ESCONDIDO, CA– Escondido families, youth, children, and workers will hold a march this Tuesday, July 22, 2014 at 5:30pm in support and solidarity with the many Central American unaccompanied children who are in need of shelter and are arriving to San Diego County due to the current refugee crisis.

About a month ago the Escondido Planning Commission denied a permit that would allow, Southwest Key, a non-profit, to open up a facility the would accommodate 96 beds for refugee children, off Avenida del Diablo in Escondido. They submitted the permit to the city since January and at the hearing this past June the racism, xenophobia, and antiimmigrant sentiments and comments fueled a decision that was made on hateful and ill-informed public comments and outright disrespect to those in support.

The project proposed by Southwest Key would open facilities to house about 96 children at any given time. Additionally it would create about 150 new jobs. "The program will create jobs ranging from entry level requiring high school diplomas, all the way to professional positions requiring bachelor and master degrees. These are jobs that not only I would eligible to apply for, but will create economic opportunities for the diverse population in the city. Providing full-time jobs, starting at $12 an hour with benefits, is an important fact that cannot be ignored," said Daisy Resendiz, an Escondido resident. Additionally it would bring into the city's economy and estimated $8.5 million dollars.

"Every day I see my neighbors, brother, sister, and friends live in fear because of the anti-immigrant climate that exist in our community. Choosing a place to live with respect and dignity should be protected to everyone, anywhere, including in Escondido. The city is now presented with an opportunity to change its known unfriendly image, the Planning Commission has chosen to uphold Escondido as the center of hate in San Diego County," said Francisco Ramirez.

FUERZA, a community grassroots organization based in Escondido, is calling for a march in solidarity with the children and will be standing up against the continuous anti-immigrant and racist environment that runs political decisions and the evident divide of the city as a whole. "Instead of deciding with common sense and compassion, the Escondido Planning Board has chosen to allow hate and misinformation to determine land use policies and to block economic development for the city. For over 10 years now we have been struggling and fighting against the racism and antiimmigrant actions of city council, the police department, and city leadership, enough is enough, we are more than 49% of the population, they will have to start listening to us." stated Alejandra Ramos, member of FUERZA.

fuerzaescondido@gmail.com