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June 2008 DUI report
Thursday, July 31, 2008
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By Register Online Staff
DUI coverage
January 7th, 2009
December 2008 DUI Report
December 24th, 2008
DUI patrol set for Friday in Napa
December 18th, 2008
DUI patrols out this weekend
December 5th, 2008
DUI checkpoint set
December 2nd, 2008
November 2008 DUI Report
Napavalleyregister.com publishes monthly statistics on arrests and convictions for driving under the influence — and so-called “wet reckless” convictions — in Napa County.

Arrest information is from the Napa County Sheriff’s Department. Convictions, names and blood-alcohol levels are from Napa County Superior Court.
Convictions include cases in which the person pleaded guilty or no contest to one or more drunk driving charges, or where one or more such charges resulted in a guilty verdict at trial.

Vehicle code violations considered are: driving under the influence (Vehicle Code section 23152), reckless driving while under the influence (23103.5) and causing injury to another while driving while under the influence (23153).
The blood-alcohol levels provided by the court are based on a variety of tests — some taken at the scene of the arrest or county jail, others through a later blood test — and have not necessarily been proven or admitted in court. It is unlawful for any person to operate a vehicle if that person has a blood-alcohol level of .08 or more, according to the California Vehicle Code.

Arrests: 50
Convictions/pleas: 71

Reported blood-alcohol below .10 or unavailable: 10

Reported blood-alcohol between .10 and .19: 47

Reported blood-alcohol between .20 and .29: 9

Reported blood-alcohol between .30 and .39: 5





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51 comment(s)

funnyme wrote on Jul 6, 2008 9:38 AM:

" I am so confussed...
How is it possible to arrest 50 people and convict 71? This is a list with 71 names and last names. All different.
I would understand if you arrest 50 people and convict the same person with more than one offense/crime. Please explain.

Analizing this month's DUI Report:
1) 27 of the names and last names "resemble" a hispanic/latino name.
2) In other words, 38% of the convictions "seem to be" of hispanic/latino origin.
3) Only 27% of Napa County's population is hispanic/latino...accounted for, that is. "

mypoint wrote on Jul 7, 2008 8:20 AM:

" Thanks for your analysis funnyme! "

Raven wrote on Jul 7, 2008 9:20 AM:

" The convictions number may not the convictions of those arrested in the month but rather just all the convictions which occurred during the month...given the speed of our justice system, seems unlike that any of those arrested in June were also convicted in June...these convictions could have been from arrests made many months ago. "

MarshaMarsha wrote on Jul 7, 2008 10:00 AM:

" Let me see if I can explain this, funnyme...

Mr. Happy Drunk was arrested in March, and Miss Totally Hammered was arrested in April. Our judicial system can work very s-l-o-w due to different circumstances, causing Mr. Drunk's case to take just a little longer. So, Drunk and Hammered both received their conviction in June. In the meantime, Mrs. Ima Lush was only arrested in June. Therefore, you have more convictions than arrests in one month.

As far as the name situation: All I can figure is that some people have another food group in their daily cultural diet. It's called "liquid fermented grains" and it's a great source of calories but doesn't quite fall into the "smart food" group. "

Paisano wrote on Jul 7, 2008 10:58 AM:

" funnyme, California is Mexico's neighbor. Mexicans have Hispanic names and in time so will the majority of Californians. "

funnyme wrote on Jul 7, 2008 11:52 AM:

" Thank you Raven and Marsha Marsha, I always thought they were co-related. "

conscious wrote on Jul 7, 2008 1:09 PM:

" Thank you Paisano. I think it's humorous that funnyme has time in her day to give us her analysis while at the same time not understanding how the report is done. There is one common denominator in this report, their all human. Who cares if they are black, white, brown, male or female, legal or illegal if you kill my child because you chose to drive a car while drunk it's not going to matter. You are a person a human being who took the life of another. And the fact that the monthly DUI report turns into an immigration debate is STUPID! There is a time and place for that debate. And, by the way I personally know people with the last names of Gomez, Hernandez and Villanueva all of which are white and legal. But according to you they are hispanic and illegal. "

funnyme wrote on Jul 7, 2008 2:16 PM:

" conscious,
It only takes me three minutes during my morning coffee.

