ANOTHER VIEW: Have politics of divisiveness entered EPD?
No evidence exists that drivers license checkpoints work in Escondido
By Bill Flores - El Grupo spokesman | ∞
The Escondido Police Department has engaged in driver's license checkpoints since 2004, and has increased their regularity since 2006. Police Chief Jim Maher has made these checkpoints a hallmark of his administration.
While the police department had conducted checkpoints in the past, their increased frequency (twice per month) has suspiciously coincided with the extreme political actions concerning immigration held by a majority of the city council.
The Escondido City Council was the only city in San Diego County to enact an ordinance prohibiting landlords from renting to undocumented persons, later rescinding this action after a legal challenge. The public outcry both for and against the ordinance demonstrated the passion held by both camps of the immigration issue during council meetings. It was politics at its ugliest, with police and deputy sheriffs dressed in riot gear at the ready in case the loud and angry crowd grew out of control.
But this was not the only action the council majority has taken in its apparent obsession with the federal issue of immigration. Soon after the rescission of the rental ban ordinance, Councilwoman Marie Waldron introduced a resolution stating, in part, "illegal immigration leads to higher crime rates, contributes to overcrowded classrooms and failing schools, subjects our hospital to fiscal hardship and legal residents to substandard quality of care, and destroys our neighborhoods and diminishes our quality of life. â€-"
The resolution passed without that sentence, which was untrue in terms of:
-- rising crime rates (the crime rate in Escondido had actually decreased);
-- failing schools (only one of the more than 20 schools in the Escondido area was unable to meet the "No Child Left Behind" goals);
-- substandard quality of care in local hospitals (Palomar Hospital had recently been accredited) and
-- diminished quality of life, which is difficult to define and quantify.
However, the intent of the council was quite clear.
Statements by Councilman Ed Gallo that the city was "under invasion," and by Councilman Sam Abed that the city had more than 35,000 illegal aliens living here (a number he arrived at using what was found to be very questionable sources and interpretations on his part) displayed the extreme view and fear the council majority held.
Presently, the council majority is processing a parking restriction ordinance, which is focused on an area of the city having a large Latino population, even after the firm the city hired to determine the extent of the parking problem found that there was no parking problem. The ordinance is an effort to discourage people from living in this city and who sometimes have to share an apartment to make ends meet: poor working-class people, many of whom are Latino, and some undocumented. The result of these actions and others has been a divided Escondido, a city with a Latino population of nearly 45 percent.
The chief of police was present at these city council meetings.
EPD's checkpoint use unique
Like the Escondido City Council, the Escondido Police Department is unique in that it is the only law enforcement agency in San Diego County that uses driver's license checkpoints with such frequency. The chief has repeatedly stated that the purpose of the checkpoints is to reduce the number of hit-and-run accidents in the city; a number he claims is among the highest in the state.
Although it has been pointed out to him that there is no direct relationship with hit-and-run accidents and unlicensed drivers, and that the Latino community feels targeted, the chief continues to support the program.
But perhaps a review of what this program entails is in order.
The police close a street and funnel all vehicular traffic to one lane where each vehicle is stopped and the driver is asked to produce a license. All licensed drivers are allowed to pass, but those who do not show one are directed to a secondary area where further investigation takes place.
Unlicensed drivers are cited and their cars are impounded for 30 days without a hearing or appeal. And it costs about $1,100 to get the car out of impound.
Now, this may sound all well and good to many, but maybe we should take a closer look.
The legal issue of checkpoints has been reviewed in the case of 1987's Ingersoll v. Palmer case. In this state case, the California Supreme Court considered whether sobriety (or DUI) checkpoints were constitutional. The court ruled that the reasonableness of a checkpoint stop is determined by balancing the societal need against the intrusion involved.
Protection vs. intrusion
Where societal interest being protected is great and the intrusion is minimal, the detention is reasonable under the Fourth Amendment. But a court must weigh the gravity of the governmental interest or public concern served against the intrusiveness of the interference with individual liberty. The court found that the overriding purpose of the sobriety checkpoint was promoting public safety.
Thus, unlike the immediate threat that an impaired driver poses, and the data that exist in terms of accidents, injuries and deaths resulting from drunk drivers, our question is whether the public safety in roadblocks that check for driver's licenses outweighs the intrusion of individual liberty by being stopped and detained by police without probable cause. This has yet to be decided in a court of law in California.
But a legal review is only part of this issue. Another aspect is that of public policy. Are frequent driver's license checkpoints good public policy?
Let's look at the data.
Maher has claimed that the number of hit-and-run accidents has decreased with the increased frequency of checkpoints. He is correct. In 2005, Escondido experienced 660 such incidents. In 2006, that number went down to 654, and in 2007, the number went down even further to 554, a pretty convincing trend.
But when compared with other North County cities ---- none of which practice driver's license checkpoints with the frequency that Escondido does ---- the trend is similar. Oceanside, for example, experienced 852 hit-and-run cases in 2005, 739 in 2006 and 695 in 2007!
