Daphne wrote on Aug 3, 2008 8:51 AM:It is about time that someone speaks up for the Latino community!!! For so long they have been voiceless. It is true that many American folks drive around with a suspended drivers license or no drivers license at all but those check points are set up in highly populated Latino areas and TARGET LATINOS!!! Mr Trageser have you ever witnessed one of these checkpoints? No, I thought so well I have and they are targeting Latinos. Is does seem a little convenient that you would write this editorial singing the praises the current Escondido City Council right before a crucial election. It seems just a tad bit self-serving when you know as well as the entire City of Escondido knows that Abed, Waldron, and Gallo are always cooking up ways to rid Escondido of the Latino populace. You are an eloquent writer but a bit self-serving and shallow but hey why should that matter, huh? Those checkpoints are unfair and racist just like the actions and tactics of anyone who mistreats, and singles out any person just because of the color of their skin. Your rhetoric sounds like the racists rhetoric we heard in the 60's and it is more dangerous than the "hate America" sentiment. You should be ashamed of yourself for writing such trash about a man who served his community so unselfishly for many years. Thank you Bill Flores you are an honorable man, keep up the good work.

Thanks for the laughs Jim wrote on Aug 3, 2008 9:14 AM:"And finding those drivers through an even-handed checkpoint that stops everybody?" HAA HAA HAA HAA HAA HAA HAA HAA HAA HAA HAA HAA HAA HAA HAA HAA HAA HAA HAA HAA HAA HAA HAA HAA HAA HAA HAA HAA HAA HAA HAA!!!! HEE HEE HEE HEE HEE HEE HEE HEE HEE HEE HEE HEE HEE HEE HEE HEE HEE HEE HEE HEE HEE HEE HEE HEE HEE HEE HEE HEE HEE!!! I will finish this post after I stop laughing, oh my goodness to funny, just to funny!!!!

Observer wrote on Aug 3, 2008 9:35 AM:Trageser, it is refreshing to see your comonsense opinion everynow and then. I could not agree more with you on check points. Well written article. Congratulation!

Down with raciscm wrote on Aug 3, 2008 10:34 AM:If I remember correctly Bill Flores had statistics to make his claim of racial profiling at these "checkpoints." I see that in this column you do not have statistics to refute his findings. Instead of researching the facts you decided that a personal attack against Mr. Flores was the way to go. Well I disagree with you in this matter because unless you can dispel his stats than you really have no case or should not offer an opinion in something you obviously know nothing about. The Escondido City Council is openly hostile to the Latino community and have "over the past year or so, made several attempts to harass the poor --- particularly poor Latinos ---- into moving out of town." This is just another way of doing just that!!! By the way Bill Flores is probably the only one speaking for the Latino community and he does speak for me. Rasberries to you Mr. Trageser.

To Sheriff Flores wrote on Aug 3, 2008 1:31 PM:By his article in the SD Union one can see he has come to Escondido with a chip on his shoulder. He claims he was mistreated by the sheriff department by only giving him a job as head of the night crew at the city jail, a POOR ME attitude. Well Mr. Flores, Escondido proper is now a third world city, just drive around town and open your eyes. When you come here and are opposed to check points and deporting illegal criminal aliens YOU are destroying our community. I was born here and have seen our beautiful destroyed by illegals. You claim by your racist remark that we are afraid of the changing demographics. Well my friend I have many Mexican friends that are fed up with you as I am. ...

A Rose for Jim T. wrote on Aug 3, 2008 1:47 PM:Thanks Jim for coming to bat for the citizens of Escondido. We need to clean up this city.

gas wrote on Aug 4, 2008 1:39 AM:Drivers without a license are the target; they are not a race nor are they the Latino community. I’m against random check points but they do not discriminate. Presenting a logical argument is a minimum.

A Driver wrote on Aug 4, 2008 6:07 AM:Surely some of the illegals are as good of drivers as native born Americans. Or at least they could quickly become good drivers with a drivers education class and some supervised driving experience. I have seen many accidents where the white born in America driver was simply careless, not paying attention, or was inadequately taught, especially about following too close, how to recover without accident when the right side of the car goes off the pavement, and how to not give in to showing off when someone is a less powerful car passes you.

