kc wrote on Oct 6, 2006 12:58 AM:Not a bad idea Harris-Ebert, maybe Escondido should secede from the Union. The Union is doing nothing for Escondido. when you read the posts on these stories, probably 85% of the comments are pro the new ordinance. When the silent majority starts to talk, see how many more cities will adopt similar ordinances. Americans are just sick of it. These people don't even say thanks, just gimme more. A simple thank you would be nice. Fat chance. And who is that San Marcos council member kidding? She's just terrified they'll move into her city. San Marcos has enough problems of its own.

john wrote on Oct 6, 2006 1:17 AM:escondido shouldnt of done that all there gonna do is send them to the neighboring cities all escondido did was put our city on blast, we dont whant that were the hidden city.we should just leave they dont even bother there more quite and mind there own buisness.there just trying to make a living like you and i

gimmeabreak wrote on Oct 6, 2006 5:05 AM:Thanks for the great article on this subject. It's good to know that there are some rational public officials out there besides the two in Escondido - Newman and Holt Pfeiler - who can see beyond the cloud of frustration kicked up by locals, and recognize the fiscal mess that passing this Ordinance will create. Yes, the majority has tipped their hand and they'll blame the hundreds of thousands (minimum) spent on legal fees as the "ACLU's fault"- and certainly not their own - when Escondido fights and loses the battle over Constitutionality, but that's what happens when someone tries to legislate against Federal law that has existed since the end of the Civil War. If you had any doubts about the politicization of this by the Council members, ask youself why Mrs. Waldron would bring up her "School classmates killed on 9/11" as part of the rationale for supporting this ordinance. Shameful.

Let's pass: wrote on Oct 6, 2006 5:33 AM:A law saying it is illegal to be of Mexican decent. No tainted Mexican blood. That way we could ensure this country stays pure white and hard core christian just like esc wants. Sound reasonable to you?

Dave wrote on Oct 6, 2006 6:13 AM:KC hit the nail on the head. The majority polled want illegal's out. Notice I said ILLEGAL'S not legal immigrants. This is not a race issue, it is a quality of life issue for the United States. Houses and apartments were designed to handle one family, not all of the families relatives. City infrastructure is designed around this, and ignoring codes set forth by the city overtaxes systems designed to handle sewage, water, electricity, roads, police, and most importantly health care. I don't want San Diego and north county turned in that dump Tijuana. Smells down their doesn't it.

JD wrote on Oct 6, 2006 6:22 AM:Escondido took a stand, similar to the stand Vista took! Each stand SHOULD send a message to our elected officials to take meaningful action to fix this problem. Harris-Ebert is just like so many that want to leave well enough alone BUT leaving it alone just encourages more of the same. Taking a hard stand encourages necessary change even if it makes us uncomfortable for a while! Good for Escondido, now let's hope they do what needs to be done to enforce the law!

Dave wrote on Oct 6, 2006 6:49 AM:KC hit the nail on the head. The majority polled want illegal's out. Notice I said ILLEGAL'S not legal immigrants. This is not a race issue, it is a quality of life issue for the United States. Houses and apartments were designed to handle one family, not all of the families relatives. City infrastructure is designed around this, and ignoring codes set forth by the city overtaxes systems designed to handle sewage, water, electricity, roads, police, and most importantly health care. I don't want San Diego and north county turned in that dump Tijuana. Smells down their doesn't it.

Robert24 wrote on Oct 6, 2006 6:55 AM:Funny how the other City leaders are mostly concerned with the fact that their cities may now get the influx of illegals from this ordinance. Hmmm, maybe if they would have had their eyes open to the problem a little sooner, they would have been better prepared. Guess they will now have to show some backbone, like Sam, Marie, and Ed did in their ow City also! And, a quick FYI to Mr. Lopez in Vista; Sam, Ed and Marie already have my vote. They worked hard already to show me that they deserve to stay. I think you may have to work hard to be re-elected, sir, if you continue to support illegal activity. America has had enough, and this ordinance in Escondido is just one small step towards solving the problem.

Al wrote on Oct 6, 2006 7:14 AM:All cities in this nation should do the same thing as Hazelton and Escondido. It is the right thing for this country. It is only enforcing LAWS already on the books folks. Clearly, these ILLEGAL supporters don't abide by American law and that is why they are so upset. Bring on the $5 lettuce, I'll buy a dozen.