The ONLY common denominator is that 100% of them are drunks and/or drug addicts who have no regards for any human being's life.

There is a BIG problem when the percentage of the convictions that resemble hispanic/latino names don't match the actual latino/hispanic population in Napa.
It is a BIG problem when you see most of the same every month.

You may choose to look the other way, you may choose to ignore the immigration problem and its consequences.
I choose this venue to address a very small part of a BIG problem...I wonder why YOU chose to call it STUPID...Are you offended by the truth? "

bloodagar wrote on Jul 7, 2008 7:50 PM:

" funnyme...how about a thorough analysis of repeat offenders cross referenced with archive of NVR? "

funnyme wrote on Jul 7, 2008 8:41 PM:

" That would be GREAT...

There's money being spent in the schools for DARE programs. Hopefully our kids will completely understand that they should NEVER drive while intoxicated.

The people in the monthly DUI Report still don't get it...Why? "

comment wrote on Jul 8, 2008 12:32 AM:

" Maybe racial profiling has something to do with it? I hope I'm wrong, but I think there are police and highway patrol officers who might pull the hispanic person in the beat up Toyota over before they pull over the rich white guy in the Mercedes who just dropped $10,000 at Screaming Eagle. "

areyouserious wrote on Jul 8, 2008 12:59 AM:

" What I find to be the most disturbing is that only 12 names come from outside Napa County and it's neighboring counties; Lake, Sonoma, and Solano. Esentially LOCALS made up 59 names of the 71; that's 16.9% (17%) for out of towners! That's it! REALLY!

Every weekend I see HIGH END cars with SF, Marin, Contra Costa, San Mateo, and Alameda Couties dealerships' licsence plate frames swerving all over the road. Now I realize that we do not want to be known for passing DUIs to our visitors, but I think local law enforcement agencies need to spend a little more time colaborating on a plan to have a joint force DUI check point on 29 and Siverado Trail that will occupy BOTH directions of each ON THE SAME DAY AND TIME so those travelers get nabbed.

Then we can spend that moeny to imporve the worst roads in any county in California. Wouldn't that be a great idea? "

Demo Cracy wrote on Jul 8, 2008 9:50 AM:

" Areyouserious points to a possible problem that I notice too. Darn few out of area convictions. Just does not "compute". Sure, many locals drink and drive, but nearly all visitors do drink and drive! Do the cops have a lenient attitude towards visitors? I know they will deny that officially, but drunk driving is a lethal offense and deserves no slack.

Of course, in the middle of the day the roads are packed and no one can really speed to trigger a pullover. So, it would be interesting to see the time of arrest in these statistics. My desire is to have strong enforcement of drunk driving laws at all times. "

Native74 wrote on Jul 8, 2008 1:38 PM:

" After noticing some names from my graduating class...yikes!

Hire a car...I did a couple of of weeks ago and even though I didn't drink/taste anymore than I normally would, I know I was definitely being legal AND safe! And it's also fun to chat with the driver not worrying about driving up 29. Taxis are also even more convenient in this town than ever before.

All of the above is affordable especially if you look at the consequences of the off chance you get pulled over! I was actually surprised that rates hadn't gone up with the cost of fuel. I'm thinking business is slow and the companies have cut their profit margin. Go to the wineries that locals get in for free (if you aren't already a member) and the car almost pays for itself. "

mypoint wrote on Jul 8, 2008 2:38 PM:

" Sorry Native74 but there are no taxi services in St Helena. I actually needed one once and was told it would be an hour and a half till they got there. Since it only takes about 20 minutes to walk (even though I was intoxicated and a female), I decided just to walk. Unfortunately, you can be picked up for dunk in public if the cops wanted to mess with you. Luckily I made it home safe and in one place. "

Paddy wrote on Jul 8, 2008 4:36 PM:

" The chances of being stopped for swerving drunk are pretty remote. Most times your're stopped for broken light, invalid tags, dark tinted windows, stopping at green lights, etc. My guess is most of those on this list have cars with one or more of the violations the NPD and CHP are looking for. The fact that you're caught driving stupid is a bonus for the rest of us and driving stupid is an equal opportunity event.

