Opinion: Thirteen Reasons To Vote No on Prop 14/Top Two
Why Prop 14 would be bad for democracy and government in California

By Mike Feinstein

Proposition 14 is a political Trojan horse masquerading as electoral reform, that would reduce political voice and voter choice, while unfairly favoring incumbency and big money. At a time when California needs transformational change to address its multiple crises, Prop 14 would lurch the state backwards and institutionalize a deeply flawed election scheme in our constitution.

There should be no doubt that Prop 14 is a frontal attack on democracy. It is designed to stifle diversity and competition within the major parties, limit the choices of independent voters and drive minor parties off the ballot entirely.

1) Prop 14 is an Incumbent Protection Plan

Washington State had its first experience with a Top Two primary in 2008. Of the 139 incumbents who ran in either state legislative, state constitutional or congressional races, only one lost in the primary and 5% of 139 races featured candidates from same party. In the general election, fewer seats ultimately changed parties (seven) than in 2006 (13) when parties were allowed to conduct their own primaries.

Why are incumbents advantaged by Top Two primaries?

2) Early Decision-Making under Prop 14 Rewards Incumbents and the Wealthiest Candidates

By increasing the stakes of the June primary, Prop 14 would put more emphasis on early fundraising, increasing the corrupting influence of big money and making it harder for grassroots candidates and movements to survive, let alone compete. Candidates with large campaign chests (including those that can self-fund) would be even more able to ‘clear the field’ and squeeze out other candidates, because of the additional pressure not to ‘split the primary vote’ within their own party. This would occur during June elections that traditionally experience much lower voter turnout, and with voters who are much whiter, wealthier and olderon average than voters in November.

To the extent that incumbents don’t have to fear challenge in elections, Prop 14 would undermine one of the major tools of accountability between voters and representatives.

3) Eliminating party primaries under Prop 14 puts pressure on non-incumbents and/or non-frontrunners of the same party to drop out, lest they ‘split the vote’ of their party’s faithful, putting more power into the hands of party machines and insiders to de facto select general election candidates

In California’s current party primary system, spirited competition can occur among multiple candidates of the same party, without the concern that if too many strong candidates enter the race from the same party, it will split their party’s vote and endanger their candidates being on the general election ballot. But that’s exactly a problem that Prop 14 creates.

The pressure not to split the vote is one of the major negatives of Prop 14. The closet California has experienced to Prop 14 in this respect was the October 2003 Gubernatorial Recall - 132 candidates appeared on the same ballot, with no party primaries to select the nominee of each party. As a result, there was intense pressure on the ‘major’ candidates in each major party to drop out.

It began on the Republican side, with an agreement between former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan and then actor Arnold Schwarzenegger that only one of the two would run. When Schwarzenegger declared his candidacy on August 6th, Riordan quickly dropped out. On August 23rd, 2002 GOP nominee Bill Simon announced that he too was dropping out, stating "There are too many Republicans in this race and the people of our state simply cannot risk a continuation of the Gray Davis legacy", lest they split their vote and hand the race to Democrat Cruz Bustamante. Next came Peter Ueberroth, former Major League commissioner and Los Angeles Olympic Committee President, who withdrew on September 9th. The Democrats were not immune to this pressure. On August 9th, former Lt. Governor John Garamendi withdrew, only two days after he declared, under heavy pressure not to split the Democratic vote, leaving only Bustamante in the field.

Rather than the ‘competitive environment' Prop 14 sponsors promise, experience in California and Washington shows just the opposite – fewer serious candidates chose to run and the choice of who will run is made more by party insiders than primary voters. This means political debate would be minimized, not increased by Prop 14.

Ironically one thing that made the Recall debates interesting was the presence of independent, alternative voices like Green Party candidate Peter Camejo and independent Ariana Huffington. Prop 14 would eliminate candidates like these from the general election debates.

4) Prop 14 would eliminate all ballot-qualified political parties’ right to be on the general election ballot

As recently as 2004, California voters approved Proposition 60 with 67.5%, which guaranteed that the highest primary vote getter from each of California’s ballot-qualified political parties would be on the general election ballot. Proposition 14 dishonestly hides that it would eliminate this right and take away the ability of a broad range of voters to vote for candidates in the general election that represent them.

After Washington State implemented the Top Two in 2008, no minor party or independent candidate for any statewide or for congressional race appeared on the general election ballot for the first time since Washington became a state in 1889.

5) Prop 14 would make it very difficult for minor parties to stay on the ballot in California

In California there are only two ways that parties stay on the ballot. One is to receive at least 2% of the general election vote every four years for one of the statewide constitutional offices like Governor or Secretary of State. But under Prop 14, minor parties won’t be on the general election ballot for statewide office, so they can’t retain party status that way. The other method is to have a certain threshold number of voter registrations. But if this were the only method today, both the Libertarians and the Peace and Freedom Party would already be off the ballot and the Green Party would be threatened with the same.

The Green Party has been on the ballot for 18 consecutive years, the Libertarians 30 and Peace and Freedom for 40 of the last 42. Had the Prop 14’s authors intended to honor California’s political diversity, they would’ve reduced the registration threshold so these kinds of parties could reasonably stay on the ballot. By leaving the threshold where it is and eliminating their ability to qualify on the general election ballot, Prop 14’s sponsors are going for the jugular to entirely eliminate minor parties in California.

6) Prop 14 forces California’s growing number of independent voters to vote for only Democrats and Republicans in the general election

Voter registration in the two major parties in California has been going down proportionally for many years, showing that voters want more, not fewer choices. Prop 14 is a disingenuous strategy to circumvent that trend by forcing all voters to vote for either Democrats or Republicans in the general election.

Prop 14’s advocates claim they are allowing California’s independent ‘decline-to-state’ voters more say in the primaries. But these voters already have the right to vote in the major party primaries today. So what would Prop 14 actually change? Independent voters – and all voters – would lose their right to vote for other candidates in November.

7) Prop 14 does not promote good government

Prop 14 advocates claim the Top Two will somehow magically lead to better government. But the Public Policy Institute of California studied previous implementations of similar systems and found little change in partisan discord. California had an experiment with the ‘cousin of Top Two’ when the blanket primary was in place in 1998 and 2000, before the U.S. Supreme Court threw it out for being unconstitutional. By November 2000, the full state legislature was elected via this method (the Assembly is elected every two years, the State Senate every four) and that 2000-2002 legislature was one of the most contentious in recent memory and took the state from a major budget surplus to major budget deficit in just two years, ultimately helping lead to the recall of Governor Gray Davis.

Louisiana is the only other state that has had a Top Two primary in place (since 1975) and is hardly a model of government for California to emulate.

8 & 9) Prop 14 eliminates general election independents and write-ins

Under Prop 14, all avenues to the November General Election ballot are shut down by mid-March. Currently if something significant happens in public policy during the course of the campaign that merits a new voice in the race, an independent candidate can qualify after the primary and appear on the November ballot. Prop 14 would eliminate this check-and-balance of democracy, along with the right of voters to cast a write-in vote in November if they don’t support any of the candidates on the ballot.

10) Prop 14 does not require candidates to disclose their registered political party affiliation

In yet another move away from accepted standards of democracy, Prop 14 would do away with basic transparency by not requiring a candidate to identify in which political party they are a member. Perhaps in a small New England town hall meeting in the 17th century where everyone knew each other, this would’ve been acceptable. But in today’s California with more than 36 million people, party identification is a helpful tool for voters to sort out their preferences. Prop 14 would take away this right from the voters. And, if under Prop 14 candidates chose to indicate anything at all, they would not appear on the ballot like today as ‘Joe Smith, Democrat’ or ‘Jane Doe, Republican.’ Rather it would be as ‘Joe Smith, my party preference is the Democratic Party’ – clumsy and potentially confusing language, that was placed in Prop 14 to try and avoid it being ruled unconstitutional.

11) Prop 14 is unconstitutional

Like the blanket primary that was ruled unconstitutional in California in June 2000, there is a good chance the Top Two will be thrown out by the courts -- wasting the time of the people of California yet again with a poorly conceived law.

While the Top Two was drafted to circumvent the concerns that invalidated the blanket primary, its authors were apparently unaware of a range of other ballot access laws, including what kind of restrictions can be placed on a party from reaching the general election ballot. As a result, there will be a full trial in US District Court in Washington State in October 2010 to rule on the constitutionality of Top Two. If successful, it would not only invalidate Washington State’s law, but likely Prop 14 as well, if it were to pass.

12) Bad process leads to bad policy

Devising electoral reform for a nation-state like California is best done transparently and thoughtfully, involving wide swaths of society. By contrast, Prop 14 was born outside of public view as part of a last minute, backroom deal to get the final vote in the legislature for the 2/3 needed to pass the 2009 state budget. Now its gone straight to the ballot for an up/down vote, with a ‘yes’ campaign mostly based upon superficial sound bites. Is that kind of political extortion how we want to reform our democracy?

There are many ways in which California could consider electoral reform. In 2010 there was an effort to qualify a Constitutional Convention initiative that could’ve placed a range of electoral reforms before the people in an open, inclusive manner. There is a good chance the movement will be back in 2012 more organized to qualify for the ballot.

13) Positive alternatives exist without the problems of Top Two

Imagine a system where voters can rank as many candidates as they want, not worry that voting for what they most believe in will lead to what they most oppose - and be assured that every election will lead to a majority winner. Such a system would put more power into the hands of the voter compared to the candidates and parties. Fortunately that system already exists – it’s called Ranked Choice Voting and is in place for non-partisan municipal office in San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley and San Leandro and many other cities across the country.

Ranked Choice Voting can also be used in partisan races for state legislature or governor, in both party primaries and general elections. Since major party primaries in California are already open to decline-to-state voters, adding Ranked Choice Voting to that mix would render those primaries far more inclusive, competitive and democratic than they are today, promoting healthy competition and debate. In general elections, using Ranked Choice Voting would extend more choice to voters to indicate where they stand on the issues, eliminate ‘spoiler’ concerns, and give more incentive to candidates to be responsive to voters preferences, all without reducing voter choice as in Prop 14.

Finally, California could consider systems of proportional representation like in Europe and elsewhere around the world, where there are multi-seat districts and different parties win seats in proportion to the support they receive from voters. In that way, all parts of the political spectrum would have a place at the table, making government that much more truly “of the people.”

Mike Feinstein is a former Mayor and City Councilmember in Santa Monica.

Over 50 Turn Out for Whitburn Fundraiser in Hillcrest by MARK GABRISH CONLAN Copyright © 2010 by Mark Gabrish Conlan for Zenger’s Newsmagazine • All rights reserved Stephen Whitburn, former San Diego Democratic Club president and San Diego City Council candidate, brought his current campaign for the District Four seat on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors to Hillcrest March 28 with an early-evening fundraiser at the Bamboo Lounge restaurant in Hillcrest. Over 50 people attended the event, in which Whitburn introduced his campaign team and laid out the issues he intends to raise in his challenge to incumbent Ron Roberts. “It is so important that we win this seat,” Whitburn said. “Fundamentally, it is time that government work for people in San Diego County. I was down at the County Board on Tuesday to speak against the gifts Supervisors receive from the organizations to which they give taxpayers’ money. In the case of Ron Roberts, over the years he has given more than $850,000 to a nonprofit organization that promotes trade with Asia. And in turn, that organization has sent Ron Roberts on six all-expense-paid trips to China — junkets to China. Now, to me that seems improper.” Whitburn also upbraided Roberts for calling for a second supervisorial vote on the controversial Merriam Mountains development proposal near Escondido. The developer sponsoring the proposal planned to blow off the top of a mountain, flatten it and build thousands of homes atop the denuded mountain. The County Board of Supervisors first voted on the proposal on December 9, with Roberts absent, and the board deadlocked 2-2, killing the plan. But Roberts insisted that the board schedule another vote so he could be there — leading to speculation that he supported the project and wanted to see it go through — though when the second vote came on March 24, he opposed Merriam Mountains. At his fundraiser, Whitburn said he’d attended the March 24 meeting “and Ron Roberts would not look me in the eye. He didn’t want to look like he wasn’t paying attention, so he looked past me, so he could look like he was looking at me but not look at me.” Whitburn told the Supervisors they should vote down Merriam Mountains, and he asked the audience at his fundraiser “if you think it is a good idea to consider blasting off mountaintops and building homes in fire-prone areas without an evacuation plan.” Whitburn also ridiculed the all-Republican County Board of Supervisors for their lack of interest in social service, which along with development and land use is one of the primary responsibilities of county government in California. “The County Board will not lift a finger above and beyond what is absolutely mandated by the state to help the people who so very much need government to serve them,” Whitburn said. “That $850,000 that went for trade with China could have provided assistance to a whole lot of working people who are struggling to pay their bills and need more food to feed their families.” According to Whitburn, “The County Board has huge responsibilities, yet many people don’t even know what it does.” He attributed that to the fact that Roberts and his four fellow Supervisors are all “like-minded Republicans” who “decide the issues amongst themselves” with little or no public debate. “Without debate, there isn’t much media coverage of the County Board of Supervisors,” Whitburn explained — “and without media coverage, there isn’t very much public attention to it. And without that kind of public attention, people aren’t very plugged into what’s going on.” What Whitburn says he has to do to win is get the public agitated and wanting change. “I was a reporter for 18 years,” Whitburn recalled. “I love to find out what’s going on and tell people what’s going on. And you’d better believe that as a County Supervisor, I’m going to be a strong voice, not only for what we believe but for communicating to the public exactly what the priorities of the County Board ought to be; what is not being done that ought to be; and what we need to be doing to make things better for people.” Whitburn admitted he has an uphill battle. He first has to get through the June 8 primary and hope his three Democratic rivals split the vote enough to deny incumbent Roberts the 50 percent plus one he would need to win re-election outright, then he has to be the top vote-getter among the four Democrats (including one, San Diego Unified School District board member Shelia Jackson, who unlike Whitburn has actually served in elective office). But he said if he can do it, he hopes it will be an inspiration for other Democrats to challenge Republican incumbents in the South Bay and coastal districts and win a majority on the Board of Supervisors the way they have on the City Council. “This starts here tonight,” Whitburn said. “It starts with all of us. … It starts with our fellow warriors for civil liberties. It starts with our fellow warriors for social and economic justice.” Whitburn pointed with pride to his endorsements from State Senator Christine Kehoe, City Councilmember Donna Frye and former City Councilmember Toni Atkins — “real leaders,” he called them — and added, “It starts with you. You are my friends. You’re the ones who know me as a person, and you are the ones who will most effectively communicate to other people how important this is, and why not only do we need to win, but we will win this race.” Whitburn closed the event by introducing his campaign team: campaign manager Don Mullen, consultant Jennifer Tierney (who ironically represented Whitburn’s successful opponent, Todd Gloria, in the 2008 election for the District 3 seat on the San Diego City Council), field organizer Fernando Lopez, Web designer Matt Ferris and the hosts for his March 28 event, David Higgins and David Miles, He also thanked “government watchdog” and former San Diego City Council candidate Ian Trowbridge, event volunteer John Logan and longtime community volunteer Mel Merrill. Since the March 28 event, Whitburn has taken some surprising hits in the media. San Diego CityBeat sent a reporter to the fundraiser but, instead of writing an actual story, ridiculed it in their “Turds & Blossoms” column. They called the event “disheartening” and made fun of Mullen and the two other Whitburn supporters who tried to get a chant of “Stephen! Stephen” going at the end — ignoring the enthusiastic response of the crowd earlier, when Whitburn asked them to back up his opposition to the Merriam Mountains development and Roberts’ junkets to China. And the April 1 edition of the Gay & Lesbian Times ran a vituperative editorial attacking Kehoe and Atkins for supporting Whitburn. Once beyond the terms of personal abuse (the editorial writer said the two pioneering Lesbian politicians “need to take a shower and use some deodorant”), the Gay & Lesbian Times seemed to be saying that because Roberts endorsed both Kehoe and Atkins in their City Council races, he deserves their support in perpetuity. For a candidate who was a journalist for 18 years, Whitburn arguably has received a lot of unfair treatment from people who share his former profession — including some who also share his sexual orientation.

