August 2008 DUI Report | Napa Valley Register

Home » News » Dui

August 2008 DUI Report

Wednesday, October 01, 2008

Comment

By Register Online Staff

July 2008 DUI Report

June 2008 DUI Report

May 2008 DUI Report

April 2008 DUI Report

March 2008 DUI Report

February 2008 DUI Report

January 2008 DUI Report

DUI coverage

November 6th, 2009

Accident spurs DUI arrest in American Canyon

November 3rd, 2009

October 2009 DUI Report

November 1st, 2009

Video: .08 what does it take?

Tips to avoid a DUI

DUI: Paying the cost

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: 70

Convictions/pleas: 82

Reported blood-alcohol below .10 or unavailable: 21

Reported blood-alcohol between .10 and .19: 45

Reported blood-alcohol between .20 and .29: 14

Reported blood-alcohol between .30 and .39: 2

Click here to load this Caspio Bridge DataPage.

84 comment(s)

mofosheee wrote on Aug 29, 2008 4:58 PM:

" Damn.............no celebrities! What up with that? "

Dirty Napkin wrote on Aug 29, 2008 6:22 PM:

" Last I checked, the month is not over yet?? "

Dwayne wrote on Aug 29, 2008 7:57 PM:

" Always seems to be about 80 or so per month. I wonder if that's an indicator of the load the courts can handle, or if it's reality. There's gotta be a logical reason the count is so similar each month.... "

MarkMiwords wrote on Aug 29, 2008 9:16 PM:

" Thank you to the cop who stopped my constantly drunk friend from driving. You probably saved his live. "

reason-ator wrote on Aug 30, 2008 2:17 AM:

" People are checking this out hoping they know somebody on the list.

So much fun.

And I'm sure everyone who was on the list this month wouldn't have gotten behind the wheel drunk if they'd have just thought about the list. The thought of killing someone or themselves, or the huge financial penalties and hardships wouldn't stop them.

But the list is supposed to.

This is really valuable. And gets more absurd every month. All month.

I am in NO WAY condoning drunk driving, but I lose a little respect for the NVR every time I see this. All it leads to is analysis of the ethnicity of the names on the list. It certainly doesn't discourage drunk driving, because I think this is the first time I've noticed the list being five pages long. And even if it HAS been five pages long before, it certainly isn't getting shorter. "

Dwayne wrote on Aug 30, 2008 8:56 AM:

" reason-ator wrote on Aug 30, 2008 2:17 AM: ".....All it leads to is analysis of the ethnicity of the names on the list......"

Right... Let's all put our heads in the sand and ignore the statistical groups of society who represent the largest number of offenders....

You can visit any prison and do the same thing by comparing ethnic groups. The vast majority are non-whites. Is that because the white police have it in for other ethnic groups by profiling, or is it because those ethnic groups commit most of the crime in our society...???

Think it over, and decide for yourself.... "

mypoint wrote on Aug 30, 2008 9:24 AM:

" what does n/a mean for city? "

NUHS67 wrote on Aug 30, 2008 12:18 PM:

" Maybe if you see someone you know you won't ride with them. Maybe if you see someone you know you won't let your children ride with them. Maybe if you see someone you know you will try to give them the support they need so they will stop. Maybe it is public information and we have a right to see it. If you don't like it...don't read it. "

NUHS67 wrote on Aug 30, 2008 1:17 PM:

" The list is public information. Maybe if you see someone you know you won't ride with them or let your children ride with them. Maybe if you know someone on the list you can give them the support they need to stop. Anything that can help stop driving under the influence is good. It would be better if cars where impounded and sold for the 1st offense, but our lawmakers are probably afraid they will lose their own cars. "

NVR-Dan Ross wrote on Aug 30, 2008 1:21 PM:

" Dirty Napkin:
Friday was the last time for August DUI convictions. This list is all convictions for the month. The last two days of this month are weekend days, with Monday also being a hioliday, so we were able to have the information fast. Thanks for noticing the date, though
--Dan "

Dwayne wrote on Aug 30, 2008 1:53 PM:

" Just because you see someone on the list does not mean they are a raging alcoholic.... Maybe they were dumb enough to have a couple then drive, but labeling and judging them as if they were spending their waking hours with a bottle in their hand is way over the top.... "

MarkMiwords wrote on Aug 30, 2008 4:47 PM:

" To answer the ethnic questions above, my friend on this list is about as white as white can be. He is also a drunk. He is such a drunk, or raging alcoholic, as Dwayne would say, that at any point you can't tell if he's drunk or sober. I'm not sure that I've EVER seen him sober. He drives like a maniac. It's a miracle that he's never hurt anyone. He's my friend and I care about him, but I hope they take his license away. And I hope he finds some way to get sober because you don't live long being as pickled as this guy is. "

chunk wrote on Aug 30, 2008 6:09 PM:

" I agree with Dwayne. I'm not condoning DUI at all, as a matter of fact I was on that list 21 months ago. Stupid mistake. "

Dwayne wrote on Aug 30, 2008 6:26 PM:

" MarkMiwords.....

