A Sign of Things to Come wrote on Jan 11, 2007 1:37 AM:All you La Raza activists and illegal alien supporters that were celebrating a few weeks ago because the council withdrew their rental ordinance, think again. You will wish it was just a housing ordinance in a couple months. Escondido is leading the nation in the crackdown on the illegal alien crisis and are committed to stopping the invasion of their city by thousands of illegals and criminals. I suggest all the illegals leave now before things get real tough. Mayor Vance and Vista will welcome you. Or try National City or L.A. They are very illegal friendly. Get while the gettin's good!

Randy wrote on Jan 11, 2007 4:24 AM:Waldron, Abed and Gallo have made it abundantly clear that they despise the homeless and illegal immigrants. Their hatred makes a poor foundation for a city and reflects poorly on all of North County. Now is the time for all good men to rise up and recall the trioka. They represent only a small, well-heeled minority. We desperately need a breath of fresh air. Clear out their stench from our region!

gimmeabreak wrote on Jan 11, 2007 5:12 AM:Another crock from the unholy trinity of babble, led by Will-drone. Still, if they'd done this innocuous move in the first place, and skipped the part about wasting $300,000 trying to do the legislative equivalent of stuffing the toothpaste back into the tube, they only criticism they'd deserve beyond a moderate case of bigotry is a lack of focus. They get the grand prize - they're hypocritical and untrustworthy in their handlign of public funds, and they have zero understanding of the U.S. Constitution. Resign, en masse, for the good of the City.

Stick to you Guns wrote on Jan 11, 2007 7:06 AM:Ignore Bill Flores and his racist statements (...brown faces..). Most of Escondido's legal citizens want the city council to do something about all the illegal aliens here. I applaud the police checks, esp. since there are many people driving without licenses and insurance.

Ray wrote on Jan 11, 2007 7:24 AM:Waldron and Abed the solution is housing regulations, that is a constructive and more realistric way of dealing with the issues, but of course you want attention.....

Robert24 wrote on Jan 11, 2007 7:40 AM:Stay the course, Marie, Sam and Ed. Lori, we know you are a supporter of illegal aliens from all of your past actions, and Dick caves in on the very first vote and worries about negative light on the city! What a joke! Escondido already has the "honor" of being known as a safe city for illegals, thanks to all of the previous do nothing actions and allowing this to happen. Now Marie, Ed and Sam have the courage to step up and call this as it is, and attempt to implement tougher laws or ordinances to rid this illegal activity, and all Lori and Dick have to say is that it is bad timing and may make the city look bad. Next election, Dick and Lori-out. All of this illegal support by these two makes me wonder exactly why they are so supportive. Perhaps we need to check and see if they have any illegal gardeners, house keepers, etc.....

GATEKEEPER wrote on Jan 11, 2007 7:46 AM:Waldron is such a joke and puts the whole community in on her saving face. She tricked all of the Esconstinko residents into believing she can make a difference. Why doesnt she just stop trying to save here face with her last fiasco. In addition, who would want to live in Esconstinko anyways? This city has always been runned downed!

Dale wrote on Jan 11, 2007 8:19 AM:To be an illegal immigrant in America is to be one who is here ILLEGALLY. They have ALREADY broken the law. STOP protecting illegals. They all need to go back to where they came from and come here LEGALLY..through legal means! I am tired of hear so much about the illegals taking over. I can't believe we are allowing this to happen in front of our eyes. Just uphold the laws of this land and get 'them out! It starts with each of us. Don't hire an illegal immigrant and don't support businesses that hire them. Period. Let's WELCOME ALL LEGAL IMMIGRANTS.

