Escowatchdog wrote on Nov 16, 2006 11:41 PM:I knew it. These city attorneys should be fired they don't even know our constitution. Wasting our taxpayer's money...shame on Escondido!

Big Al wrote on Nov 17, 2006 12:21 AM:Stay the course Escondido...Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day and all these illegals didn't arrive here yesterday...It's gonna take time, effort and money to get the ban to work and good things are worth fighting for. Next step should be the employers...

Skip wrote on Nov 17, 2006 12:59 AM:Only a minor setback. As I like to say "it is not over until the fat lady sings" or as my friends might say "no es excedente hasta que la señora gorda canta".

House Rules Needed wrote on Nov 17, 2006 3:44 AM:Many poor people are willing to live in crowded conditions if it means they can split their rent 8 ways or more. And landlords who allow overcrowding, do so to better their odds of collecting from a class of people who are judgment-proof since they have no assets. Escondido should be attacking the HEALTH AND SAFETY of such housing arrangements, NOT THE CITIZENSHIP of the occupants. For if we ever clean up our immigration problem, there will still be poor people who wash the cars, bus the tables, and would like to crowd 8 or more into an apartment to save on their share of the rent. And there will be slumlords who run their housing as such.

RWC wrote on Nov 17, 2006 4:56 AM:Seems the people no longer rule in America. The government should be here to serve the people not vice versa. The ACLU's agenda is socialism and communism not freedom.

gimmeabreak wrote on Nov 17, 2006 5:31 AM:Well, that was certainly worth it. Anybody want to make a records request to the City and find out what its cost so far, just for that phase? Or would you rather pile up a stack of twenties from the City's treasury - a very big stack, douse 'em with kerosene and burn them? Six of one, half dozen of the other. Oh, and yes, Judge Houston grasps the meaning of the word "illegal" as well as "unconstitutional."

Mac wrote on Nov 17, 2006 5:36 AM:Once again the ACLU is out to destroy America. The San Diego chapter is quite active, remember the Boy Scouts. What rights does an illegal immigrant have? Just because one was born in the US does not make them citizens. I have a niece born in Saudi Arabia does that mean she is an Arab? NO! Wake up and take back Americas laws. We are becoming a nation without a moral compass.

Ruben wrote on Nov 17, 2006 5:53 AM:Wow what a surprise, also it doesn't apply to renters renting now. Why don't they just say it doesn't apply to humans since this racial city council thinks they're not human. Losers told you illegal law what part of illegal don't you understand?? Pay & pay city!!

Avg Joe wrote on Nov 17, 2006 6:00 AM:Here's another case where the voters make a statement at the voting booths only to have it overturned in courts. And the experts wonder why voter turnout is down every year!

Ray wrote on Nov 17, 2006 6:08 AM:I told you so folks. The ordinance was poorly written, violated state laws regarding landlord-tenants rights and relied on municipal code trumping state law. You can't xerox an ordinance from Hazleton Pennsylvania and expect it to work in Escondido California. The City Attorney of Escondido is a poor attorney, any 1-L (first year law student) could have figured out all the flaws in this ordinance. Maybe when Escondido is serious in cleaning up their barrios they might take time to draft an ordinance that follows the law.

Taxpayer wrote on Nov 17, 2006 6:25 AM:Escondido needs better legal advice than they got when they drafted the ordinance. Or did the minutemen draft the ordinance? The judge is correct: the city manager's memo of interpretation exceeds his authority. If the council can't get good advice, they need to hire more qualified attorneys. These are our dollars paying for this fiasco.

And this is: wrote on Nov 17, 2006 6:32 AM:Only the tip of the iceberg. Whatever numbscull put this forward should be put out of office.

Stanley wrote on Nov 17, 2006 6:39 AM:Thank God--someone that actually has read the Constitution of these United States of America. What part of discrimination don't you understand, Gallo?

Sam wrote on Nov 17, 2006 6:50 AM: Interestingly this article reads, “raises serious questions" about a number of federal and state issues.” This is because Judge Huston is new to the bench and does not have much experience/ knowledge to make a ruling on these statements says a lot about the caliber of judges in the Southern District of San Diego. who is appointing/voting for these judges?

Robert24 wrote on Nov 17, 2006 6:57 AM:No need for worry over a spineless judge and his decision, just enforce the laws on the books already. Gather the proper information required to show proof of citizenship and legal status to rent anything. Call in all SS numbers, and do random checks on rental property landlords to show that they have done their due diligence before renting. These laws all exist already. Just enforce 'em! Problem solved. BTW, keep up the driver's license checkpoints also, and deport anyone here illegally.

Dave in Oceanside wrote on Nov 17, 2006 6:59 AM:Houston said he believed that private rental agreements would not qualify for the program, since individuals would not be receiving a public benefit in return. What do you call FREE hospitalization? That’s one heck of a public benefit. Who do you think pays for that! I’ll give you a clue; it’s the legal taxpayers of this country. How about City services like police and fire protection, isn’t that a public benefit? How about the infrastructure built by the city, roads, parks, sewer etc. Houston said he did not believe temporarily blocking enforcement of the law would hurt the city in any way! Last time I looked, taking something that does not belong to you is theft and that hurt’s every legal taxpayer.

Problem Solved! wrote on Nov 17, 2006 7:05 AM:How about a judge issued a temporary restraining order blocking illegal immigration to the US? Oh wait thats already illegal. This is nuts! And yes it goes without saying punish the employers along with the scumlords.

Ted K wrote on Nov 17, 2006 7:22 AM:Here we go again. The ACLU gets the federal court to legislate from the bench. Another activist judge that knows what is best for you. God help this country. For those of you who stay home on election day, this is the kind of outcome for your apathy.