If you're serious about your friends danger to himself an others, here's one way to get the attention of authority. You can report bad drivers with this form.

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/forms/ds/ds699.pdf "

John Richards wrote on Aug 30, 2008 7:21 PM:

" Having one's name on a DUI list has quite a social stigma attached to it. I suppose that is part of the reason the NVR publishes that list.
Several studies have shown that cell phone use impairs a driver's ability just as much as a .08 blood alcohol level. So why doesn't NVR publish a list of drivers found guilty of illegal cell phone use? I guess it just wouldn't be sensational enough to warrant coverage. "

skiph wrote on Aug 30, 2008 7:23 PM:

" You won't see too many celebrities on the list. They usually are smart enough to have transportation provided for them. I've had a few in my cab when I used to drive...and they all know it's headlines they can't afford. Too bad so many other people can't take a cab, or hire a service when they come here. "

MarkMiwords wrote on Aug 30, 2008 7:43 PM:

" Thanks Dwayne, I didn't know this sort of thing existed. I'll check out the site.
---M.M. "

Winewoman wrote on Aug 30, 2008 8:58 PM:

" My employer FIRES any and all employees who make it onto the list. No questions, no excuses, ba-da-bing. That is a huge motivater for not getting on the list. "

Baraki wrote on Aug 30, 2008 9:17 PM:

" Winewoman -- I'm not sure about the legalities, but he could be looking at a possible wrongful termination suit for firing based on this kind of conviction information. Just a heads-up. I think firing someone based on their criminal history is technically illegal -- unless its based just on their DMV points and the job is vehicle related... could be wrong. "

Dwayne wrote on Aug 30, 2008 11:01 PM:

" Lots of jobs have DUI's as career-enders..... One DUI for airline pilot's and it's all over, but not doctors or dentists... Go figure... "

reason-ator wrote on Aug 31, 2008 1:53 AM:

" Dwayne,

I've seen someone with MY name on this list. It happened while I was in the interview process for a job I was highly qualifies for. Suddenly, there was a lack of interest from the people who were hiring. I wonder how many people now think I've got a DUI when I don't.

We can argue until the cows come home about the myriad of reasons about names and ethnicity. And many people have. The cows come home, and leave again. The drunks are still driving drunk. This list is not changing that.

It doesn't matter if the people are white, black, brown, or martian. It serves NO purpose.

What good does it do ? If you want to single out a particular group, the list does not give you enough info to provide statistically accurate and reliable data.

I know a person who was on the list a while ago. I'm sure you would have assumed he was Mexican, but he wasn't.

I could see printing this list if it was helping stop people from driving drunk. But it's not. The list is not shrinking

So what good is it ?

It's misleading and useless. Well, except for people who like to draw false conclusions. And it makes the NVR appear borderline tabloid, and I don't know why they continue to print potentially misleading reports. It makes me wonder about the validity of their other reports. And since I may have missed out on a job because of it, I consider it irresponsible. "

Jane Eyrehead wrote on Aug 31, 2008 6:08 AM:

" To Dwayne--Doctors and dentists do indeed have their licenses pulled for substance abuse. The Board of Medical Quality Assurance made the names public, too. (Now the board has a different name, and I'm not up on it. Sorry.)

As for the DUI list, if it helps one person get the help he or she needs for an addiction, I'm in favor of it. I feel sorry for anyone whose name appears, no matter what the social rank, economic condition, immigration status or place of residence. However, a drunk--whether habitual alcoholic or weekend bon vivant--has no business behind the wheel. "

mom2 wrote on Aug 31, 2008 9:05 AM:

" I think this list serves the community well. This list helps keep DUI in the top of mind for our residents. To me, it reminds me that there are a lot of offenders out there at all times of the day. It reminds me to be alert when I pull into an intersection, because you never know when a car will not stop for a light. It reminds me to be aware of the cars around me as I drive down the freeway. It reminds me that I have a responsibility to report a weaving car (253-0911 on your cell phone). It also reminds me that when I've had a little too much to get a ride or a call a cab. I think that there are a lot of people out there that use this list for different reasons. I think this is one of the reasons and it is a valuable one for our community. "

Dwayne wrote on Aug 31, 2008 9:59 AM:

" Jane Eyrehead wrote on Aug 31, 2008 6:08 AM:
" To Dwayne--Doctors and dentists do indeed have their licenses pulled for substance abuse."

