Here are seven key questions the Town Council must answer BEFOE deciding to take up the draft sanctuary Town resolution being proposed by Councilmember Moore. The residents need clarity as to how this Town Council is approaching this.
1. What specific local issues is this resolution addressing that are not already covered by California Senate Bill 54 or other state and federal laws?
• California’s SB 54 (the “California Values Act”) already makes California a sanctuary state, prohibiting local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement. What additional protections does this resolution aim to provide for Los Gatos by declaring itself a “sanctuary town”?
2. What actionable steps or policies does the resolution propose to implement these principles?
• Is this resolution purely symbolic, or does it include specific, measurable actions to support its stated goals? If SB 54 already ensures non-cooperation with deportations, what practical impact does declaring Los Gatos a sanctuary town add?
3. How does this resolution address the actual pressing challenges facing Los Gatos?
• With the town facing urgent issues like massive builder’s remedy development applications, weekend traffic congestion, unfunded pension liabilities, and aging infrastructure, how does this resolution align with the council’s responsibility to tackle these priorities?
4. What are the potential costs or unintended consequences of this resolution?
• Could this resolution divert staff time, legal resources, or attention away from more critical local issues? Does declaring Los Gatos a sanctuary town create legal or financial risks for the town, or does it duplicate protections already established under SB 54?
5. Will this resolution be divisive in the community?
• Does declaring Los Gatos a sanctuary town risk alienating residents with differing political views or creating unnecessary conflict within the community? How will the council handle pushback from residents who see this as a politically charged gesture rather than a necessary policy?
6. Does this resolution meaningfully enhance protections for vulnerable populations?
• If the goal is to “protect our most vulnerable,” how does declaring Los Gatos a sanctuary town improve upon existing protections under California law? What tangible benefits will this resolution provide for vulnerable residents?
7. Is this resolution being proposed to solve a real problem or to signal political values?
• Is this resolution a response to specific threats faced by Los Gatos residents, or is it primarily a symbolic statement to signal progressive values? How does it address the unique needs of Los Gatos, beyond restating what is already protected by state laws?
The council must evaluate whether declaring Los Gatos a sanctuary town is a necessary and effective measure or a politically motivated gesture that distracts from the town’s real challenges.
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