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Immigration reform march in Napa

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Immigration reform demonstrators march from St. John the Baptist Catholic Church to Fuller Park, on Thursday, May 1. The march was organized by the Latinos Unidos del Valley de Napa y Solano. Lianne Milton/Register | Buy photos
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Immigration reform demonstrators march from St. John the Baptist Catholic Church to Fuller Park, on Thursday, May 1, 2008. The march was organized by the Latinos Unidos del Valley de Napa y Solano. Lianne Milton/Register | Buy photos

200 gather for peaceful protest in Napa

Friday, May 02, 2008

Comment

By CARLOS VILLATORO
Register Staff Writer

Immigration march Thursday evening in Napa

The streets of Napa came alive Thursday evening with the cries of “Si se puede” as an eclectic group of protesters took to the streets in the name of immigrant rights and ending the war in Iraq.

Members of Latinos Unidos del Valle de Napa y Solano, a immigrants’ rights group, teamed up with Democrats of Napa Valley and UNCOIL (United Napans Concerned Over Iraq Lunacy) to deliver a message of peace, faith, reflection and immigration reform

The march began at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and snaked through downtown Napa, Jefferson Street and on to Fuller Park where several Latino leaders, students, educators and a political candidate addressed the crowd. Although the majority of the roughly 200 marchers were Latinos, several non-Latinos marched as well.

“I believe that our happiness and our well-being is dependent on immigrants helping us,” said Napa resident Michael Deppecarter, 32. “Laws that make someone illegal based on where they are born are wrong.”

Deppecarter said he moved to Napa about two years ago and although it was the first time he marched in Napa, he has supported similar marches in his hometown of Arcata. William Somerville, a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Napa, carried a peace sign as he marched and said it was in support of ending the war.

“There was no good reason to go into war in the first place,” he said.

Fernando and Rocio Ayvar marched with their daughters, Samantha, 9, and Chelsea, 5, to bring attention to immigration raids that took place last year all over the state. Although the Ayvars said that they don’t personally know anyone caught up in the raids, and said they haven’t heard of any raids occurring in Napa, they felt it was a strong enough reason to march.

“Everyone suffers (with the raids),” Fernando said. “The children are left without their families. (We march) so that everyone will have a better future.”

The vocal crowd held American flags, wore white shirts and wielded signs that read “Who else will work your fields?” and “We need you, you need us.” Thursday’s immigration march was the latest in a series of marches that have taken place all over the valley within the past two years.

The series of protests in Napa began in 2006 with a piece of legislation, H.R. 4437, that would have turned illegal immigrants into felons. Although the bill never saw the light of day, similar bills as well as a lack of significant immigration reform and reported immigration raids kept passions alive in the Latino community.

“It’s sad when raids leave children without their families,” said Hector Olvera, president of Latinos Unidos. “We are not terrorists, we are pacifists. How many times have we worked in the fields so that someone can sit and eat comfortably? We want immigration reform and peace around the world.”

Once at Fuller Park, the crowd continued the cheers of “Si se puede” a term used by the late Cesar Chavez, founder of the United Farm Workers labor union, that translates to “Yes, it can be done.”

Mitch Clogg, a first congressional district candidate running against Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, addressed the crowd at the park and told them that if he were elected he would lobby to push the DREAM act, a bill that would pave the way for undocumented students to gain citizenship, and attempt to enforce a rule in current immigration law that favors fines over deportation.

“That fine will allow you to not be deported ... if you wish to become a citizen,” Clogg said.

Napa Valley College Vice President Oscar De Haro as well as Lilia Navarro, director of NVC’s Ballet Folklorico, Ricky Hurtado, a Napa High School student, and Graciela Rodriguez, member of NVC’s Club Hispano-Americano (CHA), also spoke at Fuller Park.

70 comment(s)

hudds5 wrote on May 1, 2008 7:06 PM:

" I think I see this scene every Sunday afternoon in Kennedy Park ... Just before someone calls the cops. "

aztecprincess wrote on May 1, 2008 7:19 PM:

" hahahaha, how funny to read comments by people that don't know anything about what is going on, yes there is a lot of Hispanic people at the park on Sundays, because they have the right to be were ever they want. "

109823 wrote on May 1, 2008 7:38 PM:

" Only three kids for every two adults, they must have left the others at home. This is just a warm up for Cinco de Mayo. I can't wait to read the list of local politicans and what they had to say, I'll base my vote on whose supporting this fiasco. "

JMB wrote on May 1, 2008 7:51 PM:

" When I got this update, I walked to Fuller around 6:45 just to see how big the crowd was. Politics aside, it seemed to be a good and peaceful turnout. And I was very proud to see American flags there. "

Dwayne wrote on May 1, 2008 7:53 PM:

" How obnoxious to go to someone's home and demand the "right" to be there. "

luv2surf wrote on May 1, 2008 8:54 PM:

" Apparently there were some sizeable gang fights at the immigration marches in Santa Rosa today. At least it didnt happen here, this year. "

southnapareader wrote on May 1, 2008 9:45 PM:

" @luv2surf: I agree, it was a peaceful and pleasant march and very uplifting as many passerby's honked support. I don't think there have ever been any fighting or violence with the pro-latino marches in Napa and I've participated since 06.

@Dwayne: no one was demanding the "right" to be here, they were demanding justice and peace. "

l707 wrote on May 1, 2008 10:13 PM:

" right on southnapareader it was very nice and i'm very proud as for all the people. "

kdbk wrote on May 1, 2008 10:26 PM:

" Seems like a pretty small turnout. That's good. It's a sign of what many headlines read today: Illegal immigration from south of the border is down to its lowest level in 7 years. It will continue to go down too as long as some of the new policies continue to be implemented.