Other city numbers decrease
The Oceanside Police Department, at most, has one checkpoint a month, and it is not uncommon to cancel these for a variety of reasons (such as manpower shortages). Vista, San Marcos and Encinitas had decreases in them during the same three-year period. And these cities do not engage in the program of roadblocks to the degree that Escondido does ---- they have fewer than four a year for each city. Encinitas had only one last year.
A review of the total number of traffic collisions was also conducted.
In 2005, Escondido experienced 1,626 traffic collisions. In 2006, the number decreased to 1,547, and in 2007, the number went down further to 1,398. The decreasing numbers are a welcome sight. But are they due to the driver's license checkpoints? Again, a look at Oceanside's numbers is revealing. In 2005, Oceanside had 1,980 of them. In 2006, the number went down to 1,645, and in 2007, the number bumped up to 1,760.
In Vista, the number of those cases in 2005 was 1,041. In 2006, the number went down to 1,030, and in 2007, the number declined further to 977.
In 2005. San Marcos had 644 collision cases. In 2006, the number was 674, and in 2007, the number went down to 591, all without the use of frequent checkpoints.
What's more remarkable is that the percentage of hit-and-run cases compared with traffic collisions remains relatively consistent during the three-year period for all agencies. Encinitas seems to show a pattern where hit-and-runs are decreasing in a city that holds the fewest driver's license checkpoints of all, conducting about one a year.
And while the time frame is a short one, it may be indicative of a trend that suggests that whatever the factors contributing to the reduction of traffic collisions, they apparently are having little effect on the reduction of hit-and runs in terms of their proportionality. (See attached chart.)
Evidence lacking
The evidence that driver's license checkpoints reduce hit-and-run accidents is nowhere to be found. Accidents have gone down across the board (with the exception of Carlsbad), and so have hit-and-runs. The checkpoints do not appear to be a contributing factor in this reduction in Escondido or anywhere else.
A possible explanation for the reduction in traffic collisions could be that people are driving less. With a receding economy, rising unemployment, and gas prices, it should come as no surprise that people, particularly blue-collar workers, are doing less discretionary driving. And less driving reduces the likelihood of having an accident.
But let's be honest here.
The checkpoints are only a convenient cover for what is really happening, and everyone knows it. Just like the city council majority, the police are participating in a program that is targeting undocumented immigrants and encouraging them, through a concerted effort of harassment, to move to another city.
Even if the driver's license roadblocks did reduce the number of hit-and-run accidents, are we as a free society willing to forgo one of the principle tenets of our constitution by allowing police to stop everyone for the chance of catching unlicensed drivers, some of whom one day may be involved in a hit-and-run incident?
Is this good public policy?
While the City Council majority schemes to pass a parking ordinance to solve a problem that doesn't exist, the police engage in one of the most extreme actions that a law enforcement agency can take: that of stopping, without probable cause, anyone and everyone who happens to be driving on the street picked for a roadblock.
The data do not support the contention that this program results in a safer community. Rather, the program seems to ensure that the divisions in Escondido remain deep, that the distrust of the police continues in the Latino community, and that the pain of living in this environment will be prolonged.
Escondido resident Bill Flores is a spokesman for El Grupo.
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Potsy wrote on Jul 6, 2008 8:24 AM:Bill Flores wrote and the NCT editor allowed to be printed the following, "failing schools (only one of the more than 20 schools in the Escondido area was unable to meet the "No Child Left Behind" goals)" That statement is a lie. The fact is: Mission School has not made Adequate Yearly Progress for six years; Lincoln, Pioneer, and Rose for three years; Farr and Juniper for two years; and Felicita and Oak hill for one year. Mister Flores is not credible.
Immigrant Rally Violence wrote on Jul 6, 2008 8:36 AM:The immigrant rally in support of illegal immigration held at Grape Day park turned violent, on May 1, 2006. One person was stabbed and protestors threw rocks at officers. Then a mob of 250 to 300 (most in their early 20s) marched from Washington Avenue to Lincoln Street and from Broadway to Ash. Sometimes they walked in traffic, forcing drivers to swerve. The mob tried to walk onto the freeway (Highway 78) but fortunately Escondido Police officers were able to divert them back onto Broadway. At one point, marchers blocked the intersection at Broadway and Washington, but officers were able to clear them away. I am extremely grateful that the Escondido police were there to prevent almost certain violence against Americans wanting to address the City Council that fall had the illegal immigration mob been able to imposed its will on the community during the Fall of 2006. Flores is trying to distort history. The immigration protests were violent in 2006. NCTimes downplayed the violence but at the violence was documented in a NCTimes article published on May 2, 2006! Of course, Bill Flores and El Grupo will deny that there is any evidence that such violence ever took place!
Federal Rental Ban wrote on Jul 6, 2008 9:07 AM:I thought the Rental Ban ordinance was an excellent public policy. Congress should implement the rental ban as part of comprehensive immigration reform!