Darrell Issa - Why not do your job! wrote on Oct 6, 2006 7:31 AM:The poster boy of Federal cowardice is now Darryl Issa. He wants to 'minimize' his comments on how local governments deal with the issue. Mean while, other local officials assert that the Escondido ordinance will not be enforced because of Federal law. Darryl does not need to push through tougher laws, the Federal Government needs to enforce the existing tough laws. Presidents Reagan and Clinton passed the tough immigration laws. President Bush and Attorney General Alberto Gonzales have decided to NOT ENFORCE the existing tough immigration laws. Darryl Issa should be holding hearing on why such negligence is being committed by the nations top law enforcement officers!

Shakin In Their Boots wrote on Oct 6, 2006 7:52 AM:All of the neighboring communities are now voicing their concern that Escondido's ban will force the illegals into their communities, and bring the associated problems with them. These are community leaders who have avoided stepping up to the plate, like Escondio has done, by claiming that "illegal immigration" is a federal problem or by suggesting that illegals are net contributors to the economy (i.e. no definitive studies). Now they are shaking in their boots at the thought that the non-definitive problems are coming to their communities. Now the lie is out in the open. Now we know what our leaders known all along, but denied. Our leaders have failed to serve us and it's now visible in such a undeniable way.

Linda wrote on Oct 6, 2006 7:54 AM:I find it interesting that the only thing Vista councilman Lopez is worried about is the next election and if voting a certain way will make it hard to get reelected.

Bilbray MIA wrote on Oct 6, 2006 7:57 AM:Escondido is in Congressman Bilbray's office. Yet he has no opinion on the harboring of illegal aliens in his jurisdiction. What is he, an ostrich?

BRAVO Pia Harris-Ebert ~ wrote on Oct 6, 2006 8:03 AM:Finally a rational person!! You should go for Councilwoman in Escondido too! THANK YOU!!;)

Businessman wrote on Oct 6, 2006 8:23 AM:As an owner of a business, it is againt our country's laws for me to hire an undocumented worker. Isn't being a landlord operating a business?

Idea wrote on Oct 6, 2006 8:27 AM:I have read the ordinance. It is pretty cut and dry. If the ordinance is followed correctly by the land lords, then there should not be any problems with in 6 months to a year. Most, if they even signed a contract to rent, will have to re-new under the new ordiance. Plus, if any occupant is reported to the City as an illegal, they pass it on to the federal Gov. After it is in the federal Gov. hands, it is out of the City's hands. The ordiance is set up to protect those from the slum lords and to help provide those to live in better living conditions. I do have a question to the ACLU. My American Civil liberty's are being violated from so many illegal's in many differnt ways. Will the ACLU please represent me? After all I am an American! Signed, stuck in the middle!

Dale wrote on Oct 6, 2006 8:36 AM:Why do we continue to pamper and protect illegal immigrants (and anyone) that continually break our laws. 1st. Go through the steps to live in this country legally. 2nd. Abide by the laws. Then we can ALL (reds, whites, blacks, browns) be happy that you are here. Cross our borders illegaly...WRONG. Break our housing codes for health and safety reasons...WRONG. Drive on our streets without a legal driver's license and no insurance...WRONG. The list goes on. What if everybody in the USA packed their homes with multiple family members and decided to stop paying car insurance and DEMANDED FREE CITY, STATE, AND FEDERAL SERVICES? PLEASE LET'S NOT FIGHT, JUST DO IT RIGHT!

Finally wrote on Oct 6, 2006 8:39 AM:Regardless of what is thought isn't doing the right thing supposed to be the right thing? Many who are not for illegle immigration reform and border control are afraid that they will be labeled Racist. Fear is what killed 6 million jews, gypsies, mentally retarded and others in Germany in the late 30's and 40's. Fear to not act, fear to take a stand for what is right, fear to be politically incorrect. I pray that San Marcos, Vista, Oceanside all pass similar laws, for once we remove the illegal immigrants we will have room to welcome those from any and all countries that follow US Immigration Law and enter our country properly to become Americans.

Esco Watchdog wrote on Oct 6, 2006 8:55 AM:Just because more people on the blog are pro the ordinance means nothing. We know not all people use computers and blog all day long because they have jobs. Most of the people who comment on these blogs are not from Escondido anyway. So it doesnt really matter what they think because they won't be voting for our next city council members, it will be the voters in Escondido who will make that choice. If you were at the council meetings you would see that overwhelmingly the majority was AGAINST this ordinance adn the majority of those who were present at the city council meeting against the ordinance actually lived here. Who cares what the minutement in other cities think about at. They don;t live here. You may think you have more people pro the ordinance but you are misinformed. Online polls and blogs only represent a small, priviledged minority.