Queer Democrats Clash Over 79th Assembly District Race Incumbent Councilmember Hueso, Challenger Quiñones Both Rated “Acceptable” by MARK GABRISH CONLAN Copyright © 2010 by Mark Gabrish Conlan for Zenger’s Newsmagazine • All rights reserved PHOTOS, top to bottom: Ben Hueso, Pearl Quiñones, Kevin Beiser, Katherine Nakamura, Patrick Finucane, Jim Morrison When the predominantly Queer San Diego Democratic Club at its January 28 regular meeting debated whom to endorse in the 79th Assembly District primary — San Diego City Council president Ben Hueso or Sweetwater Union High School District board member Pearl Quiñones — there was little to choose between them based on the issues. Quiñones scored 100 percent on the club’s issues questionnaire and Hueso got 98.7 percent only because the club’s vice-president for political action, Alex Sachs, docked him for firmly supporting marriage equality and therefore declining to back legal recognition for same-sex couples outside of marriage. Instead, the debate turned mostly on personalities and political styles. Hueso’s supporters pointed to his experience as a Councilmember, his name recognition and ability to raise money for a general-election campaign, the number of endorsements of elected officials he’d attracted and his willingness to stand up for marriage equality against the formidable opposition of the local Roman Catholic church. Quiñones’ backers saw her as an insurgent candidate in the tradition of City Councilmember Donna Frye and Assemblymember Lori Saldaña, one able to stir the passions of the grass roots and also someone more likely to take risks for progressive issues once in office. The club was originally supposed to debate the issue at a November meeting, but Hueso was unable to attend due to a death in his family, so club members voted in November to delay the endorsement until January. After extensive discussion and debate, the club failed to endorse either candidate and instead agreed to rate both “acceptable” — an option under its rules when members feel more than one candidate is supportable but neither is clearly superior. But even that vote, usually an act of conciliation at the end of a long and sometimes bitter debate, itself became charged with emotion after Jess Durfee, former club president and current chair of the San Diego County Democratic Party, demanded separate votes on the “acceptable” ratings for Hueso and Quiñones. The discussion of the race began with presentations by both candidates. Hueso’s combined a defense of his work on San Diego’s financial problems with ideas on how he would handle similar issues as a state legislator. “We’ve had an issue with the city, trying to restore our credit rating,” Hueso said. “I’m running to make quality education accessible and affordable. I’m also working on a local jobs initiative. We are putting together bonds on a water-use project. We have to spend local money locally and employ San Diegans instead of people from Arizona and Nevada.” Hueso also recounted how he voted to put the city of San Diego on record as supporting the legal right to same-sex marriage “even though the bishop of my diocese held Masses in my district to pressure me to vote against it.” “I am your local grass-roots candidate,” said Quiñones. “I believe education is the strongest power to open doors of opportunity, and the best equalizer. Everyone has the right to an affordable public education.” She said that since 2000, when she first ran for the Sweetwater board, it has started the largest capital-improvement program in the district and all its new buildings are certified as environmentally “green.” “We have the lowest dropout rate in the state and have passed a balanced budget every year since 2000 without laying off teachers,” she said. “Last year we were hit with an $11 million budget shortfall, and next year we will have to cut $22 million. How can we continue to provide a quality education for our children with all these budget cuts?” When the club debated the race, Hueso had the benefit of celebrity endorsements from openly Queer politicians, including State Senator Christine Kehoe — who became the first “out” Queer ever elected to public office in San Diego County when she won the District 3 City Council seat in 1993 — as well as her two successors in that office, Toni Atkins and current Councilmember Todd Gloria. Kehoe and Atkins sent letters of support and Gloria appeared personally to speak for Hueso. But Quiñones had a celebrity endorser of her own — Assemblymember Lori Saldaña, who ran a grass-roots campaign for her own Assembly seat in 2004, beat two better-funded primary opponents and won. “As chair of the Assembly’s Women’s Caucus, we need Pearl,” Saldaña said. “Pearl is a progressive. Pearl’s heart is in the right place.” Saldaña said one reason she was supporting Quiñones is that Latina women in office tend to be more progressive than Latino men. “The moderate Latino caucus holds up votes time and time again,” Saldaña explained. “The women are the progressives right now, and we need more of them.” “I’m here acknowledging the choice between two good candidates, and I know something about that,” said Gloria — referring to his own 2008 City Council race against former San Diego Democratic Club president Stephen Whitburn. “I have seen Ben close up, and he is always with us. Ben is a progressive Democrat on housing and environmental issues. In a city with a strong-mayor form of government, we have kept there from being cuts in police and fire services and we have kept every library open.” The debate over the race split the club’s former presidents — Andrea Villa spoke for Quiñones while Durfee endorsed Hueso — and also the two openly Queer people who have actually chaired the San Diego County Democratic Central Committee. Former chair Maureen Steiner praised Quiñones’ willingness to endorse Mary Salas, the outgoing Assemblymember she and Hueso are running to replace, for State Senate even though Salas isn’t supporting her. (Hueso said he is also supporting Salas.) Durfee said the club “must” endorse Hueso, partly because he expects Hueso to win the nomination anyway (“you can look at the numbers and the fundraising”) and partly because “we’ve never supported him yet — and he’s always supported us.” The Hueso-Quiñones race not only took the club two ballots but impinged on the next election up for consideration, the District B seat on the San Diego Unified School District board. Incumbent Katherine Nakamura and challenger Kevin Beiser had to sit patiently at the table in front of the room while procedural debates over the Hueso-Quiñones endorsement swirled around them. On the first ballot, Hueso got 41 votes and Quiñones 34 to seven for no endorsement. On the second ballot, on which Quiñones wasn’t considered (as the second-place finisher she was dropped), Hueso got 38 votes to 31 for no endorsement. Eventually both candidates were rated “acceptable,” with Hueso winning that designation by 50 votes to seven against and 10 abstentions, while Quiñones’ “acceptable” rating passed with 47 votes to one against and seven abstentions. The Nakamura-Beiser race was a much easier one for the club. Though the club had supported Nakamura in the past, it went for challenger Beiser by 65 votes to one for Nakamura and 10 for no endorsement. The key issue appeared to be whether the school district’s construction projects should be covered by Project Labor Agreements (PLA’s). PLA’s are under major attack from Republicans and libertarians who regard them as giveaways to organized labor — and Nakamura shocked her audience when she said, “I am vehemently not in support of PLA’s,” and added that they had been foisted onto the district by a new board majority elected two years after her. “I wholeheartedly support PLA’s,” Beiser said. “They set up guidelines for contractors who want to build our schools that we need to pay workers a fair wage, offer benefits including health care, and hire workers from San Diego. Katherine and I have a difference. I think it’s so important to hire local workers and keep San Diego’s money in San Diego.” The two also battled over teacher layoffs, with Beiser saying that Nakamura had “voted to fire 900 teachers two years ago,” while Nakamura said no teachers had been fired — they had simply been sent layoff notices until the state legislature restored the school district’s funds, whereupon the teachers were brought back. The club also considered an endorsement in City Council District 2, currently held by Republican Kevin Faulconer. Democrats Patrick Finucane and Jim Morrison appeared before the club and talked about the city’s general problems as well as one specific to their district: the proliferation of loud, noisy bars in Pacific Beach. Any hope Morrison might have had for winning the club’s support was dashed when, after the candidates had finished presenting themselves and had left the room so the club could debate the race, political action vice-president Alex Sachs read the answers to the club’s questionnaire on which Morrison had disagreed with the club’s positions. According to Sachs, Morrison had said he did not support lifting the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy and allowing Queers to serve openly in the U.S. military “because they might get hurt” (later he quoted Morrison as saying “they might get injured,” which led one club member to wonder what Morrison thinks the military is for). Morrison also said on his questionnaire that Medi-Cal funding for abortions should be used “sparingly” and it would be “too costly” for women to serve on military submarines alongside men. Finucane won the endorsement with 63 votes to four for Morrison and 11 for no endorsement. In addition to the endorsement debates, the club also heard presentations from Gayl Jaaskelainen on how to apply for the California Redistricting Commission, which will draw new districts for the state legislature after the 2010 census; and from former president Jeri Dilno about the current status of the Pride organization and events. Dilno announced that former Pride board president Philip Princetta and the two other members who approved Princetta’s controversial (and since returned) $5,000 stipend have resigned. Before they quit, Princetta and the other members appointed Suanne Pauley, Debra McEntee and Joe Mayer to form a five-member Pride board, and that group in turn added Judy Schein, Chris Shaw, Jeri Dilno, Andrea Villa, Bob Leyh and Larry Ramey to fill out the board. (Pride’s bylaws state that the board can have any number of members between four and 20.) “My first statement is don’t believe everything you read in the papers,” Dilno joked about Pride. She commented wryly that the San Diego Democratic Club is not “taking over” Pride — despite the presence of two former club presidents, herself and Villa, on the new Pride board, along with current club development vice-president Leyh — and expressed confidence that the 2010 Pride events will take place on schedule (the celebration is scheduled for July 17-18) and be “a good Pride.” Dilno refused to comment on whether the new board will rehire executive director Ron deHarte — whose January 5 firing by the Princetta-led board led to a community controversy over Pride and its future — or the two other Pride staff members, Ken St. Pierre and Jeff Rolando, who quit in support of him. Finally, the club re-elected the full slate of officers from 2009 to continue in 2010. They are: Larry Baza, president; Alex Sachs, vice-president for political action; Jeri Dilno, executive vice-president; Bob Leyh, vice-president for development; Brad Jacobsen, secretary; and John Gordon, treasurer.

