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NORTH COUNTY ---- Immigration protests turned hostile Monday in parts of Vista, where officers called in backup from all over the county and protesters threw rocks and bottles in the crowd.
Most immigration protests and rallies throughout North County were peaceful Monday. But as night fell, the protests grew more disruptive in parts of North County.
In Vista, officers in riot gear and with dogs were lining streets in Vista Village late Monday night and ordering the crowd to disburse or face arrest.
An estimated 1,000 people crammed the streets late into the night, forcing law enforcement officers to shut down Santa Fe Avenue. More protesters were reported on Vista Village Drive, where sheriff's deputies requested backup from other law enforcement agencies.
As the night continued, there were mixed reports about whether violence had broken out. Just before 10 p.m., reports of gunshots near a McDonald's restaurant were heard on a police scanner, but Sheriff's Department spokesman Capt. Glenn Revell and an employee at the restaurant said they had not heard any shots.
Around 10:20, about 150 deputies and officers from surrounding cities lined Santa Fe Avenue on foot and in their cars near the Krikorian theater complex in Vista Village. Revell said the officers were there in "response to a what could be a serious incident." It appeared to involve the throwing of rocks, bottles or other objects.
Earlier in the day, thousands of white-shirted immigration rights protesters took part in demonstrations from coastal to inland North County Monday in a show of their social and economic clout, capping a series of protests with a candlelight vigil and speeches at Escondido's Grape Day Park.
Called "A Day Without Immigrants" by some organizers and "The Great American Boycott" by others, Monday's North County events also included rallies in San Marcos and Vista and street marches in Oceanside and Fallbrook.
The demonstrations were peaceful during the day, with at least one small local counter-protest and no arrests, reports of violence or major service disruptions.
But as night fell, the protests grew more disruptive in parts of North County. In Vista, an estimated 1,000 people crammed the streets late into the night, forcing law enforcement officers to shut down Santa Fe Avenue in the Townsite neighborhood to traffic. More protesters were reported on Vista Village Drive, where sheriff's deputies requested backup from other law enforcement agencies.
As the night continued, there were mixed reports about whether violence had broken out. Just before 10 p.m., reports of gunshots near a McDonald's restaurant in were heard on a police scanner, but sheriff's department spokesman Capt. Glenn Revell and an employee at the restaurant said they had not heard any shots.
Around 10:20, about 150 deputies and officers from surrounding cities lined Santa Fe Avenue on foot and in their cars near the Krikorian theater complex in Vista Village. Revell said the officers were there in "response to a what could be a serious incident." It appeared to involve the throwing of rocks, bottles or other objects.
In Townsite, the protests appeared to involve no more than a lot of honking cars.
In Escondido, police reported that windows in two of their cars were broken during the protests, though police said they did not see the windows being broken and no arrests were made.
Throughout the day in North County, numerous Latino-owned small businesses shut their doors to give workers a chance to take part in the demonstrations and show support for a movement spurred largely by proposed federal legislation that would declare all illegal aliens to be felons.
Major employers reported that while some workers had made arrangements to stay away on Monday, there were no massive walkouts. Meanwhile, North County school officials reported as many as 10,000 more absentees than normal, but many of the students stayed away from the public protests.
Monday's action followed immigration protests last month that began in Los Angeles and served as a rallying cry that later brought thousands of mostly student protesters to North County streets over a period of several days.
The message
Carrying U.S. and Mexican flags, protesters such as Roberto Lopez said they needed to take to the streets to show the region and the nation that they are serious about immigration rights and serious about their desire to be treated with respect.
"I've been paying taxes for 18 years," said Lopez, who joined in a march and more than 5-hour rally at Vista's Wildwood Park. "I'm here to stand with my people."
Juan Cuevo, a chef at a La Costa resort, was equally resolute about his support for immigrant rights and against strict criminal enforcement against illegal aliens.
"I've been an American citizen since 1986," said Cuevo, who came to the Vista park with his wife and 5-year-old son. "I hope they listen to us."
The same sort of message was delivered in Escondido Monday morning, where dozens of white-shirted protesters held signs and a large American flag as they greeted passing motorists at Valley Parkway and Broadway.
"I'm pleading with people to legalize them and have some heart," Oceanside's Grace Montoya said of the estimated 3 million illegal aliens in California and another 8 million or more across the rest of the nation.
Bonifacio Corral took the day off from his landscaping job in support of the protest and show of immigrant strength.
"Everybody is coming for work," said the 51-year-old Corral, who came to North County illegally in 1974 to earn money harvesting avocados and now is a legal resident. "The country needs workers."
One protester said many illegal aliens stayed away from the public demonstrations in fear of arrest by immigration agents.
But no such actions took place and Lauren Mack of the U.S. Immigration and Customs enforcement office in San Diego said the agency no longer conducts random sweeps. Those operations only occur "where there is targeted criminal activity," she said.
Escondido's vigil
A small crowd of about six dozen demonstrators gathered in Escondido's Grape Day Park beginning in the early afternoon. As schools and work let out, families wearing white T-shirts, some carrying Mexican or U.S. flags, filed through downtown streets toward the park to join in the demonstration, which included more than 2,000 people by early evening.