San Marcos, Vista and Oceanside wrote on Oct 6, 2006 9:07 AM:Bad idea Escondido, BAD BAD BAD!!! Don't do it!!!

Tim from Vista wrote on Oct 6, 2006 9:28 AM:This story just shows that San Marcos and Vista city officials dont have the back bone to step up to the plate, to stand and deliver. I wouldnt be suprised if mayor Vance of Vista has "Tina Jillings for Council" signs in his front yard. Wake up people or it will cost you. Im real tired of hearing "It wont work here" or "It cant be done". Time for a change. MANTOR FOR MAYOR.

Jess wrote on Oct 6, 2006 9:38 AM:When you live for one day as an undocumented worker out in the fields, I am sure that your mentality might change. I say as long as the pay the rent on a monthly basis just like everyone else, I dont see the problem. If the intent is to reduce "overcrowding" and "Crime", why do we stop renting to anyone one who has a criminal offense on their records. Im sure apartment complexes would go out of business with just "docmented" people or "Americans" with criminal offenses alone.

I hate to tell you this wrote on Oct 6, 2006 10:10 AM:but even the LEGAL Hispanics pack 2-3 families into a 2 bedroom condo. We have CC&R's to establish our units as single family units but every time a Hispanic family buys a condo 10 people move in and we have to get our attorney involved at a great expense to enforce the laws. We are met with foul language, hostility, and straight out threats. Lovely. We need MORE laws like Escondido and STRICTER ones!

Note wrote on Oct 6, 2006 10:30 AM:What the pro-illegal crowds fails to note is that the majority of legal voting residents want action to be taken. If the people were not for the action in Escondido, it would not be been introduced or passed. This is how the US operates by laws and not mobs. Maybe illegal immgrants should protest the deplorable conditions in Mexico that has continued for decades and seek to improve their respective contry where they can vote in a reform government.

To Businessman: wrote on Oct 6, 2006 10:39 AM:That is correct, Sir. That is why this law is simply a feel good political stunt to appease the right wing base. Doesn't mean a thing. Well, except it shows the lengths these folks will go to to stay in power.

San Marcos Resident wrote on Oct 6, 2006 10:42 AM:This is not about Race, it's about what is and is not legal. This law is not just for illegals from Mexico it is for illegals from anywhere. People have taken a "Legal" issue and turned it into a "Race" issue. You can bet when I vote Pia is not getting my vote. The SM city council should be glad, as it could mean more money for them. Obviously the leaders that are in office today are not in touch with the direction their constituants want to go. As KC,Dave, and JD correctly point out.

I don't see the problem wrote on Oct 6, 2006 10:49 AM:Illegal immigrants... what part of illegal is hard to understand. If you are here legally then you deserve every right and freedom that those born here are afforded. If you are here illegally expect not to receive all of those rights and freedoms. I think it's sad that we even have to pass a law stating that renting to those illegally here should be illegal... it should be automatic.

non-apathetical wrote on Oct 6, 2006 11:27 AM:Apartments, condominiums, and single family housing should have ordinances inacted by the city to restrict usage to a maximum. Enforceable? Much more enforceable than legal documentation sent to the Immigration Fed's. A landlords duty should be to adhere to city ordinances and instead of enforcing Federal Law. Escondido has invited its problem for years by naming itself as a sister-city to Tecate with generous funding and donations. Is it any wonder that Escondido has become a meca of illegal immigration? The solution, enforcement by Border Patrols and I.N.S. agents within the city. Property owners give up their rights for harboring illegals, and these Federal Agencies would be allowed to search a property suspected of housing illegals. It would unfortunately take Washington approval, and well, we know how long that could take if ever.

