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Thursday, March 23, 2006
Costa Mesa merchants in immigration debate

Some businesses plan to protest the city's stand on proposed changes in enforcement.
By KIMBERLY EDDS
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

COSTA MESA – Every Thursday for the past few weeks, a group of hairdressers, auto mechanics and restaurant owners has quietly gathered to talk about lost dollars and customers. They say a move by Costa Mesa lawmakers to become the first city in the nation to allow local police to enforce federal immigration laws is to blame.

The group, which has swelled to 50 members, plans to take its meetings public this morning, to City Hall.

They say their customers - fearful of being questioned about their immigration status if they head for Costa Mesa shops - are spending their money in Santa Ana and Garden Grove. Some business owners report as much as a 40 percent drop in business after the City Council's vote to pursue the enforcement of immigration laws. Hispanics make up a third of Costa Mesa's population.

"It is very bad for our businesses," said Gustavo Venegas, who opened Venegas Auto Mechanic & Towing on West 19th Street 10 years ago. "You go to McDonald's - the people who work inside are Hispanic. The customers who go there are Hispanic."

Other businesses haven't seen a change.

"Every once in a while someone will bring it up," said Vincent Hicks, who runs Patrick's Pub on Harbor Boulevard. "I've heard both sides, but it hasn't impacted our business."

Following efforts by Orange County Sheriff Mike Carona, the city is seeking an agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to train officers to investigate whether violent career felons are in the country illegally.

Business owners who cater to the region's Hispanic population say what the policy does or doesn't do isn't what is important. It's the perception of people that is costing them customers - and money.

Businesses have become the public flashpoint for an emotional debate that has expanded far beyond the city's borders.

A handful of protesters angry about the city's stance has made demonstrations in front of Councilman Gary Monahan's restaurant, Skosh Monahan's, a weekly ritual. The protesters insist the policy is just a first step in racial profiling. Monahan voted for it.

Across town, members of the Minuteman Project, who oppose illegal immigration, have paced the sidewalks outside El Chinaco Mexican restaurant the last two Fridays. They waved signs accusing owner Mirna Burciaga, an El Salvador native, of being a racist for speaking against the policy.

Mayor Allan Mansoor, who is leading the push for the policy, argues it is aimed at the worst of the worst. The city will be safer for it, he said.

Venegas said the debate over the immigration policy is costing him money. He doesn't want to move but if the rhetoric doesn't die down soon he might not have any choice.

Trying to address some of the concerns, city officials have been out in force, speaking to community groups, large and small.

"Some of that fear is going to be pervasive," City Manager Allan Roeder said. "No matter how many groups you speak to and how many times you try to explain it, it is a very difficult one to dispel."

CONTACT US: (714) 445-6689 or kedds@ocregister.com