In contrast to the student demonstrations in March, Monday's daytime gathering was a family affair, with a mix of prayer, music, traditional dance presentations and a candlelight vigil.
Clad in white, Fidel Arellano showed up with his wife and three school-age children, all of whom had stayed home and refrained from doing any shopping.
"It's a big sacrifice for us not to go to work and be here," said the 35-year-old construction worker, adding that his boss was supportive of him taking the day off, but also withheld his $200 daily pay. "But we have to support each other."
Demonstrators hoisted American and Mexican flags as community leaders led them in chants of "Si se puede," (It can be done) and "U.S.A."
Throughout the evening, waves of vehicles circled the block waving flags and honking their horns. Some waved flags and signs of support. Others heckled the 10 counter-protesters who stood at the entrance to the park holding signs denouncing illegal immigration.
Along the western edge of the park, participants lined up to sign pre-printed letters urging California's senators to support legislation that would offer undocumented workers a path to citizenship.
Another 75 people filled out voter registration cards, according to volunteers. And organizers said they hope to register 10,000 Latino voters before June's primary election.
Isabel Moreno, 22, who came to Grape Day with her sister's children said she registered to vote because the demonstrations over the last month have made her "more interested in doing things for my people and my family."
"We want equal rights for all Latino people," Moreno said.
Vista rally
A massive display of Latino solidarity took place at Vista's Wildwood Park, where a thick wall of demonstrators crowded along the adjacent East Vista Way holding banners and flags.
The daylong rally, organized by the Coalition for Justice, Peace and Dignity, a local Latino advocacy group, was billed as a cultural event, featuring entertainment interspersed with politically charged speeches.
About 250 people, from toddlers to grandparents, were gathered in the park by the 11 a.m. start time. Volunteers wearing red "Security" shirts formed a perimeter. By early afternoon, the number had swelled to an estimated 2,500, according to event organizers and law enforcement officers.
While dance troupes and musical acts entertained, a steady stream of passing vehicles blared their horns.
Around 12:45, several hundred people left the park and marched south on Vista Village Drive. But after a few blocks, they reversed course and returned to the rally.
Vista Mayor Morris Vance took advantage of the gathering near City Hall to encourage attendees to volunteer for city committees.
"The Latino population in Vista is underrepresented," he told the crowd, which responded with applause.
Later in the day, a handful of counter-protesters gathered on the opposite side of East Vista Way holding signs, including a large one that read "You lose your rights when you enter the United States Illegally."
"I think it's a pretty sad day in America," said Jeff Schwilk, leader of the San Diego Minutemen, an anti-illegal immigration group.
Fallbrook
Ray Carney, a blogger and anti-illegal immigrant activist, had protesters march past his West Mission Road home.
The protesters stopped in front of his home and used a bullhorn to chide him.
"I laughed and chuckled," said Carney. "I think the whole effort was stupid and not going to accomplish a damn thing."
Celia Saucedo drove two hours from Indio in Riverside County to Fallbrook to participate in the march organized by her sister, Irma Echeverria, a Fallbrook resident.
Echeverria works as a housekeeper and her employer, who didn't want to give his name, came along to show his support. He sat in his car watching the marchers assemble. Echeverria has worked for him for about 15 years.
"What she's for, I'm for," he said. "She's a terrific housekeeper and does a fine job. They've got the right to do what they can do."
An estimated 125 people took part in the march, which began at El Tigre Foods on South Mission Road. As they waved American flags, passing motorists honked their horns.
Veronica Loerra, a Fallbrook resident and third-generation Californian, took a personal day from her job as a migrant services aide at Lincoln Middle School in Vista to take part.
"Our country is made up of immigrants," she said. "These people aren't asking to be citizens, just for the right to work. I am here to support that. We're trying to make a difference."
She also kept her seventh-grade daughter home from Potter Junior High School so she could bring her to the event.
"She's witnessing history," Loerra said.
San Marcos
A "We are All Immigrants" rally staged at Cal State Marcos drew a small turnout of about 150 students and professors.
A stage with posters such as those reading "We are not criminals, just workers"; "Don't put me down, give me a hand," and "It's not a felony to feed your family," featured more than a dozen speakers.
The central message was the challenges faced by all immigrants, such as student Juana Molina, who said she had to work three jobs to put herself through school and waited 14 years to gain permanent residency status.
"Please be aware of what's at stake for many, many people," she said.
Freshman Mayra Turchiano urged the city of San Marcos become a "sanctuary for undocumented workers.
"There is nothing illegal about coming to the U.S. in search of a better life," she said.
Her comment, however, displays the divide in the immigration debate. Anti-illegal immigration activists would agree with her if the immigrant enters the country legally.
Housekeeper Julia Ramirez brought her 6-month-old infant son and said the ongoing debate will decide her boy's future.
"We don't want him to be discriminated against," she said. "We just want him to have the opportunities to study and get a good education."
Oceanside march
A group of about 60 marchers of all ages started out about 10 a.m. in the North River Road area near Camp Pendleton and headed toward the coast.
When the group got to Oceanside High School, it ballooned to about 300.