"This summer" / "Este verano" (impreciso)

FRONT ROYAL (VA) - ""The police department will be conducting these types of checkpoints throughout the summer and fall." (http://www.nvdaily.com/911/2010/07/front-royal-police-are-conducting-traffic-checkpoints-this-summer-fall.php)



"This month" / "Este mes" (impreciso)

FRANKLIN COUNTY (PA) -"Pennsylvania State Police in Chambersburg will conduct sobriety checkpoints in Franklin County throughout July. " (http://www.publicopiniononline.com/localnews/ci_15572543)

PLATTE COUNTY (MO) - "sobriety checkpoint in Platte County by the end of this month. A time and location for the checkpoint was not disclosed" (http://blogs.kansascity.com/crime_scene/2010/07/dui-checkpoint-planned-for-platte-co.html)



"This week" / "Esta semana" (impreciso)

SEABROOK (NH) — "The checkpoint will be held this week in the Seabrook area." (http://www.seacoastonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100721/NEWS/7210350/-1/NEWSMAP)



Jueves / Thursday (22/jul)

SALINAS (CA) - "DUI and driver's license checkpoint will be conducted at an undisclosed location in the city." (http://www.thecalifornian.com/article/20100721/NEWS01/7210324/Salinas-police-to-have-DUI-checkpoint-Thursday)

UPLAND (CA) - "DUI/driver's license checkpoint from 6 p.m Thursday to 1:15 a.m. Friday. The checkpoint will be at an undisclosed location in the city" (http://www.dailybulletin.com/news/ci_15559641)



Friday / Viernes (23/jul)

CLAREMONT (CA) - "sobriety checkpoint from 6 p.m Friday to 2 a.m. Saturday. The checkpoint will be at an undisclosed location" (http://www.dailybulletin.com/news/ci_15568577)

FARGO (ND) - "A sobriety checkpoint is set for Fargo on Friday." (http://www.kfgo.com/news_Detail.php?ID=11242)

FOLSOM (CA) - "The Folsom checkpoint will operate from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. at an undisclosed location in the city" (http://www.modbee.com/2010/07/22/1262852/sacto-9-1-1-sacramento-area-pds.html)

LORAIN (OH) - "OVI checkpoint will be held in Lorain County Friday night. The location of the [sic] Friday’s checkpoint will be announced Friday morning." (http://www.morningjournal.com/articles/2010/07/22/news/doc4c488c16a746a950463306.txt)

LAUREL (MD) - "The sobriety checkpoint will be held in the 100 block of Second Street between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m." (http://www.explorehoward.com/news/73463/laurel-police-conduct-sobriety-checkpoint-july-23/)

MONTEREY PARK (CA) - "The checkpoint runs from 6 p.m. until 2 a.m. Police did not specify a location." (http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/news/ci_15555227)

PALM SPRINGS (CA) - "DUI checkpoint July 23" (http://www.mydesert.com/article/20100716/NEWS01/100716020/Palm-Springs-police-to-conduct-DUI-check-next-week)

PETALUMA (CA) - "Petaluma police warn they’re planning two drunken driving checkpoints Friday night. Where and when they’ll be held wasn’t released." (http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20100721/COMMUNITY/100729929?Title=Petaluma-DUI-checkpoints-planned-for-Friday)

RANCHO CORDOVA (CA) - "DUI and driver's license checkpoint beginning at 8 p.m. Friday and continuing until 2 a.m. at an undisclosed location in the city" (http://www.modbee.com/2010/07/21/1261399/sacto-9-1-1-rancho-cordova-pd.html)

SACRAMENTO (CA) - "drunken driver checkpoint on Friday in the eastern part of the city at an undisclosed time and location." (http://blogs.sacbee.com/crime/archives/2010/07/sacramento-pd-p-5.html)

SANTA CLARITA VALLEY (CA) - "California Highway Patrol's Newhall Area Office will conduct a sobriety checkpoint in the unincorporated area of Los Angeles County starting at 8:30 p.m. Friday, July 23 and ending at 2:30 a.m. Saturday, July 24. The location will be announced just prior to the operation." (http://www.the-signal.com/section/36/article/31218/)



Sábado / Saturday (24/jul)

MARTINEZ (CA) — Police will conduct a sobriety and driver's license checkpoint July 24 in the 3700 block of Alhambra Avenue. .. from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. that night" (http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_15564004)

REDLANDS (CA) - "The DUI roadblock is scheduled to be set up from 10 p.m. Saturday until 3 a.m. Sunday on the eastbound side of Redlands Boulevard between Nevada and Iowa Streets." (http://blogs.pe.com/news/digest/2010/07/dui-checkpoint-set-for-redland-1.html)

TRACY (CA) - "The checkpoint somewhere in town will run from 7:00 pm to 3:00 am Sunday morning." (http://www.tracypress.com/view/full_story/8812061/article-Checkpoint-scheduled?instance=home_news_lead_story)



Monday / Lunes (26/jul)

SOLEDAD (CA) - "The Soledad Police Department will be looking for drunken drivers as officers are set to hold a DUI checkpoint Monday night." (http://www.thecalifornian.com/article/20100721/NEWS01/100721028/1002/South+Monterey+County+city+to+hold+DUI+checkpoint)



Next Saturday / próximo sábado (31/jul)

NORCO (CA) - "DUI / Driver’s License Safety checkpoint in Norco on July 31, 2010, from 7:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m." (http://www.riversidesheriff.org/press/jvs10-0731.asp)



Upcoming / Próximamente

SANTA ROSA (CA) - "Santa Rosa's next effort will be Labor Day weekend." (http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_15497957)

"Este fin de semana" / "This weekend" (impreciso)

ADAMS COUNTY (PA) - "checkpoints will be conducted in York and Adams counties this weekend " (http://www.ydr.com/ci_15518685)

VANDERBURGH COUNTY (IN) - "The exact location, date and time will not be released." (http://www.14wfie.com/Global/story.asp?S=12800965)

YORK COUNTY (PA) - "checkpoints will be conducted in York and Adams counties this weekend " (http://www.ydr.com/ci_15518685)



Friday / Viernes (16/jul)

BRISTOL (CT) - "DUI sobriety checkpoint from 7 p.m. Friday to 3 a.m. Saturday on Route 6." (http://www.bristolpress.com/articles/2010/07/14/news/doc4c3e25e92b5b8239806674.txt)

CARSON (CA) - "sobriety and driver's license checkpoint from 7 Friday night to 3 a.m. Saturday at a location to be determined." (http://www.dailybreeze.com/news/ci_15524813)

CHINO (CA) - "DUI/Drivers License checkpoint from 8 p.m. Friday to 4 a.m. Saturday within the city." (http://www.dailybulletin.com/news/ci_15515324)

FENWICK (DE) - "Checkpoint (DSP)" (http://www.wgmd.com/?p=6784)

FONTANA (CA) - "The checkpoint will be from 6 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at an undisclosed location in the city." (http://www.fontanaheraldnews.com/articles/2010/07/16/news/doc4c40a8d0ce3fd874916807.txt)

GARDENA (CA) - "checkpoint from 7:30 Friday night to 4 a.m. Saturday." (http://www.dailybreeze.com/news/ci_15524813)

HOWELL (NJ) - "11 p.m. Friday through 3 a.m. Saturday on Route 9 South" (http://www.app.com/article/20100715/NEWS/100715027/DWI-checkpoints-being-held-in-Howell-Sea-Girt-this-weekend)

INDEPENDENCE (MO) - "Independence plans DUI checkpoint, saturation patrol For this Friday night." (http://blogs.kansascity.com/crime_scene/2010/07/independence-plans-dui-checkpoint-saturation-patrol.html)

LA VERNE (CA) - "driving under the influence and drivers license checkpoint from 6 p.m. Friday to midnight at an undisclosed location." (http://www.dailybulletin.com/ci_15501431)

LAKE ELSINORE (CA) - "DUI / Driver's License checkpoint on Friday, July 16th" (http://www.riversidesheriff.org/press/lak10-0716.asp)

LEE COUNTY (FL) - "DUI sobriety checkpoint is scheduled for this weekend, beginning Friday, July 16, 2010" (http://www.pineisland-eagle.com/page/content.detail/id/510152/Sobriety-checkpoint-planned.html?nav=5051)

LORAIN (OH) - "State Highway Patrol will set up a DUI checkpoint in Lorain tonight....at East 28th Street and Fulton Road in South Lorain...starting about 9 p.m. and will run through 2 or 3 a.m." (http://chronicle.northcoastnow.com/2010/07/16/patrol-releases-dui-checkpoint-location/)

NEWARK (DE) - "Checkpoint (NcCo DUI Task Force)" (http://www.wgmd.com/?p=6784)

ONTARIO (CA) - "DUI/Drivers License checkpoint on from 6 p.m. Friday to 2 a.m. Saturday throughout the city." (http://www.dailybulletin.com/news/ci_15515324)

PASADENA (CA) - ""Zero Tolerance" DUI saturation program this Friday at an undisclosed location." (http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/ci_15500970)

PETALUMA (CA) - "Checkpoints are planned July 16 and 23." (http://www.petaluma360.com/article/20100716/COMMUNITY/100719765?Title=DUI-checkpoints-planned-amid-local-protests)

REDLANDS (CA) - "Motorists headed west on Citrus Avenue between University and Church streets on Friday evening will encounter a sobriety and driver's license checkpoint starting at 10 p.m." (http://www.pe.com/localnews/sbcounty/stories/PE_News_Local_D_nb15_checkpoint.f55e74.html)

REDONDO BEACH (CA) - "sobriety and driver's license checkpoint from 8 Friday night to 3 a.m. Saturday at an undisclosed location." (http://www.dailybreeze.com/news/ci_15524813)

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY (CA) - "California Highway Patrol officers will conduct a sobriety checkpoint from 9:30 p.m. Friday to 2:30 a.m. Saturday in the unincorporated area of San Bernardino County between Chino and Montclair." (http://www.dailybulletin.com/news/ci_15515324)

SAN MIGUEL COUNTY (NM) - "sobriety checkpoint Friday night in San Miguel County." (http://www.krqe.com/dpp/news/crime/dwi-checkpoint-held-in-northeast-nm)

SEDGWICK COUNTY (KS) - "sobriety checkpoint Friday night in northwest Sedgwick County...between 11 p.m. Friday and 3 a.m. Saturday" (http://www.kansas.com/2010/07/15/1405338/dui-checkpoint-in-northwest-sedgwick.html)

TEMECULA (CA) - "The checkpoint is set to begin at 9 p.m. and continue through 3 a.m. Saturday" (http://www.swrnn.com/southwest-riverside/2010-07-12/news/duicheckpoint-scheduled-friday-in-temecula)

WAYNE COUNTY (IN) - "sobriety checkpoint tonight in an effort to increase seat belt usage and detect drunken drivers" (http://www.pal-item.com/article/20100716/NEWS01/7160304)



Saturday / Sábado (17/jul)

CHARLESTON (WV) - "The checkpoint will take place from 8 p.m. Saturday to about 2 a.m. Sunday in the 1100 block of Central Avenue." (http://www.dailymail.com/policebrfs/201007150908)

DOVER (DE) - "Checkpoint (DSP Troop 3)" (http://www.wgmd.com/?p=6784)

ELK GROVE (CA) - "drunk driving checkpoint will be stopping motorists Saturday night...from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m." (http://www.modbee.com/2010/07/14/1252142/sacto-9-1-1-location-for-saturday.html)

ELKHART COUNTY (IN) - "DUI checkpoint this weekend...will begin the checkpoint about 10 p.m. Saturday in Elkhart." (http://www.southbendtribune.com/article/20100716/News01/100719667/1130)

HAGERSTOWN (MD) - "The checkpoint will be conducted from 9 p.m. Saturday to 3 a.m. Sunday [at an undisclosed location]" (http://www.herald-mail.com/?cmd=displaystory&story_id=249120&format=html)

HAWTHORNE (CA) - "checkpoint from 8 p.m. Saturday to 4 a.m. Sunday at Rosecrans and Isis avenues." (http://www.dailybreeze.com/news/ci_15524813)

LAKE COUNTY (CA) - "sobriety checkpoint this Saturday, July 17 [from 6 p.m. Saturday to 2 a.m. Sunday.]" (http://lakeconews.com/content/view/14946/919/) (http://www.record-bee.com/ci_15529061)

LAUREL (DE) - "Checkpoint (Laurel PD)" (http://www.wgmd.com/?p=6784)

LEHI (UT) - "sobriety checkpoint on state Route 68 near 2100 N. Redwood Road in Lehi Saturday night. Police will be checking cars and drivers starting at 9 p.m. Saturday and could continue until 2 a.m. Sunday." (http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700048501/Lehi-police-to-conduct-sobriety-checkpoint-Saturday.html)

LICKING COUNTY (OH) - "Ohio State Highway Patrol will intercept drunken or impaired drivers in Licking County Saturday evening." (http://www.newarkadvocate.com/article/20100716/UPDATES01/100716015/1002/NEWS01)

LOMPOC (CA) - "DUI and license checkpoint is scheduled for Saturday, beginning at 6 p.m. at a location somewhere within the city limits." (http://www.lompocrecord.com/news/local/article_92274118-909e-11df-8f5a-001cc4c03286.html)

PERRIS (CA) - "DUI / Driver's License checkpoint on Saturday July 17, 2010, from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m." (http://www.riversidesheriff.org/press/per10-0717.asp)

POWAY (CA) - "between the hours of 7:00 PM and 2:30 AM, deputies from the San Diego Sheriff’s Department Poway Station will be conducting a DUI sobriety and driver safety checkpoint in the 14300 block of Poway Road." (http://apps.sdsheriff.net/press/Default.aspx?FileLink=e9188a2b-bb8b-4529-badc-fab730fefa51)

SEA GIRT (NJ) - "11 p.m. Saturday through 3 a.m. Sunday on Route 71 South." (http://www.app.com/article/20100715/NEWS/100715027/DWI-checkpoints-being-held-in-Howell-Sea-Girt-this-weekend)



Next week / El fin de semana entrante

PALM SPRINGS (CA) - "DUI checkpoint July 23" (http://www.mydesert.com/article/20100716/NEWS01/100716020/Palm-Springs-police-to-conduct-DUI-check-next-week)

PETALUMA (CA) - "Petaluma Police Department plans to implement DUI/driver's license checkpoints on July 23 " (http://www.petaluma360.com/article/20100716/COMMUNITY/100719765?Title=DUI-checkpoints-planned-amid-local-protests)

TRACY (CA) - "sobriety and driver's license checkpoint July 24 at an undisclosed location in Tracy...from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m." (http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_15526387)



Upcoming / Próximamente

SANTA ROSA (CA) - "Santa Rosa's next effort will be Labor Day weekend." (http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_15497957)

Los Angeles Coalition for Justice for Oscar Grant Statement regarding former BART officer Johannes Mehserle's "Involuntary Manslaughter" conviction for the brutal shooting of Oscar Grant. The Coalition believes that Johannes Mehserle (Oscar's killer) should have received a conviction for murder--not for manslaughter. STATEMENT ------------------------ The farce verdict of involuntary manslaughter is a perversion of justice that seeks to absolve Mehserle of all but the most minimal responsibility for murdering Oscar Grant, as if Mehserle ran a light and hit someone rather than pulling his gun and shooting an unarmed man in the back. We reject the continued official cover-up of the murder of Oscar Grant with a jury exclusive of African Americans, yet including several jurors with police as immediate family, hundreds of miles from the scene of the crime, by a judge notorious for covering police crimes and with slanted rules of evidence. We remind everyone of the California NAACP request that we should "trust the justice system". The NAACP has contorted itself into accomplice in the cover-up of murder and denial of rights. Mehserle’s public murder of Oscar Grant is the declaration of open hostility against the people. As it was the people who, through their organized actions, forced Mehserle’s arrest, it will be the people who end the systematic epidemic of police brutality. At the moment we demand of the Obama/Holder Justice Department to file long-overdue Federal Charges of Civil Rights Violations against all involved in the Oscar Grant murder and cover-up. We demand of the United Nations investigation of Human Rights Violations in breach of the U.N. Declaration of Human Rights. We demand of the people to organize and train themselves, to secure every position, resource, and weapon available for long-term struggle to end police brutality.