What I want to know is where are all the Irishmen? Either you've all gone on the wagon or we're blessed with the one thing that guarantees our continued high spirits: Irish luck. "

Paddy wrote on Jul 8, 2008 11:39 PM:

" Thanks for the statistics funnyme. I always marvel at how the majority of those on this list represent what is still a minority in Napa. But if recent trends continue, they should be the majority within 18 months. But, no problems. My Irish ancestors became Mexican in 1842 upon arrival in CA prior to having California citizenship imposed upon them by those revolting Bear Flaggers. I now speak SpanGaelish. Nobody understands me. "

funnyme wrote on Jul 9, 2008 5:54 AM:

" comment,
You raise a great point and paint a possible scenario.
I wonder what would be CHP/NPD interest behind giving a DUI to someone whom may appeaar obvious that can't afford the expense (beat up car) but cost the county (jail, legal representation, deportation if it happens to be an illegal, etc.) vs an almost "guaranteed" sum from Mr. Moneybags.

BTW, how much does a DUI cost? What's the process? Anyone knows? "

funnyme wrote on Jul 9, 2008 6:05 AM:

" areyouserious & Demo Cracy,
Excellent points. There is only a handfull of "out of town" convictions.
Is it possible that NPD/CHP look the other way when it comes to tourists, in order for Napa to keep welcoming them and the revenue they bring?
I wonder how many DUI accidents have been caused by tourists vs locals.
Anyone knows? "

funnyme wrote on Jul 9, 2008 8:53 AM:

" Thank you Paddy for the comment you wrote on Jul 8, 2008 4:36 PM:
" The chances of being stopped for swerving drunk are pretty remote..."

That explains the reason of " local beat up" cars been pulled over more than others and finding subsequent violations... "

Native74 wrote on Jul 9, 2008 9:45 AM:

" funnyme - I think it costs $10,000 in fines then tack on classes and mandatory jail time not to mention going to court, losing your license and probation. Wet and reckless is half! I was shocked to hear about the latter. 1 beer/wine and you are SOL pending the cop that may or may not pull you over!!

my point - sorry about st helena and no taxis...ugh. I have friends that typically walk home in that town as well since the cops are stealth there. "

koliebug27 wrote on Jul 9, 2008 2:58 PM:

" funnyme and marshamarsha... you are hilarious! "

Local Yokel wrote on Jul 10, 2008 7:13 AM:

" These statistics would seem to make the point that we have a very high Hispanic population in Napa, and that few of our tourists drive drunk. They certain 'drive dumb' like the ones on the trail last week meandering along at 40mph and slowing down to about 30mph every time they passed a winery. Obviously they then had a conversation as to whether they should stop there or continue on. About twenty cars were in a tailback behind them. I was the third, so I finally brought this to their attention with my horn. After a minute or two, they pulled over and let everyone go by. Were they drunk? My guess would be yes. No CHP around though. Their hunts are usually timed for the local traffic. "

cathyodom wrote on Jul 10, 2008 7:35 AM:

" 10 bucks for a taxi (in Napa, not St. Helena) or 10 thousand for DUI costs? Have a drink and take a taxi home. Or, better yet, wait until you get home and then drink. Have a party? Send your friends home in taxis. It's worth it. "

Native74 wrote on Jul 10, 2008 8:44 AM:

" I live in the country, but if you reserve a taxi in advance it's typically on time and costs about $25 w/tip one way. Not much if you think about the consequences and really less if there's more than 1 in the car (usually the case). Getting a taxi from Napa or Sonoma home usually isn't a problem either, but in St. Helena I guess it would be. Glad to know that some wineries have shuttles to town during their big events or else I'd be stuck from the sound of things! "

funnyme wrote on Jul 10, 2008 10:48 AM:

" What if the City of Napa put that good ol Trolley to work as a "shuttle" to go up and down the valley with "certain" stops.
I remember my husband and I went out for a "fun" night and landed somewhere in St. Helena and after a more than few drinks, a "van-shuttle" brought us back home and we just went back up there to pick up our vehicle the next day...that van was packed with "happy people" who made the right decision.
I wonder if our Local Transporttation System would "pitch in"? "

Native74 wrote on Jul 10, 2008 2:12 PM:

" funnyme - I don't think Napa has one, but neighboring cities/county's have a service called 'dial-a-ride' which is for everyone and not just ADA/Seniors. I also know this system is eligible for federal/local funding, but what I don't know is whether or not our affluent town (s) in particular is eligible (probably is, but someone needs to ask!). "

funnyme wrote on Jul 10, 2008 4:07 PM:

" Native74,
I hope you are coming to Bloggermania2. These are the things WE (as in napans) would like to get done.