Jim ... wrote on Aug 4, 2008 6:16 AM:To "Daphne".
Give me a break. If an area is predominantly any given ethnicity, then, would it stand to reason that the most people affected by a checkpoint would be the people of that area? Yes, if the checkpoint were put up at an entry/exit to a community. Now if we had one put up at my access road to College I would say they were targeting people in my neighborhood. If they put it up at College and Oceanside blvd. I would say they put up a check point to catch people without licenses or insurance (neither of which I want on the road, whatever color or background).
As far as this smacking of rhetoric you remember from the sixties, well, I would suggest you put the bong away.

A Driver wrote on Aug 4, 2008 6:27 AM:Maybe illegal aliens should be trained hoe to drive carefully so they can get a license and insurance, without it being a being good for ID for air travel. Is there an implication here that undocumented immigrants cannot be trained to be as good of drivers as native-born Americans. Probably most of them have not had as much experience riding in cars, or driving them as much, but the right way to drive can be quickly taught. I have read of a study that showed drivers with lower than average IQ hired as delivery drivers had fewer accidents per mile than delivery drivers with a lot higher than average IQ. The stated conclusion was that low IQ drivers had to paying full attention to their driving. The high IQ drivers were thinking about many other things when the were driving, and actually imaging other projects for work and home, rehearsing conversations in their mind while they are driving, or conversing on cell phones and visualizing in their minds what the person at the other end of the phone conversation is doing or looking like while they converse. I do not know whether the study I read is still considered valid, or found to no longer be valid. There is a problem with these youths of either race of lacking the self-control to avoid racing. There are still way too many fatal accidents caused by youths speeding.

Gringo wrote on Aug 4, 2008 6:43 AM:ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!

follow the law wrote on Aug 4, 2008 6:46 AM:Checkpoints have my support.
Take back our city.

Johny On The Spot wrote on Aug 4, 2008 6:50 AM:Daphne, latinos here legally DO have a voice.... it is called voting.

So few do it, but it IS the voice of the people... Latino, Asian and Caucasian all have an EQUAL voice in our society.

Everyone keeps trying to stand up for the poor downtrodden Latinos, but if they are legal citizens they have all the voice they need to effect any change they want.

We do not mark their ballots with a big "L", so that they do not get counted. Their votes are numerous and the politicians have been courting this vote for some time now.

So please don't tell me that Latinos do not have a voice because they do. This is still America and everyone has a voice here.

hello... wrote on Aug 4, 2008 7:27 AM:Um, they could put the checkpoint anywhere in EEscondido and be accused of targeting Latinos.

This will be a mute point wrote on Aug 4, 2008 7:32 AM:Once the Feds have shown they have tried to work with the Illegals in helping them in self deporting, then no body including Senor Flores will be able to say one word once immigration crack down begins and millions are deported.

I will ask Senor Flores wrote on Aug 4, 2008 7:36 AM:as a former law enforcement office, how can you or any police officer or police department knowingly after giving a traffic ticket to someone who can't speak english, how is it you can justify to the public who you are to protect that these individuals can READ ENGLISH TRAFFIC SIGNS????? As far as I have been able to see, they can't, they blow through red ights and school crossings. Maybe it is time to file suit against law enforcement?

OneifbyLand wrote on Aug 4, 2008 7:49 AM:Latinos who think their Raza trumps the Laws of the USA can cry a river of crocodile tears but the
free lunch of illegal U.S. residence is coming
to a rightful close and Mr Flores better decide
if he is American or Mexican!
Citizens are taking back Escondido!

Faux Chuckles wrote on Aug 4, 2008 7:53 AM:I drive by one of those little road side memorials everyday on my way to work. It marks the location of a local teenagers death by a drunken & unlicensed driver over 10 years ago, that happened to be an undocumented immigrant.
Some times I still see people there, on their knees praying in unrestrained grief, some time I cry also.
Checkpoints are for our safety and that of our loved ones, and hope they continue so that some day others won't see me praying at my loved ones roadside memorial.

