Residents urge council to oppose ICE assistance, fund immigrant relief and explain public-comment procedures

Multiple residents used the meeting’s two public-comment periods to press the City Council on immigration enforcement, local process and redistricting.

Chris McLaughlin urged the council not to let local property-tax-funded policing support federal immigration enforcement, saying local funds should be reserved for public safety. Tasia Search, a 30-year resident, asked the council to pass a resolution calling on federal representatives to oppose ICE activity in the city and to direct the city manager to establish an emergency assistance program for families affected by immigration enforcement using $100,000 from the city events budget, with a staff report requested within 90 days.

Brianne Boyle discussed records she obtained about a redistricting notice submitted under the California Voting Rights Act by Michelle Jackson. Boyle said the council’s adopted map splits the city into four districts with an at-large mayor and results in three council members living in the same neighborhood near the golf course; she reported legal fees so far of about $38,000 and said Jackson has submitted an invoice for $37,500. Boyle said whether the claim has merit is for the courts to decide.

Several residents also asked for clearer public-comment processes. Amber Bloomer and Brianne Boyle asked how and when council members may respond to public-comment speakers and how citizens can get items placed on the agenda. City Attorney and staff referenced the Ralph M. Brown Act and city council policy 4.4 and told speakers those rules govern council interactions during non-agenda public comment and that agenda placement is controlled by council members.

Council members acknowledged the concerns and pointed speakers to the city’s posted policies and the city clerk for procedural details. No council action was taken on the requested $100,000 at the meeting; staff were asked to note the request.