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Protest U.S. government, not church, mayor says
Simi hears comments on illegal immigrant
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James Glover II / Star staff Simi Valley City Manager Mike Sedell, left, and Mayor Paul Miller listen to Carl Olson of Woodland Hills at a City Council meeting Monday. An illegal immigrant sheltered by a Simi church was a topic of discussion.
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More from ImmigrationMayor Paul Miller is asking those who protest outside a Simi Valley sanctuary church, under city fire for sheltering an illegal immigrant, to direct their anger instead at the nation's capital.
"I would like to see the energy expended outside the church to be redirected to Washington, D.C.," Miller said in a City Council meeting Monday night.
His short statement came after about 45 minutes of comments from the council, anti-illegal immigration groups and a representative of the United Church of Christ.
The council has sent the church a $40,000 bill for police services and sent a letter to the secretary of Homeland Security asking for personal assistance to end the city and church stalemate. Emotions were more muted Monday night, after several weeks of heated rhetoric on all sides of the debate.
The conflict is over Liliana, an illegal immigrant wanted for deportation, who lives in the former parsonage of the church with her U.S.-born son. The church is part of a national New Sanctuary Movement aimed at keeping families of illegal immigrants together.
Moments before Miller spoke, Don Silva, co-founder of Save Our State, thanked the council for sending the letter to Secretary Michael Chertoff.
"We've done a lot of protests in Southern California, and we think the issue at hand with the church is worth our attention," Silva said. "It's not anyone's intention to cause any duress to the city of Simi Valley."
Silva said his anti-immigration group is planning another large protest this Sunday.
Church member Jeanie Mortensen-Besamo spoke next, and said the protests at Sunday services over the past several weeks have been loud and are getting more disruptive.
A bullhorn was used for over an hour and a half during Sunday's church service, she said.
"It seems apparent to us, we don't seem to have the same rights as other members of this community have," said Mortensen-Besamo, who is on the church council.
In the letter to Chertoff, the council asks for Liliana's case to be expedited and for her either to remain legally in the country or to be deported. The letter was sent without the knowledge of the church, after city officials and the Rev. June Goudey agreed to keep the discussion open and fair between the two.
But the issue has divided the city, said Councilwoman Barbara Williamson.
"I've lived in this community for 36 years, and this is the first time I've seen the community pitted against one another," Williamson said.
About 12 members of anti-illegal immigrant groups attended the meeting. A handful of church members were there as well.
Before the letter was sent, Miller and City Manager Mike Sedell flew to Washington and met with an official at the Department of Homeland Security to discuss the situation.
But the council's recent actions are bringing more attention to the church, encouraging more people to come demonstrate, said Peter Schey, a lawyer representing the church and Liliana.
"Every time the City Council takes a step, they are bringing more attention to the church," Schey said earlier in the day. "Certainly their actions have gotten far more publicity than Liliana's presence in the church ever did."
Schey, of the Center for Human Rights and Constitutional Law, called the letter a "rant" and said it isn't worth responding to.
"There's nothing Chertoff can do with a letter like that," he said. "It just doesn't move the case forward."
Posted by heregoes on October 9, 2007 at 5:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The church brought this on themselves, not the city council or the mayor.
They, the Church, announced publicly that they were harboring an ILLEGAL alien and now they don't like the attention that comes with it. Too bad! I have no sympathy for them.
Posted by Freedom1 on October 9, 2007 at 5:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm sure that Mayor Miller would like to see all of us who deplore the Federal government's disregard for enforcing immigration laws picketing outside Chertoff's office and save the City thousands of dollars in providing protection at these demonstrations. Just as I'm sure the Church would like to see less publicity so they can return to their normal practices. But most of us who oppose this don't have the funds to take time off from work and hop on a plane to deliver our message. We have shown our elected representatives how passionately we feel about their failure to enforce these laws. The result of which was the failure of the latest amnesty proposal last year and the increased raids and removal of many illegal aliens including the infamous Elvira Arellano who left her sanctuary and faced the consequences. If the Church members want to return to the peaceful practice of their religion they need to find a new sanctuary for Liliana and take in a homeless Simi Valley American citizen family.
