SomaNews.com

Canctuary hearing off, but crèche pops up

Plans have been delayed for a public hearing on a resolution declaring Sonoma a "City of Refuge" to protect illegal immigrants from city participation in enforcing federal immigration laws.

Championed by Councilmember Ken Brown, and developed primarily by Brown and Jesus Guzman from Vineyard Workers Services - with wording advice from Councilmember Steve Barbose, an attorney - the current draft of the proposed resolution would designate Sonoma as a "City of Refuge," directing that no city department or employee use city funds or time to assist in the enforcement of federal immigration laws.

But the resolution specifically declares that anyone under reasonable suspicion of being a convicted felon, or of having committed a felony unconnected to their immigration status, will not be protected.

The resolution was originally slated for the Sept. 19 City Council agenda, but on Thursday, Brown said he wanted to take more time to refine the language of the resolution to make it more universally acceptable.

He now expects to have it ready for the council meeting set for Oct. 3.

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