DATE: FEBRUARY 11, 2025
DEPARTMENT: ADMINISTRATION
FROM: RENÉ MENDEZ, CITY MANAGER
BY: JOSE ARREOLA, ASSISTANT TO THE CITY MANAGER
TITLE: LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR CALIFORNIA SENATE BILL 48 (GONZALEZ); SCHOOLSITES: PROHIBITION ON ACCESS, SHARING INFORMATION, AND LAW ENFORCEMENT COLLABORATION RECOMMENDED MOTION:
A motion to approve a Resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign a letter on behalf of the City of Salinas in support of California Senate Bill 48 (Gonzalez).
BACKGROUND:
At the January 27, 2025, City of Salinas Council meeting Councilmember Jose Luis Barajas requested support from Council to direct staff to bring back a letter of support for California Senate Bill 48. Several Councilmembers expressed support for this request. Senate Bill 48, as introduced by Senator Gonzalez, establishes protocols regarding entry by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) into school sites. This bill would prohibit school districts, county offices of education, or charter schools and their personnel from granting ICE officers, and other federal officials engaging in immigration-related investigation or enforcement, permission to access a school campus without a judicial warrant. This bill would also prohibit a local educational agency and its personnel from disclosing or providing, in writing, verbally, or in any other manner, the education records of or any information about a pupil, pupil’s family and household, school employee, or teacher to an ICE officer, or any other federal official engaging in immigration-related investigation or enforcement, without a judicial warrant. And with respect to educational records or personal information, without the written consent of the pupil’s parent or legal guardian.
The City of Salinas recognizes its long and rich history of immigrants who have contributed to its local economy and become leaders in the community. Salinas is a diverse City with foreign-born residents comprising over 38% of the City’s total population. The City of Salinas values a community where all residents regardless of immigration status can access vital services with confidence. Therefore, the City of Salinas wants to assure immigrants, refugees, and other newcomers opportunities for economic security, empowerment, and civic engagement, which are safe and free from discrimination, oppression, and violence, including safety to attend and work at schools and to send children to daycare.
The attached letter of support for your review and approval is modeled after the County of Monterey’s letter of support. This includes a suggestion to Senator Gonzalez that the bill extend to include family childcare homes. Staff recommends approval of the letter of support for California Senate Bill 48.
CEQA CONSIDERATION:
Not a Project. The City of Salinas has determined that the proposed action is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (CEQA Guidelines Section 15378).
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
Effective and Culturally Responsive Government: Provide effective and culturally responsive government programs and services in a professional, customer-oriented manner that ensures equitable solutions to community challenges.
DEPARTMENTAL COORDINATION:
Administration staff worked with the City Attorney to write the Letter of Support.
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 84308 APPLIES:
No.
FISCAL AND SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact attached to this request.
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution
SB 48 (Gonzalez)
Letter of Support
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