“We are well within our rights to say that we do not choose to spend time or money to support a federal law.” Darrel Menthe, who noted that he was presenting himself as an individual and not under any of his local business or political titles, spoke to the Culver City Council meeting on Monday, March 10, 2025 to address the ‘sanctuary city’ policy.
“Let’s talk about how ordinary Culver City’s policies really are, and how much they within our rights. A hundred years ago Prohibition was the law of the land, and there were [plenty of cities] that did not want to spend any money [to support that law.] So, when you look at films like The Untouchables, you see Kevin Costner and Sean Connery playing [federal agents.] Sometimes local police help and sometimes they don’t.”
The original ‘Sanctuary City ‘ordinance that passed the council in October of 2016 referred specifically to the ‘Muslim Ban’ and other anti-immigrant policies that came into place during the previous Republican administration. The original law, signed by then-Mayor Jim Clarke, set specific anti-hate and pro-civil rights language into municipal policy.
The Current City council was entirely in favor of updating and strengthening the ordinance, pointing out that the threats from the federal government now covered a much more diverse group of people.
Taking a page from Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager, Council woman Yasmine-Imani McMorrin noted that community outreach was essential.”Things like cards with ‘Know Your Rights’ on them…getting this information out to our constituents will help.”
Assistant City Manager Jessie Mays noted that “Sanctuary City specifically deals with immigration issues… staff did talk about [including language] on reproductive rights, and gender affirming care.”
City Attorney Heather Baker also noted that…”While there are currently no amicus briefs [also know as ‘Friend of the Court’] we would like to have direction so that if something comes up that aligns with our values, we can join [without specific direction from council.]”
Mayor Dan O’Brien noted that California is a state that people come to for things like reproductive care, and keeping the doors open for people in need was of primary importance.
Both O’Brien and McMorrin affirmed that the updated law should come back as an Action Item so that the public could have a chance to comment before the ordinance was finalized. Mays agreed.
Menthe concluded his remarks at the podium by saying “You all remember how Prohibition ended…if we all stay active, we will end up with a more just set of … laws.”
The expanded and updated ordinance will return to a future city council agenda for a vote.
Judith Martin-Straw