"This weekend" / "Este fin de semana" (impreciso)

CALCASIEU PARISH (Louisiana) - "seat belt checkpoint this weekend at an undisclosed location in the parish." (http://www.sulphurdailynews.com/news/x41622225/CPSO-to-conduct-seat-belt-checkpoint-this-weekend)

LEE COUNTY (FL) - "driver's license checkpoint is scheduled this week at an undisclosed location in Lee County." (http://www.cape-coral-daily-breeze.com/page/content.detail/id/517719.html)

PENNSYLVANIA - "Pennsylvania State Police Troop D, Kittanning, will conduct a sobriety checkpoint at a predetermined location this coming weekend." (http://www.kittanningpaper.com/2010/07/09/state-police-to-hold-sobriety-checkpoint/8644)



Friday / Viernes (9/jul)

CALAVERAS COUNTY (CA) - "On Friday July 9, 2010, the California Highway Patrol San Andreas office will be conducting a sobriety checkpoint." (http://thepinetree.net/index.php?module=announce&ANN_user_op=view&ANN_id=18354)

CITRUS HEIGHTS (CA) - "DUI and driver's license checkpoint at Madison Ave. and San Juan" (http://www.modbee.com/2010/07/06/1241289/citrus-heights-schedules-dui-checkpoint.html)

ESCAMBIA COUNTY (FL) - "safety checkpoint from 10 p.m. Friday to 3 a.m. Saturday on U.S. 29 near Broad Street in Escambia County." (http://www.pnj.com/article/20100708/NEWS01/7080309)

GEORGETOWN (DE) - "Friday July 9th – Newport- checkpoint" (http://www.sussexcountian.com/news/police_and_fire/x41625162/DUI-checkpoints-planned-for-this-weekend)

HIGHLAND (CA) - "DUI/driver license checkpoint tonight (July 9) on Victoria Avenue just south of Highland Avenue from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m." (http://www.highlandnews.net/articles/2010/07/08/news/this_weeks_news/doc4c365e9b97728420722322.txt)

LAWNDALE (CA) - "driving under the influence and driver's license checkpoint from 6 tonight to 2 a.m. Saturday at a location to be determined." (http://www.dailybreeze.com/news/ci_15469593)

LOS ANGELES - "sobriety and driver's license checkpoint from 8 tonight to 3 a.m. Saturday on Sunset Boulevard at Sutherland Street." (http://www.dailybreeze.com/news/ci_15469593)

NEWPORT (DE) - "Friday July 9th – Georgetown - checkpoint" (http://www.sussexcountian.com/news/police_and_fire/x41625162/DUI-checkpoints-planned-for-this-weekend)

SAN BERNARDINO (CA) - "The roadblock is scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday until 2 a.m. Saturday near Fifth Street and Medical Center Drive." (http://www.pe.com/localnews/stories/PE_News_Local_D_nb07_dui.12b6285.html)

SANTA MARIA (CA) - "The Santa Maria Police Department will be conducting a sobriety and driver's license checkpoint tonight from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m." (http://www.santamariatimes.com/news/local/article_0ff0b796-8af0-11df-bb61-001cc4c03286.html)

SYRACUSE (IN) - "onduct a sobriety checkpoint Friday from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. at the Pamida store, 1101 Indiana Ave. (Indiana 13) in Syracuse." (http://www.journalgazette.net/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100708/LOCAL07/100709696)

WARREN COUNTY (OH) - "drunk driving checkpoint will be held Friday, July 9, in Warren County. The location of the checkpoint will be announced Friday morning." (http://www.daytondailynews.com/news/dayton-news/drunk-driving-checkpoint-planned-in-warren-county-802200.html)



Sábado / Saturday (10/jul)

GATLINBURG (TN) - "Rangers at 4 p.m. will set up a checkpoint on Highway 73 near the Townsend Wye in Blount County, she said." (http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2010/jul/08/national-park-rangers-plan-dui-checkpoints-smokies/)

REHOBOTH (DE) - "Rehoboth – checkpoint" (http://www.sussexcountian.com/news/police_and_fire/x41625162/DUI-checkpoints-planned-for-this-weekend)

RIDGECREST (CA) - "driving-under-the-influence and drivers-licence checkpoint Saturday, July 10 from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. somewhere in the city." (http://www.ridgecrestca.com/newsnow/x1143349236/Police-to-conduct-checkpoint-Saturday)

I just got a call that the Black Riders Liberation Party headquarters in Watts is being raided by multiple squad cars of the LAPD, and all the comrades are being lined up. Police are claiming that they are executing a probation search to make sure that General T.A.C.O. (Taking All Capitalists Out) aka Wolverine Shakur is complying with his probation. TACO was the target of a politically motivated frame-up on which he served prison time in a plea bargain to gain the release of other comrades (the Black Rider 3) and is subject to onerous probation conditions, including an electronic ankle bracelet (slave shackle) that monitors his location at all times. This attack is no doubt a result of the Black Riders' strong showing at court yesterday in support of justice for Oscar Grant and his family. They need legal support and eyes on the LAPD.

"Court releases dramatic video of BART shooting" This is a distrubing video. You see Oscar Grant being shot by police officer Johannes Mehserle. It was compiled by the LA Times. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2LDw5l_yMI Streetgangs.com has another video, again with the killing on video, with commentary: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zibrvBxsdck&NR=1 The government and justice system were not quick to arrest Mehserle and put him on trial. It was only after people in Oakland rioted that the system was forced to put the cop on trial. Then, according to this article by Ciccariello-Maher, the press went to work on villifying Grant and defending Mehserle. http://www.counterpunch.org/maher06292010.html Public responses to the civic response is here: http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2009/01/01/18557752.php * My Impressions * At the very least, this was manslaughter. Given the situation, however, there has to be some kind of category for shooting someone in the back. There has been talk about the police officer making a mistake and pulling out the wrong gun. That excuse could save Mehserle from a long visit to prison. If it's valid, it really begs the question: does a cop ever intend to pull out the pistol, but pulls out the Taser instead? (Because if that's happening, the taser and the pistol should be shaped differently, with different firing techniques.) According to the news, first degree murder, premeditated killing, was rejected. So he's eligible to be convicted only for manslaughter. In my mind, I think that there was some time for pre-meditation, if the officer has any history of fantasizing of killing arrestees, Black men, poor men, or guys who hang out together at the stations. It would not be premeditating the conflict on the platform, but in a larger way - to contemplate killing "bad guys". What's it called if you fantasize about harming people from one group who you consider "bad"? If that group is a racial or gender category, then it's called a "hate crime". The question in my mind: did the cop, or do all cops, think hateful thoughts or extremely hateful behavior is okay? Is it normal in the department. Do the officers "feel lt" when they work at Fruitvale, a station in a working class neighborhood with many immigrants. What do you all think?

