Knight Will Meet Latinos After Furor Over Poem : Politics: Activists say the Palmdale legislator has united their community with verse that mocks illegal immigrants.

Assemblyman William J. (Pete) Knight agreed Friday to meet with Antelope Valley Latinos, galvanized this week after Knight distributed a poem mocking illegal immigrants from Mexico.

Knight, a Palmdale Republican, met briefly Friday morning in his office with two Latino community leaders and said he would discuss the controversy at a public meeting Sunday. About 50 Latinos gathered over lunch Friday to discuss how to deal with Knight’s action as well as combat what they perceive as a climate of resentment in the largely white Antelope Valley.

“I think Pete Knight probably did the Latino community a big favor,” said Linda Bashore, a member of the Palmdale-based Latinos for Political Action. “He totally united the Latino community.”

Bashore and other Latinos are asking the assemblyman to render everything from an apology to his resignation.

“I’m still not convinced he’s sorry he did it,” said Lilia Briseno-Case, a bilingual school aide. “He’s sorry he got caught.”

Knight told The Times on Friday he would not resign over the issue. Nor does he think it should prompt a recall, a prospect raised by some, including the local Democratic club. Knight also balked at a suggestion that he support legislation to create a state holiday in honor of the late Cesar Chavez, founder of the United Farm Workers. As for a request that he vote against proposed immigration legislation, Knight said he would not.

“They have to understand my views, know where I’m coming from,” Knight said.

Knight, a former mayor of Palmdale, has made it clear that he is sorry for distributing the poem, which at first he said he found amusing. However, he does not necessarily disagree with its theme, that illegal immigrants are benefiting from welfare programs at the expense of working people, he said.

“My feelings are concerned with illegal immigrants. I’ve apologized for anything that has been offensive to anybody. I don’t know what more I can do.”

Richard LOa, a criminal defense attorney, said there is a great deal of anger over Knight’s actions, but he believes something positive will result from it.

On Tuesday, Knight distributed the poem “I Love America” at a meeting of the Assembly Republican caucus. After The Times reported the event Wednesday, he issued a written apology to members of the Latino legislative caucus. On Thursday, he issued a public apology on the floor of the Assembly and asked “that we get on with the business of the day.”

The meeting is slated for noon Sunday at the Palmdale Cultural Center.