American and proud of it wrote on Oct 6, 2006 12:12 PM:Escondido did not need to pass this new law. All it needed to do was enforce what is already on the books. Overcrowding an apartment, condo, house is a safety/fire hazard. The city council is fishing for votes and they'll get them, because so many people think "All Mexicans" are illegal. This is where the racism comes in to play. I am an American of Mexican heritage. I still have distant family in Mexico, where I hope they are happy, if they choose to come to the U.S. Come!, BUT COME LEGALLY! Many American citizens will help you find good paying, legal jobs with health care, so that you can survive without aide, why would you want to live without those things anyway? You can send money to your family after you've paid taxes due and covered your health insurance. I am Born and raised in California, my family has been here since before it was a U.S. State. If the people of Mexico want to better their lives than restraint and staying a steady course is what needs to be done. $1000K+ to a coyote could easily be a good down payment to getting your immigration paperwork started, (work Visa) until you become a legal citizen. I am angry at both sides because when an issue like this comes up, few people look at the facts. It is illegal to be in this country without proper documentation. Get over it! There are racists out there using this as a smoke screen to back up their bad behavior. Not all comments posted here are racist, they are simply trying to point out the facts. Whether they be white, asian, black, or Mexicans. Whenever issues like this come up, emotions tend to flair and that's when it gets ugly. My husband is serving his 19th year of military service. Yet, people of other races still have the audacity to ask us how long we've been in this country. I do not speak Spanish. I speak the language of my country. American-English! When I lived in Germany, I had to learn key phrases to get by. When I lived in the UK, I had to learn appropriate terms used by the Brits in order not to offend. This is called courtesy for the host country. Not all immigrants entered this country legally, especially some of the ones that came through Ellis island. Read the history books people. Many immigrants had to change their names because they were entering illegally. I know many Germans did, as well as Asians and latinos. We (Americans of Mexican heritage)are treated like we just crawled under the fence by our own people here and when we visit Mexico we are treated like we don't belong, thankfully because we don't down there. We are free hardworking Americans, who aren't looking for a handout. If people from other countries want the same thing, go to a recruiting office, sign up to fight for your freedom in the U.S., serve this great country, don't demand it serve you! If not stay where you're at and enjoy what your country has to offer. Minutemen I do not respect, why aren't these guys applying for jobs with I.C.E. or some other gov't agency that enforces immigration laws? Are these men retired, or are they pulling in some form of assistance, independently wealthy, etc. that they can take time to go down to the boarder to patrol it? How is that contributing to the economy? Just want to know because I as a hard working American don't have time to waste down at the border that's what our border patrol is for. And don't go back to standing on the freeway exits with your signs. Penalize the landlords for safety/fire hazards and see if they turn a blind eye to an overcrowded apartment, house, or condo. This is the only action that needs to be taken.

US Citizen in Townsite wrote on Oct 6, 2006 12:19 PM: I believe the Federal law "Harboring Aliens" trumps a discrimination suit based on ethnic and national origin. Unless there's a law that says no state or municipal ordinance can enforce a federal law (which would be whack),I think this ordinance will stand. That being said: My suggestions to the Mayors who are mulling this over are to consider the costs and consequences to the cities for NOT following in the footsteps of Escondido: 1. I suggest they get with their respective police chiefs. There will certainly be an increase in crime -to include robbery, assault, gang fights, and drug dealing. There'll also be more uninsured unregistered traffic, and accidents. 2. I suggest they get with the superintendents of the school districts for an accounting from Escondido. There's going to be more kids in school needing remedial help and little hope of raising standards. 3. Call Town Hall meetings to discuss the impacts positive and negative. These are our towns and we have every right to determine the direction they take. 4. Ostriches take notice. Do it now! Election Day is coming up.

our words mean nothing anymore wrote on Oct 6, 2006 1:04 PM:...joining those couragous men & women who came to this country in search of personal freedom, economic oportunity,AND FUTURE HOPE FOR THIER FAMILY... I dont believe they were legal when they got here......what a beautiful thought but it means nothing anymore

ever rent an apartment? wrote on Oct 6, 2006 1:07 PM:How the heck did ever happen in the first place. Try renting an apartment. You need a credit check a identification card. Names & ss# of all occupants...... Maybe some LEGAL landlords are taking advantage of the illegal or breaking the law themselves???? Maybe slipp me a little extra and Ill look the other way..... There is two sides of the story here...

to ever rent an apartment? wrote on Oct 6, 2006 1:21 PM:I agree completely. I've sat on pins and needles till those things were checked to see if I would be approved for an apartment. Why aren't the illegals doing this? Also schools, I've enrolled my kids in school and I have to have proof of residency. How do their kids get in? Free lunch?? What the hell? The sad thing is that it's easy to take advantage of a desperate person. Pay them under the table lower wages and they won't ask questions either. It's a common greedy thing, they need money we want cheap labor.

