Escondido: Olga Diaz says she represents ordinary residents in race for City Council
By DAVID GARRICK - Staff Writer | ∞
Olga Diaz Editor's note: This is part of a series of profiles on candidates running for two seats on the Escondido City Council in the Nov. 4 election.
ESCONDIDO ---- Restoring the role of ordinary residents in Escondido's city government is a key goal for Olga Diaz, a 32-year-old coffeehouse owner making her second run at a City Council seat.
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Diaz says that meeting people from all walks of life at her two coffee houses, one downtown and another in north Escondido, has made her more aware of the challenges facing the city than the two incumbents she is challenging: Councilmen Ed Gallo and Sam Abed.
"They tend to only go to events that are high-society kinds of things," Diaz said in a recent interview. "You don't really see them in the park or at the grocery store."
Diaz said she is equally comfortable around the business community, because she has built two businesses from scratch over the past six years, and the disenfranchised, because she is a Latino woman who has taken liberal stands on many issues.
"I'm perfectly comfortable walking through the swap meet, and I'm perfectly comfortable at a black-tie event for the Chamber of Commerce," Diaz said.
Diaz, who speaks fluent Spanish, would be only the second council member of Mexican-American descent in Escondido history. But she says her campaign is not about race or immigration.
"I'm just a candidate, not a Latina candidate," said Diaz, explaining that her first husband and her current husband are both white. "In my house, we just don't care. Being Latino is not an issue."
But Diaz was a vocal opponent of the current council's attempt in 2006 to prohibit landlords from renting to illegal immigrants, contending that it was unconstitutional. The federal courts eventually vindicated Diaz by nullifying the legislation.
She said recently that the City Council majority ---- Gallo, Abed and Councilwoman Marie Waldron ---- has harmed the city by damaging its reputation with "mean-spirited" legislation targeting illegal immigrants.
"Escondido is known as the kind of place with a scary City Council," said Diaz. "I have yet to see the 'invasion' (of immigrants) they are talking about. Sometimes I think they're saying those things just to scare people."
Diaz finished third behind Waldron and newcomer Dick Daniels in the 2006 council race, but she said she is far more savvy this time around.
"I didn't know how to fund-raise and I wasn't familiar with precinct walking or phone banks," said Diaz. "At this point, I know just as many people as the incumbents ---- maybe more."
Diaz bristles at being described as an anti-business candidate because of her support for Proposition S, a slow-growth measure approved by Escondido voters in 1998.
"It doesn't limit growth, it merely says we need a plan for growth," said Diaz.
But developers and nearly all city officials say the measure has discouraged development in the city, and the Chamber of Commerce endorsed Gallo and Abed for re-election in late September.
Gallo works in real estate and Abed owns a gas station, but Diaz said she is more invested in the city and the local business community because she understands the hurdles, hassles and risks of opening up two small businesses in Escondido.
Before moving to Escondido with her family nearly seven years ago from Salinas, Diaz earned a degree in finance from Santa Clara University.
Diaz first came into the spotlight in 2004, when she led a group of disgruntled merchants protesting mandatory fees levied by the Downtown Business Association, which manages the city's business improvement district.
Melissa Inez-Walker, owner of Distinction gallery on Grand Avenue, said the downtown business community has been consistently impressed by the energy, intelligence and sense of fair play that Diaz brings to every issue she tackles.
"She's young and she's full of energy," said Inez-Walker. "I've had so many people tell me how excited they are that she's running."
Diaz has been endorsed by the Escondido Chamber of Citizens, an environmental group that sponsored Prop. S.
Lisa Prazeau, the group's president, said the presence of Diaz would dramatically improve the council.
"She's got an accounting degree and business experience, which would be especially helpful with the current budget problems," said Prazeau. "She can also relate to a lot more of the general public than the incumbents, because she's humble instead of arrogant."
Contact staff writer David Garrick at (760) 740-5468 or dgarrick@nctimes.com.
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Olga wrote on Oct 4, 2008 4:54 PM:Yes. It’s me. I wanted to be among the first to blog my candidate profile.
