This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom 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.
Villaraigosa Supports City of L.A. Boycott of Arizona
Villaraigosa in 2009 (AP Photo/Nick Ut)
At a news conference held today, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa went on record in support of a boycott of Arizona by the City of Los Angeles, according to LA Now. The Mayor calls the neighboring state's new SB 1070 immigration law "unpatriotic and unconstitutional."Joining Councilmen Ed Reyes and Jose Huizar to speak on the issue, Villaraigosa expressed awareness that an economic boycott of Arizona would be difficult, since City Controller Wendy Greuel has already "identified at least $7.2 million in city contracts with firms from that state."
However, Villaraigosa believes to implement such a boycott would send a message not only to Arizona about the other states' reaction to their law, but to other states and city's to inspire them to consider similar boycotts.
Huizar acknowledged the issue of racial profiling that many believe will increase due to the new immigration law: “If you look like me, you should be concerned about traveling to the state of Arizona,” he said.
Earlier today California's US Senators Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein sent a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder urging a federal review of the law. The City Council will hear the boycott resolution, introduced by Reyes and fellow Councilmember and Lt. Governor-hopeful Janice Hahn, next week.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
