[California County News]
Counties across California are stepping up efforts to support the people of Ukraine as Russian forces continue to shell vast swaths of the country.
The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution Tuesday that expresses support for Ukraine and welcomes refugees to the county.
San Diego is also welcoming displaced Ukrainians. Supervisor Joe Anderson has requested additional assistance from the federal government for counties accepting Afghan and Ukrainian refugees.
“As the number of people fleeing Ukraine continues to increase, coupled with your recent decision to admit 100,000 refugees into the U.S., the citizens of San Diego are once again willing to welcome the displaced with open arms,” Anderson wrote in a letter to President Biden. “However, to do so successfully will require additional funding from the administration to support this population.”
“Our county has time and again stepped up to help refugees and this time is no different,” San Diego Board of Supervisors Chairman Nathan Fletcher added Thursday. “Together with Los Angeles and Sacramento, we are the largest metropolitan regions in California expected to accept these refugees. Recognizing that the county may start receiving refugees from Ukraine, I want to be clear that we stand ready to continue to work with our Resettlement Agency partners to welcome them into our communities.”
Local officials are also severing any remaining ties with Russia over its invasion. Santa Clara supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to terminate the sister county/city relationship with Moscow.
Last week, Los Angeles County donated turnouts, boots, helmets, gloves, body armor, and medical supplies to Ukraine. Sheriff’s departments in Lake County and Mendocino have also donated protective gear.
Over 3.8 million people have fled Ukraine since Feb. 24, according to the United Nations. 12 million are expected to need humanitarian assistance as a result of the conflict.