Posted by JohnGC on October 9, 2007 at 8:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
sawyerfamily: Very well stated!
Posted by SimiProud on October 9, 2007 at 9:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Here! Here! Freedom1
Posted by mandynathan on October 9, 2007 at 9:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Why doesn't the City send the bill to Silva? His group are the ones causing the disturbance.
Posted by shaver_one on October 9, 2007 at 10:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Send the bill to Liliana's husband.
Posted by teesdin on October 9, 2007 at 10:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"It seems apparent to us, we don't seem to have the same rights as other members of this community have," said Mortensen-Besamo, who is on the church council."
LOL LOL. You gotta be kidding me. That's not even worth responding to.
The church violates the law and then complains about their own rights? Bring the protests on. The louder the better. They want to harbor illegal immigrants, they can deal with the aftermath.
Posted by Simivisitor on October 9, 2007 at 12:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
MandyNathan, no Silva's group is not the group causing the disturbance! The lawless church is the one creating the disturbance. If they did not want people standing outside their church, then they should have never invited a criminal in for shelter. Americans are sick and tired of paying for the illegal invasion!! Thank you Mr. Silva and all the Americans standing bravely in order to defend this nation and bring attention to a very serious problem!
Posted by Poppa on October 9, 2007 at 3:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I drove by the demonstration on Sunday and watched as the Christ haters, skinheads and hatemongers who do not live in Simi, spewed their vile. They have been breaking the law by trespassing and using bullhorns, you are a hypocrit if you say it is okay for them to break the law but not Liliana. One of the women who weighed about 300lbs was eating a triple decker Wendy's burger and screaming and food was flying out of her mouth and defiling the flag she was holding, maybe she should go work in the fields picking crops and lose some weight so she will quit running up the cost of healthcare! Also I would love to know why Mayor Miller and Sedell spent thousands of dollars of taxpayer money to take a letter to a Chertoff flunky, when they could have mailed it for fifty cents!
Posted by tobnerb on October 9, 2007 at 5:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
mr silva, the man who spoke at the city council meeting last night, acted completely different at the meeting than he did on sunday morning. he was in front of the church talking into a bullhorn for over an hour and half. he was incredibly rude not only to the church members trying to attend services but also to the neighbors of the church (the church is located in a residential area). not to mention a lot of what he was saying into that bullhorn had nothing to do with illegal immigration and was simply hate speech.
the group he is a co-founder of, save our state, is classified as a hate group by the southern poverty law center.
mr. silva is solely responsible for his actions, not the church.
Posted by teesdin on October 9, 2007 at 6:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)
First off, you look like an idiot calling people names because of their weight. Since you obviously are on the pro-illegal side of the fence, here is a link to your favorite site
http://www.nclr.org/section/diabetes_...
Summing it up, the 'highly acclaimed' National Council of La Raza says that Latinos are 1.5 times more likely than whites to have type 2 diabetes. 25-30% of hispanics over 50 have diabetes, with 1/2 of the latino population born in the year 2000 likely to develop it. The leading cause of diabetes is obesity.
Who pays for their healthcare? WE DO. Even the esteemed La Raza page states specifically this.
"Latinos are the fastest-growing minority group in the country. However, they also have the lowest rates of insurance coverage, and without access to proper health care, diabetes can progress and lead to a number of health problems."
Who's the idiot now? I guess we all are because we're ALL paying for THEIR healthcare.
--
"classified as a hate group by the southern poverty law center."
The Southern poverty law center?? This forum gets stupider every message I read. I see, so groups like MEChA, La Raza which are funded by companies like Bank of America ---- who recently introduced their credit card for illegal immigrants program, Pepsi, WalMart, and UPS ---- they aren't labeled as racists? Even the word "La Raza" translates in english to "The Race". THE RACE?? I thought we were all equal here? I guess Bank of America and WalMart think otherwise too.