I agree, for a pattern substance abuse, but not for a DUI, or even two. Medical professionals usually get rehab of some kind, while some other professions have their careers terminated as soon as a conviction is recorded... "

reason-ator wrote on Aug 31, 2008 10:57 AM:

" Jane Eyrehead wrote on Aug 31, 2008 6:08 AM: " As for the DUI list, if it helps one person get the help he or she needs for an addiction, I'm in favor of it."

A DUI costs THOUSANDS of dollars. It causes severe hardship ( loss of car and driving privilege, etc. ). Anyone that isn't motivated by THAT to get help ISN"T going to be motivated by this tabloid-ish list. But it does sound really good to hope that it would, even if it's not realistic.

Let's say there was a potential murderer whose name is John Smith. Would anyone say " I'm in favor of putting ALL the John Smiths in jail if it gets one potential murderer in jail " ? Evidently. But probably not someone whose name also happened to be John Smith. "

Dirty Napkin wrote on Aug 31, 2008 2:57 PM:

" Thanks Dan! :-) "

Dwayne wrote on Aug 31, 2008 5:03 PM:

" reason-ator: Ohhh good grief, go visit any prison and note the ethnic difference between the prison population and the general population.....

There is no denying that certain cultures of our society commit the most crimes, and the most DUI's...

Wake up to reality..... "

John Richards wrote on Aug 31, 2008 10:49 PM:

" Another problem with the list is that it doesn't distinguish between a slightly tipsy .08 level and (say) a .16 blood alcohol level. I'd be willing to bet that in most alcohol related accidents the driver had higher than a .10 level. One stat I saw said that the average BAC among fatally injured drinking drivers is .16. "

reason-ator wrote on Sep 1, 2008 1:16 AM:

" Dwayne, good grief, yourself. You're so anxious to harp on your ethnic alerts that you're not hearing what I'm saying.

I'm saying that this little tabloid list does nothing to curtail drunk driving. Drunk driving is what this list is about, isn't it ? I don't care whether the people on the list are purple, green, or blue. Drunk drivers are drunk. If someone named Dwayne gets a DUI, why should it harm YOU and cost you a job you wanted ?

I'm saying that this irresponsible tabloid list has probably cost me a job, despite the fact that I am not the person that got a DUI. Someone else with my name did.

I'm not saying that certain populations aren't more represented in prisons that others, no matter what the reasons may be. Reality is what you want to perceive it to be oftentimes. Believe me, I well aware of what the realities are. I encounter them in my job everyday. I work in Oakland. I'd LIKE to work in Napa, but the job I wanted in Napa kinda became unavailable to me when my name appeared on this tabloid list.

But if you're so anxious to ignore what I'm saying in order to create something else that you think I said out of something I didn't say, you're not going to hear what I said. Enjoy your reality. Good grief. "

Jane Eyrehead wrote on Sep 1, 2008 7:57 AM:

" Back to Dwayne--

You are correct that members of the medical professions have more opportunity to go into rehab than some others. But I worked in a doctor's office in the 'eighties and I saw the lists of license revocations, for alcohol as well as illegal and prescription meds. These unfortunates suffered career termination, public humiliation, and an expensive exucation wasted. Often divorce was an accompaniment. Now there's a lesson.

As for looking at the prisons to see who commits the most crimes, I would look at the prisons to see who has the worst lawyers!

I used to live in a town where the DUI list was public. The first time a prominent citizen was listed, the DUI publication was dropped. That hasn't happened here. I don't believe that the people whose names appear are irretrievable--they shouldn't have to wear a scarlet "D" on their clothes for the rest of their lives--but they made the choice to drink and drive which endangers other people. That's why it is other people's business.

Let's all do everything we can to help our friends and neighbors make sensible choices. "

SouthNapa wrote on Sep 1, 2008 10:22 AM:

" If you don't drink and drive, this list shouldn't concern you. I have a fairly common name, but the odds of somebody with the same first and middle name as me getting a DUI in this county is astronomical. The NVR needs to keep publishing this list, a little humility to the irresponsible drunks is a good thing.