Wealthy drivers wrote on Aug 4, 2008 7:58 AM:I would like to see a checkpoint set up in more wealthy areas like Del Mar, Coronando and Solana Beach.I've seen plenty of people in their BMW's, Mercedes Benz, and Jaguars speeding, running red lights/stop signs, and plenty of other illegal driving habits.Being wealthy doesn't mean one is above the law.

esteban wrote on Aug 4, 2008 8:05 AM:Daphne, you are in the minority. Only racists and absolute wackos view the world like you. And to "I will ask senor flores"...wow. You need schooling because your comment made no sense. Are you in 1st grade or 2nd?

Latino wrote on Aug 4, 2008 8:32 AM:I'm latino and will go through all the checkpoints, I am here legally, I have a license and insurance, therefore I have nothing to worry about! Thank you for all your hard work and efforts in getting unlicensed drivers off the road!

To Latino wrote on Aug 4, 2008 8:52 AM:Thank you for your comment.

My point exactly. I'm brown too and have no fear.

Why?

I'm not a law breaker.

Those who are worried are those who are here illegally, drunk, no license, no insurance...The list goes on.

How Could wrote on Aug 4, 2008 9:23 AM:a checkpoint be racist or target Hispanics?!
Haven't there been at least two checkpoints in front of the police station, a major artery leading away from Target and other stores? Is that "targeting" Latinos?
They've also had checkpoints by Kit Carson Park, where some of the most expensive houses in Escondido are!
Illegal immigrant activists who advocate for them to be able to drive without licenses and insurance are really just advocating anarchy. What other laws should they be able to break?!

Lets Face It wrote on Aug 4, 2008 9:24 AM:Many of us are disappointed with the Federal Government's efforts to stem illegal immigration.
The Abed-Gallo-Waldron group thinks they can do a better job, at least in Escondido. Despite the fact that law enforcement experts have told them it is not within the jurisdiction of the city.
So, don't give them too much credit. If they had their way, the license checks would be used to deport illegals.
Chief Maher has told the entire city that is not the focus of the checkpoints and it is not with the jurisdiction of EPD to deport unlicensed drivers.
But getting untrained, unlicensed drivers off the road makes our city safer, no matter where the law breakers live or work or were born.
What we really need are council members who understand the law. November will give us that opportunity.

Dispatcher wrote on Aug 4, 2008 9:28 AM:i work for a tow company, we don't tow for EPD, but we do tow for other police departments all over the county, and they all do check points arround the county. When they do this they are looking for people who are unlicensed and or breaking the law in some way. I too live in Escondido in a lation populated community and i have NEVER went through a check point, i think everyone should quit pointing fingers and figure somthing else out. ALL police agencies do check points. get over it.

Bo wrote on Aug 4, 2008 9:34 AM:Checkpoints target criminals. Drunk drivers, tweakers, car thieves, uninsured drivers, unlicensed drivers, and illegal immigrants are by definition criminals. The fact that most unlicensed / uninsured illegal immigrant drivers happen to be of Latin American origin does not mean that checkpoints target Latinos; the overwhelming majority of Latinos that drive through these checkpoints are sober, have licenses, and are insured and thus are not targeted. And don't fall for the statistics argument. Most illegal immigrant drivers don't have licenses or insurance so of course the statistics are going to show that the majority of those that are arrested and / or have thier car impounded are illegal immigrants. This is not because of "Latino targeting"; it's just that due to our proximity to the border we have a significant number of unlicensed, uninsured illegal immigrants driving in our County.

Alf wrote on Aug 4, 2008 10:19 AM:Well, "Daphne" et al, just precisely where in Escondido would a checkpoint NOT be racist by your definition?
Checkpoints target drivers who -
do not have a license OR
have a suspended license OR
have a revoked license OR
do not have insurance OR
do not have proper current registration OR
have a vehicle that is unsafe.
What is racist or discriminatory about that?
Regards, Alf.