Aint Buying It wrote on Jul 6, 2008 9:31 AM:If Bill Flores is complaining about something it must be affecting illegal immigrants. This guy embodies the La Raza movement. Amazing he made it all the way to Asst. Sheriff before he retired and started working for the criminals. Thanks Bill - MORE CHECKPOINTS!!!
Stop Killer Drivers wrote on Jul 6, 2008 9:54 AM:The sad truth is that hit-and-run drivers have recently killed several youth on the streets of Escondido. Who knows if these youths could have been saved by prompt emergency medical attention! Further, though there is no evidence that these killer drivers were not licensed drivers, logic, however, leads me to believe that the mostly likely reasons for a driver to flee the scene of an deadly accident is the driver is drunk, unlicensed, or uninsured. My hope is that the driver's license checkpoints may prevent such killer drivers. The Escondido Police should be roundly supported for trying to protect this community from these killer drivers. El Grupo's arguments about the lack of evidence linking the checkpoints to the prevention of hit-and-run drivers is cruel to those who care about the safety of this community.
Race Card Poker wrote on Jul 6, 2008 9:58 AM:Don't break the law, you have nothing to worry about no matter what skin color you are. Being an ex sheriffs deputy, you know all too well there is only one law, not one for Hispanics and another for everyone else. Your efforts would be better used by educating the hispanic community on the laws in the country they broke into rather than carping about a law enforcement agency doing it's job serving the "citizens" of the community. Your deck has just too many "race cards" and you don't play them well, I call your hand.
oz wrote on Jul 6, 2008 10:01 AM:Why do people like this guy LOVE to pick and choose which legal opinions they like and don't? Typical Reconquista!
Pardon me Mr. Flores wrote on Jul 6, 2008 10:12 AM:I am tired of hearing the same old same old from you and other Hispanic Activist.
Here is the point. We support Escondido's policies. We are not opposed to the Police rounding up:
Drunk Drivers
Drivers without Licenses
Drivers without insurance
Taggers
Gang Bangers
Shop lifters
Illegal Campers
Speeders
Law breakers in general.
If these round ups result in a few offenders being illegals, than they will be deported. The time has come when Good American citizens are tired of being called Racist, Bigots and KKK. We are tired of hearing Viva La Mexico, we are tired of Graffiti, Gang-Bangers, day laborers and Drug dealers in our neighborhoods. We are ready to fight back and take our liberty and American heritage back. We have had enough of the name calling and political correctness.
If being tired of crime in your neighborhood is racist than so be it. But one thing you should ask yourself Mr. Flores. When the PD are looking for offenders and the Majority seem to be Hispanic it might make you wonder if the Racist American Bigots might be right that the majority of criminals in Escondido are Hispanic. Why, because they are the majority in Escondido, then I guess that isn't profiling its just the odd to ratio. Simple math.
So, Mr. Flores save your name calling and finger pointing for someone else and some other time. American's are awake now and we aren't putting up with the lawlessness any longer.
Mr. Flores wrote on Jul 6, 2008 10:15 AM:Please go back to Mexico and fix it! Then Mexican's can live in their country legally and it would be very nice for them.
To Pardon me wrote on Jul 6, 2008 10:38 AM:You have made a great point. I too am tired of the Hispanic community turning my loyalty and patriotism into words like Racist, Bigot and KKK.
Seems there is a double standard for legal patriotic Americans and the Hispanic community.
If Hispanics aren't the racist ones then why to they have La Raza ( the Race ) and tattoos the say Brown pride? If I walked around with the words white pride what do you think would happen.
Enough is enough, this is not Mexico. Hispanics need to be careful what they are demanding because I am lead to believe American's are just about at their breaking point.
The law is the laweven for illegal Mr. Flores wrote on Jul 6, 2008 10:48 AM:I have to question why the NCTs continually prints this guy. I read a long editorial by him just a few weeks ago and the message was the same. Why did you print another lenghty editorial with the same exact message from the same guy? Do you employ illegals to fold your papers at night? What is it?
I applaud the EPD for their efforts. I want ALL unlicensed drivers off of our streets Mr. Flores. You conveniently say it targets Latino.Your BS and logic is amazing. I would love to see your arrest records. Did you routinely let people go if they were Hispanic?
Bill wrote on Jul 6, 2008 11:08 AM:The checkpoints work!! Keep them going every week. I applaud the EPD for their efforts during a time when the city does not seem to support them. Stay vigilant....It's time to take America back! Bill Flores....please leave town.
januaryM wrote on Jul 6, 2008 11:40 AM:I pay more on my insurance so I am covered should I be hit once again by an unlicensed uninsured motorist.With or without legal citizenship.Keep EPD check points I believe they serve the community in more ways than one.If you are legally licensed and insured you have nothing to fear.If you arent get off the roads. Im tired of paying more because too many ignore the laws or dont think they apply to them.I dont support this council I support ME.Dont forget to vote 2 of these slimeballs out in Nov 08.
