City Council votes to oppose SB54

At the June 4 City Council meeting the Police Department Community Room was filled to overflowing with people waiting to weigh-in on the subject of SB54, the Sanctuary State bill signed into law by Gov. Jerry Brown last October.

Postings on social media had erroneously lead many to believe that members of the City Council supported the measure and they wanted their voice to be heard. Speakers came from as far away as Los Angeles to protest the measure.

At the May 21 meeting, a measure to oppose SB54 failed to pass with a 2-2 vote. Mayor Pro Tempore Susan Wiggins and Councilman Phil Smith felt they needed more information before taking a definitive vote at that time.

"We are not pro-SB54," said Wiggins at Monday's meeting, "we just wanted clarification."

As was requested by the City Council at the May 21 meeting, City Attorney Tom Schroeter prepared and presented a brief outlining the legal action filed by the Federal Government against the State of California involving not only SB54 but also AB450 and AB103.

Councilman Ken Hetge presented his revised request that "the City Council align itself with other local and county jurisdictions opposing Senate Bill 54, Chapter 495, Statutes of 2017, known as the 'California Values Act'. The Council further directs the resolution include action by the City Attorney to file an amicus curiae brief in support of the federal government's position in the United States v. State of California lawsuit ...if and when appropriate."

The measure passed with a 4-0 vote. Attorney Schroeter will notify the City Council when the next opportunity arises to file a brief or join with another community in filing a brief.