Bobby wrote on Aug 4, 2008 10:29 AM:To Latino,
Thank you for stepping up and making your point, and realising these checkpoints do not exclusivley target Latinos, hispanics, mexicans, etc etc
These checkpoints are for the safety of everyone on the road!

Check points are racist wrote on Aug 4, 2008 11:21 AM:I am Irish American and have been caught in two of these check points! Racism against the Irish! You will protect us won't you Senor Flores?

Check Points are not Racist wrote on Aug 4, 2008 11:49 AM:The check points are not racist, they violate everyone's right to freedom from illegal search and seizure equally.

Law obeyer wrote on Aug 4, 2008 11:57 AM:It is illegal to drive in America without a valid drivers license and insurance.

It is also illegal to be in America without valid credentials and documentation.

In case you are unclear on what illegal means:
Illegal \Il*le"gal\, a. [Pref. il- not + legal: cf. F. ill['e]gal.]

Not according to, or authorized by, law; specif., contrary to, or in violation of, human law; unlawful; illicit; hence, immoral; as, an illegal act; illegal trade; illegal love. --Bp. Burnet.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Nick wrote on Aug 4, 2008 12:24 PM:Well "Daphne", if Escondido wasn't overrun with Illegals and all their 20+ immidiate family, I guess Illegals and Latinos wouldn't be the majority of the ones getting caught, now would they? You seem to think it's racism...
Hmmmmm, you know what I find extremely racist? Signs in front of all the elementary and Jr. High Schools in Escondido with one side in English and the other side in Spanish!
If Escondido were mostly white folks (like it used to be), would you still be complaining that the checkpoints are racist? No, your just another Illegal lover that doesn't have a leg to stand on other than crying racism all the time.
I grew up in Escondido and remeber when the built I-15 and you used to have to travel Old Hwy 395 and Escondido was a safe and wonderful place for kids to grow up and live. Sure, we had gangs like the Diablos, Westside and The Santos, but it was still safe to be out after dark and their weren't 15+ people living to a house and Escondido DID NOT resemble T.J.
If you care so much about Illegals and Mexicans, I suggest you take it to Mexico and try and foment change where the real problem lies, MEXICO!
No, people like you, "SD Raoul", and the rest of the pro-illegal crowd would rather try and make Americans think that it's up to use to let our Country turn into a 3rd World Slum so that 20+ Million Illegals feel at home.
Get a life !!!!!!!!!!

Nick wrote on Aug 4, 2008 12:26 PM:And another thing "Daphne", just about all of my friends growing up in Escondido were Mexican, and guess what? You know who has less use for Illegals than I do?
Yep, all of my Mexican friends.
Your the genius, I'll let you figure it out why.

Flashburn Joe wrote on Aug 4, 2008 12:29 PM:Another excellent commentary Jim.

Archie wrote on Aug 4, 2008 12:31 PM:I am a black man and I have been stopped at checkpoints. I have no problem with police doing their job and keeping the streets safe. And no- I am not whining about rascism. That's a cop out.

ESCONDIDOER wrote on Aug 4, 2008 12:33 PM:Checkpoints catch more than just unlicensed drivers! They arrest drunken drivers, impound dangerous vehicles, apprehend people who have a warrant for their arrest and detect illegal drugs too. Hey, how about when a deputy looks in a car and sees a gun laying on a seat? Traffic checkpoints are set up EVERYWHERE, not just in Escondido. There should be more of them, and if they catch an illegal alien, they should detain them and turn them over to ICE. Law enforcement officers enforce the LAW and the law says that illegal is unlawful. Get it?

IMO wrote on Aug 4, 2008 12:35 PM:When Mr. Flores was Assistant Sheriff his own department conducted these type of checkpoints in Vista, San Marcos, Encinitas, and other area. Mr. Flores made no attempts to stop them then. Why does he speak against them now? I smell a hypocrite or an ill informed opportunist.