I realize there is a tendency for blogs to become cleverly unproductive. I’d like to extend this offer; a peace offering of sorts. If you have a comment, positive or negative, come see me during “office hours.” My campaign website lists specific times during which I am completely available to converse. As I’ve said all along, accessibility and transparency in government will be among my main goals as a Councilmember. I want all of us to communicate openly and honestly. I welcome the opportunity to exchange ideas with you. Please come by to talk with me personally, especially those of you who have a negative opinion of me. I really believe if we talk I can earn your vote!
I sense an energy growing in Escondido. It is an energy looking for change. It is an energy looking for vitality and sophisticated government.
That being said, this is the only blog I will be making. Any others are mere imitations.
Citizens of chamber wrote on Oct 4, 2008 4:55 PM:We at the Citizens of Chamber (all four of us) think that Olga Diaz is pawn for Jerry Harmon and the no-growth movement. Do not be fooled by her pro-business talk. She is definitely anti-business. Proof is the fact that she is (or will be)endorsed by Lisa Prazeau, the anti-everything naysayer of the community. She is also endorsed by Harmon himself.Olga is dangerous. Stay classy.
Awesome wrote on Oct 4, 2008 4:56 PM:I'm so glad there is a candidate I feel like I can trust. Go Olga, campaign hard and stick to your guns. You'll win in November because you're right!
Congratulations Olga wrote on Oct 4, 2008 5:22 PM:Olga, nice endorsement you picked up today. Very well deserved and I'm sure there will be many to follow. I really believe your message is getting through and you'll be representing us in City Hall next year.
esco dude wrote on Oct 4, 2008 5:29 PM:i hope she wins
Maya wrote on Oct 4, 2008 5:41 PM:This is great! Thank you Olga for stepping up to big money-interest candidates. As a woman, I feel that you can relate to many of our issues. Don't let the fact that you are the only woman candidate and much younger than the rest deter you. You can do it! CHANGE IN ESCONDIDO IS NEEDED.
Shes not my rep. wrote on Oct 4, 2008 5:44 PM:She says shes representing ordinary residents, funny. Why didn't it say American residents, thats because there illegals. Shes fighting to protect the rights of Illegal residents. Good luck with that Olga. I see a last place finish for Diaz. Great accomplishment Olga
City Council History wrote on Oct 4, 2008 5:56 PM:The time has come for the North County Times to get off it's butt and do a complete and indepth article of what the history of Escondido's City Councils have been about. We all know the elitest groups that have weighed heavily in the city governments past and why NCT is still afraid of these people. NCT is probably afraid to simply print this challenge. I would hope that Olga Diaz is still removed from the power 'elite' but unless she is forwarned and knowledgeable of the 'elite', she will fail. These 'elitist' have great camouflage because they belong to groups that are cloaked in "good intentions". The Chamber of Commerce, church groups, business associations, etc. They appear to want the right things and a lot of innocent hanger-ons support them but the 'elite' have control. There are so many bad, illegal, and costly decisions in Escondido's past that this challenge should not be to difficult. Unless NCT is afraid, involved, part of, or simply enjoying the news of Escondido's fallacies, I dare them to do something that shows true juornalism.
Im ready wrote on Oct 4, 2008 6:03 PM:I'm so ready for some new faces on the City Council. I just feel sorry for whomever has to come in and clean up the mess created by the current council. From what I can see, Diaz and Barron are the ones up to the task.
jvc wrote on Oct 4, 2008 6:11 PM:No politician should be that pretty!
Nice Blog Olga wrote on Oct 4, 2008 7:07 PM:I would expect nothing less. It will be nice to bring some class back to the council.
to Citizens of Chamber wrote on Oct 4, 2008 7:12 PM:You sound psychotic. She owns two businesses in Escondido and you call her anti business? When has she ever talked about no-growth? Dude come correct or don't come at all.
To Shes not my rep. wrote on Oct 4, 2008 7:17 PM:She said residents as in Escondido, not citizens as in America genius.