Your turn. Can you list one thing that Save Our State has done that can be actually deemed "racist"? And sorry, being against an ILLEGAL group of people is not considered racist. If so, you hate them so I guess you must be racist as well. No?
The church is wholly to blame here. Every member of that church is just as guilty and should be arrested.
If that illegal immigrant gets free rent and food, where's mine? Will that church take me in?
Posted by KathrynAsh on October 9, 2007 at 6:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Why don't Simi Valley try to get Chertoff to come to Simi Valley and explain why the federal government refuses to enforce the law? It makes no sense why the tax payers have to pay money for the failure of the US government.
The citizens need to demand that ICE arrest and deport Liliana, and end this mess in Simi Valley. ICE could easily use the same tactics the US Marshalls did against the tax evaders in NH. Just go in as supporters and arrest her, then this would all be over.
Posted by teesdin on October 9, 2007 at 7:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Private property or not, is there a way to do a citizens arrest? I'm ready to bust in there and arrest her myself.
Posted by DonSilva on October 9, 2007 at 8:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
tobnerb,
You are obviously a 'church' memeber, since you have a big problem with me standing there with a Bible in one hand, and a bullhorn in the other. Guess what ? If you were not breaking the law in the first place by aiding a criminal aliean, we would not be there ! Also, I will preach the Bible with the issue of illegal immigration anytime, as they are linked arm and arm many times.
So, reading the Bible and commenting on it is rude and hate speech ? Well, if you think that 2 hours is all I have in me, you are in for a real show.
This evil cesspool of a 'church' group is a stench in the nostrils of God, and you could take Lilliana out of the picture, and I would still want to go there with a Bible !
Oh no ! He is reading the Bible in front of a Church building ! Why ? Well, they surely are not reading it on the inside !
Posted by Tom_Johnston on October 9, 2007 at 8:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
That last remark is one of the more worrisome. There are plenty of inane remarks, but the last goes beyond extremism into vigilantism.
"teesdin" what are you going to do if someone gets in your way as "bust in"..."bust" some heads? Rough up some church-goer? Maybe bring pepper spray, or a handgun so you can intimidate people?
All this talk of the church "breaking the law". It might be helpful if the Star did a piece on the background and history of church sanctuary, which I believe has a basis in English Commmon law, the basis for our law in the US>
You gotta ask...why doesnt the ICE, FBI, Ventura County Sheriff just make an arrest? I think the reason may be that "sanctuary" has a murky legal standing...but that IS a legal standing never the less. They weren't willing to do it over several years in the case of the "infamous Elvira Arellano". What? Did she kidnap the Lindbergh baby, did she kill Jimmy Hoffa, was she the "man on the grassy knoll"? They waited until she voluntarily left. Get that? NOT in "sancturary". That alone says something.
If the Federal and local authorities don't wish to "bust in there", what would befall the yahoo who does? I'm talkin to you "yahoos". I'd bet it would be charges of "breaking and entering", or trespassing on your sorry head.
Why don't the "Save our State" (from what exactly?) people drive out to some strawberry field and protest there? Or some smelly meat packing plant? I guess it's just not as convienient as some residential neighborhood. Shoes could get muddy, farms and meat packing plants are so smelly. Maybe that's it. Maybe the SOS folks are just bullies of convienience. Brownshirts with burgers. Folks with nothing constructive to do.
It's like animal rights protesters who fling balloons of red paint at women who wear fox, mink and seal furs, but ignore the Hell's Angel wearing cow leather.
They say you should pick your battles...its seems some people pick the easy ones.
Posted by DonSilva on October 9, 2007 at 8:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You can put your comments on the same page with the Mayor's. We have been all over So. Cal., and for that matter, all over the COUNTRY including DC protesting, and on our own dime. What have YOU done about this issue Tom ? That is what I thought. So, instead of telling us how to do it, why don't you show us ? You will not be doing anything that we have not already done.