bryan wrote on Jan 11, 2007 9:10 AM:An email i sent to dick daniels, "You stated that because the Escondido city council opposed illegal immigration that this is another bad mark against a city that already has bad reputation. Since when is it bad to follow the law. When has it become bad to be against illegal immigration. I am glad and have asked the city council in previous email to officially come out publicly against illegal immigration to send a message that Escondido is not a sanctuary city. But you label this bad for Escondido. You could not be more wrong, we need to scream from the roof tops that Escondido is not a sanctuary city. Just maybe some of the 30,000 illegals may self deport and go back to their real homes. And to think that I voted for you. I believe the illegals living in Escondido is Escondido's number one problem, you would be surprised that by solving this problem that most of the other city problems will go away: gangs, crime, hit and run accidents, poverty, graffiti and school over crowding. Please don't follow in our misguided governors foot steps, his philosophy has changed 180 degrees over the last couple years. Escondido residents have spoken clearly about this issue and i believe 80-90% of Escondido residents believe the illegal alien problem is at critical mass. Just the act of the city council coming out and declaring that we are not a sanctuary city is a very positive step. It would have been a stronger message if you would have voted for this statement. I am very disappointed."

Diane wrote on Jan 11, 2007 9:11 AM:If had had a decent President and decent American leaders cities would not have to go through all this expense. Illegal aliens go home! You are not wanted in the U.S. We are sick of the ACLU and La RAZA and illegal aliens!

Diane wrote on Jan 11, 2007 9:23 AM:What I don't understand is the ACLU - They are supposed to be supporting American Citizens rights, but instead I have noticed they are backing the Illegal Aliens who by our own Laws (America) have no rights, and that by supporting them they in fact are committing Treason against the United States and the United States Laws that govern America.

Diane wrote on Jan 11, 2007 9:27 AM:I support this decision 100%. As an American Citizen who has seen my rights and priviledges being stripped away, by our own Government something has to be done. Americans have had a past history of dealing with corrupt Government..remember? WE THE PEOPLE fought the corrupt government and won....do we have to repeat history?

Recall them! wrote on Jan 11, 2007 9:52 AM:Abed said "My passion now is to help legal immigrants",he's just trying to justify the $240,000.00 that they lost on the immigration fiasco of last year; He and the other two council members just are trying to save face for their blunders on this city. we lost 1 quarter of milion of tax dollars on their quest to punish property owners of this city,then we lost HighTechHigh because they refuse to help the to find a place in Escondido,they threw to the cold streets about 40 people when they denied the request of the Salvation Army for the emergency Winter shelter; what is next? what are we waiting to recall them?

Greg wrote on Jan 11, 2007 10:06 AM:I agree with the symbolic gesture the coucil has adopted regarding Illegal immigration. I also support the Mayors view that ordinaces regarding the conversion of garages etc into living spaces should be adopted. In addition ordinaces concerning the number of occupants and number of vehicles by dwelling size should be established. Measures of this type should not then be construed as "racist". However I am certain they would be by those effected, shining a light clearly on the source of the overcrowding, standard of living lowering and property value decline long time residents of Escondido like myself have been subjected to over that last couple of decades. The Council needs to do much more.

RG wrote on Jan 11, 2007 10:21 AM:It's obvious Bill Flores of El Grupo still can't see past the brown face, white face, black face, purple face race issue. Being retired from law enforcement, one would think he could distinguish between legal and illegal! Some racist groups are so desperate to Mexicanize California they will never admit the difference.

Clean Up Our City wrote on Jan 11, 2007 10:39 AM:Obviously, Dick Daniels doesn't understand that the economic environment in Escondido has already been affected. That is why we have a plethora of Mexican markets, check cashing businesses and tattoo/piercing salons instead of Crate & Barrel, Restoration Hardware and Pottery Barn. Illegals shop at garage sales where they don't pay sales taxes or thrift stores which Escondido seems to think is upscale shopping. Hopefully, the council will craft an air tight version of the landlord ordinance and go after its code enforcement issues as well. But, that $58,000 for a public art consultant is a joke and should have been spent abating graffitti which is considered art by most of the gang members in Escondido!

Wake Up Escondido! wrote on Jan 11, 2007 10:49 AM:Bill Flores, Danny Perez and their anti-American, anti-rule of law friends are blaming the council for wasting over $200,000 on the rental ordinance. The blame goes to these evil La Raza activists who filed a frivolous lawsuit against the city for trying to enforce laws already on the books. The ordinance was good and should never have been challenged, but these jerks WANTED to cost the taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars. Olga Diaz even said so at a council meeting prior to the ordinance passing. She threatened: we will bankrupt the city if you pass this ordinance. That used to be called extortion, but now it is called La Raza. Wake up folks. They are trying to steal our country! These people are racist and prove it constantly with their comments and actions. They really hate non-Latinos.