Nick 2 wrote on Oct 4, 2008 7:17 PM:Good luck to you Olga and I surely hope the city of Escondido doesn't take anything from your amazing personality. I was one ot the first people to meet Olga when she began her business venture in Escondido with the Blue Mug Cafe. I was so impressed with her genuine personality that I stopped serving my morning coffee customers at the Continental Deli and sent them next door to the Blue Mug. I enjoyed helping her business flourish because I felt the city needed more business owners like her. We would talk at great lengths about the cities status and direction and we both agreed that it needed change. Desperate change. Unfortunately that change wasn't happening fast enough for myself so I sold my Deli to get off from under the obscene business politics of the DBA and relocated to San Marcos. I truly hope Olga wins a seat in the Escondido arena and gets the things done that have long needed doing in Escondido. Again, good luck Olga and please don't let them corrupt you.
Fred wrote on Oct 4, 2008 7:30 PM:I will not vote for her...(I get 6 votes)
She is for illegls. "I have yet to see the 'invasion' (of immigrants).
Jerry Harmon & Escondido Chamber of Citizens, an environmental group...is the cause of many of our problems.
Has Olga wrote on Oct 4, 2008 7:58 PM:been endorsed by El Grupo and Bill Flores like last election?
Sanctuary wrote on Oct 4, 2008 8:00 PM:Somebody ask Olga sometime at a debate whether she favors sanctuary cities in California and elsewhere. You can bet if she gets on the council she will pressure the police department, at the expense of our safety and common sense, to leave off with the sobriety checkpoints. Too many illegals get snared there.
Karl wrote on Oct 4, 2008 8:02 PM:Jerry Harmon's endorsement is enough to swing my vote. No vote here for Olga Diaz.
To Fred wrote on Oct 4, 2008 8:10 PM:You don't get six votes. It doesn't work like that in the USA.
new council needed wrote on Oct 4, 2008 8:10 PM:thanks God forOlga!!
To Sanctuary wrote on Oct 4, 2008 8:43 PM:I'm so sick of you guys running off at the mouth about Diaz wanting to make Escondido a sanctuary city, turn Escondido into Tijuana etc. Why don't you provide some proof of that? Give us something besides the fact that her last name is Diaz. Give us one quote, one fact, anything. Better yet, why don't you do what she says in the very first blog and go ask her yourself.
To Karl wrote on Oct 4, 2008 8:46 PM:Jerry Harmon's endorsement is enough for me to support Olga. Things were a lot better in this town when he was Mayor that's for sure.
A no vote for Olga wrote on Oct 4, 2008 8:52 PM:One person I will not vote for is Olga and for this reason.Olga was awawded the Vince Andrade award in '06. This group is El Grupo headed by Bill Flores who is against check points and for illegals. This group
has made a very negative name for itself and Escondido. A vote for Olga is a vote for El grupo. I cannot trust Olga regardless of how she presents herself.
By Olgas statement wrote on Oct 4, 2008 8:58 PM:it sounds like Olga has taken an anger management class which was missing during the last election.
We will see!!!!
Public Safety wrote on Oct 4, 2008 9:12 PM:Olga Diaz has opposed the Escondido Police on every policy. She has publicaly opposed the Police for check points and illegal immigration sweeps. that why Escondido Police has endorsed Abed and Gallo.
election time wrote on Oct 4, 2008 9:16 PM:Olga is trying to present her self as pro business only at election time. How anybody can be pro business when endorsed by the Chamber of Citizens - AKA Lisa Prezeau
Olga wrote on Oct 4, 2008 9:24 PM:represents every thing that El Grupo represents. It's scary.
Karl wrote on Oct 4, 2008 10:18 PM:I emailed Olga and asked for her stance on the checkpoints. She asked that I not divulge her answer on this blog so she could do it personally. I have still not heard her position from her in the press. I suggest everyone takes her up on her offer. If you don't have time to stop by her office, email her. She responded to me very promptly. While I did not like the answer I heard I could tell it was well thought out and I appreciated the response.
Hey To Karl, it's obvious that we live in two different worlds. I prefer my council members/mayors not to preach from a bully pulpit. I believe only Jim Rady was a bigger bully than Jerry Harmon. Jerry's little pipsqueak buddy was quite a prize also. When he didn't get the trash hauling contract that he thought he was locked into he took his ball and moved away. Boy that guy really had Escondido's best interest in mind.
