Thread: ESCONDIDO, CA : Checkpoint supporters to rally

ESCONDIDO: Checkpoint supporters to rally

Demonstration set for Thursday at Escondido City Hall

By EDWARD SIFUENTES - esifuentes@nctimes.com
Posted: April 12, 2010 4:31 pm

ESCONDIDO ---- A rally in support of the Escondido police department's frequent traffic checkpoints is scheduled for Thursday, organizers said.

The demonstration is being organized by a grassroots group called Citizens of Escondido for Road Safety, which says that the checkpoints are helping to make the city's streets safer.

"This is just about supporting law and order," said Patricia Bennett, the group's leader.

Bennett said the checkpoints have helped reduce the number of hit-and-run crashes in the city by a third in the last four years.

Police Chief Jim Maher has defended the department's checkpoint policy in the face of criticism from civil rights and Latino activists. They say traffic stops disproportionately affect Latino immigrants.

Bill Flores, an Escondido resident and spokesman for the North County-based civil rights organization El Grupo, said there is no direct evidence that the checkpoints have helped reduce the number of hit and runs.

One thing is clear, Flores said, they have helped drive a wedge in the community.

"It's not that we feel it's OK to be driving without a license," he said. "We feel that this police tactic is nonproductive, cruel and divisive."

Bennett said she believes most Escondidans feel the way she does. Her group has collected more than 1,300 signatures in support of the checkpoints and the police chief.

Thursday's rally coincides with anti-tax tea party demonstrations in the region, including one in Escondido.

Bennett said she plans to have her rally from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. in front of City Hall at 201 N. Broadway. The city's tea party event takes place just a few blocks away starting at 5 p.m. at the post office on Escondido Boulevard.

However, she underscored that the checkpoint rally is nothing more than a show of support for the practice.

Bennett said she formed the road safety group about four years ago after a police officer told her there was increasing criticism about the checkpoints.

Call staff writer Edward Sifuentes at 760-740-3511 760-740-3511.

NORTH COUNTY TIMES

Police Chief Jim Maher has defended the department's checkpoint policy in the face of criticism from civil rights and Latino activists. They say traffic stops disproportionately affect Latino immigrants.

So, Latino activists (activists for just one ethnic group), why is it that these traffic stops would disproportionately affect Latino "immigrants"? Why is that?

Bill Flores, an Escondido resident and spokesman for the North County-based civil rights organization El Grupo, said there is no direct evidence that the checkpoints have helped reduce the number of hit and runs.

The organization called El Grupo - I just love the way these U.S.-based "civil rights" groups, working in the U.S. to prevent enforcement so illegals can stay in the U.S. always have Spanish names.

Thursday's rally coincides with anti-tax tea party demonstrations in the region, including one in Escondido.

If you live in the San Diego, Riverside, or Orange County area this event woill be a good Twofer

Related Posts :

ESCONDIDO: Checkpoint angst nearly prompts recall effort
A tool for racists or an effective safety measure?

http://www.nctimes.com/news/local/escon ... 0b1ef.html

http://www.alipac.us/modules.php?name=F ... c&t=194233

ESCONDIDO, CA : RECALL OLGA DIAZ AND SAVE ESCONDIDO

http://www.alipac.us/ftopicp-1039850.html#1039850


ESCONDIDO, CA:
Olga Diaz wants attorney general's opinion on checkpoints

http://www.alipac.us/ftopict-193796.html

One thing is clear, Flores said, they have helped drive a wedge in the community.
"It's not that we feel it's OK to be driving without a license," he said. "We feel that this police tactic is nonproductive, cruel and divisive."

Dividing a community, huh? How can it be called a community where one segment refuses to assimilate or learn the language?
How it is nonproductive, when checkpoints catch law breakers driving without licenses? How is it cruel to be arrested for wrongdoing, when one knows they have done wrong?

ESCONDIDO POLICE NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Lt. Chris Wynn

DATE: 04-10-10 PHONE: (760) 839-4901

DUI / DRIVERS LICENSE CHECKPOINT: April 9, 2010

On April 9, 2010, the Escondido Police Department conducted a DUI Sobriety / Drivers License Checkpoint at the intersection of El Norte Parkway and Washington Street from 6:00 PM until 12:00 AM. The emphasis of this checkpoint was to detect intoxicated and unlicensed drivers as well as to provide a highly visible operation to deter driving under the influence.

The following activity resulted from this checkpoint:

 1,605 vehicles entered the checkpoint
 1,191 vehicles were screened in primary
 67 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 driver were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
 6 field sobriety tests were administered
 34 vehicles were impounded at this checkpoint, 7 drivers did not have auto insurance,
9 drivers had a suspended drivers license and 24 drivers did not have a drivers license
 37 citations were issued at this checkpoint

http://www.ci.escondido.ca.us/POLICE/ne ... -10-10.pdf

Oh, yeah! That is cruel! Taking a ton of power inside metal away from someone who may not be able to understand the rules of the road before they kill someone!