"A lot of them were young people," said Oceanside Police Sgt. Leonard Mata.
The group paraded down to the Oceanside pier, turned around and walked back to the high school. A small group went into several nearby neighborhoods before marching back out toward where they started.
In Sacramento, Washington
In Sacramento, where the Legislature was shut down by vote of majority Democrats, state Assembly Republican Leader George Plescia, R-San Diego, called the boycott misguided.
"While the Democrats are out on the street protesting today, Republicans are in the capital," said Plescia, whose district includes a portion of North County. "We think it is irresponsible that the Democrats have closed the Legislature when we have so many important issues to address."
State Assemblywoman Mimi Walters, R-Irvine, whose district includes a portion of Oceanside, said lawmakers who supported the walkout should lose their salary for the day.
"It is hard to understand how our legislators can justify boycotting our own state's businesses," Walters said.
What's next
This morning, the central question is what now? What are immigrant rights' organizers next steps? What effect did Monday's actions have in Washington, where lawmakers are under intense pressure to reform immigration laws and take drastic measures to stop the flow of illegal aliens?
Although those questions cannot be readily answered, protest organizers say they plan more action in the coming weeks.
Yesenia Balcazar of the Coalition for Justice, Peace and Dignity in Vista, said Monday's events were an "awesome thing. We're making history."
The next step, she said, is an ongoing campaign to encourage Latinos to vote, write letters to Congress and volunteer locally.
"We have to build bridges in the community," she said.
Staff writers Craig Tenbroeck, David Fried, Brenda Duran, Teri Figueroa, Quinn Eastman, Adrienne Aguirre, Patti Magee, Edward Sifuentes, Paul Sisson, Jo Moreland and Paul Eakins and City News Service contributed to this report.
Note: Comments reflect the views of readers and not necessarily those of the North County Times or its staff.
Legal wrote on May 01, 2006 10:42 PM:"It was a great day. Traffic was noticeably light on the freeways. Makes you wonder why the traffic has gotten so bad in the last few years. Could it be...??? As a LEGAL RESIDENT ALIEN (one who obeyed the immigration law and followed the rules for many years in order to get here) I resent the attitude of "expecting entitlement" just because they WANT IT, rather than doing like the rest of us who followed the law to enter and live here. Realize that you either obey or law or you don't. It's black and white. Am I an idiot for immigrating here the legal way? I don't think so. Do you?"
Labor Day wrote on May 01, 2006 11:03 PM:"Let's make May 1st the official Labor Day like most countries around the world!!!! To all of you offended by the recent immigration issues. Since the grape picking season is about to begin in the Coachella valley and you claim to be able to do the back breaking work immigrants do, I propose you take two or three months vacation from your regular jobs to work in the dessert fields in 100 to 120 degrees temperature and proudly take those jobs back. I personally “been there done that” and no way in hell I’m going back. DO IT OR SHUT UP!!!!!!! "
pedro boss wrote on May 01, 2006 11:37 PM:"I belive in the right to our local mexican brothers and sister to work. But pay taxes and foot your bills in wellfare and our resources. We have all the freedoms in the states. But is it the same for me in Mexico...hell no. Go back to your roots before you protest. I belive we can fix the problems with a open mind and a willingness to work together."
Joined: Mar 12, 2006 Posts: 915 Location: California
Posted: Tue May 02, 2006 2:47 am Post subject:
Here's more local coverage. I'll note that local tv news did a fair job showing all the Mexican flags on display today at the various open border protests throughout San Diego.
VISTA – Law officers from around the county raced into Vista on Monday night to help quell what sheriff's officials called a riot, with crowds throwing rocks and bottles at deputies.
Authorities estimated 800 to 1,200 people swarming the streets after a rally to protest the proposed federal immigration bill had broken up at Wildwood Park on East Vista Way at Escondido Avenue.
Nearly 200 officers poured into town in the hours after Vista deputies radioed for help about 8 p.m.
Officers dressed in riot gear, and with police dogs, were starting to order crowds to disperse about 11 p.m.
Deputies had been monitoring the park rally, then reported that people were throwing bottles at them, sheriff's Capt. Glenn Revell said. He said deputies retreated and were not injured.
Revell said crowds split into three groups, some staying near Wildwood Park, while others congregated along Melrose Drive. Others sat down and blocked the intersection at North Santa Fe Avenue and Bobier Street until officers converged to break up the crowd.
Some 200 people walked up and down Santa Fe Avenue from Bobier Drive to Vista Village Drive. About 10:30 p.m., 40 to 50 police cars lined Santa Fe Avenue. Many officers wore helmets and padding.
“It's not supposed to be a riot, it's supposed to be peaceful,” said Adrian Olivos, 21, of Vista. “I don't know why there is all the commotion.”
“It was spontaneous,” said Christina Colt, 19, of Vista. “People were waving the Mexican and American flags. They all just came together, and out of nowhere cops just started pouring in, and canines.”
Near Wildwood Park, a mob swarmed two television trucks, throwing rocks and trying to overturn them.
“The Sheriff's Department is not placing blame on the demonstrators,” Revell said. “We believe this is a very small group of people who are making this protest for criminal behavior.”