Cynic wrote on Nov 17, 2006 7:30 AM:Come on Minuteman nutcases, accuse the federal judge of treason and threaten violence against him.

hmmm wrote on Nov 17, 2006 7:39 AM:There are some major controll issues going on here. I think some of the city council members are trying to enforce this idiotic law based on control issues of their own. Lets look at the human rights side of the coin. What are all the children of these "law breaking citizens" going to do when forced out on to the street? Think we have a gang problem now in Escondido? Just wait!! Good move judge...it IS an unconstitutional attempt at a law.

pattie wrote on Nov 17, 2006 7:50 AM:no back bone. something has to be done. ITS ABOUT BREAKING THE LAW. WE HAVE LAWS. AMERICA, what are you waitting for???????????????????????????

Minutemen wrote on Nov 17, 2006 7:50 AM:Minutemen where are you hiding now?

Judges are a Joke wrote on Nov 17, 2006 7:58 AM:Leave it to the Judges to go against the will of the people. Maybe this Judge should allow the illeagals to live in his neighborhood. When his property value goes down and his house is broken into a few times, or his car is hit by an illeagal without a drivers license or insurance maybe he would change his mind. But for now these judges are way out of touch with reality.

Mike the Marine wrote on Nov 17, 2006 8:01 AM:It is a part of the U.S. Constitution, that no new law can have retroactive effect over any previously legal activities or circumstances before it was enacted. Everyone is automatically “Grandfathered”, and any first year law student knows this. For example (for some of the tiny minded readers), a new law prohibits the use of chewing gum in the city. Anyone chewing gum before the new law takes affect cannot be found guilty of the new law but can be found guilty only after the new law takes effect. Once again the ACLU shopped around for a judge to legislate from the bench. Additionaly, the city manger playing lawyer, made a serious error when he provided a memo “clarifying” the rental ban. Just ammunition for the other side.

Issue a Restraining Order to Protect Taxpayers! wrote on Nov 17, 2006 8:05 AM:What about the taxpaying citizens of Escondido who are harmed by having to pay the health, education and social services for the illegals? Who is going to issue a restraining order to protect our pocketbooks?

Esc: wrote on Nov 17, 2006 8:08 AM:Has no idea what it is doing. The city attorney, at least, needs to be fired. Then look elsewhere.

You Lose wrote on Nov 17, 2006 8:10 AM:Why is it that everyone else can see how idiotic this ordinance is? You can't get the federal government to enforce the laws that you want enforced so you resort to picking on the weak - many of whom are women and children. Bullies always pick on the weak.

Oops wrote on Nov 17, 2006 8:13 AM:Another federal judge finds an illegal alien ordinance unconstitutional. What a shock. Good idea to pay outside lawyers to lose after the city attorney gave the ordinance the green light. What a bunch of losers.

Escondido Bullies wrote on Nov 17, 2006 8:15 AM:Looks like the haters lost again. When will you learn that poor people are not the cause of your failures in life. Look in the mirror.

Nice Try Waldron wrote on Nov 17, 2006 8:16 AM:How much is this fiasco going to cost us? Get out of this now! Our tax dollars are lining the pockets of outside attorneys.

We are so stupid wrote on Nov 17, 2006 8:20 AM:Why did we elect these to our City Council? All they are going to do is waste our tax dollars. Escondido is making such awesome strides in becoming a beautiful place to live. But once again, the powerful few are ruining it for the rest of us.

Minutemen Out wrote on Nov 17, 2006 8:22 AM:Minutemen leave our community now. All you are adding to our community is hate and turmoil. Also, you should probably think about moving out of your parents' house and getting a job.

KenBone wrote on Nov 17, 2006 8:23 AM:This is outrageous! I'm sick of liberal activist judges overturning the expressed will of the people. We need to get the illegals OUT! Ship 'em out! And send the judges with them!

iPress Info wrote on Nov 17, 2006 8:31 AM:The Judge used an alternative test requiring the applicant to show that serious questions are raised and the balance of the hardships tips sharply in favor of the moving party. The serious questions were not answered in this hearing. Also, Judge found that the harm caused by the loss of income to a landlord and by the possible wrongful eviction of a tenant far outweighed the harm to the City by waiting to enforce the ordinance.

Thank God! wrote on Nov 17, 2006 8:42 AM:Bravo!!!!! God Bless America!!!

Maria wrote on Nov 17, 2006 8:50 AM:CONSTITUTION ROCKS!!! I HOPE WE ALL LEARNED A GREAT BIG LESSON FROM THIS RESPECT THE RIGHTS OF ALL PEOPLE WHO ARE IN THE COUNTRY LEGAL OR ILLEGALLY. I AM SO HAPPY THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED AND I THANK THOSE GROUPS WHO BROUGHT THIS INJUSTICE OUT INTO THE OPEN. IT IS GOOD BE KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON SO TYRANNY AND EVIL WILL NOT RULE.

Pluto wrote on Nov 17, 2006 9:01 AM:Shame on the NCTimes for hiding this important story on page 3, Local Section. And shame on Waldron, Abed and Gallo - what part of illegal don't they understand?

Valid Complaint wrote on Nov 17, 2006 9:02 AM:So far, there is a general agreement that an admission by a landlord can be a valid complaint. I wonder, if a landlord mentions that the tenant asked whether they should move out because of the ordinance, is that an admission?

Marilyn wrote on Nov 17, 2006 9:04 AM:Now I can breathe a sigh of relief. Finally, this runaway vigilante Escondido City Council has been stopped in it's tracks. Before you roll your eyes and scream puleeeeez - know this: our Supreme Court system has knocked this same attempt down each time it's come up since something like 1865! Every now and then some errant-thinking city or town tries to re-write it and fails. Illegal immigration is the job of the Federal Government - not local. There are no procedures in place to check this kind of documentation and the ban itself denies due process to landlords. Mr. McKenzie's letter to the editor (published today) speaks volumes. The City Council could care less what the correct procedure might be, or what the people of Escondido (through a vote) really want. They're just hell-bent to smash this ban through all the barriers; damn the jurisprudence system. They'll have it their way no matter what the cost.