Posted 10:17 PM
CottonBallz wrote on Oct 4, 2008 10:59 PM:TO: Public Safety
You are so very wrong.
The Police Union will support the candidate that can vote to give them a raise.PERIOD
Olga is married to an Escondido Police Officer.When it's time for the Council to vote on Police pay raises or benefit increases Olga would have to excuse herself from the vote because her husband is employeed by the Police Department.Sooooooooooo if you cannot vote the police an increase they're union will not support your run for council.However,as individuals they can vote for anyone they want.
Ask a cop who he/she is voting for ....
bye the way,do you ever talk to a Police Officer? Like say ,hey thanks for the job you do protecting me/us ...try it.I've done this many times over the years.They seemed a bit shocked.Why? Because most citizens never say a word to them.
There is a huge reward in kindness.
Like a soft smile.
Brenda wrote on Oct 4, 2008 11:16 PM:I am so tired of reading the terrible things same old people say here about Lisa Prazeau. Lisa isn't running for council.Lisa isn't the one that has messed this City up.In fact I have not read one thing from you bloggers/commenters/typers that is true about her.Your below the belt insults
show us all who your really are even though you hide behind phoney screen names.
Lisa's committment to Escondido is amazing.Had any of you done one quarter the work this young woman has
( unpaid ) for Escondido you would not be hiding behind screen names.
"When someone shows you who they really are...believe it." - Oprah
p.s. Congrats Olga!
My entire family will be voting for you.
Shes gonna win wrote on Oct 4, 2008 11:27 PM:This is the first time in a few years I have been optimistic about Escondido. Through my job I get to speak to a variety of Escondidans every day and mark my words, Diaz gets a seat. When it happens, give her a chance, she'll deliver.
To Fred and Others wrote on Oct 4, 2008 11:34 PM:Hey Guys: Olga said "Come see me." She said she wants to talk to people who have a negative opinion...she wants open communication. When will you be stopping by to see her?
Interesting wrote on Oct 4, 2008 11:36 PM:Wow. You mean Escondido has a chance to vote for a candidate who actually claims a real college alma mater, an actual business that she works in, real connections to the community (beyond chamber and rotary)... finally a candidate we can all feel connected to.
Grow a brain wrote on Oct 4, 2008 11:38 PM:It's unbelievable to see 2 old men scared of a gorgeous young smart woman.
But here it is right here in Escondido.
Because they have nothing of merit to show the voters Gallo & Abed supporters have taken the road that Olga will "sanctify/mexicanize/illegalize" this city.Sorry fellas that all happened on your watch!Stop the lies.
I will vote for higher intelligence this time. I am honored to be casting my mail in ballot for Olga Diaz.
Just so you know... wrote on Oct 4, 2008 11:41 PM:The police endorse candidates based on one criteria: that the candidate will support benefit and salary increases. They don't consider anything else. Sad but true about our men and women in blue. As an officer's spouse, Olga would be ineligible to vote for contract issues. Olga has plenty of support at the PD....REAL support from cops who actually live in Escondido and care about more than their paycheck. Good Luck, Olga Your friends at EPD.
U R Naughty Children wrote on Oct 4, 2008 11:55 PM:To The Children Out There!
Especially the ones posing - you know like "Citizens of Chamber".
Pretty big "talker" behind the blogs aren't you. You people just talk, talk, talk. You people are like little spoiled school children that only think of "you and yours".
Try to prove your comments with facts. You can talk all you want - but, you cannot prove your rant with FACT!! And that I suspect DRIVES YOU NUTS!!
I back my words up with FACT. You back your words up with SMACK!!
HEY EVERYONE!!! Take a good look at the mentality of those that support "the incumbents"...see how they attack the Chamber of Citizens and all those that are not "the incumbents".
These people are a prime example of why there is intolerance and so much ignorance in this city!!
Time to turn it around!! Vote for Olga Diaz & Richard Barron!! I support them! I am an average citizen.
To Karl wrote on Oct 5, 2008 12:11 AM:Oh Sure...sure, you did Karl. Oh, and sure she said don't divulge blah, blah, blah.
If your name was Pinocchio your nose would be a mile down the road!!
You are the perfect example of the total nonsense that the supporters of the incumbents spew.
