Thank you, Santa Maria City Council. My name is Sue Heitman and my husband and I live in Orcutt. Before retirement, we were farmers of almonds, pomegranates and olives for olive oil. Our oil, processed by Sonoma Olive Press was the first California oil to win Best in Class at the New York International Competition. We could not and would not have achieved any of that recognition without our immigrant and migrant labor force. Or in our words, our employees.
As a retired farmers, we recognize not only the value of our labor force bur recognize the economic stability farm workers provide for the farms, especially small and medium sized farms. Our crops here in Santa Maria area are dependent on this workforce as these crops, like strawberries, are not mechanized like the wheat and soybeans my immigrant ancestors grew in the Midwest.
And now we are compromised by the presence of ICE on our farms.
Lack of due process for our work force attacks the backbone of our economy --farming. The raids across California prove this is not about criminals, this is about revenge on people of color and the farm economy of California. And that doesn’t count how this disrupts and upends our neighbors/friends lives.
Most of you have championed immigration issues. But now times are different and more dire. So my ask is simple, listen to the community here which is 70% Hispanic. Join with these
organizations to show concrete support against federal bullies who try to overwhelm us . Confirm over and over, the values of Santa Barbara County and Santa Maria with vocal support; presence in the media and at community events. We need you to take a hard stand NOW. Thank you.