Immigrant rights group files complaint against Santa Clarita councilman over 'proud racist' remark

Los Angeles-based immigrant rights advocates announced Tuesday that they have filed formal complaints against a Santa Clarita councilman they say deserves to be censured for violating the city’s code of ethics and conduct by declaring himself “a proud racist.”

The Full Rights for Immigrants Coalition has sent letters to state Atty. Gen. Jerry Brown, Los Angeles County Dist. Atty. Steve Cooley and the U.S. Department of Justice, alleging that Councilman Bob Kellar “breached the public’s trust and has acted in an unethical, racist, xenophobic and biased manner by making public comments scapegoating so-called illegal immigrants.”

The group also alleges that Kellar violated at least eight provisions of Santa Clarita’s ethics and conduct policy, which requires that municipal leaders be “independent, impartial and accountable to the people they serve.”

The complaint further targets the remaining members of the Santa Clarita City Council, who the immigrant rights’ advocates charge violated their “fiduciary duties and responsibilities...by not speaking out and condemning” Kellar’s statements.

The legal complaint stems from a Jan. 16 anti-illegal-immigration rally in Santa Clarita, where Kellar, a veteran councilman and two-time mayor, spoke. In his comments, Kellar referred to a statement by former President Theodore Roosevelt that the United States has a place for only one flag and only one language.

Kellar, a former LAPD officer, said those remarks caused some people to accuse him of being racist, to which he replied that if believing in America causes people to think he's a racist, "then I'm a proud racist."

The councilman has said that he stands by his remarks, which he said were personal and have been misconstrued. He insisted that he abhors racism, and he has received zealous support from many Santa Clarita residents.

But the immigrant rights advocates said that Kellar was introduced as a councilman during the anti-illegal immigration rally, and they quoted from a transcript of Kellar’s remarks in which he spoke about conducting business at City Hall the day before the gathering.

They also accuse Kellar of being a member of the Santa Clarita Valley Independent Minutemen group -- a staunch anti-illegal immigration organization whose members sometimes patrol the U.S.-Mexico border in an attempt to prevent illicit crossings. Kellar has denied being a member of the group, which helped organize the rally at which he spoke.

“He should have explained that he was speaking as an individual and not as a public figure,” said John Fernandez, a member of the Full Rights for Immigrants Coalition.

“When a duly elected leader promotes divisive speech, that is essentially hate speech,” said Robert Gittelson, another coalition member.

Supporters of Kellar jeered the immigrant rights advocates, chanted the councilman’s name and at one point physically tried to prevent the advocates from briefing the press in front of Santa Clarita City Hall before a scheduled council meeting Tuesday.

“A man voiced his personal opinion; that is not a violation,” shouted Randy Thompson, a Santa Clarita resident since 1967. “Bob Kellar stated that he is against illegals. He supports American laws.”

“Get of my town right now,” one woman screamed from her car. “Who do you think you are? Do you read the papers? Everyone here is behind Bob Kellar.”

Chris Hall, who has lived in Santa Clarita for four years, said he was saddened by the rowdy spectacle between the rival groups. “This is painful for me to watch,” said Hall, who has worked in the city for 15 years. “It’s getting totally out of control. It affects our community.”

Speaking at the council meeting, Kellar said he had been bombarded with calls and e-mails, and had had several conversations with residents who expressed concerns about the affect illegal immigrants were having on the city. He suggested the council include the issue of illegal immigration on a future agenda. Other council members suggested organizing a study session on the matter.

-- Ann M. Simmons in Santa Clarita

Comments

[kooo]

How about Santa Clarita residents get together and form a "Full Rights for AMERICANS" and counter sue this ridiculous group? I agree with Warren. As an immigrant myself, this lobby is the REAL racist.

[Michelle]

I guess these immigrants have never heard of the First Amendment. What he said wasn't very nice, but he certainly has the right to say it. If you don't like it, then don't vote for him next time. I think I speak for a lot of us Americans when I say that we are getting kind of tired of people from other countries coming into the U.S. and then demanding all sorts of concessions, like speaking their language, welfare, free medical care, etc. We have all worked hard for what we have; why shouldn't they have to? I am definitely NOT a racist and I value each human life as equal to any other. But please, if you're not from around here, show some respect and try to fit in instead of trying to make the U.S. into your own country. This has nothing to do with race or ethnicity, but of nationality. If you don't know the difference, then learn.

[Richard]

I'm not an Immigrant, nor am I an Illegal Alien, I was born here.
My grand parents came to America legally.
The concept that anyone except people who are descendant of the people who
were here prior to 1492 is idiotic as those people came across the other land
masses thousands of years ago. So, at one time this continent was not
populated by humans.

Having a unified language helps preserve and protect our nation. Even the
democrats in congress admit to this, even if they are unwilling to codify it into
law as it is, in their words, "unnecessary". Of course at one time they refused
to put a cap on the percentage of income tax taken for the same reason.

A nation that does not protect its boarders ceases to be a nation.
Do you want America to become more like Mexico? If so, why?
Really, its a serious question. I mean, do you know what they do to illegal
aliens that enter "their" country? To say its not pleasant is a vast
understatement.

We can not continue to turn a blind eye to the entrance of people that cost
society more than they benefit it. Those people that work at jobs that provide
a living wage and have health insurance are for the most part positive.
Those that do not, are not. It's simple math.

It's not racist when its the truth. The reason why most people complain about
Mexicans is because over 80% of the illegal aliens are from there and more
than 90% pass through their boarders to get here.

With over 10% stated unemployment and somewhere around 20%+ REAL
unemployment there is almost 0% jobs that can not be filled by Americans
if they are paid a living wage. So the only "reason" to bring in the Illegals is
in an effort to make it more profitable for those to employee them, which,
by the way, helps destroy those businesses that are doing the right thing by
obeying the law. Not very bright, is it?

[ericm]

"There is such a thing as free speech in this country."

I'm sure you know the 1st amendment says "Congress shall make no law..."

His free-speech rights are not being violated in a constitutional way here.

However, there are often consequences to speech, and he's feeling them now.

[Ramon Jimenez]

Well, Mr. councilman Bob Kellar screwed up. It is sad that a public official that represents a wonderful city has conducted himself in this manner. Very unethical, unprofessional behavior and use of poor judgement on his behalf. Mr. Kellar needs to man up and face the consequences of his acts. One more thing Mr. Kellar, do not compare a "Proud American" with a "Proud Racist".

[tye1on]

immigration is fine, illegal immigration is not. we have laws to deal with illegal immagration, we need to enforce those laws.

[Khalil]

Bob Keller for president of United States of America....Go BOB.

[LA_Smiley_Brown_Face_in_a_Suit]

""The group also alleges that Kellar violated at least eight provisions of Santa Clarita’s ethics and conduct policy, which requires that municipal leaders be “independent, impartial and accountable to the people they serve.”
"

Bob Keller does not server illegal aliens. So he didn't do anything wrong by speaking out against illegal aliens. I wish we have more people like Bob Kellar.

The Full Rights for Illegal-Immigrants Coalition should stop hiding behind immigrants who came here legally. They really don't represent anyone but the illegal aliens.

[Joe Griffin]

It is funny that the only group of people that are upset at what he said are the very same group of people who broke are federal and state laws about illegal immigration.We need more people in office like Mr.Kellar who will stand up for our laws.It is time for us americans to stand up and elect those who will in force out illegal immigration laws,our schools suffers,our state suffers why because how can you tell me that some one who breaks our federal laws can get free hand outs like welfare,food stamps and section eight housing that us american tax payers pay for are you kidding me that would not happen in any other country.To see some one wave the mexican flag in my country pisses me off,If mexico is such a great country then why are you hear????take note mexico's law is if you come there illegal you go to jail for three years wow so some how they think they can come here illegal and have any wrights? Take a look around people the cities that have the highest population of mexicans have one of the highest crime rates the city looks like a dump smells like a dump and the schools rate the lowest in the country.My family spilled there blood for this country to make it what it is and if any of you so called wright groups think your going to let illegal immigrants drain my country dry you are out of your mind,My question to some of you groups who think illegal immigrants have wrights yes they do the wright to be deported for breaking our federal law. and too you so called wright groups have any of you had some one in your family or loved one killed by a drunk driver who was mexican and was an illegal immigrant my guess is no so tell that day happens to you do not say anything to me about any illegal immigrant have my american wright's that my family has spilled there blood for in many wars for this great country.

[Lisa]

the words illegal immigrant do not define race they define actions ... Maybe pro immigrant groups are looking at having their charges deny any country of origin and just having them claim "Immigrant" therefore making up a whole new race /culture ? 1.Illegal = not legal,criminal ,not lawful,not sanctioned by official rules,
illegitimate,illicit,wrongful.
2. Immigrant= A person who immigrates .

[Rick's Real]

When people gather in small groups and reinforce their ideals, they can sometimes believe - falsly - that, as the woman in the article said, "Everyone here is behind Bob Kellar". When you concentrate your efforts on making your world smaller, when the real world is getting bigger, you're just creating more isolation for yourself and your cause. You need to put your efforts into something productive for a change instead of talking about how all the "illegals" are ruining your life. They're not ruining your life. You're just focusing your hate and intolerance on these immigrants because your life sucks and you need someone to blame. And you always seem to have an endless list of people to blame.

[Jodse]

Thank you america for givning me schooling for my 4 children. Thank you for allowing me to take HUD housing subsidies from needy americans by using back-door tricks and "friends" within the state government.

Thank you america for the free healthcare and bill I get each month (that I just throw away). Thank you america for being too afraid to do anything about me and the millions of others like me. Soon, along with tens of millions of other illegals via amnesty and chain migration *(and subsequent new illegal immigration because once legal, the jobs will go to the "new illegals") will vote for bigger government, more open borders and special interests.

Thank you america for becoming more like the nation I left.

