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6. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS AND CONSENT CALENDAR - CITY COUNCIL Joe Webb, Woodside resident having grown up in Redwood City, referred to the consideration of Council adopting a sanctuary resolution. He gave his understanding of the origin of the sanctuary movement in the 1980's that was extended to people with good heart to political refugees and we now have economic refugees. He stated that if Council approves this it will break federal law. Mayor Pierce clarified that nobody has approached Council asking for a resolution or asking to declare Redwood City a sanctuary. Charles Bartlett stated that in San Jose a recent resolution was passed making it a sanctuary city. He stated his understanding of the higher ethical appeal of such a resolution but that it is too utopian and that often radical utopianism is destructive. He is not opposed to immigration but stated that the magnitude is the problem in the country. Harriet Eastburg referred to the jails overflowing with one-third being illegals. She further stated that we do not receive any benefit from the illegal immigrants. Ed Lee stated that a sanctuary city resolution would violate federal and state laws and would make Redwood City a magnet attracting more illegal immigrants. He suggested checking with the business community, property owners, and taxpayers before making that decision. Nicholas Brooks opposed a sanctuary city resolution stating he works in various labor and construction fields and that it is already nearly impossible to find affordable housing and a decent living wage. He urged Council to not make Redwood City a sanctuary city. Marnie Poms stated her opposition to the sanctuary city and cited a federal law that would be violated, a 1996 illegal immigrant responsibility act. She further explained the meaning of a sanctuary city as it relates to law enforcement. Philip Poms discouraged the issue of sanctuary city stating that California is already under tremendous financial burdens from the educational and hospital areas and stressed from the large illegal immigration. He supports legal immigration to the extent that we can afford it. Sally Haston stated her fears and concerns, and that she would like the community to be able to vote on such a topic. Erin Lucien referred to various newspaper articles and a recent meeting at the Senior Center. He stated that he wants the Council to support the legal residents not the illegal residents. He further stated that as a general contractor, he has a direct conflict because he cannot compete with those contractors hiring illegal residents. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MARCH 12, 2007 MINUTES PAGE 2