Again, the rally is identified as a Minuteman rally, no mention of SOS.
UPDATED: Kellar backers pack City Hall; no action taken
Council adjourns after more than 3 hours of public comment
By Signal Staff
Posted: Jan. 26, 2010 5:51 p.m.
POSTED Jan. 26, 2010 9:55 p.m.
Tuesday, 9:55:
George Thomas of Route 66 was the last to speak, in favor of Councilman Kellar, who broke procedure to make a brief statement thanking those who turned out to support him. They applauded for approximately 30 seconds.
Mayor Laurene Weste then asked City Attorney Carl Newton to review laws relating to illegal immigration and how those laws are enforced locally.
Newton also said Kellar had every legal right to express his personal views at the rally.
Councilwoman Laurie Ender said she had initially expressed shock that Kellar had called himself a racist because she knew he was not racist.
Councilwoman McLean said Kellar's choice of words was not good, and that she did not support illegal anything.
Councilman Frank Ferry said he was against illegal immigration, but he didn't want it to be a racist issue.
Mayor Laurene Weste said the issue is not racism, it's the rule of law. She congratulated the speakers for keeping things civil, and assured the public that the city would continue to seek what she called "equitable solutions."
There was no further discussion, and Weste adjourned the meeting at 9:49 p.m.
Check tomorrow's edition of The Signal for more coverage.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
Tuesday, 9:15 p.m.:
After taking care of agenda business including voting 5-0 to OK plans for a medical center in Canyon Country, the Santa Clarita City Council opened its meeting to pubic comment.
More than two dozen members of the community weighed in on Councilman Bob Kellar's remarks at the Jan. 16 anti-illegal immigration rally at the Civic Center.
Most of the speakers supported Kellar as a pillar of the community and thanked him for bringing attention to the illegal immigration issue.
Several speakers thought Kellar should apologize.
++++++++++++++++++++++++
Tuesday 6:20 p.m.:
It's standing room only at City Hall as more than 200 people have gathered to address Santa Clarita City Councilman Bob Kellar's fiery comments about illegal immigration.
When Kellar walked into the council chambers, about half of the audience gave a standing ovation while the rest remained seated and quiet.
Public comment has not begun yet. A verbal clash between protesters occurred before the meeting.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
Tuesday 5:45 p.m.:
Crowds of protesters have gathered outside City Hall following Santa Clarita City Councilman Bob Kellar's controversial remarks about race and illegal immigration at a recent Minuteman rally.
Supporters and opponents of Kellar are expected to storm tonight's City Council meeting to address the City Council.
About 10 deputies are at City Hall, but as of 5:45 p.m. there have been no incidents so far, said Lt. Tom Bryski of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station.
Check back here for updates tonight and tomorrow's edition of The Signal for full coverage.
|