Katarina wrote on Nov 17, 2006 9:06 AM:Marie Waldron got elected and that is what this whole thing was about. She knew this would happen and did not give a crap about us the taxpayers in Escondido. I did not vote for her because she is cold hearted woman. She would sacrifice housing for families for political gain. She is an embarassment and I can not believe she was re-elected. I guess we can only expect more of this type of activities from her because she does not care about us, oh correction she only cares about us when there is an election. Marie you are bad for Escondido and I am glad that I did not vote for you. Please let us know just how much your illegal activities are going to cost us. The residents of Escondido should demand an accounting of the expenses generated from this fiasco.

Pedro wrote on Nov 17, 2006 9:10 AM:No suprise here, immigration is a federal juristiction. Any laws you try to enact against us will be knocked down by the ACLU. Nice try, we're here to stay, get used to it, we're taking over, we work for less and that's how we get ahead. No habla Ingles, lol

morty wrote on Nov 17, 2006 9:13 AM:I AM OUTRAGED THAT THE ILLEGAL PEOPLE HAVE MORE RIGHTS THEN LEGALS.

Escondido lawyers wrote on Nov 17, 2006 9:14 AM:We sure love this Escondido City Council! Boy howdy, we are going to make a fortune out of other people's tax money to defend the indefensible - blantant and hateful housing discrimination. Oh happy days!

AResident wrote on Nov 17, 2006 9:37 AM:Well, lets see. If this law does not go through, it just means that the CITY OF ESCONDIDO need's to have the INS start doing their job on a daily basis. They can round them up. That way the landlords won't have to worry. Their tenants will just dissapear. No eviction. Have plan "B" ready Escondido council.

So Cal Native wrote on Nov 17, 2006 9:45 AM:Ha Ha Esconstinko. We all knew this was going to happen. This was just a ploy by Marie Waldron and you all fell for it. NOW U WILL PAY! Cities cannot trump Federal laws already in place. Esconstinko should just concede and take there loss's before it really gets expensive.

Emily wrote on Nov 17, 2006 9:47 AM:How is it that illegal people have more rights than legal people? I do not see how allowing undocumented immigrants to contribute even more to the economy by paying rent is a bad thing. Either you get them to pay rent legally, or you'll find them in the canyons not paying rent to anyone, and you won't like that either. They aren't going to go back. No matter how bad conditions can be, they will stay to work and give their families better lives. No matter what immoral laws we pass to try to get them out of here, it will never work!

Not surprised wrote on Nov 17, 2006 9:58 AM:I am not surprised by this ruling. What I don't get is, how is it legal or constitutional for business owners to be required to confirm their employees' immigration status before hiring? Most landlords are for profit, aren't they? Their rentals are "income properties," are they not? So if that is how they earn their money, shouldn't they too be required to make sure that their are no illegal aliens involved? To Morty--criminals, be they citizens, legal immigrants or illegal aliens, have always had the upper hand. It's the American Way!

Back Bone wrote on Nov 17, 2006 10:13 AM:Will the Escondido City Council fold again????? Like they did with the hospital!!!!!!

Maria wrote on Nov 17, 2006 10:14 AM:Thank you ACLU. Maybe now the City Council will realize it should focus on bringing Escodido residents together instead of pitting them against each other for political gain.

Response to House Rules Needed wrote on Nov 17, 2006 10:14 AM:House Rules Needed—you are right on the mark this is precisely what Piper (Vista lawyer) did the key defense here should be HEALTH and SAFETY!!!! The ordinance should have these words.

to--Maria wrote on Nov 17, 2006 10:20 AM: Maria what point are you trying to make using all caps? It is very difficult to read and it is improper use of capitalizations.

American Citizen wrote on Nov 17, 2006 10:23 AM:Enforce the laws already on the books and let the border patrol do their job Everyday not just when it's convienent and to Pedro...No Habla Espanol because my mother did not want us to speak broken English. I am tired of paying for your children, I have grand children that are being raised to abide by the laws and earn more money Not expect others to pay their way !!!

Why did the North County Times not post the PDF file of the arguments and the ruling? wrote on Nov 17, 2006 10:25 AM:The issue here is not the ligality of the marits, it is how it has been written....Judge Huston is new to the bench and is not familiar with the laws. The ACLU used exacly the same brief that was used in the other state. The issue is not who is right or wrong it is who wrote a better argument. Why did the North County Times not post the PDF file of the arguments and the ruling?

Down the tube: wrote on Nov 17, 2006 10:30 AM:Now. Esc will see lots of red ink this year due to it's elected stupidity.

Idea wrote on Nov 17, 2006 10:30 AM:Of course this is federal juristiction. I think everyone knew this. The questions is, why do the Feds not do anything about the large pockets of illgals? Anyone with the answer, please let us know. The Boarder Patrols hands are tied by the super liberals of this Country! They have assumed the role of DEA agents at the boarder. The Boarder Patrol fear they will be sued, ACLU, for racial profiling. Hello, we live next to Mexico!

El Guero wrote on Nov 17, 2006 10:33 AM:Judge Houston said that the city's reliance on a federal database to confirm that a person is in the county illegally seems flawed because it would not provide definitive proof. Then what would constitute 'definitive proof'? A dozen sworn affadavits? DNA matching? How can even the federal government, which is the only agency constitutionally authorized to determine who and who isn't in the country legally, enforce our immigration laws if they can't rely on their own stinking data base?

El Guero wrote on Nov 17, 2006 10:34 AM:Oh, and Judge Houston is a GW Bush appointee. That explains a lot.