Most of us would love to see NO NAMES in the DUI monthly Report -NO EXCUSES!

There's the little shuttle in Yountville that goes around town and up to the Vets Home, I sure hope it wouldn't be too much bother to "extend" the route to neighboring wineries (within Yountville town limits) on weekends & holidays...

Town of Yountville, are you listening? "

Native74 wrote on Jul 10, 2008 5:06 PM:

" funnyme - I hope I can make the next Bloggermania 2 as well. I couldn't stay the entire time on the 1st one and inadvertently went to the wrong second location... "

Maya wrote on Jul 11, 2008 6:58 AM:

" A DUI checkpoint along the trail during winery business hours would certainly change the DUI list demographic. The checkpoints seem to be targeting locals based on the locations and times they pick.

The DUI fine is about $10,000 total (including classes, lawyer, community service, court fine) for a second offense and much less for a first offense. I know of people who have had DUIs and how much it cost them. Putting the names here in the paper is pointless. The DUI itself makes a lot of problems for the person to deal with for a long time.

I am especially glad to see people with high BACs taken off the road. That's so dangerous to have them driving. Also, everybody should be aware of the wet and reckless, as mentioned above. If your BAC is measurable at all and you get pulled over, you are looking at a 6 week alcohol education class and court fines. I almost never drink at all anymore after having my eyes opened to the consequences. "

asahigo wrote on Jul 12, 2008 1:03 AM:

" Unless there have been drastic changes since 97 you are all way off on the dollar amounts. In 97 it was a $1,500 fine, 3 days community server, 6 months probation for first timers. Of course I haven't sat in on court proceedings since then so I may be out of touch. "

Maya wrote on Jul 12, 2008 9:51 AM:

" asahigo, check out how I included 'lawyer' in my total of the costs. That takes up a lot of the total cost of a second DUI. Also take note of how I said that total was for a SECOND DUI, not a first. I mentioned that a first one was much less expensive.
Another thing to remember too is that if one gets a wet and reckless on one's record, and then gets a DUI after that, the W&R turns into a DUI and the DUI turns into a second offense. That's a pretty painful lesson. I am pretty intimately involved with the details and costs, so my numbers are good. "

reason-ator wrote on Jul 15, 2008 1:58 PM:

" Hey, Paisano- once again-

The article is about the June 2008 DUI report. It is not specifically limited to drunk driving. "

funnyme wrote on Jul 15, 2008 3:57 PM:

" Remember this name:

Jose Luis Lopez-Manguia, 31, of San Pablo

I wonder how long will it take for this name to be in the DUI Report if indeed alcohol was an issue for this accident (Read: Update on head-on Highway 29 crash 2:15 p.m. Tuesday, July 15, 2008). "

Paisano wrote on Jul 16, 2008 8:48 AM:

" reason-ator, I could really care less what race a DRUNK DRIVER is if he or she hurts my family, me, or anybody that is of importance to me while driving drunk. a DRUNK DRIVER is a DRUNK DRIVER regardless of race or color. "

109823 wrote on Jul 18, 2008 9:17 PM:

" Paisano, this was already written by conscious on July 7. In response to you. Way to read the blog. "

Big Red wrote on Jul 20, 2008 9:34 AM:

" "My Point", If you feel the need to get intoxicated, maybe yoo should consider moving to a metro area where cabs are all over the place. "

mypoint wrote on Jul 20, 2008 12:00 PM:

" Big Red - It's not that I feel the need to get intoxicated, but occasionally I do enjoy going out with friends for cocktails. It doesn't take much to put you over the legal driving limit...so I deal with it. At least I'm not getting behind the wheel after I've had a few drinks...and no thanks on moving to the metro area..I'm perfectly happy living where I do. "

funnyme wrote on Jul 22, 2008 9:20 PM:

" So, how many drinks put you over the legal limit?
When should you call a cab?
Does strong coffee after the drink help?

