The Long Beach City Council on Tuesday, Dec. 4, passed a motion to establish the Long Beach Justice Fund, which will be set at $250,000 and administered by the Vera Institute of Justice.
In favor were 1st District Councilwoman Lena Gonzalez, 2nd District Councilwoman Jeanine Pearce, 6th District Councilman Dee Andrews, 7th District Councilman Roberto Uranga, 8th District Councilman Al Austin and Vice Mayor and 9th District Councilman Rex Richardson.
Opposed were 3rd District Councilwoman Suzie Price, 4th District Councilman Daryl Supernaw and 5th District Councilwoman Stacy Mungo. The three council members who voted against the motion said during the discussion in principle they supported establishing the fund, however, each voted against the motion for different reasons.
The fund will be used to pay for immigration legal services for resident and people working in Long Beach, who earn less than 200 percent of federal poverty level.
Barry Saks 
Hi Barry: The city refuses to cooperate with federal authorities to enforce federal immigration laws, yet diverts half a million in taxpayer money ostensibly to defend those accused of federal crimes. $250,000 wont buy much in the way of legal work on the immigrants behalf. This is just a gift of taxpayer funds to a non-profit organization and should be illegal. how much do they give to the Salvation Army, Red Cross or American Legion? There seems to be substantial opposition from council members- what were their reasons for opposition?
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Hi William,
The simplest way to hear the council members who voted against the motion is to go to the Long City Council website and view the city council meeting online. It usually is available by the Thursday following the Tuesday meeting.
You’re right to say $250,000 won’t buy much in legal defense.
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