A resolution by L.A. leader Antonio Villaraigosa urging Arizona to repeal its controversial immigration law was passed this week at the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Villaraigosa's document, which called the desert state's legislation “unconstitutional and un-American,” also encouraged federal immigration reform. The 78th edition of the annual meeting of urban leaders, this one in Oklahoma City, also saw the passage of Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon's resolution condemning his home state's law.

LA Weekly's sister paper, the Phoenix New Times, noted that Gordon received a standing ovation when he tried to distinguish his city from the anti-illegal-immigrant forces that inspired SB 1070, which encourages police to check the immigration status of suspects they stop who are believed to possibly be in the U.S. illegally.

“I've always fought to get Phoenix known in the limelight of what the City of Phoenix is all about, a great city,” Gordeon stated.

About 200 mayors were present for the passage of both measures.

Did Villaraigosa getting a standing O? Not sure. We're still waiting for Gordon to honor his bet with Mayor V. over the Lakers-Suns series (Phoenix would have to receive Meg Whitman and Steve Poizner if the Suns lost).

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.