City did have jurisdiction over the statue, I, as Mayor, who represent the residents of Eureka, would not want to proceed with the proposal to replace the Fisherman's Memorial statue. " Eureka Mayor Kim Bergel.

City of Eureka Mayor Kim Bergel's response:

Dear Ms Newkirk:

I am writing in response to your letter dated September 18, 2023 regarding the request from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) to replace the Fisherman's Memorial statue at Woodley Island with a "Fintastic Fish Sculpture."

Firstly, I would like to express our appreciation for your organization's commitment to animal welfare and your advocacy for the ethical treatment of animals. It is essential to engage in conversations that promote the humane treatment of all living beings and foster a greater understanding of their well-being.

The Fisherman's Memorial holds a significant historical and cultural value for our community. It pays tribute to the generations of fishermen who have contributed to the development of Eureka and the livelihood of its residents. This memorial stands as a symbol of respect for their dedication and sacrifices. The involvement of the wives of the Fishermen's Marketing Association in funding the memorial underscores the strong community ties and the deep appreciation for the contributions and sacrifices made by fishermen in the Eureka area. Replacing it would be seen as a disservice to the memory of those who have played a vital role in our city's heritage.

The memorial is also not a City of Eureka asset and the City does not have authority to remove or change the statue. However, even if the City did have jurisdiction over the statue, I, as Mayor, who represent the residents of Eureka, would not want to proceed with the proposal to replace the Fisherman's Memorial statue. 

We understand and respect PETA's concerns about the ethical treatment of fish, but it is important to note that the Fisherman's Memorial does not promote cruelty or harm to fish or any other species. Instead, it serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by our local fishermen and the importance of responsible fishing practices.

Eureka is also committed to sustainability and the preservation of our natural resources. Our local fishermen are often at the forefront of sustainable fishing efforts, which align with PETA's goal of promoting humane practices. We believe that collaboration between conservationists, fishermen, and organizations like PETA can lead to more responsible and compassionate approaches to fishing.

We would welcome the opportunity to work together on a location for your “Fintastic FishSculpture” or opportunities that promote the ethical treatment of animals, such as educationalprograms on sustainable fishing practices and wildlife conservation. By working together, we can find common ground and create positive change.

Once again, we appreciate your organization's dedication to animal welfare and your concern forthe well-being of fish. While the City does not support the proposed sculpture replacement, I hopethat this decision does not deter our future collaboration on issues that are of mutual interest.

Thank you for understanding our position, and I look forward to engaging in productive discussions in the future.

Sincerely,

Kim Bergel, Mayor