Anybody that is or has been on this list has nobody to blame but themselves. "

mypoint wrote on Sep 1, 2008 11:10 AM:

" John Richards - the list does disguinish the level of intoxication. If you look right above the list it gives you the number of each level of intoxication. Over half the people on the list had a blood alcohol level between .10 and .19. Also, someone close to me made a terrible mistake and got a DUI and the courts do punish you differently based on your level of intoxication. Someone that has a blood alcohol level of .20 will be punished more severly than someone with a blood alcohol level of .10. Your fines are increased depending on number of offenses and blood alcohol level. "

Winewoman wrote on Sep 1, 2008 12:06 PM:

" While I don't believe that publication of "the list" itself serves as a DUI deterrant, I believe it gives us insight into the demographic of offenders. If used properly, the list could could be used as a jumping off point to create - or promote - programs targeted toward this specific demographic. "

asahigo wrote on Sep 1, 2008 4:15 PM:

" Reason-ator the list is about keeping dui's in the spot light by increasing public awareness. As for the lack of interest from the people that were hiring, there were probably other factors being considered. You can't claim there weren't because I'm sure they didn't tell you why they lost interest. Assumptions don't make one smart. It's very easy to prove it wasn't you on the list if that was even an issue. Just show them copy of your DMV report ($5 last time I got mine) and viola! "

Dwayne wrote on Sep 1, 2008 7:23 PM:

" Jane Eyrehead wrote on Sep 1, 2008 7:57 AM:"...they shouldn't have to wear a scarlet "D" on their clothes for the rest of their lives..."

I agree, but how about a license plate that denotes them as a drunk driver for, say, three years...??? "

bmxdad wrote on Sep 1, 2008 11:32 PM:

" Baraki...California isn't a "right to work" state. You can fire someone for any reason other than race, creed, sexual orientation, gender or disability. If someone showed up on Monday morning with a hideous tattoo, you could release them. The worst thing that would happen is an adjustment to your unemployment insurance points, driving up your rating and future contribution. "

reason-ator wrote on Sep 2, 2008 12:19 AM:

" asahigo, of COURSE they wouldn't tell me why they suddenly lost interest. But I know from the references that they contacted that they were very interested. Since I didn't realize until a couple of weeks later that my name was on the list ( I say again, it wasn't me, but someone with the same name ), I couldn't figure out in time that I needed to go to DMV to defend myself.

See, I'm not the kind of person who reads the list to see if there's some dirt that's not my business on someone I know. In fact, I just found out today that someone we know made the list this month. Someone had to tell me. I just checked. Yep, it's sad. And yes, I'd prefer not to know. It does me no good.

And again, the list IS NOT REDUCING DRUNK DRIVING. It therefore has NO VALUE.

I'll bet NOBODY says "Yep, I'm sloshed and shouldn't drive. It's OK that I may kill or maim someone including myself, but I don't care. OOh, WAIT, there's a chance I'll get my name in the tabloids. In that case, I'll call a cab. "

But there seem to be many people who enjoy finding dirt on their "friends". I hope my friends aren't as shallow as that, but I doubt it. I pick my friends more carefully than others, apparently.

Enjoy your Enquirer. "

napadad wrote on Sep 2, 2008 10:17 AM:

" Here are some statistics from the state website http://www.adp.ca.gov/FactSheets/DUI_Statistics.pdf
Drivers
• The highest percentage of drivers with BAC levels of .08 or higher was for drivers ages 21 to 24 (32%).
• Safety belts were used by only 28% of fatally injured drivers with BAC levels of .08 or higher.
• Nearly three-quarters of drivers convicted of driving while impaired are either frequent heavy drinkers or alcoholics.
• For every 100,000 licensed drivers, young drinking drivers are involved in fatal crashes at twice the rate of drivers aged 21 and older.
• The median BAC level of a convicted DUI offender, as reported by law enforcement on APS forms, was .150% in 2004.
• The illegal BAC limit for commercial drivers is .04 percent.
• In 2005, all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico have a .08 BAC per se law.
• Even at blood alcohol concentration levels as low as .02 percent, alcohol affects driving ability and crash likelihood. The probability of crash begins to increase significantly at .05 percent BAC and climbs rapidly after about .08 percent BAC.
• 31% of all traffic fatalities occurred in crashes where the driver or non-occupant had a BAC of 0.10 or greater.
• 22% of all drivers and 14% of drivers under 21 involved in fatal crashes had a BAC result of .15 or higher.
• High BAC drivers (.15 or above) accounted for more than half of all the alcohol-related traffic fatalities.
I personally want to know if the person Im in a car with has a recent DUI, or the person my teenage son is in the car with etc. and the statistics show close to half will reoffend , most right away, as they are dependant on alcohol. "

napadad wrote on Sep 2, 2008 10:48 AM:

" Drunk driving is the most frequently committed crime in the United States. In 2005, approximately 1.4 million drivers were arrested for driving under-the-influence of alcohol or narcotics. This is an arrest rate of 1 for every 139 licensed drivers in the United States.It is estimated that alcohol and other drugs are a factor in 39 percent of all fatal automobile accidents and one-fifth of all accidents involving injury.In 2005, over 254,000 people in the United States suffered injuries in alcohol-related crashes About 3 in every 10 Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related crash at some time in their lives. In 2005, the financial costs associated with alcohol-related crashes in the U.S. were estimated at $51 billion "

Winewoman wrote on Sep 2, 2008 12:56 PM:

" Napadad said, "• Nearly three-quarters of drivers convicted of driving while impaired are either frequent heavy drinkers or alcoholics."

Wow! That's a significant finding. "

napadad wrote on Sep 2, 2008 1:08 PM:

" That was a statistic taken from the website in earlier post. www.adp.ca.gov/FactSheets/DUI_Statistics.pdf "

localchick wrote on Sep 2, 2008 4:11 PM:

" reason-ator wrote on Sep 2, 2008 12:19 AM:See, I'm not the kind of person who reads the list to see if there's some dirt that's not my business on someone I know. In fact, I just found out today that someone we know made the list this month. Someone had to tell me. I just checked. Yep, it's sad. And yes, I'd prefer not to know. It does me no good...

If you don't need to know, why do you read the list and comment almost EVERY MONTH that you "lost out on a job" because of this report. You say that your references said the company seemed very interested in you. As someone with HR experience, companies can be very interested in more than one candidate, sometimes even 5 candidates. If you truly believe that the company stopped considering you because of this list, perhaps you should write them a letter asking them to explain their reasons and if you would be eligible for employment consideration if the position opens again, or if a similar position becomes available.

As for whether or not this list should be printed, I am grateful it is. My daughter's father was on here a few months ago and now I know that I cannot trust him to pick her up and drive her home.

I'd like to point out that, to get a DUI, most of the time you are driving suspisciously. If you are barely over the legal limit, and not over your personal limit, than you won't be swerving or driving irratically. So, unless these people are dumb enough to drive through a checkpoint, there was a GOOD REASON that they were pulled over and cited. "

reason-ator wrote on Sep 3, 2008 12:36 AM:

" localchick- EVERY month ? Or every month since July ?

I wrote a letter. Got no response.

Thanks for your concern. I would annoy you people alot less if you'd quit mis-representing what I say. But then, when you're defending a newspaper's possible mis-representations, I guess it's to be expected.

Enjoy yourselves. "

asahigo wrote on Sep 3, 2008 2:37 PM:

" reason-ator ... these are no possible mis-respresentations, this is a list of CONVICTED dui offenders. No possible way to mis-represent that fact. Just because someone has the same name as you doesn't make it a mis-representation. "

reason-ator wrote on Sep 4, 2008 12:40 AM:

" Yeah, OK, what was I thinking ?

Nobody assumed I got a DUI because my name was in the list. Nobody ever assumed that somebody was of an ethnic origin that they weren't.

Obviously, I was mistaken. I can't tell everyone how bad I feel that I wasn't able to consider your correct point of view.

Enjoy your tabloids. "

reason-ator wrote on Sep 4, 2008 1:56 AM:

John Richards wrote on Sep 4, 2008 7:47 PM:

" Dwayne wrote: " how about a license plate that denotes them as a drunk driver for, say, three years...???"

Why stop there? Do the same for illegal cell phone users since research has shown that it results in driving impairment equivalent to .08 BAC. Unfortunately, the penalties and enforcement for the latter crime is almost nil by comparison. "

WHERE_IS_THE_CHECKPOINT wrote on Sep 6, 2008 9:47 PM:

" bmxdad: Off-the-job alcoholism falls under "disability". That's state law and federal law. Firing someone for a DUI is no different from firing them for having AIDS. It's wrong and it's illegal. "

kevin wrote on Sep 7, 2008 2:22 PM:

" Thankfully John, there is no law to stop me from TEXTING while I'm driving! Especially while smoking my cigar, drinking coffee, eating donuts and listening to Rush Limbaugh on the mp3 player. Usually all at once!

