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While Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti has yet to officially proclaim the city a “sanctuary city,” March 21’s Executive Directive 20 effectively defines L.A. as such. Meanwhile, in the wealthy beachside community of Malibu, a 3-2 vote just days earlier officially passed a city resolution declaring the city a sanctuary city.
“When I reached out to some of the people at the schools and other people in the community, they told me people are scared,” Councilwoman Laura Rosenthal told the Los Angeles Times. “That’s people coming into Malibu who may be undocumented. I wanted to send a clear message that we are here for you.”
On Tuesday night, a sign appeared at Malibu’s city limits announcing the community’s newfound identity — with tongue pressed firmly in cheek.
The official-looking blue signage, posted beneath the city limits sign, reads: “OFFICIAL SANCTUARY CITY ‘Cheap Nannies and Gardeners Make Malibu Great!’ (Boyle Heights Not So Much)”
“This was not put up by the city,” Rosenthal told KCBS. City Manager Reva Feldman added, “The sign was not put up by the city. It will be removed.”
L.A. is no stranger to politically-charged signs that crop up out of nowhere. Early in March, street artist Plastic Jesus made a related art piece-cum-official sign that was posted at various empty lots around the county. His signs, however, took on an angle that denounced racial oppression—different from what the Malibu sign seems to insinuate. Plastic Jesus' signage read: “Lot Reserved For: Future Internment Camp” with the presidential seal, and President Trump’s signature, below.