Patriot wrote on Aug 4, 2008 1:06 PM:Too bad the Sheriff doesn't set up a checkpoint on route 67 from time to time. Maybe Amy Kortlang and other victims of drunk drivers would still be alive.

esteban wrote on Aug 4, 2008 1:46 PM:How do you feel now Dalphne? HAHAHAAAA.

kat wrote on Aug 4, 2008 2:03 PM:good lord when are we going to understand "illegal is illegal" no matter how you look at it.

re-licenced wrote on Aug 4, 2008 2:21 PM:I just spent a year without my licence as it was suspended. I didn't drive for that year partly because I live in Escondido and feared hetting caught in a check point. I just got my licence back 3 weeks ago and look forward to driving through many check points in Escondido.Keep up the good work EPD.

Sent him packing wrote on Aug 4, 2008 2:49 PM:Maybe it's time to check Flores background and just what his intentions are. Seems to me he wants to destroy our community.

To Nick wrote on Aug 4, 2008 4:32 PM:Why do iI have to be Mexican? I was born and raised in Esco back in 1970. I grew up as an American. My friends were mostly white, but I was usually regarded as a mexican. What do I have to do to be called an American guy. I have noticed that this illegal immigrant situation has brought out alot of anti latino feelings among the white community. I can understand. i too feel angry that all these PEOPLE have come in. I'M AN AMERICAN!!!!

To Everyone.... wrote on Aug 4, 2008 5:33 PM:Wake up people!
Am I the only one here that thinks ANY type of checkpoint is un-American? I don't care what excuse the cops have for stopping me, DUI, License, etc... it's all BS. I can't believe that so many lemmings are willing to give up their rights to be willingly interrogated by the cops. In my, albeit libertarian'ish opinion, the government has absolutely no right to stop me UNTIL I break the law! It's the same thing (to me at least) as them knocking on my door, just to be sure I'm not looking at kiddie porn or growing pot on my property. I for one despise a government who labels its citizens, "Guilty till proven innocent"! Shame on you Escondido!

Keep it up EPD wrote on Aug 4, 2008 5:49 PM:I've been thru an EPD checkpoint once....showed them my liscense, registration and proof of insurance, and I was back to motoring....those who have anything to fear are the ones who knowingly violate the laws, take your chances, sooner or later you will get caught, and usually while doing something so totally stupid, it's like waving a red flag screaming " come and get me!!!"

Miguelll wrote on Aug 4, 2008 11:16 PM:I was put in a situation were a driver had crashed into me and had no license, for that i had been left to pay for all the damages. So when these checkpoints happen it helps everyone not get screwed over when some one who is driving when they are not supposed to whether they are Latino or not. Am i racist because he crashed into me and had no license and was Latino? Just happens.

anotherview wrote on Aug 4, 2008 11:29 PM:Foremost, illegal aliens have no right to live and work in America. Good citizens obey the law, and expect others to do the same. Illegal aliens break the law by driving without a driver license and automobile insurance. America functions as a nation of laws, which of course carry force and effect only when applied to all evenhandedly. Traffic checkpoints may or may not serve a racist purpose, by targeting illegal aliens, as asserted, but undoubtedly these checkpoints catch lawbreakers, and rightly so. After all, road safety benefits everybody. Law enforcement helps maintain public safety in various ways, one being traffic checkpoints to catch and remove the lawbreakers from the road. Let us support law enforcement in its positive efforts to promote road safety with traffic checkpoints.

good work wrote on Aug 5, 2008 9:18 AM:I appreciate the escondido check points...I was hit by an uninsured driver, and if we had more check points, maybe it would happen less. Also, the check points are not racist, they work for ANYONE who does not possess a license, insurance,registration,ect! An illegal Canadian would get stopped just as a illegal Mexican would. It's not about race.

To Law Obeyer wrote on Aug 9, 2008 12:47 AM:You've got that right. However, the only credentials that a foreigner needs is a driver's license from their home country. Upon its expiration, they must get a California license. This information is in the DMV handbook (page 3).