Finally, enough Americans of all races have realized the nature of the illegal immigration problem and they want it to be brought under control. They are tired of hearing about, not to mention seeing, all the crime and urban blight that is being created. They are tired of hearing that our economy can't manage without millions of illegal workers. They are tired of being told that since 70% of the illegals may just want to come here and work, that we should just tolerate the other 30% who's only plan is to commit crimes. They are tired of hearing about the Billions that are being spent annually on public assistance benefits to ILLEGALS.

"

entity wrote on May 1, 2008 10:55 PM:

" "109823 wrote on May 1, 2008 7:38 PM..."

Could anyone possibly GET any more racist in here than the comment I'm referring to? Shame on the Register for approving such a comment at all. How exactly is blatant racism "constructive dialogue"? It has nothing to do with a political stance on immigration and everything to do with *hate*. "

entity wrote on May 1, 2008 11:13 PM:

" I've said it before, and I'll say it again. You can't have your cake (in the form of cheap farm and vineyard labor) and eat it too. To stop the behavior of illegal immigration, stop the behavior of the businesses hiring illegal immigrants - remove the incentive to come. If you want to support the practice, then campaign to make -legal- immigration possible. As it stands, it is a long beaurocratic nightmare of a process. Racism is a cheap cop-out and a refusal to deal with the real issue, which is US policy - it doesn't matter if you're for or against, the core is still the same. Policy. "

tiredofcomplainingnapkins wrote on May 2, 2008 1:10 AM:

" The nubmber 1 reason for illegal immigration is greed. If the owners of the vineyards in the napa valley paid a liveable wage then we wouldn't need immigrants to come work here. These owners make millions every year, if they would pay 4 more dollars an hour there would be people lining up to do those jobs and it would only cut there profits down a little bit. Instead they are greedy and want to make 20 million a year instead of 19 million. Greed of big business owners is what causes illegal immigration. In France most of the vineyard workers are college students and citizens of France. Where did the USA go wrong? "

southnapareader wrote on May 2, 2008 1:37 AM:

" Ricky Hurtado, the Napa High student mentioned as an event speaker in the article is also Napa High's ASB class president for next year. Way to go, Ricky, and way to let your voice be heard! Napa needs more and more visible latino leadership. "

areyouserious wrote on May 2, 2008 4:12 AM:

" southnapareader

Dwayne's comments are directed at aztecprincess by saying that Hispanics visit the park because they have the right to be anywhere they want. But if they are illegal then they have no right to be on the north side of our southern boarder. It is a criminal act to be here illegally.

So, how would you like it if people came to your home and told you they had a right to be there? I will be ther this afternoon to mow your lawn and hang out in your living room. I will speak a language you don't understand and then I will request (demand?) that YOU LEARN how to commicate with me... rather than me taking an intiative to learn your native tongue.

Oh wait, that is all ready happening.

I also notice that the princess speaks spanish in another blog... No se habla aqui mi amigo! tu hablas engles por favor!

By the way... Your Los Angeles version of the march went from 500,000 people in 2006 to 8,00 this year; which means illegals are losing steam. It's a shame you spend so much time trying to change our government's policy on immigration (we all ready have laws and means to become a legal citizen) when you could be at home changing your government's policies. "

common sense wrote on May 2, 2008 7:22 AM:

" Well, according to the article, the Iraq War protesters have found a new minority to target to replenish their ranks. It is really unfortunate to see liberals taking advantage of minorities time and time again. "

Kathy Concened wrote on May 2, 2008 7:50 AM:

" Okay, they want California back. Give it to them including the 20 billion debt that they helped run up. "

savetycoon wrote on May 2, 2008 8:23 AM:

" kathy, i totally agree with you. they helped ruin this country, and land it in to an economic hell hold, then they can get it back on its feet.
they are always pleading for amnesty and all that crap, well tell you the truth, no one invited or wanted them to come over or through that border. I think they should stay were they were born, and If they want to come over to california, do it legally. because as they are crossing that border, diseases and stuff are crossing it with them, because they don't have the proper medical attention over there. DO IT LEGALLY "

Michael DeppeCarter wrote on May 2, 2008 8:29 AM:

" Excellent article! Thank you, Carlos Villatoro and the Napa Valley Register, for recognizing the significance and importance of grass roots democracy. Around the country the corporate media ignores, minimizes, and downplays the political actions of common people. Where other newspapers attempt to silence citizen voices you have helped us be heard. Thank you for recognizing this story as front page news! "

Michael DeppeCarter wrote on May 2, 2008 8:35 AM:

Rocketman wrote on May 2, 2008 8:38 AM:

" I just don't understand these comments (in the article); “Laws that make someone illegal based on where they are born are wrong.” Sorry, but that is the law in Mexico!! It's also the law in most other countries. Time and time again people have stated the proper response. We have legal immigration in the United States, use the process! Immigration reform?? Does that mean Immigration laws eliminated?? The problem I see is that what they are asking for is to be able to come into our country, use are resourses (for free) and come and go as they please. I don't mean for this to sound racist. I just don't understand how these folks want it their way in our country but we can't have it this way in their country!! If US citizens "tried" to do this in Mexico, we would be jailed!
"

rebob wrote on May 2, 2008 8:48 AM:

" YES!! tiredofcomplainingnapkins said it right. The reason why illegals are here is because of greed, greed of the multi million dollar vineyard owners. This is not an attack on the industry and the small time farmer, but a stab at the corporate entity that has found itself in Napa County. I am not sure if you know this, but more than half of vineyards in the County are corporate owned. One of the main rules of a good corporation is to make money fast and easy. So, in part illegals are a great fit, cheap HARD labor for them results in a product that they can charge $80-160 a bottle.....NICE. Sure its nice to get cheap labor, but at what cost. If we really want to curb the problem, start at the highest level. ENFORCE businesses to hire legal immigrants. The fact that this march and others like it have underlying racial tension is really bad, because it detours away from the real problem. I can just see the Mr. Burns of the Vine Inc. sitting in his office in Maui tapping his fingers...Excellent.... Immigration of any sort is because people want to get a better life. In this case, immigrants come here to get away from the struggles of their home country. Let me ask you this, would you, given the chance, take advantage of a system that can provide a better life for you and your family....HMMMM. "

upvalley wrote on May 2, 2008 10:05 AM:

" HELP WANTED: vyd labor: start at 7 am/10 hr days, work in the sun, in the cold. 6 days/week, work canceled without pay if raining. must stand all day. bring your lunch, eat in your car- no cafeteria, 1 week vacation after 1 year, and 3 pd holidays. Must drive to job site, which varies day to day. No paid gas/mileage. Position "eliminated" after harvest/must apply again next year. Starting pay $8--$12 if you are a "citizen" or "student"....

"

toratora wrote on May 2, 2008 10:15 AM:

" You got to love the sign the girl is holding in the above picture, "We are not criminals". If you are here illegally you are nothing but a criminal you should be arrested, Charged and either sent to jail or better yet deported back to where we do not have to pay for these people anymore and another thing I'am sick and tired of the catholic church helping the problem along if they want these people here illegally have them pay for it, Get some bigger offering baskets at mass. "

Paisano wrote on May 2, 2008 10:15 AM:

" Nicely said Rebob and excellent point Upvalley. I would like to see how many people would apply for that job. "

angel wrote on May 2, 2008 10:28 AM:

" Illegal and legal immigrants are a crucial part of our American Community from a Macro Economic View. A vast majority of them work in the least desirable jobs our country has—farm workers, construction, restaurants, car washes, hotels, wineries, etc. They work very hard physically their entire life, making only enough to pay for their survival and die without accumulating any wealth. The wealth is kept by the business owners where they work, by the business owners where they do their shopping, by the landlords where they live, and by the government—receiving very little in return. The majority of the money that the government has does not come from middle class individual tax payers; it comes from wealthy business owners, property tax, tax on the products they purchase …think of a way that you contribute to the government and they don’t. If you do your research on it, you’ll see there isn’t one. "

southnapareader wrote on May 2, 2008 11:02 AM:

" @toratora (and others), you assume "the girl holding the sign" is illegal. Maybe all or most of the marchers are legal citizens (as I am) and are marching for immigration reform. It is exactly that kind of "lumping together" that does nothing to further the conversation in a positive way, halts positive change and alientates people.

I've said this many times before: I want my hometown to be a place that is known for its hospitality, not hostility. "Be the change you wish to see in the world," is where I'm starting, and wish we all would... "

Rocco wrote on May 2, 2008 11:22 AM:

" Dear Carlos Villatoro, ...crack investigative reporter for the Napa Register; If you're going to start this article quoting Chavez's "Si se Puede!" how about a little history behind it. If the opinion that we "need" these farm workers is such a pivotal point in the argument, why don't you do a little research into the relationship between Cesar Chavez and the illegal farm workers of the recent past. Please share with us, might be quite an eye-opener...You are a reporter aren't you? "

angel wrote on May 2, 2008 11:44 AM:

" The government knows that they benefit from having them here illegally, so they will keep it like that as long as possible. Every person (legal or illegal) in this country has to pay taxes. However, legal people get some of it back: when poor people do their taxes, they get money back; when they lose their job, they can claim unemployment and get money; when they retire, they get monthly pensions and Medicare. Illegal aliens, however, don’t get any of those benefits and they do pay for them.

By them not being here legally, they can’t get a driver license, which means that when the police needs extra money, they do a DUI check point where all they check for is a driver license. No driver license equals more than a $1000 donation to US government agencies and businesses ($600 ticket for no insurance, $100 for no license, $900 storage fees to towing company, plus other paper work fees). They never do the DUI check points outside wineries, or on highway 29—there always nears streets were they know many illegal immigrants drive by.
"

jeeper16 wrote on May 2, 2008 12:51 PM:

" Hey "upvalley"! Apparently that must be a desireable job to a whole lot of people! I wonder what the pay and benefits are at a similar job site in MEXICO? I know I would not leave my home country and sneak in to another to get a job if it was worse deal. Why are they coming here in droves if it's such a horrible job?? It does not make sense to me. "

upvalley wrote on May 2, 2008 1:40 PM:

" I did not say it was a horrible job. It is just not a job that too many of us americans would take. I know when I search the help wanted ads, benefits and pay are some of the first things I look for. College students don't have schedules that match the vineyard seasons. How many of us have actually worked in a vineyard? I am aware that we cannot open up our borders, but I do believe there must be a solution to all of this. Allow some people to stay-with a work permit that only allows work in specific industries, and with a job already lined up. Don't promise a path to citizenship, just residency. And yes, I do believe anybody who breaks the law should get deported immediatley. We can go on and on and agree and disagree for days.. "

Rocketman wrote on May 2, 2008 2:43 PM:

" Upvalley..........I believe that you are right when you say that there must be a solution to this; the problem is that we have gone so far from lawfulness that we have a big problem. We have many illegals, which is a crime. We don't require English as the mandated language which causes additional expenses in teaching costs and literature. We have accepted illegal occupancy and now it has become a right, not a privledge. We give free medical, dental, have unlicensed drivers, non-insured drivers (I know that Americans are in this boat too). So how to we get back to lawfulness, without hurting feelings, causing discomfort among politicians, etc? The government caused this problem with relaxing the rules. These are laws and they are not enforced. How would you like to pick and choose the laws that you want to follow. A very astute politician once said, "Ladies and Gentlemen, do you realize how easy it is to go through life not committing a felony." Because most of us do this very easily. "

mypoint wrote on May 2, 2008 2:58 PM:

" Angel - your way of thinking is so far out there it's crazy. First of all, yes us LEGAL americans get SSI and pensions when we retire. That is because we have worked and paid for it all along. It's not free money. We've earned it. Illegals don't pay taxes because they work under the table so they are not entitled to unemployment, SSI, penions etc. The only taxes they pay are sales tax. BIG DEAL! So they are not contributing to our society when you consider that we pay for their many, many children's education, WIC, housing and so forth.
On another note, what you suggesting that we should turn our heads and allow them to drive without drivers licesnes and insurance. Are you kidding me? It's bad enough they do it anyways, but it certainly shouldn't be acceptable. We already pay higher insurance costs because of them. It's called uninsured motorists. And...I don't think they are the target of the DUI checkpoints. I think they are mainly looking for drunk drivers. If you read the article, it stated they wanted to pinpoint certain areas in the city where a lot of accidents occur because of drinking and driving. It just so happens that our "new Napa Valley" has many illegally people here that do not have drivers licenses so of course they are going to get caught. That's too bad for them. That was the risk they are willing to take. They are not victims, so quit defending them. "

napawineo wrote on May 2, 2008 3:14 PM:

" I think our government does nothing about the illegals as most are paying into our Social Security (allbeit with a stolen SS CARD - but more then likely from someone that has already died) So the Government can keep SS alive for a few more years as the illegals will never get any benifts from the money they are paying in....We are talking Millions if not billions of unclamined money....but that is just what I think....Why else would they allow this to continue??????any ideas????????? "

tiredofcomplainingnapkins wrote on May 2, 2008 3:37 PM:

" TO UPVALLEY, great point, thats exactly how it is and illegal immigration in napa valley is the fault of greedy winery owners. If they paid 16 to 20 an hour then there would be plenty of people willing to do that job, But they are greedy and won't pay a wage suitable to live and raise a family on. These winery owners make millions every year, whats the difference between 20 million and 19 million to them, its peanuts? But an extra 4 dollars an hour to workers is the difference between working for these wineries or not working for them. Immigration reform needs to start at the top of these big businesses "

St.Hell.comNative wrote on May 2, 2008 4:02 PM:

" Right on, Rocketman. Upvalley--they make enough money to go to Mexico every December for 3 weeks. That is why our kids have a "3 week vacation". It's not most of our vacation time, but to accomodate the families who go to Mexico to visit family, we have to find things for our kids to do during the "vacation". So many of the hispanic kids were falling behind....... don't cry for them. When I wanted my son to go on a week ski trip vacation in Feb. one year, one teacher wasn't going to give him school work because it wasn't in the alloted "vacation" time. Excuse me, that's not my vacation time. Get over bending over backwards for these people!!! This is California, part of the good ole US of A!!! Poor pay, hah! I've seen them whip through the vineyards and make some damn good money in one day! Go try it sometime. Sure it's backbreaking, but the money is good! They don't want anyone to know what they really make otherwise, no jobs! See how many Escalades are parked in the low income housing units? "

aztecprincess wrote on May 2, 2008 4:05 PM:

" well, AREYOUSERIOUS. i can talk any language i want. you have no right to talk about me like that, please have some respect for others. at least us illegals have manners. and by the way not every one that hangs out @ the park are illegal, and i am half white & half Mexican, so don't tell me that i don't have the right to speak my language, when Americans go to Mexico people welcome them like if they were family, unlike Americans that look at a Mexican and they see a criminal. and you call your self educated people. please. "

angel wrote on May 2, 2008 4:17 PM:

" Mypoint:

They do pay for social security and everything else. Most of the illegal immigrants do not work under the table. They work with a phony social security that will give them nothing in return. All the taxes that you pay for there, they pay for them as well. The difference is that you get them back at one point or another. They don't.
"

angel wrote on May 2, 2008 4:26 PM:

" My point:

With regards to them not having a license and insurance, it is our fault. We have not giving them the the simple right to get a license and by the same token insurance, which makes me very sad. The government knows that the people would be safer if they gave license because they will be able to drive with insurance, yet they have eliminated that proposal numerous times. People who drive and drink should never be allowed to drive again, but responsible people who just happened to be driving home after a hard day of work and have and have done nothing wrong, should not have to be pulled over and taken their car away. It is not morally right. How would you feel if they were to prohibit you from driving just because you were a woman, or just because you were black?

If my first comment offended you, I'm extremely sorry. From a moral point of view, I believe that GOD made us all equal, including those poor people who are already at a huge disadvantage over us--no language, far away from home and family, worst jobs than what we have, etc. I wonder what you would do and how you would feel if you were one of them.