Tony wrote on Oct 6, 2006 1:36 PM:I agree with the ordinance but I think the city let it go for too long. For the last 20 years Escondido has been building towards this issue. Escondido has lacked an aggressive code enforcement office and has let Escondido turn into the ghetto that it is. There is minimal community policing and landlords have not been getting adequate training. Neighborhoods long ago could have banned together and taken these filth ridden property owners to court (safe streets). So in my opinion by Escondido allowing things like the swap meet, flea bag motels, permits for multiple housing units, drug rehabs on every corner, housing for parolees, what do you think is going to happen with the city. The city used to be nice but city hally messed up over 20 years ago and they set the path of city to be nothing but a low income ghetto. Oh, but there is a nice Arts Center in town for non-residents to use.

prolegal/proillegal wrote on Oct 6, 2006 1:52 PM:I've posted prolegal/ban and attempted to post proillegal and the prolegal/ban stuff was posted and the proillegal stuff didn't make it. So I know which way the wind blows with the North Country times.

american wrote on Oct 6, 2006 2:02 PM:I'm sorry, last time I checked I was an American. And my family struggled horribly to come here LEGALLY! And were proud when they became a US citizen. Can i please have my country back? I love immagration! I love different cultures!! It is what makes america so WONDERFUL!!! LEGAL IMAGRANTS!!!! I fail to understand how breaking the law rewards a person? If we broke the law, we go to jail. Laws are placed in effect for a reason. People are upset and keep screaming about the children!!! Hello...don't you think people in jail who broke the law have children? It isn't about race,its about what is right and what is wrong...breaking the law is wrong. You should not be rewarded for breaking the law. Escondido is brave. I comend them for doing what is right!

Roger wrote on Oct 6, 2006 2:46 PM:It's nice to see that Pia Harris is consistent in not supporting the citizens of this country. It will be an honor to NOT vote for her next time. Hopefully some American's will run for her position! Illegal is illegal - what's the issue!?

Veteran wrote on Oct 6, 2006 3:00 PM:I applaud the efforts of the Escondido Council. At least they let their opinion be known unlike our disgusting Congress. About time someone showed some guts regarding this matter.

EscondidA>A. wrote on Oct 6, 2006 3:58 PM:everyone that is for this law to be enforced, is most likely a homeowner, so check this out, with so many apartments being for rent and vacant real estate will be taking a big hit, almost every other apartment complex in escondido turns into condos, and are put up for sale. 2of all everyone here says that this is not a racist act, where you at the council metting? did you see how many minute man people where their? did you happen to see when one got up to speak and pointed at a mexican stateing that because of people like him he can't get a job?and most important of all do you even reside in our community? if you answered no to any of these question then please hold your thoughts. Council men and women that are againts this law do not support illegal activitys, if your going to make a comment please educate yourself before hand, they are not supporting any illegal activity, their just being smart and watching their pockets as well as understanding that their community's economy can not take that big of a hit. The pledge does not state that the freedom given by this country is only for U.S. citizens, it sates and i quote "JUSTICE AND FREEDOM FOR ALL" like it or not this is beig directed to only latinos and mexicans, and no their not the same. We aport to this community we live by the rules, you talk about gangs, have you not noticed that your kids and teenagers are so despertly trying to be part of them. You say go back and fix your goverment, let me give you a little info our goverment cares for only one thing, their pockets not their people. My last point, every american citizen has every and all privaliges you can think off, from free child care to unemployment if needed, so tell if we are taking your jobs if we are hurting your community so much, then why do you have U.S. citizens in each freeway exit asking for money? their capable of working, have all the right "documantation" to do it, so why don't they? And when was the last time you helped them out. Think about that, we take what you think your to too good to take,we do the work you don't want to do, we clean your houses, watch your kids. So please explain how are we hurting you? And just for the recorn I'm a U.S. citizen and I'm against this law.

to>>>> to ever rent an apartment... wrote on Oct 6, 2006 4:04 PM:you still dont get it. Its the landlords that are allowing this. But HOW? The landlords are looking the otherway. Can you imagine AN AMERICAN CITIZEN NOT GIVE AN ID OR NOT HAVE HER CREDIT CHECK, THAT IS UNHEARD OF, SO WHY NOT CHECK THE ILLEGAL CREDIT OR THIER JOB OR THIER SS#... SOMEBODY IS NOT DOING SOMETHING ON THE AMERICAN SIDE... Even if they get kick out of thier apartments do you honestly think they will go home .. the next thing will be a homeless issue Regarding school. Its easy the kids are legal born here in america so they are intitled to it just like any other american. And pls get this straight, Not all illegal are on AFDC (welfare ) . And if they are, it is only for thier american born child not for the illegal mother or father.Its not alot. Thats where cheap labor comes in. Thats where american citizen hire for cheap. There has to be some other answer. Proud to be an American Mexican.