Brittanicus wrote on Jul 6, 2008 12:05 PM:Both Obama or McCain are going to tell Americans, what they want to hear? Personally I don't trust either, but Obama seems to be a straight talker on the bombshell of illegal immigration. Any citizen must know that the majority of big businesses have no loyalty to this country, that has been the growing mentality of the globalist agenda. They don't care who they hire, as long as it doesn't interfere with their profit margin. using cheap labor allows employers to excempt health care and other benefits. Hey! Why worry about employees health, when if they are injured or become sick. They can spirit them away from the worksite and dump them on a hospitals steps. The taxpayers can cover the cost, while citizens cannot even afford to insure their own family
Obama some time back, he said he would enact some kind of Comprehensive Immigration reform. Most Americans know that's a politicians subtle name for AMNESTY? McCain stood with liberal Senator Ted Kennedy back in March, and nearly forced upon taxpayers a blanket AMNESTY. Do American really realize the economic implications of giving the millions already here BLANKET AMNESTY. To very disturbing facts should be understood. 1. Millions more will decide to crash our almost unprotected border, because they now Americans are a 'CASH-COW' and they and their families can squeeze government handouts. 2. Those already here and are rewarded for breaking our immigration laws, will be able to tap even more welfare programs, if they aren't already. 3. Those already here will be able to sponsor all their large extended families, waiting patiently in third world countries. 4. Then all those people can get numerous government benefits to subsist on. 4. If you are unaware, most low paid cheap labor can get the majority of their federal and state taxes back if they have many children to support. Please don't tell me that illegal aliens can't get federal food stamps, or state benefits/ You might ask a Californian in the know, how millions of illegal aliens have skirted the system. Then why California is on the verge of a 17 billion dollar bankruptcy.
Our politicians at every grovelling level in office, are forever appeasing the most powerful influences of big business. The special interest lobby has their hands out offering campaign contributions, so that each administration always owe favors. See how Democrats are refusing to co-author the SAVE ACT (H.R.4088) The leaders have used threats, to stop this Federal law. Businesses know that if this law comes to a vote, the days of hiring illegal labor is over. Read the unsuppressed facts at NUMBERSUSA.
The Councilwoman wrote on Jul 6, 2008 12:19 PM:Marie Waldron was right. Illegal immigration is a huge drain on the quality of life of the citizens of Escondido in alot of ways. Too bad Mr. Flores just refuses to acknowledge the truth.
I support the police checkpoints 100% and feel a little inconvenience is worth it to get these dangerous vehicles (illegal and legal drivers alike) off the road!
ANOTHER TRUTHFUL VIEW wrote on Jul 6, 2008 12:26 PM:It's very clear that a person who is in favor of ILLEGAL aliens would also be in favor of anything illegal.
The school system has gone to pieces in the last few years, the economy has fallen flat on its face, Escondido has turned into a third world city the budget in California has crashed into huge debt.
There is a direct correlation to illegal alien invasion and this destruction that it has caused, trying to be blind about it and making up excuses about doesn't help the legal citizens or those illegally here.
These checkpoints are driven through by all that drive, how is that targeting the latino populace, it is targeting the criminal populace, thereby proving who is doing most things illegal.
How does one go about getting details on a hit and run from the driver that flees?
Bill Flores and his illegal loving brigade are only destroying this country, his flimsy attempt at trying to defend and make lame excuses for these illegals is hurting the latino community that obeys the laws and are here legally. He himself is the one that is making it tougher for the latino community, not us who are against the criminal illegal, and when I say criminal I mean that in the sense that they are criminal for being here illegally.
Take your rants to mexico and fix that government and quit trying to gloss over the fact illegals are destroying this country.
...
Mr. Flores wrote on Jul 6, 2008 12:39 PM:As a Hispanic woman that lives in Escondido, I think it is the police obligation to go after law breakers. If you are hispanic or latino you don't get a free pass to break the law!
I want to be safe in my neighborhoods! I saw get all the bad guys off the streets and out of our city.
You don't speak for me Mr. Flores!
Fred wrote on Jul 6, 2008 1:46 PM:One year ago, my car was hit by an illegal alien. No drivers license, No insurance, No speak english.
EPD keep the checkpoints, there is a need.
RG wrote on Jul 6, 2008 1:51 PM:Bill Flores likes to use numbers to enhance his point of view, that is to attempt to show that Hispanics are being unfairly picked on. I invite Mr Flores to tell us then why 90%, yes, 9 out of the 10 MOST WANTED FUGITIVES in San Diego County are Hispanic. This data is available at The San Diego County Sheriff web site, the very agency Mr Flores was previously associated with. I am not Hispanic, but if I were, I would want Flores, with his background in law enforcement, and his followers to be trying to rid the Latino community of the bad apples, not sit around on their respective behinds making excuses for illegal and otherwise bad behavior. Flores is doing the good, law abiding Latino people a gross disservice.
