Local wrote on Oct 10, 2008 3:38 AM:Mr. Flores needs to take off his blinders. People do see Escondido's demographic shift. It doesn't say prosperity. It says 'Escondido is just a bedroom community.' RSF and Del Mar's help need somewhere to live and park their landscape trucks, etc. and sure as hell won't be in their own tidy back yards. Reputation? indeed.

Bill Flores does speak for me wrote on Oct 10, 2008 7:50 AM:Bill Flores is a courageous and honest man. We need more men like him to speak out against these injustices. We need more men like him to speak out against open racism. Thank you, Bill.

Question to NCT wrote on Oct 10, 2008 9:27 AM:When Flores writes a article like this do you allow him to screen the blogs? I'm sure there are scores of people who want to put Flores in his place as a pure racist.

Looks like wrote on Oct 10, 2008 9:38 AM:Flores and his El Grupo of one is leading the was for Olga.

Clayton wrote on Oct 10, 2008 9:41 AM:What sends shivers down my spine is the thought, that without Sam Abed and Ed Gallo, Escondido's checkpoints could be discontinued and we may never get a meaningful overnight parking ordinance.

Mr. Flores has it right. wrote on Oct 10, 2008 9:51 AM:Sam Abed is manifesting racism in comments that he and others have learned to see as politically neutral, to the degree that racism and bigotry have been normalized. I applaud Mr. Flores for pointing this out, and I encourage those who disagree with Mr. Flores to compare the rhetoric of past manifestations of hate (KKK), especially within the history of the north part of the County, to those who espouse and support it (minutemen) in today's world. There really is no difference.

Tired of it wrote on Oct 10, 2008 9:55 AM:Bill Flores DOES NOT speak for me. I applaud Mr. Abed efforts to improve Escondido. Checkpoints are only a problem for you if you aren't following the rules (valid license, insurance,ect.), and I don't know that I would purchase a home in Escondido if I had children, knowing that the quality of schooling they would recieve in the Escondido districts is diminished because of the burden that illegal immigration puts on our school system. It is perfectly reasonable to expect all of a city's residents, regardless of color, to follow the laws of the United States and the city that they live in. Thank you, Mr. Abed, for standing up and fighting.

Rachel wrote on Oct 10, 2008 10:02 AM:Bill Flores does NOT speak for the majority of LEGAL RESIDENTS of Escondido. What is so wrong with Sam Abed's comment regarding everyone following the rules and laws? Do the poor and ILLEGALS deserve special treatment? NO. I observe the laws and I don't mind the checkpoints because I'm a licensed, insured, legal resident of Escondido. Sam Abed and Mr. Gallo will have my vote and the votes of many next month because they care about the the quality of living for Escondido. If you are here illegally, get legal first and then we'll discuss your rights.

Thanks Abed wrote on Oct 10, 2008 10:17 AM:for speaking the truth. Continue speaking up for us who have lived here for many years. We know what has happened to OUR town and it isn't good. You are a TRUE AMERICAN. I'll vote for you any day.

To Question for NCT wrote on Oct 10, 2008 10:52 AM:Please!!! Bill Flores in his place! As a retired Undersheriff he has served his community with pride. He continues to speak against injustices and inequality. Believe me no one on this blog is man enough to take Bill Flores out of his place. He earned it! Thank you Bill for your genuine concern for our community here in Escondido. Thank you for exposing these atrocities. It seems you struck a nerve on those who feel racism is acceptable. As the other blogger said You speak for me. I guess the only thing I have to say about calling Bill a racist is why do you always resort to name calling? Let me just reiterate Bill Flores is a true American because he represents the unalienable truth that all men are created equal.

Mark wrote on Oct 10, 2008 11:05 AM:Bill Flores is to be commended for basically saying it's time to stop pandering to people's fears and to put together a plan so that all Escondo citizens can learn to live together. This applies o the city council as wellas to the chief of police. Scapegoating and racism is costly, counterproductive and simply doesn't work. Bill, we respect your leadership

To Thanks Abed wrote on Oct 10, 2008 11:07 AM:What truth is Sam Abed speaking? He said "Poor people and Latinos can't be outside the regulations." What truth is being spoken there? Is Sam Abed saying poor people and Latinos don't belong in Escondido? He sounds like a stupid man! Who says that kind of thing? The poor and the Latinos have a right to live anywhere they wish. I am glad that the gentleman who wrote this article did so because I missed the article where Sam Abed made this comment. I will not vote for him in November.