I remember as a teenager someone said you have to have a tablespoon full f olive oil before you drink alcohol that way you won't get drunk. "

funnyme wrote on Jul 22, 2008 9:23 PM:

" Is DARE helping our kids to understand the consequences of DUI's?

Or is it just another way to get money out of the system and pretend we are educating our kids to be "alcohol free", or responsible drinkers?

What is a responsible drinker? The one who stops at the second or third drink? or the one who call s the cab when he/she barely can stand up? "

melimop wrote on Jul 23, 2008 11:32 AM:

" DARE just teaches you about all the possible BAD THINGS you can do when you get older. I am 24 and definitely have been drinking for a while. Though I never have, never would drink drive, DARE is not to thank for that... it's my own comment sense in conjunction with losing several people in my life to drunk driving including almost my own life. I have ZERO sympathy for any person who drinks/drive - selfish ignorance is not a valid reason to kill innocent people. "

melimop wrote on Jul 23, 2008 11:34 AM:

" Oh... and I would fully support a month long or so check point on highway 29 to catch the drunk wine tasting out of towner's... it would be fantastic! "

crusherfan wrote on Jul 23, 2008 2:35 PM:

" I would bet that you could nail drunk drivers on 29 anynight of the week.That should be an automatic as well as patrolling 29 and the trail on weekends. "

Paisano wrote on Jul 24, 2008 8:52 AM:

" 109823, Really? "

newmom wrote on Jul 24, 2008 2:24 PM:

" Try having checkpoints durring the weekend days and see how it would effect the wineries. There would be a public outcry!!! "

Baraki wrote on Jul 24, 2008 3:50 PM:

" I'd be ****ed (highly annoyed, thanks comment filter!) if they set up a checkpoint on 29 or the Trail during the weekend. It's hard enough getting around in this county.

As for those complaining at law enforcement "targeting" locals -- think about how hard it is for you to move around through traffic on the crowded weekend streets. If you see a DUI, call it in, be the eyes of local law enforcement rather than complaining about its ineffectiveness. If it doesn't take you out of your way, tell the 911 operator that you'll be following the DUI driver -- that will get an officer out to you quicker. "

reason-ator wrote on Jul 25, 2008 12:51 AM:

" If you call 911 to report a drunk driver, will you get a ticket for not using a hands-free car phone while the out-of-towner who just left a winery keeps wandering and wobbling out of town ? I mean, we have local priorities...... "

funnyme wrote on Jul 25, 2008 6:12 AM:

" Making a "Citizen's Arrest" comes to mind.
However, the financial implications and further appearances in court would probably make it not a feasible choice for most people in order to stop this growing problem.

reasonator,
You are absolutely right, by the time someone pulls over to "safely" make a 911 phone call, the "suspected DUI" is probably long gone...unless he/she crashes first. "

Grits wrote on Jul 25, 2008 7:56 AM:

" DARE has been taught in the schools for quite some time. Every DUI and drug arrest in that particular age group is a graduate of the DARE program, that is, if they were educated locally. "

Baraki wrote on Jul 25, 2008 3:58 PM:

" You can legally make 911 calls without a hands free device.

(23123 (c) VC - This section does not apply to a person using a wireless telephone for emergency purposes, including, but not limited to, an emergency call to a law enforcement agency, health care provider, fire department, or other emergency services agency or entity.)

True story, I called in a DUI a few months ago and the ACPD started to try to pull me over because I rolled a light while following the DUI. When they pulled me over, I pointed out the car and they went and stopped them. I didn't get a ticket and the dude got arrested for DUI. "

Native74 wrote on Jul 28, 2008 8:34 AM:

" baraki - good job and glad you didn't get a ticket for the light or phone call!

My Mother and I called 911 on a couple that threw a cigarette/cigar into the dry brush AND were swerving all over a back road on an earlier weekend. We also notified the establishment they were trying to get another round of tasing from (we just so happened to be heading there for a wine pick-up)...the winery was so grateful! The couple were definitely tourists and loaded. When they were turned away they headed on to HWY 121 towards Napa. Nice... "

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