Pam wrote on Oct 6, 2006 5:02 PM:Any time you enforce a law and someone is on the 'other side of the law' a persons 'rights' are compromised. That is simply legal cause/effect. We need laws to live in an orderly fashion. The consequences for breaking the law have to be metted out or there is chaos. WHere is ACLU in defending my rights?

Secede wrote on Oct 6, 2006 5:28 PM:My friend and I have this inside joke about how we should make Escondido it's own country and annex Temecula. But to hear it from a reader is funny. At last,the Escondid Empire will emerge. Anyway, I think to truly understand the plight of the illegal alien, you must see and live bad life is in Mexico, especially if you were born poor. I'm not making excuses for anybody, but maybe people will understand why thy do this. The Mexican government really has some nerve to critisize the US govt. Mexico see's the US as a convienient way to get rid of the poor people of Mexico, becuase they can't or don't want to support the poor people of Mexico. It's the Mexican government thats at fault here.

follow the rules wrote on Oct 6, 2006 5:30 PM:It's a good ordinance. Nobody should find fault with it unless you are here ILLEGALLY. I predict many North County folks will move to Escondido.

ex marine wrote on Oct 6, 2006 5:30 PM:I was born in Mexico. Came illegally to the U.S. as a child. Accuired a green card after many years. Joined the USMC and served back to back all expense paid trips to Iraq. I am still not a citizen but some people view me as a war hero while others in Escondido see me as part of the problem. Resident alien or illegal alien we are all people trying to get by. I dont claim to have answers to all this maddness. All I know is that I am deeply saddened by all this. Let us not forget that these "illegals" are also the ones that wash your cars, mow your lawns, clean your houses, build your homes, etc. They wouldnt cross the border if people didnt hire them off street corners. Cant have your cake and eat it too. Semper FI!!!!!!

To to ever rent an apartment? wrote on Oct 6, 2006 6:11 PM:I agree. Theres alot of corruption in the system. My mother, who is now a US citizen, from Mexico, saw this first hand. A long time ago, my father was in the hospital, he didn't have medical insurance. The hospital admin told my mother to apply for some kind of medical insurance, I forgot the name. Anyway, they had her fill out several forms, wanted all kinds of proof of residency, credit checks, a letter from the landlord and how many cars they owned. It got to the point to where my mother found this ridicoulous. She asked the insurance people "Look, am I going to qualify for this or not!?!?! You guys are asking way to much" there responce was that she will qualfiy, but they have to make sure everything is correct. My mother again aksed them "How is it that you able to provide better coverage to illegals then legal residents, my family pays taxes and has never asked for any type of help from the government" She says the social workers tell the illegals what to do, basically lie on the applications. Work around the system. My father saw this himself. He was at an office waiting for help, a pregnant woman with kids walks in and would immediatley get assistance. The bottom line is, if you are a legal resident of this country, you need proof for everything. If your illegal, the social workers and business groups have a way for illegals to cheat the system. The laws are there its corruption, and pure greed. Thank the admin red tape for this. It sucks because if I ever wanted to run for city council, the anglos would see me as an illegal alien sympathizer and the hispanic community would see my a coconut(Sellout).

just wait wrote on Oct 6, 2006 6:58 PM:Just wait until all the illegals in escondido (roughly 25,000) start moving to san marcos and vista. After this happens lets see if their leaders still say they are for illegal immigrants, when 10 familys rent a single apartment. Just wait and see, escondidos poverty rate is 13% while vista and san marcos poverty rate is 8% . I will bet you that after a year or so vista and san marcos poverty rate will increase while escondidos rate will decrease. The city council had to do something. Escondido poverty rate is one of highest in california.