To Maria: wrote on Nov 17, 2006 10:41 AM:How do you bring Escondido residents together, when on one side you have well educated middle class people living in tract homes, and on the other side you have non-English speaking, non-educated, and non-legal people living multiple families to a house or apartment, in Tijuana Shantytowns? R/ Sylvia

To ACLU wrote on Nov 17, 2006 10:42 AM:Dear ACLU, please support me in my law suite against the school district. My childerns Civil rights are being violated. They are forced to learn on there own in the corner because so many students in their class do not understand english. Us Parents can do as much as we can at home to help improve their studys. Unfortunitley, us parents are forced to do jobs the illegals cannot do. We only own two cars and live in only a 1400 sq ft house. Please help! We feel if we do not assimulate to the Mexican culture, we could loose our jobs and our kids will be forced to learn Spanish.

Anyway wrote on Nov 17, 2006 10:56 AM:Don't matter of the ruling, I am starting anyway, and asking for SSC, BD, etc. before I am renting. Also will have in lease agreement number of people authorizte in house. Don't like it don't rent.

Harry wrote on Nov 17, 2006 10:58 AM:It is interesting to read the comments from those who have been so smugly saying, "what part of illegal don't you understand?" and those who wring their hands and protest, "we have nothing against Mexicans, if only they weren't breaking the laws of our country". Well the court has spoken and it maybe that Escondido is breaking the law and violating the Constitution. What part of that "illegal" don't they get? I believe there is a way to address the problem with the boarder, but it requires good will and willingness to problem solve, rather than race bait!

Maybe wrote on Nov 17, 2006 11:00 AM:The US citizens should start suing groups who discriminate them and don't protect their rights. ACLU would be one of the first.

To the English Teacher wrote on Nov 17, 2006 11:04 AM:WHO CARES IF I CHOOSE TO USE ALL CAPITAL LETTERS. THE MESSAGE IS THE SAME...HATE STINKS AND THE CONSTITUTION ROCKS!!! SO PLEASE DON'T HATE THE MESSENGER. I AM SO GLAD THE HIGHER COURTS SLAPPED MARIE, SAM, ED, AND THE MINUTEMEN RIGHT ON THE FACE. I DO NOT APPRECIATE MY TAX DOLLARS WASTED ON THIS KIND OF RIDICULOUS LAW, ORDINANCES AND BANS. NOW JUST FOR YOU TO BE HAPPY LET ME JUST SAY....I told you so!!!

Maybe: wrote on Nov 17, 2006 11:14 AM:A law can be crafted in such a way as to respect the rights of renters. If so then it could be legal. I suggest that someone write a new one that has some experience in this area. It's obvious that the City is confused. Poor people.

EXPERIENCED wrote on Nov 17, 2006 11:14 AM:Judge John A. Houston, 54, United States District Court Judge. Prior to his nomination to US District Court by President George W. Bush in 2003, Judge Houston was a magistrate judge for 4 years. Prior to his appointment to the bench, he served as an assistant U.S. attorney in San Diego (1981-1998) and as a legal officer in the U.S. Army (1978-1981). He received his undergraduate degree from North Carolina A&T State University (1974) and his J.D. from the University of Miami Law School in Coral Gables (1977).

Escondeeter wrote on Nov 17, 2006 11:17 AM:Actually, David's wrong, the City Attorney's Office DID release a statement regarding the ruling shortly after it was handed down. The statement's on the city's web site.

Concerned wrote on Nov 17, 2006 11:20 AM:It's sad to see how far this country has slipped down the slope of political correctness. I abhor the comments from the Reubans, Marias, Pedro and Plutos. With people like you, we are done. To Escondido: Keep going, enforce the laws, punish the overcrowding slum lords and keep trying to clean up your city by throwing out the trash.

Concerned wrote on Nov 17, 2006 11:39 AM:I'm amazed at how may misinformed, or misled, people there are. Do you not see a problem? Do you not see the squalor? Feel the impact of crime? Are you comfortable in the third world?

Very Upset wrote on Nov 17, 2006 12:08 PM:Well it looks like Waldron and her followers didn't get what they wanted. To bad to sad for them. After reading your comments over the past couple of weeks, I have been really upset and sad to know that our community is so full of hate. I always thought that Escondido was an awesome place to live and I have lived here for 33 years. LET THERE BE PEACE AGAIN.

No comments ha wrote on Nov 17, 2006 12:11 PM:This ordinance the way it was motified by Escondido at the last minute, would have done nothing anyways, even if it passed, ha ha to all of you persons who wanted to divide the community.

Danny wrote on Nov 17, 2006 12:11 PM:Is sad when our counsil members decided figure out how to hurt people instead of trying to fix the crisis that they created, no enforcing health ordinances was their first mistake,using this ordinance to create division in the community is second; now is time to stop this from making the third-one that is wasting our tax dollars in something that is unconstitutional and illegal. I hope we can unite as community and do something positive instead of destroying each other, let's make something positive out of this. remember those are the tax dollars of this community that our city council wants to throw to the lawyers. we can use that money in a better way. let's get together and show our Christianity.

what's up!!! wrote on Nov 17, 2006 12:16 PM:where are the crazy blogs?

Keep it simple wrote on Nov 17, 2006 12:34 PM:If the City Council is serious about eliminating overcrowding all they have to do is put "No Parking 2AM to 6AM" restrictions on city streets where slumlord abuse exists. This very easy to accomplish solution is time tested and has proven effective in other California cities. Similar rules enacted by other cities have already been upheld by the courts. At the August 16, 2006 Escondido City Council meeting the motion was made and passed directing staff to "prepare an ordinance and/or policies to regulate overcrowding, renting to illegal immigrants, and on-street parking restrictions." To negate the efforts of the anti-ordinance crowd, there is no excuse for the city council not to immediately enact restrictive parking rules, for all practical purposes, solving the overcrowding problem. If the slumlords cannot provide on-site parking and the city does not provide on-street parking the excess tenants will vacate the premise. That is the objective. Relying on slumlords to voluntarily change their ways, the courts to be reasonable or the federal government's cooperation is ridiculous.

