CITYSCAPE FOCUS:Immigration issue of day

American flags flew high in the breeze Saturday, as anti-illegal immigration activists rallied beneath them at Laguna’s Main Beach to boost support for Republican presidential candidate Tom Tancredo — a four-term congressman from Colorado.

Demonstrators held signs and shouted slogans at cars and people passing while patriotic-themed music such as “Born in the U.S.A.” and “Proud to be an American” played in the background.

Though many demonstrators were members of the Minuteman Project, organizers made it clear the event was not a Minuteman Project protest, but rather a rally in support of Tancredo’s campaign.

Illegal immigration was the issue of the day.

Tancredo, who heads the GOP’s Immigration Reform Caucus, has won support in his campaign from other anti-illegal immigration groups, including Laguna Beach resident Eileen Garcia’s Gilchrist Angels — named for Minuteman Project founder Jim Gilchrist — and the California Coalition for Immigration Reform.

Some at the demonstrators said they fear U.S. borders are so porous they will eventually dissolve altogether — thereby melding the U.S., Mexico and Canada into one mega-state.

“Once you have three countries merge, there would be no border,” Duarte resident Richard Sakamota said. “We’re in effect losing our sovereignty.”

Robin Hvidston said she supports Tancredo because she believes he’s a true representative of the people.

“It’s a grass roots team effort,” Hvidston said. “It’s time to start a revolution,” she said — a mantra she shouted repeatedly throughout the demonstration.

Wes Parker — dressed in witch costume and holding a sign that read “Stop Hillary” — said he too felt Tancredo is in touch with the sentiments of average Americans.

“Big business is the kingmaker. We need the people to be the kingmaker,” Parker said.

Some passers-by wondered why Laguna Beach was chosen for the rally.

Garcia said the spot was chosen because the group’s message would be received by people of many political persuasions.

“We get a lot of out-of-towners, so it’s a good spot because we’re not just hitting one type of people,” Garcia said.

Though most of the demonstrators were calm and respectful, a few fireworks did erupt.

A brief yelling match ensued when San Clemente resident Brandon Stumer asked Earl Gildea if the demonstrators thought they owned the U.S.

“This is my country,” Gildea responded.

Other people were more incredulous than angry.

“I really think this is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever seen,” Dion Rabouin said.

Some of the Minuteman Project supporters said they felt they have been mischaracterized.

“We’re loving patriots. We love our country, we need to start protecting our borders,” Sylvia Gildea said.

Tony Dolz, who ran for the 41st California State Assembly district in 2006, explained he feels the existing immigration laws simply need to be enforced.

“There’s nothing extremist about demanding our government enforce the law,” Dolz said.