Alhambra Approves Resolution for Permanent Ceasefire in Gaza

Overflow seating in the downstairs lobby (Photo – Melissa Michelson)

The City of Alhambra is the latest municipality in the San Gabriel Valley to approve a resolution for a permanent ceasefire in Palestine.

By Melissa Michelson

At around 11:00 pm on March 25, after over 80 speakers spoke during public comment in support of a permanent ceasefire resolution for close to two hours, the City Council voted unanimously. Ten more speakers waiting on Zoom were not called. Mayor Maza explained it was to give preference to the in-person public speakers and in the interest of time.

Many of the public speakers had criticized the resolution’s lack of bold and specific language, for example the lack of the words ‘permanent ceasefire.’  Not one spoke in opposition to the City taking this action, and no one spoke in favor of leaving the resolution as it was.

“A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Alhambra Supporting a Peaceful Resolution to the Ongoing Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis Impacting Gaza and Israel” can be seen at this link (PDF).

After public comment closed, Vice Mayor Sasha Renée Pérez said she had received 900 emails about this agenda item. She suggested an amendment that was seconded by Mayor Maza to change “peaceful resolution” to “permanent bilateral ceasefire” and instead of ‘resolution” a ‘declaration.’ Mayor Maza made his own amendment in the text of the resolution to read “a safe return and release” of all hostages.

Without discussion, the five council members voted to approve the amendments. The crowd in the room, who had been present outside City Hall, downstairs in an overflow space and inside City Hall chambers since 5:30 pm, were jubilant after the vote, but once they found out it was a “declaration” informed the council it needed to be a “resolution” in order to join the other resolutions across other cities. The council was amenable to that change.

The new resolution shall read, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Alhambra Supporting a Permanent Bilateral Ceasefire to the Ongoing Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis Impacting Gaza and Israel.”

Inside Alhambra City Council Chambers (Photo – Melissa Michelson)

Overflow in the hallway (Photo – Melissa Michelson)