Reardon wrote on Jan 11, 2007 11:03 AM:If Escondido can't even get a unanimous meaningless "sense of the City" resolution" then what are the chances for meaningful cooperation from the Mayor and Dick. Someone should tell Flores that the race card does not gain credibility through repetition.

To Randy wrote on Jan 11, 2007 11:05 AM:You are sooooo wrong. The majority wants what the Escondido City Council is proposing. Do not, repeat, do not, speak for the majority.

Solution wrote on Jan 11, 2007 11:47 AM:Immigration Custom and enforcement partnership program. 287 ( G ) trains Local police department officers to enforce immigration laws. All police Departments need to be doing this, Now!!!!!

Diane wrote on Jan 11, 2007 11:51 AM:I am glad that something is finally being done in this area! Even if it doesn't pass, at least the Illegal Aliens hopefully will get the hint they are not welcome, and Legal Americans are tired of footing the bills for Non Americans. As a "border town", Escondido has become Infested with Illegal Aliens, and their crime rate has skyrocketed. As a former resident of Escondido (moved away because of the crime) in the total of 5 months, my 20 year old car was broken into, vandalised, a total of 7 times. Who would want to live in a pestulance?

Greg wrote on Jan 11, 2007 1:10 PM:Regarding Diane's posting on the ACLU and "La Raza". I am in aggreement 100%. The actions of the ACLU of late do not support the civil liberties of Americans, they should change their name to the A-ACLU (Anti-Amercan Civil Liberty Union). "La Raza" simply by it's name implies a "racist" organization and by it's action clearly opposes the law and sovereignty of the United States of America. They were the reason the prior ordinance was derailed by potential litigation that would have cost the Tax payers of Escondido tons of money to fight. It is not Marie, Sam and Ed wasting our council's time and money. It is the ACLU and anti-American organizations like "La Raza" that is eroding our tax dollars. They are so fortunate to be in a country that has a constitution that allows this kind of near treason..most wouldn't including the one "La Raza" hails from.

CR wrote on Jan 11, 2007 1:57 PM:The best solution is to stop overnight parking on residential streets. This cannot be denied by the American Communist Liberals Association as being "racist", but will work when 4-5 families are living in one house, along with 8-10 cars. Maybe they are all Canadians, anyway? It is time to stop posturing and do something that will work--it works in MANY other cities.

Amy wrote on Jan 11, 2007 2:00 PM:Hey Randy, If the illegals were gone, maybe the homeless could get jobs or help? Go Marie Waldron!!

It works in Northern California wrote on Jan 11, 2007 2:14 PM:I'm with CR. I was recently visiting a town up north. All residents must buy and display a permit to park in the street overnight. One permit per household. All other cars are to park in the driveway and garage. Cars out of compliance are ticketed/towed. This formerly trashy looking small college town looks great now--no cars for sale or up on jacks in the street.

Escondido's Ignorant Electorate wrote on Jan 11, 2007 2:27 PM:Well, here's another Comments pisspot with which Escondido's ignorant voters can whine about illegal immigration again, thinking that their local city council somehow have the authority to stop it. Just read all of these comments. My goodness. It's become quite entertaining to read the responses to any article which states something about Marie Waldron's and the Escondido City Council's vain attempts on this hot-button issue. That's OK Esconddio residents. You just keep on electing incompetant council members and overpaying your City Manager and City Attorney. It's only tax revenue that's being flushed down the toilet. Right?

American Mike wrote on Jan 11, 2007 2:40 PM:Kudos to Marie Waldron and supporters. Clean up Escondido, bring my retirement dollars to the city. What a positive image to set for the rest of the Nation to follow.