Culture Dispute wrote on Oct 10, 2008 11:26 AM:Latino is a cultural designation, and Latin American is a cultural/geographic designation for persons who speak Spanish, French & Portuguese. There is no Latino race, nor is there any poor race. This cry of racism is used to stop dialog, rather than address injury. Escondido is faced with dealing with poor Latinos illegally crossing the border. Abed opposes such condition, and El Grupo de Uno feigns offense for political purposes.

Tired of the bigotry wrote on Oct 10, 2008 11:30 AM:Let's make Escondido OUR city again, by voting out Abed and others who play politics of division. It shames me to know that he represents the City where my parents have lived for over 50 years, where I have lived for over 30 years, and where my children now grow up. Maybe Mr. Abed can take is money and move elsewhere, if he cares not for those who have less.

Reardon wrote on Oct 10, 2008 11:43 AM:If you took the words "hate" and "racism" out of their lexicon, these race-baiters like Flores would be mute!

Checkpoints are legal, but they would not be necessary if the federal government was doing the job and enforcing laws already on the books.

Checkpoints stop ALL races, all colors, all classes of people -- and all are equally inconvenienced -- but only lawbreakers of every race, color and class are ticketed.

Although found legal, I don't like the instant impounding of automobiles. An agent from ICE should be at the checkpoints to immediately hold illegal aliens for deportation.

Then when their automobiles are "abandoned," the automobiles should be seized, not temporarily impounded.

RG wrote on Oct 10, 2008 11:56 AM:Flores is using his old, really old, racists argument again in his attempt to make excuses for the groupo he represents. I'll tell him why I didn't buy a house there, and why I only shop in Escondido as a last resort. It's because of what Escondido has become, thanks to he and those like him who care not about law and order. He even fights the checkpoints that make driving there safer, claiming it's not fair to Latinos. Who want's to buy a house there when your neighbors may be multiple families living in a single family house, and parking without regard to anyone else? And expose my children to ugliness of a racially divided community? The ugliness is apparent because of what Flores turns a blind eye to. Sam Abed is trying to make Escondido a better place. Bill Flores is fighting every attempt in the name of "civil rights". It's easy to see who the real racist is. If he had any real courage, he would help to fix the root problem rather than white-wash it in his lame attempt to make it racial.

Thoughtful wrote on Oct 10, 2008 12:14 PM:Bigotry is the crutch of those that can not think.

To Tired of Bigotry wrote on Oct 10, 2008 12:19 PM:I am a retired teacher and I taught in the San Marcos school district for thirty five years.
Question: Would you put your child in the Escondido elementary school system where today about 50% of kids drop out before graduation? You better move to Poway where 97% of the kids went on to college in the class of '08. There was a 5% dropout. Poway has control not Mexico. I too have lived in Escondido all my life and see it quite different than you.

To Reardon wrote on Oct 10, 2008 12:23 PM:Just answer one question; Do you agree with Sam Abed's statement "Poor people and Latinos can't be outside the regulations." Do you agree?

Reardon wrote on Oct 10, 2008 1:04 PM:To To Reardon: Yes I agree with Abed's statement -- and I suspect you do too.

Surely you don't agree with the opposite: "Poor people and Latinos SHOULD be outside the regulations."

I doubt you believe that ANYONE should be outside the regulations.

Would it have been more artful to say "EVERYONE should obey the law?"

Probably, but Abed's statement is also true, if inartful.

People are just WAY too sensitive to perceived insults.

To Reardon wrote on Oct 10, 2008 1:09 PM:"An agent from ICE should be at the checkpoints to immediately hold illegal aliens for deportation." Do you not care about Civil and Constiutional Rights of those individuals? Just how do you suggest we determine if one is illegal? If the checkpoints are merely to check driver's licenses how do you suggest the police officers determine the immigration status of an individual without violating procedure? You know that little thing called probable cause and what about the First, Fourth, Fifth and Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution? As far as seizing their vehicles permanently well what about their right to life, liberty and property. Sorry but the illegals have rights and if we give the nod to violate their rights, who is next?