Atzlan Myth wrote on Jul 6, 2008 2:00 PM:There is no evidence that Atzlan ever existed in California, but the La Raza crowd uses that myth to spread envy and hate against Americans.
Ample Evidence wrote on Jul 6, 2008 2:09 PM:In May 2007, 25% of the criminal arrests in Escondido involved illegal aliens. Either illegal aliens commit crimes at a greater rate than Americans, or 25% of Escondido's population consists of illegal aliens! No matter how one looks at the facts, each month, hundreds of serious crimes are committed in Escondido by illegal aliens. The facts are documented: www.nctimes.com/articles/2007/06/24/news/inland/escondido/62307181553.txt
BW wrote on Jul 6, 2008 2:17 PM:Wow, as I read this, there is not one single blog supporting Mr. Flores! Seems like he is the only one in favor of illegals and their activities. Get a clue, Bill, and get out of town while you're at it!
DOC wrote on Jul 6, 2008 4:10 PM:The NCT will publish diatribes from Flores' lips and pen but sidesteps much of whatever comes their way from other citizens with opposing points, or even views on other subjects. You all know the NCT is pro-illegal immigration and always has been. Find anywhere they realistically balance views on the subject, giving the law and order side equal opportunity with the extremists who support illegality. Flores seems to have some sort of amnesia when it comes to the cost of welfare and medical costs to support all the illegals. If anyone doesn't think it's one tremendous impact, go to Tri-City at night and see the waiting room full of undocumented aliens. Oh yes, they can't even ask if they're illegal, so they get treated free while the taxpayer pays the bill. Flores doesn't address that does he? And if the ER is jammed while you have a medical emergency, and you receive care a bit too late, oh well, you could have some illegal to thank for your demise, as they were filling up a room for a minor medivcal visit becauise the FREE clinic was closed for the evening. If we cut off all the free services, we'd have few illegals and maybe better medical care for those who pay and have inaurance.
Kudos to the Escondido PD incidentally. Stopping and checking all vehicles in a license check is not racist but good policing. The fact that a higher number of illegals or persons without proper licenses and registrations are not of this national origin, tells you who's scofflaws to begin with now, doesn't it? I want them off the streets with no insurance and no licenses or registrations no matter who they are,
JustRenewedMyLicense wrote on Jul 6, 2008 4:24 PM:Here's one blog in support of Mr. Flores' article.
Based on what the other bloggers are saying, he accurately identifyies a very strong antipathy towards undocumented Mexicans in Escondido. And a majority of these people apparently accept the checkpoints as necessary.
I would agree with Flores that warrantless-search puts all Americans on the same slippery slope where we find ourselves now with our federal government wiretapping...How different is this from the Berlin Wall and the KGB?
I think the current Escondido City Council is out of ideas. Even their supporters are extremely frustrated. Let's bring some new representatives into office.
Escondido's now very famous 'quality of life' dilemma stalls overhead like Linus' cloud of dust because of its limited ability to address problems far outside municpial jurisdiction. Immigration is an international and national issue...State education budgets are decided in the smoky, mirrory halls of Sacramento...and healthcare is in acute crisis because we let it be a for-profit business (hospitals that pay executives unbelievable salaries, global pharmaceuticals, and mammoth insurance companies - oh my!)
What can little, old Escondido do? Longtime residents wring their hands, and some flee, but there is so much that is good here and so much potential. We just need brave people with new ideas to step forward and lead the way.
Retired Deputy wrote on Jul 6, 2008 4:42 PM:When one checks Mr. Flores' service in the Office of the Sheriff, it appears he spent a lot of time being political, not enough time enforcing the law on the st., after having read this opine.
fedup wrote on Jul 6, 2008 4:56 PM:driving is not a right, only a privilege, so who cares if the police set up checkpoints? if you are legally licensed and have insurance, have committed no crimes, there is nothing to worry about el grupo
Stephen wrote on Jul 6, 2008 5:25 PM:Americans must demand a zero tolerance towards all illegal immigration. Arrest, jail and deport every illegal alien. Arrest and prosecute every employer hiring an illegal alien. Vote against any politician advocating any form of amnesty. We must make it impossible for illegal aliens to survive in the US. Enough!
Fred II wrote on Jul 6, 2008 5:37 PM:DUI / DRIVERS LICENSE CHECKPOINT: JULY 5, 2008
The following activity resulted from this checkpoint:
• 2,749 vehicles entered the checkpoint eastbound on Grand Avenue
• 1,360 vehicles were screened in primary
• 123 vehicles sent to secondary (drivers who could not produce a drivers license or who were suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs)
• 3 drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol / drugs
• 1 person was arrested for a felony violation of his DUI probation
• 1 driver was arrested for a felony warrant after he gave a false name to the arresting officer
• 5 drivers were arrested for giving false names to officers at this checkpoint
• 11 field sobriety tests were administered
• 61 vehicles were impounded at this checkpoint, 11 drivers did not have insurance, 12 drivers had a suspended drivers license and 46 drivers did not have a drivers license
• 81 citations were issued at this checkpoint
Need we say any more....Thank-You EPD.
