With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
L.A. Wants To Know If Potential City Contractors Are Bidding On The Border Wall
Mexico-United States barrier at the border of Tijuana, Mexico and San Diego, USA, circa 2016. The crosses represent migrants who died in the crossing attempt. Some identified, some not. Surveillance tower in the background. (Photo via Wikimedia Commons)
()
Nearly two out of three Angelenos are either immigrants or the children of immigrants, so it should surprise few that President Trump's proposed border wall remains distinctly unpopular in the City of Angels. A new proposal from Councilman Gil Cedillo would require any company seeking a contract with the city to publicly disclose if they've submitted a bid to build the controversial border wall.
Cedillo was joined by immigrant rights, faith and labor leaders Thursday morning to announce the proposed ordinance, which the councilman will introduce at Friday's City Council meeting. According to a press release from economic justice group Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy (LAANE), the ordinance, if passed, would be the first of its kind, and it would impose strict penalties and fines on any company who fails to disclose the required information.
"City residents deserve to know how public funding is spent, and whether or not they are supporting individuals or entities who are involved in the construction of a Border Wall that will significantly impact them and bring harm to their families and communities," LAANE spokesperson Adan Alvarez said in a statement.
Support for LAist comes from
"President Trump's proposed border wall is a monument to ignorance and hate," Apolonio Morales, political director for the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles, said at Thursday's press conference. "We have the right to know if individuals or companies who are bidding to build that wall are also lining up to profit from the rich economy to which we contribute with our tax dollars," he continued.
KPCC reports that although the ordinance would not outright deny potential city contracts to firms that have also submitted border wall bids, "the measure's language makes it clear that they would be at a disadvantage."
"Our message today is fairly simple, no wall, no way, not now, not ever," Rusty Hicks, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO, said at the press conference. "We hope that this will send a strong and clear message that Los Angeles will enshrine the values of respect and inclusion, and reject the false notion that we have to choose between a good job and the safety and wellbeing of our immigrant neighbors."
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
What do stairs have to do with California’s housing crisis? More than you might think, says this Culver City councilmember. -
Yes, it's controversial, but let me explain. -
Doctors say administrator directives allow immigration agents to interfere in medical decisions and compromise medical care. -
The Palisades Fire erupted on Jan. 7 and went on to kill 12 people and destroy more than 6,800 homes and buildings. -
People moving to Los Angeles are regularly baffled by the region’s refrigerator-less apartments. They’ll soon be a thing of the past. -
Experts say students shouldn't readily forgo federal aid. But a California-only program may be a good alternative in some cases.
Best of LAist