Carmen wrote on Oct 10, 2008 1:24 PM:I'm an American citizen of Hispanic heritage. Mr. Flores does not speak for all American Hispanics. I am sick of seeing illegal aliens trashing neighborhoods, commiting crimes, packing emergency rooms, drunk-driving, etc and last but not least, I am sick of seeing them standing in corners and parking lots. To add insult to injury, people like Mr. Flores protest and call it "divisive" when the rest of us complain
Asking for law and order is not divisive. Moreover, the law applies to everybody and that means Latinos/Hispanics and illegal aliens as well. There, I said it! Stop it with the racism garbage! It's getting tiresome.

To Bill wrote on Oct 10, 2008 1:29 PM:One reason you moved from La Costa, you state, is because of to many cars parked on the street. Do you park your car on the street? I think you do.

justice seeker wrote on Oct 10, 2008 1:47 PM:Flores not only wants amnesty for almost all illegal aliens he wants them to receive all the benefits intended for citizens as well. He wants legal residents to cover all the social and economic costs that large numbers of illegal aliens impose on our society.

It is an anti-American position pure and simple.

And Flores will stoop to any kind of smear campaign to attack those courageous civil servents, like Sam Abed, who oppose his agenda.

Escondido will be greatly improved in every way by more ICE raids, more police highway checkpoints, and a zero tolerancee policy for illegal aliens.

Illegal aliens hiding in the shadows should live in fear that our police and immigration agents will find them. Families who have been split up by decisions to enter the US illegally should be immediately reunited - in their home country.

Justice for American citizens demands all this.

To Reardon wrote on Oct 10, 2008 1:51 PM:Thank you for your response now please tell me how "Poor people and Latinos are outside the regulations." What regulations are those?

Look In The Mirror wrote on Oct 10, 2008 1:52 PM:Mention Latinos - get called a bigot by Bill Flores.

Ah Caramba Carmen wrote on Oct 10, 2008 2:04 PM:I am an American Citizen of Mexican descent and I am proud of my heritage, and Mr. Flores does speak for me. I have not seen the horrible situations you describe in your comment. I am certain you are exaggerating for dramatic purposes. What I have seen are people standing on street corners mostly at freeway entrances with signs asking for money and I am sick of seeing them. How do we stop that!! You are right asking for law and order is not divisive so why do you guys protest when Mr. Flores and others just want their rights protected? I don't like the term "moreover" but as you say moreover, the law applies to everybody and that means Latinos/Hispanics and illegal aliens as well. Moreover the law protects everybody and that means latinos/Hispanics/Mexicans and illegal aliens as well. Read the Constitution and maybe you will understand. But for now please stop with racism garbage! It's getting tiresome. See we agree!! Thank you.

To Ah Caramba Carmen wrote on Oct 10, 2008 2:45 PM:You are so right. How do we stop those panhandlers begging for money on the side of the road. Last Saturday I saw one of them urinating on the side of the freeway. Disgusting! Moreover, you are hilarious.

To Bill Flores wrote on Oct 10, 2008 2:54 PM:"How do we know when shoppers rule out Escondido because they don't want to deal with checkpoints? Or when families choose another city to buy a house in because they don't want their children exposed to the ugliness of a racially divided community?"

Are you kidding me? I love the checkpoints and I wouldn't have my child go to school in Escondido because of the way educating illegal alien's kids has denigrated all of the student's education.Just look at the scores for the Escondido schools that have high illegal alien/non English speaking populations.

Ugliness yeah right-how about quality education? Get real Mr. Flores!!!!

Lani wrote on Oct 10, 2008 2:56 PM:My family has never been to Mexico.All my heritage links to Escondido for hundreds of years.My Mother's bloodlines are Irish. Her descendents came via Ellis Island.Every relative I have was born in San Diego County since the 1800's.My father's bloodlines are Hispanic.His people lived here even before the Priest built the missions.My family owns a home with one family in it.We have 2 cars in our driveway.We all have birth certificates & social security cards.We have never been on welfare or taken or needed any help.Both of my parents have always worked.I had a happy life.Then the rental ban agruement began.We sold our house. Moved to another town ,bought a home near the country club.We tell everyone at our new school we are hawaiian.If you think what happened in Escondido hurt no one you are wrong.
I am an American not one person in my family has ever been illegal in any way.
Escondido ,you hurt me an American child.