Linus wrote on Jul 6, 2008 5:48 PM:cloud of dust? Or Pigpen's?
LisaP wrote on Jul 6, 2008 6:29 PM:Sr. Flores, please go away.
US American wrote on Jul 6, 2008 9:40 PM:It is downright scary this Flores character was a sworn peace officer in the United States.
Checkpoint Charlie wrote on Jul 6, 2008 10:09 PM:The use of checkpoints is legal. The problem with unlicensed drivers is if they get into accidents how will the other motorists get their cars fixed? Thye won't, so everyon's insurance premiums go up. In California you are required to have a vailid drivers license to operate a vehicle. So by law enforcement seizing these vehicles they are keeping other motorists safe. Great job Escondido PD. Keep up the good work.
AMERICAN-AMERICAN wrote on Jul 6, 2008 10:37 PM:'But let's be honest here.' (Yes, Mr. Reconquista, let's be honest about your agenda).
'The checkpoints are only a convenient cover for what is really happening, and everyone knows it. Just like the city council majority, the police are participating in a program that is targeting undocumented immigrants (law breakers and violators of our freedoms) and encouraging them, through a concerted effort of harassment, to move to another city.'
(This is the most honest statement in your whole stupid and insipid racist rant, senor Flores, and I, for one, am glad to see that the police and the city council are engaged in a program of targeting breakers of the law. How refreshing and unique...
bryan wrote on Jul 6, 2008 10:45 PM:These check points just may save this city. I vote no for open borders Olag Diaz. Escondido is not a sanctuary city, Chula vista and LA are. please move to those cities that want you.
qwimby wrote on Jul 6, 2008 11:05 PM:These license checkpoints are a small but significant piece in providing safety to our legal citizens. I think its more of a deterrent, it sends a message that illegals driving in Escondido may get caught and have to pay a fine and have their car taken away. Its a major inconvenience for them. Hopefully they see life easier in another city like LA. LA encourages law breakers and illegals. When an illegal is found we should encourage that individual to relocate to LA and pay his bus fare or allow him to keep his car if he leaves the city.
Miguel wrote on Jul 6, 2008 11:05 PM:Flores- Your rascist agenda is tiresome. As someone has said driving is a priviledge- not a right. I am a person who immigrated to this country legally. I did not sneak across the border to cut in front of the line. The law abiding citizens of this country have had enough of you and your cronies. Freedom is not free. Many brave people have died defending it. Now it is our generations time to fight.
januaryM wrote on Jul 6, 2008 11:08 PM:"Unlicensed drivers are cited and their cars are impounded for 30 days without a hearing or appeal. And it costs about $1,100 to get the car out of impound."
Am I to feel bad for these people? I surely hope not....wait till anyone of them hits you! $1100.is chicken feed compared to what it will cost you!This problem is not limited to illegals,open your eyes and stop sniveling!Its the LAW!geeezzzzzeeee
Keep it up EPD wrote on Jul 6, 2008 11:27 PM:Mr Flores can pull up the statistics on how many accidents in the North County involved unliscensed and un-insured drivers, also Escondido being a great crossroads of North County, perhaps the EPD checkpoints are taking these unliscensed and uninsured drivers off of the rest of North Counties roadways, there by reducing the amounts of accidents occuring in the cited cities.
As long as the EPD checkpoints remove those on the roads who think they can get around the same laws the rest of law-abiding drivers adhere to, Kudos, keep up the good work, wish they could conduct them more often, and I have no problem going through any checkpoint < I have once already > showing my liscense, registration and insurance papers, and going on about my business.
I wonder..... wrote on Jul 6, 2008 11:33 PM:how often Mr Flores political beliefs kept him from performing his sworn duties as a peace officer < if he really was one > if he had to arrest a latino suspect, did he maybe look the other way while performing his day to day duties in law enforcement..???
b wrote on Jul 6, 2008 11:34 PM:Divisiveness has only entered the minds of those who would argue that illegal immigration somehow benefits the U.S.A. I applaud the EPD for their checkpoints, and I applaud the city council for attempting to prevent landlords from renting to illegal immigrants. The city government has made quite an attempt to protect itself from the negative affects of illegal immigration, as any good city government should. Shame on you, Bill Flores, for even suggesting there's any divisiveness within the EPD. Now please go somewhere where you're needed, like Tijuana.
Many wrote on Jul 6, 2008 11:42 PM:of the cities mentioned in Mr Flores's statistical comments are coastal cities, locations where the un-insured and un-liscensed drivers can't afford to live, they might commute to jobs along the coast, but will be more frequently found in more inland cities where the rents and affordable housing is cheaper and more available, the Escondido Checkpoints have the advantage of being able to screen more un-insured and un-liscensed drivers through these actions simply because these drivers are more likely to be driving in Escondido vs anywhere else in their day to day activities.