Hello, "Karl". Time to WAKE UP!! Jim Rady & Jerry Harmon have nothing to do with this election!! And for you "people" to continue to blame the woes of the city on a council that has been out of office for TEN YEARS, just shows that you have not grown within yourselves and so it is necessary for you to blame "someone else" (talk about anger and "holding a grudge" - you need to GET OVER IT). I think psychologists have a name for that kind of behavior - something about displacing...
Karl...you are a poser. You pose as if you have an open mind and an open heart. It is obvious where you stand. You choose to stand where you do...so stand by it. Keep your comments honest and say who you support! Don't bore us all to death with your made up stories! You really are not doing the inbumbents any favors!
p.s. I support Olga & Richard - our city desperately needs some council members that know how to operate a budget!!
signed, a resident of Escondido who VOTES.
Esco Cop wrote on Oct 5, 2008 12:17 AM:It's amazing to read the blogs and realize how little people know about police work, checkpoints, gang injuctions. If you want to learn about these issues..I mean REALLY learn about how it all works, there is only one candidate who can fill you in: Olga Diaz. She can (and has) talked circles around the other candidates on issues of public safety. The others just smile and wave at the police car. By the way, Olga has never failed to support the Police Department. EVER.
GEORGE THE MONKEY wrote on Oct 5, 2008 12:27 AM:""I'm just a candidate, not a Latina candidate," said Diaz, explaining that her first husband and her current husband are both white."
If its a nonissue, then why elaborate that your husbands have been white? Isn't that like saying "I'm not racist, I have a black friend?"
To Public Safety wrote on Oct 5, 2008 12:49 AM:You're wrong. Olga has never opposed the police department on any issue. NCT: Why do you let people print comments that are factually untrue?
thanks Olga wrote on Oct 5, 2008 1:07 AM:you're a fresh breath of air!!! Escondido needs you.
Escondido business owner and resident wrote on Oct 5, 2008 7:35 AM:As a business owner and resident in this community I am disappointed in my fellow inhabitants. The immigration problems were here way before Olga came along and will still be here after she is gone. Some of these immigration comments aimed at Olga are very ignorant and to a point entertaining. I am glad Olga is running she is in touch with our community. She is a breath of fresh air. She has my vote!
Help Us wrote on Oct 5, 2008 8:08 AM:I love the United States and it doesn't seem wrong to be angry at the Latino influence that is in Escondido. The language poor students make it difficult for teachers to teach, and a lot of time is spent catching them up and helping them because their test scores are so low. Do you know that it is law that 30 minutes a day are spent on English Language Learners, while the English speaking children are left on their own, even if they are struggling. Those students are taking away from other's education. Also the schools should not be putting their signs in Spanish.
Why is it that many times in the news they crimanals are Hispanic. It bothers me!
Yesterday I was at Home Depot on East Valley and it was crazy in the parking lot due to a grand opening with Spanish music and speaking blaring so loud you could hear it for long way off. People were driving recklessly, up the wrong way and with no regard for the right of way.
Many can't afford registration or insurance, is that okay.
It seems they want to be here for all the wonderful things our country has to offer, but they don't want to follow the rules and laws. Am I wrong? I want change from them to asimulate to our country and from our lawmakers to protect me and my family. As a citizen I have that right.
American residents wrote on Oct 5, 2008 8:11 AM:Olga said she represents ordinary citizens . American residents live on the American continent. America is not a country. We the people living in the U.S.A. are not solely entitled to the word American. I hope if Olga is elected she supports checkpoints in wealthier areas of Escondido.
***Checkpoints should be placed in areas like Pacific Beach, Del Mar, Coronado,and Solana Beach regularly to show that they are not discriminatory.***Anything is better than the three stooges Abed,Waldron and Gallo.
olga wrote on Oct 5, 2008 8:22 AM:Doesn't impress me, and her worldview scares me.
Now, more than ever, America needs to return to nationalism.
Why is it every other nation on earth is allowed to be sovereign except the United States?
I will never vote for her, as she couldn't (or wouldn't) answer a very reasonable question I had concerning her positions last time she ran.
I also don't see what prettiness has to do with job ability. I'd vote for John Merrick the Elephant man if I knew his policies would be beneficial for AMERICAN citizens.
