Mayor Norma Torres - Pomona, CA City Council WE WON - TRAFFIC CHECKPOINTS WILL GO FORWARD IN POMONA, CA!
Monday, September 8, 2008: POMONA CITY COUNCIL http://www.ci.pomona.ca.us/city_departments/city_council/ VOTED 6 to 1 TO RENEW THE POMONA TRAFFIC CHECKPOINT GRANT FOR 2008-2009!
Councilwoman Cristina Carrizosa aggressively opposes the traffic checkpoints in Pomona and she was the lone vote in opposition to the traffic checkpoint grant. She has perpetuated the traffic checkpoint controversy since a May 3, 2008 Pomona traffic checkpoint, which she called the "gestapo." She is aligned with Pomona Speaks.
Above Councilwoman Cristina Carrizosa - in a long speech where she frequently mumbled - adamantly opposed the grant for traffic checkpoints. She claims the traffic checkpoints profile the ethnic poor.
Candlelight Vigil: anti-traffic checkpoint crowd mourns the council vote...
The anti-traffic checkpoint crowd seemed to arrive late and police had them assemble in front of the library, rather than the city council chambers - where a near-riot went forward at the May 27, 2008 city council meeting.
They staged a candlelight vigil - with speakers addressing the crowd in Spanish. The mood was somber. They sang songs in Spanish, accompanied by guitars.
Above, Councilwoman Carrizosa - who partnered with Pomona Speaks - was hailed as a hero at the candlelight vigil. Spanish TV clamored to interview her. When I approached her to photograph her - she hollered at me to stop and put her hand over her face.
Lighting candles and singing in Spanish - mourning the vote to continue the Pomona traffic checkpoint grant
Above, center, Nativo Lopez, president of the Mexican American Political Association (MAPA)
Above, second from the left, founder of Pomona Speaks, Arturo Jimenez, who was the force alongside Councilwoman Carrizosa in the quest to stop the Pomona traffic checkpoint grant.
Attendees - speakers in Spanish denounced the city council vote
POLICE
There was a heavy police presence at the city council meeting. The Anti-checkpoint coalition, Pomona Speaks, is calling for an investigation into the Pomona Police Department.
Yesterday, Mayor Torres moved the time of the meeting from 7pm to 5pm. Many open border supporters arrived late. Police cordoned off the front of city council chambers and the open border group staged in front of the library rather than city hall. At a previous city council meeting, the anti-traffic checkpoint people caused a near riot, numbering in the hundreds.
Celebrating in the council chambers after the vote - at left, Councilman Atchley! This councilman supports traffic checkpoints in Pomona!
When the vote was tallied, we jumped to our feet and gave a standing ovation - applauding the vote! Jubilant!
It was a celebration!
PUBLIC SPEAKERS
We arrived early and got good seats! Above, Border Raven spoke out during public comments with suggestions on the areas to stage traffic checkpoints.
There were 27 public speakers. 19 supported the traffic checkpoints and 8 opposed the traffic checkpoints.
Those who spoke out against traffic checkpoints were open border leaders, such as Professor Jose Calderon of Pitzer College, an attorney, and the Pomona Speaks interpreter. They said the traffic checkpoints violate the 4th Amendment, and an attorney called those who support the checkpoints "racists."
Cheryl was the first speaker and addressed California State Laws!
Gloria stood up for law enforcement and the military - and requested that police escort us to our cars
Robin spoke out in support of the police
Emily spoke out and stated surrounding communities are affected by traffic patterns in Pomona
Cherie spoke out in support of the police and referenced a traffic checkpoint in Corona where drivers were apprehended in stolen vehicles
Dee gave a great talk in support of checkpoints and law enforcement
There is an ad hoc committee, headed up by Councilwoman Carrizosa, which is reviewing the May 3, 2008 police traffic checkpoint. There have been two committee meetings. Carrizosa attempted to give a report, but it was incomprehensible. Mayor Torres told Carrizosa that the committee must come to a conclusion and advise the city council by the end of the year.
On August 21, 2008, at a meeting staged by Pomona Speaks, Pomona Speaks has called for off 8 duty officers to be investigated. Mayor Torres agreed to an investigation of the off duty officers.
