HomeMy WebLinkAboutRESOLUTION 2025-019 N.C.S. 02/24/2025
Resolution No. 2025-019 N.C.S. Page 1 of 3
Resolution No. 2025-019 N.C.S.
of the City of Petaluma, California
RESOLUTION REAFFIRMING THE CITY’S COMMITMENT TO IMMIGRANTS, INCLUSIVITY,
AND COMPLIANCE WITH CALIFORNIA LAW, INCLUDING SENATE BILL 54
WHEREAS, all City of Petaluma immigrant residents, whether they are U.S. citizens, permanent
residents, undocumented residents, refugees, or residents with any other immigration status, are valued and
integral members of our social, cultural, and economic fabric; and
WHEREAS, immigrants, documented and undocumented, contribute to the prosperity, vitality, and
diversity of Petaluma through their work, volunteerism, and cultural contributions; and
WHEREAS, the City of Petaluma values the safety and well-being of all its community members and is
committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment where every person is treated with dignity
and respect; and
WHEREAS, many immigrants in the City of Petaluma have worked the front lines during the global
pandemic and wildfires of recent years and are considered essential workers; and deserve to work with dignity
and free from exploitation; and
WHEREAS, many immigrants have created deep ties in the City of Petaluma, which they have cultivated
for themselves, their families, and their communities; and
WHEREAS, on February 27, 2017, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2017-032 N.C.S., titled
“Resolution in Support of the Protection of the Human, Constitutional, and Other Rights of Community
Members of the City of Petaluma”; and
WHEREAS, on April 5, 2021, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2021-040 N.C.S., titled
“Resolution in Support of Solidarity with the Asian American Pacific Islander Communities and Denouncing
Anti-Asian Racism, Discrimination, Intimidation, Threats and Violence”; and
WHEREAS, on October 16, 2023, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2023-163 N.C.S., titled
“Resolution Supporting Human Rights of All Petalumans and Condemning Hate Speech, Racism, and Acts
of Extremism”;
WHEREAS, on January 21, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice issued a memorandum threatening legal
action against jurisdictions like Petaluma for allegedly not cooperating with federal immigration enforcement;
and
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WHEREAS, the 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, as upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in Printz
v. United States (1997), protects local jurisdictions, such as the City of Petaluma, from being compelled to
enforce federal regulatory programs, including federal immigration laws, under the "anti-commandeering"
doctrine.
WHEREAS, California Senate Bill 54 (SB 54), enacted in 2017 also known as the California Values Act,
prohibits state and local law enforcement agencies from using their resources to assist federal immigration
enforcement efforts, except as specifically authorized under federal or state law, to promote trust between
immigrant communities and local government; and
WHEREAS, the 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, as upheld by the Ninth Circuit in United
States v. California, 921 F.3d 865 (9th Cir. 2019), affirms that states, such as California, have the sovereign
right to decide whether to participate in federal enforcement efforts, rejecting the Trump administration’s
2018 challenge to SB 54 and reinforcing the constitutional principle of the anti-commandeering doctrine; and
WHEREAS, the City of Petaluma recognizes the importance of aligning its policies with the law while
upholding its values of inclusivity, respect, and support for immigrant communities; and
WHEREAS, the Petaluma Council wishes to declare that the City of Petaluma is a safe place for everyone,
including, but not limited to, immigrants from all countries, people of color, people of all religions, gender
identity, sexual orientation, people with disabilities and all vulnerable communities; and
WHEREAS, the City of Petaluma seeks to reaffirm its commitment to being a community that values all
community members, regardless of immigration status, and acknowledges that this inclusivity strengthens
Petaluma as a whole.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Petaluma as follows:
1. Reaffirms Resolution No. 2017-032 N.C.S.: The provisions of Resolution No. 2017-032 N.C.S.,
titled “Resolution in Support of the Protection of the Human, Constitutional, and Other Rights of
Community Members of the City of Petaluma,” are hereby reaffirmed and fully incorporated into
this Resolution.
2. Reaffirms Resolution No. 2021-040 N.C.S.: The provisions of Resolution No. 2021-040 N.C.S.,
titled “Resolution in Support of Solidarity with the Asian American Pacific Islander Communities
and Denouncing Anti-Asian Racism, Discrimination, Intimidation, Threats, and Violence,” are
hereby reaffirmed and fully incorporated into this Resolution.
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3. Reaffirms Resolution No. 2023-163 N.C.S.: The provisions of Resolution No. 2023-163 N.C.S.,
titled “Resolution Supporting Human Rights of all Petalumans and Condemning Hate Speech,
Racism, and Acts of Extremism,” are hereby reaffirmed and fully incorporated into this
Resolution.
4. Inclusivity Commitment: The City of Petaluma reaffirms its commitment to ensuring all
community members feel safe, included, and respected, regardless of immigration status, and
recognizes that immigrants play a vital role in the City’s success and character.
5. Support for SB 54 Compliance: The City affirms its commitment to complying with California
Senate Bill 54 and other applicable state laws that ensure local resources are used to promote
community trust and safety while protecting immigrant communities.
6. Opposition to Threats Against Local Autonomy: The City condemns any baseless threats or
attempts by federal agencies to coerce or intimidate local jurisdictions into acting against their
legal obligations and values, including those enshrined in SB 54.
7. Promotion of Community Trust: The City will continue to support policies and practices that
strengthen trust and cooperation between local government, law enforcement, and immigrant
communities to promote public safety and well-being.
8. Recognition of Immigrant Contributions: The City recognizes and celebrates the many
contributions of immigrants to Petaluma, including their work in vital industries, their cultural and
civic contributions, and their role in building a stronger and more vibrant community.
9. Commitment to Compliance with Law: The City reaffirms its dedication to upholding both state
and federal laws while protecting the rights and dignity of all its community members. The City’s
policies will reflect a balanced approach that promotes inclusion and community trust in
accordance with legal requirements.
Under the power and authority conferred upon this Council by the Charter of said City.
REFERENCE: I hereby certify the foregoing Resolution was introduced and adopted by the
Council of the City of Petaluma at a Regular meeting on the 24th day of February
2025, by the following vote:
Approved as to
form:
__________________________
City Attorney
AYES: McDonnell, Barnacle, Cader Thompson, DeCarli, Nau, Quint, Shribbs
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
ATTEST: ______________________________________________
City Clerk
______________________________________________
Mayor
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