Councilman Frank Lopez said the park rally had been peaceful but loud.
“It was calm, people were enjoying themselves,” Lopez said. He added that later in the evening, he could hear young people racing up and down the streets in trucks, waving flags and yelling.
“I saw a lot of officers go by” soon after that, Lopez said.
Sheriff's officials requested mutual aid from law agencies around the county. Five Carlsbad officers headed to Vista about 8:30 p.m.
About 9 p.m., the California Highway Patrol sent eight officers from its El Cajon-area office. A short time later, 20 San Diego police officers started racing, lights and sirens on, toward Vista. Escondido sent 19 officers and Oceanside sent nine.
They came from as far away as Coronado and La Mesa, which each sent three officers, while El Cajon sent five, National City six and Chula Vista 11.
Many officers came with patrol dogs, forming lines in the street. Some officers reported no scenes of violence as the evening wore on, but that disturbances popped up in different parts of town.
Mayor Morris Vance said the Wildwood Park cultural event featured a lot of music and speakers, but was breaking up in the late afternoon. He knew of no one with permits to march afterward.
Staff writers Kristina Davis and Elena Gaona contributed to the report.
Joined: Apr 24, 2005 Posts: 2632 Location: Sweet Home Alabama
Posted: Tue May 02, 2006 10:46 am Post subject:
I sent this to the local news programmer with this subject line:
Coming soon to a 'theater' near you!
battlefields are called theaters, so I thought it was appropriate _________________ "Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it" George Santayana "Deo Vindice"
Vista Immigration Protest Turns Unruly
Hundreds Of Officers Called In After Protesters Throw Rocks, Bottles
POSTED: 6:55 am PDT May 2, 2006
UPDATED: 8:51 am PDT May 2, 2006
Email This Story | Print This Story
VISTA, Calif. -- Deputies and police officers from all over San Diego County were sent to Vista on Monday night to disperse an unruly crowd at an immigration rally.
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Images: Vista Demostration Turns Unruly
Images: Thousands Demonstrate In San Diego
Images: Protesters Block Border
Images: Immigration Rallies Coast To Coast | More Images
Discuss: Illegal Immigration
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The demonstration began peacefully as one of the many "Day Without Immigrants" demonstrations that took place around the county. But at about 8 p.m., some of the 800 to 1,200 protesters began throwing rocks and bottles at deputies, sheriff's Lt. Phil Brust said.
Between 150 and 200 officers from police departments in Carlsbad, Chula Vista, Coronado, El Cajon, Escondido, La Mesa, National City, Oceanside and the California Highway Patrol formed riot lines and marched toward the demonstrators, telling them to disperse.
By midnight, all but about 150 people had gone home. The smaller group made a last stand, throwing more rocks and bottles, Brust said. Deputies warned the mob to disperse or face arrest. At that point, the group broke up and officers cleared the area.
No arrests were made, and nobody was injured during the confrontations.
Extra deputies were assigned to patrol Vista overnight to prevent additional disturbances, NBC 7/39 reported.
Hey great to see the coverage here of my neighborhood. Yeah I live here in the Townsite barrio. I can tell you that the protests were pretty subdued until the High school let out. From that point on, it was non-stop horn honking and speeding thru the streets with Mexican flags everywhere. I'm not surprised at the violence, and harrassment of the police. Of course the San Diego Sheriffs - who are contracted by Vista-are especially despised by the Mexicans because of the 3 fatal shootings of gang members this past year. The city council ignores this section of Vista - the Mormons - who run the Vista City Gov't - are afraid of them I think.
VISTA ---- Community leaders and sheriff's personnel Tuesday praised a crowd of up to 2,000 residents who demonstrated peacefully in Wildwood Park the day before, but rebuked those who turned violent that night.
"What happened last night was just pure lawlessness," Mayor Morris Vance said Tuesday. "It was contrary to what I think should take place."
There were no arrests or injuries reported Monday night in Vista, where a group of protesters began throwing rocks and bottles at officers and riling up crowds as they left a peaceful, daytime demonstration against a federal proposal to crack down on illegal immigration.
City and San Diego County Sheriff's Department officials are looking for what they called a small group of protesters who incited the larger standoff, and the city has asked deputies to strengthen their presence in Vista, especially for the Cinco de Mayo holiday Friday.
It was unclear how many protesters in the crowd of up to 1,000 people Monday were throwing objects and verbally harassing officers and how many were simply observing the situation.
"We didn't actually see any one person throwing the rocks," said sheriff's Lt. Hernando Torres on Tuesday. "We didn't know where they were coming from."
Protesters jammed North Santa Fe Avenue, forcing sheriff's deputies to close the street to traffic and call for backup. There were several reports of fighting, vandalism and reckless driving, Torres said.
Almost 200 officers from numerous law enforcement agencies throughout the county responded in riot gear, and the crowd gradually dispersed throughout the night and early morning.
On the other hand, Vance said, the organized event in Wildwood Park, on the corner of Escondido Avenue and East Vista Drive, was "exactly what it should have been."