Horrific Conditions in Los Angeles County Jail - by Stephen Lendman In July 2008, the Southern California ACLU released a "Report on Mental Health Issues at Los Angeles County" Jail by Dr. Terry Kupers, a practicing psychiatrist, an expert on long-term isolated prison confinement and correctional mental health issues. He's also written numerous articles on these topics, and been an expert witness on the mental health crisis behind bars, what he wrote about in his book "Prison Madness." In May, he toured the LA County Jail system where most inmates aren't convicted and are awaiting trial - Men's Central Jail (MCJ), Twin Towers 1 & 2 (TT 1 & 2), and the Inmate Reception Center (IRC). He interviewed 18 prisoners in private, confidential settings; others in more casual, cell-front ones; and discussed issues with mental health and custody staff. As in all prisons nationwide, many LA County inmates suffer "serious mental illness." Incarceration exacerbates it. They need treatment, but aren't getting it. Besides prison confinement harm, state mental hospital deinstitutionalization took hold in the 1980s, part of Reagan Revolution policies that whatever government can do, business does better, so let it. As a result, large numbers of seriously ill patients were discharged, based on studies indicating community care was superior to state facilities. The consequences were predictable. The promise was never realized because of budget cuts, unaffordable housing, and other priorities. In 1955, state and VA psychiatric hospitals had about 550,000 patients. In 2008, there were less than 60,000, but given constraints today on budget strapped states and communities, the numbers are likely lower and dropping. Yet according to a study by the Federal Bureau of Justice Statistics, over a million individuals suffer from significant mental illness in jails and prisons. With 20,000 detainees, some call the LA County Jail system the largest psychiatric hospital in the country (the Men's Central Jail has 5,000), but, like elsewhere, treatment there's not forthcoming. Correctional setting mental illness factors: "are complex, including shortcomings in our public mental health systems, the tendency for post-Hinckley criminal courts to give relatively less weight to psychiatric testimony, the incarceration of large numbers of drug offenders including those with dual diagnoses (substance abuse and mental illness), and the growing tendency for local governments to incarcerate homeless people for a variety of minor crimes." As a result, the prevalence of prison mental illness is high and rising - about 15 - 30% according to national epidemiological studies. The 2006 Special Report from the Federal Bureau of Prison Statistics titled, "Mental Health Problems of Prison and Jail Inmates," confirms a high, unprecedented mental illness population behind bars, concluding that 64% of jail inmates suffer significantly - based on structured interviews, "not necessarily clinical diagnoses." A comparable 1999 study estimated 19%. The 2006 one concludes that previously homeless inmates are twice as likely to be ill, the result of living on streets or in unfavorable environments, unconducive to good mental health. Other epidemiological studies concur with the Bureau of Justice Statistics, and despite the prevalence of inmate illness, few prisoners get help, what's provided is inadequate, and medications only for many are stressed. Even then, they're only given to symptomatic inmates, then withdrawn when they abate, when it's essential they be continued. Otherwise, those in need aren't helped. Overcrowding and Few Inmate Programs - A Serious Problem When the 1970s prison population was much smaller, studies showed overcrowding caused violence, mental illness, and suicides. Today it's much worse. "One ha(s) only to tour a jail or prison to understand how violence and madness were bred by the crowding." Imagine a small dormitory expanded to house 150 prisoners - the situation in LA County Men's Central Jail with bunk beds lined up in rows. "A prisoner cannot move more than a few feet away from a neighbor, and lines form at the pay telephones and the urinals." It's the same with four men crammed into small cells with barely enough room to get off bunks for any reason. The cells have no chairs, desks or any space but bunks to sit or lie on. It's enough to fray anyones nerves, but with "tough men" in small spaces, altercations follow, then disciplinary action, greater anger, and inevitable mental illness for many. "In general, as an individual prone to psychosis becomes angrier, his thinking becomes more regressed and irrational, and therefore subjecting (these inmates) to conditions that exacerbate irritability and anger (worsens) their mental illness, often precipitating a state of acute decompensation or 'breakdown.' " For those depression prone, self-imposed isolation to escape violence or unbearable conditions deepens their problem and "leads to thoughts of self-harm." Open rage and violence pushes some over the edge, especially with no remedial treatment. Also, mentally ill prisoners are prime targets for violence because they're vulnerabe. "The more violence, the more madness, and the crowding exacerbates both." Over the past 30 years, few constructive changes were made in jail architecture. Most cells are windowless. Recreation for most is once a month. For many, none at all, even though they're supposed to have three times a week minimum. Even the Medical Disability/Stepdown area (6050) is deplorable. "Men in wheelchairs, on crutches, and otherwise disabled were stuffed like sardines into long interconnecting, dark rooms with far too many bunk beds for them to be able to walk around." Absent are desks and chairs, and moving between bunks requires others to make way. Under conditions of overcrowding and little rehabilitation, prisoners are idle - the result being worse traumas and abuse for many. Loners are especially vulnerable, an easy target for rapists or others to vent anger without retaliation. Imagine a jail complex where 13,000 prisoners enter monthly in overcrowded quarters, others, of course, being released. But with inadequate assessments of mental illness and no treatment, inmates are on their own to survive in a very harsh environment. If they don't follow rules, they're in trouble, are punished, are abused by other prisoners, and their condition deteriorates. "I was stunned by the degree of overcrowding I witnessed (on) May 8 & 9, 2008." Inmates stay in windowless cells nearly 24 hours a day, with no furnishings except their bunk. They have poor round-the-clock lighting. It disturbs sleep and hampers reading. They're noisy, fraying nerves. They eat there with no programs or mental health treatment possibilities. A combustible environment is inevitable, and it erupts daily. In one Administrative Segregation Unit (2904), cells are also small (about 5 x 6 feet) with no windows and solid doors always closed. Isolation produces claustrophobia, suffering, and serious psychiatric harm. "Throughout the Men's Central Jail (MCJ), the cells and dormitories violate minimum standards in terms of both social and spacial density (including) compensatory out-of-cell time for jail prisoners confined in substandard cells or dormitories. (It's) intolerable to leave prisoners in harsh, crowded conditions that we know cause psychiatric breakdown." Conditions also affect staff. They get impatient, angry, and take it out on inmates for minor infractions. They, in turn react, and the longer they're incarcerated awaiting trial (at times years), the worse their condition becomes. Like the MCJ, conditions in the Twin Towers are poor. Yet some positive mental health programs are in place, including inpatient beds in the Forensic Inpatient Program (FIP), crisis intervention/observation capabilities in TT 1, a step-down or subacute mental health unit, mental health housing, pre-release linking with community mental health services, and Jail Mental Evaluation Teams (JMET). The latter are "excellent in concept," but inadequate in implementation, prisoners outside mental health housing units saying they're not helped. For the most part, little besides psychotropic medications are provided. Yet prisoners complain about not getting them or having them discontinued, their charts corroborating their accounts. Most inmates needing help wait weeks or months to be seen, that at best lasts a few minutes. Others are never seen because of too few staff to handle large numbers in need. "I was told repeatedly by prisoners that there is nothing available in the way of mental health treatment except the prescription of psychiatric medications. This is far from adequate mental health treatment....There is a Pattern of Failure to Diagnose and Inappropriately Down-grad(e) the Diagnoses of Prisoners who Cannot be Accommodated in Mental Health Housing." Some inmates are never diagnosed despite complaining of "significant psychiatric history." Others, seriously ill, are "un-diagnosed;" for example, Schizophrenia to a personality disorder, an "adjustment disorder," or "malingering." Without treatment, symptoms inevitably worsen, often jeopardizing inmate safety. "It is important to note that serious mental illnesses are, mostly, lifetime conditions that pursue a waxing and waning course. An individual suffering from Schizophrenia might go into remission," especially if properly medicated, but it doesn't mean he's cured. Future eruptions can happen anytime and do. Under LA County Jail conditions, a complete breakdown or suicide can result. "It is striking how indifferent mental health staff are to evidence of serious mental illness by history - past hospitalizations, Social Security Disability benefits, or even competency evaluations." Instead, they focus only on current symptoms, and do it poorly by misdiagnosing. Disciplinary Housing Exacerbates Mental Illness and the Potential for Suicide A "disproportionate number of prisoners with serious mental illness predictably wind up in punitive segregation." Besides harming them further, it contributes to a greater pandemonium level throughout the prison population because of their screaming and irrational actions like throwing feces at guards. "Human beings require some degree of social interaction and productive activity to establish and sustain a sense of identity and to maintain a grasp on reality." Absent these, paranoia and an inability to control rage increases. Segregated inmates do what they can. Some pace relentlessly. Others read and write letters, but many are illiterate. They fare worst in isolation. Anxiety, hallucinations, anger, obsessions, and/or despair result. In isolation, previously healthy inmates develop psychiatric symptoms, including anxiety; rage; claustrophobia; panic attacks; headaches; lethargy; heart palpitations; violent fantasies; depression; and/or trouble focusing, remembering or sleeping. Conditions "that cause emotional distress in relatively healthy prisoners cause psychotic breakdowns, severe affective disorders and suicide crises in prisoners who have histories of serious mental illness, as well as in (some) who never suffered a (previous) breakdown...." Enough stress can break anyone, and "once an individual crosses a line into psychosis or depressive despair, it is very possible that (removing harsh isolation won't be able) to bring him back to a normal mental state." Staff abuse is also a major problem. Based on widespread inmate reports, they're excessive, including severe beatings, compounded by the stress of overcrowding and inmate-on-inmate violence. Recommended Remedies They're often made but ignored, including: -- reduce overcrowding; -- increase mental health treatment by competent staff; -- provide diversion for seriously ill prisoners; -- institute early release programs for outside treatment; -- address forced idleness, lack of recreation, and the need for more time out of cells - in day rooms, cafeterias, anywhere for needed relief; -- improve lighting and provide desks and chairs; -- remove mentally ill prisoners from overcrowded, toxic environments; -- create more housing for treatment and improved safety for the mentally ill; -- keep them out of segregation and disciplinary housing; they need mental health treatment in a proper setting; -- greatly expand mental health housing; -- halt harmful diagnosis down-gradings; -- properly evaluate psychiatric histories; -- improve JMET interventions and provide better outpatient services in the general prison population and other jail areas; -- provide a range of mental health services; -- have enough competent staff to serve needs; -- increase substance abuse treatment; -- provide more comprehensive post-release planning, including housing, medication, and other social services; -- increase staff training; -- take steps to reduce custodial abuse; and -- other remedial measures. Whatever the cost, it's small compared to readmissions, a larger inmate population, and the toll on society when ill or abused prisoners return to communities. Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net. Also visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com and listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network Thursdays at 10AM US Central time and Saturdays and Sundays at noon. All programs are archived for easy listening. http://www.progressiveradionetwork.com/the-progressive-news-hour/.

"Durante la semana" / "During the week"

BELMONT (NH) - "Tilton police will be helping to conduct a sobriety checkpoint during the weeklong period beginning Wednesday... The checkpoints will be set up in Belmont." (http://www.citizen.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100615/GJNEWS02/706159828/-1/CITNEWS)



"Durante el mes de junio" / "During the month of June"

CRAWFORD COUNTY (MO) - "troopers will be conducting a sobriety checkpoint in Crawford County during the month of June" (http://www.therolladailynews.com/newsnow/x1600617334/Troop-I-To-Conduct-Sobriety-Checkpoint-In-June)



Viernes / Friday (17/jun)

CANYON LAKE (CA) - "DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on Friday, June 18, from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. in the City of Canyon Lake" (http://www.thefridayflyer.com/FF-2010-6-18/FFS-14672.htm)

COLUMBUS (OH) - "The checkpoint is scheduled to begin at 10 p.m. Friday and continue until about 3 a.m. Saturday. The checkpoint is located on Sawmill Road, north of Billingsley Road, near Dublin" (http://www2.nbc4i.com/news/2010/jun/18/taskforce-operate-dui-checkpoint-friday-ar-114527/)

DULLES SOUTH (VA) - "The checkpoint, which will occur in the Dulles South area, will run from 10 p.m. until 3 a.m." (http://www.loudouni.com/traffic/2010-06-17/sobriety-checkpoint-be-held-june-18)

ONTARIO (CA) - "DUI /driver's license checkpoint from 6 p.m Friday to 2 a.m. Saturday." (http://www.sbsun.com/breakingnews/ci_15308807)

LAKE ELSINORE (CA) - " sobriety and driver's license checkpoint on Friday, June 18th, in the City of Lake Elsinore" (http://www.riversidesheriff.org/press/lak10-0618.asp)

PALMDALE (CA) - "DUI/DL Checkpoint on Friday, June 18, 2010 from 6 PM until approximately 2 AM." (http://sheriff.lacounty.gov/wps/portal/lasd/!ut/p/c4/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3hLAwMDd3-nYCN3M19LA0_nEDPvMJMAQ39jA_2CbEdFAFVdgp4!/?WCM_GLOBAL_CONTEXT=/wps/wcm/connect/lasd+content/lasd+site/home/news+room/news+crime+information/dui_checkpoint_palmdale_061710)

SALINAS (CA) - "DUI and Drivers License Checkpoint during the evening hours of Friday June 18, 2010 at an undisclosed location in Salinas" (http://www.kionrightnow.com/Global/story.asp?S=12665219)

SAN BERNARDINO (CA) - "The checkpoint will be from 6 p.m. until 2 a.m. in the 400 block of West 40th Street" (http://www.sbsun.com/news/ci_15308849)

SEA BRIGHT (NJ) - "The checkpoint will be run from 11 p.m. Friday through 3 a.m. Saturday on Ocean Avenue." (http://www.app.com/article/20100617/NEWS/100617063/DWI-checkpoint-to-be-held-in-Sea-Bright-this-weekend)

ST. PETERSBURG (FL) - "Police are planning a Friday night DUI checkpoint for all southbound traffic at 1700 34th St. N at the Publix supermarket. The checkpoint will be set up from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. Saturday." (http://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/crime/article1103121.ece?nsm=true)

TUCSON (AZ) - "sobriety checkpoint during the evening hours of Friday, June 18." (http://www.kvoa.com/news/dui-checkpoint-set-up-for-friday-night-in-tucson/)

VENICE (FL) - "The checkpoint will be held from 10 p.m. Friday to 3 a.m. Saturday on U.S. 41 Bypass north of Center Road." (http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20100617/ARTICLE/6171068/2055/NEWS)

WEST MONROE (Louisiana) - "DWI checkpoint Friday night from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m." (http://www.thenewsstar.com/article/20100617/NEWS01/6170333)

YORBA LINDA (CA) - "Brea police are holding a Driving Under the Influence/Driver's License checkpoint from 9 p.m. Friday to 2 a.m. Saturday for eastbound traffic on Imperial Highway between Valley View and Casa Loma avenues in Yorba Linda." (http://www.ocregister.com/news/yorba-253463-linda-driving.html)

YORK COUNTY (PA) - "The checkpoint will operate sometime between 6 p.m. Friday and 6 p.m. Sunday at an undisclosed location." (http://www.ydr.com/ci_15308390)



Sábado /Saturday (18/jun)

BOULDER (CO) - "A DUI checkpoint will occur on Saturday starting at about 10 p.m. on Broadway, just north of Baseline Road." (http://www.thedenverdailynews.com/article.php?aID=8937)

ESCONDIDO (CA) - "driver's license and sobriety checkpoint at an undisclosed location Saturday. The checkpoint will last from 6 p.m. Saturday to midnight." (http://www.nctimes.com/news/local/escondido/article_0cca9705-ef74-516e-8f4a-0f91f1c64324.html)

GOLETA (CA) - "sobriety and driver's license checkpoint on Saturday, June 19th within the City of Goleta" (http://www.edhat.com/site/tidbit.cfm?nid=33381)

JEFFERSON COUNTY (CO) - "On Saturday, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office will be conducting a DUI checkpoint, along with added saturation patrols over the weekend. The checkpoints will begin at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, and conclude at 3 a.m. on Sunday." (http://www.thedenverdailynews.com/article.php?aID=8937)

MORENO VALLEY (CA) - "DUI/Driver’s License checkpoint on Friday, June 18 from 1800-2300 in Moreno Valley." (http://www.riversidesheriff.org/press/mvs10-0618.asp)

NEWTOWN (CT) - "sobriety checkpoint Saturday" (http://www.newstimes.com/local/article/Newtown-plans-DUI-checkpoint-Saturday-526278.php)

PALM DESERT (CA) - "The checkpoint runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Palm Desert Police Department, 73-520 Fred Waring Drive." (http://www.mydesert.com/article/20100616/NEWS08/100616010/1263/update/Child+safety+seat+inspection+checkpoint+to+be+held)

PETALUMA (CA) - "The checkpoints will be held in two locations around town and will run from the evening into early Sunday." (http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20100615/COMMUNITY/100619709?Title=DUI-checkpoints-in-Petaluma-this-weekend)

TWENTYNINE PALMS (CA) - "DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint on Friday, June 18, 2010 from 6:00 p.m.- 2:00 a.m. in the city of 29 Palms." (http://www.sbcounty.gov/sheriff/public/pressreleases/PRDetail.asp?PRID=3076)



La semana que entra / Next week

LOMA LINDA (CA) - "On Friday, June 25th, 2010 , between 6:00 P.M. and 2:00 A.M., The Loma Linda Police Department will conduct a Driving Under the Influence Checkpoint on Mountain View Ave. in the City of Loma Linda." (http://www.sbcounty.gov/sheriff/public/pressreleases/PRDetail.asp?vwSelect_StationsPage=2&PRID=3071)

NORCO (CA) - "DUI / Driver’s License Safety checkpoint in Norco on June 26, 2010, from 7:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m." (http://www.riversidesheriff.org/press/jvs10-0626.asp)



El mes que entra / Next month

GREENFIELD (CA) - "the checkpoint targeting impaired drivers will occur from 6 to 10 p.m. on the 800 block of Oak Avenue" (http://www.thecalifornian.com/article/20100609/NEWS01/100609015/1002/South+Monterey+County+police+agency+to+hold+DUI+checkpoint+%28updated+11+a.m.%29)

This weekend / Este fin de semana (impreciso)