Is this a great country or what?? "

napadad wrote on Sep 8, 2008 11:48 AM:

" actually there are laws that address those issues, wreckless endangerment, wreckless driving, driving while distracted, driving too tired. "

asahigo wrote on Sep 9, 2008 12:42 AM:

" WHERE_IS_THE_CHECKPOINT wrote on Sep 6, 2008 9:47 PM:
" bmxdad: Off-the-job alcoholism falls under "disability". That's state law and federal law. Firing someone for a DUI is no different from firing them for having AIDS. It's wrong and it's illegal. "

A DUI is not indicative of alcoholism and therefore being fired for getting one can not be considered illegal. "

maggie24 wrote on Sep 10, 2008 11:33 AM:

" My husband is one of the fortunate people that has a comman name. His name was on the list about a year ago, but it wasn't him. You would not believe the phone calls we received asking if it was him. I was stunned that people would actually call us. It was embarassing for us as a family and for our teenage children. There should be a better way to post in the newspaper, maybe a address, not just a town. I called the Register to complain and they said they would do some research and called me back to clarify that no it wasn't my husband, DUH I knew that. "

cellsitegod wrote on Sep 16, 2008 8:33 AM:

" I agree with Dewayne,
The facts are there on the demographics of DUI and prisons.
Im my opinion it's a direct result of our society allowing ethnic groups do what they want because they are afraid of being called "racist or bigots"
If the country you came from takes a light view of certain crimes such as DUI.
Then, when you come to this country.
you will have no regard for our laws.
If you apply for citizenship then you should be well aware of the laws to protect the current citizens.
If your illegal and break the law.
Then you should be photographed, fingerprinted and a DNA sample taken.
(remember; not a citizen, no rights)
Then deported back to your country.
If you show up again, penalize their goverment.
Have them start taking responsibility for their citizens "

Napico wrote on Sep 16, 2008 9:34 AM:

" I would appear that many of my people are turning to alcohol. I beleive this to be for two reasons. First, we miss the mother land and have lost touch with our costoms and familia. Second, we are not welcome here and all we have to do is celebrate together which sometimes we will include alcohol. "

funnyme wrote on Sep 16, 2008 12:26 PM:

" Napico,
As long as you don't drive after having a few alcoholic drinks while celebrating!

I have to disagree with you on the "welcoming" concept.
WE are welcome here, as long as we behave civil, obey the laws and speak English so we don't become a burden to the American taxpayers but an asset with our contributions. "

cellsitegod wrote on Sep 16, 2008 8:30 PM:

" Well said Funnyme! "

reason-ator wrote on Sep 16, 2008 11:23 PM:

" Funnyme,

thank you.

It's too easy to generalize about a group of people without considering the value of the individuals in the group. And there are a whole bunch of people who have lived here all of their lives that I wish we could deport somewhere, although 'somewhere' doesn't deserve them. For instance, look on Megan's Law website for starters. "

Napico wrote on Sep 17, 2008 9:17 AM:

" "Funnyme"
we are not welcome when we are "Illegals" and not "Immigrants" to most. I know that we arn't all taxpayers and may be a strain on society,but if we behave civil, obey the laws and speak English we can become Legal American citizens? Viva Funnyme! Funnyme for Prez! "

Jenny83 wrote on Sep 17, 2008 10:18 AM:

" Something to think about; my dear friend's husband was recently on this list and it has destroyed their family. I'm not condoning what he did for one second, but my friend tried to commit suicide after her husband was fired from his job of 18 years and her children have been teased, ridiculed, scorned, and discriminated against for their father's actions. Even some of the parents aren't allowing their children to have a relationship with my friend's kids. The children cannot comprehend what is happening.

Is it really necessary to post this article every month? If people are concerned about someone they can easily go to the DMV or court to find out their driving record. When someone's actions begin to trickle down on the children (who have no say) this type of news is really damaging to lives who cannot stand up for themselves. Please reconsider publishing this article; is it really beneficial or deliberately destroying lives? Thank you. "

reason-ator wrote on Sep 17, 2008 11:33 AM:

" Jenny83,

I absolutely agree, since this list does nothing to actually curtail drunk driving.

It does more damage than good.

Nobody has shown me anything that shows this list has any value. DUIs are not decreasing.

And many of these self-righteous people are driving around endangering just as many people while playing holier-than-thou.

But I'm afraid you're reasonable plea is going to fall on deaf or closed ears.