Tina Jillings, one of the organizers of the daytime cultural celebration in Wildwood Park, said the later protest had nothing to do with the peaceful event put on by the Coalition for Justice, Peace and Dignity. She said she thinks it is unfortunate that the attention shifted from the larger gathering, which ended at 5 p.m., to its negative aftermath.
"Our event ended at five, and it was peaceful, and it was productive," she said. "We don't even know if these individuals were attending the event or who they were."
Jillings is a cofounder of the coalition, which was formed last summer after deputies shot and killed three Latino men as they either ran from or assaulted officers. She said tension felt in the Latino community after the shootings was partly responsible for the protesters' angry response to deputies. Torres and Vance disagreed.
Though deputies broke up the demonstrations without injury or arrest, Jillings said she thinks the Sheriff's Department should have handled the situation Monday night very differently.
"I felt like I was in the middle of a war," she said.
As night fell after the event in the park, a small group of rock-throwing protesters turned into a much larger crowd of up to 1,000 people who poured into the street. Some chanted in Spanish. Others drove slowly around, shouting and holding up flags.
During the evening, one person crawled up on top of a car and shouted. Another man sprayed a fire extinguisher into the air.
Sheriff's deputies and officers from all over the county responded, eventually creating a long parade of cars and officers on foot, some with police dogs. The slow parade pushed through the streets while a voice on a police loudspeaker threatened protesters to go home or face arrest.
The armada of police cruisers and officers, many in gas masks, eventually ended up squaring off with a group of what appeared to be about 50 protesters outside an apartment complex on West Los Angeles Drive. Sheriff's officials Tuesday put the number of gathered protesters between 200 and 300, with a few of them throwing rocks.
Whatever the number was, the protesters and the police and deputies stood watching each other for long, tense minutes. Police dogs barked. Protesters whistled. A helicopter roared overhead. And over a loudspeaker in a rock-dented solo sheriff's car out in front of the officers, came a repeated message ---- in English and Spanish ---- to go home.
The crowd eventually did so, and by about 1:30 a.m. Tuesday, the area was clear and calm.
Torres said the department acted properly by calling in backup and using protective gear, and that officers had to plan for the worst-case scenario.
"We needed to have enough resources to deal with the unknown," Torres said.
Deputies were patrolling the park as well, but Torres said the crowd there was very respectful and peaceful.
Joyce Rogers, who was at the park as one of a handful of counter-protesters, said that other than a few obscene gestures and harsh words, most of the protesters were respectful.
"Most of the people in the park were respectful and proud," she said. "We're all neighbors here."
While Torres said he thinks many Vista residents were happy about the gathering in the park, he said he doesn't think the majority of community members supported the later protests.
"I don't think that what happened last night is indicative of what the community is like in Vista," Torres said Tuesday. "There were a lot of cowardly people who took advantage of the group's organized activities to create a disturbance."
Note: Comments reflect the views of readers and not necessarily those of the North County Times or its staff.
American wrote on May 03, 2006 8:27 AM:"Time to start reporting all the contractors and sub-contractors who hire illegals to IRS, INS and all the other wonderful American Agencies. We are also reporting resturants, and other businesses, want to hire an illegal, deal with the IRS!! And for you property owners that rent to 10 illegals in one apartment you are being reported for code violations, so go ahead enjoy! OPERATION BACKLASH has begun!"
Fed Up wrote on May 03, 2006 8:42 AM:"Good coverage of the story. A couple of points you missed were seen on a TV interview of Tina Jillings, speaking for the Coalition for Peace, Justice, and Dignity, was that she minimized the number of people involved, criticized the handling by Law Enforcement, and made a big deal of the Sherrif's Dept. not having more Spanish speaking officers. Her comments were that "her community speaks Spanish, not English, so get over it". Great comment for someone conected with the Coalition. Nice going lady. You just erased any trace of compassion I had for illegal aliens."
What began as a peaceful day of protests in Vista on Monday morphed into a strange scene, with police shutting down roads as protestors jammed onto street corners. At one point, a main thoroughfare in the city hosted a bizarre sight: about 200 police officers marching down an empty street.
By the end, events treaded into dangerous territory, when the riot-gear clad law officers stared down an unruly rock-throwing crowd.
In the Townsite neighborhood around 9 p.m., the crowd at the corner of West Los Angeles and North Santa Fe hovered around 800 or so. Many were quietly standing along the street corners; a few spilled into closed-off North Santa Fe. Some chanted in Spanish. Others drove slowly around, shouting and holding up flags. Electricity fused the air, and most in the crowd appeared fascinated by the scene.
By 9:30 or so, a few in the crowd moved slightly down the street, in front of a large apartment complex on West Los Angeles.
Traffic there came to a halt as a group of unruly protesters ---- who appeared to be in their late teens or early 20s ---- stopped and partied in the middle of the road, an impromptu happening. Vehicles blocking the intersection parked in a circle. One person crawled up on top of a car and shouted. Another man sprayed a fire extinguisher into the air. Many ran around with large flags.
People and protestors floated in and out of the area down side streets.
By 11 p.m., less than a mile away, law enforcement officers from agencies across the county were lined up on North Santa Fe Drive, at the corner of East Vista Way.