Find out about people before you speak so ignorantly and presumpuously.
Posted by teesdin on October 9, 2007 at 8:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
A trespassing violation would be welcome. I'll gladly trade you that for your illegal pet that's hiding in there. Some life for a mom. Glad the option of coming out is so much worse than it is by just staying in a church all day and night. What a pitiful life the Illegal has now made for herself and kids. A real "role-model".
I'm picking this battle because a) I hate ILLEGAL immigrants. b) I don't hate LEGAL immigrants in any way; unless they also refuse to learn the basics of our country (English, culture, etc). I'm protesting at this wannabe-church to help bring more publicity to the fast-growing situation. The illegals need to go, end of the line. That's it. GoodBYE! Don't come back. ¿comprende?
Good. See you all on Sunday. Who's bringing the hamburgers?
Posted by Poppa on October 9, 2007 at 8:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The people protesting outside the church are obviously Christ haters or they would be in Church on Sunday morning. You hatemongers need to stay in your own cities and practice goose stepping where we don't have to see you. I take the side of the Church and Christ against the hatemongers from the SS, I mean SOS.
Posted by lakerboy805 on October 9, 2007 at 8:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Lakers play tomorrow..
Posted by Poppa on October 9, 2007 at 8:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I wonder why Teesdin and Silva did not picket the California GOP HQ, they had an illegal alien working for them from 2001-2006, even though he was ordered deported in 2001! Can you say hypocrits?!
Posted by Tom_Johnston on October 9, 2007 at 10:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well. "DonSilva", guess I just don't think it's quite the hysterical problem some would make it out to be. Yes, there is a problem, whatever laws/solutions that have gone by are not working or enforced, but it's not the end of the world. We are not quite yet at the point where our "State" needs saving. Sorry, that just is not so.
I don't think that rowdiness in the streets solves much of anything at this point. And that is what the SOS people are coming off like...whether that is there intention or not. They come off like brownshirts.
I think a reasonable border security program (fences, checkpoints etc is in order...but it does not have to be a "Berlin Wall") and I think a reasonable guest worker program can help. Given our national neglect of the issue, there may be some...say gang-bangers..that need to be deported, and some...suburban housewives like..Liliana?? that maybe we should just let be here. I don't know, but I know that a lot of those here are not proposing reasonable and potential solutions. A lot of you just p*ss in the wind.
"teesdin" ...hmm...you doofus...she's not my illegal pet. My point was that there may be some acrane instance of the Law that supports the "Sanctuary" movement. Which I think is why the Feds don't move in.
Clowns like you talk all tough, sounds like you'd plead out on the trespassing, but I don't hear you so tough on the "head busting". It could come to that you know..wanting to be all "Rambo" and all that...are you willing to go that far? Wanna push down a "grandma" to get the "infamous illegal alien"?? OOh, what a TUFF GUY!
"teesdin" you are such an easy target...lets quote here: "a) I hate ILLEGAL immigrants. b) I don't hate LEGAL immigrants in any way; unless they also refuse to learn the basics of our country (English, culture, etc)" So...you are full of hate..uhm, but..conditionally. So you might hate "legal" immigrants if they don't learn Engish, or our somwhat dysfunctional culture (and here's you for an example!). What a maroon!
How nice for you. What a joy you must be to your Mother.
You are at best conditional about legal immigrants that learn the "basics". I'm guessing my Swedish Nana would not have met your litmus test given the broken English she spoke until she died in her 90's after immigrating to this county in the 19'teens.
The vitriol folks like you spill is part of why finding a solution is so difficult. Politicians pander to extreme view to secure a "base" of voters. Both sides mind you, Right and Left.
More than anything, this is why nothing gets done.