Sorry, Olga--- you left a really sour taste in my mouth last time, and I am still queasy from the aftertaste of that.
Good luck in your campaign---- I just personally feel it is a waste of time because you do not represent AMERICAN citizens.
To Olga wrote on Oct 5, 2008 8:35 AM:I am an ordinary citizen and native of Escondido and I don't want ILLEGALS in my town!!
I don't care if they are white, green, blue, brown or black.
Olga, what is your definition of the word invasion? It says you moved here 7 years ago? You missed the "invasion"!
If you can't see all these illegals in this town. Just look outside of one of your coffee shops...they'll be the ones that don't frequent your type of business.
I was born and raised in this town. I went to school with many Mexicans from kindergarten through Palomar. I have Mexican friends.
I DON"T WANT ILLEGALS IN MY TOWN, OR STATE!!!
Illegal means it's against the law!!
To To Sanctuary wrote on Oct 5, 2008 8:40 AM:Turn Escondido into Tijuana? Too late amigo!
Bill wrote on Oct 5, 2008 8:44 AM:Your mail in vote? You can't stand living here, so you have to mail your vote from somewhere else?
Bill wrote on Oct 5, 2008 8:47 AM:Cops care about more than their paychecks??
I bet if you took a poll and could get honest answers, every patrol cop on the force in this town will tell you that at least once they have allowed someone to break the law in front of them while doing nothing about it!
You think you can get an honest answer about that?
Bill wrote on Oct 5, 2008 8:48 AM:This paper only prints the comments it wants seen!!
Has anybody wrote on Oct 5, 2008 11:20 AM:noticed how scared the media is on reporting the $800 + BILLION DOLLAR Bailout? Word is already spreading of a revolution by the American people. Hey I am joining!
childish people wrote on Oct 5, 2008 12:06 PM:If the individuals on here supporting Olga are representative of the mentality that surounds her, then I will not be voting for her. I have never read such childish, ignorant comments in my life. So, na na na na boo boo.
To childish people wrote on Oct 5, 2008 12:16 PM:I agree with you. Olga's supporters do not help Olga at all.
Gillian wrote on Oct 5, 2008 1:59 PM:Olga has my vote. I am not "childish" or "ignorant," but I am a life-long resident of Escondido and a retired professional. I enjoy living in this city and am ready for positive change down at City Hall.
Local wrote on Oct 5, 2008 3:05 PM:Leopards don't change their spots. There are many examples of who Olga is in the city council meeting archives. This is the plain honest truth and should not be censored.
Supporter wrote on Oct 5, 2008 4:05 PM:I support Olga! She will bring a fresh view to the council - she is educated and well spoken. She has a degree and has proven that she can grow business into more (she now has two coffee shops). Olga would never condone any type of illegal behavior. It's disgusting to read the blogs where people insinuate that Olga is pro illegal or pro-open border - it is so ridiculous to even suggest such a thing - her husband is a police lieutenant - I'm sure that the two have the same core beliefs (i.e. a criminal is a criminal - but criminals are also human beings).
...
Vote for Olga Diaz! She will help our city turn around into a profitable place that benefits businesses, residents and those that visit our city.
And vote for Richard Barron! This man is super intelligent - we need someone with great deductive reasoning and a vision that can actually materialize into something tangible and valuable for the people of Escondido.
Richard & Olga will help save Escondido from sinking into the depths of financial ruin!!
To Olga wrote on Oct 5, 2008 5:06 PM:If you are going to take up space in my newspaper, tell me how you are going to address the problems on our City.
It's going to make more than a cup of coffee to fix them all.
To To Olga wrote on Oct 5, 2008 5:56 PM:Since when is it "your" newspaper?
You are just being facitious.
Go to Olga's website and you will see her vision and her objectives.
Your comment about coffee is unnecessary...it would be like me saying that it will take more than a tank of gas to fix the problems the incumbent has created! See...see, how that really has little to do with the BIG PICTURE.
Karl wrote on Oct 5, 2008 7:33 PM:Thanks editor for not posting my response to "To Karl
[-] wrote on Oct 5, 2008 12:11 AM:". Was I too specific with the times and dates of my emails? "To Karl" you have no idea of which you speak. The editor evidently didn't like my calling you out and putting times and dates on my email conversation with Olga. Suffice it to say that I was impressed with Olga's response but disagreed. Enough said.
to karl wrote on Oct 5, 2008 7:54 PM:now, now, don't get your boxers in a twist.
you write: enough said. i agree, i hope you are done making up stories.
have a glass of chardonnay...maybe not...you are already full of whine.
To To To Olga wrote on Oct 5, 2008 8:53 PM:Don't insalt me. I did go to Olga's website but my comments were not posted so I will try again.
She doesn't address any quality of life issues. Nothing about multible families living in "single" family homes creating mini apartments and creating parking problems. No opinions or solutions about the unlicensed drivers we have.
If you know her position on these issues that effect all of us who live in Escondido than let me know.
To Bill wrote on Oct 5, 2008 8:54 PM:YOU SAID:
Bill
[-] wrote on Oct 5, 2008 8:44 AM:Your mail in vote? You can't stand living here, so you have to mail your vote from somewhere else?
---------------------------------
You,Bill really show how ignorant you really are when you make ignorant comments and post them here for the public to see & judge you.
I have a mail in ballot because,Bill, I like millions of others in this country cannot walk to the poll to vote.So Bill, do you think the disabled shouldnt be allowed to vote?
Would you deprive an Iraqi Vet the Right to Vote if he/she cannot walk into the polls Bill?
By the way Bill, you no longer have to be absent or "out of country" to qualify for a mail-in/absentee ballot. So Bill, maybe you should educate yourself before posting again. ...
I like what Brenda said,
"When someone shows you who they really are...believe it." - Oprah
*note to NCTimes screener
Please make sure this is posted before others make the mistake Bill has made.
Ignorance is not bliss in this case.
Thank you ...
CottonBallz wrote on Oct 5, 2008 9:15 PM:::::::::applause:::::::: TO:
Just so you know... &
Esco Cop
Thank you to the EPD Officers who came to show support for Olga!
I believe many voters think that if the EPD won't support one of their own officers spouses for public office something is wrong.Causing them to vote for another in the confusion of it all.
I want to make sure voters know the truth...you supplied that.
aaahhh.... basking in the light of the truth is fabulous!
Vote for Olga wrote on Oct 5, 2008 9:41 PM:Olga is a very bright lady - both intellectually and personally.
Olga will help our city reunite and show respect for all the citizens in Escondido.
Olga will be a valuable addition to the council.
to the three stooges wrote on Oct 5, 2008 11:23 PM:it's time for somebody to fix all the mess that Abed and Gallo created for this city. go Olga!!!!
Local wrote on Oct 6, 2008 3:41 AM:My humble opinion of EPD is mixed. Where are they when I risk my life crossing intersections? I am not amused when I call in a complaint and am told that it's probably just a bunch of kids smoking pot. My opinion of EPD is up in the air. Olga's connections mean nothing.
Yeah wrote on Oct 6, 2008 3:49 AM:Olga talks a good game. Escondido's problems are EXTREMELY complex. Let us talk rep. Illegals do not benefit the city. The ISSUE is not LATINO, it is ILLEGAL. the down economy gives the open borders group a reprieve. Nothing will be settled in this election cycle.
EPD Employee wrote on Oct 6, 2008 4:36 AM:I agree with Esco Cop and others. I have worked for the PD for many years as support staff (non-sworn) and I've known Olga since she opened her first store. She has plenty of friends not only at the PD, but FD, code enforcement...all over city hall. Course it's not the bosses, it's the everyday workers coming by for a cup of coffee and to sit and chat for a whle. Good luck, Olga.
She represents wrote on Oct 6, 2008 6:46 AM:the latino community, not the everyday joe six pack, sorry lady it is joe six pack that is keeping this city running.
Ok Olga you want to wrote on Oct 6, 2008 6:51 AM:Blog? Where do you stand on the $800 + BILLION Dollar tax bill? People are exterely upset across America, that politicans didn't listen to their voters.