Concerned wrote on Nov 17, 2006 12:38 PM:Escondido passed a law against renting to illegals. A federal judge said that might hurt the illegals and the slum lords that rent to them. And the beat goes on.

MARIANA wrote on Nov 17, 2006 12:48 PM:WELL WELL WELL WHAT DO YOU KNOW,FIRST OF ALL THIS WAS OUR LAND FIRST IF ANYTHING YOU GUYS SHOULD BE THE ONES TO BE DEPORTED, IT WAS NOT CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS WHO DISCOVERED AMERICA BECAUSE WE WERE ALLREADY HERE SO LETS JUST REMEMBER THAT.AND JUST IMAGINE IF WE WERE NOT HERE THERES STILL GOING TO BE SOME ON WELFARE,ROBBING,KILLING,GANGS(GOTHICS) ETC. DO YOU THINK YOURE REALLY GOING TO GET A HOLD ON THAT DONT BLAME US OR USE US AS YOUR ESCAPE GOAT YOU NEED TO ACCEPT YOURE INITIAL MISTAKES.NOT TO MENTION ABOUT 80% OF HISPANICS OWN HOMES THERE MEANING THEY ARE HARD WORKING INDIVIDUALS LIKE TEACHERS,SOCIAL WORKERS,POLICEMEN,NURSES,ETC.SO PLEASE LETS JUST RELAX ON THE LATINO ORDINANCE .

Anarchy Abounds wrote on Nov 17, 2006 1:31 PM:As a Free Person and Sovereign Citizen of the United States of America I demand that Judge John A. Houston be impeached.

Maybe wrote on Nov 17, 2006 2:19 PM:US citizen should start suing groups and others for not protecting our rights. DO WE HAVE ANY???? Like the letter I email I received from Newman saying basically quote: If I feel unsafe for my family here in Escondido, because of gangs and harassment, I should consider moving away from Escondido. I should sue, because the City is not protecting my rights. I should sue the ACLU because all what they stand for is against protecting my rights. I am a US citizen and I do believe I have rights! DO I ACLU & Newman?

El Guero wrote on Nov 17, 2006 2:22 PM:Dear MARIANA: I wouldn't dream of using you as my escape goat.

El Guero wrote on Nov 17, 2006 2:24 PM:Happy New Year, everybody!

the illegals screwed up wrote on Nov 17, 2006 2:25 PM:when they had their illegal alien fest in May. The silent majority has had enough and ordinances like this are springing up in cities all over the country. Sure the ACLU and other anti-american groups will slow the process through the courts but law abiding citizens will eventually win the battle.

No ordiance needed wrote on Nov 17, 2006 2:31 PM:we were invaded by foreign nationalist, this defines as a act of war. 20 million war criminals here in the USA. Now the law also states that if the feds cannot or will not protect the American citizen, then the American citizen can form militias and use arms to defend themselves as stated in the 2nd admenment. Alos those the protect the war criminals in our country such as politicans, judges and lawyers such as the aclu then open themselves up to citizen arrest under treason. Note also that children born of war criminals do not enjoy 14th admentment. Think about it, militias are now forming across america.

Jessica wrote on Nov 17, 2006 3:02 PM:Congratulations to this Judge for his right decision, because the poor, the people with less opportunities such as the undocumented christians, were the target of the anti-immigration law. God is watching..!!! remember we are all the sons and daughters of God.!! a piece of paper, should not make any difference!!!

Greg in Oceanside wrote on Nov 17, 2006 3:23 PM:Here we have the illegal alien supporters and rental ban critics singing their victory songs, with many of the rental ban supporters venting, and the arm-chair quarterbacks giving us the ‘I told you so’ speeches. People, this is just a ‘hold on a minute’ check to see if everything is legit. Once a determination is made, any corrections to the ordinance can made to correct any illegalities. What the rental ban supporters need to do is wait and see, and come up with a game plan to deal with any worst case scenarios that may arise. Also, it may not be here right now, but computer technology will eventually be put in place around the country that will allow landlords and employers to do checks on citizenship status thus avoiding any legal issues.

Very Upset wrote on Nov 17, 2006 3:39 PM:To all of you who voted for Waldron and her, well you know... Thank you. Now all of us are paying the price for the so called laws that are costing everyone tons of money in taxes. I can't believe how many haters and racists people came out of the woodwork with this new law. Escondido is a great place to live and we should welcome evryone. I have lived here for 33 yrs. and have never felt the anger and hate that I see now. I am a Mexican/American and tired of being judged if I am legal or Illegal. Please people back off and bring some peace to our community. To all the Minutemen I have one message for all of you GET OUT OF TOWN! and leave us alone! Maybe that way we can have some peace in our city.

New Year's Party wrote on Nov 17, 2006 3:55 PM:Two thousand zero zero party over. Out of time. Tonight I want to blog like it's 1969 (Dec 31st that is at 3:59 pm).

We shall overcome!!! wrote on Nov 17, 2006 4:01 PM:Go Waldron! Go Sam! God bless you!

It's New Year's Eve wrote on Nov 17, 2006 4:01 PM:Here we are on New Year's Eve in 1969. I bet losers from Escondido will still be trying to pass unconstitutional ordinances in the year 2006.

