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6. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS AND CONSENT CALENDAR - CITY COUNCIL <br />Joe Webb, Woodside resident having grown up in Redwood City, referred to the <br />consideration of Council adopting a sanctuary resolution. He gave his understanding <br />of the origin of the sanctuary movement in the 1980's that was extended to people <br />with good heart to political refugees and we now have economic refugees. He stated <br />that if Council approves this it will break federal law. <br />Mayor Pierce clarified that nobody has approached Council asking for a resolution or <br />asking to declare Redwood City a sanctuary. <br />Charles Bartlett stated that in San Jose a recent resolution was passed making it a <br />sanctuary city. He stated his understanding of the higher ethical appeal of such a <br />resolution but that it is too utopian and that often radical utopianism is destructive. He <br />is not opposed to immigration but stated that the magnitude is the problem in the <br />country. <br />Harriet Eastburg referred to the jails overflowing with one -third being illegals. She <br />further stated that we do not receive any benefit from the illegal immigrants. <br />Ed Lee stated that a sanctuary city resolution would violate federal and state laws and <br />would make Redwood City a magnet attracting more illegal immigrants. He suggested <br />checking with the business community, property owners, and taxpayers before making <br />that decision. <br />Nicholas Brooks opposed a sanctuary city resolution stating he works in various labor <br />and construction fields and that it is already nearly impossible to find affordable <br />housing and a decent living wage. He urged Council to not make Redwood City a <br />sanctuary city. <br />Marnie Poms stated her opposition to the sanctuary city and cited a federal law that <br />would be violated, a 1996 illegal immigrant responsibility act. She further explained <br />the meaning of a sanctuary city as it relates to law enforcement. <br />Philip Poms discouraged the issue of sanctuary city stating that California is already <br />under tremendous financial burdens from the educational and hospital areas and <br />stressed from the large illegal immigration. He supports legal immigration to the extent <br />that we can afford it. <br />Sally Haston stated her fears and concerns, and that she would like the community to <br />be able to vote on such a topic. <br />REGULAR CITY COUNCIL <br />MINUTES <br />MARCH 12, 2007 <br />PAGE 2 <br />MINUTE BOOK NO. 61 <br />Page No. 345 <br />