Call for Investigation of Pacifica Beach Yoga Following Documented Hate Speech
Call for Investigation of Pacifica Beach Yoga Following Documented Hate Speech
The Issue
We, the undersigned, are calling on the City of Pacifica and appropriate regulatory agencies to investigate and take action regarding Pacifica Beach Yoga, owned by Thomas Antoon, following credible reports of harmful conduct and potential legal violations.
According to reporting by Coastside News, multiple instructors resigned from the studio after alleged hate speech by the owner. These reports raise serious concerns about the safety, inclusivity, and professionalism of the business.
Additional reporting from SFGATE documents a pattern of aggressive and hostile public behavior. Reported statements attributed to the owner include derogatory language directed at members of the public, contributing to a climate of intimidation and hostility.
Public reporting has also documented past instances of the business operating in defiance of public health orders, further raising concerns about compliance with laws intended to protect community well-being.
Additional Concerns Regarding Worker Treatment and Tax Compliance
Former instructors have also reported concerns regarding compensation practices and tax documentation. Specifically, some individuals state they did not receive required tax forms, such as Form 1099-NEC, despite performing paid work.
If accurate, this raises concerns about potential misclassification of workers and compliance with federal and state tax and labor laws. We urge that these matters be reviewed as part of any formal investigation by relevant agencies, including the Internal Revenue Service, the California Employment Development Department, and the California Labor Commissioner’s Office.
Why This Matters
Yoga studios are intended to be spaces of safety, inclusion, and well-being. Allegations of hate speech, combined with documented hostile conduct and potential labor concerns, undermine these values and may create an unsafe and inequitable environment for both clients and workers.
Businesses operating in our community must be held to basic standards of respect, lawful operation, and accountability.
We respectfully call on the City of Pacifica and relevant agencies to:
Conduct a formal investigation into the conduct of the business and its owner.
Review any violations related to business practices, public safety, and community standards.
Investigate compliance with labor and tax reporting requirements related to instructors and staff.
Take appropriate enforcement action, including suspension or revocation of business operations if violations are confirmed.
Call to action
We urge community members to stand for accountability, safety, and respect by signing this petition and sharing it widely.
Sources:
Coastside News article on instructor resignations following alleged hate speech.
SFGATE reporting on owner conduct and public statements
https://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/You-will-face-the-wrath-of-me-Pacifica-Beach-15890954.php
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The Issue
We, the undersigned, are calling on the City of Pacifica and appropriate regulatory agencies to investigate and take action regarding Pacifica Beach Yoga, owned by Thomas Antoon, following credible reports of harmful conduct and potential legal violations.
According to reporting by Coastside News, multiple instructors resigned from the studio after alleged hate speech by the owner. These reports raise serious concerns about the safety, inclusivity, and professionalism of the business.
Additional reporting from SFGATE documents a pattern of aggressive and hostile public behavior. Reported statements attributed to the owner include derogatory language directed at members of the public, contributing to a climate of intimidation and hostility.
Public reporting has also documented past instances of the business operating in defiance of public health orders, further raising concerns about compliance with laws intended to protect community well-being.
Additional Concerns Regarding Worker Treatment and Tax Compliance
Former instructors have also reported concerns regarding compensation practices and tax documentation. Specifically, some individuals state they did not receive required tax forms, such as Form 1099-NEC, despite performing paid work.
If accurate, this raises concerns about potential misclassification of workers and compliance with federal and state tax and labor laws. We urge that these matters be reviewed as part of any formal investigation by relevant agencies, including the Internal Revenue Service, the California Employment Development Department, and the California Labor Commissioner’s Office.
Why This Matters
Yoga studios are intended to be spaces of safety, inclusion, and well-being. Allegations of hate speech, combined with documented hostile conduct and potential labor concerns, undermine these values and may create an unsafe and inequitable environment for both clients and workers.
Businesses operating in our community must be held to basic standards of respect, lawful operation, and accountability.
We respectfully call on the City of Pacifica and relevant agencies to:
Conduct a formal investigation into the conduct of the business and its owner.
Review any violations related to business practices, public safety, and community standards.
Investigate compliance with labor and tax reporting requirements related to instructors and staff.
Take appropriate enforcement action, including suspension or revocation of business operations if violations are confirmed.
Call to action
We urge community members to stand for accountability, safety, and respect by signing this petition and sharing it widely.
Sources:
Coastside News article on instructor resignations following alleged hate speech.
SFGATE reporting on owner conduct and public statements
https://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/You-will-face-the-wrath-of-me-Pacifica-Beach-15890954.php
25
Petition created on April 4, 2026