"

jeeper16 wrote on May 2, 2008 5:39 PM:

" To aztecprincess and angel... Driving a car is not a right; it is a PRIVILEGE! That applies to all legal citizens. Illegals have NO rights. As for Mexico treating us like "family", I'm sure it's because most of us are VISITING and spending the big bucks that keeps smiles on the Mexican merchants, hotel owners, etc. We are not going to Mexico to get their jobs and obtain all the freebies from their government!! That's a BIG difference. Also, you are prevented from getting a driver's license because you are an ILLEGAL! What part of that word do you not understand? "

mypoint wrote on May 2, 2008 6:08 PM:

" Angel - You shouldn't make assumptions if you don't know me. I totally know what it's like to be disadvantaged. I made my mistakes in my life and I had to pay the consequences. I was a single mom who needed a little help when my son was an infant. I went to school (college) full time, worked and took care of my infant son by myself. I did everything I needed to do and it wasn't easy. However, I never broke the law. I worked hard and now I have an awesome 12 year son, married, own my own house and have a brand new car. I did this because I didn't lay down and play the victim role. I chose not to be a victim and I succeeded.
Another point you made is that they are just coming home from work, not doing anything wrong and get their cars taken from them. Well, they are doing something wrong because not only did they break into our country illegally, they are driving without a licesne or insurance when they once again no that that's illegal. And since we are on the topic, why don't you check out the DUI list that is printed every single month. Now you tell me, do you see any similarties in the names? "

JUST FRED wrote on May 2, 2008 7:17 PM:

" Here we go again, just as the stink of the 'outrage' over the Napa County Fair theme finally starts to disipate. Now we have a 'protest' delivering a message of peace, faith, reflection and immigration reform by an ethnicly eclectic group of participants and it's time for Napa's own very vocal contingent of intolerants, haters and yes, racists, to grab their cybor sticks and torches and rush to weigh in on this latest attack on America right here in their own backyard. The optimist in me believes that this group is small and that most of the people living in Napa County are actually more politically aware and also just plain better than that. Just the same this element of negativity, hate, intolorance and racial divisiveness in Napa County is very much present and quite viable which makes it a truly serious issue that has already been proven to be socially destuctive and potentially dagerous in this community. Like it or not, this valley would not be The Napa Valley Wine Country and all that comes along with that without immigrant labor, that is just a given. The crowds for this and similar demonstrations may be significantly smaller since attention to this issue has deminished greatly in light of actually important issues mainly the state of the economy and if you really think that undocumented immigrants are a reason for our tanked economy, you are pathetically uniformed and out of touch with the socio/economic reality of what is happening in this country. Racism is dangerous especially in a small community, where 'soccer mons' accusingly identify a white man as black at twelve feet in broad daylight. Remember, HATE STARTS AT HOME! "

l707 wrote on May 2, 2008 7:19 PM:

" Ur saying that we treat u like family because yOu spent ur "big bucks" on us. hey we treat anyone the same not only you guys we have not done nothing to you like angel said you guys get ur taxes but WE DONT. many of you say that all the inmigrats should go back because the govt. is spending money on us. but imagine that if the law passes against inmigration then All people that are inmigrants including their children that are citezens here are going to have to go back and how much money do you guys think that you are going loose just imagine. it will take years to replace all the money. then you guys say that we get free stuff really nothing is free here somehow we have to pay evrything. you say that only inmigrats get the free stuff like what ur education because we are not the only ones that get free education. i have said before that we all have freedom of speech to say what we want but please we really need to stop this hate we are all the same here just because we come from different cultures. we know that this is ur country and you feel that we are "ruined it" but we are not. what we want is for u guys to be fair for the people that work twice as much and donnt get any respect in anyway. everytime that i read this comments from you guys it makes me want to cry of just thinking how much hate is out their, i said it once i i will say it again we really dont want to do anything bad to ur country or YOU!!!! PLEASE STOP POINTING ONLY TO MEXICANS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "

areyouserious wrote on May 2, 2008 9:17 PM:

" aztecprincesss

I too am half white and half Mexican. My family was here when it was Mexico and stayed when it became the republic of California. When I was a kid, I got picked on by the white kids for being Mexican. As an adult the Mexicans don't like me because I am half white. Who cares? I like me and other legal citizens regardless of race. As long as they are tax paying citizens that are not taking advantage of the system I am fine with them. But you have a chip on your shoulder like you are entitled to something here in MY COUNTRY. I am a Veteran. I have lived under a sky wher my nation's flag was not welcome. I have sacrifeced so that others could have. I am a native to this valley and a VETERAN of Foreign Wars. I know what it takes to make sacrifices for the greater good and to do without so that AMERICAN CITIZENS can have the right to blog right here on this page. I am bi-lingual. But this is America. This nation speaks ENGLISH.

And if you are illegal.... then you are a criminal and have no right to freedom of speach in this country or on this blog for that matter. But alas we have no way to check your birth cirtificate here.

If you can read this, thank a teacher. If it is ENGLISH, thank a soldier.

GOD BLESS ALL LEGAL AMERICANS; and send the rest home! Go make a stand for reform in your own country! OR come in through the front door and wait your turn for citizenship; quite simple really! "

areyouserious wrote on May 2, 2008 9:30 PM:

" upvalley

I have worked in the vineyards. There were 2 full time positons available at the end of the last crush that I worked when I was a teen (some 20 years ago) and I did not get the job becaue I was making $10/hr working 18 hr days. And they hired two illegals to work and paid them $6.50/hr... jeez two workers for only $2.50 more than one worker????
You would think that being bi-lingual would have helped me out (and cost them more money for more talents from me)... considering the two illegals that took my place only spoke one language; and it wasn't English!