With police dogs and their handlers leading the way on foot, about 35 police and sheriff's cars carrying about 200 officers, followed behind. The walking officers and cars with flashing lights spread out the width of shut-down North Santa Fe during their slow push north up the street.
A handful of protestors followed the parade of police and deputies in alleys parallel to the street, some whistling and calling out jeers.
At one point, the push stopped and a contingent of about two dozen officers turned up a side road to seek out the unruly, who appeared to disperse.
The eerie parade of police then crawled further up North Santa Fe, turning right at West Los Angeles, the site of a massive gathering earlier in the evening that saw about 800 people lining the sidewalks and some spilling into the shut-down street.
But when the rolling armada of cars reached the intersection, the area was mostly clear ---- save for a few people who'd parked in a dirt lot on the northeast corner of the street. One woman, holding an infant, stood outside of her car, videotaping the surreal scene.
The march down West Los Angeles came to an abrupt halt about 11:20 p.m. when officers stopped about 100 yards from the large apartment complex at 300 West Los Angeles, at the corner of Benito Juarez ---- which happened to be site of the earlier impromptu street party.
The geography of the area ---- since the complex runs along a sharp curve on West Los Angeles ---- meant the contingent of officers were staring straight ahead at what appeared from one vantage point to be about 50 people on a knoll inside the gates of the apartment complex.
Sheriff's officials put the number of gathered protesters between 200 and 300, with a few of them throwing rocks. At least one sheriff's patrol car has "a big dent" from a hurled rock, said Lt. Hernando Torres of the Vista substation.
Whatever the number was, the protestors and the police and deputies stood watching each other for long, tense minutes.
Police dogs barked. Protestors whistled. A helicopter roared overhead. And, over a loudspeaker in the rock-dented sheriff's car came a repeated message ---- in English and Spanish ---- warning everyone to go home.
Behind and alongside the officers one West Los Angeles, a few residents peeked out of their windows ---- and a handful ventured outside their doors ---- to watch the stare down.
About 20 minutes into the stand-off, many of the gathered protestors suddenly broke and ran deeper into the complex. Some who stayed remained on the grassy hill inside the fence, staring at the police.
The officers pushed forward.
The crowd thinned a little more.
Two minutes after midnight, about two dozen riot-gear clad officers pushed not far up a driveway into the very darkened complex.
A few minutes later, the officers left the complex. Torres said on Tuesday that the SWAT officers in the driveway encountered about 15 or so people, who quickly dispersed.
By 12:30, with the area quiet and seemingly cleared of protestors, police and deputies regrouped down the road and began to leave in small groups ---- a far less imposing image than their approach.
By 1:30 a.m., Torres said Tuesday, the scene was declared clear of trouble.
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Comments On This Story
Note: Comments reflect the views of readers and not necessarily those of the North County Times or its staff.
Susan wrote on May 03, 2006 5:06 AM:"What a mess the streets are after this. Trash every where. Clean up your own neighborhood. Some on left tire marks all over the streets. Could that have been GANG members showing off? Could that have been GANG members causing all that mess and wasting the sheriff and police time?"
Vista Resident wrote on May 03, 2006 7:56 AM:"I though all illegal aliens were law abiding and just came here to work? WHAT A BUNCH OF CRAP! This is an example of the REAL behavior these people are bringing to America. Vandalize and destroy your neighborhoods Mexico, not Vista! Way to show your true colors! Good job illegals!"
Mommie wrote on May 03, 2006 8:09 AM:"I think there are too many idiots out there who have no clue as to what is really going on, and not understanding the purpose of the protest. In reality, those who are out there waving their flags, drivin up the street honkin their horns, are quite annoying. It gives the perception to others in our society that hispanics are ignorant, disrespectful, and do deserve to be deported. "
Vista Resident wrote on May 03, 2006 8:19 AM:"I didn't mind the driving up and down my street with their flags, horns etc. I saw one car with a few girls sitting outside of the windows (not belted in)a very dangerous thing to do, and against the law! But when it comes to calling in extra Police from all over the county because some refused to disburse, and throwing things at officers, who do they think will pay the charges for the extra Police? It will be the tax payers, most of whom were in there homes."
DW wrote on May 03, 2006 8:20 AM:"Why wasn't there any arrests? We are becoming a lawless society. No law and order! Do these people really really want America to turn into Tijuana? If so we need to defend our country NOW. We are being invaded! Article 4 section 4 of the constitution says the feds must protect her states from foreign invasion. Bush hasn't done this, now it is up to us Patriots, (support goups who are taking a stand and get rid of these gutless politicians). Wake up America."
"Mayor Morris Vance said the Wildwood Park cultural event featured a lot of music and speakers, but was breaking up in the late afternoon. He knew of no one with permits to march afterward. "
I'm not reading that right, am I? I mean, I can't be! Illegal aliens, protesting in OUR streets, demanding citizenship in OUR country, after breaking the law by entering ILLEGALLY....and it's referred to as a "cultural event"??? Sounds like this man would refer to the burning of Atlanta as a "weinnee roast"!!!
For the love of Pete! As southerners, we're all to familiar with what a government-sanctioned invasion looks like, and needless to say, that's exactly what this is! How much longer are we going to let politicians sell our country downriver? And yet, when the violence spills over into the streets, you can bet Americans will be arrested!