I dont mind the check points at all wrote on Oct 10, 2008 3:39 PM:I don't think they are anything racist they are just trying to protect us from people who are driving without a drivers license, without insurance and in unregistered cars. I have been through several. No problems. I have a drivers license, a registration and car insurance. Flores is a .. who wants to turn Escondido into a bigger slum than it has become with all the illegal aliens living here. If you REALLY want to do something for Escondido Mr. Flores why don't you get that disgusting swap meet closed down in Escondido? Oh wait... we can't do that because where would the illegals buy fake ss cards, fake alien cards, and fake DL???

Reardon wrote on Oct 10, 2008 3:40 PM:To To Reardon: Are you blonde?

Mr. Flores thinks that driving is a right and that illegal aliens should have that right -- but as an ex-sheriff he actually knows it is a privilege and that EVEN illegals must have a license.

I favor my own 'comprehensive immigration reform" which includes: Doubling the legal immigration quotas from Central and South America; instituting a large four-year worker program, and allowing those current workers to apply for drivers licenses; requiring any current illegal alien to apply for the four-year program IF their FAMILIES return to Country of Origin; jailing everyone using forged documents for a minimum of four years; and cracking down heavily on workers without VALID Social Security Cards; and permanently barring anyone whose families return illegally to the United States.

Illegal workers do not join gangs, or use schools and medical facilities – their families do, while the workers simply want to work. We need workers, and we even need them to be able to drive -- legally.

We should facilitate their work, and their driving WITH licenses – but taxpayers should not support their entire families.

Hatch in Escondido wrote on Oct 10, 2008 3:54 PM:I travel the US quite a bit. When I mention that I am from Escondido, Ca., I am much more often praised as being someone that stands up for the law and against illegal aliens. But, I also tell people that the Mexican culture in particular is every bit as important to the heritage of this great state and city as any other. I would never want to see this city lose people that have lawfully contributed so much to our way of life and who are also living it. Lawbreakers take away from everyone. They must go.

Joe wrote on Oct 10, 2008 4:26 PM:I chat online with many people from all over the country. There is not one who even knows where Escondido is, let alone it's reputation.

I'm not real sure why anyone would want to live around people who have no regard for the law of the land. Are there certain laws people don't mind others breaking? I don't care what anyone does, until it costs me money or time. Illegals aliens cost us billions of dollars every year and I think it need to stop now.

I don't like living near people with no regard for the law, because when someone has no regard for one law, then most likely, they have no regard for any law.

It's human nature to try to get away with things when you have been allowed to do as you please by the authorities, whether that be your parents, your teachers or the cops.

It's said it would be a financial burden to get rid of them. I say, that right now would be the perfect time then!!

VIVA AMERICANOS

Oh ho wrote on Oct 10, 2008 4:28 PM:Bill Flores now the attack on Sam makes sense. This seems to be the only media that gives poor Bill any space. I wonder why? LOL

Solution Guy wrote on Oct 10, 2008 4:32 PM:Quit worrying about political correctness. Let's clean up Escondido. Sam Abed is trying to do just that. This is just a political hit piece against Sam Abed.

Joe wrote on Oct 10, 2008 4:36 PM:What should be illegal is me having to pay for my own medical and my kids school lunch. How is it that it's fair that I have to pay and people who are breaking the law don't?

And if I can't ask them for their status, then how does anyone know there are people here illegally in the first place?

Has anyone ever known a person who is locked up? While they do have some rights, they lose most of them when convicted.

I don't care who asks me to prove I'm a legal citizen. I have the proof and I'll show it to anyone. Only people who break laws don't want it asked!!

Barney wrote on Oct 10, 2008 4:42 PM:From reading the posts in this paper, one would think the hydrotherapy clinics should start advertising!