So do not say that Americans/Napans are not going to take those jobs, because some have and have been removed from the system because we cost the employer insurance money, higher wages, etc...

So, yes... send them home and make Corporate Napa pay LEGALS a LEGAL FAIR WAGE! "

Dwayne wrote on May 2, 2008 9:37 PM:

" Stop substituting "immigrant" for "illegal", and everything will be fine.

"

samaker wrote on May 2, 2008 11:15 PM:

" With regards to the signs in the protest reading: "Who else will work your fields?" my answer is, probably nobody. But working fields is one thing; illegally bringing large families into another country and slamming their infrastructure from every angle is something entirely different. It is not unheard of for someone to go to a different country, work for a few months or so, and then go home. Problems come up when one person comes to work, and brings along a family of a dozen to stay for good. I don't know how much longer our country can handle the infiltration of illegals. They are definitely helping to ruin our education system. Hispanic kids are raised speaking nothing but spanish and then thrown into an english speaking school. Surely, this slows down the education process. Is it right for kids who speak english to have their learning compromised by students in their classes who have absolutely no idea what is going on half the time? I know if I was going to break into another country, I would at least try to learn the native tongue first. The only part of the rally that I agree with is that immigration does need reform. Something needs to happen soon. "

areyouserious wrote on May 2, 2008 11:24 PM:

" angel

are you seriousaly trying to say that driving should be legal for illegal immigrants?

that is just dumb. you should not drive if you are illegal. PERIOD!

therefore, if your car gets impounded and you get thrown in jail or BETTER YET DEPORTED, then our police officers are doing their jobs. If you are an illegal you HAVE NO RIGHTS!

Or maybe illegals are just too lazy to follow the rules?

I was in San Rafael the other day and saw all the illegal day workers there. They all had cell phones, RAZRs, PDAs, and even iphones. Where do they get the money for such nice things but can't afford to pay to becmoe a citizen?

And like steph said, you pay for your food with cash, WIC, and food stamps and then get in a car that is nicer than mine. Most of the rims I see on Hispanic owned cars are nicer than my car....

And taxes? You people only pay sales tax.

Don't confuse my anger with racism. It's a new word I would like to call "ILLEGALISM!" That's right! I am predujic against every person who is in this country illegally!

That's not racism, it's American Pride. "

cellsitegod wrote on May 3, 2008 5:43 AM:

" Blah, Blah, Blah,
There are 10 times more illegal immigrants than we need for "those jobs nobody will do. Have you looked at the building trades lately? Being a carpenter, concrete finisher, roofer used to be an honest living for an American. Now they have under cut the wages so bad a citizen cannot support his family. Unless they put 15 people to house and their "un-married" wives collect welfare and WIC.
Wake up people! The taxes us legal citizens are paying that should go toward roads, over crowded schools, ect are being spent on people that have no respect for our country and laws.
It's fairly simple: Take away the benefits designed for our CITIZENS, no more automatic citizenship at birth and hold employers accountable for who they hire. And they will stop coming.
NO GREEN CARD....NO RIGHTS! "

Unclestuy wrote on May 3, 2008 9:15 AM:

" If indeed Napa County has a illegal immigration population. Why is it, that we don't see Board Patrol enforcing illlegal immigration policies here ? Obviously, California and other states should enforce immigration laws as they were designed to do. No green card or visa, then you should be deported, immediately. Law enforcement should be enhanced and supported. Can we go to another country and get the benefits there? Don't think so!!! "

joanne wrote on May 3, 2008 9:56 AM:

" Newsflash, "areyouserious": You are seriously misinformed about the reason that the "... Los Angeles version of the march went from 500,000 people in 2006 to 8,00 this year ..." ("kdbk", you might also want to take note of this.) In fact, the comparatively larger turnouts seen across the nation at similarly-themed protests in 2006 can be explained not by your assertion that "... illegals are losing steam", nor is it a ""a sign of ... [i]llegal immigration from south of the border [being] down to its lowest level in 7 years" as has been asserted by "kdbk." Rather, it is linked to two letters and four numerals: HR 4437. (That particular "piece of legislation ... would have turned illegal immigrants into felons.") The different rates of attendance between then and now at these demonstrations are linked almost exclusively to that single variable. In 2006, this bill had passed the House (but never made it through the Senate) and " ... caused a firestorm in Latino communities throughout the states and propelled many Latinos to protest laws that they saw as draconian." No such legislation is currently under serious consideration. (Source of above-quoted text: Thursday, May 1, 2008 edition of the Napa Valley Register.) "

DRaines wrote on May 3, 2008 10:34 AM:

" Cellsitegod, you should run for office!!!! I like your way of thinking.
NO GREEN CARD....NO RIGHTS!
"

Thepeople wrote on May 3, 2008 2:23 PM:

" Three more states, just this week, mandated that E-Verify be used Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Mississippi, all passed laws this week, mandating that E-Verify be used to validate all employees. Oklahoma enacted E-Verify in November, 2007, and Oklahoma's unemployment rate plummeted. Oklahoma, as of March, 2008, now has the 4th lowest unemployment rate in the United States. States with the worst unemployment rates: 40 SOUTH CAROLINA 5.7 45 NEVADA 5.8 46 MISSISSIPPI 6.0 47 RHODE ISLAND 6.1 48 CALIFORNIA 6.2 48 DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 6.2 50 ALASKA 6.7 51 MICHIGAN 7.2

Just found this on another site...Hmmmm...
"

areyouserious wrote on May 3, 2008 4:55 PM:

" joanne

My news wources were several...