To Tony wrote on Oct 6, 2006 7:59 PM:You are right in some aspects, but have you ever seen a "real" ghetto? It makes Escondido's slums look like a Temecula nieghborhood. As far as code enforcement goes, they do enforce. Just ask my family. One call to the code enforcement people, and they are at your house next day, with fines and deadlines in tow. As for the hotels, its mostly black and white drug addicts living there. Why doesn't the city crack down on that? You probablly don't even live here. You drove through here once an made an opinion about Escondido, like most of us do about other citys. Escondido is not a ghetto, if you don't like it, then get out. Oh, and yes, I live in Escondido and I have attended event at the Arts center.

The American of Mexican decent wrote on Oct 6, 2006 8:11 PM:You made alot of sense. To much sense for this blog because, most likely no one bothered to read your well written comment. Not all minute men are racist but I'm sure a couple of them are. Like you said, it a smoke screen for them. Anyway, you make to much sense for both extreme partys. It's boring to have commen sense. If your illegal, then you are here illegally. If you are not illgeal then don't worry about it. I to served in the military and proud of it.

L.C. wrote on Oct 6, 2006 8:30 PM:If the ordenance makes illegals bunk in with others then the City of Escondido needs to follow up with an ordenance that would limit the number of people living in a dwelling. I believe ALL our cities need to do this. If illegals can't afford to rent their own place, pay for car insurance, pay for health insurance, buy food & gas then they should return to their own country. Most of us live paycheck to paycheck - we do not qualify for any services because we are not poor enough or make too much money (according to the guidelines). Illegals are handed these services with no problem & we Americans are picking up the tab - anybody see anything wrong with this? Pia Harris needs to start living next to illegals so she can change her mind or GET OUT OF OFFICE!

to follow the rules FROM ever rent an apartment wrote on Oct 6, 2006 9:08 PM:****Nobody should find fault with it unless you are here ILLEGALLY*** Like I said before I am proud to be an American Mexican...Do you notice the "American" first..5 generations in the United States.Yet, I find fault ....Your statement has blinders on it...

GFN wrote on Oct 6, 2006 9:12 PM:Businessman, a brilliant point. A landlord is in fact running a business and must follow the laws of the land. The time has come for a change; some will be deemed to be treated unfairly, but that is because those in the positions of authority and power have refused to do what they swore to do. Why do we allow this to continue?

GFN wrote on Oct 6, 2006 9:15 PM:Be careful San Marcos...Escondido and Vista have taken action...Oceanside is so full already that it's too late...so the tide will flow to you. And, it is reported that you have a significant problem already, eh?

VistaJoyce wrote on Oct 8, 2006 1:24 PM:C'mon Vista hop on the bandwagon, PLEASE. You can start with my landlord.

Not just Mexicans wrote on Oct 8, 2006 11:40 PM:I wish everyone would quit pinning these problems on just the Mexican/central American illegals. The Asian ones are just as bad, coming here on student visas then staying after expiration. Living two and sometimes three families in a single family home. And they are very good at squeezing out Anchor Babies, one after the other, and applying for benefits on their behalf (because they are Citizens, and therefore elligible, don't ya know). This is a multicolor, multicultural problem.

esteban wrote on Oct 9, 2006 10:00 AM:I love how everyone is saying, "OOOOh, just wait til the illegals move to san Marcos and Vista...!!" As if those cities are illegal free!!!!!

M wrote on Oct 12, 2006 4:36 PM:To; To ever rent an apartment; I completely understand. I've been called an oreo cookie, dark on the outside and white on the inside. A traitor or how about this one, full of self loathing. Don't lose heart MANY of us feel this way, just because we have friends of different cultures, and speak other languages,DOESN'T mean we are rejecting our heritage, we're simply ADDING to it. It doesn't look like we're going to get anywhere on these issues with extremists on both sides fanning the flames. You're right about the corruption, people don't realize that there are clinics, agencies,ect.. actively seeking these people out, there's a LOT of grant money out there to be had. There are quite a few job descriptions that are simply to instruct people HOW to use the system. They actually hand out fliers on where to go complete with instructions. Who's gonna say no!

Fight for our nation wrote on Oct 17, 2006 11:25 PM:Will Vista and San Marcos follow suit? Can they be brave enough to stand up for the rights of LEGAL citizens over those of ILLEGAL aliens? I hope so. National City has put San Diego to shame with becoming a sanctuary. We need to take our country back and fight for those who are citizens and pay taxes! really pay taxes! We can't continue to pay for things for illegal immigrants. Escondido was amazingly brave to pass this law. Three cheers for them!