BOONE COUNTY (MO) - "A sobriety checkpoint is planned for one night between now and Sunday in Boone County...The checkpoint will begin in the late evening and end in the early morning of the following day." (http://www.columbiamissourian.com/stories/2010/06/09/sobriety-checkpoint-planned-boone-county/)

KANSAS CITY (MO) - "sobriety checkpoint at an undisclosed location this weekend." (http://www.kansascity.com/2010/06/10/2006191/sobriety-checkpoint-planned-for.html)

WAYNE COUNTY (PA) - "Police announced that they are planning another sobriety checkpoint and roving patrols this weekend" (http://www.wayneindependent.com/news/x1722581942/DUI-checkpoints-this-weekend-in-Wayne-County)



Jueves / Thursday (10/jun)

CITRUS HEIGHTS - "Citrus Heights Police Department officers will conduct a DUI/driver's license checkpoint Thursday on Auburn Boulevard and Twin Oaks Driver, according to a news release." (http://blogs.sacbee.com/crime/archives/2010/06/citrus-heights-64.html)

KANSAS CITY (MO) - "Kansas City police have announced they will hold a driver’s license checkpoint later today." (http://www.kansascity.com/2010/06/10/2006180/drivers-license-checkpoint-planned.html)



Viernes / Friday (11/jun)

CRESTVIEW (FL) - "sobriety checkpoint on Friday beginning at 11 p.m. The DUI checkpoint will on State Road 85 north of P.J. Adams Parkway will last until 2 a.m. Saturday." (http://www.crestviewbulletin.com/news/crestview-10155-checkpoint-conduct.html)

FARGO (ND) - "Police, the Cass County Sheriff's Office, and NDSU police will conduct a sobriety checkpoint." (http://www.wday.com/event/article/id/34682/group/Your%20City/)

GOLETA (CA) - "DUI/Drivers License checkpoint on Friday, June 11, 2010" (http://www.edhat.com/site/tidbit.cfm?nid=32881)

LA VERNE (CA) - "DUI /driver's license checkpoint from 6 p.m. Friday to midnight." (http://www.sbsun.com/breakingnews/ci_15266154)

LEMON GROVE (CA) - "DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint on Friday, June 11, 2010" (http://apps.sdsheriff.net/press/Default.aspx?FileLink=673101d5-c1aa-43c2-96c7-9faee9149a8e)

ONTARIO (CA) - "DUI/ driver's license checkpoint Friday from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday." (http://www.sbsun.com/breakingnews/ci_15262763)

PALMDALE (CA) - "DUI/DL Checkpoint on Friday, June 11, 2010 from 6 PM until approximately 2 AM" (http://sheriff.lacounty.gov/wps/portal/lasd/!ut/p/c5/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3hLAwMDd3-nYCN3M19LA0_nEDPvMJMAQ_8QM6B8pFm8hQEEAOU93Qw8_d093QKMzY0MnMwJ6A4H2Ydbf5AJfnmQ-SB5AxzA0UDfzyM_N1W_IDfCIDMgXREAv8HHeQ!!/dl3/d3/L2dJQSEvUUt3QS9ZQnZ3LzZfOTAwMEdPQlMyRzZNOTBJQ1Q2S1Y0UDFPMzA!/?WCM_GLOBAL_CONTEXT=/wps/wcm/connect/lasd+content/lasd+site/home/news+room/news+crime+information/10-dui-palmadale-01)

PETALUMA (CA) - "The [two] checkpoints will be conducted from 6 p.m. Friday, June 11 to 2 a.m. Saturday, June 12." (http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20100610/COMMUNITY/100619938?Title=Police-plan-DUI-checkpoints-)

SACRAMENTO (CA) - "DUI/driver's license checkpoint on Friday in the east area of the city" (http://www.modbee.com/2010/06/09/1201616/sacto-9-1-1-sacramento-pd-to-conduct.html)

SEYMOUR (CT) - "sobriety checkpoint on Route 67 from 7 p.m. Friday to 3 a.m. Saturday." (http://www.nhregister.com/articles/2010/06/10/news/valley/doc4c10f01f133af628067661.txt)

SOUTH WINDSOR (CT) -"DUI checkpoint in town Friday between 8 p.m. and 3 a.m." (http://www.courant.com/community/south-windsor/hc-south-windsor-checkpoint0610-20100609,0,1313911.story)

VALLEJO (CA) - "driver checkpoint Friday night from 6 to 11 p.m. at an undisclosed location." (http://www.timesheraldonline.com/news/ci_15267114)

VICTORVILLE (CA) - "6:30 p.m. at an undisclosed location." (http://www.vvdailypress.com/news/checkpoint-19785-friday-scheduled.html)



Sábado / Saturday (12/jun)

FONTANA (CA) - "DUI/driver's license checkpoint on Saturday, June 12 from 6 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. at an undisclosed location" (http://www.fontanaheraldnews.com/articles/2010/06/08/news/doc4c0e73c5c8408958130287.txt)

NORCO (CA) - "DUI/Driver’s License Safety checkpoint in Norco on June 12, 2010, from 7:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m." (http://www.riversidesheriff.org/press/jvs10-0612.asp)

REDLANDS (CA) - "Officers will set up in the eastbound lane of Lugonia Avenue between Dearborn Street and Wabash Avenue from 10:30 p.m. Saturday to 3 a.m. Sunday." (http://www.sbsun.com/breakingnews/ci_15269617)



El mes que entra

GREENFIELD (CA) - "the checkpoint targeting impaired drivers will occur from 6 to 10 p.m. on the 800 block of Oak Avenue" (http://www.thecalifornian.com/article/20100609/NEWS01/100609015/1002/South+Monterey+County+police+agency+to+hold+DUI+checkpoint+%28updated+11+a.m.%29)

Viernes / Friday (4/jun)

COACHELLA (CA) - "The Coachella Police Department will be conducting a DUI/Drivers License checkpoint on Friday, 06/4/10, between the hours of 7:00 P.M. to 2:00 A.M." (http://www.riversidesheriff.org/press/ind10-0604.asp)

LANCASTER (CA) - "Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Risk Management Bureau will be conducting a DUI/DL Checkpoint on Friday, June 04, 2010 from 6 PM until approximately 2 AM." (http://sheriff.lacounty.gov/wps/portal/lasd/!ut/p/c4/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3hLAwMDd3-nYCN3M19LA0_nEDPvMJMAQ39jA_2CbEdFAFVdgp4!/?WCM_GLOBAL_CONTEXT=/wps/wcm/connect/lasd+content/lasd+site/home/news+room/news+crime+information/10-dui-lancaster-06-04-10)

LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP (OH) - "police departments will conduct a sobriety checkpoint Friday from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. on state Route 21 southbound and northbound between the Stark-Wayne county line, and Marshallville Road within Lawrence Township." (http://www.cantonrep.com/stark/x293545272/Sobriety-checkpoints-set-for-Route-21-Marshallville-Road)

REDLANDS (CA) - "The Redlands roadblock is set for 10:30 p.m. Friday until 3 a.m. Saturday in the southbound lane of Ford Street just south of South Avenue." (http://www.pe.com/localnews/sbcounty/stories/PE_News_Local_D_nb04_checkpoint.1cacd9a.html)

SACRAMENTO (CA) - "Sacramento Police Department officers will conduct a DUI/driver's license checkpoint on Friday in the north area of the city." (http://www.modbee.com/2010/06/03/1192797/sacramento-pd-to-run-dui-checkpoint.html)

SAN BERNARDINO (CA) - "The San Bernardino checkpoint is scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday until 2 p.m. Saturday near Lynwood and Del Rosa avenues." (http://www.pe.com/localnews/sbcounty/stories/PE_News_Local_D_nb04_checkpoint.1cacd9a.html)

VISTA (CA) - "Vista Station will be conducting a DUI/Drivers License checkpoint on the evening of June 4, 2010, at an undisclosed location in the City of Vista." (http://apps.sdsheriff.net/press/Default.aspx?FileLink=4128ab10-032b-4efa-80e8-66fc913a0d2c)



Sábado / Saturday (5/jun)

DARIEN (CT) - "the Darien police will hold the town’s first sobriety checkpoint this Saturday night, June 5, starting around 11. The checkpoint will continue into the early morning hours of June 6." (http://www.acorn-online.com/joomla15/darientimes/news/local/60246-dariens-first-sobriety-checkpoint-comes-to-post-road-saturday.html)

LAKE ELSINORE (CA) - "Lake Elsinore Police Department announced today they will be holding a DUI/Driver’s License checkpoint on Saturday, June 5th, at an undisclosed location within the city." (http://www.riversidesheriff.org/press/lak10-0605.asp)

MENIFEE (CA) - "Between 6 p.m. Saturday and 2 a.m. Sunday, officers with the Menifee Police Department will patrol undisclosed locations within the city limits." (http://www.swrnn.com/southwest-riverside/2010-06-02/news/dui-checkpoint-planned-in-menifee)

"Durante el fin de semana" / "During the weekend"

CALVERT COUNTY (MD) - "The Maryland State Police, Prince Frederick Barrack, will be conducting a sobriety checkpoint during the Memorial Day weekend." (http://www.thebaynet.com/news/index.cfm/fa/viewstory/story_ID/17859)

CLEVELAND (OH) - "Police will operate a driver's license checkpoint to deter and arrest unlicensed drivers between 7 p.m. and midnight at East 105th Street and Superior Avenue." (http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2010/05/post_295.html)

LAS CRUCES (NM) - "The Las Cruces Police Department has scheduled at least one sobriety checkpoint within city limits during the Memorial Day weekend, May 28-31." (http://www.lcsun-news.com/las_cruces-news/ci_15131802)

LAS VEGAS (NV) - "This weekend's checkpoints will be active from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. The locations will be at Flamingo Road and Hospitality Circle beginning Friday; Boulder Highway and Desert Inn Road beginning Saturday; and Charleston Boulevard and Decatur Boulevard beginning Saturday." (http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2010/may/27/metro-conduct-5-dui-checkpoints-holiday-weekend/)

POTTER COUNTY (PA) - "State police from the Denton Hill barracks have announced that they will be setting up a checkpoint somewhere in Potter County over Memorial Day weekend to randomly stop motorists and look for signs of intoxication." (http://www.endeavornews.com/news/2010-05-22/News/State_police_plan_DUI_checkpoints.html)

TENNESSEE - "THP is putting out 70 check points in the state over the weekend." (http://www.volunteertv.com/news/headlines/94938724.html?ref=724)

YORK COUNTY (PA) - "A drunken-driving checkpoint will be held sometime Memorial Day weekend in York County...sometime between 6 p.m. Friday and 6 p.m. Monday." (http://www.yorkdispatch.com/ci_15166095)



Jueves / Thursday (27/may)

PASADENA (CA) - "The checkpoint will be held from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m." (http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/news/ci_15148059)



Viernes / Friday (28/may)

ALTADENA (CA) - "The California Highway Patrol plans to set up a sobriety checkpoint on Friday evening on Lake Avenue from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m." (http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/news/ci_15158599)

BARTOW (FL) - "The safety checks will be held between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. in the 1700 block of the southbound lane of North Broadway Avenue." (http://www.theledger.com/article/20100526/NEWS/5265077/1338)

BEREA (OH) - "The Berea Police Department will conduct a sobriety checkpoint beginning at 11 p.m. Friday." (http://blog.cleveland.com/newssun/2010/05/berea_police_set_sobriety_chec_1.html)

BRISTOL (CT) - "Bristol Police Department will be conduct a DUI sobriety checkpoint on Route 229 from 7 p.m. Friday to 3 a.m. Saturday." (http://www.bristolpress.com/articles/2010/05/26/news/doc4bfd7d4e7ded1811003166.txt)

CHINO (CA) - "Checkpoints are scheduled for Friday night in Chino Hills and Chino, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department said." (http://www.sbsun.com/breakingnews/ci_15169241)

CHINO HILLS (CA) - "Checkpoints are scheduled for Friday night in Chino Hills and Chino, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department said." (http://www.sbsun.com/breakingnews/ci_15169241)

COACHELLA VALLEY (CA) - "The Riverside County Sheriff's Department will hold a DUI checkpoint 2 p.m. to midnight Friday in the Southern Coachella Valley Community Services District, which includes Mecca, Thermal, Vista Santa Rosa and Oasis." (http://www.mydesert.com/article/20100523/NEWS01/100523008/Sheriff-s-department-to-hold-DUI-checkpoint-in-southeast-valley-Friday)

COLORADO SPRINGS (CO) - "Local law enforcement agencies are together conducting sobriety checkpoints on Friday, May 28 at the start of the Memorial Day weekend." (http://www.coloradoconnection.com/news/story.aspx?id=462360)

COTATI (CA) - "a DUI/driver’s license checkpoint will be set up from 4 p.m. Friday to midnight or so in Cotati." (http://roadwarrior.blogs.pressdemocrat.com/10164/holiday-dui-crackdown-this-weekend/)

CROMWALL (CT) - "Police will conduct a DWI checkpoint on Route 372 Friday evening into early Saturday morning. The checkpoint will be conducted from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. along the stretch of the road between Willowbrook and Coles roads" (http://www.middletownpress.com/articles/2010/05/27/news/doc4bfddf4aa1998802588537.txt)

DANBURY (CT) - "The checkpoint will be set up in an undisclosed location Friday at 7 p.m. and will continue until Saturday morning at 3." (http://www.newstimes.com/news/article/Danbury-cops-plan-weekend-DUI-check-502760.php)