Very Upset wrote on Nov 17, 2006 4:02 PM:To Morty I am sorry that you feel that way. But, well thats the way the ball rolls. And ha, ha, ha it did'nt roll your way. We are all human beings and we have trash in all races. Why don't you complain about all the White homeless trailer trash we have in Escondido? At least the Mexicans are working in the fields bring food to your table and I could go on and on and on. First look around and then start pointing fingers

Thankful wrote on Nov 17, 2006 4:06 PM:How thankful am I that I don't have to live in the slum called TJ....I mean Escondido.

Figures wrote on Nov 17, 2006 4:22 PM:Just another judge trying to play god. I cannot believe that the ACLU and 2 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT'S are getting away with trying to stop this law from passing, only in America. Stay strong Escondido, you can do this. These people are scum!

Robert24 wrote on Nov 17, 2006 4:33 PM:illegal (i-lee-gal) adj. against the law, immigrant (im-i-grant)n. a person who has immigrated, law (law)n. something that must be obeyed, spineless (spin-lis) adj. lacking determination or strength of character, Hmmmmmm, all of the above seem to describe the problem this ordinance was put in place to protect. If the spineless judge would stick to the law, and if the immigrants would come here legally, none of this would be happening now, would it? As for how much putting this ordinance in place so far has cost, who cares? It is a drop in the bucket compared to what the illegal problem is costing us. I'm just back from DC, where I visited the Korean War Memorial, and read these words "Freedom Is Never Free". Rings true today as much as ever. Spend the money, let's get the illegal freeloaders out of here! Don't waiver, Escondido, hold the course. Full speed ahead!!!

Racist wrote on Nov 17, 2006 4:38 PM:I am so sick of you illegal lovers calling Good Americans Racist. It that the best you can do! Get a new line! If you think we are all racist and are making your life so miserable, than MOVE TO MEXICO since you think its so great. Towns across America are going to make so many ordinances that the ACLU Losers will go Bankrupt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Viva La Minutemen and women. Answer to the illegal immigration problem, Deport, Deport, Deport!!!!

Escondido's Ignorant Electorate wrote on Nov 17, 2006 4:40 PM:Well here we go again with yet another example of Escondido's overpaid city attorney and city manager, along with the current characters on the city council thinking that they can somehow supercede the U.S. Constitution. And all at taxpayers' expense, of course. The highest paid city attorney and second-highest paid city manager in the county, and this is what they come up with? No wonder Escondido is fast becoming the laughing stock of California. They should all be fired and replaced quickly, before they come up with any more bright ideas that will cost Escondido taxpayers millions.

Who cares how much it cost wrote on Nov 17, 2006 4:43 PM:If tax payers are going to pay for all these illegal third world vagrants, then us tax payer will make the cities pay for protest, police protection and legal fees. The only way to preveil is to keep on fighting. Hazelton PA are getting major private donations for legal defense. If Escondido has to go broke to get rid of illegals, so be it. We will all still be better off without them. Better us spend our taxes then them spending our taxes either way it COST! Sue Mexico!!!!!

Bozos wrote on Nov 17, 2006 4:48 PM:This was just about 100% predictable. It's mind-boggling that anyone thought the law would stand. It's mind-boggling that anyone is shocked now. It's not this or that judge: it's simply unconstitutional. The Constitution trumps "the will of the people", in fact, a chunk of the Constitution was written for exactly this purpose. However you feel about "illegals", the unconstitutionality of the Waldron idea was obvious from the start. It did its job and got her elected. Is Waldron now willing to pay out of pocket for the legal fees that she and her supporters brought Escondido? Fees and the failure that she knew perfectly well would be incurred? Her supporters should send contributions to the Escondido city council to cover the cost of this folly. Why should the rests of us have to pay for their guile or stupidity?

The City Attorney of Escondido is a poor attorney wrote on Nov 17, 2006 4:58 PM:We need to fire Jeffrey Epp now.

Reardon wrote on Nov 17, 2006 5:05 PM:Hmmmm. The same Federal Government refuses to rent its federally-owned rental properties nationwide, to illegal aliens -- and it requires a drivers license from a state that will not let illegal aliens get driving licenses as a method to ban illegal aliens from renting. I would hope that the same rules that the U.S. Government uses would be sufficient rules for the City of Escondido to use, and that eventually a Federal Judge would see that.

I take back my vote wrote on Nov 17, 2006 5:12 PM:Marie, Ed, Sam, you keep on changing the ordinance. Even if it passed, it changes nothin the way it was changed three times and it keeps on getting weaker and weaker, now that she got elected. I wish I could take my vote back on Waldron, you belong with your minutemen, out of this town.

Adam wrote on Nov 17, 2006 5:43 PM:Our government must be taking notice. All over America, towns and cities like Escondido are passing laws to combat Illegal Aliens who are encroaching on the taxpaying public. People are getting fed up with the lack of action on both the state and federal levels. I support one such online anti-illegal immigration group on yahoo and in my web links section I have listed over 1,000 mainstream and private groups that are doing what they can to get the word to politicians that the present situation is just UNSAT. All over America, newspaper and web blogs just like this one on the NCT show that the American Public is overwhelmingly against Illegal Immigration. We who feel strongly about this issue will not rest until our government takes back control of Immigration and follows are established laws. If people don't like the laws then they need to change them first before they disobey them. I hope Escondido learned something today, and they write a better law and do not give up on protecting its' city from being overrun by illegals.

Skip wrote on Nov 17, 2006 5:55 PM:Just for fun I just Googled "ESCONDIDO SLUM". A few pictures and stories came up. The problem is worse than I thought. Check the "Google Images"

Opportunity wrote on Nov 17, 2006 5:55 PM:Supporters of the ordinance have nothing to worry about. We know the mindset of the council members we voted into office. They will continue to work on this and other avenues to correcting the illegal immigrant problems. This restraining order gives us the opportunity to find out what areas of the ordinance needs to be tweaked. It's just feedback on how to make it a better ordinance, one that will withstand any challenges.

