Escondido Checkpoints: Joining the Protest

The numbers of demonstrators are growing in the City of Escondido, and the protests against Escondido checkpoints are beginning to work. Impounds are down and so is the money. Usually impounds total in the mid-to-high 30s for no driver’s license, and the last two Escondido checkpoints have resulted in only 12 impounds for no driver’s license. By reducing impounds, profits will decrease, and it will, at the very least, force checkpoints to be run according to law.

People come out of their homes and join. People drive by and come back to join.

I am going to explain how you can get involved and what to expect if you decide to join the protest.

Absolutely not! Everyone has the right to exercise their first amendment rights. Escondido is not the only city that protests checkpoints; however, Escondido seems to be the only city that has convenient contracts with tow companies that make the city quite a profit. 

Next time you see the demonstrators at a checkpoint, pull over and give your information to one of the demonstrators. If you are unable to join that particular evening, someone will call you, send you a text, or e-mail you with information on the next checkpoint.

Sometimes there is two days’ advance notice, and sometimes there are only a few hours advance notice. This is because Escondido Police Department doesn’t always post the checkpoint information on its website, and also because the local paper doesn’t always print the press release.

UPDATE: JOIN VIA E-MAIL AT NATURAL RIGHTS COALITION

You can also call 760-270-2730 to receive text messages for checkpoint alerts and/or volunteer to come out for a peaceful protest.

Signs are provided, but if you want to make your own sign, here are some suggestions:

CHECKPOINT AHEAD; MILLION DOLLAR CHECKPOINT; CHECKPOINT BIG BUSINE$$; EPD WANTS YOUR CAR; CAR THIEVES AHEAD; WHERE DO PROFITS GO?

Video recorders are needed. Escondido Police Department has started to block off streets and park along the escape routes intimidating drivers who want to turn out. Escondido Police Department is also screening nearly every vehicle driving through the checkpoint. This needs to be caught on tape. The grants can be revoked for these procedures.

Cameras are needed to photograph the dozen or so officers that have nothing better to do than to sit around and chat. Sometimes, an officer will be spotted snoozing in a patrol vehicle. These are officers that are being paid overtime with taxpayer funds. We need more demonstrators at the protest so those with cameras can leave their posts and photograph the over-staffed checkpoints. Don’t expect the officers to offer you any slices of Round Table Pizza they always eat if you are taking pictures of them.

The Escondido Police Department has begun to harass protestors by taking photographs, video-taping, and threatening demonstrators with citations in an attempt to disband the protest. It isn’t working, and it will not work. But, in order to avoid a citation, be on your best behavior:

Do not jaywalk. This includes making it to the other side of the road in plenty of time before the light turns red.

Do not park in business parking lots. Since checkpoints are routinely conducted in residential areas, parking shouldn’t be a problem.

When arriving, make complete stops at stop signs, use your blinkers, make sure you have a front license plate, etc. Since the money has decreased, EPD is issuing citations for everything possible.

Do not liter.

If you don’t wish to be photographed, hide behind your sign, walk away, turn around, or wear a ski mask during the photo shoot. Some of the demonstrators do pose for the pictures—it is up to you.

While protesting, do not step off of the sidewalk. Do not speak with drivers who pull off to the side of the road.

Most of the demonstrators disband between 9:00 pm and 9:30 pm, because it is not the intention of the demonstrators to deter drunk drivers away from the checkpoint. However, there are demonstrators that do stay until the checkpoint shuts down, especially since every car is being screened. This is not how checkpoints are supposed to be conducted.

Expect more positive feedback and more support than negative feedback; however, do expect to be given a nice middle-finger greeting every once in a while. Simply smile and wave, because they are also exercising their first amendment rights.

Common Escondido checkpoint locations:

El Norte and Ash

Lincoln and Fig

700 block of West Grand

Valley Pkwy and Juniper

Centre City Pkwy at the Police Station

Uncommon Escondido checkpoint locations:

3300 Block Bear Valley Pkwy, near the mall

Valley Pkwy and Avenida Del Diablo, near LakeHodges

Borden, near DogPark at Valley Center Grade