As far as coverage of the riot, I did see Fox News talking about it. They were talking about how ICE Agents have said they would never raid a rally like this, just for people using their right of "free speech". Exscuse me - but when do ILLEGAL ALIENS have the same rights as American citizens???
I'm sick of it. I'm sick of them thinking they can force themselves upon us, turning our country into the cesspool Mexico has become, and doing it with the backing and support of our "elected officials" (cough cough choke). I'm sorry - the politicians may be spineless, but American citizens aren't - and the illegals are going to keep pushing until we push back - all the way to the Mexican border! _________________ D. Donnette Leonard American Citizen
"Mayor Morris Vance said the Wildwood Park cultural event featured a lot of music and speakers, but was breaking up in the late afternoon. He knew of no one with permits to march afterward. "
I'm not reading that right, am I? I mean, I can't be! Illegal aliens, protesting in OUR streets, demanding citizenship in OUR country, after breaking the law by entering ILLEGALLY....and it's referred to as a "cultural event"??? Sounds like this man would refer to the burning of Atlanta as a "weinnee roast"!!!
For the love of Pete! As southerners, we're all to familiar with what a government-sanctioned invasion looks like, and needless to say, that's exactly what this is! How much longer are we going to let politicians sell our country downriver? And yet, when the violence spills over into the streets, you can bet Americans will be arrested!
As far as coverage of the riot, I did see Fox News talking about it. They were talking about how ICE Agents have said they would never raid a rally like this, just for people using their right of "free speech". Exscuse me - but when do ILLEGAL ALIENS have the same rights as American citizens???
I'm sick of it. I'm sick of them thinking they can force themselves upon us, turning our country into the cesspool Mexico has become, and doing it with the backing and support of our "elected officials" (cough cough choke). I'm sorry - the politicians may be spineless, but American citizens aren't - and the illegals are going to keep pushing until we push back - all the way to the Mexican border!
Good morning, Rebeldame, and welcome to Alipac. I hope you'll stick around and help us fight this fight. We're all sick of this invasion...northerners and southerners, easterners, westerners...democrats, republicans, black and white and anything in between!
I wonder how long this would last in Australia? The Prime Minister of Australia took a hard stand on illegal immigration and told people they must assimilate and learn English.....and you don't see riots over there.
Maybe we need to send GWB to Australia for a Leadership 101 class. _________________ www.alipac.us
Joined: Jul 13, 2006 Posts: 1709 Location: California
Posted: Thu May 03, 2007 6:37 pm Post subject:
Rebeldame wrote:
"Mayor Morris Vance said the Wildwood Park cultural event featured a lot of music and speakers, but was breaking up in the late afternoon. He knew of no one with permits to march afterward. "
I'm not reading that right, am I? I mean, I can't be! Illegal aliens, protesting in OUR streets, demanding citizenship in OUR country, after breaking the law by entering ILLEGALLY....and it's referred to as a "cultural event"??? Sounds like this man would refer to the burning of Atlanta as a "weinnee roast"!!!
For the love of Pete! As southerners, we're all to familiar with what a government-sanctioned invasion looks like, and needless to say, that's exactly what this is! How much longer are we going to let politicians sell our country downriver? And yet, when the violence spills over into the streets, you can bet Americans will be arrested!
As far as coverage of the riot, I did see Fox News talking about it. They were talking about how ICE Agents have said they would never raid a rally like this, just for people using their right of "free speech". Exscuse me - but when do ILLEGAL ALIENS have the same rights as American citizens???
I'm sick of it. I'm sick of them thinking they can force themselves upon us, turning our country into the cesspool Mexico has become, and doing it with the backing and support of our "elected officials" (cough cough choke). I'm sorry - the politicians may be spineless, but American citizens aren't - and the illegals are going to keep pushing until we push back - all the way to the Mexican border!
I believe that one of the times we had problems with them and push came to shove, we ended up owning what was once Mexico all the way down to about Mexico City.
They need to be reminded of it when they make their little reconquest speech. If they have the right, are they still going to be singing that tune if 27 million of us show up down there?
As usual, I find it highly alarming that no matter what the police do they are in the wrong. There are too many incidents where police are attacked, assaulted or have things launched in their direction then they are discredited for reacting. I think rubber bullets are fine. I think that those who were hit with them should be asked a whole lot more questions than the cops are asked. And I also realize more and more each day why it is so hard for cities to find law enforcement agents willing to risk their lives to protect the citizenry. Another sad day for Americans. _________________ If the US Government won't punish employers who hire illegal workers, the US Citizens must refuse to do business with anyone who is suspected of hiring illegals.
As usual, I find it highly alarming that no matter what the police do they are in the wrong. There are too many incidents where police are attacked, assaulted or have things launched in their direction then they are discredited for reacting. I think rubber bullets are fine. I think that those who were hit with them should be asked a whole lot more questions than the cops are asked. And I also realize more and more each day why it is so hard for cities to find law enforcement agents willing to risk their lives to protect the citizenry. Another sad day for Americans.