It's pretty shameful, if you ask me. "

Two Cents wrote on Sep 17, 2008 9:47 PM:

" Im sorry guys.. but when you choose the behavior, you choose the consequence and all the repercussions that come with it.
If you ever lose someone you love to a drunk driver, you'll feel a lot differently.
What gives these people the right to get in their car after too many drinks and put me and my loved ones at risk?
Its not just the DUI's that are posted. Domestic violence, drug busts, robberies, etc. These are all written about in the paper with names and ages published.
Bottom line is... if you dont want to see your name in the paper... don't do stupid stuff. "

John Richards wrote on Sep 17, 2008 9:57 PM:

" You wrote: " actually there are laws that address those issues, wreckless endangerment, wreckless driving, driving while distracted, driving too tired."
Yes but there are no checkpoints that stop all traffic and check the drivers for those conditions. That was my point. Why single out one driving impairment only? "

mypoint wrote on Sep 18, 2008 8:27 AM:

" two cents - you've been watching too much dr. phil ha ha "

reason-ator wrote on Sep 18, 2008 9:06 AM:

" Having had a friend who was killed by a drunk driver, I could climb onto the parade wagon of people who admire this list.

Unfortunately, this list is NOT fixing the problem.

Innocent people are suffering because of this list. Oh, sure, it's great fun to whisper behind someone's back about something that may or may not be true, and show your scorn by punishing a driver's family.

But how is that fair to innocent people who had no choice ?

I don't see any value to this list. It does NOT stop drunk driving. It hurts innocent people

So why have it ? So gossippy people can feel better about themselves because they're so much better ?

That's pathetic. "

reason-ator wrote on Sep 18, 2008 9:14 AM:

" Hey, Two Cents,

Let's have a list in the paper for everyone who has talked on a cell phone in their car. Let's run the list every day.

Let's have video cameras taking random photos and posting them in the paper every day.

Or is that different ?

See, your domestic violences drug busts, robberies, etc. don't get published every day. There is no archive to check on the 'front page' of the tabloid either.

So what good does this list do ? Does it fix anything ? Is the daily repeated summary of DUI convictions getting SHORTER ? "

Two Cents wrote on Sep 18, 2008 10:14 AM:

" Im not saying that this list prevents DUIs from happening or that I dont feel sympathy for those who have the same name as someone else's.
My point is simply that for people who are on the list because they did get a DUI, I have absolutely no sympathy for them or the shame that comes with it.
And mypoint... yes, I must admit I am a huge fan of Dr Phil!! "

cellsitegod wrote on Sep 19, 2008 7:00 AM:

" I don't believe the register would post a name unless the person was convicted.
There is no excuse for driving under the influence period!
Everybody knows what the legal limit is and everybody knows what how many drinks put you close to the legal limit.
You choose to break the law, you pay the price.
I have no sympathy for someones life being ruined because of "a little mistake"
Too many of those "little mistakes" have completely ruined innocent victims lives. "

John Richards wrote on Sep 19, 2008 8:24 PM:

" Cellsitegod, nobody disagrees with "You choose to break the law, you pay the price." However, that does not justify the NVR for publishing a list of offenders for only ONE crime. Why be so selective? It smacks of the Puritans' custom of forcing offenders to wear a large red letter in public. "

cellsitegod wrote on Sep 20, 2008 7:41 AM:

" Murder is only ONE crime.
Rape is only ONE crime.
Child molestation is only ONE crime.
The above are more serious than DUI.
However, they are all a CRIME.
By posting the names, maybe a person who worries more about their "social status" in the community than breaking the law and paying fines will be less inclined to drink and drive.
Have you thought about that? "

napadad wrote on Sep 20, 2008 1:16 PM:

" they post the names of people convicted of all sorts of crime, form vandalism to molestation and murder, they just post this one regularly because Drunk driving is the most frequently committed crime in America, killing someone every thirty minutes and injuring someone every two minutes. A matter of public record ... this is a public forum. "

John Richards wrote on Sep 20, 2008 1:40 PM:

" I don't understand your point about "Rape is only ONE crime"? As far as I know, the Register does not publish a monthly list of rapists, or burglars, or muggers.

There is not one shred of evidence that publishing a list of DUI offenders lessens the incidence of that crime. "

demgirl wrote on Sep 20, 2008 2:16 PM:

" I work at a winery in the valley, I look at the DUI's every month just to see who or where these people are from. I look to see how many of these dui's are coming from people here in the valley or out of state. It isn't funny but from what I read most are from here right where we live. Our guests from other states and countries are being more careful and diligent about not drinking and driving. I'm not saying they all are...but from where I stand and where I work this information is so important. "

Maya wrote on Sep 21, 2008 7:40 AM:

" For an alcoholic with a problem, this list won't do anything at all to prevent them from drinking while driving. For the alcoholic, drinking is more important. All other things are secondary thoughts that go away more and more with each drink. By that time, they have no idea that they should not be driving. The alcoholism must be taken care of to lower the DUI rates. This list won't help with that, but I don't think it should not be published any more either. "

newshound wrote on Sep 21, 2008 10:22 AM:

" Would the list be worth it, if it has helped save one from death or injury? How will we ever know the answer to that question, but perhaps it has. The list hasn't decreased, but maybe the list would be even longer without these monthly reports. "

Annabella wrote on Sep 21, 2008 4:26 PM:

" Wow, lots of Revenue raising agents in Wine country....or does Napa Valley just have too many people with a problem? What do they do with all that money anyway? "

mypoint wrote on Sep 21, 2008 8:31 PM:

" I would never condone drinking and driving, however I have ready many, many posts of people complaining about the PD targeting only the locals. Basically, the tourist make our local economy what it is. If the tourists stopped coming here, think of how many people would lose their jobs, wineries, hotels, restaurants, etc. I don't think anyone should be exempt from the laws, but targeting them specifically would not help our economy. "

Two Cents wrote on Sep 22, 2008 7:29 AM:

" Annabella.... see all that construction downtown... there's your answer! "

localchick wrote on Sep 22, 2008 11:48 AM:

" To everyone who complains that they don't publish lists about other law breakers:

The NVR publishes front page articles about murder, molestation, etc and there is a section for break-ins, domestic violence, etc. The only difference between this list and those articles, is that this compiles all of the information in one place. Would you prefer that they publish 80 + individual articles? I'm sure they have the problem of having multiple people with the same name when they publish individual articles about murderers, rapists, etc. Would you prefer that they stop informing the public of these offenders?

Perhaps the NVR will consider adding an age to the list, as they do with other crimes, which would in theory lessen the confusion. This would also benefit the community in letting groups know what age group to target the "Don't drink and drive" ads for. "

reason-ator wrote on Sep 23, 2008 12:05 AM:

" Because none of the child molesters that the NVR reports on on the DUI list, I've concluded that the child molesters are safe drivers and we should be comforted.

If you like that, I have some other statistics we can derive from the DUI list that we can draw comfort from. Who needs reality if we can be comforted ? "

bloodagar wrote on Sep 29, 2008 5:58 PM:

" How about a Daily Police Log!!!! "

reason-ator wrote on Sep 30, 2008 10:29 PM:

" Are we EVER going to get September's DUI log up here ? It's been HOURS ! "

napadad wrote on Oct 2, 2008 10:48 AM:

" its oct 2 wheres septembers dui report "

NVR-Dan Ross wrote on Oct 2, 2008 10:59 AM:

" reason-ator and napadad:
We receive the information timed to publish the listing in print the first Monday of each month. That is why sometimes you see it in print on the 1st and sometimes not until the 8th.
Once the information is received and formatted for online, I put the new listing out for everyone to read. The next one should be in and ready for this weekend
--Dan "

reason-ator wrote on Oct 2, 2008 10:51 PM:

" Mr. Ross,

Thanks for the answer. But really, I'm in no rush. This list, to me, is more of an embarrassment to the NVR than it is to the idiots on the list.

I admire the intent. But it's not working. Maybe you could just print an incomplete list to make it appear that fewer and fewer drivers are driving drunk as a result of this list. "

Join the conversation

*Member ID:
*Password:
Remember login? (requires cookies)
	Forgot Your Password?

Create an account

Comment Guidelines

The goal of the story comments section at NapaValleyRegister.com is to have an open, thought-provoking, civil community forum for all issues.

What gets your comment posted?

• Staying on topic

• Keeping your comment to 300 words or less

• Avoiding name-calling

• Addressing your comments to the message rather than the messenger

What gets your comment deleted?

• Personal attacks

• Derogatory remarks

• Name-calling of any sort

• Going off-topic

• Hate speech

• Racially-insensitive comments

• Implying guilt of a subject in a crime story before there is a court verdict

• Posting e-mail addresses

• Posting comments of a commercial nature

• POSTING WITH ALL CAPITAL LETTERS

• Linking multiple comments together with "to be continued..." to get around the 300 word limit.

The fine print

- Comments are either approved or denied. We do not edit comments.

- You are welcome to modify and resubmit a denied comment.

- Comments may take several hours to be posted.

- Comments posted are those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of NapaValleyRegister.com, its employees or its parent company.

- Do you have information on a story? Please go to our virtual newsroom to send us a news tip.

- If you feel a posted comment has violated our guidelines, please contact online@napanews.com or add a comment indicating you have an issue and our moderators will review the comment in question.

Search: