Petty grudge led SLO County supervisor to disrespect immigrants. Unbelievable | Opinion

Supervisor John Peschong is often a man of few words. Even so, it was a shock when he voted against a generic, feel-good resolution proclaiming June National Immigrant Heritage Month — without offering any explanation.

We’re talking about a document filled with the effusive language typical of resolutions honoring events like Foster Care Month or California Agriculture Day or Teacher Appreciation Week.

It praised the contributions immigrants have made to “economic, cultural, educational, agricultural and civic life in San Luis Obispo County.” It went on to note that “immigrant residents are deeply rooted members of the community” and acknowledged that immigrant workers sustain our agricultural economy.

It was obviously carefully crafted to avoid controversy, with no mention of immigration raids, ICE or anything that could be even vaguely construed as political.

So why the no vote?

Following the meeting, Peschong said it wasn’t so much the document itself he took issue with. It was the group that requested the resolution — the Diversity Coalition of San Luis Obispo County — that he objected to.

He criticized the group for verbally attacking Sheriff Ian Parkinson at an immigration forum held last April.

“They held up signs that said ‘Liar’ and ‘Propagandist.’ I disagree with their position, and I believe the sheriff has told the truth,” he said. “Basically, it was the anger and the animosity and the hatred. I didn’t want to deal with it.”

Peschong also voted no on Pride Month proclamation

Immigrants weren’t the only group Peschong failed to support. He also voted against a proclamation recognizing Pride Month — the third time he’s done so — while Supervisor Heather Moreno abstained. Supervisors Jimmy Paulding, Dawn Ortiz-Legg and Bruce Gibson supported both resolutions.

Again, Peschong offered no explanation to the audience, though he later said that he disagrees with allowing transgender athletes to compete in women’s sports and to have access to women’s “safe spaces” — a reference to locker rooms and restrooms.

The lack of consensus on Pride Month was disappointing, though not unexpected.

It was Peschong’s objection to a resolution honoring immigrants — past and present — that seemed to come out of nowhere.

National Immigration Heritage Month has been around for a dozen years

This is not some brand-new recognition specifically intended to counter the Trump administration’s anti-immigrant policies.

National Immigrant Heritage Month has been around since 2014. The National Library Association a big booster, describes it as “an opportunity to discover common experiences and unite as human beings, as well as a chance to “powerfully demonstrates the unique history of the melting pot.”

Exactly.

It’s a recognition not only of recent immigrants, but also an opportunity to honor our immigrant ancestors and to reflect on the sacrifices they made and risks they took in moving to a nation often openly hostile to outsiders.

If we can’t honor that, we might as well return the Statue of Liberty, vacate Ellis Island and ban Cinco de Mayo and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

We’re appalled that Supervisor Peschong allowed his animosity for a particular organization to prevent him from honoring our immigrant heritage. Rather than join in a positive declaration to lift up a segment of our community, he chose to hold a petty grudge.

We’ve grown to expect that from the current administration in Washington D.C., but not from our local elected leaders.

That makes it all the more important that all the rest of us do as the proclamation suggests: “Recognize and celebrate the many contributions, histories, cultures, languages and experiences of immigrant communities throughout San Luis Obispo County.”