Lani wrote on Oct 10, 2008 5:25 PM:My family has never been to Mexico.All my heritage links to Escondido for hundreds of years.My Mother's bloodlines are Irish. Her descendents came via Ellis Island. Every relative I have was born in San Diego County since the 1800's.My father's bloodlines are Hispanic.His people lived here even before the Priest built the missions.My family owns a home with one family in it.We have 2 cars in our driveway.We speak only English.We all have birth certificates & social security cards.My parents have driver's licenses's,car insurance & house insurance.We have never been on welfare or taken or needed any help.Both of my parents have always worked.My parents pay taxes.They have health insurance.My parents vote.
I had a happy life.Then the rental ban agrument began.We sold our house. Moved to another town ,bought a house near the country club.We tell everyone at our new school we are Hawaiian.So they won't think we are part of the illegal problem.If you think what happened in Escondido hurt no one you are wrong.
I am an American not one person in my family has ever been illegal in any way.
Mr. Abed you hurt me an American 14 year old girl and my 9 year old sister.It hurts me everyday to know we did not cause any problems in Escondido but we were treated as if we did because we looked like the people you don't like.Is this the America we are all proud of?

To Carmen wrote on Oct 10, 2008 5:49 PM:People like you who use "I'm Hispanic/Latino" or "I speak english", or "American first" are only kissing up. People like you feel the need to be accepted or approved of by other non Hispanic citizens. Be yourself, that should be enough to be accepted in this country.

Dom wrote on Oct 10, 2008 6:12 PM:American citizens standing up in defense of their town, being run down,and trampled upon, by modern day "pirates" from mejico,is "Bigotry"???? Then give me more!!!This ... needs to be sent back to Wah-hocka on a green INS bus.

esco-man wrote on Oct 10, 2008 6:16 PM:Stop the racists!

Re-elect Abed and Gallo and keep Escondido moving forward.

To Bill Flores wrote on Oct 10, 2008 6:16 PM:Please move away.

Two Thumbs Up wrote on Oct 10, 2008 6:19 PM:Two Thumbs Up Bill Flores!

I am glad to see womeone calling Abed oiut on his comment! He quote about poor people and Latinos was very disturbing. He obviously has issues.

I've heard Abed say that 40% of his workers are Latino and they are "like family" to him. I find that a little hard to believe - but let's just say that's true for a minute. What Abed doesn't understand is that he appreciates these people because he has gotten to know them. But, what about the other Latinos in the community. The ones he doesn't know - the ones he thinks are illegal. Abed thinks 1 in four residents in Escondido are illegal - that would amount to about 1 of every 2 Latinos are illegal - according to Abed's "calculation by extrapolation". What about all those Latinos - the ones he refers to and often considers are day laborers or poor or criminal or over-crowders or illegal garage converters or graffitti artists? Abed doesn't understand that his words have been his own worst enemy.

Abed is obviously heavily influenced by appearances. And he believes that it is "his way" or the "high-way". Another thing that he doesn't understand is this: Abed is not any better than any other human being on the face of this earth! And that is the truth - plain and simple!

I don't care for Abed - I've heard too much! I won't be voting for him in November and hope that our city will not have to suffer anymore from his role in our city government.

Citizens of chamber wrote on Oct 10, 2008 6:22 PM:We at the Citizens of Chamber (all four of us) think that Sam Abed is a great councilman and is leading Escondido in a positive direction. We also think that Bill Flores needs to spend time doing something productive rather than making a political issue out of nothing. Stay classy.

Abed is ... wrote on Oct 10, 2008 6:32 PM:Funny how Abed makes so many racial statements. Isn't that the pot calling the kettle black. Hopefully, he will get a taste of his own medicine and someone will make him feel the racial heat.

Expected wrote on Oct 10, 2008 6:50 PM:I expected nothing more than the train of thought of the majority of these posters. Many of who - blog about 9 trillion times trying to type their agenda into our minds!

No thanks! I don't think that Abed and Gallo are doing any favors for the city!

Hello?? Anybody actually awake out there? Do you people think Escondido is the only city in SD county that has illegals? Get over yourselves - just because someone looks Latino does not mean they are illegal or poor or a criminal or a gang banger. I thought that kind of judging a book by its cover mentality got left behind along time ago - when we as a people learned our lesson about racism & the KKK.

Save Escondido - Do NOT re-elect Sam Abed or Ed Gallo! They are ruining the city!