VIVA LA MECHICO

[gordo]

Every one likes to write comments about illegal immigration, so, why not write an email to your congressmen and tell them we are against any kind of amnesty and want the borders closed and those here illegally sent back to their country of origin. It takes no more time than to write a comment here. The arguments against illegal immigration are many and the arguments for are few.

[Jerry]

Welcome to America...IT'S CALL FREEDOM OF SPEECH.

[Wendy]

It's not the Illigals we should be angry at..I mean it's certainly justified..but you can't blame them for wanting to come here..I would too...it's the State and Federal Government, and on down to the employers who hire them who deserve our wrath for ALLOWING our hard earned money to be CONFISCATED and just handed out to them for free medical care,dental care, diapers, milk , food and housing. THAT'S MY GROCERY MONEY!!! The only power we have over this is to hold our "leaders" feet to the fire and make them do the jobs they were elected to do..that is KEEP THIS COUNTRY SAFE by way of PROTECTING OUR BORDERS!

[Dan Chacon]

Once again, racism and its hatred rears its ugliness and all the fall out from such people and elected officials. This is my country by ancestry and yes I have fought and served in Vietnam as a Marine. So when some person tells me or anyone else to go their country, which would be the people they are calling illegals. Perhaps they should examine themselves and ask if their ancestry came here with approval by the existing authorities. This country is the biggest melting pot of God's creation and it shows through the diversity of its people, be it ethnicity or racial, even bi-racial. Racism continues to show its ugliness despite all efforts to rid our nation of such HATRED and IGNORANCE! What's even sadder and more threatening is the fact that every day people buy into it, including our elected politicians. Finally if you are a CHRISTIAN, then you know what GOD tells you to do! HATE SIN, NOT THE PERSON!!

[nthepocket]

As a Hispanic, growing up in Los Angeles when you would ask my dad what we are...he would say, "You are an United States of American"! He would say there are many Americans...but we are "United States of American"!

At the same time he is an extremely proud Mexican and loves his culture, but he was a "United States of American" first. His family was dirt poor, but worked tirelessly hard to create a successful business. In those days the Mexicans, learned the language. In fact parents would not speak Spanish to their kids because learning English is what was important. They would only use it as a tool to speak around the kids.

No hand outs just hard work! It is obvious what the Councilmember was saying. He is a proud "United States of American" and you call him what ever you want if you question his belief that illegal immigration is a financial issue to local, state and federal government. Guess what? It is!! The numbers and the statistics speak for themselves. As a "United States of American" / a proud Mexican..please do not fall into the trap of using the racism card inappropriately. We are better than that!!

Peace!

[aaron]

illegal aliens with RIGHTS? Why??

[Steve]

Bob Kellar quoted the truth. If my family immigrated according to the Laws of the United States then why does not everyone have to? Why can our bad neighbor to our
south get away with dumping the people on the United States?
Roosevelt, Hoover, and Eisenhower upheld our laws and marched the illegals out of America. These people have no
respect for us, no respect for our laws, and say if you
allow us to get away with it "I shouldn't we take advantage
of you". Demand that we enforce our laws.

[Brad Kalpakov]

I support Bob Kellar 100%. May our border and immigration LAWS be finally ENFORCED.

[JJ]

I hope he gets the boot

[Mary]

Ok, Immigrants rights should be for the people who have come to this Country LEGALLY- not illegally.

Why do people who insist on breaking the law by sneaking in the US have any rights at all?

The people who really want to become citizens are here LEGALLY and should be the only ones represented. Take out the illegals whether they be hispanic, european, asian or whatever - they should have no say in anything.

No racsim,just poorly chosen words.

[Robert Bruce Banner]

It is not men like Mr. Kellar that are dividing racial lines throughout the United States of America. It is the ignorant, racially biased, groups such as the Full Rights for Immigrants Coalition. These groups pose a subversive threat to this entire country by proclaiming they are fighting for people's rights, when in fact their true intention is to divide and conquer, and in the end have enough power to destroy what America stands for. These people are minimally infact socialist, if not communist. Look at what is presently happening in Mexico. All of the people that are leaving here and returning to Mexico are being accepted, with open arms, to the Socialist Communist Party. Tom Clancy wrote about this years ago. It is unfortunate that illegal immigrants come here and get taken advantage of, by both sides (their own people and business opportunists). But instead of spending billions daily on two wars that we will not win, why not create modern day Ellis Island Centers at the borders of Mexico and Canada, especially with the modern technology we currently have to get these people that want to become citizens indoctrinated into our (the American) society. But wait, that would be too simple. I forgot, it's the federal government running things here, and being a government employee, the simplest solution is never the correct one. God Bless the U.S.A. Oathkeepers forever.

[TODD]

I would have to say our government refuses to listen to us, what I don't think they understand is that the time is coming when the people take over enforcing immigration and there will not be a thing the government will be able to do about it.

[sickofit]

Oh! I forgot,one set of rules for them,one set of rules for everybody else! If everybody started doing something about this,they will put their tales between their legs and go home.