DESERT HOT SPRINGS (CA) - "Desert Hot Springs police plan to have a checkpoint at Palm Drive and Park Lane from 8 p.m. Friday to 2 a.m. Saturday" (http://www.mydesert.com/article/20100527/NEWS08/5270317/DUI-crackdown-set-for-holiday-weekend)

FOLSOM - "The Folsom Police Department will conduct a DUI checkpoint beginning at 7 p.m. Friday and running to 3 a.m. at an undisclosed location within the city limits" (http://www.modbee.com/2010/05/27/1184390/sacto-9-1-1-folsom-pd-to-run-dui.html)

FORT COLLINS (CO) - "Fort Collins police and the Larimer County DUI Taskforce will conduct a checkpoint." (http://www.coloradoan.com/article/20100526/UPDATES01/100526013/1002/NEWS01/DUI+checkpoint+scheduled+for+Friday+in+Fort+Collins)

GARDEN CITY (KS) - "The department says the checkpoint will be in a "high-traffic area" between 1:00 and 4:00 Friday." (http://www.kansascw.com/Global/story.asp?S=12552470)

GEORGETOWN (OH) - "The Ohio State Highway Patrol announced Thursday that an OVI checkpoint will be held in Brown County Friday evening May 28. The location of the checkpoint will be announced Friday morning." (http://newsdemocrat.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=130927)

HIGHLAND (CA) - "The Highland Police Department will be conducting a DUI checkpoint May 28 from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Baseline and Central Avenue." (http://www.highlandnews.net/articles/2010/05/20/news/doc4bf5abb248d91971392095.txt)

HOLLYWOOD (FL) - "The location of the checkpoint will be in the 4500 block of U.S. 441, just north of Griffin Road, in Hollywood." (http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/05/27/1650588/florida-highway-patrol-to-set.html)

HUDSON (NH) - "It will run from 9 p.m. Friday through 3 a.m. Saturday, and again at 9 p.m. Saturday to 3 a.m. Sunday." (http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/news/748949-196/dwi-checkpointset-this-weekend.html)

LA PUENTE (CA) - "Deputies will stop motorists at a checkpoint Friday to search for drunken drivers and valid driver's licenses." (http://www.sgvtribune.com/news/ci_15169905)

LEE COUNTY (FL) - "A DUI sobriety checkpoint is scheduled for this weekend, beginning Friday, May 28, 2010." (http://www.pineisland-eagle.com/page/content.detail/id/509689/Sobriety-checkpoint-planned.html?nav=5051)

LEVY COUNTY (FL) - "The checkpoint will be on County Road 345 near County Road 347 and will be in operation between about 10 p.m. Friday until 2 a.m. Saturday." (http://www.gainesville.com/article/20100526/ARTICLES/5261012/1002)

MALIBU (CA) - "the local Sheriff's station and a local highway safety group gear up to increase enforcement and safety precautions, starting with a DUI checkpoint on Pacific Coast Highway this Friday evening" (http://www.malibutimes.com/articles/2010/05/26/news/news3.txt)

PANAMA CITY BEACH (FL) - "The checkpoint will start on May 28, 2010, at 9:00 PM and end May 29, 2010 at 2:00 AM. The Roadside Safety Checkpoint will take place on State Road 79 near School Drive north of Panama City Beach, FL in Bay County." (http://www.panhandleparade.com/index.php/mbb/article/florida_highway_patrol_plans_roadside_safety_checkpoint/mbb7723562/)

POINT PLEASANT (WV) - "The checkpoint will take place between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. at the 400 block of Viand St./W.Va. 62 in Point Pleasant." (http://www.mydailyregister.com/view/full_story/7664396/article-Sobriety-checkpoint-to-take-place-Friday?instance=home_news_lead)

POWAY (CA) - "On the night of 5/28/10, between the hours of 7:00 PM and 2:30 AM, deputies from the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, Poway Sheriff’s Station will be conducting a DUI Checkpoint in the city of Poway." (http://apps.sdsheriff.net/press/Default.aspx?FileLink=42fda706-dde4-4c9f-884e-1ffa3043dcb0)

SHELTON (CT) - "The Shelton Police Department will conduct a DUI enforcement checkpoint on Friday, May 28, 2010 from 6:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. The roadblock will be conducted at Bridgeport Avenue in the area between Blacks Hill Road and the Commuter Lot, and/or Howe Ave at Cornell St." (http://valley.newhavenindependent.org/index.php/archives/entry/shelton_police_dui_checkpoint)

UNION BEACH (NJ) - "The checkpoint will be run from 11 p.m. Friday through 3 a.m. Saturday on Route 36." (http://www.app.com/article/20100527/NEWS/100527051/DWI-checkpoint-being-held-in-Union-Beach-this-weekend)

VICTORVILLE (CA) - "A checkpoint is planned for 6 p.m. Friday in Victorville but a specific location has not been released." (http://www.dailybulletin.com/news/ci_15144209)

WAYNE COUNTY (IN) - "The Indiana State Police will be conducting a sobriety checkpoint Friday evening in Wayne County " (http://www.pal-item.com/article/20100527/NEWS01/5270316)



Sábado / Saturday (29/may)

APPLE VALLEY (CA) - "Law enforcement in Yucaipa, Apple Valley and Redlands have set checkpoints for Saturday night." (http://www.sbsun.com/breakingnews/ci_15169241)

CHINO (CA) - "The Chino Police Department will conduct a sobriety and driver's license checkpoint on Saturday, May 29th from approximately 8:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m." (http://www.chinohills.com/news-articles-details/Chino_PD_Focusing_on_Safety-1302)

HUDSON (NH) - "It will run from 9 p.m. Friday through 3 a.m. Saturday, and again at 9 p.m. Saturday to 3 a.m. Sunday." (http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/news/748949-196/dwi-checkpointset-this-weekend.html)

LAYTON (UT) - "The traffic checkpoint ... will be conducted from 9 p.m. Saturday to 2 a.m. Sunday at Hillfield Road and Interstate 15" (http://www.standard.net/topics/traffic/2010/05/25/traffic-checkpoint-planned)

NORCO (CA) - "The Norco Office of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department will conduct a DUI/Driver’s License Safety checkpoint in Norco on May 29, 2010, from 7:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m." (http://www.riversidesheriff.org/press/jvs10-0529.htm)

REDLANDS (CA) - "The Redlands police checkpoint will be on Orange Street south of Pearl Avenue from 10:30 p.m. Saturday until 3 a.m. Sunday, police said." (http://www.sbsun.com/breakingnews/ci_15169241)

TRACY (CA) - "a checkpoint will be enforced somewhere in the city from 7 p.m. Saturday, May 29, to 3 a.m. Sunday, May 30." (http://www.tracypress.com/pages/full_story/push?article-DUI+checkpoint+set+for+Saturday%20&id=7724293)

UNION TOWNSHIP (OH) - "A sobriety checkpoint aimed at cracking down on the number of drunk drivers over the Memorial Day weekend will be held in the Union Township area of central Fayette County on Saturday." (http://www.recordherald.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=136238)

WASCO (CA) - "The check point will begin at 6:00 p.m. and conclude at 12:00 a.m." (http://www.kernsheriff.com/misc/News/Pages/default.aspx)

YUCAIPA (CA) - "Law enforcement in Yucaipa, Apple Valley and Redlands have set checkpoints for Saturday night." (http://www.sbsun.com/breakingnews/ci_15169241)



Domingo / Sunday (30/may)

OCEANSIDE (CA) - "The location of the checkpoint was not disclosed, but police said it will run from about 8 p.m. Sunday to 3 a.m. Monday." (http://www.nctimes.com/news/local/oceanside/article_9facbb9c-67ae-11df-adaf-001cc4c002e0.html)

SANTA ROSA BEACH (FL) - "The Checkpoint will be on Sunday, May 30, starting at midnight and concluding at 4:00 AM." (http://www.chipleypaper.com/news/sheriff-6271-checkpoint-sobriety.html)



Lunes / Monday (31/may)

GLENDALE (AZ) - "The West Valley DUI Task Force will be holding a DUI checkpoint from 3 to 8 p.m. Memorial Day at Castle Hot Springs Road at the Lake Pleasant entrance." (http://www.glendalestar.com/articles/2010/05/20/news/news08.txt)

LAS VEGAS (NV) - "Monday will include two checkpoints, one at Boulder Highway and Flamingo Road, and another at Boulder Highway and Desert Inn Road." (http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2010/may/27/metro-conduct-5-dui-checkpoints-holiday-weekend/)

WHITE COUNTY (TN) - "A driver license checkpoint will be conducted in White County, on May 31, in the evening hours, on Highway 70 East, at Flat Rock Road." (http://www.spartaexpositor.com/articles/2010/05/27/news/doc4bfe6fe894409978789845.txt)



Fin de semana próximo / Next week

EAST PASADENA (CA) - "On Friday June 4, the CHP will also have a sobriety checkpoint set up on Colorado Boulevard in the unincorporated area of East Pasadena." (http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/news/ci_15158599)

As acknowledge by the lawsuits leader, Mark Ryavec, this lawsuit is a move to force those living in vehicles off Venice streets. The members of the Venice Stakeholders Association, an illustrated anti-homeless/persons campaign, has put a great deal of effort to keep their identities and the settlement details private. In my opinion these examples are the actions of cowards. I do have a strong message here because this is a social justice issue which is not offering effective solutions to address the actual issue at hand. This proposed settlement impacts all Venice residents and beyond Venice by proposing to limit parking based on vehicle size, and potentially implementation of overnight parking permit restrictions which costs the people in fees, and in taxes to implement. and administer. The City of LA increases the revenue stream by parking permit fees, increased personnel to implement and administer the program but how does it really benefit the people who pay for this horrendous idea financially, and socially? This decision, if rushed through and adopted by the LA City Council and the California Coastal Commission, impacts all Venice residents and all visitors to Venice. Imposing an enforcement tactic to rid the free Venice streets of people living in vehicles, including artist, performers, disabled persons, and senior citizens without a safe parking program that does not put people in "concentration camp" style locations, is a heartless, inhumane maneuver which compounds the trauma and harassment for the ALREADY at-risk members of our community. Let's work together to find effective solutions now to end homelessness instead of using this fear based, strong armed tactic. Per Jim Smith of Free Venice Beachhead: L.A. City Council unveiled the settlement agreement with anti-RV advocate Mark Ryavec. Guess what? It's already in the May Beachhead. See: http://bit.ly/dc1b1n Read the Settlement Agreement documents for yourself at http://www.freevenice.org/RV_Settlement.html The lawyers' agreement must still go to the L.A. City Council vote to occur next week on June 2, 2010. HOW YOU CAN HELP! Email the LA City Council or join me at LA City Hall to oppose this settlement beginning with Councilmen Rosendahl from our CD11 at: councilmanrosendahl@lacity.org http://www.lacity.org/YourGovernment/CityCouncil/index.htm Also this settlement has just been added to the California Coastal Commission agenda, on June 10th in Marina Del Rey. Assist with the letter writing campaign to the Coastal Commissioners, and join us in person to speak your voice on June 10th. Talking points include keeping free access to parking in Venice, without free parking on public streets those that are economically challenged, aka, the poor will have less access to the Venice beach and coastal access, the general public access impact to one of the greatest tourist attractions - Venice Boardwalk. Please join us united to demand that Venice remain the inclusive, diverse community since it's creation in early 1900. It's unlike any other place on earth. Venice is love. Love is free. We ask that you stand with us to keep Venice free. Lisa Green State Assembly 2010 Candidate, 53rd District Green Party of California www.votelisagreen.net (310) 272 - 0949

"Sometime this weekend"

FORT MYERS (FL) - "The Fort Myers Police Department will conduct a DUI sobriety checkpoint sometime this coming weekend." (http://www.cape-coral-daily-breeze.com/page/content.detail/id/516733.html)



Friday / Viernes (21/may)

BAL HARBOUR (FL) - "Officers will be out in force at Collins Avenue and 96th Street in Bal Harbour between the hours of 8 p.m. and 4 a.m." (http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/florida/fl-miami-dui-checkpoint-20100521,0,695711.story)

BEAVER (WV) - "There will be a sobriety checkpoint tonight along U.S. Route 19, in the Beaver area of Raleigh County...from 9 p.m. until 2 a.m. Saturday." (http://www.wvnstv.com/story.cfm?func=viewstory&storyid=80203)

BOYNTON BEACH (FL) - "officers and deputies will be out citywide from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m." (http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/florida/fl-miami-dui-checkpoint-20100521,0,695711.story)

CALCASIEU PARISH (Louisiana) - "CALCASIEU FULL FORCE DWI PROJECT will be conducting a DWI checkpoint in the parish on Friday, May 21." (http://www.sulphurdailynews.com/news/x1381052448/Calcasieu-Full-Force-DWI-checkpoint-to-be-held-Friday)

CLEVELAND (OH) - "Police officers from the Bureau of Traffic will be operating a second sobriety checkpoint Friday night, 11 p.m. to 3 a.m., at East 105th Street and Drexel Avenue." (http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2010/05/cleveland_police_announce_seco.html)

DAYTON (OH) - "Local police will operate a sobriety checkpoint from 9:30 p.m. today to 2 a.m. Saturday, May 22, on North Gettysburg Avenue near Kings Highway." (http://www.daytondailynews.com/news/dayton-news/sobriety-checkpoint-scheduled-for-tonight-720370.html)