CNN, FOX NEWS, CBS NEWS, and ABC NEWS all reported the same numbers.

I am well informed. I get paid to watch TV. And some of the sourcesw I mentioned pay me money to watch. Get a clue! "

109823 wrote on May 3, 2008 10:02 PM:

" If stating facts about a community/culture in regards to overpopulating by request, is racism, then give me the scarlet letter. I've listened to the Spanish stations in southern Calif. and what they promote to their listeners (which ranges all over southern Cal to the Mexican border). It's nothing less than invade the U.S, overpopulate and create chaos to drive Americans from their communities. All in the guise of seeking work. There will be a civil/race war at some point in the future because this can't continue unchecked. When citizens have had enough and they vote out the politicians that have supported the influx of illegals and new regimes unfold there will be much resistence to deportations. If it's wrong to stand up for your country and land that we've worked hard for then I'm guilty. "

luv2surf wrote on May 4, 2008 12:36 AM:

" To "109823": Youre absolutely right. If ANYONE is interested in what is "truly" being said at this "pro-illegal" immigrant rally’s, then go to YouTube and search for these speeches yourself. It will cast a whole new light on what is really being promoted here. You see, most of these groups still believe and promote, that California and Texas truly belong to Mexico and they openly encourage what "109823" stated. Not aired on CNN however, but definitely spoken on Spanish language radio stations and pro illegal-immigrant rally’s throughout the US. I encourage anyone reading the blog to go to YouTube and search for themselves. "

Sandra wrote on May 4, 2008 9:57 AM:

" "si se puede"...Cesar Chavez is turning over in his grave....He fought to stopp illegal immigration. I think the ignorance of someone using a phrase he used in this manner is appalling. "

Paisano wrote on May 5, 2008 11:03 AM:

" luv2surf, You can find all types of useless 411 on you tube. Useless 411 that teaches about hate, discrimination, and crimes committed by all ethnicities not just Hispanics. You can go on you tube and learn about White supremacy just as easy as you can see the speeches that are said at these rallies. "

my2cents68 wrote on May 5, 2008 12:31 PM:

" Hey 109823, is there a link or a sight where I can see this? Call it morbid curiosity.

To aztecprincess: You're attitude needs improvement. I'm of Mexican decent but a US citizen born and bred as are my children. Your comments honestly embarass me. It is those types of comments that make people out there against illegal immigration just grind their teeth. You're comment in a prior log of "duela a quien le duela" is very biligerent in tone and meaning. It's that type of attitude that at times makes me embarassed to be a Mexican because there are some people out there that think all Mexicans are the same. Not a lot, but they're out there. In your comment you basically said " we're here no matter who we upset" (and that's putting it nicely) so deal with it" at least thats how I understood it. Did I misunderstand? If that's truely what you meant, that's not a good attitude to take.

Reading all the blogs and things that are said sometimes make me wince, but I keep in perspective that the general consensus is for LEGAL immigration. It's not the legal immigrants that are the issue but ILLEGAL. ILLEGAL being the main point. If you are legally here, then you shouldn't take offense to the comments in this blog or any other blog. At least that's what I tell myself.

As for legal wages for legal working people. That's a HUGE hurdle that will have to be met. I know I wouldn't work out in those fields for what is being paid no matter what St.Hell.comNative says. Would you work for $9.25 an hour out there without benefits? "

109823 wrote on May 5, 2008 3:11 PM:

" My2cents68, just listened to stations when I was in the area a few years back and as luv2surf says it's well documented on youtube. Notice how Paisano never denys these facts just trys to channel blame in other directions. White supremacy is not a problem in the Napa Valley, illegals and Latino gangs are, white supremacy hasn't changed our quality of life but the large invasion of Hispanics has. Finally, Steph I'm not sure I understand why James' kids need to assimilate why not the other way around? "

Concerned Citizen wrote on May 6, 2008 8:34 AM:

" Right on! kbdk. Aztecprinces, you're wrong, once again. Your arrogance and attitude is what is turning American citizens against your weak cause. Keep on with your smart comments and see how far it gets you.

Areyouserious....bravo!

Southnapareader, you might want to change the world, but most of us do not. Our valley, our nation is fine as it is. We don't want to become a third world, overpopulated ghetto just for the sake of saying, "gee, see how nice we are?" We don't want to be the welcome mat for the entire worlds' downtrodden masses ANYMORE. It doesn't work, anymore. I say, "France, take back that ridiculous statue sitting in NY harbor." It's time the rest of the world stop expecting, insisting that the good 'ole U.S.of A. bail them out of their own abject, self inflicted misery. How so? Birth rates, disease (stop consumating if it's a death sentence -overpopulation or HIV/Aids, TB)

Angel, you're wrong~! If a worker is paid under the table, if the homeowner or business owner pays cash, NO TAXES are being paid. This is WELL DOCUMENTED info.

Right On! Rocketman. But, those who thrive on entitlements, who expect others to cede to demands, those here illegally, who demand amnesty; they'll NEVER get it. They don't WANT to get it.

St.Hell.comNative..you are ALSO astute and right on!

JUST FREd...you're wrong. We are the silent majority...but not for long because we've HAD IT with law breaking opportunistic employers and their illegal minions.

Joanne...VIVA! HR4437! Now, let's enact/enforce.