Submarine Man wrote on Oct 10, 2008 7:11 PM:I love Lisa and Sam Abed

Abed is wrote on Oct 10, 2008 7:17 PM:Abed is an incompetant councilman and has cost this city a great deal of money and will continue to do so as long as he is in office!
Vote Abed out of office.
In the words of Alain Rene Lesage: "Facts are a stubborn thing."
Facts are facts...there is a long paper trail of facts! Let the track record be known!

Council Of Members wrote on Oct 10, 2008 7:27 PM:We the Council of Members wish that we never tried to take on a problem that is outside of our jurisdiction.

We the Council of Members Majority wish that we had used our God given brains and hounded our state and federal representatives endlessly to push them to reform our immigration policies.

We the Council of Members Majority wish that we hadn't been so cavalier with the taxpayers dollars when we hastily and politically motivated-ly pushed the rental ban through ... despite the hundreds of people and numerous legal counsel advising us not to adopt the doomed legislation!

We the Council of Members, specifically the incumbents hope (oh boy, we really really hope with all our might) that we get re-elected because then we will really make everyone pay for being so mean. Boo Hoo.

If the inbumbents are re-elected you can COUNT on more people leaving Escondido!! Guaranteed!!!

We the Council of Members Majority don't have a clue what we are doing but it is nice to be part of the decision making process (not the actual work - but the decision making). We shall sit on the dais, the Gods of Urban & All Other Planning and we the Council of Members will dictate to the people of Escondido (the legal ones - all illegals and poor people will be gone one day - tee hee hee) - Hear Us oh lowly people of Escondido. Behold your Council of Members the ones you have elected to run your lives - give us your money your blind support and your words of praise - otherwise please just remain silent!

We ARE the Council of MEMBERS - all knowing - all powerful - all washed up!!

Elect Sam wrote on Oct 10, 2008 8:59 PM:I had worried about Sam until I read this, another rant by Bill Flores. No way do I want to see his puppet in office. Sam, keep up the good work! Vote Sam Abed and Ed Gallo for City Council.

To Elect Sam wrote on Oct 10, 2008 10:01 PM:Nice campaign speech.

Skip wrote on Oct 10, 2008 10:37 PM:I think the main reason businesses decide not to move to Escondido is because Escondido is turning into Tijuana.

Roberto1 wrote on Oct 11, 2008 2:00 AM:Racism sells well these days and as we who speak severallanguages say, esta bien Escondido. Me thinks, that xenophobes should move further away from the border to places like Idaho. I don't have a problem being an american of mexican descent...to bad so many of you have significant issues...

To Lani wrote on Oct 11, 2008 6:52 AM:I see your family who has lived here for hundreds of years has failed to teach you to take responsibility for yourself, which is a shame. The way you feel is the way you chose to feel. It has nothing to do with what anyone said or did. It's in response to your own self talk about the situation.

If someone said something about you, then it's your choice on how you feel about what they said. What if someone said something about you that you didn't know about? Would you feel bad about it? Of course not. It's all in what a person chooses to think and feel, about anything in their life, that determines their own attitude.

Maybe you should talk to your parents. Wasn't it them who chose to move?

Joe wrote on Oct 11, 2008 6:54 AM:More people leaving Escondido you say?

What a great idea!!

Buzzm1 wrote on Oct 11, 2008 7:48 AM:THERE WILL BE NO AMNESTY!!!

OUR ACCEPTABLE IMMIGRATION REFORM

#1. Secure Our Borders!!!
#2. Mandate E-Verify for ALL Employees!!!
#3. Mandate E-Verify for ANY Benefit!!!
#4. Stop the Underground Economy!!!
#5. End Birthright Citizenship for Illegals!!!
......and make it retroactive!!!
#6. End Chain Migration!!!
#7. Make English our Official Language!!!
#8. Cut Off Federal Funds to Sanctuary Cities!!

NOTHING MORE!!! NOTHING LESS!!!

Buzzm1 wrote on Oct 11, 2008 7:49 AM:WE HAVE BEEN INVADED!!!