Posted by clsmitha on October 9, 2007 at 11:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The following comes to mind: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." So, the church is entitled to exercise their religion by housing Liliana. Those opposing the church's stance are entitled *peaceably* to assemble. Doesn't seem to be anything peaceable about it. Can we all agree on the petition for redress of grievances, at least?
Posted by AnnaWhaat on October 10, 2007 at 7:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Doc ,its amazing that just while driving by you could tell what kind of hamburger someone was eating. Are you sure it had three patties? And how can you possible see food flying from her mouth while just driving by? Im just curious........
Posted by Poppa on October 10, 2007 at 9:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Anna,
Hard to miss something like that, I slowed down because to see the defiling of the flag by these hatemongers made me angry, I'm sorry that you and they do not respect the flag of our country.
Posted by kelly13 on October 10, 2007 at 10:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Doc...I am curious about one of your statements. You said you were angry because you saw someone defiling the flag. You said it was a "hatemonger".
Does it anger you when you see our flag burned by illegal demonstators or see people flying the Mexican flag?
If someone is defending our laws are they a "hatemonger"? To some they would be a hero.
And don't you think worrying about Miller spending money to go to Washington instead of mailing a letter is the least of your worrys? With the amount of money we are robbed of daily by illegals, that trip to Washington wouldn't even pay for one hour of benefits given to one undeserving illegal.
It was money well spent on behalf of us..legal American citizens.
Posted by Poppa on October 10, 2007 at 11:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hamskid or Skidmark, whatever your name is. Does it make you angry to see the US. Flag flown in other countries? Why do you hate the flag? In terms of illegals costing us I think they add more than they take, I would rather not see the crops rotting in the fields because I know people like you would never do that work!
Posted by JimmyM on October 10, 2007 at 5:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
teesdin- You pose an interisting question. What church would take you in?
Poet_Warrior- The only thing that you got half right is the part about the control freak egotistical self-absorbed Simi Valley City council. The part you missed is about the control freak egotistical self-absorbed Simi Valley Mayor.
Why is everybody argueing about immigration when the real story about how the mayor and city council are trying to limit Free speach by intimidating this church.
Posted by rg on October 10, 2007 at 6:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Poet_Warrior
I resent the classification of this issue as being Republican vs Democrat. As you'll see from posts in other articles I fully support this woman's God given right to stay with her family and I happen to be a fairly conservative Republican. I suspect that you'll find both parties on both sides of this issue. Frankly, I wish "Save our State" would find a better issue to champion - there certainly are many things our State Legislature does that are worth protesting more.
Posted by a_citizen on October 10, 2007 at 10:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I have a question for Don Silva. Why do you come across as so civil here but as anyone can see on your videos as a hatemonger?
You were yelling about dykes on your videos but you shut up real quick on here.
Is Save Our State a conservative Christian organization? Besides illegal aliens, liberal Christians, and dykes who else do you hate?
Do you really yell about dykes in front of children?
Are gays allowed in your organization or are you trying to protect America from them too?
How come you didn't mention your antipathy for gays or women with short hair to the city council?
Do you live in Simi Valley? Have you ever?
When this woman is granted legal immigrant status will you apologize to her for your actions?
I also want you to have a chance to show you deplore racism. Do you condemn the following statement from a poster here?
"....your illegal pet that's hiding in there..."
It sounds like your fans want to dehumanize an immigrant. In your book that's wrong, yes? She is a human being created by God, not an animal.
Is your intention to disrupt the church's services and disrupt the neighborhood? What did the taxpayers of Simi Valley ever do to you?
Posted by a_citizen on October 11, 2007 at 5:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
They aren't hiding it just because it isn't front page news. It is under local news or the Simi Valley section.
Silva, although he likes to pretend otherwise, isn't from Simi Valley so he wouldn't understand that.
Silva and a few other SOS'ers showing up to a city council meeting and pretending to be civil isn't a very interesting news story. We expect him to cover up his shameful behavior.
He also wouldn't understand that we don't like his type rolling in here on Sundays to shoot off his filthy mouth at children.
He sure likes to yell dyke a lot.