FAIRFIELD (CA) - "The Fairfield Police Department will hold a DUI/Driver's License checkpoint from 6 to 11 p.m. tonight in the 2000 block of North Texas Street." (http://www.thereporter.com/news/ci_15132795)

FLORIDA/ALABAMA border - "The checkpoint will be held on May 21, from 10:00 pm until 2:00 am, on May 22 ...on [southbound] U.S.-231, at the Florida Welcome Center, just south of the Alabama State Line. (http://www.chipleypaper.com/news/highway-6234-checkpoints-florida.html)

HAWTHORNE (CA) - "Police will conduct a sobriety and driver's license checkpoint from 8 tonight to 4 a.m. Saturday on Hawthorne Boulevard at 130th Street." (http://www.dailybreeze.com/news/ci_15127959)

MARPLE TOWNSHIP (DE) - "The Northern Delaware County DUI Taskforce will be conducting a DUI Checkpoint during the weekend of Friday, May 21 within Marple Township." (http://www.delconewsnetwork.com/articles/2010/05/20/news_of_delaware_county/news/doc4bf542b8adc3f533688075.txt)

MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP (PA) - "The Montgomery Township Regional DUI Enforcement Team will conduct sobriety checkpoint operations and roving DUI patrols today through Sunday. Checkpoints are conducted on Routes 309, 202, 463, 63, 313, 113 and 611, plus Upper State and County Line roads." (http://www.thereporteronline.com/articles/2010/05/21/news/srv0000008325500.txt)

NEWPORT BEACH (CA) - "Police will stage a DUI checkpoint from 9 p.m. Friday to 3 a.m. Saturday on northbound Newport Boulevard at Finley Avenue" (http://www.ocregister.com/news/newport-249649-dui-checkpoint.html)

OCEAN TOWNSHIP (NJ) - "The checkpoint will be run from 11 p.m. Friday to 3 a.m. Saturday on Route 35 North." (http://www.app.com/article/20100520/NEWS/100520019/DWI-checkpoint-to-be-held-in-Ocean-Twp.-this-weekend)

ORANGE (CA) - "The Orange Police Dept. is conducting a DUI and driver’s license checkpoint from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday, May 21 at 400 S. Tustin St." (http://www.ocregister.com/news/dui-249819-friday-checkpoint.html)

RANCHO MIRAGE (CA) - "The Rancho Mirage Police Department will be conducting a DUI / Driver's License checkpoint on Friday May 21, 2010 from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m." (http://www.riversidesheriff.org/press/pds10-0521.htm)

SANTA CLARITA VALLEY - "Deputies from the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station will conduct a DUI checkpoint Friday, May 21, beginning at 7 p.m. and ending at 3 a.m. Saturday, May 22." (http://www.the-signal.com/news/article/28901/)

SANTEE (CA) - "On Friday, May 21, 2010, deputies will be involved in this DUI grant and focus efforts within the City of Santee." (http://apps.sdsheriff.net/press/Default.aspx?FileLink=8cd2c576-8c2c-4ade-b1d4-cfb99f6cf25d)

SOUTH EUCLID (OH) - "The South Euclid Police Department will conduct a sobriety checkpoint to deter and intercept drinking drivers on Mayfield Road Friday evening. The exact location will not be revealed until Friday evening." (http://blog.cleveland.com/sunmessenger/2010/05/police_schedule_sobriety_check.html)

UNION PARISH (Louisiana) - "LSP and LDWF officers will work with Union Parish Sheriff's deputies to conduct a sobriety checkpoint in Union Parish from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m." (http://www.thenewsstar.com/article/20100519/NEWS01/5190313)

UPLAND (CA) - "The Upland Police Department will conduct a DUI /driver's license checkpoint from 6 p.m Friday to 1:15 a.m. Saturday." (http://www.dailybulletin.com/ci_15118999) INFO DE LA RED: From 6-8, the retén is on 8th west of Grove, then it moves to Euclid south of 8th, later to switch to the northbound lanes.



Saturday / Sábado (22/may)

ALLEN COUNTY (IN) - "The Indiana State Police will conduct a sobriety checkpoint late Saturday" (http://www.journalgazette.net/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100521/LOCAL07/100529939)

LONG BEACH (CA) - "Long Beach Police Department will be conducting a DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint on Saturday from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. in the West Long Beach area." (http://www.presstelegram.com/news/ci_15128040)

MARINA DEL REY (CA) - "Police will conduct a sobriety and driver's license checkpoint from 7 p.m. Saturday to 3 a.m. Sunday at Lincoln Boulevard and Maxella Avenue." (http://www.dailybreeze.com/news/ci_15127959)

MENIFEE (CA) - "Menifee Police Department announced today they will be holding a DUI/Driver’s License checkpoint on Saturday, May 22, 2010 from 6:00 PM until 2:00 AM, in the City of Menifee." (http://www.riversidesheriff.org/press/per10-0522.htm)

MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP (PA) - "The Montgomery Township Regional DUI Enforcement Team will conduct sobriety checkpoint operations and roving DUI patrols today through Sunday. Checkpoints are conducted on Routes 309, 202, 463, 63, 313, 113 and 611, plus Upper State and County Line roads." (http://www.thereporteronline.com/articles/2010/05/21/news/srv0000008325500.txt)

PALM DESERT (CA) - "The Palm Desert Police Department...will be conducting a Driving While Intoxicated / Driver's License Checkpoint on Saturday May 22nd , from 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m." (http://www.riversidesheriff.org/press/pds10-0522.htm)

ST CHARLES COUNTY (MO) - "Police from several departments in St. Charles County are taking part in a DWI checkpoint Saturday evening... from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m." (http://interact.stltoday.com/blogzone/chas-beat/police/2010/05/st-charles-county-cops-planning-dwi-checkpoint-saturday/)



Lunes / Monday (24/may)

LAFOURCHE PARISH - "Lafourche Sheriff's officials announced an insurance checkpoint from 9 a.m. to noon Monday in the central part of the parish." (http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20100521/HURBLOG/100529836/1223?Title=Insurance-checkpoint-planned-Monday-in-central-Lafourche)



Next weekend / el Próximo fin de semana

CALVERT COUNTY (MD) - "The Maryland State Police, Prince Frederick Barrack, will be conducting a sobriety checkpoint during the Memorial Day weekend." (http://www.thebaynet.com/news/index.cfm/fa/viewstory/story_ID/17859)

CHINO (CA) - "The Chino Police Department will conduct a sobriety and driver's license checkpoint on Saturday, May 29th from approximately 8:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m." (http://www.chinohills.com/news-articles-details/Chino_PD_Focusing_on_Safety-1302)

GLENDALE (AZ) - "The West Valley DUI Task Force will be holding a DUI checkpoint from 3 to 8 p.m. Memorial Day at Castle Hot Springs Road at the Lake Pleasant entrance." (http://www.glendalestar.com/articles/2010/05/20/news/news08.txt)

HIGHLAND (CA) - "The Highland Police Department will be conducting a DUI checkpoint May 28 from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Baseline and Central Avenue." (http://www.highlandnews.net/articles/2010/05/20/news/doc4bf5abb248d91971392095.txt)

LAS CRUCES (NM) - "The Las Cruces Police Department has scheduled at least one sobriety checkpoint within city limits during the Memorial Day weekend, May 28-31." (http://www.lcsun-news.com/las_cruces-news/ci_15131802)

NORCO (CA) - "The Norco Office of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department will conduct a DUI/Driver’s License Safety checkpoint in Norco on May 29, 2010, from 7:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m." (http://www.riversidesheriff.org/press/jvs10-0529.htm)

POTTER COUNTY (PA) - "State police from the Denton Hill barracks have announced that they will be setting up a checkpoint somewhere in Potter County over Memorial Day weekend to randomly stop motorists and look for signs of intoxication." (http://www.endeavornews.com/news/2010-05-22/News/State_police_plan_DUI_checkpoints.html)

This weekend / Este fin de semana

KANSAS CITY (MO) - "Kansas City police have announced they will conduct a sobriety checkpoint sometime this weekend." (http://www.kansascity.com/2010/05/12/1940805/police-to-conduct-a-sobriety-checkpoint.html)

LAS CRUCES (NM) - "The Las Cruces Police Department has scheduled at least one sobriety checkpoint within city limits during the upcoming weekend." (http://www.lcsun-news.com/las_cruces-news/ci_15059187)

TUCSON (AZ) - "The Tucson Police Department is planning a sobriety checkpoint this weekend." (http://www.kold.com/Global/story.asp?S=12480121)



Friday / Viernes (14/may)

BUTLER COUNTY (OH) - "A drunk-driving checkpoint will be held in Butler County on Friday night...Most checkpoints run from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. The location will be announced Friday morning." (http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20100513/NEWS01/305100012/DUI+checkpoint+Friday+night)

COLERAIN TOWNSHIP (OH) - "The Hamilton County OVI Task Force will be conducting a checkpoint Friday in Colerain Township. The location and times will be released Friday morning." (http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20100513/NEWS01/305120033/OVI+checkpoint+Friday+in+Colerain)

GARDENA (CA) - "Police will conduct a driving under the influence and driver's license checkpoint from 7:30 tonight to 3:30 a.m. Saturday in the eastbound lanes of El Segundo Boulevard at Halldale Avenue. " (http://www.dailybreeze.com/news/ci_15080180)

LAKE ELSINORE (CA) - "The Lake Elsinore Police Department will conduct a sobriety and driver's license checkpoint on Friday, May 14th in the City of Lake Elsinore" (http://www.riversidesheriff.org/press/lak10-0514.htm)

LOMA LINDA (CA) - "The Sheriff’s Department will be conducting a DUI/Drivers License checkpoint on Friday, May 14, 2010, from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., in the City of Loma Linda." (Sheriff's Department press release)

MANHATTAN BEACH (CA) - "Police will conduct a DUI enforcement patrol from 7 tonight to 3 a.m. Saturday" (http://www.dailybreeze.com/news/ci_15080180)

ONTARIO (CA) - "The Ontario Police Department will conduct a DUI /driver's license checkpoint from 6 p.m Friday to 2 a.m. Saturday." (http://www.sbsun.com/news/ci_15070663)

POMONA (CA) - "The Pomona Police Department will conduct a DUI /driver's license checkpoint from 9 p.m Friday to 3 a.m. Saturday." (http://www.sbsun.com/news/ci_15063250)

RIPON (CA) - "Police will be looking for drunken drivers Saturday night at a sobriety checkpoint at an undisclosed location in Ripon." (http://www.modbee.com/2010/05/12/1164878/ripon-to-set-up-dui-checkpoint.html)

SACRAMENTO (CA) - "The Sacramento Police Department will conduct a DUI checkpoint on Friday in an undisclosed point in the south area of the city." (http://www.modbee.com/2010/05/13/1165558/sacto-9-1-1-sacramento-pd-will.html)

VISTA (CA) - "The San Diego Sheriff’s Department – Vista Station will be conducting a DUI/Drivers License checkpoint on the evening of May 14, 2010, at an undisclosed location in the City of Vista." (http://apps.sdsheriff.net/press/Default.aspx?FileLink=d85b7819-4c4e-4dcd-960f-2f260f342c49)



Saturday / Sábado (15/may)

GOLETA (CA) - "City of Goleta Police Department announced today they will be holding a DUI/Driver’s License checkpoint on Saturday, May 15, 2010 within the City of Goleta." (http://www.sbsheriff.org/pr/05121001.html)

REDLANDS (CA) - "The checkpoint is scheduled from 10:30 p.m. Saturday to 3 a.m. Sunday in the northbound lane of Orange Street, just south of San Bernardino Avenue." (http://www.sbsun.com/breakingnews/ci_15071795)

SOMERS POINT (NJ) - "Somers Point police said they plan to set up a drunken-driving checkpoint from 10 p.m. Saturday to 3 a.m. Sunday on Shore Road between Connecticut and Pleasant avenues. " (http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/communities/northfield_linwood_somers-point/article_55dbc386-5edb-11df-a05a-001cc4c002e0.html)

VISALIA (CA) - "The Visalia Police Department will be conducting a city-wide DUI stauration patrol in the evening hours Friday and a DUI/Drivers License checkpoint in the evening hours Saturday." (http://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/article/20100513/NEWS01/100513005/Visalia+DUI+saturation+patrol+Friday++checkpoint+Saturday)

YUCAIPA (CA) - "The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department - Yucaipa Station will be conducting a D.U.I. / Safety Checkpoint in the City of Yucaipa on Saturday, May 29, 2010 from 7:00 P.M. through 3:00 A.M." (http://www.sbcounty.gov/sheriff/public/pressreleases/PRDetail.asp?PRID=2984)



In two weeks / En dos semanas (29-30/may)

CALVERT COUNTY (MD) - "The Maryland State Police, Prince Frederick Barrack, will be conducting a sobriety checkpoint during the Memorial Day weekend." (http://www.thebaynet.com/news/index.cfm/fa/viewstory/story_ID/17859)

The police and sheriffs target communities of color for their "sobriety" checkpoints which is an excuse to attack the undocumented community.

The action that people took against it, took signs and warned oncoming drivers, was successful. Many people from that community were thankful. Even though they were harassed by the police, they remained out there for the whole night. The police tried to intimidate, but they even shut down early because of the people that took action.