Diane wrote on Jan 11, 2007 3:20 PM:Something has to be done and the city of Escondido, being a "border town", hopefully will set an example of what an "AMERICAN" city can and will do regarding the issue of ILLEGAL ALIENS. It completely disgusts me everytime I have to go there to do my shopping, why? Because the city is beginning to look more and more like Tijuana, and smell like it too.

Curious wrote on Jan 11, 2007 3:27 PM:I wonder if Mr. Abed instructs his employees to do an Immigration/Driver License/Insurance check before selling gasoline to people at his gas station?

Mark wrote on Jan 11, 2007 4:03 PM:I'm sure illegal immigrants would love to post their views on these forums, but unfortunately they are working their behinds off performing back breaking labor all day. There sure are a lot of Escondido immigrant haters that either don't work, or slack off at their air-conditioned desk jobs.

escondido wrote on Jan 11, 2007 4:25 PM:I agree with Curious, especially with the smell lately here in Escondido. What’s up with that? Every night it smells like burned tires, one Hispanic neighbor told me that it smells like Tijuana and the smells comes from garbage burning. So who is burning the garbage around Midway, Bear Valley & Grant? It is disgusting!

Escondido wrote on Jan 11, 2007 4:27 PM:Sorry Curious, I don't agree with you. I agree with Diane. My mistake

Burned Tires wrote on Jan 11, 2007 5:53 PM:I get the same smell in the evening. I think some bozo does his cooking on a BBQ fueled by old railroad ties and car tires.

More News wrote on Jan 11, 2007 5:55 PM:The Council deleted the first paragraph of the resolution about crime, overcrowding, failing schools, etc. Also, the resolution will likely change City policy. City staff has regularly ignores federal law when providing local public benefits. Federal immigration law (8 USC 1621) already in effect declares that an illegal alien 'is not eligible for any State or local public benefit.'

JEEZ stop wasting resources wrote on Jan 11, 2007 6:02 PM:Nice job, Escondido. 1. Pass an ordinance that's clearly got Constitutional problems (Hazleton, PA demonstrated this, but you didn't bother to check). 2. Get sued on Constitutional grounds. 3. Cough up $90k to settle the suit. 4. Pass an ordinance whining at the Feds to give you more power to do something. 5. See 1., above, it's a *Constitutional* issue. The Feds can't help you. You need an Amendment. Get working on that quickly, while the current American mob mentality gives you a (small) chance to actually pass such a thing. 6. This whole discussion proves one thing: Cali schools were lousy even before the illegals got to town, otherwise someone would understand 1.~5., above.

Bill's Brown v. White wrote on Jan 11, 2007 6:04 PM:Mr. Flores continues to talk about brown and white. Yet the Federal database is about legal and illegal. The Federal database is colorblind. The Federal database is fair. El Grupo opposes the fair use of the Federal database. Why?

GATEKEEPER wrote on Jan 11, 2007 6:28 PM:To Jeez-Your are so correct and couldn't have said it better. Cali schools have been in the slumps since way, way back. Jeez is right on and there is no argument to that.

Vista Citizen wrote on Jan 11, 2007 7:36 PM:I was at last night's CC meeting and I was very impressed with the ACT presentation and the positive results from applying and enforcing existing codes to improve the quality of life in Escondido. You have made a model for other cities to follow. Could you make the ACT presentation [PP presentation?] information available on your Escondido website? Actually, it should be shared with all cities in California. Mr. Abed, I was impressed with your excellent presentation on the cost and support of the homeless problem. Facts are a stubborn thing. Escondido has done more than it's share for the homeless. Thank you Waldron, gallo and Abed for your leadership in your efforts to control the effects of illegal immigration in your city. The eyes of the nation are on you. Please take a look at a root cause of illegal immigration; search: North American Union. Ms. Pifer and Daniels, get on the side of the citizens.

Todd wrote on Jan 11, 2007 9:14 PM:Who voted for Dick Daniels? Lets get rid of Pheiler & Daniels and take our city back!!

bryan wrote on Jan 11, 2007 10:08 PM:Illegal aliens cost california 10.1 BILLION dollars anually (fairus.org). In NCT own article from last week legal immigrants child births cost tax payers 400 million dollars. So you liberal freaks complain about our city trying to do something about these soaring cost and we spent 90,000 to fight the ACLU about the illegals(liberals). I would say well worth the costs. Lets keep trying. Dont give up. We should be willing to spend 20 million to fight the ACLU and that still wouldnt get anywhere near what the illegals are costing us. Simple math.