I thought Save our State was a mainstream group, but between their one world conspiracy theories and their anti-gay positions I know understand they are just the modern John Birch Society.
Posted by AnnaWhaat on October 11, 2007 at 5:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Doc ,Perhaps they didn't know. No one made it public so how could they have picketed?
Doc ,HOLD ON BUDDY!!!!!!!! Who are you to say I do not respect the American Flag!!!! I probably hang mine more often then others !!!! I also have one on the back of my car. A magnet !!!!!! Dont assume what you dont know..I am very AMERICAN !!!!
And to the other comment above....not to me. But I will post. Will you apologize to Lilliana for your hatred. I really do NOT believe that people hate her. I certainly dont. And if by chance, and in reality I hope she is able to stay, done so legally . I would be proud to go up to her and shake her hand. Perhaps a hug....... Its not her fault she is illegal. It is her fault she broke the law. But most are forgiving people here. As far as protestors going back and forth to the Church I would think that once was enough. It made the news, letters were written etc. I wouldn't actully think it is good to continue to go to a Church and protest during services. That is my opinion. ALthough others feeling the church is breaking the law have thier rights. I wont argue that. So PLEASE do not bring hatred into this. I for one do NOT hate Lilliana. I wish she had done it legally the first time after she married a US Citizen. And yes my prayers are with her....But we also have to think of our country and when someone breaks the law not once but twice, are we going to just turn our head and not look? This is a very sad story about a family that SHOULD be together. God I wish she had applied when she should have !!!!
Posted by a_citizen on October 11, 2007 at 8:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I know what you are saying Annawhat but Liliana did apply multiple times and was turned down.
You sound like a reasonable person upset with our broken and lawless border, unlike that guy Don Silva.
The hate is from Don Silva. Only a man of hate would yell about dykes at an immigration protest in front of little kids. The hate comes from people talking about Liliana being a pet or her children as welfare leeches when in fact her family owns a home and is fully employed.
This issue is a debate between a local church and an outside group that wants to froth at the mouth about an illegal alien while screaming about dykes, women with short hair, and the secret plan to unite the USA, Mexico, and Canada into a new government.
Those people can't be reasoned with and the people of Simi Valley are not interested in having them come here to make us look bad.
Don Silva go home and stop pretending you are from Simi Valley.
Posted by AnnaWhaat on October 12, 2007 at 6:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
a_citizen ,I totally agree that a man yelling just names and hate around children is wrong.........No child should be subjected to that type of language!
Posted by eduardocenter on October 14, 2007 at 10:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Why is security necessary? Is there a chance that someone will take the law into their own hands and pull out the woman by force and hand cuff her? Do harm to the child? Injure her? Harm a church member? Set fire to the church? Start a fight? I would think if all these groups are doing is protesting and yelling, there's no need for $40K worth of police protection.
Posted by a_citizen on October 15, 2007 at 7:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The groups have trespassed into the church before and they have threatened to take the law into their own hands as they belittled the Simi Valley Police for not doing their job.
They also yell anti-gay language at women with short hair and videotape suspected immigrants in the neighborhood.
Add to that Nazis showing up and I can see a need for some police protection.
Posted by AnnaWhaat on October 15, 2007 at 8:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree with that..... no need to be using a filthy mouth yelling around kids. And gay bashing people with short hair???????? This is out of hand.
Posted by tobnerb on October 15, 2007 at 8:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
anybody know why all the comments were completely removed from today's article?
Posted by a_citizen on October 16, 2007 at 9:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
They also get removed for the type of disgusting things the leader Of SOS, Don Silva likes to scream at children.
Go home.
Deport Don Silva back to the other valley.
Don Silva wanted to know what we have done against illegal immigration before we point out his flaws? How about we didn't make the cause look bad by yelling at a church vulgarities in a residential neighborhood?
Don Silva makes all anti-illegal immigrant groups look bad. Maybe he is a plant by the opposition.
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