SOUTHWEST BORDER APPREHENSIONS (Source DHS/CBP)
1987--1,190,488------1995--1,394,554------2003----905,065
1988--1,008,145------1996--1,649,986------2004--1,139,282
1989----954,243------1997--1,412,953------2005--1,189,108
1990--1,169,939------1998--1,555,776------2006--1,071,972
1991--1,197,875------1999--1,537,000------2007----858,638
1992--1,258,482------2000--1,643,679------2008----660,288 (08/31)
1993--1,327,259------2001--1,235,718
1994--1,094,717------2002----929,809

FACT: In the last 22 years, over 26 million illegals, have been apprehended, crossing our Southwest Border.

THE PROBLEM IS: Less than 1, out of 4 illegals, were estimated to have been apprehended, while crossing the border, into our United States.

Mind boggling, isn't it.

According to the U.S. Immigration Service another 6 million illegals in this country are visa overstays. That is, they got a visa legally in their home country, they came here to visit and then they never left.

In the last 22 years, there have been another 4 million anchor babies born to illegals. Anchor babies are now being born at a rate of 350-400 thousand per year in our United States. All at our expense!!

Buzzm1 wrote on Oct 11, 2008 7:53 AM:Since when are illegals a race. Illegal is illegal, and they all have to go!!! Don't allow Bill Flores to mislead you.

The Real Lisa wrote on Oct 11, 2008 9:30 AM:I fully support Sam Abed. He has the best interests of Escondido in mind. He has my vote.

Scooter wrote on Oct 11, 2008 9:33 AM:Bill Flores; go away. Take your one sided agenda somewhere else. Why not take your law man skills to Tijuana/Rosarito Beach and work on cleaning up that area? Seems like a perfect place for your "talents".

Re-elect Abed, Gallo and Waldron, and keep Escondido on the path to being a nice place to live once again.

to the three stooges wrote on Oct 11, 2008 9:48 AM:Bill is right, Sam just cares for people that can give money tohis campaign!!!

Listen up folks wrote on Oct 11, 2008 10:05 AM:Bill Flores has done more damage to Escondido than one can imagine. If you come into this country as an illegal it well know that Flores and his group will protect you. With his agenda Escondido is quickly becoming a sanctuary city. Just a side note, If you want your to have a quality education you had better keep you child out of the Escondido school system.

fedup wrote on Oct 11, 2008 11:41 AM:I still don't see where calling one an ILLEGAL ALIEN makes anyone a racist!

b wrote on Oct 11, 2008 11:49 AM:Sam Abed is a legal immigrant who obviously wants to improve the overall quality of life in Escondido. Bill Flores is spewing rhetoric with little to no factual basis. He states "While it's not illegal to be racist or mean-spirited, acting on those feelings are not attractive qualities for any community." I would agree with this, but it's irrelevant to the discussion. Escondido council members have not acted on racist, mean-spirited feelings, unless you consider attempts to uphold the law as being racist and mean-spirited. Bill, please go spin your nonsense somewhere else.

Thanks Latinos wrote on Oct 11, 2008 12:21 PM:for all you have done for the economy of others in the building trade ..when it's good your hired when it's bad your blamed..your the reason we need check points and giving your car away is not a fare trade but it will do ..until we build the border fence that will keep you in and us out..but we will use your oil and resources to grow our food..and maybe a time share twice a year..and the mexican restaurants I enjoy should stay..you are what makes a system work without you there would be little politics or romance in this town...

Retired University Prof. wrote on Oct 11, 2008 12:57 PM:Re: Thanks Latinos -- aside from the content of your comments, your post demonstrates the results of a public school education(sic).

If that public education was in an Escondido public school, then that further demonstrates the problems brought to public education by illegal aliens.

Thanks Latinos wrote on Oct 11, 2008 12:57 PM:you missed the point, it's no than thanks illegals.

Mexicat wrote on Oct 11, 2008 1:26 PM:This all started with the likes of liberal activist, like Flores. As for Abed, I don't trust him either. I'm might vote for Gallo and Diaz.

Howell wrote on Oct 11, 2008 1:59 PM:We recently moved to the area. Looking around north county for a home was eye opening. Escondido reminded us of Tijuana, and was fairly quickly crossed off the list. We ended up buying in Encinitas, which from our view is a far nicer place to live. I can't imagine anyone moving to Escondido, if they have other options. Whoever this Flores ... is, doesn't have a clue about quality of life.

