First of all, congratulations on your mayoral win! I look forward to seeing you move Morro Bay forward.

Now, I am not aware of your political affiliation, but I would like to propose that Morro Bay become a “sanctuary city,” one in which legal immigrants as well as people in the process of naturalizing feel safe and protected. A place where their children can be nurtured, educated, and just enjoy being children. Every human deserves this.

The concept of sanctuary cities is nothing new, as many cities across the state and nation have adopted this status.

As a city, as a people, we need to show solidarity against the proposed policies that support racism and bigotry as the transitioning administration has so deeply expressed. My family survived the rise of the Nazis, and here we are seeing it all over again. The Brown Coats used the same tactics and formula the new administration is using: fear, demonization, dehumanization, and nativism.

Let us stand with diversity, compassion, and justice for all.

-- Josh Voerman - Morro Bay