Ingrid wrote on Nov 17, 2006 6:01 PM:Problem is -- there isn't really such a thing as "poverty" in the USA. The kids of these $17,000 yearly households will be attending schools at a cost of $10,000 or more a year --- gift from the taxpayers. These so-called poor will be given unlimited high quality health care, free babysitting and free lunches at Head Start. They'll live well with fat housing subsidies and food stamps. No one comes here because they can support their large families on $17,000 a year --- they come because the government makes it very very profitable.

fitz wrote on Nov 17, 2006 6:03 PM:Used garage doors are taken to Mexico and the Mexican govt. sells them as house kits. Most of the people using them think they are the best thing ever. Guess where the USA is heading. It ain't to the stars anymore

indalay wrote on Nov 17, 2006 6:07 PM:It appears that the once-American town of Escondido is becoming the Santa Ana (Orange County) of San Diego County. Article sent to Governor Arnold with a nasty note, but he's too busy telling Mr. Bush that he doesn't want troops on the California border...like a good little boy, saying exactly what Mr. Bush told him to say

To MARIANA wrote on Nov 17, 2006 6:08 PM:ESCAPE goat? hee hee hee hee, rotflmao!

to-EXPERIENCED wrote on Nov 17, 2006 6:36 PM:4 years as a magistrate judge is not a lot of experience but I know that Bush appointed some judges with no experience at all. So I guess 4 years is a whole LOT of experience compared to NONE!!!!

Tom wrote on Nov 17, 2006 7:24 PM:"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal. That they are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights. That among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." No matter how many times I read this, I still cannot find the word "citizen". Can anyone help me?

Willie wrote on Nov 17, 2006 7:53 PM:Some of the bloggers who have been complaining that illegals have more rights because the judge rule for the TRO need to remember this: One reason the law appears to be unconstitutional because it will discriminate against LEGAL RESIDENTS like myself that are 6th generation Californians. Not beause it protects ileegals. But perhaps this is too complex to comprehend or does not neatly support your hatred and simplistic reasoning.

BILL2 wrote on Nov 17, 2006 7:54 PM:Some people are advocating eliminating benefits for aliens. I agree, and we should make it retroactive. The illegal alien onslaught started shortly after the discovery of these lands by Columbus (or whoever REALLY did discover America). The early aliens lived in harmony with the native people until greed set in (a very short time span.) From then on it was a case of robbery, murder, and broken treaties. Once Mexico owned most of the western half of this country, so the Mexican people can claim a right of heritage going back 500 years, The Native Americans, of course, can claim a much longer heritage. The rightful citizens of this country have every reason to be upset about the aliens in their midst, they have been murdered indiscriminately, including the infamous smallpox infected blankets incident which killed men, women and children. They have been shoved from one undesirable piece of land to another as the aliens discovered yet another way to get rich, and the alien Government which had stolen the land from them made promise after promise that they failed to keep. Yes, we have an alien problem in this country, but let us not forget that WE are also aliens.

Skip wrote on Nov 17, 2006 8:13 PM: The Leftist axiom "All people are equal", ostensibly originated in the Declaration of Independence. Although the Declaration stipulated only that "all men were created equal", and even in doing so, it did not established a scientific fact but a legal principle and a political cornerstone of the American republic, the postulate "All people are equal" has been unconditionally accepted by many Liberals, particularly those of left-leaning orientation, as the revealed truth and anyone who questioned it was immediately called a "racist" - the "quod erat demonstrandum" closing argument of any political dispute in today's America. It's not difficult to predict that stubborn Liberals who created the current mess will try to do more of the same, calling "racist" all those who dare to question their "All people are equal" axiom. In particular, those who don't believe that the American border should be open for all these equal illegal "migrants" from Mexico have already been labeled that way.

To -Tom wrote on Nov 17, 2006 8:13 PM:Tom maybe you are reading the wrong article of the constitution. What is it that you are looking for? H.R. bills? Congressional Amendments? Hummm, I suspect that you and the ACLU are looking for the 14th Amendment to the Constitution to support your stand. If so it is you and the ACLU that needs to prove that the 14th Amendment applies to illegal aliens. No one is declaring that they have no right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The issue is, are they legal residents of this country!! If indeed they are legal residence then they can pursue their dreams. The 14th Amendment is assuming that it is speaking to legal residents. If they had been included in the Constitution congress would have never drafted anti-immigration laws. You cannot read between the lines something that isn’t there. Sorry Escondido’s ordinance was kicked out because it was poorly drafter not because it was not within its jurisdiction to make these type or ordinances. Escondido needs to get some real legal representation because these lawyers cannot hack it.

MAD wrote on Nov 17, 2006 8:15 PM:A racist is a guy who refuses giving away race-based handouts to disadvantaged population that, by and large, lacks the genetic hereditary background necessary to compete in a success-driven, merit-based society.

Born American wrote on Nov 17, 2006 8:22 PM:Democracy is based on people being educated on the issues and being able to question "authority" especially when the desires of the majority are not listened to. "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness...that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its power in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness." It appears our DC politicians are so hell bent on their own agenda, they have totally forgotten their oaths of office and the US citizens, who pay their salaries, and whom they represent. They are very naive, if they believe we will allow this to continue in the future.

Samuel wrote on Nov 17, 2006 9:00 PM:You know, they should come out with a law that also goes after the renter on the lease as well. Who ever rented the apartment or house, should be fined or jailed if they knowingly allow Illegals to live there. I think that would be better to do than to go after the landlord alone. Also EVERYONE: Please make sure you all send the ACLU a Christmas card in the mail, not a happy holidays, but a CHristmas card. They hate that!

Ingrid wrote on Nov 17, 2006 9:31 PM:As it becomes clearer each day that the federal government has no real plans to enforce immigration law in this country, more and more local communities have begun searching for ways to deal with their own illegal residents. It is worth noting that when the tiny Texas town of El Cenizo voted to make Spanish its official language in August, the ACLU, let alone LULAC, didn't make a peep.