Frida wrote on Jan 11, 2007 10:10 PM:Recall Waldron, Abed and Gallo. They don't do anything but scapegoat immigrants. Man, did they mess up again. They even slapped the homeless in the face. No heart for sure.

milton wrote on Jan 11, 2007 10:11 PM:Arnold the traitor is changing the californian republican party as we speak. He is encouraging the party to come out and support illegal immigration to lower costs for employers and bring down wages for working people. Of course Dick Daniels and Pfeiler are marhcing to the drum beat of this new republican strategy.

Escondodo wrote on Jan 12, 2007 3:54 AM:milton, you've hit the nail on the head. But do they really expect this to propell them to higher office? I'll bet that there are a bunch of chagrined Daniels campaign supporters out there. I've followed the issues and personalities and I'm not surprised.

DANNY wrote on Jan 12, 2007 5:35 PM:i guess until millions of us real citizens start protesting in the streets like the mexicans will we be heard. The govt. is in place to benefit the minority, not the majority. some changes need to be made for that to happen.

Open borders wrote on Jan 13, 2007 9:23 AM:For the ignorant people that support illegal immigration lets just drop all of our immigration laws and let the millions or is it billions of immigrants come in that want to. Either we have laws protecting the sovernty of this country or open the flood gates. You can't have it both ways! Someday people will wake up and lets hope it's sooner then later. You do not reward illegal activity with a benefit. Wither wide open borders is best for this country or secure borders. Which is it??

To Escondodo wrote on Jan 14, 2007 10:59 PM:Higher office is not available to the mayor or city council because Escondido is split down the middle at the state assembly and senate level. No one from Escondido has won a state office since the 2000 redistricting. Redistricting in 2010 may change that.

um, bryan ... wrote on Jan 15, 2007 2:57 PM:Fight the ACLU, or whomever else, all you want. But if you're fighting against the US Constitution, every penny you spend in court is wasted. Federal judges are funny that way - those danged activists keep saying we have to obey that Constitution! And by the way, if you're going to count costs, you have to count the cost of putting all those fences, high tech gadgets, and federal cops on the border. I'm not saying illegals should just be allowed to come waltzing in, but I am saying that you have to count how much it costs to (fail to) keep them out. It's sort of like the War On Drugs. There's a supply push coming from the south, but you can't just fight that and ever hope to win, because there's a HUGE demand pull coming from the north. The long term answer is better jobs in Mexico and points south. But - taking a wild guess here - I bet you're also against the importation of products and services from abroad, right? Just keep all the jobs here, buy only local stuff, keep our money, and hope that nobody else wants to feed a family and build a future. Jeez.

bryan wrote on Jan 15, 2007 9:26 PM:Just the facts nothing but the facts. Federal government conducted a study and found that most illegals in our prison system on average have been arrested 6 times before ending up in jail. The illegals get a pass in this country, they are allowed to break our laws but if a law abiding tax payer breaks the law we go to jail. 30% of prison population are illegals. Hospitals are closing at alarming rates.

tom wrote on Jan 15, 2007 9:37 PM:Illegal means illegal, whats so hard about that. We dont pick and choose what laws we want ot follow. Illegals come here illegally what other laws will they ignore. Gangs, crime sexual crime, molestations come with illegal activity and illegal aliens.

Dan (Temcula) wrote on Mar 8, 2007 12:07 PM: Simply put the number of illegals in are counrty is estimated at 12 million, in which they claim us Americans need them to pick fruit, and clean are toilets. That couldn't be farther from the truth. What we really need is 1 million guest workers that have been standing in line like you are suppose to. I for one would be willing to move to Escondido if such ordinaces are passed. I also think maybe they should change the name of Escondido to something like NO MORE CALIFORNIA!!!!