April 1, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Santa Monica Joins More Than 40 Cities and U.S. Conference of Mayors in Signing Supreme Court Amicus Brief Supporting the State of Hawaii

Santa Monica City Council unanimously voted at its March 27th meeting to join Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia and the U.S. Conference of Mayors in signing an Amicus Brief supporting the State of Hawaii as it argues that Presidential Proclamation 9645, an executive order further restricting entry into the U.S. from eight countries, is unlawful and discriminates based on national origin and religion.

“Santa Monica opposes this order from the Trump Administration as it violates the basis of what this country was founded on,” said Mayor Ted Winterer. “Our community thrives because of our diversity and President Trump’s actions do not represent our values of equity and inclusion. As a country and as a society, we can do better. We must not accept discriminatory behavior in our schools, in our places of work, or in the White House.”

The amicus brief argues that the Proclamation exceeds the President’s authority by unlawfully discriminating based on national origin. The brief also argues that the Proclamation violates the Establishment Clause based on the President’s well-documented anti-Muslim position.

The more than 40 cities joining in the filing of the brief argue:

  • Discrimination on the basis of national origin and religion will significantly undermine the safety, economic wellbeing, and social cohesion in our communities and across the United States.
  • Our cities are heavily dependent on the contributions of immigrants.
  • Our cities serve as gateways for immigrants and refugees starting new lives in America, and when they have come, “[e]verywhere immigrants have enriched and strengthened the fabric of American life.”
  • The Proclamation also undermines local laws prohibiting discrimination based on national origin and religion, among other invidious grounds, in all aspects of life – housing, employment, public accommodation, transportation, schooling, and government services.
  • The Proclamation deprives our communities and our residents of the opportunity to interact with persons from the targeted countries. These individuals enrich us with their customs and celebrations, their hard work and perseverance, and their unique skills and training.
  • The Proclamation undermines trust and cooperation between local law enforcement and immigrant communities, which is necessary to effectively detect terrorist activity and combat crime. It also harms our businesses, educational institutions, and hospitals; limits our labor pool; decreases our tax revenues; and dampens tourism in our communities.

“Santa Monica joins other cities in signing this Amicus Brief as an affirmation of our shared commitment to equal justice under law,” said City Attorney Lane Dilg. “Santa Monica’s laws have long reflected this community’s belief that diversity enhances our shared experience.  With this brief, Santa Monica joins other local governments across the country in articulating the value that immigration brings locally and standing firmly against discrimination on the basis of national origin or religion.”

Downtown Santa Monica

<>Related Posts

Palisades Youth Soccer Team Fundraises to Compete in Sweden Tournament

March 31, 2025

March 31, 2025

The team is raising funds through GoFundMe, with donations aimed at covering travel costs, accommodations, and fees A youth soccer...

Seven-Bedroom Venice Pad on Shell Ave. Hits Market at Under $7M

March 31, 2025

March 31, 2025

The home sits on a 5,740-square-foot lot and includes a two-car garage A newly listed property in Venice, featuring modern...

School of Rock Students Shine in Winter Performance Despite Widespread Fires

March 31, 2025

March 31, 2025

Summer Camp Registration Opens Now By Susan Payne Wildfire devastation wreaked havoc in areas of Los Angeles this January with...

City Approves Redevelopment Deal for Civic Auditorium

March 30, 2025

March 30, 2025

Officials said the next phase of the process includes site analyses to assess redevelopment viability The Santa Monica City Council...

SM.a.r.t. Column: Smart Home Systems and IoT Sensors: The New Frontline Against Wildfires

March 30, 2025

March 30, 2025

In a world where wildfire threats grow more ominous each year, a technological revolution is quietly unfolding at the intersection...

Former Married… With Children Actress Found Dead in Malibu Mansion

March 30, 2025

March 30, 2025

Homicide Detectives Review Death of CSI Miami and ER Actress Authorities are investigating the death of 58-year-old actress Cindyana Santangelo,...

New Deadline, More Access: LA County Debris Program Expands Scope, Extends Signup

March 30, 2025

March 30, 2025

Officials Broaden Scope to Help More Residents, Encourage Early Submission Los Angeles County officials have announced that FEMA has agreed...

Judge to L.A. Leaders: ‘I Am Your Worst Nightmare’ in Scathing Homeless Spending Rebuke

March 28, 2025

March 28, 2025

Carter Warns of Court Intervention if City and County Fail to Fix Broken Systems U.S. District Judge David O. Carter,...

Mayor Karen Bass Texts Sent During the Palisades Fire Have Been Released

March 28, 2025

March 28, 2025

Newly Recovered Texts Were Recovered After Sharp Criticism Over Deletions As wildfires swept through Los Angeles in early January, Mayor...

The Blue Notebook: Santa Monica Police Department Weekly Activity Report: March 9–15

March 28, 2025

March 28, 2025

Spike in Arrests, Drug Incidents, and Mental Health Calls in Santa Monica By Lewis Gilmour During the week of March...

Film Review: Snow White

March 28, 2025

March 28, 2025

FILM REVIEWSNOW WHITERated PG109 MinutesReleased March 21st  The Snow White fairy tale was compiled by the Brothers Grimm in the...

THIS WEEKEND: Palisades High to Host Benefit to Support Displaced Students

March 28, 2025

March 28, 2025

The evening aims to bring the Pali High community together while raising funds through sponsorships, donations, and an ongoing online...

March Madness Celebration Coming to Santa Monica Pier

March 28, 2025

March 28, 2025

The celebration will culminate in an evening viewing party at Patio 66, where fans can watch the games while enjoying...

Cinque Terre West Reopens in Venice After Palisades Closure

March 27, 2025

March 27, 2025

The Vinzonis have now joined The Colony, a food hall in Venice, to continue serving their signature dishes Nine months...

Film Review: A Working Man

March 27, 2025

March 27, 2025

By Dolores Quintana A Working Man is the second collaboration between director David Ayer and actor Jason Statham, in which...