HARRY wrote on Nov 17, 2006 9:36 PM:RIGHT ON SKIP, AND AL. IT WILL TAKE TIME,AND IT WILL HAPPEN.DON'T EVER GIVE UP.IT MAKES ME SO SICK TO MY STOMACH. NOTHING GOOD AT ALL COMES FROM THESE PEOPLE.

You can't stop Mexicans wrote on Nov 17, 2006 10:17 PM:We win!! If some of you don't like Mexicans, move to France. More room for us! LOL

For the Ignorant wrote on Nov 17, 2006 10:24 PM:It may be worthless, but I'll try. Just a few points: It's funny how you're quick to denounce the ACLU, as they are the ones who fight for your right to spew hate and ignorance up down the streets and in the faces of Escondido's hard-working people. It's not the cops, it's not the gov't., for if the cops dared infringe upon your free speech rights, the ACLU would be all over it. And don't get it twisted, the ROADS you drive down in your CLEAN CAR, the FOOD you eat, at home or at your favorite pretentious RESTAURANT, the CLEAN OFFICE you go to work to, the children that are LOOKED AFTER, are all part of the migrant labor force so that YOU can have a more accomodating life and they can EAT. God forbid. Am I clear? Haven't you heard the latest? Migrant workers pay taxes. When they make purchases they pay sales taxes, with worker IDs given to them by the gov't., and on and on. Don't think that they're in it for any type of free ride. You act like this is your country to RUN. It's nobody's. It was never Columbus', nor Cortez's to claim ownership over. 514 years later here we are, the descendants of the pillagers pleading with their government to "close the borders in fear of being pillaged". This ordinance has nothing to do terrorism much less with laws. If it did, wouldn't Bush be impeached for illegaly torturing SUSPECTS and spying on its citizenry? These are all solid reasons and actualities that makes your racist logic stink. BROTHERS, SISTERS, HAVE NO FEAR, IMMIGRANTS ARE WELCOME HERE!

Bill2 wrote on Nov 17, 2006 11:17 PM:indalay wrote: ... Governor Arnold ... he's too busy telling Mr. Bush that he doesn't want troops on the California border...like a good little boy, saying exactly what Mr. Bush told him to say" Doesn't indalay know that Bush Federalized the National Guard? They no longer belong to the states. All of this talk about "Illegals" is just a red herring to hide the REAL problem. Our government is bringing thousands of "LEGAL" refugees into our country under the guise of saving them from repressive regimes. I have heard that there are 50,000 Iraqi Christian refugees in El Cajon alone. Where did they put them? El Cajon is not a large city by any means. This has happened since our "Liberation" of Iraq. Strange that it was not necessary for them to seek sanctuary from the "brutal" secular regime of Saddam where they could openly worship. Our government will undoubtedly find a way to shorten the requirements for them to become instant citizens as they did for about a half-million Vietnamese, who were reported to have sold millions of dollars worth of gold that they brought with them, while we were supporting them on welfare. I guess if our own citizens won't vote for the current regime it is necessary to import voters.

Response to Tom wrote on Nov 17, 2006 11:31 PM:Tom maybe you are reading the wrong article of the constitution. What is it that you are looking for? H.R. bills? Congressional Amendments? Hummm, I suspect that you and the ACLU are looking for the 14th Amendment to the Constitution to support your stand. If so it is you and the ACLU that needs to prove that the 14th Amendment applies to illegal aliens. No one is declaring that they have no right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The issue is, are they legal residents of this country!! If indeed they are legal residence then they can pursue their dreams. The 14th Amendment is assuming that it is speaking to legal residents. If they had been included in the Constitution congress would have never drafted anti-immigration laws. You cannot read between the lines something that isn’t there. Sorry Escondido’s ordinance was kicked out because it was poorly drafter not because it was not within its jurisdiction to make these type or ordinances. Escondido needs to get some real legal representation because these lawyers cannot hack it.

Roberto wrote on Nov 18, 2006 12:10 AM:House rules..hit it right on the head. The phobes really should spend their energy worrying about something they can change.

You Haters Are Funny wrote on Nov 18, 2006 12:21 AM:You support an illegal law in order to combat illegal people. How hypocritical is that. Rather than bemoan the loss of your white bread existence you should learn to "swim with the currents" I am teaching my son spanish, we live in a mixed neighborhood and love it. The world is a changing place, it would be nice to think we could eternally preserve our quaint lifestyle. If it was possible to do that we would be driving Model Ts and having slaves do our dirty work (instead of the Mexicans who do it now) Stop the whining and the hating, just think, What Would Jesus Do? Would he be a hater or a lover?

Law Properly Rejected wrote on Nov 18, 2006 12:27 AM:IF a popular vote were to overturn public ownership of guns the Minutemen types would be "up in arms". But when a council vote violates the Constitution and a judge rejects they they cry foul. CAN YOU SAY HYPOCRITICAL. I guess it is a matte of whose ox is getting gored. You complainers should get a basic lesson in Constitutional Law to understand why the ordinance will never fly.

To Mac wrote on Nov 18, 2006 12:28 AM:Learn the law, someone born here is a citizen.

Mike wrote on Nov 18, 2006 12:45 AM:ACLU threat? Your kidding me right? What a joke that OJ loving organization is. Get a grip and figure it all out. Legal, your good. Illagal, c-ya later. story done!

Looking to rescue my brain from the salt water taffy machine wrote on Nov 18, 2006 3:35 AM:At the December swearing-in ceremony we should have Lori presenting keys to the city to Vicente Fox and his replacement. Where is Mrs. Chang when we really need her to put everything into perfect perspective?

Stanley