April 22, 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

Building Permit Fees to be Waived for Palisades Fire Victims, Mayor Announces

April 22, 2025

April 22, 2025

The waived fees and new initiatives build on emergency orders designed to unlock innovation and prioritize getting residents back home...

Revote Planned for Malibu School District Split

April 22, 2025

April 22, 2025

Committee’s Initial Rejection of Malibu’s Petition Faces Procedural Challenge A Los Angeles County committee narrowly voted to reject a proposal...

Lawsuits Allege Insurance Giants Conspired to Undercut California Fire Victims

April 21, 2025

April 21, 2025

Two Lawsuits Accuse Top Carriers of Price-Fixing and Violating Antitrust Laws Attorneys representing homeowners impacted by California’s January wildfires have...

Cali Camp Welcomes Los Angeles Campers

April 21, 2025

April 21, 2025

By Susan Payne Roam streams, meadows and oak trees in the heart of rock-lined Topanga Canyon this summer at Cali...

Mayor Karen Bass’ Budget Plan Proposes 1,647 Layoffs Amid $300M Liability Surge

April 21, 2025

April 21, 2025

Civilian LAPD Staff, Transportation, and Sanitation Departments Among Hardest Hit Mayor Karen Bass’ proposed city budget for the upcoming fiscal...

Santa Monica PD Makes Arrest in Ocean Front Walk Stabbing; Second Suspect Sought

April 21, 2025

April 21, 2025

Late-Night Stabbing in Santa Monica Prompts Manhunt After a shocking incident of violence in Santa Monica, a man has been...

City of Malibu Considers Sewer Upgrades in Fire-Prone Beach Zones

April 21, 2025

April 21, 2025

Findings from the Feasibility Study to Be Revealed at Public Meeting The City of Malibu is evaluating more resilient wastewater...

Free Blood Testing For Lead Available for Westside Residents After Wildfires

April 21, 2025

April 21, 2025

LA County Public Health Urges Residents Near Burn Areas to Get Tested The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health...

(Video) Palisades Residents Reunite Months After Wildfires at ‘Rooted in Resilience’ Event

April 21, 2025

April 21, 2025

Three Months After the Devastating Wildfires, Palisadians Reconnected at Clover Park for a Day of Music, Games, Food and More...

Siblings Stabbed on Santa Monica Beach

April 21, 2025

April 21, 2025

The stabbing comes amid heightened concerns over nighttime safety at Santa Monica State Beach A brother and sister were hospitalized...

Registration is Open for Harvard-Westlake Summer Programs

April 21, 2025

April 21, 2025

By Susan Payne Summer programs at Harvard-Westlake are open for registration.  Participants can experience renowned programs in academics, visual arts,...

Los Angeles City Attorney Sues Over Illegal Rentals, Wildfire Price Gouging

April 20, 2025

April 20, 2025

City Attorney Seeks Permanent Ban and Millions in Penalties for Operators City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto has filed a civil...

Venice Community Housing and Community Corp. of Santa Monica Partner on 20th Street Apartments

April 20, 2025

April 20, 2025

Construction Begins on Eco-Friendly Housing Development in Santa Monica Construction is officially underway on the 20th Street Apartments, a new...

Rents Stay Stable, but Economic Shifts Threaten the Balance

April 20, 2025

April 20, 2025

Tariffs and Tight Supply Could End Flat Rent Streak After more than a year of minimal fluctuation, asking rents, or...

Pali High Students to Resume In-Person Classes at New Downtown Santa Monica Campus

April 20, 2025

April 20, 2025

Santa Monica Welcomes Students With Transportation Help, Safety Measures Santa Monica is preparing to welcome Palisades Charter High School students...