Floyd wrote on Jul 7, 2008 12:09 AM:While it's true that "immigration" is a Federal issue, immigation isn't the concern. It's trespassing by illegal aliens who have snuck into our country that is the problem, and that's a law enforcement problem at every level.
to Big Brothers fans wrote on Jul 7, 2008 12:45 AM:is unbelievable that the hate of so many people let this city council get away from taking or civil liberties! usually I'm not agree with everything that Bill writes but this time , I do agree with him! our basic liberties are being violated and nobody does anything to protect us. I refuse to give all the power to one entity to abuse it.
please!! all this retoric is for all of us to keep blaming illegals for everything and no making questions about the city's budget, this council is destroying our credibility and wasting our taxmoney; but we're so stupid that we're blaming the illegals for everything.
our city needs a fresh council that care for it's people and no for the companies that give them money for their campaigns!!!
Everybody has the right wrote on Jul 7, 2008 1:30 AM:Everybody has the right to drive. It's OUR roads, our taxes pay for these roads and the police wages. Who decided it's a "privledge" to drive rather than our right? I remember when driver's license's weren't required! Politicians decided to require licenses to collect more taxes through their fees. People, quit letting them brainwash you for their control.
I read the first wrote on Jul 7, 2008 6:08 AM:paragraph and had to stop as this was are article of blanted disinformation. Makes you want to gag. NCT you are better than this.
Hey Billy wrote on Jul 7, 2008 6:09 AM:You don't mind if I break into your house, do ya?
Hey Mr. Flores wrote on Jul 7, 2008 7:25 AM:my friend from Germany is here illegally, you going to stand up for him or are you racist against Europeans?
Nobody hates wrote on Jul 7, 2008 7:30 AM:Immigrants or American Citizens, they just can't tolerate people breaking American laws and entering America illegally as in illegal aliens, capici? You will always have the racist out there who will try to stir things up as
Senor Flores continously does. Bill, I will buy your bus pass to Mexico, just let me know when.
Senor Flores wrote on Jul 7, 2008 7:52 AM:why not share your law enforcement experienceswith the Mexican Police as a mexican police officer. Might not be around to retire but hey, at least you can be assured of a 21 gun salute.
I am going to shot wrote on Jul 7, 2008 7:54 AM:myself, another wanna be lawyer citing cases. Bill, take your law degree to prison and help the inmates.
fedup wrote on Jul 7, 2008 8:41 AM:to "everybody has the right"
try again, driving is not a right, it is a mere privilege........what say you to the recent sheriffs checkpoint on hwy67?
Escondidos Finest wrote on Jul 7, 2008 9:22 AM:Flores looks a little young to be "retired", it would be interesting to find out what he did to be "retired" so soon.
Skip wrote on Jul 7, 2008 9:41 AM:RE: Although it has been pointed out to him that there is no direct relationship with hit-and-run accidents and unlicensed drivers .......
WHAT PLANET IS THIS GUY FROM?
I do not believe a word Mr. Flores says ........
Oceanside Checkpoint wrote on Jul 7, 2008 10:02 AM:refutes Flores' complaint that a checkpoint is racial profiling. As I drove home from picking my kids up at HS, (NO buses, of course, but that is another topic)I was pulled into a checkpoint. It took all of a minute for me to show my license, registration and proof of insurance to the officer who then sent me on my way. Along the sidewalk, however, were myriad motorists who couldn't do the same. Were the majority Hispanic? NO, the VAST majority were teens, driving illegally on Oceanside streets. These checkpoints serve ALL citizens, despite Flores' lies and spin.
Jack wrote on Jul 7, 2008 10:25 AM:The EPD check points should be every week. Get these law breakers off our streets. I am tired of have to pay more for car insurance because so many have none. I am tired of the graffiti. It gets painted over and the next day it is back. Parents of the gang members have no idea where their kids are. THANK YOU to our City Council for trying to clean up Escondido.
esteban wrote on Jul 7, 2008 10:37 AM:The writing's on the wall Flores. Americans do not feel the way you do and we don't agree with your racist rants. Can't you see you are not wanted here? Go away and stop trying to ruin the country! You are an embarrassment to my race.
Resident wrote on Jul 7, 2008 11:35 AM:I, and many others I know, APPLAUD the Escondido Police Dept for their CDL and DUI Checkpoints. It amazes me how many people get caught without CDL's, no insurance,.I canot not believe how many give false names!!! And EPD has been doing this for how long???? Being white, we are now the minority in Escondido..Also I am tired of seeing push carts in our neighborhood, 4-5 of them in one day. Can't something be done about this?? Flores would also say that is their right, how many of these are illegal???? GOOD JOB EPD and CITY COUNCIL!!!!!
Pancho wrote on Jul 7, 2008 1:05 PM:Flores states that he is against deporting criminal illegals. If he again is on Olga's campaign staff this is he kiss of death for her. He has no creditability.