No matter what, if there is something to be gained, there will ALWAYS abe lawbreakers. "

Paisano wrote on May 6, 2008 8:57 AM:

" 109823, I'm not admitting your claims that hatred is spoken at these rallies. You claim that there are no White Supremacists living in the Napa Valley? C'mon Amigo, have you not seen the trucks with the confederate flags hanging on the back or in the cabin? "

my2cents68 wrote on May 6, 2008 9:31 AM:

" Thanks 109823. I think I have to a little net surfing.

White supremacy may not be a problem here in the valley, I agree with that. However ignorance is. Not for the majority of the population but some. It's very frustrating as a parent that my children who are citizens have to pay for the issues of illegal immigration. My teenage son was walking home not too long ago and when he got home he seemed very upset. I finally dragged it out of him and he told me that a bunch of older teenage boys in a car shouted "wetback" at him (among other racially laced words) as they drove by. My son is a clean cut kid by todays standards when fashion is to have everything sagging. How should I explain that type of behavior, those types of slurs? At the time I just explained that it was ignorance on those kids part. My son actually started to take a different route home from then on. That's how threatened he felt.

As for Latino gangs, well there's a "gang" unit within the police department right? I'm not sure what the legalities are, but I wonder if they could check if they are here legally?? I know there is a pretty nasty gang that's getting a foothold here in the US, the MS gang. This gang would make the run of the mill latino gang look like boy scouts.

I just wish that the hispanic community, especially it's leaders, would address these issues also, instead of trying to justify illegal immigration. "

toratora wrote on May 6, 2008 9:55 AM:

" Paisano, You are once again not understanding what what 109823 is saying, White supremacy is not a problem in the valley. He is not saying there is no white supremacy, He is saying its not a problem(comprende) as it is with latino gangs and illegals. Stop your twisting of the facts "BUDDY" LOL! "

Paisano wrote on May 6, 2008 11:50 AM:

" toratora, White supremacy is not a problem for you because it does not affect you in any which way or form. But it is to Hispanic American citizens like myself that get harassed simply because of the color of my skin. I have lived in the Napa Valley for over 30 years and have experienced discrimination and racism on many occasions so please don’t tell me that supremacy is not a problem. Si comprendo but do you? "

vocal-de-local wrote on May 6, 2008 11:28 PM:

"
my2cents68, I'm really sorry to hear about what happened to your son. That's plain wrong. There are bad people from all walks of life. You have a really good attitude about it though. Good for you!

And I want to say this: some of the coolest people I've ever met are of Mexican descent. I love their character and commitment to family.

People are reacting to a sense of feeling crowded, though. I would be very saddened to see the focus change to a dislike for someone just because of their genetic makeup. Unfortunately when people are smothered by crowding and the thought of limited resources, they do tend to misplace their anger, especially toward outsiders.

I also liked the comments from
areyouserious. Thank you for reminding us that there are native Californians of Mexican descent who have been here longer than most of the bloggers here! "

109823 wrote on May 7, 2008 8:13 PM:

" My2cents68, I made a lenthy response to your testimonial of your sons' experience, but I posted a website in my blog and that's a no-no. So I echo vocal-de-local in saying sorry as well. It's unfortunate and a very emotional event. However it's a sign of the times and young adults see how their parents are upset and frustrated with what's happening here and feel that they must take some sort of action. Unfortunately there will be collatoral damage, of which your son was a victim, to U.S. citizens of Mexican descent(not birthright citizen anchor babies). Had they known your son and his upbringing they probably wouldn't have made the verbal attack. I'm surprised that Paisano hasn't offered response that these were some of the roving bands of White Supremists. Again sorry this happened but it should be the ones that are causing all of us to be upset that should be apologizing to you. I don't think that's going to happen. Regards "

my2cents68 wrote on May 8, 2008 4:44 PM:

" Thank you 109823.

I know what you've mean. I've had to edit MANY times, lol. "

Rocco wrote on May 8, 2008 6:01 PM:

" Did anyone get the chance to hear what our illustrious school board members had to say at this glorious event? I can't remember seeing any of their tidbits of wisdom actually posted for the electorate to read. It was two years ago that Hurtado praised the students for walking out of class...that only cost our district $18,000 in lost ADA. What next? "

savetycoon wrote on May 9, 2008 8:27 AM:

" All i have to say is, that they shouldnt be marching asking for rights and things because they dont diserve it. They dont diserve amnesty, or privlages, or anything like that. Because they are not LEGAL citizens of the united states. I dont mind the lagel imigrants, because they did it the right way, but as for the hundreds of thousands of illegal imigrants that flooded our country like a hurricane, all they diserve is a one way ticket back to mexico to stand in line with the few mexicans that choose to do it right, and wait till they get approved.
other than that: NO GREEN CARD NO RIGHTS!! "

cellsitegod wrote on May 12, 2008 5:51 AM:

" There are several laws on the books regarding illeagal immigration, they just don't get enforced.
It's simple: Take away the free benefits and "automatic citizenship" at birth. Make the employers held responsible to verify legality with heavy fines. And they will stop coming.
Some of the commentors here say "the right to this" and "the right to that"
What right do you as an illeagal have to come to OUR country and live off our system and not contribute?
People stand up and say 'They have a right to something"
Has anyone thought about how we got those "rights" and present way of life?
UNITED STATES CITIZENS fought and died to protect those "rights" and our way of life over the years.
I say NO, It is a PRIVILEDGE to use these benefits as a CITIZEN.
When we as citizens stand up for our country and PRIVILEDGES, We are labled "racists"
NO GREEN CARD, NO RIGHTS!
"

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