Concerned wrote on Oct 11, 2008 2:59 PM:It's a shame all the racism that goes on in our city. I drove my brother-in-law to his ARMY base before he was deployed to Iraq for two years. They made the infantry line up before they went aboard the plane. I'd say 80% were hispanic; probably second generation or first. Made me sad that they were being sent to defend all this racism. All you racist people should have been sent in their place, maybe, it would relieve you of all your hatred.

Joe wrote on Oct 11, 2008 3:17 PM:Yeah concerned. there wasn't a military in this country until just a few years ago!

What branch did you serve in and did they make you get your ged?

Pick a Better Country wrote on Oct 11, 2008 3:25 PM:To Concerned: It appears you are one of those who would have to use sign language if they took the words "hatred" and "racism" from your vocabulary.

Those soldiers are all VOLUNTEERS! Every last one of them.

They, like you, have choices. There are three international airports within two hours’ drive.

To Concerned wrote on Oct 11, 2008 4:34 PM:You're right! All these angry fed up people should enlistor re-enlist and vent their anger in the war.Do something real and constructive instead of trying to spread hate. That's their only intention,to increase discrimination towards minorities.

pray for election day wrote on Oct 11, 2008 5:25 PM:With all this spewing of racist, anti-racist, who-cares-racist rhetoric, can we all agreee that Nov. 4 can't come too soon? Once the voters speak, it shuts up everybody else. What anybody else believes or doesn't believe isn't as important as what the voter says without mouthing a word or typing a blog. A little more that three weeks away -- come quickly, Nov. 4!

Miguel wrote on Oct 11, 2008 5:35 PM:Once again Mr. Flores has shown his racist agenda. Mr. Abed is a man of courage who is just trying to make Escondido a place where law abiding people can live.

Abed Gallo OUT wrote on Oct 11, 2008 8:23 PM:Vote Abed & Gallo out of office in November!!

Vote Waldron out in two years!

God Bless America - at least we have the option to vote our politicians OUT OF OFFICE.

Say NO to the INCUMBENTS at every level! Time for a fresh start!!!

Santa Maria wrote on Oct 11, 2008 8:25 PM:I love my city of Escondido, but I do want changes! My children attend public schools and I see so much money going into the education of English Learner children and not mine. Why should more money be invested into English Learner students? I have never asked for free lunches or free medical services for my kids.

Two nights ago when I was running with my daughter and our two dogs, my daughter and I witnessed a hit and run in the intersection of Broadway and Washington at @ 8:00 p.m. The driver got out of his car and ran to flee the scene. I may be considered racist but the driver was most likely undocumented. Ambulance, fire truck, and police officers arrived at the scene. WHO THE HELL IS GOING TO PAY FOR THESE SERVICES? I was born in Mexico and I have lived in Escondido for forty years. All I’m saying is – PAY YOUR OWN WAY IF YOU WANT TO LIVE HERE! STOP ASKING FOR HAND-OUTS!

Dave wrote on Oct 11, 2008 11:26 PM:To: Santa Maria
You should also ask them to come here legally.
I hope you reported the hit and run accident to the police.
Oh and we get stuck with the bill.

Sam wrote on Oct 13, 2008 7:11 AM:Flores is race-baiting, pure and simple. That Mr. Abed recognizes that illegal immigration in this region largely involves Latinos, only means that he is being honest. There is nothing "racist" about wanting immigration and employment laws enforced, and as a former member of law enforcement, Flores should be ashamed about the lengths he is going to justify or gloss over the criminality of thousands of illegal workers and residents in Escondido.

Its amazing wrote on Oct 13, 2008 8:08 AM:how Flores gets free advertising in the NTC by running articles demeaning Sam over and over.. All in an effort to get his candidate Olga elected. One can see that Flores, El Grupo of one, is putting all it's effort in defeating Sam. He has run this article over and over until he has run it into the ground. Seems like the NCT would catch on to him.

Amazing wrote on Oct 14, 2008 3:37 AM:Catch on to him? Hell NO! NCT supports him. You must be a newbie.

S0me Idi0t wrote on Oct 14, 2008 1:21 PM:What? I'm white and I can't wait for Nov 4th to get here so I can vote Abed out! I've seen what his handy work on the Council has done.Scenic Escondido looks like a dump.