OPINION:
Apparently not everyone in California is on board with the Democrats’ aggressive sanctuary policies. Just weeks after Gov. Jerry Brown squared off with the federal government by signing the “California Values Act” limiting the state’s law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities, the city of Los Alamitos voted to ignore the law and align themselves with federal law, and the constitution.
Mayor Troy Edgar said he hoped mayors in other cities consider similar local legislation. And his message was clear: “As the mayor of Los Alamitos, we are not a sanctuary city.”
The council went one step further. The majority also voted to direct the city attorney to write an amicus brief to a federal lawsuit filed earlier this month against California, alleging that three of the state’s laws are unconstitutional.
The Orange County Register describes a tense seen with passionate opinions and accusations thrown from animated supporters and detracteos:
“I believe in the law. I live here and I couldn’t be prouder,” said Chris Cornell, 57, one of the residents waiting outside quietly while a screaming match ensued nearby.
Rev. Melinda Dodge, of Los Altos United Methodist Church in neighboring Long Beach, said the proposal goes against everything the community believes in and values.
Kusumoto said he introduced the ordinance because he feels the state is forcing local elected officials to violate the oath they took to uphold the U.S. Constitution.
“California legislators are bullying local elected officials into violating our oath of office,” Kusumoto explained in an interview.
The contentious, raucous seen at Monday’s City Council meeting included a packed chamber of more than 160 people (the chamber usually seats 40 according to the Los Angeles Times) with overflow observers in the courtyard outside the tense meeting.
Speakers lined up late into the evening to address elected officials, who eventually voted 4 to 1 to approve the ordinance.
“Sometimes things are bigger than we are,” said Mayor Troy D. Edgar.
Cheers erupted inside the chamber after the vote, with some shouting “Patriots!” and “This is a win for America!” as others waved pro-Trump flags.
Los Alamitos is located just south of Anaheim in Orange County, a place that President Ronald Reagan once described as “where good Republicans go to die.” In the Reagan era, Orange County voted close to 85% with the GOP making the area the mirror image of the current political make up of Washington DC.
In recent years demographic and political changes have upended many parts of Orange County but there are still enclaves like Los Alamitos where the radical lean of Sacramento is anathema.
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