May the Lord above forgive me Junius, but my regret is that rubber bullets were used instead of, {mod edit}? I wasn't around for the Kent State tragedy, but I know 4 protestors lost their lives - and I believe they were Americans. Why is our government now so bent on being soft on illegals??
I read a statement where an ICE official stated they would never raid these rallies looking to arrest illegals. My question is - Why not??? If they're brazen enough to protest in OUR streets, why is our government not brazen enough to show up and arrest them??? _________________ D. Donnette Leonard American Citizen
Posted: Sat May 05, 2007 3:04 am Post subject: illegal immigrant protest turns violent
[b][i]
Whats sad in all this is that yes the police said that violence broke out and that it was a few who mixed into the protesters. They threw rocks and acted uncivil then it appears that others joined in. I later turned on the news and they showed on T.V. the chaos and how the helicopter hovered overhead and asked the crowd to disperse.
Granted they said it in English but that is the American language and anyone with common sense would have read the signs and dispersed. I know in Mexico if the police come in force the Mexicans know its not good and leave, give me a break you know a few of them understood English. Those that stayed were either ignorant or wanted something to happen. So they could say see what they did to us. I watched that one man who lifted up his t-shirt to show where he was shot by bean bags. A common tool to break up riots. Yeah it looked nasty but honestly anyone who plays paintball knows its nothing. I had worst looking welts on my 12 year old son who loves paintball. Yeah it hurts just briefly more like a bad sting for a couple of seconds then it stops and you know what in a few days its all gone. Trust me at some games you get shot more then that; and they were just kids. That was obviously shown by the media to elicit abuse and sympathy.
Unfortunately I don't feel sorry for illegal immigrants who are breaking the law just being in our country. Never mind taking social services made for American Citizens; making us pay their medical bills, or paying for their education through property taxes; also scholarships and grants lost to our children who are Americans given to illegals. ICE or the INS should have been sent to these rallies and started asking for IDs. Probably would have found thousand of false ones. Its sad to think our own government allows law breakers to run amok and assemble as if they were US citizens. Why not open the gates to prisons too and let them assemble and protest and ask for things.
The worst of it all is that the chief of police it out there apologizing for maybe too much force. And they will investigate any illegal actions taken by officers. Those illegal actions taken by illegal immigrants count I hope. I almost want to reach into the T.V screen and smack some sense into him.
One thing has to be remembered they are here illegally that means they broke the law. Why where they not being checked for IDs is beyond common sense. To say the truth I think this ill guided let them all become legal amnesty thing Bush proposal is having a heavy handed trickle down effect where this guy and others in law enforcement fear that the government may come in and declare them wrong. And sent them to jail.
As Citizens of this great country we must demand that all illegal immigrants be Identified and deported and what better place then at meeting area's demanding to be citizens. How more obvious is it.
Last edited by skeptic on Sat May 05, 2007 8:51 pm; edited 1 time in total
Posted: Sat May 05, 2007 7:15 am Post subject: Re: Riots break out in Vista, CA
[quote="concernedmother"]
Quote:
NORTH COUNTY ---- Immigration protests turned hostile Monday in parts of Vista, where officers called in backup from all over the county and protesters threw rocks and bottles in the crowd.
Most immigration protests and rallies throughout North County were peaceful Monday. But as night fell, the protests grew more disruptive in parts of North County.
As time goes on, we are going to see more violence. They are being embolded by democrats and republicans saying things like, "we need them for work Americans will not do," "we cannot round them all up and deport them," people giving them sanctuary,nd business continuing to hire them, and as ICE crack down of them harder and especially when no amnesty bill will be passed, we are going to see more violent protest. It will not be peaceful as the civil right protestors. We are going to see riots [b]much more violent than the Rodney King and the Watts riot.[/b]
These people think they have a god given and a legal right to be here and that is dangerous thinking. The have it in their heads that they are more valuable to the economy than the Americans citizen and they are indespensable.
These people think they have a god given and a legal right to be here and that is dangerous thinking. The have it in their heads that they are more valuable to the economy than the Americans citizen and they are indespensable.
Very true Dyehard, that is why it is so important that their way of thinking is shown to be flawed and they need to be escorted back to where they belong. Between their govenment saying they are heros for coming here and our governemnt welcoming them with open arms they definitely have the wrong impression. _________________
Running FULL FORCE AGAINST AMNESTY for ILLEGALS!!!!
Joined: Jul 13, 2006 Posts: 1709 Location: California
Posted: Sat May 05, 2007 12:00 pm Post subject:
April wrote:
dyehard39 wrote:
Quote:
These people think they have a god given and a legal right to be here and that is dangerous thinking. The have it in their heads that they are more valuable to the economy than the Americans citizen and they are indespensable.
Very true Dyehard, that is why it is so important that their way of thinking is shown to be flawed and they need to be escorted back to where they belong. Between their govenment saying they are heros for coming here and our governemnt welcoming them with open arms they definitely have the wrong impression.
If we need anyone to come and work we could get honest people from all over the world to fill the positions.
Also I would say any need for workers is very debatable from what I've been seeing.
Our biggest concern right now should be getting the criminals in and working for the government charged and replaced with honest people.
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