To GEORGE THE MONKEY wrote on Oct 6, 2008 8:14 AM:It is like the Minutemen saying we are not racists we have Latinos in our group, or how about I am not racists my daughter is married to a Latino and I have Latino grandchildren. Olga is a candidate for the people all the people. Perhaps some of you have conveniently forgotten that even those damn illegals have rights in this country. The United States Constitution protects them under the 14th Amendment. Olga seems to be the only one who really believes we are a country of laws. You go Olga!!! You have my entire family's support.
To Oct. 8114 wrote on Oct 6, 2008 11:59 AM:You are telling me that Olga is for illegal immigration.
To Oct.8114 wrote on Oct 6, 2008 4:39 PM:That is a ridiculous comment. I guess you couldn't resist.
BTW: How's your financial state? Most citizens are worried about the fiscal health of our nation...and you...you are pre-occupied with trying to bash Olga and spread innuendos and rumors. Your comments are ridiculous - and you know it!
A vote for Olga is a vote for the economic vitality of our city and to bring balance to the city!
I'm voting for Olga!
SO wrote on Oct 6, 2008 7:44 PM:SO if Olga is the first choice who is the second? Are all of you Demo's getting sore fingers from typing so much today? Boost her she needs it . Hope this year she gets a grip on her attitude and she will do good. So whos elso do you feel should win. There must be a balance act otherwise we end up with what we have.
Choose Barron wrote on Oct 6, 2008 9:52 PM:Choose Barron & Diaz - for the future of Escondido! For the good of the people! For economic prosperity!
Vote for Olga Diaz and Richard Barron. Take a look at their websites - they have the education and skills to help move the city n the right direction - UPWARDS.
taco Shelly wrote on Oct 7, 2008 4:38 PM:While you are cerfing the net check out gagabedgallo .Cool website.
Make sure you are registared to vote & make sure you VOTE NOV 4 2008
Go Olga!
Go Barron!
Susan wrote on Oct 20, 2008 10:55 AM:Ladies and Gentlemen,
don't you think it's time that you put a check on your RACISM? There's only one person on this blog that was honest enough to acknowledge her "fear" of the Mexican workers. To her (help us) I say, you need to read up on the history of Escondido and how Escondido has actually benefited from the laborers that seem so scary to you.
Regarding parking issues, I think Escondido would have parking problems regardless of immigrant labor. This city needs a lot of infrastructure work a planning commission that does it's work and of course for this we need a City Council that has a genuine interest in making this city a better place to live. Out with the Real Estate interests and giving money to developers to build ugly condos.
And yes, I agree with a lot of the commentators tha we need an educated bunch in the city council. Education counts.
WOW wrote on Oct 26, 2008 10:35 PM:VOTE FOR FRENCH AND DIAZ ON ELECTION DAY
Another NO Vote For Olga wrote on Oct 30, 2008 10:10 PM:I found plenty of info to support Olga's position on Illegal Aliens. Not only is she rude, but she seems to really hate America's Sovereignty.
Search YouTube Titles
Escondido City Council, 18 Oct 2006
and
Olga Diaz at Escondido CIty Council
Olga Diaz insults the Escondido City Council because she doesn't like a new law forbidding renting to illegal immigrants ...
The Illusion of Inclusion wrote on Oct 30, 2008 10:29 PM:November 10, 2006
Other regional races involving “Hispanics” provided the same disastrous results. In Chula Vista (a community with a heavy population of persons of Mexican ancestry) first time Mayor Steve Padilla got handily beat by right wing Republican Cheryl Cox. In Escondido two racist incumbent councilpersons, Marie Widman and Dick Daniels who supported the racist anti Mexican can’t rent to Mexicans ordinance cruised to an easy victory. This in spite of a valiant effort by Ms. Olga Diaz who received only 15% of the vote in a city where the population of persons of Mexican ancestry is close to 50%!
Even though their was some political success at the lower levels of the political chain (school boards, council seats, etc.) it should be obvious by the disastrous election results that if even though our population has increased by leaps and bounds, our political involvement, astuteness and representation has not. At best we are living politically with the illusion of inclusion, and at worst appear to be returning back to the 1960’s! Time for La Raza Unida Party?
SOURCE : La Prensa San Diego
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