Sam wrote on Jul 7, 2008 1:26 PM:Why would the NCT even permit Flores to spread his propaganda and lies in their paper. It just degraded the paper and they know what his agenda is.
So Bill did you wrote on Jul 7, 2008 1:52 PM:have problems with hot dogs and cotton candy as a child? LONDON, July 7 (UPI) -- Toddlers who say "yuck" when given flavorful foreign food may be exhibiting racist behavior, a British government-sponsored organization says.
CITIZEN wrote on Jul 7, 2008 3:24 PM:Bill Flores is a big supporter Of Olga Diaz. Diaz is against check points, She testified at the council meeting when this issue was discussed. I was wathching.
mark wrote on Jul 7, 2008 3:28 PM:Could it be possible that the Check Points in Escondido are also responsible for the decrease in Hit & run accidents in other N. County Citys?
stupid self-contradiction wrote on Jul 7, 2008 3:56 PM:by Immigrant Rally Violence: 'NCTimes downplayed the violence but at the violence was documented in a NCTimes article published on May 2, 2006!'
JALISCO HOMBRE wrote on Jul 7, 2008 4:50 PM:El Grupo man is right. I get stopped because I am Latino, only reason. Wrong to do it. EPD calls La Migra for no reason, just to harass. Is racism.
Roberto wrote on Jul 7, 2008 5:11 PM:Gee I wonder where all these I love the police are when it come to Mr. Flores?
Here we go again... wrote on Jul 7, 2008 6:23 PM:Every time the city wants to take action to clean up an area of Esco or arrest lawbreakers (read: those driving without a license and/or insurance) Bill, Olga and their "Grupos" start whining that Latinos are being targeted. How is it racist for the legal citizens of this town to want to live in a clean, safe place? If I am driving without a license, DUI, or anything else that I can be cited for, you can bet my car will be impounded and the judge will see me in court along with the poor harassed Mexicans.
If you break the law, you're gonna pay the price no matter what your ethnicity.
I support the EPD checkpoints and think there should be more of them!
To Roberto wrote on Jul 7, 2008 7:09 PM:"WHAT"
KennyMac wrote on Jul 7, 2008 10:32 PM:Seems to me that there are two very divergent points of view here -- with heavy support for point #2:
1. Those who see the checkpoints as a tactic against "undocumented workers"
2. Those who see the checkpoints as a tactic against law breakers.
Personally, I don't think of illegal aliens as "undocumented workers" -- but as law breakers.
kennymac wrote on Jul 7, 2008 10:38 PM:Sure seems to me that there are two divergent foundational assumptions at work here. They are:
1. The checkpoints target undocumented workers.
2. The checkpoints target lawbreakers.
Hmmm.
Personally, I've never met an "undocumented worker." I've know several illegal aliens, but not a single "undocumented worker."
Our nation really needs to decide if we are dealing with "undocumented workers" or with "illegal aliens"
keep it up Mr. Flores wrote on Jul 8, 2008 6:11 PM:This Society needs people like you!!!!!!!!!!
I read the article, and what it says is true the target is not irresponsible drivers but undocumented workers. if they don't want unlincensed drivers, they should allow eveyone to get a driver's license.
PS: for those who say that we "the latinos" are racist against "whites".- We are not agianst anyone but we are against injustice, and everyone has the right to speak out!!!!
Bill wrote on Jul 9, 2008 7:19 PM:I's always about upset the community to you. You bring your stars and bars and try to destroy OUR EPD. Take your dog and pony show back to La Costa where you move from...
To Keep it wrote on Jul 10, 2008 7:28 AM:No, THIS society does NOT need people like Mr. Flores! MEXICO needs people like Mr. Flores!!!!!! Your statement "if they don't want unlicensed drivers, they should allow everyone to get a drivers license" is ridiculous. It's like saying "if they don't want thieves, make stealing legal".
Sam wrote on Jul 10, 2008 2:03 PM:I think Flores is in his own little dream world.
Lisa wrote on Jul 10, 2008 3:20 PM:Oh my goodness, I was pulled over at the checkpoint and I look over and the same race as me was pulled over too.
I think we need to get our own racist group that claim we are being targeted and asked for documents that we need to have to drive.
So if any of you are white and female and happen to drive thru the checkpoints I think we need a headline article to make our little stink about the EPD doing their jobs.
Oh the pain it is to have to obey the laws.
What nonsense will they think of next?
To Flores and el grupo wrote on Jul 14, 2008 6:45 PM:Of course you wrote his article with tongue in cheek.
And you believe in santa.
Greg in Oceanside wrote on Jul 16, 2008 4:53 PM:I wonder if Bill Flores is any relation to the late Francisca Flores (1913-1996)? She was one of the early pioneers of the Chicano Movement and leader of several pro-Chicano/Chicana organizations from around WWII to the 1980's. If so, this might explain 'why' he's so pro-Latino and pro-Chicano.
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