Jan. 12, 2008, 11:33PM
Minutemen's adoption of road draws objections
Border activists get part of highway in California that has a checkpoint
By RICHARD MAROSI
Los Angeles Times

SAN DIEGO — The Knights of Columbus have adopted a highway. So have the Japanese American Citizens League, biker groups, Indian casinos and the International House of Pancakes. Now add the San Diego Minutemen.

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has granted an Adopt-A-Highway stretch of Interstate 5 to the ardent foes of illegal immigration — and not just any stretch. The two miles the Minutemen will be charged with beautifying include the U.S. Border Patrol Checkpoint near San Clemente.

"How great is that," Jeff Schwilk, the group's founder, told his members in an e-mail.

Critics disagreed, saying Caltrans ignored its own rule that bars groups that advocate violence or discrimination from participating in the program.

"The Adopt-A-Highway program was designed to allow organizations to show pride in the state of California ... and it is unfortunate that the Minutemen, whose approach ... includes advocating violence, have been allowed by Caltrans into the program," said Tina Malka, associate director of the San Diego branch of the Anti-Defamation League.

Schwilk denied his group advocates violence and said no member has been arrested for immigrant-related violence.

Caltrans spokesman Edward Cartagena said the Minutemen got the stretch of I-5 by chance. The group submitted its application in November, he added, and it complied with the rule.

"The Department will not discriminate against groups that otherwise meet the program criteria based on the fact that some members of the public might disagree with the particular group's agenda or reputation," Caltrans said in a statement.

The group's two signs — one on each side of the freeway — went up in late December. Members have been given a safety course on how to clean the freeway. Their first cleanup day is set for next Saturday.

Schwilk said Caltrans rules bar demonstrations, and he and his crew would just be beautifying the roadway.

"We'll be out there in dorky-looking vests, hard hats and goggles, picking up trash. That's all we're allowed to do," he said. "We're a community activist group, so why wouldn't we take other steps to help our communities?"

Enrique Morones, president of the Border Angels, a San Diego-based immigrant rights group, questioned the Minutemen's motives.

"They're desperate to get attention, even if it means sweeping the freeway," he said.
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