Thread: Bakersfield CA: Agenda fires up speakers

Agenda fires up speakers

Immigrant talk heated on eve of key meeting

BY JAMES GELUSO, Californian staff writer
e-mail: jgeluso@bakersfield.com | Tuesday, Sep 25 2007 10:45 PM
Last Updated: Tuesday, Sep 25 2007 10:51 PM

Opponents of Bakersfield City Councilman David Couch's immigration-related resolutions dropped off about 850 postcards Tuesday, the culmination of what they said was a three-week campaign to gather signatures.

Before dropping them off, a series of seven speakers made statements outside City Hall. The pronouncements ranged from highlighting the contributions of immigrants to promising to march in the streets if Hispanics don't get more political representation.

Couch's proposals -- to make English the official language of Bakersfield and to affirm that Bakersfield is not a sanctuary city -- are slated to be discussed at tonight's City Council meeting, along with a competing proposal by Councilwoman Sue Benham to recommend that the federal government enforce its laws.

"We do need immigration reform, but not at the city level," said Richard Chavez, the brother of labor organizer Cesar Chavez.

"Immigrants are willing to study English and they do learn English," said Sister Francisca Olvera, who works in a farmworker ministry.

But it was when CSUB professor Gonzalo Santos took the microphone that the news conference left the usual talking points.

It was as Santos was promising "militant action" that Bakersfield Mayor Harvey Hall, on his way out of City Hall, stopped to listen for about a minute, then moved on, his face betraying no emotion.

Santos said Hispanics have systematically been denied representation by the city power structure, most recently by the city not annexing urban areas on the east side of town. The result, he said, has been no Hispanic mayor, City Council member, police chief or department head.

But Principal Planner Marc Gauthier said Santos is just plain wrong. The reason those areas are not in the city is that residents have voted not to be annexed, he said.

"We've spent a great deal of time and money trying to get this in," Gauthier said.

When it was pointed out that the largest city department in terms of budget is run by a Hispanic, Public Works Director Raul Rojas, the speakers were dismissive. Jess Nieto said if Rojas' position isn't "tokenism," then at least Hispanics are underrepresented in city government.

City Manager Alan Tandy disagreed with the idea that Rojas is a token, and said 29 percent of the city's work force is Hispanic.

"We may not be 100 percent of the way there, but we're making an effort," he said.

Raquel Vizcarra, a member of the group, said it was due to the task force's work that Couch dropped one of his three resolutions.

"Then they just weren't listening," Couch said.

He said his plan to ask for a report on city services that can be withheld from illegal immigrants was never meant to be a resolution, despite characterization as such in the media.

http://www.bakersfield.com/102/story/245356.html

They better stand firm, once they get in office the people will lose all control of the town and be over run with illegals. Wo is he talking about not being represented illegals or legals??




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This is probably going on now.
Video at the link too.
~~~
People protest immigration proposal outside City Hall
Last Update: 8:00 pm


(KGET 2007) Protesters gathered in downtown Bakersfield as City Council members prepare to vote on a controversial immigration resolution.


The proposals sparked controversy in Bakersfield as soon as City Councilman David Couch suggested them in May.


Couch said his resolution would prevent the city from becoming a sanctuary for illegal immigrants by limiting city services and making English the official language of Bakersfield.


He said the resolution would control illegal immigration at a local level.


After discussion at the last City Council meeting, Councilwoman Sue Benham made an additional resolution suggestion where the City of Bakersfield would call on the federal government to take action on the issue.


The resolutions are in writing and there is a possibility Council members will vote on them later Wednesday evening.

http://www.kget.com/news/local/story.as ... c49&rss=91

Bakersfield City Council rejects two controversial illegal immigration resolutions


It was a long and emotionally charged Bakersfield City Council meeting as dozens addressed the city council to express their concerns with two proposed resolutions by Fourth Ward Councilman David Couch.

"I think that these resolutions are a slap in the face to immigrants," said
Bakersfield resident Marty Rodriguez.

"I believe that speaking the same language draws us together," said Craig Nelson of Bakersfield. About 30 speakers opposed the resolutions. Just five proponents spoke in favor.

Though English is already the official language of California, one of the proposed resolutions would make English the official language of the city of Bakersfield. It was defeated by a vote of 5-2. Council members David Couch and Harold Hansen voting in favor, while
Irma Carson, Sue Benham, Ken Weir, Jackie Sullivan and Zack Scribner voted against.

The second resolution would declare Bakersfield not to be a "sanctuary city" for illegal immigrants, where local law enforcement officials do not cooperate with federal authorities on immigration matters.
City attorney Ginny Gennaro told the council no one is proposing Bakersfield become a sanctuary city.

That resolution also failed on a 4-3 vote. Council members Irma Carson, Sue Benham, Ken Weir and Zack Scribner voted no, while
David Couch, Harold Hansen and Jackie Sullivan voted in favor.

Couch had also asked city staff to look into which city services could be denied to illegal immigrants. A report given by City Attorney Ginny Gennaro stated no services could be denied, and it could open the city to lawsuits.

The council did approve on a 6-1 vote a separate resolution by
Council member Sue Benham. It calls on the federal government to change current immigration law, reimburse local governments for costs incurred by illegal immigrants and "to develop policies which effectively promote English fluency among new legal immigrants."

"I think for now it's over," said Couch after the meeting.


http://www.eyeoutforyou.com/home/10063006.html

But it was when CSUB professor Gonzalo Santos took the microphone that the news conference left the usual talking points.

It was as Santos was promising "militant action" that Bakersfield Mayor Harvey Hall, on his way out of City Hall, stopped to listen for about a minute, then moved on, his face betraying no emotion.

That should have been enough to get the citizens of Bakerfield up in arms right there!